According to Webster dictionary, discipline means training to act in accordance to rules, or a behavior in accord with rules of conduct. It also means to correct, penalize and punish or chastise.
As we know Islam is a way of life, a complete package.. we can not pick and choose. Allah (SWT) our Creator has completed, perfected and allowed for us Islam as he states in Surah Al Maidah in aya 3.
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةُ وَالْدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللّهِ بِهِ وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَالْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَالْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَالنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ إِلاَّ مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ وَمَا ذُبِحَ عَلَى النُّصُبِ وَأَن تَسْتَقْسِمُواْ بِالأَزْلاَمِ ذَلِكُمْ فِسْقٌ الْيَوْمَ يَئِسَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن دِينِكُمْ فَلاَ تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِ الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينًا فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ فِي مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍ لِّإِثْمٍ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (5:3
Islam as a way of life is a constitution for how to conduct our affairs. Islam has policies, procedures and practices.
Policies are those general clear fixed rules, rules which Allah (SWT) has declared and there is no room for interpretation. Examples are Worship your Lord, Stay away from adultery, Do not disobey your parents.
Procedures are mandatory rules which explain how to adhere to the policies. Examples are the procedures of Salat, ablution, intention, direction, rakaas, etc.. and Salat is a way of worshipping our Lord according to his procedure and consistent with his policy.
Practices are optional rules which explain how to adhere to the policies. Example are making a duaa for visiting a sick person. The Prophet (PBUH) taught us certain supplications, however we can stay the supplication while standing next the to the sick person, sitting next to him, touching him, or looking at him, or in any other acceptable position.
The Prophet's practices are the best of practices, and hence as Muslims we should follow them as much as possible, even if they are not obligatory "wageb".
Allah (SWT) orders us in the Quran to obey Allah, the Prophet and those in charge of us. For example in chapter of Women (4:59)
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلاً
and again in aya 69
وَمَن يُطِعِ اللّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاء وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَـئِكَ رَفِيقًا
In the chapter of Al-Anfal, Allah (SWT) explains to us what happens if we do not follow the rules of Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (PBUH)
وَأَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلاَ تَنَازَعُواْ فَتَفْشَلُواْ وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ وَاصْبِرُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ
In the chapter of Repentence (Al Tauba) in aya 71 Allah (SWT) explains to us the responsibility we have to remind each other of following the rules,
وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضٍ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلاَةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ أُوْلَـئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللّهُ إِنَّ اللّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
Shaytan wants us to not follow Allah's rules,
In the chapter of the Light (Al-Noor)
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ وَمَن يَتَّبِعْ خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْمُرُ بِالْفَحْشَاء وَالْمُنكَرِ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ مَا زَكَا مِنكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَبَدًا وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَاء وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
And in the chapter of the Cow in aya 208
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ادْخُلُواْ فِي السِّلْمِ كَآفَّةً وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ
The concept of discipline is not strange in Islam. It is a basic requirement for organization. Organization is a cornerstone of management.
Salat follows a very disciplined and well structured repeatable, consistent, identifiable and modular process.
Zakat follows very clear guidelines and rules
Ramadan and moon-sighting abides by rules
Haj follows a clear well-defined set of rituals and rules. Look at how Allah (SWT) discusses with the Prophet how to ask people to follow the rules of Allah (SWT) in the chapter of the Haj (22:67)
لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا هُمْ نَاسِكُوهُ فَلَا يُنَازِعُنَّكَ فِي الْأَمْرِ وَادْعُ إِلَى رَبِّكَ إِنَّكَ لَعَلَى هُدًى مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
Islam teaches us how to visit each other, how to greet each other, how to be a host, a guest, how to act in a gathering, how to sit in the Masjid, how to have intercourse with our spouses, how to discipline our children, how to treat our neighbors, how to help others, how to eat, how to use the bathroom, how to plant a tree, how to remember what we forget, how to ask for forgiveness, how to help the needy, how to ride our cars, how to slaughter the cattle, how to sit, how to hangout with friends, how to deal with others, how to treat pets, and the list goes on...
As Muslims we must abide by rules of the land which organize our lives and affairs, such as traffic laws, tax filing laws, organizational policies and rules.
We are required to avoid the worse of two harms and spread the greater benefit before the smaller benefit.
We also need to remember the Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) when he talked about the "Deen" and mentioned it is strong so get deep into it with ease and gentleness; and he gave the example of the horse which can run very fast but will not be able to withstand the pressure and will collapse, and the jockey will have neither completed a large distance, no have had his horse alive.
We also remember the story of "Hizb Al Fodool" in Makkah. When a merchant came to sell merchandise to the people of Makkah and they told him to give them the merchandise and they will pay him later. Days went by and they would come up with excuses to pay the merchant. The merchant then went to the Kaaba and started to recite poetry to convey his sad feelings of how he was betrayed. When the elite of Makkah heard the merchant, they stated they could not be among the elite of Makkah and let such injustice occur, so they started a group for dispute resolution and called themselves "Hizb Al fodool", this was before the days of the Prophet. The Prophet (PBUH) once told his companions, if that group was around he would have partnered with them to spread justice. The point of this story is that is laws and rules are to promote justice and prosperity for man-kind and do not contradict with Islam then we should support these laws and obey them.
Finally the Prophet (PBUH) when he order Moa'th to go to Yeman to invite people to Islam he asked them to believe in Allah, the Creator and then to command prayer, and then fasting, and then zakat... Islam is gradual for the new and must be taken step by step
As a group they can use the means available to change rules to adhere to the guidance of Allah, but they can not take it upon themselves.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Eid
Alhamedelllah hamadan kathereen mubarakan
These days people around us are celebrating the so called holidays. Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas or the New Year. As Muslims we know that these are not Holy days.. they are man-made occasions.... Occasions for people to shop and spend money..
As Muslims we know and believe that Allah (SWT) has created us to worship him.. The results of this act of worship is happiness and celebration in this world and in the hereafter...
An example is in Al-Zumur (39:73-75)
وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا حَتَّى إِذَا جَاؤُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ
وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُ وَأَوْرَثَنَا الْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَاء فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِين
وَتَرَى الْمَلَائِكَةَ حَافِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ الْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْحَقِّ
وَقِيلَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
also in Hud (11:105)
يَوْمَ يَأْتِ لاَ تَكَلَّمُ نَفْسٌ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ فَمِنْهُمْ شَقِيٌّ وَسَعِيدٌ
We praise and thank Allah everyday, at least 17 times every day and not once a year on the last Thursday of November.
So what holidays has Allah (SWT) prescribed for us. Eid Fitr and Eid Adha. Eid Fitr is a celebration of completing the fasting of Ramadan. Completing a training program, training in Taqwa... a training mixed with an act of worship that only Allah knows its sincerity and an act which has no Riyaa and show-off in it. Eid Adha is a celebration of overcoming Shaytan be commemorating Prophet Ibrahim and the tests he went through - sacrificing his son for the sake of Allah, depositing his family in a valley with no life and plants at Mekka - it also recognizes the greatness of Allah and the unity of the believers on the day of Arafa...
Since Allah prescribed Eid to us, he did not leave us alone for each person to recognize it his or her own way..
Eid prayer was prescribed on the first year of Hijra and it is a confirmed sunna, the Prophet performed it all the time and order men and women to perform it.
It is recommended to wash and put Musk or fragrance on that day, and to wear the best, cleanest and newest of garments. It is also recommended that one eat a few dates or equivalent before heading to the prayer in Eid Fitr, in Eid Adha it is better to wait till after prayer to eat from the slaughtered animal.
It is recommended to perform the prayer in the open.. in the outskirts of the city, except for Makkah.. it should be performed in the Masjid Al haram.
Childen and women are encouraged to attend even the ones who have the period, the old, the disabled.. everyone so everyone can have a share in the joy of that day.. the women with period will not join the prayer.. but will listen to the Khutba
The Prophet (PBUH) would go from a different direction than the one he took to the Masjid on his way back from the Masjid or prayer area.
The prayer will be conducted between the time the sun is about about 3 meters or 10 feet till time of thuhr. There is no athan or iqama for the prayer.. Muslims however praise Allah by doing takbeer..
The prayer is 2 rakkas, in the first rakaa the first qiyaam is 7 takbeera, in the second rakka the first qiyaam is 5 takbeera..
Afer the prayer there is a short khutba...
Eid Adha is approaching us it will be either 12/19 or 12/20... The first 10 days of Thul Hijja are days of blessings and great reward...
The Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith, the meaning of "There is not a group of days that are more dear to Allah than these 10 days.. the companions asked not even the struggle in the way of Allah.. he replied .. not even the struggle in the way of Allah.. except for a man who went out for the cause of Allah with his soul and all his wealth and did not come back with any of it".
Eid Adha is a glorification of Allah and submission to Allah.. it is also a reflection on the day of judgment.. Chapter of Al Haj opens with (22:1-2)
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّ زَلْزَلَةَ السَّاعَةِ شَيْءٌ عَظِيمٌ
يَوْمَ تَرَوْنَهَا تَذْهَلُ كُلُّ مُرْضِعَةٍ عَمَّا أَرْضَعَتْ وَتَضَعُ كُلُّ ذَاتِ حَمْلٍ حَمْلَهَا وَتَرَى النَّاسَ سُكَارَى وَمَا هُم بِسُكَارَى وَلَكِنَّ عَذَابَ اللَّهِ شَدِيدٌ
and in (22:26-30)
وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ
وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ
لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ
ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ
ذَلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْكُمْ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ (
also (22:32)
ذَلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ
also (22:32)
وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا لِيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَإِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَلَهُ أَسْلِمُوا وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِينَ
Break ---
Jesus is not the son of God...
Jesus was not born in the winter. Reflect on (19:25)
وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا
فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ قَالُوا كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَن كَانَ فِي الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا
قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا
وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا
وَبَرًّا بِوَالِدَتِي وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِي جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا
وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا
ذَلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ
مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ سُبْحَانَهُ إِذَا قَضَى أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ هَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
وَقَالُوا اتَّخَذَ الرَّحْمَنُ وَلَدًا (19:88)
لَقَدْ جِئْتُمْ شَيْئًا إِدًّا (19:89)
تَكَادُ السَّمَاوَاتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِنْهُ وَتَنشَقُّ الْأَرْضُ وَتَخِرُّ الْجِبَالُ هَدًّا (19:90)
أَن دَعَوْا لِلرَّحْمَنِ وَلَدًا (19:91)
وَمَا يَنبَغِي لِلرَّحْمَنِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا (19:92)
إِن كُلُّ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ إِلَّا آتِي الرَّحْمَنِ عَبْدًا (19:93)
لَقَدْ أَحْصَاهُمْ وَعَدَّهُمْ عَدًّا (19:94)
وَكُلُّهُمْ آتِيهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَرْدًا (19:95)
Jesus did not die, he was raised to Allah (SWT)
وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلاَّ اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا (4:157)
We know and love more than anyone else on earth.. the way we do it is by following his teachings ....
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا كُونوا أَنصَارَ اللَّهِ كَمَا قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ لِلْحَوَارِيِّينَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ فَآَمَنَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّائِفَةٌ فَأَيَّدْنَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا عَلَى عَدُوِّهِمْ فَأَصْبَحُوا ظَاهِرِينَ (61:14)
Key points:
1. It is not ok to celebrate religious or so called religious events other than what Allah prescribed. It becomes an act of shirk by associating our intellect with Allah's guidance and prescription.
2. Muslims celebrate Eid Fitr and Eid Adha, we dont celebrate the birthday of any Prophets or messengers, not even the Prophet (PBUH).
3. If the Prophet wanted us to celebrate anything else he would have told us. He left us with a complete and perfect way of life.
4. Jesus (PBUH) was not born on Dec 25th, he was born on a hot summer night.
5. What to do if your families celebrate non-Muslim holidays
These days people around us are celebrating the so called holidays. Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas or the New Year. As Muslims we know that these are not Holy days.. they are man-made occasions.... Occasions for people to shop and spend money..
As Muslims we know and believe that Allah (SWT) has created us to worship him.. The results of this act of worship is happiness and celebration in this world and in the hereafter...
An example is in Al-Zumur (39:73-75)
وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا حَتَّى إِذَا جَاؤُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ
وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُ وَأَوْرَثَنَا الْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَاء فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِين
وَتَرَى الْمَلَائِكَةَ حَافِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ الْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْحَقِّ
وَقِيلَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
also in Hud (11:105)
يَوْمَ يَأْتِ لاَ تَكَلَّمُ نَفْسٌ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ فَمِنْهُمْ شَقِيٌّ وَسَعِيدٌ
We praise and thank Allah everyday, at least 17 times every day and not once a year on the last Thursday of November.
So what holidays has Allah (SWT) prescribed for us. Eid Fitr and Eid Adha. Eid Fitr is a celebration of completing the fasting of Ramadan. Completing a training program, training in Taqwa... a training mixed with an act of worship that only Allah knows its sincerity and an act which has no Riyaa and show-off in it. Eid Adha is a celebration of overcoming Shaytan be commemorating Prophet Ibrahim and the tests he went through - sacrificing his son for the sake of Allah, depositing his family in a valley with no life and plants at Mekka - it also recognizes the greatness of Allah and the unity of the believers on the day of Arafa...
Since Allah prescribed Eid to us, he did not leave us alone for each person to recognize it his or her own way..
Eid prayer was prescribed on the first year of Hijra and it is a confirmed sunna, the Prophet performed it all the time and order men and women to perform it.
It is recommended to wash and put Musk or fragrance on that day, and to wear the best, cleanest and newest of garments. It is also recommended that one eat a few dates or equivalent before heading to the prayer in Eid Fitr, in Eid Adha it is better to wait till after prayer to eat from the slaughtered animal.
It is recommended to perform the prayer in the open.. in the outskirts of the city, except for Makkah.. it should be performed in the Masjid Al haram.
Childen and women are encouraged to attend even the ones who have the period, the old, the disabled.. everyone so everyone can have a share in the joy of that day.. the women with period will not join the prayer.. but will listen to the Khutba
The Prophet (PBUH) would go from a different direction than the one he took to the Masjid on his way back from the Masjid or prayer area.
The prayer will be conducted between the time the sun is about about 3 meters or 10 feet till time of thuhr. There is no athan or iqama for the prayer.. Muslims however praise Allah by doing takbeer..
The prayer is 2 rakkas, in the first rakaa the first qiyaam is 7 takbeera, in the second rakka the first qiyaam is 5 takbeera..
Afer the prayer there is a short khutba...
Eid Adha is approaching us it will be either 12/19 or 12/20... The first 10 days of Thul Hijja are days of blessings and great reward...
The Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith, the meaning of "There is not a group of days that are more dear to Allah than these 10 days.. the companions asked not even the struggle in the way of Allah.. he replied .. not even the struggle in the way of Allah.. except for a man who went out for the cause of Allah with his soul and all his wealth and did not come back with any of it".
Eid Adha is a glorification of Allah and submission to Allah.. it is also a reflection on the day of judgment.. Chapter of Al Haj opens with (22:1-2)
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّ زَلْزَلَةَ السَّاعَةِ شَيْءٌ عَظِيمٌ
يَوْمَ تَرَوْنَهَا تَذْهَلُ كُلُّ مُرْضِعَةٍ عَمَّا أَرْضَعَتْ وَتَضَعُ كُلُّ ذَاتِ حَمْلٍ حَمْلَهَا وَتَرَى النَّاسَ سُكَارَى وَمَا هُم بِسُكَارَى وَلَكِنَّ عَذَابَ اللَّهِ شَدِيدٌ
and in (22:26-30)
وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ
وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ
لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ
ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ
ذَلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْكُمْ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ (
also (22:32)
ذَلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ
also (22:32)
وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا لِيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَإِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَلَهُ أَسْلِمُوا وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِينَ
Break ---
Jesus is not the son of God...
Jesus was not born in the winter. Reflect on (19:25)
وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا
فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ قَالُوا كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَن كَانَ فِي الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا
قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا
وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا
وَبَرًّا بِوَالِدَتِي وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِي جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا
وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا
ذَلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ
مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ سُبْحَانَهُ إِذَا قَضَى أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ هَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
وَقَالُوا اتَّخَذَ الرَّحْمَنُ وَلَدًا (19:88)
لَقَدْ جِئْتُمْ شَيْئًا إِدًّا (19:89)
تَكَادُ السَّمَاوَاتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِنْهُ وَتَنشَقُّ الْأَرْضُ وَتَخِرُّ الْجِبَالُ هَدًّا (19:90)
أَن دَعَوْا لِلرَّحْمَنِ وَلَدًا (19:91)
وَمَا يَنبَغِي لِلرَّحْمَنِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا (19:92)
إِن كُلُّ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ إِلَّا آتِي الرَّحْمَنِ عَبْدًا (19:93)
لَقَدْ أَحْصَاهُمْ وَعَدَّهُمْ عَدًّا (19:94)
وَكُلُّهُمْ آتِيهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَرْدًا (19:95)
Jesus did not die, he was raised to Allah (SWT)
وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلاَّ اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا (4:157)
We know and love more than anyone else on earth.. the way we do it is by following his teachings ....
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا كُونوا أَنصَارَ اللَّهِ كَمَا قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ لِلْحَوَارِيِّينَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ فَآَمَنَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّائِفَةٌ فَأَيَّدْنَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا عَلَى عَدُوِّهِمْ فَأَصْبَحُوا ظَاهِرِينَ (61:14)
Key points:
1. It is not ok to celebrate religious or so called religious events other than what Allah prescribed. It becomes an act of shirk by associating our intellect with Allah's guidance and prescription.
2. Muslims celebrate Eid Fitr and Eid Adha, we dont celebrate the birthday of any Prophets or messengers, not even the Prophet (PBUH).
3. If the Prophet wanted us to celebrate anything else he would have told us. He left us with a complete and perfect way of life.
4. Jesus (PBUH) was not born on Dec 25th, he was born on a hot summer night.
5. What to do if your families celebrate non-Muslim holidays
Friday, November 30, 2007
Rememberance of Allah - Thikr
Allah (SWT) has taught us that one of the way to strengthen our Iman is through his remembering Allah (SWT) in everything we do, at all times.
Allah (SWT) says in Al Baqara 2:152
فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ
Remember me, and I remember you.. and thank me.. and do not hide the truth by denying me. Allah also said in the Quran in Al Thariyat (51:56), that he created mankind and jinn only to worship
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
one of the best things a Muslim can do is constantly remember Allah. This thikr must be pure and sincere for Allah says in Al Bayina (98:5)
وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاء وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ
They were ordered for nothing but to worship Allah, with sincerity towards the deen (way of life), worshipping only one Lord (Allah), and to establish the prayers and bring the zakat and this is the valuable and sound deen.
Rememberance comes in may forms. Saying athkar is one way, praising Allah, seekign forgiveness, being cognizant of Allah's presence and his bounties and blessings
In a hadith of the Prophet narrated by Abi Sayeed Al Khudri and Abi Horarariah that the Prophet (PBUH) said the meaning of "no group sits mentioning Allah and remembering him, except that the Angels will surrond them and they will be showered /covered with mercy and tranquility will be brought down upon them and Allah mentions them in the presence of those among him.
Rememberance could be by tongue or heart, and best is to mix, if not possible then heart is better. Fear or riya should not prohibit one from making thikr using his tongue.
Thkr means also other things in Islam it refers to the words of Allah "Thikr ellallah" meaning the Quran. It also could refer to prayer in some contexts.
In Al Israa (17:110) Allah (SWT) orders us to pray in both silence and voice.
قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الأَسْمَاء الْحُسْنَى وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاَتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً
Thikr is as important as other acts of worship and good deeds as reflected in the Aya in Al Ahzab (33:35)
إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّابِرَاتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
There is an opinion that those who fall in this categories must perform thikr while in different states such as standing, walking, sitting, resting, etc.. Another opinion is that to be part of this group of Thakerren and Thakerat one has to remember Allah after every prayer, in the mornings and evenings, while resting in bed, at time of waking up, when heading to one's job, coming back coming, etc.. Atta mentioned that whoever prays the five prayers he or she is from among this group of thakereen and thakerat.
In a hadith narrated by Abi Sayeed, he says the Prophet mentioned - the meaning of - "If a man wakes up his family or wife during the night, and they prayed 2 rakaas, they are recorded from among the Thakereen Allah Katheran and the Thakerat"
Allah also illustrates a beautiful state of those remembering him in Al Imran (3:190-191). Another form of Thikr is reading Quran and pondering on its meanings.
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لآيَاتٍ لِّأُوْلِي الألْبَابِ
الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىَ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Thikr requires critical thinking, the presence of the heart and mind, reflection, active listening to one's thoughts and comprehending what one is saying.
Thikr has many benefits...as mentioned earlier
Tranquility
Peace
Mercy
Allah's mentioning of one
Thikr also softens the heart..In Al Hadid (57:16)
أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ
Thikr also removes hardship.. reflecting on Prophet Yunus's story in Al Saffat (37:143-144)
فَلَوْلَا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنْ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ
لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
The Prophet mentioned the meaning of, "Two words light on the tongue, heavy in the balance, dear to Ar Rahman, Subhana Allaho wa be Hamdo, Subhana Allah Al Atheem"
In another narration the Prophet told Aba Thar, "should i not tell you the words that Allah loves the most? Indeed the most lovable of words to Allah is "Subhan Allah wa behamdo".
In another hadith the Prophets mentioned that "The most lovable words to Allah are 4: Subhan Allah, Alhamed ellallah, La Illaha Illa Allah, Wa Allaho Akbar, and it does not matter which one you start with".
The Prophet contrasted the ones who praise and mention Allah to those who are alive, the one who do not to the ones who are dead. "The example of the one who mentions Allah and the one who does not mention Allah, is like the alive and the dead".
The Prophet once told Abu Musa Al Asheray, "Should I not tell you about a treasure of the treasures of Jannah? Say La Howl wala Qowa Illa belellah".
Allah (SWT) says in Al Baqara 2:152
فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ
Remember me, and I remember you.. and thank me.. and do not hide the truth by denying me. Allah also said in the Quran in Al Thariyat (51:56), that he created mankind and jinn only to worship
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
one of the best things a Muslim can do is constantly remember Allah. This thikr must be pure and sincere for Allah says in Al Bayina (98:5)
وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاء وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ
They were ordered for nothing but to worship Allah, with sincerity towards the deen (way of life), worshipping only one Lord (Allah), and to establish the prayers and bring the zakat and this is the valuable and sound deen.
Rememberance comes in may forms. Saying athkar is one way, praising Allah, seekign forgiveness, being cognizant of Allah's presence and his bounties and blessings
In a hadith of the Prophet narrated by Abi Sayeed Al Khudri and Abi Horarariah that the Prophet (PBUH) said the meaning of "no group sits mentioning Allah and remembering him, except that the Angels will surrond them and they will be showered /covered with mercy and tranquility will be brought down upon them and Allah mentions them in the presence of those among him.
Rememberance could be by tongue or heart, and best is to mix, if not possible then heart is better. Fear or riya should not prohibit one from making thikr using his tongue.
Thkr means also other things in Islam it refers to the words of Allah "Thikr ellallah" meaning the Quran. It also could refer to prayer in some contexts.
In Al Israa (17:110) Allah (SWT) orders us to pray in both silence and voice.
قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الأَسْمَاء الْحُسْنَى وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاَتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً
Thikr is as important as other acts of worship and good deeds as reflected in the Aya in Al Ahzab (33:35)
إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّابِرَاتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
There is an opinion that those who fall in this categories must perform thikr while in different states such as standing, walking, sitting, resting, etc.. Another opinion is that to be part of this group of Thakerren and Thakerat one has to remember Allah after every prayer, in the mornings and evenings, while resting in bed, at time of waking up, when heading to one's job, coming back coming, etc.. Atta mentioned that whoever prays the five prayers he or she is from among this group of thakereen and thakerat.
In a hadith narrated by Abi Sayeed, he says the Prophet mentioned - the meaning of - "If a man wakes up his family or wife during the night, and they prayed 2 rakaas, they are recorded from among the Thakereen Allah Katheran and the Thakerat"
Allah also illustrates a beautiful state of those remembering him in Al Imran (3:190-191). Another form of Thikr is reading Quran and pondering on its meanings.
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لآيَاتٍ لِّأُوْلِي الألْبَابِ
الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىَ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Thikr requires critical thinking, the presence of the heart and mind, reflection, active listening to one's thoughts and comprehending what one is saying.
Thikr has many benefits...as mentioned earlier
Tranquility
Peace
Mercy
Allah's mentioning of one
Thikr also softens the heart..In Al Hadid (57:16)
أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ
Thikr also removes hardship.. reflecting on Prophet Yunus's story in Al Saffat (37:143-144)
فَلَوْلَا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنْ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ
لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
The Prophet mentioned the meaning of, "Two words light on the tongue, heavy in the balance, dear to Ar Rahman, Subhana Allaho wa be Hamdo, Subhana Allah Al Atheem"
In another narration the Prophet told Aba Thar, "should i not tell you the words that Allah loves the most? Indeed the most lovable of words to Allah is "Subhan Allah wa behamdo".
In another hadith the Prophets mentioned that "The most lovable words to Allah are 4: Subhan Allah, Alhamed ellallah, La Illaha Illa Allah, Wa Allaho Akbar, and it does not matter which one you start with".
The Prophet contrasted the ones who praise and mention Allah to those who are alive, the one who do not to the ones who are dead. "The example of the one who mentions Allah and the one who does not mention Allah, is like the alive and the dead".
The Prophet once told Abu Musa Al Asheray, "Should I not tell you about a treasure of the treasures of Jannah? Say La Howl wala Qowa Illa belellah".
Friday, November 16, 2007
3 Good Deeds of Great Rewards
1. Maintaining Family Relations
Allah (SWT) in several places in the Quran commands the Muslims to not only obey their parents, but also to shower them with mercy, love and passion. This is throughout the lifetime of the parents and not during one's childhood. Let look at some of these parables in the Quran.
Chapter (2:83), The Cow
Chapter (4:36), The Women,
Chapter (6:151), The Cattle
Chapter (17:23), Al Israa (Journey of the Night)
Chapter (17:24)
The Prophet (PBUH) also mentions in a Hadith, narrated by Bukhari (5986) and Muslim (20) "Whoever wishes his provision be increased and his life be blessed, let him maintain the ties of kinship". This is a wonderful invitation and motivational request to encourage Muslims to stay in touch with their families, not only parents, but the extended cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, grandparents, grandchildren, etc... Maintaining that relationship could include visiting, calling on the phone, helping with errands, supporting, calling to the way of Allah.
It is worth mentioning that the one who perfectly maintains the ties of kinship is not the one who does so because he gets recompensed by his relatives, but the one who truly maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even though the other party has severed those ties. This was also narrated by Bukhari as reported by Abdullah bin Amr ibn Al Aas. the rewards for maintaining family ties are never failing...
In another hadith narrated by Abi Hurairah he said, that the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Nothing of the acts of obedience to Allah brings the reward from Allah faster than joining the ties of kinship, and nothing beings about the punishment of Allah faster than indescency and cutting the ties of kinship (5391 in Albani's Sahih Al Jami').
Islam also teaches parents to be patient with their children, and to seek their opinions and feedback. Lets take a look at this wonderful conversation between Ibrahim and his Son Ismail and stated in the Quran in (37:102), the chapter of Safaat (Rangers/Angels)
In a Hadith Qudsi (394) "Allah (SWT) tells the one who abandoned his parents, do whatever you will of good deeds for indeed I will not forgive you, and he tells the one who is righteous to his parents, do whatever you wish for indeed I forgive you".
In another Hadith the prophet told his companions, "Should I not tell you about the greatest sins? Should I not tell you about the greatest sins? Should I not tell you about the greatest sins? His companions replied, "No tell us". The Prophet said, "Associating partners with Allah, abandoning the parents", and he was resting so he sat up and said "oh from false witnessing and lying" and he kept repeating it until his companions said we wish he would stop.
2. Fulfilling People's Needs
Islam encourages to support and help others. The Prophet (PBUH) even mentioned that helping a Muslim brother or sister at a time of challenge is more rewarding than worshiping at the Masjid of the Prophet in Medina. This is a place were prayers are 1000 times more rewarding than any other Masjid except the Sacred Masjid in Mekkah, yet the Prophet mentions in the following Hadith that helping others is more rewarding.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Omar that someone asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), "Who is the most beloved person to Allah? The Prophet replied, "the most beloved person to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to the people, and the most beloved deed to Allah is to make your Muslim brother happy, to remove a distress, or assist in a debt, or satisfy their hunger", he then said "That for me to walk with my Muslim brother in fullfillig his need is dearer to me than being in seclusion "E'tikaf" in this Masjid for a month, and whomever suppresses his anger even though he is able to act upon it, allah will in return fill such person's heart with happiness on the Day of Judgment and the one who continues to assist his brotherin fullfiling his need until he is satisfied completely, then Allah will make his feet firm on the Day of Judgment in which the people will sway out of fear" (Al Isbahaani, Hasan Hadith).
Allah also states in the Quran in the chapter of the Table (5:2)
تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الْبرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
3. Visiting the Sick
Not does visiting a sick Muslim hold huge rewards, but also it is an obligation on a Muslim towards his brother.
In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah (SWT) asks a man, why did you not visit me? The man replies, Oh, Allah how can I visit you and you are the Lord of the Universe? Allah responds, wasn't so and so sick on that day, if you had visited him, you would have found me there. Of course we know that Allah is physically above his throne and creation. The Creator does not get encompassed in his creation. However Allah (SWT) is with us and with that sick person with his attributes, such as his knowledge, mercy, passion, hearing, seeing, etc...
In another Hadith narrated by Ali, he mentioned that he heard the Messenger of Allah (SWT) say, "Whoever visits his Muslim brother walks on a pathway leading to Paradise, and when he sits down at the side of the sick person he becomes immersed in Allah's Mercy. And if the visit was during the day 70 thousand angels will pray for him until the evening, and if it is at night 70 thousand angels will pray for him until the morning. (Dawood, Sahih).
Allah (SWT) in several places in the Quran commands the Muslims to not only obey their parents, but also to shower them with mercy, love and passion. This is throughout the lifetime of the parents and not during one's childhood. Let look at some of these parables in the Quran.
Chapter (2:83), The Cow
وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ لاَ تَعْبُدُونَ إِلاَّ اللّهَ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَاناً وَذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَقُولُواْ لِلنَّاسِ حُسْناً وَأَقِيمُواْ الصَّلاَةَ وَآتُواْ الزَّكَاةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً مِّنكُمْ وَأَنتُم مِّعْرِضُونَ
Chapter (4:36), The Women,
وَاعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَلاَ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالاً فَخُورًا
Chapter (6:151), The Cattle
قُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَلاَّ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ أَوْلاَدَكُم مِّنْ إمْلاَقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللّهُ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ
Chapter (17:23), Al Israa (Journey of the Night)
وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلاَهُمَا فَلاَ تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّ وَلاَ تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلاً كَرِيمًا
Chapter (17:24)
وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Chapter (29:8), The Spider
Chapter (31:14), Luqman
Chapter (46:18)
Chapter (29:8), The Spider
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
Chapter (31:14), Luqman
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَى وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ
Chapter (46:17), Al Ahqaf (Curved Sandhills)
Chapter (46:17), Al Ahqaf (Curved Sandhills)
وَالَّذِي قَالَ لِوَالِدَيْهِ أُفٍّ لَّكُمَا أَتَعِدَانِنِي أَنْ أُخْرَجَ وَقَدْ خَلَتْ الْقُرُونُ مِن قَبْلِي وَهُمَا يَسْتَغِيثَانِ اللَّهَ وَيْلَكَ آمِنْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ فَيَقُولُ مَا هَذَا إِلَّا أَسَاطِيرُ الْأَوَّلِينَ
Chapter (46:18)
أُوْلَئِكَ الَّذِينَ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقَوْلُ فِي أُمَمٍ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنسِ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا خَاسِرِينَ
The Prophet (PBUH) also mentions in a Hadith, narrated by Bukhari (5986) and Muslim (20) "Whoever wishes his provision be increased and his life be blessed, let him maintain the ties of kinship". This is a wonderful invitation and motivational request to encourage Muslims to stay in touch with their families, not only parents, but the extended cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, grandparents, grandchildren, etc... Maintaining that relationship could include visiting, calling on the phone, helping with errands, supporting, calling to the way of Allah.
It is worth mentioning that the one who perfectly maintains the ties of kinship is not the one who does so because he gets recompensed by his relatives, but the one who truly maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even though the other party has severed those ties. This was also narrated by Bukhari as reported by Abdullah bin Amr ibn Al Aas. the rewards for maintaining family ties are never failing...
In another hadith narrated by Abi Hurairah he said, that the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Nothing of the acts of obedience to Allah brings the reward from Allah faster than joining the ties of kinship, and nothing beings about the punishment of Allah faster than indescency and cutting the ties of kinship (5391 in Albani's Sahih Al Jami').
Islam also teaches parents to be patient with their children, and to seek their opinions and feedback. Lets take a look at this wonderful conversation between Ibrahim and his Son Ismail and stated in the Quran in (37:102), the chapter of Safaat (Rangers/Angels)
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَى فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَى قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاء اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
In a Hadith Qudsi (394) "Allah (SWT) tells the one who abandoned his parents, do whatever you will of good deeds for indeed I will not forgive you, and he tells the one who is righteous to his parents, do whatever you wish for indeed I forgive you".
In another Hadith the prophet told his companions, "Should I not tell you about the greatest sins? Should I not tell you about the greatest sins? Should I not tell you about the greatest sins? His companions replied, "No tell us". The Prophet said, "Associating partners with Allah, abandoning the parents", and he was resting so he sat up and said "oh from false witnessing and lying" and he kept repeating it until his companions said we wish he would stop.
2. Fulfilling People's Needs
Islam encourages to support and help others. The Prophet (PBUH) even mentioned that helping a Muslim brother or sister at a time of challenge is more rewarding than worshiping at the Masjid of the Prophet in Medina. This is a place were prayers are 1000 times more rewarding than any other Masjid except the Sacred Masjid in Mekkah, yet the Prophet mentions in the following Hadith that helping others is more rewarding.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Omar that someone asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), "Who is the most beloved person to Allah? The Prophet replied, "the most beloved person to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to the people, and the most beloved deed to Allah is to make your Muslim brother happy, to remove a distress, or assist in a debt, or satisfy their hunger", he then said "That for me to walk with my Muslim brother in fullfillig his need is dearer to me than being in seclusion "E'tikaf" in this Masjid for a month, and whomever suppresses his anger even though he is able to act upon it, allah will in return fill such person's heart with happiness on the Day of Judgment and the one who continues to assist his brotherin fullfiling his need until he is satisfied completely, then Allah will make his feet firm on the Day of Judgment in which the people will sway out of fear" (Al Isbahaani, Hasan Hadith).
Allah also states in the Quran in the chapter of the Table (5:2)
تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الْبرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
3. Visiting the Sick
Not does visiting a sick Muslim hold huge rewards, but also it is an obligation on a Muslim towards his brother.
In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah (SWT) asks a man, why did you not visit me? The man replies, Oh, Allah how can I visit you and you are the Lord of the Universe? Allah responds, wasn't so and so sick on that day, if you had visited him, you would have found me there. Of course we know that Allah is physically above his throne and creation. The Creator does not get encompassed in his creation. However Allah (SWT) is with us and with that sick person with his attributes, such as his knowledge, mercy, passion, hearing, seeing, etc...
In another Hadith narrated by Ali, he mentioned that he heard the Messenger of Allah (SWT) say, "Whoever visits his Muslim brother walks on a pathway leading to Paradise, and when he sits down at the side of the sick person he becomes immersed in Allah's Mercy. And if the visit was during the day 70 thousand angels will pray for him until the evening, and if it is at night 70 thousand angels will pray for him until the morning. (Dawood, Sahih).
Friday, November 9, 2007
Improving our Structure
In an article I wrote last year http://sys-eng.blogspot.com/2006/12/teenagers-steady-state-systems-analogy.html I discussed how one's structure will affect his behavior. Hence it is very important to protect one's identify and structure.
So what is a believer's structure?
The Prophet (PBUH) mentions that there is one organ in the body, if it is good, the whole body is good, then he confirms that this organ is the heart. In the Quran Allah tells us that our senses will be witnesses on us on the day of judgment and that they are responsible for their acts.
Throughout the Quran Allah (SWT) refers to the heart as the core of belief. The disbelievers are characterized as people whose hearts have been sealed.
In Ayat 22:46 Allah mentions that those who transgressed not only do not hear or see truth, but also their hearts are blind.
فَكَأَيِّن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَاهَا وَهِيَ ظَالِمَةٌ فَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَى عُرُوشِهَا وَبِئْرٍ مُّعَطَّلَةٍ وَقَصْرٍ مَّشِيدٍ (22:45)
22:45 And how many a township have We destroyed because it had been immersed in evil doing - and now they [all] lie deserted, with their roofs caved in! And how many a well lies abandoned, and how many a castle that [once] stood high!
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَا أَوْ آذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِن تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ (22:46
Have they, then, never journeyed about the earth, letting their hearts gain wisdom, and causing their ears to hear? Yet, verily, it is not their eyes that have become blind - but blind have become the hearts that are in their breasts!
Allah also describes the hyprocrites as deaf, dumb and blind in the chapter of the Cow.
صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لاَ يَرْجِعُونَ (2:18
2:18 Deaf, dumb, blind - and they cannot turn back.
How to improve and protect our structure?
1. Fasting helps us gain taqwa, which helps cleanse our heart
2. Praying on time and praying extra prayers in khushu
Iman is to feel tremor in our hearts when Allah (SWT) is mentioned, and when his Ayat are revealed feel their belief strengthened.
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ (8:2)
الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلاَةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ (8:3)
أُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ (8:4)
Khushu is humility meaning two things, the first submissiveness and humblness to Allah, and the second tranquility and calmness in submitting to Allah. We see in Surah Al Mominoon, Allah describes the believers as those who have Khushu in their prayers,
الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ (23:2)
23:2 those who humble themselves in their prayer,
3. Training our senses on good behavior
The Prophet prohibits us from sitting in the pathways.
The Prophet encouraged us to get married. Oh you young people whomever among you can marry may he do so, for it is indeed a protector for eye sight and a shield for the Farg, and whomever can not then he should fast, for it is a protection for him.
4. Remembering Allah at all moments
5. Create barriers between us and negative environment
So what is a believer's structure?
The Prophet (PBUH) mentions that there is one organ in the body, if it is good, the whole body is good, then he confirms that this organ is the heart. In the Quran Allah tells us that our senses will be witnesses on us on the day of judgment and that they are responsible for their acts.
Throughout the Quran Allah (SWT) refers to the heart as the core of belief. The disbelievers are characterized as people whose hearts have been sealed.
In Ayat 22:46 Allah mentions that those who transgressed not only do not hear or see truth, but also their hearts are blind.
فَكَأَيِّن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَاهَا وَهِيَ ظَالِمَةٌ فَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَى عُرُوشِهَا وَبِئْرٍ مُّعَطَّلَةٍ وَقَصْرٍ مَّشِيدٍ (22:45)
22:45 And how many a township have We destroyed because it had been immersed in evil doing - and now they [all] lie deserted, with their roofs caved in! And how many a well lies abandoned, and how many a castle that [once] stood high!
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَا أَوْ آذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِن تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ (22:46
Have they, then, never journeyed about the earth, letting their hearts gain wisdom, and causing their ears to hear? Yet, verily, it is not their eyes that have become blind - but blind have become the hearts that are in their breasts!
Allah also describes the hyprocrites as deaf, dumb and blind in the chapter of the Cow.
صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لاَ يَرْجِعُونَ (2:18
2:18 Deaf, dumb, blind - and they cannot turn back.
How to improve and protect our structure?
1. Fasting helps us gain taqwa, which helps cleanse our heart
2. Praying on time and praying extra prayers in khushu
Iman is to feel tremor in our hearts when Allah (SWT) is mentioned, and when his Ayat are revealed feel their belief strengthened.
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ (8:2)
الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلاَةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ (8:3)
أُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ (8:4)
Khushu is humility meaning two things, the first submissiveness and humblness to Allah, and the second tranquility and calmness in submitting to Allah. We see in Surah Al Mominoon, Allah describes the believers as those who have Khushu in their prayers,
الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ (23:2)
23:2 those who humble themselves in their prayer,
3. Training our senses on good behavior
The Prophet prohibits us from sitting in the pathways.
The Prophet encouraged us to get married. Oh you young people whomever among you can marry may he do so, for it is indeed a protector for eye sight and a shield for the Farg, and whomever can not then he should fast, for it is a protection for him.
4. Remembering Allah at all moments
5. Create barriers between us and negative environment
Friday, November 2, 2007
Tattoos for Guys?
Are Tatoos permissible, what about for identification?
Tatoos are not permissible in Islam for many reasons. It is a form of changing the creation of Allah, it is also an imitation of disbelievers. Men who are using tatoos as a form of beautification are imitating women which is also not permissible, others who use tatoos out of pride in a group, idea are placing themselves in a grey area where associating partners with Allah might come into place. Even if the tatoo said "La Illlah Illa Allah" it is still questionable as it is not narrated that any of the companions or the Prophet did such. If a Muslim brother wants to do a tatoo to identify himself as a Muslim, he should follow the sunnah of the Prophet and exhibit Muslim actions and manners. For purposes of identification after death, he may wear a - non Gold - ring that shows he is a Muslim.
Hinna for women is permissible for purposes of beautification, and it is not permanent like Tatoos.
Tatoos are not permissible in Islam for many reasons. It is a form of changing the creation of Allah, it is also an imitation of disbelievers. Men who are using tatoos as a form of beautification are imitating women which is also not permissible, others who use tatoos out of pride in a group, idea are placing themselves in a grey area where associating partners with Allah might come into place. Even if the tatoo said "La Illlah Illa Allah" it is still questionable as it is not narrated that any of the companions or the Prophet did such. If a Muslim brother wants to do a tatoo to identify himself as a Muslim, he should follow the sunnah of the Prophet and exhibit Muslim actions and manners. For purposes of identification after death, he may wear a - non Gold - ring that shows he is a Muslim.
Hinna for women is permissible for purposes of beautification, and it is not permanent like Tatoos.
Fatiha
Transliteration:
1:1 Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Transliteration:
1:2 Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameena
Transliteration:
1:3 Alrrahmani alrraheemi
Transliteration:
1:4 Maliki yawmi alddeeni
Transliteration:
1:5 Iyyaka naAAbudu waiyyaka nastaAAeenu
Transliteration:
1:6 Ihdina alssirata almustaqeema
Transliteration:
1:7 Sirata allatheena anAAamta AAalayhim ghayri almaghdoobi AAalayhim wala alddalleena
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