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Omar, The Criterion (part 1 of 3): “Strengthen Islam with Omar” When the enemies of Islam heard the name of Omar, their knees would tremble. When Satan saw Omar walking down the street, he would turn the other way. Even Omar’s friends would sometimes find his presence intimidating, and they too feared his anger. However, this man of strength and power, cried easily, and had a soft and compassionate heart. Omar was humble without being weak. Omar combined two opposing character traits and that made him unique amongst the men around Prophet Muhammad. Omar’s path to the truth began with a vehement hatred of Muhammad and the religion of Islam but that hatred soon turned into a fierce love. Omar ibn Al Khattab strengthened Islam. Omar belonged to a middle class family, neither rich nor poor, of the Adi clan, part of the tribe of Quraish. He had a tough upbringing, his father was known to be a harsh man who worked his son to exhaustion and beat him when he considered it necessary. Despite this Omar is believed to have been literate, which was an uncommon skill in pre Islamic Arabia. Born approximately 11 years after Prophet Muhammad, Omar was a relatively fair-skinned boy who grew into a tall, well-built, muscular man known for his fierce demeanour and wrestling skills. Omar began his working life as a shepherd for his father and aunts, and he was paid a very small stipend, often only a handful of dates for a full days work. He supplemented his income by engaging in wrestling competitions but as he grew into manhood, he became a successful trader and respected businessman. Omar was known as a man of strength. His posture and bearing denoted strength and his voice was loud and commanding. When Mohammad’s teachings became a problem for the men of Mecca, Omar pronounced his hatred for Islam openly and took part in the abuse and torture of many of the weaker converts to Islam. The Two Omars Although not known by his given name of Omar, there was another strong, determined man opposed to Islam. This was the man originally known as Abu Hakim, (the father of wisdom), but history remembers him as Abu Jahl, (the father of ignorance), the avowed enemy of Islam. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, gave him the name Abu Jahl to denote his total ignorance in not recognising the truth of Islam. Traditional accounts reveal that Prophet Muhammad on one occasion raised his hands in supplication and begged God to strengthen Islam by whomever of the two Omar’s he loved most. To the enemies of Islam and to the companions of Prophet Muhammad Omar ibn al Khattab embracing Islam was an unthinkable notion. Omar’s hatred of Islam was so strong that he volunteered to kill Prophet Muhammad. Without a second’s hesitation, he strode down the streets of Mecca intent on drawing his sword and ending the life of the Prophet of God. One of the men of Mecca, who was secretly a Muslim saw the look on Omar’s face and immediately knew that his beloved Prophet was in danger. Without fear for himself, he approached Omar and asked him where he was going so quickly. Omar replied that he was going, “to the man who has disunited our people, cursed our gods and made fools of us”, and he said, “I am going to kill him”. The young Muslim man named Nu’aim felt terror rush into his heart and tried to engage Omar in a discussion to divert him, but Omar was intent on his mission and continued to stride along the street. Nu’aim reluctantly spoke the words that lead Omar to Islam. He said, “why don’t you take care of your own house first’. Omar stopped short and asked him what he meant by those words. Omar’s beloved sister and her husband had secretly embraced Islam and Nu’aim revealed their secret in order to save the life of Prophet Muhammad. Omar turned around immediately and walked with determination towards his sister’s house. As he approached, he could hear the sound of Quran being recited. Omar knocked on the door. Inside the inhabitants scrambled to hide their copies of Quran but Omar entered and demanded to know what the “humming” sound he had heard was. Omar’s sister replied that it was nothing, just the sound of them talking, but Omar knew the sound of Quran and asked menacingly, “Have you become Muslim?” Omar’s brother in law answered in the affirmative, whereupon Omar fell upon him, wrestling him to the ground. Omar’s sister tried to defend her husband and in the scuffle, Omar hit her face, drawing blood. Quran Enters His Heart Omar’s sister seemed to have the strength her brother was so famous for, she stood up and faced her angry brother saying, “You enemy of God! You would hit me just because I believe in God. Whether you like it or not, I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger. Do whatever you will!” Omar saw the blood running down his sister’s face, her words echoed in his ears, and he stood up. Omar demanded that the words of Quran he had heard as he approached the house be recited for him. {We have not sent down the Quran unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress, but only as a reminder to those who fear (God). A revelation from Him who has created the earth and high heavens. The Most Beneficent rose over the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil. And if you (O Muhammad) speak aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden. No one has the right to be worshipped but He! To Him belong the Best Names.} [Quran 20:2-8] Transliteration: Ma `Anzalna `Alayka Al-Qur`ana Litashqaa (2) `Illa Tadhkiratan Liman Yakhshaa (3) Tanzilaan Mimman Khalaqa Al-`Arda Wa As-Samawati Al-`Ula (4) Ar-Rahmanu `Alaa Al-`Arshi Astawaa (5) Lahu Ma Fi As-Samawati Wa Ma Fi Al-`Ardi Wa Ma Baynahuma Wa Ma Tahta Ath-Tharaa (6) Wa `In Tajhar Bil-Qawli Fa`innahu Ya`lamu As-Sirra Wa `Akhfaa (7) Allahu La `Ilaha `Illa Huwa Lahu Al-`Asma`u Al-Husnaa Omar’s eyes filled with hot tears. “Is this what we were against”, he asked. “The One who has spoken these words needs to be worshipped.” Omar left his sister’s house and rushed to Muhammad. Those with Prophet Muhammad were afraid, but they admitted Omar and restrained him until he was in Muhammad’s presence. Prophet Muhammad grabbed him and said, “Why did you come here, son of Khattab?” Omar faced Prophet Muhammad with humility and joy and said, “O Messenger of God, I have come for no reason except to say I believe in God and his Messenger.” Prophet Muhammad was overcome with joy and cried out that God was Great! Within days, Omar lead a procession of Muslims to the house of God where they prayed openly. It was on this occasion that Prophet Muhammad gave him the nickname Al Farooq – the criterion[1]. It denotes one who is able to distinguish truth from falsehood. Islam was strengthened with Omar, his fierce hatred melted into a love that knew no bounds. His life and his death were now for the sake of God and his Messenger

 

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Omar, The Criterion (part 2 of 3)

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Omar, The Criterion (part 2 of 3): A Man as a Nation Omar ibn Al Khattab was a strong and assertive man, his heart filled with burning hatred for Islam. The supplications of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and the sublime beauty of Quran changed his mind, his heart, and his life. When Omar accepted Islam he became a man devoted to the Ummah of Muhammad, as a Muslim, he was pleased when the Ummah was pleased and displeased when the Ummah was displeased. Ummah is an Arabic word, roughly translated to mean nation, but as with many Arabic words, it does not translate well into English. The root of the Arabic word Ummah is amma, which means to go or to go see. The word imama means to lead the way, for example, the one who leads the prayer is the Imam. Also derived from this root is the word umm meaning mother, source or origin. In English speaking and Western countries, the word nation usually defines the nation state, whose members live between a set of predefined borders often set by religious, racial or ethnic differences. This is not the definition of Ummah. Ummah means the community of believers bound together with a purpose - to worship God. Together they are strong, divided they are weak. Each member is united with all of the others in a spiritual way that can even have physical manifestations. When one part of the Ummah is in pain, the whole Ummah hurts.[1] {And verily this Ummah of yours is One Ummah and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).} [Quran 23:52] Transliteration: Wa `Inna Hadhihi `Ummatukum `Ummatan Wahidatan Wa `Ana Rabbukum Fa Attaquni To illustrate this we can look at images you may have seen on TV, Muslims decrying the abuse and mistreatment of their brothers in far off countries. In the Ummah of Muhammad when one member is hurting, the pain in the hearts of the other members is real. Muslims stand up for what is morally correct and inhumanity has no part in the religion of Islam. Omar ibn Al Khattab recognised this unique quality at once and declared himself a man of the Ummah. When Omar ibn al Khattab accepted Islam he wanted to be part of his community and wanted to proclaim his membership of this unique nation. Omar wanted to join the Ummah in their happiness and in their pain. At the time of his conversion, the weaker members of the Ummah suffered systematic abuse and oppression, often by Omar himself, but his heart now felt their pain and he wanted to experience it. Omar did not want his Islam to go unnoticed; he immediately informed the enemies of Islam that he was Muslim. At first, the men of Mecca who had not embraced Islam were shocked and did not react to Omar’s conversion, but as word spread, they came together at the House of God and attacked Omar. Eventually Omar, the strong, muscular wrestler sat in the midst of his attackers and they beat him.Omar recovered from his beating and because of him, Islam became strong. Omar’s heart was filled with love for his brothers and sisters in Islam. Prophet Muhammad said, «if there was to be a Prophet after me it would have been Omar ibn al Khattab». More than Strength Abu Bakr As Siddiq, and Omar were the two companions closest to Prophet Muhammad. Ali Ibn Abu Talib is reported to have said that Prophet Muhammad went out in the morning with Abu Bakr and Omar and he would return at night with Abu Bakr and Omar. The Prophet himself called Abu Bakr and Omar his eyes and ears, and said they were his advisors from the inhabitants of earth.[2] Omar stood beside Prophet Muhammad in all of the trials and tribulations that faced the Muslim Ummah. When the Muslims of Mecca migrated to the city of Medina, all left in a well planned, secret migration, but not Omar. He was the only Muslim to make the migration openly, in fact, he proclaimed that he was leaving and invited any man who thought he was strong enough, to challenge him. Omar flung his sword around his neck and strode through the streets of Mecca with his head held high and his heart, which was no longer filled with hate, burning with a fierce love for God, His Prophet Muhammad and his fellow believers. As Prophet Muhammad created his Ummah, Omar stood by his side. Although remembered for his strength, Omar was also known to be a pious and generous man. He would spend the nights in worship, often waking his family in the last part of the night to join him in his devotions. He was a staunch believer, confident in God’s promise of Paradise and readily spent his wealth for the sake of God to benefit the believers. One of Prophet Muhammad’s companions narrates[3] that Omar once distributed 22,000 dirhams to the needy and had a habit of giving away bags of sugar. When Omar was asked why he distributed the sugar he said, “Because I love it and God said in the Quran, {By no means shall you attain piety, unless you spend (in God’s Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, God knows it well.} [Quran 3:92] Transliteration: Lan Tanalu Al-Birra Hattaa; Tunfiqu Mimma Tuhibbuna Wa Ma Tunfiqu Min Shay`in Fa`inna Allaha Bihi `Alimun Omar was one of ten men to whom Prophet Muhammad gave the joyous news that they would be admitted to Paradise.[4] However, this did not stop him from working tirelessly, all of his life to please God. He was a man of knowledge, a man known for his generosity and tireless devotion to the worship of God and perhaps above all he was devoted to the Ummah of Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad counselled us all when he said, «A man is not a true believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself» [5]. Omar wanted Paradise but he also wanted it for every man, woman or child who has ever believed that there is no god but God and Muhammad is His messenger. This was Omar, who distinguished truth from falsehood; he was a man of the Ummah.

 

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xGenerous and Pious Uthman ibn Affan was the third of Prophet Muhammad’s successors. He was known as the leader of the faithful and ruled for approximately 12 years. The first six years were times of relative tranquillity and peace, however the last years of his reign were marred by internal conflict, and pockets of rebels trying to cause havoc throughout the Caliphate. Uthman is remembered as a pious, gentle, and kind man, known for his modesty and shyness, and admired for his generosity. He ruled with impartial justice and mild and humane policies, based on his obedience to God and his love for Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim nation. Uthman, may God be pleased with him, was born seven years after Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and belonged to the Umayyad branch of the Quraish tribe. The Umayyads were the most influential clan of the Quraish, they were the strongest and wealthiest, and Uthman was their “golden child”, the most beloved, due to his good manners and shyness. Like his predecessor Omar ibn Al Khattab, Uthman was able to read and write. This was an unusual skill in pre Islamic Arabia and Uthman became a successful trader and cloth merchant. Throughout his life he was known as a kind, generous man and even before his conversion to Islam he would freely give money to help those in need. It was his close friend Abu Bakr who introduced Uthman to Islam and he embraced the new religion at the age of thirty-four. This was during the very early days of Islam when the men of Mecca were systematically abusing and torturing any converts to Islam. In spite of the abuse, Uthman would not give up his Islam and in time Uthman was married to Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Ruqiayah, thus strengthening his relationship to the Prophet. The abuse and torture continued and Uthman’s wealthy family and status in society as a merchant did not protect him. He was abused and tortured even by members of his own family; his uncle shackled his hands and feet and shut him in a dark enclosed room. The continual bad treatment by his close family led Uthman and his wife to participate in the first migration to Abyssinia. After some time Uthman and Ruqiayah returned to Mecca to be with the struggling Muslims and their beloved father and Prophet. Uthman formed a very close relationship with Prophet Muhammad, and he gained intricate knowledge about the religion of Islam. He narrated 146 traditions directly from the Prophet himself and was one of very few people who were able to write down Quran. Uthman also became a reference point for those trying to learn the rituals of worship. He understood and was able to instruct others in the rituals of ablution, prayer, and other Islamic obligations. Uthman also participated in the migration to Medina and here he assisted Prophet Muhammad in establishing the Muslim nation. Prophet Muhammad even referred to him as his assistant. In Medina, water was scarce and control of the wells was tightly held by several men. Because he was a skilful trader and negotiator, Uthman set about trying to procure a well for the use of the Muslims. He negotiated a price for half a well; he would have control one day and the other owner the next day. However, Uthman gave his water to the Muslims freely, so nobody wanted to pay for the water on the alternate days. The original owner of the well had no choice but to sell his half of the well to Uthman who nevertheless paid a fair price for it. Uthman continued to allow the water to be used freely by all and never reminded the people of his charity. He was humble and modest. Uthman gave freely from his wealth to please God and His messenger Muhammad. Historical Islamic stories mention that every Friday Uthman would buy slaves for the purpose of setting them free and that although he was wealthy he was often without servants because of this habit. When Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim armies were going to fight the Byzantines at Tabuk, he called on the wealthier people to give from their wealth and property to support and equip the soldiers. Uthman presented 200 saddled camels and 200 ounces of gold. He also gave 1,000 dinars. Prophet Muhammad kept asking for donations hoping to inspire others to give as freely as Uthman. However, it was Uthman who surpassed them all and gave a total of 900 equipped camels.[1] The portrait we are able to build of Uthman is that of a generous, unassuming, and kind man. He was known for his humbleness, modesty, and piety. Uthman would often spend the nights in prayer and he was known to fast often, sometimes on alternative days. In spite of his wealth, he lived simply and would often sleep, wrapped in a blanket, on the sand of the mosque. Uthman was appointed as the third leader of the Muslims after Prophet Muhammad by a council of six men. He continued the humane and just rule of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, and Omar. He cared for the Muslims and expanded the Muslim Caliphate into Morocco, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan. For six years, his reign was one of peace and calmness, but the winds of change were blowing over the empire. Uthman ibn Affan, like his predecessors was a man of the people. He was modest, shy, and humble but still his later reign was marred by infighting and rebellion. God had chosen Uthman to be the third leader but the people of dissension plotted to remove him from this noble position.

 

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The Possessor of Two Lights Uthman ibn Affan[1] was a man so loved by Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that he was called the possessor of two lights. Uthman was married to Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Ruqiayah and when she died, he married Muhammad’s other daughter, Umm Kulthum, thus possessing the two lights. Uthman ibn Affan was appointed Caliph (leader of the Muslim nation) through a process of consultation and careful deliberation. On his deathbed, Omar ibn Al Khattab appointed a council of six men to choose a new leader. It was a time of confusion and chaos for the Muslims, small disagreements were becoming obstacles. Some people wanted to appoint Ali ibn Abu Talib because he was from Prophet Muhammad’s family, others wanted to appoint Uthman because he was from one of the great tribes of Mecca. Ibn Kathir, the respected Islamic scholar of the 14th century suggests that the leader of the council, Abdu Rahman ibn Awf questioned both men and then chose Uthman. Abdurrahman asked Ali, “Do you swear to rule by the glorious book of God (Quran) and the Sunnah (traditions) of His messenger?” To which he replied, “I hope to act according to my best knowledge and capacity”. When Abdurrahman asked Uthman the same question, he replied simply, “I do”. It would be too simplistic to suggest that the decision was made solely by the answer to this question but rather it was part of a process of reflection and deliberation. Both men were amongst several who were eminently qualified to lead the Muslim nation. Uthman was a man known to be pious, generous, and modest, perhaps his simple answer reflected his personality. A shy man, who spoke few words but whose heart was filled with love for God and His messenger. Immediately after being elected, Uthman ibn Affan addressed the people from the minbar previously used by Prophet Muhammad. He looked at the Muslims and praised God, sent blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, and reminded the people that this world was full of deception. He advised the people to shun living luxurious lives and to seek a place in the hereafter, full of happiness and peace. {And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And God is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of God’s obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of God with glorification, praises and thanks, etc.), that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.} [Quran 18: 45 - 46] Transliteration: Wa Adrib Lahum Mathala Al-Hayaati Ad-Dunya Kama`in `Anzalnahu Mina As-Sama`i Fakhtalata Bihi Nabatu Al-`Ardi Fa`asbaha Hashimaan Tadhruhu Ar-Riyahu Wa Kana Allahu `Al aacute; Kulli Shay`in Muqtadiraan (45) Al-Malu Wa Al-Banuna Zinatu Al-Hayaati Ad-Dunya Wa Al-Baqiyatu As-Salihatu Khayrun `Inda Rabbika Thawabaan Wa Khayrun `Amalaan Uthman was a pious man who loved and trusted God completely, thus his first action as leader was to assure the people that he would guide them according to the way of the Prophet and Caliphs Abu Bakr and Omar ibn Al Khattab. Uthman was turning 70 when he became leader of the Muslims and for many years, he had refrained from the pleasures of this life in order to seek nearness to God. After setting a tone of piety and concern for Muslims that would be the hallmark of his reign, Uthman turned his attention to giving direction to the governors and the Muslim armies. To the governors Uthman expressed his desire for them to serve the people, and never to exploit them. He sent prominent companions of Prophet Muhammad, as his personal deputies to the provinces to scrutinize the conduct of officials and the condition of the people. Uthman reminded the armies to follow the clear guidelines set down by Omar ibn Al Khattab and asked them never to forget that they were defending the believers. Extensive conquests were made during the reign of Uthman, including parts of Spain, Morocco, and Afghanistan. Uthman was also the first Caliph to organise a navy. He reorganised the administrative divisions of the Muslim Caliphate, expanded, and initiated many public projects. Perhaps Uthman’s most astounding contribution to the Muslims was his compilation of the Quran. The Uthmani Quran After the death of Prophet Muhammad and during the time of the Caliphs, hundreds of thousands of non-Arabs converted to Islam. Consequently, the Quran began to be recited and written in various different dialects and scripts. One of Prophet Mohammad’s companions, and Uthman’s friend Hudhaifah, whilst on a journey noticed that there were many different recitations of Quran throughout the Muslim Empire. Hudhaifah suggested to Uthman that there be an official version written in the style used in Medina. Uthman knew the Quran by heart and had intimate knowledge of the context and circumstances relating to each verse. The Quran had been gathered during the time of Abu Bakr and was in the safekeeping of Prophet Muhammad’s wife Hafsah. Uthman took possession of the originals and ordered some of the most trusted companions to make careful copies. He then ordered all other unofficial copies to be burned or otherwise destroyed. Five official copies were sent to the greatest cities of the Muslim Caliphate. Original copies exist to this day in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. A Tragic End The final six years of Uthman’s reign were marked by rebellion. Some of the governors that had been appointed during the reign of Uthman were heavy handed and to some extent unjust. In this way, the seeds of dissension spread and many of the people began to love the luxuries of life that Uthman had warned against. Conspiracies arose and it was difficult for Uthman to discern friend from foe. He was reluctant to shed the blood of any Muslim however rebellious they may be. Uthman preferred to persuade with kindness and generosity for he always remembered the words of Prophet Muhammad. «Once the sword is unsheathed among my followers, it will not be sheathed until the Last Day.»[At Tirmidhi] The rebels called for Uthman to step down and indeed many of the companions advised him to do so. Uthman, now an old man of more than 80 years, heard the words of his beloved prophet ringing in his ears and refused to stand down from his position. Uthman remained true to his covenant but after a long siege, the rebels broke into his house and murdered him. As the assassin’s sword struck, Uthman was reciting the following verse. {So God will suffice for you against them. And He is the All Hearer and the All Knower.} [Quran 2:137] Transliteration: Fasayakfikahumu Allahu Wa Huwa As-Sami`u Al-`Alimu Such was the tragic end of one of the most pious, kind and selfless men in Islam.

 

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Ali, son of Abu Talib (part 1 of 2)

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The Early Years Ali “Ibn” (son of) Abu Talib was the young cousin of Prophet Muhammad. This child, who greatly admired his older cousin, grew into a noble warrior for Islam, a knowledgeable judge, a remarkable exegete of Quran and a righteous leader of the Muslim nation. Ali was born in Mecca around the year 600 CE. His father was Abu Talib, Prophet Muhammad’s uncle and staunch supporter. When Ali was a young child, a great famine ravaged the area around Mecca, food was scarce, and many families were unable to feed and clothe their children. Muhammad, who was not yet a prophet, offered to nurture and care for his young cousin. Consequently, Ali was raised by Muhammad and his first wife Khadijah. Ali adored his older cousin and followed him around copying Muhammad’s actions. As he grew older, Ali also began to emulate Muhammad’s noble ways.[1] When Ali was around 10 years of age, Muhammad received the first revelations of the Holy Quran from God Almighty. Ali was there with his cousin when Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, revealed to his family that he had been called to be the Messenger of God. It is said that Ali witnessed Mohammad and Khadijah praying to God and that he asked about what he had seen. As soon as Prophet Muhammad explained the message of Islam to his young cousin, Ali accepted it as the truth. However, before he embraced Islam he thought deeply about what his father’s reaction would be. The next morning Ali testified that there was no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad was His messenger. Ali has the honour of being the first child to accept Islam. Some scholars of Islam believe that Ali may have been older then 10 years when he accepted Islam, therefore you may read in various texts that Ali was the first youth to embrace Islam. Nevertheless, Ali’s age is not of primary importance, what counts the most is that he was a bright and clever young man, eager to learn and eager to worship God in the correct manner. Many scholars point out that Ali was one of many young men and women around the Prophet Muhammad who had never been initiated into the idolatrous rituals of the pre Islamic Arabs. Ali never prostrated before anything or anyone but God. Ali spent his childhood with Fatima, the youngest daughter of Mohammad and Khadijah. Some years later when the Muslim community had migrated from Mecca to the city of Medina Ali went to Prophet Muhammad and proposed marriage to Fatima. Ali however was upset by the fact that he was very poor and had nothing of value to present to Fatima as a bridal gift. Prophet Muhammad reminded him that he had a shield, to sell. Ali sold the shield to Uthman ibn Affan and was about to run excitedly back to the Prophet when Uthman stopped him and returned his shield, offering it as a marriage gift to Ali and Fatima. It is believed that Fatima and Ali were in their middle to late teens when Prophet Muhammad himself performed their marriage ceremony. The young boy who had followed his older cousin around like a shadow had grown into a noble young warrior. When God revealed the verse, {and warn your tribe. O Muhammad.} [Quran 26:214] Transliteration: Wa `Andhir `Ashirataka Al-`Aqrabina Prophet Muhammad invited all his relatives for a meal; after they had eaten he addressed them and asked who from his family would join him in God’s cause? None had the courage to answer but a boy in his early teens. Ali was that boy and he stood tall in the face of laughter and derision and expressed his desire to help Prophet Muhammad in whatever way he could be of service. In the difficult times that lay ahead, Ali stood firm, and repeatedly demonstrated his courage and love for God and His Messenger. When the disbelievers of Mecca planned to kill Prophet Muhammad, it became necessary for him and Abu Bakr to leave Mecca under the cover of darkness. As they walked into the desert night it was the teenager Ali who slept in Muhammad’s bed, knowing that at any minute there could be assassins attempting to murder him. Ali survived the night, and in the coming days, he returned the valuables that had been left in trust with Prophet Muhammad, to their rightful owners. Prophet Muhammad considered his young cousin to be amongst the bravest, trustworthy and pious of his companions. Soon afterwards, Ali joined his beloved cousin in Medina. Prophet Muhammad so cherished his young cousin he called him by many fond and endearing names. The name that Ali treasured most was Abu Turab (Father of Dust). Once when Ali was sleeping in the mosque courtyard, his back became covered with dust. Prophet Muhammad approached him, pulled him to his feet, and wiped the dust of his back, laughingly calling him Abu Turab. Prophet Muhammad also called Ali Haidarah (the lion). Prophet Muhammad’s young shadow grew into a respected warrior for Islam.

 

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Ali, son of Abu Talib (part 2 of 2)

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From Warrior to Caliph Ali was the fourth rightly guided Caliph.[1] He followed in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman, and ruled the Muslim Empire, according to the divinely revealed law of God, from approximately 656 to 661 CE. Ali was the young cousin and son in law of Prophet Muhammad. He spent his childhood emulating the noble character of his beloved cousin, and his youth learning the details of Islam. Ali grew into a noble warrior; physically strong and assertive but with a humble heart, filled with love for God and His Messenger Muhammad. Muslims remember Ali for his courage, his honesty, his generous and kind behaviour towards others, and his unswerving devotion to Islam. After the migration to Medina, Ali married Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad. The young couple led a simple and austere life, for Ali did not care for material wealth, rather he was focused on pleasing God and attaining everlasting bliss in the next life. They had no servants or slaves. Ali drew and carried water and Fatima would grind the corn until her hands were rough and sore. Once when the young couple approached Prophet Muhammad asking for a servant he rebuked them by saying that he could not give them such luxuries when hungry poor people filled the mosque. That evening Prophet Muhammad visited Ali and Fatima in their home. He sat on the edge of their bed and taught them words of remembrance with which to praise God. He assured them that remembering God would be more beneficial for them than a servant or slave to ease their workload. Ali never forgot the words of advice given to him that night, later in his life he said that not a night passed that he did not recite those words before sleeping. Ali and his family went to great lengths to please God, often they would go hungry themselves giving away all their food to people poorer than themselves. Ali’s generosity knew no bounds, he treated everyone, with respect and kindness. The Scholar Imam Ahmad described Ali as one of the most virtuous of Prophet Muhammad’s companions and Ali was known to be amongst the Prophet’s most staunch supporters. Ali deservedly became known as a strong warrior and he distinguished himself in the crucial first battle against the unbelieving men of Mecca, known as the Battle of Badr. The young “lion” participated in all the battles fought in the early days of Islam except on one occasion. It is reported in the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad that during the battle of Khaybar Prophet Muhammad bestowed a great honour on his young cousin. Prophet Muhammad informed his companions «tomorrow I shall give this standard (flag) to a man who God will bring about victory through him, he loves God and His Messenger and is also loved by God and His Messenger». The companions of Prophet Muhammad spent the night wondering who the flag would be handed too. Omar Ibn Al Khattab is believed to have said that it was the only time he longed for leadership, but this particular honour belonged to Ali. After Uthman Ibn Affan was murdered in the service of the Muslim nation, Ali was chosen as the fourth of those known as the rightly guided Caliphs. Many Muslims were eager for Ali to take on leadership but Ali was concerned that already the seeds of rebelliousness were being sewn among the believers. He hesitated until some of the companions who had been closest to Prophet Muhammad urged him on and gave him their support. The events surrounding Uthman’s murder had flung the young Muslim nation into a period that became known as the “time of tribulation”. Ali began and ended his Caliphate in times of trial and tribulation however; he remained true to his convictions and ruled in a manner that befitted the child who learned his morals and values at the feet of the Prophet Muhammad. Ali was a profoundly religious man; he was devoted to Islam and strove in his daily life and his position as leader to uphold the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad. War broke out amongst the Muslims and Ali found himself attempting to lead a nation beset with rebellion and in fighting. Throughout this time of civil strife and war, Ali was ever mindful of the great task that lay before him. He was responsible for the people of the Muslim nation. At this point is must be clearly noted that Ali and Uthman were brothers in Islam, both devoted to God, His messenger Muhammad and the religion of Islam. Both ruled the Muslim nation with humble hearts, austerity, and piety. Ali was murdered with a poisoned sword. The assassin, who struck while Ali was praying in the mosque, brought to an end to his life. Abu Bakr, Omar Ibn al Khattab, Uthman Ibn Affan, and Ali Ibn Abu Talib were men of noble stature and high moral fibre, they ruled with the Quran and the lessons taught to them by Prophet Muhammad.

 

Salman the Persian, Zoroastrian, Persia (part 1 of 2) Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam

 

 

Salman the Persian, Zoroastrian, Persia (part 1 of 2)

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From Zoroastrianism to Christianity The blessed Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, Salman al-Farisi narrates[1] his journey to Islam as follows: “I was a Persian man from the people of Isfahaan[2] from a town known as Jayi. My father was the town chief. To him, I was the most beloved creature of God. His love for me reached the point to which he trusted me to supervise the fire[3] he lit. He would not let it die down. My father owned a large area of fertile land. One day, while busy with his construction, he told me to go to his land and fulfill some chores he desired. On my way to his land, I came across a Christian church. I heard the sound of people praying inside. I did not know how people lived outside, for my father kept me confined to his house! So when I came across those people [in the church] and I heard their voices, I went inside to watch what they were doing.” When I saw them, I liked their prayers and became interested in their religion. I said [to myself], “By God, this religion is better than that of ours.” By God, I did not leave them until sunset. I did not return to my father’s Land. I asked [i.e., the people of the church]. “From where did this religion originate?” “They said, ‘In Al-Shaam.’[4] I returned to my father who had become worried and sent [someone] after me. Upon my arrival, he said, ‘O son! Where have you been? Didn’t I entrust you with an assignment?” I said, “My father, I came across some people praying in their church and I liked their religion. By God I stayed with them until sunset.” My father said, “My Son! There is no good in that religion; the religion of you and your forefathers’ is better.’ ” “No, by God, it is better than our religion.” He threatened me, chained me by my feet and kept me confined to his home. I sent a message to the Christians requesting them to inform me of the arrival of any Christian trade caravan coming from Al-Shaam. A trade caravan arrived and they informed me, so I then told [the Christians] to let me know once the people of the caravan finish their business and set off to return to their country. I [indeed] was informed [by them] when the people of Al-Shaam finished their business and were about to set off to their country, so I then let loose the chains from my feet and accompanied [the caravan] until we reached Al-Shaam. Upon my arrival I asked, “Who is the best amongst the people of this religion [of yours]?” They said, “The bishop. [He is] in the church.” I went to him and said, “I like this religion, and I would love to be with you and serve you in your church, in order that I may learn from you and pray with you.” He said, “You may enter and stay with me,” so I joined him. After some time, Salman discovered something of the bishop. He was a bad man who ordered and motivated his people to pay charity, only to keep it for himself. He did not give it to the poor. He had heaped up seven jars of gold and silver! Salman continued: I despised him because of his deeds. He [the bishop] died. The Christians gathered to bury him. I informed them that he was a bad man who ordered and motivated people to give him their charity only to keep it for himself, and that he did not give any of it to the poor. They said, “How do you know this?” I replied, “I can show you his treasure.” They said, “Show us!” I showed them the place [where he kept it] and they recovered from it seven jars heaped up with gold and silver. When they saw it they said, “By God we will never bury him.” So they crucified him and stoned him.[5] They replaced their bishop. I never saw anyone [from them] who prayed better than him [the new bishop]; nor a man more detached from this worldly life and attached to the Hereafter, nor a person more committed to working day and night. I loved him more than anyone else I loved before. I stayed with him for sometime before his death. When his death approached I told him, “O [so and so], I stayed with you and loved you more than anything else I loved before. Now the Decree of God [i.e., death] has come, so who do you recommend for me [to keep to], and with what do you order me?” The bishop said “By God! People are in total loss; they have altered and changed [the religion] they were upon. I do not know of anyone who is still holding to the religion I am upon except a man in al-Musil,[6] so join him [and he gave me his name].” When the man died, Salman moved to al-Musil and met the person he recommended… I said to him, “[Such such person] at the time of his death recommended me to join you. He told me that you are holding to the same [religion] as him.” I stayed with him and found him to be the best man holding on to the matter [religion]of his companion. Soon he died. When death approached him, Salman requested of him [as he did earlier with his first companion] to recommend another person who was upon the same religion. The man said, “By God! I don’t know of anyone on the same matter [religion] as ours except a man in Naseebeen[7] and his name is [such and such], so go and join him.” The man described this Prophet, saying, “He will be sent with the same religion as Abraham. He will come from the land of Arabia and will migrate to a place located in between two lands filled with black stones [as if burned by fire]. There are palm trees spread in the midst of these two lands. He can be recognized by certain signs. He [will accept] and eat [from] the [food] which has been given as a gift, but will not eat from charity. The seal of Prophethood will be between his shoulders. If you can move to that land, then do so.”

 

Salman the Persian, Zoroastrian, Persia (part 2 of 2) Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam

 

 

Salman the Persian, Zoroastrian, Persia (part 2 of 2)

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From Christianity to Islam The man died, and Salman stayed in Amuria. One day, “Some merchants from the tribe of Kalb[1] passed by me,” Salman said, “I told them, ‘Take me to Arabia and I will give you my cows and the only sheep I have.’” They said, “Yes.” Salman gave them what he offered, and they took him with them. When they reached Waadi al-Quraa [close to Medinah], they sold him as a slave to a Jewish man. Salman stayed with the Jew, and he saw the Palm trees [his previous companion had described]. “I hoped that this would be the same place described by my companion.” One day, a man who was a first cousin to Salman’s master from the Jewish tribe of Bani Quraidha in Medinah came visiting. He bought Salman from his Jewish master. “He took me with him to Medina. By God! When I saw it, I knew it was the place my companion described. Then God sent[2] His Messenger [i.e., Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him]. He stayed in Mecca as long as he did.[3] I did not hear anything about him because I was very busy with the work of slavery, and then he migrated to Medina. [One day,] I was on a palm-tree on top of one of its date-clusters doing some work for my master. A first cousin of his came and stood in front of him [his master was sitting] and said, “Woe to Bani Qeelah [people of the tribe Qeelah], they are gathered in Qibaa”[4] around a man who came today from Mecca claiming to be a Prophet!” I trembled so fiercely when I heard him that I feared that I would fall on my master. I descended and said, ‘What are you saying!? What are you saying!?’ My master became angry and punched me hard saying, “What business do you have in this [matter]? Go and mind your business.” I said, “Nothing! I just wanted to be sure of what he was saying.” On that evening, I went to see the Messenger of God while he was in Qibaa. I took something with me which I had saved. I went in and said, “I was told that you are a righteous man and that your company [who] are strangers [here] are in need. I want to offer you something I saved as charity. I found that you deserve it more than anyone else.” I offered it to him; he said to his companions, “Eat,” but he himself kept his hand away [i.e., did not eat]. I said to myself, “This is one [i.e., one of the signs of his Prophethood].” Following this encounter with the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, Salman left to prepare for another test! This time he brought a gift to the Prophet in Medina. “I saw that you do not eat from that given as charity, so here is a gift with which I wish to honor you.” The Prophet ate from it and ordered his companions to do the same, which they did. I said to myself, “Now there are two [i.e., two of the signs of Prophethood].” On the third encounter, Salman came to Baqee-ul-Gharqad [a grave yard in Medina] where the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was attending the funeral of one of his companions. Salman said: “I greeted him [with the greeting of Islam: ‘Peace be upon you’], and then moved towards his back attempting to see the seal [of Prophethood] which was described to me by my companion. When he saw me [doing so], he knew that I was trying to confirm something described to me. He took the garment off his back and I looked at the seal. I recognized it. I fell down upon it, kissing it and crying. The Messenger of God, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told me to move around [i.e., to talk to him]. I told him my story as I did with you, Ibn ‘Abbaas [remember that Salman is telling his story to Ibn ‘Abbaas]. He [the Prophet] liked it so much he wanted me to tell my story to his companions. He was still a slave owned by his master. The Prophet said to him, “Make a contract [with your master] for your freedom, O Salman.” Salman obeyed and made a contract [with his master] for his freedom. He reached an agreement with his master in which he would pay him forty ounces of gold and would plant and successfully raise three hundred new palm trees. The Prophet then said to his companions, “Help your brother.” They helped him with the trees and gathered for him the specified quantity. The Prophet ordered Salman to dig the proper holes to plant the saplings, and then he planted each one with his own hands. Salman said, “By Him in Whose hands is my soul [i.e., God], not a single tree died.” Salman gave the trees to his master. The Prophet gave Salman a piece of gold that was the size of a chicken egg and said, “Take this, O Salman, and pay [i.e., your master] what you owe.” Salman said, “How much is this in regards to how much I owe!” The Prophet said, “Take it! God will [make it] equal to what you owe.”[5] I took it and I weighed a part of it and it was forty ounces. Salman gave the gold to his master. He fulfilled the agreement and he was released. From then on, Salman became one of the closest of companions to the Prophet. The Search for the Truth One of the great companions of the Prophet by the name of Abu Hurairah reported: «We were sitting in the company of God’s Messenger when Surah al-Jumuah (Surah 62) was revealed. He recited these words: {And [God has sent Muhammad also to] others who have not yet joined them (but they will come)…} [Quran 62:3] A person amongst them said, ‘O God’s Messenger! Who are those who have not joined us?’ God’s Messenger made no reply. Salman the Persian was amongst us. The Messenger of God placed his hand on Salman and then said, ‘By the One in Whose Hands is my soul, even if faith were near Pleiades (the seven stars), men from amongst these [i.e. Salman’s folk] would surely attain it.» [At-Tirmidhi] Many in this world are like Salman, searching for the truth about the True and Only One God. This story of Salman is similar to stories of people in our own time. The search of some people took them from one church to another, from church to Buddhism or Passiveness, from Judaism to ‘Neutrality’, from religion to meditations to mental abuse. There are those who shifted from one idea to another, but don’t even think of wanting to know something about Islam! When they met some Muslims, however, they opened their minds. The story of Salman is that of a long search. You could make your search for truth shorter by benefiting from his

 

Preventing the G-B Relationship Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

Preventing the G-B Relationship

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Amatullah Islam Zina (fornication) has become a commonplace occurrence within the Muslim Youth community, and the Muslim girls and boys have sadly fallen prey to the snares of Western society. You may wonder how such a situation can occur when most Muslim parents virtually put their children under `lock and key`. The answer is that although most parents are strict where their children are concerned, they do not take the time to talk and explain to them about the seriousness of Zina. Instead, they give a Fatwa of "no boyfriend" when their daughters reach puberty. Such an action is like ordering a two year old child not to touch the power point. What do you think the child will do? The following article highlights ways in which we can teach our children to shun this corrupt act. In Islam, there is no such thing as a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. You are either married or you are not. This is what we have to ingrain into our children at the early stage. We should not wait for them to come to us when they are teenagers to ask about girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. At this late stage, even if we forbid them to have such a relationship, how certain are we that they will obey us if they are smitten by someone? Hence, it is important that we teach our children that the only time a girl or boy can have a relationship with a non-Mahram (non-Mahram is someone whom they can marry) is when they are married! Furthermore, if a girl or boy enters into a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship then he/she is entering into a pre-marital relationship. At the teenage level, we should not be shy to teach them the severity of pre-marital relationship. We need to make them understand that those pre-marital relationships are like the extra-marital relationships, or what is commonly known as adultery or `an affair`. It ruins the community by corrupting the people. It unleashes base desires that, once allowed free-reign, will destroy families. We can quote to them the examples of illegitimate and abandoned children, broken homes, abortions, sexual diseases - the list goes on. We should also point out to them the punishment for sexual relationships outside of marriage: Ibn Masoud (r.a.a) related that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, «The blood of a Muslim may not be legally spilt other than in one of three instances: the married person who commits adultery, a life for a life, and one who forsakes his religion and abandons the community» [Bukhari and Muslim]. In other words, «the married person who commits adultery is to be whipped and stoned» [Muslim] Something else we must teach them is to restrain their desires. We can do so by giving them examples of the rewards for doing so, such as the person who controls his lust will be among people who Allah bestows mercy upon: Abu Hurairah (r.a.a) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said «that among the seven persons whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day (of Judgment) when there is no shade except His Shade, is a man who is tempted by a beautiful woman and refuses to respond for fear of Allah.» [Bukhari] Below are more points on how to help your child, at an early age, to be chaste so that when he/she is older, he/she can avoid getting into a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. First, you must talk and explain to them these things when they are young, then when they are older; you make sure that it is put into practice. 1. Not to freely mix with the opposite sex. 2. Not to look at the opposite sex. This is done by lowering or averting their eyes as Allah tells us: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and to protect their private parts. That is purer for them. Verily Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts..." [An-Noor 24:30-31], Transliteration: Qul Lilmu`uminina Yaghuddu Min `Absarihim Wa Yahfažu Furujahum Dhalika `Azk aacute; Lahum `Inna Allaha Khabirun Bima Yasna`una(30) Wa Qul Lilmu`uminati Yaghdudna Min `Absarihinna Wa Yahfažna Furujahunna…(31) Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, « ...do not let a second look follow the first. The first look is allowed to you but not the second.» [Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi]. What this means is that the first look is by accident. If this happens then do not take a second look. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) also said «That the eyes also commit adultery by looking at someone with lust. » [Albany, At-Tirmidhi] 3. For girls, teach them not to make their voices seductive or sweet in front of non-Mahrams. This is done by lowering the voice and not flirting. As Allah tells the wives of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) "...do not be too pleasant of speech, lest one in whose heart there is a disease should feel desire for you..." [Al-Ahzab 33:32], }, Transliteration: Fala Takhda`na Bil-Qawli Fayatma`a Al-Ladhi Fi Qalbihi Maradun 4. Last but not least, teach them to wear appropriate clothing so as not to draw attention to themselves. That is, girls should wear Hijabs and loose clothing while boys should also wear loose clothing, not the tight jeans or pants with t-shirt tucked in. It is sad that, often, parents allow their children to wear the so called fashion clothing which, in most cases, do not meet the requirement of acceptable Islamic dress code. What is even sadder is to see Muslim mothers covering themselves properly walking with their uncovered teenage daughters and sons. It is important that we start teaching our children the need to feel modesty, especially around the opposite sex. Regarding shyness, we should use the Prophet (s.a.w) as an example: Abu Said Al Khudri (r.a.a) reported that « the Prophet (s.a.w) was more shy than a virgin in her own room.» [Bukhari] If we instill this into them at an early age then, Insha` Allah, whenever they are near the vicinity of the opposite sex, they will feel shy and, therefore, will not act inappropriately. It is also important that we keep the communication channels open with our children so that we can talk and explain to them things, and they can ask us questions, without any party feeling embarrassed. Then, when they are older, and with help from us, they will begin to understand why it is that there cannot be a thing called `the girlfriend-boyfriend relationship`.

 

A party in Paradise, A party in Hellfire Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

A party in Paradise, A party in Hellfire

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful The Companions of our Prophet Muhammed (SAW) used to gather to remember death so that they would benefit their souls by increasing in fear of Allah and strive to gain His pleasure. If this was the case of the Sahaabah and they were the best of generations, the most pious and God-fearing of this ummah, then what about us? Surely, it means that we need to engage in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) even more. After all, we are in far more need of this act of worship than they were. Let us begin at the end of a man`s life, in his last moments. He is lying on his death bed and his family is at his side. His father is calling for the doctor. His wife asks him: "To whom are you leaving us?". The man`s little daughter asks him, "Why do you not answer me?", and his small boy cries but nobody responds to him. This is the situation Allah, The Most Perfect and the Most High, has informed us about: "Nay, when the soul reaches the throat, and it is said: "Who will cure him now?". The dying person concludes that this is the time for departing. The leg joins the other leg." [Al-Qiyaamah: 75:26-29] Transliteration: Kalla itha balaghati alttaraqiya (26) Waqeela man raqin (27) Wathanna annahu alfiraqu (28) Wailtaffati alssaqu bialssaqi (29) They place him in his shroud, his leg joins his other leg. Then he is carried upon the shoulders and taken to a dark hole. If he was a transgressing criminal he cries out: "Woe to it! Where are you taking it?" "The drive that day will be to your Lord" [Al-Qiyaamah 75: 30 ] Transliteration: Ila rabbika yawmaithin almasaqu Then he is lowered into this ditch and dirt is thrown upon him until he is sealed in it. If he was a criminal, Allah - The Most Perfect and The Most High - says: "So he neither believed nor did he pray. Rather he belied and turned away" [Al-Qiyaamah 75:31-32 Transliteration: Fala saddaqa wala salla (31) Walakin kaththaba watawalla (32) This transgressor will remain in his grave alone, there will be no one to sit with him and no one to keep him company. He will feel the heat of the fire, smell its foul odor, and be tortured therein. This man`s grave will squeeze in upon him so much so that the bones of his rib cage will cross each other. Despite all this punishment and all this torture and pain, he will hope that the hour will never be established. For this man knows that the hour is far worse and of he will be in greater loss on that Day. The man hears `As-Saakhah` from within his grave, and what is `As-Saakhah`? It is the second blowing of the trumpet. This is when all that is in the graves shall be raised and resurrected. So the criminal will cry: "Woe to us, who has woken us from our resting place?" It will be said: "This is what the Ever-Merciful promised and the messengers where truthful" [Yasin 36:52] Transliteration: Qaloo ya waylana man baAAathana min marqadina hatha ma waAAada alrrahmanu wasadaqa almursaloona The earth will be torn away from above him. This man will see the heavens being cleft asunder, the stars falling and being scattered, the oceans in their greatness bursting forth, burning, the graves will at that time bring forth their contents. Every person shall know what he has sent forth of good and bad deeds at that moment. [Al-Infitaar 82:1-5] Transliteration: Itha alssamao infatarat (1) Waitha alkawakibu intatharat (2) Waitha albiharu fujjirat (3) Waitha alqubooru buAAthirat (4) AAalimat nafsun ma qaddamat waakhkharat (5) Then he will be raised up and driven to the crowding place: `Al-Mahshar`. That day, the mother who is nursing her child will become careless of it, the mother who is carrying her child will drop her load. That day, mankind will appear as if they are drunk yet they are not drunk. Indeed the punishment of your Lord is great. [Al-Hajj 22:1-2] Transliteration: Ya ayyuha alnnasu ittaqoo rabbakum inna zalzalata alssaAAati shayon AAatheemun (1) Yawma tarawnaha tathhalu kullu murdiAAatin AAamma ardaAAat watadaAAu kullu thati hamlin hamlaha watara alnnasa sukara wama hum bisukara walakinna AAathaba Allahi shadeedun (2) The mother will come to her son and say: "Oh my son, my breast was a container for you, my womb was a container for you. Oh my son I seek from you a hasanah (merit) that I may approach Allah with. My son, do not be greedy towards me". In the world this son would have sacrificed his life, rather many lives for merely the happiness of his mother so how does he treat her now? He responds to her plea: "Get away from me! Leave me! Indeed I am in need of this merit more than you." "So when `As-Saakhah` comes. That day a man will flee from his brother, from his mother and his father, from his wife and his children. That day every man shall have enough to make him careless of others." [Al-Abasa 80:33-37] Faitha jaati alssakhkhatu (33) Yawma yafirru almaro min akheehi (34) Waommihi waabeehi (35) Wasahibatihi wabaneehi (36) Likulli imriin minhum yawmaithin shanun yughneehi (37) So mankind will wait in this crowding place for 50,000 years, after which Allah, The Most Perfect and The Most High, will come to judge them. So He will call the criminal and say to him, "Oh so and so, did I not give you of the cold water to drink? did I not give you a healthy body? Did I not give you many bounties? What have you done with all that which I bestowed upon you?" So the man replies, "I have done nothing my Lord." So he lies to his Lord on that day. Allah says: "Where are the witnesses!". So the Angels come and bear witness that this criminal did not pray in those moments of prayer, he drank, fornicated, lied, cursed and insulted. He turned away from belief and was proud and arrogant. So the criminal says to his Lord, "I do not acceptaccept a wintness except one from myself." His Lord replies to him, "And you have that?" "The day when we shall seal their mouths, their hands will speak to us and their legs will bear witness to that which they used to earn" [Yasin 36:65] Transliteration: Alyawma nakhtimu AAala afwahihim watukallimuna aydeehim watashhadu arjuluhum bima kanoo yaksiboona So he turns to his skin and says to it: it was only for you that I was arguing. "Nay, when the earth is shaken a true shaking and your Lord comes with the Angels in rows. That day the Fire will be brought near. That day man will remember but how will that remembrance avail him? He will say, `Woe to me! Would that I had put forth something for this life.` " [Al-Fajr 89:21-24] Transliteration: Kalla itha dukkati alardu dakkan dakkan (21) Wajaa rabbuka waalmalaku saffan saffan (22) Wajeea yawmaithin bijahannama yawmaithin yatathakkaru alinsanu waanna lahu alththikra (23) Yaqoolu ya laytanee qaddamtu lihayatee (24)

 

Ways to improve your relationship with QURAN? Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

Ways to improve your relationship with QURAN?

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O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as a thing (abandoned)” [al-Furqan 25: 30], Transliteration: Wa Qala Ar-Rasulu Ya Rabbi `Inna Qawmi Attakhadhu Hadha Al-Qur`ana Mahjuraan Are you one of those people who rarely touch the Qur’an? Or do you read daily, but don’t find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Qur’an. 1. Before you touch it, check your heart. The key to really benefiting from the Qur’an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah’s Book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it? Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was described by his wife as a “walking Qur’an”; in other words, he didn’t just read and recite the Qur’an, he lived it. 2. Do your Wudu (ablution). Doing your Wudu is good physical and mental preparation to remind you that you’re not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him. 3. Read at least 5 minutes every day. Too often, we think we should read Qur’an for at least one whole hour. If you aren’t in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allah (God willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become 10, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more! 4. Make sure you understand what you’ve read. Five minutes of reading the Qur’an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you’re reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur’an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you’ve read that day. 5. Remember, the Qur’an is more interactive than a CD. In an age of “interactive” CD-ROMs and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Qur’an is not like that. Remember that when you read the Qur’an, you are interacting with Allah. He is talking to you, so pay attention. 6. Don’t just read; listen too. There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur’an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your Walkman or your car’s CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur’an reading, not as a replacement for it. 7. Make Dua (supplication). Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur’an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.

 

Satan Hinders the Slave from Acting Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

Satan Hinders the Slave from Acting

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Dr. `Umar Al-Ashqar Chapter: From the Ways of Satan in Leading Humans Astray The World of the Jinn and Devils © 1998 al-Basheer Publications and Translations Concerning this point, Satan has many ways and means. It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: «During your sleep, Satan ties three knots at the back of your Decks. He breathes the following into them, `The night is long so keep on sleeping.` If the person wakes and praises Allah, then one of the knots is unfastened. And if he performs ablution, the second knot is unfastened. When he prays, all of the knots are unfastened. After that he will be energetic and happy in the morning. Otherwise he would get up listless and grouchy» It is also recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that He said: «When one of you rises from your sleep he should make ablution. He should rinse his nose three times; For Satan stays in the upper part of one`s nose during the night». Al-Bukhari also records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about a man who sleeps until the morning comes, that is, after the time of the dawn prayer. He said: «That is a man whom Satan has urinated into his two ears.» «??? ??? ??? ??????? ?? ?????» What we have mentioned is from among the ways that Satan hinders the human from doing some actions. He also whispers into the human a love for laziness, postponing or procrastinating actions and thinking about what a long period of time one has for such and such action or work. Ibn al-Jauzi has written on this topic, stating: How many of the Jews or Christians have considered in their hearts love for Islam. But Iblees always hinders them. He says to them, "Do not be hasty. Look closer into the matter." And they postpone their conversion until they die as unbelievers. In the same way the one who is disobedient to Allah postpones his repentance. He sets his sights on his desires and he hopes he will repent later. But, as the poet said, "Do not rush to perform the sins you desire and think about the period of repentance beforehand." How many are determined to do something and then they postpone it. Perhaps a scholar is determined to return to his study. Satan says, "Rest for a while." Or a servant is alerted to the prayer at night and he says to him, "You have plenty of time." He will not stop making people love laziness and postponing of actions and he makes the person rely on hopes and dreams. It is necessary for the energetic person to take matters into his own hand and act upon his energy. The energetic finds the time to do things and does not procrastinate and he turns away from just dreaming. The one who has a real fear of Allah does not feel safe of punishment. The soul never stops in its dispute about evil and facing the good. But it always expects that it will have plenty of time to complete the good. One of the early scholars said, "Beware of procrastinating. It is the greatest of the soldiers of Satan." The serious, non-procrastinating person and the one who rests on his hopes and puts off working are like two who are passing through a city while journeying. The serious, energetic one buys his provisions early and waits for his traveling out of the city. The procrastinator says, "I will wait, as perhaps we will stay here a month," and continues to put off buying his provisions and preparing for his departure, until the last minute wherein he becomes rushed and mistake prone. This is how people are in this world. Some of them are prepared and alert. When the angel of death comes, he is not sorrowful. Others are deceived by thinking they can procrastinate and they will despair when the time to move on comes. It is part of one’s nature to love laziness and dreams but then Iblees comes and builds upon that. This makes it difficult to struggle against him in that matter. But the one who is alert knows that he is in the middle of a battle. He knows that his enemy does not rest. And if it seems that he is resting, it is actually just part of his strategy (Ibn al-Jauzi, Talbees Iblees, p. 458

 

A Description of Hellfire (part 5 of 5) Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

A Description of Hellfire (part 5 of 5)

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The Horrors of Hell II The Fire of Hell will leap up to the hearts. The Fire will penetrate their super-sized bodies and reach the innermost depths: {No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crushers? It is the fire of God, (eternally) fueled, which mounts directed at the hearts.} [Quran 104:4-7] Transliteration: Kalla Layunbadhanna Fi Al-Hutamahi (4) Wa Ma `Adraka Ma Al-Hutamahu (5) Naru Allahi Al-Muqadahu (6) Allati Tattali`u `Al aacute; Al-`Af`idahi The Fire will split the entrails as mentioned by the Prophet: «A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown into the Fire. Then his entrails will be spilled out into the Fire and he will be forced to walk around and around like a donkey in a treadmill. The people of Hell will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so, what is wrong with you? Did you not enjoin us to do good and forbid us to do wrong?’ He will say, ‘I used to order you to do good, but I did not do it and I used to forbid you to do evil, but I used to do it myself.’ Then he will walk around and around like a donkey in a treadmill.» [1] God has described the chains, yokes, and fetters of Hell. They will be tied up with chains and dragged with yokes on their necks: {for the rejecters We have prepared iron chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire.} [Quran 76:4] Transliteration: `Inna `A`tadna Lilkafirina Salasilaan Wa `Aghlalaan Wa Sa`iraan {With Us are fetters (to bind them), and a Fire (to burn them), and a food that chokes, and a penalty grievous.} [Quran 73:12-13] Transliteration: `Inna Ladayna `Ankalaan Wa Jahimaan(12) Wa Ta`amaan Dha Ghussatin Wa `Adhabaan `Alimaan {We will put yokes on the necks of the unbelievers. It would only be requital for their evil deeds.} [Quran 34:33] Transliteration: Wa Ja`alna Al-`Aghlala Fi `A`naqi Al-Ladhina Kafaru Hal Yujzawna `Illa Ma Kanu Ya`maluna {when yokes will be put round their necks and the chains, they will be dragged along.} [Quran 40:71] Transliteration: `Idhi Al-`Aghlalu Fi `A`naqihim Wa As-Salasilu Yushabuna {(The stern command will say): seize him and bind him, and burn him in the blazing Fire, further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits.} [Quran 69:30-32] Transliteration: Khudhuhu Faghulluhu(30) Thumma Al-Jahima Salluhu(31) Thumma Fi Silsilatin Dhar`uha Sab`una Dhira`aan Faslukuhu The pagan gods and all other deities that were worshipped besides God who people thought will be their intercessors with God and bringing them closer to Him will be thrown into Hell with them. This will be to humiliate and demonstrate that these false gods have no power, {Indeed, you (disbelievers), and that which you worship other than God,[2] are but fuel for Hell. Verily, you will enter it. Had these (false deities) been (actual) gods, they would not have entered there, but all will eternally abide therein.} [Quran 21:98-99] Transliteration: `Innakum Wa Ma Ta`buduna Min Duni Allahi Hasabu Jahannama `Antum Laha Wa Ariduna(98) Law Kana Ha`uula` `Alihatan Ma Waraduha Wa Kullun Fiha Khaliduna When the unbeliever will see Hell, he will be filled with remorse, but it will not be of any benefit: {And they will feel regret when they see the punishment; and they will be judged in justice, and they will not be wronged.} [Quran 10:54] Transliteration: Wa `Asarru An-Nadamata Lamma Ra`aw Al-`Adhaba Wa Qudiya Baynahum Bil-Qisti Wa Hum La Yužlamuna & The unbeliever will pray for his death when they sense its heat, {And when they are thrown into a narrow place therein bound in chains, they will cry out thereupon for destruction. (They will be told), ‘Do not cry this Day for one destruction but cry for much destruction.’} [Quran 25:13-14] Transliteration: Wa `Idha `Ulqu Minha Makanaan Ðayyiqaan Muqarranina Da`aw Hunalika Thuburaan(13) La Tad`u Al-Yawma Thuburaan Wahidaan Wa Ad`u Thuburaan Kathiraan Their screams will get louder and they will call onto God hoping He will take them out of Hell: {And they will cry out therein, ‘Our Lord, remove us; we will do righteousness – other than what we were doing!’} [Quran 35:37] Transliteration: Wa Hum Yastarikhuna Fiha Rabbana `Akhrijna Na`mal Salihaan Ghayra Al-Ladhi Kunna Na`malu They will realize theirs sins and the error of stubborn disbelief: {And they will say, ‘If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.’ And they will admit their sin, so (it is) alienation for the companions of the Blaze.} [Quran 67:10-11] Transliteration: Wa Qalu Law Kunna Nasma`u `Aw Na`qilu Ma Kunna Fi `Ashabi As-Sa`iri (10)Fa`tarafu Bidhanbihim Fasuhqaan Li`shabi As-Sa`iri Their prayers will be rejected: {They will say, ‘Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were a people astray. Our Lord, remove us from it, and if we were to return (to evil), we would indeed be wrongdoers.’ He will say, ‘Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me.’} [Quran 23:106-108] Transliteration: Qalu Rabbana Ghalabat `Alayna Shiqwatuna Wa Kunna Qawmaan Ðallina (106)Rabbana `Akhrijna Minha Fa`in `Udna Fa`inna Žalimuna (107)Qala Akhsa`u Fiha Wa La Tukallimuni & After that, they will call the keepers of Hell asking them to intercede to God on their behalf for reduction in torment: {And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, ‘Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us a day from the punishment.’ They will say, ‘Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?’ They will say, ‘Yes.’ They will reply, ‘Then supplicate (yourselves), but the supplication of the disbelievers is not except in error.’} [Quran 40:49-50]

 

A Description of Hellfire (part 4 of 5) Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

A Description of Hellfire (part 4 of 5)

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The intensity of the fire of Hell will be such that people will be willing to give up their dearest possessions to escape it: {Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – never would the (whole) capacity of the earth in gold be accepted from one of them if he would (seek to) ransom himself with it. For those there will be a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.} [Quran 3:91] Transliteration: `Inna Al-Ladhina Kafaru Wa Matu Wa Hum Kuffarun Falan Yuqbala Min `Ahadihim Mil`u Al-`Ardi Dhahabaan Wa Law Aftad aacute; Bihi `Ula`ika Lahum `Adhabun `Alimun Wa Ma Lahum Min Nasirina The Prophet of Islam said: «One of the people of Hell who found most pleasure in the life of this world will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection and will be dipped into the Fire of Hell. Then he will be asked, ‘O son of Adam, have you ever seen anything good?’ Have you ever enjoyed any pleasure?’ He will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord.» [1] Few moments in Hell and the person will forget all the good times they had. The Prophet of Islam informs us: «On the Day of Resurrection, God will ask the one whose punishment in the Fire is lightest, ‘If you had whatsoever you wanted on earth, would you give it to save yourself?’ He will say, ‘Yes.’ God will say, ‘I wanted less than that from you when you were still in the loins of Adam, I asked you not to associate anything in worship with Me, but you insisted on associating others in worship with Me.’» [2] The horror and intensity of the Fire is enough to make a man lose his mind. He would be willing to give up everything he holds dear to saved from it, but he never will be. God says: {The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children, and his wife and his brother, and his nearest kindred who shelter him, and all – all that is on earth – so it could save him. No! Indeed, it is the Flame (of Hell), plucking out (his being) tight to the skull!} [Quran 70:11-16] Transliteration: Yawaddu Al-Mujrimu Law Yaftadi Min `Adhabi Yawmi`idhin Bibanihi (11) Wa Sahibatihi Wa `Akhihi(12) Wa Fasilatihi Allati Tu`uwyhi (13) Wa Man Fi Al-`Ardi Jami`aan Thumma Yunjihi(14) Kalla `Innaha Laža aacute;(16) Nazza`atan Lilshshawa aacute; The punishments of Hell will vary in degree. The torment of some levels of Hell will be greater than others. People will be put in a level according to their deeds. The Prophet of Islam said: «There are some whom the Fire will reach their ankles, others up to their knees, others up to their waists, and yet others up to their necks.» [3] He spoke of the lightest punishment in Hell: «The person who will receive the least punishment among the people of Hell on the Day Resurrection will be a man, a smoldering ember will be placed under the arch of his foot. His brains will boil because of it.» [4] This person will think no one else is being punished more severely than himself, even though he will be the one receiving the lightest punishment.[5] Many verses of the Quran speak of various levels of punishment for the people of Hell: {The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire.} [Quran 4:145] Transliteration: `Inna Al-Munafiqina Fi Ad-Darki Al-`Asfali Mina An-Nari {and on the Day that Judgment will be established (it will be said to the angels): Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest penalty!} [Quran 40:46] Transliteration: Wa Yawma Taqumu As-Sa`atu `Adkhilu `Ala Fir`awna `Ashadda Al-`Adhabi The Fire kindled by God will burn the skin of the people of Hell. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the site of sensation where the pain of burning is felt. God will replace the burnt skin with a new one to be burnt again, and this will keep on repeating: {Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses – We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, God is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.} [Quran 4:56] Transliteration: `Inna Al-Ladhina Kafaru Bi`ayatina Sawfa Nuslihim Naraan Kullama Nadijat Juluduhum Baddalnahum Juludaan Ghayraha Liyadhuqu Al-`Adhaba `Inna Allaha Kana `Azizaan Hakimaan Another punishment of Hell is melting. When super-heated water will be poured on their heads, it will melt away the internals: {…poured upon their heads will be scalding water by which is melted that within their bellies and (their) skins.} [Quran 22:19-20] Transliteration: ...Yusabbu Min Fawqi Ru`usihimu Al-Hamimu (19) Yusharu Bihi Ma Fi Butunihim Wa Al-Juludu Prophet Muhammad said: «Super-heated water will be poured onto their heads and will dissolve through it until it cuts up their innards, expelling them; until it comes out of their feet, and everything is melted. Then they will be restored as they were.» [6]

 

Benefits of believers’ trials Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

Benefits of believers’ trials

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Q: Why does Allaah burden the believers who do many acts of worship with sickness and other trials, when the sinners are enjoying all the good things in life? A: Praise be to Allaah. This question may be asked in two ways, either as an objection or as a quest for understanding. If it is asked as an objection, then it is an indication of the questioner’s ignorance. For the wisdom of Allaah is too great for our minds to comprehend. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the Rooh (the spirit). Say: The Rooh (the spirit) is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little” [al-Isra’ 17:85]. Transliteration: Wa Yas`alunaka `Ani Ar-Ruhi Quli Ar-Ruhu Min `Amri Rabbi Wa Ma `Utitum Mina Al-`Ilmi `Illa Qalilaan This spirit is something which is within us and is the very essence of our lives, but we do not know it and the philosophers and thinkers are unable to define and describe it. If we are unable to know anything about this spirit, which is the closest thing in creation to us, apart from that which has been described in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, then what do you think about other matters beyond that? Allaah is Most Wise, Most Great, Most Majestic and Most Powerful, and we must submit to His will and decree with full submission, because we are unable to comprehend the ultimate goals of His wisdom. On this basis, the answer to the question is that we should say: Allaah knows best and He is Most Wise, Most Powerful and Most Great. If the question is asked as a quest for understanding, then we would tell this questioner: the believer is subjected to tests and Allaah’s testing him by means of things that may harm or hurt him brings two great benefits. The first benefit is that Allaah tests this man with regard to his faith, to see whether his faith is sincere or shaky. The believer whose faith is sincere will patiently accept the will and decree of Allaah, and will seek reward from Him. In this case the matter becomes bearable for him. It was narrated that one of the female worshippers of Allaah suffered a cut or wound in her finger, but she did not complain about the pain or show any sign of distress. She was asked about that and she said: The sweetness of its reward makes me forget the bitterness of bearing it. The believer seeks reward from Allaah and submits to Him completely. This is one benefit. With regard to the second benefit, Allaah highly praises those who are patient and says that He is with them and that He will give them reward without measure. Patience is a high status which can only be attained by those who are tested with things that they bear patiently. If he bears them patiently, he attains this high status which brings great reward. So when Allaah tests the believers with things that hurt them, that is so that they may attain the status of those who are patient. Hence the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who was the greatest of all people in faith, piety and fear of Allaah, suffered twice the pain of an ordinary man when he fell sick, and he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) suffered greatly at the time of death, so that he might fully attain the status of one who is patient, for he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most patient of those who are patient. Hence the wisdom behind Allaah’s testing of the believer with such calamities becomes clear. With regard to His giving the sinners, evildoers, immoral people and kaafirs good health and plentiful provision, this is in order to let them get carried away (with their sin, and then punish them severely later on). It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the kaafir. They are given these good things so that they have their good things sooner, in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will get what they deserve of punishment. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): “You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel against Allaah’s Command (disobey Allaah)” [al-Ahqaaf 46:20]. Transliteration: Wa Yawma Yu`radu Al-Ladhina Kafaru `Alá An-Nari `Adh/habtum Tayyibatikum Fi Hayatikumu Ad-Dunya Wa Astamta`tum Biha Falyawma Tujzawna `Adhaba Al-Huni Bima Kuntum Tastakbiruna Fi Al-`Ardi Bighayri Al-Haqqi Wa Bima Kuntum Tafsuquna The point is that this world is for the kaafirs to get carried away in, then when they move to the Hereafter and leave the life of this world in which they found pleasure, they will encounter torment – we seek refuge with Allaah. The punishment will be so much harder for them because they will suffer greatly, and because at the same time they will have lost the delights and luxuries of this world which they loved so much. There is a third benefit which we may add to the first two, which the believer will get from sickness and problems, for the believer will move to a realm that is better than this world, for he will move from something that hurts him and causes him pain to something that will bring him happiness and joy. So his joy at the delight to which he has come will be multiplied, because he has attained joy, and the pain and difficulties that he was facing will have ceased.

 

The Braylwiyyah sect Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

The Braylwiyyah sect

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Q: What is the Braylwiyyah sect and what is their belief? A: Praise be to Allaah. The Braylwiyyah are a Soofee sect which was born in India at the time of the British rule there. It`s followers concern themselves in exceeding in their love and honour for the Prophets and the "saints" in general, and the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) specifically. It`s founder was a man by the name of Ahmad Ridhaa Khaan ibn Taqee `Alee Khaan who was born in 1272 A.H. (1851 C.E.) and called himself Abdul-Mustafaa (slave/servant of Mustafaa, i.e. Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)). He was born in the city of Braylee in the province of Uttar Pradesh and was a student of al-Mirza Ghulaam Qaadir Begg who was the older (blood) brother of Mirza Ghulaam Ahmad al-Qaadiyaanee (founder of the Qaadiyaaniyyah sect). He was of a slim build and known to be shrewd and clever, whilst also being ill-tempered and foul-mouthed. He used to suffer from chronic illnesses, and used to consistently complain of headaches and back pains. He visited Makkah and studied under some of the scholars there in 1295 A.H. (1874 C.E.). Amongst his "notable" books are: (Anbaa. al-Mustafaa) and (Khaalis al-I`tiqaad). From the beliefs of this sect is that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) has the ability/power to control the creation and all that occurs, and that the "saints" have the ability/power to influence the creation and all that occurs. And they have exceeded in their belief with respect to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) such that they have ascended him to a rank close to that of worshipping him. And they have exceeded in their belief with respect to the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) such that they believe he has knowledge of the unseen, and they deny that he was a human being, rather that he was the light (noor) of Allaah. And they also permit calling for assistance from the "saints" and the Prophets and other than them from the false beliefs.

 

Western Education vs. Muslim Children Islamic News Detail, Latest Muslim & Islamic News, Islam Online

 

 

Western Education vs. Muslim Children

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by Khadija Anderson "Understanding Islamic Education" is the title of a tape by Imam Hamza Yusuf that I have been listening to recently. Interestingly, just last week, an article came to me via the internet called "The Impact of Western Hegemony on Muslim Thought" by Prof. Yusuf Progler. First of all, I had to look up "hegemony" in the dictionary. According to the dictionary, it means, "predominance of one state over others". As I had hoped, the article was a link to understanding the differences between Islamic and Western Education. In both articles, the authors spoke about the contradiction of Western education and Islamic education, the effects of Western education on the Ummah in recent history, and most importantly, the effects on us and the next generation of Muslims, our children. In my family, this has recently become a predominent topic of study and conversation as my 3 1/2 year old daughter is rapidly becoming the human sponge that Allah Subhanahu wa ta `ala created children to be. The important thing about this phenomenon is the way that children learn from watching and imitating what is around them. I did not realize this fully until one day during Maghrib prayer she recited the Fatiha and two other surahs . Just like that. I was pretty surprised and upon coaxing, I found out that she also knew two more surahs and could call the Iqama. Subhana Allah ! The need for formal education for her in another year and a half has led me to investigate different avenues available to us; private Islamic school, homeschooling, or public school. In Prof. Yusuf Progler`s paper, he warns against Muslims participating in the Western educational system. He says that by using it, one adopts Western assumptions on the nature of existence. "Most Western practices of education have institutionalized (their) one version of what it means to be a human being...Muslims ought to re-evaluate their situation because the Western understanding of existence is quite different than the teachings of Islam. Islam has its own explanation..." Western colonizers of Muslim countries knew the importance of taking Islam out of the minds of Muslims, and achieved this by secularizing schools and teaching Islam only in an historic context at the end of the school day when the student`s concentration was at its lowest. Results of this can be seen in many immigrant Muslims in America. When someone suggested to an immigrant sister that she should not let her children watch so much TV, and instead, teach them about their deen, she said that only Allah made people Muslims and she prayed that Allah would make her children Muslims. She honestly didn`t understand the concept of educating her children about Islam. Another family has fought the battle of raising their children in an Islamic household and then sending them to local public schools. They seemed to be a good example of how the two opposite institutions could coexist. After many years of this apparently good mixture of two worlds, things began to fall apart. The peer pressure of participating in Western culture raises it`s ugly head during the teen years. A typical problem is teenage daughters refusing to wear hijab unless praying or attending Islamic functions. According to Imam Yusuf in "Understanding Islamic Education", Arabic has to be a foundation for Islamic education. Knowledge is obtained by first learning the tools of knowledge; language, reasoning and the ability to articulate. The Arabic language has been preserved since the time of the Qur`anic revelations. This allows one to perceive the meanings of the Quran as it was intended and revealed to the people of that time, which is crucial as the Qur`an is not interpreted through conjecture, but through knowledge. That is why The Prophet, may peace be upon him, said that whoever interprets the Qur`an from his own opinion is mistaken, even if he is correct. Also, traditional Islamic education teaches children to memorize the whole Qur`an between the ages of 7 and 9. This, Yusuf says, "...develops a memory in a child that will surpass others in any school system." From a purely academic point of view, "the idea is to empower a child with the ability to absorb information, as a good deal of learning is based on that ability." The next step after Arabic and Qur`an according to Imam Yusuf, is the study of Hadith, followed by fiqh. He then commented that at least one or two people in every family should dedicate themselves to this learning, or we will seriously decrease our knowledge in the future. We need to produce scholars to lead the future ummah. The Prophet, may peace be upon him, said that the two parents of a child who memorizes the whole Qur`an will be given crowns of light on Yauma Qiyauma. Why would we rather teach our children to be engineers or doctors? Imam Yusuf and Prof. Progler both quoted the following hadith in their works: The Prophet, upon whom be peace, walked into a mosque where there was a group of people surrounding a man. The Prophet inquired, "Who is that?" He was told, "That is a very learned man." The Prophet asked, "What is a learned man?" They told him, "He is the most learned man regarding Arab genealogies, past heroic episodes, the days of Jahiliyyah, and Arabic poetry." The Prophet said, "That is knowledge whose ignorance does not harm one nor is its possession of any benefit to one ." We know the history of the Islamic state since the time of the Prophet, may peace be upon him. We have had successes and failures. The Prophet, may peace be upon him, said that the believers are a mirror to each other. It is imperative that we look in the mirror of history and see that the successes were achieved through seeking Allah. To do this, we must ask ourselves some serious questions. What are we living this life for? What do we want to teach our children to live their lives for? To work for Microsoft, or to work for the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa t`ala ? Many warnings about this life are given by Allah throughout the Qur`an, as in surah 31:33; "...Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not decieved about Allah by the Deciever (i.e.,Satan)." This ayat appears again in surah 35:5. To ignore this would be to participate in the deception of our children. It is our responsibility as parents to give them the education they need in order to not be deluded by this worldly life. What this is ascribing us to is an ideal Islamic life. There are difficulties, but it is our responsibility to build ourselves and our children up to the Islamic excellence that Allah and His Messenger, may peace be upon him, have provided us with the guidance to achieve.