I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from
the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way
from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum.
From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no
money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that
you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be
bothered times."
"I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought. He didn't.
He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like
he could have enough money to even ride the bus.
After a few minutes he spoke.
"That's a very pretty car," he said.
He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond
beard keep more than his face warm. I said, "thanks," and continued wiping
off my car.
He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came.
As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he
needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the
inner voice.
"Do you need any help?" I asked.
He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget.
We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from
those of higher learning and accomplishments.
I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words
that shook me.
*"Don't we all?" he said. *
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the
street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun.
*Don't we all?
* I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed
help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but
enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words
still ring true.
No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you
need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are
with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.
Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you
may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give
them what they don't have.
A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a
respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe
the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was
more than that.
Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul
too comfortable in themselves.
Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said,
"go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."
Don't we all?*
The people who never ask but do need help are called "masaakeen" in the
Qur'an. The Qur'an has commanded us to 'recognize them by their signs' and
help them.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The Farewell Pilgrim and Khutba of Prophet Muhammad(SAWS)
The Pilgrimage
Early in 632 C.E. in the Hajj season, the Holy Prophet decided to proceed to
Makkah to perform the "Hajj". The pilgrimage was planned on a large scale,
Messengers were sent to all parts of Arabia calling upon the Muslims to
assemble at Madina for the purposes of the pilgrimage. In response to this
call, over one hundred thousand Muslims gathered at Madina to proceed to
Makkah to perform the Hajj.
The Caravan
After all arrangements had been completed, a caravan of over one hundred
thousand Muslims fired with their enthusiasm for Islam, started for Makkah
to visit the House of God and offer their submission to God. It was a
remarkable sight, like which the people of Arabia had not seen before. The
Holy Prophet rode at the head of the caravan. All his wives accompanied him.
Ali rode by his side. He was accompanied by Fatima,
Dhul Hulaifa
At Dhul Halaifa on the outskirts of Makkah, the Holy Prophet and all his
followers put on the Ihram - the pilgrim's garb. The Holy Prophet gave the
signal call "Labbayyak Allah hummah Labbayk" - "Here I am at your service O
Lord!" This was repeated by all the one-larch persons in the congregation.
The entire valley came to ring with the sound, the Muslims calling on their
Lord, submitting to Him, and placing themselves at His disposal.
Makkah and Mina
The party reached Makkah on the fourth of Zul Hajj after a journey of
nineteen days. After a stay of four days in Makkah, the pilgrims left for
Mina on the 5th of Zul Hajj, and passed the night there. The following day
the pilgrims proceeded to Arafat.
Farewell Address
After mid-day prayers on the 9th of Zul Hajj at Arafat, the Holy Prophet
delivered the historic "Hajj Khutba" which has come to be known as the
farewell address. After giving praise to God and thanking Him for the
bounties that he had conferred on the Muslims, and had crowned their efforts
in the cause of the Truth with success. the Holy Prophet said: "O People,
listen carefully to my words for I may not be among you next year, nor ever
address you again from this spot. O People, just as you regard this month as
sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as sacred. Return
the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one, so that no
one may hurt you. Usury is forbidden. Satan has despiated in leading you
astray in big things, so beware of his maneuvers in tempting you in small
things. Women have rights over you as you have rights over them. Be good to
them. You may soon have to appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So
beware. Do not go astray after I am gone. O People, no prophet will come
after me, and no new faith will be born. Worship your Allah. Say your
prayers. Keep fast during the month of Ramdhan. Give of your wealth in
charity. All Muslims, free or slaves have the same rights and the same
responsibilities. None is higher than the other unless he is higher in
virtue. Feed your slaves as you feed yourself. Do not oppress them. Do not
usurp their rights. All distinctions between the Arabs the non-Arabs, the
black and the white are abolished. All Muslims are brothers. Do good. Be
faithful to your trusts. Be kind to the orphans. Remember God. Know that
while man being mortal is bound to die, God being immortal will live for
ever." Having spoken these words, the Holy Prophet turned his face to the
Heaven and said: "Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed your message
to Your people. " Thereupon the people corroborated saying, "Yes, O Prophet
of Allah, you have done so, and done it magnificently. "
The Revelation
After the Holy Prophet had delivered the address, Allah revealed to him the
verses: "This Day have I perfected for you, your faith, and completed My
blessings upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as religion. " All other
prophets including Moses and Jesus Christ had to leave their unfulfilled
mission to their successors. The Holy Prophet of Islam alone had the unique
distinction of seeing the successful fruition of his mission during his
lifetime.
Reaction of the Companions
As the Companions including Ali heard these verses about the perfection of
the faith, they wept because they felt that the mission of the Holy Prophet
having been completed, He was apt to depart to meet his Lord.
After the farewell address, the party left Arafat in the evening and passed
the night at Muzdalifa. The following day they went to Mina, and sacrificed
the animals. The Holy Prophet sacrificed 63 animals, one for each year of
his life, and these were shared by Ali. The men then shaved their heads, and
the ceremony of the Hajj was completed. Thereafter the pilgrims left for
Madina. On the return journey while the Companions were happy that their
faith had been perfected, they were overwhelmed with grief at the thought
that such consummation implied that the Holy Prophet was soon to depart from
their midst.
Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, e-tabligue
Courtesy: Witness Pioneer
Early in 632 C.E. in the Hajj season, the Holy Prophet decided to proceed to
Makkah to perform the "Hajj". The pilgrimage was planned on a large scale,
Messengers were sent to all parts of Arabia calling upon the Muslims to
assemble at Madina for the purposes of the pilgrimage. In response to this
call, over one hundred thousand Muslims gathered at Madina to proceed to
Makkah to perform the Hajj.
The Caravan
After all arrangements had been completed, a caravan of over one hundred
thousand Muslims fired with their enthusiasm for Islam, started for Makkah
to visit the House of God and offer their submission to God. It was a
remarkable sight, like which the people of Arabia had not seen before. The
Holy Prophet rode at the head of the caravan. All his wives accompanied him.
Ali rode by his side. He was accompanied by Fatima,
Dhul Hulaifa
At Dhul Halaifa on the outskirts of Makkah, the Holy Prophet and all his
followers put on the Ihram - the pilgrim's garb. The Holy Prophet gave the
signal call "Labbayyak Allah hummah Labbayk" - "Here I am at your service O
Lord!" This was repeated by all the one-larch persons in the congregation.
The entire valley came to ring with the sound, the Muslims calling on their
Lord, submitting to Him, and placing themselves at His disposal.
Makkah and Mina
The party reached Makkah on the fourth of Zul Hajj after a journey of
nineteen days. After a stay of four days in Makkah, the pilgrims left for
Mina on the 5th of Zul Hajj, and passed the night there. The following day
the pilgrims proceeded to Arafat.
Farewell Address
After mid-day prayers on the 9th of Zul Hajj at Arafat, the Holy Prophet
delivered the historic "Hajj Khutba" which has come to be known as the
farewell address. After giving praise to God and thanking Him for the
bounties that he had conferred on the Muslims, and had crowned their efforts
in the cause of the Truth with success. the Holy Prophet said: "O People,
listen carefully to my words for I may not be among you next year, nor ever
address you again from this spot. O People, just as you regard this month as
sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as sacred. Return
the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one, so that no
one may hurt you. Usury is forbidden. Satan has despiated in leading you
astray in big things, so beware of his maneuvers in tempting you in small
things. Women have rights over you as you have rights over them. Be good to
them. You may soon have to appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So
beware. Do not go astray after I am gone. O People, no prophet will come
after me, and no new faith will be born. Worship your Allah. Say your
prayers. Keep fast during the month of Ramdhan. Give of your wealth in
charity. All Muslims, free or slaves have the same rights and the same
responsibilities. None is higher than the other unless he is higher in
virtue. Feed your slaves as you feed yourself. Do not oppress them. Do not
usurp their rights. All distinctions between the Arabs the non-Arabs, the
black and the white are abolished. All Muslims are brothers. Do good. Be
faithful to your trusts. Be kind to the orphans. Remember God. Know that
while man being mortal is bound to die, God being immortal will live for
ever." Having spoken these words, the Holy Prophet turned his face to the
Heaven and said: "Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed your message
to Your people. " Thereupon the people corroborated saying, "Yes, O Prophet
of Allah, you have done so, and done it magnificently. "
The Revelation
After the Holy Prophet had delivered the address, Allah revealed to him the
verses: "This Day have I perfected for you, your faith, and completed My
blessings upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as religion. " All other
prophets including Moses and Jesus Christ had to leave their unfulfilled
mission to their successors. The Holy Prophet of Islam alone had the unique
distinction of seeing the successful fruition of his mission during his
lifetime.
Reaction of the Companions
As the Companions including Ali heard these verses about the perfection of
the faith, they wept because they felt that the mission of the Holy Prophet
having been completed, He was apt to depart to meet his Lord.
After the farewell address, the party left Arafat in the evening and passed
the night at Muzdalifa. The following day they went to Mina, and sacrificed
the animals. The Holy Prophet sacrificed 63 animals, one for each year of
his life, and these were shared by Ali. The men then shaved their heads, and
the ceremony of the Hajj was completed. Thereafter the pilgrims left for
Madina. On the return journey while the Companions were happy that their
faith had been perfected, they were overwhelmed with grief at the thought
that such consummation implied that the Holy Prophet was soon to depart from
their midst.
Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, e-tabligue
Courtesy: Witness Pioneer
Setting out for Haj: Why right means matter
BY ABID ISHAQ
30 December 2005
BLESSED days of Zul Hijjah are here again. These generous days radiate the lunar calendar annually by directing us towards good behaviour and fulfilling our duties towards each other. These sacred days also encourage us towards a more positive relationship with our Creator so these days should find us involved in more worship, attaining taqwa (piety) and opposing sins. It is narrated from Companion Ibn Umar RA that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "There aren't any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah, the Most High, than these ten days (of Zul-Hijjah). So, increase in them the saying of Tahleel (La Ilaaha illa Allah), and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (al-Hamdu li-llah)" [Ahmad]
The preparation for Haj is an important matter that we discussed in the last article as well. This preparation helps in performing the pilgrimage in the prescribed manner and ensuring that one's Haj is accepted. Emphasising on this preparation, the following points need careful consideration by pilgrims:
1. Examining and rectifying one's relationship with Allah, The Most High, by sincerely repenting and fulfilling the well-known conditions of repentance. This condition is accompanied by the intention to perform Haj as a tool for rectifying one's sinful past and continuing after the pilgrimage on a positive note.
2. Seeking His help and guidance by recognising that none other than Allah can help the pilgrim fulfil this obligation. By fearing Him and hoping in His reward, the pilgrim automatically starts to rely on Allah instead of relying solely on his material means.
3. Relieving oneself of one's obligations towards others, one's trusts and debts. It is not right for a pilgrim to leave behind dependants without resources and basic requirements. Furthermore, this also helps us to fulfil our financial duties towards others by repaying debts and trusts.
4. Now here is something we do not think much of; writing of one's will. Since travel exposes one to various dangers, Islamic teachings encourage us to write a will. Many pilgrims are martyred while observing the rites of Haj.
5. Taking a convenient journey and good, halal (legal or ethically sanctioned) provision. For provision obtained through haram (forbidden) is from matters that cause one's worship not to be accepted. "When a person leaves for Haj with good provision, places his foot in the stirrup (of his mount) and calls, "Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik" (Here I am at your service, O Allah! Here I am at your service), he is called from the heavens: "Labbaika wa Sadayk [may your call be replied and happiness be your reward], your sustenance is halal, your journey is halal, and your Haj is accepted." And when he leaves with corrupt provisions and places his foot in the stirrup (of his mount) and says, "Labbaik", he is called from the heavens, "La Labbaika wa la sadaik daik [may your call not be responded to and happiness not be your reward], your provision is haram, your sustenance is haram and your Haj is not accepted." [Tabarani]
Dear readers, today we live at a time when haram (illegal) earnings have become widespread. May Allah protect us from this calamity, as illegal income adulterates and voids good intentions and deeds. It is recommended for a servant to increase one's halal provisions according to his abilities, so that one does not depend on others and in order to show kindness to the weak (by giving money in charity).
The above points bring to light the need to self-evaluate and rectify our duties towards each other and the Creator. The words of the righteous signal a warning to all of us going for Haj or those intending to in the future. Not everyone who offers Haj will have his Haj accepted. As Companion Ibn Umar RA said to Mujahid RA: "How many pilgrims! (But) How few! Rather say, how many riders." [Musannaf Abdur Razzaq]
These blessed days should find us therefore prepared.
Source: Khaleej Times
30 December 2005
BLESSED days of Zul Hijjah are here again. These generous days radiate the lunar calendar annually by directing us towards good behaviour and fulfilling our duties towards each other. These sacred days also encourage us towards a more positive relationship with our Creator so these days should find us involved in more worship, attaining taqwa (piety) and opposing sins. It is narrated from Companion Ibn Umar RA that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "There aren't any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah, the Most High, than these ten days (of Zul-Hijjah). So, increase in them the saying of Tahleel (La Ilaaha illa Allah), and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (al-Hamdu li-llah)" [Ahmad]
The preparation for Haj is an important matter that we discussed in the last article as well. This preparation helps in performing the pilgrimage in the prescribed manner and ensuring that one's Haj is accepted. Emphasising on this preparation, the following points need careful consideration by pilgrims:
1. Examining and rectifying one's relationship with Allah, The Most High, by sincerely repenting and fulfilling the well-known conditions of repentance. This condition is accompanied by the intention to perform Haj as a tool for rectifying one's sinful past and continuing after the pilgrimage on a positive note.
2. Seeking His help and guidance by recognising that none other than Allah can help the pilgrim fulfil this obligation. By fearing Him and hoping in His reward, the pilgrim automatically starts to rely on Allah instead of relying solely on his material means.
3. Relieving oneself of one's obligations towards others, one's trusts and debts. It is not right for a pilgrim to leave behind dependants without resources and basic requirements. Furthermore, this also helps us to fulfil our financial duties towards others by repaying debts and trusts.
4. Now here is something we do not think much of; writing of one's will. Since travel exposes one to various dangers, Islamic teachings encourage us to write a will. Many pilgrims are martyred while observing the rites of Haj.
5. Taking a convenient journey and good, halal (legal or ethically sanctioned) provision. For provision obtained through haram (forbidden) is from matters that cause one's worship not to be accepted. "When a person leaves for Haj with good provision, places his foot in the stirrup (of his mount) and calls, "Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik" (Here I am at your service, O Allah! Here I am at your service), he is called from the heavens: "Labbaika wa Sadayk [may your call be replied and happiness be your reward], your sustenance is halal, your journey is halal, and your Haj is accepted." And when he leaves with corrupt provisions and places his foot in the stirrup (of his mount) and says, "Labbaik", he is called from the heavens, "La Labbaika wa la sadaik daik [may your call not be responded to and happiness not be your reward], your provision is haram, your sustenance is haram and your Haj is not accepted." [Tabarani]
Dear readers, today we live at a time when haram (illegal) earnings have become widespread. May Allah protect us from this calamity, as illegal income adulterates and voids good intentions and deeds. It is recommended for a servant to increase one's halal provisions according to his abilities, so that one does not depend on others and in order to show kindness to the weak (by giving money in charity).
The above points bring to light the need to self-evaluate and rectify our duties towards each other and the Creator. The words of the righteous signal a warning to all of us going for Haj or those intending to in the future. Not everyone who offers Haj will have his Haj accepted. As Companion Ibn Umar RA said to Mujahid RA: "How many pilgrims! (But) How few! Rather say, how many riders." [Musannaf Abdur Razzaq]
These blessed days should find us therefore prepared.
Source: Khaleej Times
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The Islamic Personality
Trustworthiness
by Ayub A. Hamid
Trustworthiness
This is the first and foremost quality a believer must have. Being trustworthy implies being honest, fair in dealings and punctual (both in terms of regularity and timeliness) as well as honouring trusts and keeping promises and commitments. In other words,
trustworthiness is the quality of honouring and fulfilling at any cost all commitments a person makes whether made formally or informally, verbally or in writing, and whether they are expressed or implied.
Also, they cover all sorts of material, moral, social, political, religious and legal obligations and commitments a person needs to observe and fulfill. When talking about trusts, it includes all forms of trusts entrusted to a person ranging from physical assets or possessions to confidential matters of others, to providing expert input on the important issues of the society. Similarly, promises include all serious commitment and covenants as well as any impression of agreement given by a person tacitly, implicitly, through quietness or by implication to a family member, subordinate, friend or colleague.
Being known for trustworthiness is such an important personality trait for a Muslim that it cannot be overemphasized. Before our Prophet (saw - may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) was even appointed as a messenger by Allaah, he was well known for these qualities. It had become one of his distinguishing characteristics/qualities so much so that he was called Al-Ameen (trustworthy) -- mentioning ‘the trustworthy’ was enough to identify our Prophet (saw). Thus, this quality was so important that Allaah chose it to be the outstanding feature of His Last Messenger (saw).
Allaah commands (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, Allaah does command you to render back your Trusts to whom they are due.” (An-Nisaa 4:58)
This verse is not only obligating us to honour, pay back and fulfill our trust, but also to ensure that they are given to whom they rightfully belong.
This quality is so important to Allaah that when listing in the Holy Qur-aan the qualities of the people who succeed in the eyes of Allaah and the people who are steadfast worshippers of Allaah, they have been mentioned as those:
“Who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants.” (Al-Mo’minoon 23:8 and Al-Ma’arij 70:32)
Similarly, one of the indications of people having Taqwa (piety)is that:
“They fulfill the promises they make.” (Al-Baqarah 2:177)
On fulfilling the promises and fairness in business, the Holy Qur-aan further instructs:
“Fulfill promises, because you will be held accountable for promises. Measure fully when you measure and weigh with a right balance (accurately). That is the most fitting and the best in the end.” (Banee-Israaeel 17:34-35)
For those who are not fair in their business practices, the Holy Qur-aan states:
“Cursed are the people who cheat in their business dealings – those who when receiving from others ensure full measure and weight, but when measuring or weighing to give, they cheat. Do not they realize they will be raised on a Big Day – the day the people will stand (to give their account) to the Lord of the universe?” (Al-Mutaffifeen 86:1-6)
In fact, prophet Shu’ayb (as - peace be upon him) was sent to reform a people who had adopted unfair business practices as their defacto way of operation. When they did not listen to Shu’ayb (as) and refused to mend their ways, they were destroyed by Allaah.
The criticality of a believer (Muslim) being trustworthy is well underscored by the report that there was hardly any address by the Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam that did not include the following admonition:
“The person who is not trustworthy is devoid of Eemaan (Islamic faith) and the one who does not keep promises is devoid of Deen (Islamic lifestyle).” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman)
In fact, as indicated by the following Ahaadeeth, he described the person who breaks promises and betrays trusts as a hypocrite:
“There are four traits which whoever possesses is a pure hypocrite; and whoever has any one of them has a trait of hypocrisy, until he gets rid of it: When entrusted, he embezzles (cheats); when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he reneges (breaks them); and, when he quarrels, he abuses (uses foul language).” (Abdullaah Ibn Umar in Bukhaaree and Muslim)
“A hypocrite is known by three traits: When he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he reneges; when he is entrusted, he cheats (embezzles).” Reported from Aboo Hurairah in Bukhaaree. The same hadeeth in Muslims mentions that he will be considered hypocrite: “even if he prays and fasts.” (Reported from Aboo Hurairah in Muslim)
From this you can see that a person cannot claim to be a Muslim without being trustworthy. The strong language suggesting that not honouring trusts and covenants is totally unacceptable to and completely at odds with Islamic faith continues in the following words of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam:
“There can be no faith without Amaanah (trustworthiness, honesty), no Salaah (Islamic prayer) without Tahaarah (ritual purity, cleanliness and wudhoo), and no Deen without Salaah. Salaah (prayer) has the same significance in Deen (religion) as head in human physique.” (Reported from Ibn Umar in Targheeb with reference to At-Tabaraani)
“A believer (Muslim) might have, being subject to the frailty of human nature, other bad traits but not dishonesty or lying.” (Reported by Ahmad and Baihiqi from Aboo Umaamah)
On the other hand, the believers who sincerely practice their faith, are given the good news like the following:
“If loving Allaah and His Messenger (saw) or being loved by Allaah and His Messenger (saw) pleases a person, then he must tell the truth whenever he speaks, give back the trust when entrusted, and behave superbly to his neighbours.” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Abee Quraad)
“You guarantee me consistent practice of six actions, I will guarantee you Jannah (Paradise): Be truthful when you speak, fulfill promises when you commit, pay up when you are entrusted, protect your private parts, lower your gaze (turn away from inappropriate sights), withhold your hands (from doing improper things).” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from ‘Ubaadah Ibn Saamit)
“A truthful and honest businessman will be in the company of prophets, their sincerest companions and martyrs.” (Aboo Saeed in At-Tirmidzee, Ad-Daramee, and Ad-Daru-qutnee)
For the person who is given confidential information for seeking advice, the Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said:
“A consultant is a trustee”. (Aboo Hurairah in At-Tirmidzee)
“If someone tells you something, looking all around while talking, it is a trust.” (Reported by At-Tirmidzee and Aboo Dawood from Jaabir Ibn Abdullah)
“Proceedings of meetings are trusts unless the discussion is about illegal killing, illegal sex, or misappropriation of someone’s assets.” (Reported by Aboo Dawood from Jaabir Ibn Abdullah)
Hence, confidentiality must be maintained for whatever you are taken into confidence, unless the subject matter is a criminal or unislamic activity.
Similarly, promises must be fulfilled as if settling a debt:
“Promise is a debt.” (Reported by At-Tabaraani from ‘Ali and ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood)
As Islam regards it critical for Muslims to keep their express as well as implied promises, so much so that a person who is not careful in this regard may jeopardize his faith, Allaah does not want practising Muslims to be put in unnecessary strait
either. Hence, Islam requires that people only have to go to a reasonable extent in fulfilling their promise:
“If a person promised to meet the other at a certain place and time, and one of them arrived but the other did not show up until the time of Salaah, the person who has been waiting can go to pray Salaah without incurring any sin.” (Reported by Razeen from Zaid Ibn Arqam, as quoted in Ma’ariful Hadeeth by Manzoor nu’maani)
Similarly, if a person has a sincere intention of fulfilling a promise but an emergency beyond one’s control precludes the person from doing so, the person will not be held accountable for such a promise. For example, a Muslim gives an indication to another to meet him but is so sick at the appointed time that he is not in a position to fulfill his obligation or gets into an accident that stops him from reaching their meeting place.
To provide for the situations that are completely out of a person’s control, Muslims have been suggested to append Inshaa Allaah when they make a promise. This is for three reasons: Firstly to underscore that our circumstances are not totally in our control but in Allaah’s control; secondly, to reassure each of the parties that each intends sincerely to fulfill the promise except for the possibility of something unforeseen happening beyond each party’s control because of Allaah’s will; and thirdly, it is an implied duaa requesting Allaah to help the parties by not letting anything happen that will hamper the fulfillment of their promise.
Unfortunately, like many other bad things that have happened to Muslims, people have been misusing ‘Inshaa Allaah’ for cheating. They say it when they have no intention of fulfilling the promise. That is outright cheating which is being carried out by invoking Allaah’s Name to give a false pretence of promising. These people will be in deep trouble when Allaah holds them accountable for two crimes: cheating and breaking promises.
May Allaah help us become trustworthy, par excellence.
Next - Part 2: Truthfulness
The Islamic Personality
Part 2
Truthfulness
by Ayub A. Hamid
Speaking the Truth
Truthfulness is very closely related to trustworthiness and can perhaps be regarded as its twin quality. Like trustworthiness, it was also the second distinguishing feature of our Prophet, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as he was called As-Saadiq (the truthful) for his immaculate truthfulness. Similar to trustworthiness, it is intertwined with Islamic faith (Eemaan). It is inconceivable that a believer (Muslim) will not be truthful, or that a liar can be a believer.
.
In terms of graveness and abomination, the Holy Qur-aan equates telling lies to worshiping idols. In Soorah Hajj, it says:
“Keep away from the filth of the idols and keep away from telling lies, dedicating yourselves purely and uprightly to Allaah, without equating anyone with him.” (Al-Hajj 22:30-31)
One day Allaah’s Messenger Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam stood up immediately after praying Salaatul-Fajr (the Morning prayer) and repeated three times, “False witness has been equated to idolatry”. The he recited the verse of the Qur-aan quoted above. (Reported from Khuraim Ibn Faatik in Sunani Aboo Dawood and Sunani Ibni Maajah)
Also, consider this:
The Messenger of Allaah was asked if a believer could be a coward or a miser. He indicated that it was possible. But when he was asked if a believer could be a liar. He replied, “No!” (Reported from Safwaan Ibn Sulaim by Maalik and Baihaqi)
Let us just remind ourselves of the following two Ahadeeth quoted last week while talking about trustworthiness:
“There are four traits which whoever possesses is a pure hypocrite; and whoever has any one of them, has a trait of hypocrisy until he gets rid of it: When entrusted, he embezzles (cheats); when speaks, he lies; when promises, he reneges (breaks them); and, when quarrels, he abuses (uses foul language).” (Abdullaah Ibn Umar in Bukhaaree and Muslim)
“A believer (Muslim) might have, being subject to the frailty of human nature, other bad traits but not dishonesty or lying.” (Reported by Ahmad and Baihiqi from Aboo Umaamah.)
Hence, the Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam admonished:
“You must adopt truthfulness because it leads to piety which leads to Jannah (paradise). When a person keeps telling the truth and adopts a life of truthfulness, he is written as a Siddique (the most truthful and dedicated to truth) in the records of Allaah . And you must stay away from lying because it leads to wickedness which leads to the Fire. When a person keeps lying and indulges in lies, he is included in the list of liars with Allaah SWT.” (Reported from ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood in Bukhaari and Muslim)
One day the Messenger of Allaah asked the companions three times, “Should I tell you what are the gravest sins?” Then he said, “Ascribing partners to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, disobeying the parents, bearing false witness and telling lies.” He sat up from his reclining position and kept repeating this sentence in a very serious emotional and stressful manner so much that he appeared to be overburdened by the terrible nature of these crimes.
“The gravest dishonesty is that you lie to your (Muslim) brother about something while he believes that you are telling the truth.” (Reported from Sufyaan Ibn Aseed Al-Hadhramiy in Aboo Dawood)
On the positive side, let us also re-read three Ahaadeeth from last week that give good news to the truthful people:
“If loving Allaah and His Messenger or being loved by Allaah and His Messenger pleases a person, then he must tell the truth whenever he speaks, give back the trust when entrusted, and behave superbly to his neighbours.” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Abee Quraad)
“You guarantee me consistent practice of six actions, I will guarantee you Jannah (Paradise): Be truthful when you speak, fulfill promises when you commit, pay up when you are entrusted, protect your private parts, lower your gaze (turn away from inappropriate sights), withhold your hands (from doing improper things).” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from ‘Ubaadah Ibn Saamit)
“A truthful and honest businessman will be in the company of prophets, their sincerest companions and martyrs.” (Aboo Saeed in At-Tirmidzee, Ad-Daramee, and Ad-Daru-qutnee)
Not only what we say must be the truth, but also it must be what is the most appropriate, fair, reasonable, to the point and beneficial. The Holy Qur-aan commands:
“O believers! Adopt Taqwa and say only the words that are sadeed (in keeping with the faith, befitting, right to the point).” (Al-Ahzaab 33:70)
A sincere believer, in addition to being extremely careful in avoiding falsehood in serious situations or major things, also watches what he says. He avoids saying anything that is not true even in minor situations, in speaking to little children, or in jest. He even avoids passing on rumours, hearsay or anything for which he himself does not have personal knowledge of its accuracy.
The Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said:
“It is enough of a lie for a person to tell others what he hears.” (Reported in Muslim from Aboo Hurairah)
‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Aamir stated that one day the Messenger of Allaah was sitting in our home and my mother called me, “Come here, I will give you something”. The Messenger asked, “What do you want to give him.” She said that she wanted to give him a date. He responded, “If you do not give him anything, it will be recorded against you as a lie.” (Aboo Dawood)
“Lying is not acceptable, whether seriously or jokingly. Not even in case when you promise to give your child something and then do not give.” (Reported in Al-Adabul Mufrad from ‘Abdullaah)
“Woe to him who tells lies to make people laugh. Woe to him. Woe to him.” (Bahz Bin Hakeem in At-Tirmidzi)
Giving a false impression is also a form of lie:
A woman asked the Messenger, “My husband has another wife. Will it be sinful if I dress and live well, making it appear as if all of that is being provided by my husband? He replied, “If one gives that impression for the things he does not give, then that person is like someone who dresses up in lies.” (Reported in Bukhaaree and Muslim and Mishkaah from Asmaa)
Often, when offered something, people pretend as if they do not need it, while in reality they do. That also is regarded as a lie:
When we brought one of the Prophet’s wives to him as a bride, he brought out a bowl of milk, drank some and then gave it to his wife. She declined saying, “I have no appetite.” He responded, “Do not add lie to your hunger.” (Reported by Tabarani from Asmaa bint ‘Umais)
However, there are some exceptions where withholding the truth, obfuscating and, in some situations, even misrepresentation does not make the person a liar. One such situation is during war. For example, if a Muslim is caught as a prisoner of war, he must not tell the true position and facts about the Muslim army that will be beneficial to the enemy. Rather, he should say things that will misguide the enemy or discourage it in order to shorten the war, to reduce the fatalities in the war or to help Muslims win. Another such situation is when reconciling two parties. The Messenger of Allaah said,
“He is not a liar who says some good things and conveys good comments to reconcile among the people.” (Reported from Ummi Kulthoom in Bukhaari and Muslim.)
by Ayub A. Hamid
Trustworthiness
This is the first and foremost quality a believer must have. Being trustworthy implies being honest, fair in dealings and punctual (both in terms of regularity and timeliness) as well as honouring trusts and keeping promises and commitments. In other words,
trustworthiness is the quality of honouring and fulfilling at any cost all commitments a person makes whether made formally or informally, verbally or in writing, and whether they are expressed or implied.
Also, they cover all sorts of material, moral, social, political, religious and legal obligations and commitments a person needs to observe and fulfill. When talking about trusts, it includes all forms of trusts entrusted to a person ranging from physical assets or possessions to confidential matters of others, to providing expert input on the important issues of the society. Similarly, promises include all serious commitment and covenants as well as any impression of agreement given by a person tacitly, implicitly, through quietness or by implication to a family member, subordinate, friend or colleague.
Being known for trustworthiness is such an important personality trait for a Muslim that it cannot be overemphasized. Before our Prophet (saw - may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) was even appointed as a messenger by Allaah, he was well known for these qualities. It had become one of his distinguishing characteristics/qualities so much so that he was called Al-Ameen (trustworthy) -- mentioning ‘the trustworthy’ was enough to identify our Prophet (saw). Thus, this quality was so important that Allaah chose it to be the outstanding feature of His Last Messenger (saw).
Allaah commands (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, Allaah does command you to render back your Trusts to whom they are due.” (An-Nisaa 4:58)
This verse is not only obligating us to honour, pay back and fulfill our trust, but also to ensure that they are given to whom they rightfully belong.
This quality is so important to Allaah that when listing in the Holy Qur-aan the qualities of the people who succeed in the eyes of Allaah and the people who are steadfast worshippers of Allaah, they have been mentioned as those:
“Who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants.” (Al-Mo’minoon 23:8 and Al-Ma’arij 70:32)
Similarly, one of the indications of people having Taqwa (piety)is that:
“They fulfill the promises they make.” (Al-Baqarah 2:177)
On fulfilling the promises and fairness in business, the Holy Qur-aan further instructs:
“Fulfill promises, because you will be held accountable for promises. Measure fully when you measure and weigh with a right balance (accurately). That is the most fitting and the best in the end.” (Banee-Israaeel 17:34-35)
For those who are not fair in their business practices, the Holy Qur-aan states:
“Cursed are the people who cheat in their business dealings – those who when receiving from others ensure full measure and weight, but when measuring or weighing to give, they cheat. Do not they realize they will be raised on a Big Day – the day the people will stand (to give their account) to the Lord of the universe?” (Al-Mutaffifeen 86:1-6)
In fact, prophet Shu’ayb (as - peace be upon him) was sent to reform a people who had adopted unfair business practices as their defacto way of operation. When they did not listen to Shu’ayb (as) and refused to mend their ways, they were destroyed by Allaah.
The criticality of a believer (Muslim) being trustworthy is well underscored by the report that there was hardly any address by the Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam that did not include the following admonition:
“The person who is not trustworthy is devoid of Eemaan (Islamic faith) and the one who does not keep promises is devoid of Deen (Islamic lifestyle).” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman)
In fact, as indicated by the following Ahaadeeth, he described the person who breaks promises and betrays trusts as a hypocrite:
“There are four traits which whoever possesses is a pure hypocrite; and whoever has any one of them has a trait of hypocrisy, until he gets rid of it: When entrusted, he embezzles (cheats); when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he reneges (breaks them); and, when he quarrels, he abuses (uses foul language).” (Abdullaah Ibn Umar in Bukhaaree and Muslim)
“A hypocrite is known by three traits: When he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he reneges; when he is entrusted, he cheats (embezzles).” Reported from Aboo Hurairah in Bukhaaree. The same hadeeth in Muslims mentions that he will be considered hypocrite: “even if he prays and fasts.” (Reported from Aboo Hurairah in Muslim)
From this you can see that a person cannot claim to be a Muslim without being trustworthy. The strong language suggesting that not honouring trusts and covenants is totally unacceptable to and completely at odds with Islamic faith continues in the following words of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam:
“There can be no faith without Amaanah (trustworthiness, honesty), no Salaah (Islamic prayer) without Tahaarah (ritual purity, cleanliness and wudhoo), and no Deen without Salaah. Salaah (prayer) has the same significance in Deen (religion) as head in human physique.” (Reported from Ibn Umar in Targheeb with reference to At-Tabaraani)
“A believer (Muslim) might have, being subject to the frailty of human nature, other bad traits but not dishonesty or lying.” (Reported by Ahmad and Baihiqi from Aboo Umaamah)
On the other hand, the believers who sincerely practice their faith, are given the good news like the following:
“If loving Allaah and His Messenger (saw) or being loved by Allaah and His Messenger (saw) pleases a person, then he must tell the truth whenever he speaks, give back the trust when entrusted, and behave superbly to his neighbours.” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Abee Quraad)
“You guarantee me consistent practice of six actions, I will guarantee you Jannah (Paradise): Be truthful when you speak, fulfill promises when you commit, pay up when you are entrusted, protect your private parts, lower your gaze (turn away from inappropriate sights), withhold your hands (from doing improper things).” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from ‘Ubaadah Ibn Saamit)
“A truthful and honest businessman will be in the company of prophets, their sincerest companions and martyrs.” (Aboo Saeed in At-Tirmidzee, Ad-Daramee, and Ad-Daru-qutnee)
For the person who is given confidential information for seeking advice, the Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said:
“A consultant is a trustee”. (Aboo Hurairah in At-Tirmidzee)
“If someone tells you something, looking all around while talking, it is a trust.” (Reported by At-Tirmidzee and Aboo Dawood from Jaabir Ibn Abdullah)
“Proceedings of meetings are trusts unless the discussion is about illegal killing, illegal sex, or misappropriation of someone’s assets.” (Reported by Aboo Dawood from Jaabir Ibn Abdullah)
Hence, confidentiality must be maintained for whatever you are taken into confidence, unless the subject matter is a criminal or unislamic activity.
Similarly, promises must be fulfilled as if settling a debt:
“Promise is a debt.” (Reported by At-Tabaraani from ‘Ali and ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood)
As Islam regards it critical for Muslims to keep their express as well as implied promises, so much so that a person who is not careful in this regard may jeopardize his faith, Allaah does not want practising Muslims to be put in unnecessary strait
either. Hence, Islam requires that people only have to go to a reasonable extent in fulfilling their promise:
“If a person promised to meet the other at a certain place and time, and one of them arrived but the other did not show up until the time of Salaah, the person who has been waiting can go to pray Salaah without incurring any sin.” (Reported by Razeen from Zaid Ibn Arqam, as quoted in Ma’ariful Hadeeth by Manzoor nu’maani)
Similarly, if a person has a sincere intention of fulfilling a promise but an emergency beyond one’s control precludes the person from doing so, the person will not be held accountable for such a promise. For example, a Muslim gives an indication to another to meet him but is so sick at the appointed time that he is not in a position to fulfill his obligation or gets into an accident that stops him from reaching their meeting place.
To provide for the situations that are completely out of a person’s control, Muslims have been suggested to append Inshaa Allaah when they make a promise. This is for three reasons: Firstly to underscore that our circumstances are not totally in our control but in Allaah’s control; secondly, to reassure each of the parties that each intends sincerely to fulfill the promise except for the possibility of something unforeseen happening beyond each party’s control because of Allaah’s will; and thirdly, it is an implied duaa requesting Allaah to help the parties by not letting anything happen that will hamper the fulfillment of their promise.
Unfortunately, like many other bad things that have happened to Muslims, people have been misusing ‘Inshaa Allaah’ for cheating. They say it when they have no intention of fulfilling the promise. That is outright cheating which is being carried out by invoking Allaah’s Name to give a false pretence of promising. These people will be in deep trouble when Allaah holds them accountable for two crimes: cheating and breaking promises.
May Allaah help us become trustworthy, par excellence.
Next - Part 2: Truthfulness
The Islamic Personality
Part 2
Truthfulness
by Ayub A. Hamid
Speaking the Truth
Truthfulness is very closely related to trustworthiness and can perhaps be regarded as its twin quality. Like trustworthiness, it was also the second distinguishing feature of our Prophet, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as he was called As-Saadiq (the truthful) for his immaculate truthfulness. Similar to trustworthiness, it is intertwined with Islamic faith (Eemaan). It is inconceivable that a believer (Muslim) will not be truthful, or that a liar can be a believer.
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In terms of graveness and abomination, the Holy Qur-aan equates telling lies to worshiping idols. In Soorah Hajj, it says:
“Keep away from the filth of the idols and keep away from telling lies, dedicating yourselves purely and uprightly to Allaah, without equating anyone with him.” (Al-Hajj 22:30-31)
One day Allaah’s Messenger Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam stood up immediately after praying Salaatul-Fajr (the Morning prayer) and repeated three times, “False witness has been equated to idolatry”. The he recited the verse of the Qur-aan quoted above. (Reported from Khuraim Ibn Faatik in Sunani Aboo Dawood and Sunani Ibni Maajah)
Also, consider this:
The Messenger of Allaah was asked if a believer could be a coward or a miser. He indicated that it was possible. But when he was asked if a believer could be a liar. He replied, “No!” (Reported from Safwaan Ibn Sulaim by Maalik and Baihaqi)
Let us just remind ourselves of the following two Ahadeeth quoted last week while talking about trustworthiness:
“There are four traits which whoever possesses is a pure hypocrite; and whoever has any one of them, has a trait of hypocrisy until he gets rid of it: When entrusted, he embezzles (cheats); when speaks, he lies; when promises, he reneges (breaks them); and, when quarrels, he abuses (uses foul language).” (Abdullaah Ibn Umar in Bukhaaree and Muslim)
“A believer (Muslim) might have, being subject to the frailty of human nature, other bad traits but not dishonesty or lying.” (Reported by Ahmad and Baihiqi from Aboo Umaamah.)
Hence, the Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam admonished:
“You must adopt truthfulness because it leads to piety which leads to Jannah (paradise). When a person keeps telling the truth and adopts a life of truthfulness, he is written as a Siddique (the most truthful and dedicated to truth) in the records of Allaah . And you must stay away from lying because it leads to wickedness which leads to the Fire. When a person keeps lying and indulges in lies, he is included in the list of liars with Allaah SWT.” (Reported from ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood in Bukhaari and Muslim)
One day the Messenger of Allaah asked the companions three times, “Should I tell you what are the gravest sins?” Then he said, “Ascribing partners to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, disobeying the parents, bearing false witness and telling lies.” He sat up from his reclining position and kept repeating this sentence in a very serious emotional and stressful manner so much that he appeared to be overburdened by the terrible nature of these crimes.
“The gravest dishonesty is that you lie to your (Muslim) brother about something while he believes that you are telling the truth.” (Reported from Sufyaan Ibn Aseed Al-Hadhramiy in Aboo Dawood)
On the positive side, let us also re-read three Ahaadeeth from last week that give good news to the truthful people:
“If loving Allaah and His Messenger or being loved by Allaah and His Messenger pleases a person, then he must tell the truth whenever he speaks, give back the trust when entrusted, and behave superbly to his neighbours.” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Abee Quraad)
“You guarantee me consistent practice of six actions, I will guarantee you Jannah (Paradise): Be truthful when you speak, fulfill promises when you commit, pay up when you are entrusted, protect your private parts, lower your gaze (turn away from inappropriate sights), withhold your hands (from doing improper things).” (Reported by Baihiqi in Shu’abul-eeman from ‘Ubaadah Ibn Saamit)
“A truthful and honest businessman will be in the company of prophets, their sincerest companions and martyrs.” (Aboo Saeed in At-Tirmidzee, Ad-Daramee, and Ad-Daru-qutnee)
Not only what we say must be the truth, but also it must be what is the most appropriate, fair, reasonable, to the point and beneficial. The Holy Qur-aan commands:
“O believers! Adopt Taqwa and say only the words that are sadeed (in keeping with the faith, befitting, right to the point).” (Al-Ahzaab 33:70)
A sincere believer, in addition to being extremely careful in avoiding falsehood in serious situations or major things, also watches what he says. He avoids saying anything that is not true even in minor situations, in speaking to little children, or in jest. He even avoids passing on rumours, hearsay or anything for which he himself does not have personal knowledge of its accuracy.
The Messenger of Allaah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said:
“It is enough of a lie for a person to tell others what he hears.” (Reported in Muslim from Aboo Hurairah)
‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Aamir stated that one day the Messenger of Allaah was sitting in our home and my mother called me, “Come here, I will give you something”. The Messenger asked, “What do you want to give him.” She said that she wanted to give him a date. He responded, “If you do not give him anything, it will be recorded against you as a lie.” (Aboo Dawood)
“Lying is not acceptable, whether seriously or jokingly. Not even in case when you promise to give your child something and then do not give.” (Reported in Al-Adabul Mufrad from ‘Abdullaah)
“Woe to him who tells lies to make people laugh. Woe to him. Woe to him.” (Bahz Bin Hakeem in At-Tirmidzi)
Giving a false impression is also a form of lie:
A woman asked the Messenger, “My husband has another wife. Will it be sinful if I dress and live well, making it appear as if all of that is being provided by my husband? He replied, “If one gives that impression for the things he does not give, then that person is like someone who dresses up in lies.” (Reported in Bukhaaree and Muslim and Mishkaah from Asmaa)
Often, when offered something, people pretend as if they do not need it, while in reality they do. That also is regarded as a lie:
When we brought one of the Prophet’s wives to him as a bride, he brought out a bowl of milk, drank some and then gave it to his wife. She declined saying, “I have no appetite.” He responded, “Do not add lie to your hunger.” (Reported by Tabarani from Asmaa bint ‘Umais)
However, there are some exceptions where withholding the truth, obfuscating and, in some situations, even misrepresentation does not make the person a liar. One such situation is during war. For example, if a Muslim is caught as a prisoner of war, he must not tell the true position and facts about the Muslim army that will be beneficial to the enemy. Rather, he should say things that will misguide the enemy or discourage it in order to shorten the war, to reduce the fatalities in the war or to help Muslims win. Another such situation is when reconciling two parties. The Messenger of Allaah said,
“He is not a liar who says some good things and conveys good comments to reconcile among the people.” (Reported from Ummi Kulthoom in Bukhaari and Muslim.)
21 Beautiful One-liners
1. Give Allah what's right -- not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- Allah's way leads to an endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. He who kneels before Allah can stand before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma -- but never let him be the full stop.
6. Don't put a question mark where Allah puts a full stop.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the mosque for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give Allah instructions -- just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to the mosque.
10. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.
11. The mosque is prayer-conditioned.
12. When Allah ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING: Exposure to the Allah may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people want to serve Allah, but only in an advisory position.
16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Koran.
17. Exercise daily -- walk with Allah.
18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- Allah's way leads to an endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. He who kneels before Allah can stand before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma -- but never let him be the full stop.
6. Don't put a question mark where Allah puts a full stop.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the mosque for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give Allah instructions -- just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to the mosque.
10. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.
11. The mosque is prayer-conditioned.
12. When Allah ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING: Exposure to the Allah may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people want to serve Allah, but only in an advisory position.
16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Koran.
17. Exercise daily -- walk with Allah.
18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
The cutter-off of all pleasures
Abu Said al-Khudri RadiAllahu Anhu (may aAllah be pleased with him) said that the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to the mosque for prayers where he saw people laughing in an excessively carefree manner. The Greatest Teacher, the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam said, "If you were to remember death, the cutter-off of all pleasures, it would distract you from such frivolous laughter. So, keep death in remembrance." (Jami-Tirmizi, Ma'ariful Hadis)
Anas RaDiAllahu Anhu related that the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam was with a young man as he was dying. The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam asked, "How do you find yourself at this very moment?" "O Rasulullah (Messenger of Allah)! I am in such a state of mind that I am hopeful of Allah's Mercy, but at the same time I am so apprehensive and fearful of punishment and torture for my sins." The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam said, "Be sure, when one has both feelings, hope and fear, within his heart at the moment of death, then Allah will certainly bestow upon him what he is expecting from His Infinite Bounty and will keep him safe and secure from the punishment that he dreads so much." (Jame Tirmizi, Ma'ariful Hadis)
Anas RaDiAllahu Anhu related that the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam was with a young man as he was dying. The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam asked, "How do you find yourself at this very moment?" "O Rasulullah (Messenger of Allah)! I am in such a state of mind that I am hopeful of Allah's Mercy, but at the same time I am so apprehensive and fearful of punishment and torture for my sins." The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasalam said, "Be sure, when one has both feelings, hope and fear, within his heart at the moment of death, then Allah will certainly bestow upon him what he is expecting from His Infinite Bounty and will keep him safe and secure from the punishment that he dreads so much." (Jame Tirmizi, Ma'ariful Hadis)
5 Things You Can Do For Yourself in 2006
5 Things You Can Do For Yourself in 2006
By Abdul Malik Mujahid
Free people control their time and money. Slaves control neither. So let's take charge of ourselves through planning for ourselves now so there is a purpose to our lives beyond the mundane routines of earning and consuming.
None of us know how long we have to live. That's why we have to make sure we use what is left to contribute to the betterment of this life as well as to ensure that with God's mercy, our deeds will help us secure an excellent standing in the everlasting life.
God wants us to live a thoughtful life of hope, working for the future of this world and the hereafter.
"O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah. And let every soul look to that which it sendeth on before for the morrow. And observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do" (Quran 59:18).
Below are some ideas that can help jump-start your own thinking and planning process to yourself and others in the next 12 months.
1. Increase your time for yourself
Our prayers are not only an expression of our desires but also of our goals. The Most common Dua Muslims make is
Rabbana atina fiddunya hasanatan wa fil akhirate hasanatan wa qina azaban nar. (Quran 2:201)
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire.
Considering that we are asking God for the best of both worlds we must plan for this as well.
Questions to ask yourself:
Did I plan for the last year?
Have I learned anything new in skills and knowledge since last year?
Am I making more money than last year?
Am I satisfied with my life and contribution to society?
Do I have more friends today?
Am I a better Muslim today than last year?
Are my deeds leading me on the right path to Jannah?
Things to incorporate into your plan:
Learn communication skills. One of the major crises of Islam in America is the inability of our community to effectively convey our faith and our perspective on issues. Learning how to speak and write well is critical to fulfilling this need. Becoming a better communicator is an excellent way to serve Allah and the community. On an individual level, the person who can communicate effectively not only makes more money, but also has better relations with bosses and co-workers, as well as other important players in our society.
Learn leadership skills. This includes learning how to manage our time as well as managerial skills. Muslims, whether it's in our personal lives, mosques and Islamic centers or in our youth groups, are in dire need of these skills. The need to lead our communities so that we become better contributors to society and can better defend our rights has never been so important.
Strengthen Your Family: Muslim marriages are at risk. Today, about 34 percent of Muslim marriages in North America end in divorce. So if you're thinking of getting married, learn marriage skills from the many books and resources available. If you're already married, sit down with your spouse today and honestly discuss the state of your marriage as well as how it can be improved.
Develop contingency plans. During Hurricane Katrina, I went to a Red Cross site where the need to be prepared for any disaster became very clear. The same was reflected in the Asian Tsunami crisis and the recent earthquake in Kashmir. Prepare yourself and your family for all kinds of emergencies, whether natural disasters or hateful attacks.
Develop a reading list for 2006. Pick an area in which you want to volunteer time for.
You don't have to take courses to develop these critical skills, although it will be a good idea if you can incorporate it into your educational plans. You can also read books, listen to CDs and tapes on these topics in the car on your way to work, watch videos, etc. Find out if your Masjid can organize a half-day seminar on these topics.
Dua: Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (Quran 2:201)
2. Connect with your neighbors
Like us, our neighbors spend more time with the television than with other people. TV exaggerates. TV distorts. TV preaches bad news about you, which fuels Islamophobia.
Over half of Americans would like to see Muslims' civil liberties curtailed. This is just one statistical reference of the kind of challenges we face. As a result, about 75 percent of Muslim Americans surveyed by Zogby International say they have been discriminated against or know someone who has been.
But when neighbors meet each other, they see each other's humanity. Remember that it was many neighbors of good conscience who stood with Muslims after 9/11.
What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbors? Consider this Hadith: Prophet Muhammad. peace and blessings be upon him. once said, "Jibreel kept recommending treating neighbors with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance" (Bukhari and Muslim).
Questions to ask yourself:
How much time do I give to relating to my neighbors?
Does my neighbor feel comfortable enough towards me to ask about my faith?
Have I invited neighbors to my home lately?
Ask yourself if you participate in the happiness of your neighbors.
Do your neighbors know you are Muslim?
When was the last time you read the Prophet's sayings about neighbors?
Is your relationship with your neighbors reflected in your budget?
When was the last time your Masjid had an open house for neighbors?
What to incorporate into your plan:
Throw a block party.
Organize a neighborhood watch program
Take part in local elections
Send special dishes to your neighbors with a recipe and ingredient list
Make your lawn and garden a joy for neighbors to watch
Customize with your name and distribute the Muslim neighbor pamphlet
Invite neighbors to family occasions planned for this year
Offer to take your neighbors through a guided tour of your Masjid
Dua: Oh Allah! Open our hearts towards our neighbors and open their hearts towards us.
3. Work to save America America is at risk today. Not just by terrorism but by the war on terrorism as well. Our ideals, our liberties, and our constitution need a new civil rights movement.
People like Senator John McCain have shown how important it is to stand up for basic human rights by speaking out candidly against America's use of torture in the war on terror. Tens of lawyers have volunteered to file charges to get due process of law for prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Americans have expressed outrage over the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison last year. This is the beauty of America: free speech and the right to criticize government and oppose its wars.
America is not just important for Americans. America, as a world leader and the host of the UN, the World Bank, and the IMF, is important for all of humanity.
America is our home. Over 50 percent of American Muslims were born here. Others have chosen this country by voting with their feet by immigrating here.
In the current situation, of illegal monitoring of the Muslim community by agencies like the NSA and the FBI, as well as other civil rights violations against us, it is not only us who are being harmed. American ideals are at stake as well. America needs help in balancing its need for security while maintaining its commitment to liberty.
Questions to ask yourself:
Am I a better citizen today than I was last year?
Am I a better bridge-builder than I was last year?
Have I volunteered for America?
Have I taken a stand for justice?
Have I related to Americans of other backgrounds and faiths?
What to incorporate into your plan:
Resist the dehumanization of America. This is what warmongers do. Since we know that dehumanization of Muslims is resulting in criminal behavior, we should be the first ones to stand up fighting when articles, emails and some leaders dehumanize America and our neighbors
Study and communicate with an American think-tank
Buy airtime to broadcast the daily Muslim talk radio show that Radio Islam has started in Chicago, during which neighbors talk to each other
Develop a personal relationship with an opinion maker
Join a civil rights organization
Volunteer for a human rights organization
Join an organization that encourages discussion on foreign relations like the Council on Foreign Relations.
Subscribe to magazines and journals about American foreign policy
Run for public office
Volunteer for a candidate of your choice in the mid-term elections of 2006
Join an interfaith labor or peace network
Work on bringing Muslims together at the city level. Ask the Muslim leadership if Muslims have a common agenda and why we are not working with each other.
Dua: Oh Allah! Help us become better citizens. Help us make America a better citizen of the global village. Keep us and our neighbors safe and liberate us from the fear of unknown. Help us deal with our enemy justly.
4. Increase your time for Islam Jannah isn't free. We must work for it while making Dua for Allah's Mercy to enter this beautiful place of eternal rest and tranquility. The time to work is now. Not tomorrow. Not the Next Life. This beautiful Guidance from God is subject to a lot of ridicule in today's America. This dehumanization of Islam and Muslims is hurting Muslims as well as America. Muslim Americans can be the bridge-builders who liberate the middle path from Islamophobia as well as the extremism of some Muslims.
Questions to ask yourself:
How much time have I volunteered for Islam? How does it compare with the time I spend watching TV?
Is my family a part of the Muslim community?
Are Muslims working together in my city?
What do I know about Islamophbia and other forms of prejudice in society?
Is my Masjid a part of any social, justice, peace, or interfaith coalition?
Is my faith connecting me to the cause of the poor and the oppressed?
Things to incorporate into your plan:
Take a vacation for Islam. Devote one or two weeks working for an Islamic cause of your choice.
Volunteer to organize an open house at your mosque.
Become an agent of Muslim unity. We can do a lot better for Islam and America if Muslim organizations can work together as a federation putting their resources to work for the common agenda.
Ask your Masjid leadership what they are doing for Muslim unity.
Meet, call, and write to Muslim leaders you know and ask what they are doing to bring Muslims together.
Start classes for interpersonal communication at your Masjid.
Volunteer in soup kitchens or homeless shelters run by other groups.
See what Islamic books and audio-visual material your library has available and what it can order.
Attend a local interfaith, labor or peace and justice network. Showing up sometimes is half of the work.
Duas: "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure" (Quran 3:8).
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him used to pray: "I seek refuge in You, O Allah, from knowledge that does not benefit and from a heart which does not fear".
5. Give sisters their space I know a number of Muslim sisters who are very conscientious Muslims and practice Islam thoroughly. However, they no longer go to the Masjid. Islam needs Muslim women and Muslims need sisters willing to devote their time and skills to our faith.
There are two major questions asked by non-Muslims about Islam. The first relates to violence and terrorism. The second is about women in Islam. Whenever a sister talks about these topics, her mere standing up and answering these questions wins half the battle.
We will always need good books, articles and literature about women in Islam. But we also need solid examples of Muslim sisters actively involved in healthy Muslim communities where their full participation helps our communities grow on the balanced path of the Prophet, peace be upon him.
Questions to ask:
Does the space for sisters in your Masjid resemble sisters' space in the Prophet's Mosque?
Do sisters have equal access to the Imam and the Masjid library?
Do mothers have a lounge available to them?
Are sisters a part of the leadership in the community?
Are women in your family able to spare time for Islam?
What can I do to facilitate sisters' participation in community life?
Am I consuming less and giving more?
Things to incorporate into your plan:
Learn how to run your family based on the Shura model
Develop a sisters' leadership caucus in your city. If sisters don't do this, it won't happen.
If the Masjid leadership is elected yearly, then issue an annual report card on the Masjid from a sisters' perspective.
Make sure your community newsletter/newspaper reflects sisters' aspirations. In my experience, sisters are generally better writers and designers. Get them involved.
If you're the only cook in the family, get everyone else involved in learning how to cook and take care of the home.
If you are not married, narrate or write down your worldview of marriage. Make sure the potential spouse you are considering knows about your views. Insist on both of you taking premarital classes.
Establish social service organizations in your communities. Sisters' leadership is emerging from this sector.
Talk to the Imam about giving woman-focused Khutbas.
Dua: Ya Allah! Help us understand that Islam is not just for men. Ya Allah help us reason with Muslim brothers and sisters who disagree with our position of giving proper space to women in Masjids. Ya Allah, help our community establish justice for all, men and women.
Conclusion: One of the most certain things about life is its uncertainty. In the last 12 months we have seen how natural disasters can eliminate life. But death can take us any time, regardless of the method.
We came into this world alone and we will leave it alone. Whatever we do, it is only for our benefit. In our graves what will count will not be how well off we were in this world. It will be our good deeds.
Your good deeds demand your time and your money. With your planning and budget, this world can be better while ensuring a good life in the Hereafter.
May He bless our plans and intentions.
Peace.
By Abdul Malik Mujahid
Free people control their time and money. Slaves control neither. So let's take charge of ourselves through planning for ourselves now so there is a purpose to our lives beyond the mundane routines of earning and consuming.
None of us know how long we have to live. That's why we have to make sure we use what is left to contribute to the betterment of this life as well as to ensure that with God's mercy, our deeds will help us secure an excellent standing in the everlasting life.
God wants us to live a thoughtful life of hope, working for the future of this world and the hereafter.
"O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah. And let every soul look to that which it sendeth on before for the morrow. And observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do" (Quran 59:18).
Below are some ideas that can help jump-start your own thinking and planning process to yourself and others in the next 12 months.
1. Increase your time for yourself
Our prayers are not only an expression of our desires but also of our goals. The Most common Dua Muslims make is
Rabbana atina fiddunya hasanatan wa fil akhirate hasanatan wa qina azaban nar. (Quran 2:201)
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire.
Considering that we are asking God for the best of both worlds we must plan for this as well.
Questions to ask yourself:
Did I plan for the last year?
Have I learned anything new in skills and knowledge since last year?
Am I making more money than last year?
Am I satisfied with my life and contribution to society?
Do I have more friends today?
Am I a better Muslim today than last year?
Are my deeds leading me on the right path to Jannah?
Things to incorporate into your plan:
Learn communication skills. One of the major crises of Islam in America is the inability of our community to effectively convey our faith and our perspective on issues. Learning how to speak and write well is critical to fulfilling this need. Becoming a better communicator is an excellent way to serve Allah and the community. On an individual level, the person who can communicate effectively not only makes more money, but also has better relations with bosses and co-workers, as well as other important players in our society.
Learn leadership skills. This includes learning how to manage our time as well as managerial skills. Muslims, whether it's in our personal lives, mosques and Islamic centers or in our youth groups, are in dire need of these skills. The need to lead our communities so that we become better contributors to society and can better defend our rights has never been so important.
Strengthen Your Family: Muslim marriages are at risk. Today, about 34 percent of Muslim marriages in North America end in divorce. So if you're thinking of getting married, learn marriage skills from the many books and resources available. If you're already married, sit down with your spouse today and honestly discuss the state of your marriage as well as how it can be improved.
Develop contingency plans. During Hurricane Katrina, I went to a Red Cross site where the need to be prepared for any disaster became very clear. The same was reflected in the Asian Tsunami crisis and the recent earthquake in Kashmir. Prepare yourself and your family for all kinds of emergencies, whether natural disasters or hateful attacks.
Develop a reading list for 2006. Pick an area in which you want to volunteer time for.
You don't have to take courses to develop these critical skills, although it will be a good idea if you can incorporate it into your educational plans. You can also read books, listen to CDs and tapes on these topics in the car on your way to work, watch videos, etc. Find out if your Masjid can organize a half-day seminar on these topics.
Dua: Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (Quran 2:201)
2. Connect with your neighbors
Like us, our neighbors spend more time with the television than with other people. TV exaggerates. TV distorts. TV preaches bad news about you, which fuels Islamophobia.
Over half of Americans would like to see Muslims' civil liberties curtailed. This is just one statistical reference of the kind of challenges we face. As a result, about 75 percent of Muslim Americans surveyed by Zogby International say they have been discriminated against or know someone who has been.
But when neighbors meet each other, they see each other's humanity. Remember that it was many neighbors of good conscience who stood with Muslims after 9/11.
What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbors? Consider this Hadith: Prophet Muhammad. peace and blessings be upon him. once said, "Jibreel kept recommending treating neighbors with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance" (Bukhari and Muslim).
Questions to ask yourself:
How much time do I give to relating to my neighbors?
Does my neighbor feel comfortable enough towards me to ask about my faith?
Have I invited neighbors to my home lately?
Ask yourself if you participate in the happiness of your neighbors.
Do your neighbors know you are Muslim?
When was the last time you read the Prophet's sayings about neighbors?
Is your relationship with your neighbors reflected in your budget?
When was the last time your Masjid had an open house for neighbors?
What to incorporate into your plan:
Throw a block party.
Organize a neighborhood watch program
Take part in local elections
Send special dishes to your neighbors with a recipe and ingredient list
Make your lawn and garden a joy for neighbors to watch
Customize with your name and distribute the Muslim neighbor pamphlet
Invite neighbors to family occasions planned for this year
Offer to take your neighbors through a guided tour of your Masjid
Dua: Oh Allah! Open our hearts towards our neighbors and open their hearts towards us.
3. Work to save America America is at risk today. Not just by terrorism but by the war on terrorism as well. Our ideals, our liberties, and our constitution need a new civil rights movement.
People like Senator John McCain have shown how important it is to stand up for basic human rights by speaking out candidly against America's use of torture in the war on terror. Tens of lawyers have volunteered to file charges to get due process of law for prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Americans have expressed outrage over the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison last year. This is the beauty of America: free speech and the right to criticize government and oppose its wars.
America is not just important for Americans. America, as a world leader and the host of the UN, the World Bank, and the IMF, is important for all of humanity.
America is our home. Over 50 percent of American Muslims were born here. Others have chosen this country by voting with their feet by immigrating here.
In the current situation, of illegal monitoring of the Muslim community by agencies like the NSA and the FBI, as well as other civil rights violations against us, it is not only us who are being harmed. American ideals are at stake as well. America needs help in balancing its need for security while maintaining its commitment to liberty.
Questions to ask yourself:
Am I a better citizen today than I was last year?
Am I a better bridge-builder than I was last year?
Have I volunteered for America?
Have I taken a stand for justice?
Have I related to Americans of other backgrounds and faiths?
What to incorporate into your plan:
Resist the dehumanization of America. This is what warmongers do. Since we know that dehumanization of Muslims is resulting in criminal behavior, we should be the first ones to stand up fighting when articles, emails and some leaders dehumanize America and our neighbors
Study and communicate with an American think-tank
Buy airtime to broadcast the daily Muslim talk radio show that Radio Islam has started in Chicago, during which neighbors talk to each other
Develop a personal relationship with an opinion maker
Join a civil rights organization
Volunteer for a human rights organization
Join an organization that encourages discussion on foreign relations like the Council on Foreign Relations.
Subscribe to magazines and journals about American foreign policy
Run for public office
Volunteer for a candidate of your choice in the mid-term elections of 2006
Join an interfaith labor or peace network
Work on bringing Muslims together at the city level. Ask the Muslim leadership if Muslims have a common agenda and why we are not working with each other.
Dua: Oh Allah! Help us become better citizens. Help us make America a better citizen of the global village. Keep us and our neighbors safe and liberate us from the fear of unknown. Help us deal with our enemy justly.
4. Increase your time for Islam Jannah isn't free. We must work for it while making Dua for Allah's Mercy to enter this beautiful place of eternal rest and tranquility. The time to work is now. Not tomorrow. Not the Next Life. This beautiful Guidance from God is subject to a lot of ridicule in today's America. This dehumanization of Islam and Muslims is hurting Muslims as well as America. Muslim Americans can be the bridge-builders who liberate the middle path from Islamophobia as well as the extremism of some Muslims.
Questions to ask yourself:
How much time have I volunteered for Islam? How does it compare with the time I spend watching TV?
Is my family a part of the Muslim community?
Are Muslims working together in my city?
What do I know about Islamophbia and other forms of prejudice in society?
Is my Masjid a part of any social, justice, peace, or interfaith coalition?
Is my faith connecting me to the cause of the poor and the oppressed?
Things to incorporate into your plan:
Take a vacation for Islam. Devote one or two weeks working for an Islamic cause of your choice.
Volunteer to organize an open house at your mosque.
Become an agent of Muslim unity. We can do a lot better for Islam and America if Muslim organizations can work together as a federation putting their resources to work for the common agenda.
Ask your Masjid leadership what they are doing for Muslim unity.
Meet, call, and write to Muslim leaders you know and ask what they are doing to bring Muslims together.
Start classes for interpersonal communication at your Masjid.
Volunteer in soup kitchens or homeless shelters run by other groups.
See what Islamic books and audio-visual material your library has available and what it can order.
Attend a local interfaith, labor or peace and justice network. Showing up sometimes is half of the work.
Duas: "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure" (Quran 3:8).
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him used to pray: "I seek refuge in You, O Allah, from knowledge that does not benefit and from a heart which does not fear".
5. Give sisters their space I know a number of Muslim sisters who are very conscientious Muslims and practice Islam thoroughly. However, they no longer go to the Masjid. Islam needs Muslim women and Muslims need sisters willing to devote their time and skills to our faith.
There are two major questions asked by non-Muslims about Islam. The first relates to violence and terrorism. The second is about women in Islam. Whenever a sister talks about these topics, her mere standing up and answering these questions wins half the battle.
We will always need good books, articles and literature about women in Islam. But we also need solid examples of Muslim sisters actively involved in healthy Muslim communities where their full participation helps our communities grow on the balanced path of the Prophet, peace be upon him.
Questions to ask:
Does the space for sisters in your Masjid resemble sisters' space in the Prophet's Mosque?
Do sisters have equal access to the Imam and the Masjid library?
Do mothers have a lounge available to them?
Are sisters a part of the leadership in the community?
Are women in your family able to spare time for Islam?
What can I do to facilitate sisters' participation in community life?
Am I consuming less and giving more?
Things to incorporate into your plan:
Learn how to run your family based on the Shura model
Develop a sisters' leadership caucus in your city. If sisters don't do this, it won't happen.
If the Masjid leadership is elected yearly, then issue an annual report card on the Masjid from a sisters' perspective.
Make sure your community newsletter/newspaper reflects sisters' aspirations. In my experience, sisters are generally better writers and designers. Get them involved.
If you're the only cook in the family, get everyone else involved in learning how to cook and take care of the home.
If you are not married, narrate or write down your worldview of marriage. Make sure the potential spouse you are considering knows about your views. Insist on both of you taking premarital classes.
Establish social service organizations in your communities. Sisters' leadership is emerging from this sector.
Talk to the Imam about giving woman-focused Khutbas.
Dua: Ya Allah! Help us understand that Islam is not just for men. Ya Allah help us reason with Muslim brothers and sisters who disagree with our position of giving proper space to women in Masjids. Ya Allah, help our community establish justice for all, men and women.
Conclusion: One of the most certain things about life is its uncertainty. In the last 12 months we have seen how natural disasters can eliminate life. But death can take us any time, regardless of the method.
We came into this world alone and we will leave it alone. Whatever we do, it is only for our benefit. In our graves what will count will not be how well off we were in this world. It will be our good deeds.
Your good deeds demand your time and your money. With your planning and budget, this world can be better while ensuring a good life in the Hereafter.
May He bless our plans and intentions.
Peace.
Monday, January 02, 2006
THE PRICE OF IMAAN- Find out how much it's worth.
THE PRICE OF IMAAN
Several years ago an imaam (preacher) moved to London. He often took the bus from his home to the mosque. Some weeks after, he had an occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him twenty pence too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'you better give the twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it'.
Then he thought, 'oh forget it, it's only twenty pence. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah and keep quiet'.
When his stop came, the Imaam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty pence back to the driver and said:
"Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver with a smile replied:
"Aren't you the new Imaam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change."
When the Imaam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft. He had to grab the nearest light pole and held for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried:
"Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"
Bottomline: We may never see the impact our actions have on people... Sometimes we are the only knowledge of the Quran someone will read, or the only Islam a non-Muslim will see. What we need to provide, Insha Allah is an example for others to see. Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching your actions.
" And certainly WE created man, and WE know what his mind suggests to him, and WE are nearer to him than his jugular vein". (The Holy Qur'an 50 Qaf-16)
How can you disbelieve in Allâh? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return. Baqarah 2:28
Several years ago an imaam (preacher) moved to London. He often took the bus from his home to the mosque. Some weeks after, he had an occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him twenty pence too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'you better give the twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it'.
Then he thought, 'oh forget it, it's only twenty pence. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah and keep quiet'.
When his stop came, the Imaam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty pence back to the driver and said:
"Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver with a smile replied:
"Aren't you the new Imaam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change."
When the Imaam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft. He had to grab the nearest light pole and held for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried:
"Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"
Bottomline: We may never see the impact our actions have on people... Sometimes we are the only knowledge of the Quran someone will read, or the only Islam a non-Muslim will see. What we need to provide, Insha Allah is an example for others to see. Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching your actions.
" And certainly WE created man, and WE know what his mind suggests to him, and WE are nearer to him than his jugular vein". (The Holy Qur'an 50 Qaf-16)
How can you disbelieve in Allâh? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return. Baqarah 2:28
Sunday, January 01, 2006
The Concept of Monotheism in the Bible
When a close examination of the Bible takes place in the light of The NOBLE QUR'ANIC VERSES some of the truth that have survived in the Bible , will be revealed.
Monotheism evidence in the Old Testament
1- (1st Timothy 2:5)
“For there is one God “.
2- (Isaiah 43:11)
“I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior”.
3- (Isaiah 45:6)
"That they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else."
4- (Isaiah 46:9)
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me .
5- (Leviticus 26:1)
"Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it for I am the Lord your God."
6- (Exodus 20:1-5)
" And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God ,"
7- (Deutronomy 4:39)
"Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath there is none else."
Monotheism evidence in the New Testament
1- John (14 :28 )
" Jesus Peace be upon him ,was saying " I ascend unto my Father , and your Father ; and to my God and your God ." "
Note:
a-" By stating that the "Father" is greater than himself, Jesus Peace be upon him distinguishes himself from God.
b- Jesus Peace be upon him, reference to God as "my Father and your Father” further emphasizes the distinction between himself and God.
c- By referring to God as “his God " , he Peace be upon him left no room for anyone to intelligently claim that he was God" (6)
2-Mark (12:28- 32)
"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord"
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he .
3- Matthew (19:16-17)
"And behold one came and said to him (Jesus) Good teacher , what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life ? So he said to him , Why do you call me good ?No one good but One , this is , God . But if you want to enter into eternal life , keep the commandments ,"
4- Matthew (4:10&, Luke 4:8)
" You shall worship the Lord your God and serve only Him "
5- Mark (10:18)
" Jesus said to him, " Why do you call me good ?No one is good but God alone."
6-John (5:30)
" I can do nothing independently ; I judge as I am informed and my judgment is fair ; for I am not looking out for my will but for the will of Him who sent me "
7- John (8:28)
" I do nothing off my own accord, but tell things just as the Father has taught Me. “
Monotheism evidence in the Old Testament
1- (1st Timothy 2:5)
“For there is one God “.
2- (Isaiah 43:11)
“I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior”.
3- (Isaiah 45:6)
"That they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else."
4- (Isaiah 46:9)
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me .
5- (Leviticus 26:1)
"Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it for I am the Lord your God."
6- (Exodus 20:1-5)
" And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God ,"
7- (Deutronomy 4:39)
"Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath there is none else."
Monotheism evidence in the New Testament
1- John (14 :28 )
" Jesus Peace be upon him ,was saying " I ascend unto my Father , and your Father ; and to my God and your God ." "
Note:
a-" By stating that the "Father" is greater than himself, Jesus Peace be upon him distinguishes himself from God.
b- Jesus Peace be upon him, reference to God as "my Father and your Father” further emphasizes the distinction between himself and God.
c- By referring to God as “his God " , he Peace be upon him left no room for anyone to intelligently claim that he was God" (6)
2-Mark (12:28- 32)
"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord"
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he .
3- Matthew (19:16-17)
"And behold one came and said to him (Jesus) Good teacher , what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life ? So he said to him , Why do you call me good ?No one good but One , this is , God . But if you want to enter into eternal life , keep the commandments ,"
4- Matthew (4:10&, Luke 4:8)
" You shall worship the Lord your God and serve only Him "
5- Mark (10:18)
" Jesus said to him, " Why do you call me good ?No one is good but God alone."
6-John (5:30)
" I can do nothing independently ; I judge as I am informed and my judgment is fair ; for I am not looking out for my will but for the will of Him who sent me "
7- John (8:28)
" I do nothing off my own accord, but tell things just as the Father has taught Me. “
ALLAH IS IN EVERY BREATH
When things are down, and you are out of your mind, just remember, Allah (swt) is the All-Kind.
When your life is in darkness, and nothing is right, just remember, through the darkness, Allah (swt) is the Light.
When nothing makes sense, and your heading for demise, just remember, it doesn't make sense but, Allah (swt) is the All-Wise.
When times are troubled, and no one seems to care, just remember, Allah (swt) won't hurt you, He is Just.
When your heart is breaking, and your pain makes you fall, just remember, Allah (swt) sees all.
When you are weak, and the road seems long, just remember; seek strength from the All-Strong.
When life is a burden, and everything is unstable, just remember, Allah (swt) is Able to do all.
When the way is cloudy, and there is no one by your side, just remember, Allah (swt) is the Only Guide.
When no one wants to listen, or is willing to lend an ear, just remember, Allah (swt) is the All-Hearing.
When you are poor and penniless, and you are stuck in a niche, just remember, Allah (swt) is the Rich.
When you are down in your misery, and there is no where to run, just remember, you can always run to the One.
When you’re all alone, and your pain has no end, just remember, Allah (swt) is the only one you can depend on.
And when your scars are hurting, and your heart is in fear, just remember, Allah (swt) is with those who are patient.
When your life is in darkness, and nothing is right, just remember, through the darkness, Allah (swt) is the Light.
When nothing makes sense, and your heading for demise, just remember, it doesn't make sense but, Allah (swt) is the All-Wise.
When times are troubled, and no one seems to care, just remember, Allah (swt) won't hurt you, He is Just.
When your heart is breaking, and your pain makes you fall, just remember, Allah (swt) sees all.
When you are weak, and the road seems long, just remember; seek strength from the All-Strong.
When life is a burden, and everything is unstable, just remember, Allah (swt) is Able to do all.
When the way is cloudy, and there is no one by your side, just remember, Allah (swt) is the Only Guide.
When no one wants to listen, or is willing to lend an ear, just remember, Allah (swt) is the All-Hearing.
When you are poor and penniless, and you are stuck in a niche, just remember, Allah (swt) is the Rich.
When you are down in your misery, and there is no where to run, just remember, you can always run to the One.
When you’re all alone, and your pain has no end, just remember, Allah (swt) is the only one you can depend on.
And when your scars are hurting, and your heart is in fear, just remember, Allah (swt) is with those who are patient.
Advise for a Muslim's Salvation and Safety
From the year 810AD and an extract of Imam Ghazali's book, "My Beloved Son", here is a good story to reflect over. Hatim Al-Asam and Shaqiq Al-Balkhi were two devout Muslims. One day Shaqiq asked Hatim
"You have kept my company for thirty years, what have you gained in the course of these years?"
Hatim replied: "I have gained eight benefits. I hope my salvation and safety are embodied in them. Shaqiq asked Hatim to mention them. Hatim mentioned,
1. Believing & doing good actions:
I observed the creation and saw that everyone had loved one another and passionately desired whom he loved and longed for. Some of the beloved accompany the lover up to the brink of sickness and death and others to the gate of the graveyard. All of them return and leave them alone. No one goes into the coffin with them. I looked into the matter and said to myself: 'The best beloved is that which would enter the tomb with the lover to console him'. I found it to be nothing else then good works, so I took this as my beloved, to illuminate my grave for me and to comfort me in it and not leave me alone.
2. Controlling the lusts & fearing Allah:
I saw people were following their lusts and hastening towards the desires of their souls; I meditated on the saying of Allah (God) [in the Quran] "But as for whoever has feared the majesty of his Lord and has refrained his soul from lust, truly the Garden shall be his dwelling place". Convinced that the Quran was true and right, I began to deny my soul (its pleasures) and hurried to combat it and refuse it its passionate desires, until it enjoyed real satisfaction in obedience to Allah the Exalted.
3. What is with Allah must endure:
I saw that every human being is trying their best to accumulate as much as they can from this world and then holding onto it strongly. I meditated on the Quranic verse "What is with you must vanish; what is with Allah must endure". So I gave freely my worldly possessions for His sake by distributing them among the poor so that it would be my provision in the future with Him the Exalted.
4. Honour is from Allah:
Some people I observed think that their dignity and honour lie with their family and large clans. Others claimed honour and dignity in abundance of wealth and children and they are proud of it. Some believe in honour and power lies by appropriating the wealth of others, doing injustice to them and shedding their blood.
Others consider dignity by spending wealth extravagantly and in a foolish manner. I meditated on the saying of Allah [in the
Quran]: "The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you". I chose righteousness for myself, convinced that the Quran is right and true and the claims and opinions of those people (at the time) are false and temporary.
5. Satisfied with what Allah has given:
I found people slandering each other and speaking ill of one another out of envy of fortune, power and knowledge. I meditated on the saying of Allah [in the Quran]: "It is We Who divide their livelihood among them in the life of this world". I realised that the dividing of livelihood is entirely in the hands of Allah since the beginning of time. Therefore I never envied anyone and was satisfied with what Allah had given me.
6. Our True Enemy:
I saw people becoming enemies of one another for different reasons. I meditated upon the saying of Allah [in the Quran]: "Verily Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as a enemy". (I become aware that enmity with anyone but Satan was not
permissible.)
7. Sustenance is from Allah:
I saw everyone working hard exhausting themselves in obtaining food and sustenance, tempted by doubts and forbidden things. They degrade themselves in humiliation. I pondered over the saying of Allah [in the Quran]: "There is no creature on earth but its sustenance is dependent on Allah". I knew that my livelihood is guaranteed by Allah.
8. Tawakul on Allah:
I saw everyone relied on a created thing, some on currency, some on wealth and property, some on trade and craft and some on creatures like themselves. I meditated on the saying of Allah: "And whosoever places his reliance on Allah sufficient is Allah for him. Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. I therefore placed full trust in Allah (We should all try to do the same). He is sufficient for me and He is the best Disposer of affairs.
At this point Shaqiq said: "May Allah bless you and grant you
success. I looked into the Old and New Testament, the Zabur (Psalms of David) and the Quran and have found that the four books revolve around these eight benefits. Whoever works according to them is working according to these four books".
"You have kept my company for thirty years, what have you gained in the course of these years?"
Hatim replied: "I have gained eight benefits. I hope my salvation and safety are embodied in them. Shaqiq asked Hatim to mention them. Hatim mentioned,
1. Believing & doing good actions:
I observed the creation and saw that everyone had loved one another and passionately desired whom he loved and longed for. Some of the beloved accompany the lover up to the brink of sickness and death and others to the gate of the graveyard. All of them return and leave them alone. No one goes into the coffin with them. I looked into the matter and said to myself: 'The best beloved is that which would enter the tomb with the lover to console him'. I found it to be nothing else then good works, so I took this as my beloved, to illuminate my grave for me and to comfort me in it and not leave me alone.
2. Controlling the lusts & fearing Allah:
I saw people were following their lusts and hastening towards the desires of their souls; I meditated on the saying of Allah (God) [in the Quran] "But as for whoever has feared the majesty of his Lord and has refrained his soul from lust, truly the Garden shall be his dwelling place". Convinced that the Quran was true and right, I began to deny my soul (its pleasures) and hurried to combat it and refuse it its passionate desires, until it enjoyed real satisfaction in obedience to Allah the Exalted.
3. What is with Allah must endure:
I saw that every human being is trying their best to accumulate as much as they can from this world and then holding onto it strongly. I meditated on the Quranic verse "What is with you must vanish; what is with Allah must endure". So I gave freely my worldly possessions for His sake by distributing them among the poor so that it would be my provision in the future with Him the Exalted.
4. Honour is from Allah:
Some people I observed think that their dignity and honour lie with their family and large clans. Others claimed honour and dignity in abundance of wealth and children and they are proud of it. Some believe in honour and power lies by appropriating the wealth of others, doing injustice to them and shedding their blood.
Others consider dignity by spending wealth extravagantly and in a foolish manner. I meditated on the saying of Allah [in the
Quran]: "The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you". I chose righteousness for myself, convinced that the Quran is right and true and the claims and opinions of those people (at the time) are false and temporary.
5. Satisfied with what Allah has given:
I found people slandering each other and speaking ill of one another out of envy of fortune, power and knowledge. I meditated on the saying of Allah [in the Quran]: "It is We Who divide their livelihood among them in the life of this world". I realised that the dividing of livelihood is entirely in the hands of Allah since the beginning of time. Therefore I never envied anyone and was satisfied with what Allah had given me.
6. Our True Enemy:
I saw people becoming enemies of one another for different reasons. I meditated upon the saying of Allah [in the Quran]: "Verily Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as a enemy". (I become aware that enmity with anyone but Satan was not
permissible.)
7. Sustenance is from Allah:
I saw everyone working hard exhausting themselves in obtaining food and sustenance, tempted by doubts and forbidden things. They degrade themselves in humiliation. I pondered over the saying of Allah [in the Quran]: "There is no creature on earth but its sustenance is dependent on Allah". I knew that my livelihood is guaranteed by Allah.
8. Tawakul on Allah:
I saw everyone relied on a created thing, some on currency, some on wealth and property, some on trade and craft and some on creatures like themselves. I meditated on the saying of Allah: "And whosoever places his reliance on Allah sufficient is Allah for him. Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. I therefore placed full trust in Allah (We should all try to do the same). He is sufficient for me and He is the best Disposer of affairs.
At this point Shaqiq said: "May Allah bless you and grant you
success. I looked into the Old and New Testament, the Zabur (Psalms of David) and the Quran and have found that the four books revolve around these eight benefits. Whoever works according to them is working according to these four books".
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