26
November
2007
Why I Chose Islam -
Jemima Goldsmith (Wife of Imran Khan)
The media presents me as a naive, besotted 21-year-old who has made a hasty decision without really considering the consequences—thus effectively condemning herself to a life of interminable subservience, misery and isolation. Although I must confess I have rather enjoyed the various depictions of a veiled and miserable “Haiqa Khan” incarcerated in chains, the reality is somewhat different. Contrary to current opinion, my decision to convert to Islam was entirely my own choice and in no way hurried.
Whilst the act of conversion itself is surprisingly quick—entailing the simple assertion that “there is only one God and Muhammad is His Prophet”—the preparation is not necessarily to speedy a process. In my case, this began last July, whilst the actual conversion took place in early February—three months before the Nikah in Paris.
During that time I studied in depth both the Qur’an and the works of various Islamic scholars (Gai Eaton, the Bosnian president Alia Izetbegovic, Muhammad Asad), thus giving me ample time to reflect before making my decision. What began as intellectual curiosity slowly ripened into a dawning realisation of the universal and eternal truth that is Islam. In the statement given out of week ago, I particularly stressed that I had converted to Islam entirely “through my own convictions”. The significance of this has been largely ignored by the press. The point is that my conversion was not, as so many have assumed, a pre-requisite to my marriage. It was entirely my own choice. Religiously speaking there was absolutely no compulsion for me to convert prior to my marriage. As it explicitly states in the Qur’an, a Muslim is permitted to marry from “the People of the Book”—in other words, either a Christian or a Jew. Indeed, the Sunnah—which describes the life of the Prophet—shows that the messenger of Islam himself married both a Christian and a Jew during his lifetime.
I believe that much of this hostility towards my marriage and conversion stems from widespread misconceptions about an alien culture and religion. Not only is there a huge gulf between the Western view of Islam and the reality, but there is in some cases also a significant distinction between Islam based directly on the Qur’an and the Sunnah and that practised by some Islamic societies. During the last year I have had the opportunity to visit Pakistan on three separate occasions and have observed Islamic family life in practice. Thus, to some extent I now feel qualified to judge for myself the true role and position of women in the religion. At the risk of sounding defensive, I would like to point out that Islam is not a religion which subjugates women whilst elevating men to the status of mini-dictators in their homes.I was able to see this first-hand when I met Imran’s sisters in Lahore: they are all highly educated professional women. His oldest sister, Robina, is an alumnus of the LSE and holds a senior position in the United Nations in New York. Another sister, Aleema, has a master’s degree in business administration and runs a successful business; Uzma is a highly qualified surgeon working in a Lahore hospital, whilst Rani is a university graduate who co-ordinates charity work. They can hardly be seen as “women in chains” dominated by tyrannical husbands. On the contrary, they are strongminded independent women—yet at the same time they remain deeply committed both to their families and their religion. Thus, I was able to see—in theory and in practice—how Islam promotes the essential notion of the family unit without subjugating its female members.
I am nevertheless fully aware that women are sometimes exploited and oppressed in Islamic societies, as in other parts of the world. Judging by some of the articles which have appeared in the press, it would seem that a Western woman’s happiness hinges largely upon her access to nightclubs, alcohol and revealing clothes; and the absence of such apparent freedom and luxuries in Islamic societies is seen as an infringement of her basic rights. However, as we all know, such superficialities have very little to do with true happiness. Besides, without in any way wishing to disparage the culture of the Western world, into which I was born, I am more than willing to forego the transient pleasures derived from alcohol and nightclubs; and as for the clothes I will be wearing, i find the traditional shawlar kameez (tunic and trousers) worn by most Pakistani women far more elegant and feminine than anything in my wardrobe.Finally, it seems futile to speculate on my chances of marital success. Marriage, as Imran’s father has been quoted as saying, is indeed “a gamble”. However, when I see that in a society based on family life the divorce rate is just a fraction of that in European or American society, I cannot see that my chances of success are any less than if I had chosen to marry a Westener. I am all too aware of the enormous task of adapting to a new and radically different culture. But with the love of my husband and the support of his family I look forward to the challenge wholeheartedly, and would like to feel that people wish me well. Whilst I do appreciate the genuine concerns of many, I must confess to feeling somewhat bewildered by all of the commotion.
Posted: Islamic Articles
26
November
2007
Islamic D’awah in a Changing World
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
The world we live in is changing from day to day. The Soviet empire has crumbled. The US
is seeking to reduce the scope of its military dominance of various regions of the world. The
Berlin wall has been demolished by the very people who built it. The Cold War has come to
an end. The superpowers have put their guns down, admitting that warfare is no solution to
human problems.
Western thinkers have coined a new term — `endism’, which means that all `isms’, all
ideologies, all systems, have exhausted their credibility as modern man’s ideal.
Muslims generally see these changes as going against them, as danger, in fact, to Islam. This
kind of thinking, as I see it, is quite wrong and is no doubt against the teachings of Islam.
The Quran say: with every difficulty there is relief (94:6). This means that difficulty and
relief inevitably coexist. They have been ordained inseparable.
Granted that modern changes have brought problem in their wake for Muslims, but these
changes have also created new opportunities. And fortunately the opportunities far exceed
the problems.
When we look at that matter from this angle we find many positive and hopeful aspects in
the situation, for although the modern world is witnessing great changes, those changes are
going mostly in favor of Islam. This is the most important aspect of our new world.
There are many examples which clearly indicate that the present changes greatly favor
Islam. Here, we shall give just two examples, the one, theoretical, and the other practical,
which should suffice to make the point.
At the beginning of the present century, a British scientist once gave a public lecture on
astronomy. He described how the earth orbits around the sun and the sun, in turn, orbits
around center of a vast collection of stars called our galaxy. At the end of the lecture, a little
old lady at the back of the room got up and said: What you have told is rubbish. The world
is really a flat plate supported on the back of a giant tortoise. The scientist gave a superior
smile before countering with “What is the tortoise standing on?” ” You’re very clever,
young man, very clever,” said the old lady, “but it’s turtles all the way down.”
This picture of our world as an infinite tower of tortoises was seen by the scientists as
ridiculous. But the alternatives presented by them were also a kind of infinite tower with the
difference that the tortoises were replaced by causes. The scientists’ assumption was that
there was always a cause behind every event, and so on. Thus the chain of causes is infinite
in length.
Then came the theory of the big bang. With this, the theory of an “infinite tower of causes”
lost its validity, as this theory suggested that a sudden explosion had marked the beginning
of the universe rather than an infinitely continuing process of causes and effects.
Stephen W. Hawking, a well-known scientist of modern times, has calculated the rate of the
expansion of the universe after the big bang. Providing details of this calculation, he writes:
“The rate of expansion would have had to be chosen very precisely for the rate of
expansion still to be so close to the critical rate needed to avoid recollapse. This means
that the initial state of the universe must have been very carefully chosen indeed if the hot
big bang model was correct right back to the beginning of time. It would be very difficult
to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God
who intended to create beings like us” (p.134).
This means that the scientific study of the universe has strengthened religious belief rather
than weaken it. Such discoveries have opened up opportunities for performing Islamic
d’awah with far greater effectiveness.
Now take the practical aspect of the changes. Here also we find clear indications that the
present changes are only paving the way for Islamic d’awah on an unprecedented scale.
Let us see for instance, what is happening in the socialist world. In one of his writings, Karl
Marx had said that religion was the opiate of the masses. But today, the socialist Russians
are themselves saying that Marxism itself was the worst kind of opiate for the mind created
by Karl Marx.
Just a few years ago, it was well-nigh unthinkable to carry a copy of the Quran inside the
Soviet Union. But, today, Aeroflot has been engaged to airlift one million copies of the
Quran from Jeddah to Moscow.
In its March 1990 issue, Time magazine gave detailed report on the religious position in the
Soviet Union. It said: “Some 55 million Soviet Muslims enjoy the fruits of new religious
tolerance.” The strange but meaningful title of this report was “Karl Marx makes room for
Mohammad.”
I do not feel the need to go into further details. I should only like to say that the present
changes taking place in the world today have opened up for us great new scope for Islamic
d’awah. But we must remain very alert in order not to miss these opportunities.
The foregoing arguments suffice to show that the changes taking place in the present world
have opened up new vistas to Islamic d’awah. These changes have made it possible for
Islam to be presented more forcefully and effectively to the world. The most important task
ahead of us is to have a thorough understanding of these changes and then to avail of them in
an organized and disciplined way.
I would propose for this the formation of a committee of scholars who would be entrusted
with going into the matter in depth, and then carving out a well-planned scheme. All
possible resources should be utilized towards this end.
This is undoubtedly a historic task. History awaits the advance of certain dedicated
individuals towards this goal so that it can give them resounding credit for having spread the
message of Islam to mankind in this modern age. Those who can prove themselves worthy
of such historic credit will be the most fortunate of men.
Posted: Islamic Articles
11
November
2007
How to Lower our Gaze
“If I were not a Muslim, I would have contacted AIDS!” proclaimed my friend. “The ayahs in Sura Nur about lowering our gazes doesn’t affect me anymore”, expressed another youth, talking about the intense temptations felt by today’s youth. Difficulty in lowering the gaze by both the young and old is readily perceived on the street, weddings, parties and even in the Masjids.
What has gone wrong with our Ummah? Us Muslims, called by Allah, our Creator, as the best Ummah, Model Community, custodians of Truth and the Upholders of Morality behaving in this way? Why are we adopting the attitudes and routes of the Kuffar? How can we rectify ourselves?
What follows are a series of practical, though graphic advice which can work for us and set us free from Satan’s stronghold, insha Allah.
Prophet Muhammad, Sallallhu alayhi wa sallam, by way of warning and as a reminder said: “I have not left a fitnah (trial, calamity or cause for calamity) after me more than (the fitnah) with women for men” (Bukhari and Muslim). Also was related by our Prophet : “The world is sweet and verdant, and Allah having put you in it in your turn watches how you act; so fear the world and fear women, for the first trial of the Bani israel had to do with women” (Muslim)
Being optimistic, a ray of hope was also wisely provided during Prophet’s Last Sermon on way to avoid the above pitfall: “If the Ummah hold on to the Quran and the Sunnah, it will not go astray”.
When Allah created us humans will all the desires and urges, He also revealed to us sufficient and complete guidance to contain them through proper channels. All we need to do is seek this guidance, contemplate on it and implement it. “This day I have perfected you deen for you, completed my favors upon you and chosen Islam as your deen” (5:3)
Realize the fact that the great Sahabas were humans beings too. Biologically they were no different from us, they too had desires and temptations of the human species, and yet they controlled them in the best of ways. We can too, insha Allah. To posses sensual passions is Human, to control them is Muslim.
When confronted with a luring situation, like passing by a non-mahram on the street, office, or a school, Satan is constantly tempting us to glare at her with evil thoughts. Satan is probably excitingly saying with a big smile `Yes’, `Yes’, `Yes’, when we steer into the bait he is setting. During these situations immediately and consciously realize that when we give a second or following glances, we are obeying Satan. “O you who believe, follow not the footsteps of the devil…” (24:21). By immediately averting our gazes and disobeying Satan, we are giving him a one two punch in the face which leaves him frustrated, accursed and defeated.
Satan rebelled and was expelled by Allah, so lets all rebel against Satan and expel him from our hearts. Satan intents to fight a war against the believers, so lets gather our forces behind Quran and Sunnah and defeat him.
Remember that even if no human eye is watching us, the ever watchful Allah is constantly monitoring the innermost regions of our heart. Our eyes, limbs, tongue and private parts will all be witnesses for or against us on the Day of Judgement and not an atoms worth of our deeds will remain unexamined.
Psychologically our minds are conditioned to associate our thoughts of stealing clothes from a store to being in handcuffs and hauled into a police van. Likewise, we should condition our minds to bring the verses of Surah Nur in front of our eyes during any tempting situation and imagine that during that particular instance Allah (SWT) is speaking to us directly: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that will make for greater purity for them…Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty…O you believers! Turn you all together towards Allah that you may attain success” (24:30,31). What a beautiful guidance and what a sublime reward for implementing it.
With practice, the above associations and the remembrance of Allah during tempting situations will prevent us from getting stuck by devilish arrows. Successful controlling our gazed also depends upon our avoidance of sinful situations. Al Islamic idiom (Usul Al-Fiqh) says: “Anything that leads to haram is haram in itself”. Therefore cutting any unlawful situation in their bud is what we should strive for. Performance of a pious deed is rewarded and avoidance of a sinful deed is also rewarded, Al-Hamdulillah.
One of the biggest culprits which encourage us to disobey the ayahs in Surah Nur, are the movies. In the name of entertainment, to please our peers and children and as an excuse to do something together as a family, we astonishingly allow the development of un-Islamic scenes and dialogues in front of our eyes. Can we ever imagine (Na’udubillah) any Sahaba renting the latest hit from Blockbuster videos, or listening to music with luring lyrics at high volume?
Likewise, we watch news on TV and stare at the anchorwomen, female gymnasts, and female swimmers who are scantly dressed. Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, was once approached by a women with a proposal for marriage. He took a single glance at her and turned his face way. Jabir bin Abdullah reported: “I asked Allah’s messenger about the sudden glance on the face of a non-Mahram. He commanded me that I should turn away my eyes” (Muslim). Thus we are not suppose to stare at the faces of non-Mahrams of opposite gender, be they our fellow students, elders, saleswomen or the one of TV.
Pious ladies of the Prophet’s household were even ordered to do purdah in front of a Blind Sahaba. Upon the curious question as to why purdah when the blind Sahaba can’t see them, Prophet wisely replies: “But you could see him” (Ahmed, Trimidhi, Abu Dawood)
Each one of us may have become culprit of not obey the ayahs in Surah Nur. It is not too late to realize these short comings and work at rectifying ourselves. Above all, we should always ask forgiveness of Allah (SWT). Indeed blessed are those Muslims who are able to check their gazes, thus conserving their precious time and energy, and working in the cause of Allah to reclaim our positions as the superpowers of the world.
Let’s contemplate on the above humble advises and constantly make the following supplication: “O Allah help us in controlling our sensual desires until we get married, and after our marriage, let our desires be only towards our spouses…aameen”
Posted: Youth & Islam
11
November
2007
How you can one serve Islam
1 - You can serve Islam by having a correct resolve and sincere intention, for Allaah blesses an action that is done sincerely for His sake alone, even if it is little. Sincere devotion, if it becomes a constant feature of acts of worship and obedience, even if they are small or simple in the sight of the one who does them, makes them great in the sight of Allaah, so Allaah will forgive him for major sins because of that, as it says in the hadeeth about the piece of paper on which is written La ilaaha ill-Allaah.
2 - You can serve Islam by knowing the right way and following it. The Straight Path means following the way of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with regard to the principles, ways and means of da’wah and being patient in adhering to that, whilst treating people with kindness and compassion, because they are suffering from the disease of sin.
3 - You can serve Islam by making the most of all available means and circumstances. This is a great blessing, for all means are permissible except those which have been forbidden by Allaah. So we call people to Allaah by all means prescribed in sharee’ah, whilst paying attention to the evidence of sharee’ah and correct etiquette.
4 - You can serve Islam by giving precedence to that which is in the interests of Islam over your own whims and desires. Serving this religion means giving what is most precious of your money, effort, time, thought, etc. Have you not seen those who love sport (football or soccer) for example, how they devote their efforts, time and money to their beloved sport? But more is expected of you than that.
5 – You can serve Islam by following in the footsteps of the scholars, daa’iyahs and reformers, having patience as your companion and putting up with tiredness and exhaustion. For you are doing a great act of worship which is the mission of the Prophets and Messengers and those who follow in their footsteps.
6 – You can serve Islam by shunning laziness, weakness and apathy, for this religion is the religion of resolve, ambition and courage, and its call is only harmed by laziness or reckless ignorance.
7 – You can serve Islam by connecting your heart to Allaah and reciting a lot of du’aa’ and prayers for forgiveness, and persisting in reading Qur’aan. There is nothing that is more effective in cleansing the heart and refreshing the soul, and making it active and energetic so that it will not get tired or bored, than remembering Allaah much and drawing nearer to Him by means of obeying Him and doing naafil (supererogatory) acts of worship.
8 – You can serve Islam by forming bonds with scholars who practise what they preach, those who are known to be sincere and who are well established in jihad and supporting this religion. Marching under their banner and following their lead is very good and beneficial.
9 – You can serve Islam by organizing your time on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. There are actions which should be done every day, others which should be done every week, and others which should be done every month or every year.
For example, you should make da’wah to those whom you see every day and to those whom you see once a week. You may have a family gathering once a month, and there may be annual conferences, or journeys for Hajj or `Umrah once a year, and so on.
10 – You can serve Islam by paying it some attention and giving it some of your time, thoughts and money, and making it your main concern. So when you stand up, it is for Islam; when you walk, it is for Islam; when you think, it is for Islam; when you give, it is for Islam; when you sit, it is for Islam.
11 – you can serve Islam by hastening to contribute every time you find an opportunity to do good. Do not hesitate or delay or put it off.
Posted: Youth & Islam
11
November
2007
Socialization with Non-Muslims: Permissible?
Question:
Are we ever allowed to socialize with non-Muslims? How do we tell our non-Muslim friends that we cannot be their friends anymore, without hurting their feelings?
Answer by Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kutty:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear brother in Islam, we highly appreciate your interesting question and seize the chance to shed light on some of the Islamic teachings that are mostly misconceived. We implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake.
First of all, Muslims are allowed to socialize with non-Muslims within limits. Muslims should have good relations with all people of every religion. At school, at work, in the neighborhood, et cetera, a Muslim should be kind and courteous to everyone. Islam teaches its adherents to interact with all people and cooperate for the good and betterment of the whole mankind. Muslims are taught to care for all people regardless of their faith or their opinions. In their relation with non-Muslims, Muslims should be aware of and observe their religious duties.
In his response to your question Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
“It is not all correct or accurate to say that we are not allowed to socialize with non-Muslims at all. Therefore, instead of saying that all forms of socialization with non-Muslims are forbidden, we should be more specific, and make distinctions and say: while there are some types of socialization that are considered either permissible or recommended, while there are others that are considered impermissible and still there are certain others that are considered undesirable.
Islam encourages Muslims to cooperate with everyone regardless of his/her religion or creed in all projects that are virtuous or beneficial to humanity or other creatures of God; so we must cooperate with everyone on projects intended to restore justice, peace and betterment of humans or God’s creation. We learn from the sources that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as well as his Companions never stayed away from forging such relations with the non-Muslims. In fact, the Prophet fondly cherished his memories of a pact he had entered during the pre-Islamic times, which was related to siding with the oppressed against the oppressors and restoring the rights of those who have been victimized. His words in this context are almost axiomatic: “If I were to be invited to a similar pact by anyone, I would certainly hasten to join it!” We also learn from his seerah (biography) that he entered into a relationship of mutual cooperation and partnership with the Jews of Madinah. Although later on, they broke their part of the covenant, he never initiated such a breach.
So ask yourself what kind of socialization you are talking about. If it falls in the above category of virtue, piety or even things that are beneficial for worldly and other-worldly considerations, then we are certainly allowed to join in solidarity with them. Allah says, “Cooperate on virtue and God-consciousness and do not cooperate on sin and aggression.” (Al-Ma’idah: 2)
If, on the other hand, by socialization you mean joining them in drinking, dancing, or any such activities that are considered unlawful, then we can never do so regardless of whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. To think that we may do so with Muslims and not with non-Muslims is sheer ignorance, for haram shall remain haram, no matter who practices it, and halal shall remain halal, no matter who practices it.
Then there is yet another type of socialization which also falls under the forbidden or undesirable category. If, for instance, you are a weak Muslim and you are afraid of losing or compromising your values and morals while socializing with the non-Muslims, then you must not do so out of love for preserving your religion intact.
In light of the above, let me conclude by saying: We should consider our actions as well their effects carefully before we embark on them.
It is important for us Muslims to join with our fellow citizens in all laudable and beneficial projects that are intended for the betterment of the country and people. To do so is not only our duty as citizens but a religious duty since, as Muslims, we must always serve as instruments of goodness, mercy and compassion to all people and to all of Allah’s creation. Among such noble and laudable projects we can include the following: working to eradicate poverty and homelessness; to save the children; to make our streets free of drugs, alcoholism, prostitution and homosexuality; to fight cruelty against animals; and to work for a cleaner environment, et cetera. We must never have any hesitation or reservation about cooperating with our non-Muslim neighbors for such causes.
As a matter of fact, this is our mandate as Muslims, for Allah states in the Qur’an, “O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate and worship your Lord and do good works in order for you to prosper.” (Al-Hajj: 77)”
Allah Almighty knows best.
Posted: Islamic Articles
11
November
2007
To Kill a Mocking Tongue
By: Sheikh Muhammad Alshareef | As-Sahwah.com
Al-Ma’roor ibn Suwayd narrates that he once saw Abu Dharr – radi Allaahu ‘anhu – wearing a beautiful shawl. His slave standing next to him was wearing a shawl exactly like it, warm and beautiful.
Ma’roor said to Abu Dharr, “Perhaps you could take the shawl of your servant and give him another (less expensive) one.”
“Never,” said Abu Dharr, “for I once had a servant whose mother was not Arab and I cussed him and his mother. That servant went to the Messenger of Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – complaining of the words I had said.
“When Rasul Allaah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – saw me he commented, ‘O Abu Dharr, you are a man who still has Jahilliyyah (Pre-Islamic Ignorance) in him.’”
Because of these painful words, Abu Dharr – may Allah be pleased with him - would always dress his servants in the exact same garments that he would wear.
Dear brothers and sisters, Allah is disobeyed most with our tongues. There is a sin that sweeps amongst us, a sin that many take lightly, a sin that is laughed at, a sin that could very well pull someone to Hellfire: It is the sin of insulting others.
Read carefully this following verse. It is a commandment of Allah that begins with a call to those who claim to have Eemaan. Allah ta’ala says in the Qur’an (49/11):
O you who believe let not one group of people make fun of another, perhaps the (one’s being made fun of) are better then them. And let not women make fun of other women perhaps the (woman being made fun of) is better then them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames. Wretched is the name (i.e. mention) of disobedience after (one’s) faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the Dhaalimoon (the wrongdoers).
Perhaps the one that is being made fun of is more beloved to Allah. Subhaan Allah, let us remember this if we ever try to make fun of someone, perhaps Allah loves them and does not love us. Didn’t the Mushrikeen make fun of Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – and we know Allah loved him and not them. Didn’t the Munaafiqeen make fun of the Sahaabah – and we know Allah loved the Sahaabah and not them.
Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Verily a person will speak words from those that Allah hates, paying no heed to what he is saying, and with those words he will plummet in to hellfire.” – Bukhari
There are different reasons why a person would want to insult, make fun of and ridicule other community members:
Firstly: They have weak Eemaan and their fear of Allah is poor. This is one of the major reasons.
Secondly: They spend a lot of their time in gatherings that bring no benefit.
Thirdly: They themselves may want others to praise them. Sadly, when there is a student or a community member that insults others, often it is they that want to be the ‘cool’ one. How can they be ‘cool’ if they are doing something that Allah and His Messenger hate?
Fourthly: They forget the punishment for those that make fun of others. Imam Al-Bayhaqee narrates in Shu’ab al-Eemaan, that Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Verily those people that make fun of people – for them a gate of Jannah will be opened. It will be said to them: Come (and enter). That person will come with all their anguish and depression – but when he gets close, the gate will be closed in his face. Then another gate (to Jannah) will be opened and it will be said: Come (and enter). So that person comes with all his anguish and depression. But when he gets close, the gate will be closed in his face. This will keep happening to him until it gets to the point where it will be said: Come (and enter), and he will not come from the despair of ever entering paradise.”
Fifthly: Those that make fun of others may do so out of love for the Kuffaar and a love to imitate them. How many times do we see the comedians mocking people and everyone laughing? Indeed, mocking others and insulting them is a characteristic of Jaahiliyyah and kufr, and it is never a characteristic of a believer.
Allah ta’ala shows us in Surah Al-Mutaffifeen (83/29) how this characteristic of laughing at others is a characteristic of the Kuffaar:
Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed.
The seriousness of this sin varies in accordance to the subject being insulted:
On the highest level of seriousness is to make fun of Allah or His Ayaat or His Messenger – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam.
A group of Munaafiqeen started joking one day about their Qurr’aa, i.e. the Companions of Allah’s Messenger. They described in ridiculing terms that they were large in stomachs, having lying tongues and being cowardly. Allah ta’ala tells us in the Qur’an (9/65-66): And if you ask them, they will surely say, “We were only conversing and playing.” Say, “Is it Allah and His verses and His Messenger that you were mocking?” / Make no excuse; you have disbelieved (i.e. rejected faith) after your belief. If We pardon one faction of you – We will punish another faction because they were criminals.
To ridicule and make fun of the Sahaabah
In the incident just mentioned, the comment that the Munaafiqeen was actually directed at the Sahaabah. The Qur’aan shows us that this was a direct ridicule of Allah, His verses, and His Messenger.
Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen – rahi mahullaah – said: Thus it is understood that someone who curses and ridicules the Companions is a Kaafir. This is because cutting their honor is in reality an attempt at ridiculing Allah and His Messenger and His Sharee’ah.
To ridicule the pious believers
For example, if someone were to ridicule a pious believer because of his practice of the Deen, such as ridiculing a brother’s beard or to mock a sisters Hijaab, etc. Doing this – i.e. mocking a Muslim because of his Islam – may very well expel someone from the fold of Islam.
Allah ta’ala says in Surah Al-Mutaffifeen (29-30):
Indeed, those that committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed
As reported in Tafseer At-Tabaree, the Munaafiqeen were once sitting back watching the charity that the believers were giving. To those that gave much, like AbdurRahmaan ibn ‘Owf, they said, ‘he only gave it to show off’ . For those that gave little, they said, ‘Verily, Allah has no need for his petty offering.”
And so Allah ta’ala revealed in Surat At-Tawbah (9/79):
Those who criticize the contributers among the believers concerning their charities and (criticize) the ones who find nothing (to spend) except their effort, so they ridicule them – Allah will ridicule them, and they will have a painful punishment.
To ridicule humans in general
This applies to the God-fearing and the Fussaaq, a believer should not humiliate people and or use derogatory nicknames for them, nor should they ridicule their creation.
Allah ta’ala says 49/11:
O you who believe let not one group of people make fun of another
And Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “It is enough sin for a person that they would ridicule their Muslim brother.”
Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood – radi Allaahu ‘anhu – used to say, as narrated by Ibn Abee ‘Aasim, “By Allah whom there is no god but He, there is nothing more worthy of a prolonged incarceration then one’s tongue.”
Part II
Abu Moosa – radi Allaahu ‘anhu – said: I asked Allah’s Messenger, ‘Who out of the Muslims is the best?’ He replied, “Those whom the other Muslims are safe from his tongue and hands.” – Agreed Upon
The mockingbird, native to the western hemisphere, has a very interesting name. The mockingbird gets its name from its ability to mimic the sounds of other animals. It combines song notes of it’s own with sounds from other birds, doing so in almost a mocking way. It is an endangered species, and we hope - in sha Allah – that the mocking it got its name after will become endangered in our communities too.
Al-Hasan Al-Basree – rahimahullaah – said, “Whoever does not guard the slips of their tongue has not understood their Deen.”
Dear brothers and sisters, one of the saddest things is to see the regulars of the masjid, or the leaders of the Muslim youth, being the ones who mock others. So many youth groups and Halaqahs around North America are built on this notion that in order to be cool you must ridicule and mock others.
In other places, I know personally people that abandoned the local Masjid because they did not want to be ridiculed by the Muslims. They felt more comfort and compassion in the character of the disbelievers. What will Allah ta’ala think of someone that does this to the Muslims, someone who is an obstacle for others to come closer to Allah?
If we find a gathering of Muslims to be like this, it is our duty to command the good and forbid the evil and demand that this ridiculing stop once and for all.
In conclusion, the questions that begs to be asked is: What is the cure for this disease of the tongue?
One: We should know that it is a major sin. In fact, a person may make a single statement – not paying any heed to it – by which he may slip in to Hellfire.
Two: We should follow what our tongues are saying and not allow ourselves to stoop to vain talk.
Three: We should distance ourselves from those long useless gatherings where nothing is done for hours except laughing and chatting. Instead, we should replace our gatherings with the remembrance of Allah and good speech.
Four: We must glorify this Deen and make enormous in our hearts the commandments of Allah ta’ala. If Allah says do not make fun of one another, our reply should be nothing more then: ‘we hear and we obey’.
Five: We should warn others of the sin of insulting other people and making fun of them. Let us not allow ourselves to be as a silent Shaytaan listening to others being insulted. Let us speak up and say it clearly that this is not something loved by Allah and His Messenger. Say that if Allah and His Messenger hate it, then so do I.
Six: If you feel yourself that you just have to insult someone, ask Allah to protect you from the Shaytaan and this satanic act. As Allah ta’ala says (7/200): And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.
Seven: And of course, if anyone of us should fall into this sin, we should be swift in turning back to Allah in Towbah. Say Astaghfirullaah wa ‘atoobo ilayh, O Allah I ask You to forgive me and I return to You.
Allah ta’ala says in the Qur’an (49/11): And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the Dhaalimoon (the wrongdoers).
Finally, if there is one thing that you remember from this khutbah let it be this following commandment of Allaah ta’ala, memorize it and teach it to at least one other person:
O you who believe let not one group of people make fun of another
Posted: Islamic Articles
10
November
2007
12 TIPS FOR MUSLIM YOUTH
Why should you, a young Muslim, be helping to bring your friends closer to Allah?
After all, you’ve got your own struggles to deal with: trying to explain why you pray to hostile teachers, Hijab discrimination, standing up in class when the professor attacks Islam, dealing with parents who think you’ve gone nuts because you’re growing a beard, or all the other difficulties faced by a number of practicing Muslim youth?
Islam was never meant to be an individualistic faith, reserved for the ‘chosen few’. Muslims have a duty to spread the Deen, and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders have a crucial role to play.
“Allah has put them in a position that perhaps no one else is in,” notes Sheema Khan, former Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) advisor for eastern Canada. “They have the means to communicate with their peers, they have an understanding of what they’re going through plus they have the guidance of Islam.”
Who is your childhood friend, who would rather spend Fridays at MacDonald’s than the Masjid, or your classmate who is Muslim in name and only knows that ‘Muslims don’t eat pork’ going to listen to: the nice Imam of the Masjid who would freak out if he saw the way they were dressed and talked or you who may have grown up with them, joked with them, or see them everyday in school?
The answer is obvious: you!
Don’t panic. Here are some tips and advice which can help from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that:
Tip 1: * Make your intention sincere *
All work we do should ideally be for the sake of Allah. That includes the task of bringing someone closer to Allah. That of course means this should not be connected to arrogance, thinking you’re the teacher and everyone else should be lucky you’ve embarked on a crusade to save them. Guidance is from Allah. Make Dua and make sincere efforts and remember Allah can also misguide you if He wills (we seek refuge in Allah from that).
Tip 2: * Practice what you preach *
Not practicing what you preach is wrong and you will lose the confidence of anyone, young or old, once they figure you out. Don’t do it. Allah warns us many times in the Qur’an: “Why say you that which you do not?”
Tip 3: * Use the Qur’an and Seerah (biography of the Prophet) as Dawa guides *
Read and understand those chapters of the Qur’an which talk about how the Prophets presented the message of Islam to their people. Read the Seerah to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brought Islam to so many different people, including young people.
As well, talk to Dawa workers, and check out manuals they may have written, like Yahiya Emerick’s “How to Tell Others About Islam”.
Tip 4: * Talk to people as if you really don’t know them *
Don’t assume you know someone just by looking at them. You don’t know that the Muslim girl in your homeroom who walks through the school’s hallways as if they were fashion show catwalks is not someone you can talk to about Allah because she looks like a snob. Or that the Muslim guy who you’ve never seen at Juma at your university is a ‘bad Muslim’. Maybe he was never really taught Islam and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islam, especially for Muslim men.
Tip 5: * Smile *
Did you know the Prophet was big on smiling? But many ‘practicing’ Muslims seem to have ‘their faces on upside down’ as one speaker once said-frowning and serious.
Smiling, being polite and kind are all part of the manners of the Prophet, which we must exercise in our daily lives. If we want to approach others with Islam, we have to make ourselves approachable. Smiling is key to this.
But note that being approachable does not mean being flirtations with the other gender. There are Islamic rules for how men and women should deal with each other which have to be respected. Dawa is no excuse to have long and private conversations and meetings with the other sex, for example. Set up a system where someone expressing an interest in Islam is referred to someone of the same sex.
Tip 6: * Take the initiative and hang out with them *
Take the first step and invite someone you may have spoken to a couple of times to sit at lunch together, to check out a hockey game or invite them over for Iftar in Ramadan. Also, share difficulties, sorrows and frustrations. Help with homework, be a shoulder to cry on when depression hits, or just plain listen when your friend is upset, discuss common problems and keep their secrets. There are few things as annoying as a snitch and backstabber. But an important note: if the problem is of a serious nature, (i.e. your friend is thinking of committing suicide or is taking drugs), notify and consult an adult immediately.
Tip 7: * Show them Islam is relevant today, right here, right now *
Young people may think Islam is too ‘old fashioned’ and not in tune with the modern age. Prove this wrong. Show how Islam is really about relating to Allah, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allah is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends to ask Allah’s help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings. Also point out how Islam relates to teenagers: Islam gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which ‘teen culture’ does not.
Tip 8: * Get them involved in volunteer work with you *
If you are already involved in the community, get your friend to help out. Ask them to make a flyer for one of your youth group’s events or brainstorm for ideas about activities to hold this school year. This involvement makes them feel part of the Muslim community and deepens your friendship, since you are now working together on something beneficial for both of you. Make sure you thank them for their contribution.
Tip 9: * Ask them 4 fundamental questions *
As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans. Khan recommends four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allah and Islam:
i) Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?
ii) What do I believe?
iii) Who should I be grateful to?
iv) Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?
Tip 10: * Emphasize praying five times a day before any other aspect of Islam *
A person’s main connection with Allah, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don’t emphasize any other aspect of Islam until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allah in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell them to pray, and to ask Allah for help in Salah and outside this time. When possible, make it a point to pray together during your ‘hang out time’. If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islam like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islamically.
Tip 11: * Help instill confidence in adults *
Adults, like Bart Simpson’s dad Homer, are considered bumbling idiots in the eyes of ‘teen culture’. Your job as a young Muslim is to help turn the tables on this false and un-Islamic belief. All you have to do is this: when a Muslim adult does something good (i.e. saving someone’s life, donating money to a worthy cause, the Imam gives a good speech, taking good care of his/her family) bring it up in the course of your conversations with your friend and praise the adult in question. Doing this regularly may not only change your friend’s perspective, but could lead to them seeing their own parents in a more respectful way.
Tip 12: * Support them even when they become more practicing *
Remember, just because a person starts practicing Islam more regularly, this does not mean everything will be okay from this point onwards. There will still be hard times, difficulties. There may be times when your friend may have doubts about his or her newfound practice of Islam. Be there to reassure them.
Posted: Youth & Islam
9
November
2007
Muniba, a young Muslim university student, was home for the summer. She had gone to visit some sisters one evening & the time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year.
She ended up staying longer than she had planned.
Evening came & Muniba had to walk home alone, but she wasn’t afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Muniba asked “God” to keep her safe from harm & danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it.
However, halfway down the alley, she noticed a man standing at the end, as though he was waiting for her. She became uneasy & began to pray, asking for “God’s” protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness & security wrapped around her; she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man & arrived home safely.
The following day, she read in the paper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley, just twenty minutes after she had been there.
Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy & the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety & to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a line up to see if she could identify him.
She agreed & immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down & confessed.
The officer thanked Muniba for her bravery & asked if there was anything they could do for her, she asked if they would ask the man one question.
Muniba was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him he answered, “Because she wasn’t alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her.”
NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!
He, who loses money, loses much
He, who loses a friend, loses much more
He, who loses FAITH, loses ALL.
Posted: Youth & Islam
9
November
2007
Many years ago, during the time of the Tabi’in (the generation of Muslims after the Sahabah), Baghdad was a great city of Islam. In fact, it was the capital of the Islamic Empire and, because of the great number of scholars who lived there, it was the centre of Islamic knowledge.
One day, the ruler of Rome at the time sent an envoy to Baghdad with three challenges for the Muslims. When the messenger reached the city, he informed the khalifah that he had three questions which he challenged the Muslims to answer.
The khalifah gathered together all the scholars of the city and the Roman messenger climbed upon a high platform and said, “I have come with three questions. If you answer them, then I will leave with you a great amount of wealth which I have brought from the king of Rome.” As for the questions, they were: “What was there before Allah?” “In which direction does Allah face?” “What is Allah engaged in at this moment?”
The great assembly of people were silent. (Can you think of answers to these questions?) In the midst of these brilliant scholars and students of Islam was a man looking on with his young son. “O my dear father! I will answer him and silence him!” said the youth. So the boy sought the permission of the khalifah to give the answers and he was given the permission to do so.
The Roman addressed the young Muslim and repeated his first question, “What was there before Allah?” The boy asked, “Do you know how to count?” “Yes,” said the man.
“Then count down from ten!” So the Roman counted down, “ten, nine, eight…” until he reached “one” and he stopped counting “But what comes before ‘one’?” asked the boy.
“There is nothing before one- that is it!” said the man. “Well then, if there obviously is nothing before the arithmetic ‘one’, then how do you expect that there should be anything before the ‘One’ who is Absolute Truth, All-Eternal, Everlasting the First, the Last, the Manifest, the Hidden?”
Now the man was surprised by this direct answer which he could not dispute. So he asked, “Then tell me, in which direction is Allah facing?”
“Bring a candle and light it,” said the boy, “and tell me in which direction the flame is facing.” “But the flame is just light- it spreads in each of the four directions, North, South, East and West. It does not face any one direction only,” said the man in wonderment.
The boy cried, “Then if this physical light spreads in all four directions such that you cannot tell me which way it faces, then what do you expect of the Nur-us-Samawati-wal-’Ard: Allah - the Light of the Heavens and the Earth!? Light upon Light, Allah faces all directions at all times.”
The Roman was stupefied and astounded that here was a young child answering his challenges in such a way that he could not argue against the proofs. So, he desperately wanted to try his final question. But before doing so, the boy said, “Wait! You are the one who is asking the questions and I am the one who is giving the answer to these challenges. It is only fair that you should come down to where I am standing and that I should go up where you are right now, in order that the answers may be heard as clearly as the questions.”
This seemed reasonable to the Roman, so he came down from where he was standing and the boy ascended the platform. Then the man repeated his final challenge, “Tell me, what is Allah doing at this moment?”
The boy proudly answered, “At this moment, when Allah found upon this high platform a liar and mocker of Islam, He caused him to descend and brought him low. And as for the one who believed in the Oneness of Allah, He raised him up and established the Truth Every day He exercises (universal) power (Surah 55 ar-Rahman, Verse 29).” The Roman had nothing to say except to leave and return back to his country, defeated. Meanwhile, this young boy grew up to become one of the most famous scholars of Islam. Allah, the Exalted, blessed him with special wisdom and knowledge of the deen.
His name was Abu Hanifah (rahmatullah ‘alayhi- Allah have mercy on him) and he is known today as Imâm-e-A’zam, the Great Imam and scholar of Islam. May Allah shower some of His Mercy in the same way upon our Muslim children who are growing up today Ameen.
Posted: Youth & Islam
9
November
2007
Words of wisdom
If you plant honesty, You will reap trust
If you plant goodness, You will reap friends If you plant humility, You will reap greatness
If you plant perseverance, You will reap victory
If you plant consideration, You will reap harmony
If you plant hard work, You will reap success
If you plant forgiveness, You will reap reconciliation
If you plant openness, You will reap intimacy
If you plant patience, You will reap improvements
If you plant faith, You will reap miracles
But…….
If you plant dishonesty, You will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, You will reap loneliness
If you plant pride, You will reap destruction
If you plant envy, You will reap trouble
If you plant laziness, You will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, You will reap isolation
If you plant greed, You will reap loss
If you plant gossip, You will reap enemies
If you plant worries, You will reap wrinkles
If you plant sin, You will reap guilt
Posted: Words Of Wisdom
