-Fear ∆llah as He should be Feared-

Tuesday, 13 February 2007

Extract: Essential Contemplation

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Essential Contemplations (pg 29-35)

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَواْ إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِّنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُواْ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْصِرُونَ

وَإِخْوَانُهُمْ يَمُدُّونَهُمْ فِي الْغَيِّ ثُمَّ لاَ يُقْصِرُون

Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqoon , when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitan (Satan), they remember (Allah), and (indeed) they then see (aright).

But (as for) their brothers (the devils) they (i.e. the devils) plunge them deeper into error, and they never stop short.

( سورة الأعراف , Al-Araf, Chapter #7, Verse #201-202)

The believer is such that his eemaan and hawaa are at war with each other. Shaytaan may come to him and distract him from his strength of faith. He thus makes his hawaa overcome him for that moment, so the believer – at the point of facing sin – struggles with himself and does not take the full pleasure in disobedience. He hardly lies down to sleep except that he remembers (Allah and His punishments) and regains the power of his eemaan. He returns to his senses and bites at his fingers out of regret and sorrow over the heedlessness of with which he aided his enemy (Shaytaan) against himself, firmly resolving never to return to such a state. As for the brethrens of the devils (shayaateen), the devils plunge them further into error presenting them with flimsy wishes (amaanee) with which they become satisfied! From these wishes is the saying of a person:

‘Allah ordained this to occur, He does as He wishes!’

‘The scholars have differed whether this action is haraam or not!’

‘They have differed over it being a ‘minor’ sin!’

‘I have done many good deeds which will drown out this sin!’

‘Perhaps Allah will forgive me!’

‘I will repent soon!’

At the very best the person will say ‘I seek the forgiveness of Allah (astaghfirullah)’, thinking that he has repented and that the sin has been erased. Allah, the Most High, says:

“And whoever takes Shaitan (Satan) as a Walee (protector or helper) instead of Allah, has surely suffered a manifest loss.

He (Shaitan (Satan)) makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaitans (Satan) promises are nothing but deceptions.

The dwelling of such (people) is Hell, and they will find no way of escape from it.

But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. in Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allahs Promise is the Truth, and whose words can be truer than those of Allah? (Of course, none).

It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allah.

And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer in the Oneness of Allah (Muslim), such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqeera (speck on the back of a datestone), will be done to them.”

( سورة النساء , An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verses #119-124)

He also says:

“Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life (evil pleasures of this world) saying (as an excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven to us." And if (again) the offer of the like (evil pleasures of this world) came their way, they would (again) seize them (would commit those sins). Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they would not say about Allah anything but the truth? And they have studied what is in it (the Book). And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who are Al-Muttaqoon. Do not you then understand?”

( سورة الأعراف , Al-Araf, Chapter #7, Verse #169)

Essential Contemplations for Every Muslim. 1998. Shaykh Abdur Rahman ibn Yahyaa ibn ‘Alee.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,

Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."

[Ahmad]

Enjoining Good and forbidding Evil: Riyadh us Saliheen

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Chapter 23

Enjoining Good and forbidding Evil

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma`ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.'' (3:104)

"You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma`ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)''. (3:110)

"Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e., don't punish them).'' (7:199)

"The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden)''. (9:71)

"Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do". (5:78,79)

"And say: `The truth is from your Rubb.' Then whosoever wills, let him believe; and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve". (18:29)

"Therefore proclaim openly (Allah's Message - Islamic Monotheism) that which you are commanded...'' (15:94)

"We rescued those who forbade evil, but with a severe torment. We seized those who did wrong because they used to rebel against Allah's Command (disobey Allah)". (7:165)

184. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form of Faith".

[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith contains a very important prescription to prevent the Muslim society from all things which are forbidden in Islam. So long as Muslims adhered to it and ceaselessly and fearlessly performed their obligation of enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong, their society was largely safe from many evils and sins.

185. Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Never a Prophet had been sent before me by Allah to his people but he had, among his people, (his) disciples and companions, who followed his ways and obeyed his command. Then there came after them their successors who proclaimed what they did not practise, and practised what they were not commanded to do. And (he) who strove against them with his hand is a believer; he who strove against them with his heart is a believer; and he who strove against them with his tongue is a believer ; and beyond that there is no grain of Faith".

[Muslim].

186. `Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We swore allegiance to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to hear and obey; in time of difficulty and in prosperity, in hardship and in ease, to endure being discriminated against and not to dispute about rule with those in power, except in case of evident infidelity regarding which there is a proof from Allah. We swore allegiance to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to say what was right wherever we were, and not to fear from anyone's reproach.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: It has been emphasized in this Hadith that even if a Muslim ruler is sinful and cruel, one should not disobey him unless he orders to go against the Divine injunctions. In that case, such rulers should not be obeyed. Similarly, it is not permissible to revolt against them until they commit clear-cut infidelity because there is a greater danger of loss in revolt and rebellion. It should be noted once and for all that the expression of truth and compliance with religious injunctions have top priority on all occasions. This should be done regardless of what people say on this account.

187. Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The likeness of the man who observes the limits prescribed by Allah and that of the man who transgresses them is like the people who get on board a ship after casting lots. Some of them are in its lower deck and some of them in its upper (deck). Those who are in its lower (deck), when they require water, go to the occupants of the upper deck, and say to them : `If we make a hole in the bottom of the ship, we shall not harm you.' If they (the occupants of the upper deck) leave them to carry out their design they all will be drowned. But if they do not let them go ahead (with their plan), all of them will remain safe".

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that the consequences of committing acts which are forbidden in Islam are not confined only to those persons who commit them, but the whole society has to suffer for them. It is, therefore, essential that the people who are in the habit of committing sinful acts and violate Divine injunctions, should be checked to save the whole society from destruction. If this is not done, the entire society will have to face the Divine punishment.

188. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "You will have rulers some of whom you approve and some of whom you will disapprove. He who dislikes them will be safe, and he who expresses disapproval will be safe, but he who is pleased and follows them (will be indeed sinful)". His audience asked: "Shall we not fight them?'' He replied, "No, as long as they establish Salat amongst you".

[Muslim].

Commentary:

1. By qualifying the obedience of Muslim rulers with Salat, it has been made clear that what actually distinguishes between Kufr and Islam is Salat.

2. If a person has the power to stop the rulers from committing evil deeds, he must use this power for it. If he is incapable of it, he should at least condemn their evil deeds in his heart. To join or acquiesce in the evil deeds of the rulers is an extremely dangerous trend. From this angle, participation in political parties is a dangerous affair because when these parties come into power, all their members have to endorse and pursue their good as well as bad policies.

189. Zainab (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) came to visit me one day frightened and he � said, "La ilaha illallah (There is no true God but Allah). Woe to the Arabs because of an evil which has drawn near! Today an opening of this size has been made in the barrier restraining Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog people).'' And he (PBUH) made a circle with his thumb and index finger. I said, ``O Messenger of Allah! Shall we perish while still there will be righteous people among us?'' He (PBUH) replied, ``Yes, when wickedness prevails".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the ominous of sin. It says that when vice becomes common, then in spite of the presence of some virtuous persons, that community will be destroyed. But on the Day of Resurrection, those noble persons who had done their duty of preaching virtue and checking vice will stand apart from the sinners. Thus this Hadith induces one to keep away from sins.

190. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Beware of sitting on roads (ways).'' The people said: "We have but them as sitting places.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If you have to sit there, then observe the rights of the way". They asked, "What are the rights of the way?'' He (PBUH) said, "To lower your gaze (on seeing what is illegal to look at), and (removal of harmful objects), returning greetings, enjoining good and forbidding wrong".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

1. This Hadith tells us that it is improper to sit on roadsides and passages in such a way which causes inconvenience to men and women who pass by. It is really very unfortunate that now we do not care about such things at all.

2. If sitting on roadside is indispensable at all, then it is essential to observe the requirements mentioned in the Hadith to justify the needful.

3. Some other Islamic etiquette mentioned in this Hadith have also been stated in other Ahadith. For instance, politeness of speech, sharing of someone's burden, helping the oppressed and the troubled, guiding the wayward person to the right path, answering (in the prescribed manner) one who sneezes, etc.

191. `Abdullah bin `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw a man wearing a gold ring. So he (the Prophet (PBUH)) pulled it off and threw it away, saying, "One of you takes a live coal, and puts it on his hand.'' It was said to the man after Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had left: "Take your ring (of gold) and utilize it,'' whereupon he said: "No, by Allah, I would never take it when Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has thrown it away".

[Muslim].

Commentary:

1. We learn from this Hadith that wearing of gold ring is prohibited for men and so is wearing of golden ornament by them. It is very unfortunate indeed that nowadays it has become a popular fashion to present men gold ring on their marriage and they wear it with great pride. It is a very dangerous custom and must be altogether shunned for two reasons. Firstly, it is an unnecessary formality and burden to exchange presents and hold big feasts on betrothal ceremony. It is also open to objection in Islamic law. Secondly, to give and take unlawful things is all the more forbidden and is akin to building one sin over another.

2. The spirit of obedience mentioned in this Hadith is matchless.

192. Abu Sa`id Al-Hasan Basri reported: `Aidh bin `Amr (the Companion) (May Allah be pleased with him) visited `Ubaidullah bin Ziyad (the ruler) and said to him: "Son, I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, `The worst shepherds (rulers) are those who deal harshly in respect of supervision. Beware, Don't be one of them!''' Ibn Ziyad said to him, "Sit down, you are but husk from among the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH).'' `Aidh bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) retorted: "Was there any husk among them? Surely, husk came after them and among others than them".

[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith presents a model of courage and boldness of speaking the truth before a tyrant. It was displayed by `Aidh (May Allah be pleased with him) in the court of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad, governor of Basrah. The latter humiliated `Aidh (May Allah be pleased with him) for his straight forwardness and truth but he repeated his statement about the eminence of the Companions of the Prophet � and said none of them could be called husk.

193. Hudhaifah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted".
[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: To abandon the practice of enjoining virtue and forbidding vice is likely to incur the displeasure of Allah. This trend is indeed fraught with the danger of rejection of prayers and supplications by Him.

194. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best type of Jihad (striving in the way of Allah) is speaking a true word in the presence of a tyrant ruler.''

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Jihad has many degrees. Preaching of virtue is also Jihad. The most meritorious of all is the effort of communicating the Message of Allah to an unjust ruler. Similarly, if a society is so much given to a vice that no one can dare to utter a word against it, then to protest against it can also be reckoned as the best Jihad.

195. Abu `Abdullah Tariq bin Shihab (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: A person asked the Prophet (PBUH) (when he had just put his foot in the stirrup): "What is the highest form of Jihad?'' He (PBUH) said, "Speaking the truth in the presence of a tyrant ruler".

[An-Nasa'i].

196. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The first defect (in religion) which affected the Children of Israel in the way that man would meet another and say to him: `Fear Allah and abstain from what you are doing, for this is not lawful for you.' Then he would meet him the next day and find no change in him, but this would not prevent him from eating with him, drinking with him and sitting in his assemblies. When it came to this, Allah led their hearts into evil ways on account of their association with others.'' Then he (PBUH) recited, "Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. You see many of them taking the disbelievers as their Auliya' (protectors and helpers). Evil indeed is that which their own selves have sent forward before them; for that (reason) Allah's wrath fell upon them and in torment will they abide. And had they believed in Allah and in the Prophet (Muhammad (PBUH)) and in what has been revealed to him, never would they have taken them (the disbelievers) as Auliya' (protectors and helpers); but many of them are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).'' (5:78-81)

Then he (PBUH) continued: "Nay, by Allah, you either enjoin good and forbid evil and catch hold of the hand of the oppressor and persuade him to act justly and stick to the truth, or, Allah will involve the hearts of some of you with the hearts of others and will curse you as He had cursed them".

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The wording in At-Tirmidhi is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When the Children of Israel became sinful, their learned men prohibited them but they would not turn back. Yet, the learned men associated with them and ate and drank with them. So, they were cursed at the tongues of Dawud and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), because they were disobedient and were given to transgression.'' At this stage Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who was reclining on a pillow sat up and said, "No, By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, there is no escape for you but you persuade them to act justly.''

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the duty of `Ulama' is to check the people from vice and if, in spite of all their efforts people do not abandon them, they should avoid associating with them because it is a matter of religious reverence and vanity. If they do not do it, they will also be cursed like the disobedient lot. May Allah save us from this negligence.

197. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: "O you people! You recite this Verse: `O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.' (5:105) But I have heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "When people see an oppressor but do not prevent him from (doing evil), it is likely that Allah will punish them all.''

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: What Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) had stated was that the Ayah mentioned in this Hadith was generally understood to mean that if a person is on the Straight Path then it is not necessary for him to preach virtue and forbid vice because in that case he neither has the fear of being harmed by the disobedience and sins of others nor is he answerable to Allah for their misdeeds. Thus, what it implies is that Muslim Ummah is not responsible for the enforcement of Islamic Shari`ah in the world and all it is concerned with is its own improvement only. By narrating this Hadith, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) refuted this interpretation of the Ayah and made it clear that it is the duty of the Ummah and each of its member to make best possible efforts to check the vices prevalent in the society. So much so that if a Muslim has the ability to check the vices by means of force or speech but he does not do it, his negligence in this regard will become a cause of Divine wrath and punishment. The true significance of this ayah is that if, in spite of the best efforts on the part of the pious ones there is no improvement, and people do not abstain from sins and disobedience of Allah, then the pious persons will not be held responsible for what the defaulters do, nor would they suffer on this account. This interpretation of the �yah removes the conflict that seems to exist between the meaning of the Ayah and the Hadith.

Riyadh us Saliheen

Saturday, 10 February 2007

Poem: It Was Designed For You

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

It Was Designed For You

onedarkangel_uk

You see I don’t wanna argue

Even with you

Cause what it would do

Is take the blame from you

Point it back at me

To look deep inside to see

That you are really me

The lineage of a legacy

Adam and Eve

Or Adam and Hawah, whatever you please

But they got down on their knees

Because the mistake of a second, they listened to Iblis

But here is what you always miss

It was already written for us to reflect on this....

That God is forgiving

He is All Aware and listening

And before the creation

Of every living thing

God created the pen and its still writing

So why should I fear

When the path is clear

The path I adhere

Even if I walk on thorns

That tries to make me steer

Into a dark abyss of confusion

The reason I don’t worry

Is not because of lack of responsibility

But I have detached from this world

For it to ever claim me

You need this degree

Cause you are trying to prove to me

That you can do something better than somebody

While I do not need a paper to tell me

About what I can do or what is my identity

I know the laws of success and its reality

Man of action surpassed men of any degree

Look around the world and it is plain to see

But YOU wanted a Muslim with a doctorate degree

Look and see how heros stood the time and stared into the eyes of fear

Rendering it useless when they spoke these words so clear

Allah! Allah! Allah the All Mighty!

To hear the dominion of God say, “Yes, Glory to He!”

And the reason you are lost is you don’t know me

Because you don’t know yourself and the truth sets you free

Cause if ever you saw any weakness in me

Then it is the mirror you see, that tells you of YOUR reality

You….are…struggling….with…your…IDENTITY!

Because a man who knows who he is...........don’t need to prove anything to me

His proof should be geared to Allah the All Mighty

He’d live the deen and set the example instead of preaching words of melancholy

He’d walk the talk and we shall see in him Islamic history

He’d be dynamic and attract the people but you wanted something else from me

Some paper to tell the people you want to impress....that I got a degree

Then come, you with your paper and I with Piety

Marry your daughter to whoever you wish they are not like me

Because I am the warrior of Allah, the All Mighty

And in my heart and soul your honour would've been protected

Your treasure, your daughter and jewel respected

That even when you are gone, she would've been uplifted

As a great woman and a teacher, but YOU objected

Now, you come and cry to me cause the man has killed your honour

You thought because of his degree he is a great brother

When did he ever have responsibility to raise your respect higher?

When did he ever gain a penny without the help of his father?

When did he ever cook, clean without the help of his mother?

When did he ever live to put a smile on his own sister?

When did he ever care for the plight of our Ummah?

WHEN DID HE EVER DO SALAT and repent to ALLAH?

No! Go back I say - for you lost me for good

For I am not a student of paper or boyz of the hood

There is no if, but, or if only you could

There is only you of losing the chance of the purest of brotherhood

Choose faith next time whenever the time comes

Whether you marry your daughters or your precious sons

But for I, Allah tested me and revealed me to you

For this test was also an example to reflect and think through

To realise that the test wasn’t for me but it was designed for you

Tuesday, 6 February 2007

Video: Surah Qamar - Mishary Rashid

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Surah Qamar - Mishary Rashid Al-'Afasy

Monday, 5 February 2007

Patience: Moral Code of the Daa`iya

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Patience

Shaykh Salman al-`Awdah

Moral Code of the Daa`iya

Translated by Muhammad Buneef

Patience is the associate of 'yaqeen', or certainty: "And we made of them Imams to guide by Our command when they are patient, and they were certain of Our communications." (Surat al-Sajdah:24) This is why Sufyaan said, "Through patience and certainty the imaamah [leading position] is reached in religion." The one who does not hold steadfast is more apt to abandon his religion once anything comes his way, or abandon his methodology and wisdom once he becomes subject to any provocation. This is why Allah ta`ala said to His Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, "Therefore be patient; surely the promise of Allah is true, and let not those who have no certainty hold you in light estimation." (Surat al-Rum:60) And, "... bear patiently what they say, and avoid them with a befitting avoidance." (Surat al-Muzammil:10). Very often the misguided people stand before the duaat and say, "What you're calling to is a fantasy which cannot be realized. You're calling to something that has run it's course, that the people have forgotten. You have to compromise, reconsider your opinions and your judgements!!" Under pressure of actual reality, and in front of real and delusive obstacles, at any given time some of the duaat may submit and become influenced. Then he may reconsider his understanding of Islam and what his opponents are saying!! If only he had independently examined the situation, striving to find the truth wherever it is, the situation would be easier for him! Instead, he has the spirit of one who is defeated, who feels that he came out of the battle a broken prisoner. He is looking to the presumptions of the people for an excuse which will enable him to avoid the fight against falsehood, against the corrupted reality.

For example: Al- Ribaa', or usury. It has spread, taken root, settled down, and it supports the entire world's economics - including the Islamic world . It has reached nearly everyone's pocket, so it became entitled to the Prophecy of the Prophet when he sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "There will come a time among people when a person who does not eat ribaa' will get it's dust." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Nisaa'ee and Ibn Majah, Mundiry declared it weak from it's deficiency between al-Hasn and Abi Hurairah.] Even though there is a weakness in this hadeeth, the soundness of the meaning of his saying ~ is witnessed in the hadeeth narrated by Bukhari, "There will come a time among people, when a person won't care about what he eats, whether it is haraam or halaal." That haraam, has settled in the nufuws [pi. of nafs] of many, as well as in their pockets, their establishments, and their wealth. Stead of (the daa'iya) making an attempt to forbid people from this, to look for the shariyya's proper alternatives for increase and develop wealth, the ones who have no certainty in religion come to him (the daa`iya) and try to tempt to reconsider some of the areas of what is clear ribaa'. This becomes the people's reality in a limited period of time, attempting to fix some of the shariyya rulings that have been firmly established through the centuries!

This causes the nufuws of the duaat to loose patience, which in turn causes him to loose hope! A poet once said, "I indulge in hope, waiting in anticipation. How distressful a livelihood would be without the ampleness ode." If only the daai'ya would listen to that sincere advisor who said to his friend, "If you're not capable of accomplishing something, then leave it and move on to what you are capable of." You are not required to achieve victory for the Islamic reality, for it's realization depends upon the decree of Allah. You are required to do your utmost in His path only! And the Prophets and Messengers were addressed to do so, "...We have not sent you as a watcher over them, you are only to deliver..." (Shuuraa:48) and they [the Prophets] said, "Our Lord knows that we are surely messengers to you. And we are required not but to deliver clearly." (Ya Seen: 17) And some of the people may come to the daai'ya saying, "You're doing tremendous work, persisting day and night. But the end result is little and the people are abandoning you. Yet you see the reasons that devastation and destruction overwhelm the majority of them." This begins to ruin in an hour what the daai'ya builds in a year! As the Poet said, "What day will the building be completed, if while you are building it, another is demolishing it?"

Such talk may influence many who are not used to steep roads. Here lies the role of patience. Being hasty in picking the fruit of dawa is not conformable to patience which must be a characteristic of the daai`ya. The daai'ya may be in a certain place, a school or institute, he is forbidding the forbidden, spreading the dawa and speaking to many people, but he won't notice the change himself because it is coming gradually. Just as the father does not notice the growth of his child whom he sees every morning and evening! He is growing gradually! How many duaat deserted a certain place thinking that he'd had no influence, but after he left, his absence became noticeable, and his influence then appeared, as was said, "My people will remember me if their eagerness (diligence) becomes serious. For in the dark night will the full moon be missed." So the daa'iya should not rush the results and the fruits of the dawa but he should strive and depend upon Allah ta`ala, and realize that according to the logical settled experience from the historical aspect, and the realistic aspect, that any truthful effort expended in the nation will have a fruit. Because it hasn't happened that when a person gave dawa nobody at all responded to him, or when he advised, nobody at all took his advice, or when a scholar sat down teaching, nobody at all came to learn. Every daa'iya will find a respondent. For things have not yet reached what the Prophet warned us of concerning submissiveness to greed (stinginess), pursuit of desires, influence of the dunya, and admiration of one's opinion. This has not yet happened to the entire nation. It may be so on an individual level or in a specific region, but there remain many who respond and accept the dawa, or listen to the advice of the advisor, provided that he speaks with knowledge and wisdom.

Even in the non-Islamic nations today such as America, Europe and others, we see that those who carry the banner of dawa to Allah ta`ala find some non-Muslims who respond to them. Various centers have given us statistics of the weekly Muslim converts, dozens of men and women. This realistic and historical truth, one which proves that every effort has a fruit, is also a shariyya truth: "Whoever does good deeds and he is a believer, there shall be no denying his effort..." (Surat alAnbiya:94) and "That Allah may reward the truthful for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if He wills, or turn mercifully towards them..." (Surat al-Ahzaab:64) The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "...he who calls to guidance, receives the same reward as those who followed him, without diminishing anything from their rewards." [Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, all from the hadeeth of Abu Hurairah] and "He who established a good sunnah in Islam, he will have the reward of each who apply it after him until the Day of Judgment…" [Muslim, Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]

Islaam.com

Ambition: Moral Code of the Daa`iya

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Ambition

Shaykh Salman al-`Awdah

Moral Code of the Daa`iya

Translated by Muhammad Buneef

Ambition means that a person does not live for himself and his life, but he lives for his ummah, as the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam was, as 'Aisha said about him. When `Abdullah bin Shaqeeq, may Allah be pleased with him, asked her if the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to pray sitting? She said, "Yes, after the people wrecked him." [Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud.] So he used to confront people, welcome them, and warmly leave them, command them, and prohibit them, mix up with them and tolerate their errors; that is why the people wrecked him sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam and left an effect upon his body to the point that he started to pray sitting and his hair turned gray.

Deen is three levels; Islam, then Imaan, then Ihsaan. In accordance with this division there is a trilateral division, "And we gave the book as an inheritance to those whom We chose from among our servants; but of them is he who makes his soul to suffer a loss, and of them is he who takes a middle course, and of them is he who is foremost in deeds of goodness by Allah's permission; this is the great excellence. [For them are] gardens of perpetual residence which they will enter. They shall be made to wear therein bracelets of gold and pearls, and their dress shall be silk." [Surat al-Faatir:32]

Accordingly, there is another trilateral division that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam mentioned, in the hadeeth of the saved group in which he mentioned Islam first which is the only guaranty for entering Paradise. That is; nobody enters Jannah but a Muslim, and inside this large circle which is the circle of Islam, there is a smaller circle which is the circle of the Saved group and it contains those who stick to the right conduct and correct aqeedah, and no more than that. There is a third circle which is smaller than the second, and which is better, more noble and greater, and that is the circle of the Victorious group, those who defend and protect the deen and tolerate harm, therefore Allah Azza wa Jalla gives them victory.So the Muslim should be ambitious and reach for these levels, and look in the deen at the one who is above him and look in the duniya at that one who is beneath him. Try to resemble the noble ones, the righteous ones, the renewers, so that you may achieve some good in this life. Have an ambitious nafs that does not get satisfied with stopping at a certain limit, and does not get enough of doing good until it ends up in the Jannah.

Islaam.com

Crying date palm tree

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

The Prophet used to stand by a tree or a date-palm on Friday. Then an Ansari woman or man said. "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we make a pulpit for you?" He replied, "If you wish." So they made a pulpit for him and when it was Friday, he proceeded towards the pulpit (for delivering the sermon). The date-palm cried like a child! The Prophet descended (the pulpit) and embraced it while it continued moaning like a child being quietened. The Prophet said, "It was crying for (missing) what it used to hear of religious knowledge given near to it."

(Bukhari, Book #56, Hadith #784)

Friday, 2 February 2007

Event: The Many Faces of A Detainee

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

The Many Faces of a Detainee

Click on picture to enlarge

MASON LECTURE THEATRE 10AM - 5PM

QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

Some of the speakers are: Asim Qureishi - "Caged Lives"

Murtazza Khan - "Ibn taymiyyah's letters from prison"

Abdur Raheem Green - "The self evidence of Truth"

Anas al Banna - 10 year old son of detainee

Also there will be an exhibition, stalls and a 3 course meal

Tickets: £5

For more information call: 07935862943

How To Stop Gossip

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

How To Stop Gossip

If any of us hear gossip about one of our brothers, we are enjoined to oppose it, and correct the speaker- gently, politely, and with wisdom. This is in accordance with the various ways of changing a bad deed which were described by the Messenger of Allah (SAAS) 1, which we should try to do to the best of our ability. The least of these is opposing the wrong deed in our hearts, which in this case should make us leave the gathering where the gossip is taking place.

Let us think about the words of Allah (SWT):

"When you see men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes you forget, then after recollection, do not sit in the company of those who do wrong." [al-An'am 6:68]

Let those who relish gossip beware! The Messenger of Allah (SAAS) ordered those who hear gossip to reject it, but they are accepting it with pleasure! Woe to you! Are you not thinking about where you will end up? It is as if you think you were created only for fooling about and committing sins! For your Lord's sake tell me: are you Muslims?!

Footnotes:

1. The Hadith reads: "Whoever of you sees an evil deed should change it with his hand [by acting], or if he cannot do that, then with his tongue [by speaking out], or if he cannot do that, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith." Reported byMuslim (Kitab al-lman, No. 49).