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The Extraordinary Spread of Islam and its Main Dynamics

2012-02-04T14:30:59Z

Islam, in the tenth century, was the main religion, or at least, the religion of the majority of peoples in an area covering more than half of the civilized world stretching over three continents from the Pyrenees and Siberia in West and North Europe to the farthest end of Asia, up to China and New Guinea in the East; from Morocco in North Africa to the southern tip of Africa, covering two-thirds of the African continent.

It is one of the most striking facts of human history that the spread of Islam over such a vast area took place within three centuries. Most striking of all, within half a century after the Hijra, Islam had already conquered the whole of North Africa from Egypt to Morocco, all the Middle Eastern lands from Yemen to Caucasia and from Egypt to the lands beyond Transoxiana. It was during the reign of the third Caliph Uthman that the Muslim envoys reached the Chinese Palace, where they were welcomed enthusiastically, an important event marking, according to the historians, the beginning of Islam's entry into this country. There are many reasons why peoples have been, from past to the present, so ready to embrace Islam, what is pointed out by Muhammad Asad, a Jewish convert to Islam, probably being the foremost:

Islam appears like a perfect work of architecture

Islam appears to me like a perfect work of architecture. All its parts are harmoniously conceived to complement and support each other, nothing lacking, with the result of an absolute balance and solid composure. Everything in the teaching and postulate of Islam is in its proper place. (Islam at the Crossroads, p.5)

Where does the prejudice that Islam spread by force of the sword lie?

Most of Western writers, especially under the influence of the Church, have never failed to accuse Islam of spreading by force of the sword. The causes of this prejudice lie mainly in the fact that the spread of Islam has often occurred at the expense of Christianity. While Islam has for centuries obtained numerous conversions from Christianity without much effort or organized missionary activities, Christianity has almost never been able to achieve conversions from Islam in spite of sophisticated means and well-organized missionary activities, and it has always been at a disadvantage in its competition with Islam for fourteen centuries. This has caused its missionaries and most of the orientalists to develop a complex within themselves by depicting Islam and introducing it as a regressive, vulgar religion of savage peoples. (John Cogley, Religion of Secular Age; Muhammad Asad, The Road to Mecca) The same attitude has unfortunately maintained toward the Holy Prophet of Islam. This is clear in the confessions of some unbiased writers of the West: According to P. Bayle,

Muslims, according to the principles of their faith, are under an obligation to use force for the purpose of bringing other religions to ruin (probably he means Jihad which is not for the purpose he suggests-T.F.U.); yet, in spite of that, they have been tolerating other religions for some centuries past.

The Christians have not been given orders to do anything but preach and instruct, yet, despite this, from time immemorial they have been exterminating by fire and sword all those who are not of their religion.. We may feel certain that if Western Christians, instead of the Saracens and the Turks, had won the dominion over Asia, there would be today not a trace left of the Greek Church, and that they would never have tolerated Muhammadanism as the 'infidels' have tolerated Christianity there. We (Christians) enjoy the fine advantage of being far better versed than others in the art of killing, bombarding and exterminating the Human Race." (Bayle P.,Dictionary, 'the article Mahomed', 1850)

To what is Islam indebted its unequaled spread?

Islam is indebted its unequaled spread to its religious content and values, which is confessed by all objective Western intellectuals:

Many have sought to answer the questions of why the triumph of Islam was so speedy and complete? Why have so many millions embraced the religion of Islam and scarcely a hundred ever recanted? Why do a thousand Christians become Muslims to one Muslim who adopts Christianity? Some have attempted to explain the first overwhelming success of Islam by the argument of the Sword. They forget Carlyle's laconic reply.

First get your sword. You must win men's hearts before you can induce them to imperil their lives for you; and the first conquerors of Islam must have been made Muslims before they were made fighters on the Path of God. Others allege the low morality of the religion and the sensual paradise it promises as a sufficient cause for the zeal of its followers: but even were these admitted to the full, no religion has ever gained a lasting hold upon the souls of men by the force of its sensual permissions and fleshy promises...

In all these explanations the religion itself is left out of the question. Decidedly, Islam itself was the main cause for its triumph. Islam not only was at once accepted (by many peoples and races) by Arabia, Syria, Persia, Egypt, Northern Africa and Spain, at its first outburst; but, with the exception of Spain, it has never lost its vantage ground; it has been spreading ever since it came into being.

Admitting the mixed causes that contributed to the rapidity of the first swift spread of Islam, they do not account for the duration of Islam. There must be something in the religion itself to explain its persistence and spread, and to account for its present hold over so large of a proportion of the dwellers on the earth... Islam has stirred an enthusiasm that has never been surpassed. Islam has had its martyrs, its self-tormentors, its recluses, who have renounced all that life offered and have accepted death with a smile for the sake of the faith that was in them. (Stanley Lane-Poole, Study in a Mosque, pp.86-89)

A. J. Arberry has also pointed out that the reason for the spread of Islam is Islam itself and its religious values. (Aspects of Islamic Civilization, p.12) He states:

The rapidity of the spread of Islam, noticeably through extensive provinces which had been long Christian, is a crucial fact of history.. The sublime rhetoric of the Quran, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy". (M. Pickhtal, The Meaning of the Glorious Quran, p.vii)

Arberry continues:

This, and the urgency of the simple message carried, holds the key to the mystery of one of the greatest catalysms in the history of religion. When all military, political and economic factors have been exhausted, the religious impulse must still be recognized as the most vital and enduring.

Brockelman, who is usually very unsympathetic and partial, also recognizes the religious values of Islam as the main factor for the spread of Islam. (History of the Islamic Peoples, p.37) Rosenthal makes his point as follows:

The more important factor for the spread of Islam is religious law of Islam (Sharia which is an inclusive, all-embracing, all-comprehensive way of thinking and living) which was designed to cover all manifestations of life. (Political Thought in Medieval Islam, p.21)

The exemplary life-style of Muslim individuals

Besides many other reasons which are responsible for the spread of Islam, it is the exemplary life-style and unceasing efforts of individual Muslims to transmit the message of Islam throughout the world which lie at the root of the conquest of the hearts by Islam. Islamic universalism is closely associated with the principle of Amr bi'l-ma'ruf (enjoining the good) for Islam is to be spread by Muslims by means of Amr bi'l-ma'ruf.

This principle seeks to convey the message of Islam to all human beings in the world and to establish a model Islamic community on a world-wide basis. The Islamic community is introduced by the Quran as a model community: "Thus, We have made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that you might be witnesses (models) for the peoples, and the Messenger has been a witness for you." (The Quran, 2:143)

A Muslim or the Muslim community as a whole thus has a goal to achieve: This is the spread of Islam, conveying the truth to the remotest corners of the world, the eradication of oppression and tyranny and the establishment of justice all over the world. This requires the Muslim to live an examplary life, and thus the moral and ethical values of Islam have usually played an important part in the spread of Islam. Here follow the impressions of the influence of Islamic ethics on black Africans had by a Western writer of the nineteenth century:

How does Islam change the peoples that have accepted it?

As to the effects of Islam when first embraced by a black people tribe, can there, when viewed as a whole, be any reasonable doubt? Polytheism disappears almost instantaneously; sorcery, with its attendant evils, gradually dies away; human sacrifice becomes a thing of the past.

The general moral elevation is most marked; the natives begin for the first time in their history to dress, and that neatly. Squalid filth is replaced by some approach to personal cleanliness; hospitality becomes a religious duty; drunkenness, instead of the rule, becomes a comparatively rare exception...chastity is looked upon as one of the highest, and becomes, in fact, one of the commoner virtues.

It is idleness that henceforward degrades, and industry that elevates, instead of the reverse. Offences are henceforward measured by a written code instead of the arbitrary caprice of a chieftain - a step, as everyone will admit, of vast importance in the progress of a tribe. The Mosque gives an idea of architecture at all events higher than any the Negro has yet had. A thirst for literature is created and that for works of science and philosophy as well as for commentaries on the Quran. (Quoted from Waitz by B. Smith, Muhammad and Muhammadanism, pp.42-43)

The tolerance of Islam

The tolerance of Islam is another factor in the spread of Islam. Toynbee praises this tolerance towards the Peoples of the Book after comparing it with the attitude of the Christians towards Muslims and Jews in their lands. (A Historian's Approach to Religion, p.246) T. Link attributes the spread of Islam to the credibility of its principles together with its tolerance, persuasion and other kinds of attractions. (A History of Religion) Makarios, Orthodox Patriorch of Antioch in the seventeenth century, compared the harsh treatment received by the Russians of the Orthodox Church at the hands of the Roman Catholic Poles with the tolerant attitude towards Orthodox christians shown by the Ottoman Government and prayed for the Sultans. (T. Link, A History of Religion)

This is not the only example of preference by the followers of the religions for Muslim rule over that of their own co-religionists. The Orthodox Christians of Byzantium openly expressed their preference for the Ottoman turban in Istanbul to the hats of the Catholic cardinals. Elisee Reclus, the French traveller of the nineteenth century, wrote that the Muslim Turks allowed all the followers of different religions to perform their religious duties and rituals, and that the Christian subjects of the Ottoman Sultan were more free to live their own lives than the Christians who lived in the lands under the rule of any rival Christian sect. (Nouvelle Geographie Universelle, Vol. IX) Popescu Ciocanel pays tribute to the Muslim Turks by stating that it was luck for the Romanian people that they lived under the government of the Turks rather than the domination of the Russians and Austrians. Otherwise, he points out, "no trace of the Romanian nation would have remained." (La Crise de L'Orient}

How did Muslims behave towards the people of the conquered lands?

The Muslim's attitude towards the people of the conquered lands is quite clear in the instructions given by the rightly-guided Caliphs:

Always keep fear of God in your mind; remember that you cannot afford to do anything without His grace. Do not forget that Islam is a mission of peace and love. Keep the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) before you as a model of bravery and piety. Do not destroy fruit-trees nor fertile fields in your paths. Be just, and spare the feelings of the vanguished. Respect all religious persons who live in hermitages or convents and spare their edifices. Do not kill civilians. Do not outrage the chastity of women and the honour of the conquered. Do not harm old people and children. Do not accept any gifts from the civil population of any place. Do not billet your soldiers or officers in the houses of civilians. Do not forget to perform your daily prayers. Fear God. Remember that death will inevitably come to everyone of you some time or other, even if you are thousands of miles away from a battle field; therefore be always ready to face death. (Andrew Miller, Church History; Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Nahj al-Balagha)

A historical episode which Balazuri, a famous Muslim historian, tells about how pleased the native peoples were with their Muslim conquerors is of great significance:

When Heraclius massed his troops against the Muslims, and the Muslims heard that they were coming to meet them, they refunded the inhabitants of Hims the tribute they had taken from them, saying: "We are too busy to support and protect you. Take care of yourselves." But the people of Hims replied: "We like your rule and justice far better than the state of oppression and tyranny in which we were. The army of Heraclius we shall indeed, with your help, repulse from the city." The Jews rose and said: "We swear by the Torah, no governor of Heraclius shall enter the city of Hims unless we are first vanguished and exhausted." Saying this, they closed the gates of the city and guarded them. The inhabitants of other cities - Christians and Jews- that had been capitulated did the same. When by God's help the unbelievers were defeated and Muslims won, they opened the gates of their cities, went out with the singers and players of music, and paid the tribute. (Futuh al-Buldan)

***

BIBLIOGRAPHY

o        Abu'l-Fazl Izzeti, An Introduction to the History of the Spread of Islam, London, 1976 (frequently quoted).
o        Abdurrahman Ahmad, Garbin Islam'dan Ogrendikleri (Turkish trans.) Istanbul
o        Davud Dursun, Osmanli Devletinde Siyaset ve Din, Istanbul,1989
o        Balazuri, Futuh al-Buldan, Istanbul,1965
o        Edward Said, Oryantalizm (Turkish trans.) Istanbul,1983
o        Mustafa Fayda, Hz. Omer Zamaninda Gayr-i Muslimler,1989
o        Imam Abu Yusuf, Kitab al-Kharaj, Istanbul,1973
o        Sayid Qutb, Islam'da Sosyal Adalet (Turkish trans.) 1980
o        A.Hasan al-Mas'udi, Muruj adh-Dhahab, Cairo,1964
o        Shibli Numani, Butun Yonleriyle Hz. Omer ve Devlet Idaresi (Turkish trans.)1975
o        I.Jarir al-Tabari, Milletler ve Hukumdarlar Tarihi (Turkish trans) 1955
o        Osman Turan, Selcuklular Tarihi ve Turk-Islam Medeniyeti, 1969

by: Huseyin Algul, Islam Tarihi, Istanbul,1987

Precious, Hidden & Protected

2012-02-01T14:07:49Z

by Mariam Anwer

...Like Pearls in their Shells :)

As Muslims we submit to the will and commands of our Lord - Allah who is the creator of the worlds. His commands and rules as stated in His Book-the Quran should be humbly accepted and practiced without arrogance. It is this Divine Book where Allah commands His believing servants to believe in Him alone, pray five times, fast in the month of Ramadan, give zakah, to respect their parents…etc. And it is the same noble book where Allah orders the believing women to wear hijab or cover themselves, hide their beauty and guard their modesty.

Allah says in the Holy Quran,

And tell the believing women reduce some of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except only that which (necessarily) appears thereof and to wrap their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment ( i.e., beauty) except to their husbands,their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their women, that which their right hands possess (i.e. slaves), or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And repent to Allah, all of you, O believers that you might succeed. (24:31)

Allah also says,

"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down upon themselves part of their outer garments (lowering and drawing together a sheet like garment concealing from head to toe). That is more suitable that they will be known (as chaste believing women) and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (33:59)

My dear sisters in Islam, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala created us unique and then blessed us with

these special rules out of His wisdom and mercy, to provide for us a great degree of privacy and protection. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala conveys His concern for the honour and reputation of believing women and hence His instruction to avoid the careless dress and behaviour of the pre-Islamic period and of the non-believers.

All praise and thanks be to Him who freed women from the shackles of ignorance and blessed them with Islam and its bounty. He chose the perfect attire for us as He being our Lord and Creator knows what is best for us.

Therefore, if we believe in Allah, we must comply with His orders to wear Hijab with the conditions stated by Allah, in the verses of the Quran mentioned above .

The interpretators of the Quran have explained the conditions of Hijab…and they appear the explanation of Surah Nur by Saheeh International as follows;

· The clothing must cover the whole body except the face and hands.

· It must be wide and loose enough to conceal body shape and curvature. Allah's command to draw the large head wrapper (khimar) over the chest insures that its folds will conceal the neck, shoulders, the chest area as well as the head and hair. The clothing should also hang loosely over the hips.

· The cloth must be thick enough as not to reveal the skin colour beneath it or the shape of the body. Prophet cursed women of later generations who would be dressed yet undressed…,they will not enter paradise and they will not smell its fragrance which can be smelled from such-and-such a distance, in a hadith narrated by Muslim.

· The clothing itself should be simple so as not to attract attention.

· It should not resemble clothing usually worn by the opposite sex. Styles may vary with time and location but among Muslims there's a clear distinction between the appearances of males and females. The Prophet cursed the man who dresses like a woman and the woman who dresses like a man in a saheeh hadith narrated by Abu Dawood and Al Hakim.

· The dress should not resemble the dress which is particular to the non believers and it should not be a clothing of distinction or reputation. A dress that indicates pride or the opposite…i.e. a dress excessively shabby worn out of indifference to the world.

These conditions with the exception of the first one apply to the Muslim men's clothing as well. Men should also dress modestly according to recognized norms, avoiding clothing that is eccentric, which resembles that of females or that of the non believers. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silk. However, both are allowed for women.

Allah out of His divine wisdom and precision exempted women from the ruling's observance before specific categories of people…which He stated in the verse of Surah anNur,

"…except to their husbands,their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons,their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their women, that which their right hands possess ( i.e slaves), or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women …"(24:31)

And some as mentioned in the hadiths of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are the brothers of parents, the daughter's husband and those related by nursing. Wherever fathers are mentioned, it includes grandfathers, great grandfathers, grandsons, great grandsons, etc., as far down as they exist. The uncle's son is not a mahram relative since marriage to him is not prohibited. Neither are the sister's husband or the husband's brother and uncle.

My dear sisters in Islam, hijab is a form of obedience and worship of Allah Ta'ala. It serves as a shield for us, guards our modesty and increases our faith with which we can gain a place in paradise with Allah-Most High insha Allah.

Dear sisters, the modesty of a believing woman is reflected not only in her dress but also in her movements and behavior.It is not just a matter of simply putting a piece of clothe on our head, then wearing colourful or flashy clothes with no positive change in our way of thinking and our attitude!

We wear hijab with all its conditions in order to get closer to Allah; it constitutes in us a special attitude, a way of thinking and behaving, and we proudly accept ourselves for who and what we are. Basically it constitutes an Islamic way of life; it is a statement which indeed should portray a certain meaning. The whole idea involves conducting ourselves with dignity at all times. It identifies us as Muslims, and ultimately people will judge Islam by us and that is a heavy responsibility!!

Hijab isn't meant to restrict us from doing the kind of things we want to do, it is a blessing because it makes us check our behaviour continuously, and prevents us from doing the things that Muslims shouldn't be doing anyway.

Complimenting the rules stated above, Allah also prohibited the pre Islamic practice of attracting attention by letting the sound of ornaments(bangles, anklets, high heels, etc.) be heard and also prohibited women to use perfume in the presence of non-mahram men.

Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said,

"When a woman perfumes herself and passes by an assembly, she is so-and-so," meaning a fornicator. (Ahmad and atTrimidhi - saheeh)

Al-Bukhari reports Mother of the believers A'isha as saying "May Allah have mercy on the emigrant women (Muhajirat).As soon as Allah revealed, '… and (let them) wrap their head covers over their chests," they tore of the edge of their waist wrappers and wrapped their heads with it." And she said, "By Allah I have not seen better or more believing than the Book of Allah than the women of the Ansar (helpers). When Surah Nur was revealed with '… and (let them) wrap their head covers over their chests,' their men returned to them reciting what Allah revealed for them therein. There was no woman among them but that she took her extra waist wrapper and wound it tightly around her head out of faith and belief in what Allah had sent down of His Book. By morning they were praying behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) wrapped up (appearing) as if there were crows on their heads(due to knots or the dark colour of the cloth)."

SubhanAllah!! By mentioning the immediate compliance of the women companions, A'isha was illustrating the correct and appropriate response of every sincere believer to Allah's injunctions as soon as he/she is aware of them!! May Allah make us like those believing women.

Unfortunately, most Muslims nowadays look upon the Hijab as being too "extreme", some common excuses include:

"that virtue and modesty are in our characters not in wearing hijaab…, Islam is not that complicated…its the religion of ease…, I love Allah and His Messenger and that love is in my heart so there's no need to wear hijab…, I believe in the importance of hijab but I'll wear it after I get married or when I reach such-and-such age…, so-and-so wear hijab but they commit major sins so what's the use…,or I live in a non muslim country and wearing hijab makes me the earn the scorn of people…, ummm my husband doesn't want me to wear hijab.., My parents/parents-in-law will hate me if I start covering.....!!!!!!!!!!!"

Dear sisters, Allah-the Lord of the worlds orders us to wear Hijab…He's the One who created us, blessed us with life when we were nothing, He fashioned us, made us capable to stand, walk, talk…, He favoured us with infinite blessings, which if we were to count we would never be able to enumerate them…

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor (the blessings) of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed mankind (generally) is most unjust and ungrateful." (14:34)

Do we dare to question His orders…?? How can we even consider violating an order to be an insignificant thing although it comes from Allah?? How can we call it irrelevant while it's a part of faith, safety of the heart and stability of the society?? Wearing hijab has so much to do with Islam, in this world and the Hereafter. Hijab is mandatory for Muslim women and not complying with this order becomes a major sin!!

We don't sit and search for logic when it comes to the orders of Allah…we just hear and we obey!!

Iblees used his logic and refused to comply with Allah's order to prostrate to Adam…and we all know what happened next…he's cursed and doomed to the hell fire forever.

Dr. Jamal Badawi, a famous writer of Islamic Books writes,

"To some the subject of the Muslim woman's dress might seem trivial. A basic requirement of a true believer is making one's opinions and inclinations subservient to what Allah and His Messenger have determined. Placing one's personal opinions, feelings or inclinations above or at the same level as the commandments of Allah is the ultimate of human pride and vanity. This means in effect that a mortal is responding to Allah's guidance by saying, ' O my Creator, Your law is your opinion. I have my own opinion and I know best what is good for me.'

This attitude is befitting for unbelievers and the hypocrites, but not for a believer no matter how imperfect one may be in implementing Islam in one's life."

(The Muslim women's dress p.3)

Allah says,

"It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should (thereafter) have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error." (33:36)

Allah ta'ala states his commands for a just reason and wants to make our lives easy for us not difficult…He knows the nature of His creatures… Displaying the woman's beauty in public is aninstrument that shaytan uses to make people go astray. So we should be conscious that we do not become an agent for shaytan.

Hijab is ease because it guards us…; it's a gift from our creator because it makes people realize that we're precious pearls. It is a way to gain the creator's love, pleasure mercy…it does show our love for Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam ) …and it guarantees that Allah will love us too, if we follow His commands.

Everybody claims to love Allah and His messenger but the practical proof of this love is obedience to His commands mentioned in the Quran and in following His Messenger's way of life.

Once we know about the rules of Allah…it becomes mandatory upon us to comply with them…we never know what the next minute might bring for us…death might catch us unaware…and we will be confronted with our account before the Lord of the worlds with hearts filled with regret!!

Allah says,

"Every soul shall taste death, and you will be given your (full) compensation on the Day of Resurrection…" (3:185)

Allah will not hold us responsible for women who wear hijab but still commit bad deeds…

Instead, we'll be held responsible for what we did to please or displease Him in the world.

Allah says,

"…and no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another." (17:15)
"So whoever would hope for the Meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone." (18:110)

The decision to wear the hijab can become extra complicated through external pressures, especially from loved ones…, family and friends. Some parents and husbands prevent us from fulfilling this noble obligation…but remember,

Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said,

"There should be no obedience to a creature in disobeying the Creator." (Ahmad)

No doubt, obeying our guardians and taking care of their wishes and desires is a part of faith but NOT when they come between us and our Lord!!

In a saheeh hadith Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that whoever tries to please Allah (by obeying Him) by displeasing the people, then Allah will be pleased with him and He will make the people pleased with him. And whoever displeases Allah just to please the people; Allah will be displeased with him and make the people displeased with him too.

My Dear sisters, many of us were unaware of the significance of hijab and it might seem strange, scary and hard to some…Remember it is Allah's order and He's the One who will make things easy for us…!!

Let us make dua to Him for guidance and strength and start complying…!!

He will certainly help us and protect us if we strive in His cause. Never forget, no matter how difficult it is, that Allah never puts burdens on us that we cannot bear, and the more we persevere, the more blessings we receive, insha Allah.

Dear sisters, Allah has blessed us by teaching us this important rule…lets hurry and implement this important rule with a sincere intention to please Allah…and a hope to gain His mercy and love in thins world and the hereafter.

Allah says,

Say, O mankind, the truth has come to you from your Lord, so whoever is guided is only guided for (the benefit of) his soul and whoever goes astray only goes astray (in violation) against it…" (10:108)

O Allah!! Guide us all and give us the strength to implement Your rules!! O Allah!! Help us remember You, thank You and worship You in the best of ways!!May the best of Allah's peace and blessings be on our beloved Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow them in righteousness.

***

-Compiled by

Mariam Anwer

-Sources:
~The Qur'an [Our Guide to Peace & Succes!! :)]
~The Sayings of the best of all men - Prophet Muhammad [sallallahu alyhi wasallam]
~Some comments by my favourite teacher, my inspiration 'Umm Muhammad' in her book; ""Explanation of Surah Nur by Saheeh International!!""

Islam is the Key

2012-01-30T20:11:39Z

Many years ago, during the time of the Taabi'een (Generation of Muslims after the time of Sahaabah), Baghdad was a great city of Islam. Infact it was the capital of the Islam Empire and because of the great number of scholars who lived there, it was the Centre of the Islamic knowledge. One day, the ruler of Rome at that time sent an envoy to Baghdad with THREE CHALLENGES FOR THE MUSLIMS.When the envoy arrived at the city, he informed the Khalifah that he had three questions which he CHALLENGE Muslims to answer. The Khalifah gathered all the Scholars of the city and the envoy climbed 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 brought from Rome ."

As for the questions THEY! WERE:

" WHAT WAS THERE BEFORE ALLAH?

IN WHICH DIRECTION DOES ALLAH FACE?

WHAT IS ALLAH ENGADED IN AT THIS MOMENT?"

The Great assembly of people remain SILENT! (Can you think of answers to these Questions?) In the midst of these brilliant Scholars and Students of Islam, there was a man looking on with his 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 answer the questions and was granted.

The Roman addressed the young Muslim and repeated his first question:

" What was there before Allah?" The boy now asked, " Do you know how to count?" "Yes" said the Roman.

"Then count down from Ten!" said the boy.

The Roman started, "Ten, Nine, Eight...." until he reached One and he stopped. " But what comes before One?" said the boy. "there is nothing before One. That is it!" the Roman replied.

" Well then, if there obviously is nothing before the arithmetic 'One', 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 AND THE HIDDEN?" SAID THE BOY.

Now the Roman was so surprise with this DIRECT ANSWER which he could not dispute.

So he asked: "Tell me in which Direction does Allah face?" "bring a candle and light it" said the boy. " And tell me in which direction is the flame facing?"

"But the flame is just a light, it spreads in Each of the four directions-North, South, East and West. It does not face any one direction only." said the Roman in wonderment!

The boy cried: "Then if this physical light spreads in all of the four directions such that you can not tell which way it faces, THEN WHAT DO YOU EXPECT OF THE NURUSSAMAWATI 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 WHAT HE CALLED CHALLENGES in such a way that he could not argue. So he desperately wanted to ask 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 answering them. It is only fair if you come down to I m standing and I should go up to where you are right now, so that the answers may be heard as clearly as the questions." This seemed reasonable to the Roman, so he came down to where the boy was standing, leaving the boy to go up to where he was.

The Roman 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 platform a LIAR AND MOCKER OF ISLAM, HE (ALLAH) 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. Everyday He exercises (Universal) POWER (Surah 55 Arrahman, v. 29)."

The Roman had nothing to say except to leave and return back to his Country, DEFEATED.

Meanwhile, this young Boy grew up to be One of the Most Famous Scholars of Islam. Allah the Exalted, Blessed him with special Wisdom and Knowledge of the Religion.

His name was ABU HANIFAH (RAHMATULLAHI ALAIHI) THE FOUNDER OF THE HANAFI MATH-HAB, MAY ALLAH HAVE MERCY ON HIM AND HE IS KNOWN TODAY AS IMAM ABU HANIFAH THE GREAT SCHOLAR OF ISLAM.

ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALA MUHAMMAD , WA ALA ALI MUHAMMAD, KAMA SALLAITA ALA IBRAHIM , WA ALA ALI IBRAHIM INNAKA HAMIDUN MAJID.

PLEASE FORWARD TO AS MANY MUSLIMS AS YOU CAN. ALLAH WILL REWARD U

ABUNDANTLY.THANKS

A Dialogue between Shaikh al-Albanee and a proponent of Mawlid on the subject, Is the celebration of Mawlid a good deed (Khayr)?

2012-01-28T20:18:46Z

Written by Salman Mohammed

***

Shaikh al-Albanee: Is the celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi Khayr (good) or evil?

The opponent: Khayr.

Shaikh al-Albanee: So, were the Messenger of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and his Sahabah unaware of this Khayr (good)?

The opponent: No.

Shaikh al-Albanee: I am not convinced with your saying, 'No' because it is impossible that this Khayr (i.e. the celebration Mawlid) if it is Khayr

- be concealed from the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and his Sahabah since we do not know Islam and Eeman except through Prophet Muhammad sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam. So, how do we know a Khayr (good deed) that he did not know of? This is impossible.

The opponent: Establishing Mawlid an-Nabawi is reviving his sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam memories and is a tribute to him sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam.

Shaikh al-Albanee: This is a philosophy that we know of, and have heard from many and read in their books, but when Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam invited the people (to the Deen of Allah), did he call them to Islam as a whole or he invited them to Tawheed?

The opponent:Tawheed.

Shaikh al-Albanee:First, he invited them to Tawheed, next prayer was made obligatory, then fasting, later the obligation of Hajj, and so on. So, you follow this Sunnah of the Sharee'ah, (and talk about the issue under discussion) step-by-step.

We have now agreed that it is impossible that there could be a Khayr with us which the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam did not know of. (Because) we know all the Khayr through the Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam... and I believe that anyone, who doubts in this matter, is not a Muslim.

From the Ahadeeth of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam that support this statement is, "There is nothing that will take you closer to Paradise but that I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will take you closer to Hell but that I have warned you of it." [Musnad ash-Shafa'ee and others]

So, if Mawlid was Khayr and something that could bring us closer to Allah, then Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam would have guided us to it. Right or wrong?

I don't want you to agree with me except if you are convinced of every word I say. You have complete freedom to say, "Please, I do not agree with this point." So, do you stop at some point from what I have just said, or are you with me completely?

The opponent: I am with you totally.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Jazak Allah Khair.
We say to everybody who approves of this celebration – Mawlid is Khayr in your opinion, so did the Messenger of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam guide us to it or did he not. If they say, "He guided us to it." We say to them, "Produce your proof if you are truthful." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 11] and they can never bring a proof of it... they have no proof or argument except (saying), "This is a Bidah Husna (a good innovation)!!"

All - those who approve of Mawlid and those who forbid it - are in agreement that this (celebration of) Mawlid neither existed at the time of Allah's Messenger nor at the time of the Sahabah...

However, the supporters of Mawlid say, "What is in Mawlid? It is just remembering the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam , sending blessing upon him and similar acts."We say, "If it was Khayr, there would have been precedence in it (by the Salaf as-Salih). You know the Hadeeth of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam, "The best of my ummah is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them." This is an agreed upon Hadeeth.

The Prophet's generation was in which he sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and the Sahabah lived, then those who followed them were the Tabi'oon, and then those who followed them were the followers of Tabi'oon. This again is an agreed upon matter.

So, do you think that there could be any Khayr in which we could excel them in terms of knowledge and actions? Is it possible?

The opponent:Concerning knowledge - if the Messenger had informed someone at his time that the earth rotates.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Please no divergence (from the issue under discussion). I asked you about two things; knowledge and action. As a matter of fact, this divergence of yours has been helpful to me. So, (to say in a more clear way), my question is in terms of the Sharee'ah knowledge and actions. It is not concerning (the knowledge of) medicine for example.

The doctor today is more knowledgeable than Ibn Seena in his age because he was born after a long time and various experiments(were) carried out (during this period) but this does not increase him (in status) in the sight of Allah nor does he achieve precedence over the best generations. Rather he possesses a superior status in the field of knowledge he possesses. We are however, speaking about the Sharee'ah knowledge Barak Allah Feek (may Allah bless you).

So, you have to keep this in mind. When I tell you, do we believe that we can be more knowledgeable, it refers to the Sharee'ah knowledge not the experimental knowledge like Geography, Astronomy, Chemistry and Physics. In this time of ours, a disbeliever is more knowledgeable than the other people in these secular sciences - does this bring him closer to Allah?

The opponent:No

Shaikh al-Albanee: So, now we are not talking in terms of worldly knowledge but we are speaking about knowledge with which we seek nearness/closeness to Allah.

Just a little while ago, we were speaking about the celebration of Mawlid. The question again is and please reply openly without another divergence.

Do you think with the mind and intellect bestowed upon you (by Allah) that it is possible for us, in this later time to be more knowledgeable than the Sahabah and the Taba'een with regards to the Sharee'ah knowledge and be hastier in performing actions and that we be closer to Allah than the Salaf as-Salih?

The opponent: Do you mean the Tafseer of the Qur'aan by the knowledge of the Sharee'ah?

Shaikh al-Albanee: They are more knowledgeable than us in Tafseer, they are more knowledgeable than us in the Ahadeeth of Allah's Messenger - consequently they are more knowledgeable than us in the Sharee'ah of Islam.

The opponent: Perhaps today in our time (we are more knowledgeable) concerning the Tafseer of the Qur'aan, for example the Qur'aanic verse, "You will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allah, Who perfected all things. Verily! He is Well-Acquainted with what you do." [Soorah an-Naml (27): 88]

If the Messenger of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam had informed someone in his time that the earth rotates, would he have believed him? Nobody would have believed him.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Do you want us to write down another divergence in your record?
Brother, I am asking about the totality and not some part, we are asking a common question - who is more knowledgeable as a whole about Islam?

The opponent: Obviously Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and his Sahabah.

Shaikh al-Albanee: This is (the answer) we want from you, Barak Allah Feek.
The Tafseer, which you keep repeating, has no relation with actions. It relates to thinking and intellect. Those who mention this verse in order to conclude that the earth rotates are mistaken because the verse relates to the Day of Judgment, "On the Day when the earth will be changed to another earth and so will be the heavens, and they (all creatures) will appear before Allah, the One, the Irresistible.' [Soorah Ibraheem (14): 48]

(However), We are not discussing this subject. I accept that that the later people are more knowledgeable about secular sciences than the Sahabah, the Taba'een and others - but this has no relation with righteous actions. For example, today the disbelievers are more knowledgeable in the sciences of astronomy but will it benefit them in any way? No. So, we don't have to plunge into this subject, we are to speak about everything that brings us closer to Allah. We have to discuss about Mawlid an-Nabawi.

We have so far agreed that if there was any Khayr then the Salaf as- Salih and at their head Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam would have been more knowledgeable about it than us and enthusiastic in performing that action. Is there any doubt in it?

The opponent: No, no doubt.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Do not restrict this to experimental sciences it has nothing to do with closeness to Allah or righteous deeds. So, Mawlid was non-existent during the time of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam - as agreed upon by everybody. So, this Khayr was non-existent during the time of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam, his Sahabah, Taba'een and the Imams. How could this Khayr be concealed from them? We have to say one of the two things; They knew this Khayr like we know (because) they were more knowledgeable than us.

They did not know this Khayr, then how did we know it? So, if we say, they knew - and this saying is more in favor of those who approve the celebration of Mawlid - so, why did they not act upon it?

Are we closer to Allah then they were?!

Why did not even one of them perform this act - a Sahabi, a Taba'ee, a knowledgeable or even a common person?
Does it suit your mind that nobody ever acted upon this Khayr although there number was in millions, they were more knowledgeable than us, righteous than us and closer to Allah than us?

You know the saying of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam, "Do not revile my companions. By (Allah) in Whose Hand my soul is, if any one of you spends gold (piled up) like (mount) Uhud it will not equal a pint of any one of them, nor its half." [Agreed upon]

Do you see the difference between them and us? They struggled in the path of Allah with the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam. They took the knowledge 'gaddan taryan' (fresh and anew) without these many mediums that are between us and the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam.

Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam pointed towards a similar meaning in the Saheeh Hadeeth, "Whoever wants to read the Qur'aan as gaddan taryan as when it was revealed, then let him read according to the recitation of Ibn Umm Abd (i.e. Abdullah ibn Mas'ood)."

We cannot imagine that these Salaf as-Salih and at the head of them the Sahabah were ignorant of something that would bring one closer to Allah and we know of it.

If we say that they knew it like we know then we cannot imagine that they ignored this Khayr.
Insha'Allah, this issue has been made clear to you after I have repeatedly mentioned it. If the celebration of Mawlid was Khayr then it would have been from Islam.

The opponent: al-Hamdulillah.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Jazak Allah Khair.
One more thing. There are numerous verses and Ahadeeth which explain that Islam has been completed/perfected. I believe you are well-aware of this and firmly believe in it – both a scholar and a common man know this truth that Islam is complete and it is not like the religion of the Jews and Christians in which there is alteration and modification every day.

I remind you of the saying of Allah, "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my Favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Soorah al-Maidah (5):3]

So here comes the question and this is another way to prove that the celebration of Mawlid is not Khayr. If the celebration of Mawlid wasKhayr then it would have been from Islam. So are we all - those who approve of the celebration of Mawlid and those who disapprove of it - agreed upon this issue like our agreement upon the issue that the celebration of Mawlid was non-existent during the time of Allah's Messenger?

Are we agreed upon now that if the celebration of Mawlid was Khay then it would have been from Islam and if it was not Khayr then it is not from Islam?

"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my Favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Soorah al- Maidah (5):3]

The day when the above verse was revealed, there was no celebration of Mawlid. So do you think the Deen would have been complete (without this celebration)?

Please be frank with me, do not think of me as those scholars who quiet their students and common people saying, 'Be quite, you do not know and you don't understand.'

Use your freedom to speak as if you were speaking to a person of your age and knowledge. If you are not convinced say, 'I am not convinced.'

So, if the celebration of Mawlid was Khayr then it would have been from Islam and if it was not Khayr then it would not have been from Islam and we are agreed upon that Mawlid was non-existent when this verse was revealed.

I base my argument upon the saying of Malik Ibn Anas, who said, "He, who innovates a Bidah in the religion of Islam and he considers it to be Khayr then he has maligned the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam that he sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam betrayed the Message (i.e., did not completely convey the message)."

Notice that Malik Ibn Anas says one Bidah and not many Bidah.

So, this is a dangerous matter. What is the proof, O Imam?

Imam Malik said, "Read if you wish, 'This day I have perfected your religion for you,ncompleted my Favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.'" [Soorah al-Maidah (5):3]

So, something that was not from the Deen that day is also not from the Deen today."

When did Imam Malik make this statement?

In the 2nd century after Hijrah - one of the generations that was promised goodness. So, how about the 14th century?!
This statement of Imam Malik should be carved with letters of gold. But we are ignorant of the Book of Allah and the Ahadeeth of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam, and from the saying of the scholars whom we claim to follow, between their example and ours is a distance equal to the distance between east and west.

Imam Malik speaks in clear Arabic, 'something that was not from the Deen that day, is not from the Deen today.'

If it was not so then there would have been no controversy or dispute among the scholars who adhere to the Sunnah and those who defend the Bidah.

How can the celebration of Mawlid be from the Deen, when it was not so during the time of Allah's Messenger, the Sahabah, the Taba'een and their followers?!

Imam Malik was from the followers of the Taba'een and was included in the Hadeeth, "The best of my ummah is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them." [Agreed upon]
Imam Malik said, "The affairs of the later part of this ummah can never be corrected except with that which corrected the affairs of the early generations of this Ummah."

With what were the first part of the Ummah corrected?

By innovating in the religion and (seeking to) achieve closeness to Allah with that which Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam did not prescribed??!

Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam said, "There is nothing that will take you closer to Paradise but that I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will take you closer to Hell but that I have warned you from it." [Musnad ash-Shafa'ee]

Why did Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam not order us with the celebration of Mawlid?

This is a question and it has an answer, (because) there exists a legislated celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi in contrast to the unlegislated celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi. The legislated celebration existed during the time of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam in contrast to the unlegislated one.

There are two big differences between these two celebrations;
1) The legislated celebration is a form of worship and is agreed upon by all the Muslims (in contrast to the unlegislated one, which is neither legislated nor a worship and is not agreed upon by all Muslims)
2) The legislated celebration comes once every week and their celebration of Mawlid comes once a year. I do not say this without a proof, I will relate to you a Hadeeth from Saheeh Muslim, Abi Qatadah al-Ansaree related, "There came a man to Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, why do you fast on Mondays?" He sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam replied, "That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation." [Saheeh Muslim]

What is the meaning of this statement?

The Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam is saying, why do you ask me this while on this day Allah gave me life and revealed the Qur'aan upon me?! Which means that it is required to fast on Mondays as a gratitude to Allah for His creating me and revelation of the Wahy.

This is similar to the fast of Aashoorah. The fast of Aashoorah was made obligatory upon every Muslim before the month of Ramadaan. It has been related in the Ahadeeth that when Allah's Messenger migrated to Medina, he found the Jews fasting the day of Aashoorah and inquired about it. They replied saying this is the day when Allah saved Moosa alaihissallam and his people from Fir'awn and his army. So we fast on this day in thankfulness to Him. Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam said, "We have more right upon him than you." So,he fasted and ordered fasting on this day and it was made obligatory until Allah revealed this verse, "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and criterion (between right and wrong)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 185]

The obligation of fasting on the day of Aashoorah was abrogated later and it became a Sunnah.

It is evident from this that Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam participated with the Jews in their fasting on the day of Aashoorah in thankfulness to Allah for saving Moosa u from Fir'awn. So, the door of Shukr (thankfulness) has been opened - even for us - in the form of fasting on Mondays because it is the day when Allah's Messenger r was born and on this day the Wahy (revelation) came down upon him.

Now I ask, 'These people who celebrate Mawlid, do they fast on Mondays?'
No, they do not fast on Mondays. But most of the people celebrate Mawlid an-Nabawi every year! Is this not altering the facts?

For these people, the following verse is true with regards to Jews (alone), 'Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower?' [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 61]

The fast which is agreed upon by all the Muslims on Mondays is Khayr although majority of the Muslims do not fast this day!!

There are a very few people who fast on these days. So, do they know the reason behind this fast? No, they don't.

So, where are the scholars who defend Mawlid, why don't they enlighten the people that fasting on Monday is the legislated celebration of Mawlid (i.e., birthday of Allah's Messenger)? And why don't they encourage the people to it instead of defending the unlegislated celebration?

Allah truly says, "Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower?" [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 61]

The Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam truly said, "They will follow the ways of those who came before them, handspan by handspan, cubit by cubit, until even if they entered a lizard's hole they will follow them." We said, "O Messenger of Allah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?" He said, "Who else?" [Agreed upon]

So, we have followed in the footsteps of the Jews, they chose that which was less over that which was Khayr, like we have chosen the celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi that comes once a year and is baseless - over the Khayr i.e., celebration (of Mawlid an-Nabawi) every Monday.

It is a legislated practice that you fast while keeping in mind the motive behind it which is being thankful to Allah for His creation of Allah's Messenger r on this day and the revelation of Wahy...

The opponent: Isn't reading the Seerah (biography) of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam an act of honoring him?

Shaikh al-Albanee: Yes

The opponent: In it is reward - this is Khayr from Allah.

Shaikh al-Albanee: All of it is Khayr, there is no benefit (for your stance) in this question so I interrupt you with a question, 'Does anybody stop you from reading his sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam Seerah?'

Let me ask you a question, 'If there was a legislated worship, but Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam did not assign a specific time or specific manner for it. Is it allowed for us to set a specific time and manner for it from ourselves? Do you have an answer?'

The opponent: No, I don't have an answer.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Allah says, "Or have they partners with Allah, who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed." [Soorah Shurah (42): 21]

Similarly, Allah says, "They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam, while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded to worship none but One Ilah (Allah) La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshiped but He). Praise and glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)." [Soorah Tawbah (9): 31]

Narrated Adee Ibn Hatim radiyAllaahu 'anhu that he heard the Prophet of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam reciting the verse: (above verse), he (Hatim) said "We didn't worship them." The Messenger of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam, "Did they not make Haraam what Allah made Halaal and you all made it Haraam, and they made Halaal what Allah made Haraam and you all made it Haraam?" He replied, 'Certainly.' The Prophet of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam said, "That is your worship to them." [at-Tirmidhee, vol. 3, p. 56. no. 247]

This shows the danger of innovating in the Deen of Allah.

Adapted from
cassette no 1/94 of the series al-Huda wan-Nur
Arabic text can be found on www.binbaz.org
Translated by Shawana A. Aziz
translated article taken from www.qsep.com

Read: An Interesting dialogue between a Meeladi(pro-Meelad dude) and a Muwahhid

An Interesting dialogue between a Meeladi(pro-Meelad dude) and a Muwahhid

2012-01-28T20:53:26Z

This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. [The Glorious Quran: Chapter 5 - Al-Maa'idah (The Table Spread): Verse3]

There is nothing that would bring you closer to Jannah and farther from the Fire but it has been clarified [by me] to you. [Muhammad SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam: Reported in Masnad Ahmad]

A very interesting dialogue that reveals the reality of Celebrating the Birthday (Mawlid) of the Prophet SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam!

Characters: Two Muslims

Meeladi: Pro Mawlid Celebrations

Muwahhid: True follower of Quran and Sunnah (as interpreted by the early generations of the Salaf-us-Saliheen)

Meeladi: Assalamualaikum.

Muwahhid: Wa’alaikum assalaam. How come you are here so early? Haven’t you gone to the shop today?

Meeladi: Today is Eid-Milaad-un-Nabi. Most shops and markets are closed.

Muwahhid: Ahan! So you are celebrating Eid today!

Meeladi: Why? Aren’t you celebrating?

Muwahhid: Well, actually there are only two Eids in Islam; Eid Al-Fitar and Eid-ul-Adha.

Meeladi: There is this third Eid as well which is called ‘Eid Milaad-un-Nabi.’

Muwahhid: Hmmm, tell me one thing, for this third Eid… do people go on this Eid day to Eid Ground for performing Eid prayer?

Meeladi: No, there is no prayer for Eid Milaad-un-Nabi.

Muwahhid: Then why do you perform prayers for the rest of the two Eids?

Meeladi: Because those have to be performed.

Muwahhid: Why?

Meeladi: Because those have been prescribed to be performed.

Muwahhid: Isn’t there any order for performing the prayer of Eid Milaad-un-Nabi?

Meeladi: Well I guess there won’t be any… that’s why no one performs it.

Muwahhid: Is there any order anywhere for celebrating the Eid Milaad-un-Nabi?

Meeladi: In fact have never heard of any order, but it is not even prohibited.

Muwahhid: Is the prayer for this Eid prohibited?

Meeladi: Well even that’s not prohibited!

Muwahhid: Then why don’t you perform it?

Meeladi: What do you want to say?

Muwahhid: What I want to tell you is that there is no proof for this Eid in Islam. Had this Eid been part of Islam then just like the other two Eids there would have been a prayer for it, its virtues would have been mentioned in ahadith, Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam would have described and elaborated its instructions and rulings.

Meeladi: Does that mean that people who celebrate it are mistaken?

Muwahhid: Islam is not the name of actions of Muslims (what they do or do not do), Islam is the name of Quran and Hadith… whatever is proven as per Quran and Hadith is part of Deen, and whatever is not proven is not part of Deen. If anyone makes it part of Deen then they are adding something to the original Deen and this is a grave sin, this is what is termed as ‘Bid’ah’. Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam seriously warned his Ummah against Bid’ah.

Meeladi: Didn’t anyone celebrate this Eid during the times of the Companions (Sahaba) and their followers (Taba’een)?

Muwahhid: Not at all. Never. Not even any Imam or Muhaddith did celebrate this Eid after the Sahaba and Taba’een. The four Imams of Ahlul Sunnah never even heard of the name of this Eid.

Meeladi: How can this be possible that a Muslim loves Rasool Allah Sal Allaho Alyhe Wasallam but at the same time lets his birthday pass by silently?

Muwahhid: Well that’s possible and has actually been the case as well. You can never prove from any historic account that any of the Sahaba, Taba’een, and Imams of the Salaf (righteous predecessors) ever celebrated this Eid. The real proof of the love for Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam is established by following the Quran and Sunnah, not be celebrating this Eid.

Meeladi: Christians celebrate the birth of their Prophet as Christmas (Eid-e-Milaad), our Prophet is the most esteemed of all, then why shouldn’t we Muslims celebrate the birth of our Prophet???

Muwahhid: Well Christians also call their Prophet as son of God, should then we also call our Prophet as God or son of God just imitating the Christians? My dear brother! This is why Quran and Hadith have termed the Christians as misguided because they do everything against the teachings of their Prophet… celebrating Christmas is the way of Christians that they themselves invented, this is not the teaching of Prophet Essa Alaihissalaam. And our beloved Prophet SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam told us:

“Beware of the extravagance/exaggeration in matters of religion. Those before you have perished because of extravagance/exaggeration in the matters of religion.” [An-Nasaa’i]

Meeladi: Do you mean to say that Eid Milaad-un-Nabi is a useless tradition? Muwahhid: If this was a good thing to do then why did Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam and his Sahaba not do it, was there any shortage of resources at that time… people who were celebrating two Eids, what would have kept them off from celebrating the third one as well?

Meeladi: Well there are many things that we have today but those were not there during the times of Sahaba, today we travel in cars and aero planes, you should then travel by donkeys and horses following the Islam of Sahaba!!!

Muwahhid: My dear brother! Scientific inventions do not affect Islam, religious inventions affect Islam, Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam said:

“Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islaam), that is not part of it will have it rejected.” [Sahih Bukhaari, Sahih Muslim]

So this makes it clear that every innovation is not bad and rejected but only that innovation is bad and rejected that has something to do with Deen and its affairs, and is practiced under the assumption of it being part of Deen and a source of reward, so all the innovations that people have invented under the umbrella of Deen – all of the are rejected.

Meeladi: Then why do you celebrate the happiness at the birth of a child?

Muwahhid: There is difference between celebrating a happiness and being happy. At the birth of a child, every human being feels happy; naturally, not religiously! As far celebrating this happiness is concerned, for that Shari’ah has instructed to perfprm ‘Aqeeqah on the seventh day… so for any matter where Shari’ah gives any instruction then that’s part of Deen. Now you tell me has Shari’ah given any instruction to celebrate Eid on 12 Rabi-al-Awwal or has it encouraged us to do so? Not at all. Also, at the birth of a child, the happiness is celebrated only once not every year. Is Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam born on 12 Rabi-al-Awwal every year? The happiness on the birth of a child is celebrated on the seventh day not on his/her birthday, and that too only once not every year.

Meeladi: They say that Abu Lahab freed his bondwoman on the birth of Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam.

Muwahhid: That’s because he was happy on the birth of his nephew, he did not free his bondwoman because a Prophet has come to earth. If this was so much an appreciated matter then did Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam after announcing his Prophethood ever order to revive this action of Abu Lahab? What Abu Lahab did was just celebrating the happiness as per the worldly custom, the birth of child in any family is a cause of happiness, Abu Lahab’s freeing his bondwoman was not because he considered this day as Eid. If Abu Lahab loved the Prophethood of his nephew then he would never have displayed the worst hatred towards Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam and neither would have a whole Surah in the Noble Quran been revealed condemning his wife. Then if we consider the action of Abu Lahab as a justification for Eid-Milaad-un-Nabi then it mean that this Eid, though, is not a Nabawi-Sunnah, but it is certainly a Abu-Lahabi-Sunnah!

Meeladi: I have heard that there is some difference of opinion among the historians about the correct date of birth of Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam, what is the reality then?

Muwahhid: It is the Will of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala to not to allow them consensus in this matter, so that the proof of Islam’s true nature remains maintained, people remain saved from this Bid’ah… this is what we say that this day was never celebrated among the earlier generations, it is a later innovation, if 12 Rabi-al-Awwal had been celebrated in any capacity in the times after him, then all the Muslims would have been in consensus about the date of birth of Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam.

Meeladi: OK let’s accept that the birth of Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam was not celebrated among the earlier generations but now in the modern scientific age isn’t is possible to find out the correct date of birth of Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam?

Muwahhid: See brother, there is consensus among all the historians on the date of death and that is 12 Rabi-al-Awwal, but the modern research about the date of birth of Rasool Allah Sal Allaho Alyhe Wasallam suggests it to be 9 Rabi-al-Awwal. ‘Rehmat-ul-lil-Alameen’by Qazi Suleman and ‘Seerat-un-Nabi’ by Maulana Shibli Numaani have all the account of this research.

Meeladi: Then where did this Eid Milaad-un-Nabi come from?

Muwahhid: Well this is something that those who celebrate this Eid should be able to tell, however this is for sure that during the period ranging from time of Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam until the time of Muhaddith Imams, it never existed.

Meeladi: If that’s the case then we are really committing a serious mistake, if our righteous predecessors did not celebrate this Eid then why should we do?

Muwahhid: May Allah bless you… Finally you have understood my point.

Meeladi: Well I have certainly understood your point, but can you explain one thing to me, people who celebrate Eid-Milaad-un-Nabi they do so with a good feeling and intention and there is a hadith: ‘Actions are but by intentions’

Muwahhid: My dear brother! Bid’ah is actually that action that is done with good intention but the action itself is wrong and hence rejected. For an action to be accepted by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, not only good intention but also compliance with Sunnah is a precondition, otherwise the action is just a ruin. You find this condition mentioned over and over again in the Noble Quran.

Meeladi: So, is there no reward at all for Eid Milaad-un-Nabi?

Muwahhid: Brother! When it is not part of Islam to begin with, then how can it be a source of reward… this is a bid’ah… addition in Deen is not a negligible sin. You are asking about reward, whereas on the day of resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyaamah) these people (innovators) will not even be offered water from the Haud al-Kawthar , Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam himself will not allow these people to come close to him.

Listen! There is a hadith, Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam said:

“I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar), and whoever will come to it, will drink from it, and whoever will drink from it, will never become thirsty after that. There will come to me some people whom I know and they know me, and then a barrier will be set up between me and them. I will say those people are from me. It will be said, ‘You do not know what changes and new things they did after you.’ Then I will say, ‘Far removed (from mercy), far removed (from mercy), those who changed (the religion) after me! “ [Sahih Bukhari]

Meeladi: Indeed, it’s a serious matter. You have really frightened my by mentioning this hadith. It is so kind of you that you have guided me to the right way. Insha’ Allah I will guide my family and friends too so that they should repent from all the Bid’ahs and deviations and preserve on Kitaab-o-Sunnah.

Muwahhid: May Allah enable us all to do good deeds. Aameen.

* * *

Rasool Allah SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam said:

“Whoever among you lives (for a long time) will see many differences. I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided khaleefahs who come after me. Hold on to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation (Bid’ah) and every innovation is a going astray.” [Ahmad & Tirmidhi]

***

Source: salaf-us-saalih.com

Read: A Dialogue between Shaikh al-Albanee and a proponent of Mawlid on the subject, Is the celebration of Mawlid a good deed (Khayr)?

Islam is Peace and Mercy

2012-01-26T01:46:45Z

Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh, (may the peace, mercy and blessings of Allaah be upon you) is the first statement of Muslims whenever they meet.

The Qur’an is the last divine revelation and the universal message to all mankind. The noble Qur’an has a dominant role in the daily lives of Muslims. Social relations, being an important part of life, have naturally received their due place in the Islamic code of guidance which is based on the noble Qur’an, the Hadith and the prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) illustrious role model. In today’s pluralistic, multi-faith society, these Islamic teachings have assumed greater meaning and relevance.

Islamic teachings emphasize kind treatment towards one’s neighbours, be they Muslim or non-Muslim. It is known that good neighbourliness is the key to firm social bonding. The prophet [peace be upon him] repeatedly asked Muslims to behave as model neighbours. His observation is as follows: “One who believes in Allaah and the next life should not hurt his neighbour.” [Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 73, Number 158]

A Muslim’s life is governed and characterized by his love for and obedience to Allaah and to His Messengers.

The teachings of Islam severely prohibit all forms of terrorism; they rather call for peace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Islam saves lives and prohibits all types of suicide. Allaah says in the Qur’an: “Do not kill (or destroy) yourselves, verily Allaah has been to you the most merciful” (Qur’an 4:29)

Allaah has praised the believers for their sympathy towards the needy: “and they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan and the captive, saying (in their hearts)” we feed you only for the sake of Allaah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude”(Qur’an 76:8-9)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a mercy to all the worlds. Allaah says in the Qur’an: “And We have not sent you (O Muhammad), except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)

As a part of a Muslim’s religious obligations, he is duty-bound to be just, kind and sympathetic to all living beings. Throughout history, Muslims have adhered to these teachings of Islam. Religious minorities have flourished in Muslim lands.
Non-Muslims have enjoyed equal opportunities in Islamic states and professed and practiced their respective faiths. Today, while the public scene in the world is emotionally surcharged and malicious propaganda is strong, projecting Islam as intolerant and exclusivist, there is a greater need for publicizing and observing the noble teachings of Islam concerning the maintenance of cordial social relations with
non-Muslims.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in his famous sermon that was delivered on the ninth day of Hajj, 10 A.H (589 A.D) in Arafat, Makkah:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don’t know whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
“O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allaah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest); therefore all obligation on interest shall henceforth be waived...
“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never committing adultery.
“O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allaah, offer your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give zakah of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over another except by piety and good action.
“Remember, one day you will appear before Allaah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not be astray from the path of righteousness
“O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, understand my words, which I convey to you.”
Islam not only condemns terrorism, but also prohibits it completely.
For Islam lists murder as the second of the major sins, and even warns in the words of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.”
(Al-Bukhari, 6533)

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While it was imprisoned, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.” (Al-Bukhari, 2365)

He also said that a woman gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so Allaah forgave her sins for this action. When the prophet (peace be upon him) was asked: “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” he said: “There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.” (Al-Bukhari, 2466)

Additionally, while slaughtering an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright, pain and suffering possible. The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. You should sharpen your knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.” (Muslim, 1955 and Al-Tirmithi, 1409)

In light of these and many other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenceless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and Muslims.

Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority has nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

Even if a Muslim committed a crime or a terrorist act, does it mean that all Muslims (more than 1000 million) are terrorists? And does that mean that Islam itself calls for terrorism?

The actions of an individual or a small group do not necessarily represent the beliefs of a particular religion, nor is that religion responsible for such actions. That is why generalizing in such a manner is not objective at all. Therefore, when the media labels those responsible for these actions as “Islamic Terrorists” and links such actions to Islam, it is a either a great mistake or an attempt to delude people.

In January 2002, The Islamic Fiqh Council laid emphasis on the fact that extremism, violence, and terrorism have no connection whatsoever with Islam. In fact, they are manifestations of perilous acts with dangerous consequences, and an aggression and iniquity against the individual.

Whosoever carefully studies the two sources of Shari’ah (Islamic law), namely the Qur’an and the traditions (Hadith) of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), would discover that they are devoid of any import of extremism, acts of violence or terrorism, which imply carrying out aggression against others without a just cause.

With regard to non-Muslims living in Muslim countries under their protection, Islam has ordered that they must be treated justly. It has given them the right of security in the Muslim world, and has imposed blood money and expiation for an act of killing committed against anyone among them and has imposed duties on them.

In view of the above, therefore, the teaching of Islam says that the felony of taking a life without a just cause is tantamount to killing all people, whatever the faith of the murdered or the murderer; and that punishment and retribution are solely the prerogative of the ruler, not of individuals or groups.

Allaah, Almighty says in the Qur’an: “…Because of that, we decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption (done) in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And Our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, (even) after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.” (Qur’an 5:32)

Finally, we pray to Allaah, Almighty God, to save humanity from all types of evil.

****

Collected and Prepared by
Hamadi Al-Aslani

Source: JeddahDawahCenter

Three Questions in the Grave

2012-01-26T14:20:42Z

Can you please tell me what are the trials of the grave that we ask Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) to save us from?

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

When the son of Adam dies and his soul departs and he is placed in his grave, then he is in the first stage of the Hereafter, because the grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter.

It was narrated that Haani’ the freed slave of ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan said: when ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affaan stood by a grave he would weep until his beard became wet. It was said to him, “You remember Paradise and Hell and you do not weep, but you weep because of this?” He said, “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter; whoever is saved from it, whatever comes afterwards will be easier for him, but if he is not saved from it, what comes afterwards will be worse for him.’” And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have never seen any scene but the grave is more frightening than it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2308; Ibn Maajah, 4567; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1684).

Secondly:

The two angels who are charged with questioning come to him and ask him what he used to believe in in this world, who was his Lord, what was his religion and who was his Prophet. If he gives a good answer, that is good, but if he does not answer them they inflict a severe and painful beating on him.

If he was one of the righteous, angels with white faces come to him, but if he was one of the evildoers, angels with dark faces come to him. This is the fitnah or tribulation that he suffers.

It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say, ‘Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika min al-kasali wa’l-haram wa’l-maghram wa’l-ma’tham. Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika min ‘adhaab al-naar wa fitnat il-naar, wa fitnat il-qabri, wa ‘adhaab il-qabri, wa sharri fitnat il-ghina wa sharri fitnat il-faqair wa min sharri fitnat il-maseeh il-Dajjaal. Allaahumma ighsil khataayaaya bi ma’ al-thalji wa’l-baradi wa naqqi qalbi min al-khataaya kama yunaqqa al-thawb al-abyad min al-danas, wa baa’id bayni wa bayna khataayaaya kama baa’adta bayna al-mashriqi wa’l-maghrib (O Allah! I seek refuge with You from laziness and old age, and from debts and sins; from the torment of the Fire and from the tribulation of the Fire, and from the tribulation of the grave and the torment of the grave, and from the evil of the tribulation of wealth, and from the evil of the tribulation of poverty, and from the evil of the tribulation of the Dajjaal (Antichrist). O Allah! Wash away my sins with the water of snow and hail, and cleanse my heart from sin as a white garment is cleansed from filth, and put a great distance between me and my sins, as great as the distance You have made between the East and the West).”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6014).

Ibn Hajar said:

The phrase “from the tribulation of the grave” means the questioning of the two angels.

Fath al-Baari, 11/177.

And al-Mubaarakfoori said:

“The tribulation of the grave” means confusion when answering the two angels.

Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 9/328

Thirdly:

With regard to the questions that the angels will ask in the grave, this is explained clearly in the following hadeeth:

It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We went out with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for the funeral of a man from among the Ansaar. We came to the grave and when (the deceased) was placed in the land, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and we sat around him, as if there were birds on our heads (i.e., quiet and still). In his hand he had a stick with which he was scratching the ground. Then he raised his head and said, “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave”, two or three times. Then he said,

“When the believing slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with white faces like the sun, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. They bring with them shrouds from Paradise and perfumes from Paradise. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O good soul, come forth to forgiveness from Allaah and His pleasure.’ Then it comes out easily like a drop of water from the the mouth of a waterskin. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that shroud with that perfume, and there comes from it a fragrance like the finest musk on the face of the earth.

Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this good soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the best names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is opened, and (the soul) is welcomed and accompanied to the next heaven by those who are closest to Allaah, until they reach the seventh heaven. Then Allaah says: ‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyoon in the seventh heaven, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is returned to his body and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Allaah.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘My religion is Islam.’ They say, ‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He says, ‘He is the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).’ They say, ‘What did you do?’ He says, ‘I read the Book of Allaah and I believed in it.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.’ Then there comes to him some of its fragrance, and his grave is made wide, as far as he can see. Then there comes to him a man with a handsome face and handsome clothes, and a good fragrance, who says, ‘Receive the glad tidings that will bring you joy this day.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which brings glad tidings.’ He says, ‘I am your righteous deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, hasten the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’

But when the disbelieving slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with black faces, bringing sackcloth, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O evil soul, come forth to the wrath of Allaah and His anger.’ Then his soul disperses inside his body, then comes out cutting the veins and nerves, like a skewer passing through wet wool. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that sackcloth, and there comes from it a stench like the foulest stench of a dead body on the face of the earth.

Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the worst names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is not opened.”

Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning):

“for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle”

[al-A’raaf 7:40]

He said: “Then Allaah says, ‘Record the book of My slave in Sijjeen in the lowest earth, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is cast down.”

Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“and whoever assigns partners to Allaah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place”

[al-Hajj 22:31]

He said: “Then his soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, ‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ He says, ‘I am your evil deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676.

The correct view is that the two angels will only question the deceased in his grave about matters of Tawheed (monotheism) and ‘aqeedah (belief). This is quite clear.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Love according to Islam

2012-01-23T13:44:05Z

"Where are those who loved each other for the sake of My glory?"

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: Allah will say on the Day of Judgment: 'Where are those who loved each other for the sake of My glory? Today, - on a day when there is no shade but mine I shall shade them with My shade.‌ (Sahih Muslim - 2566)

Love is among the most exalted of human feelings. When this love is focused on Allah and forms the basis for our interpersonal relationships, many problems are transcended, and great fruits are harvested for society as a whole. The Quran and Sunnah often speak about the noble status of those whom Allah graces to possess such love.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: Among Allah's servants are people who are neither Prophets nor martyrs, but whom the Prophets and martyrs will deem fortunate because of their high status with Allah.

They asked: O Messenger of Allah! Inform us of who they are.

He said: They are people who loved each other for Allah's sake, without being related to one another or being tied to one another by the exchange of wealth. By Allah, their faces will be luminous and they will be upon light. They will feel no fear when the people will be feeling fear and they will feel no grief when the people will be grieving.

Then he read the verse: Behold, on the friends of Allah there shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (surat yunus verse#62)

Then we have the famous Hadeeth that enumerates the seven people who will enjoy Allah's shade on a day when there is no shade but His. One of those mentioned are: two men who love each other for the sake of Allah alone, meeting for that reason and parting for that reason. (Sahih al-Bukhari - 660 and Sahih Muslim - 1031)

Love for Allah's sake transcends the limits of our worldly existence, enduring into the life to come. Allah says:

"Close friends on that Day will be foes to one another "except for the righteous."

Loving one another for the sake of Allah and brotherhood in faith are among the most excellent acts of worship. This worship comes with conditions upon those who would love for the sake of Allah. This love has its duties that must be fulfilled so that the relationship will be pure and free of base undercurrents. Upholding these duties brings a servant nearer to Allah and to His pleasure and, over time, it can bring about a greater nobility of person.

Among the duties of this love are the following:

1. They must truly love to extend support and assistance to each other and must love good for one another. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. (Sahih al-Bukhari - 13 and Sahih Muslim - 45)

2. They must enjoin each another to truth and patience and give each other sincere advice. They must enjoin what is right and the forbid what is wrong and guide each other. They must help one another in carrying out works of righteousness.

Allah says:

"By time! Surely the human being is at loss. Except for those who have faith and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to patience."

Allah also says:
"The believing men and women are protecting friends of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong."

3. They must engage in the things that cultivate this love, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and facilitate the fulfilling of their duties to one another.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: A Muslim has six rights over another Muslim.

They asked: "What are they, O Messenger of Allah?"

He said:

When you meet him, greet him with peace.
When he invites you, accept his invitation.
When he seeks your advice, advise him.
When he sneezes and them praises Allah, invoke Allah's blessings upon him.
When he falls ill, visit him.
When he dies, follow his funeral.

(Sahih Muslim - 2162)

4. A Muslim has the right to kind treatment from his fellow Muslim. He should be greeted with a smile and given a pleasant reception.

The Prophet (V) said: Do not view any good act as insignificant, even the act of greeting your brother with a smile on your face. (Sahih Muslim - 2626)

Discord and division should be avoided. Ibn Taymiyah said: If every time two Muslims disagreed they shunned each another, then there would be no cooperation or brotherhood among Muslims.‌

5. They must guide each other to what is good and help each other in acts of obedience. Likewise, they must prevent and discourage one another from falling into sin and iniquity.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: One should help his brother whether he is an oppressor or the one being oppressed. If he is an oppressor, forbid him from his oppression. If he is being oppressed, then come to his aid. ‌(Sahih Muslim - 2584)

6. The love between believers completes itself in a most wonderful and genuine manner when the two are away from each other, they pray to Allah for to bless each other. This continues for the living one even after the other has departed from the Earth.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: A Muslim's supplication for his brother/sister in secret is answered. At his/her head an angel is appointed, and whenever he supplicates for his brother/sister with something good, the angel appointed to him says: Ameen, and likewise for you ‌(Sahih Muslim - 2733)

7. They must excuse one another mistakes and defend each other's honor, never speaking ill of or deriding one another. They should keep each other's secrets, advise one another sincerely, and never abuse each other.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: It is not permissible for one Muslim to distress a another. ‌ (Sunan Abu Dawud - 5004 and Musnad Ahmad 23064)

Collected and Revised
By
Hamadi Al-Aslani

Source: JeddahDawahCenter

Tips For Growing in Faith

2012-01-21T05:08:53Z

By Amy Klooz

When new Muslims feel their faith is low, and they are alone, it is their Muslim friends who can encourage and motivate them.

New Muslims face various challenges after converting or reverting to Islam.

I think that some simple advice is sufficient enough to overcome many of the obstacles which might face a new Muslim. This advice encourages the new Muslim to focus on both spirituality, which means through prayer and reading the Quran, and also social relationships, both with other Muslims and family.

First, remember the sincerity in your heart when you first embraced Islam. While it is natural for faith to wax and wane, we may feel lost if ours gets too low, so remember the conviction your felt when you decided to become a Muslim, and when you declared your shahada.

I spent months learning about Islam, even reading the Quran, before deciding to embrace Islam, and months more before I ever started practicing. But I never felt like reversing my decision because I remembered the incredible experience of declaring my shahadah- though it was on the phone! But at the time I had such conviction in my heart that Islam was the correct path, that I've had no need to reconsider. Even on days when I am weak in faith, that same conviction is still there, determined not to let go.

So remember the feeling of that certainty and the effort and prayer before it arrived. And then focus on your relationship with God. Prayer is a time to foster your faith, so maintain the presence of your heart and soul lest it becomes an empty ritual. And read the Quran. Islam provides us these tools for increasing our faith, so when we feel that our faith is low we should turn first to God, through prayer and by reading His Book.

During the immense trials and hardships faced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Quran was sent to console and comfort him. If the Quran was a comfort to him and his companions during times of difficulty, then why should it not be for us as well? If you aren't able to read it in Arabic and understand it, then read a translation which can convey the meaning to you, and don't let Satan put a barrier between you and the Quran.

Social Relations

Secondly, it is important to tend to one's social relationships. We should surround ourselves with other Muslims, something of critical importance to new Muslims. A strong Muslim social circle can inform us about things we didn't know, encourage us in practicing Islam, and reinforce our commitment to our new faith.

One blessing I enjoyed in my first year as a Muslim was a few sincere and dedicated Muslim sisters. Though I could attend prayers and lectures at the mosque, meeting with these few sisters socially helped me appreciate Islam as a complete lifestyle. They strengthened my faith simply by proximity, without "teaching" me anything, they showed me how to live as a Muslim. I can't stress how important this social connection is. When new Muslims feel their faith is low, and they are alone, it is their Muslim friends who can encourage and motivate them.

The other important social relationship to cultivate is family ties. Changing religion has the potential to severely damage family bonds, but Islam teaches us instead to strengthen and foster those ties, and forbids us from cutting them. So for those who do face difficulty from our families after converting or reverting to Islam, we must not give up, and must persistently treat our families with love and respect, regardless of how they treat us.

Damaging these relationships early on can be detrimental, in the long run, to a new Muslim. In my first year as a Muslim, argumentation with my parents left them with the feeling that they had no choice but to kick me out of the house. But even then it wasn't too late to repair the damage, something I'm still working on. But repairing this relationship with my family and maintaining these family ties, (despite having moved away) has been one constant source of comfort in my life. It is a commandment of the religion, and the longer I spend as a Muslim, the more I value my family and my opportunity to serve them, especially my parents.

Briefly, there were two pieces of advice which I have found beneficial as a new Muslim and would like to pass on. The first was to maintain the connection with God through presence and sincerity while maintaining the regular prayers, and also through reading the Quran. And the second piece of advice was to cultivate strong social relationships with other Muslims, and with family.

Source: OnIslam.net

I want to be a devoted slave of Allaah … ten pointers

2012-01-18T13:28:21Z

My question is short. I want to enter Paradise, I want to strive to control my self (my nafs), I want to kiss my mother’s hand every day, I want to keep away from whims and desires and from the Shaytaan, I want Allaah to call me a devoted slave on the Day of Resurrection, in sha Allaah, I want to love my brothers, and I want my faith to keep increasing. What should I do?.

Praise be to Allaah.

We ask Allaah to make you steadfast in adhering to the truth, and to make your hopes come true, and to make you one of those who turn to Him and who know the truth, defend it and adhere to Islam.The things you mention in your question indicate that you have a sound and pure nature, and a great desire to achieve great things and to give everyone his rights. These are great hopes that can be achieved through faith, as it was narrated that Sufyaan al-Thawri said: “Faith is not wishes or pretence, rather it is what settles in the heart and is proven by actions.” So we will discuss the matter of faith and how important it is in becoming a devoted slave, pleasing and honouring one’s parents and achieving the victory of Paradise.

Whoever seeks to achieve great things has to stay up at night (worship).

Hence al-Fudayl said: “You hearts can never taste the sweetness of faith until they shun worldly pleasures.” And he also said, “If you cannot pray qiyaam at night and fast during the day, then know that you are deprived.”

The sincere believer has a heart like a burning coal, hence it was narrated by al-Haakim in his Mustadrak and al-Tabaraani in his Mu’jam with a saheeh isnaad that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Faith wears out in your heart as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts.”

The believer’s heart may sometimes feel overwhelmed by clouds of sin. This was portrayed to us by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “There is no heart that does not have clouds like the clouds that cover the moon. When the cloud covers it, it is dark, and when the cloud moves away it shines.” Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.

So the believer’s heart is sometimes covered with a cloud and its light is hidden, and it remains dark and lonely, but if he strives to increase his store of faith and seeks the help of Allaah, that cloud goes away and the light in his heart starts to shine again. Hence one of the salaf said: “It is part of a person’s smartness to check on his faith and be aware of what affects it.” It is also part of a person’s smartness “that he recognizes how the Shaytaan whispers to him.”

So he has to come back to faith. If you come back to faith and do as it requires, then you will achieve what you want. We will tell you of a basic principle which will let you know when faith is present and when it is not. Imam Ibn al-Jawzi said:

“O you who are turned away, O you who are deprived of meeting your loved ones, if you want to know how you stand before the king, then look at how you are spending your time and what work you are assigned to do. How many people stand at the door of the king, but no one enters except the one whom he cares for. Not every heart is fit to draw close, not every heart can be filled with love, not every wind is like the morning breeze.”

If a person want to know how he stands before Allaah and how he stands in relation to His commands and prohibitions, let him look at himself and see what he is preoccupied with. If he is busy with da’wah and with saving people from the Fire, striving to attain Paradise, helping the weak and needy, honouring his parents, then let him rejoice in the fact that he is close to the King of kings, for Allaah does not help anyone to do good except those whom He loves.

But if he is has no interest in da’wah, dislikes the daa’iyahs and does not do good things, if he is preoccupied with this world and its gains, and with gossip and asking too many questions, whilst not doing much or following his whims and desires, let him know that he is far from Allaah and has been deprived of that which will bring him closer to Paradise, because Allaah says in His holy Book (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected ( far away from Allaah’s Mercy).

And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. does righteous deeds of Allaah’s obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) — then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, (thanked and rewarded by Allaah)”

[al-Isra’ 17:18-19]

My brother, if you want to have a high position in all kinds of good deeds, to be a devoted slave of Allaah and to honour your parents, and you are seeking Paradise, then you have to do the following:

1 – You have to revive the faith in your heart. Faith is what will bring the Muslim everything he seeks in this world and in the Hereafter. Faith is the key to all goodness and locks the door to all evil. The means of reviving and strengthening faith in one’s heart are many and varied, including doing a lot of acts of worship and righteous deeds.

2 – You must turn to your Lord sincerely, as it says in the report: “If My slave turns to me inwardly and outwardly, I will turn the hearts of My slaves to him with love and mercy.”

Allaah has made worship the ultimate aim and loftiest purpose of man:

“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”

[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56 – interpretation of the meaning)]

3 – You should always set your sights on the highest degrees, and make your goal in life to earn the pleasure of Allaah, and strive to attain the victory of Paradise, or to attain the highest Firdaws. You should strive as hard as you can to achieve these lofty aims.

4 – You should follow the example of historical Muslim figures such as the Sahaabah, Taabi’een and righteous forebears (the salaf).

5 – You should make the most of every minute, every moment and every heartbeat to use it in such a way as to increase your faith.

6 – You should try to keep company with righteous people, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “A man will follow the religion of his close friend, so let each one of you look at whom he befriends.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi with a hasan isnaad. Good friends are one of the best means of helping you to obey Allaah and to avoid sin and error.

7 – Doing a lot of righteous deeds which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.

8 – Praying qiyaam al-layl, making du’aa’ in the time just before dawn. The feet of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to swell because of his desire to be a thankful slave, even though Allaah had forgiven his previous and future sins.

9 – Persisting in reading a portion of Qur’aan daily, and other dhikr that helps you to think and ponder the meanings of the Qur’aan.

10 – Striving to spread the word and make da’wah for the sake of Allaah, and working for Islam as much as possible.

If you want to reach the status of devoted slave for which you long, then be as Allaah commanded His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

“Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”

[al-An’aam 6:162]

Being a devoted slave of Allaah means declaring one’s devotion and belonging to the Lord, which can only be achieved by applying this aayah, so that we are for Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, in all our affairs.

Being a devoted slave of Allaah can only be fully achieved in this manner; it can only be achieved by worshipping Allaah in the fullest sense of the word, which means making our living and dying, and all our movements, for Him alone. So we only speak that which is pleasing to Allaah; we only do that which is pleasing to Allaah; we focus our intention in these words and deeds only on Allaah. Worship should not be reduced to merely raising and lowering our heads at certain times, or giving a few pennies every once in a while, or fasting a few days each year, or moving our lips to say a few words and dhikrs.

Hence the deeds that lead to this status – of being a devoted slave – are innumerable and may take many shapes in all aspects of our lives and the places where we live. This is by the bounty of Allaah towards us and towards all people.

Just look, in every place where you find yourself and every moment that comes to you, for that which will please Him, and what you think He wants to see you doing, and do it. Then you will be a devoted slave.

Finally, we ask Allaah to accept righteous deeds from us and from you, and to gather us and you in His mercy with the Prophets, siddeeqs, martyrs and righteous, and those are the best of companions.

Ref: Islam Online

Source: Islam Q &A