_\;_,()_;: o (_|_; >_o_\_;: o (_|_;: _o_,_,_,_; *
* / / ( . *
* *
* o ' || | ' _ | _ \ | || *
* (_|_;: (_; o_,_,_, , ( \_;_(_ ,o _\;__,_,_,_;: o *
* / / (___) ( / *
* *
*Bismillah Walhamdulillah WasSalaatu Wa-s-Salaamu 'Alaa Rasulillah*
* *
* / | _ \ | | | *
* _o_\_,_;_(_ ,o _\;__,_,_,_; : *
* ( .. ( *
* *
* As-Salaamu 'Alaykum *
* *
*******************************************************************
The information below is a must for a believing muslim. If you know
all the necessities listed below with references from the Qu'ran &
Hadith and then apply them to your actions, u will not go astray,
Insha Allah.
What Every muslim must know from Islam by neccessity:
You must believe in the Uniqueness of Allah's names and attributes.
You must believe in Allah (SWT).
You must believe in the existence of Angels.
You must believe in the divine books
You must believe in all prophets and messengers
You must believe in the hereafter.
You must believe in the divine decree of Allah.
You must believe in the divine decision
You must believe in the hour and its signs
You must believe in resurrection after death
You must believe in the day of judgement.
You must believe in divine accountability
You must believe in paradise.
You must believe in hell.
You must be devoted to Allah
You must denounce disbelief
You must worship Allah as if you see him.
You must seek the necessary knowledge
You must practice your deen
You must be sincere for Allah's sake
You must depend and keep trust in Allah
You must believe that provision or sustenance is from Allah
You must believe that the time of death or life span are determined
by Allah
You must love Allah.
You must love the messenger.
You must respect the Quran
You must invite people to Islam
You must know that Islam must be dominant over the whole world.
You must establish the caliphate.
You must give allegience to the caliph.
You must fight in the way of Allah
You must migrate for the sake of Allah
You must fear Allah
You must appeal to Allah and Keep Hope.
You must maintain Islamic brotherhood
You must like for Allah's sake.
You must dislike for Allah's sake.
You must circulate the salutation (peace)
You should be kind to people.
You should have patience.
You should put your brothers need over your own.
You must have mercy
You should have compassion
You should be gentle
You should have control in anger.
You should smile at others.
You must be trustworthy and faithful
You should respect the guest
You must know the parent's rights.
You must know the child's rights.
You must know the husband's rights.
You must know the wife's rights.
You must maintain links with your relatives
You should respect the scholars.
You should invoke Allah
You should glorify Allah
You should leave the doubtful and have piety
You must be modest before Allah
You must care about the affairs of Muslims
You must defend and protect Muslims
You must fulfil the needs of Muslims.
You should visit and comfort the sick Muslim
You should be generous
You must reconcile your differences with Muslims
You should exert the utmost effort to perfect your ritual acts
You must be brave and courageous.
You should be sociable with others.
You should be humerous
You must be thankful to Allah.
You must praise Allah
You must supplicate or ask Allah only.
You should know about ritual cleanliness
You must know how to perform ritual purity for your body
You must know how to perform ritual purity for your prayer
You must know how to perform prayer
You must know how to perform ritual fasting
You must know that giving alms (zakat) is obligatory
You must know that to perform ritual pilgrimmage is obligatory
You must know that burying the dead is obligatory
You must command good (defined by Shari'ah.
You must forbid evil (defined by Shari'ah)
You must seek the divine rule for all your actions
You must make repentance to Allah
You must control your tongue.
You must guard your private parts.
You should be patient in times of hardship.
You should be patient during illness.
You should be kind to animals.
You must be kind to children.
You should have respect for elders.
You must maintain your wife.
You must maintain your children
You must maintain your parents.
You must protect and preserve your honour.
You must do good deeds.
You must obey those in authority over you
You must train for Jihad
You must look after the orphan.
You should look after the widow.
You should look after the poor.
You must reconcile between Muslims
You must verify the source of news
You must verify news reaching you.
You must support Muslims
You must unite Muslims
You must co-operate in good deeds and in worship.
You should avoid littering the public road
You must know not to associate anything with Allah
You must know the things which make you a disbeliever.
You must know not to reject any part of Islam (ie to apostise)
You must know the things which makes you a hypocrite.
You must know not to ally with the disbelievers
You must know not to share power with disbelievers
You must know not to lie
You must know not to back-bite Muslims
You must know not to cause hatred between Muslims
You must know not to be envious of anyone.
You must know not to be arrogant.
You must know not to monopolise.
You must know not to humiliate anyone
You must know not to make a mockery of anyone
You must know not to disobey your parents.
You must know not to imitate the disbelievers
You must know not to take revenge
You must know not to commit fornication.
You must know not to commit homosexual acts
You must know not to drink alcohol
You must know not to benefit from the forbidden.
You must know not to cheat anyone
You must know not to boycott or desert a Muslim intentionally.
You must know not to call each other bad names or nicknames.
You must know not to torture any living being
You must know not to spy on anyone
You must know not to eat the money of the orphan
You must know not to deal with usary
You must know not to oppress anyone
You must know not to mix with the opposite sex
You must know not to curse Muslims
You must know not to defame Mulims
You must know not to swear.
You must know not to make dirty sign language.
You must know not to be proud or to boast
You must know not to debate without knowledge
You must know not to give fatwa without knowledge
You must know not to stay alone with a non-mahram
You must know not to act
You must know not to impersonate anyone
You must know not to possess statues or idols
You must know not to draw any living being
You must know not to sculpt any living being
You must know not to gamble
You must know not to play the lottery
You must know not to play for a gain or for a forfiet
You must know not to have permanent contraception
You must know not to earn by prohibited means.
You must know not to harm yourself.
You must know not to harm anyone.
You must know not to show-off
You must know not to take disbelievers as intimate friends.
You must know not to take tyrant rulers as friends
You must know not to be a coward
You must know not to be paranoid
You must know not to be suspicious
You must know not to have doubt regarding Muslims without certain
evidence.
You must know not to be miserly
You must know not to uncover the awra or to wear tight clothes
publicly
You must know not to look out for peoples mistakes
You must know not to gaze at the opposite sex
You must know not to be selfish
You must know not to talk about sexual intercourse.
You must know not to steal
You must know not to kill.
You must know not to accuse anyone of fornication without having
four witnesses.
You must know not to rebel against the state.
You must know not to innovate anything in the deen.
You must know not to be racist.
You must know not to be tribalistic.
You must know not to be patriotic.
You must know not to be nationalistic.
You must know not to have tribalism within a nation
You must know not to be partisan to a man, a group or a team.
You must know not to enter any prohibited places.
You must know not to pollute the environment.
You must know not to destroy the crops.
You must know not to forbid people from having children.
You must know not to hide divine knowledge.
You must know the prohibited singing.
You must know not to have anal intercourse.
You must know not to have intercourse with animals
You must know not to have intercourse with children
You must know not to have intercourse whilst fasting.
You must know not to have intercourse whilst menstruating.
You must know not to trade by deception
You must know not to give a false oath.
You must know not to give false testimony.
You must know not to be a false witness.
You must know not to steal the booty
You must know not to run away on the battlefield.
You must know not to imitate the opposite sex
You must know it is a forbidden for a male to be effeminate.
You must know that it is forbidden to marry a mahram (eg. your
mother, sister etc...)
You must know that it is forbidden for a female Muslim to marry a
non-Muslim male.
You must know that it is forbidden to marry a non-Muslim female
(except pious people of the book)
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim male to marry a
woman already married.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim male to marry a
women in her Iddah.
You must know not to wear long trailing clothes to show-off.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to have hair
extensions.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to put hair
extensions on others
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to have tattoos
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to put tattoo's
on others.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to change the
shape of his/her eyebrows just for the sake of beauty
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to change the
shape of the eyebrows of other just for the sake of beauty
You must know not to use gold utensils.
You must know not to use silver utensils.
You must know it is forbidden for a Muslim man to wear silk
You must know it is forbidden for a Muslim man to wear gold.
You must know it is forbidden to attribute yourself to someone
other than your father.
You must know it is forbidden to denounce your child
You must know it is forbidden to accept or to give bribes.
You must know it is forbidden for an Ameer(ah) to deal harshly
with his/her followers
You must know it is forbidden to deal in drugs or alcohol.
You must know it is forbidden to take back donations.
You must know it is forbidden to take back gifts
You must know it is forbidden to provoke anyone.
You must know it is forbidden to argue for the sake of arguing
You must know it is forbidden to turn your back on a muslim
You must know it is forbidden to back-bite throught fabrication
You must know it is forbidden to have double standards (i.e to be
two-faced)
You must know not to take an oath except if you invoke Allah's name.
You must know not to commit treason
You must know not to endulge in sorcery.
You must know not to endulge in palm reading.
You must know not to be pessimistic
You must know not to be negative.
You must know not to re-open graves.
You must know not to pick-pocket.
You must know not to forge.
You must know not to con people
You must know not to cut or torture dead bodies.
You must know not to believe in horoscopes nor to deal with people
involved with them.
You must know that it is forbidden to interfere into people's private
affairs.
You must know not to sell anything prohibited
You must know not to eat anything prohibited in Islam.
You must know not to hide faults or defects in goods for sale.
You must know it is forbidden to say to your wife that: "your are
forbidden to me like my mother"
You must know it is forbidden to abuse the marriage.
You must know it is forbidden to abuse the divorce
You must know it is forbidden to abuse the ability to free slaves
You must know it is forbidden to give muslim land away to the
disbelievers.
You must know that it is forbidden a Muslim woman to pray during
menstruation
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim woman to fast during
menstruation.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim woman to pray just
after giving birth.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim woman to fast just
after giving birth.
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to pray in a state
of major ritual impurity
You must know that it is forbidden for a Muslim to fast in a state
of major ritual impurity
You must know not to insult any Prophet.
You must know not to reject anything known by necessity
___ __
| |__| |__
| | | |__ end of some things you should know from Islam by
neccessity.
Monday, 28 March 2011
A message to parents
A message to parents
Bismillah hir Rahman hir Raheem
Alhamdulillahi Rabil Alaameen
Wassalatu Wassalaamu 'ala Rasulullah
Nabeeyana wa Habeebana wa Oswatona,
Muhammad ibn Abdullah sallallahu alayhi wassalam.
Amma Ba'ad
Assalaam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu,
Parents, teachers, students, administrators I welcome you on this happy occasion and congratulate all those who have and will graduate today.
As a student of this mosque for almost my whole life and a teacher now for the last 4 years it is so wonderful to see how much this community tries to do for these students.
Today, I wanted to speak to everyone about the state of these students and our young generation. This is especially addressed to parents.
The subject of my speech is about the need to bring up your child Islamically, to prioritize this and do everything in your power as a parent and community member to inculcate true Islamic understanding and faith in our young people. I would like to give some examples of what is happenning today that highlights the extreme immediacy of this need and how important it is for all of us to begin making changes. Lastly, I would like to give some practical suggestions on how to do this.
At one time I thought that every parent would have the goal of raising his or her child Islamically, but now, through experience, I really have to wonder. I don't think some parents WANT to raise their child Islamically. They believe that if their child has basic knowledge and practice, that's enough. That Islam should be in the background while other things, such as being a doctor, going to an Ivy League school, enjoying the good life with a big house, car, good job is more important for their child in the future. They kill themselves so that their kids can have everything in this life.
There is something extremely wrong with this. I'll tell you why. How narrow-minded is it if a parent prepares their child for this life and does nothing for their child's Hereafter. If a parent really, really loves their child and wants the best for them, their goal first and foremost will be to raise the best Muslim they can. This is the best you can ever do for your child, in this life AND in the Hereafter, which is eternal. If your child is a good Muslim, they will want to do well in everything they do. They will want to attain knowledge, security, help those around them and become good people. They will avoid so many harms and difficulties in this society.
Islam will NEVER, NEVER hinder your child from anything good. It will only enhance whatever they do.
Let me give some examples of what happens when Islam is NOT the first priority in families. In college, where I attend graduate school right now, you find the most amazing things. I have met Muslims raised their whole lives in Muslim families who don't pray, who date, who attend MSA meetings but go out to parties and clubs and drink, who take drugs.
I had a brother come to me and say how he thought he was homosexual. I visited a sister just a few weeks ago, who had tried to commit suicide.
EVERY single thing you can think of that is the opposite, antithisis of Islam, our young people are doing them. It is to the point where you can't tell the difference between them and a non-Muslim.
Why is this happenning? These are not extreme cases. These are ordinary Muslims who were raised without Islam as their priority. They were taught, consciously or unconsciously, that Islam was cultural and secondary. They were taught Islam blindly and do not understand it and are lost.
We should be concerned, if not alarmed. Do not shrug this off and say, "It won't happen to me, It won't happen to my kids." Do not live in a fool's paradise and say "Oh ma'shallah my son or daughter is an honors student, they would never do anything bad." It can and it will and is happening now.
We are too late to save Muslim college students. I say this even being an MSA worker for the last 5 years. I even would say it is too late for high school students. How many of them will ever come back to Islam? Very few. It's too late for them.
But it's not too late for your kids, the young generation we have today.
We need to raise them with Islam and with being good Muslims as the priority, the #1 goal as a parent and community.
So, how can we do this? I would like to give just 10 simple, positive, proactive things we should all be doing.
#1 Be consistent. Bring your child consistently to attend mosque activities. That doesn't mean every so often, for jumah, or every Sunday. I mean EVERY Friday, Sunday class. It is extremely frustrating for us as teachers to have students who come only Fridays or students who only come Sundays, or maybe every other week. It is unfair to the whole class and unfair to your child. It sends a message to your child of how important you think Islam really is.
I really do see the difference (even between test scores) of students who come eratically or just one day a week with students who come consistently. This also cannot drop off when they are 12 or 15, it needs to continue.
#2 Get involved as a parent or community member. Take an interest in what goes on at mosque, in their class, help with homework, help them memorize, discuss Islamic issues with them, ask questions, answer their questions. Do not expect us, the teachers to do everything. YOU, as parents, have the responsibility to give your child an Islamic education. How much can we teach 2 hours a week? We can only help. How many parents have volunteered at the Islamic school? Have said, "How can I help my child's Islamic education at the mosque?" How many single people have volunteered to teach or help out at the mosque? Help build the so badly needed school building, the playground?
#3 Create Islamic alternatives. Your kids should never think Islam is boring or dogmatic. It is a complete way of life, which is good and fun. Parents should help organize camps, festivals, sleepovers, fun days, sports, and Islamic movie days for them.
#4 Buy Islamic books. How many of us have Islamic kid's books, tapes, games or videos at home? If you don't, buy some. IQRA, Soundvision, Astrolabe all produce excellent quality fun educational materials for Muslim kids. Why buy your kids Home Alone when you can buy Salam's Journey or Adam's World? Why buy a Barbie coloring book when you can buy an Islamic coloring book. We should take advantage of this to create more of an Islamic culture for our kids.
#5 Send your kids to Islamic camps, conferences and conventions. How many of you take vacations to Disney World or somewhere? How many of you send your kids to those 4-H or basketball camps? Why not go to ISNA together as a family or send your kids to MYNA where they can meet other Muslim kids from all over? Have a problem sending them somewhere alone? Go with them. I guarantee anything in public schools is 1000% worse.
Which brings me to #6 Be aware. I don't know if some parents are deliberately oblivious or just don't care. What is your child's public school environment like? Do you know? Do you know what they watch on TV, sitcoms, MTV, that just about everything there is 90% sexual and inappropriate in content? Do you know who their friends are?
This is not to say go overboard. The best type of parent is flexible and not rigid over things that are not worth fighting over. Give alternatives. You can't forbid them from having any friends but must facilitate them having Muslim friends. Establish limits. Start with limiting TV to 3 hours a day maximum and watch WITH them.
#7 Eliminate the cultural baggage. Cultural baggage are all those things that parents have been raised with which are not part of Islam but are part of their culture. Separate what is your culture from what is Islam. Cultural aspects only seem confusing, hypocritical and unreasonable to young people. Get rid of them now or else your children will equate them with Islam.
#8 Use the resources of this community. There are many experienced parents, teachers, and Imams in this community that can help you if you are having problems with your child. They can help you if you are not sure how to incorporate Islamic education for your kids or don't understand its importance. You know how your child says "But everyone else's parents are letting them do it". Now you can ask other parents if they are. :) Work with them to help solve any problems now. Do not wait untill it gets out of control, when the child is 15 and refuses to listen to anyone.
#9 Teach understanding, not blind ritual. We can't keep teaching our children things without explaining why they should do them or what they mean. How many of your kids say Surah Fatiha in prayer and have no idea what it means. Has no idea what they are saying in prayer at all? This is so wrong. Saying you have to pray and here is how to is not enough. Islam turns into blind ritual for them and they won't be able to transfer Islamic principles or practice to their daily lives.
Lastly and maybe most importantly, #10 be a good Muslim. You must be a good, practicing, active Muslim for your child to be one. If you have little knowledge about Islam your child will have less. If Islam isn't a priority for you, it will not be for your child. If you are not continuously learning about Islam, your child will not be either.
Inshallah I pray I have conveyed the present need for making Islam a priority for young Muslims. I hope parents heed the true-life examples of the prevalent situation, which can only get worse.
Inshallah, let's make the intention now to try to do some of these simple things to help our kids understand and practice Islam. Let's not leave this need unfulfilled for another generation.
Ashadu anna la ilaaha antastaghfiruka wa itubu ilaik. Please forgive me for any mistakes I have made. Anything good I have said is from Allah, the mistakes are mine.
Jazakamullahu khairan, walaikum salaam wrt
Bismillah hir Rahman hir Raheem
Alhamdulillahi Rabil Alaameen
Wassalatu Wassalaamu 'ala Rasulullah
Nabeeyana wa Habeebana wa Oswatona,
Muhammad ibn Abdullah sallallahu alayhi wassalam.
Amma Ba'ad
Assalaam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu,
Parents, teachers, students, administrators I welcome you on this happy occasion and congratulate all those who have and will graduate today.
As a student of this mosque for almost my whole life and a teacher now for the last 4 years it is so wonderful to see how much this community tries to do for these students.
Today, I wanted to speak to everyone about the state of these students and our young generation. This is especially addressed to parents.
The subject of my speech is about the need to bring up your child Islamically, to prioritize this and do everything in your power as a parent and community member to inculcate true Islamic understanding and faith in our young people. I would like to give some examples of what is happenning today that highlights the extreme immediacy of this need and how important it is for all of us to begin making changes. Lastly, I would like to give some practical suggestions on how to do this.
At one time I thought that every parent would have the goal of raising his or her child Islamically, but now, through experience, I really have to wonder. I don't think some parents WANT to raise their child Islamically. They believe that if their child has basic knowledge and practice, that's enough. That Islam should be in the background while other things, such as being a doctor, going to an Ivy League school, enjoying the good life with a big house, car, good job is more important for their child in the future. They kill themselves so that their kids can have everything in this life.
There is something extremely wrong with this. I'll tell you why. How narrow-minded is it if a parent prepares their child for this life and does nothing for their child's Hereafter. If a parent really, really loves their child and wants the best for them, their goal first and foremost will be to raise the best Muslim they can. This is the best you can ever do for your child, in this life AND in the Hereafter, which is eternal. If your child is a good Muslim, they will want to do well in everything they do. They will want to attain knowledge, security, help those around them and become good people. They will avoid so many harms and difficulties in this society.
Islam will NEVER, NEVER hinder your child from anything good. It will only enhance whatever they do.
Let me give some examples of what happens when Islam is NOT the first priority in families. In college, where I attend graduate school right now, you find the most amazing things. I have met Muslims raised their whole lives in Muslim families who don't pray, who date, who attend MSA meetings but go out to parties and clubs and drink, who take drugs.
I had a brother come to me and say how he thought he was homosexual. I visited a sister just a few weeks ago, who had tried to commit suicide.
EVERY single thing you can think of that is the opposite, antithisis of Islam, our young people are doing them. It is to the point where you can't tell the difference between them and a non-Muslim.
Why is this happenning? These are not extreme cases. These are ordinary Muslims who were raised without Islam as their priority. They were taught, consciously or unconsciously, that Islam was cultural and secondary. They were taught Islam blindly and do not understand it and are lost.
We should be concerned, if not alarmed. Do not shrug this off and say, "It won't happen to me, It won't happen to my kids." Do not live in a fool's paradise and say "Oh ma'shallah my son or daughter is an honors student, they would never do anything bad." It can and it will and is happening now.
We are too late to save Muslim college students. I say this even being an MSA worker for the last 5 years. I even would say it is too late for high school students. How many of them will ever come back to Islam? Very few. It's too late for them.
But it's not too late for your kids, the young generation we have today.
We need to raise them with Islam and with being good Muslims as the priority, the #1 goal as a parent and community.
So, how can we do this? I would like to give just 10 simple, positive, proactive things we should all be doing.
#1 Be consistent. Bring your child consistently to attend mosque activities. That doesn't mean every so often, for jumah, or every Sunday. I mean EVERY Friday, Sunday class. It is extremely frustrating for us as teachers to have students who come only Fridays or students who only come Sundays, or maybe every other week. It is unfair to the whole class and unfair to your child. It sends a message to your child of how important you think Islam really is.
I really do see the difference (even between test scores) of students who come eratically or just one day a week with students who come consistently. This also cannot drop off when they are 12 or 15, it needs to continue.
#2 Get involved as a parent or community member. Take an interest in what goes on at mosque, in their class, help with homework, help them memorize, discuss Islamic issues with them, ask questions, answer their questions. Do not expect us, the teachers to do everything. YOU, as parents, have the responsibility to give your child an Islamic education. How much can we teach 2 hours a week? We can only help. How many parents have volunteered at the Islamic school? Have said, "How can I help my child's Islamic education at the mosque?" How many single people have volunteered to teach or help out at the mosque? Help build the so badly needed school building, the playground?
#3 Create Islamic alternatives. Your kids should never think Islam is boring or dogmatic. It is a complete way of life, which is good and fun. Parents should help organize camps, festivals, sleepovers, fun days, sports, and Islamic movie days for them.
#4 Buy Islamic books. How many of us have Islamic kid's books, tapes, games or videos at home? If you don't, buy some. IQRA, Soundvision, Astrolabe all produce excellent quality fun educational materials for Muslim kids. Why buy your kids Home Alone when you can buy Salam's Journey or Adam's World? Why buy a Barbie coloring book when you can buy an Islamic coloring book. We should take advantage of this to create more of an Islamic culture for our kids.
#5 Send your kids to Islamic camps, conferences and conventions. How many of you take vacations to Disney World or somewhere? How many of you send your kids to those 4-H or basketball camps? Why not go to ISNA together as a family or send your kids to MYNA where they can meet other Muslim kids from all over? Have a problem sending them somewhere alone? Go with them. I guarantee anything in public schools is 1000% worse.
Which brings me to #6 Be aware. I don't know if some parents are deliberately oblivious or just don't care. What is your child's public school environment like? Do you know? Do you know what they watch on TV, sitcoms, MTV, that just about everything there is 90% sexual and inappropriate in content? Do you know who their friends are?
This is not to say go overboard. The best type of parent is flexible and not rigid over things that are not worth fighting over. Give alternatives. You can't forbid them from having any friends but must facilitate them having Muslim friends. Establish limits. Start with limiting TV to 3 hours a day maximum and watch WITH them.
#7 Eliminate the cultural baggage. Cultural baggage are all those things that parents have been raised with which are not part of Islam but are part of their culture. Separate what is your culture from what is Islam. Cultural aspects only seem confusing, hypocritical and unreasonable to young people. Get rid of them now or else your children will equate them with Islam.
#8 Use the resources of this community. There are many experienced parents, teachers, and Imams in this community that can help you if you are having problems with your child. They can help you if you are not sure how to incorporate Islamic education for your kids or don't understand its importance. You know how your child says "But everyone else's parents are letting them do it". Now you can ask other parents if they are. :) Work with them to help solve any problems now. Do not wait untill it gets out of control, when the child is 15 and refuses to listen to anyone.
#9 Teach understanding, not blind ritual. We can't keep teaching our children things without explaining why they should do them or what they mean. How many of your kids say Surah Fatiha in prayer and have no idea what it means. Has no idea what they are saying in prayer at all? This is so wrong. Saying you have to pray and here is how to is not enough. Islam turns into blind ritual for them and they won't be able to transfer Islamic principles or practice to their daily lives.
Lastly and maybe most importantly, #10 be a good Muslim. You must be a good, practicing, active Muslim for your child to be one. If you have little knowledge about Islam your child will have less. If Islam isn't a priority for you, it will not be for your child. If you are not continuously learning about Islam, your child will not be either.
Inshallah I pray I have conveyed the present need for making Islam a priority for young Muslims. I hope parents heed the true-life examples of the prevalent situation, which can only get worse.
Inshallah, let's make the intention now to try to do some of these simple things to help our kids understand and practice Islam. Let's not leave this need unfulfilled for another generation.
Ashadu anna la ilaaha antastaghfiruka wa itubu ilaik. Please forgive me for any mistakes I have made. Anything good I have said is from Allah, the mistakes are mine.
Jazakamullahu khairan, walaikum salaam wrt
Ten Things Every Muslim Must Do
Ten Things Every Muslim Must Do
Yahiya Emerick
I've often been confronted with people who are really motivated to do something for Islam, but who were aimless. You know what I'm talking about. Sometimes we are so filled with feelings of wanting to help but we don't really know where to begin.
Doesn't it seem like there's just too much that needs to be done? Muslims are starving in war zones all over the world, kings and dictators rape our lands, misinformation about Islam is rampant, our children are succumbing to the non-Muslim way of life, maybe half our family members don't practice Islam, even if they say they're Muslim, the Masjid needs funds, Muslims need to be taught the difference between what's Islam and what's cultural, etc...
I'm sure many of you could add endlessly to this list. Have you ever felt like the problems are just too great to solve? Have you ever blocked it out of your mind because if you really thought about it you would become depressed? If so, then you're not alone. I've met tons of believers, real sincere people, who lament that they don't know what to do or how they can really help.
Of course, there are some people who will make one specific issue their focus and they'll work to help in that direction. For example, someone might make the support of the local Masjid their cause. Another person may support whole-heartedly an Islamic school or the activities of a relief agency, etc... But most of us don't have time to do justice to those types of goals like we should.
But the alternative, sitting at home and watching TV is hardly worth our time when there are real Muslims out there who need us, and a cause that we must support. So in view of all the variables that affect most of our lives in the modern world, I've come up with a list of ten easy things that every Muslim family should do so that they can contribute to the betterment of Muslims and the establishment of Islam in the West.
Anyone can do these ten things and I've selected activities that are not overly time-consuming, nor expensive. I expect that you'll agree and will tape a cut out of these ten "to do's" to your refrigerator door. (Before grabbing that snack you can be reminded about what is more important than filling your belly!)
#1 Sponsor an Orphan. Before anything else, there are hungry Muslim children everywhere who have needs right now. There are several reputable relief agencies who offer orphan sponsorship programs that only cost from $20-$40 a month. You and I know that's nothing expensive on your part - so do it. Some agencies even offer automated withdrawal so you can send a letter once with a voided check and never have to fill anything out again. Doing this can make you close to the Prophet in Paradise.
#2 Subscribe to at least three Muslim magazines. This is practically the only way you can keep abreast of issues important to the Muslims in the West. It also supports the budding Muslim media. Even if you don't intend to read the magazines, subscribe anyway. Someone around you will read or you can leave them with others. Make it at least three and try to subscribe for 2-3 years at a time.
#3 Go to the Masjid at least once a week for Salat. In the West today, nearly all of us have a Masjid within driving distance. Even if you don't go to the local Masjid for Jum'uah because of your job, then go for at least one Maghrib a week or for Zuhr on Sunday. Whatever, just go at least once a week- WITH YOUR FAMILY. It's the only way that you and your family will consider the Masjid to be your place.
#4 If your children go to public school, and there is no Islamic school nearby, then make sure they either get into some Sunday school program, or, if the local Masjid doesn't run it right, then pool together with some like- minded families and run your own program at somebody's house every Saturday or Sunday and conduct it the way you think it should be done. This is the minimum requirement for not losing your children to secular Christianity.
#5 Buy at least one book, audio or video produced by a Muslim company or author per month. Have you ever wished that there were better items for you and your family's pleasure? Unfortunately, Muslims don't support their own writers and artists very well. No one can make even a decent living if they want to write or produce for the Muslim market. That must change if you want to see wonderful products for you and your children. Just buy one thing per month. Either out of a catalog or from your local Muslim bookstore. For you it's only $5-$10 bucks, but collectively, it can encourage our creative and talented brothers and sisters to do more.
#6 If you see any new Muslims at your Masjid, then partially "adopt" them into your family. The convert experience is basically one of isolation and loneliness. You'd be surprised to know that most converts are outright ignored by the people in the Masjid. Beyond a few pleasantries and handshakes, they are usually never made to feel welcome or accepted. They are often cut off from their non-Muslim friends and relatives so they are doubly vulnerable. A new convert should be invited into various peoples home for dinner a minimum of six times a month. Get together with others and make sure you all put the new convert on your guest list for any sort of gathering.
#7 Keep three extra Qur'an translations and some literature in your home at all times. You never know when you'll find someone interested who wants to know more. Besides, your children read only and understand only English. (You wouldn't believe how many Muslim families don't have an English Qur'an translation in their homes! How will the child read it if they don't understand Arabic, and they never understand Arabic, even if their parents are Arabic speaking!)
#8 Go to one convention a year. Even if you have given up on them, you have to go. It's the only way your children will feel a part of a greater community of believers. Think about it and realize that you don't just go to a convention for your personal enrichment. It's about Muslim solidarity. Go to at least one every year. Couple it with your vacation plans or something. Just go.
#9 Eat only Halal or Kosher Food. Besides all the religious aspects I could mention, which are the most important, by the way, there is another advantage. You solidify your identity and introduce to your family the concept that animals should not die cruelly (like they do in all American slaughterhouses) and that Muslims eat cleaner food. If there are no Halal meat stores nearby, you'll probably find a Kosher store. At least many of the Jews are not shy about Allah's commandment there and have established kosher markets everywhere.
#10 Lastly, make sure you and your family have cultural-type items in your home in abundance that are associated with Islam or Islamic culture. Everyone in your home should have prayer beads, prayer rugs, kufis, Hijabs, (even if they're worn only for prayer), gowns, posters, wall plaques, stickers, logo- shirts, Islamic screen-savers on the computer, and on and on. You want to establish an identity in your home. Everything outside is totally un-Islamic. At least let the Islamic flavor be present inside.
Originally, there were only ten things on this list, but then a very important item came to mind but I just couldn't bring myself to delete any of the preceding items. But in the interest of simplicity, I'll keep the upper ten intact and mention this item as a separate issue because it's something that you don't really need to list with the other things.
This is extremely crucial: Resolve to raise your family as Muslims. Don't be passive. Don't sit around and watch your spouse and children drift further and further away into disbelief and kufr. Would any of you like to be on their deathbed and then realize that they only left non-Muslims behind them? Imagine entering the great sleep with that realization on your heart!
These ten things can be done, with minimal trouble and fuss, by each and every Muslim family. Through these ten points nearly every purpose of Islam is served and you can finally feel that you're doing something in an organized fashion to help promote your healthy way of life and also to fulfill your responsibility to your Creator. Give it a try and see how easy these things really are. Then stick with it. You have no excuses for inaction anymore.
Yahiya Emerick's articles are reproduced here electronically with permission from the author. - H.A.
Yahiya Emerick
I've often been confronted with people who are really motivated to do something for Islam, but who were aimless. You know what I'm talking about. Sometimes we are so filled with feelings of wanting to help but we don't really know where to begin.
Doesn't it seem like there's just too much that needs to be done? Muslims are starving in war zones all over the world, kings and dictators rape our lands, misinformation about Islam is rampant, our children are succumbing to the non-Muslim way of life, maybe half our family members don't practice Islam, even if they say they're Muslim, the Masjid needs funds, Muslims need to be taught the difference between what's Islam and what's cultural, etc...
I'm sure many of you could add endlessly to this list. Have you ever felt like the problems are just too great to solve? Have you ever blocked it out of your mind because if you really thought about it you would become depressed? If so, then you're not alone. I've met tons of believers, real sincere people, who lament that they don't know what to do or how they can really help.
Of course, there are some people who will make one specific issue their focus and they'll work to help in that direction. For example, someone might make the support of the local Masjid their cause. Another person may support whole-heartedly an Islamic school or the activities of a relief agency, etc... But most of us don't have time to do justice to those types of goals like we should.
But the alternative, sitting at home and watching TV is hardly worth our time when there are real Muslims out there who need us, and a cause that we must support. So in view of all the variables that affect most of our lives in the modern world, I've come up with a list of ten easy things that every Muslim family should do so that they can contribute to the betterment of Muslims and the establishment of Islam in the West.
Anyone can do these ten things and I've selected activities that are not overly time-consuming, nor expensive. I expect that you'll agree and will tape a cut out of these ten "to do's" to your refrigerator door. (Before grabbing that snack you can be reminded about what is more important than filling your belly!)
#1 Sponsor an Orphan. Before anything else, there are hungry Muslim children everywhere who have needs right now. There are several reputable relief agencies who offer orphan sponsorship programs that only cost from $20-$40 a month. You and I know that's nothing expensive on your part - so do it. Some agencies even offer automated withdrawal so you can send a letter once with a voided check and never have to fill anything out again. Doing this can make you close to the Prophet in Paradise.
#2 Subscribe to at least three Muslim magazines. This is practically the only way you can keep abreast of issues important to the Muslims in the West. It also supports the budding Muslim media. Even if you don't intend to read the magazines, subscribe anyway. Someone around you will read or you can leave them with others. Make it at least three and try to subscribe for 2-3 years at a time.
#3 Go to the Masjid at least once a week for Salat. In the West today, nearly all of us have a Masjid within driving distance. Even if you don't go to the local Masjid for Jum'uah because of your job, then go for at least one Maghrib a week or for Zuhr on Sunday. Whatever, just go at least once a week- WITH YOUR FAMILY. It's the only way that you and your family will consider the Masjid to be your place.
#4 If your children go to public school, and there is no Islamic school nearby, then make sure they either get into some Sunday school program, or, if the local Masjid doesn't run it right, then pool together with some like- minded families and run your own program at somebody's house every Saturday or Sunday and conduct it the way you think it should be done. This is the minimum requirement for not losing your children to secular Christianity.
#5 Buy at least one book, audio or video produced by a Muslim company or author per month. Have you ever wished that there were better items for you and your family's pleasure? Unfortunately, Muslims don't support their own writers and artists very well. No one can make even a decent living if they want to write or produce for the Muslim market. That must change if you want to see wonderful products for you and your children. Just buy one thing per month. Either out of a catalog or from your local Muslim bookstore. For you it's only $5-$10 bucks, but collectively, it can encourage our creative and talented brothers and sisters to do more.
#6 If you see any new Muslims at your Masjid, then partially "adopt" them into your family. The convert experience is basically one of isolation and loneliness. You'd be surprised to know that most converts are outright ignored by the people in the Masjid. Beyond a few pleasantries and handshakes, they are usually never made to feel welcome or accepted. They are often cut off from their non-Muslim friends and relatives so they are doubly vulnerable. A new convert should be invited into various peoples home for dinner a minimum of six times a month. Get together with others and make sure you all put the new convert on your guest list for any sort of gathering.
#7 Keep three extra Qur'an translations and some literature in your home at all times. You never know when you'll find someone interested who wants to know more. Besides, your children read only and understand only English. (You wouldn't believe how many Muslim families don't have an English Qur'an translation in their homes! How will the child read it if they don't understand Arabic, and they never understand Arabic, even if their parents are Arabic speaking!)
#8 Go to one convention a year. Even if you have given up on them, you have to go. It's the only way your children will feel a part of a greater community of believers. Think about it and realize that you don't just go to a convention for your personal enrichment. It's about Muslim solidarity. Go to at least one every year. Couple it with your vacation plans or something. Just go.
#9 Eat only Halal or Kosher Food. Besides all the religious aspects I could mention, which are the most important, by the way, there is another advantage. You solidify your identity and introduce to your family the concept that animals should not die cruelly (like they do in all American slaughterhouses) and that Muslims eat cleaner food. If there are no Halal meat stores nearby, you'll probably find a Kosher store. At least many of the Jews are not shy about Allah's commandment there and have established kosher markets everywhere.
#10 Lastly, make sure you and your family have cultural-type items in your home in abundance that are associated with Islam or Islamic culture. Everyone in your home should have prayer beads, prayer rugs, kufis, Hijabs, (even if they're worn only for prayer), gowns, posters, wall plaques, stickers, logo- shirts, Islamic screen-savers on the computer, and on and on. You want to establish an identity in your home. Everything outside is totally un-Islamic. At least let the Islamic flavor be present inside.
Originally, there were only ten things on this list, but then a very important item came to mind but I just couldn't bring myself to delete any of the preceding items. But in the interest of simplicity, I'll keep the upper ten intact and mention this item as a separate issue because it's something that you don't really need to list with the other things.
This is extremely crucial: Resolve to raise your family as Muslims. Don't be passive. Don't sit around and watch your spouse and children drift further and further away into disbelief and kufr. Would any of you like to be on their deathbed and then realize that they only left non-Muslims behind them? Imagine entering the great sleep with that realization on your heart!
These ten things can be done, with minimal trouble and fuss, by each and every Muslim family. Through these ten points nearly every purpose of Islam is served and you can finally feel that you're doing something in an organized fashion to help promote your healthy way of life and also to fulfill your responsibility to your Creator. Give it a try and see how easy these things really are. Then stick with it. You have no excuses for inaction anymore.
Yahiya Emerick's articles are reproduced here electronically with permission from the author. - H.A.
Letter to a Muslim Student
Letter to a Muslim Student
Sayyed Hassan Al Banna
[Hassan al Banna was born in 1906 in Egypt into a family of scholars. In 1928, he formed Ikhwan al Muslimeen (the Muslim Brotherhood organization). This movement for the revival of Islam soon spread across Egypt and the region. In December 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood organization was suppressed and thousands of its members arrested. Hassan al Banna was spared arrest only to be assassinated in February 1949.
Letter to a Muslim Student is the English translation of a letter that Hassan al Banna wrote to one of his students that was studying in the West. The sincere advice contained in this letter is drawn from the perennial values and ethos of Islam. It reminds the addressee and indeed all Muslims that the first and foremost goal in a Muslims life is to please God and live in accordance to His sacred law. Also, it brings home that studying ought not to be an end in itself or for seeking material gain. A Muslim ought to excel in his or her study in order to work for Islam and benefit humanity.]
My brother in Islam (who may Allah guard and protect). I praise Allah for there is no god but Him. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, who was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, upon his family, companions and on all those who hold fast to the Shariah until the Day of Judgement.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you when you travel with a proper intention and a noble purpose, and when you return with a sound endeavor and to a dedicated cause.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you as you serve Islam with the finest fruits of science and the best of knowledge.
Dearest brother, you will be amongst people you have not known before and characters you are not accustomed to. In you they will see the example of a Muslim. So make sure they see in you the best example and the finest image, in order for them to understand that the word 'Muslim' embodies virtue and nobility.
With you is a precious trust, that is your righteous wife, appreciate this. Towards her be a trustworthy companion. Provide her with comfort and happiness. Share with her felicity, without being careless in acquiring your rights and negligent in performing your duties.
Read these few words that are borne out of my love and sincerity for you, as an elder brother expressing for his brother and sister the best wishes and the happiest life.
O my brother, excel in your observance of Allah (swt) in all your dealings. Understand that He (swt) keeps watch over you, sees you and encompasses all that is of concern to you - wherever you are. He knows the treachery of your eyes and all that your heart conceals. Strive not to let Allah (swt) see you, except that He is pleased with you.
Do not be unmindful in your observance of the One (glorified and exalted is He), otherwise Satan will infiltrate you and you will be overcome by the whispers of your whims and desires. Believe, my dearest brother, that whenever a heart is conscious of Allah's observance, it will never be approached by Satan. However, once it departs from Allah's awareness, evil will be attracted to it and it will be inhabited by whims and desires. So, consolidate your heart with the observance of Allah and in vigil seek refuge from your surroundings and do not be among the unmindful.
Perform the obligatory duties which Allah has enjoined upon you, at their appointed times. Do not neglect them by relying on performing them at a later time, because you are busy with work or resorting to other excuses for justification. This is a deception of your own self and of your own whims: And follow not desire that it beguile you from the way of Allah (Sad 38: 26).
Understand also my dearest brother that no one draws nearer to Allah with anything more beloved to Him than performing the obligatory duties as stated in the hadith of al-Bukhari. So be aware not to neglect your obligatory duties or feel lazy in performing them; they are Allah's right over you. Be steadfast in prayer and perfect your fast.
If you are in a state of complete inability to fast, then according to the saying of Allah (swt) you have a remission: ... For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever, voluntarily, does more good than is required, will find it is better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know (al-Baqara 2: 184). But be aware not to take this verse as an excuse for falling short.
Fasting with hardship in the homeland of the West will earn you a valuable reward and be an asset to your account; it is pleasing to your Lord and righteous to yourself. So do not attempt to break the fast, unless you are unable to complete it. I need not advise you, any further, towards your obligatory duties, after all they are your capital. Can you imagine one who has wasted his capital, what will his state be amongst tomorrow's profit makers?
Spend whatever time you can in performing supererogatory works as duties of obedience. Perform the sunna prayers. Increase your appeal for forgiveness and the praising of your Glorified Lord. Remember, that ones supplication, during travel or in expatriation, will be answered; hence, increase your supplication in secret and in humility. Continue your remembrance of Allah (swt).
The Prophet (saw) advised Ali (ra) to continuously dampen his tongue in the remembrance of Allah. Do not abandon that path which leads you to nothing but duties and obedience, they are like an investment that multiply rewards. The remembrance of Allah amongst the unmindful nations is like a shining light. So make use of this time, for it is a season to harvest the rewards of the Hereafter, only for those who wish to seize the opportunities and benefit from such seasons.
Increase your recitation of the Glorious Quran with understanding and deliberation. It is a healing for the soul and a comfort to the heart. Designate from it a portion to read at the beginning of the day and a portion to read at the end of it, hence the best beginning and the best end.
In the delights of life and pleasures of the world, you will see that which inclines the heart, impresses the mind, attracts the eye and bewilders those whose spirits are weak. Do not let these seduce you away from virtue and cause you to forget the Hereafter: Do not turn your eyes covetously towards the embellishments of worldly life that We have bestowed upon various kinds of people to test them. But the clean provision bestowed upon you by your Lord is better and more enduring. Enjoin Prayer on your household, and do keep observing it. We do not ask you for any worldly provision; rather, it is We Who provide you. The ultimate end is for piety (Ta Ha 20: 131-2).
Be aware my dearest brother that in the sight of Allah (swt) all these pleasures weigh not even the wing of a gnat and lead neither to honor nor virtue. They are nothing but the manifestations of whims and pitfalls of seduction. So be careful not to let Satan deceive you, otherwise you will plunge into the abyss of sin and corruption.
Always remember the words of Allah (swt): Men are naturally tempted by the lure of women, children, treasures of gold and silver, horses of mark, cattle and plantations. These are the enjoyments in the life of this world; but with Allah lies a goodly abode to return to (Al Imran 3:14). The Book of Allah recites these facts day and night. So do not be amongst those who favor the worldly life over the Hereafter, or amongst those deceived by the outward appearance of things without considering their essence.
All pleasures brought by contemporary civilization will result in nothing other than pain. A pain that will overwhelm their enticement and remove their sweetness. So avoid the worldly aspects of these people; do not let it take over your command and deceive you, if you are to be among the successors.
Dearest brother, what Allah has made Haram (unlawful) for us, those people consider it as Halal (lawful) for them. Hence, when they commit a Haram (unlawful) act, they will neither feel ashamed nor will they refrain from perpetrating it. You should neither agree with their whims nor mix with them in their sins. Otherwise, you will not be relieved from having to answer before Allah (swt) and it will not hold as an excuse on the Day of Judgment.
Do not take their girls for company, and do not let there develop between you and them, any special friendship or any emotional relationship. If this kind of socializing is a sin for those other than you, then it is a sin twice as great for you and you know well the meaning of this. Although you are known to us to be one that is trustworthy and decent, I have mentioned this to you, to caution you against the downfalls of sins so that your feet may never slip. And in your chastity let there be content and in your dignity let there be adequacy.
As for alcohol, do not approach it and do not use the climate as an excuse, because when Allah made it Haram (unlawful), He had full knowledge about all types of climate but did not exclude one country from another or one nation from another from this prohibition. Allah (swt) made it forbidden with neither doubt nor exception. So be aware not to let it occupy a part of your abdomen, otherwise it will remain as a black spot on its pure skin.
Be determined as much as possible before the first drink. Because once your mind is concealed by it, you will follow it by the second and third drink, whereby you will have fallen into a pit, difficult to escape from and will have incriminated yourself and others. then, even if you expiated this sin with repentance, you would still not match your original purity and superb credibility.
Do not taste anything in those restaurants which serve Haram (unlawful) food, like pork and dead meat. In that which is Halal (lawful) you have a substitute and enough for contentment. So do not taste the Haram (unlawful) and do not let your flesh grow on it, otherwise fire is what it deserves. Allah (swt) has prohibited that which is impure: . . . He enjoins upon them what is good and forbids them what is evil... (al-Araf 7: 157). So leave that which is bad for that which is good.
As for casinos, night-clubs, and other such places of vanity, your time is far too precious to be wasted in them. I have looked into the saying, time is made of gold, and I do not approve of it. Time is far more precious than gold, for time is life. Is it not true that your life is nothing but a few hours and you never know when they will end? Dearest brother, be stringent with your time and do not spend it except in that which is significant, and acquire pleasure in that which is lawful.
In the heavens there is calmness and on the earth there is beauty. In the gardens there is freshness and in you there is a sign. In the sea there is might and in the air there is nourishment. Take from all this comfort for your soul and recovery for your mind. And do not waste your time by being unmindful, this will shield you from good and lead you to evil.
Be critical, with insight, and be just and well acquainted with people. Do not let your goodness draw you to forget their bad, and their bad hurt you to forget their goodness. Rather study them as would a researcher and an examiner. Encompass with knowledge all of their affairs, and then with an eye of insight, scrutinize it all. Present back the good that you find to your people and nation, and return with it victorious and supported. Other than that, throw it back on them and do not come back until you have dusted off your hands and emptied your mind of it all.
You will find there a group of people dishonoring your Prophet (saw), faulting your Quran and disgracing your people. Do not sit with such people, until they turn to a different theme, even if it is necessary for you to enter into a dialogue with them. Argue with them in the best manner. Explain to them the good that you know and avoid controversies that lead to hatred and sedition (fitnah).
Lo! You (O Mohammed) guide not whom you love, but Allah guides whom he will. And He is best aware of those who walk aright (al-Qasas 28: 56).
Dearest brother, be aware that calling the people through practical example is far better than calling them through speech. It is far more fruitful and beneficial to use your commendable character, the perfection of yourself and your straight manner to defend and call them to your religion and nation. Whenever an opportunity arises for you to deliver a speech or a lecture at one of their meeting places or societies, prepare yourself for it. Choose that which will not stir disorder and that which will not offend integrity. Do not be apprehended by their stance, because Allah's aid is with those who are sincere. Be positive and do not insult other people's beliefs instead, elucidate to them their innate goodness and reveal to them our beliefs. By doing so, you will have adequately promoted awareness and incentive.
Finally, and there is still so much for me to say and I would have loved to continue this advice with you, yet my concern is that if I prolong this discourse any more, you may forget most of what I have said; for over speaking does distract one from what is being said. For both of you then, may Allah raise you to be the best of the successors and may His safety accompany you.
May He protect both of you and return you in goodness, as is wishes by those who are sincere. I entrust to Allah your religion, your obligations and the outcome of your actions. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. Ameen
Sayyed Hassan Al Banna
[Hassan al Banna was born in 1906 in Egypt into a family of scholars. In 1928, he formed Ikhwan al Muslimeen (the Muslim Brotherhood organization). This movement for the revival of Islam soon spread across Egypt and the region. In December 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood organization was suppressed and thousands of its members arrested. Hassan al Banna was spared arrest only to be assassinated in February 1949.
Letter to a Muslim Student is the English translation of a letter that Hassan al Banna wrote to one of his students that was studying in the West. The sincere advice contained in this letter is drawn from the perennial values and ethos of Islam. It reminds the addressee and indeed all Muslims that the first and foremost goal in a Muslims life is to please God and live in accordance to His sacred law. Also, it brings home that studying ought not to be an end in itself or for seeking material gain. A Muslim ought to excel in his or her study in order to work for Islam and benefit humanity.]
My brother in Islam (who may Allah guard and protect). I praise Allah for there is no god but Him. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, who was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, upon his family, companions and on all those who hold fast to the Shariah until the Day of Judgement.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you when you travel with a proper intention and a noble purpose, and when you return with a sound endeavor and to a dedicated cause.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you as you serve Islam with the finest fruits of science and the best of knowledge.
Dearest brother, you will be amongst people you have not known before and characters you are not accustomed to. In you they will see the example of a Muslim. So make sure they see in you the best example and the finest image, in order for them to understand that the word 'Muslim' embodies virtue and nobility.
With you is a precious trust, that is your righteous wife, appreciate this. Towards her be a trustworthy companion. Provide her with comfort and happiness. Share with her felicity, without being careless in acquiring your rights and negligent in performing your duties.
Read these few words that are borne out of my love and sincerity for you, as an elder brother expressing for his brother and sister the best wishes and the happiest life.
O my brother, excel in your observance of Allah (swt) in all your dealings. Understand that He (swt) keeps watch over you, sees you and encompasses all that is of concern to you - wherever you are. He knows the treachery of your eyes and all that your heart conceals. Strive not to let Allah (swt) see you, except that He is pleased with you.
Do not be unmindful in your observance of the One (glorified and exalted is He), otherwise Satan will infiltrate you and you will be overcome by the whispers of your whims and desires. Believe, my dearest brother, that whenever a heart is conscious of Allah's observance, it will never be approached by Satan. However, once it departs from Allah's awareness, evil will be attracted to it and it will be inhabited by whims and desires. So, consolidate your heart with the observance of Allah and in vigil seek refuge from your surroundings and do not be among the unmindful.
Perform the obligatory duties which Allah has enjoined upon you, at their appointed times. Do not neglect them by relying on performing them at a later time, because you are busy with work or resorting to other excuses for justification. This is a deception of your own self and of your own whims: And follow not desire that it beguile you from the way of Allah (Sad 38: 26).
Understand also my dearest brother that no one draws nearer to Allah with anything more beloved to Him than performing the obligatory duties as stated in the hadith of al-Bukhari. So be aware not to neglect your obligatory duties or feel lazy in performing them; they are Allah's right over you. Be steadfast in prayer and perfect your fast.
If you are in a state of complete inability to fast, then according to the saying of Allah (swt) you have a remission: ... For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever, voluntarily, does more good than is required, will find it is better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know (al-Baqara 2: 184). But be aware not to take this verse as an excuse for falling short.
Fasting with hardship in the homeland of the West will earn you a valuable reward and be an asset to your account; it is pleasing to your Lord and righteous to yourself. So do not attempt to break the fast, unless you are unable to complete it. I need not advise you, any further, towards your obligatory duties, after all they are your capital. Can you imagine one who has wasted his capital, what will his state be amongst tomorrow's profit makers?
Spend whatever time you can in performing supererogatory works as duties of obedience. Perform the sunna prayers. Increase your appeal for forgiveness and the praising of your Glorified Lord. Remember, that ones supplication, during travel or in expatriation, will be answered; hence, increase your supplication in secret and in humility. Continue your remembrance of Allah (swt).
The Prophet (saw) advised Ali (ra) to continuously dampen his tongue in the remembrance of Allah. Do not abandon that path which leads you to nothing but duties and obedience, they are like an investment that multiply rewards. The remembrance of Allah amongst the unmindful nations is like a shining light. So make use of this time, for it is a season to harvest the rewards of the Hereafter, only for those who wish to seize the opportunities and benefit from such seasons.
Increase your recitation of the Glorious Quran with understanding and deliberation. It is a healing for the soul and a comfort to the heart. Designate from it a portion to read at the beginning of the day and a portion to read at the end of it, hence the best beginning and the best end.
In the delights of life and pleasures of the world, you will see that which inclines the heart, impresses the mind, attracts the eye and bewilders those whose spirits are weak. Do not let these seduce you away from virtue and cause you to forget the Hereafter: Do not turn your eyes covetously towards the embellishments of worldly life that We have bestowed upon various kinds of people to test them. But the clean provision bestowed upon you by your Lord is better and more enduring. Enjoin Prayer on your household, and do keep observing it. We do not ask you for any worldly provision; rather, it is We Who provide you. The ultimate end is for piety (Ta Ha 20: 131-2).
Be aware my dearest brother that in the sight of Allah (swt) all these pleasures weigh not even the wing of a gnat and lead neither to honor nor virtue. They are nothing but the manifestations of whims and pitfalls of seduction. So be careful not to let Satan deceive you, otherwise you will plunge into the abyss of sin and corruption.
Always remember the words of Allah (swt): Men are naturally tempted by the lure of women, children, treasures of gold and silver, horses of mark, cattle and plantations. These are the enjoyments in the life of this world; but with Allah lies a goodly abode to return to (Al Imran 3:14). The Book of Allah recites these facts day and night. So do not be amongst those who favor the worldly life over the Hereafter, or amongst those deceived by the outward appearance of things without considering their essence.
All pleasures brought by contemporary civilization will result in nothing other than pain. A pain that will overwhelm their enticement and remove their sweetness. So avoid the worldly aspects of these people; do not let it take over your command and deceive you, if you are to be among the successors.
Dearest brother, what Allah has made Haram (unlawful) for us, those people consider it as Halal (lawful) for them. Hence, when they commit a Haram (unlawful) act, they will neither feel ashamed nor will they refrain from perpetrating it. You should neither agree with their whims nor mix with them in their sins. Otherwise, you will not be relieved from having to answer before Allah (swt) and it will not hold as an excuse on the Day of Judgment.
Do not take their girls for company, and do not let there develop between you and them, any special friendship or any emotional relationship. If this kind of socializing is a sin for those other than you, then it is a sin twice as great for you and you know well the meaning of this. Although you are known to us to be one that is trustworthy and decent, I have mentioned this to you, to caution you against the downfalls of sins so that your feet may never slip. And in your chastity let there be content and in your dignity let there be adequacy.
As for alcohol, do not approach it and do not use the climate as an excuse, because when Allah made it Haram (unlawful), He had full knowledge about all types of climate but did not exclude one country from another or one nation from another from this prohibition. Allah (swt) made it forbidden with neither doubt nor exception. So be aware not to let it occupy a part of your abdomen, otherwise it will remain as a black spot on its pure skin.
Be determined as much as possible before the first drink. Because once your mind is concealed by it, you will follow it by the second and third drink, whereby you will have fallen into a pit, difficult to escape from and will have incriminated yourself and others. then, even if you expiated this sin with repentance, you would still not match your original purity and superb credibility.
Do not taste anything in those restaurants which serve Haram (unlawful) food, like pork and dead meat. In that which is Halal (lawful) you have a substitute and enough for contentment. So do not taste the Haram (unlawful) and do not let your flesh grow on it, otherwise fire is what it deserves. Allah (swt) has prohibited that which is impure: . . . He enjoins upon them what is good and forbids them what is evil... (al-Araf 7: 157). So leave that which is bad for that which is good.
As for casinos, night-clubs, and other such places of vanity, your time is far too precious to be wasted in them. I have looked into the saying, time is made of gold, and I do not approve of it. Time is far more precious than gold, for time is life. Is it not true that your life is nothing but a few hours and you never know when they will end? Dearest brother, be stringent with your time and do not spend it except in that which is significant, and acquire pleasure in that which is lawful.
In the heavens there is calmness and on the earth there is beauty. In the gardens there is freshness and in you there is a sign. In the sea there is might and in the air there is nourishment. Take from all this comfort for your soul and recovery for your mind. And do not waste your time by being unmindful, this will shield you from good and lead you to evil.
Be critical, with insight, and be just and well acquainted with people. Do not let your goodness draw you to forget their bad, and their bad hurt you to forget their goodness. Rather study them as would a researcher and an examiner. Encompass with knowledge all of their affairs, and then with an eye of insight, scrutinize it all. Present back the good that you find to your people and nation, and return with it victorious and supported. Other than that, throw it back on them and do not come back until you have dusted off your hands and emptied your mind of it all.
You will find there a group of people dishonoring your Prophet (saw), faulting your Quran and disgracing your people. Do not sit with such people, until they turn to a different theme, even if it is necessary for you to enter into a dialogue with them. Argue with them in the best manner. Explain to them the good that you know and avoid controversies that lead to hatred and sedition (fitnah).
Lo! You (O Mohammed) guide not whom you love, but Allah guides whom he will. And He is best aware of those who walk aright (al-Qasas 28: 56).
Dearest brother, be aware that calling the people through practical example is far better than calling them through speech. It is far more fruitful and beneficial to use your commendable character, the perfection of yourself and your straight manner to defend and call them to your religion and nation. Whenever an opportunity arises for you to deliver a speech or a lecture at one of their meeting places or societies, prepare yourself for it. Choose that which will not stir disorder and that which will not offend integrity. Do not be apprehended by their stance, because Allah's aid is with those who are sincere. Be positive and do not insult other people's beliefs instead, elucidate to them their innate goodness and reveal to them our beliefs. By doing so, you will have adequately promoted awareness and incentive.
Finally, and there is still so much for me to say and I would have loved to continue this advice with you, yet my concern is that if I prolong this discourse any more, you may forget most of what I have said; for over speaking does distract one from what is being said. For both of you then, may Allah raise you to be the best of the successors and may His safety accompany you.
May He protect both of you and return you in goodness, as is wishes by those who are sincere. I entrust to Allah your religion, your obligations and the outcome of your actions. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. Ameen
Friday, 4 March 2011
Meta Tags
asian chat asian dating asian matchmaking asian online asian wife beautiful bride bride bride guide brides canada chat canadian dating canadian match chat community chat now chat rooms chat site chat video christian dating city dating dating dating and matchmaking dating chat dating customs dating friends dating girls dating in canada dating in uk dating personals dating service dating singles dating uk dating website dream match european brides european dating find match finder friend foreign bride free chat rooms free chatting rooms free dating chat free dating site free friend finder free matchmaking free online dating site free phone chat free uk chat rooms friend finder dating friend finder uk friends chat friendship bible friendship club horoscope matchmaking indian chat indian shaadi international dating internet chat internet matchmaking local chat looking for love love dating love personals male personals marriage personals match match personals matchmaker matchmaker sites matchmaking agency matchmaking services matchmaking dating service meet personals meet your match mobile chat online bride online chats online dating online dating services online friend finder online matchmaking people chat personal sites personals online professional matchmaker personal websites punjabi shaadi romantic proposals safe dating seniors dating shadi shaadi uk single chat singles singles chat room singles dating sites singles in canada singles online singles services singles websites speed dating true dating uk chat rooms uk photo personals web chat rooms wedding grooms woman personals world dating brides weddings canadian bride usa brides
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Abortion on Medical Grounds
Abortion on Medical Grounds
Reprinted from "Our Dialogue," an Islamic Q & A series published in the Arab News, Saudi Arabia)
Question:
There are many genetic disorders for which currently no cure is available, but diagnosis is possible. Some of these disorders, when confirmed, may require termination of pregnancy. What is your opinion on this important issue in the light of Islamic teachings: can abortion be allowed on medical grounds?
Answer:
In 1983, a conference was held in Kuwait in which specialized doctors of medicine and Islamic scholars took part. One of the most important subject discussed was abortion. There was a great deal of discussion on the various aspects of abortion and when it can be considered appropriate.
From the findings of that conference it can be concluded that abortion is permissible if the continuation of pregnancy poses a real threat to the life of the mother. In this case, abortion can be performed at any stage during the pregnancy, and as soon as it is clear that termination of pregnancy is the only way to save the life of the mother.
As for other medical conditions, scholars differed a great deal on this issue. It is however, remarkable that the proceedings show that gynecologists and obstetricians who also have sound Islamic knowledge took a stronger attitude opposing abortion at any stage of the pregnancy. Scholars of Fiqh could find room for a more understanding attitude.
They gave different verdicts for different stages of the pregnancy. Most of them say that abortion is forbidden after 120 days of conception. Others say that this prohibition begins after 45 days. Both groups define the limit which they favor on the basis of a certain Hadith. The one which speaks of 120 days may be given in translation as follows:
"Indeed, the creation of each one of you is brought together in the mother's belly for 40 days in the form of a drop of sperm, then he is a germ-cell for a like period, then an embryonic lump for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows the breath of life into him and who is commanded about four matters: to write down his means of livelihood, his life span, his actions and whether happy or unhappy.
By Allah, other than whom there is no God, one of you may behave like the people of paradise until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he behaves like the people of hell fire and thus he enters it; and one of you behaves like the people of hell fire until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he behaves like the people of paradise and thus he enters it." (Related by Al Bukhari & Muslim.)
We note that the Prophet speaks of three stages of forty days each before spirit is blown into the embryo. It is on this basis that some scholars consider that abortion on medical grounds is permissible at this stage.
Reprinted from "Our Dialogue," an Islamic Q & A series published in the Arab News, Saudi Arabia)
Question:
There are many genetic disorders for which currently no cure is available, but diagnosis is possible. Some of these disorders, when confirmed, may require termination of pregnancy. What is your opinion on this important issue in the light of Islamic teachings: can abortion be allowed on medical grounds?
Answer:
In 1983, a conference was held in Kuwait in which specialized doctors of medicine and Islamic scholars took part. One of the most important subject discussed was abortion. There was a great deal of discussion on the various aspects of abortion and when it can be considered appropriate.
From the findings of that conference it can be concluded that abortion is permissible if the continuation of pregnancy poses a real threat to the life of the mother. In this case, abortion can be performed at any stage during the pregnancy, and as soon as it is clear that termination of pregnancy is the only way to save the life of the mother.
As for other medical conditions, scholars differed a great deal on this issue. It is however, remarkable that the proceedings show that gynecologists and obstetricians who also have sound Islamic knowledge took a stronger attitude opposing abortion at any stage of the pregnancy. Scholars of Fiqh could find room for a more understanding attitude.
They gave different verdicts for different stages of the pregnancy. Most of them say that abortion is forbidden after 120 days of conception. Others say that this prohibition begins after 45 days. Both groups define the limit which they favor on the basis of a certain Hadith. The one which speaks of 120 days may be given in translation as follows:
"Indeed, the creation of each one of you is brought together in the mother's belly for 40 days in the form of a drop of sperm, then he is a germ-cell for a like period, then an embryonic lump for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows the breath of life into him and who is commanded about four matters: to write down his means of livelihood, his life span, his actions and whether happy or unhappy.
By Allah, other than whom there is no God, one of you may behave like the people of paradise until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he behaves like the people of hell fire and thus he enters it; and one of you behaves like the people of hell fire until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he behaves like the people of paradise and thus he enters it." (Related by Al Bukhari & Muslim.)
We note that the Prophet speaks of three stages of forty days each before spirit is blown into the embryo. It is on this basis that some scholars consider that abortion on medical grounds is permissible at this stage.
Birth Control
Birth Control
Reprinted from OurDialogue.com
These are questions and answers reprinted from "Our Dialogue," a series appearing in the “Arab News” of Jeddah; providing an Islamic perspective to questions agitating the minds of people today.
Can a Couple Limit Their Children?
Question: Is it appropriate for a married couple not to have more than two children because of their limited economic resources? Is it acceptable that they take measures to prevent pregnancy after having had two children?
Answer: During the time of the Prophet, some of his companions tried to reduce the chances of conception and pregnancy, because they did not want any more children. The Prophet was aware of that. Some referred to him while some relied on the fact that no edict was given concerning the question of preventing pregnancy. The general rule is that "everything is permissible unless pronounced otherwise." Thus, we have statements by some of the Prophet's companions such as: "We resorted to contraception at the time when the Qur'an was being revealed", and "We resorted to contraception and the Prophet was aware of that but he did not stop us." These statements are clear in their import. If the Prophet's companions had been doing something unacceptable to Islam, God would have either revealed a prohibition in the Qur'an or the Prophet would have given an order in a Hadith.
The fact is that the Prophet did not give such an order. Instead, when he learned from one of his companions that he resorted to contraception, the Prophet said clearly that no method of contraception would stop the creation of a child, should God will that the child be born. As such, no method of contraception can stop God's will being fulfilled.
The method of contraception which was known at that time was coitus interruptus. Modern methods are equally permissible, provided that they are safe and they prevent conception. Sterilization of either the man or the woman is not permissible except when it is made absolutely necessary for medical reasons. Thus, if doctors determine that any pregnancy is likely to present a serious risk to the life of the mother, then sterilization may be approved. But each case must be considered separately on its own merits.
What I have said so far applies at the individual level only. A national policy of family planning which aims to reduce the population is unacceptable because it is likely to have serious repercussion on the health of the nation as a whole.
Coitus Interruptus
Question: You advised a young man to get married and delay having children until he has finished his studies. This obviously means that he has to resort to methods of birth control. In our community, most scholars say that birth control is not acceptable from the Islamic point of view. Please comment.
Answer: In ancient times, before the new methods of birth control were invented, people resorted to coitus interruptus in order to restrict the number of children. This is a safe method, because it does not involve the use of any substance or chemical compound. It is a simple method which involves withdrawal before discharge. It is not highly effective, because some of the sperms may be released before the actual discharge. These could easily fertilize the female egg. This method was practiced in Arabia, as well in many other places. The companions of the Prophet mentioned it to him and asked him whether it was wrong. The Prophet did not forbid them that, but he told them that it could not stop Allah's work. If He wants us to create something, or in this case, if He wants a child to be born, the resort to contraception would not prevent the mother from getting pregnant.
We have reports from companions of the Prophet mentioning that he was aware of their resort to contraception, but he did not forbid them that.
In the light of the foregoing, we can say that using a safe and effective method of birth control is permissible, if it does not involve the use of a harmful substance. The couple must check with their doctor if a particular method is safe for them to use. If so, then they decide whether to use it or not.
Contraception and Sterilization
Question: I have four children and I am considering resorting to a sterilization operation to be done for my wife. She is thin and weak and can hardly cope with the demands of the family, especially during my prolonged absence, away from home to work here in Saudi Arabia. May I also say that my financial situation is not that bright. Indeed, I can hardly cope with the great demands placed on me.
Answer: Let us first of all deal with the financial aspect of this question. We know that Allah provides sustenance for everyone of His creation. I personally have experienced an improvement in my financial level with every child I have had. Indeed, that improvement was very tangible in the case of one of my children. Some people may not have such a tangible experience. It is true to say, however, that Allah will not neglect to provide sustenance for any human being. It is up to the breadwinner of the family to make use of the opportunities that Allah provides for him.
Having said that, I should also point out before attending to the question on sterilization that resorting to methods of contraception which are safe and do not affect the health of the mother is permissible. That must be kept at the individual level. By this I mean that a family may resort to contraception in order to limit the number of their children if they determine that such a thing is desirable in their particular circumstances. At the time of the Prophet, some of his companions resorted to coitus interruptus, which was the only method of family planning known to them, and the Prophet was aware of what they did. He did not instruct them to stop, nor did he tell them that what they did was forbidden. Therefore, it is permissible. Other methods of family planning have the same verdict provided they are safe.
Sterilization which involves a surgical operation is a special case. Unlike other methods of contraception it is permanent. Therefore it has to be viewed separately. Preventing pregnancy by surgery is known as sterilization which can be performed for either the husband or the wife. It is perhaps more accurate to say that we cannot make a general, sweeping statement in order to say that such an operation is either forbidden or permissible. Any surgery may be considered, from the strictly religious point of view, as required, recommended, discouraged or forbidden, according to the different circumstances of its person. If a highly competent doctor advises his patient that a certain operation will not only cure his illness but also prevents a speedy deterioration of his case, which is otherwise inevitable, then we can say that the operation is recommended. On the other hand, if there is no strong medical grounds for operating on a certain patient, but the doctor advises the operation only to get his fee, then the doctor commits a sin by giving such an advice.
In the case of sterilization, what we have to look for is the effect of pregnancy on the health of the mother. If a competent doctor determines that every pregnancy is likely to pose a real threat to the life of the mother or to cause serious threats to her health and that other methods of contraception may also have a bad effect on her health, then the woman may have such an operation without any qualm of conscience. It is permissible in her case. On the other hand, for a woman who asks her doctor to perform such an operation because she feels that a pregnancy may spoil her figure or having children may stop her from taking a lengthy holiday every few months, such an operation is forbidden.
In your particular condition, I do not think the reasons you have advanced for such an operation constitute a sound argument to justify the operation. Your wife may be thin and weak, but you can easily delay pregnancy by resorting to other methods of contraception. On the basis of what you say in your letter, you are only with your wife for a month or so every year. If you take adequate precautions, you can almost certainly prevent pregnancy. Therefore, the operation is not required on medical grounds. Hence, it cannot be lawful in your case.
Reprinted from OurDialogue.com
These are questions and answers reprinted from "Our Dialogue," a series appearing in the “Arab News” of Jeddah; providing an Islamic perspective to questions agitating the minds of people today.
Can a Couple Limit Their Children?
Question: Is it appropriate for a married couple not to have more than two children because of their limited economic resources? Is it acceptable that they take measures to prevent pregnancy after having had two children?
Answer: During the time of the Prophet, some of his companions tried to reduce the chances of conception and pregnancy, because they did not want any more children. The Prophet was aware of that. Some referred to him while some relied on the fact that no edict was given concerning the question of preventing pregnancy. The general rule is that "everything is permissible unless pronounced otherwise." Thus, we have statements by some of the Prophet's companions such as: "We resorted to contraception at the time when the Qur'an was being revealed", and "We resorted to contraception and the Prophet was aware of that but he did not stop us." These statements are clear in their import. If the Prophet's companions had been doing something unacceptable to Islam, God would have either revealed a prohibition in the Qur'an or the Prophet would have given an order in a Hadith.
The fact is that the Prophet did not give such an order. Instead, when he learned from one of his companions that he resorted to contraception, the Prophet said clearly that no method of contraception would stop the creation of a child, should God will that the child be born. As such, no method of contraception can stop God's will being fulfilled.
The method of contraception which was known at that time was coitus interruptus. Modern methods are equally permissible, provided that they are safe and they prevent conception. Sterilization of either the man or the woman is not permissible except when it is made absolutely necessary for medical reasons. Thus, if doctors determine that any pregnancy is likely to present a serious risk to the life of the mother, then sterilization may be approved. But each case must be considered separately on its own merits.
What I have said so far applies at the individual level only. A national policy of family planning which aims to reduce the population is unacceptable because it is likely to have serious repercussion on the health of the nation as a whole.
Coitus Interruptus
Question: You advised a young man to get married and delay having children until he has finished his studies. This obviously means that he has to resort to methods of birth control. In our community, most scholars say that birth control is not acceptable from the Islamic point of view. Please comment.
Answer: In ancient times, before the new methods of birth control were invented, people resorted to coitus interruptus in order to restrict the number of children. This is a safe method, because it does not involve the use of any substance or chemical compound. It is a simple method which involves withdrawal before discharge. It is not highly effective, because some of the sperms may be released before the actual discharge. These could easily fertilize the female egg. This method was practiced in Arabia, as well in many other places. The companions of the Prophet mentioned it to him and asked him whether it was wrong. The Prophet did not forbid them that, but he told them that it could not stop Allah's work. If He wants us to create something, or in this case, if He wants a child to be born, the resort to contraception would not prevent the mother from getting pregnant.
We have reports from companions of the Prophet mentioning that he was aware of their resort to contraception, but he did not forbid them that.
In the light of the foregoing, we can say that using a safe and effective method of birth control is permissible, if it does not involve the use of a harmful substance. The couple must check with their doctor if a particular method is safe for them to use. If so, then they decide whether to use it or not.
Contraception and Sterilization
Question: I have four children and I am considering resorting to a sterilization operation to be done for my wife. She is thin and weak and can hardly cope with the demands of the family, especially during my prolonged absence, away from home to work here in Saudi Arabia. May I also say that my financial situation is not that bright. Indeed, I can hardly cope with the great demands placed on me.
Answer: Let us first of all deal with the financial aspect of this question. We know that Allah provides sustenance for everyone of His creation. I personally have experienced an improvement in my financial level with every child I have had. Indeed, that improvement was very tangible in the case of one of my children. Some people may not have such a tangible experience. It is true to say, however, that Allah will not neglect to provide sustenance for any human being. It is up to the breadwinner of the family to make use of the opportunities that Allah provides for him.
Having said that, I should also point out before attending to the question on sterilization that resorting to methods of contraception which are safe and do not affect the health of the mother is permissible. That must be kept at the individual level. By this I mean that a family may resort to contraception in order to limit the number of their children if they determine that such a thing is desirable in their particular circumstances. At the time of the Prophet, some of his companions resorted to coitus interruptus, which was the only method of family planning known to them, and the Prophet was aware of what they did. He did not instruct them to stop, nor did he tell them that what they did was forbidden. Therefore, it is permissible. Other methods of family planning have the same verdict provided they are safe.
Sterilization which involves a surgical operation is a special case. Unlike other methods of contraception it is permanent. Therefore it has to be viewed separately. Preventing pregnancy by surgery is known as sterilization which can be performed for either the husband or the wife. It is perhaps more accurate to say that we cannot make a general, sweeping statement in order to say that such an operation is either forbidden or permissible. Any surgery may be considered, from the strictly religious point of view, as required, recommended, discouraged or forbidden, according to the different circumstances of its person. If a highly competent doctor advises his patient that a certain operation will not only cure his illness but also prevents a speedy deterioration of his case, which is otherwise inevitable, then we can say that the operation is recommended. On the other hand, if there is no strong medical grounds for operating on a certain patient, but the doctor advises the operation only to get his fee, then the doctor commits a sin by giving such an advice.
In the case of sterilization, what we have to look for is the effect of pregnancy on the health of the mother. If a competent doctor determines that every pregnancy is likely to pose a real threat to the life of the mother or to cause serious threats to her health and that other methods of contraception may also have a bad effect on her health, then the woman may have such an operation without any qualm of conscience. It is permissible in her case. On the other hand, for a woman who asks her doctor to perform such an operation because she feels that a pregnancy may spoil her figure or having children may stop her from taking a lengthy holiday every few months, such an operation is forbidden.
In your particular condition, I do not think the reasons you have advanced for such an operation constitute a sound argument to justify the operation. Your wife may be thin and weak, but you can easily delay pregnancy by resorting to other methods of contraception. On the basis of what you say in your letter, you are only with your wife for a month or so every year. If you take adequate precautions, you can almost certainly prevent pregnancy. Therefore, the operation is not required on medical grounds. Hence, it cannot be lawful in your case.
When Is It Permitted to Have an Abortion
When Is It Permitted to Have an Abortion?
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Reprinted from SunniPath, the Online Islamic Academy
Question: When is it permitted to have an abortion?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
Abortion and the termination of pregnancy is the expulsion of a foetus from the womb of a woman. This may either be by consuming of certain drugs or by emptying the womb through the process of suction.
Life is sacred:
Islam regards human life sacred. Allah Most High says:
“And verily we have honoured the children of Adam” (Surah al-Isra, V.70).
It does not matter where the life exists. Whether the life is extra-uterine or intra-uterine, its location has no significance on its sanctity. This sanctity applies not only to human life, but to the human body as well. Hence, according to Shari’ah, the physical body of a human after death is just as sacred as it was before death. The degree of sanctity of life is greater than that of the body. This is one of the reasons why it is unlawful (Haram) to consume the meat of a human, dead or alive.
The Shari’ah ruling on abortion:
Abortion can be divided into two stages:
a) Abortion after the soul (Ruh) enters the foetus
b) Abortion prior to the entry of the soul in to the foetus
Before mentioning the ruling on abortion with regards to these two stages, it must be remembered here, that according to Shari’ah the soul (Ruh) enters the foetus at 120 days (4 months) from conception.
The Jurists (Fuqaha) have based this duration upon a Qur’anic verse and a statement of the beloved of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). In the verse Allah states the stages of development of the embryo in the womb of the mother. Allah Almighty says:
“And verily we did create man from a quintessence (of clay). Then we placed him (as a drop of sperm) in a place of rest, firmly fixed. Then we made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood. Then of that clot we made a (foetus) lump. Then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh. Then we developed out of it another creature (by breathing life into it). So blessed be Allah, the most marvellous creator.” (Surah al-Mu’minun, 12/13/14).
In the Hadith recorded by the two most authentic authorities, Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim in their respective Sahih collections, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) discussed in detail the periods elapsing between these stages, mentioned by the Qur’an.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
“The seed of one of you remains in the womb of the mother for forty days in the form of a Nutfa. Then it remains like a clot for another forty days, and then for a same number of days like a lump of flesh" (when the formation of the limbs and the growth of the bones begin). (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim).
The great Hanafi Faqeeh Ibn Abidin States in his Radd al-Muhtar:
“The soul enters the foutus at one hundred & twenty days (4 months), as established by the Hadith” (Radd al-Muhtar, 1/202)
The ruling on abortion in stage (a) i.e. after the entry of the soul into the foetus which is (as explained) 120 days, is that, it is totally impermissible and tantamount to murder, as it results in the taking out of an innocent life. All the scholars have unanimously condemned such a ghastly act.
Imam Ibn Tamiiyah states in his Fatawa collection:
“Aborting a foetus has been declared unlawful (Haram) with the consensus of all the Muslim scholars. It is similar to burying an infant alive as referred to by Allah Almighty in the verse of the Qur’an: “And when the female infant, buried alive, will be asked as to what crime she was killed for” (Surah al-Takwir, 8) (Fatawa Ibn Tamiyya, 4/217).
Ibn Abidin (Allah have Mercy on him) also states the prohibition of this gruesome act in his treatise ‘Radd al-Muhtar’:
“If a woman intends to abort her pregnancy, then the Fuqaha have said: 'If the period of the soul being blown into the foetus has elapsed, it will be impermissible'”. (Radd al-Muhtar, 5/276).
If the Mother's Life is in Danger
Some Fuqaha and contemporary scholars have given a dispensation to abort the pregnancy after 120 days, in the situation where the life of the mother is in certain and absolute danger. This is based on the Juristic principle stated in the books of Usul al-Fiqh:
“If one is overtaken by two evils, one should choose the lesser of the two” (al-Ashbah wa al-Naza’ir, P.98)
They state that the mother’s life should be saved and the foetus aborted, as the mother is established in life, with duties and responsibilities, whereas the unborn child is still in the mother’s womb. But it should be remembered that the mother’s life must be in certain danger, and that this should be advised by a qualified and experienced Muslim doctor.
Abortion Before 120 Days
With regards to stage (b) i.e. prior to the entry of the soul into the foetus (120 days), the ruling is that, even in this case it is unlawful (Haram) to abort the pregnancy.
The reason why abortion prior to the soul entering the body will not be permitted is that, although there may not be life in the foetus, the foetus is considered to be part and parcel of the mother’s body as long as it remains in the womb. Thus, just as one’s very own life and also all the limbs and organs of the human body are trust given by the Almighty Creator, so too is the foetus also a trust given to the mother by Allah, and she will not have a right to abort it.
The only difference here is that the sin of aborting the foetus will be of a lesser degree then aborting it after 120 days. It would not be regarded as murder, rather violating the rights of a human organ entrusted to the mother by Allah Almighty.
It is stated in Radd al-Muhtar:
“It is not permissible to abort the pregnancy before and after the entry of the soul into the foetus” (Radd al-Muhtar, 5/279).
Extreme Circumstances
However, in certain extreme circumstances, it would be permitted to abort the pregnancy, before the entry of the soul (120 days), such as: when the woman conceives after being raped, the mothers life or health is in danger, or repeated pregnancies severely damages her health, etc…
Imam al-Haskafi writes in Durr al-Mukhtar:
“Aborting the pregnancy will be permissible due to a valid reason, provided the soul has not yet entered the foetus”.
It should be remarked here that pregnancy due to unlawful and illegal sex is no reason and excuse for abortion. The embryonic life farm in the mother’s womb is honoured and sacred even though it is a result of adultery (Hidaya, 2/292).
In conclusion, abortion after 120 days is totally unlawful and tantamount to murder. Some Fuqaha, however, have given a dispensation only in the situation where the mothers life is in certain danger. As far as abortion before the 120 days have elapsed is concerned, it will still be unlawful, though the sin will be of a lesser degree, and it will become permissible if there is a genuine and valid reason.
And Allah knows best
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Reprinted from SunniPath, the Online Islamic Academy
Question: When is it permitted to have an abortion?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
Abortion and the termination of pregnancy is the expulsion of a foetus from the womb of a woman. This may either be by consuming of certain drugs or by emptying the womb through the process of suction.
Life is sacred:
Islam regards human life sacred. Allah Most High says:
“And verily we have honoured the children of Adam” (Surah al-Isra, V.70).
It does not matter where the life exists. Whether the life is extra-uterine or intra-uterine, its location has no significance on its sanctity. This sanctity applies not only to human life, but to the human body as well. Hence, according to Shari’ah, the physical body of a human after death is just as sacred as it was before death. The degree of sanctity of life is greater than that of the body. This is one of the reasons why it is unlawful (Haram) to consume the meat of a human, dead or alive.
The Shari’ah ruling on abortion:
Abortion can be divided into two stages:
a) Abortion after the soul (Ruh) enters the foetus
b) Abortion prior to the entry of the soul in to the foetus
Before mentioning the ruling on abortion with regards to these two stages, it must be remembered here, that according to Shari’ah the soul (Ruh) enters the foetus at 120 days (4 months) from conception.
The Jurists (Fuqaha) have based this duration upon a Qur’anic verse and a statement of the beloved of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). In the verse Allah states the stages of development of the embryo in the womb of the mother. Allah Almighty says:
“And verily we did create man from a quintessence (of clay). Then we placed him (as a drop of sperm) in a place of rest, firmly fixed. Then we made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood. Then of that clot we made a (foetus) lump. Then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh. Then we developed out of it another creature (by breathing life into it). So blessed be Allah, the most marvellous creator.” (Surah al-Mu’minun, 12/13/14).
In the Hadith recorded by the two most authentic authorities, Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim in their respective Sahih collections, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) discussed in detail the periods elapsing between these stages, mentioned by the Qur’an.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
“The seed of one of you remains in the womb of the mother for forty days in the form of a Nutfa. Then it remains like a clot for another forty days, and then for a same number of days like a lump of flesh" (when the formation of the limbs and the growth of the bones begin). (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim).
The great Hanafi Faqeeh Ibn Abidin States in his Radd al-Muhtar:
“The soul enters the foutus at one hundred & twenty days (4 months), as established by the Hadith” (Radd al-Muhtar, 1/202)
The ruling on abortion in stage (a) i.e. after the entry of the soul into the foetus which is (as explained) 120 days, is that, it is totally impermissible and tantamount to murder, as it results in the taking out of an innocent life. All the scholars have unanimously condemned such a ghastly act.
Imam Ibn Tamiiyah states in his Fatawa collection:
“Aborting a foetus has been declared unlawful (Haram) with the consensus of all the Muslim scholars. It is similar to burying an infant alive as referred to by Allah Almighty in the verse of the Qur’an: “And when the female infant, buried alive, will be asked as to what crime she was killed for” (Surah al-Takwir, 8) (Fatawa Ibn Tamiyya, 4/217).
Ibn Abidin (Allah have Mercy on him) also states the prohibition of this gruesome act in his treatise ‘Radd al-Muhtar’:
“If a woman intends to abort her pregnancy, then the Fuqaha have said: 'If the period of the soul being blown into the foetus has elapsed, it will be impermissible'”. (Radd al-Muhtar, 5/276).
If the Mother's Life is in Danger
Some Fuqaha and contemporary scholars have given a dispensation to abort the pregnancy after 120 days, in the situation where the life of the mother is in certain and absolute danger. This is based on the Juristic principle stated in the books of Usul al-Fiqh:
“If one is overtaken by two evils, one should choose the lesser of the two” (al-Ashbah wa al-Naza’ir, P.98)
They state that the mother’s life should be saved and the foetus aborted, as the mother is established in life, with duties and responsibilities, whereas the unborn child is still in the mother’s womb. But it should be remembered that the mother’s life must be in certain danger, and that this should be advised by a qualified and experienced Muslim doctor.
Abortion Before 120 Days
With regards to stage (b) i.e. prior to the entry of the soul into the foetus (120 days), the ruling is that, even in this case it is unlawful (Haram) to abort the pregnancy.
The reason why abortion prior to the soul entering the body will not be permitted is that, although there may not be life in the foetus, the foetus is considered to be part and parcel of the mother’s body as long as it remains in the womb. Thus, just as one’s very own life and also all the limbs and organs of the human body are trust given by the Almighty Creator, so too is the foetus also a trust given to the mother by Allah, and she will not have a right to abort it.
The only difference here is that the sin of aborting the foetus will be of a lesser degree then aborting it after 120 days. It would not be regarded as murder, rather violating the rights of a human organ entrusted to the mother by Allah Almighty.
It is stated in Radd al-Muhtar:
“It is not permissible to abort the pregnancy before and after the entry of the soul into the foetus” (Radd al-Muhtar, 5/279).
Extreme Circumstances
However, in certain extreme circumstances, it would be permitted to abort the pregnancy, before the entry of the soul (120 days), such as: when the woman conceives after being raped, the mothers life or health is in danger, or repeated pregnancies severely damages her health, etc…
Imam al-Haskafi writes in Durr al-Mukhtar:
“Aborting the pregnancy will be permissible due to a valid reason, provided the soul has not yet entered the foetus”.
It should be remarked here that pregnancy due to unlawful and illegal sex is no reason and excuse for abortion. The embryonic life farm in the mother’s womb is honoured and sacred even though it is a result of adultery (Hidaya, 2/292).
In conclusion, abortion after 120 days is totally unlawful and tantamount to murder. Some Fuqaha, however, have given a dispensation only in the situation where the mothers life is in certain danger. As far as abortion before the 120 days have elapsed is concerned, it will still be unlawful, though the sin will be of a lesser degree, and it will become permissible if there is a genuine and valid reason.
And Allah knows best
Sex in Islam
Sex in Islam
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the Sahabah were not too shy to ask about all affairs, including sexual matters, so as to know the teachings of Islam in these matters. As Aisha (ra), the wife of the Prophet testified, "Blessed are the women of the Ansar. Shyness did not stand in their way of seeking knowledge about their religion." (Agreed upon).
Click here to view ads or place your own marriage ad.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "There is no shyness in matters of religion." We often receive questions about these matters at Zawaj.com, usually from married couples who want to know what is permissible. Therefore we introduce this page.
Islamic Perspective on Sexuality
NEW: Sex and Marriage in Islam: Some Q & A - from the Stony Brook Minaret online edition, adapted from various sources
Sex as Sadaqa - an excerpt from 'The Muslim Marriage Guide', By Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
The Family & The Sexual Revolution By Dr. Hassan Hathout, M. D.
Social System in Islam: The View of Man and Woman and the Human Sexual Instinct by Taquidin Nubhani
Human Sexuality and the Shariat by Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule Sr.
An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality by the Muslim Women's League
What Every Muslim Teenager and Adult Should Know (About Sexuality) by Alia Amer (an extremely comprehensive and well-cited article covering all aspects of sexuality in Islam).
Intimate Relations
How to Lower Our Gazes by Sabeel Ahmed
Sex Education, Teenage Pregnancy, Sex in Islam and Marriage By Shahid Athar
Sex, Society and Morality by J.S. Idris. A logical analysis of modern society's approach to sexual behavior. First published in The Muslim in 1969.
Sex in Islam: Its Role and Purpose by Syed Mumtaz Ali & Rabia Mills
Islamic Ruling on Specific Sexual Acts
NEW: Fatwa on Phone Sex Between Unmarried Persons by IslamOnline.net
NEW: Kissing and Foreplay in Islam by Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
NEW: Islamic Fatwa on Anal Sex - by Islam-QA.com
Fatwa on Oral Sex by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Answer to a Question About Oral Sex by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqui
Fatwa on Oral Sex By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Masturbation: Answer from Islam Online and Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
Masturbation: Comments by Sheikh Al-Munajjid
Masturbation: Comments by the Sahaabah - reprinted from the Renaissance Islamic Journal
Prohibited Sexual Acts in Islam
Islamic Ruling on Anal Sex - by IslamOnline.com Fatwa Bank
Defining Pornography - from Young Muslims, ymonline.org
Zina - a Major Sin by Imam Shamsuddin Adh-Dhahabi
Homosexuality by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
The Islamic Ruling on Homosexuality from Al Jumuah Magazine.
What Does Islam Say About Homosexuality? by Shabir Ally
Should Prostitution be Decriminalized? by Dr. Shaykh Syed Mutawalli Ad-Darsh
Islamic View of Birth Control and Family Planning
Is Family Planning Allowed in Islam? by Sheikh Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo
Sexual Dysfunction
NEW: Dealing With Impotence: I Just Can't Get It Up! by Joshua Levine
NEW: Dealing With Premature Release by D. Zimmer
Medical and Health Subjects
NEW: The Birth of a Human Being - based on the works of Harun Yahya
HIV, AIDS and Islam - reprinted from the website Positive Muslims of South Africa
Miscellaneous Sexual Topics: Islamic View
NEW: Islamic Ruling on Sex Change (Gender Change) by IslamOnline.net Fatwa Bank
Is Viagra Halal or Haram? - a ruling by Sheikh bin Baz.
As with all articles on this website, opinions given are those of the authors alone. Zawaj.com often publishes varying and opposing opinions. Publication on Zawaj.com does not imply endorsement or agreement on the part of Zawaj.com.
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the Sahabah were not too shy to ask about all affairs, including sexual matters, so as to know the teachings of Islam in these matters. As Aisha (ra), the wife of the Prophet testified, "Blessed are the women of the Ansar. Shyness did not stand in their way of seeking knowledge about their religion." (Agreed upon).
Click here to view ads or place your own marriage ad.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "There is no shyness in matters of religion." We often receive questions about these matters at Zawaj.com, usually from married couples who want to know what is permissible. Therefore we introduce this page.
Islamic Perspective on Sexuality
NEW: Sex and Marriage in Islam: Some Q & A - from the Stony Brook Minaret online edition, adapted from various sources
Sex as Sadaqa - an excerpt from 'The Muslim Marriage Guide', By Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
The Family & The Sexual Revolution By Dr. Hassan Hathout, M. D.
Social System in Islam: The View of Man and Woman and the Human Sexual Instinct by Taquidin Nubhani
Human Sexuality and the Shariat by Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule Sr.
An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality by the Muslim Women's League
What Every Muslim Teenager and Adult Should Know (About Sexuality) by Alia Amer (an extremely comprehensive and well-cited article covering all aspects of sexuality in Islam).
Intimate Relations
How to Lower Our Gazes by Sabeel Ahmed
Sex Education, Teenage Pregnancy, Sex in Islam and Marriage By Shahid Athar
Sex, Society and Morality by J.S. Idris. A logical analysis of modern society's approach to sexual behavior. First published in The Muslim in 1969.
Sex in Islam: Its Role and Purpose by Syed Mumtaz Ali & Rabia Mills
Islamic Ruling on Specific Sexual Acts
NEW: Fatwa on Phone Sex Between Unmarried Persons by IslamOnline.net
NEW: Kissing and Foreplay in Islam by Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
NEW: Islamic Fatwa on Anal Sex - by Islam-QA.com
Fatwa on Oral Sex by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Answer to a Question About Oral Sex by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqui
Fatwa on Oral Sex By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Masturbation: Answer from Islam Online and Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
Masturbation: Comments by Sheikh Al-Munajjid
Masturbation: Comments by the Sahaabah - reprinted from the Renaissance Islamic Journal
Prohibited Sexual Acts in Islam
Islamic Ruling on Anal Sex - by IslamOnline.com Fatwa Bank
Defining Pornography - from Young Muslims, ymonline.org
Zina - a Major Sin by Imam Shamsuddin Adh-Dhahabi
Homosexuality by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
The Islamic Ruling on Homosexuality from Al Jumuah Magazine.
What Does Islam Say About Homosexuality? by Shabir Ally
Should Prostitution be Decriminalized? by Dr. Shaykh Syed Mutawalli Ad-Darsh
Islamic View of Birth Control and Family Planning
Is Family Planning Allowed in Islam? by Sheikh Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo
Sexual Dysfunction
NEW: Dealing With Impotence: I Just Can't Get It Up! by Joshua Levine
NEW: Dealing With Premature Release by D. Zimmer
Medical and Health Subjects
NEW: The Birth of a Human Being - based on the works of Harun Yahya
HIV, AIDS and Islam - reprinted from the website Positive Muslims of South Africa
Miscellaneous Sexual Topics: Islamic View
NEW: Islamic Ruling on Sex Change (Gender Change) by IslamOnline.net Fatwa Bank
Is Viagra Halal or Haram? - a ruling by Sheikh bin Baz.
As with all articles on this website, opinions given are those of the authors alone. Zawaj.com often publishes varying and opposing opinions. Publication on Zawaj.com does not imply endorsement or agreement on the part of Zawaj.com.
A North American Hijab Experience
A North American Hijab Experience
By Ms. Naheed Mustafa
"My body is my own business."
to get this text via email, send email to nahijab@momin.com
Related atricle http://www.momin.com/hijab
MULTICULTURAL VOICES
A Canadian-born Muslim woman has taken to wearing the traditional hijab scarf. It tends to make people see her as either a terrorist or a symbol of oppressed womanhood, but she finds the experience liberating:
I often wonder whether people see me as a radical, fundamentalist Muslim terrorist packing an AK-47 assault rifle inside my jeans jacket. Or maybe they see me as the poster girl for oppressed womanhood everywhere. I'm not sure which it is.
I get the whole gamut of strange looks, stares, and covert glances. You see, I wear the hijab, a scarf that covers my head, neck, and throat. I do this because I am a Muslim woman who believes her body is her own private concern.
Young Muslim women are reclaiming the hijab, reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose -- to give back to women ultimate control of their own bodies.
The Qur'an teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege. The only thing that makes one person better than another is her or his character.
Nonetheless, people have a difficult time relating to me. After all, I'm young, Canadian born and raised, university-educated -- why would I do this to myself, they ask. Strangers speak to me in loud, slow English and often appear to be playing charades. They politely inquire how I like living in Canada and whether or not the cold bothers me. If I'm in the right mood, it can be very amusing.
But, why would I, a woman with all the advantages of a North American upbringing, suddenly, at 21, want to cover myself so that with the hijab and the other clothes I choose to wear, only my face and hands show?
Because it gives me freedom. Women are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile. When women reject this form of oppression, they face ridicule and contempt. Whether it's women who refuse to wear makeup or to shave their legs, or to expose their bodies, society, both men and women, have trouble dealing with them.
In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction. Wearing the hijab has given me freedom from constant attention to my physical self. Because my appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed. No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon, whether or not I can pinch an inch, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks. And because no one knows, no one cares.
Feeling that one has to meet the impossible male standards of beauty is tiring and often humiliating. I should know, I spent my entire teen-age years trying to do it. It was a borderline bulimic and spent a lot of money I didn't have on potions and lotions in hopes of becoming the next Cindy Crawford.
The definition of beauty is ever-changing; waifish is good, waifish is bad, athletic is good -- sorry, athletic is bad. Narrow hips? Great. Narrow hips? Too bad.
Women are not going to achieve equality with the right to bear their breasts in public, as some people would like to have you believe. That would only make us party to our own objectification. True equality will be had only when women don't need to display themselves to get attention and won't need to defend their decision to keep their bodies to themselves.
Naheed Mustafa graduated from the University of Toronto in 1992 with an honours degree in political and history. She is currently studying journalism at Ryerson Polytechnic University
By Ms. Naheed Mustafa
"My body is my own business."
to get this text via email, send email to nahijab@momin.com
Related atricle http://www.momin.com/hijab
MULTICULTURAL VOICES
A Canadian-born Muslim woman has taken to wearing the traditional hijab scarf. It tends to make people see her as either a terrorist or a symbol of oppressed womanhood, but she finds the experience liberating:
I often wonder whether people see me as a radical, fundamentalist Muslim terrorist packing an AK-47 assault rifle inside my jeans jacket. Or maybe they see me as the poster girl for oppressed womanhood everywhere. I'm not sure which it is.
I get the whole gamut of strange looks, stares, and covert glances. You see, I wear the hijab, a scarf that covers my head, neck, and throat. I do this because I am a Muslim woman who believes her body is her own private concern.
Young Muslim women are reclaiming the hijab, reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose -- to give back to women ultimate control of their own bodies.
The Qur'an teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege. The only thing that makes one person better than another is her or his character.
Nonetheless, people have a difficult time relating to me. After all, I'm young, Canadian born and raised, university-educated -- why would I do this to myself, they ask. Strangers speak to me in loud, slow English and often appear to be playing charades. They politely inquire how I like living in Canada and whether or not the cold bothers me. If I'm in the right mood, it can be very amusing.
But, why would I, a woman with all the advantages of a North American upbringing, suddenly, at 21, want to cover myself so that with the hijab and the other clothes I choose to wear, only my face and hands show?
Because it gives me freedom. Women are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile. When women reject this form of oppression, they face ridicule and contempt. Whether it's women who refuse to wear makeup or to shave their legs, or to expose their bodies, society, both men and women, have trouble dealing with them.
In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction. Wearing the hijab has given me freedom from constant attention to my physical self. Because my appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed. No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon, whether or not I can pinch an inch, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks. And because no one knows, no one cares.
Feeling that one has to meet the impossible male standards of beauty is tiring and often humiliating. I should know, I spent my entire teen-age years trying to do it. It was a borderline bulimic and spent a lot of money I didn't have on potions and lotions in hopes of becoming the next Cindy Crawford.
The definition of beauty is ever-changing; waifish is good, waifish is bad, athletic is good -- sorry, athletic is bad. Narrow hips? Great. Narrow hips? Too bad.
Women are not going to achieve equality with the right to bear their breasts in public, as some people would like to have you believe. That would only make us party to our own objectification. True equality will be had only when women don't need to display themselves to get attention and won't need to defend their decision to keep their bodies to themselves.
Naheed Mustafa graduated from the University of Toronto in 1992 with an honours degree in political and history. She is currently studying journalism at Ryerson Polytechnic University
Can Muslim Men Wear Earrings or Silk
Can Muslim Men Wear Earrings or Silk?
By Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo (this is one of a series of questions answered by brother Zarabozo on Al-Jumuah Magazine's website)
Question: I have a dilemma. I am an incarcerated Muslim youth. I am uncertain about the law governing Muslim males and jewelry. I know we cannot wear gold. My question is as Muslim men, can we wear earrings (so long as they are not gold)?
Answer: This question is being asked more and more by Muslims in the west. This leads one to consider the development of this phenomena as this will reflect on the proper answer to it.
This question has been asked recently in the light of the practice of western, non-Muslim men wearing earrings during the past couple of decades. Among those non-Muslim men, the earrings were originally worn to demonstrate one of two things (depending on which ear the ring was worn): either that the person was homosexual or the person wore an earring to demonstrate his toughness.
Now this practice has "matured" somewhat and men are wearing earrings in both ears as a kind of adornment or decoration. Therefore, the following matters shed light on the Islamic ruling concerning the wearing of earrings by men. First, obviously, homosexuality is forbidden and any outward show of it by any Muslim must also be considered forbidden. Second, the wearing of earrings to demonstrate how tough one is, also does not seem to be proper Islamic behavior, especially if worn around other Muslims. Muslims are taught to be humble and polite to others and not to be arrogant or proud. Third, this is a custom that has developed among non-Muslim men and is being copied by Muslim men--- that is why this question never came up before this became a fad among the non-Muslim men of the West. Therefore, it is a kind of imitation of the fads and customs of those men. The Prophet (saw) stated:, "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Authentically recorded by Abu Dawud). Finally, earrings are still generally considered a type of adornment for women and even in the West they were originally worn by those men who wanted to imitate women. The Prophet (saw) cursed effeminate men-those men who appear like women. (Authentic Hadiths on that subject have been recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi and others)
Given all of the above, it is clear that Muslims must avoid this recent fad of the non-Muslims of the West. Earrings, even if they are not gold, should not be worn by Muslim men.
Question: I know that tit is forbidden to wear silk garments if you are a man, but what about nylon, which is man made? Please give me sunnah or legal law concerning this question.
Answer: Obviously, there is no stated text prohibiting the use of nylon. One cannot make an analogy between it and silk simply because it is man-made. Silk is considered forbidden for men because of its luxuriousness and the fact that its qualities are befitting women rather than men. Hence, one would have to conclude that nylon is permissible since there is no text forbidding it and there is no cause to believe that it is forbidden based on any prohibition of any similar items. Of course, a man should not wear nylon clothing if such clothing is feminine.
By Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo (this is one of a series of questions answered by brother Zarabozo on Al-Jumuah Magazine's website)
Question: I have a dilemma. I am an incarcerated Muslim youth. I am uncertain about the law governing Muslim males and jewelry. I know we cannot wear gold. My question is as Muslim men, can we wear earrings (so long as they are not gold)?
Answer: This question is being asked more and more by Muslims in the west. This leads one to consider the development of this phenomena as this will reflect on the proper answer to it.
This question has been asked recently in the light of the practice of western, non-Muslim men wearing earrings during the past couple of decades. Among those non-Muslim men, the earrings were originally worn to demonstrate one of two things (depending on which ear the ring was worn): either that the person was homosexual or the person wore an earring to demonstrate his toughness.
Now this practice has "matured" somewhat and men are wearing earrings in both ears as a kind of adornment or decoration. Therefore, the following matters shed light on the Islamic ruling concerning the wearing of earrings by men. First, obviously, homosexuality is forbidden and any outward show of it by any Muslim must also be considered forbidden. Second, the wearing of earrings to demonstrate how tough one is, also does not seem to be proper Islamic behavior, especially if worn around other Muslims. Muslims are taught to be humble and polite to others and not to be arrogant or proud. Third, this is a custom that has developed among non-Muslim men and is being copied by Muslim men--- that is why this question never came up before this became a fad among the non-Muslim men of the West. Therefore, it is a kind of imitation of the fads and customs of those men. The Prophet (saw) stated:, "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Authentically recorded by Abu Dawud). Finally, earrings are still generally considered a type of adornment for women and even in the West they were originally worn by those men who wanted to imitate women. The Prophet (saw) cursed effeminate men-those men who appear like women. (Authentic Hadiths on that subject have been recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi and others)
Given all of the above, it is clear that Muslims must avoid this recent fad of the non-Muslims of the West. Earrings, even if they are not gold, should not be worn by Muslim men.
Question: I know that tit is forbidden to wear silk garments if you are a man, but what about nylon, which is man made? Please give me sunnah or legal law concerning this question.
Answer: Obviously, there is no stated text prohibiting the use of nylon. One cannot make an analogy between it and silk simply because it is man-made. Silk is considered forbidden for men because of its luxuriousness and the fact that its qualities are befitting women rather than men. Hence, one would have to conclude that nylon is permissible since there is no text forbidding it and there is no cause to believe that it is forbidden based on any prohibition of any similar items. Of course, a man should not wear nylon clothing if such clothing is feminine.
The Great Virtue of Lowering the Gaze
The Great Virtue of Lowering the Gaze
By Imaam ibn al-Qayyim
Taken from ‘al-Muntaqaa min Ighaathatul Lufhaan fee Masaayid ash-Shaytaan’ [pp.’s 102-105] of ibn al-Qayyim, summarised by Alee Hasan
Allaah, the Exalted said,
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them. Indeed Allaah is well acquainted with all that they do.” [an-Nur (24):30]
So Allaah made purification and spiritual growth to be the outcome of lowering the gaze and guarding the private parts. It is for this reason that lowrering ones gaze from (seeing) the prohibited things necessarily leads to three benefits that carry tremendous value and are of great significance.
The First: experiencing the delight and sweetness of faith.
This delight and sweetness is far greater and more desirable that which might have been attained from the object that one lowered his gaze from for the sake of Allaah. Indeed, “whosoever leaves something for the sake of Allaah then Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, will replace it with something better than it.” {1}
The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye as is said:
When you sent your eye as a guide
for your heart one day, the object of sight fatigued you,
For you saw one over whom you had no power,
Neither a portion or in totality; instead you had to be patient.
Therefore when the sight is prevented from looking and investigating the heart finds relief from having to go through the arduous task of (vainly) seeking and desiring.
Whosoever lets his sight roam free will find that he is in a perpetual state of loss and anguish for sight gives birth to love (mahabbah) the starting point of which is the heart being devoted and dependant upon that which it beholds. This then intensifies to become fervent longing (sabaabah) whereby the heart becomes totally dependant and devoted to the (object of its desire). Then this further intensifies and becomes infatuation (gharaamah) which clings to the heart like the one seeking repayment of a debt clings firmly to the one who has to pay the debt. Then this intensifies and becomes passionate love (ishk) and this is a love that transgresses all bounds. Then this further intensifies and becomes crazed passion (shaghafa) and this a love that encompasses every tiny part of the heart. Then this intensifies and becomes worshipful love (tatayyuma). Tatayyum means worship and it is said: tayyama Allaah i.e. he worshipped Allaah.
Hence the heart begins to worship that which is not correct for it to worship and the reason behind all of this was an illegal glance. The heart is now bound in chains whereas before it used to be the master, it is now imprisoned whereas before it was free. It has been oppressed by the eye and it complains to it upon which the eye replies: I am your guide and messenger and it was you who sent me in the first place!
All that has been mentioned applies to the heart that has relinquished the love of Allaah and being sincere to Him for indeed the heart must have an object of love that it devotes itself to. Therefore when the heart does not love Allaah Alone and does not take Him as its God then it must worship something else.
Allaah said concerning Yusuf as-Siddeeq (AS),
“Thus (did We order) so that We might turn away from him all evil and indecent actions for he was one of Our sincere servants.” [Yusuf (12): 24]
It was because the wife of al-Azeez was a polytheist that (the passionate love) entered her heart despite her being married. It was because Yusuf (AS) was sincere to Allaah that he was saved from it despite his being a young man, unamarried and a servant.
The Second: the illumination of the heart, clear perception and penetrating insight.
Ibn Shujaa` al-Kirmaanee said, “whosoever builds his outward form upon following the Sunnah, his internal form upon perpetual contemplation and awareness of Allaah, he restrains his soul from following desires, he lowers his gaze from the forbidden things and he always eats the lawful things then his perception and insight shall never be wrong.”
Allaah mentioned the people of Lut and what they were afflicted with and then He went on to say,
“Indeed in this are signs for the Mutawassimeen.” [al-Hijr (15): 75]
The Mutwassimeen are those who have clear perception and penetrating insight, those who are secure from looking at the unlawful and performing indecent acts.
Allaah said after mentioning the verse concerning lowering the gaze,
“Allaah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” [an-Nur (24): 35]
The reason behind this is that the reward is of the same type as the action. So whosoever lowers his gaze from the unlawful for the sake of Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, He will replace it with something better than it of the same type. So just as the servant restrained the light of his eye from falling upon the unlawful, Allaah blesses the light of his sight and heart thereby making him perceive what he would not have seen and understood had he not lowered his gaze.
This is a matter that the person can physically sense in himself for the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleaned of the rust then it will reflect the realities (haqaa`iq) as they actually are. However if it remains rusty then it will not reflect properly and therefore its knowledge and speech will arise from conjecture and doubt.
The Third: the heart becoming strong, firm and courageous.
Allaah will give it the might of aid for its strength just as He gave it the might of clear proofs for its light. Hence the heart shall combine both of these factors and as a result, Shaytaan shall flee from it. It is mentioned in the narration, “whosoever opposes his base desires, the Shaytaan shall flee in terror from his shade.” {2}
This is why the one who follows his base desires shall find in himself the ignominy of the soul, its being weak, feeble and contemptible. Indeed Allaah places nobilty for the one who obeys Him and disgrace for the one who disobeys Him,
"So do not lose heart nor fall into despair; for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith.” [Aali Imraan(3): 139]
“If any do seek for nobilty and power then to Allaah belongs all nobility and power.” [Faatir(35): 10]
Meaning that whosoever seeks after disobedience and sin then Allaah, the Might and Magnificent, will humiliate the one who disobeys Him.
Some of the salaf said, “the people seek nobilty and power at the door of the Kings and they will not find it except through the obedience of Allaah.”
This is because the one who who obeys Allaah has taken Allaah as his friend and protector and Allaah will never humiliate the one who takes his Lord as friend and patron. In the Du`aa Qunut their occurs, “the one who You take as a friend is not humiliated and the one who You take as an enemy is not ennobled.” {3}
FOOTNOTES:
{1} Reported by Ahmad [5/363], al-Marwazee in ‘Zawaa`id az-Zuhd’ [no. 412], an-Nasaa`ee in ‘al-Kubraa’ as mentioned in ‘Tuhfah al-Ashraaf’ [11/199] from one of the Companions that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, “indeed you will not leave anything for the sake of Allaah except that Allaah will replace it with something better than it.” The isnaad is saheeh.
{2} This is not established as a hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW)
{3} Reported by Abu Daawood [Eng. Trans. 1/374 no. 1420], an-Nasaa`ee [3/248], at-Tirmidhee [no. 464], ibn Maajah [no. 1178], ad-Daarimee [1/311], Ahmad [1/199], ibn Khuzaymah [2/151] from al-Hasan from Alee (RA).
The hadeeth is saheeh.
The isnaad has been critcised by many, however none of the critcisms hold. Refer to: ‘Nasb ar-Raayah’ [2/125] and ‘Talkhees al-Habeer’ [1/247]
By Imaam ibn al-Qayyim
Taken from ‘al-Muntaqaa min Ighaathatul Lufhaan fee Masaayid ash-Shaytaan’ [pp.’s 102-105] of ibn al-Qayyim, summarised by Alee Hasan
Allaah, the Exalted said,
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them. Indeed Allaah is well acquainted with all that they do.” [an-Nur (24):30]
So Allaah made purification and spiritual growth to be the outcome of lowering the gaze and guarding the private parts. It is for this reason that lowrering ones gaze from (seeing) the prohibited things necessarily leads to three benefits that carry tremendous value and are of great significance.
The First: experiencing the delight and sweetness of faith.
This delight and sweetness is far greater and more desirable that which might have been attained from the object that one lowered his gaze from for the sake of Allaah. Indeed, “whosoever leaves something for the sake of Allaah then Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, will replace it with something better than it.” {1}
The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye as is said:
When you sent your eye as a guide
for your heart one day, the object of sight fatigued you,
For you saw one over whom you had no power,
Neither a portion or in totality; instead you had to be patient.
Therefore when the sight is prevented from looking and investigating the heart finds relief from having to go through the arduous task of (vainly) seeking and desiring.
Whosoever lets his sight roam free will find that he is in a perpetual state of loss and anguish for sight gives birth to love (mahabbah) the starting point of which is the heart being devoted and dependant upon that which it beholds. This then intensifies to become fervent longing (sabaabah) whereby the heart becomes totally dependant and devoted to the (object of its desire). Then this further intensifies and becomes infatuation (gharaamah) which clings to the heart like the one seeking repayment of a debt clings firmly to the one who has to pay the debt. Then this intensifies and becomes passionate love (ishk) and this is a love that transgresses all bounds. Then this further intensifies and becomes crazed passion (shaghafa) and this a love that encompasses every tiny part of the heart. Then this intensifies and becomes worshipful love (tatayyuma). Tatayyum means worship and it is said: tayyama Allaah i.e. he worshipped Allaah.
Hence the heart begins to worship that which is not correct for it to worship and the reason behind all of this was an illegal glance. The heart is now bound in chains whereas before it used to be the master, it is now imprisoned whereas before it was free. It has been oppressed by the eye and it complains to it upon which the eye replies: I am your guide and messenger and it was you who sent me in the first place!
All that has been mentioned applies to the heart that has relinquished the love of Allaah and being sincere to Him for indeed the heart must have an object of love that it devotes itself to. Therefore when the heart does not love Allaah Alone and does not take Him as its God then it must worship something else.
Allaah said concerning Yusuf as-Siddeeq (AS),
“Thus (did We order) so that We might turn away from him all evil and indecent actions for he was one of Our sincere servants.” [Yusuf (12): 24]
It was because the wife of al-Azeez was a polytheist that (the passionate love) entered her heart despite her being married. It was because Yusuf (AS) was sincere to Allaah that he was saved from it despite his being a young man, unamarried and a servant.
The Second: the illumination of the heart, clear perception and penetrating insight.
Ibn Shujaa` al-Kirmaanee said, “whosoever builds his outward form upon following the Sunnah, his internal form upon perpetual contemplation and awareness of Allaah, he restrains his soul from following desires, he lowers his gaze from the forbidden things and he always eats the lawful things then his perception and insight shall never be wrong.”
Allaah mentioned the people of Lut and what they were afflicted with and then He went on to say,
“Indeed in this are signs for the Mutawassimeen.” [al-Hijr (15): 75]
The Mutwassimeen are those who have clear perception and penetrating insight, those who are secure from looking at the unlawful and performing indecent acts.
Allaah said after mentioning the verse concerning lowering the gaze,
“Allaah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” [an-Nur (24): 35]
The reason behind this is that the reward is of the same type as the action. So whosoever lowers his gaze from the unlawful for the sake of Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, He will replace it with something better than it of the same type. So just as the servant restrained the light of his eye from falling upon the unlawful, Allaah blesses the light of his sight and heart thereby making him perceive what he would not have seen and understood had he not lowered his gaze.
This is a matter that the person can physically sense in himself for the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleaned of the rust then it will reflect the realities (haqaa`iq) as they actually are. However if it remains rusty then it will not reflect properly and therefore its knowledge and speech will arise from conjecture and doubt.
The Third: the heart becoming strong, firm and courageous.
Allaah will give it the might of aid for its strength just as He gave it the might of clear proofs for its light. Hence the heart shall combine both of these factors and as a result, Shaytaan shall flee from it. It is mentioned in the narration, “whosoever opposes his base desires, the Shaytaan shall flee in terror from his shade.” {2}
This is why the one who follows his base desires shall find in himself the ignominy of the soul, its being weak, feeble and contemptible. Indeed Allaah places nobilty for the one who obeys Him and disgrace for the one who disobeys Him,
"So do not lose heart nor fall into despair; for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith.” [Aali Imraan(3): 139]
“If any do seek for nobilty and power then to Allaah belongs all nobility and power.” [Faatir(35): 10]
Meaning that whosoever seeks after disobedience and sin then Allaah, the Might and Magnificent, will humiliate the one who disobeys Him.
Some of the salaf said, “the people seek nobilty and power at the door of the Kings and they will not find it except through the obedience of Allaah.”
This is because the one who who obeys Allaah has taken Allaah as his friend and protector and Allaah will never humiliate the one who takes his Lord as friend and patron. In the Du`aa Qunut their occurs, “the one who You take as a friend is not humiliated and the one who You take as an enemy is not ennobled.” {3}
FOOTNOTES:
{1} Reported by Ahmad [5/363], al-Marwazee in ‘Zawaa`id az-Zuhd’ [no. 412], an-Nasaa`ee in ‘al-Kubraa’ as mentioned in ‘Tuhfah al-Ashraaf’ [11/199] from one of the Companions that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, “indeed you will not leave anything for the sake of Allaah except that Allaah will replace it with something better than it.” The isnaad is saheeh.
{2} This is not established as a hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW)
{3} Reported by Abu Daawood [Eng. Trans. 1/374 no. 1420], an-Nasaa`ee [3/248], at-Tirmidhee [no. 464], ibn Maajah [no. 1178], ad-Daarimee [1/311], Ahmad [1/199], ibn Khuzaymah [2/151] from al-Hasan from Alee (RA).
The hadeeth is saheeh.
The isnaad has been critcised by many, however none of the critcisms hold. Refer to: ‘Nasb ar-Raayah’ [2/125] and ‘Talkhees al-Habeer’ [1/247]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)