The words of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) carried through the beautiful teachings of the Sunnah are a living example of life. The sayings, teachings, and actions of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) have deep meaning and a careful study of these will affect a person’s life immensely. It is precisely for this reason that our lives should be a ‘carbon copy’ of the life of our beloved Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and the illustrious Sahabah (RA).
Life is a tangle of knots and tension. As part of our interactions and contact with each other, it is important to communicate correctly. Basically, we need to know when to communicate or get involved in discussion, and say anything only if need be. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised that person who brings Imaan on the Day of Qiyamah, to either say something good or keep silent. In other words, if something has to be told, then it should either be from among the good things; otherwise it would be best to remain silent – an ideal way to keep from trouble. This is a suitable recipe for all kinds of people in every walk of life, especially the governments of the world. It is an excellent remedy to many disputes and discords.
Our Deen has been blessed with the most practical ways through the beautiful teachings of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and the Sahabah (RA).
Moulana Ahmad Kathrada
Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre
What are we celebrating today?
We are celebrating the Mubarak day of Jummah. Today we join with our brothers and sisters all over the world to celebrate our efforts in worshipping Almighty Allah Jallah Wa'ala. We are celebrating His Mercy, His Muhabbat and Forgiveness., Yes, indeed, we are celebrating all this today, but we are also celebrating something much more important. Some of you might ask what can be more important than the glorious day of Jummah. Yes, there is something far more important than all this - the fact that we are Muslims. Today, we are in fact celebrating our Islam. We are celebrating the greatest faith ever revealed to mankind and being believers in the most beautiful and the most comprehensive scripture that ever descended from the highest heaven to earth.
Alhumdulillah!
We are celebrating as the Ummah of the greatest man who ever walked upon the face of the earth - Nabee Muhammad Ibn Abdullah - Rahmatul Liel Ala'meen Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam and being believers in Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala. Had we not been Muslims, we would not have been here today. We would have not known about the great significance of Jummah, We would not have known about the months of Rajab, Sha'baan and Ramadan. We would not have experienced the sweetness of true brotherhood nor would we have tasted the beauty of praying shoulder to shoulder as a single Ummah united in the presence of our Most Exalted Creator and Sustainer.
Today we are celebrating the greatest blessing of our lives: our Islam. Islam is the faith that defines us, Islam defines who we are, Islam defines our identity. Islam is the religion that Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala has chosen for us, has perfected for us, and has granted us, as the Most Holy Qur'an so eloquently expresses in part of verse 3 of Surah Al Maidah:
"This day have I perfected your religion for you, I have completed
My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as you religion."
Islam, the Din of Haqq is a great favour and blessing, Islam is a privilege, Islam is a bounty from Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala. All we have to do is to be grateful for such a great blessing and say as we are commanded in verse 43 of Surah Al-Araf: [7:43]
"Praise be to Allah who has guided us to this felicity. Never could
we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah"
O People of Imaan!
During this most wonderful month of Sha'baan, let us not loose sight of the fact that the most holy and auspicious month of Ramadan, the month of the Most Holy Qur'an, the month of caring and sharing, the month of Tilawat and Ibadah; the month of Forgiveness and the month for the illumination of our hearts and the month for performing good deeds will soon be upon us. Having said so, are we prepared to take our guidance from the Divine Message of Islam, to build our character as true Muslims and to quicken our space of progress until we attain our rightful place as the true Vicegerents of Almighty Allah Rabbul Ala'meen?
Are we prepared
on this most Mubarak Day of Jummah to raise our voices and our hearts and beg Almighty Allah for forgiveness for time lost without faith, for squandered lives and wasted wealth, for a long history of silence, for peace, courage, and justice. Let us all cry to the heavens and earth that we are rededicating our lives as true Muslims in faith and action. On this Day of Jummah, during this Mubarak month of Sha'baan we are reclaiming our faith, and our right to study our Din as revealed, to live in peace and justice in the world with honour, respect, and dignity.
No greater awakening shall this earth experience than the earthquake of a billion 250 million Muslim around the world proclaiming their servitude to Almighty Allah and to His Most Beloved Rahmatul Liel Ala'meen Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam; proclaiming to the world their willingness to live in peace and respect with all of Almighty Allah's humanity and defend the rights of the oppressed and down trodden. Almighty Allah's promise to the Believers is clear and He never breaks His Word: He informs us with words of Wisdom in verse 7 of Surah Muhammad (47:7).
"O ye who believe! If ye will aid (the cause of)
Allah He will aid you and plant your feet firmly."
O Ummatul Muslimeen!
In 610 A.D., One Man, One Blessed Man, One Chosen Man, chosen by Almighty Allah Rabbul Ala'meen, was given the Final Message for humanity's salvation, the Most Holy Quran. This message was to return humankind from the darkness of ignorance, immorality, greed, and idolatry to the light and enlightenment of worshipping the ONE and only true Creator of the heavens and the earth. Almighty Allah has shown His repeated mercy through His many Revelations and His many blessed Prophets from Hazrat Nuh A.S., to Nabee Ebraham , Ishak, Ishma'il, Yacoob, Dawood, Sulaiman, Moosa and Esa, Alayhim Salaam and finally, the Seal of the Ambiya - Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Rahmatul Liel Ala'meen Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam.
Almighty Allah's merciful message to humanity throughout history has been the same fundamental truth: ISLAM: A message calling for mankind to submit, surrender, and worship only Him. From one man accompanied by the most pious, faithful, courageous, selfless, and learned men, the illustrious Sahaba Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alayhim Ajma'een rose a faith guaranteeing mankind the ultimate victory over worldly passions, weakness, greed, envy, immorality, racism, and hate. This faith offered a future reward in Paradise in the company of Almighty Allah. From a small group of the faithful rose one faith, one Ummah, one nation under the banner of Islam, the banner of Taqwa and Tawhid the banner of....
"La Illaha Illalah oo Muhammadoor Rasoolullah".
A nation and a civilization that straddled the world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sea of China: one nation of brotherhood, sisterhood, classless and race less with no borders, no visas, but with a burning fire for faith, worship, unity, knowledge, curiosity, and peace and justice toward all. One Ummah of believers, One Ummah of Nations (the first United Nations) bonding with Almighty Allah Rabbul Ala'meen and one another. All who believed in the One Creator were family of the Ummah. Almighty Allah declares in verse 90 of Surah Al-Nahl:
"Behold, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good, and generosity
towards one's fellow-men, and He forbids all that is shameful and all
that runs counter to reason, as well as envy; and He exhorts you repeatedly
so that you might bear all this in mind."
From the few rose the many of today, 1 Billion two hundred and fifty million Muslims found on this planet. Islam has seen its peaks and its valleys. For the last 500 years Muslims have disproved the axiom that there is strength in numbers. If one is to understand why a faith or idea falters one must look back and analyze the reasons for the inexplicable, rapid and glorious rise of such a faith in the first place. Islam rose because of the strong belief of Muslims. Islam fell because of the fall of belief among Muslims.
O people of Imaan!
Muslims today need only search their hearts and souls, in truth and honesty, to discover their poverty of knowledge, of steadfast faith, worship, sacrifice, sanctity of life and brotherhood, hard work, patience, perseverance, and against worldly temptations. Many of us who carry the "Muslim Label" on the outside fall short in our faith on the inside. We can fool the world but Allah knows all that is within us. It is indeed very sad to admit that no one from the days of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam would recognize Islam in our time as practiced by the Muslims of today. Today, Allah's Message of Surrender, Mercy, and Light to all Mankind, is facing a threatening crusade. This may temporarily harm the faith but will never succeed in defeating or diminishing the light that is protected by the One and Only Creator of the Universe and given to us as a gift of Love to All His Creations.
The Crusade against Islam that I am talking about is more insidious, yet more ominous, like a silent cancer spreading through the body of the Ummah. It is an Internal Crusade by Muslims themselves against Islam through their ignorance of faith, its teachings and practices, widespread illiteracy, loss of self respect and dignity, a demoralized and defeatist existence, acceptance of corrupt rulers, and centuries of silence in the face of threats to their faith. This Muslim Crusade against Islam is a "Crusade of Omission", an omission of knowledge about Islam, an omission of a strong faith in Almighty Allah and His Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam; an omission of Trust and Respect amongst ourselves, an omission of hard work and dedication to Islam, an omission of sacrifice of life and wealth, an omission of acquiring knowledge, an omission of perpetual learning to advance the cause of Islam.
An omission of courage and strength in the face of adversity, an omission of patience and perseverance, an omission of the unity of the Ummah where the needs of "me" are subservient to the needs of "us". In short, Muslims have adopted the passions of the self and worldly gain. We have foregone the essence of Islam the Din of Haqq that emphasizes the beauty and goodness of the life to come over the game of life in this world. We possess a covenant and promise from Him that if we support Him, He will support us as He supported the small weak Muslims at the Battle of Badr. We have reached a Crossroad of Truth that will determine the future of our faith, our Ummah, and our children. We must not be the generation to lower the banner of Tawhid and Taqwa that gloriously spread the Truth of Islam throughout the world.
Ya Ayyuhal Muslimeen!
We cannot and must not submit to anyone in this world but to Almighty Allah Rabbul Ala'meen. Our hearts must beat with the rhythm of love for Jannah and to join with our Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam. Let us close our eyes and ears to this egotistical world of delirium and open our hearts and souls to Islam, to one another, to a life of faith, to a life of worship, to a life of joy, and to a life of peace, and charity.
We must not let violent misguided people commit crimes in the name of our faith. We must carry the banner of justice for all while defending our faith against all who aim to spread corruption, evil, and violence against humanity's innocent and faithful. In submitting our selves to the divine natural order, our way of life demands that we seek to bring peace, justice, and rationality to humanity as declared in verse 8 of Surah Al Ma'idah:
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair
dealing, and let not the hatred of others make you swerve to wrong and
depart from Justice. Be Just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah.
For Allah is well aware of all that you do." (5:8)
O Almighty Allah! Keep the hearts of the entire Muslim Ummah ever lit with the light of Islam and the Most Glorious Qur'an. Shower Your Mercy, Your Muhabbat and Your favours upon us. Assist us and strengthen our hearts with hope and conviction. Accept our Duahs, our Ibadah, our supplications and our Taubah and all our good deeds every day of the year for the rest of our lives. O Almighty Allah! Keep us alive so that we may welcome the Glorious Month of Ramadan and the efforts of those who strive in Your Path with a goodly acceptance. Unite the hearts of all Muslims closer to one another every day and destroy the agents of disunity, Fithnah, and division. This then, my beloved brothers and sisters in Islam, is the message of Sha'baan.
And all Praise is Allah's at every beginning and end.
And the end of all goals is the Love of the Exalted Creator.
And Almighty Allah knows best.
Baarak Allaahu Feekum wa-sal Allahu wa-Sallam 'ala
Nabiyyinaa Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam
Was Salamualaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu
Abdul Hamid
THE SAHABAH (RA)
The Sahabah (RA) were the true followers of the mubarak sunnah of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Each one modelled and made the life of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) the way of his lifestyle. They recorded the minutest of details with precision and accuracy.
This is that blessed jamaa’ah (group) that surrounded Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) at all times and ultimately obtained the noor of the best of creation. They witnessed everything: manners, conduct, character, dealings, etc., which literally became a rubber stamp on their lives. They shared the moments of bitterness (in battles) and joy (days of Eid), and their total commitment and allegiance to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was like the stars shining on a moonlit night. Spiritually, they enjoyed every moment being in the company of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
The status of Muhammad-e-Mustafa, Ahmad-e-Mujtaba (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was of such a high calibre, that seconds spent in his company qualified a person in the category of a Sahabi (companion). The Sahabah’s sacrifices and efforts in the deen of Allah are unparalleled. No other group has displayed such great courage and determination in terms of preserving the deen of Allah. It is perhaps for this reason that Allah Ta’ala expressed His happiness, saying, “Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.” Elsewhere, Allah confirms their elevated rank, saying, “And those who believe in Allah and His Rasul, they are the Siddiqeen (trustworthy).” Undoubtedly, the Sahabah (RA) were conferred with this title. The Sahabah (RA) were considered to hold the highest position after the Anbiyaa (AS).
It is also a fact that the Sahabah (RA) understood, in theory and practice, the deen of Allah better than anyone else. They attained the highest rank in this ummah. The Sahabah (RA) were the true inheritors of this deen and therefore, our lives should be based on their lives, which in reality is the mubarak life of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). It was primarily through their sacrifices, that the entire deen was transmitted to us. Hence, we can never discard nor disregard the lives of the Sahabah (RA). Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that, “The Bani Israeel will be divided into seventy two groups and my ummah into seventy three groups, all of whom will be in the Fire except one group. The Sahabah (RA) asked, “Who are they, oh Rasulullah?” He replied, “Those who are on my path and the path of my companions (the Sahabah).” [Mishkaat].
It is true that this deen would not have reached us, with the explanation of the Qur’an and the teachings of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), without the presence of the Sahabah (RA). Allah Ta’ala has therefore honoured them with a very high and special position. We are also required to honour them and never speak a word of disrespect about them.
Moulnana Ahmad Kathrada
Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre
Virtues of Reciting the Quran
The Holy Qur'aan should be recited daily. Hereunder is mentioned some
Ahadeeth with regards the excellence of reciting the Holy Qur'aan:
Recite the Holy Qur'aan for It will come as an intercessor for its
reciter' on the Day of Judgement.
Allah Ta'ala says: "If anyone finds no time for My remembrance and for
begging My favours due to remaining engaged in the recitation of the
Qur'aan, I shall give him more than what I give to all those who beg
favours of Me." The superiority of the Word of Allah over all other
words is like the superiority of Allah over the entire creation.
Learn the Qur'aan and recite it, because the example of one who learns
the Qur'aan, reads it and recites it in Tahajjud is like an open bag
full of musk whose fragrance permeates the entire place. And the person
who has learnt the Qur'aan but sleeps while the Qur'aan is in the heart
is like a bag full of musk but with its mouth closed.
Whoever recites one letter of the Book of Allah, for him and one
blessing is equal to tenfold the like thereof in its reward. I do not
say that Alif Laam Meem is one letter, but' Alif is one letter, Laam is
one letter and Meem is one letter.
Envy is not permitted except in respect of two persons - one whom Allah
blesses with the recitation of the Qur'aan and he remains engaged in it
day and night, and the other is one who given abundance of wealth by
Allah and he spends it (in Allah's path) day and night.
It will be said to the reciter of the Qur'aan (on the Day of Qiyaamah):
"Go on reciting the Qur'aan and continue ascending the stages of Jannah;
and recite it in the slow manner as you had been reciting it in the
worldly life: your final abode will be where you reach at the time of
the last aayah of your recitation.
One who recites the Qur'aan and he is well versed in it ( i.e. its
recitation), he will be in the company of those angels who are scribes,
noble and righteous; and one who falters in its recitation and has to
exert himself, gets a double reward.
From "Al Hisnul Haseen"
By Allama Muhammad ibn Muhammad Al Jazari Ash Shafee'e
Sadaqah
The Deen of Islam is adorned with exceptional values. Each of these values emerge as mountains pegged together, lending tremendous support to the believer. Sadaqah (charity) is one such value that immensely contributes to building a Mu’min’s life.
Sadaqah is broadly defined as “offering something good”. Anything that contributes to the welfare and well-being of others, especially towards Muslims, yields great rewards – this is termed as sadaqah. Obviously, in order for the sadaqah to be accepted by Allah Ta’ala, one’s intention (niyyah) must be for the pleasure of the Almighty Allah.
Many people understand sadaqah to be a monetary disbursement; however this is not so. In the understanding of the hadith, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) referred to sadaqah in a variety of options, for example, offering a smile, or removing some harmful thing from the pathway of people. These acts are generally regarded as small and simple, but with the correct intention, carry lofty rewards.
We quote a few Ahadith in this regard:
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reports that he heard Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, “Whomsoever clothes a Muslim, then most certainly he will be in the protection of Allah as long as the clothing is worn on the person’s body.”
Anas (RA) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “That Muslim who plants a tree or plantation and it bears fruit / vegetation which is then eaten by any person, bird or animal, then for that person it is recorded as sadaqah (reward).” [Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated, “Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) informed us that a person was walking on a pathway and was confronted by the branch of a tree (obstructing the people’s path). This person thought to himself that, by removing this branch, people will not be inconvenienced (and he did that). So, by this act of his, he earned entry into Jannah. [Bukhari]
Murshid ibn Abdillah Taabi’ee (RA) explains that some companions of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are reported to have heard Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, that on the Day of Qiyamah a person’s sadaqah will become his shade. [Musnad Ahmad]
SPENDING ON THE FAMILY
The famous saying, “Charity begins at home”, speaks for itself. This concept is fundamentally embedded in Islam. Essentially, a Muslim is required to spend on his wife and children according to their needs.
Islam profusely advocates generosity, especially on the poor and needy. Having said that, it is equally important to first attend to one’s family needs. It is indeed unfortunate that some people spend / contribute even large sums of money and hence neglect their dear ones. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) invariably encouraged spending on one’s family. In one hadith, Abu Hurairah (RA) reports that he once asked Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), “Oh Prophet of Allah! Which kind of sadaqah is the best?” Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied, “The best of sadaqah is of that poor person who earns a living and spends firstly on whom he shoulders responsibility. (i.e. wife and children)” [Abu Dawood]
Based on the individual’s intention, he will be rewarded accordingly. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), on the authority of Abu Mas’ood Ansari (RA), said, “A Muslim person who spends on his family with the intention of acquiring rewards, then this will be recorded as sadaqah on his behalf and Allah will reward him accordingly.” [Abu Dawood]
Spending on one’s wife and children is an important social responsibility. The care, comfort, love and interaction are but some of the contributing factors in building a healthier family unit. Probably the most simple and regular form of sadaqah is to offer a smile to the wife and children. Indeed, a small but very rewarding deed. It is deeds like these that immensely contribute to a strong and powerful family structure.
In conclusion, the Ahadith are replete, expressing great emphasis on spending on one’s wife and children, monetarily as well as offering sadaqah in every way possible as explained earlier – even with a smile.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reports that a person once came to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said, “I have in my possession one dinar (where do I spend it?) Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised him to spend it on his needs. He said that he had made arrangements for that. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) thereupon remarked that he should spend it on the children.The man assured that he had made arrangements for that. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) suggested that he spends it on his wife. Again, the reply was the same. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then suggested that he spends it on his servant. Once again, the reply was the same. At that instant, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied, “You will know best who from your relatives is in need.”
Daughters – What they Mean
Some communities in this age and time still regard the birth of females as a liability. Pagan Makkans resorted to some of the most heinous crimes, for example, burying their daughters alive, since a female was regarded to be a total liability as opposed to a male or a son.
Islam invariably corrected this uncivilized behaviour and once again gave honour and dignity to the females. In the Court of Allah Ta’ala, there is no superiority in so far as rewards and good deeds are concerned, because each would have to earn them in this life. The Noble Qur’aan makes no distinction between the male and female, saying, “Indeed the most honoured among you by Allah, is the one who has most taqwa.” So many women in the books of history have excelled as leading personalities because of their piety and closeness to Allah Ta’ala.
Our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was “Rahmatul lil Aalameen” (mercy to mankind), truly demonstrated, as a role model, compassion, kindness, honour, love and respect for the female gender. There is no distinction in class and stature; however, the differences in strength, responsibilities, looks, etc. are obvious. For example, it is the man’s responsibility to take care of the family. Equally, the woman has the household responsibility of taking care of the children, etc.
By nature, women are much more tender and weaker emotionally, as well as in general. Daughters need more attention and a more caring hand in comparison to sons. It is therefore a far greater task to care for daughters; hence, the rewards of caring for them are also greater. In a hadith reported by Anas (RA), Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said about that person who has two daughters and nurtures them until adulthood (provided the necessities, marriage, etc.), on the Day of Qiyamah, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and that person will be this close – Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) placed two fingers together to practically show by way of example. [Mishkaat]
Fortunate are those fathers who have succeeded in bringing up their daughters with the correct Islamic ethos and understanding. The reality of a daughter usually dawns upon the parents once they leave home. Their absence is felt most at that point, and possibly then would one appreciate the real value of the daughter.
More...
To worship and obey the commandments of Allah Ta’ala is Noor and to disobey Him and commit sin constitutes darkness. Hence, should a person wish that his heart conceives contentment and his face manifests beauty and noor, then together with good deeds he needs to stay away from minor and major sins. In order to retain a refreshing composure of glowing light on the face, one needs to abstain from sin.
In many instances people tend to urge forward in doing optional Ibadat disregarding the abstinence of sins. This results in the loss of spiritual strength. Those who persist in continuously committing sins will not obtain the friendship and nearness to Allah. It is always the desire and urge of a Mu’min to acquire Taqwa through the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and following the Mubarak Sunnah of Nabi [Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam]. Good deeds [A’amal – e – Saalihah] are the most powerful conductors in attaining the bond of Taqwa.
Alcohol
“Oh you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling and Al Ansaab (animals sacrificed for idols) and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s handiwork, so avoid that in order that you may be successful.”
“Shaytaan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from salaah. So will you not then abstain?” [Surah Al Maa’idah, 90/91]
From all the creations of Allah Ta’ala, human beings are a distinctive and selected creation. In addition, humans have been given the gift of an exceptional quality of intelligence and understanding which no other creation possesses. Through this intelligence, man is able to fly an aeroplane, design space shuttles, reach the moon, invent technologies that are mind-boggling and so on; all of which no other creation can even attempt.
While this intelligence has achieved so much and reached such great heights, on the other hand, the drinking of alcohol befuddles the mind and the intellectual senses become intoxicated. As a result, an intoxicated person is tempted to do anything, to the extent of sleeping with his own mother (may Allah protect us)! Alcohol devours the mind and influences a person to behave in a manner lower than an animal. When the senses become uncontrollable, then there is no distinction as to who is his father, mother, wife or children and he becomes a shameless and disgraceful person.
Shaytaan is the most avid enemy of man, and has enough capabilities and powerful ammunition to fight mankind. His shrewdness to use alcohol as a means of destroying man is very clever, because he knows that in order to cause someone to sin, alcohol has probably the strongest potential, since the mind goes blank and becomes receptive to any evil.
UMMUL KHABAAIS
The Noble Qur’an and Ahadith have severely condemned the consumption of alcohol. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has declared it as “Ummul Khabaais”, literally translated as “Mother of Evils”. The evil of other sins has not been spoken about as vigorously as of alcohol, in terms of the number of times it has been mentioned in the Ahadith. In citing one example, while to drink urine is haraam, it would not intoxicate and disorientate the mind, unlike in the case of alcohol. Alcohol causes the aql (intelligence) to cease to operate in a human and to think in a sensible fashion; in fact it clouds the mind from thinking correctly and therefore opens the doors of evil and sin.
UMMUL FAWAAHISH
Among a whole list of sins, alcohol is regarded as the worst. The hadith refers to it as “Ummul Fawaahish” – “Mother of all Shame”. It is a root cause of zina and shamelessness. A person in such a state cannot really differentiate between right and wrong.
In one narration, Ibn Abbas (RA) reports to have heard Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying that alcohol is Ummul Fawaahish and Akbarul Kabaair (biggest sin), and whoever drinks it is liable to commit sin with his mother, his mother’s sister and his father’s sister. [Targheeb]
EFFECTS LASTING FORTY DAYS
Alcohol is contaminated with filth and haraam. It is a lethal drink for the mu’min that has a direct bearing on a person’s spiritual life. It is estimated that for forty days the effect remains in the body and as a result, for that many days his tauba will not be accepted, nor will any good deed be accepted. As long as the effects and traces remain in the body, his condition will remain the same. And should his condition not change from the traces and he dies before that, then (Allah forbid), it will be considered as dying in the days of Jahiliyyah.
A THOUGHT-PROVOKING STORY
During the time of the Bani Israeel there lived a man who was always engaged in worship. He kept himself aloof from the rest of the people. A woman took a liking to this man and thought of a plan to seduce him to her place. She sent her servant inviting the man to witness some event. Innocently the man accepted, and as he entered the woman’s quarters, the door closed behind him and seated before him was a very handsome young boy and this woman. The woman then presented three options to him, asking him to choose any one:
Kill this young boy.
Fulfill the woman’s sexual desire.
Drink the glass of wine.
Should he not choose any one, then the woman warned him that she will disgrace him in public. The poor man froze to death; his mind running through the three options, thinking that murder is definitely out and committing adultery is also out. He opted for the third one, thinking that it’s the least sinful of the three. As he began drinking the alcohol, his ibaadah, taqwa and piety suddenly disappeared, and in that state of intoxication, he committed murder by killing the boy, as well as committed adultery with the woman.
This story shows the evil strength of drinking alcohol; the mind is transformed into a mindless state. It is at this point that the person cannot think, cannot differentiate between right and wrong and loses himself completely.
Safeguarding the Tongue
Translated by Moulana M. Mahomedy.
1. Do not speak without thinking. Once you have pondered over what you wish to say and you are convinced that it will not be badly received, only then should you speak.
2. It is a sin to address a person or speak of him in the following terms: "he has no Imaan", "may Allah's punishment, curse, or anger descend on him", "may he enter hell", etc. It is a sin to speak in this manner irrespective whether one is addressing a human or an animal. If the person who has been addressed in this manner does not deserve such remarks, then all these curses will actully descend on the person who uttered them.
3. If anyone addresses you in this useless manner, you have the right to reply in the same way. However, you cannot exceed what that person says. If you exceed, you will be committing a sin.
4. Do not be two-faced whereby you "play according to the tune" of one person when you are in his company, and according to the "tune" of another person when in the latter's company.
5. Don't ever back-bite. Nor should you listen to such back-biting and tale-bearing.
6. Never ever speak a lie.
7. Do not praise a person directly. Nor should you exaggerate in praising him in his absence.
8. Don't ever involve yourself in gheebah. Gheebah means speaking in the absence of a person in such a way that if he were to hear it, he would be grieved. This is irrespective of whether what you say is the truth or not. If what you say is false, it is regarded as slander or defamation. This is even more sinful.
9. Do not argue with a person. Do not try to give precedence to your opinion.
10. Do not laugh excessively as this causes the illumination of the heart (and countenance) to disappear.
11. If you have made gheebah of a person, seek his forgiveness. If you are unable to do so, make dua-e-maghfirah on his behalf. In doing this, there is a hope that you will be forgiven on the day of judgement.
12. Do not make false promises.
13. Do not laugh in such a way that the other person feels insulted or offended. (In other words, do not laugh mockingly at anyone)
14. Do not be boastful of something that you own or some quality that you possess.
15. Do not mention things that you hear from here and there because the majority of such rumours are false.
Answer
Answer by Sanha - Many thanks for contacting our offices for religious directive pertaining to sourcing Halaal Food for your guests. We advise as follows:A Halaal meal entails that the entire process from procurement of all raw materials, meats, preparation, ingredients, processing, handling, equipment used, etc. right through to delivery and serving should be stringently supervised by an authorised Muslim person.
In your given circumstances, we suggest that arrangements be made with one of our certified caterers who will provide the Halaal meals, snack platters etc. Kindly contact our offices and we shall put you onto a Halaal certified caterer closest to your area.
Alternatively, you may serve them with Fish seafood, vegetables, rice and/or lentils. You may use plain filleted fish but not the ready made crumbed and seasoned ones unless it is from I & J which are all Halaal.
Use plain spices and herbs in the preparation and only pure unused vegetable oil, olive oil or pure butter.
Do not prepare, handle, store or serve any meat products, alcohol etc with this Halaal meal. Ensure that new utensils are used if available or alternatively thoroughly wash, cleanse and sanitise all utensils, crockery, cutlery etc before using for preparation and serving of the Halaal meal.
You may serve tea, coffee, 100% fresh juice with the meal. Wine and all forms of alcohol is totally forbidden. Do not serve alcohol even for your non-Muslim guests on this occasion.
If any further clarity is required, please do not hesitate to contact us.
IMPORTANCE OF SALAAH
- Salaah is a pillar of the Deen.
Like a building is supported by a pillar, likewise Salaah is the supporting pillar of a person’s deen. Hence, should the person discard Salaah, he has collapsed a pillar of deen.
- Salaah will be first (among the ibadaat) to be accounted for on the Day of Qiyamah.
Should the Salaah of the person be acceptable, then all other deeds shall be fine. However, should the Salaah not be acceptable, then the rest of the deeds would have defects.
- Salaah is the best and most virtuous deed in the Court of Allah Ta’ala.
It offers support towards other worships.
- Salaah is noor (light).
Through Salaah, one is exposed to a special light and in the hereafter, when all will be dark, Salaah will facilitate noor, insha Allah.
- Salaah removes sin like how dry leaves fall off the tree in the winter season.
It can be deduced from this that performing Salaah plays a very big part in the forgiveness of a person’s sins.
CROWNING GLORY OF SALAAH
Allah Ta’ala says in the Noble Qur’an in Surah Al Ankaboot,
“Indeed Salaah dispels shameful and sinful actions”
When a Mu’min stands before Allah in Salaah, his heart is engaged through the eyes of his heart, that, Allah is before him and watching every movement – even what is in the heart. When this inspiration is strongly embedded in the course of Salaah, then the same fusion would be applied outside Salaah. The concept of Allah knowing and seeing all the time will become a true reality. Hence, regular performance of Salaah inspires one to continue in other worships and protects one from sinning.
SEVERE WARNING FOR NEGLECTING SALAAH
Salaah is obligatory on every mature Muslim, male or female, young or old, healthy or sick, resident or musaafir – literally there is no excuse.
Omitting Salaah is indeed a very serious sin and some of the following ahadith express the severity and warning:
Ø Salaah distinguishes Mu’min from a Kaafir. Leaving Salaah leaves a person on the brink of kufr.
Ø That person who deliberately omits Salaah may be regarded as a Kaafir, i.e. he has reached very close to kufr.
Ø He who leaves Salaah has no part to play in Islam, i.e. he is deprived of exposing his Muslim identity.
Ø He who is unmindful of his Salaah will rise up with the worst of people, i.e. Qarun, Fir’aun, Hamaan and Ubay ibn Khalaf.
Ø He who’s one Salaah was missed; it is like all his wealth and family have been destroyed.
SALAAH WITH JAMA’AH
Shari’ah has compelled men to perform Salaah in the masjid with congregation. Those who ignore this instruction come under the spotlight of this hadith, where Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whomsoever hears the azaan and then, without any legitimate reason does not attend Salaah with jama’ah, then (read it individually) it is as if he did not perform it at all.” [Ibn Majah]
In another hadith, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) severely reprimanded to burn those homes where the men folk refused to come to the masjid for congregational prayers.
Every effort must be made to perform Salaah with jama’ah. The reward of Salaah with jama’ah is twenty seven times greater.
The Niqaab (Veil)
The laws of the Shariah are meant to protect the chastity and purity of the Muslims. Likewise the purpose of the niqaab is to protect the Muslim woman from the poisonous arrows of Shaitaan - the lustful gazes of all and sundry. Hence we find that in the pure and noble society of the Sahaaba (R.A.), the women regarded exposing their faces as being immodest .
Hazrath Qais bin Shammas (R.A.) reports that a woman came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wasallam) to enquire about her son who had just been martyred in a battle. She had come wearing a veil over her face. Observing this a person exclaimed: "You have come to enquire about your martyred son, yet you are veiled?" (ie. despite your extreme grief, you have maintained your composure to such an extent that you have also kept your face covered as always). Hazrath Umme Khallad (R.A.) replied: "I have lost my son, but I have not lost my modesty" (ie. if I have been plunged into grief due to the loss of my son, must I also lose my shame and modesty and bring upon myself another calamity?). (Abu Dawood)
From the above one can clearly understand the importance accorded to the covering of the face by the women of that pure era. Umme Khallad (R.A.) actually equated the uncovering of her face with the loss of shame and modesty.
It was the constant practice of all the women of that era to wear veils. They had adopted this practice eversince the following verse regarding hijaab was revealed wherein Allah Ta'ala says:
"O Messenger, tell your wives and daughters as well as all the other believing women that they should cast over themselves their outer garments (when in public)...".
Hence in the state of Ihraam (when performing Haj or Umrah), the women had to be specifically told not to wear veils since any cloth or garment should not touch their faces while they are in the condition of Ihraam. Hazrath ibn Umar(R.A.) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wasallam) used to prevent the women from wearing the niqaab (veil) or gloves in the state of Ihraam. (Abu Dawood) However, this prohibition does not mean that the face may be exposed to strangers in this state. This is understood from the narration of Aisha (R.A.) wherein she says: "Once we were in the state of Ihraam with Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wasallam). Whenever any rider would pass by us, we would cover our faces by lowering our "garments" (referring to the head covering). After they had gone past us, we would once again uncover our faces." (Mishkaat)
Thus it is evident that the niqaab has its roots in the Quran and Hadith.It is likewise absolutely evident that the pure and chaste women of the time of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Sahaaba (R.A.) always donned the veil. It is only the plot of the enemies of Allah and His beloved Messenger (Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wasallam) who wish to tear down this veil in an attempt to eventually tear away the chastity of Muslim women. Indeed, those who wish to gratify their nafs by gazing at women would necessarily have to remove the veils of these women to achieve their purpose.
However, the following Hadith is food for thought, not only for men but for women as well. Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wasallam) is reported to have said; "Allah Ta'ala has cursed the naazir (one who looks at ghair mahram women- those with whom Nikaah is permitted) as well as the manzoor ilayha (that woman who does not properly conceal and veil herself, thereby making it possible for others to see her). (Mishkaat).
May Allah Ta'ala remove the veil that has fallen upon our intellect so that we may realise the importance of the veil on the faces of women. Aameen.
Visiting the Sick
ONE could keep marvelling at just how comprehensive the teachings of Deen are. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has taught us the finer details of many such actions which apparently may seem trivial. However, there are oceans of wisdom in these teachings. The true benefits of these aspects can only be realized when one will translate these teachings into practice.
Among these splendid lessons is the etiquettes of visiting a sick person. Having greatly emphasized and encouraged the visiting of the sick, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also, by way of word and practice, demonstrated how this should be done.
VIRTUES
The virtues of this great action are indeed tremendous. The fact that it is a Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is sufficient as a virtue. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would not only visit his companions and family members when they were sick. He also once visited a young Jewish lad who had fallen ill and had also visited the leader of the munafiqeen, Abdullah bin Ubay. Nevertheless various Ahadith explain the virtues of visiting the sick. It is reported that the one who visits a sick person in the evening, seventy thousand angels pray for his forgiveness until the morning. And if he visits him in the morning, seventy thousand angels pray for his forgiveness until the evening (Tirmizi).
In another narration it is reported that on the day of Qiyamah Allah Ta'ala will ask a person: "I fell ill and you did not visit Me?" "But how can I visit You, O my Rabb, when you are the Sustainer of the worlds,"the person will respond. Allah Ta'ala will then say: "Did you not know that so and so, who is my servant, was ill? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him?"(Sahih Bukhari). Besides this, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has enumerated among the rights of a Muslim that he should be visited when he falls ill.
ETIQUETTE
While visiting the sick earns much reward, the proper Aadaab (etiquettes) must also be observed. Hereunder are some Aadaab which are mentioned in and deduced from various Ahadith:
· Visit the sick only for the pleasure of Allah, to earn the rewards mentioned and to console the person.
· Do not lenghten the visit. It has been stressed in the Ahadith that the visit should be short. If the sick person himself desires that the visitor should remain longer, there is no harm in it.
· Commence the visit by asking about the health of the person. Talk lighthearted things and cheer the person up.It is also narrated that one should mention to him that he will Insha Allah recover and have a long life. Do not speak of such things which will make him despondent or grieve him further. One should mention the incidents of the pious people regarding how they reacted during illness.
· Mention to the person that illnesses cause the forgiveness of one's sins.
· Do not cry or express grief in the presence of the patient.
· It is preferable to place one's hand on the forehead of the sick person and make dua for him. Learn the duas that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) made for the sick and recite the same. There is great blessings in these duas.
· Besides making dua for him, one should also request dua for oneself from the sick person.
· Encourage the patient to engage in Salaah, Zikr, Durood, etc. (It should be noted that the sick person is never absolved of his Salaah. If he cannot perform his Salaah standing, he should do so while sitting. If this also is not possible, then he should do so in a reclining position. If it is not possible to perform Wudu, Tayamum should be performed. The relevant Masail should be learnt from the Ulama or from authentic literature).
· If the person is in hospital, abide by the times and rules of the hospital.
· If the doctors have recomended that the patient should not be spoken to, do not insist on speaking to him.
· If the patient is being visited at home, ensure that the visit is at an appropriate time.
Beard
Stop Cutting! - Lengthen Your Beard
The society we live in today has had a great impact not only on Muslims but on many other religious people too. This is to such an extent that people are often ready to criticise an injunction of their faith merely because it does not comply with ways, fads or modes of today’s society.
Is this what we call faith?
All religious scholars are unanimous that all Prophets Allah's peace and blessings be upon them, kept beards. Furthermore, the Prophets have classified the beard as something (that is) part of nature (Fitrah). ‘Allamah Suyuti explains human nature is based on keeping a beard and does not need a special order to be part of a particular faith. Thus, the beard is part of human nature to which all humans (men) have to adhere.
The Prophet of Allah May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him mentions in a Hadeeth 10 points of nature. Out of these ten, he May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him mentions is the lengthening of the beard. Allah the Almighty narrates the incident when Sayyiduna Harun Alaihissalam calls out to his brother Sayyiduna Musa Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, “O son of my mother! Do not seize (me) by my beard, and nor by my head.” (94:20)
This verse clearly shows that Prophet Harun Allah's peace and blessings be upon him had a lengthy beard.
The first nation ever to shave their beards was the nation to whom Allah the Almighty sent Sayyiduna Lut Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, the people of Sadoom ( Sodom). Hadhrat Hasan Basri reports a Hadeeth that the nation of Lut was punished for 10 sins they committed; the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him mentioned ‘trimming the beard’ from the 10 sins. These sins then resulted in severe punishments from Allah the Almighty as mentioned in the Holy Quran in numerous chapters. Gradually other nations also started to trim and shave their beards but were less in number. However in the 17th century, the King of Russia, Patrice propagated ‘shaving of the beard’ in Europe and was successful in his mission. In the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire collapsed and modern influences swamped nations. By the mid 20th century, these influences had penetrated the Muslim world, which has gradually resulted on corrupting Muslims. Today, this is the reason why we see that most Muslims unfortunately either trim their beard or shave it off.
We have to remember that cultures change day in day out, cultures are man made; hung on man’s ideologies, perceptions and ideas. On the other hand, the Shariah, the Islamic holy divine law is from Allah the creator of all, who is the best of all planners. The Shariah is such that it is compatible to every era till the day of judgement.
In the Shariah (Islamic law), it is Haram (unlawful) for men to shave the beard, this ruling is with the Ijma (consensus) of the scholars of all the Schools of Thought. Among the scholars who have attested to this consensus, include Allamah Mahmood Khattab 6, Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri Hanafi, Allamah Muhammad Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Allamah Hasfaki, Allamah Kamal Ibn Al-Humam Hanafi, Sheikh Ahmad Nafrawi Maliki, Allamah Abu Muhammad Ibn Hazm Zahiri, Allaamah Shaykh ul islaam Ibn Tayimyyah, and many other scholars.
Various present day scholars have misunderstood from what some Shafiee scholars have stated that to shave the beard is Makrooh (disliked). This has been mentioned by Imam Nawawi, Rafi’ee. Allamah Abbadi states, Allamah Ibn Rif’aah refutes this, as Imam Shafiee has mentioned in his famous work Kitab Al-umm, which is thought to be one of his final works: “to shave the beard is Haram.”
This has also been mentioned by Allamah Haleemi, Allamah Qaffal Shashi, Allamah Azrai and many other Shafiee scholars.
There are many Ahadeeth, which clearly state the above. Primarily the famous Hadeeth narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar and others that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him ordered us to lengthen our beards. This Hadeeth has been narrated with six different words, all of which refer to lengthening the beard and leaving it alone without interfering. This is why in the Shariah (Islamic law) if one was to shave the beard or trim it to less than a fist length then he will be sinful. Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri writes,“None of the scholars have permitted trimming the beard to less than a fist length.” Various other scholars such as Allamah Hasfaki, Allamah Ashraf Ali Thanwi and Mufti Rasheed Ahmad have mentioned similar to this.
The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him’s beard was dense, and would cover his chest. The Sahaba May Allah be pleased with them realised, by the movement of he May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him’s beard, that the prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him would recite from the Holy Quran in Zuhr and Asr; clearly indicating that the beard was lengthy. In the same manner Hadhrat Abu bakr May Allah be pleased with him and Umar May Allah be pleased with him possessed a dense beard. Hadhrat Uthman May Allah be pleased with him possessed a fine beard stretched out in length where as Hadhrat Ali’May Allah be pleased with hims beard was spread in width covering the area between his shoulders. Therefore, when the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him ordered us to lengthen our beards we have to follow his and his Sahaba’s Sunnah and their method of keeping a beard. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him says, “Hold fast unto my ways and the ways of the guided caliphs after me.”
Hadhrat Molana Hussein Ahmad Madni writes, “It is clearly narrated from Hadhrat Umar May Allah be pleased with him, Ammar Ibn Yasir May Allah be pleased with him, Abdullah Ibn Umar May Allah be pleased with him and Jabir May Allah be pleased with him that their beards were more than a fist length, and they would order the Muslims to do the same.” Hadhrat Sheikh Moulana Muhammad Zakaria writes, “It has not been narrated from any of the Sahabah that they trimmed their beards to less than a fist”. When Abdullah Ibn Umar May Allah be pleased with him would perform Hajj or Umrah, he would hold on to his beard with his fist and trim the remaining. In reality, we have explicitly been ordered to increase and lengthen our beards without any interference whatsoever, but as Abdullah Ibn Umar May Allah be pleased with him and other Sahaba would often trim their beards up to a fist length, the scholars have given permission to do this.
In the eighth year of Hijri, the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him sent a letter with Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Huthafah to Feroz, the king of Persia. Feroz tore the letter apart and ordered Bazan, the king of Yemen to send two officers to the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him to kidnap him. They arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, on seeing the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, started to shiver. However the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him asked them, “Who ordered you to leave your moustache and shave your beard?” They replied, “Our Lord” (referring to their King). The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him declared, “But my Lord orders me to trim the moustache and lengthen the beard”. Those who shave their beards should decide for themselves whether their Lord is Allah or someone else! Just imagine how much pain the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him must be going through due to all of those people who shave, as these two men were fire worshippers, but never the less, the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him could not bear to look at their faces.
Some people have a misconception that lengthening the beard is unattractive. This view is seriously flawed as the Prophets especially Sayyiduna Muhammad May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him possessed great beauty as Allah the almighty chooses those who are perfect in character and creation. It is reported in a narration, “Allah the Almighty sent each and every Prophet with a beautiful face and a melodious voice.” Many Sahaba relate that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him possessed the most beautiful face.
Allah the most wise has distinguished between men and women just as he has distinguished between the male and female animals; and the distinguishing feature in itself holds great beauty. Allah the almighty mentions some of his bounties he has bestowed upon Mankind, he says “He (Allah) fashioned you and perfected your shapes.” (64:40) Some scholars narrate a weak narration “Glory to the one who beautified the men with beards and the women with plaits”. Allamah IbnAl-Qayyim explains, “The beard has many benefits, such as beauty and dignity.”
In many Ahadeeth, the prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him has cursed men who imitate women and those women who imitate men. There is no doubt that shaving the beard is a clear imitation of a woman’s face.
Many scholars have stated that shaving the beard is Tagyeeru Khalqillah (changing the creation of Allah). Allah mentions in the Holy Quran the promise of Satan, “Indeed I will order them (Mankind) to change the nature created by Allah” (4:119). In effect, the one who shaves his beard is obeying Satan. The great Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz would say, “Shaving the beard is Muthlah (mutilation). Verily the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him has prohibited Muthlah”. A similar verdict has also been narrated from the great Imam of Madina Munawwarah, Imam Malik.
The sin of shaving the beard is not only a Kabirah (Major) sin, but it is also Bagawah (open offence). The prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him says, “My nation will be forgiven except those who sin in the night and then boast about their sin the following day.” Although one may not boast about this sin verbally but indirectly, he will boast by showing his face to the people. Some sins are limited to the time of the act or omission, for example, Zina (adultery & fornication) is a grave sin; the sinner is sinning for the duration of that act. Whereas this sin’s time remains for as long as the beard remains shaven or trimmed to less than a fist’s length. The person will be regarded a sinner for every second his face is devoid of a proper beard, therefore sinning for that entire time span. this means it's severity aggregates and persists more than other sins.
In the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster, many Muslims attained the status of Shahadah (Martyrdom). Due to the excess amount of bodies it was difficult to identify each individual. Regarding Salat Ul-Janazah the problem arose that how will we be able to differentiate between a Muslim and non-Muslim? Finally, it was decided that the prayer would be lead upon those deceased who possessed beards. People in the world have hopes that people will benefit them after their death, by performing Salat Al-Janazah and carrying out other deeds. However, in a situation like this, would this be possible?
Similarly in the grave when the deceased is asked, one of the questions is, “What would you say about this person? (Referring to the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) Some scholars are to the opinion that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will be present in front of the deceased! How do you think the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will react when he sees a person who has shaved his beard?
Furthermore, on the day of judgement when the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will intercede for the Ummah and quench the thirst of the Ummah at the Hawdh of Kauthar, the angels will stop some of the people. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will say that these people are from my Ummah (nation); thus let them proceed. The angels will reply, “You do not know what innovations they invented after you”. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will reply “Destruction for those who innovated after me”. A point to ponder upon is that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will not recognise these innovators because they will possess beards and their outer Islamic appearance, so what about those who do not possess beards. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will not need to be informed that these were innovators, as he mentions in another Hadeeth that the deceased will be resurrected in the condition he died in. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will not even look at these people just as this would hurt the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him says, “Whoever so hurts me, displeases Allah. And who ever displeases Allah, is likely to be punished.”
People claim to love the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him but still do not keep a beard. What kind of love is this? There was once a poet in the city of Delhi , Mirza Qateel, famous for praising the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. An Iranian citizen decided to visit this poet assuming that he was a great pious scholar. On arriving in Delhi, he was informed that this poet has gone to the barbers. He proceeds towards the barbers and what does he see? The poet is having his beard shaved. He cries out “’O’ the one who claims to love the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, you are shaving your beard!” The poet replies “yes, but I am not hurting anyone’s feelings”, they continued their debate. Finally, the Iranian exclaimed, “you claim that you are not hurting anyone’s feelings, I warn you that you are hurting the feelings of the one who is the leader in this world and the hereafter, the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him”. On hearing this remark, he fainted, when he regained consciousness he accepted and admitted his mistake, repented to Allah, The most forgiving and thanked the Iranian for guiding him.
In reality when a person loves someone, he will fulfil every command of his. We cannot see the love a person possesses in his heart for someone except by his actions. We have been guided to judge people according to their apparent and visible actions. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him has repeatedly said, “I have not been ordered to cut open the hearts of people.” (to see their intention) When a disbeliever recites the Shahadah, he will be classified as a Muslim, despite of what his beliefs are in reality. Thus if a person shaves his beard it cannot be judged that he loves the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Nowadays we see the love people possess for celebrities and football players, which is evident; people are ready to dress the way they dress, live the way they live; emulating them in every way possible, so why is it that people are not ready to accept the Sunnah of the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him?
Unfortunately, many Muslims nowadays mock and joke about the beard. If someone has a beard, he is labelled a ‘beast’. To make a mockery of any minor order of the Shariah is KUFR without any doubt; the same applies to undermining a sin. The great Muhaddith Allamah Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Siddiq Al-Gimari says, “To mock the beard is KUFR with the consensus of all the Muslims”. The consequences of this would be that the Nikah (Marriage) would invalidate and renewing the Imaan (faith) will be necessary.
English enriched by centuries of borrowed arabic words
[By Dr. Mohamed Elmasry]
For 1000 years, Arabic was the primary international language of
commerce, scholarship and politics, much as English is in today’s world.
In fact, over the centuries English adopted many words that were either
borrowed directly from Arabic-speakers, or were absorbed indirectly
through other languages, especially Spanish.
Even today, Arabic still accounts for the greatest number of Eastern
elements in English. The lists of examples that follow are only a brief
sampling of the many more words available; perhaps some will surprise you!
No computer, nuclear plant or microchip design could have been possible
without the words and concepts we know as algorithm, algebra, and zero –
all of which come from Arabic.
The names of many musical instruments -- like lute and guitar – as well
as a number of technical performance terms and styles, are also from
Arabic roots.
Many names of familiar animals, plants, spices, herbs and drinks began
as Arabic nouns: saffron, henna, camphor, cotton, apricot, lemon, lime,
orange, tamarind, lilac, sherry, mango, coffee, artichoke, spinach,
jasmine, ginger, tulip, lotus, shrub, giraffe, gazelle, cobra, zebra,
cheetah.
If you have ever taken a chemistry course, the word chemistry itself
originates with Arabic, as well as nitro, alkali, alcohol, calibre,
antimony, arsenic.
In your household and daily life, you might easily run into Arabic words
that are so common we never give them a second thought: shampoo, sofa,
cable, atlas, magazine, pie, pajama, bungalow, mattress, sack, khaki,
candy, caramel, jar, sherbet, sugar, syrup, cinnamon, ribs, silk,
cheque, chatty, sandal.
And, as you might expect, Arabic is very present in slightly more exotic
or emphatic English words and proper names: tycoon, carat, chess,
checkmate, Sahara, almanac, rum, musk, sesame, tariff, cashmere, mummy,
coral, sapphire, jubilee, jargon, thug, Satan, fake, jungle, alchemy,
zenith, safari, talc, tartar, zircon, chiffon, amber, Bedouin, Ariel.
In military vocabulary, frequently-used terms like hazard, admiral,
arsenal and assassin all owe their use to Arabic.
But reference books devoted to tracing the English words borrowed from
Arabic are rare. Most were written some time ago and do not include
contemporary scholarship or changes in our language. The most recent is
more than three decades old -- Arabic Contributions to the English
Vocabulary, by James Peters and Habeeb Salloum (1973). Two other useful,
but dated, titles are: A History of Foreign Words in English, by Mary S.
Serjeantson (1935) and Arabic Words in English, by Walt Taylor (1933).
Words are much like organic living creatures whose character and
meanings evolve over time and circumstance. Those Arabic words that made
it into English must have had a fascinating history, much of which has
been lost over the centuries. It makes one wonder; Who used the original
Arabic words and what were they like? How did these words first come to
be spoken by non-Arabs? How many variations did they go through before
appearing in English dictionaries? Why are some much easier to trace
back to their Arabic roots than others? Linguists have answered some of
these questions but there is still much more to be known. Here is a
project worthy of far greater attention. Any takers?
1,001 inventions mark Islam's role in science
CLAIRE GEMSON
IF YOU are reading this article over your customary Saturday morning coffee - spooning through the thick frothy milk to reach the restorative dark stuff beneath - then you may be surprised to learn you owe this civilised daily ritual to a herd of curious goats.
Many people have read the story of Marco d'Aviano, a 17th-century monk from the Capuchin order, whose brown robes gave us the name for the cappuccinos now quaffed on every street corner.
The coffee itself, though, is all down to an Arab herdsman called Khalid, who lived far earlier (in the ninth century). He noticed that his goats seemed to have a new lease of life after they had grazed on a particular wild coffee berry, which grew in his native Ethiopia. Khalid - possibly feeling a little tired after tending to his wandering goats - decided to try the berries for himself by boiling them. The resulting liquid was al-qahwa. As the drink traversed through the centuries on the coat tails of trade and travel, the first European coffee house opened in Venice in 1645.
The account of Khalid's discovery is just one of a glittering treasury of untold tales from a golden age of discovery and innovation, which took place in the Islamic world between the seventh and 17th centuries.
It is this hidden history that a new exhibition aims to unveil. Entitled 1,001 Inventions, the exhibition opens at Glasgow Science Centre later this month and charts the innovations of exceptional scholars, and ordinary people, from the Islamic world who discovered and developed many items that are taken for granted today. The exhibits are divided into seven zones: home, hospital, market, school, town, universe and world.
Professor Salim Al-Hassani, chairman of the Foundation for Science Technology and Civilisation, creators of 1,001 Inventions, said there is a widespread misconception that science and technology withered during the "Dark Ages".
"The 1,001 Inventions exhibition aims, through a process of education and learning, to challenge this myth and celebrate the fact that Muslim civilisation was flourishing and contributed to the advancement of our society today," he said.
A stellar vein of such contribution was in the field of astronomy. From astronomical instruments to observatories, Muslim scholars brought a breathtaking amount to the science of the stars and laid the foundation for the renaissance astronomy of the west. Copernicus, for example, reportedly used the astronomical treatise of Muslim astronomer Al-Battani, whose body of work included star catalogues and planetary tables. Al-Battani also popularised trigonometry. He lived in the ninth century and, from that time onwards, Muslim stargazers undertook a wealth of work.
In the tenth century, the Persian astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi cast his eyes upwards to the awning of stars overhead and was the first to record a galaxy outwith our own. Gazing at the Andromeda galaxy he called it a "little cloud" - an apt description of the slightly wispy appearance of our galactic neighbour.
The Muslim world, ahead of its time, also had knowledge of the Earth. Twelfth century geographer Al-Idrisi, a European Muslim, produced an atlas comprising 70 maps. The atlas, known as the Book of Roger, showed the Earth as being round. The idea that the Earth was spherical was common among Muslim scholars.
Dr Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society, regularly talks on the topic of Islamic astronomy. He said: "The Muslim world provided a bridge between antiquity and the renaissance.
"The progress made in places like the great observatory in Samarkand, in modern-day Uzbekistan, laid the foundations for the science we take for granted today. And being challenged on how science and faith can co-exist and interact is one of the most stimulating things I've done - it makes you aware of misconceptions that exist across communities."
Many stars have Arabic names - from Aldeberan (one of the brightest stars in the night sky), to the stars of the Summer Triangle (Altair, Deneb and Vega).
Stars aside, the lexicon of science is peppered with Arabic words, each with a story to tell about its Islamic heritage. The Arabic word for chemistry is alkimia: the word became alchemy in the west but its original meaning was chemistry.
Jabir ibn Hayyan, who lived in Persia in the eighth century, is widely regarded as the founder of chemistry. He invented many of the basic processes and equipment still used by chemists today such as distillation (a way of separating chemical substances).
Jabir worked tirelessly in his laboratory, reportedly saying: "The first essential in chemistry is that you should perform practical work and conduct experiments".
This may seem a simple sentiment to today's scientists but, more than 1,200 years ago, it was on the cutting edge. Jabir's rigorous approach to experimentation led to the discovery of powerful acids, which are now key to the chemical industry.
Scottish astrophysicist Andrew Conway, who runs scientific consultancy Counting Thoughts, has an Iranian mother, who is also a scientist. Conway grew up in Scotland but is well versed in a heritage that has remained hidden to many of us. He said: "There is so much that we take for granted that has come from the Muslim world. For example, we write with Roman letters but use Arabic numerals so the influence extends to something as basic as 1,2,3."
Conway said acknowledging the contribution of the Muslim world was not about rewriting history but was more about finding a long-missing piece of the jigsaw.
"It's like uncovering some unread chapters of the world's most interesting book," he said.
