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Avatar of Jamal (John) Idris

by Jamal (John) Idris

Islamic Perspective on Milad an-Nabi (Mawlid)

February 3, 2012 in Character of a Muslim

by Mufti Taqi Usmani

From Superstitions into Light

 

Rabi’ul-Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, not only the Arabian peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came with the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.

 

Islamic Celebrations

 

Thus the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would have undoubtedly deserved it more than the birthday of any other person. But that is against the nature of Islamic teachings. That is why, unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism, there are very few festivals in Islam, which provides for only twoEids (Eidul-fitr and Eidul-Adha) during the whole year. The dates of these two Eids do not correspond to the birthday of any of the outstanding persons of Islamic history, nor can their origin be attributed to any particular event of history that had happened in these dates.

 

Both of these two Eids have been prescribed for paying gratitude to Allah on some happy events that take place every year. The first event is the completion of the fasts of Ramadan and the second event is the completion of Hajj, another form of worship regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

 

The manner prescribed for the celebration of these twoEids (festivals) is also different from non-Islamic festivals. There are no formal processions, illumination or other activities showing formal happiness. On the contrary, there are congregational prayers and informal mutual visits to each other, which can give real happiness instead of its symbols only.

 

No Birthdays

 

On the other hand, Islam has not prescribed any festival for the birthday of any person, however great or significant he may be. The prophets of Allah are the persons of the highest status amongst all human beings. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, or his noble companions never observed the birthday or anniversary of any of them. Even the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was never celebrated by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, nor by his blessed Companions.

 

The Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, remained alive after him for about a century, but despite their unparalleled and profound love towards the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, they never celebrated the birthday or the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Instead, they devoted their lives for promoting the cause of Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for conveying his message to the four corners of the world and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of life.

 

The Origins of Christmas

 

In fact, commemorating the birth of a distinguished person has never been prescribed by any religion attributing itself to divine revelation. It was originally a custom prevalent in pagan communities only. Even Christmas, the famous Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ finds no mention in the Bible or in the early Christian writings. It was only in the 4th century after the ascension of Jesus Christ that Christmas was recognized as a regular Christian feast. To quote the Collier’s Encyclopedia:

 

“It is impossible to determine the exact date of the birth of Christ, either from the evidence of the gospels, or from any sound tradition. During the first three centuries of the Christian era there was considerable opposition in the Church to the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays, although there is some indication that a purely religious commemoration of the birth of Christ was included in the feast of Epiphany. Clement of Alexandria mentions the existence of the feast in Egypt about the year A.D. 200 and we have some evidence that it was observed on various dates in scattered areas. After the triumph of Constantine, the Church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern Churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god, and that the Saturnalia also came at this time.” (Collier’s Encyclopedia 1984 ed, v. 6, p. 403).

 

A similar description of the origin of Christmas is found in-the Encyclopedia Britannica with some more details. Its following passage will throw more light on the point:

 

“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church, and before the 5th century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether on Jan. 6, March 25 or Dec. 25. The earliest identification of Dec. 25 with the birthday of Christ is in a passage, otherwise unknown and probably spurious, of the philos of Antioch (c.180), preserved in Latin by the Magdeburyg centuriators (i, 3, 118), to the effect that the Gauls contended that since they celebrated the birth of Lord on Dec. 25, so they ought to celebrate the resurrection on March 25. A passage, almost certainly interpolated, in ‘Hippelates’ (c. 202) commentary on Daniel iv, 23, says that Jesus was born at Bethlehem on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the 42nd year of Augustus, but he mentions no feast, and such a feast, indeed, would conflict with the then orthodox ideas. As late as 245, Origin (hem. viii on Leviticus) repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ “as if he were a king Pharaoh”. (Britannica, 1953 ed. v. 5, p.642)

 

These two quotes are more than sufficient to prove the following points:

 

1. The commemoration of birthdays was originally a pagan custom, never recognized by a divine scripture or prophetic teaching.

2. The exact date of the Birth of Sayyidna ‘Isa is unknown and impossible to be ascertained.

3. The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a recognized practice in the early centuries of the Christian history.

4. It was in the 4th or 5th century that it was recognized as a religious feast, and that, too, under the influence of the pagans who worshipped Sun-god.

5. There was a strong opposition against the commemorating of the birthday by the early Christian scholars like Origin, on the ground that it is originally a custom of pagans and idolaters.

 

Original Islamic Resources

 

In original Islamic resources, also we cannot find any instruction about the celebration of birthdays or death anniversaries. Many Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, passed away during his life-time. His beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah, Radi-Allahu anha, passed away in Makkah. His beloved uncle Sayyidna Hamzah, Radi-Allahu anhu was brutally slaughtered during the battle of Uhud. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, never observed their birthday or their death anniversaries, nor did he ever advise his followers to celebrate his own birthday in Rabi’ul-Awwal.

 

What is Wrong with These Celebrations

 

The reason for abstinence from such celebrations is that they divert the attention of people from the real teachings of Islam towards the observance of some formal activities only. Initially, these celebrations may begin with utmost piety and with a bona fide intention to pay homage to a pious person. Yet, the experience shows that the celebration is ultimately mixed up with an element of merrymaking and rejoicing and is generally confused with secular festivals and the secular, and often sinful, activities creep into it gradually.

 

The Transformation of Christmas

 

The example of Christmas will again be relevant. This Christian feast was originally innovated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and, of course, to remember his teachings. But once the occasion had been recognized as a feast, all the secular elements of public festivals crept in. The following quotation from the Encyclopedia Britannia is worth attention:

 

“For several centuries Christmas was solely a church anniversary observed by religious services. But as Christianity spread among the people of pagan lands, many of the practices of the winter solstice were blended with those of Christianity because of the liberal ruling of Gregory I, the great, and the cooperation of the missionaries. Thus, Christmas became both religious and secular in its celebration, at times reverent, at others gay.”

 

Then, what kind of activities have been adopted to celebrate Christmas is mentioned in the next paragraphs of which the following quote is more pertinent here:

 

“Merrymaking came to have a share in Christmas observance through popular enthusiasm even while emphasis was on the religious phase. … In the wholly decked great halls of the feudal lords, whose hospitality extended to all their friends, tenants and household, was sailing, feasting, singing and games, dancing, masquerading and mummers presenting pantomimes and masques were all part of the festivities.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1953 v. 5, p. 643)

 

This is enough to show as to how an apparently innocent feast of reverence was converted into a secular festival where the merrymaking and seeking enjoyment by whatever means took preference over all the religious and spiritual activities.

 

Being fully aware of this human psychology, Islam has never prescribed, nor encouraged the observance of birthdays and anniversaries, and when such celebrations are observed as a part of the religion, they are totally forbidden.

 

The Religion is Complete

 

The Holy Qur’an has clearly pronounced on the occasion of the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: “Today, I have completed the teachings of your religion.” [Al-Maida 5:3]

 

It means that all the teachings of Islam were communicated to the Muslims through the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. No one is allowed after it to add any thing to them as a part of religion. What was not a part of religion during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, can never become part of it. Such additions are termed by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as Bid’ah or innovation.

 

Thus, the observance of the 12th of Rabi’ul-Awwal as a religious feast is not warranted by any verse of the Holy Qur’an or by any teaching of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Had it been a part of the religion it would have been clearly ordered or practiced by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his blessed companions or, at least, by their immediate pupils. But no example of the celebration of the occasion can be traced out in the early centuries of the Islamic history. It was after many centuries [Albalagh Note: According to Maulana Yusuf Ludhinavi it was in the year 604 A.H.] that some monarchs started observing the 12th of Rabi’ul-Awwal as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, without a sound religious basis, and the congregations in the name of Maulood or Miladwere held where the history of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to be narrated.

 

Disagreement About the Date

 

The observance of the 12th of this month as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is not only an innovation having no basis in the Islamic teachings, but the accuracy of this date as the real birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is also very much doubted. There are different dates suggested in different traditions, and the majority of the authentic scholars is inclined to hold that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was born on the 9th of Rabi’ul-Awwal. This difference of opinion is another evidence to prove that the observance of the birthday is not a part of the religion, otherwise its exact date would have been preserved with accuracy.

 

The life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, no doubt, the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims, and every Muslim is under an obligation to learn and study the events of his life, and to follow the practical example set by him in every sphere of life. The narration of his pious biography (the Seerah) in itself is a pious act, which invites the divine blessings, but the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah have not prescribed a particular time or method for it. This pious act should be performed in all the months and at all the times. The month of Rabi’ul-Awwal has not been designated by the Shariah as a special season for holding such congregations to commemorate the birth or life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is thus an innovation (Bid’ah) to restrict the Seerah meetings to the month of Rabi’ul Awwal only, or to believe that the meetings held in this month are worthy of more reward than the meetings held on any other date during the year. In fact, the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, throughout the year, not only by studying and conveying his message to others, but also by following his way of life and acting upon his teachings in each and every branch of their activities, and this is exactly what a Muslim is required and supposed to do.

 

By this we do not mean that the Seerah meetings should not be held in the month of Rabi’ul-Awwal. The point is only that they should not be restricted to it, nor should it be believed that the Shariah has laid any kind of emphasis on holding such meetings in this particular month.

 

Another point that should always be kept in mind while holding such meetings is that they must be in complete conformity with the rules of Shariah. A Muslim is supposed to abide by the rules of Shariah in all his activities. But at least the meetings held in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, should be free from all the acts forbidden by the Shariah.

 

Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah

 

It is often observed, especially in the Western countries, that the people hold the Seerah meetings where men and women sit together without observing the rules of hijab prescribed by the Shariah. The teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are obviously against such mixed gatherings. How can a Seerah meeting bring fruits where such fundamental teachings of the Shariah are openly violated?

 

In some meetings the Na’ts (poems) in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are recited by the women before the male audience, sometimes with music, which is totally against the instructions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is clearly prohibited by the Shariah to hold such meetings or to participate in them, because it is not only a violation of the Shariah rules, but it is an affront to the sanctity of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

 

All other activities, often practiced on the twelfth of Rabi’ul-Awwal, like holding processions, constructing the mock tombs of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and illumination of the buildings and the roads are not warranted by any rule of the Shariah. Rather they are based on conscious or unconscious imitation of certain other religions. No example of such activities can be traced out from the earlier Islamic history.

 

Real Message of Seerah

 

What is really important with regard to the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, first, to follow his teachings, and second to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim, to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood, to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed — and all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah. This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.

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Avatar of Mehedi Islam

by Mehedi Islam

Islam & the Concept of Friendship

November 29, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Society & Culture

Humans have always been social creatures and in need of friends and companions. Much of our lives is spent in interaction with others. For us Muslims who are living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing the right companions is essential for preserving our Deen. Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is an essential means for staying on the Straight Path. Strong individuals, on the other hand, are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for.

We all know that we were created for a specific purpose and that Allah the Most High has given us life in order to test us. None of us will deny that we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah (swt) one Day. Once we know our purpose and our goal, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves. All of us believe that Allah has sent us a Messenger (saws) and revealed to us the Qur’an, the Best Speech.

In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said:

“A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend.” (1).

The person most noble in character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear message and advice in regard to friendship. We should choose the friend that is satisfied with our Deen and avoid the friend that is displeased with it. Whoever we see and are pleased with his Deen, we should befriend him and whoever we are displeased with his Deen and his manners, we ought to avoid him. There is no good in the companion who does not wish for us (from good) what he wishes for himself. There is also no good in the companion who wishes for us what he wishes for himself, if what he likes for his own soul is leading him towards destruction and Hellfire.

The bases for the actions of those who follow the evil ways are corrupt; their actions are built upon misguidance and deviation. Their deeds are worthless to them as Allah (swt) said:

“And We will proceed to what they have done of deeds, so We shall render them to scattered floating dust.” Qur’an 25:23

Their actions, even if we regard them as righteous and noble are of no value to them, so how can they be of benefit to us? Friends are those who feel for their companions, in both happy and sad moments. If we share our feelings with the wrong-doers whose actions are worthless and based on corruption, then we are following the same ways and standards as they are. Affection which results from that friendship leads to love and closeness to other than the righteous believers, and this may even lead to avoiding those who are on the Straight Way. Mixing with followers of any way other than that of the Guidance also results in a change in one’s behavior, morals and conduct.

If we agree, follow and are pleased with such friends, then we inherit their habits, behaviors and even religion. Such a Muslim would find himself in a situation wherein he is willing to hide his Islam in front of those who despise it (those that he considers as friends) and to separate from the believers. When this situation occurs, a point is reached when there is a very slight difference between the Muslim and his wrong-doing companion. Such a companionship is the root of sickness of one’s heart and loss of one’s Deen.

Instead of making friends with the misguided ones we should befriend the righteous and treat the rest in a gracious and just manner. Staying at sufficient distance is necessary, yet treating everybody in a noble and kind manner is required.

In another Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (saws) said:

“The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows.. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him.” (2)

In his commentary of this Hadith, Imam an-Nawawy said that the Prophet (saws) compared a good companion to a seller of musk and spoke of the virtue of having companions who are good, who have noble manners, piety, knowledge and good culture. Such are those who grant us from their virtue. And he (saws) forbade us to sit with those who do evil, commit a lot of sins and other bad deeds, as well as with innovators, backbiters, and so forth. Another scholar said: “keeping good company with the pious results in attainment of beneficial knowledge, noble manners and righteous actions, whereas keeping company with the wicked prevents all of that.” Many times a Muslim is encouraged by his friends to do evil and to forget his duties. The result is that Muslims themselves are often ashamed to leave them to perform prayer, their friends thus causing them to clearly deviate from the Right Path.

Allah the Exalted says in the Qur’an:

“And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and-so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Qur’an) after it had come to me. And Satan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need.” Qur’an 25:27-29

So take heed before the inevitable Day comes when we are called to account for our actions.

Allah, the All-Wise also says:

“Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqoon (i.e. those who have Taqwah).” Qur’an 43:67

Hafidh Ibn Katheer, commenting on this verse, relates a story on the authority of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) and says that any friendship for other than Allah is turned into enmity, except what was in it for Allah the Mighty and Majestic: “Two who are friends for Allah’s sake; one of them dies and is given good news that he will be granted al-Jannah, so he remembered his friend and he supplicated for him, saying: ‘O Allah, my friend used to command me to obey You and to obey Your Prophet (saws) and used to command me to do good and to forbid me from doing evil. And he told me that I will meet You. O Allah, do not let him go astray after me, until you show him what you have just shown me, until You are satisfied with him, just like You are satisfied with me.’ So he is told: ‘Had you known what is (written) for you friend, would you have laughed a lot and cried a little.’ Then his friend dies and their souls are gathered, and both are asked to express their opinions about each other. So each one of them says to his friend: ‘You were the best brother, the best companion and the best friend.’ And when one of the two disbelieving friends dies, and he is given tidings of Hellfire, he remembered his friend and he said: ‘O Allah, my friend used to order me to disobey You and disobey Your Prophet, and commanded me to do evil, and forbade me from doing good, and told me that I would not meet You. O Allah, do not guide him after me, until you show him what you have just shown me and until you are dissatisfied with him just like You are dissatisfied with me.’ Then the other disbelieving friend dies, and their souls are gathered, and both are asked to give their opinions about each other. So each one says to his friend: ‘You were the worst brother, the worst companion and the worst friend.”

That is the end of those who do not have Taqwah and those who befriend for a sake other than that of Allah the Exalted. Allah has surely spoken the truth and we all should grasp what He has informed us of. It is through the good company that Allah, the Most High, saves those who are astray and guides the wicked. The benefit of mixing with the righteous is immense, and it will, insha’Allah, be even more obvious to us in the Hereafter. One of the early Muslims said that it is from Allah’s blessings upon a youth when he turns to worship that he is given brother who is a follower of the Sunnah encouraging him upon it.

Sealing a friendship for Allah’s sake will result in one’s receiving protection of Allah (swt). And as Ibn Abbas said:

“No one may taste true faith except by this (i.e. building relationships for Allah’s sake), even if his prayers and fasts are many. People have come to build their relationship around the concerns of the world, but it will not benefit them in any way.” (3)

A scholar has said:

“To seal a friendship for Allah’s sake indicates the obligation of establishing relationships of love and trust for His sake; this is a friendship for the sake of Allah. It also indicates that simple affection is not enough here; indeed what is meant is a love based upon alliance. This entails assistance, honor, and respect. It means being with those whom you love both in word and deed.” Loyalty for the sake of Allah really means to love Allah and to come to the assistance of His Deen; to love those who are obedient to Him and to come to their help. Moreover, the Shahadah “La Ilaha Illa Allah” requires us to ally ourselves for the sake of Allah, and it requires us to ally ourselves to the Muslims wherever we find them.

In two other authentic narration’s of the Prophet (saws) we were commanded to keep company with a believer only (3), and told that a person will be with those he loves (4). So if we love and associate ourselves with those who are misguided, we should fear for our fate. The wise person is the one who prepares himself for the Hereafter, not the one who neglects his faith and falls into the trap of Satan who tells him that he will be forgiven and that he can do whatever he wishes. If we truly believe that the best speech is the Speech of Allah and that he best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (saws), we should act in accordance with them, lest we build a proof against ourselves.

Ali (raa) said:

“Mix with the noble people, you become one of them; and keep away from evil people to protect yourself from their evils.” (4)

If we are truly concerned about our fate, we must come to this realisation: those who take us away from remembering Allah, from obeying Him and His Prophet (saws), those who fail to remind us of our daily prayers and those who do not give us sincere advice in regard to our Deen; such are really our foes and not our friends. On the other side, “a believer is the mirror of his brother” (5), and if he sees any faults in the other believer, he draws his attention to it, helps him to give it up and helps him wipe away any evil that he may have.

Ibn Hazm said:

“Anyone who criticises you cares about your friendship. Anyone who makes light of your faults cares nothing about you.” (5)

How can we expect sincere advice and exhortation in regard to our religion from those who are displeased with our Deen or are simply indifferent? Are they going to help us achieve the purpose of our life, or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah’s pleasure or is that Completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to al-Jannah or to the Hellfire? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves, lest we wake up after we die.

“O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. If you follow the right guidance and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do.” Qur’an 5:105

We ask Allah to make us of the righteous ones and give us companions that will take us away from His Wrath and lead us to His Pleasure and Paradise.

References:

1 Abu Dawood and at-Tirmithi
2 Al-Bukhari and Muslim
3 Abu Dawood and at-Tirmithi
4 Al-Bukhari and Muslim
5 Abu Dawood, Hasan Hadith

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by Mehedi Islam

Dealing with people cheerfully

November 28, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Society & Culture

Extracts from Al-Adab al-Mufrad Al-Bukhari by Imam Bukhari

120. A Muslim is the mirror of his brother

238. Abu Hurayra said, “A believer is the mirror of his brother. When he sees a fault in it, he should correct it.”

239. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “A believer is the mirror of his brother. A believer is the brother of another believer. He protects him against loss and defends him behind his back.”

240. Al-Mustawrid reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “If anyone eats a meal at the expense of a Muslim’s honour, Allah will feed him a like amount of Hellfire. If anyone clothes himself with a garment at the expense of a Muslim’s honour, Allah will clothe him with a like amount of Hellfire. If anyone achieves a position of showing-off and hypocrisy at the expense of a Muslim’s honour, Allah will put him in a position of showing-off and hypocrisy on the Day of Rising.

241. ‘Abdullah ibn as-Sa’ib reported that his grandfather said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘None of you should take the goods of his companion, either in jest or seriously. When one of you takes his companion’s staff, he should return it to him.’”

122. The person who guides to good

242. Abu Mas’ud al-Ansari said, “A man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, ‘My camel has become exhausted, so give me a mount.’ He replied, ‘I do not have any. But go to so-and-so and perhaps he will give you one.’ He went to that man and he gave him a mount. Then he went back to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and told him. He said, ‘Whoever guides to good has the like of the reward of the person who actually does it.’”

123. Excusing and pardoning people

243. Anas reported that a Jewish woman brought the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, poisoned sheep. He ate from it and she was brought. It was asked, “Should we not kill her?” “No,” he replied.

He said, “I continued to recognise the poison in the sighs of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.”

244. ‘Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr said on the minbar, “Make allowances for people and command what is right and turn away from the ignorant.” (7:199) He said, “By Allah, we are only commanded by this ayat to accept people’s character. By Allah, I will accept people’s character as long as I am with them.”

245. Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Teach and make things easy and not difficult. When one of you is angry, he should be silent.”

124. Cheerfulness towards people

246. ‘Ata’ ibn Yasar said, “I met ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’As and I said, ‘Tell me about the description of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in the Torah.’ ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘By Allah, he is described in the Torah partly as he is described in the Qur’an: “O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news and a warner and a protection to the unlettered. You are My slave and Messenger. I have called you the trusty one who is neither coarse nor harsh nor loud in the markets. Allah Almighty will not take him until He has made the crooked community straight by him so that they say, “There is no god but Allah,” and by it they will open blind eyes, deaf ears and covered hearts.’”

247. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ata’ said, “This ayat which is in the Qur’an, ‘O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bringer of good news and a warner’ (33:45) is found in the Torah in a similar form.”

248. Mu’awiya said, “I heard some words from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, by which Allah helped me.” Jubayr ibn Nufayr said, “I heard him say that he heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, “If you openly show your suspicions of people, you will corrupt them.’ Therefore I do not show my suspicions of people openly so that I will not corrupt them.”

249. Abu Hurayra said, “These two wars of mine have heard and these two eyes of mine have seen the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, take the palms of al-Hasan ­ or al-Husayn ­ in both his hands. His feet were on the feet of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Climb up.’ The boy climbed until his feet reached the chest of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and hen the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Open your mouth.’ Then he kissed him and said, ‘O Allah, love him for I love him!’”

125. Smiling

250. Jarir said, “Since the time I became Muslim, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, never saw me without smiling at me.” The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “A man from the best of Dhu Yaman will enter by this door whose face has been touched by an angel.” Then Jarir came in.

251. ‘A’isha said, “I never saw the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, laugh until I could see his uvula. He used to smile, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.” She said, “When he saw a cloud or wind, distress could be seen in his face.” She said, “Messenger of Allah, when people see a cloud, they rejoice, hoping that there will be rain in it. Yet when you see it, I see distress in your face.” He replied, “‘A’isha, what will assure me that there is no painful punishment in it? People have been punished by wind. Some people saw the punishment and stated, ‘This is a rain cloud coming to us.’”

126. Laughter

252. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Laugh little. Much laughter kills the heart.”

253. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Do not laugh a lot. Much laughter kills the heart.”

254. Abu Hurayra said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went out to a group of his Companions who were laughing and talking. He said, ‘By the One in whose hand my soul is, if you knew what I knew, you would laugh little and weep much.’ Then he left and the people were weeping. Then Allah Almighty revealed to him, ‘Muhammad! Why did you make My slaves despair?’ The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Give good news, guide people and draw near to one another.’”

127. When he faced someone, he faced him completely, and when he turned away, he turned away completely

255. Abu Hurayra said, “When he faced someone, he faced him completely. When he turned away, he turned away completely. I have never seen anyone like him and I will never see anyone like them.”

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by Mehedi Islam

The Prophet’s Simplicity

November 22, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Purification of the heart, Stories of the Prophets

Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a very simple person and spent all his life in simplicity. He was very unceremonious and informal in his habits. He ate whatever he was given, wore very thick and coarse cloth, even when he was the ruler of a state and undisputed leader of the people. He sat on the floor, bare ground or a mat without any hesitation, alone or in the company of other people. He ate bread made from coarse flour and even spent days on mere dates. He wore simple clothes and did not like display or show. He was by nature simple and liked simplicity and informality in everything.

Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) slept on a reed mat and got up with the mark of it on his body. He said,

“O Allah’s Messenger! I wish you would order us to spread something out for you and make something.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied,

“What have I to do with the world, I am like a rider who rests for a while under the shade of a tree, then goes off and leaves it.”

Ubaid-Allah bin Muhsin (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying,

“If anyone among you is secure in mind in the morning, healthy in body and has food for the day, it is as though the whole world has been brought into his Possession.”

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying,

“Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for that is more likely to keep you from despising Allah’s Favor on you.”

Abu Talha (may Allah be pleased with him) said,

“When we complained to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) of hunger and raised our clothes to show we were each carrying a stone over our belly, he raised his clothes and showed that he had two stones on his belly.”

He liked simple living and wanted his family to lead a simple life and abstain from ostentatious living. He often wore thick clothes. His bed was sometimes of rough blanket sometimes of skin filled with palm fibers and sometimes of ordinary coarse cloth.. In the ninth year of Al-Hijrah, when the Islamic state had extended from Yemen to Syria, its ruler had only one bed and one dry water-bag of skin. A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that when he died, there was nothing in the house to eat except some barley.

Once Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) entered Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) house and noticed the state of the furniture in it. Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself had only one sheet of cloth round him to cover the lower part of his body. There was one simple bed, with one pillow filled with nut fiber; on one side of the room was some barley and in one corner near his feet was an animal skin. There were some water-bag skins hanging beside his bed. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that on seeing this tears came into his eyes. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) asked the reason for his tears. He replied,

“O Allah’s Messenger! Why shouldn’t I cry! The strings of the bed have left marks on your body. This is a small room with all your furniture; I can see what there is. The Kaiser (Cesar) of Rome and Kisra (Khosru) of Persia enjoy luxurious living while you, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), and the Chosen One, live like this.”

He said,

“Ibn Al-Khattab! Don’t you like that they choose this world and we choose the Hereafter?”.

In short, Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived and liked a simple life and enjoyed every minute of it. He taught his companions, through his personal example, to lead a simple life and not to be ostentatious.

Written by Dr. Ragheb Elsergany. Source link.

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by Sarah Ahmed

Video: Words of Advice to all Muslims by Hamza Tzortzis

November 9, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Videos

A short and emotional clip from the Rationality of God’s Existence lecture by Hamza Tzortzis at the University of Minnesota11/04/2011

Hamza Andreas Tzortzis – Hamza Tzortzis – Words of Advice to all Muslims

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by Mehedi Islam

The story of 3 men

October 31, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Society & Culture

3 men were competing to see who was the most cruel. The 1st one attacked a man beating him til he was bleeding n couldn’t stand. The 2nd man saw him in this state and stamped on his hands and face over n over. He turned to th others and said, “No one can be worse than me”. The 3rd one said, “No, I am the worst one coz I just stood by n watched. This man is my brother”.

The victim is Babar Ahmad.
The 1st man is the police.
The 2nd is the Justice System.
The 3rd is the Muslims of Britain who did nothing.

Sign the petition: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/885. More info www.freebabarahmad.com

 

………………………

 

Free Babar Ahmad!…but can Muslims be bothered?

The Israeli’s & “The West” as a whole have a policy of leaving no man behind enemy lines, it was proved with the recent Gilad Shalit case, but Muslims don’t really care about their political prisoners who are rotting in the belly of the beast and the Babar Ahmad case may just sadly prove it.

Just to remind you again, why your small contribution of a signature for the petition is so important. Babar Ahmad was arrested in 2003, without charge and was tortured during and since his arrest. All that is being asked for is a fair trial in the UK – a basic human right which has been denied for so many years.

The yankees have requested extradition for his apparent support of ‘terrorism’. If successful, his extradition would set a precedent, meaning the yanks can shout terrorism at anyone in the UK & our government would happily hand them over to be tried in a kangaroo court. This of course could happen to anyone, a blogger like me, or perhaps even you reading this at home.

It’s not a ‘Muslim Only’ issue, Gary McKinnon is up on extradition charges, wanted by the Yanks for apparently hacking their defence network. Most “Security” laws passed since 2001 have been done so because they go against the ‘Evil’ Muslims and are passed without much uproar from the general population.

That is until those very same laws passed against the pesky muslims are used against Dave & Gary, the good ol’ English boys.

Truth is, I know how difficult it is to get Muslims to sign a petition, believe me I’ve done it for years. Even when the government wanted to pass the 42 dayinternment detention for Muslims, you could get hardly any muslims to sign up to voice their opposition against it. Of course these are the same Muslims who would cry when their communities are targeted by Five-O.

3 Million Muslims in the UK

100,000 signatures needed

3.333% of Muslims needed to sign the petition

As of today 42,000 people have signed

Thats less than 1.5% of Muslims in the UK.

That is shameful.

The brother Shahid has put in effort to give you the Islamic justifications (like you needed it) as to why you should sign the petition.

Play your part in helping Babar Ahmad reach his first step towards justice – sign and share the petition.

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by Jamal (John) Idris

Whoever Criticises The Companions of the Prophet

October 11, 2011 in Character of a Muslim

Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet (saw) said:

“Whoever abuses my Companions, upon them is the curse of Allah, the angles and the people.“

[At-Tabaranee, declared hasan by Shaykh Al-Albaanee in As-Saheehah, 2340]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“If you see anyone speaking ill of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (saw), doubt his Islam.”

[Al-Laalikaa'ee in As-Sunnah, 2359]

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree (d. 329H) said in his Sharh As-Sunnah:

“If you see a man criticising the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (saw), know that he is a person of wicked speech and desires, since the Messenger of Allaah said, ‘When my Companions are mentioned then withhold.‘ “

[At-Tabaraanee from Ibn Mas'ood, and it is saheeh. See Silsilatul Ahaadeethis Saheehah no. 34]

Ibn Al-Qayyim quotes Harb, the companion of Imaam Ahmad as saying (after listing a list of Imaams and Shaykhs from Ahlu Sunnah and mentioning what their ‘aqeedah was):

“And (their ‘aqeedah is) the mentioning of the good qualities and deeds of the  Companions of the Messenger of Allah (saw) and refraining from mentioning their shortcomings and mistakes, those which occurred between them.

Whoever reviles the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, or a single one amongst them, or reduces [their worth and status] or insults them, or ‘exposes’ their ‘faults’ or criticises a single one amongst them, then he is a mubtadi’ [innovator], a raafidee [extreme shee'ah], a khabeeth [vile and repugnant] and a mukhaalif [opposer] and Allaah will not accept from him any of his efforts nor his fair dealings.

Rather loving them is sunnah, supplicating for them is nearness (to Allah), taking them as a model for guidance is a means (of nearness to Allah) and accepting and taking from their narrations is an excellence.”

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by Mehedi Islam

Lessons from Surah Al-Kahf for a Student of Knowledge

September 11, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Inspiring Islamic Story

There are many lessons a student of knowledge can learn from Musa and Khidr (alayhimassalam)’s meeting which is detailed in Surah Al-Kahf.

Travelling for Knowledge & Zeal for Knowledge

Musa (‘alayhissalam) was prepared to travel a great distance for knowledge, scholars have mentioned that he might have travelled on both land and sea in order to meet Khidr (‘alayhissalam). He showed great enthusiasm and zeal in search of knowledge.

18:60 And [mention] when Musa said to his servant, “I will not cease [traveling] until I reach the junction of the two seas or continue for a long period.”

Enduring Hardships

The journey was not easy and Musa (‘alayhissalam) along with his servant endured much hardship seeking knowledge.

18:62 – So when they had passed beyond it, [Musa] said to his boy, “Bring us our morning meal. We have certainly suffered in this, our journey, [much] fatigue.”

Showing Humility

Although Musa (‘alayhissalam) was higher in rank than Khidr (‘alayhissalam), he showed humility and spoke courteously with Khidr (‘alayhissalam) as he wanted to learn from him some knowledge which he did not know.

18:66 – Musa said to him, “May I follow you on [the condition] that you teach me from what you have been taught of sound judgement?”

Complying with the Teacher’s Requests

Musa (‘alayissalam) complied with strict conditions set by Khidr (‘alayhissalam) even though he was a Prophet of Allah.

[Musa] said, “You will find me, if Allah wills, patient, and I will not disobey you in [any] order.”  

Exercising Patience

Khidr (‘alayhissalam) did things which seemingly to Musa (‘alayhissalam), contravened the laws of Allah and as a Prophet of Allah he could not help but speak out. When reminded of the agreement he made that he would would not speak out, he patiently submitted to Khidr (‘alayhissalam)’s request.

18:73 – [Musa] said, “Do not blame me for what I forgot and do not cover me in my matter with difficulty.”

The Qur’an is filled with oceans of wisdom and inspiration, such stories are there as lessons for us. It also details the approach we should take when setting out to study sacred knowledge. May Allah give us the tawfiq to learn beneficial knowledge from the correct sources with its correct understanding. Ameen

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by Halima Begum

Stick to the three C’s

August 24, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Health and wellbeing, Lifestyle, Muslim women, Uncategorized

*Confidence *Content *Coping

Three easy steps to moving on.

Stick to the following three C’s and watch it get to work in your life!

-Confidence: Working ones self mentally and spiritually. To build ones confidence, we have to look at our everyday environment which we live in and to establish being a strong Muslim women in society and within the community.

-Content: Being content with what we have will help us leave materialism

-Coping: Coping with the burdens, life situations and people.

When you start implementing Confidence and contentment, you can start coping

www.wwags.org

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by Halima Begum

Stages of life pt1

August 22, 2011 in Character of a Muslim, Dhikr (Remembrance of God), General Islam, Health and wellbeing, Islam, Lifestyle, Muslim women, Purification of the heart, Society & Culture

Stages of Life

As we mature in life, our attitudes, values and character changes with age. This process takes time and most people evolve through a series of stages that can be described in five separate categories.  This section outlines the characteristics of each stage.
You may actually display characteristics in several stages simultaneously, but your behavior will likely be centered in a single stage.  Take a look at the characteristics in each stage and determine your primary behavior patterns.  There is no right or wrong, better or worse place to be.  Over time, you will notice an evolution to the next stage.  You can accelerate the evolution to the next stage through prayer and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).
Any attempt to prematurely leap to the next stage is the result of your ego wanting you to be someone you aren't.
The result of your progression through these stages will be:

- A reduced importance on material
- An increased focus on spiritual values
- Peace of mind
- A greater appreciation of life
- Improved mental and physical health
- A higher degree of patience
- A change in what is important to you
- The discovery of how to know Allah
- A vision of hope for a bright future


Stay tuned to get a closer look at 'a reduced importance on material'


Halima Begum www.wwags.org

															


							
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