SIGNS YOUR WASTING YOUR LIFE AWAY

1. You spend too much time doing things you shouldn’t be doingVideo games. Reality TV. Surfing the ‘net. Stuffing your face with too much food. Drinking too much. And the list goes on. Take a serious look at your life. Where are you spending the majority of your time? And does it serve you well? Is it leading to a better life? Is it laying the foundation for a bright future? If not, then you need to reevaluate your routine activities and make changes.
2. You find yourself complaining a lotI know people who are constantly overwhelmed with life, and they never cease to tell me. Are you one of those people? Do you complain about your job, your boss, your salary, your neighbors or your spouse? If you do, then you are doing nothing but exuding negative energy. Negativity doesn’t change things. It keeps you stuck. So change your thoughts and talk about what you appreciate about your life, not what you don’t like.
3. You don’t feed your mindIf you’re not continually growing and learning as a person, then you are stagnant – just like a still pond that doesn’t move and grows green gunk on it. That’s what your mind does if you don’t keep it active and learn new things. Positive challenges in your life will expand your mind, not send it backwards.
4. You have a lot of negative self-talkSelf-talk can make or break your life. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t… either way, you’re right.” If you tell yourself that you’re not smart enough to get that promotion or start a business, then you’re right. If you tell yourself you’re too exhausted to put effort into changing your life, then you’re right. Whatever you tell yourself becomes your reality. So closely monitor what you say to yourself, because you will find that your life matches your thoughts.
5. You feel uninspiredDo you have a passion for anything? I know a lot of people who think they don’t have a passion. But that’s never the case. There has to be something that you enjoy doing. So you need to rediscover what excites you, and then do more of it.
6. You don’t plan for your futureWhile it’s always great to live in the “now” and “be in the moment,” sometimes you need to look ahead to see where you want to go. If you don’t have a goal or a plan, then you are like a boat that is wandering aimlessly in the ocean hoping to end up somewhere good. But you can’t do that. You have to make a step-by-step guide to get where you want to go. Just like a GPS gets you to a destination, you need your own inner GPS to guide you.
7. You spend too much time with people who don’t contribute to your growthIt’s easy to get stuck hanging out with people who are not making you feel like a better person. But if you keep doing that, then you will stay stagnant or get pulled down with them. I like to call them “Energy Vampires.” They suck the life out of you and give you nothing positive in return. Instead, go find growth-oriented people to be around.
8. You’re addicted to your phoneSure, cell phones are super cool gadgets that can leave us entranced when we use them. While that’s fun, think about all the time you are wasting with your phone. Even worse, think about all the relationships that might be affected. Maybe you’re texting or searching the internet while you’re having dinner with your spouse or kids. If you are, you’re missing out on meaningful time you can spend with your loved ones – or time you could devote to making a plan for your future.
9. You spend money on things that don’t matterThere is a difference between a “need” and a “want.” I’m sure we all learned that in kindergarten. However, in today’s society, we have blurred the lines quite a bit (see #8… the cell phone). In fact, I know people who can’t pay their mortgage, but still have the fanciest gadgets on the planet. If you stop to think about it, there is very little that we actually need. Food, water, shelter and love are some of those things. All the rest are just bonuses. So look at what you’re spending your money on and see if you can make adjustments. Maybe you can use the money you save to invest in your future.
10. You don’t get enough sleepI’m not a medical doctor, but I have read enough books to know how vitally important sleep is. I could write 20 pages on it. But I obviously don’t have enough room in this short article. Sleep is crucial for good health. If you’re too busy to get enough sleep or if you simply have a bad habit of staying up until the wee hours of the morning, you should re-evaluate your habits.
11. You’re not taking care of your bodyNot only is sleep essential to your health, so is food and exercise. I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. But eating a balanced, healthy diet and moving your body around truly does have more positive effects other than weight loss. It affects your mental attitude and overall well-being. So take a look at your diet and level of activity. You might find that making a few small changes will greatly improve your life.
12. You don’t leave your comfort zoneI know how easy it is to live in a comfort zone. In fact, when I go to a familiar restaurant, I always order the same thing. Not because I’m afraid to try something new, but because I like the food I normally order. But that’s not the kind of comfort zone I’m talking about. I’m talking about taking a risk that will improve your life. And keep in mind, there is a difference between a “risk” and a “calculated risk.” Any risk has the possibility to be deadly, but a calculated risk is one in which you’ve weighed all options and thus come up with a good, sensible plan of action.
13. You’re living a life you don’t likeThe way I measure success is by someone’s level of happiness. Are you happy? If not, then you should change something! Even a feeling of contentment or satisfaction doesn’t tell you that you’re living life to the fullest. Life should be exciting! So if you’re not enjoying life, take a look at some of the changes you can make to get you to a better place. If any of these 13 points sounded like you, don’t despair. You can make changes. But the first change you need to make is getting rid of the idea that you can’t do it. Many times, your biggest obstacle is your own thought process. So start there. Change your thinking – then change your life.
By Carol Morgan 

HOW TO STOP THE ARROGANCE IN YOU? How Can You Identify Conceit?

Modesty is a great virtue. The famous Islamic scholar, Imam Abu Hamed Al-Ghazali, defined conceit as the feeling that you are better than any other creation of God. The cure is to compare yourself to those above you and better than you and strive to improve yourself continuously.

Simply, the more you really know yourself and know God, the less you are a victim of arrogance, because you start realizing your actual status and position in this world, and know that the universe does not revolve around you or your dreams and disappointments.

Good Muslims are not supposed to be a vain, know-it-all show off. They do not practice boasting and bragging. Conceit, vanity, smugness, arrogance, snobbery, pretentiousness, condescension, and self-importance haughtiness are not among their characteristics, simply because they are always mindful of God.

You are permitted to off-set your blessings in gratitude to your generous Lord, and as inspiration for others:

{But the bounty of your Lord; rehearse and proclaim!} (Ad-Duha 93:11)

Islamic Etiquette of Sleeping

Among the things that give a person immunity against any psychological disorders that might face man during sleeping is showing full compliance with the Prophet’s recommendation concerning the etiquette of getting ready for bed, such as reading well-known supplications, sleeping on the right side, and avoiding sleeping on the belly, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade sleeping on the belly.

A Muslim should not sleep on his belly especially as this may strengthen his sexual urge. In addition, it is an unhealthy manner of sleeping. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that one day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by a man sleeping on his belly. He tapped the man with his foot saying: “Such manner of sleeping is loathed by Allah” (Ibn Hibban).

Here, it is also beneficial to mention some Islamic manners of sleeping:

1-Try to sleep in the state of purity.

2-Dust your bed three times before you go to sleep.

3-Lie down on your right side, put your right hand under your right cheek and recite: “ O Allah! in Thy Name I live and die.”

4-Before you sleep recite Ayat al-Kursi and the two last verses of the same Surah.

5-Seek Allah’s forgiveness and His guidance.

6-Before you sleep recite once Surat Al-Mulk.

7-When you wake up recite: “Praise be to Allah Who brought to us life again after He has caused us to die and unto Him shall be the Resurrection.

Almighty Allah knows best.

99 Names of Allah SWT (Asma Al Husna)

Allah SWT is the founder of heavens and earths. According to Quran and Hadith there are 99 beautiful names of Allah which shows us his qualities. 99 Names of Allah are also known as Asma Al Husna. Following we are sharing these names of Allah SWT.

Allah
Ar-Rahman
Ar-Rahim
Al-Malik
Al-Quddus
As-Salam
Al-Mu’min
Al-Muhaymin
Al-Aziz
Al-Jabbar
Al-Mutakabbir
Al-Khaliq
Al-Bari
Al-Musawwir
Al-Ghaffar
Al-Qahhar
Al-Wahhab
Ar-Razzaq
Al-Fattah
Al-`Alim
Al-Qabid
Al-Basit
Al-Khafid
Ar-Rafi
Al-Mu’izz
Al-Mudhill
As-Sami
Al-Basir
Al-Hakam
Al-`Adl
Al-Latif
Al-Khabir
Al-Halim
Al-Azim
Al-Ghafur
Ash-Shakur
Al-Ali
Al-Kabir
Al-Hafiz
Al-Muqit
Al-Hasib
Al-Jalil
Al-Karim
Ar-Raqib
Al-Mujib
Al-Wasi
Al-Hakim
Al-Wadud
Al-Majid
Al-Ba’ith
Ash-Shahid
Al-Haqq
Al-Wakil
Al-Qawiyy
Al-Matin
Al-Waliyy
Al-Hamid
Al-Muhsi
Al-Mubdi’
Al-Mu’id
Al-Muhyi
Al-Mumit
Al-Hayy
Al-Qayyum
Al-Wajid
Al-Majid
Al-Wahid
As-Samad
Al-Qadir
Al-Muqtadir
Al-Muqaddim
Al-Mu’akhkhir
Al-Awwal
Al-Akhir
Az-Zahir
Al-Batin
Al-Wali
Al-Muta’ali
Al-Barr
At-Tawwab
Al-Muntaqim
Al-‘Afuww
Ar-Ra’uf
Malik-al-Mulk
Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram
Al-Muqsit
Al-Jami’
Al-Ghani
Al-Mughni
Al-Mani’
Ad-Darr
An-Nafi’
An-Nur
Al-Hadi
Al-Badi
Al-Baqi
Al-Warith
Ar-Rashid
As-Sabur

These are the 99 names of our Creator. Reciting them and remembering them is a great Virtue.

Muslims Changing Names for Work Opportunities

It is really unacceptable for employers to be biased or discriminate against employees or job-seekers on the basis of faith, race, color, etc. Employees and job-seekers could resort to labor unions to defend their equal rights and duties.Labor unions should not accept discrimination in whatever form against employees.

Islam generally recommends good names that bear good connotations. It is not a must for Muslims to bear Arab names. A Muslim, therefore, could be named after Prophets of God or good people. He could have any acceptable name that bears a good meaning in his language and society. Names that have anti-faith or bad meanings are not acceptable for Muslims.

If Muslims face extreme hardships to apply for jobs because of names, they may opt for common names that have good connotations. Names of all Prophets of God and of good meanings are acceptable for Muslims. Muslim communities, however, should always defend their equal rights and duties in any country they live in.

GOSSIPING, BACKBITING AND SLANDER

Talking about others includes three categories, namely gheebah (backbiting), nameemah (gossip), and buhtan (slander).

Backbiting is to say things about people in their absence, even though these things might be true, that they would not like to hear about themselves. Gossip means passing on the news of people with the intention of causing them harm or gaining a desired reward from those to whom the news is conveyed. Slander is to spread false information or lies about someone.

About backbiting, Allah says in the Quran what means:

{O you who believe, avoid much suspicion, for some suspicion is a sin. Neither spy on one another, nor backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would detest it, [so similarly, avoid backbiting]. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.} (Al-Hujurat 49:12)

We can avoid sinful use of our tongues by limiting the type of things we talk about as much as possible. We should spend more time listening to others than we do talking about others. After all, Allah gave us two ears and only one tongue!

If we find ourselves in the company of those who we know to be the gossipy type, we should try to get them to change the topic of discussion. If we are not able to do so, we should leave before we get involved in gossip or talk about useless things.

Spreading Gossip Is Un-Islamic

Islam commands Muslims to be of good characters and morals. Also, it asks them to steer clear of all evil traits such as backbiting, telling lies, spreading gossip, etc.

“Gossiping means passing on to others what you hear from someone in such a manner that will cause dissension among people, sour their relationships, or increase already-existing bitterness between them.

From the very early Makkah period of revelation, the Qur’an condemned this trait saying, ‘And do not obey any despicable man, ready with oaths, a slanderer, going among the people with calumnies.’ (Al-Qalam: 10-11)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon on him) said, ‘The one who spreads gossip which he has overheard will not enter the Garden.’ (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.), and, ‘The most evil among Allah’s servants are those who go about spreading gossip dividing those who love each other and desiring to defame those who are innocent.’ (Reported by Ahmad)

In order to foster peace and reconciliation, Islam permits a mediator to conceal the bad words said by one person against another and permits him to add some good words which, in fact, neither of them has said. This is not considered to be lying, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘He is not a liar who makes peace between two persons, saying what is good or adding something good.’ (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Islam’s anger is particularly directed against those people who, as soon as they hear something bad, hasten to recount it for the sake of currying favor or merely out of love of causing trouble and dissension. Indeed, many such people are not satisfied to simply repeat what they have heard but add to it or invent something of their own.

A man came to `Umar ibn `Abd Al-`Aziz and told him something about another person which the latter would have disliked being mentioned. Thereupon, `Umar said to him, ‘Let us examine your case: If you are lying, you are one of those who is mentioned in the Qur’anic verse, ‘If a wicked person brings you some news, investigate it’ (Al-Hujurat: 6), and if you are telling the truth, you are one of those mentioned in the Qur’anic verse, ‘A slanderer, going among the people with calumnies.’ (Al-Qalam: 11) But if you wish we may forgive you.’ The man replied, ‘Please forgive me, O Commander of the Believers. I shall never do it again.’ “

Behlool was on his way somewhere when he saw a man crying with his head down

Behlool was on his way somewhere when he saw a man crying with his head down, and looking as if he were a stranger. Behlool went near him, saluted him, and said, “What sort of injustice has occurred upon you that you are so sorrowful and grievous?”

“I am an African foreigner. When I arrived in this city, I decided to bathe and rest for a few days. I had some coins and jewels that I deposited in a perfumer’s shop from fear of thieves. A few days later I asked for my deposit back, but he called me bad names and made it known that I was crazy.”

“Don’t worry. I will go to that perfumery and bring your deposit easily back to you.”

Then he asked who that perfumer was, and when he recognized him, Behlool said to the foreigner, “I will be found at that perfumer’s tomorrow at such-and-such a time. You come to his shop at the appointed time, but do not talk to me at all, and tell the perfumer to return your deposit.”
The African agreed.

Behlool immediately went to the perfumer and said, “I plan to go to the city of Khorasan. I have some jewels that equal 30,000 Dinars. I want to deposit them with you so that when I come back safe and alive, I will take those jewels back from you; and if I don’t return by such-and-such a date, then you are free and responsible to sell those jewels and have a mosque made from their money.”

The perfumer became very happy at this and asked, “You are most welcome; when will you bring your deposit?”

Behlool said, “Tomorrow at such-and-such a time.” Saying this, he went away. Then he had a leather bag made. He filled it up with some iron and glass pieces, then securely sewed its mouth shut.

Then he went to the perfumer’s shop at the appointed time. The perfumer saw the bag and thought it was full of jewels, so he was very happy. The foreigner also arrived exactly then, and asked for his deposit.

The perfumer immediately said to his slave, “In the basement in such-and-such a place is this person’s deposited bag. Immediately bring it and give it to him.”

The servant did so. The foreigner took it and went away, blessing Behlool with all his heart.

———— ——— ——— ——— —

Behlool was born in Kufa and his real name is Wahab bin Amr.

Haroun Rashid (Abassid tyrant: 17 March 763 – 24 March 809, born in Rayy near Tehran, Iran and was the fifth and most famous Abbasid Caliph, ruled from 786 to 809) feared for the safety of his Khalifate and kingdom from the 7th Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.); therefore, he tried to destroy the Imam.

Haroun thought of a trick by which he could kill the Holy Imam. He put the blame of rebellion upon the Imam and demanded a judicial decree from the pious people of his time, which included Behlool.

Everyone gave the decree except Behlool, who opposed the decision. He immediately went to the Imam and informed him of the circumstances, and asked for advice and guidance. Then and there the Imam told him to act insanely.

Because of the situation, Behlool acted insanely by the Imam’s order. By doing this, he was saved from Haroun’s punishment.

Now, without any fear of danger, and in amusing ways, Behlool
protected himself from tyrannies. He insulted the notorious Khalifa and his courtiers just by talking.

Nevertheless, people acknowledged his superior wisdom and excellence. Even today many of his stories are narrated in assemblies and teach the listeners valuable lessons.

Before becoming insane, Behlool lived a life of influence and power, but after obeying the Imam’s order, he turned his face away from the majesty and splendor of the world. In reality, he became crazy over Allah. He dressed in rags, preferred desolate places over Haroun’s palaces, lived on a bite of stale bread. He did not accept favors from or depend upon Haroun or those like him. Behlool considered himself better than the Khalifa and his courtiers because of his way of life.

Behlool was sincerely devoted to Allah; he was an intelligent and virtuous scholar. He was the master of the mind and manners; he spoke with the best of answers ready on his lips; he protected his faith and the Shariah. Behlool became insane at the Imam’s command for the love of Ahlul Bayt, and so he could enforce the rights of which they had been wronged. There was no other way for Behlool to protect his life.

The Maximum Time to Live Away from Wife

The maximum limit a husband is allowed to be away from his wife is four months, or six months in the view of the scholars of the Hanbali School. This is the maximum period a woman can endure separation from her husband.

Exegetes of the Glorious Qur’an narrate the following incident in support of this opinion:

One night the Caliph `Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) was making his rounds of Madinah when he heard a woman singing:

The night is long, darkness all around me;

I am sleepless, for I have no friend to play with.

By Allah, had there been no fear of Him,

This cot would be shaking from side to side.

Upon investigation, `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) found that the woman’s husband had been on a military expedition for a long time. He then asked his daughter, Hafsah, a widow of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) “How long can a woman endure separation from her husband?” She replied, “Four months.” As a consequence, he decided that he would not send a married man away from his wife for a period exceeding four months.

However, if your wife agrees to give up this right for more than this period, and allow you to travel until she is able to join you, then it is lawful and there is no wrong in this.

Allah Almighty knows best.

ACTS THAT DO NOT NULLIFY ABLUTION:

1.Touching a woman

`A’ishah reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) kissed her while he was fasting and said, “Kissing does not nullify the ablution, nor does it break the fast.” (Reported by Ishaq ibn Rahawaih and Al-Bazzar with a good chain of transmission.)

`A’ishah also said, “One night, I missed Allah’s Messenger in my bed, and so went to look for him. I put my hand on the bottom of his feet while he was praying and saying, ‘O Allah, I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger, in Your forgiveness from Your punishment, in You from You. I cannot praise you as You have praised Yourself.’” (Reported by Muslim and At-Tirmidhi, who classified it as sahih), and she also reported, “The Prophet kissed some of his wives and went to Prayer, without performing ablution.” (Reported by Ahmad and “the four” and its narrators are trustworthy.) She also said, “I would sleep in front of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with my feet in the direction of the qiblah (to him). When he prostrated, he would touch me, and I would move my feet.” In another narration it says, “When he wanted to prostrate, he would touch my legs.”

2.Bleeding

This involves bleeding due to a wound, cupping or a nosebleed, and regardless of the quantity of blood.

Al-Hassan says, “The Muslims used to pray even while wounded.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) He also reported, “Ibn `Umar squeezed a pimple until it bled, but he did not renew his ablution. Ibn Abi `Uqiyy spat blood and continued his Prayer. `Umar ibn Al-Khattab prayed while blood was flowing from him. `Ibbad ibn Bishr was hit with an arrow while praying, but continued his Prayers.” (Reported by Abu Dawud, Ibn Khuzaimah, and Al-Bukhari.)

3.Vomit

Regardless of whether the amount of vomit is great or small, there is no authentic Hadith stating that it nullifies ablution.

4.Having doubts about releasing gas

This is the case where a person is not quite sure whether he is in a state of purity or not. Such a confusing state of mind does not nullify ablution, regardless of whether the person is in Prayer or not, until he is certain that his ablution has been nullified. `Abbad ibn Tameem related that his uncle queried the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about a person who feels something in his abdomen while praying. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “He should not leave (the Prayer) until he has heard or smelled it.” (Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi). It does not mean that its sound or bad smell nullifies ablution, but that one must be certain of the act that nullifies one’s ablution. Ibn Al-Mubarak said: “If one is uncertain about one’s condition of purity, one does not need to perform a new ablution.” Further, if one is certain that his ablution has been nullified and doubts whether he has purified himself or not, he must perform a new ablution.”

Allah Almighty knows best.

Be Humble: It’s a Sunnah:The essence of being Muslim is being humble

The word “Muslim” itself means to submit oneself in ultimate humbleness to Allah.

But it is a great irony of the human soul that when we become more humble and submissive to Allah, we fall into a grave trap. We tend to grow in arrogance because we feel our level of submission is better than that of others.

It was this same trap that Satan fell into. Once upon a time, Iblis (Satan) was so pious that he was allowed to worship with the angels. In one twist of events, Iblis was cast out and became the accursed.

He refused to bow to Allah’s creation of man because he thought himself to be better than man.

{(Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘Truly I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him…

(Allah) said: ‘O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with both my hands? Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?’

(Iblis) said “I am better than he. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.} (Quran 38: 71-76)

It is true that we, mankind and Iblis and his kind, were created differently. And it was this difference that caused Iblis to be proud, to hate mankind and become cursed by Allah. We can see this same arrogance and haughtiness played out every day in the hearts of mankind.

Whether we perceive ourselves to be more pious, more intelligent, better at making money, or just from a better race of people, we too often get caught in the trap of thinking we are better. And we end up hating those who are different from us out of arrogance.

Allah says:

{And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster.} (Quran 31:18)

Allah has created all of us differently with an array of strengths and weaknesses.

So, how can we avoid becoming arrogant toward others as Satan is toward us?

How can we truly be humble?

The best example is that of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After all he was truly the best of creation and the most humble.

Cellphone Hazards-Dos and Dont’s:

– Use landlines instead of mobiles wherever possible.

– Don’t use a cellphone if the signal is weak-that’s when they shoot out more radiation.

– Talk less, text more; invest in a hands-free kit.

– Opt for a low SAR (specific absorption rate) phone and avoid sleeping with it.

– Children below eight should not be allowed to use mobile phones except in emergencies.

– It’s difficult, but try not to use a cellphone for more than one-two minutes at a stretch.

– Try to live away from a cell phone tower-ideally more than five km away.

7 Reasons Why You Should Worry

The data is mixed and experts differ. But there’s growing concern that the ubiquitous wireless technology has the potential to become the next public health disaster.

Heating trouble

Cellphones generate heat and these radio frequencies are absorbed mostly by the head and neck. Heavy use increases the risk of raised cellular, tissue as well as body temperature.

Pregnancy and fertility

Pregnant women more likely to have children with problems. Cellphones can affect male fertility, too.

Genetic danger

Cellphone and cellphone tower radiation stress cells, releasing DNA-damaging free radicals and stress proteins that can cause degenerative brain damage like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis.

Sleep disorders

May activate brain’s stress system; make people more alert, bring down the ability to wind down and reduce sleep.

Children run a greater risk

With their developing nervous system, growing tissues, thinner skulls, children run a greater risk of energy absorption. It can lead to memory loss, inability to learn and behavioural issues.

Long-term effects

Over 10 years of heavy cellphone use can double the risk of brain cancer and up the risk of ear tumours by four times. Long-term use, especially on one ear, may damage tissues in the inner ear and lead to deafness.

Cancer and tumours

Some researchers hold that radiofrequency fields are tumour initiators or they increase the uptake of carcinogens in cells. The World Health Organisation Interphone study in 2008 suggested a connection between long-term use and three types of tumours: glioma, cancer of the parotid (a salivary gland near the ear) and acoustic neuroma (a tumour that occurs where the ear meets the brain).

ANTI HOMOSEXUAL AND ANTI MINI SKIRTS BILLS ARE WELCOME

Thank you, Uganda MPs!: It is agreed that immoral dressing is doubtlessly a foreign idea that imposes on the Ugandan culture in the name of “modernization” or “civilization.” Many Ugandans of all walks of life had called upon the government to pass a bill prohibiting improper dress and to arrest those who dress indecently in offices and at public functions.

First of all, it should be clear that Islamic dress code for women is primarily intended to safeguard their modesty, dignity, and honor. Though Islam doesn’t force women to wear a specific style or type of clothes, it declares some conditions that the Muslim woman dress should meet. While abiding by these Islamic ethics, a woman can still choose good-looking and comfortable clothes. As a Muslim, you should wear proper clothes that meet the Shari`ah conditions. In case you are not able to buy new clothes that meet the requirements of hijab, try to pick and choose from among your clothes what is suitable and acceptable. You will be greatly rewarded by Allah for abiding by these ethics. Following are the requirements that your clothes should meet:

1. They should cover all your body with the exception of the hands and face.

2. They should not be transparent or revealing.

3. They should not be tight in a way that shows your body features; the clothes should be loose-fitting.

4. They should not be clothes that are peculiar to men in your community; women should not wear clothes that are known to be worn only by men and vice versa.

Having stated the above, it should be clear that Islam does not ask women to wear a specific style or type of clothes. Hence, any clothes that you wear which meet the above requirements—whether it is one, two, or three pieces, or it is made of jeans, cotton, or polyester—are acceptable.

Moreover, the focus is only on women’s clothing, while the criteria for Islamic dress code and accompanying conduct extend to both men and women. According to the Quran and Sunnah, there are basically six criteria for Islamic clothing:

1. Obligatory cover: males should cover at least from the navel to the knees, and women should cover the complete body except the face and the hands. Some scholars see that the face and the hands should also be covered, especially if temptation (fitnah) is feared or if security is scarce.

The remaining criteria are the same for men and women. Islamic clothes for both sexes should NOT be:

2. So tight to the extent of detailing the figure.
3. Transparent or see-through.
4. So glamorous meant only to attract attention.
5. Particular of the opposite sex.
6. Resembling styles that identify — or are symbols of — the unbelievers’ religions.

DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL IF YOU ARE A MUSLIM:

Islam has a total prohibition on alcohol and all intoxicants. They are forbidden to Muslims. For many people, the problems of this world are too much to bear. Having no faith, or not enough faith to sustain them and give them hope, they turn to drinking.Allah never asks of us more than we can do, so His injunction against alcohol was delivered in stages. Life in the Arabian Peninsula before Islam was very harsh and people had to be very tough in order to survive. Not only the inhospitable nature of the land, but fierce feuding between tribes, the despicable practice of burying unwanted female babies alive, slavery, and immorality were common.

The people turned to worshipping idols as their way out, beseeching statues of wood and stone to save them. The drinking of alcohol and its associated drunkenness and bad behavior were symptoms of the solace they sought from life’s troubles. Alcohol was readily available and shops selling it were open at all times to quench the people’s thirst for respite from their woes.

When the message of Islam was first delivered, then, alcohol was readily available and frequently consumed. At first, the Muslims were told in the Qur’an that they should not turn up drunk for the Prayers in the mosque:

{O you who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until you can understand all that you say} (An-Nisaa’ 4:43)

How could they concentrate on praising Allah if their minds were clouded by strong drink? It still remained possible, though, for them to continue consuming wine and other beverages. At a later stage, another revelation was received which told them that there was some good to be found in alcohol, as people would tell us today, but that this was outweighed by the bad:

{They ask you concerning alcohol and gambling. Say: ‘In them is a great sin, and some benefits for men, but the sin is far greater than the benefits.} (Al-Baqarah 2:219)

Muslims began to question, after the revelation of this verse, whether perhaps drinking alcohol was the best thing for them to do, even though it was not yet forbidden, and many stopped drinking from this time onward. Drunkenness began to be seen as something shameful and not befitting the high moral standards of which Muslims were called to be the best examples. Muslims would help each other in giving up alcohol, supporting and encouraging those who found it difficult.

Finally, a verse was revealed to the Muslims in Madinah which totally forbade alcohol:

{You who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Eschew such abomination, that you may prosper. Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer; will you not then abstain?} (Al-Ma’idah 5:90-91)

From that day forward, alcohol became forbidden. The word used in the Qur’an, by the way, is Al-khamr, which comes from a word meaning “to ferment,” so it is usually translated as wine or alcohol. However, as more modern mind-altering drugs have become available, these, too, have been understood to fall within the prohibition.

So, we can see how Almighty Allah weaned the Muslims away from what was harmful to them. At first, Allah hinted that it might not be good since it would affect their Prayers. Then He said that it did have some good but was mostly bad. Finally, Allah declared it to be the work of Satan.

The early Muslims could not have known what recent medical and scientific studies have shown about alcohol. They could not have known, for example, that it acts as a depressant to the nervous system and that it can cause shrinking of the brain and even senility. They could not have known that alcohol can affect the digestive system, cause high blood pressure, even in small amounts increase the risk of brain hemorrhage and strokes, or that it can affect sleep patterns. Subhan Allah that these things were prevented for Muslims 1400 years ago!

So, the answer to why alcohol is forbidden is clear: It is harmful to us. It is harmful to us, physically, and it also harms us as people.

STOP SPREADING FALSE INFORMATION

EVILS OF FALSE WITNESSING

Source: http://humanpeace.weebly.com

Narrated Abu Bakra: The Prophet(PBUH) said thrice, “Should I inform you out the greatest of the great sins?” They said, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “To join others in worship with Allah and to be undutiful to one’s parents.” The Prophet then sat up after he had been reclining (on a pillow) and said, “And I warn you against giving a false witness, and he kept on saying that warning till we thought he would not stop.(Sahih Bukhari Book 52, Hadith 18)

Bearing false witness, spreading fake news, submitting wrong testimonials, telling lies are sins related to each other. Believers should keep away from these habits. Prophet has included bearing false witness along with great sins like shirk (associating partners with Allah) and doing harm to parents. This itself signifies the severity of this vice.

‘Not to associate anything and anyone in worship with Allah’ means understanding the creator in real sense and then submitting all forms of worships only to Him. ‘Not to be undutiful to parents means keeping the sanctity of family relations. Prophet(PBUH) has told in another incident that the very first in strong and sacred relations is the relation with parents and the greatest obligation of a person is to his mother and then to his father.

The level of purity and moral uplift we should keep in social life is signified by ‘do not bear false witness’. It is one of the first norm of Islamic culture that one should not harm his fellow beings either by his words or through his deeds. We can see numerous mentions of this in Quran and Hadith. Not only with words or deeds, but even with a gesture or physical expressions a believer should not harm those who are his brothers and fellow beings.

Prophet (PBUH) said:
“It is enough evil for a Muslim to look down upon his (Muslim) brother.” (Muslim – Riyadussaliheen Book 18, Hadith 1574 )

“A believer is not vulgar in his argument, he does not taunt, curse, abuse or talk indecently.” (Tirmidhi)

“A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Believers with his tongue or his hands. And a Muhajir (an emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 81:6563)

When explaining the traits of righteous believers, Allah tells in Qura’n – “And [they are] those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity” (Qura’n 25:72)

The importance Islam gives to the way a believer treats his fellow beings is significant from above verses.

A false witness may cause for innocent people being tortured and a verdict is falsified. Though those who bear a false witness will have a temporary gain in this world, it will definitely be a great cause for grief in the later life and hereafter.

Causes people to people relationships to fall apart, sprouts suspicions and divisions in society, innocent people getting tortured, lose of peace and tranquility, all these are the aftermaths of false witness and spreading false information in this world and this will surely cause for a great disaster in the world hereafter. Believers should be careful to stay away from such evils.

English rendering of article written by KPS Farooqi filed under Guest Articles

May Allah guide us all on the right path.

Video:The life of Ali bin abi Talib [Sunni view] Caliph Umar and Caliph Abubakar

Watch the video about Ali. Also find out why Shias never name their sons: Abubakar, Umar or Uthuman. Make a DVD out of it and donate it as UMBS library. When UMBS gets its headquarters, staff like these should be preserved and distrubuted to Muslim schools in Uganda

Umar ibn Khattab- The Legend

Video: The Life of Abu Bakr As Siddiq -You have all read about his life, his friendsship with Prophet Muhammad( SAW), please watch this documenatary to cement your knowledge about caliph Abubakr. Let this be today’s UMBS khutuba evenif we are not in a mosque. Tell us what you leran from this friendship the prophet(SAW) had with Abubakr. Tell us what you have learned inishallah.

Why do we have problems in our lives?

Allah Almighty is All-Knowing and All-Wise. He is also the Most Compassionate, and Most Merciful, without doubt. Yet, in His Ultimate Wisdom, Allaah afflicts His slaves from time to time with disasters and calamities, the reasons for which cannot, fully, be comprehended. And it is not befitting any of his creatures to question His Doings.

“He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs)”.

However, some of the reasons may be as follows. And Allaah knows best.

1) Through calamities, Allah tests the Believers:
a)Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: We believe, – and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. [al-Ankaboot:2]

b)Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, When (will come) the Help of Allah? Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near! [al-Baqarah:214]

2) Through calamities, Allah forgives sins and raises our status:
The Prophet (pbuh – peace be upon him) said: There is nothing that befalls a believer, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allah will record one good deed for him and will remove one bad deed from him. (Muslim).

Also, he (pbuh) said: Trials will continue to befall the believing man and woman, with regard to themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allah with no sin on them. (Tirmidhi- Saheeh)

3) Through calamities, Allah distinguishes between people:
By testing us, Allah filters the pure from the evil, the good from the bad, the true from the false, the believer from the hypocrite.

a)Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good [Aal Imraan:179]

b)And Allaah will certainly make  known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all that before putting them to test) [al-Ankaboot:3]

4) Through disasters, Allah warns us & reminds us so we may return to Him:
This is one of the greatest reasons behind calamities and trials, that Allah warns us to correct our mistakes and mend our ways. If we do so, it is good only for us. If we dont pay heed, surely, only WE are the losers.

a)Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad). And We seized them with extreme poverty and loss in health (with calamities) so that they might humble themselves (believe with humility).[Anaam :42]

b)See they not that they are put in trial once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it) [al-Tawbah:126]

5) Calamities and disasters strike because of our sins:
And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much [al-Shoora:30]

6) Disasters and calamities are a means of punishment:
And indeed, We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong, while their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe! Thus do We requite the people who are Mujrimoon (criminals) [Yoonus:13]

7) If one is patient, they are also a means of great reward in the Hereafter:
The Prophet (pbuh) said: On the Day of Resurrection, when people who had suffered affliction are given their reward, those who were healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world (when they see the great REWARD for suffering) (Tirmidhi- Saheeh)

8) Disasters and calamities are reminders that the world is only temporary:
If the world were free of calamities, man would love it more and feel content with it, and would forget about the Hereafter. But calamities wake him up from his negligence and make him strive for the place (al-Jannah) in which there are NO calamities or trials.

9) Calamities and trials remind us that we are SO weak:
Problems and disasters are a sign of man’s weakness and his need for his Lord. Man cannot succeed unless he realizes his need for his Lord and starts beseeching Him.

10) Worship during hard times has a special favor and a special reward.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: Worshipping at times of tribulation and confusion is like migrating to join me. (Muslim)

11) Calamities make a person appreciate the blessings he has from Allah:
Blessings that come after pain, hardship and calamity are more precious to people. So then they appreciate the blessings as they should be appreciated, and thank Allah.
If things are always easy, a person may forget all the blessing given to him By Allah and not be grateful for it, so Allaah tests him by taking some of them away , as a reminder to him to be grateful for it. And, only the one whose heart is open will feel this. Those who have no heart do not give thanks for the blessings of Allah, rather they are arrogant towards Allah and His creation.

12) When Muslims help those Muslims who have been afflicted by calamity, they will be rewarded for that.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of the body; when one part of it suffers, the rest of the body joins it in staying awake and suffering fever. (Bukhaari, Muslim)

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ABBEY KIBIRIGE SEMUWEMBA

The Most beautiful character

“Those who suppress their anger, and forgive other people – assuredly, Allah loves those who do good.” (3:134)

Bukhaaree and Muslim relate that ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr (radee Allaahu ‘anhu – may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah, (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) was never immoderate or obscene. He used to say, ‘Among those who are most beloved to me are those who have the best character’.”

They also narrate that Aa’ishah (radee Allaahu ‘anhaa – may Allah be pleased with her) said: “Never was the Messenger of Allah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) given the choice between two things without choosing the easier of them, as long as it entailed no sin. If it did entail sin, he was of all people the most remote from it. Never did he seek revenge for something done against himself; but when the sanctity of Allah was challenged, he would take vengeance for His sake alone.”

The meaning of good character is the inclination of the soul towards gentle and praiseworthy acts. This may take place in one’s personal actions for Allah Most High, or in actions which involve other people. In the former case, the slave of Allah has an open and welcoming heart for His commandments and prohibitions, and does what He has imposed on him happily and easily, and abstains from the things which He has forbidden him with full contentment, and without the least dissatisfaction. He likes to perform optional good acts, and abstains from many permitted things for the sake of Allah Most High whenever he decides that to abstain in that way he would be closer to perfect slavehood to Him. This he does with a contented heart, and without feeling any resentment or hardship.

When he deals with other people, he is tolerant when claiming what is his right, and does not ask for anything which is not; but he discharges all the duties which he has towards others. When he falls ill or returns from a trip, and no-one visits him, or when he gives a greeting which is not returned, or when he is a guest but is not honoured, or intercedes but is not responded to, or does a good turn for which he is not thanked, or joins a group of people who do not make room for him to sit, or speaks and is not listened to, or asks permission of a friend to enter, and is not granted it, or proposes to a woman, and is not allowed to marry her, or ask for more time to repay a debt, but is not given more time, or asks for it to be reduced, but is not permitted this, and all similar cases, he does not grow angry, or seek to punish people, or feel within himself that he has been snubbed, or ignored; neither does he try to retaliate with the same treatment when able to do so, but instead tells himself that he does not mind any of these things, and responds to each one of them with something which is better, and closer to goodness and piety, and is more praiseworthy and pleasing. He remembers to carry out his duties to others just as he remembers their duties towards himself, so that when one of his Muslim brethren falls ill he visits him, if he is asked to intercede, he does so, if he is asked for a respite in repaying a debt he agrees, and if someone needs assistance he gives it, and if someone asks for favourable terms in a sale, he consents, all without looking to see how the other person had dealt with him in the past, and to find out how other people behave. Instead, he makes “what is better” the imam (leader) of his soul, and obeys it completely.

Good character may be something which a man is born with, or it may be acquired. However, it may only be acquired from someone who has it more firmly rooted in his nature than his own. It is well known that a man of sensible opinion can become even more sensible by keeping the company of intelligent and sensible people, and that a learned or a righteous man can learn even more by sitting with other people or learning or righteousness; therefore it cannot be denied that a man of beautiful character may acquire an even more beautiful character by being with people whose characters are superior to his own.

And Allah gives success!

By: Imaam al-Bayhaqi

How Should I Act as a Muslim on a University Campus?

Waleed Kadous*

 

Personal Responsibilities

As a Muslim student at your university campus, you have certain responsibilities to yourself and to the Muslim community in general, for which, no doubt, Allah will reward you. These are very simple things to do, and they do not take much time. More than anything else, they are really about an Islamic attitude, rather than a prescriptive list of dos and don’ts.

First of all, it is important to be proud of being Muslim. Many Muslims I know hide their Islam, as if it is something to be embarrassed about. This is understandable to a certain extent, given the bad rap that Muslims get in the media today, but it does not make it right. There is a lot to be proud of about being Muslim: historically, the activities of the Muslims as scientists and scholars formed the basis for the European Renaissance (a debt which many historians ‘forget’ about), as well as creating a stable, just society for more than 800 years; and morally, being Muslims means that you adhere to a set of beliefs and forms of behaviour that elevate you.

Put it this way: If homosexuals can go on about ‘gay pride’, and the thing that they are proud of is something that Islam considers an abomination; then how proud should we be knowing that we are on the right path?

What does this imply practically? It means that I should not be ashamed to let people know of my Islamic heritage, be it through what I say, what I wear, what I eat, what I spend my time on, or whatever. If you are going to pray, say, ‘Excuse me for a moment, I need to go pray to my God,’ instead of some made-up excuse, like ‘Excuse me – I need to meet someone’, or the like. Be up front about it when doing your Islamic duties!

Amazingly, this is not as difficult as it sounds. People usually approach universities with an open mind; and it is likely that they will not mind at all. It may even evoke some curiosity in some people. When I told one person the above, he said, ‘Gee, do you mind if I watch?’ If people see you doing things diligently and sincerely, they develop a respect for you and your religion, even if they do not believe in it.

The effects of Muslim pride are beneficial in a number of ways. Firstly, it ‘backs up’ other Muslims on campus, who no longer feel as isolated about being Muslims. Seeing someone else who is proud to be Muslim lifts another Muslim’s spirit incredibly – when I see someone wearing an Islamic T-shirt, or a sister wearing Hijaab, it still has this effect on me, and I feel like going up to them and congratulating them. Secondly, when people see Muslims being so proud, it invokes curiosity and interest in them, which may be the door for Allah guiding them to the correct path. You will be surprised how many times you will be asked questions about Islam, without having to do anything ‘active’.

When the opportunities do arise, inform them about Islam; in this way you will be fulfilling your obligation for Da’wah. Do not be too forceful in this, as it says in the Qur’an [16:125] ‘Invite to the Way of your Lord with wisdom, and good, well behaved teaching, and discuss with them in the best way possible.’ In this way, you may affect their perception of Islam. While they may not become Muslim (although these things are in the hands of Allah, and Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path), they will at least know a little more about Islam, from an authentic source, rather than from some misinformed (or even worse, deliberately misinforming) journalist.

But there is a caveat to all of this, which is: what is the point of being proud of Islam if its effects are not perceived in your actions? Muslim pride should be backed up in every step of the way by the corresponding actions. There is no point talking to people about the importance of good manners in Islam if you do not follow it up with your own actions. As clichéd as it is, ‘actions speak louder than words’ applies particularly in this situation.

Remember that you are a walking example of Islam, and that almost everything you do in public will not only reflect on you, but also to some extent on Islam itself. You should reflect all the attributes that make you proud to be Muslim: honesty, sincerity, trustworthiness, cleanliness, politeness and so on. When people see these characteristics in you, they will not only like you as a person (which they inevitably will, unless it is a group of people the likes of whom you should not be associating with in the first place), they will also be curious as to its origin; and seeing you are Muslim will now have a somewhat more positive image of Islam than they may have had before. This also means that you should fulfill your Islamic obligations in other ways as well. For example, there is no excuse for you not to pray on campus. There are prayer rooms at most universities, and even if there are not there are many quiet places to be found that can serve as a place to pray. There is no reason not to dress Islamically, since there are no rules about dress (other than those of the general community).

Communal Responsibilities

As well as your responsibilities at a personal level, it is always good to participate in communal activities. There are Muslim student associations or Islamic societies at almost all the western universities. These should be an important component of your student life.

These associations or societies have a set of goals they try to achieve. These, though vary from university to university, basically are:
* Spreading the Message of Islam throughout campus and the wider
community.
* Making it easier for Muslims to be Muslims on campus by
providing facilities for Muslims and lobbying the university administration
on Muslims’ behalf.
* Educating Muslims about their own religion.
* Defending Islam when it is attacked.

Muslim student associations or societies are special in that they are very multicultural, with Muslims from different parts of the world. Also, most of the members are educated, which makes it a unique Islamic environment in many ways, since these are two of the problems, which seem to plague the wider Muslim community. These are run by volunteers who probably do not have much more free time than you, so do not expect a ‘professional service’. They put a lot of energy just into keeping their associations or societies running, and even more effort is involved when special events are held.

The very least you can do to support the Islamic society or association of your university is to show up at different programmes and occasions they organise. They are probably free, and you might just learn something useful. Showing up indicates to the organisers that there are people out there interested in Islam and its message. There are few things more disheartening than putting hours and hours of effort into an event (that may even have been requested by the members) and then to see not many people show up (not even the people who suggested it!!) – it creates a feeling like ‘why do we bother’ in the minds of those who put the effort in.

But that is the bare minimum that Muslims should do. There is so much more that they can help with. Most associations or societies are involved in the following to a lesser or greater extent: Da’wah, education, social events, sports, cleaning and maintenance, student tutoring, special committees for sisters, student politics, publications and many others. I am sure you will be able to find a niche in any Islamic association or society where you will apply your skills! People running those Islamic societies or associations will be more than happy to help you find some way you can contribute.

Feel free to speak your mind and make suggestions; but please do not use ‘hit and run [away]’ technique. By this I mean that you go up to someone working for the Islamic society or association and hit them with an idea saying: ‘This should be done,’ naming something that you feel is important and then run away expecting it to be done. What you should say is: ‘We should do this’ or ‘I want to do this for the sake of Islam, how can you support me?’ so that you not only make a suggestion but is a critical part of following up on it.

Remember that in any association or society with more than one person in it, you are going to get differences of opinion about anything, and Muslim student organisations or societies are no exceptions. Perhaps this is slightly more so because of the wide variety of cultures their members come from. But it is important to remember that these differences are about how we do things, not about the underlying reasons for doing them. We have to keep the differences above personal level remembering that we are Muslims and that one of the defining characteristics of Muslims is that they love their brothers and sisters (the Prophet said: ‘One of you does not truly believe until s/he likes for themselves what they like for their fellow Muslims.’). If we can remember this, differences of opinion may come healthy.

May Allah help you adjust to university life, and not to squander the opportunities present there. University, like many other things, is not in itself good or bad; it is what you do there that makes all the difference. May Allah guide us all to using us for what He sees best, and may He guide us all to the correct path of action!

—
Rehema
Patriot in Kampala,East Africa
When the boot of government is on your neck,it doesn’t matter if it’s left or right. Today is Buganda, tomorrow is some one else. Click on both links to listen to these revolutionary songs, courtesy of UAH Forum:
http://ugandansatheart.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/president-final-mix.mp3

http://ugandansatheart.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/revolution-final-mix.mp3”
—
بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organisation devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: uganda-muslim-brothers-and-sisters+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com or abbeysemuwemba@gmail.com.شكرا (جزيلا

Exclusive Interview: Shah Abdul Hannan

Interviewer: Shakil Abdullah

“Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, charity and prayer?” On receiving the reply, ‘Certainly’, he said, “It is putting things right between people, for to incite people to dispute is like a razor.” (Hadith reported by Al-Tirmidhi and others)

Shah Abdul Hannan,
President, Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought, Dhaka, Bangladesh

WPI:
What should be the nature of communication between men and women from Islamic perspective?

Shah Abdul Hannan (SAH):
Communication between man and woman or boys and girls is an extremely sensitive issue. The west has neglected this issue and I believe or Islamists believe that they are suffering. One of the reasons for western suffering is their carelessness in this matter. Islam takes a very careful approach about it. It thinks about the possible effects. Islam gives attention to the integrity of family. It wants clean sexual life. It doesn’t want any mix-up of paternity or maternity. It doesn’t want single mother or too many divorces etc. So naturally Islam has taken a very careful approach in communication or even mixing with men or women. While communicating between the two genders or between the two sexes, the maximum care should be taken at the vulnerable age. It should be minimum at that age. The vulnerable age before marriage or teens or school life or college life is the period when communication has to be very careful. I would suggest that the communication whether it is direct or through telephone or through present day mobile phones, should be minimum in this vulnerable age. Only normal and natural discussion may take place in public. I cannot define here what is normal or natural because there can be many opinions about it. But generally we understand what is normal or what is natural. And this normal and natural communication may take place, nothing more than that. Moreover this should take place in public, not in privacy or not in secrecy. Islam feels that while communicating, if a man or a woman feels at a point of time that lust is overtaking him or her, bad emotions are overtaking him or her, he or she should give up this communication. So this is a very touchy issue. People have many opinions. There are people who want total blockage of this communication and there are people who want total communication. But if you look at the golden time of prophet (SAAS) you would find that social communication between man and woman was there. In the six volumes of the book “Freedom of women at the time of Prophet (SAAS)” by Dr. Abdul Halim Abu Shukkah, any person will find out many examples of such communications between them. So prophetic time it was not total blockage. It was also not total freedom that you discuss everything in private. There may be different opinions. But I feel communication cannot be avoided. But this should be minimum in the vulnerable age. If they study in co-education then their communication has to be minimum and only the natural ones only the normal ones may be allowed nothing beyond that. If they study in co-education system, for example in west where there is no other option but to study in the co-education school, there also they should feel that it should be normal and natural only. I may require something from a boy I just ask for that or I have to give something I give that. No regular contacts and mix-ups. This is the Islamic objective. But the real situation may demand something less or something more – that is I am not tackling.

WPI:
Co-education has become accepted norms through out the world. Do you consider it acceptable from Islamic perspective?

SAH:
I feel, there is no problem in co-education till the age of ten or twelve, what we call primary level up to grade five. And this is happening in our country for a long time and of course in the west also. There after, in the high school or college level that is I mean up to grade ten or grade twelve, I feel this is the vulnerable period of the life of boys and girls. So it is much better to have separate educations – colleges and schools and this will help us in avoiding the bad consequences of the west. We have just seen in the American election that the vice-president nominate of the Republican Party, Governor Palin had her daughter pregnant and she had to face the situation. Lots of criticism and discussion came and her daughter was in school only. So I think this is the difference between Islam and the modern western system. Islam gives high priority to family, high priority to sexual purity and they think sex is like commodity or women are like commodity or men are like commodity. So this is one of the borders of Islam and Gayer Islam (non- Islam) I would say. And I believe that Islamic position is much better and we have to defend it very strongly and we should not feel weak about it. I have said about school (high school) and college. As regards Universities, we find today in some Muslim countries, they have separate campuses. For example in Saudi Arabia women have separate campuses in their University education and female students are now equal to men even in Saudi Arabia . In Pakistan at least in one University, they have separate campuses. There are two three other women universities also in Pakistan now. It is one side. On the other side as I have said that majority Universities, for example in Bangladesh all universities, are having combined classes except Islamic University of Chittagong and in their Dhaka campus, where they have separate women campus and I do not know any other university who has done it yet. I have seen International Islamic University of Malaysia. This university has been built up by the Islamic scholars, very high level Islamic scholars, like Sheikh Taha Jabir al Alwani, Sheikh Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman. They thought for a long time and finally decided to have co-education. So this is the situation. Two more Islamic Universities have come up in Malaysia but with co-education. This is the situation we have now. But my view is for separate campuses, it is the preferable option. I consider it preferable option if every university ultimately over 10, 20, 30 or 100 years in a Muslim country has separate campuses for men and women. But I will not say that co-education is Haram (not permissible). I will not say that because part of Islamic scholarship thinks that in the present day realities with due caution and due dress pattern, there can be co-education. But my own preference is for separate campuses. And if there are no separate campuses women have to study in the present system. I must add another thing that life is a test. Whole life is a test and Allah says “Khalakal mawta wal hyata liyabluakum”, in Suratul Mulk (chapter – 67 of Holy Quran), that means He “has created death and life that He may test you” (67:2). Test is everywhere in your village there are tests. Test is not only about gender issue, tests are in all respects of life. Life is a test and even in gender issue there are some tests. Prophet also said that women are tests for men and men are test for women. We cannot avoid all tests. So I would say that if our boys and girls study in co-education institutions as it is the general practice or if things go like this then they should be prepared to face the test with Iman (faith) and knowledge. We should prepare them with care and caution because we cannot wait for when it will change. We have to face this test. And we have to make them conscious and aware of this test.

WPI:
Do you think all types of jobs are suitable for women?

SAH:
First of all, most jobs are open to all; I cannot say Tahrim (illegitimate). I cannot say it is Haram (not permissible) to be a combat soldier, because in Islamic history there are cases when Muslim women fought as combat soldiers. In fact Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was defended in Uhad (2nd war in Muslim history) by only 5 or 7 people among them was one great woman. The women have fought with Khalid bin walid (a great warrior in Muslim history) in battle of Yarmuk (a battle fought in 636 at the valley of Yarmuk , the eastern tributary of Jordan ). In Qadysia (a battle fought in 637 at al- Qadisiayah, not far from al-Hirah which was an ancient city located south of al-Kufah in south central Iraq) women were there in the battlefield and they tugged the grave. But even then now I feel, some heavy jobs should not be taken by women, for example heavy duty truck driving or very tough work in mining industry below the pits. Why I say this? I say this because this may injure their internal organs which are necessary for reproduction. This will most likely injure their internal organs and that is an option which we cannot say afjal (good), it is at least a Makruh (disliked) to go for a job where organs will be affected. If the scientists say that they will not be affected then I have nothing to say. Otherwise it’s a big concern for Ummah. Similarly, I personally feel, by my study of Islam, the current situation and the reality also and I am not blind to the reality, that now if unmarried women go in the navy and live in seas with men as marines or if they become combat soldiers or combat pilots and get arrested, it may cause serious trouble for them because we know in the wars the soldiers around the world are not so morally trained. So I feel it is for the good of women rather not to go for these jobs. Actually this is not an issue of competition really, that I have to compete in everything. We men should compete in everything with women or women should compete in everything with men, it is not like that. It is the issue of suitability, it is the issue of need and it is the issue of harm that may cause to any gender. So keeping in view all these things I would say that there should be military training for all, every citizen including women if possible. But women can be called upon only when the whole nation has to fight against an aggressor. Otherwise they should not join the infantry or the navy or the air force as regular combatants. But I must agree as I said in the beginning that I cannot give a Fatwa (legal opinion of scholars) of Tahrim (illegitimacy) that it is not legal to go for these kinds of jobs, I cannot say that. I also agree that there can be different opinions. But these are my views.

WPI:
How women should do Dawah (preaching Islam) work among themselves and among the men?

SAH:
In the light of Quran and Sunnah, I think Dawah work or preaching Islam or conveying Islam is obligatory for every Muslim men and women. In Surah Al Tawbah which is a Surah (chapter of Quran) that revealed during the last time of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), there is a Ayah (verse): “wal mu’minuna wal mu’minatu ba’duhum awliau ba’din ya’muruna bil ma’ruf wa yanhaw hum ’anil munkar” that means “The believers, men and women, are Auliya (helper, supporter, friends, protector) of one another, they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil” (9:71). All Muslim men and women are supposed to do Amr bil ma’ruf (enjoin what is just) and Nahi ’anil munkar (forbid what is evil). This is Dawah really, this is not only Dawah this is politics also. This is social activism. This term Amr bil m’aruf and Nahi ’anil munkar is the politics. It is the social activism. It is all possible movement for change in the world. So every Muslim men and women should take part in it. But the issue is whether there should be some norms about it. Now there are women who are in public life, let us say in politics, in private sector jobs, in pubic sector jobs, in the university jobs etc. This is one kind. The other kind is those women who are living in houses; they are doing great work of managing the family, managing the children, educating them and may be some other social work. So keeping these two I would say those who are in family they should mostly concentrate on their relations or their neighbors. If they join in any Islamic group, they should work through them. They may do some writing; they may do some speaking also through television channels, as they do now. On the other side, those women who are in offices and in administrations or in the universities, they are exposed to men. They are everyday mixing with men this is a necessary situation almost necessary condition. In situation, there to say that you speak everything but don’t give Dawah is unthinkable. Now that they are in the offices if there is an opportunity to give Dawah they should do it. If there is a university lady professor why should not she give Dawah to her male colleagues or give them some books or give them some articles or point out some TV channel programs which are good? I think those who are involved in public life they should work among their colleagues whether men or women. There the situation is like that and I feel they should do that. Of course the general limitations of men and women relationship should be kept in view. There are some limits which should be followed.

WPI:
What would be the social relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim?

SAH:
To tell about relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims first of all I think in this relationship there are some confusion that I cannot remove in here. But I would say that it is not true that we should not have good relations with them. Islam says everybody is honorable. In Surah Al-Isra’ (Chaper. 17 of Holy Quran) Allah says “Walakad Karramna Bani Adama” that means “And indeed We have honored the Children of Adam” (17:70). That is everybody is dignified. So you must deal with them in a dignified manner. The first point is that they are also dignified. Secondly, Allah very clearly says in Surah Al Mumtahina that “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes” (60:8). That is we should behave very well with those who do not fight with us and do not exile us from our residences or from our countries. In other places in Quran for example when there is an issue of justice is there Islam says do justice. Allah says “Wa iz hakamtum bainan nasi an tahkumu bil adl” which means “And that when you judge between men, you judge with justice” (4:58). So it is wrong to say that Christians or jews are not friend. They have human rights. OIC document gives human rights to all. This is the Ijma (consensus) of Ummah (Muslim community) or Ijma of Ulama (scholar). Human right is for all. Pakistan Islamic constitution that was made by of the agreement the Ulama and the politicians says that fundamental right is for all.
It is true that if some are enemies you cannot make them friends. Who makes an enemy a friend? If a Muslim turns an enemy, do you make him a friend? So I would say this is a misunderstanding that they cannot be our friend. We should know Islam prohibits that you condemn any nation as a group. In Surah Al Hujurat Allah says that “La iajkhar Kawmun min kawmin ’asa ai-iakunu Khaira” which means “Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former” (49:11). So we should not belittle a Qawm (community or group) or condemn a Qawm. So I think we should have a balanced judgment on the Quranic position. Quranic position is that if some non-Muslim and even present day nominal Muslim becomes enemy we cannot make them friends. But even if they are not friend they will get human rights. Even those enemies would get water, electricity and all facilities. And as I have said according to Surah An Nisa (4:58) when we judge between man and man we should judge with equity. So I think this misunderstanding must be removed that our behavior should not be equal with non- Muslim or should not be same with non-Muslim. Allah has not said that.

WPI: Thank you very much for your time.

—
Rehema
Patriot in Kampala,East Africa
When the boot of government is on your neck,it doesn’t matter if it’s left or right. Today is Buganda, tomorrow is some one else. Click on both links to listen to these revolutionary songs, courtesy of UAH Forum:
http://ugandansatheart.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/president-final-mix.mp3

http://ugandansatheart.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/revolution-final-mix.mp3”
—
بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organisation devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: uganda-muslim-brothers-and-sisters+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com or abbeysemuwemba@gmail.com.شكرا (جزيلا

Eid-el-Kabir: How obedience to God can help Uganda and Muslims in general

Assalamu Alaikum,

In a few days time, the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, more popularly known as Eid-el-Kabir, will be celebrated by the Islamic faithful throughout the world. The festival is rooted in scriptural accounts of both the Islamic and Judeo-Christian theology as evinced in the Al Qur’an Kareem (The Glorious Qur’an) and the Old Testament respectively. The homogenous accounts (Qu’ran Chapter 37; Genesis Chapter 22) highlight how, in a singular act of obedience to a divine command, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), took Ishmael, his treasured son which was begotten in his old age, to a location and prepared him for ritual of immolation as piety to God.

As he got set to cut the throat of the blindfolded son in utter compliance, behold! A ministration came from heavens; Allah conveyed the good tidings stopping the killing and revealed that a ram had been approved by Him as a vicarious replacement for the human sacrifice. God added that Ibrahim had passed the ultimate test of faith and would be amply rewarded. The ram was promptly slaughtered while both father and son returned home in ecstatic joy.

This exemplary story of Prophet Ibrahim’s fully manifested intent to sacrifice his most adored progeny is well known to us, what many do not however bother about is to imbibe its essence. The demonstration of this sublime virtue of selfless yield to the divine fiat is a reference point in man/God relationship. Ideally, as the embodiment of all knowledge and wielders of all powers, God should be seen as the Guiding Light to the path of redemption. Mortals are finite while God is infinite; what remains hidden to man is laid completely bare to God with no more than just a single glance of his famed omniscient eye.

Yet, most humans tend to disregard divine guidance through obstinacy borne of sheer selfishness. There are enough injunctions in our religious books that would have made the society better if willingly obeyed, alas, what we often have is a case of selective obedience if not outright disobedience or crooked manipulative interpretations of God’s words to suit our pre-conceived foibles and whims.

Thankfully, God may not require us to kill our children today to prove our unconditional submission to his will, but how many of us are truly eager to comply with even the comparatively easier obligations he requires of us in our modern times? The two Holy Scriptures are replete with passages urging virtues of honesty, righteousness, integrity, good neighborliness and love. But do we practise them?

Underscoring the imperative of yielding to God, The Qur’an, in its Chapter 4, Verse 125, says: “Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to God and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Abraham, a man of pure natural belief? God took Abraham as an intimate friend.”

Now, if we find it difficult to submit to God in the relatively easier obligations confronting us today, how miserably would we fail if called upon to make superior sacrifice like Prophet Ibrahim? Superior sacrifice consists of giving away one’s most prized possession.

What translates to most prized possession is different from person to person.

To some people, their riches, manifested in millions, billions or trillions of bank currencies and other earthly assets rank supreme, to others, their chain of degrees and other certificates come before everything else; others place the highest premium on their looks, some people’s most adored valuables are sporting talents, tribal or national identity, or some other mundane human values. How many Ugandans today can give up their most prized possession in deference to the divine commandments?

Indeed, most of the problems facing us as a country today stem from the people’s attitude of superimposing the personal preferences and selfish agenda over all other things, including God’s acclaimed commandments and directives. God says do not kill, we always find excuses to kill, he says do no steal, we steal for personal aggrandisement, he says show love to your neigbour, we engage in basest sadism borne of wanton hatred.

Politicians who steal recklessly from the public treasury know quite alright that God abhors stealing, yet rather for them to give up selfish pursuits in the light of the creator’s antipathy to the vice, they expect God to compromise his standards and overlook the disobedience!

What about those who kill and maim other people for money and other selfish or misguided reasons?

As we prepare to celebrate this year Eid-el-Kabir, let us remind ourselves that the essence of this great festival is total submission to the will of God; it is not reckless bingeing and partying; it is not mere storing of ram meat in cellars for the hedonistic purpose of titillating the palate in drawn-out consumption many weeks after the Sallah; neither is it an occasion to flaunt our wealth.

The demonstrative purpose of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice story is to underscore the virtue of total submission to the will of Almighty Allah; following His will invariably inspire the spirit of love, charity, caring for others and selflessness. Barka de Sallah in advance!

I wish a nice Iddil Adhuha to all members of UMBS in and outside Uganda. Let us all work together and make this forum the best thing that has ever happened to Muslims in Uganda. Invite your friends and relatives to join us, but most importantly let us worship Allah and support the objectives of the UMBS organisation that was registered in Kampala by Brother Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba.

Assalamu Alaikum

UMBS MANAGEMENT
PO BOX 8797
KAMPALA

A Miscarriage is a Painful experience but Allah always knows better

إن لله ما أخذ ، وله ما أعطى ، وكل شيء عنده بأجل مسمى ، فلتصبر ولتحتسب

One of the daughters of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) informed him that her child was dying, so he consoled her by saying, “To Allah belongs whatever He takes and whatever He gives. Everything (in this world) has a limited fixed time with Him. So be patient and (sincerely) seek and hope for reward from Him.” (Bukhari)

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The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Indeed the miscarried fetus will confront his Lord if He enters his parents into the Fire. So it will be said to him, “O fetus which confronts his Lord! Enter your parents into Paradise.” So he will drag them by his [umbilical] cord until he enters them into Paradise.” [Ibn Majah]

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The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “By the One in Whose hands is my soul, the miscarried fetus will drag his mother to paradise by his [umbilical] cord if she was patient [with the miscarriage], hoping to be rewarded.” [Ahmad]

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Abu Hassan said to Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنهما), “Two children of mine have passed away. Will you not narrate to us a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that will comfort us in our loss?” He said, “Yes, their children are the children of Jannah (Paradise) and they will meet their parents and take a hold of their hands as I am taking a hold of the hem of you garment, and the child will not let go until Allah admits them all into Jannah. (Muslim)

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Children who die after the soul has been breathed in and before before reaching the age of puberty are transferred to Paradise and their souls are blessed therein under the care of our father Ibraaheem (Abraham عليه السلام).

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Last night, two people came to me and woke me up and said, ‘Let’s go!’ So I set out with them, … We went on, and came to a well-flourished green garden with all kinds of spring colours, where there was a man who was so tall that I could hardly see his head in the sky. Around the man was the largest number of children I had ever seen. I said to my 2 companions: ‘Subhaan Allaah! Who they?’ … They said: ‘As for the tall man who was in the garden, that was Ibraaheem (عليه السلام). As for the children who were around him, those are all the children who died on a state of fitrah (natural disposition).'” One of the Muslims asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the children of the disbelievers?” He said: “And the children of the disbelievers” (Bukhari)

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If there was anyone who deserved not to be tested then it would have been the Beloved of Allah, Prophet Mohammed (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

When baby Ibrahim [the Prophet’s son] fell seriously ill, his state worsened and it became apparent that he would not live long. The news deeply shocked the Prophet, so much so that he felt that his legs could no longer carry him. He proceeded immediately and arrived in time to bid farewell to his son who was dying on his mother’s lap. The Prophet trembled as he held baby Ibrahim close. His heart was torn apart by this tragedy and his face mirrored his inner pain. Choking with sorrow, he said: “O Ibrahim, against the judgement of Allah we cannot benefit you at all,” and then fell silent.

Baby Ibrahim passed away gradually while his weeping mother and aunt looked on helplessly. The Prophet with tears flowing from his blessed eyes said: “Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. Tears flow from the eyes and hearts are full of sorrow, but we only say that which pleases our Lord. O Ibrahim, we are indeed grieved by your passing away.”

 

—

Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

http://ugandansatheart.org/
http://twitter.com/#!/semuwemba
http://jjanguonkwekule.blogspot.com/
http://semuwemba.wordpress.com/

How to perform Salat-Tahajud

QIYAM LAYL/TAHAJJUD OR TARAWIH

(By sheikh Muhammad Al-Jibali, Albaani and others).

Qiyaam means “standing” and “Qiyaam layl” means standing at night. In sharia both terms refer to the same thing namely, the voluntary night prayer whose time extends from after Isha prayer to until dawn. It is described as “standing” because it involves long standing in which long potions of Quran are recited.

Other common names for it are Salat ul-layl(the night prayer), Tahajjud (from hajada Remaining awake at night or sleeping and waking up for the night prayer), and Tarawih (resting).

Witr in particular has Two different meanings in the Sunnah. I usually refers to the last one or the three Raka’t of Qiyaam, but sometimes it means the whole of the night prayer.

MISCONCEPTIONS
Some people thing that all those names mean different type of prayer but it is not true they all refer to the same voluntary night prayer and others think that it is only done in Ramadan but the messenger Peace be upon him prayed it every day after it was revealed on him and the same amount of raka’t 13.

Please know may Allah have mercy on us to understand that although many people refer to Tarawih to the voluntary prayer in Ramadan, there is only one nafl (voluntary) prayer at night.

It should be noted that Tarawih was used to refer to the resting of the in between every two raka’t because people were tied and it became a novel name but its true name is Qiyaam.

The benefit

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Jibreel came to me and said: ‘Oh Muhammad: Live as you wish for you will die. Love whom you will for you will be separated. Do as you will for you will be recompensed for it. Know that the most honored of the believer is his standing at night, and his prestige is in not needing
anything from the people ” [Narrated by AlHaakim and AlBaihaqi. It has been graded hasan by AlMundhiri and AlAlbaani]

He (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever stands at night and recites ten ayaat is not recorded among the heedless. Whoever stands at night and recites one hundred ayaat is recorded among the pious. Whoever stands and recites one thousand ayaat is recorded among those who received a huge quantity of good deeds .” [Narrated by Abu Dawood and graded saheeh by AlAlbaani]
Someone told the Prophet peace be upon him) about a man who slept the night until morning time. He said “That is a man in whose ear the Shaytan urinated! ” [Agreed upon]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory ones is night prayer” [Narrated by Muslim]

Night Prayer of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him ! 

Allah the Most Exalted ordered His Prophet to perform night prayer in the following:

“O you who wraps himself [in clothing], Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little – Half of it – or subtract from
it a little. Or add to it, and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.” [Holy Quran 73:1-4]
And He said:
“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will
resurrect you to a praised station.” [Holy Quran 17:79]

 

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “The Prophet would stand at night until his feet became cracked. I said to him: Why do you do this oh Messenger of Allah, while all of your sins past and future have been forgiven? He said: Shouldn’t I be a thankful slave? ” [Agreed upon]

This proves that thankfulness is not only by the tongue. It is only done by the heart, the tongue, and the limbs. The Prophet (peace be upon him) established the duties of worship in the most complete manner, and in the most perfect form. He did all of this despite the fact that he had to spread the Islamic Aqeedah, teach the Muslims, exert himself in the path of Allah, and fulfill the duties of his family and children.

How to perform the night prayer

 

Author: Imaam al-Albaani

Source: Qiyaam Ramadaan (pgs. 28-30) (trans. Masjid Ahl ul-Quran was-Sunnah Association, NY, USA)

[17861]

---

 

I spoke in detail about this subject in my book Salaat-ut-Taraaweeh (pg. 101-115), so I felt that I should abridge that discussion here in order to make it easy for the reader and to remind him:

 

The First Manner:

consists of thirteen rak’aat, which is commenced with two short rak aat.  According to the most correct opinion, these are the two rak’aat of Sunnah prayer offered after ‘Ishaa, or they are two specific rak’aat by which one begins the Night Prayer, as has been stated previously.  Then one prays two very long rak’aat (after that).  Then two more rak’aat are prayed, and then another two rak’aat are prayed.  Then two more rak’aat are prayed and another set of two rak’aat are prayed.  Then witr is made with one rak’ah.

 

The Second Manner:

 consists of thirteen rak’aat.  There are eight rak’aat within them, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat.  Then witr is made with five rak’aat and one does not sit nor make the tasleem except in the fifth rak’ah.

 

The Third Manner:

consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat and then prays witr at the end with one rak’ah.

 

The Fourth Manner:

 consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays four rak’aat and makes one tasleem after the four.  The he prays another four in a similar manner and ends it with three rak’aat (for witr).

 

Would the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) remain in the sitting position after eveyr two rak’aat, when praying a unit of four rak’aat or a unit of three rak’aat?  We do not find a clear answer for this, but remaining in the sitting position (for tashahhud) while doing a unit of three rak’aat is not legislated (in the Religion)!

 

The Fifth Manner:

 consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays eight rak’aat and does not sit in any of them except for the eighth rak’ah.  While sitting (in the eighth rak’ah), he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and then stands up again without making the tasleem.  Then he makes witr with one rak’ah and when finished, he makes the tasleem.  This consists of nine rak’aat.  Then he prays two rak’aat after that while in the sitting position.

 

The Sixth Manner:

 One prays nine rak’aat, in which he does not sit except after the sixth rak’ah. Then he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and then stands again without making the tasleem.  Then he makes witr with three rak’aat and when finished, he makes the tasleem, etc. (the rest is the same as the previous manner)

 

These are the manners in which it is reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) performed the Night Prayer.  It is possible to add other types of manners to it, by subtracting what one wishes from each set of rak’aat until he cuts it down to one rak’ah, acting on the previously mentioned hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam): “So whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with five rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with three rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with one rak’ah.”

 

So if one wants, he can pray these five rak’aat or three rak’aat with one sitting and one tasleem, as is stated in the Second Manner.  And if he wants, he can make tasleem after every two rak’aat, as is stated in the Third Manner, and this is preferred.

 

As for praying the set of five rak’aat or three rak’aat by sitting after every two rak’aat and not making the tasleem, then we did not find any authentic report that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to do this.  The asl (foundation) is that it is permissible, but since the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) forbade us from praying witr with three rak’aat indicating the reason for that by saying: “And do not liken it to the Maghrib prayer.”

 

 [1]  So then anyone that prays the witr in three rak’aat must not liken it to the Maghrib prayer.  This can be done in two ways:

 

1. Making the tasleem between the even and odd number rak’ah (i.e. between the second and the third rak’ah). This is what is more strong and preferred.

 

2. One does not sit between the even and odd number (i.e. he prays three rak’aat straight with one tasleem), and Allaah knows best.

 

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by At-Tahawee, Ad-Daraqutnee and others.  See At-Taraaweeh (pg. 99 & 110)
Article courtesy of www.al-manhaj.com

compiled by

May Allah guide us

 Musa  Mukwaya

MULTIPLE ADHANS AND LAUD SWALA TOO MUCH TO STOMACH

Multiple Adhans remain a key issue in many countries, especially for Fajir prayers. Last year, the Egyptian government introduced a unified call for prayer policy. Not sure if it is working, but please see report at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128976431

Personally, I am not bothered by Adhan at fajr, because it hardly lasts more than 5 minutes; and it is for me, unlike the music from places such as Speke Hotel’s Rock Garden Café. I will never forget how (for four weeks in Kampala) my family and I would dread the torture from the endless loud music from that place every Friday and Saturday night. Our residence was just across from Speke Hotel. I remember talking to the manager (of our residence) about the noise, and all he could say was that City Hall was just not doing its job for some reason. (Translation? “Suck it up and go back to sleep! You know there is nothing I can do about it, though I still need your business.) Now that was in 2003.

Fast forward to April 2011 – I found myself in the same neighborhood for a shorter business stay at a neighboring multi-storey complex. But drawing on the lessons of 2003, my first question at check-in was “Is there loud outdoor music I should worry about?” The lady at the counter looked a bit perplexed as if she had no idea what I was talking about. So to help her out, I made reference to Speke Hotel’s Rock Garden Café. On hearing that, she promised to get me a room in the quietest wing of the facility. I think her selling line was that the wing faced some VIP residence in Nakasero, or something to that effect. How much details do you remember when you are jet-lagged anyway? Nevertheless, she got me a room in a quiet wing. My check-in time was around 9:00 p.m. However, at about 1:00 a.m., I could hear the throbbing bass from the Café’s direction! Now that is real noise pollution if you ask me. Are there any Kampala City by-laws to address noise after normal hours?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m for Adhan loudspeaker volumes being lowered significantly, if not completely disabled, around hospitals and clinics. I know this is a well-respected practice in many Muslim capitals. Even car horns are forbidden in such places. Yes, even in cities such as Cairo where the first thing a driving student is taught is to honk. I surely know that because I (first) learnt to drive in Cairo!

Advice: Talk to the Imams responsible for the Musallahs individually and point out what could possibly be at stake in terms of da’awah. Be extremely diplomatic about it, just as I hear some brothers and sisters have been with the Balokole phenomenon in a variety of neighbourhoods in Kampala. Also remember to propose alternatives where you can. (Basshir wa laa tunaffir!)
Akuume.

Wassalaam Alaikum,

Yunus Lubega

Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada

DON’T BE FOOLED BY HONEY!

Once a man saw in his dream that a lion was chasing him. The man climbed up a tree and sat on a branch. He looked down and saw that the lion was still there waiting for him.

The man then looked to his side and saw that two woodpeckers were pecking the branch upon which he was sitting. One woodpecker was black and the other one was white.

The man realized that the branch would very soon break and fall on the ground.

The man then looked below and discovered that a big black python had come and settled directly under him. The python opened its mouth right under the
man so that he will fall into it.

Can you imagine how scared this man was? There seemed no escape for him.

The man then looked up to see if there was anything that he could hold on to when the branch broke. He saw another branch with a honeycomb. Drops of honey were falling from it.The man wanted to taste one of the drops. He put his tongue out and tasted one of the falling drops of honey. The honey was delicious. He wanted to taste another drop and another and eventually he got lost in the sweetness of the honey.

Meanwhile, he forgot about the two woodpeckers eating his branch away, the lion on the ground and the python that was sitting right under him.

After a while, he woke up from his sleep.

To get the meaning behind this dream, the man went to a pious scholar.

The scholar interpreted his dream. He said the lion you saw is your death. It always chases you and goes wherever you go.

The two woodpeckers, one black and one white, are the night and the day. They eat your time as they take you closer to death.

The big black python with the open mouth is your grave. It’s there, just waiting to receive you.

The honeycomb is this world and the sweet honey is the luxuries of this world. We like to taste a drop of the luxuries of this world. Then we taste another
drop and yet another. Meanwhile, we get lost in the luxuries of this world and we forget about our time, we forget about our death and we forget about
our graves.

This life is very short and full of material things that can get in the way of our submission to the Almighty.

It’s not wrong to have these material possessions as long as we remember our obligations to the Almighty and thank Him for his favours. We shouldn’t get so preoccupied with this temporary worldly abode and forget the Hereafter which is eternal and everlasting. *

The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said:* *”The wisest man is he who remembers death the most.”* Most importantly, avoid any form of shiriq you are doing for whatever purpose because Allah is more powerful than anything else.

LONG LIVE UMBS AND RAMANDHAN KAREEM TO ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THIS FORUM

Ruling on photographs

Question

ASSALAM ALEIKUM
My question is : IS the taking of PHOTOGRAPHS ALLOWED,(I know drawing pictures of living things is not allowed -but what about taking photograph’s of people etc.), can you supply me with some evidence please. I need this information quickly.- Inshallah.
Jaazakala hair.

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

Photography (tasweer) means the taking of pictures of living, animate moving beings, like people, animals, birds, etc. The ruling is that it is forbidden on the basis of a number of reports, such as the following:

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Those who will be most severely punished by Allaah on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, see al-Fath, 10/382).

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah, may He be exalted, says: ‘Who does more wrong than the one who tries to create something like My creation? Let him create a grain of wheat or a kernel of corn.'” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, see Fath al-Baari, 10/385).

‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Shall I not send you on the same mission as the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent me? Do not leave any built-up tomb without levelling it, and do not leave any picture in any house without erasing it.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i; this is the version narrated by al-Nisaa’i).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every image-maker will be in the Fire, and for every image that he made a soul will be created for him, which will be punished in the Fire.” Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “If you must do that, make pictures of trees and other inanimate objects.” (Reported by Muslim, 3/1871)

These ahaadeeth indicate that pictures of animate beings are haraam, whether they are humans or other creatures, whether they are three-dimensional or two-dimensional, whether they are printed, drawn, etched, engraved, carved, cast in moulds, etc. These ahaadeeth include all of these types of pictures.

The Muslim should submit to the teachings of Islam and not argue with them by saying, “But I am not worshipping them or prostrating to them!” If we think about just one aspect of the evil caused by the prevalence of photographs and pictures in our times, we will understand something of the wisdom behind this prohibition: that aspect is the great corruption caused by the provoking of physical desires and subsequent spread of immorality caused by these pictures.

The Muslim should not keep any pictures of animate beings in his house, because they will prevent the angels from entering. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or pictures.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, see al-Fath, 10/380).

But nowadays, unfortunately, one can even find in some Muslim homes statues of gods worshipped by the kuffaar (such as Buddha etc.) which they keep on the basis that they are antiques or decorative pieces. These things are more strictly prohibited than others, just as pictures which are hung up are worse than pictures which are not hung up, for how easily they can lead to glorification, and cause grief or be a source of boasting! We cannot say that these pictures are kept for memory’s sake, because true memories of a Muslim relative or friend reside in the heart, and we remember them by praying for mercy and forgiveness for them.

Taking pictures with a camera involves human actions such as focusing, pressing the shutter, developing, printing, and so on. We cannot call it anything other than “picture-making” or tasweer, which is the expression used by all Arabic-speakers to describe this action.

In the book Al-I’laam bi naqd kitaab al-halaal wa’l-haraam, the author says: “Photography is even more of an imitation of the creation of Allaah than pictures which are engraved or drawn, so it is even more deserving of being prohibited… There is nothing that could exclude photography from the general meaning of the reports.” (p. 42, see also Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/355).

Among the scholars who have discussed the issue of photography is Shaykh Naasir al-Deen al-Albaani, who said: “Some of them differentiate between hand-drawn pictures and photographic images by claiming that the latter are not products of human effort, and that no more is involved than the mere capturing of the image. This is what they claim. The tremendous energy invested the one who invented this machine that can do in few seconds what otherwise could not be done in hours does not count as human effort, according to these people! Pointing the camera, focusing it, and taking the picture, preceded by installation of the film and followed by developing and whatever else that I may not know about… none of this is the result of human effort, according to them!

Some of them explain how this photography is done, and summarize that no less than eleven different actions are involved in the making of a picture. In spite of all this, they say that this picture is not the result of human action! Can it be permissible to hang up a picture of a man, for example, if it is produced by photography, but not if it is drawn by hand?

Those who say that photography is permitted have “frozen” the meaning of the word “tasweer,” restriciting it only to the meaning known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and not adding the meaning of photography, which is “tasweer” or “picture-making” in every sense – linguistic, legal, and in its harmful effects, and as is clear from the definition mentioned above. Years ago, I said to one of them, By the same token, you could allow idols which have not been carved but have been made by pressing a button on some machine that turns out idols by the dozen. What do you say to that?”
(Aadaab al-Zafaaf by al-Albaani, p. 38)

It is also worth quoting the opinion of some contemporary scholars who allow the taking of photographs but say that the pictures should not be kept: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or pictures.” (See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 2/198).

There are many bad things involved in the making of pictures. Besides the element of imitating the creation of Allaah – which is an accusation denied by many of those who make pictures – reality bears witness to the great extent of immorality and provocation of desires caused by the prevalence of pictures and picture-making nowadays. We must remove or blot out every picture, except when it is too difficult to do so, like the pictures which are overwhelmingly prevalent in food packaging, or pictures used in encyclopaedias and reference books. We should remove what we can, and be careful about any provocative pictures that may be found.

“So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can…” [al-Taghaabun 64:16 – interpretation of the meaning]

Photographs which are essential are permitted – such as those required for identity documents, or for identifying or pursuing criminals [e.g. “wanted” posters and the like – translator’s note], or for educational purposes which cannot be achieved otherwise. The principle in sharee’ah is that we should not exaggerate about what is necessary.

We ask Allaah to accept our repentance and have mercy on us, and to forgive our excesses, for He is the All-Hearing Who answers prayers. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

‘Don’t blame others if poor Muslims leave Islam’

Muslim scholar Asri Zainul Abidin has again highlighted the mismanagement of zakat funds in the country following recent claims in pro-UMNO dailies that Christian groups had been actively engaged in converting poor Muslims by offering money.

In some of his first reactions to the controversy sparked by the Selangor Religious Department’s raid last week at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church in Petaling Jaya, Asri took to task state zakat authorities for ignoring the needs of people who deserve zakat.

On August 3, scores of officers from JAIS accompanied by policemen had entered the church located at the Dream Centre in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, taking down particulars of Muslim guests present at a dinner event there.

The action invited a barrage of condemnations from both Muslim and non-Muslim leaders, with Selangor’s Exco in charge of religion Hasan Ali coming out in defence of the JAIS action saying it was based on a complaint over an attempt to proselytize to Muslims, which is illegal under Malaysian laws.

This was followed by two UMNO-owned Malay dailies claiming that Christian churches had been targeting poverty-stricken Muslims.

However, Asri, saying he had been made to understand that some of the Muslims present at the function were destitute and single mothers, stressed that they could not be faulted for approaching those who helped them after Islamic authorities failed to give assistance.

Saying there was nothing wrong for a Muslim to seek help from adherents of other religions, Asri said the blame was on those Muslims who ignore fellow Muslims in need of assistance.”We cannot blame others for giving assistance. It is every person’s right to give help to whoever they want,” he stressed.

“Whatever happened to our zakat money?” he asked in remarks posted on his blog.”Hundreds of millions of ringgit is collected yearly. Is that not enough to help the destitutes come out of their difficulties and stop begging from others?”

This is the second public rebuke by the former Perlis mufti over zakat funds’ mismanagement. Last October, Asri lambasted the Zakat Collection Centre managed by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council following a damning audit report by the Auditor General showing wastage and financial mismanagement.

In June this year, Machang member of parliament Saifuddin Nasution urged the same Council to explain why it used RM32,000 from zakat fund pay for legal fees involving minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom and director general of the Federal Territory Religious Department (JAWI), Che Mat Ali, who were being sued by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim for failing to act on his qazaf (sexual slander) complaints.

Riddled with red tape

This time around, Asri lamented unnecessary bureaucracies for getting help from zakat.

“To get even RM100-200, one has to go through so much hassle. At the same time, zakat offices seem to be luxuriously furnished, and their officers and bosses enjoy high salaries with sophisticated office equipment,” he said.

Asri reminded that zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam in which a Muslim who fulfilled certain financial conditions is obligated to give 2.5 per cent of his access wealth, has the objective of bringing human beings closer to Islam.

This, said Asri, is why new converts to Islam are among those in the category of people deserving zakat.

However, Asri said the Islamic authorities in charge of zakat collection had failed to realise this objective, “to the extent that Muslim converts would leave their new faith after failing to get help from Muslims, especially through zakat”.

Saying it was only natural for human beings to be grateful to those who helped them, Asri said one should not be surprised if a Muslim was attracted to Christianity due to the church’s help.

What should be questioned, said Asri, was the fact that in a Muslim country like Malaysia, there were Muslims who are said to have abandoned Islam after being disappointed by the Muslim community’s behavior.

“Muslims must ask many questions about themselves before blaming others.

“Accusing others just to cover up one’s weakness is not the answer to our problem!” wrote Asri.

Ahmed Wetaka
P.O BOX 2488
Mbale- Uganda
Mobile +256 772 609736

16 Ways To Control Our Speech

1) We should speak only if we our speech will be good and beneficial. We should remember the famous saying, “If you do not have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that Rasulullah (SAW) said, “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say good or remain silent.”

2) We should be truthful when we speak and refrain from lying: The believer should always tell the truth, and he should never lie even if when he is joking around. Rasulullah (SAW) said: “You must speak the truth for the truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise. One, who always speaks the truth and means the truth, is recorded as truthful with Allah. Keep away from the lie for the lie leads to evil and evil leads to the Hell Fire and one who continually tells a lie and intends to lie is recorded with Allah as a liar.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

3) We should refrain from using bad language or cursing at all times: Never use bad language, even if you are serious or just kidding around, because Allah hates the disobedient, and He hates the one who curses. Disobedient talk includes bad-mouthing others, and cursing. For this reason, Rasulullah (SAW) warned us in an authentic hadith that, “The believer does not accuse, curse others, disobey Allah, nor bad-mouth others.” and in another authentic hadith, “The curse of a Muslim is a sign of disobedience.” Not only are we prohibited from cursing at the living, but we are also forbidden to curse at the dead. Rasulullah (SAW) forbade us when he said; “Do not curse the dead; they will get it for what they had done (in this life)” and Rasulullah (SAW) ordered us in another hadith to, “Mention the good things about the dead.”

4) We should refrain from Gheebat or backbiting Gheebat means to talk about someone behind their back in a manner that he/she would dislike. Allah says:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱجۡتَنِبُواْ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعۡضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثۡمٌ۬‌ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُواْ وَلَا يَغۡتَب بَّعۡضُكُم بَعۡضًا‌ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُڪُمۡ أَن يَأۡڪُلَ لَحۡمَ أَخِيهِ مَيۡتً۬ا فَكَرِهۡتُمُوهُ‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

“O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12)

Furthermore, we should refrain from Nameemah, which means spreading around rumors that would cause conflict among people. In fact, Rasulullah (SAW) said in an authentic hadith: “He who makes Nameemah does not enter Paradise.” And when someone is committing Gheebat or Nameemah, then we should stop listening to them, because if we keep listening, then we will share their sins.

5) We should refrain from swearing by the name of Allah unless it is absolutely necessary. Allah says:

وَلَا تَجۡعَلُواْ ٱللَّهَ عُرۡضَةً۬ لِّأَيۡمَـٰنِڪُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ وَتُصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬

“And do not make Allah’s (Name) an excuse in your oaths.” (Surah Baqarah 2:224)

6) We should speak about matters within our knowledge and expertise: If you do not know what you are talking about, then remain silent. Allah says:

وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡبَصَرَ وَٱلۡفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ كَانَ عَنۡهُ مَسۡـُٔولاً۬

“And do not follow [ say] that of which you have no knowledge.” (Surah Al-Isrâ 17:36)

7) We should not speak about matters that we hear about, without investigation: We always hear things from others that may not be so truthful or accurate, and some people talk about things even when they are doubtful. So in order to avoid sharing their sins, you should not speak without making sure that what people are saying is true. Rasulullah (SAW) warns us in an authentic hadith, “It is enough sin a person commits when he talks about everything he hears.”

8) We should make sure that our goals from our speech should be to find the truth. We should not worry about how or who reveals the truth; just make sure that someone reveals the truth in the end.

9) We should refrain from involvement in senseless arguments in which the sole purpose is to put down others and to show superiority: Aimless arguments are signs of misguidance. (We seek refuge with Allah from it). For this reason, Rasulullah (SAW) warned us: “A people did not get misguided after Allah had guided them, but they were aimlessly argumentative.” (Al-Tirmidhi) Stay away from arguments even if the truth is on your side, so that you can end a pointless argument. Rasulullah (SAW) said in another authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawud, “I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for the one who stopped being aimlessly argumentative even if he is right.”

10) We should make our speech simple, clear, and avoid difficult words: There is no reason to use eloquent language or complicated words when no one understands; also, avoid hurtful words that put down others, because Rasulullah (SAW) hates this kind of talk. Rasulullah (SAW) said in a fair hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, “The people whom I hate the most and who are the farthest from me on the Day of Judgment are those who talk uselessly, and those who put down others, and those who shows off when they talk.”

11) We should make sure our speech is clear, quiet, and audible enough for others to hear and understand: Sometimes, Rasulullah (SAW) used to repeat important words three times to make sure that it was understood and he used to make his speech simple and easy for everyone to understand.

12) We should make sure our speech is serious and to joke around very sparingly: And if you do decide to be humorous, at least make truthful jokes just like Rasulullah (SAW) used to do.

13) We should avoid interrupting others while they speak and we should listen to what they have to say until they finish their statement: Afterwards, you should comment on what they have said only if necessary. We should not waste time by repeating or commenting on everything, everyone says.

14) We should talk and debate in a polite manner, avoiding words that hurt, put down, or humiliate others: All messengers ordered this good way of speech. When Allah sent Moosa (AS) and his brother Haroon (AS) to Pharaoh, he ordered them to speak to him nicely. Allah says:

فَقُولَا لَهُ ۥ قَوۡلاً۬ لَّيِّنً۬ا لَّعَلَّهُ ۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوۡ يَخۡشَىٰ

“And speak to him (Pharaoh) mildly, perhaps he may accept caution or fear Allah.” (Surah Taha 20:44)

Always remember, you are no better than Moosa (AS) and Haroon (AS) and the person you are debating with is no worse than Pharaoh.

15) We should not reject what a person says just because their speech is mixed with right and wrong information: Never reject the truth, even if someone has mixed the truth with false details. Sort out the information that is truthful, and disregard what is dishonest or wrong. By doing this, we are establishing justice and fairness that Allah has commanded us to do.

16) We should not give our selves complements nor should we praise or pat ourselves on the backs in front of others: This type of behavior is a sign that a person is arrogant. We should avoid being arrogant, and be humble because Allah forbade us from it in Surah An-Najm:

فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ‌ۖ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰٓ

“Do not complement yourself, He (Allah) knows best of those who are pious.” (Surah An-Najm 53:32)

We have heard of how Muslims invented this and that…then What Went Wrong?

Assalaam aleikum.

We have heard of the Golden Age of Islam, and lots of “It was Islam that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed.” 

We have heard of Ibn Sina as father of medicine; Ibn Battuta as a traveller, writer and explorer; Ibn Khaldoun the philosopher and scholar of Plato stature; Ibn Rushd, another philosopher and physician… Then what wen wrong for us to become the laughing stock of the likes of Bernard Lewis who is wont at reminding us for not posting any university in the world’s best 500!

In this month’s edition of The New Atlantis, an American journal of technology and society,  Hillel Ofek approaches the topic from the scholarly angle. By the way, our IUIU features in this article for good reasons! Alhamdulillah.

http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/why-the-arabic-world-turned-away-from-science
—
Matovu-Mutesasira A. Twaha,
+971-50-2755731;
+256-772-680353.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Thank you Brother Twaha.

Article is very long, with very good intellectual arguments, but to me appears to arrive at one wrong conclusion: That Mainstream Sunni Islam’s inherent opposition to free thinking and reason are the only reason(s) why Muslims have since lost their share of prominence in the fields of science and advanced civilisation. At some point the writer even stated that “the doors of ijtihad were closed under Sunni Islam”.

Nothing can be any further from the truth. I do not deny that there are some matters on which we are required to just believe, but Islam is still the most open religion when it comes to reason. 98% of what we believe in can be explained. From the Trinity, age of consent, accountability for personal deeds and final salvation, Christianity and all those other faiths are told to “just believe”. They just won’t answer any question paused to their faith, they tell you, the people who wrote this stuff were inspired by the holy spirit, therefore its holy text, period! How come the Christians, with that enormous blockade on reason still control what is claimed to be science/civilisation?

We as Muslims should not be intimidated into blindly following and doing useless things because we fear being ridiculed as ‘backward’. For instance, what benefit does the US get from the trillions of dollars it has so far sunk into the International Space Station and trying to establish life on other planets as if the earth is full? Of what benefit is it if someone ventures into creation of babies in test tubes when there are plenty of women with fertile wombs? Realistically, majority of what we call progress is actually a unique version of madness and because Muslims generally concern ourselves with what benefits us in the hereafter, you wont get many Muslim governments/influential individuals investing alot of effort into useless inquisitiveness as trying to estimate the age, in millions of years, of some soil sample or skeleton through a series of terribly unreliable carbon dating DNA checks.

In summary, let nobody fool you as a Muslim that we are backward or we have lost out on scientific and evolutionary advancement. Everything we need, we have got. What we don’t have, we don’t need. Today, the most marvellous architectural wonders are to be found in the Middle East. It doesn’t matter if a South African Company and American consultants did the work on the Burj al Arab, the fact is, the Arabs needed it, and they got it.

Science is simply a pack of lies that should be taken in with caution. Concepts like ‘light years’, ‘three million years ago’, ‘radius of the earth’, ‘carbon dating’ etc are all used everyday but they are abstract! Nobody should ever convince you that they can reliably tell that a rock is 6000 years old – they are just playing on our minds. Thats not something you can reliably conclude on. Where does the earth stop, for someone to claim they know its radius? Lets not get carried away!

Thats what i think.

Fazhil Mwesigwa.

Some ‘funny’ Sheikhs are Misleading Muslims on Duawas yet it is very wrong

Asalam alaikum,

First of all if any of you is to travel to Kigali please do not spend on a hotel email me and come and stay at my house so we can share whatever is at my home.

In the case of shirk i have on many times told non muslims that you can not use the Quran to ”kuloga” some one. I have seem Sheiks and ”mwalimus” pray for non muslims using dua but on close inspection of whatever books they are reading, its not the Quran ( i do not read Arabic) its some wierd type of writing with shapes in which arabic words are written. True they begin with Al Fatiha and recite some surah, but then begin to chant some equally sayings.

I know for certain that” ruqiya” only works on muslims.But most of my christian friends believe in Sheiks for dua in their businesses , marriages and so many things. And there are those muslims who believe in sheik so and so’s dua goes direct so they call him to come and read and so up go his fees. In 2006 we wanted a shiek to help us pray dua for our  bussiness and he told us his duas range from 250 000 onwards i joked with my husband that 250,000 uganda to heaven via mecca via nairobi , ethopia,medina, 400,000  heaven via mecca, madina, dubai and lastly one milliom heaven direct. I will not name the Sheikh but i was amused so from that day me and hubby decided to read dua ourselves using the TRANSALITERATED not TRANSLATED Quran and duas. 

Here is the surprise…in Kigali after having my third born needed help for the ”Akika”.So i went to the mosque and asked for someone to help read. I got four Sheiks plus like eight kids from the Madrasa to come. I made them lunch and kept aside money like we do in Uganda…SubhanaAllah the sheiks refused the money and said it would reduce on their thawabs…so i just gave them enough for transport so i thought i was in kibitu kya dua so i called them again for dua in my house…i was told it is better for you to read dua yourself maybe if you need to do sadaka invite us plus the kids from the madarasa to help you pray. 

I wondered just a few hours apart BUT, the practice is eons apart.

WE ALSO NEED TO EDUCATE THE UMMAH OF THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUAL DUA

Warmly as always,

Rehma

rehnak81@yahoo.com

FREE ONLINE ARABIC LESSONS BY ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS

Asalam alaikum.
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Food for thought For Muslims

Dear Brothers and sisters,

 

Asalaam Alaikum,

 

There is a Luganda saying “Okutambula Kulaba okudda kunyumya” translated as “traveling is seeing and the return is telling a story”. I apologize if that is not the true translation. I am currently on a working visit to Canada, I am not yet back and I can’t wait to be back to tell the story let me tell it now.

 

When I left home on 16^th June 2011, I had all kinds of mental pictures about Canada especially based on what I have previously watched on TV, what I hear and read about in terms of western culture Vs Islam. When I visited London ten years ago I saw the cultures not very much compatible with Islamic teachings and so I knew that perhaps I won’t find a different life style all together. But this does not mean that Islam is diluted in London. I had my IDD EL FITTR prayers that year at a Mosque in Woolich and I was amazed by the numbers of muslims I saw there then. Now as I moved to Canada I went with my research topic I always carry but which has no research Variables and well defined methodologies of study i.e. The level of Islam in other places and how Muslims are generally organized compared to those of Uganda. Folks tell you what? I am so far happy with what I have seen in Ontario (Ottawa and Quebec) for the few days I have been here. Over the weekend I was fighting the Jet lag and struggling to adjust my brain and my body to the change in the timing zone I visited two places ie Ottawa and Quebec all in Ontario. Before I visited Quebec I had went out in a Mall to do a quick window shopping in Ottawa of course when you don’t have money you just move out to admire what is in the shops. But as I moved through the Mall I took trouble to see how many Muslim sisters dressed as per the teachings of Islam, I was again amazed by the numbers. I saw young girls very smartly and proudly walking in their Hijabs moving around amidst the same teenagers who were half dressed. I was only able to see one Muslim brother a bit aged(btn 55-65) putting on an Islamic cap and inside me I was saying oh MANSHA`ALLAH may Allah reward these people for being the best example and telling others this is what Allah has prescribed for us as the best attire.

 

Later in the afternoon I was picked at my Hotel by a Muslim brother who took me around and finally hosted me at his home for a dinner. But before we reached home he took me to two very nice mosques in Quebec. I was highly fascinated by what I saw, brothers and sisters I saw a 3 million Canadian Dollar mosque built by Muslims within that place and this is the Gatineau Mosque and with out any outside grants. To me this was extremely nice. From that one he drove me to another nearby place where I saw a much bigger mosque than the Gatineau mosque and this is the Ottawa Central Mosque. For this second Mosque it has an office, the level of Hygiene in the place of Ablution is super, they have a place where the Muslim dead body are cleaned before being taken to be buried at the Muslim cemetery, I saw two vehicles in the parking yard all labeled (Ottawa Muslim Association), well maintained and not misused i.e. parked when not on official duties. I saw Muslim sisters attending Darasa as the Youth brothers were in the other part of the mosque having Quranic lessons and I was told that is how they spend their evenings. In Uganda many youth spend evenings arguing about Arsenal and Manchester United, who is bidding for Arsenal’s midfielder, how much is he going for etc without focusing on how do we take Muslims to scale. Back to Ottawa I was told that recently the contract of the Imam expired and a new one is being recruited in an open and transparent process involving interviews and carrying out a reference checks including getting clear reference on the Imam by at least respected and trusted Muslims from that area where the Imam is coming from. The rationale is to avoid recruiting property masters, liars, thieves, less informed imams etc. All this also reminded me of Mosques I have seen in Mombasa for example the TSS mosque for some of you who have visited and prayed in that mosque, plus others I have seen in Zanzibar. Back in Uganda I tried to look of course from what I have in my mental picture I failed to see one like the Ottawa Central Mosque, TSS mosque and those in Zanzibar etc. Perhaps I saw the Arua main Mosque that houses the District Council offices having something similar, In Lira again at the District Council three years ago they were trying to have offices built I don’t know how far they stopped and a few others but all are struggling. Having seen and contemplated over this I then jumped to one big conclusion that as Muslims we can have such mosques, but we lack some level of organization like what our Canadian brothers and sisters have. The question is.

Can the Muslims of Uganda attain that level of organization?

 

I have worked with a Muslim community where they do not only value money but they also value Time and Knowledge. Perhaps if we can not invest in mosques can we also consider giving in time and knowledge? For instance if you are a good physics, math, history, geography etc teacher can you go out and offer a lesson or two to a very poor Muslim secondary school in any part of the country perhaps once a month, to help the young Muslims pass their exams? If you are a doctor can you offer some time to share your knowledge on Hygiene, sanitation, nutrition etc for Muslims any where in the country. Still we can organize Health clinics (in which we screen for Malaria, TB, HIV, Skin diseases) and I think Muslim Doctors can do this as a way of Giving back to the Muslim community? The question remains are we organized enough?

 

I will visit Toronto shortly before I come back home in three-four days to come. I will also tell you my findings. Keep on the forum

shafique sekalala

 

 

Quran Campaign June 20th – 30th, 2011

Islamic Circle of North America (Sisters Wing)

Quran Campaign June 20^th – 30^th, 2011

Am I in the Quran?

Dearest Sisters!

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

By Allah’s grace, hopefully you all are doing well and are involved in upholding your faith. We pray to Allah that He allows us to serve His religion in the best possible manner, making us successful in this world and the Hereafter. (Ameen)

Dear Sisters, this year our movement has chosen a purpose, for which we should thank Allah; for this work could enable us to gain Allah’s pleasure and leave sadaqa jaria (perpetual charity) behind in this world (inshaAllah) with ease.

What is the Essence and Purpose of the Quran Campaign?

The purpose of this Quran Campaign is the same as the purpose of our beloved Prophet (SAWS). Allah has mentioned it in the Quran in these words:

[O MEN!] We have now bestowed upon you from on high a divine writ containing all that you ought to bear in mind will you not, then, use your reason? (Surah Al-Anbiya: 10)

 

How do we work this campaign?

The way a campaign is run is different from performing ordinary tasks. You have to lay extra emphasis and give extra attention to create an environment that allows you to dedicate all your skills and energy to do the job. And encourage your colleagues along as well to accomplish your goal. Dear sisters! You have to prepare yourself to give your all, to accomplish this important sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS) in educating people and helping them understand this Quran during this campaign.

Dear Sisters!

What is the Quran? It is a revolutionary book, whose rays of illumination started in a cave in the land of Arabia, then spread and illuminated the whole world. Quran is the book that uplifted humanity from the darkness of injustices and brought it under its shade of knowledge.

 

Quran is the book that empowered the weak and united the scattered and warring nations into an iron wall. It bears thinking that even after being bestowed with this great blessing, Muslims are oppressed and ridiculed everywhere. In no facet of life are Muslims present in a visible leadership role, be it academic, social, behavioral, etc

The same people who claim to follow this book are immersed in murder and mayhem, oppression and injustices, fraudulent behavior, social indecencies.

Even though the inheritors of this book are in the majority, they follow and obey the minority.

Alas, why is that? After having a blessing such as the Quran, why are they under other people’s thumbs?

The answer to this query is that in front of Allah, Muslims have a special level; they are not like everyone else and are held to a higher standard. The trust that was given by Allah, to receive and spread this message has not been fulfilled by us, meaning we did not read it nor did we tell others about it.

The problem is that we have stopped understanding the concepts of this glorious book; otherwise there is no circumstance for which Allah has not given a solution in here. Politics, industry, trade, society, behavior and worship, all aspects of life are explained by Allah in His book.

 

“O mankind! There hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, – and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy.” (Surah Younus: 57)

In today’s world we have to join ourselves and our environment with the teachings of the Quran.

So the ICNA Sisters Wing has organized a Quran Campaign from June 20th-30th, 2011.

The theme for this campaign is Ayah 10 of Surah Anbiya:

“We have certainly sent down to you a Book in which is your mention. Then will you not reason?”

 

We are constantly reminded that the glorious Quran has been revealed to guide us.

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – (Al-Baqarah: 2)

In the same principle, Allah says in Surah Bani Israel ayah 9:

“This Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable”

Do we ponder on the meanings of these ayahs?????

Uthman (RA) narrated that Prophet (SAW) said:

“The best among you is he who learns the Quran and teaches it” (Sahih Bukhari)

 

 

With this movement we will inshaAllah strengthen our relation with this Quran and will vow to enhance our beliefs and actions according to its teachings, becoming show pieces as mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah, ayah 208:

“Enter into Islam completely [and perfectly]”

The famous scholar and imam Ahmad bin Hanbal’s student Shaykh Al-Islam Abu Abdullah Mohammad bin Nasr Maruzi Baghdadi (202-294 AH) wrote in his book Qiyamul Layl (The Night Worship) a lesson imparting tale, which helps us understand this verse, and sheds light on how the Prophet’s (SAWS) companions and followers understood and pondered on the Quran.

Ahnaf bin Qais, an Arab leader and follower of the Prophet’s (SAWS) teachings, was sitting when someone recited this ayah:

We have certainly sent down to you a Book in which is your mention. Then will you not reason? (Surah al-Anbiya: 10)

He got startled and asked to have the Quran brought to him, so that he could search for his mention in the book, and see what kind of people he has been categorized with, and to whom he is similar.

He opened the book and read about some people whom Allah (swt) had praised:

 They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope]… And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness, And in their properties there was the right of the beggar, and the Mahrum (the poor who does not ask the others) (Al-Dhariyat: 17,18)

Then he read about some more people about whom it was said:

“Their limbs do forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Lord, in Fear and Hope: and they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them.”  (Surah As-Sajdah: 16)

Then he saw some more people about whom it was said:

“And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer]” (Surah Al-Furqan:64)

And he saw people who were mentioned with these words:

“Who spend [in the cause of Allah ] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good;” (Surah Al-Imran: 134)

 

 

 

And more people whose condition was:

“But give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful”. (Surah Al-Hashr: 9)

And some people were touched upon, whose behavior was:

“Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;” (Surah Ash-Shura: 37)

 

“Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;” (Surah Ash-Shura: 38)

At this point he stopped and said: “O Allah! I know of my condition, I don’t see myself among these people!” Then he picked another part of the Quran and now he saw some people whose condition was:

Indeed they, when it was said to them, “There is no deity but Allah,” were arrogant and were saying, “Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?” (Surah As-Saffat: 35-36)

And then he was faced with people whose condition was:

“And when Allah is mentioned alone, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion, but when those [worshipped] other than Him are mentioned, immediately they rejoice.” (Surah As-Zumar: 45)

He then read about some more people who when asked:

[And asking them], “What put you into Saqar?”They will say, “We were not of those who prayed, nor did we used to feed the poor. And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged [in it], and we used to deny the Day of Recompense Until there came to us the certainty.” (Surah Al-Muddathir: 42-47)

On reaching here, he stopped in shock for a little while; he touched his ears and said: “O Allah! I seek your refuge from these people! I am worse than them.”

Now he was riffling through the pages of the Quran, and was looking for the mention of himself. He stopped when he reached this ayah:

“And [there are] others who have acknowledged their sins. They had mixed a righteous deed with another that was bad. Perhaps Allah will turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah At-Tawbah: 102)

At this point he spontaneously declared, “Yes, Yes! This is no doubt my condition.”

 

Things to do before the start of the campaign

Preparation for this campaign should be done from now onwards. Sisters are advised to make the most of their time by following the below-mentioned prep:

Monday:

1. Make a list of your family, relatives, friends and acquaintances for meetings and phone calls. Prepare topics to discuss along with material (Quranic ayaat, Ahadeeth) to talk about.
2. Prepare a list of various events being organized (such as daura-Quran (tafseer-ul Quran sessions), Welcome Ramadan, dawah workshop, local programs) in the regions where your family and friends are residing.
3. Collect material and points for discussion with people in your household.

 

Tuesday:

1. This is a day for the kids. What kind of activity can be arranged for the kids? Where is it going to be held? Which ayah will it be about? If you are going to watch a documentary together then which one is it going to be?

 

Wednesday:

1. Order Quran, dawah cards, Why Islam brochures to distribute among non-Muslims.
2. Prepare a list of which neighbors you are going to meet, at what time and for how long.

If planning tea or iftar party, where will it be held? Make the invitation card.

1. Prepare and collect material to discuss with the library/ teacher. Or if you are planning to a display/ presentation in the library then ask their permission and get the topic cleared by them

 

Thursday:

1. Day of collective dawah; prepare the venue, time, fliers, Quran/ books for distribution, for the upcoming Welcome Ramadan program. Prepare information and circular for the daura Quran program
2. For the dawah conference, confirm the day, venue, time, fliers etc. If the conference is being held in conjunction with the Brothers wing then discuss the arrangements and agenda with them. If you are planning to host it with MCNA then think of the activities and program topics.

Friday and Saturday:

1. This is the day for individual dawah. Make a list of whom you can invite and where (Islamic School, weekend school, grocery store etc). Prepare the topic and collect the material to be given.
2. For the MCNA program, think of the day, venue, time, topic and activities.
3. In order to involve YM in the MCNA program, discuss it with them. Do the publicity of the YM programs being held under the online institute.

 

 

 

 

Sunday:

1. Prepare list of names of relatives and friends for meetings/ phone calls. And prepare topics and materials (Quranic ayaat, ahadeeth) that you will discuss.
2. Make a list of all the programs (daura Quran, Welcome Ramadan, dawah workshops, local programs) being held in the relatives/ friends area that you’ll invite them to attend.
3. Prepare and collect the material to be discussed/ given to other organizations

Things to do during the Campaign

Monday June 20^th & 27^th: Contact your family and friends, residing in various States and discuss the importance and benefit of the Quran in our daily lives. Keeping the theme in mind, have discussions with your family at home.

Tuesday June 21^st & 28^th: 2-3 member sisters should get together along with their kids in a park/ backyard and find and ponder over the signs of Allah (swt) in the world around us.

Wednesday June 22^nd & 29^th: Organize a neighborhood dawah program among the Muslims and non-Muslims. Two sister buddies can pair up for this work

Thursday June 23^rd & 30^th:  Following efforts can be organized by the various cities and regions on each of Thursdays:

1. Welcome Ramadan: This can be organized during the campaign.
2. Dawah Conference: This can be held in conjunction with the ICNA brothers wing or MCNA

Friday June 24^th & Saturday June 25^th: You can perform individual tasks in these days. Every member should reach out in the Muslim community and meet with people in Mosques, Islamic Schools, weekend schools, Friday Prayers, grocery store, MCNA programs, and YM/youth programs.

Sunday June 26^th: Reach out individually to family, relatives, and other members of Islamic organizations. This can be done through picnics, home invitations. Kids’ activities can also be arranged and advertised through fliers.

Things to do after the campaign

1. This is the best time to collect the results of the campaign.
2. Fill out the evaluation forms sent by the committee.
3. Follow up with the sisters whom you communicated with during the campaign; and help getting people to attend the daura-Quran
4. Get involved and motivate other sisters to get involved in the daura-Quran (give rides to the venue, or help them attend over the phone)
5. After the daura-Quran, prepare for Eid gathering and invite sisters to the dawah classes.
6. Invite sisters to become members and explain the roles played by the members.

 

 

1. If they don’t want to become members then motivate them to volunteer with Helping Hands, Why Islam and ICNA Relief.
2. Get involved in the planning of the dawah classes to be held after Eid so that we can deliver the message of the Quran.

Dear Sisters!

Don’t judge this work by success or failure. Usually that is the standard used for judging other events. Instead, answer these three questions:

1. Till where did we reach?
2. What provisions are needed?
3. How far to reach our destination?

But ………the criterion of our success depends on our good intentions and humility.

If death comes to us on the first step then that would still be success. And how great would it be if we reach our destination!

Pure faith is the provision for this journey and our determination will tell us where we reached.

On the path of truth one must encounter Taif, cave Thawr and Ditch. The road was covered with thorns, Prophet’s (SAWS) blessed teeth were martyred, filth was thrown on his head, and all other kinds of torments were inflicted upon him (SAWS).

It would be bad luck for us if we didn’t encounter problems on the path of truth. Failure does not exist on this path; problems are a requirement for success. That is why we were taught this dua: “Oh our Lord! Strengthen our steps”

On the path of truth if one should recite this dua while surmounting the hurdles then why wouldn’t help come from Allah (swt).

We make dua to Allah (swt) that He allows us to become the best workers for delivering His invitation with complete faith. Ameen.

With peace and duaas for you.

Wassalam,

Quran Campaign Committee.

Power of “Istighfar” (A moving story)

This story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. Imam Ahmed is also considered to be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the “Sheikh ul-Islam” or the “Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah.”

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.

On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]

This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. Let’s remember that the prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say Istighfar frequently during the day. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi states:

A man complained to Al-Hasan about a drought, and he said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

Another man complained to him of poverty and he said to him: “Pray to Allah to forgive you.”

Another man said to him: “Pray to Allah to bless me with a child.” He said: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

Another complained to him that his garden was dry. He said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

He was asked about it and he said: “This is not my personal opinion, for Allah says in Surah Nooh (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” Tafseer Al-Qurtubi (18/301-302)

One of the narrators of a Hadith was asked about the manner in which forgiveness is to be sought, to which he answered: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say: ‘Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)’.” [Sahih Muslim].

ayisha.n.janat@gmail.com

Nothing is impossible for Allah

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu!

Allah’s Dialog with Prophet Zachariah (AS) and Allah’s Miracles..
1. Kaf-Ha-Ya-’Ain-Sad. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].
2. This is a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave(Zakariyya (Zachariah)
3. When he called out his Lord (Allah) a call in secret
4. He said: “My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord!
5.”And verily I fear my relatives after me, and my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir.
6. “Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya’qub (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not of wealth.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-Pleased!”
7. (Allah said) “O Zakariyya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, whose name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him).”
8. He said: “My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age.”
9.He said: “So (it will be). Your Lord says: It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing!”
Source: Quran: (Maryam: Verses 1 – 9)

Reflections from these verses –

These verses give us the evidence of Allah’s Mercy which is boundless. It makes possible what may seem impossible to us. Nothing is impossible for Allah.
We understand from these verses that we cannot use our logic to comprehend Allah’s Power and Design. Our duty is to pray for good and hope for the best from Allah.
These verses also show that when Zakaria invoked Allah, he first acknowledged that Allah had always blessed him and he had never been disappointed in his invocation. A true servant of Allah therefore should always be conscious of the blessings of His Creator and Benefactor.
These verses reflect the fact that a Prophet does not have selfish desires. His concern was that Allah’s Commands are followed and that goodness prevail.
These verses reflect the Quranic style of the dialog between Zakaria and Allah. We see how Allah communicates a message to us by telling us a story thereby making it easy for us to understand the lessons in the story.
Through these verses Allah reminds us that we should ponder on man’s creation. Man had been nothing before Allah created him. Everything is easy for Allah.

Asalam aleikum

Kitunzi A. Mutunzi

HIJAB DOES NOT MEAN OPPRESSION OF WOMEN

Dear friends,

I have come to notice that a lot of people are ignorant about the meaning of the veil or Hijab in Islam especially considering that our neighbours in Britain, the French, have started arresting women dressed in Burqa in public. I don’t wish to turn this into a quranic based debate because even if there was evidence in the Quran that things like polygamy or wearing hijab or Burqa are supported by certain verses, there are people with power in this world who are determined not to listen. They see Islam as walking anachronism, as something against liberty, freedom, and progress. When somebody is seeing Islam in this sense, it leads to ‘islamphobia’. However, for the sake of this debate, I wish to say that there is a body of evidence in the Quran that supports Hijab. For example, in the following Qur’anic verses addressing women’s clothing, it is stated:

And say to the believing women that they should avert their gaze and guard their modesty, and they should not display their adornment except what is apparent thereof, and they should throw their veils over their bosoms, and not display their adornment except to their husbands or fathers. (Holy Qur’an 24:31)

O Prophet, tell your wives and the women of the believers that they should bring some of their cloaks closer/nearer to themselves, that is a minimum [measure] so that they would be recognized as such and hence not molested.(Holy Qur’an 33:59)

Before these verses were revealed, Arab women used to wear something called Khimar(a long headscarf that flowed loosely around their shoulders) but the breasts were a bit exposed. As far as I know, there are no sanctions in the Quran for not covering but obviously this is based on different interpretation of different scholars. There is lack of consensus among the scholars on whether the whole face should be covered or not, but my personal view is that we should encourage and respect those women who at least take the initiative to cover up or dress decently.

When a Muslim woman puts on a hijab, head scarf, or whatever, people tend to look at them in the west as ‘oppressed’, ‘backward’ and ‘uneducated’, something I find so absurd. Actually, what some people don’t know is that historically, the veil or Hijab was the marker of a free woman versus a slave or concubine and set certain social and sexual parameters for the engagement of men with these different social and class based categories of women. But as a result of this ignorance of cultural and religious values in the west, Muslim women have been discriminated against especially in terms of jobs or what we call ‘ being picked upon’ here in the UK. For instance, Muslim girls in schools in France, Turkey and Quebec have been exiled from public schools because of their Hijabs.  It even makes it worse when some states such as France, Belgium and Netherlands come out with laws that are targeting the minority of women that are putting on ‘Burqa’ . This has only increased further discrimination of Muslim women in the society; something I believe should not be engineered by any responsible state.

France has banned the Burqa but it looks like they are also not tolerant with ‘Hijab’. For instance, in 1989 three Muslim adolescent girls were denied access to public school because they wore the hijab or headscarf, an act that defies a 1937 French law prohibiting the wearing of conspicuous religious symbols in government run schools.

I sometimes wonder why the Catholic Church does not come out to support Muslims on this because the Catholic churches used to require women to wear scarves. Why they abandoned it, I don’t know yet. During the 1900s, the head covering gradually disappeared from many Protestant churches, which dropped their requirement that women cover their heads during the church service. The Roman Catholic Church omitted it in the 1983 Code of Canon Law. But, all the same, it becomes an infringement on individual human rights when we start supporting laws in schools and public life that are targeting women who dress according to their religious norms.  Here in the UK, People shave their heads, wear rings through their noses, and private parts and dye their hair, but society is not bothered with them because it’s their right but why would it be necessary to target a woman who decide to cover almost all her body when outside her house?.

In any case, a lot of Muslims are immigrating to the west, and some are individually abandoning their religious and cultural norms for western way of living. This is something that is happening without any law in place necessitating them to change for western life. While it takes two, three, or four generations, it has shown that 99.9% of immigrants fully adapt to the Western lifestyle no matter where they are from. New immigrants settle in their own little towns, continue to speak their own  language, and practice their own culture, but history has shown that after a  few generations their children, grand children, great-grand children, and  great-great-grand children and each following generation finds it easier to fully adapt to the country as they slowly lose the old cultural practices.  They become English only speakers and they fully or most fully adapt to western values.  You will always find some exceptions to this, but this what history has proven.

I think women should be allowed to put on anything they want as long as they are not bothering anyone. Obviously, factors such as decency, culture and religion should always be put into consideration.

Byebyo ebyange

Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

UK

the benefit of wudhu (Take Your Wudu Beyond Ritual Washing)

Take Your Wudu Beyond Ritual Washing

Wudu is such a beautiful thing. It is done so that we can purify ourselves before we stand for prayer in front of Allah. And all of us make wudu, because we know that without it our prayer will not be valid.

But usually we do it routinely, swiftly washing our hands and feet, splish splash on the face, a quick wipe over the head and we are done, not thinking much of it. And sometimes we even get lazy and don’t do it properly, especially at times like Fajr, when we are sleepy and during cold weather.

But there is more to wudu than just being a condition for worship. Something that makes it more than just a routine thing before prayer…… something higher and more complete…. something that most of us neglect or overlook.

And that is…..that the very act of wudu is a form of worship in itself.

By performing wudu you can get closer to Allaah….you can increase your Imaan and strengthen your faith. By performing wudu, you can intensify your love for Allaah and His Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam)…and you can have your sins forgiven. And how can one do all that ?

Every time you make wudu, be conscious of Allaah, your Rabb, and remember that it is Him, Who ordered you to perform wudu in the first place. And you are carrying out His Orders, His Command….you are obeying Him. And you love to obey Him. So be conscious of your obedience to Him and thank Him for enabling you to carry out His Command as He says:

(O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles) [Surah Maidah:6]
This will increase your love for Allaah, and strengthen your Imaan….and improve your relationship with Him. It will make you more conscious of Him when you stand in front of Him in prayer and give you more Khushoo.

And every time you perform wudu, be conscious that you are following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). It is the same way he did wudu….. the Prophet that you love and honor and respect….and it is his Sunnah that you love to follow. Not only will Allaah will reward you for following His Messenger (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam), but it (the wudu) will also increase your love for the Sunnah as well.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “He who performs wudu like this wudu of mine and then offered two rakahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated.” (Muslim)

So the key to sins being expiated is performing wudu like the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and then praying. And every single time you perform wudu, do it sincerely for the sake of Allaah, expecting a reward from Him, asking Him to accept it from you, hoping that He will forgive you.

Because wudu expiates sins. “When the Muslim or believing slave does wudu and washes his face, every wrong thing that he looked at with his eyes comes out from his face with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, every wrong thing that he did with his hands comes out from his hands with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet every wrong thing that he walked to with his feet comes out from his feet with the water or with the last drop of water, until he emerges cleansed of sin.” (Muslim)

And whenever you do wudu, think of the People who will have bright hands and faces on the Day of Resurrection and know that if you try to do your wudu properly, doing it sincerely for the sake of Allaah, then He will make you among those.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “(On the Day of Resurrection) You will have distinctive marks “Al-Ghurr-ul- Muhajjalun” which nobody among the peoples (except you) will have; you would come to me (at the Cistern of al-Kauthar) with blazing forehead and bright hands and feet on account of the traces of ablution.” (Muslim)

Try and maintain your wudu at all times as this is a sign of a believer. The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Only the believer will remain with his ablution (sustaining it at all times).” (Saheeh al-Jamee) And even if you have difficulty in doing wudu, like cold weather, or any other situation that makes wudu difficult, still try your best to maintain it, since there is tremendous reward.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?” The Companions said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Performing the Wudu thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next prayer after observing a prayer; and that is mindfulness”. (Muslim)

And don’t forget the Siwaak. It is something that Allaah and His Messenger love. He (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Siwak is a purification for the mouth and satisfaction for the Lord”. (al- Nisaee and Ibn Khuzaima -Sahih at Targheeb)

And when you finish wudu, be sure and say the Sunnah duas that the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) taught us to say AFTER we are done with wudu.

Remember there are NO duas to be said during wudu.

There is nothing proven about that from the authentic Sunnah.

Just START your wudu with Bismillaah and when you are DONE, then say the following:

1) Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu. (Meaning: I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.) (Muslim)

2) Allaahumm ajalni min al-tawwaabeena wajalni min al-mutatahhireena (Meaning: O Allaah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves). (Tirmidhi-Saheeh by Albaani)

3) Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka (Meaning: Glory and praise be to You, O Allaah, I bear witness that there is no god but You, I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You) (al-Nasaai, etc.- Saheeh by Albaani)

May Allaah make us among those who purify themselves for His sake, physically as well as spiritually. Ameen

Musa mukwaya

Ugandan students in Libyan: Alive and kicking

We wish to refute the statement published in one of the local newspapers “Eddoboozi” that Ugandan students in Libya have been injured and others have  gone missing.

 The paper ran a headline, in its issue of Friday 1^st April,  that 19 students studying in Benghazi, Misrata and the capital Tripoli have gone missing in the embattled Libya, which raised concern among our parents, relatives and the country at large.

It also alleged to have quoted some Ugandan students who briefed them on the condition on the ground stating that Ugandan community including students are in state of fear and afraid of their colleagues whereabouts. It further stated that we lack necessary things  water and electricity, and that even bread which is Libyan staple food is short of supply.

The paper also listed the names of students who are said to have been injured by bomb blasts in one of the attacks by the NATO Air strikes.

In an attempt to seek help for their evacuation from the troubled Libya, the paper alleged that the students contacted Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa but to no avail.

However, we wish to calm our parents, relatives and the country at large that no Ugandan student whatsoever has been injured or went missing.

 According to the Ugandan students Association the body that brings together all Ugandan students in Libya, the total number of Ugandan students in Libya this academic year is 24 and all of them are studying in Tripoli. Six of them were evacuated by the Ugandan government through its embassy in Tripoli earlier on. The remaining seventeen students are still around, and safe and sound.  But we are perplexed as to where the reporter got the nineteen more students, whom he said have gone missing.

No bomb blast has hit the university where we are studying, and the strikes target only military bases. Therefore to allege that there are causalities among Ugandan students or anyone missing among them is groundless.

 

In Tripoli, where all the students are, is under the Libyan government control and is still secure. All necessary facilities such as water, electricity and food are available for all.   

Contrary to what the paper stated, Ugandan students have never contacted the foreign Minister or any government official in Kampala for help, since the Ugandan Embassy is still around in Tripoli and is always in touch with them. But this does not refute the fact that the country is at war-as you are well aware-and naturally we are afraid of what might be the outcome.

For further information about the condition of Ugandan students in Libya, please contact our university (World Islamic Call Society), The Embassy of Uganda in Tripoli and the Ugandan Students Association.

In conclusion, the Uganda students in Libya through their body wish to convey their sincere appreciation and gratefulness to the government and all Ugandans who have shown concern for their wellbeing.

 

Uganda Students Association in Libya.

Regards

Ezzelddeen Haggaaz
Cairo International Bank UK Representative.
1A Lower Road
Sutton Surrey
SM1 4QJ
T.Mob: 000447960040088
V.Mob: 000447984471671
Email: ehaggaaz@yahoo.co.uk
Website: http//www.cairiointernationalbank.co.ug

Turning away from the rememberance of Allah

When our consciousness starts to do dhikr of Allah, then we have adopted the way of al-islam and we have become Muslims. Al-islam and doing dhikr of Allah is therefore essentially the same thing. The Holy Qur`an says:
“Is he whose breast Allah has opened for al-islam and who is consequently (walking with) a light from his Lord (like the one who is deprived of al-islam). Then woe unto those whose hearts are hardened against the dhikr of Allah. Such are in plain error. Allah has sent down the best of hadith (word, statement), a book with inner harmony and diversity. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it. Then their skins and their hearts soften to the dhikr of Allah. Such is the guidance of Allah. He guides therewith whom He pleases, but whomever Allah leads astray has no guide.� (39:22-23)

In these verses, first there is the mention of those whose breasts have been opened by Allah for al-islam and who are as a result given a nur or light to walk with. Then there is the mention of those whose hearts are too hard to remember Allah and who are therefore in dalal. This means that al-islam and dhikr of Allah go together. Where there is dhikr of Allah there is al-islam and where there is absence of his dhikr there is absence of al-islam. Also, the verses make it clear that the purpose of the Qur`an is to incline us to the dhikr of Allah.

In the following verses it is even more clearly stated that the absence of dhikr Allah leads man away from the way of Allah (al-islam) and to the way of Shaytan:

And whoever turns himself away from the dhikr of the Most Gracious One, We appoint for him a devil (shaytan) to be his associate. And (these devils) turn them away from the way (of Allah) while they think that they are guided aright. (43:36-37)

Start of the day & Advice On Dealing With Anger

Usman
Mabco Petroleum

O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. This is so that the People of the Scripture may know that they are not able to obtain anything from the bounty of Allah and that all bounty is in the hand of Allah; He gives it to whom He wills. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

The Quran 57:28-29

You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.

Advice On Dealing With Anger Anger is one of the evil whispers of Shaytan, which leads to so many evils and tragedies, of which only Allah knows their full extent. For this reason Islam has a great deal to say about this bad characteristic, and the Prophet (saws) described cures for this “disease” and ways to limit its effects, among which are the following: (1) Seeking refuge with Allah from the Shaytan: Sulayman ibn Sard said: “I was sitting with the Prophet (saws), and two men were slandering one another. One of them was red in the face, and the veins on his neck were standing out. The Prophet (saws) said, ‘I know a word which, if he were to say it, what he feels would go away. If he said “I seek refuge with Allah from the Shaytan,” what he feels (i.e., his anger) would go away.’” (Reported by al-Bukhari, al-Fath, 6/337) The Prophet (saws) said: “If a man gets angry and says, ‘I seek refuge with Allah,’ his anger will go away.” (Saheeh al-Jaami‘ al-Sagheer, no. 695) (2) Keeping silent: The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “If any of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.” (Reported by Imam Ahmad, al-Musnad, 1/329; see also Sahih al-Jaami‘, 693, 4027) This is because in most cases, the angry person loses self control and could utter words of kufr (from which we seek refuge with Allah), or curses, or the word of divorce (talaaq) which would destroy his home, or words of slander which would bring him the enmity and hatred of others. So, in short, keeping silent is the solution which helps one to avoid all that. (3) Not moving: The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “If any of you becomes angry and he is standing, let him sit down, so his anger will go away; if it does not go away, let him lie down.” The narrator of this hadeeth is Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), and there is a story connected to his telling of it: he was taking his camels to drink at a trough that he owned, when some other people came along and said (to one another), “Who can compete with Abu Dharr (in bringing animals to drink) and make his hair stand on end?” A man said, “I can,” so he brought his animals and competed with Abu Dharr, with the result that the trough was broken. (i.e., Abu Dharr was expecting help in watering his camels, but instead the man misbehaved and caused the trough to be broken). Abu Dharr was standing, so he sat down, then he laid down. Someone asked him, “O Abu Dharr, why did you sit down then lie down?” He said: “The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: . . .” and quoted the hadeeth. (The hadeeth and this story may be found in Musnad Ahmad, 5/152; see also Sahih al-Jaami‘, no. 694). According to another report, Abu Dharr was watering his animals at the trough, when another man made him angry, so he sat down . . . (Fayd al-Qadeer, al-Manaawi, 1/408) Among the benefits of this advice given by the Prophet (saws) is the fact that it prevents the angry person from going out of control, because he could strike out and injure someone, or even kill – as we will find out shortly – or he could destroy possessions and so on. Sitting down makes it less likely that he will become overexcited, and lying down makes it even less likely that he will do something crazy or harmful. Al-‘Allaamah al-Khattaabi, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his commentary on Aboo Daawood: “One who is standing is in a position to strike and destroy, while the one who is sitting is less likely to do that, and the one who is lying down can do neither. It is possible that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told the angry person to sit down or lie down so that he would not do something that he would later regret. And Allah knows best.”(Sunan Abee Daawood, with Ma‘aalim al-Sunan, 5/141) (4) Following the advice of the Prophet (saws): Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that a man said to the Prophet (saws), “Advise me.” He said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated his request several times, and each time the Prophet (saws) told him, “Do not become angry.”(Reported by al-Bukhari, Fath al-Baaree, 10/456) According to another report, the man said: “I thought about what the Prophet (saws) said, and I realized that anger combines all kinds of evil.”(Musnad Ahmad, 5/373) (5) Do not become angry and Paradise will be yours (a saheeh hadeeth, see Saheeh al-Jaam‘, 7374. Ibn Hajr attributed it to al-Tabaraanee, see al-Fath 4/465): Remembering what Allah has promised to the righteous (muttaqeen) who keep away from the causes of anger and struggle within themselves to control it, is one of the most effective ways of extinguishing the flames of anger. One of the ahaadeeth that describe the great reward for doing this is: “Whoever controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection.”(Reported by al-Tabaraanee, 12/453, see also Sahih al-Jaami‘, 6518) Another great reward is described in the Prophet’s (saws) words: “Whoever controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allah will call him before all of mankind on the Day of Resurrection, and will let him choose of the Hoor al-‘Ayn whoever he wants.”(Reported by Aboo Daawood, 4777, and others. It is classified as hasan in Sahih al-Jaami‘, 6518). (6) Knowing the high status and advantages offered to those who control themselves: The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “The strong man is not the one who can overpower others (in wrestling); rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he gets angry.” (Reported by Ahmad, 2/236; the hadeeth is agreed upon) . The greater the anger, the higher the status of the one who controls himself. The Prophet (saws) said: “The strongest man is the one who, when he gets angry and his face reddens and his hackles rise, is able to defeat his anger.” (Reported by Imam Ahmad, 5/367, and classified as hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami‘, 3859) Anas reported that the Prophet (saws) passed by some people who were wrestling. He asked, “What is this?” They said: “So-and-so is the strongest, he can beat anybody.” The Prophet (saws) said, “Shall I not tell you who is even stronger then him? The man who, when he is mistreated by another, controls his anger, has defeated his own Shaytan and the Shaytan of the one who made him angry.”(Reported by al-Bazzaar, and Ibn Hajr said its isnaad is saheeh. Al-Fath, 10/519) (7) Following the Prophet’s (saws) example in the case of anger: The Prophet (saws) is our leader and has set the highest example in this matter, as is recorded in a number of ahaadeeth. One of the most famous was reported by Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “I was walking with the Messenger of Allah (saws), and he was wearing a Najraanee cloak with a rough collar. A Bedouin came and seized him roughly by the edge of his cloak, and I saw the marks left on his neck by the collar. Then the Bedouin ordered him to give him some of the wealth of Allaah that he had. The Prophet (saws) turned to him and smiled, then ordered that he should be given something.”(Agreed upon. Fath al-Baaree, 10/375) Another way in which we can follow the example of the Prophet (saws) is by making our anger for the sake of Allah, when His rights are violated. This is the kind of anger which is praiseworthy. So the Prophet (saws) became angry when he was told about the imam who was putting people off the prayer by making it too long; when he saw a curtain with pictures of animate creatures in ‘Aa’ishah’s house; when Usaamah spoke to him about the Makhzoomee woman who had been convicted of theft, and he said “Do you seek to intervene concerning one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?”; when he was asked questions that he disliked, and so on. His anger was purely for the sake of Allah. (8) Knowing that resisting anger is one of the signs of righteousness (taqwaa): The righteous (al-muttaqoon) are those praised by Allah in the Qur’an and by His Messenger (saws). Paradise as wide as heaven and earth has been prepared for them. One of their characteristics is that they (interpretation of the meaning) “spend (in Allah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, [they] repress anger, and [they] pardon men; verily, Allah loves al-muhsinoon (the good-doers).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:134] These are the ones whose good character and beautiful attributes and deeds Allaah has mentioned, and whom people admire and want to emulate. One of their characteristics is that (interpretation of the meaning) “. . . when they are angry, they forgive.” [al-Shooraa 42:47] (9) Listening to reminders: Anger is a part of human nature, and people vary in their anger. It may be difficult for a man not to get angry, but sincere people will remember Allah when they are reminded, and they will not overstep the mark. Some examples follow: Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a man sought permission to speak to ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him), then he said: “O son of al-Khattaab, you are not giving us much and you are not judging fairly between us.” ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was so angry that he was about to attack the man, but al-Hurr ibn Qays, who was one of those present, said: “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Allah said to His Prophet (saws) (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish’ [al-A‘raaf 7:199]. This man is one of the foolish.” By Allah, ‘Umar could go no further after al-Hurr had recited this aayah to him, and he was a man who was careful to adhere to the Book of Allah.(Reported by al-Bukhari, al-Fath, 4/304). This is how the Muslim should be. The evil munaafiq (hypocrite) was not like this when he was told the hadeeth of the Prophet (saws) and one of the Companions said to him, “Seek refuge with Allah from the Shaytan.” He said to the one who reminded him, “Do you think I am crazy? Go away!”(Reported by al-Bukhari, al-Fath, 1/465). We seek refuge with Allah from failure. (10) Knowing the bad effects of anger: The negative effects of anger are many; in short they cause damage to one’s own self and to others. The angry person may utter words of slander and obscenity, he may attack others (physically) in an uncontrolled manner, even to the point of killing. The following story contains a valuable lesson: ‘Ilqimah ibn Waa’il reported that his father (may Allah be pleased with him) told him: “I was sitting with the Prophet (saws) when a man came to him leading another man by a rope. He said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, this man killed my brother.’ The Messenger of Allah (saws) asked him, ‘Did you kill him?’ He said, ‘Yes, I killed him.’ He asked, ‘How did you kill him?’ He said, ‘He and I were hitting a tree to make the leaves fall, for animal feed, and he slandered me, so I struck him on the side of the head with an axe, and killed him.’ . . .” (Reported by Muslim, 1307, edited by al-Baaqi). Anger could lead to less than killing, such as wounding and breaking bones. If the one who caused the anger runs away, the angry person turns his anger in on himself, so he may tear his clothes, or strike his cheeks, or have a fit, or fall unconscious, or he may break dishes and plates, or break furniture. In the worst cases, anger results in social disasters and the breaking of family ties, i.e., divorce. Ask many of those who divorced their wives, and they will tell you: it was in a moment of anger. This divorce results in misery for the children, regret and frustration, a hard and difficult life, all as a result of anger. If they had remembered Allah, come to their senses, restrained their anger and sought refuge with Allah, none of this would have happened. Going against the Shariah only results in loss. The damage to health that results from anger can only be described by doctors, such as thrombosis, high blood pressure, tachycardia (abnormally rapid heartbeat) and hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing), which can lead to fatal heart attacks, diabetes, etc. We ask Allah for good health. (11) The angry person should think about himself during moments of anger: If the angry person could see himself in the mirror when he is angry, he would hate himself and the way he looks. If he could see the way he changes, and the way his body and limbs shake, how his eyes glare and how out of control and crazy his behaviour is, he would despise himself and be revolted by his own appearance. It is well-known that inner ugliness is even worse than outer ugliness; how happy the Shaytan must be when a person is in this state! We seek refuge with Allah from the Shaytan and from failure. (12) Du‘aa’: Du’a’ is always the weapon of the believer, whereby he asks Allah to protect him from evil, trouble and bad behaviour and seeks refuge with Him from falling into the pit of kufr or wrongdoing because of anger. One of the three things that can help save him is: being fair at times of contentment and of anger (Saheeh al-Jaami‘, 3039). One of the du‘aa’s of the Prophet (saws) was: “O Allah, by Your knowledge of the Unseen and Your power over Your creation, keep me alive for as long as You know life is good for me, and cause me to die when You know death is good for me. O Allah, I ask You to make me fear You in secret and in public, and I ask You to make me speak the truth in times of contentment and of anger. I ask You not to let me be extravagant in poverty or in prosperity. I ask You for continuous blessings, and for contentment that does not end. I ask You to let me accept Your decree, and for a good life after death. I ask You for the joy of seeing Your face and for the longing to meet You, without going through diseases and misguiding fitnah (trials). O Allah, adorn us with the adornment of faith and make us among those who are guided. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.” Usman Mabco Petroleum antony0711@aol.com