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There Is No Force in Islam

May 11th, 2010

Assalamualikum everyone,

In this blog, I would like to answer a very common question raised by several Muslims and non-Muslims and that is, “Why has Allah not made everyone a Muslim?” or “If Allah is so great and is responsible for everything, why do we have so many religions?“

The main reason to choose this topic to blog today is because, in recent times, there have been numerous occasions where the media has tried to portray Islam as a forceful religion (directly or indirectly). In fact, there have been several cases where some misguided Muslims themselves have forced fellow Muslims to follow their idea of what Islam is about, a very extreme approach.

The answer to the above question lies in the following Quranic verses. These Quranic verses are easy to read and understand and hopefully you will be able to derive the conclusion yourself.

“Verily, we have sent down to you (O Muhammad peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) the Book (this Qur’an) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self, and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad SAW) are not a Wakîl (trustee or disposer of affairs, or keeper) over them.” (Az-Zumar 39:41)

“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (O Muhammad peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) then compel mankind, until they become believers? It is not for any person to believe, except by the Leave of Allah, and He will put the wrath on those who are heedless.” (Surah Yunus 10: 99-100)

“Verily! This (Verses of the Qur’an) is an admonition, so whosoever wills, let him take a Path to his Lord (Allah). But you cannot will, unless Allah wills. Verily, Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Surah Ad-Dahr 76:29-30)

“Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that we may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e. those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah's sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)].” (Surah Al Kahf 18:7)

“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut (false deities, idols, etc.) and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surah Al Baqarah 2:256)

 

These five Quranic verses mention four very important elements of Islam:

- Even the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was not responsible to make others accept the guidance. He was a messenger and his task was to educate / invite others to the religion of Islam.

- A person will bear his/her own loss if he/she does not follow the religion of Islam.

- Only Allah can bring change in someone’s belief, no matter how hard one tries.

- Allah has made the life of this Earth to test mankind and man will be recompensed according to his deeds in this world.

Thus, Allah could have made everyone a Muslim but because the purpose of the world is to test the people and to award him according to his deeds, Allah wants us people of this world to understand the difference between right and wrong path and make our own choice and decision thereafter.

Here, I would also like to emphasize the difference between force and invitation. A Muslim should always do Da’wah (which means, to invite) or Tableegh (which means, to convey the message) to a fellow Muslim or a non-Muslim towards the religion of Islam, either directly or indirectly, through proper means. However, they should not and cannot force anyone to attend any religious gathering or convert into Islam.

JazakAllah

http://www.namaz.asia

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Hijaab I

April 18th, 2010

Praise be to Allaah.

Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

The conditions of hijaab:

Firstly:

(It should cover all the body apart from whatever has been exempted).

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

This aayah clearly states that it is obligatory to cover all of a woman’s beauty and adornments and not to display any part of that before non-mahram men (“strangers”) except for whatever appears unintentionally, in which case there will be no sin on them if they hasten to cover it up.

Al-Haafiz ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer:

This means that they should not display any part of their adornment to non-mahrams, apart from that which it is impossible to conceal. Ibn Mas’ood said: such as the cloak and robe, i.e., what the women of the Arabs used to wear, an outer garment which covered whatever the woman was wearing, except for whatever appeared from beneath the outer garment. There is no sin on a woman with regard to this because it is impossible to conceal it.

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Doa after Ablution( Wudu)

March 7th, 2010

Al-Nawawi narrated in al-Majmoo’ (1/385) that al-Bayhaqi said:

The soundest report concerning saying Bismillaah (for wudoo’) is the hadeeth of Anas, according to which the Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM put his hand in the vessel of water then he said: “Do wudoo’ in the name of Allaah.” [Anas] said: I saw the water springing up from between his fingers, and the people did wudoo’ until the last of them had done wudoo’, and there were nearly seventy men. Its isnaad is jayyid, and it was quoted as evidence by al-Bayhaqi in his book Ma’rifat al-Sunan wa’l-Athaar; he classed the other ahaadeeth as da’eef (weak). End quote.

With regard to what is said after wudoo’, a number of ahaadeeth have been narrated concerning that.

From the reports it may be concluded that he said:

Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu was rasooluhu. Allaahumm aj’alni min al-tawwaabeena waj’alni min al-mutatahhireena, subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka

(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. O Allaah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves. 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).

Muslim (234) narrated from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no one among you who does wudoo; and does it well, then says, Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu was rasooluhu (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) but the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he will enter through whichever one he wants.” Narrated by Muslim, 234.

Al-Tirmidhi (55) added: “Allaahumm aj’alni min al-tawwaabeena waj’alni min al-mutatahhireena (O Allaah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves).”

Al-Albaani classed it as saheeh in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. Ibn al-Qayyim stated in Zaad al-Ma’aad that it is proven to be from the Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM

With regard to the phrase “subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka (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), this was narrated by al-Nasaa’i in ‘Aml al-Yawm wa’l-Laylah, and by al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak, from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him). The narrators differed as to whether the hadeeth could be attributed to the Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM or whether these were the words of Abu Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him).

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Tahajjud prayer (Salaat)

March 3rd, 2010

Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This Hadith tells us about the ordinary routine of the Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM. Ordinarily, he would go to sleep in the first part of the night and perform Tahajjud prayer in the later portion, which is the best time for it. But, sometimes he also used to perform it in the early as well as middle hours of the night.

A scientific research:
*up to 60% of depressed people will show a 30% improvement after just one night awake.

* Sleep inhibits the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that helps control our metabolism and indirectly our levels of energy. An estimated 25 to 30% of depressed patients have low TSH levels. Recent research shows that staying awake through the night and the early morning hours boost it.

The holy Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM would sleep shortly after Isha and wake up in the very early hours of the morning, sometimes as early as midnight to pray.

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Sleeping Sunnahs

March 3rd, 2010

Few Sleeping Sunnahs


  • change clothes before sleeping
  • perform ablution
  • dust the bed 3 times
  • sleep on the right side and put your right hand on/under the right cheek
  • recite the doa “Alla-humma Bismika Amootoo wa’ahya” and keep doing zikr and sleep

If you sleep by following the Sunnah, your whole sleeping would be counted as an ibadat, so why not avail this and follow these few steps

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Answering Azaan ( call for Prayer)

March 3rd, 2010

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Allah’s Apostle SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM said, “Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu’adhdhin is saying.(Volume 1, Book 11, Number 585) Narrated ‘Isa bin Talha: that he had heard Muawiya repeating the words of Adhan up to “Wa ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulul-lah (and I testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle.)” (Volume 1, Book 11, Number 586:)

Narrated Yahya as above (586) and added:

“Some of my companions told me that Hisham had said, “When the Mu’adhdhin said, “Haiya alas-sala(t) (come for the prayer).” Muawiya said, “La hawla wala quwata illa billah (There is neither might nor any power except with Allah)” and added, “We heard your Prophet saying the same.”(Volume 1, Book 11, Number 587)

So While listening to the adhan, We Muslims should repeat the same words silently, except when the muezzin says ḥayya ‘alas-salāh or ḥayya ‘alal-falāḥ where we should silently say lā hawla wa lā quwata illā billāh (there is no strength or power except from God).

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New Year Eve

February 26th, 2010

So here I am writing the second series to my blog about my recent trip to Karachi, Pakistan and today, I will share with you what I witnessed on the New Year’s eve. Even though I have a lot to write, I will try to keep it as short as possible inshAllah so as to keep the reader interested!

On 28th December, 10th of Muharram, a major bomb blast killed several people and later, up to 6000 shops were put on fire to create disturbance in the city! Several shops, stores and businesses were impacted; the poor were unable to leave their homes for work and were deprived of their daily wages. Even after couple of days (New Year’s Eve), I noticed the gloom atmosphere over Karachi. But then there were few students from rich, educated background who instead of mourning or even thinking about what happened two days back, were celebrating New Year’s in the weirdest of ways!

What I mean is guns and not just ordinary pistols; I mean repeaters loaded with arsenal worth thousands of rupees being used for celebrating New-Year! Right at that time, I am sure there were people crying for their lost one in the recent attacks across Pakistan, children who have not enjoyed food for a very long time, refugees who are eager to go back home!

So, do you think in this situation Allah would help us? Will Allah provide us with shelter and peace when, on the one hand, we enjoy these celebrations while/and on the other hand, our brothers sleep on empty stomachs? Do you think Allah will change the course of our life without us trying to change it ourselves? When will we learn? (suggestion:)When will we learn to respect all the classes of the society and give charity to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor!

“Truly, God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is inthemselves.” (Quran 13:11)


I hope, by now, (commas inserted) you have realized what I am trying to say, so let’s take a decision. A decision to start helping others, feeding others and stop taking part in these celebrations or participating in such celebrations with weapons. This is because we have better celebration events and better ways of celebrating (word repeated, suggestion: enjoyment) which are full of excitement and peace.

Anas (Razi Allah Tala Anhum) reported that upon arriving in al-Madeenah, the Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM found its people celebrating two days whose significance was held over from the Jaahiliyyah. The Prophet SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM said:

When I came upon you, you had two days that you continued to celebrate from the Jaahiliyyah; indeed Allaah has substituted them for you with what is better: the day of Sacrifice and the day of Fitr (breaking the fast). (Hadith)

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Valentines day

February 7th, 2010

The Sunday Tribune writes “For young and old , February 14 is a day to express their affection to their sweethearts. In the past this was a holiday for Christians to remember and to celebrate the life of a martyr, St. Valentine, He was a priest who lived near Rome around 270 A.D.”
It is quite evident from the above excerpt that Valentine’s day has its origination and significance in the sacrifices of a Christian personality. This in itself will quite clearly illustrate to any Muslim with even an bit of Iman how repulsive any involvement or recognition of such a day is and to what extent it goes against the spirit of Islam. Many Muslims forfeit their identity and take to heart un-Islamic practices. By joining the non believers in their occasions of celebration, we fall into the grave warning given to us by none other than our Noble Prophet Mohammad (SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM), “He who will imitate a nation will be raised up among them on the Day of Qiyamah.” (Mishkat)
How can anyone in his right mind think that Islam would be indifferent to practices seeped in anti-Islamic ideas and beliefs? Islam came to destroy paganism in all its forms and it cannot tolerate any trace of it in the lives of its followers.
A Muslim is a Muslim for life. During joys and sorrows, during celebrations and sufferings, we must follow the one straight path — not many divergent paths. It is a great tragedy that under the constant barrage of commercial and cultural propaganda from the forces of globalization and the relentless media machine, Muslims have begun to embrace the Valentines, the Halloween ghost, and even the Santa Claus. Given our terrible and increasing surrender to paganism the only day we should be observing is a day of mourning. Better yet it should be a day of repentance that could liberate us from all these days. And all these daze.
Muslims are advised to distinguish themselves in their external appearance adopting Islamic ways and methods in all their affairs, whether worldly or religious. By this, it is meant that Muslims are recognized and identified by a single religious culture or code, which is purely Islamic. Islam prohibits adoption of the ways and appearance of other beliefs, cultures, customs and nations. Therefore it is very essential that Muslims guard themselves against assimilation into other non-Muslim cultures.
May Allah SWT give us all the Taufeeq and guidance to recognize all the media attention and advertisement surrounding this occasion for the Shaytan (devil) plot that it in fact is, and may He enable us to shun such practices. Aameen
(from Albalaagh Website of Daar ul Uloom Karachi)
(Blog from Yasir)

The Sunday Tribune writes “For young and old , February 14 is a day to express their affection to their sweethearts. In the past this was a holiday for Christians to remember and to celebrate the life of a martyr, St. Valentine, He was a priest who lived near Rome around 270 A.D.”

It is quite evident from the above excerpt that Valentine’s day has its origination and significance in the sacrifices of a Christian personality. This in itself will quite clearly illustrate to any Muslim with even an bit of Iman how repulsive any involvement or recognition of such a day is and to what extent it goes against the spirit of Islam. Many Muslims forfeit their identity and take to heart un-Islamic practices. By joining the non believers in their occasions of celebration, we fall into the grave warning given to us by none other than our Noble Prophet Mohammad (SALLALLAHU ‘ALAYHI WASALLAM), “He who will imitate a nation will be raised up among them on the Day of Qiyamah.” (Mishkat)

How can anyone in his right mind think that Islam would be indifferent to practices seeped in anti-Islamic ideas and beliefs? Islam came to destroy paganism in all its forms and it cannot tolerate any trace of it in the lives of its followers.

A Muslim is a Muslim for life. During joys and sorrows, during celebrations and sufferings, we must follow the one straight path — not many divergent paths. It is a great tragedy that under the constant barrage of commercial and cultural propaganda from the forces of globalization and the relentless media machine, Muslims have begun to embrace the Valentines, the Halloween ghost, and even the Santa Claus. Given our terrible and increasing surrender to paganism the only day we should be observing is a day of mourning. Better yet it should be a day of repentance that could liberate us from all these days. And all these daze.

Muslims are advised to distinguish themselves in their external appearance adopting Islamic ways and methods in all their affairs, whether worldly or religious. By this, it is meant that Muslims are recognized and identified by a single religious culture or code, which is purely Islamic. Islam prohibits adoption of the ways and appearance of other beliefs, cultures, customs and nations. Therefore it is very essential that Muslims guard themselves against assimilation into other non-Muslim cultures.

May Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala give us all the Taufeeq and guidance to recognize all the media attention and advertisement surrounding this occasion for the Shaytan (devil) plot that it in fact is, and may He enable us to shun such practices. Aameen

(from Albalaagh Website of Daar ul Uloom Karachi)

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Rules of society and Islamic education

January 20th, 2010

Assalamualikum All,

During

my stay in Karachi, Pakistan, I was really disappointed to see the attitude of the citizens of Pakistan and how they have lost their religious and cultural identity. They either follow the negative western trends and fashion (ignoring the positive culture of the west) or they completely disobey rules set by the society. In this series of blog, I will try to discuss these habits and share with you several hadiths and quotes from the Quran that shed light on our wrong doing.

Rules? What Rules:
Most of the citizens have started neglecting rules and regulations set up by the government or even those that come naturally as part of living in society. Even though most of these rules are not rocket science (such as driving on the left hand side, overtaking from the right etc), people including men, women, adult, child, poor and rich have not only stopped following these rules but are being getting ignorant towards them or are being proud of not following it.
When I tried to speak to various people including my friends, I realized that we break these rules just because:
·         We find it amusing!
·         We believe that since our government is not governing the country effectively and do what they want to do, we too should follow the same path.
·         We don’t follow the rules because others are not following the rules.
·         We don’t have patience anymore.
·         We have different excuses such as we are not educated hence we don’t understand the rules or we are in hurry
What I am really surprised at is that no one really tries to understand and link these elements to our religious values and publically try to improve our society. Here, I have posted various Hadith, quotes from questions related to this part of blog that would help us reduce these bad habits thus decreasing our overall gunnah.
“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad P.B.U.H) and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority”
[al-Nisa’ 4:59]
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: the ‘Prophet said, “It is obligatory for one to listen to and obey (the ruler’s orders) unless these orders involve one disobedience (to Allah); but if an act of disobedience (to Allah) is imposed, he should not listen to or obey it.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari]
These quranic verse and hadith show us the importance of following the rules of the society because these basic rules such as driving properly, stopping at the signal by no means have any negative relation with our religion. Hence, not following these basic rules mean, we are in sinful and guilty of wrong doing.
When I further discussed it with my friends and relatives they mentioned that they themselves or one family cannot make a big change but what they don’t understand is that by creating these small changes they will at-least make theirself free of sins and by their positive nature, people may start copying their behaviour.
Also, they believe that society is so corrupt that they have to indulge in bad activities. However, what I have for my defence is that we should have strong belief in Allah and He will find us a way around to it. Here is a small story of Battle of Badr and how it relates to this ideology of mine.
“Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.§ Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?§ “Yea, – if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.”
[Qur'an: Al-i-Imran 3:123–125 (Yusuf Ali)]
If you try to understand the above few sentences, Allah makes a commitment in Quran that if Muslims remain faithful to Islam, Allah will send angels to protect them against the enemy. Now, try to think about the fact that Allah is kun faya kun (Be and it is) meaning that when He says be it happens hence there is no real reason for Him to mention that He will send angels for Muslims protection, He could have simply made the enemies weaker by making it happen however, He choose to mention the help of angels in Quran because he wanted Muslims to have that positive feeling that someone will come for the help in the Battle of Badar.
In the same way, if we stay positive and follow our religion and not do wrong things or at least show full commitment of not doing wrong things such as using bad words or giving bribery, even though we will find hardship but Allah can send angels to help us do good things or he can make it happen just because he is Almighty.
I end the first series of my blog here with a small favour from you all that please take my message into consideration and try avoiding bad things such as driving on the wrong side, not following traffic rules, using abusive language with friends, giving bribe and when you find others doing them, try to teach them a lesson by using the above examples and bring positive change. No one will make our society cleaner but us.
My next blog will inshAllah be on the celebrations I witnessed on new year eve.

During my stay in Karachi, Pakistan, I was really disappointed to see the attitude of the citizens of Pakistan and how they have lost their religious and cultural identity. They either follow the negative western trends and fashion (ignoring the positive culture of the west) or they completely disobey rules set by the society. In this series of blog, I will try to discuss these habits and share with you several hadiths and quotes from the Quran that shed light on our wrong doing.

Rules? What Rules:

Most of the citizens have started neglecting rules and regulations set up by the government or even those that come naturally as part of living in society. Even though most of these rules are not rocket science (such as driving on the left hand side, overtaking from the right etc), people including men, women, adult, child, poor and rich have not only stopped following these rules but are being getting ignorant towards them or are being proud of not following it.

When I tried to speak to various people including my friends, I realized that we break these rules just because:

  • We find it amusing!
  • We believe that since our government is not governing the country effectively and do what they want to do, we too should follow the same path.
  • We don’t follow the rules because others are not following the rules.
  • We don’t have patience
  • We have different excuses such as we are not educated hence we don’t understand the rules or we are in hurry

What I am really surprised at is that no one really tries to understand and link these elements to our religious values and publically try to improve our society. Here, I have posted various Hadith, quotes from questions related to this part of blog that would help us reduce these bad habits thus decreasing our overall gunnah.

“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad P.B.U.H) and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority”

Source: [al-Nisa’ 4:59]

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: the ‘Prophet said, “It is obligatory for one to listen to and obey (the ruler’s orders) unless these orders involve one disobedience (to Allah); but if an act of disobedience (to Allah) is imposed, he should not listen to or obey it.”

Source: [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

These quranic verse and hadith show us the importance of following the rules of the society because these basic rules such as driving properly, stopping at the signal by no means have any negative relation with our religion. Hence, not following these basic rules mean, we are in sinful and guilty of wrong doing.

When I further discussed it with my friends and relatives they mentioned that they themselves or one family cannot make a big change but what they don’t understand is that by creating these small changes they will at-least make theirself free of sins and by their positive nature, people may start copying their behavior. Also, they believe that society is so corrupt that they have to indulge in bad activities. However, what I have for my defence is that we should have strong belief in Allah and He will find us a way around to it. Here is a small story of Battle of Badr and how it relates to this ideology of mine.

“Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.§ Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?§ “Yea, – if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.”

Source: [Qur'an: Al-i-Imran 3:123–125 (Yusuf Ali)]

If you try to understand the above few sentences, Allah makes a commitment in Quran that if Muslims remain faithful to Islam, Allah will send angels to protect them against the enemy. Now, try to think about the fact that Allah is kun faya kun (Be and it is) meaning that when He says be it happens hence there is no real reason for Him to mention that He will send angels for Muslims protection, He could have simply made the enemies weaker by making it happen however, He choose to mention the help of angels in Quran because he wanted Muslims to have that positive feeling that someone will come for the help in the Battle of Badar.

In the same way, if we stay positive and follow our religion and not do wrong things or at least show full commitment of not doing wrong things such as using bad words or giving bribery, even though we will find hardship but Allah can send angels to help us do good things or he can make it happen just because he is Almighty.

I end the first series of my blog here with a small favour from you all that please take my message into consideration and try avoiding bad things such as driving on the wrong side, not following traffic rules, using abusive language with friends, giving bribe and when you find others doing them, try to teach them a lesson by using the above examples and bring positive change. No one will make our society cleaner but us.

My next blog will inshAllah be on the celebrations I witnessed on new year eve.

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Misconceptions, Baseless Traditions, Lamentations and Mourning in Muharram

December 18th, 2009

 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions

 However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to ‘Ashura’ that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day on which Adam, alayhi salam, was created. This is the day when Ibrahim, alayhi salam, was born. This is the day when Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam, alayhi salam. This is the day when Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. Whoever takes bath on the day of ‘Ashura’ will never get ill.

 All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.

 Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of ‘Ashura’. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

 Some other people attribute the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ was established during the days of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

 On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that his martyrdom took place on the day of ‘Ashura’.

 Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

 Lamentations and Mourning

 Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon”. A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:

 “He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah.” (Sahih Bukhari)

 

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab, Radi-Allahu anha, at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, “My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death.” (Al-Kamil, ibn al-Athir vol. 4 pg. 24)

 It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

 

 

 

 

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