Islamic Atricles
The Journey Hear The Call Fiqh of Al Zulum It is extacted from an article in as-sahwah.com entitled the 'Fiqh of Zulum'. Islamic Brotherhood NATIONALISM: AN ERRONEOUS CONCEPT Bias upon bias upon bias Al-Waqt (Time)
Alliances with non-Muslims
When the declaration; "you are either with us, or you are with the terrorists" was made, many took it as empty rhetoric befitting the occasion.
The statement may be seen merely as the ranting and raving of an inarticulate intellectual bankrupt to an emotionally charged audience who anted to see things in black and white. However, some from around the world took the statement at face value. Thus making a selection of either the black option or the white option. General Musharaf was one of many from amongst the ranks of those who hold the reins of power in the Islamic world that chose the black option. The black option being to assist American in its self declared "war on terror". This war may have been declared on an abstract nebulous notion of terror, but those who will suffer in the process will not be merely abstract collateral. They will be real people. They will be Muslim. Thus Musharaf et al are aiding the US in this planned slaughter. It was to be expected that the NATO members would align whole heartedly with the US. It is also not surprising that Japan and Russia would also give support to the US cause. But should we be surprised at the leaders in the Islamic regions? Probably not, as they have an established track record of forming alliances with Kufr to aid in the killing of Muslims. Although we may have a feeling of déjà vu. Although we have come to expect it of these tyrants and oppressors. Although we know of their deafness to the law of Allah and the advice from the pious believers. We must remind ourselves that it is forbidden to form an alliance with the kuffar. It is forbidden for us to willingly give the Kuffar the upper-hand and authority.
He (subhana wa ta ala) commands (to the nearest meaning): 'O you who believe, do not ally with My enemy and your enemy, do not grant them your gratitude because they rejected the truth you believe in.' [TMQ >60:1]
'Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for (your) faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is those turn to them (in these circumstances) that do wrong' [TMQ 60:9]
'The believers shall not form an alliance with the disbelievers...' [TMQ >3:28]
It is clear that it is not allowed to seek help from the kuffar. Anas narrated that Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) said "do not seek the power of the Mushrikeen, don't get light by the fire of the Mushrikeen". However we are sometimes presented with quasi-Islamic arguments about how under certain circumstances it is allowed to seek the aid of the kuffar. These arguments may be convoluted and confusing. However we should be aware of the various discussions presented related to alliances with the kuffar. It is allowed to seek the help of a kafir in his capacity as an individual or even several individuals provided they do not present themselves as a clan, battalion, party or any form of structured body under a literal or symbolic banner. It was seen that Ghazman, a mushrik at the time, fought and killed for the Muslims at Uhud. Similarly the members of the tribe of Khuza' ah fought alongside Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam ) in the year of the opening of Mecca. This is on the one hand. There is also evidence that may seem to contradict this, but in actuality clarify the whole ruling with regards to seeking the help of the kuffar.
In one situation Aisha (RA) reported that when the Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) was on his way to the battle of Badr, a very well known courageous man joined him at a place called Harratul Wabra. So the Sahabah (RA) were very pleased to see him. When the man saw the Prophet), he said "I have come to fight with you and to get a share of the war booty." So the Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) asked him, "do you believe in Allah and His Messenger)." The man replied, "No". The Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) told him to return back since we (the Muslims) do not seek help from the Mushriks. The Prophet proceeded on his way to Badr until he reached Al-Shajara. The man came again and told the Prophet what he had told him earlier. The Prophet asked him the same question he had asked the man before and then told him to return back since he does not seek help from the Mushriks. As a result, the man returned back. The man joined the Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) again at Baida'ah. So the Prophet asked him again "Do you believe in Allah () and His Messenger ." The man replied, "Yes", Then the Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) told him to hurry up and go fight." (Muslim & Ahmad)
This does not contradict the earlier hadith as this man insisted on the condition that he take part of the booty. "I came to follow you and get a share with you." - The booty is given only to Muslims. The kuffar may not stipulate any condition for joining. This is also an evidence that allowing kuffar to fight with Muslims is at the discretion of the head of the state.
On another occasion, "it is reported that the Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) was on his way to the battle of Uhud until he reached Thanniyatul Wada'a. Here, he met a regiment and asked, who are they? The Sahabah (RA) told him they were from Banu Qaynuqa'a, the faction of Abdullah Bin Salaam. So the Prophet asked them, will you become Muslims. They declined the offer. As a result, the Prophet ordered them to leave saying "We do not seek help from the Mushriks." Thus, they became Muslims." (Al Baihaqi)
Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) sought the help of a Jewish individual of Khaybar and even allowed a Mushrik to fight with him. These Ahadith were used to justify the presence of the American troops in the Peninsula during the Gulf war. However it is easy to see that the citing of these ahadith in the situation of the Gulf war, and today, is far removed from the reality. If we are to review the last hadith it is seen that quoting it in that context is a complete travesty. Baihaqi explained from a narration of al-Hafidh Abu Abdullah through Abi Hameed as-Saidi that Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) rejected them (Banu Qaynuqa'a) because they came under their own banner as a battalion representing the tribe of Qaynuqa'a. The issue of the banner was paramount to Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam). So, it was the banner that Rasool-Allah rejected not the individuals. Then the banner symbolised the entity of the tribe encapsulated in a single emblem. This was the basis of tribalism and nationalism. Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) had no time for this amongst the ranks of the Muslims. Tribalism as a way of life was a way of life steeped in kufr. That was the case then. That is the case now.
It is interesting to see that the US has today wrapped itself in its star spangled banner. We hope that the red white and blue comfort blanket that its citizens seek solace in, will one day become their straitjacket. Because this flag, dubbed ol' glory, has been used to tie and bind the hands of Musharaf. Just as Bush (Abu George Walker) bound the hands of Mubarak through debt relief and Fahd through promises of protection from Saddaam during the early 90s. Similarly Clinton and countless other presidents used ol' glory to tie the hands of so many of the rulers over the Islamic world. Although these rulers willingly accepted to be draped in this US banner, we as an Ummah must make it our duty to throw away this mantle of US imperialism. The Hukm Shari' states that the Muslims are prohibited to be under the protection of the Kafir states. The security of the Muslims and their land must be dependent upon Muslims.
"Allah does not allow the Kuffar to wield authority over the Muslims" [TMQ 4: 141]
The Hukm Shari' states that the Muslims cannot fight with or accept to do so alongside any Kafir states. Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) told a Jewish regiment to return when they wanted to fight with Rasool-Allah. Rasool-Allah (Sallahu Alaihi wa Salam) also said that we do not seek the power of the Mushrikeen. Therefore, it is mandatory upon the Ummah to comply with the Islamic rule of rejecting these alliances with the Kuffar.
K.com Journal 30 September, 2001
Does Islam need to be modernised?
Islam and the New World Order - Does Islam need to be modernised?
Ibn 'Umar narrated; "When the Prophet (saw) passed away, the hypocrisy presented itself in Medina, and a wave of apostasy hit the Arabs and the non-Arabs. Abu Bakr called a meeting addressing the Muhajireen and the Ansar and said, 'The Arabs have stopped giving the goats and camels (in Zakat)'. The Companions (ra) pondered over for some time. Afterwards 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said, 'O Khalifah of Allah's Messenger! Accept from the Arabs only Salat and overlook for the Zakat because they are newcomers into Islam.'" The rest of the Muhajirin and the Ansar followed suit in their >opinion. Abu Bakr (ra) than climbed the Minbar and delivered a sermon, "When Allah (swt) sent Muhammad (saw), the truth was very little; Islam was like a thrown away thing. Its hold was weak and its followers were very small in number. Then Allah united them on Muhammad (saw) and made them an everlasting and balanced Ummah. By Allah, if they deny to give me a rope (to tie the animal), which they used to give Allah's Messenger (saw), and all the trees, stones, jinns and men support them (for that) even then I will wage war against them until my spirit meets Allah (swt). Certainly Allah (swt) has not separated the Zakat and the Salat."
In another narration 'Umar (ra) narrated; "I came to Abu Bakr (ra) and said, 'O Khalifah of Allah's Messenger! Try to make familiar with Islam and treat them gently. They are like the wild beast'. He replied, 'Instead of expecting help from you, I am being ashamed and embarrassed by you. You were strict in your days of Jahiliyah but are demonstrating weakness in Islam. For what do I fear them that I should compose flattering poetry or some words of magic to make them familiar. Alas! Alas! The Prophet (saw) has passed away and coming down of the revelation has stopped. By Allah I will fight them until I hold the sword in my hand even if they deny to give even a single rope in Zakat' "
Hayat us-Sahabah (The Lives of the Sahabah) documents the above chain of events, which took place shortly after the death of the Prophet of Allah (saw). It describes the response of Abu Bakr (ra) to those people who refused to pay the Zakat. Those people who in 'contemporary terms' modernised Islam because the situation they found themselves in had changed. Abu Bakr (ra) declared war on them; it was termed the 'war of apostasy'.
To modernise is to adapt a doctrine to the present day. In the case of Islam this means twisting it to reflect ideas of personal freedom, democracy, human rights, freedom of speech, pluralism and laissez-faire economics; that is to make it secular. The call to modernise presents itself when there is a perception that the Islamic Shari'ah is incapable of solving mans' problems and when there is an observation that material stagnation in the Muslim lands is due to Islam and not because of the polluted Western thought in these lands. Can this be so, when the glorious Islamic past was witness to the first general hospitals, licensed pharmacies, mobile dispensaries, and medical schools? Under the guise of Khalifahs of the calibre of Harun-al-Rashid, Al-Walid and Nur-Uddin structures of accreditation, finance and regulation were developed that implemented medical care irrespective of race, creed or colour. This Islamic society had produced physicians and surgeons who were at the forefront of medical science for a millennium and longer. The names Ibn Sina, Ibn Al-Nafis, Ibn Rushd, Al-Razi, Al-Zahrawi are still quoted in medical circles.
It is the Western secular thought that has hindered our progression. The ideas of Capitalism are trying to twist Islam so as to reform it into a doctrine that resembles Christianity. The Deen does not need to be revised, it is not a predated belief like Christianity. Nor is it incapable of delivering solutions to human beings at any time or place, as the last 1400 years bear testimony to. Islam does not need to undergo a reformation, the like of Christianity. However for the revival that needs to take place the non-Islamic systems that rule in our lands need to be dissected out. Only then will the Ummah resume the material progression that she so deserves.
The call to modernise is a weapon that has been wielded by the Kuffar with mixed success. It has taken many shapes and forms; orientalism, nationalism, democratisation, economic reform, Islamic extremism and now military conquest. September the 11th, 2001 presented another opportunity to redefine Islam. Images of destruction on a scale never seen in the United States of America entered millions of homes, amongst them the homes of some 1.4 billion Muslims. In real time two fully fuelled jumbo jets laden with passengers crashed into the New York World Trade Centre. Visions of human beings jumping hundreds of feet in sheer terror as the building collapsed around them filled our screens. 5400 people are reported to have died including firemen, policemen, and passengers of commercial airplanes, countless traders, insurance brokers and economic analysts from all over the international community. The economic markets plummeted, and the fall out has triggered a global recession in the opinion of many experts.
The Muslims who reside in the West have reacted with shock. Many prominent speakers, scholars, academics and politicians came out in condemnation of the attack. Their comfortable lives disrupted in one act. Forced to confront the face of Islamic 'fanaticism' in their own back yards they have been asked to make a decision, between the civilised free world and radical Islam. As Bush said either 'you're with us or you're not'. On the 16th September President George Bush described the onset of a 'Crusade' against the Taliban and the al-Qaeda movement - defining the forces of good and evil in the process. The self-appointed expert on Islamic Fiqh, Bush, continued five days later by saying; "The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics, a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam. I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world. We respect your faith. It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends. Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah."
Prime Minister Berlusconi continued the rhetoric on September 26, describing the choices available to Muslims:
"We must be aware of the superiority of our civilization, a system that has guaranteed well-being, respect for human rights and - in contrast with Islamic countries - respect for religious and political rights, a system that has as its values understandings of diversity and tolerance." Perhaps unaware of the fragile Muslim coalition the US were carefully constructing, Berlusconi continued: "The West will continue to conquer peoples, like it conquered Communism, (even if it means a confrontation with) another civilization, the Islamic one, stuck where it was 1,400 years ago."
British Premier Tony Blair explained to the Muslims:
"Whatever the dangers of the action we take, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater. Look for a moment at the Taliban regime. It is undemocratic. There is no sport allowed or television or photography. No art or culture is permitted. All other faiths, all other interpretations of Islam, are ruthlessly suppressed. Those who practise their faith are imprisoned. Women are treated in a way almost too revolting to be credible. First driven out of university, girls not allowed to go to school, no legal rights, unable to go out of doors without a man. Those that disobey are stoned."
Opening his heart he continued:
"It is time the West confronted its ignorance of Islam. Jews, Muslims and Christians are all children of Abraham. This is the moment to bring the faiths closer in understanding of our common values and heritage, a source of unity and strength. It is time also for parts of Islam to confront prejudice against America and not only Islam, but parts of Western societies, too."
The media have also jumped on the bandwagon. Cristina Odone writing in The Observer on September 23 made the following observations on Islam:
"The Taliban and bin Laden invoke God as the co-pilot in their jihad. (In a recently recycled interview bin Laden gave to Time magazine two years ago, the word 'Allah' punctuated his every threat.) Yet talk to any moderate mullah, and he'll tell you that the ethos of the Koran is compassionate and inclusive, and that Islam values the peace lover as highly as the soldiering martyr."
Nabil Shaath, the Palestinian minister of international co-operation writing in the Financial Times on October 10 alluded to efforts by scholars to redefine certain Islamic concepts. He writes:
"At the heart of this view is an ancient Islamic concept that divides the world simply into Dar al-Harb, the abode of war, and Dar al-Islam, the >abode of Islam. Muslim clerics have tried with some success to redefine jihad as essentially a defensive concept."
Allah (swt) says: "Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their belief" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 120].
In essence what they ask of the Muslims is to modernise, to forsake political Islam in exchange for democracy and pluralism so as to create 'stability' like that of Pakistan, Nigeria and Algeria. They ask us to redefine Jihad so as not to bring Islam into conflict with other cultures and beliefs, and to allow the values of the Free Market to go unchallenged as they exploit, rape and plunder, sowing seeds of disharmony across continents. They ask us to exchange the jilbaab and khimar for their own brand of slavery; that which considers a woman to be no more than an object with a market value to be transported across borders in Europe like cattle, to feed their hunger for sex. Tony Blair, George Bush, Berlusconi and the >entire Western establishment are telling us how to worship. Writing in The Independent Yasmin Ali-Bhai Brown sums this up impeccably:
"A fortnight ago, on a special Jonathan Dimbleby programme about Islam, Dr Ghada Karmi, a respected Palestinian academic who describes herself as a 'cultural Muslim', pointed out with great bravery I thought - that Islam had never gone through a reformation, implying that this had to be the next step. I agree. Now, Muslim men and women accost us in the streets and instruct us to submit to the hejab. I find this intrusive and contemptible. Who are they to tell me how to worship?"
She continues: "Our reformation must be built on human rights which are not 'Western' but universally agreed. Please explain to me how the five pillars disallow equality, rule of law, democracy, freedom to choose, and personal autonomy? ... We will haemorrhage, bleed, spill blood and surely die of that loss unless we now learn to absorb the best ideas in the world."
The call to modernise emanates from those smitten by the West who regard themselves as intellectual. They are intellectual but with a corrupt culture, deriving their ideas from the Kuffar. They are detached from the rest of the Ummah; their ideas are alien to the pure creed of Islam. Consequently, they are unable to command respect from Muslims in the West or the Islamic lands. So in a time when leadership in the form of the crystal Islamic thought is required, such people are incapable of providing it.
The call for modernisation suggests that our reality has changed to such an extent that we have to re-evaluate our ideas. On closer examination this is not the case as a human being is still a human being. He has not evolved over the last 1400 years. He has not grown an extra limb and neither has he changed with respect to what makes up his nature i.e. his mind, his instincts and his organic needs. We are exactly the same human beings as the Sahabah (ra) were at the time of the Prophet (saw). Muhammad (saw) was not less civilised than us because he lived 1400 years ago.
Man has always used his mind to deal with problems that he faces in his daily life. The Muslims used to communicate with messengers sent on horseback, now we have high-speed ISDN Internet connections. It does not change the fact that human beings need to communicate. We are no more advanced nor 'civilised' then the Muslims of the past. By virtue of the fact that human beings have a brain they will inevitably progress to determine better ways of eating, travelling and communicating as long as they continue to feel problems. Technical progress is not unique to the West or the Islamic world. The call for modernisation is a dangerous one, which aims only to compromise Islam with today's prevalent values. It brings together guidance and deception and seeks to make the latter superior. The Muslims should realise this and reject it as an affront to the Will of Allah (swt) and an insult to his Messenger (saw). Islam was sent as a mercy to mankind, with no need to be distorted, misused and put on trial by the Kuffar. It is the Kuffar who seek compromise, tolerance and submission on the part of the Muslims, but reject an attack on their own values as an insult to 'the civilised world'.
There is no need for the Muslims to question their belief. It should be the Kuffar whom we put on trial, to demand that they wash their bloodstained hands, and renounce capitalism as the scourge of the modern world. The call of modernisation asks Muslims to revert to the 'shared values' of the 'civilised world', values that equate the death of an Iraqi child with the price of oil, and the defamation of Muslim women with the price of peace. The actions of the West are hypocrisy; they do nothing but highlight the fallacy of their own values. We should not accept them whether they come from the speeches of leaders of the 'free' world, the ink of intellectuals or the mouths of scholars. We should stand firm as Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (ra) stood firm. Muhammad (saw) said: "There will be days which will require endurance, in which showing endurance will be like grasping live coals. The one who acts rightly during that period will have the reward of fifty men who act as he does" (Abu Dawud, Kitab Al-Malahim).
Dr Saqib Latif & Atif Chaudhary
Source: K-Mag November 2001 Edition
HEAR THE CALL
A number of conclusions can be drawn from the events that have been taking place in the Blessed Land of Palestine since 28 September 2000:
1) Not a single Western country has condemned Israel for its disproportionate use of force against civilians. Using helicopters and tanks against unarmed civilians breaks all International laws and customs yet not a single Western country has condemned Israel in using these means against the Muslims. America abstained from a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel indirectly for its actions against the Muslims of Palestine. If there was any doubt in the minds of American Muslims and the American people in general, that the U.S. Government is controlled by Zionists who are also fooling the American public, then this action removed this doubt.
2) Not a single Muslim country has taken steps towards resolving the matter militarily. To avoid receiving the anger of their people, they have allowed public demonstrations and protests as a way of venting and directing the anger of the Muslims.
3) The Zionist-controlled Western media is predominantly biased against the Muslims. Here are some examples that prove this statement:
- They use terms like 'fighting', 'violence' and 'clashes' whereas these are terms used between two adversaries that have some comparable strength against each other. What is happening in Palestine is the genocide of Muslims.
- They use the terms "died" frequently when referring to Palestinians and always the term "killed" when referring to Zionists. It is not common for over 100 young, healthy people to just die all of a sudden within the space of a few weeks whilst walking down the streets. They try to refrain from using the terms "killed" against the Palestinians as this will portray the Israelis as murderers.
- They say "Violence that has killed over 100 people" giving the impression that equal numbers of Zionists and Muslims have been killed. They fail to mention that over 95% of them are Palestinians and it is not 'violence' that has killed them, but armed Israeli soldiers have murdered them.
- When two undercover Israeli MOSSAD agents were killed by a group of Palestinians, it made the headlines and even President Clinton condemned it in a statement. The killing of over 20 Muslim youths under the age of 16 is mentioned as a statistic.
4) The helicopter gunships and other weapons being used to kill Muslims in Palestine were either supplied directly by the US Government or bought with American taxpayers' money through the billions of dollars of 'aid' provided to Israel every year. The American people continue to suffer under the oppression of crime, murder, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, lack of free healthcare and lack of free education whilst their hard-earned tax is sent in blank cheques to Israel to commit murders against children armed with stones. Crimes by adults against children are looked down upon by the Western people. As an example, the whole of Britain wept at the massacre of 16 school children in Dunblane by Thomas Hamilton in 1996. They wept at the murder of 8-year old Sarah Payne earlier this year. Yet this same public remains silent at the continued massacre of Palestinian children by armed, trained, adult Israeli soldiers. More proof of how the Zionist media manipulates the minds of intelligent individuals to convince them of the legality of their crimes.
As for the Muslims, they must bear the following things in mind:
- No amount of demonstrations, protests, flag-burnings, effigy-burnings, speeches and conferences will defend the Palestinian Muslims from the Israeli barbarians. Even if there were daily such demonstrations and flag-burnings in every city around the World, this would not stop a single Israeli murderer shooting at a Muslim. Muslims should ask themselves what these demonstrations have achieved so far. Did the demonstrations of Muslims against Putin the Loser in 2000 change the British Government's stance against Russia as regards Chechnya? Did the demonstrations and riots of Muslims against the book The Satanic Verses by Satan Rushdie in 1989 achieve anything? The answer is they achieved nothing except temporary awareness.
- These demonstrations are allowed by Muslim and non-Muslim countries as a means of venting public anger. The Governments know that these demonstrations will not achieve much, nor will they influence political decisions and nor will they raise the anger of the disbelievers, as Allah (SWT) said in the Quran (9:120) about those that sit at home (Quran 4:95) are not better than the Mujahideen : "Nor do they take any step to raise the anger of the disbelievers nor inflict an injury upon the enemy...". All the Governments in the World know that such demonstrations, shouting and screaming do not achieve anything more than a sense of satisfaction and achievement amongst the attendees. In fact, these demonstrations actually assist the Zionists as they send their agents to each of these demonstrations to film and photograph those Muslims that attend, thus causing them problems later on in life in getting employment etc. - Photo-recognition technology is very advanced today. It is a well-known fact that demonstrations do not influence policy in the West. Anyone that thinks otherwise fails to understand politics and how the World functions. In fact, many Goverments WANT the people to organise demonstrations because it makes the people feel satisfied and, at the same time, gives the Goverments opportunities to carry out surveillance on those who attend.
- Writing letters to Ministers and Members of the Government, as well as providing them with letters of petitions and thousands of signatures do not achieve anything other than laughter by those in authority and filling their waste-paper baskets. Nor does voting for or against any particular candidate achieve anything, since election results are already decided in advance by the Zionists.
- The only solution to the problem of Palestine is to learn then speak the language that the Zionists understand.
- Rather than organise demonstrations, protests and petitions, Muslims in every country and city could direct their energies into providing military training for their youths. One has to give credit to Israel, in which every male and female over 18 knows how to operate firearms of all sorts and is militarily trained. As an example, many man-hours go into organising a demonstration: posters, leaflets, publicity, money, placards and banners, permission, word-of-mouth, etc. This money and these man-hours might be better-spent by the local Muslim community getting together and sending, for example, 20 of their youths to attend legal advanced firearms training courses in countries like the USA or other countries where such training can be obtained legally. This may not achieve something immediately in the short-term, but it will in the long term. Demonstrations begging the enemies of Islam for help do not achieve anything in either the short or the long term. Whilst the Muslims were asleep all these years dreaming about a peace that never existed, the Zionists were busy preparing their people to defend themselves, their properties and their homeland. Whilst the Muslim countries were busy preparing for the Olympic Games, the Zionists were preparing for the Palestinian Games that are taking place today (Israel only won one bronze medal in the recent Sydney Olympics whilst Muslim countries won several gold, silver and bronze). Therefore, in a way, the Muslims have only themselves to blame today because the Zionists were one-up on them in military preparation.
One has to study the modern history of Israel and see how they reacted when some of their civilians were killed. In 1972, 11 Israeli athletes died after being captured by Palestinian Black September freedom-fighters. Over the next 20 years, MOSSAD tracked down and assassinated over 15 of these freedom-fighters and their leaders (the hit-list numbered some 35 people) in Italy, France, Cyprus, Poland, Lebanon and Norway. This even caused a diplomatic row when MOSSAD agents assassinated an innocent Arab waiter by mistake, infront of his pregnant wife, in Norway, on 21 July 1973. The whole story of the revenge of MOSSAD can be read in the book 'One Day in September' by Simon Reeve (available from any large online bookstore). They did not hide the fact that they were hunting down and eliminating their enemies in different countries of the World. A few days ago, when Hizbollah captured an undercover Israeli MOSSAD agent, Israeli President Ehud Barak said: "Israel will know how to respond, how to identify who stands behind the matter and to deal with the matter, just as later of course we will act to return the man as soon as possible," The Israeli Defence Ministry called it "a serious act and contradicts all norms of international justice." What does the Israeli Defence Ministry have to say for the time, on 9 April 1973, when he was the leader of a crack Israeli undercover unit that went into Beirut to assassinate three Palestinian leaders in an operation codenamed Operation Spring of Youth? Barak himself was dressed like a woman with hand grenades in his bra. He opened fire, killing Lebanese policemen as they came to the scene. All in all, the Israelis murdered 12 people that night, including a 70-year old Italian woman and eight Lebanese policemen. But then again, it was only 'cross-fire' and under International Law, Israeli Zionists are allowed to murder old women and children in 'cross-fire' because they suffered so much in the Holocaust 50 years ago.
In conclusion, it is time the Muslims put an end to demonstrations, protests, petitions, signatures, speeches, conferences, letters, shouting and screaming and direct their efforts into something that will practically defend Muslim blood and land. In this they should actually take some lessons from the Israelis because, no matter what one says, Israel is very effective in defending its citizens and people. If military preparation does not stop the bloodshed today, then at least it will tomorrow, with the Help of Allah.
JIHAD AND THE RIFLE ALONE: NO NEGOTIATIONS, NO CONFERENCES, NO DIALOGUES, NO DEMONSTRATIONS, NO SPEECHES, NO PROTESTS, NO SIGNATURES, NO PETITIONS AND NO FLAG-BURNINGS.
FIQH OF AL ZULUM
The Meaning Of AI-Saaket A’la AI-Zulm: (The One who Is Silent About Oppression) In Islam:
It is narrated in the book of Ibn Hibbaan that the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said: "If anyone of you sees an aggressive oppressive ruler who makes the unlawful lawful, who dishonours Allah Rights, who governs over people not by what Allah (SWT) has revealed
WARNING TO THE SILENT:
It is a mercy from Allah that He (swt) sent to all nations a messenger to warn their people not to oppress each other and He (swt) sent Muhammad (saw) to all of mankind as a mercy and guidance to destroy all kufr and to make the Deen of Islam dominant. Since no messenger will come after Muhammad (saw) it is our responsibility to forbid evil (munkar) and to enjoin good (maoruf). If we do not do this wherever we are i.e. if we remain silent about the oppression we have been warned of punishment by Allah (swt). The oppressor, his assistant and the one who is silent about the oppression are equal in their oppression and will all be subject to punishment in the hereafter.
Some verses from the Quran warning those who remain silent or assist in oppression are listed below:
1.Sharing the punishment - AI-Musharakah Bil-Kzaab: Allah (SWT)says: "When Ye have done oppression, it will avail you nothing that day and ye shall be partners (with the evil companion oppressor) in punishment' [EMO 43:39].
ALLAH (SWT) also says:" For the oppressors their portion is like unto the portion of their fellows (of earlier generations) " [EMQ 51:59]
2. The family of the oppressor - Azwaj Al-Zalamah: Allah (SWT) says: "Bring ye up, it shall be said, the oppressors and their wives, and the things they worshipped besides Allah" [EMQ 37:22]
4. Inclining towards the Oppressor - AI-Rukun lla al Zalamah: Allah (SWT) says: "And incline not to those who do oppression, or the fire will seize you" [EMQ 11:113].
In addition there are many Hadith which warn those who do not address the oppressors or ensure the rights of the oppressed. We list some of these below:
In the collections of Abu Daoud and Baihaqi it is narrated upon the authority of Urss Bin Umayra AI-Kindi that the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: If the oppression or evil becomes widespread on Earth, the one who witnesses it and rejects it will be as if he were absent and whoever is absent at the time of the oppression but consents to it or is silent about it, it will be as if he witnessed it (i.e. participated in it)".
In the collection of Ibn Hibban, Tabarani and Baihaqi, it is narrated upon the authority of Abu Said AI Kidri that the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: "No one of you should keep silent about the truth (if he sees or hears falsehood) out of fear of the people" and in other narration's collected by Baihaqi and Ibn Najar, it is narrated upon the authority of Ibn Abbas (ra) that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "No one of you should fear the people when he speaks the truth or addresses the oppression because his saying will never make him nearer to his ajal nor will it distant him from his rizq".
In the Musnad of Imarn Ahmed, Vol.2, p.96, It is narrated upon the authority of Abdullah Ibn Omar that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Do not enter houses or cities of the oppressors except if you are keen to get what they will get."
In the Musnad of Imam Ahmed, Vol.1, p.449, it is narrated upon the authority of Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman that his father said the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: "Whoever assists his own Qawm (i.e. groups, tribes, people) in oppression he is like the animal who has fallen down from a mountain suffering because of his sin (i.e. Because of his collaboration)."
RESISTING OPPRESSION: Allah (swt) has given those who enjoin righteousness and forbid evil wherever they may be, his promise of forgiveness. Even if they live in the midst of all types of oppression and are surrounded by all types of transgression against Allah's (swt) laws those who address the oppression will be as if they were absent whilst those who remain silent, even if they were far away at the time, will be counted among the oppressors:
Preventing fear -Yamna' Al-Khawouf: Allah (SWT) says: "But he who works deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due)" [EMQ 20:112]
Listening to them - AI-Samaa' Lil Zaalem: Allah (SWT) says: "And there would have been some among you who would have listened to them. But Allah knoweth well those who do oppression" [EMQ 9:47]
Safe from the fire - AI-Najaat: Allah (SWT) says: "And we shall save those who guarded against evil, and we shall leave the oppressors therein, (humbled) to their knees" [EMQ 19:72].
REJECTION OF THE CALL AGAINST OPPRESSORS: The Ummah of Muhammad (SAW) is suffering today not only because of the lack of an Islamic authority or because Muslims do not do their duty but also because Muslim individuals and Muslim groups do not co-operate. The collective action usually merits more reward then the individual action, however, we find that Islamic groups and parties today spend much time, effort and resources either backbiting and boycotting each other or attacking each other in their literature and circles. It is time that we co-operated on good deeds and worked together for the revival of the Ummah whether as individuals, groups, parties or organisations as required by Allah (SWT) in the Quran. Those who reject the call to do good have been warned by Allah (SWT):
Co-operation - Al-Ta’aawun Ala AI-Birr: Allah (SWT) says: " Co-operate in good deeds (Fard, Mandoub, Mubaah) and piety and not in sin (Haram) and transgression; and fear Allah for Allah is strict in punishment" [EMQ 5:2].
They will not be guided - Dhalalah: Allah (SWT) says: "Who doth greater oppression than one who forges falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do oppression" [EMQ 61:7].
Turning away from the truth - AI-I'raadh Ann Al-Haq: Allah (SWT) says: "And who doth more oppression than one who is reminded of the signs of his lord but turns away from thern" [EMQ 18:57]
ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD
"The Believers are but a single Brotherhood." [Al-Hujurat 49:10] "
A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he leave him at the mercy of others." [Sahih Muslim].
The Islamic Brotherhood is not based on economic interests, race, or color. It is based on something infinitely superior: Rejection of falsehood and acceptance of the Truth as revealed by the One True God. Not only is this Brotherhood based on faith, it is also a part of that faith. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "You cannot enter paradise unless you become a total believer and you won't become a total believer unless you love each other." Obviously, faith and community are inseparable in the faith community produced by Islam. Even a casual reader of Qur'an would note that it almost always addresses the Believers and not the Believer. All acts of worship that are declared pillars of Islam have a collective form. The five daily prayers are best performed in congregation, that being twenty-seven times more valuable than the individual prayer. The special Friday prayer cannot be offered individually at all. Zakat is obviously aimed at making the rich of the community take care of the needs of its poor. Fasting, an essentially individual act, has been given a collective form through unity in time. Hajj enforces unity in both time and place, bringing the believers together in the plains of Arafat in their remembrance of Allah. Those who join in the worship of Allah produce a Brotherhood that embodies the best moral values of the faith: Mercy, compassion, fear of Allah, piety, and justice. It is a Solid Cemented Structure [As-Saff, 61:4], a tremendous force in the service of Right and against Wrong. Its members are to help each other in righteousness and piety but not in sin and rancor [Al-Maida 5:2].
They are to be "strong against unbelievers but compassionate amongst each other [Al-Fat-h 48:29]. They do not do injustice to others nor do they tolerate any injustice to themselves. In their love and concern for each other, all members of this Brotherhood are one body: when any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels the pain [Sahih Muslim].
This Brotherhood was established in the most unlikely place: Arabia, where before Islam internecine war was a way of life. On both social and political levels, this was one of the greatest achievements of Islam. On both levels, it remains one of Islam's greatest goals. We can imagine the sensitivity of the Shariah about it by reflecting on its teachings regarding the relations between believers. It is forbidden, for example, for two Muslims to start a whispering conversation in the presence of the third. This might offend the one left out and weaken the Brotherhood. It is not permissible for a Muslim to sever relations with his brother for more than three days. "It is sufficient evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother. The life, wealth, and honor of a Muslim are inviolable by another Muslim." [Sahih Muslim]. The books of hadith are full of such teachings. This Brotherhood was a force for good, a purveyor of peace and justice for everyone. It provided stability in a quarrelsome world. To the downtrodden and oppressed everywhere, it provided freedom. When it was powerful, it even saved the Jews and Christians in Palestine and Spain from each other.
Two unfortunate developments in this century have impaired this Brotherhood. The first was the destruction of Islamic State and the emergence of independent nation-states in the Muslim world. This made it possible for "national interests" to be declared that are at cross-purposes to the interests of the Brotherhood. Not only that, it destroyed the means for both defining and defending the Brotherhood interests.
The second development was the emergence of the United Nations Organization and the participation of individual Muslim nation-states in it, solely at its terms. The U.N. was and remains an organization of unequal powers, designed to perpetuate that inequality. Its purpose was to establish hegemony of the Western alliance over the rest of the world--- not for any higher moral purpose but solely for economic exploitation. Its very structure (with real decision making in the hands of a few in the Security Council ) guaranteed the disenfranchisement of the weak, and the entire Muslim world found itself in that category at the end of official colonialism.
While the U.N. has failed miserably in its declared goals, it has been tremendously successful in the real ones. While it promised peace and justice, it has delivered death and destruction, exploitation and oppression. It provided legal cover for the first U.S.- Iraq war in 1991. It facilitated the carnage in Bosnia by tying the hands of the victims. It has perpetuated genocide in Iraq through the imposition of the most brutal economic sanctions in the history of the world, resulting in death of a million people through starvation and disease. If any one country or group of countries had tried to commit such atrocities on their own, there would have been a tremendous reaction. But we have allowed ourselves to be deceived by the legal camouflage provided by the U.N. And witness how low we have fallen with our own accord.
Muslims are not allowed to kill the women and children of their enemies even in war. How could we support the killing of our own women and children? A Muslim is not really a believer if he eats his full while ignoring the plight of a hungry neighbor. How could a believer then participate in economic sanctions designed to starve his own people to death? When giving commands regarding the Islamic Brotherhood, the Qur'an uses a beautiful style with a profound message. Instead of saying, "greet each other" it says, "greet yourself." [An-Nur 24:61]. Instead of saying, "do not defame each other," it says, "do not defame yourself." [Al-Hujurat 49:11]. Instead of saying, "do not kill each other," it says, "do not kill yourself." [An-Nisaa 4:29].
The message is clear: Whatever is happening to others in the Brotherhood, is actually happening to yourself. Any aggression against any part of the Brotherhood is an aggression against all of it. We must free the Brotherhood from the servitude to the ideology of nation-states and the unjust international organizations so we can stop killing ourselves.
My Dear Husband...
I have been granted a unique place amongst creation. It is a position for which the Heavens and Earth trembled in fear of the immeasurable greatness of the responsibility and burden it entailed.
I am Allah’s representative on the Earth.
I have ultimately been given two choices in my life – the illuminated path of success, and the darkened, suffocating path of destruction. The road to eternal happiness is one of enormous difficulty. It requires the thoughts, sentiments and actions of the servant of Allah to function in complete harmony with that of the Supreme Commander. It requires the development and maximal application of mental strength and steadfastness.
This is the choice I have made.
The choice was given to me by none other than the Creator of the Heavens and Earth and all between. Your and my Creator.
I am a woman
"O Mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other" (Al – Hujurat: 13) Allah (swt) has addressed me with obligations and has made me the subject of that Speech and those obligations. He (swt) will resurrect me after my death and hold me accountable for my fulfilment or neglect of those obligations.
I do not differ from men with respect to my humanity. I have the same organic needs and instincts as that of a man. I have been granted, as man has been granted to varying degrees, with the faculty of thought, reason, sentiments and inclination.
Our differences lie in that of our natures. It is not a question of superiority and inferiority, but that of similarities and differences. Islam has come with different rules, which are particular to me in my capacity as a woman, and some rules of which are particular to men in their capacity as men. And, of a surety... "...the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has more Taqwa" (Al – Hujurat:13)
I am a wife.
Dear husband... I am your companion in life. Allah (swt) has said " It is He who has created you from a single person and He has created from him his wife, in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her." My rights as a wife have been defined to me by none other than the Creator of the Heavens and Earth and all between. Your and my Creator.
Allah (swt) has assigned for you the duty of guardianship due to the additional responsibilities imposed upon you – "and because they spend (to support them) from their means".
I am your wife. We are companions in life, not the commander and the commanded, the ruler and the ruled. Why do you desire for me to be an identical reflection of your thoughts and sentiments? Why do you suffocate my mind and emotions so that I must always display conformity with yours? Do you not praise Allah (swt) in the blessing of your unique ability to think, reason and make decisions? I ask you why you do not acknowledge, consult and respect my own abilities, also given to me by the Most Capable?
Do you not fear Allah?
As He (swt) is my witness, I demand no more than what is my right. I ask for no more than kinds words and warm smiles. I ask for no more than to be valued and respected as a thinking, feeling human being - a creation of Allah, who Created All. Do you not hear the words of Allah (swt) and His Messenger...? " Live with them in kindness; even if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which Allah (swt) has placed much good (4:19)
The Prophet (saaw) said: " The best amongst you are the ones who are best to their wives" "Fear Allah regarding women, for you have taken them (in marriage) with the trust of Allah".
Umm 'Umara:
The Prophet's Shield at Uhud
By Hamzah Qassim
Umm 'Umara was blessed with many honours, amongst these her presence at Uhud, al-Hudaybiyya, Khaybar, the Fulfilled Umra, Hunayn, and the Battle of Yamama. But her most noble role came about during the battle of Uhud.
Umm 'Umara set out to the battle with her husband, Ghaziya, and her two sons. Her inhad been to give water to the wounded, but Allah had planned for her a more rewarding role.
So she set out with her family with a waterskin, and arrived at the battle field during the beginning of the day. The Muslims had the upper hand, and she went to see how the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) was. But then the Muslims committed a fatal error - seeing the Quraysh on the retreat, they ran towards the booty, ignoring the Prophet's command to remain on the hill. Khalid bin Walid, (who hadn't embraced Islam yet), seeing the open flank, made a charge against the Muslims and suddenly the tide had swung towards the Quraysh. The Muslims panicked and began to flee, leaving behind only the Prophet (s.a.w) and a handful of his Companions. Among these was Umm Umara.
Seeing the Muslims flee, Umm Umara ran to the defense of the Prophet and took up arms, along with her husband and two sons. The Prophet noticed that she had no shield, and so said to one of the retreating men: "Give your shield to the one who is fighting." So he handed her the shield, and she defended the Prophet of Allah with it, using also the bow and arrow along with a sword. She was attacked by horsemen, but never wavered nor felt fear. She later boldly claimed, "If they had been on foot as we were, we would have trounced them, Allah willing."
Abdullah ibn Zayed, her son, was wounded during the battle. His wound bled profusely. His mother ran to him and bandaged his wounds, and then commanded him, "Go and fight the people, my son!" The Prophet (s.a.w) admired her sense of sacrifice, and commended her, "Who can endure what you can endure, Umm 'Umara!"
Suddenly, the man who had struck her son advanced, and the Prophet called out to her, "This is the one who struck your son." She bravely confronted the man, who her very son described as being like a great tree trunk, and struck at his leg, sending him to his knees. The Messenger of Allah smiled so much his teeth became visible, and remarked, "You have retaliated, Umm 'Umara!". Having finished him off, the Prophet then said "Praise be to Allah who has given you victory and delighted you over your enemy and let you enjoy your revenge directly."
At one stage, the Prophet (s.a.w) was left alone, so taking the opportunity, the enemy Ibn Qumay'a charged at the Prophet, shouting "Show me Muhammad! I will not be saved if he is saved!" So Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr, along with some other of the Companions, dashed to the protection of the Prophet. Umm 'Umara was among them, and began fiercely striking at the enemy of Allah, even though he was wearing double armour. Ibn Qumay'a managed to strike a blow at her neck, leaving a serious wound. The Prophet quickly called on her son "Your mother! Your mother! Bind her wound! May Allah bless you, the people of a house! The stand of your mother is better than the stand of so-and-so. May Allah have mercy on you, people of a house! The stand of your foster father is better than the stand of so-and-so. May Allah have mercy on you, people of a house!" Umm 'Umara, seeing the Prophet's pleasure on her determination and valour, earnestly requested "Ask Allah to make us your companions in the Garden!" So he said "O Allah, make them my companions in the Garden." And this was the desire of Umm 'Umara, to which she replied "I do not care what afflicts me in this world!"
That day, she received thirteen wounds, and was treated for her neck wound for a complete year. She also participated in the Battle of Yamama, where she received eleven wounds and lost her hand.
Her courageous character earned her the respect of all the Companions, especially the Khalifa's who would visit her and pay special attention to her. 'Umar bin Khattab (r.a.a) was brought some silk garments which contained excellent quality material. One of the people remarked "This garment is worth such-and-such (meaning how expensive it was). You should send it to the wife of 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar, Safiyya bint Abi 'Ubayd." 'Umar (r.a.a) however did not desire such a garment for his daughter in law. "That is something which I will not give to Ibn 'Umar. I will send it to someone who is more entitled to it than her - Umm 'Umara Nusayba bint Ka'b. On the day of Uhud, I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) say, 'Whenever I looked to the right or left I saw her fighting in front of me'."
This was the life of Umm 'Umara, the warrior who stood when many fled, who sent her wounded son back into the thick of the battle, and was prepared to lose her life to save the Prophet's. In return, she received the du'a for the Prophet's companionship in Paradise. May Allah bless our women with such courage, self-sacrifice and perseverance.
FORTITUDE ON OUR PATH
By Br. Ibrahim Abu Khalid
The call towards the Truth has never gone unhindered and unopposed. Messengers were killed and tortured, the Believers were persecuted, and the Religion made a mockery of, to such an extent that even the Messengers themselves beckoned for the victory to come. But we can look back now and we know that Allah's victory did come, after the Believers had proven their faith in deeds and actions and intentions, and when they sacrificed all they had. We know of the victory of Talut over Jalut, even though their numbers were few, and many deserted their ranks even before the war had started. We know of the success and triumphant legacy of Ibrahim (a.s), although as a youth he was about to be burned at the stakes, and at his old age, he was about to sacrifice the only progeny he had.
Yet today, in the midst of confusion and differences and oppression, although we have the records of our predecessors who broke free from the tyranny of Kufr, many of us today sink into our seats and declare "there is too much Fitnah, too much division, I will just stay at home and practice Islam and that's enough."
And this is exactly what Shaytaan and the disbelievers want.
The Life of Islam
Nothing makes the enemies of Allah more happy than a dormant Muslim, who has given up hope from forbidding the evil and enjoining good. For Shaytaan, when a Muslim does this, it allows him to spread evil unhindered, to instill wrong notions into people and destroy families. For the disbelievers, they go about demolishing Islam without fear. The Religion is distorted, its followers usurped of their rights, and the ideology of Kufr propagated.
But Islam came to put a halt to the progression of such evil, whatever the circumstances, and it is incumbent upon a Muslim to help another Muslim who is in need and oppressed. And the checking of Fitnah comes about through Jihad and Da'wah.
The Prophets waged war as a means to remove the tyranny present in their societies, and has never been considered to be a demeaning or unjust act. Jihad as a means to establish the Word of Allah is effective since it offers the ultimate sacrifice: one's life. And we should never be discouraged from achieving our objective, no matter how the Kuffar besmear this honourable path. A defender of Faith can be called a terrorist, the pages of history can be distorted to show a criminal rather than glorious past, but as Muslims we know the honour of our path and the everlasting reward it brings. We know the valour of Khalid bin Walid, the Drawn Sword of Allah, and his example is worth imitating.
The weak-hearted men of today, those who try to defend their own cowardice or laziness, of the scholars or the lay men, defend their own actions by throwing dirt on the defenders of Faith, by labeling them with every obnoxious term. But the Muslim does not resign himself and desert Jihad because of the attacks made on him, whether by words or arms. The Sahaabah continued to fight even though the whole Arabian peninsula left Islam after the Prophet's death, and had they not stood firm through this critical and most hardest of trials, Islam would not have flourished as it did. It is upon the Muslims to take heed from the lessons of history, and instead of denying the strength of Jihad, in making the enemy fear the wrath of Muslims and defending the honour and wealth of Muslims, we should be firm and proudly declare our stand.
Instead of ridiculing in disgust the current Afghani situation, and pointing our fingers at the Algerian war, we should be learning from the mistakes of the past, and helping our brothers, instead of becoming blameworthy by-standers. So the Muslim does not grieve over the past and dwell on the state of loss, but rather actively works to correct the state of affairs. Even though the people will ridicule him, his attributes of patience and desire to make Allah's Religion Supreme will urge him to continue the call for Islam, to his family and relatives and all Mankind. And indeed, this is the way of our Prophets, although starvation and persecution was their lot. So Allah gave them His Bounties, elevated their position, and made them an example for us.
What they say about Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)
The non-Muslim verdict on Muhammad (PBUH)
"If a man like Muhammad were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world,he would succeed in solving its problems that would bring it the much neededpeace and happiness." George Bernard Shaw
"People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense. People like Gandhi and Confucius, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the third sense. Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. Perhaps the greatest leader of all times was Mohammed, who combined all three functions. To a lesser degree, Moses did the same." Professor Jules Masserman
"Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. If ever a man had the right to say that he ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life." Rev. R. Bosworth-Smith
"Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him." Diwan Chand Sharma, The Prophets of the East, Calcutta 1935, p.122.
"Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D. 569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia the man who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon the human race... Mohammed... " John William Draper, M.D., L.L.D., A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, London 1875, Vol. 1, pp.329-330.
"In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal ruler of Medina, with his hands on the lever that was to shake the world." John Austin, "Muhammad the Prophet of Allah," in T.P.'s and Cassel's Weekly for 24th September 1927.
"Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, Warrior, Conqueror of ideas, Restorer of rational beliefs, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty-terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?" Lamartine, Histotie de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol. 11 pp.276-2727.
"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence! for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher." Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p.4
"Muhammad is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities." Encyclopaedia Britannica
"I have studied him - the wonderful man - and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ he must be called the savior of humanity." George Bernard Shaw in "The Genuine Islam "
"By a fortune absolutely unique in history, Mohammed is a threefold founder of a nation, of an empire, and of a religion." Rev. R.Bosworth-Smith in "Mohammed and Mohammedanism 1946."
I wonder
I wonder........................
If Prophet Muhammad (SAW) visited you, just for a day or two
If he came unexpectedly, I wonder what you would do?
Oh I know you would give your nicest room,
to such an honored guest
And you would surely serve him, your very very best.You would be your finest, cause you're glad to have him there
That serving him in you're home, would be a joy without compare.
But when you see him coming, would you meet him at the door
With your arms outstretched in welcome,
for your respected visitor.Or would you run to change your clothes, before you let him in
And hide some magazines to put the Quran, where they had been?
Would you still watch those movies, on your TV set
Or would you switch it off, before he gets terribly upset.Would you turn off the radio, and hope that he had not heard
And wish that you did not sing, that song word by word?
Would you hide your worldly things,
and instead take the Hadith books out
Could you let him walk right in, or would you rush about?And I wonder...if the Prophet (SAW) spent, a day or two with you
Would you go on doing the things, that you always do?
Would you go right on and say the things, that you always say
Would life for you continue, as it does from day to day.Would your family conversations, keep up their usual pace
And would you find it hard at each meal, to say a table grace?
Would you keep up each and every prayer,
without putting on a frown
And would you always jump up early, to say your Fajr at dawn?Would you sing the songs you always sing,
and read the books you read
And let him know the things on which,
your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take the Prophet (SAW) with you,
everywhere you plan to go?
Or would you maybe change your plans, just for a day or so?Would you be glad to have him meet, your very closest friends
Or, would you hope they stay away, until his visit ends?
Would you be glad to have him stay, forever on and on
Or would you sigh with great relief, when at last he has gone.It might be interesting to know,
the things that you would really do
If Prophet Muhammad (SAW) came, to spend some time with you.
(Author unknown)
NATIONALISM: AN ERRONEOUS CONCEPT
By Reem Allouche
Islam came and eradicated nationalism. The nationalistic structure of the pagan Arabian society, which existed for centuries, was diminished by its arrival. Islam invited people to believe in one God, Allah (swt), and to follow His commands. For Allah (swt) says, "And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer and to practise Zakat; and this is the deen right and straight." [98: 5]
It asked for loyalty to the deen of Allah (swt) rather than to the tribes. Ties between the Muslims were therefore based upon the Aqeedah of Islam. All Muslims were treated exactly the same, irrespective of their family background, and anyone who declared the Shahada "La ilaha illa Allah Muhammad Rasul Allah" became part of the Muslim Ummah.
The Prohibition Of Nationalism
Nationalism is a concept alien to Islam because it calls for unity based on family and tribalistic ties, whereas Islam binds people together on the Aqeedah and Emaan. That is, belief in Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw).
Therefore grouping together on tribalistic lines is clearly forbidden. It is narrated by Abu Dawud that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "He is not one of us who calls for 'asabiyyah, (nationalism) or who fights for 'asabiyyah or who dies for 'asabiyyah." And in another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (saw) referring to nationalism, racism, and patriotism said "Leave it, it is rotten". [Muslim and Bukhari]
There are many examples in the Seerah where the Messenger of Allah (saw) had rebuked those who upheld nationalism. On one occasion a party of Jews conspired to bring about disunity in the ranks of the Muslims after seeing the Aus and Khazraj within Islam. A youth from amongst them was sent to incite remembrance of the battle of Bu'ath where the Aus had been victorious over the Khazraj, and he recited poetry to bring about division between them. As a result there was a call to arms. When the news reached the Messenger of Allah (saw), He (saw) said, "O Muslims, remember Allah, remember Allah. Will you act as pagans while I am present with you after Allah has guided you to Islam, and honoured you thereby and made a clean break with paganism; delivered you thereby from disbelief; made you friends thereby?" When they heard this they wept, and embraced each other. This incident clearly highlights how the messenger of Allah (saw) rebuked any forms of tribalism and nationalism. Allah (swt) then revealed the verses, "O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam. And hold fast together all of you to the rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favours on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace you became brothers; and you were on the brink of the pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His signs clear to you that you may be guided." [3: 102-103]
The incidents above demonstrate that tribal ties have no place in Islam. Muslims are commanded to stick together and not to disassociate themselves from each other just because they comes from different tribes or backgrounds. The Messenger of Allah (saw) also said, "The Muslims are like a body, if one part of the body hurts, rest of the body will also suffer" [Muslim] meaning that the Muslims, whether they are of Chinese, African, or Arabian or European origin, are one Ummah and they cannot be separated from each other. Furthermore, Allah (swt) says: "The faithful are but brothers..." [49: 10] . No nationalistic ties should ever break their unity.
That is the beauty of Islam.
Now the speech of Allah (swt) addressed to the Messenger (saw) is also a speech to his Ummah, unless specific evidence comes to restrict this. In this case, there is no such restriction, so it becomes obligatory for theM to rule according to Islamic teachings. And ruling according to Islam leaves no room for nationalistic constitutions whatsoever because what is applied (and what forms the criteria for judgement) is the Book of Allah (swt) and the Sunnah of the Messenger (saw). Allah (swt) says, "It is not for a believer (male or female) that when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter that they should have any choice in the matter." [33: 36]
Hence since Islam has prohibited nationalism, it becomes a duty of every Muslim, in the present situation, to work towards tearing down the nationalistic boundaries that are artificially created in Muslim lands, and to remove any obstacles which allow its propagation. And those who still uphold nationalism, remember what Allah (swt) says, "Those who oppose Allah's order have to be warned that a calamity may strike them or a painful doom may fall upon them." [24: 63]
I ask Allah (swt) to guide us all and make our hearts pure..
Islam & The Concept of Friendship
Humans have always been social creatures and in need of friends and companions. Much of our lives is spent in interaction with others. For us Muslims who are living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing right companions is essential for preserving our Deen. Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is an essential means for staying on the Straight Path. Strong individuals, on the other hand, are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for. We all know that we were created for a specific purpose and that Allah the Most High has given us life in order to test us. None of us will deny that we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah (s.w.t.) one Day.
Once we know our purpose and our goal, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves. All of us believe that Allah has sent us a Messenger (s.a.w.) and revealed to us the Qur'an, the Best Speech.
In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend."(1). The person most noble in character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear message and advice in regard to friendship. We should choose the friend that is satisfied with our Deen and avoid the friend that is displeased with it. Whoever we see and are pleased with his Deen, we should befriend him and whoever we are displeased with his Deen and his manners, we ought to avoid him. There is no good in the companion who does not wish for us (from good) what he wishes for himself. There is also no good in the companion who wishes for us what he wishes for himself, if what he likes for his own soul is leading him towards destruction and Hellfire.
The bases for the actions of those who follow the evil ways are corrupt; their actions are built upon misguidance and deviation. Their deeds are worthless to them as Allah (s.w.t.) said: "And We will proceed to what they have done of deeds, so We shall render them to scattered floating dust." [25:23]. Their actions, even if we regard them as righteous and noble are of no value to them, so how can they be of benefit to us? Friends are those who feel for their companions, in both happy and sad moments. If we share our feelings with the wrong- doers whose actions are worthless and based on corruption, then we are following the same ways and standards as they are. Affection which results from that friendship leads to love and closeness to other than the righteous believers, and this may even lead to avoiding those who are on the Straight Way. Mixing with followers of any way other than that of the Guidance also results in a change in one's behaviour, morals and conduct. If we agree, follow and are pleased with such friends, then we inherit their habits, behaviours and even religion. Such a Muslim would find himself in a situation wherein he is willing to hide his Islam in front of those who despise it (those that he considers as friends) and to separate from the believers. When this situation occurs, a point is reached when there is a very slight difference between the Muslim and his wrong-doing companion. Such a companionship is the root of sickness of one's heart and loss of one's Deen.
Instead of making friends with the misguided ones we should befriend the righteous and treat the rest in a gracious and just manner. Staying on a sufficient distance is necessary, yet treating everybody in a noble and kind manner is required.
In another Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him."(2)
In his commentary of this Hadith, Imam an-Nawawy said that the Prophet (s.a.w.) compared a good companion to a seller of musk and spoke of the virtue of having companions who are good, who have noble manners, piety, knowledge and good culture. Such are those who grant us from their virtue. And he (s.a.w.) forbade us to sit with those who do evil, commit a lot of sins and other bad deeds, as well as with innovators, backbiters, and so forth. Another scholar said: "keeping good company with the pious results in attainment of beneficial knowledge, noble manners and righteous actions, whereas keeping company with the wicked prevents all of that." Many times a Muslim is encouraged by his friends to do evil and to forget his duties. The result is that Muslims themselves are often ashamed to leave them to perform prayer, their friends thus causing them to clearly deviate from the Right Path.
Allah the Exalted says in the Qur'an: "And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and-so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Qur'an) after it had come to me. And Satan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need." [25:27-29] So take heed before the inevitable Day comes and we are reckoned for our acts.
Allah, the All-Wise also says: "Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqoon (i.e. those who have Taqwah)." [43:67]
Hafidh Ibn Katheer, commenting on this verse, relates a story on the authority of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (r.a.a.) and says that any friendship for other than Allah is turned into enmity, except what was in it for Allah the Mighty and Majestic: Two who are friends for Allah's sake; one of them dies and is given good news that he will be granted al-Jannah, so he remembered his friend and he supplicated for him, saying: O Allah, my friend used to command me to obey You and to obey Your Prophet (s.a.w.) and used to command me to do good and to forbid me from doing evil. And he told me that I will meet You. O Allah, do not let him go astray after me, until you show him what you have just shown me, until You are satisfied with him, just like You are satisfied with me." So he is told: "Had you known what is (written) for you friend, would you have laughed a lot and cried a little." Then his friend dies and their souls are gathered, and both are asked to express their opinions about each other. So each one of them says to his friend: you were the best brother, the best companion and the best friend." And when on of the two disbelieving friends dies, and he is given tidings of Hellfire, he remembered his friend and he said: O Allah, my friend used to order me to disobey You and disobey Your Prophet, and commanded me to do evil, and forbade me from doing good, and told me that I would not meet You. O Allah, do not guide him after me, until you show him what you have just shown me and until you are dissatisfied with him just like You are dissatisfied with me." Then the other disbelieving friend dies, and their souls are gathered, and both are asked to give their opinions about each other. So each one says to his friend: you were the worst brother, the worst companion and the worst friend."
That is the end of those who do not have Taqwah and those who befriend for a sake other than that of Allah the Exalted. Allah has surely spoken the truth and we all should grasp what He has informed us of. It is through the good company that Allah, the Most High, saves those who are astray and guides the wicked. The benefit of mixing with the righteous is immense, and it will, insha'allah, be even more obvious to us in the Hereafter. One of the early Muslims said that it is from Allah's blessings upon a youth when he turns to worship that he is given brother who is a follower of the Sunnah encouraging him upon it".
Sealing a friendship for Allah's sake will result in one's receiving protection of Allah (s.w.t.). And as Ibn Abbas said: "No one may taste true faith except by this (i.e. building relationships for Allah's sake), even if his prayers and fasts are many. People have come to build their relationship around the concerns of the world, but it will not benefit them in any way." A scholar has said: "To seal a friendship for Allah's sake indicates the obligation of establishing relationships of love and trust for His sake; this is a friendship for the sake of Allah. It also indicates that simple affection is not enough here; indeed what is meant is a love based upon alliance. This entails assistance, honour, and respect. It means being with those whom you love both in word and deed." Loyalty for the sake of Allah really means to love Allah and to come to the assistance of His Deen; to love those who are obedient to Him and to come to their help. Moreover, the Shahadah "La Ilaha Illa Allah" requires us to ally ourselves for the sake of Allah, and it requires us to ally ourselves to the Muslims wherever we find them.
In two other authentic narrations of the Prophet (s.a.w.) we were commanded to keep company with a believer only(3), and told that a person will be with those he loves(4). So if we love and associate ourselves with those who are misguided, we should fear for our fate. The wise person is the one who prepares himself for the Hereafter, not the one who neglects his faith and falls into the trap of Satan who tells him that he will be forgiven and that he can do whatever he wishes. If we truly believe that the best speech is the Speech of Allah and that he best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), we should act in accordance with them, lest we build a proof against ourselves. Ali (r.a.a.) said: "Mix with the noble people, you become one of them; and keep away from evil people to protect yourself from their evils." If we are truly concerned about our fate, we must come to this realisation: those who take us away from remembering Allah, from obeying Him and His Prophet (s.a.w.), those who fail to remind us of our daily prayers and those who do not give us sincere advice in regard to our Deen; such are really our foes and not our friends.
On the other side, a believer is the mirror of his brother"(5), and if he sees any faults in the other believer, he draws his attention to it, helps him to give it up and helps him wipe away any evil that he may have. Ibn Hazm said: Anyone who criticises you cares about your friendship. Anyone who makes light of your faults cares nothing about you."
How can we expect sincere advice and exhortation in regard to our religion from those who are displeased with our Deen or are simply indifferent? Are they going to help us achieve the purpose of our life, or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah's pleasure or is that Completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to al-Jannah or to the Hellfire? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves, lest we wake up after we die.
"O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. If you follow the right guidance and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do." [5:105] We ask Allah to make us of the righteous ones and give us companions that will take us away from His Wrath and lead us to His Pleasure and Paradise.
Societal Threats!
Muslims in the West are living in societies that contradict Islam in all of its aspects, despite what some people would like to think. The Western Society is based on the Capitalistic ideology and this ideology contradicts Islam. The concepts which dominate these societies are grounded in democracy, which gives the sovereignty to people rather than Allah (swt) and materialism which is the main value given weight by Capitalism, and unjust economy in which the kingpin is Riba' (interest).
As a result of the implementation of Islam, each individual will feel tranquility. If a Muslim individual knows that his or her life span is going to reach its end after one week oro a month, he or she would spend the last week of his or her life in doing what causes him or her to acquire the pleasure of Allah (swt). The Westerner would spend the same period in satisfying his or her physical worldly needs and pleasures. The Muslim also would do the good things (Mar'rouf) simply because Allah (swt) orders this type of action to be performed. The Westerner would do the good thing because this action would include benefits for him or her.
As a result of living in the Western Society, it is expected that Muslims may be influenced by the society and its way of life. Some of the most important questions facing the Muslims are: How can we
protect our children while living in these societies? How can we establish a western oriented methodology for understanding Islam? Should the Muslims in the West weaken their ties with the Muslims in the Muslim World? Do we have our own objectives and goals in the West?
Some would suggest that this can't be accomplished by teaching our children and youth a set of rules i.e. do's and don'ts. It would be demanded from them to do some such as prayers, fasting, and abstaining from alcoholic consumption and dating and everything would be okay after this. Some would suggest that we must concentrate on so called 'spiritualities' or an increase in the ibadat. While others would suggest that we must concentrate on one aspect of Islam while at the same time bargaining and adjusting the other parts. All of these suggestions would never solve the problem because Islam is an organic, holistic deen and it is a complete Message which points to a comprehensive solution. A part of the solution or compromise in Islam would never solve the problem. The Western Society and its way of life have other impacts on Muslims. It may impose a specific methodology to understand Islam that is based on apologeticism. One of the directors of an Islamic institute in France has said, "The proposed solution is to create a European form of Islam that can coexist comfortably with the Western societies shaped by Christian traditions... we need a place to teach and explain Islam in a European context... What we need is a modern and moderate Islam... For example, the punishment in the Qur'an are not relevant. We can accept secularity, monogamy, ..." (New York Times, 1/24/92).
In an article published in the July 8, 1989 edition of the London Times, Clifford Longley wrote that "the home Office must know that some of their (Muslims) beliefs at least at face value are not compatible with a plural society; Islam does not know how to exist as a minority culture, for it is not just a set of private individual principles and beliefs. Islam is a creed above all, a radically different way of organizing society as a whole."
In August 1987, the London Times suggested a formula for the existence of Muslims in Britain to accept. It proposed that the "Muslims can maintain their fundamental beliefs while giving up any other demand to the British way of life, and if Muslims accepted such compromise, we must help them in practicing their belief and in their own institutions!" (Al-Ahram 10/25/1987) This is what the West is trying to accomplish as the Muslims are being heavily influenced to take Islam just as a spiritual/individualistic religion and study Islam as a theology. However, Islam is a deen which means total submission to Allah (swt). All its rulings are a complete way of life and one that must be implemented by individual as well as the society. In other words, Islam is an ideology and not a theology. Presenting Islam as a theology and trying to teach Muslims the 'new' Islam is the goal of the Westerners.
When Allah (swt) addressed the Muslims in the Quran, He addressed them as a whole and not categorizing them by region or locality. The Prophet of Islam (saaws) defined this Ummah as one body. He (saaws) went further and explained that if one part of the body hurts the whole body hurts. In another hadith the Prophet (saaws) said: The one who is not concerned about the affairs of the Muslims (Ummah) is not a Muslim. The address of Allah and the hadith of the Prophet (saaws) vividly illustrates the Unity of the Muslim Ummah. As Muslims living in the West it is unthinkable to ignore the problems of the Muslims anywhere whether they reside in the Muslim World or in South America. It is a fard of every Muslim to look after the whole Ummah. In no way can we weaken our ties with the Muslim Ummah.
As for the objectives of the Muslim in the West, it is Islam that defines our objectives. In reality, all Muslims all over the world have the same objective set by Islam. This is to implement Islam and export it to world citizenry. However, in the process of fulfilling this task, Muslims in the West have to solve their problems and at the same time work to achieve the objective defined by Islam to all the Muslims. Therefore, the only way to protect our children and ourselves is:
Totally accepting the Islamic concepts that emanates from a strong conviction in Allah (swt) as the Creator and the Supreme. There is no other God, mother nature, or supreme being except Allah (swt) Who created us and is controlling the whole universe. Obedience of Allah (swt) is not a set of rituals. It is a complete way of life. The way we live and die is subjected to the tenets of Islam.
Muslims have the right way of life and we should be proud of it. The Islamic ideology is the only correct one among other modes of life. We must understand Islam according to its text (Qur'an and Sunnah) not according to any other methodology encouraged by the West. Therefore, no manmade justifications or compromise can be affixed to Islam.
We must study in depth the Islamic Culture as a comprehensive way to organize society. This study should not be theoretical study. It must be studied to be implemented by individuals and the whole Ummah.
Our responsibility is to relay Islam to others; no cosmetic surgery is needed in order to make Islam more beautiful. Allah (swt) says in Surah al Baqarah:142 "And we made you an Umatan Wasata (Just Ummah)in order to be witnesses against mankind and the Messenger will be the witness against yourselves."
We are witnessing the misery the world is undergoing due to the application of capitalism, democracy and communism. As an Ummah we have to ascertain the source of where the problem resides. Poverty and other problems in the Muslim World as well in the West is rooted in the application of the corrupt ideologies being implemented today. Our aim must be to bring Islam into the world arena, so it may take on these corrupt systems and from the application of Islam the symptoms of poverty, hunger, discrimination, and homelessness will be solved Insha'Allah.
Again, our responsibility is much bigger than protecting ourselves, it is saving the whole world. And if we think that our responsibility is just to save our children, we will never be able to accomplish even this because even protecting our children needs the full implementation of Islam. Also, by thinking that we can protect our children without a complete implementation of Islam, we are wrong because if this is the case then why do we need Islam if our children can be protected through any other means?
Al-Waqt (Time)
Allah's Messenger said:
"Ightanim khamsan qabla khamsin: hayaataka qabla mautika, wa sihhataka qabla saqamika, wa faraaghaka qabla shughulika, wa shabaabaka qabla haramika wa ghinaaka qabla faqrika."
"Take advantage of five before five: your life before your death, your health before your illness, your free time before becoming busy, your youth before your old age and your wealth before your poverty."Al-waqt means the time which we have, those few moments in the scheme of things which any one of us spends on this earth. Al-waqt is your life and it is more precious than gold and silver. And like all valuable things, a Muslim must commit israaf (overspending) or tabdheer (misallocation or using something where it should not be used). Allah said about the people of israaf:
{Wa man a'radha 'an dhikriy fa inna lahu ma'eeshatan dhankan wa nahshuruhu yauma al-qiyaamati a'maa. Qaala rabbi lima hashartaniy a'maa wa qad kuntu baseeran? Qaala kadhalika atatka ayaatunaa fa naseetahaa wa kadhalika al-yauma tunsaa. Wa kadhaalika najziy man asrafa wa lam yu'minu bi aayaati rabbihi wa la 'adhaabu al-aakhirati ashaddu wa abqaa.}
{And whoever turns away from my reminder will have a miserable life and we will resurrect him on Qiyama blind. He said, 'Lord, why have you brought me back blind though I used to see? ' He said, 'Likewise my signs came to you and you neglected them and likewise today you are forgotten.' Thus we repay those who go beyond bounds and do not believe in the signs of their Lord and the punishment of the hereafter is more severe and more permenant.} Taha:124-127Israaf is defined as "over-allocation" while tabdheer is defined as "mis-allocation", i.e., spending in a haram direction, even if a little. Allah described the mubadh-dhireen as the "brothers of the devils", saying:
{Wa aatiy dhaa al-qurbaa haqqahu wa al-miskeena wa ibna as-sabeeli wa laa tubadh-dhir tabdheeran. Inna al-mubadh-dhireena kaanoo ikhwaana ash-shayateeni wa kaana ash-shaitaanu li rabbihi karooran.}
{And give relatives their rights and the poor and the traveller and do not misuse wealth. Surely the misusers of wealth are the brothers of Satan and Satan is to his Lord a disbeliever.} CiteThe time you have been alloted should be treated as another form of wealth. Beware of where you use it and how you use it. Always remember about time that:
None of our time should be devoid of remembrance of Allah and dedicating our purpose to Islam. In many places, Allah reminds us to remember Him, praise Him and glorify Him morrning noon and night. Allah said:
{Yaa ayyuhaa alladhina aamanoo udhkuru Allaha dhikran katheeran. Wa sabbihoohu bukratan wa aseelan. Huwa alladhiy yusalliy 'alaikum wa malaa'ikatuhu li yukhrijakum min adh-dhulumaati ilaa an-noori wa wa kaana bi al-mu'mineena raheeman.}
{O you who believe remember Allah profusely. And exalt Him morning and afternoon. He is the one who sends his prayers upon you along with his angels that he may take you from darkness into the light and He is with the beleivers most Merciful.} Al-Ahzaab:41-43{Fa subhaana Allahi heena tumsoona wa heena tusbihoona. Wa lahu al-hamdu fiy as-samaawaati wa al-ardhi wa 'asheeyan wa heena tudh-hiroona. Yukhriju al-hayya min al-mayyiti wa yukhriju al-mayyita min al-hayyi wa yuhyiy al-ardha ba'da mautihaa wa kadhaalika tukhrajoona.}
{So exalted is Allah when you reach the afternoon and when you reach the morning. To Him is all praise in the heavens and the earth and at night and at noon. He brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living and he brings the earth to life after its death. Likewise you wil be brought out.} Ar-Room:17-19If you lose sight of the hereafter and your sights are limited to this life, you will be able to make many bad decisions regarding your time. The Prophet (sas) said:
"Ni'mataani maghboonun fihaa katheerun in an-naas: As-sihhatu wa al-faraaghu."
"Two great gifts in which many people have swindled themselves: health and free time." Al-BukhariTake advantage of five before five: life before death, health before illness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age and wealth before poverty. As Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to say:
"Haasiboo anfusakum qabla an tuhaasaboo."
"Take yourselves to account before you are taken to account."At the end of each day, take accounts. What have you done for Islam or Muslims today? What have you learned about your deen today? Have you kept remembrance of Allah on your heart and on your tongue throughout the day?
Listen to what some of the Companions - may Allah be pleased with them - used to say in du'a:
Abu Bakr:
"Allahumma laa tada'niy fiy ghamratin wa laa ta'khudhniy 'alaa ghirratin wa laa taj'alnaa min al-ghaafileen."
"O Allah, do not leave me in conflict and do not take me in a state of self-deception and do not make me among those lacking consciousness."
Umar:
"Allahumma innaa nas'aluka salaaha as-saa'aati wa al-barakata fiy al-awqaati."
"O Allah, we ask you righteousness of the hour and your blessing in our time."
Abdullah ibn Mas'ood:"Maa nadimtu 'alaa shai'in nadamiy 'alaa yaumin gharibat fihi shamsuhu wa naqasa fihi ajaliy wa lam yazid fihi 'amaliy."
"I have never regretted anything as much as I regret a day on which the sun set, my term was shortened and my deeds did not increase."
And from the next generation:
Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz (Umar's grandson)
"Inna al-laila wa an-nahaara ya'malaani feeka, fa'mal feehimaa."
"The night and the day are surely acting upon you, so act you therein."
Al-Hassan Al-Basriy:
"Yaa ibn Aadam innamaa anta ayyaamun. Fa idhaa dhahaba yaumun dhahaba ba'dhuka."
"O son of Adam you are just some days. When another day has passed, some of you has gone."
"Adraktu aqwaaman maa kaanoo 'alaa awqaatihim ashadda minkum hirsan 'alaa daraahimikum wa danaaneerikum."
"I met a people who were as careful with their time as you are with your dirhams and dinars."
It has been said that:"Maa min yaumin yanshaqqu fajruhu illaa yunaadiy: Yaa ibna Aadama anaa khalqun jadeedun, wa 'alaa 'amalika shaheedun, fa ightanim minniy fa inniy laa a'oodu ilaa yaumi al-qiyaamati."
"There is no day when the sun comes up but that it calls out: 'O son of Adam, I am a new creation and a witness over your actions. Take advantage of me for I will never return until Qiyama.'"
Source: http://www.java-man.com/Pages/Khutab/khutba990820.html
