THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Allah prepared Mary, the mother of Jesus to undertake the sacred mission of bringing into the world someone who was to be special. This was nothing new in the plan of the Lord, as He did this with the majority of the messengers He sent before. Take for example; He made the birth and survival of Moses possible and even got Pharaoh to appoint his mother to take care of him in the palace.
He allowed Mary to grow up free from any kind of blame or accusations as she was known to have guarded her chastity, and had no kind of interaction with any male human being, except for her caretaker Zakariah, who was a very old man.
Because her son Jesus was to be a unique person Mary underwent all the exercises which made her fit to undertake the special mission of bringing Jesus into the world. In this connection Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
Behold, the angels said: O Mary, Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee and chosen thee above the women of all nations. (3:42)
We know that Allah created the body of Adam; give it life and then cause the soul (Ruh or spirit) to enter into it. It is necessary to know that the soul is a special creation of the Lord; and not a part of any thing found in the entire universe. It is not something physical. As a result it is outside our capacity to comprehend on the basis of rational thinking. Allah tells us about this in the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:
And they will ask thee concerning the Ruh, say; it is from the Command of my Lord; and I (Allah) have not given you knowledge (of it) except a little. (17:85)
The soul does not die with the body, but leaves and will re-enter it when the body is resurrected on the Day of Judgment.
Because the soul came from a Command of Allah and did not grow from any created thing in the universe Allah calls it My Spirit. For example He says about the creation of Adam the following:
Behold, the Lord said to the angels; I am about to create man from sounding clay; from mud moulded into shape. So, when I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My Spirit; fall down in obeisance unto him. (15:28-29)
When Allah calls the soul "My Spirit", He does not mean that the soul is part of His own being as some religions believe. It means that it is something special which came into existence from a process different from the way He created the universe and all that is in it.
We can understand something about this if we take an example by saying, for example, to a person: You are a part of my heart. It means that such a one is very dear to me, but is not actually a piece of the flesh of my heart.
So too, when Allah singles out the soul and calls it "My Spirit" or "My Word", it does not mean that it actually came out as a piece of His Being. Take for example, the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, that does not mean that it is actually something from His Divine Being, but something that came from Him.
So when He says about Adam, And We breathed into him of Our Spirit, He means that Adam's soul is a special creation.
The difference between the creation of Adam and Jesus is that Adam's body was created first and then the soul was breathed into it, but in the case of Jesus, the soul was created first, placed into the womb of Mary and then the body was formed around it.
Such a thing is possible with Allah, and perhaps, one reason for doing so is to let mankind, now and the Children of Israel then know that Allah is capable of doing anything. This was one reason why He told Mary's mother that Allah knows what she brought forth. (3:25). Allah knew that He was about to give her daughter Mary a special mission.
Spiritual experiences are outside the realms of reason and logic, and one should not attempt to try to explain such experiences by using mundane arguments. For example, it is not possible to explain rationally how the creation of a person like Jesus is in a way different from the normal process of conception and growth of the zygote into a full human being.
It is therefore incorrect for Maulana Muhammad Ali to say the following:
Jesus was conceived in the ordinary manner and that Mary became a wife and mother in the ordinary way. (Fn. 422)
Allah tells us two things about Mary. These are:
• Allah purified her private part. (69:12) Purification here means that no types of impurities were allowed to enter into her sexual organ. Muslims believe that sperm is a type of impurity and when it comes out of the body that person has to take a bath. Also if it touches the garment, at least, that portion of the garment has to be purified. So that no such a thing was allowed to enter into Mary, as her sexual organ was specially purified against the entry of an impure fluid.
Allah tells us about seminal discharge being impure in the following verse of the Holy Qur'an: O you who believe, go not near to prayer when you are intoxicated until you know what you say, nor after sexual intercourse, except you are merely passing by (the mosque) until you have taken a bath. (4:43). Or, If you are sexually defiled then purify yourself. (5:6)
So Allah preserved Mary from becoming sexually defiled; a process from which a person can conceive.
• The other important thing to understand is what exactly did the angel do to Mary, when he was putting the soul of Jesus into her? According to the Bible, Mary was conceived in the following way: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. (Lk.1:35) This means that Mary was physically overpowered by a being which was not human. Islam does not uphold this particular belief.
There was no need for the angel to have any type of physical contact for the soul of Jesus to enter into her. Allah caused the soul of Adam to enter his body without any kind of contact from the angel. We know that light—x-ray—can pass through the body without any kind of actual contact, or radiation can enter the body without any one actually putting it into the person.
There are angels that enter and leave the body at the will and command of Allah so that Allah can direct any angel to do whatever He wishes.
Allah sent the soul of Adam into his body after the whole body was formed and fashioned. He says: So when I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My Spirit. (15:29). The question is: How did Allah breathed His Spirit into Adam? The Qur'an did not elaborate.
In the same way Allah says about the entry of the soul of Jesus into Mary. He says: And Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her private part (in other words, she made it inaccessible for any man): so We breathed into it, (i.e. her private part) from Our Spirit. (69:12)
There was no need for the angel to have any form of contact with Mary in order to do what he had to do. According to some of the scholars he blew into her; he could have stood in front of her and blew into her. There was no need for any physical posture from Mary etc. in order for the angel to blow into her; he blew into the space between her legs.
The soul that entered the body of Mary was not a complete person. So it is not correct when Christians say that God came in the flesh in Mary as the son. What came in Mary was the soul or the Spirit, which was a special creation, just as the soul of Adam was a special creation; and so too the souls of every human being.
Sending the soul of Jesus into Mary, and not creating him completely as a special entity was in order to make Jesus part of the human species. In this way he is part of the progeny of Adam, but only with what he got from his mother.
Perhaps one of the reasons why Jesus was created in this unique way was because of the mission to which he was to be assigned, viz. he came into the world, he was taken up by Allah and he is due to return.
Allah tells us in the Qur'an that Jesus is similar to Adam is some ways: He says:
The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created him (Adam) from dust, (and created Jesus from dust) then said to him, Be and he was. (3:59)
Mary resided in the temple from the age of about three years old to when she was a little more than thirteen. As she grew older and older she became more conservative and never allowed herself to be seen by anyone. When she became pregnant, she kept herself secluded until it was time for to give birth to the one who was designated to be a Sign unto mankind. Allah says:
That We (Allah) may appoint him as a Sign unto men, and in a mercy from Us; it is a thing decreed (19:22)
Mary left the temple a few days before the birth of Jesus, and according to the Qur'an, she went eastwards. Allah says:
And mention in the book of Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. (19:16)
According to some of the Commentators of the Qur'an, Mary went to a place called Bethlehem. For example, Wahab bin Munabbih said that Mary left and went to a village eight miles away called Bethlehem.
But is this Bethlehem the same as the one mentioned in the Bible. When we look back at the records we will see that at that time there were two places called Bethlehem; one was Bethlehem of Judea and the other is Bethlehem of Galilee (a place near Nazareth).
Bethlehem of Judea, according to archaeological findings did not exist at the time of the birth of Jesus; it existed long before his birth. The other Bethlehem is the one of Galilee. This was a busy Jewish centre, just a few miles from where Mary was while she was in the temple.
Jesus is commonly known as Jesus of Nazareth, that is the place near Bethlehem of Galilee and not the other one. It seems practical that it could have been the Bethlehem of Galilee as the one of Judea is more than a hundred miles away from the temple in which Mary was residing and it would have been impossible for her to travel that distance in a short space of time with her condition.
But there are differences of opinion between the Church's position regarding where Jesus was actually born and that of the Scholars; or among the Conservatives and Liberal thinkers.
The conservative thinkers of the Church uphold that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This is because both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke support this position. In these Gospels we find the following:
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. (Mt.2:1)
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea unto the city of David, which is called the city Bethlehem. (Lk.2:4)
The reason for supporting this position is because of the prediction in the Old Testament of the coming of the one who will rule over Israel. It says:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah.5:2)
Scholars of the Bible agree that there was no place called Bethlehem Ephrathah, as Ephrathah is the name of a clan of Judah and not the name of a place.
The liberals among the scholars do not accept the Church's position that Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem of Judea. That is why a lot of the Evangalists commonly say Jesus of Nazareth, this being a place near the Bethlehem of Galilee.
The Gospels of Mark and John seem to support this view as in both Gospels there is the belief that Jesus came from Nazareth and not from the Bethlehem of Judea. We find in them the following;
And he went out from there and came to his own country (i.e. Nazareth), and his disciples follow him. (Mk.6:1)
Others said, this is the Christ. But some said: Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him. (Jn.7:41-43)
There is a lot of discussion regarding the location of Mary when Jesus was born. Allah did not give any detail in the Holy Qur'an regarding the exact place. All He says is that she went "to a place facing east".
What is important for us to know at this point in time is that Mary was alone when she was to give birth to Jesus, and it was only the Lord Who was with her, and He assisted her through His angels to have this special person, a Sign to mankind to come into the world.
Monday, 8 March 2010
Establishing a connection with the Prophet (pboh)
Establishing a connection with Prophet
The Christians believe that Prophet Jesus (as) was the ‘son of God’ and part of their creed concerning Jesus (as) is the ‘Harrowing of Hell’, which states that Jesus (as) descended into hell.
Islam on the other hand gives us such a beautiful concept of Prophet Muhammad . Muslims do not associate any divinity to Prophet , instead we adhere to what Allah says in Surah Kahf “Say: I am but a man like yourselves”.
We should never forget one important thing about Prophet Muhammad and that is he is extremely special, even though he was a humble human being. Those who aspire to get close to him, they too are special.
Since Prophet came back from the Miraj; from then onwards, he brought back a piece of Paradise with him. Proof of this can be found in the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra) in which he heard Prophet Muhammad say:
“The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise (ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah), and my minbar is on my cistern (hawd)”.
Allah has been really favourable to the Believers. What exactly is the benefit of the Rawdah in Masjid al-Nabawi? Those who were blessed to have been there would tell you the feeling they experienced. It is a feeling of total peace and tranquility.
Imagine that you are sitting in the Rawdah which is part of Paradise and on your left is your leader and role model. If you can get so near to him in this world what about the hereafter?
Allah has provided us with an opportunity to rehearse what will happen to the true believers in the hereafter. He shows us that in reality there is a place called Jannah. True, you cannot access the facilities of Paradise in the Rawdah of the Prophet (pboh), but you can get that feeling of peace and tranquility. If you are there and Prophet is to the left of you and his body is one that will never decay and Allah reunites his soul and his body in order for him to respond to the daroods’ being sent, what kind of feeling will you get? Imagine you are actually in the presence of the Habibullah .
If we can build a relationship here in this world and be in his company in this life what will happen in the next. Allah says in Qur’an “take note that amongst you is the Mesenger of Allah.” No other Messenger was given this blessing and no where else in this universe you will find a piece of Jannah. That is why it is truly a blessing to visit Madinah.
Establish and build a connection with your leader and insha Allah you will be amongst those who will be considered ‘special’. And one of the many benefits to be derived is that on the Day of Judgement when everyone will be worried and concerned about the state of their affairs the Chief Intercessor will be looking for you. You won’t have to look for him because you have already established a relationship with him. We beg Allah to forgive us and guide us.
The Christians believe that Prophet Jesus (as) was the ‘son of God’ and part of their creed concerning Jesus (as) is the ‘Harrowing of Hell’, which states that Jesus (as) descended into hell.
Islam on the other hand gives us such a beautiful concept of Prophet Muhammad . Muslims do not associate any divinity to Prophet , instead we adhere to what Allah says in Surah Kahf “Say: I am but a man like yourselves”.
We should never forget one important thing about Prophet Muhammad and that is he is extremely special, even though he was a humble human being. Those who aspire to get close to him, they too are special.
Since Prophet came back from the Miraj; from then onwards, he brought back a piece of Paradise with him. Proof of this can be found in the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra) in which he heard Prophet Muhammad say:
“The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise (ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah), and my minbar is on my cistern (hawd)”.
Allah has been really favourable to the Believers. What exactly is the benefit of the Rawdah in Masjid al-Nabawi? Those who were blessed to have been there would tell you the feeling they experienced. It is a feeling of total peace and tranquility.
Imagine that you are sitting in the Rawdah which is part of Paradise and on your left is your leader and role model. If you can get so near to him in this world what about the hereafter?
Allah has provided us with an opportunity to rehearse what will happen to the true believers in the hereafter. He shows us that in reality there is a place called Jannah. True, you cannot access the facilities of Paradise in the Rawdah of the Prophet (pboh), but you can get that feeling of peace and tranquility. If you are there and Prophet is to the left of you and his body is one that will never decay and Allah reunites his soul and his body in order for him to respond to the daroods’ being sent, what kind of feeling will you get? Imagine you are actually in the presence of the Habibullah .
If we can build a relationship here in this world and be in his company in this life what will happen in the next. Allah says in Qur’an “take note that amongst you is the Mesenger of Allah.” No other Messenger was given this blessing and no where else in this universe you will find a piece of Jannah. That is why it is truly a blessing to visit Madinah.
Establish and build a connection with your leader and insha Allah you will be amongst those who will be considered ‘special’. And one of the many benefits to be derived is that on the Day of Judgement when everyone will be worried and concerned about the state of their affairs the Chief Intercessor will be looking for you. You won’t have to look for him because you have already established a relationship with him. We beg Allah to forgive us and guide us.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
THE VIRGIN MARY
THE VIRGIN MARY
(Text of a TV Script)
Mary, the mother of Jesus is called Mariam in the Holy Qur'an; and one Chapter of that Holy Book is named after her. She was a Jewish woman, from the Levites. She is acknowledged by both Christians and Muslims to be the mother of Jesus. The Qur'an calls Jesus the son of Mary; and not the son of god.
The Holy Qur'an mentions Mary with honour and dignity. Allah says:
We made the son of Mary and his mother as a sign. We gave both of them shelter on high ground, furnished with springs, affording them rest and security. (23:50)
Neither Jesus nor his mother Mary was taken care of by any human being. It was Allah Who sustained both of them from infancy right on. Mary was special among the Israelites. She was the special child born after her mother made a vow during her pregnancy to dedicate the unborn child to Allah. Allah tells us about this in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
Behold, a woman of Imran said; O my Lord, I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb, for Thy special service. So accept this from me; for Thou hearest and know all things. (3:33)
When the child was born the mother realised that it was a girl whom she named Mary. She then supplicated to Allah as follows:
O my Lord, behold, I am delivered of a female child; and Allah knows best what she brought forth; and no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mariam (Mary); and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection, from the Evil One (Satan) the rejected (3:36)
So Mary was dedicated to Allah. As a result she had to stay in the temple.
It must be understood that while Mary's mother was disappointed with the birth of a daughter; as she thought a female would not be able to do all that is required to be done in the temple. Normally most of the rituals were performed by the male priests.
What she did not know was that Allah had a plan for Mary. Perhaps, one of the reasons for her growing up in a spiritual environment was to ensure that no blame was to be made against her son that was to be born many years later. Also it was to show to the Israelites that Allah is capable of doing anything.
Look how He brought the human species into existence; He created Adam, and from Adam He made Eve, and now He was to bring into existence a young boy Jesus from a woman who had no relation with any male. Allah was showing the Israelites then and mankind at large now, that He Allah has power over all things.
This was one reason why when she expressed disappointment with the birth of a daughter, Allah said: Allah knew best what she brought forth. Allah had His plan which was to become manifest later.
In the Hebrew language the name Mary means, star of the sea, exalted, pious worshipper, the loved one. In Islam Allah has given her many titles. For example He says about her:
She was one of the devout servants. (66:12)
She was a woman of truth. (5:75)
She was a devout worshipper of Allah. (3:43)
She was a pure woman (3:42)
She was the chosen one for a special mission. (3:42)
She was given a status above all women (3:42)
She was the only woman to give birth without any male connection even though she was a virgin. (3:45)
As Mary had to live in the temple, she had to be taken care of by someone. Lots were cast among the elders as to who should be responsible for her. It was finally agreed that Zakariah would be the one. Zakraiah was the husband of her aunt and was an old man. Later on when he was finally given a son after much prayers, the boy John and Jesus were cousins.
Mary grew to be pure and beautiful; Allah says about her the following:
Rightly gracious, did her Lord accept her. He made her grow in purity and beauty. (3:37)
Mary spent her time worshipping Allah and glorifying His Holy Name. She was not dependant on any one for any thing. Zakariah had her in a room all by herself, and he alone had the key for the lock of the door to her room. He used to find something strange about her, i.e. whenever he went into her room, she always had a supply of fresh fruits and food. She used to have summer fruits in winter and winter fruits in summer. Whenever he would ask her from where she got those fruits and food she always replied from Allah. The Qur'an records about this in the following verse:
Every time he entered her chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: O Mary, from where did this come? She said: from Allah; for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure. (3:37)
The only time when Mary used to come out of her room was to take a bath or to fetch water from the nearby well. One day while she was out, the angel appeared to her in the form of a young handsome man. Allah tells us about this incident in the following verses:
Relate in the Book, (the story of) Mary; when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them. Then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. (19:16-17)
It is possible that, at the time when the angel appeared unto her she was in one of the niches of the temple, where she was worshipping.
Some people doubt that it is not possible to see an angel, and what Mary saw was a vision, or she had a dream. Muslims know that Allah can do anything, and recall the incident when the angel Gabriel came to the Prophet (pboh) in the form of a man, in the presence of many of the companions, and asked him some questions. The Prophet (pboh) told the companions after he had left that it was angel Gabriel who came to teach them something of Islam.
When Mary saw this person standing before her, she got scared and said:
I seek refuge from thee to (Allah) most Gracious. And if you are a God-fearing person, you will not come near me. (19:18)
Mary was aware that she had a special mission, as she was already told by Allah about the birth of her son Jesus who was to be a special person. This is recorded in the Qur'an in the following verses:
Behold, the angels said: O Mary, Allah gives you the good news of a Word from Him; (of one) whose name is the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, worthy of regards in this world and in the Hereafter; and of (the company of) those who are nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people in the cradle and when of old age. And he shall be one of the righteous. (3:45-6)
Christians believe that Mary conceived Jesus miraculously after she was engaged to Joseph. In Luke 1:27 it is mentioned as follows: A virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph. Then the announcement was made to her that she shall be the mother of Jesus.
According to the decision of the Council of Ephesus in 431, she was given the title of Mother of God. Both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches believed that she lived a sinless life. Some of them attribute special attributes and functions to her.
Mary was also given many other titles, e.g. morning star, queen of angels, queen of all saints, gate of heaven, mother of divine grace, etc.
So Mary knew that the time had come when her special mission was to begin, i.e. to bring forth into the world a special person who was designated to be the last prophet to be sent to the Israelites. In the verse quoted above Allah told Mary the name of the boy and some of the unique qualities with which he was to be blessed.
Some people translate the Arabic word, Al Masih as Christ. But this is not correct, as we shall discuss in another program later one. But what we should know at this point in time is that Al Masih means the Messiah.
According to the dictionary meaning, this word Messiah means the promised liberator of the Jews; or the liberator of oppressed people.
Allah continued to educate Mary about the coming events in her life and in the life of her son Jesus. He told her when she inquired from Him about how that could be possible when she did not have a man. He, the Lord explained it to her. The Qur'an records about this in the following verses:
She (Mary) said: O my Lord, how shall I have a son when no man hath touched me? He (Allah) said: Even so; Allah creates what He pleases. When He decrees a matter He says to it: Be; and it is (or it comes into being). And Allah will teach him the Book and the Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel. And appoint him a Messenger to the Children of Israel. (3:47-49)
Allah did not inform Mary at that time how He will be giving her the righteous son; He did not tell her that He was going to command angel Gabriel to appear before her as a male human being. So when the angel appeared in front of Mary, she was not able to know who this person was. It was only when he explained to her that he was sent by the Lord that she realised what was happening. The angel said to her:
Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son. (19:19)
Mary was naturally puzzled, as she is being told that she was to have a son; so she enquired from the angel who was in front of her by asking him:
How shall I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste? (19:20)
Mary, like other human beings, was looking at the issue purely on the basis of reason and logic. She could not understand that Allah can do anything. She did not recall at that time that Allah created Adam from clay, and created Eve from Adam. So that if He wanted her to have a son; that was possible for Him to do. So upon asking the angel the question he replied as follows:
He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord says: It is easy to Me; and that We may make him a sign to men and a mercy from Us; And it is a matter decreed. (19:21)
So, as a virgin, Mary conceived.
A lot of people cannot understand that anything is possible with Allah; look how He can destroy whole towns without being present, or He can cause lands to appear or disappear, etc. We all must be informed that Allah has power over all things, and as He says: If He wants something to come into being, He says; Be and it comes into being.
Contrary to what Christians preach, the virgin birth of Jesus was no favour to the Children of Israel. And while he himself was an exceptionally pious messenger of God; his coming in the world as a virgin birth, was an unusual method used by the merciful Lord to impress upon the progeny of Isaac that they should hearken to the call from the Divine.
There is no doubt about the fact that the Jews were a chosen people. The Qur’an confirms this as follows:
O Children of lsrael! Call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message). (2:47)
More Prophets were sent to them than to any other nation; in addition they were given food, drink and other amenities from God, in a way He did not give to any other nation in the world. (Ex.13:21, 22; 16:1-36)
From the very beginning they had, a succession of divinely appointed messengers, viz. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Later on, there was a continuous succession of Messengers to them the last being Prophet Jesus.
These Messengers had very little impact on the twelve tribes of Israel, who lived a morally corrupt life. Paul says:
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, back-biters, haters of God, despiteful, proud boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. (2 Rom.1:29-31)
The Qur’an says:
They (the Jews) went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. They were rebellious and continued transgressing. (2:61)
Many scandalous accusations were made against the messengers of God whenever they tried to get the Jews to conform to the Divine teachings. God had used “every method in the Book” to impress upon them the need to submit to His Laws, with little result. He therefore decided to send a last Israelite prophet in a special way to them, in order that they may understand that He is the controller of the universe, and to Him is the return of man. Some of the outstanding facts connected with the virgin birth of Jesus, are:
1. His mother grew up in a room in the church under the watchful eye of Zachariah who was very old.
2. No one knew her to be immoral.
3. She suddenly appeared with a baby boy.
4. The boy was special, he spoke in the cradle.
Jesus was bestowed with special qualities; e.g.
1. He performed many miracles, even from his youth
2. He preached the Kingdom of the Hereafter, although the Jews were more concerned with this world.
3. Because he was able to cure many people of their physical ailment, many people gathered around him for personal reasons rather than to follow his teachings. Today “faith healing” is used to attract people into the fold of Christianity.
4. The Jews wanted Jesus to be their political leader rather than to tell them about the “kingdom of God”.
5. Many things, which he never preached, are attributed to him. God knew that Jesus would have to return to clarify the misunderstanding they had about Him. That is why his birth was extra-ordinary, his disappearance (supposedly death) confusing, and his return promised.
(Text of a TV Script)
Mary, the mother of Jesus is called Mariam in the Holy Qur'an; and one Chapter of that Holy Book is named after her. She was a Jewish woman, from the Levites. She is acknowledged by both Christians and Muslims to be the mother of Jesus. The Qur'an calls Jesus the son of Mary; and not the son of god.
The Holy Qur'an mentions Mary with honour and dignity. Allah says:
We made the son of Mary and his mother as a sign. We gave both of them shelter on high ground, furnished with springs, affording them rest and security. (23:50)
Neither Jesus nor his mother Mary was taken care of by any human being. It was Allah Who sustained both of them from infancy right on. Mary was special among the Israelites. She was the special child born after her mother made a vow during her pregnancy to dedicate the unborn child to Allah. Allah tells us about this in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
Behold, a woman of Imran said; O my Lord, I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb, for Thy special service. So accept this from me; for Thou hearest and know all things. (3:33)
When the child was born the mother realised that it was a girl whom she named Mary. She then supplicated to Allah as follows:
O my Lord, behold, I am delivered of a female child; and Allah knows best what she brought forth; and no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mariam (Mary); and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection, from the Evil One (Satan) the rejected (3:36)
So Mary was dedicated to Allah. As a result she had to stay in the temple.
It must be understood that while Mary's mother was disappointed with the birth of a daughter; as she thought a female would not be able to do all that is required to be done in the temple. Normally most of the rituals were performed by the male priests.
What she did not know was that Allah had a plan for Mary. Perhaps, one of the reasons for her growing up in a spiritual environment was to ensure that no blame was to be made against her son that was to be born many years later. Also it was to show to the Israelites that Allah is capable of doing anything.
Look how He brought the human species into existence; He created Adam, and from Adam He made Eve, and now He was to bring into existence a young boy Jesus from a woman who had no relation with any male. Allah was showing the Israelites then and mankind at large now, that He Allah has power over all things.
This was one reason why when she expressed disappointment with the birth of a daughter, Allah said: Allah knew best what she brought forth. Allah had His plan which was to become manifest later.
In the Hebrew language the name Mary means, star of the sea, exalted, pious worshipper, the loved one. In Islam Allah has given her many titles. For example He says about her:
She was one of the devout servants. (66:12)
She was a woman of truth. (5:75)
She was a devout worshipper of Allah. (3:43)
She was a pure woman (3:42)
She was the chosen one for a special mission. (3:42)
She was given a status above all women (3:42)
She was the only woman to give birth without any male connection even though she was a virgin. (3:45)
As Mary had to live in the temple, she had to be taken care of by someone. Lots were cast among the elders as to who should be responsible for her. It was finally agreed that Zakariah would be the one. Zakraiah was the husband of her aunt and was an old man. Later on when he was finally given a son after much prayers, the boy John and Jesus were cousins.
Mary grew to be pure and beautiful; Allah says about her the following:
Rightly gracious, did her Lord accept her. He made her grow in purity and beauty. (3:37)
Mary spent her time worshipping Allah and glorifying His Holy Name. She was not dependant on any one for any thing. Zakariah had her in a room all by herself, and he alone had the key for the lock of the door to her room. He used to find something strange about her, i.e. whenever he went into her room, she always had a supply of fresh fruits and food. She used to have summer fruits in winter and winter fruits in summer. Whenever he would ask her from where she got those fruits and food she always replied from Allah. The Qur'an records about this in the following verse:
Every time he entered her chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: O Mary, from where did this come? She said: from Allah; for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure. (3:37)
The only time when Mary used to come out of her room was to take a bath or to fetch water from the nearby well. One day while she was out, the angel appeared to her in the form of a young handsome man. Allah tells us about this incident in the following verses:
Relate in the Book, (the story of) Mary; when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them. Then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. (19:16-17)
It is possible that, at the time when the angel appeared unto her she was in one of the niches of the temple, where she was worshipping.
Some people doubt that it is not possible to see an angel, and what Mary saw was a vision, or she had a dream. Muslims know that Allah can do anything, and recall the incident when the angel Gabriel came to the Prophet (pboh) in the form of a man, in the presence of many of the companions, and asked him some questions. The Prophet (pboh) told the companions after he had left that it was angel Gabriel who came to teach them something of Islam.
When Mary saw this person standing before her, she got scared and said:
I seek refuge from thee to (Allah) most Gracious. And if you are a God-fearing person, you will not come near me. (19:18)
Mary was aware that she had a special mission, as she was already told by Allah about the birth of her son Jesus who was to be a special person. This is recorded in the Qur'an in the following verses:
Behold, the angels said: O Mary, Allah gives you the good news of a Word from Him; (of one) whose name is the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, worthy of regards in this world and in the Hereafter; and of (the company of) those who are nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people in the cradle and when of old age. And he shall be one of the righteous. (3:45-6)
Christians believe that Mary conceived Jesus miraculously after she was engaged to Joseph. In Luke 1:27 it is mentioned as follows: A virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph. Then the announcement was made to her that she shall be the mother of Jesus.
According to the decision of the Council of Ephesus in 431, she was given the title of Mother of God. Both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches believed that she lived a sinless life. Some of them attribute special attributes and functions to her.
Mary was also given many other titles, e.g. morning star, queen of angels, queen of all saints, gate of heaven, mother of divine grace, etc.
So Mary knew that the time had come when her special mission was to begin, i.e. to bring forth into the world a special person who was designated to be the last prophet to be sent to the Israelites. In the verse quoted above Allah told Mary the name of the boy and some of the unique qualities with which he was to be blessed.
Some people translate the Arabic word, Al Masih as Christ. But this is not correct, as we shall discuss in another program later one. But what we should know at this point in time is that Al Masih means the Messiah.
According to the dictionary meaning, this word Messiah means the promised liberator of the Jews; or the liberator of oppressed people.
Allah continued to educate Mary about the coming events in her life and in the life of her son Jesus. He told her when she inquired from Him about how that could be possible when she did not have a man. He, the Lord explained it to her. The Qur'an records about this in the following verses:
She (Mary) said: O my Lord, how shall I have a son when no man hath touched me? He (Allah) said: Even so; Allah creates what He pleases. When He decrees a matter He says to it: Be; and it is (or it comes into being). And Allah will teach him the Book and the Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel. And appoint him a Messenger to the Children of Israel. (3:47-49)
Allah did not inform Mary at that time how He will be giving her the righteous son; He did not tell her that He was going to command angel Gabriel to appear before her as a male human being. So when the angel appeared in front of Mary, she was not able to know who this person was. It was only when he explained to her that he was sent by the Lord that she realised what was happening. The angel said to her:
Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son. (19:19)
Mary was naturally puzzled, as she is being told that she was to have a son; so she enquired from the angel who was in front of her by asking him:
How shall I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste? (19:20)
Mary, like other human beings, was looking at the issue purely on the basis of reason and logic. She could not understand that Allah can do anything. She did not recall at that time that Allah created Adam from clay, and created Eve from Adam. So that if He wanted her to have a son; that was possible for Him to do. So upon asking the angel the question he replied as follows:
He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord says: It is easy to Me; and that We may make him a sign to men and a mercy from Us; And it is a matter decreed. (19:21)
So, as a virgin, Mary conceived.
A lot of people cannot understand that anything is possible with Allah; look how He can destroy whole towns without being present, or He can cause lands to appear or disappear, etc. We all must be informed that Allah has power over all things, and as He says: If He wants something to come into being, He says; Be and it comes into being.
Contrary to what Christians preach, the virgin birth of Jesus was no favour to the Children of Israel. And while he himself was an exceptionally pious messenger of God; his coming in the world as a virgin birth, was an unusual method used by the merciful Lord to impress upon the progeny of Isaac that they should hearken to the call from the Divine.
There is no doubt about the fact that the Jews were a chosen people. The Qur’an confirms this as follows:
O Children of lsrael! Call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message). (2:47)
More Prophets were sent to them than to any other nation; in addition they were given food, drink and other amenities from God, in a way He did not give to any other nation in the world. (Ex.13:21, 22; 16:1-36)
From the very beginning they had, a succession of divinely appointed messengers, viz. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Later on, there was a continuous succession of Messengers to them the last being Prophet Jesus.
These Messengers had very little impact on the twelve tribes of Israel, who lived a morally corrupt life. Paul says:
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, back-biters, haters of God, despiteful, proud boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. (2 Rom.1:29-31)
The Qur’an says:
They (the Jews) went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. They were rebellious and continued transgressing. (2:61)
Many scandalous accusations were made against the messengers of God whenever they tried to get the Jews to conform to the Divine teachings. God had used “every method in the Book” to impress upon them the need to submit to His Laws, with little result. He therefore decided to send a last Israelite prophet in a special way to them, in order that they may understand that He is the controller of the universe, and to Him is the return of man. Some of the outstanding facts connected with the virgin birth of Jesus, are:
1. His mother grew up in a room in the church under the watchful eye of Zachariah who was very old.
2. No one knew her to be immoral.
3. She suddenly appeared with a baby boy.
4. The boy was special, he spoke in the cradle.
Jesus was bestowed with special qualities; e.g.
1. He performed many miracles, even from his youth
2. He preached the Kingdom of the Hereafter, although the Jews were more concerned with this world.
3. Because he was able to cure many people of their physical ailment, many people gathered around him for personal reasons rather than to follow his teachings. Today “faith healing” is used to attract people into the fold of Christianity.
4. The Jews wanted Jesus to be their political leader rather than to tell them about the “kingdom of God”.
5. Many things, which he never preached, are attributed to him. God knew that Jesus would have to return to clarify the misunderstanding they had about Him. That is why his birth was extra-ordinary, his disappearance (supposedly death) confusing, and his return promised.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
THE NAME ALLAH
THE NAME ALLAH
The recent turn of events in Malaysia where the Christian Churches are fire-bombed is unfortunate. It could have been avoided, however, if the Christian community did not insist in using the word Allah as the Arabic translation for the word God wherever this term is used in the Bible.
Everyone knows that Muslims are very particular regarding the use of the word Allah, as, it connotes a special meaning which is only for the Creator of the universe, the God of Abraham. Any attempt therefore to associate a meaning which may compromise the one accepted by those who follow the Holy Qur'an will be met with opposition, which may sometimes be unfortunately harsh.
The name Allah conveys a particular concept to the minds of human beings. According to the Qur'anic definition, when this Name is used, it conveys a concept of a Being Who is not part of creation, and there is nothing like Him. He says about Himself the following:
Allah is He, than whom there is no other god, Who knows all things: the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme; Glory be to Allah (Who is on High); above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver and the Bestower of Forms; to Him belong the most Beautiful Names. (59:22-24)
There is nothing like Him. (42:11)
Nothing can be compared with Him. (112:3)
It is because this term for "God" conveys a unique meaning that Muslims object when it is used to convey any other. What could have been used instead is the Arabic term "Ilaah" which means deity or god.
In many other religions there are words used to convey something of the meaning of the term Allah. For example, in the Bible the terms Jehovah (the self-existing one, the Eternal) and Elohim, (the Eternal One with his attributes) convey such a meaning.
In Hinduism, the term Brahman is used to mean unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. He is superior to any manifestation and there is none like him.
It will not be correct if these terms are used to refer to a being different from what is commonly accepted to be the universally accepted one of the concept which is conveyed to one's mind whenever such a term referring to God is used.
Some scholars take refuge in justifying the use of the word Allah to mean God because, as they say, it was so used in pre-Islamic times. But such an argument may not necessarily be correct, as when Islam came, many of the misconceptions about God, etc. were clarified in the Holy Qur'an. This was climaxed when Allah revealed the following verse:
This day I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My favours on you. (5:3)
As part of the clarification of the concept of Allah in the minds of the believers, Allah informs them of the following:
No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all visions; He is above all comprehension, yet, He is acquainted with all things. (6:103)
Some people argue that the Bible supports the term Allah to mean the One True God; the God of Abraham. They use as support for taking such a position the following verses:
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. (Deut. 6:4)
Jesus said; my Father, all things are possible for you. (Mk.14:32-35)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Gen.1:1)
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Ex.20:3)
But when we summarise the Biblical concept of God, we see that it means, in some places the One True God, the God of Abraham; and in other places manifestations as creatures. For example, we find in the Bible such a manifestation in the following verse:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn.1:1)
The Arabic translation of this verse as can be found in the Bible in Arabic is as follows:
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with Allah and the Word was Allah.
Here we see that the Word, in addition to being a separate entity, is used to mean god, although later on in the same book, the Word became flesh. (Jn.1:14). This is an indication that the Word (God) became a finite being, and is not the original One True God, i.e. the God of Abraham.
Another verse which conveys a similar meaning of God, different from the one referring to the God of Abraham is: I and the Father are one. (Jn.10:30)
The references to the concept of God in Christianity are different to what is conceived to be the Supreme Creator (Allah) in Islam. So when the word god which means any other than the One True God is to be translated in the Arabic language, the best word to convey the required meaning is Ilaah (deity).
The typical meaning of the word God in the New Testament is that it is the projection of a "triune being" each being distinct but not separate. They are God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.
While it may appear to be so; or while it may be projected to be so; the truth is that the Biblical record shows that each being is distinct and separate. This is found in the Bible in Mt.3:15-17. Here it show that while Jesus was in the water, the voice of the Father was heard in the heaven; and the Spirit was descending in the form of a dove.
In addition to these differences of the concept of God in Christianity and the concept of Allah in Islam, the Christian Creed further separates the connotation of the term from what is acceptable in Islam. The Creed is as follows:
We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of all things both visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, begotten, that is of the substance of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father, through whom all things were made, both things in heaven and things on earth, who for us men and for our salvation came down and was made flesh, was made man, suffered, and rose again the third day, ascended into heaven, and cometh to judge the quick and the dead. And in the Holy Spirit. But those who may say that there was one when he was not, or contend that the son of God is a different substance or essence, or created, or morally alterable or mutable—these doth the Catholic Church anathematise.
The Qur'an refutes such a belief about the Creator of the Universe, and calls it blasphemous. It says:
They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity, for there is no god but One God. If they do not desist from their word of blasphemy, verily, a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them……. Christ the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger. Many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both had to eat their daily food. (5:73-75)
No matter how careful the Church will want to be regarding the projection of the correct meaning of the term Allah in the Arabic translation of the Bible, it will not be possible to use this term to mean the Biblical god.
Perhaps the solution to this problem can be to use the word Ilaah meaning god, rather than the word Allah.
It is unfortunate that Muslims are using a violent way to have this matter resolved. Perhaps, a more refined and effective way is to have dialogue and a conclusion based on a common understanding acceptable to both sides.
The recent turn of events in Malaysia where the Christian Churches are fire-bombed is unfortunate. It could have been avoided, however, if the Christian community did not insist in using the word Allah as the Arabic translation for the word God wherever this term is used in the Bible.
Everyone knows that Muslims are very particular regarding the use of the word Allah, as, it connotes a special meaning which is only for the Creator of the universe, the God of Abraham. Any attempt therefore to associate a meaning which may compromise the one accepted by those who follow the Holy Qur'an will be met with opposition, which may sometimes be unfortunately harsh.
The name Allah conveys a particular concept to the minds of human beings. According to the Qur'anic definition, when this Name is used, it conveys a concept of a Being Who is not part of creation, and there is nothing like Him. He says about Himself the following:
Allah is He, than whom there is no other god, Who knows all things: the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme; Glory be to Allah (Who is on High); above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver and the Bestower of Forms; to Him belong the most Beautiful Names. (59:22-24)
There is nothing like Him. (42:11)
Nothing can be compared with Him. (112:3)
It is because this term for "God" conveys a unique meaning that Muslims object when it is used to convey any other. What could have been used instead is the Arabic term "Ilaah" which means deity or god.
In many other religions there are words used to convey something of the meaning of the term Allah. For example, in the Bible the terms Jehovah (the self-existing one, the Eternal) and Elohim, (the Eternal One with his attributes) convey such a meaning.
In Hinduism, the term Brahman is used to mean unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. He is superior to any manifestation and there is none like him.
It will not be correct if these terms are used to refer to a being different from what is commonly accepted to be the universally accepted one of the concept which is conveyed to one's mind whenever such a term referring to God is used.
Some scholars take refuge in justifying the use of the word Allah to mean God because, as they say, it was so used in pre-Islamic times. But such an argument may not necessarily be correct, as when Islam came, many of the misconceptions about God, etc. were clarified in the Holy Qur'an. This was climaxed when Allah revealed the following verse:
This day I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My favours on you. (5:3)
As part of the clarification of the concept of Allah in the minds of the believers, Allah informs them of the following:
No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all visions; He is above all comprehension, yet, He is acquainted with all things. (6:103)
Some people argue that the Bible supports the term Allah to mean the One True God; the God of Abraham. They use as support for taking such a position the following verses:
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. (Deut. 6:4)
Jesus said; my Father, all things are possible for you. (Mk.14:32-35)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Gen.1:1)
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Ex.20:3)
But when we summarise the Biblical concept of God, we see that it means, in some places the One True God, the God of Abraham; and in other places manifestations as creatures. For example, we find in the Bible such a manifestation in the following verse:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn.1:1)
The Arabic translation of this verse as can be found in the Bible in Arabic is as follows:
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with Allah and the Word was Allah.
Here we see that the Word, in addition to being a separate entity, is used to mean god, although later on in the same book, the Word became flesh. (Jn.1:14). This is an indication that the Word (God) became a finite being, and is not the original One True God, i.e. the God of Abraham.
Another verse which conveys a similar meaning of God, different from the one referring to the God of Abraham is: I and the Father are one. (Jn.10:30)
The references to the concept of God in Christianity are different to what is conceived to be the Supreme Creator (Allah) in Islam. So when the word god which means any other than the One True God is to be translated in the Arabic language, the best word to convey the required meaning is Ilaah (deity).
The typical meaning of the word God in the New Testament is that it is the projection of a "triune being" each being distinct but not separate. They are God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.
While it may appear to be so; or while it may be projected to be so; the truth is that the Biblical record shows that each being is distinct and separate. This is found in the Bible in Mt.3:15-17. Here it show that while Jesus was in the water, the voice of the Father was heard in the heaven; and the Spirit was descending in the form of a dove.
In addition to these differences of the concept of God in Christianity and the concept of Allah in Islam, the Christian Creed further separates the connotation of the term from what is acceptable in Islam. The Creed is as follows:
We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of all things both visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, begotten, that is of the substance of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father, through whom all things were made, both things in heaven and things on earth, who for us men and for our salvation came down and was made flesh, was made man, suffered, and rose again the third day, ascended into heaven, and cometh to judge the quick and the dead. And in the Holy Spirit. But those who may say that there was one when he was not, or contend that the son of God is a different substance or essence, or created, or morally alterable or mutable—these doth the Catholic Church anathematise.
The Qur'an refutes such a belief about the Creator of the Universe, and calls it blasphemous. It says:
They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity, for there is no god but One God. If they do not desist from their word of blasphemy, verily, a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them……. Christ the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger. Many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both had to eat their daily food. (5:73-75)
No matter how careful the Church will want to be regarding the projection of the correct meaning of the term Allah in the Arabic translation of the Bible, it will not be possible to use this term to mean the Biblical god.
Perhaps the solution to this problem can be to use the word Ilaah meaning god, rather than the word Allah.
It is unfortunate that Muslims are using a violent way to have this matter resolved. Perhaps, a more refined and effective way is to have dialogue and a conclusion based on a common understanding acceptable to both sides.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Submitting to Allah
Submitting to Allah’s will
Islam means total submission to Allah , and we have seen submission coming down from Father Abraham (as). He demonstrated total submission with his wealth, his family and even his life. Through his submission he was very successful. To this day he is remembered as Allah has made the Sunnah of Abraham (as) obligatory upon the believers; for example the performance of Hajj.
In contrast to Abraham (as) we see another personality that Allah has made as an example for mankind. That person is Pharaoh. When Moses (as) began preaching about the Oneness of God to Pharaoh he was beginning to become inclined to Moses was telling him. However, Pharaoh’s advisor, Haman, presented Pharaoh with a simple question; “do you wish to be the king of mankind or the slave of Allah ”?
Pharaoh chose the former. He could not come to terms with the fact that he had people submitting to him without reservation, and if he should accept the God of Moses then he will be equal to even his subjects who are worshipping that God. He wanted to remain, in the eyes of the people their god. He forgot one thing however, that all creatures will have to submit to the will of Allah at the time of their death, whether they want to or not. Allah has preserved his body as a lesson for man, which is for all those who believe that the material world and body means every thing to them. Allah mentions about this in Surah Yunus. He says:
• ••
"This Day shall We save Thee in the body, that Thou mayest be a Sign to those who come after Thee! But, verily, many among Mankind are heedless of Our signs!" (10:92)
The Israelites received a lot of physical blessings from Allah . They actually saw how Allah was helping Moses; in spite of that they never had true conviction that they need to submit fully to His divine Will. They were too self-centred to think about inconveniencing themselves to please Allah. This attitude of theirs can still be seen today in Israel, as, their concern is not for the well being of the Palestinians, but only their material benefit. What was lacking in them was the willingness to submit humbly to Allah . This is where Islam is different and where it became a real success for humanity.
Muslims are taught by the teachings contained in the Holy Qur’an and by the model of Prophet Muhammad to submit humbly to Allah and not to any other person or thing. Allah is The One Who provides help or He allows others to help. This is why believers say “Sami'na wa at'ana” - “We hear, and we obey:”
Allah has shown us in the Holy Qur’an the end result of the arrogant versus the humble; the materialist versus those who think about Allah in many places. He makes it known to mankind that He has knowledge of all things, and nothing can happen except with His permission.
Whatever is happening is out of Allah’s permission. We may hope and pray for something but the final say is in Allah’s hands. This is why at this particular time we remember Abraham (as) and his family. The animals we sacrifice for Qurbanni is the physical lesson of submission. Just as how the animal submits to your every command so too we must submit to Allah . Willingly or un-willingly we have no other choice
Look at the different endings both Abraham (as) and Pharaoh had. Even up to today we remember Abraham (as) in our Salaat, in our sacrifice and in Hajj. Pharaoh on the other hand was so powerful and mighty materially and today he is lying helplessly in a box in a museum.
Prophet Muhammad submitted in such a way that it is recorded in the Qur'an that he never said anything out of his own desire. If we can live like this for the sake of Allah He would bless us and take us closer to Him.
Remember the trials are not a form of punishment; it is there to strengthen our faith in Allah . So whenever it comes don’t give up or lose hope, continue to pray to Him and trust in Him and insha Allah, He would take care of all your affairs.
We beg Allah to bless us with the understanding of true submission in Him and to make the trials and difficulties He has decreed bearable and easy.
Islam means total submission to Allah , and we have seen submission coming down from Father Abraham (as). He demonstrated total submission with his wealth, his family and even his life. Through his submission he was very successful. To this day he is remembered as Allah has made the Sunnah of Abraham (as) obligatory upon the believers; for example the performance of Hajj.
In contrast to Abraham (as) we see another personality that Allah has made as an example for mankind. That person is Pharaoh. When Moses (as) began preaching about the Oneness of God to Pharaoh he was beginning to become inclined to Moses was telling him. However, Pharaoh’s advisor, Haman, presented Pharaoh with a simple question; “do you wish to be the king of mankind or the slave of Allah ”?
Pharaoh chose the former. He could not come to terms with the fact that he had people submitting to him without reservation, and if he should accept the God of Moses then he will be equal to even his subjects who are worshipping that God. He wanted to remain, in the eyes of the people their god. He forgot one thing however, that all creatures will have to submit to the will of Allah at the time of their death, whether they want to or not. Allah has preserved his body as a lesson for man, which is for all those who believe that the material world and body means every thing to them. Allah mentions about this in Surah Yunus. He says:
• ••
"This Day shall We save Thee in the body, that Thou mayest be a Sign to those who come after Thee! But, verily, many among Mankind are heedless of Our signs!" (10:92)
The Israelites received a lot of physical blessings from Allah . They actually saw how Allah was helping Moses; in spite of that they never had true conviction that they need to submit fully to His divine Will. They were too self-centred to think about inconveniencing themselves to please Allah. This attitude of theirs can still be seen today in Israel, as, their concern is not for the well being of the Palestinians, but only their material benefit. What was lacking in them was the willingness to submit humbly to Allah . This is where Islam is different and where it became a real success for humanity.
Muslims are taught by the teachings contained in the Holy Qur’an and by the model of Prophet Muhammad to submit humbly to Allah and not to any other person or thing. Allah is The One Who provides help or He allows others to help. This is why believers say “Sami'na wa at'ana” - “We hear, and we obey:”
Allah has shown us in the Holy Qur’an the end result of the arrogant versus the humble; the materialist versus those who think about Allah in many places. He makes it known to mankind that He has knowledge of all things, and nothing can happen except with His permission.
Whatever is happening is out of Allah’s permission. We may hope and pray for something but the final say is in Allah’s hands. This is why at this particular time we remember Abraham (as) and his family. The animals we sacrifice for Qurbanni is the physical lesson of submission. Just as how the animal submits to your every command so too we must submit to Allah . Willingly or un-willingly we have no other choice
Look at the different endings both Abraham (as) and Pharaoh had. Even up to today we remember Abraham (as) in our Salaat, in our sacrifice and in Hajj. Pharaoh on the other hand was so powerful and mighty materially and today he is lying helplessly in a box in a museum.
Prophet Muhammad submitted in such a way that it is recorded in the Qur'an that he never said anything out of his own desire. If we can live like this for the sake of Allah He would bless us and take us closer to Him.
Remember the trials are not a form of punishment; it is there to strengthen our faith in Allah . So whenever it comes don’t give up or lose hope, continue to pray to Him and trust in Him and insha Allah, He would take care of all your affairs.
We beg Allah to bless us with the understanding of true submission in Him and to make the trials and difficulties He has decreed bearable and easy.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Islamic Jihad
WHAT IS ISLAMIC JIHAD?
The following is a response to a report which was published in a Canadian Press in which an Imam was asked the question: Is it correct to say that "all followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith; so they can have a place in heaven? The Imam replied, "Yes".
*****
The Arabic word Jihad comes from the root word Jahada which means the following:
He strove, laboured, or toiled; exerted himself or his power or efforts or endeavours or ability, employed himself vigorously, strenuously, laboriously, diligently, studiously, sedulously, earnestly, or with energy; was diligent, or studious; took pains, or extraordinary pains in such a thing. (Lane Arabic/English Lexicon, vol. 2, p. 473)
Coming out of the root word, the word Jihad means the following:
The using, or exerting, one's utmost power, efforts, endeavours, or ability, in contending with an object of disapprobation; and this is of three kinds: namely, a visible enemy, the devil, and one's self; all or which are included in the term as used in the Qur'an 20:78 (ibid. "Jihad").
In the Holy Qur'an Allah says:
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and discipline): He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion: it is the way of life of your Father Abraham.
No where will you find that the meaning of Jihad is to go out and kill a person just because he has not accepted Islam. A Muslim is commanded to fight if he is attacked, or in order to prevent oppression, etc. In this connection Allah says:
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah does not love the transgressors. (2:190)
Even when one is attacked and has the power to retaliate aggressively, Allah enjoins upon believers to use their discretion. For example He says:
And if you have to retaliate, do not retaliate worse than what they did to you, but if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who show patience. (16:126)
Islam does not uphold the principle of turning the other cheek; as a result a Muslim has the right to defend himself when attacked, but that does not give him the right to punish anyone for not accepting Islam, except if it is in an enemy country (i.e. those who attacked Islam) and in the process of repelling the attack the enemy is overpowered, then the Muslims can use their discretion in prescribing punishment to the attackers.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) demonstrated the best meaning of Jihad when, after returning from one of the battles, he is reported to have said: Now we are leaving the small Jihad and returning to the great Jihad. When asked by his companions: What is the great Jihad, O Messenger of Allah? He replied; The Jihad against the Nafs; i.e. to control oneself from doing evil.
It is unfortunate that people associate Jihad with killing. Even in bringing the Message of Islam, the persons who are inviting others do not behave like the people of some other faiths where incentives and conditions are attached to the invitation to be converted. Allah directs Muslims to invite to Islam, not by force, but in the following way. He says:
Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best, and most gracious; for thy Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (16:125)
When Prophet Muhammad (pboh) captured Makkah, and held all those who made every effort to kill him before he migrated to Madinah; he asked them what shall I do with you? They replied: forgive us: He said: I forgive you as Joseph forgave his brothers.
It is the religious duty of every Muslim (believer in the Oneness of Allah) to convey to the non-believers the Message of Belief in One Creator of the universe and submission to Him only. That is the believers' Jihad. It is left to the person to accept or not to accept. The preacher cannot use any kind of force or scheme to convert the listener. Allah says:
O Messenger, proclaim the (Message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord; if thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His Mission. (5:67)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) did not spread Islam with the sword, he was the most loving and compassionate person, even among all the Messengers of God who came on earth; and because he is the believer role-model, all believers are supposed to relate with every human on the basis of love, and nothing else.
The following is a response to a report which was published in a Canadian Press in which an Imam was asked the question: Is it correct to say that "all followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith; so they can have a place in heaven? The Imam replied, "Yes".
*****
The Arabic word Jihad comes from the root word Jahada which means the following:
He strove, laboured, or toiled; exerted himself or his power or efforts or endeavours or ability, employed himself vigorously, strenuously, laboriously, diligently, studiously, sedulously, earnestly, or with energy; was diligent, or studious; took pains, or extraordinary pains in such a thing. (Lane Arabic/English Lexicon, vol. 2, p. 473)
Coming out of the root word, the word Jihad means the following:
The using, or exerting, one's utmost power, efforts, endeavours, or ability, in contending with an object of disapprobation; and this is of three kinds: namely, a visible enemy, the devil, and one's self; all or which are included in the term as used in the Qur'an 20:78 (ibid. "Jihad").
In the Holy Qur'an Allah says:
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and discipline): He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion: it is the way of life of your Father Abraham.
No where will you find that the meaning of Jihad is to go out and kill a person just because he has not accepted Islam. A Muslim is commanded to fight if he is attacked, or in order to prevent oppression, etc. In this connection Allah says:
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah does not love the transgressors. (2:190)
Even when one is attacked and has the power to retaliate aggressively, Allah enjoins upon believers to use their discretion. For example He says:
And if you have to retaliate, do not retaliate worse than what they did to you, but if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who show patience. (16:126)
Islam does not uphold the principle of turning the other cheek; as a result a Muslim has the right to defend himself when attacked, but that does not give him the right to punish anyone for not accepting Islam, except if it is in an enemy country (i.e. those who attacked Islam) and in the process of repelling the attack the enemy is overpowered, then the Muslims can use their discretion in prescribing punishment to the attackers.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) demonstrated the best meaning of Jihad when, after returning from one of the battles, he is reported to have said: Now we are leaving the small Jihad and returning to the great Jihad. When asked by his companions: What is the great Jihad, O Messenger of Allah? He replied; The Jihad against the Nafs; i.e. to control oneself from doing evil.
It is unfortunate that people associate Jihad with killing. Even in bringing the Message of Islam, the persons who are inviting others do not behave like the people of some other faiths where incentives and conditions are attached to the invitation to be converted. Allah directs Muslims to invite to Islam, not by force, but in the following way. He says:
Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best, and most gracious; for thy Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (16:125)
When Prophet Muhammad (pboh) captured Makkah, and held all those who made every effort to kill him before he migrated to Madinah; he asked them what shall I do with you? They replied: forgive us: He said: I forgive you as Joseph forgave his brothers.
It is the religious duty of every Muslim (believer in the Oneness of Allah) to convey to the non-believers the Message of Belief in One Creator of the universe and submission to Him only. That is the believers' Jihad. It is left to the person to accept or not to accept. The preacher cannot use any kind of force or scheme to convert the listener. Allah says:
O Messenger, proclaim the (Message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord; if thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His Mission. (5:67)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) did not spread Islam with the sword, he was the most loving and compassionate person, even among all the Messengers of God who came on earth; and because he is the believer role-model, all believers are supposed to relate with every human on the basis of love, and nothing else.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Love For Allah And The Prophet (pboh)
Love for Allah and His Habeeb
When a person falls in love with someone he would want to be close to that person. He would admire her and would want to say nice things to that person. It would be a thrilling experience to be close to the one that is loved.
Just as the lover has undying love for the beloved, so too, Allah wants us, His servants, to love Him more than anything else, because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. He says about the true believers the following:
“Those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.”
(Chapter 2, verse 165)
If we culivate love for our Creator He will take us closer to Him,; on the other hand, if we are not sincere in our relationship with Him, He can replace us with people who will really love Him.
Allah gives us a lot of refrences in the Qur’an of what He is capable of doing. He says that if there are people who do not love and worship Him He can cause them to go out of existance and bring forth a group who will demonstrate love and devotion. This is recorded in the Qur'an in the following verse. Allah says:
O you who believe, if any from among you turn back from his Faith; soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him. (5:54)
Allah has recorded about the past nations, how He erased them and brought others in their places. For example, the people of 'Ad and Thamud, the people at the time of Prophet Noah (pbuh), the people at the time of Pharaoh; they were all destroyed and others were brought in their places.
Allah gave the Israelites the mission of establishing His Religion on earth; as they all disobeyed He removed the responsibility of projecting religion from them and He bestowed it upon the Muslims. Allah created a special bond between Him and the Muslims.
The true believers follow the ways of Father Abraham. He was a Muslim, and desmonstrated complete submission to the orders of his Lord. The Qur'an records that he said:
"Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds”.
Prophet Muhammad also demonstrated sincere love for Allah as a result he said nothing of his own desire. He had so much of love for Allah that he only said and did what Allah inspired him to do; he taught the believers to do likewise so they are taught to say: we hear and obey.
Now Allah has created a people, i.e. the Believers, that will have plenty of love for Him. They do not behave towards Him like the past nations who stipulated conditions for obeying and loving Allah . For example, when Jesus asked: Who will be helpers in the way of Allah, some of the Israelites said: we will be helpers on condition that you get us food from the skies.
The human personality comprises a physical (nafs) and non-physical (ruh). The ruh is pure and it cannot be contaminated and, if given a chance, it can have a beautiful connection with Allah . But Allah also wants us to use the physical side of our bodies to demonstrate love for Him. We do so by showing love to a material thing that He has created. This creation is His Beloved as, Prophet Muhammad is called the "Beloved of Allah". Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is therefore the common object of love from Allah on one side and the true believers on the other. The true believer is supposed to love him more than anything else in this world. He is reported to have said:
He is not a true believer until he loves me more than his father, his children and mankind at large.
Allah has made ways of cementing the bond of love between Himself and the true believers. One of these ways is His invitation to visit His Holy House in Makkah. So people who can afford it avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. They either perform Haj at the specified time or Umrah whenever it is convenient.
Haj is especially significant, as during that time the beleivers from all around the world assemble in Makkah and connect themselves with the Sunnah of Father Abraham and his family. He was true in faith and a real model for mankind.
The believers also take the opportunity to visit the Holy City of Madinah and to cement their relationship with the beloved Prophet of Allah. They send salutations to him near to his person.
All the true believers are supposed to express love for Allah and Prophet in a respectable manner. Through this you will gain closeness to Him. True, pure, sencere love will get you close to Him, and that should be our goal.
We beg Allah to take us closer and closer to Him and His Habeeb and may He raise us in the Prophet's (pboh) companionship on the Promised Day.
When a person falls in love with someone he would want to be close to that person. He would admire her and would want to say nice things to that person. It would be a thrilling experience to be close to the one that is loved.
Just as the lover has undying love for the beloved, so too, Allah wants us, His servants, to love Him more than anything else, because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. He says about the true believers the following:
“Those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.”
(Chapter 2, verse 165)
If we culivate love for our Creator He will take us closer to Him,; on the other hand, if we are not sincere in our relationship with Him, He can replace us with people who will really love Him.
Allah gives us a lot of refrences in the Qur’an of what He is capable of doing. He says that if there are people who do not love and worship Him He can cause them to go out of existance and bring forth a group who will demonstrate love and devotion. This is recorded in the Qur'an in the following verse. Allah says:
O you who believe, if any from among you turn back from his Faith; soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him. (5:54)
Allah has recorded about the past nations, how He erased them and brought others in their places. For example, the people of 'Ad and Thamud, the people at the time of Prophet Noah (pbuh), the people at the time of Pharaoh; they were all destroyed and others were brought in their places.
Allah gave the Israelites the mission of establishing His Religion on earth; as they all disobeyed He removed the responsibility of projecting religion from them and He bestowed it upon the Muslims. Allah created a special bond between Him and the Muslims.
The true believers follow the ways of Father Abraham. He was a Muslim, and desmonstrated complete submission to the orders of his Lord. The Qur'an records that he said:
"Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds”.
Prophet Muhammad also demonstrated sincere love for Allah as a result he said nothing of his own desire. He had so much of love for Allah that he only said and did what Allah inspired him to do; he taught the believers to do likewise so they are taught to say: we hear and obey.
Now Allah has created a people, i.e. the Believers, that will have plenty of love for Him. They do not behave towards Him like the past nations who stipulated conditions for obeying and loving Allah . For example, when Jesus asked: Who will be helpers in the way of Allah, some of the Israelites said: we will be helpers on condition that you get us food from the skies.
The human personality comprises a physical (nafs) and non-physical (ruh). The ruh is pure and it cannot be contaminated and, if given a chance, it can have a beautiful connection with Allah . But Allah also wants us to use the physical side of our bodies to demonstrate love for Him. We do so by showing love to a material thing that He has created. This creation is His Beloved as, Prophet Muhammad is called the "Beloved of Allah". Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is therefore the common object of love from Allah on one side and the true believers on the other. The true believer is supposed to love him more than anything else in this world. He is reported to have said:
He is not a true believer until he loves me more than his father, his children and mankind at large.
Allah has made ways of cementing the bond of love between Himself and the true believers. One of these ways is His invitation to visit His Holy House in Makkah. So people who can afford it avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. They either perform Haj at the specified time or Umrah whenever it is convenient.
Haj is especially significant, as during that time the beleivers from all around the world assemble in Makkah and connect themselves with the Sunnah of Father Abraham and his family. He was true in faith and a real model for mankind.
The believers also take the opportunity to visit the Holy City of Madinah and to cement their relationship with the beloved Prophet of Allah. They send salutations to him near to his person.
All the true believers are supposed to express love for Allah and Prophet in a respectable manner. Through this you will gain closeness to Him. True, pure, sencere love will get you close to Him, and that should be our goal.
We beg Allah to take us closer and closer to Him and His Habeeb and may He raise us in the Prophet's (pboh) companionship on the Promised Day.
Friday, 6 November 2009
The Beauty of Islam
The Beauty of Islam
One of the beauties of Islam is that it connects us with the past and the future. It connects us with the experiences of the past and the physical and practical experiences of the future. For example Allah says in Surah Al An'am
"Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."
(Chapter 6, verse 11)
Islam takes you to the past and shows you all of what the Qur’an narrates. You sometimes feel as though you have experienced it. For example, the trials and tribulations that of Prophet Joseph (as) experienced.
Islam also tells you and can make you feel something of the future. For example when you visit Masjid Nabawi in Madinah there is a spot inside the Masjid that is call Ar-Rawdah An-Nabawiyah. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said “the area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise”. So you have the opportunity to actually go to and sit in Paradise, even in this world.
One of the most mature and best experience a believer can have in this world is making the scared pilgrimage. This is why Hajj is the last of the fundamental principles mentioned. Hajj is obligatory on those who could afford it, so you must have some wealth. However, your wealth can help you up to a certain point in this world. For example your wealth can allow you to reach Makkah, but it is practically useless once you enter into a state of Ihram.
Hajj is like a rehearsal for the hereafter. First of all, the pilgrim puts on Ihraam. This makes you feel as though you have nothing materially. Just like this everyone will be resurrected, i.e. without anything materially.
ThenAllah says that on the Day of Ressuraction His Arsh will be lowered and everyone will be moving towards it and this is like the tawaf and sai the Hujjaj makes.
Allah says:
And the angels will be on the sides; and eight will, that Day bear the Throne of thy Lord above them. That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment. (69:17-18)
On the plain of Arafat when the sun begins to set you see all the pilgrims begging and weeping to Allah . After all the rituals are complete you then go to Madinah al Munawarah and benefit from this blessed city.
Madinah is completely different from Makkah. Madinah is peaceful and tranquil, and this is possibly why Allah has designated a piece of Jannah in Masjid Nabawi.
Allah has connected the whole of mankind, past, present and future, regardless of age, gender and race. We should always keep this in mind especially when going for Hajj. As during the actual every one loses his or her identity. While performing the haj rituals, everyone is equal in the sight of Allah .
Use the blessings what He has bestowed upon you to get closer to Him, just as how the haji can go to perform the haj if he or she has the material assets to purchase the tickets, etc; so too, a person can use the material gifts given to him by Allah to prepare a place in the Garden of Bliss, by sending before him "savings" in the form of charity, etc. which he makes available for those in need. By so doing Allah will, insha Allah, provide for him in the Hereafter.
Be thankful to Him for what He has bestowed on you and use it to benefit you in this life as well as in the next. Do not find faults with what He has bestowed upon you, and do not believe that He loves others more than you. He gives you what is best for you, and your success depends on how you use it for your benefit in both the worlds.
We beg Allah to enlighten us, bless us and may He enable us to be among the rightous, insha Allah.
One of the beauties of Islam is that it connects us with the past and the future. It connects us with the experiences of the past and the physical and practical experiences of the future. For example Allah says in Surah Al An'am
"Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."
(Chapter 6, verse 11)
Islam takes you to the past and shows you all of what the Qur’an narrates. You sometimes feel as though you have experienced it. For example, the trials and tribulations that of Prophet Joseph (as) experienced.
Islam also tells you and can make you feel something of the future. For example when you visit Masjid Nabawi in Madinah there is a spot inside the Masjid that is call Ar-Rawdah An-Nabawiyah. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said “the area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise”. So you have the opportunity to actually go to and sit in Paradise, even in this world.
One of the most mature and best experience a believer can have in this world is making the scared pilgrimage. This is why Hajj is the last of the fundamental principles mentioned. Hajj is obligatory on those who could afford it, so you must have some wealth. However, your wealth can help you up to a certain point in this world. For example your wealth can allow you to reach Makkah, but it is practically useless once you enter into a state of Ihram.
Hajj is like a rehearsal for the hereafter. First of all, the pilgrim puts on Ihraam. This makes you feel as though you have nothing materially. Just like this everyone will be resurrected, i.e. without anything materially.
ThenAllah says that on the Day of Ressuraction His Arsh will be lowered and everyone will be moving towards it and this is like the tawaf and sai the Hujjaj makes.
Allah says:
And the angels will be on the sides; and eight will, that Day bear the Throne of thy Lord above them. That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment. (69:17-18)
On the plain of Arafat when the sun begins to set you see all the pilgrims begging and weeping to Allah . After all the rituals are complete you then go to Madinah al Munawarah and benefit from this blessed city.
Madinah is completely different from Makkah. Madinah is peaceful and tranquil, and this is possibly why Allah has designated a piece of Jannah in Masjid Nabawi.
Allah has connected the whole of mankind, past, present and future, regardless of age, gender and race. We should always keep this in mind especially when going for Hajj. As during the actual every one loses his or her identity. While performing the haj rituals, everyone is equal in the sight of Allah .
Use the blessings what He has bestowed upon you to get closer to Him, just as how the haji can go to perform the haj if he or she has the material assets to purchase the tickets, etc; so too, a person can use the material gifts given to him by Allah to prepare a place in the Garden of Bliss, by sending before him "savings" in the form of charity, etc. which he makes available for those in need. By so doing Allah will, insha Allah, provide for him in the Hereafter.
Be thankful to Him for what He has bestowed on you and use it to benefit you in this life as well as in the next. Do not find faults with what He has bestowed upon you, and do not believe that He loves others more than you. He gives you what is best for you, and your success depends on how you use it for your benefit in both the worlds.
We beg Allah to enlighten us, bless us and may He enable us to be among the rightous, insha Allah.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
AN INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
An Introduction to
Islam
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent the Merciful
In the year 571, there was born, in the country of Arabia a baby boy name Muhammad (pboh). He was from the descendent of Ishmael who was from Abraham and Hagar.
Muhammad (pboh) grew up to be an outstanding person; gentle, kind, loving, truthful and trusted. He was known as Al Ameen—the trusted one.
This title was given to him by the barbarous Arabs, who, at that time, lived by the principles of "might is right, and survival of the fittest".
When he was forty years old, one day, in the Cave of Hira, where he was meditating, Angel Gabriel appeared to him and informed him that he was a Prophet of God; the last of the divinely appointed Messengers. His mission was to remind the people of the teachings of all the previous Messengers from Adam to Jesus.
Muhammad's (pboh) birth was the beginning of the promise God made to Abraham many centuries before, concerning the progeny of Ishmael, which, up to that time was not yet fulfilled.
The Bible has it recorded in the following words:
As for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. (Gen.17:20)
What did Muhammad (pboh) preach?
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was not sent to any particular tribe or nation like the previous messengers. He was sent as the Universal Messenger with a Universal Message.
The first thing that he preached was belief in One God (Allah). He reminded the people that all the previous Prophets taught their followers to believe in One God and to worship Him alone.
The Bible supports belief in One God: some of the verses are:
Abraham said: I have lifted my hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of the heaven and the earth. (Gen.17:9)
Moses was commanded to preach: Thou shalt have no other god before me. (Ex.20:3)
Isaac prayed: O God of my father Abraham… I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies, and of all the truth … deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother… (Gen.332:9 ff.)
Jesus said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. (Mt.22:37)
The Qur'an adds:
The sons of Jacob said to their father: We shall worship thy God, the God of thy father, Abraham, and Ishmael and Isaac. One god, and unto Him have we surrendered. (3:165)
He is Allah, the One Allah, the Eternally besought of all. He begets not; nor was He begotten; and there is none comparable unto Him. (Ch.112)
The Essence of Islam:
Belief in One God and submission to Him alone: form the main theme upon which the whole message of Islam is based. In fact, humanity at large is invited to surrender themselves to Allah and His Commands. The Commands are nothing but that prescribed by Him for leading a successful life here with guarantee of a place in the Garden of Bliss in the Hereafter.
Anyone who accepts these two principles are said to have surrendered, and is expected to follow the example set by the Divinely appointed Messenger Muhammad (pboh) in order to be successful in both the worlds.
Declaration of belief:
There are no rituals for becoming a Muslim; and no baptism. Anyone wishing to become a Muslim must believe in one God. He or she also has to believe that Muhammad (pboh) is the Final Messenger of God, as Muhammad (pboh) is the best example of submission to the Divinely Revealed Code of Life.
It is expected then that such a person will be ready to declare such a belief. This has to be done before two witnesses. This is called the declaration of faith.
The standard form of declaration is:
I testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah; Who is alone and has no partner; and I testify to the fact that Muhammad (pboh) is Allah's servant and Apostle.
The Mission:
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) reminded the people of the wrath of Allah on all those who do not submit to Him. The Qur'an gives examples of some nations and tribes who were destroyed when they deliberately continued to refuse to recognise His Oneness: Sodom, Gomorrah, Pharaoh, the people in the time of Noah. Etc.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) also told the people that they should acquaint themselves with the message from Allah if they want to stay rightly guided. He told them that they can only find the true and pure message from Allah in the Holy Qur'an—the last of the Revealed Scriptures.
The Holy Qur'an:
The Holy Qur'an is not the word of any human being; it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pboh). Allah sent the revelations through Angel Gabriel, a little at a time.
The Angel used to read the verses and the Prophet used to recite after him; then the Prophet recited and the Angel listened. The Prophet used to then dictate to a scribe who would copy what was dictated to him. The scribe would then read what he wrote and the Prophet used to listen in order to verify that the scribe wrote correctly what was dictated. The other companions would then write and memorised what was revealed.
The Qur'an has been preserved in memory and in written form all through the ages; and it has not undergone any change. It is the chief source of guidance for the whole of mankind, as a result, Muslims from everywhere in the world follow its guidance. In it the dos and don'ts are clearly stated, and anyone can be guided by reading the Commands and upholding them.
Sabbath:
There is no Sabbath in Islam; as every day is a day of activity and prayer. There is the Friday Congregational prayer (Jumuah); which is compulsory for all male adult Muslims, who may not be sick, travelling or feeble.
The Qur'an tells us about the Friday Congregational Prayer in the following verse:
O you who believe, when the Call is proclaimed to prayer of Friday, hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah; and leave off business. That is better for you if you only knew. And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the Bounty of Allah; and celebrate the Praises of Allah often that you may prosper. (62:9-10)
What Islam teaches:
• It is the words, deeds and intentions of the individual that are important to him or her. On the Day of Judgment, every individual has to stand before the Lord and account to Him about his/her life on earth.
• The devil to man is an enemy trying to prevent him from becoming Godly.
• Man can resist the temptations by following the part that takes him away from it. That path is called the Straight Path.
• Islam gives a complete moral code of life, based on the principle of Justice translated into action that a believer should like for his brother what he would like for himself.
• The fundamentals for this Code of belief are declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, compulsory poor tax, and pilgrimage for those who can afford.
• These five fundamentals strengthen the individual's relationship with Allah on one hand and with human beings on the other.
• Life is this world is not permanent; and the grave is not the end. There is a Great Day called the Day of Judgment, after which the individual will either dwell in Eternal Bliss or Damnation.
• Between death and the Day of Judgment is "waiting" barrzakh. The individual cannot come back physically in any form, but waits there until resurrection.
• Everyone is living in the presence of Allah all the time. He knows what a person does openly and secretly, and all actions are recorded in a "book of deeds". This will be given to the individual on the Day of Judgment.
• Both man and woman are equal in the sight of Allah; and both pious men and women will enter heaven.
• There are no racial or class barrier in Islam; all are equal in the sight of Allah; the best among human beings is the one possessing the best moral conduct.
• The acquisition of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim
Dear friend; if by reading this short introduction to Islam, you are convinced that it is the best way of life for which you were looking, then I invite you to become a Muslim.
If you should require more information; you may kindly communicate with me at:
mwl@tstt.net.tt.
Islam
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent the Merciful
In the year 571, there was born, in the country of Arabia a baby boy name Muhammad (pboh). He was from the descendent of Ishmael who was from Abraham and Hagar.
Muhammad (pboh) grew up to be an outstanding person; gentle, kind, loving, truthful and trusted. He was known as Al Ameen—the trusted one.
This title was given to him by the barbarous Arabs, who, at that time, lived by the principles of "might is right, and survival of the fittest".
When he was forty years old, one day, in the Cave of Hira, where he was meditating, Angel Gabriel appeared to him and informed him that he was a Prophet of God; the last of the divinely appointed Messengers. His mission was to remind the people of the teachings of all the previous Messengers from Adam to Jesus.
Muhammad's (pboh) birth was the beginning of the promise God made to Abraham many centuries before, concerning the progeny of Ishmael, which, up to that time was not yet fulfilled.
The Bible has it recorded in the following words:
As for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. (Gen.17:20)
What did Muhammad (pboh) preach?
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was not sent to any particular tribe or nation like the previous messengers. He was sent as the Universal Messenger with a Universal Message.
The first thing that he preached was belief in One God (Allah). He reminded the people that all the previous Prophets taught their followers to believe in One God and to worship Him alone.
The Bible supports belief in One God: some of the verses are:
Abraham said: I have lifted my hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of the heaven and the earth. (Gen.17:9)
Moses was commanded to preach: Thou shalt have no other god before me. (Ex.20:3)
Isaac prayed: O God of my father Abraham… I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies, and of all the truth … deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother… (Gen.332:9 ff.)
Jesus said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. (Mt.22:37)
The Qur'an adds:
The sons of Jacob said to their father: We shall worship thy God, the God of thy father, Abraham, and Ishmael and Isaac. One god, and unto Him have we surrendered. (3:165)
He is Allah, the One Allah, the Eternally besought of all. He begets not; nor was He begotten; and there is none comparable unto Him. (Ch.112)
The Essence of Islam:
Belief in One God and submission to Him alone: form the main theme upon which the whole message of Islam is based. In fact, humanity at large is invited to surrender themselves to Allah and His Commands. The Commands are nothing but that prescribed by Him for leading a successful life here with guarantee of a place in the Garden of Bliss in the Hereafter.
Anyone who accepts these two principles are said to have surrendered, and is expected to follow the example set by the Divinely appointed Messenger Muhammad (pboh) in order to be successful in both the worlds.
Declaration of belief:
There are no rituals for becoming a Muslim; and no baptism. Anyone wishing to become a Muslim must believe in one God. He or she also has to believe that Muhammad (pboh) is the Final Messenger of God, as Muhammad (pboh) is the best example of submission to the Divinely Revealed Code of Life.
It is expected then that such a person will be ready to declare such a belief. This has to be done before two witnesses. This is called the declaration of faith.
The standard form of declaration is:
I testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah; Who is alone and has no partner; and I testify to the fact that Muhammad (pboh) is Allah's servant and Apostle.
The Mission:
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) reminded the people of the wrath of Allah on all those who do not submit to Him. The Qur'an gives examples of some nations and tribes who were destroyed when they deliberately continued to refuse to recognise His Oneness: Sodom, Gomorrah, Pharaoh, the people in the time of Noah. Etc.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) also told the people that they should acquaint themselves with the message from Allah if they want to stay rightly guided. He told them that they can only find the true and pure message from Allah in the Holy Qur'an—the last of the Revealed Scriptures.
The Holy Qur'an:
The Holy Qur'an is not the word of any human being; it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pboh). Allah sent the revelations through Angel Gabriel, a little at a time.
The Angel used to read the verses and the Prophet used to recite after him; then the Prophet recited and the Angel listened. The Prophet used to then dictate to a scribe who would copy what was dictated to him. The scribe would then read what he wrote and the Prophet used to listen in order to verify that the scribe wrote correctly what was dictated. The other companions would then write and memorised what was revealed.
The Qur'an has been preserved in memory and in written form all through the ages; and it has not undergone any change. It is the chief source of guidance for the whole of mankind, as a result, Muslims from everywhere in the world follow its guidance. In it the dos and don'ts are clearly stated, and anyone can be guided by reading the Commands and upholding them.
Sabbath:
There is no Sabbath in Islam; as every day is a day of activity and prayer. There is the Friday Congregational prayer (Jumuah); which is compulsory for all male adult Muslims, who may not be sick, travelling or feeble.
The Qur'an tells us about the Friday Congregational Prayer in the following verse:
O you who believe, when the Call is proclaimed to prayer of Friday, hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah; and leave off business. That is better for you if you only knew. And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the Bounty of Allah; and celebrate the Praises of Allah often that you may prosper. (62:9-10)
What Islam teaches:
• It is the words, deeds and intentions of the individual that are important to him or her. On the Day of Judgment, every individual has to stand before the Lord and account to Him about his/her life on earth.
• The devil to man is an enemy trying to prevent him from becoming Godly.
• Man can resist the temptations by following the part that takes him away from it. That path is called the Straight Path.
• Islam gives a complete moral code of life, based on the principle of Justice translated into action that a believer should like for his brother what he would like for himself.
• The fundamentals for this Code of belief are declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, compulsory poor tax, and pilgrimage for those who can afford.
• These five fundamentals strengthen the individual's relationship with Allah on one hand and with human beings on the other.
• Life is this world is not permanent; and the grave is not the end. There is a Great Day called the Day of Judgment, after which the individual will either dwell in Eternal Bliss or Damnation.
• Between death and the Day of Judgment is "waiting" barrzakh. The individual cannot come back physically in any form, but waits there until resurrection.
• Everyone is living in the presence of Allah all the time. He knows what a person does openly and secretly, and all actions are recorded in a "book of deeds". This will be given to the individual on the Day of Judgment.
• Both man and woman are equal in the sight of Allah; and both pious men and women will enter heaven.
• There are no racial or class barrier in Islam; all are equal in the sight of Allah; the best among human beings is the one possessing the best moral conduct.
• The acquisition of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim
Dear friend; if by reading this short introduction to Islam, you are convinced that it is the best way of life for which you were looking, then I invite you to become a Muslim.
If you should require more information; you may kindly communicate with me at:
mwl@tstt.net.tt.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
PARADISE
PARADISE
The Garden of Eden is different from the Paradise that Allah has promised the believers. In the Garden of Eden there were certain restrictions and certain creatures that had ulterior motives. For example Hazrat Adam and Eve (pbut) were restricted from approaching a particular tree. In the end they both used their freedom to unfortunately commit a mistake. Because impurities are not allowed in the Garden, Adam and Eve (pbut) had to vacate.
Along with them in the Garden was Satan. He had an ulterior motive. He was devotedly worshipping the Lord with the hope that he would have excelled all others and be the highest in rank, nearest to his Maker. But when the test came he displayed his real self and became a cursed one. As he begged for respite, Allah gave him it up to the Day of Judgment.
While still in the Garden of Eden, Adam Eve and Satan were all guilty of disobedience. Adam and Eve repented but Satan did not. So Satan remained a challenge to both of them as he did not accept the fact that they were superior to him in the sight of Allah. This had still to be proven, as he was able to tempt them with his flattering words.
Allah does not want man to be outside the Paradise, which is better than the Garden of Eden, so He selected a level playing field on earth for all and He gave the guidelines for the ascent of man to Paradise.
Satan cannot ascend because when Allah cast him out of the Garden He closed the door of re-entry for all evil. Therefore no evil can go beyond the lower levels of the first sky. So Satan and all those who follow him will never be able to get back up beyond the lower end of the sky nearest the earth.
As this principle is applicable to everything on earth, even the evil deeds of man are kept in a record that is not in the sky. If evil cannot go up then where are the sins of man recorded? Allah gives us the answer in Surah Mutaffifin. He says:
•
“Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin. And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is? (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.”
(Chapter 83, verse 7-9)
About the recoding of the good deeds of a believer, Allah says that these will be recorded in the skies, (somewhere that is high above). He tells us about this in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
•
Nay, verily the Record of the righteous is (preserved) in Illiyeen; and what will explain to thee what Illiyeen is; (It is) a Register (fully) inscribed; to which bear witness those nearest (to Allah). (83:18-21)
Allah has created a system where good is recorded in the sky and evil is recorded in a ‘dungeon’. Good and evil cannot mix, even in the process of storing. So that while good is being recorded somewhere in the skies, evil is being kept in a record stored in a dungeon somewhere in the earth in the place called Sijjeen as is mentioned in the Surah quoted above.
The recording of the sins in Sijjeen can be a sort of a blessing for the believers, because since evil is stored in a dungeon the believers have the opportunity of removing them. Remember that Allah says: good removes evil.
So that by doing good and repenting for the mistakes committed, one can send more to the record in the skies and cover more of the mistakes committed. Just like how correcting fluid can hide what was typed on a paper, so too repentance and atonement can cover up mistakes committed. Believers are taught to pray: Allahummas turrnaa bi satrikal jameel. O Allah cover us (i.e. our faults) with a beautiful covering.
On the Day of Judgment when everyone will be resurrected, those who have to collect their record from the dungeon will collect it in their left hand behind their backs and those who will get their record from above will collect it in front of them, in their right hands. After collecting the records, those who will be getting theirs in their right hands will be qualified and will be allowed to enter Paradise.
This world is a testing ground for us. The test comes in the forms of trails and temptations. Some of the trials and temptations come from Satan who has been given the permission by Allah to test the sons and daughters of Adam to see who will follow him (Satan), and who will aspire to return above the skies into the Garden of Paradise. We have to work in order to attain the Paradise Allah has promised us.
Satan is already decreed to enter the hell fire and as such he would try to take as many with him as he can. He will try to divert your focus which should be to go back to Allah and dwell in the Garden. Be cautious and steadfast in order to qualify yourself to attain the promised reward of Allah .
May Allah forgive us and bless us all.
The Garden of Eden is different from the Paradise that Allah has promised the believers. In the Garden of Eden there were certain restrictions and certain creatures that had ulterior motives. For example Hazrat Adam and Eve (pbut) were restricted from approaching a particular tree. In the end they both used their freedom to unfortunately commit a mistake. Because impurities are not allowed in the Garden, Adam and Eve (pbut) had to vacate.
Along with them in the Garden was Satan. He had an ulterior motive. He was devotedly worshipping the Lord with the hope that he would have excelled all others and be the highest in rank, nearest to his Maker. But when the test came he displayed his real self and became a cursed one. As he begged for respite, Allah gave him it up to the Day of Judgment.
While still in the Garden of Eden, Adam Eve and Satan were all guilty of disobedience. Adam and Eve repented but Satan did not. So Satan remained a challenge to both of them as he did not accept the fact that they were superior to him in the sight of Allah. This had still to be proven, as he was able to tempt them with his flattering words.
Allah does not want man to be outside the Paradise, which is better than the Garden of Eden, so He selected a level playing field on earth for all and He gave the guidelines for the ascent of man to Paradise.
Satan cannot ascend because when Allah cast him out of the Garden He closed the door of re-entry for all evil. Therefore no evil can go beyond the lower levels of the first sky. So Satan and all those who follow him will never be able to get back up beyond the lower end of the sky nearest the earth.
As this principle is applicable to everything on earth, even the evil deeds of man are kept in a record that is not in the sky. If evil cannot go up then where are the sins of man recorded? Allah gives us the answer in Surah Mutaffifin. He says:
•
“Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin. And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is? (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.”
(Chapter 83, verse 7-9)
About the recoding of the good deeds of a believer, Allah says that these will be recorded in the skies, (somewhere that is high above). He tells us about this in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
•
Nay, verily the Record of the righteous is (preserved) in Illiyeen; and what will explain to thee what Illiyeen is; (It is) a Register (fully) inscribed; to which bear witness those nearest (to Allah). (83:18-21)
Allah has created a system where good is recorded in the sky and evil is recorded in a ‘dungeon’. Good and evil cannot mix, even in the process of storing. So that while good is being recorded somewhere in the skies, evil is being kept in a record stored in a dungeon somewhere in the earth in the place called Sijjeen as is mentioned in the Surah quoted above.
The recording of the sins in Sijjeen can be a sort of a blessing for the believers, because since evil is stored in a dungeon the believers have the opportunity of removing them. Remember that Allah says: good removes evil.
So that by doing good and repenting for the mistakes committed, one can send more to the record in the skies and cover more of the mistakes committed. Just like how correcting fluid can hide what was typed on a paper, so too repentance and atonement can cover up mistakes committed. Believers are taught to pray: Allahummas turrnaa bi satrikal jameel. O Allah cover us (i.e. our faults) with a beautiful covering.
On the Day of Judgment when everyone will be resurrected, those who have to collect their record from the dungeon will collect it in their left hand behind their backs and those who will get their record from above will collect it in front of them, in their right hands. After collecting the records, those who will be getting theirs in their right hands will be qualified and will be allowed to enter Paradise.
This world is a testing ground for us. The test comes in the forms of trails and temptations. Some of the trials and temptations come from Satan who has been given the permission by Allah to test the sons and daughters of Adam to see who will follow him (Satan), and who will aspire to return above the skies into the Garden of Paradise. We have to work in order to attain the Paradise Allah has promised us.
Satan is already decreed to enter the hell fire and as such he would try to take as many with him as he can. He will try to divert your focus which should be to go back to Allah and dwell in the Garden. Be cautious and steadfast in order to qualify yourself to attain the promised reward of Allah .
May Allah forgive us and bless us all.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
The Light of the Qur'an
Removing Darkness with the Light of the Qur’an
___________________________________________________________________________________
In the coming days the Hindus will be celebrating Divali, and as part of their custom they will be lighting their diyas with the philosophy that light removes darkness. What is unfortunate for them is that they focus on getting rid of the physical darkness by using the physical light and they pay no heed to the darkness that is within them.
The same thing the diyas does for the Hindus physically the Words of the Holy Qur’an does for the Muslims. One of the attributes of the Qur’an is light. Allah says in Surah Maa-idah;
“There hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book”
(Chapter 5, verse 15)
The Qur’an is that Book that guides and protects. For example when the Sahabas were going into battle they would have Surahs or ayats of the Qur’an written on their flags. Because the Qur’an has tremendous benefits Satan will try to divert our attention from it.
Today we see that people have no time to read the Qur’an. They are too busy and this is one avenue where Satan is gaining a foothold. In one narration Hazrat Uthman (ra) used to recite the entire Qur’an every night even though he was already given the glad tidings of entry into Paradise. What about us?
The more you read the Qur’an Allah will make your life easy, in this word and the next. Also, the Qur’an will act as an intercessor for us on that Great Day. No other creature has the blessing of reciting thr Glorious Words of Allah . There are so much benefits to be derived frrom reading it. Those of us who can read we must make every effort to read a little everyday and, insha Allah, Allah will give us the promised reward.
This is one way of representing Allah here on earth; man has the unique mission of reciting Allah's Words—those Words that He recited, some of them even before He created the universe—man has the mission of reciting them.
Because no other creature can do it the way man can read and recite, even the angels and the jinns come to listen when the Qur'an is being recited.
We beg Allah to increase us in knowledge and make us understand this tremendous blessing He has afforded us, and may He out of His Divine Grace and Mercy keep our hearts tied to the Qur’an.
___________________________________________________________________________________
In the coming days the Hindus will be celebrating Divali, and as part of their custom they will be lighting their diyas with the philosophy that light removes darkness. What is unfortunate for them is that they focus on getting rid of the physical darkness by using the physical light and they pay no heed to the darkness that is within them.
The same thing the diyas does for the Hindus physically the Words of the Holy Qur’an does for the Muslims. One of the attributes of the Qur’an is light. Allah says in Surah Maa-idah;
“There hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book”
(Chapter 5, verse 15)
The Qur’an is that Book that guides and protects. For example when the Sahabas were going into battle they would have Surahs or ayats of the Qur’an written on their flags. Because the Qur’an has tremendous benefits Satan will try to divert our attention from it.
Today we see that people have no time to read the Qur’an. They are too busy and this is one avenue where Satan is gaining a foothold. In one narration Hazrat Uthman (ra) used to recite the entire Qur’an every night even though he was already given the glad tidings of entry into Paradise. What about us?
The more you read the Qur’an Allah will make your life easy, in this word and the next. Also, the Qur’an will act as an intercessor for us on that Great Day. No other creature has the blessing of reciting thr Glorious Words of Allah . There are so much benefits to be derived frrom reading it. Those of us who can read we must make every effort to read a little everyday and, insha Allah, Allah will give us the promised reward.
This is one way of representing Allah here on earth; man has the unique mission of reciting Allah's Words—those Words that He recited, some of them even before He created the universe—man has the mission of reciting them.
Because no other creature can do it the way man can read and recite, even the angels and the jinns come to listen when the Qur'an is being recited.
We beg Allah to increase us in knowledge and make us understand this tremendous blessing He has afforded us, and may He out of His Divine Grace and Mercy keep our hearts tied to the Qur’an.
Forgiveness
FORGIVENESS
The human personality comprises the body and the soul. The soul is pure and is made from light. The light use by Allah to make the soul is special and is not a part of what He used to create the universe. He gave a Command and the soul came into existence.
As regards the body, it was created from clay. It is physical in nature and composition; it has physical desires like to feel hungry. It has the capacity to do good or evil, i.e. to do what is permissible or to do what is not permissible. The physical desire is called nafs. It wants that its physical needs be satisfied. It is not concern whether the satisfaction is from permissible sources or non-permissible sources. As a result it can cause a person to commit sins.
About the working of the nafs Allah says:
• • •
“The nafs is prone to do evil” (12:53).
Before man was sent on earth, Adam as a complete human being dwelt in the Garden of Eden. Allah wants every person to return and live in the Garden forever; as a result He has given man the recipe for correct and proper living in order that both the body and the soul shall be fit to return there.
A person is supposed to do what is permissible and avoid what is prohibited, as what is prohibited, when done will cause some spots to soil the soul. The spots on the soul can cause a person to be burnt in the hell fire.
Allah says:
•
Nay, but whosoever hath done evil and his sins surrounds him, such are rightful owners of the fire, they will abide therein (2:81).
Allah has prescribed a way of removing the dark spots from the soul; and that is through repentance. When a person commits a wrong, he should seek forgiveness from Allah for it as soon as he realizes that a mistake was committed. He should not put off doing so, otherwise it can cause him harm. Concerning seeking repentance Allah says:
•
Forgiveness is not for those who do ill deeds until when death approaches one of them he says, Lo, I repent now (4:18).
If a person does not repent and death should overtake him he will be punished for the sin he committed. In this connection Allah says:
Those who earn evil will have a reward of the like evil (10:27).
All through our lives we need to be constantly begging our Lord for forgiveness of those wrong things we may have done knowingly and unknowingly. We must do two (2) things;
1. Beg Allah for forgiveness as soon as we realize that we did a wrong thing. Allah says:
Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah towards those who do evil in ignorance and then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah (upon realization that a sin was committed) (4:17)
When Adam realized that he sinned he begged Allah most sincerely.
When we pray to Allah to forgive us for our sins, we pray for forgiveness for the sins we commit knowingly and for those we commit unknowingly. For those we commit unknowingly it may not be too difficult for us as Allah knows that we do not have knowledge of all things, and as a result we can commit mistakes, for example, out of forgetfulness. Take for example, a fast is not broken if one eats out of forgetfulness.
However, when one knows that he is doing a wrong thing and continues to do so he will be required to pay the fine. In this connection Allah directs that punishment must be prescribed for such wrongs that were done with knowledge that what was being done was a wrong thing. Examples of these are:
Allah says:
A thief male or female should have their hands cut off (5:30).
If a person knowingly have marital relation with his wife while he is fasting he is required to keep sixty days fast or feed sixty poor people.
A person can save himself from being punished for a crime committed by seeking repentance and making amends. Take for example, if a person is found guilty for a crime but honestly repents and seeks forgiveness, he/she can be forgiven. In this connection Allah says:
•
Whoever repents after committing a crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness, for Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Allah the Most Exalted said: O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with a world full of sins and meet Me without making anything a partner to Me, I would come to you with a similar amount of forgiveness (Tirmidhi).
One way of ensuring that one's burden can be light on the Day of Judgment is to do as much good as possible in this life, as good deeds remove from our records some of our sins. Allah says:
•
Verily, goods deeds annul evil deeds (4:14).
Brothers and sisters, because death can come upon us at any time we must not delay in asking for forgiveness and making amends for the mistakes we may have committed. In this connection Allah says:
•
Hasten to ask for forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose width is that of the skies and the earth, prepared for the righteous. (3:133)
May Allah forgive us for our sins and may He join us with the righteous in the Garden of Paradise.
The human personality comprises the body and the soul. The soul is pure and is made from light. The light use by Allah to make the soul is special and is not a part of what He used to create the universe. He gave a Command and the soul came into existence.
As regards the body, it was created from clay. It is physical in nature and composition; it has physical desires like to feel hungry. It has the capacity to do good or evil, i.e. to do what is permissible or to do what is not permissible. The physical desire is called nafs. It wants that its physical needs be satisfied. It is not concern whether the satisfaction is from permissible sources or non-permissible sources. As a result it can cause a person to commit sins.
About the working of the nafs Allah says:
• • •
“The nafs is prone to do evil” (12:53).
Before man was sent on earth, Adam as a complete human being dwelt in the Garden of Eden. Allah wants every person to return and live in the Garden forever; as a result He has given man the recipe for correct and proper living in order that both the body and the soul shall be fit to return there.
A person is supposed to do what is permissible and avoid what is prohibited, as what is prohibited, when done will cause some spots to soil the soul. The spots on the soul can cause a person to be burnt in the hell fire.
Allah says:
•
Nay, but whosoever hath done evil and his sins surrounds him, such are rightful owners of the fire, they will abide therein (2:81).
Allah has prescribed a way of removing the dark spots from the soul; and that is through repentance. When a person commits a wrong, he should seek forgiveness from Allah for it as soon as he realizes that a mistake was committed. He should not put off doing so, otherwise it can cause him harm. Concerning seeking repentance Allah says:
•
Forgiveness is not for those who do ill deeds until when death approaches one of them he says, Lo, I repent now (4:18).
If a person does not repent and death should overtake him he will be punished for the sin he committed. In this connection Allah says:
Those who earn evil will have a reward of the like evil (10:27).
All through our lives we need to be constantly begging our Lord for forgiveness of those wrong things we may have done knowingly and unknowingly. We must do two (2) things;
1. Beg Allah for forgiveness as soon as we realize that we did a wrong thing. Allah says:
Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah towards those who do evil in ignorance and then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah (upon realization that a sin was committed) (4:17)
When Adam realized that he sinned he begged Allah most sincerely.
When we pray to Allah to forgive us for our sins, we pray for forgiveness for the sins we commit knowingly and for those we commit unknowingly. For those we commit unknowingly it may not be too difficult for us as Allah knows that we do not have knowledge of all things, and as a result we can commit mistakes, for example, out of forgetfulness. Take for example, a fast is not broken if one eats out of forgetfulness.
However, when one knows that he is doing a wrong thing and continues to do so he will be required to pay the fine. In this connection Allah directs that punishment must be prescribed for such wrongs that were done with knowledge that what was being done was a wrong thing. Examples of these are:
Allah says:
A thief male or female should have their hands cut off (5:30).
If a person knowingly have marital relation with his wife while he is fasting he is required to keep sixty days fast or feed sixty poor people.
A person can save himself from being punished for a crime committed by seeking repentance and making amends. Take for example, if a person is found guilty for a crime but honestly repents and seeks forgiveness, he/she can be forgiven. In this connection Allah says:
•
Whoever repents after committing a crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness, for Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Allah the Most Exalted said: O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with a world full of sins and meet Me without making anything a partner to Me, I would come to you with a similar amount of forgiveness (Tirmidhi).
One way of ensuring that one's burden can be light on the Day of Judgment is to do as much good as possible in this life, as good deeds remove from our records some of our sins. Allah says:
•
Verily, goods deeds annul evil deeds (4:14).
Brothers and sisters, because death can come upon us at any time we must not delay in asking for forgiveness and making amends for the mistakes we may have committed. In this connection Allah says:
•
Hasten to ask for forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose width is that of the skies and the earth, prepared for the righteous. (3:133)
May Allah forgive us for our sins and may He join us with the righteous in the Garden of Paradise.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Eid Sermon--2009
EID UL FITR 2009-09-13
Sermon
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an
Verily, Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (2:222)
A true Muslim is a special person as he is enjoined upon to purify his body mind and soul.
Regarding the purity of the body, Allah has directed us to observe the following
• We are ordered to keep our garments clean. Allah says: Keep your clothes clean. (74:4)
• At the time of prayer a Muslim has to make ablution or even take a bath if it is necessary. Allah says: O you who believe, when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands to the elbows, pass your wet hands over your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. (5:6)
• Allah wants that what we consume as food and drink should be pure and clean. He says: They will ask you what is lawful to them (for food); say: Lawful unto you are all good and pure things.
Because Allah loves cleanliness, He has directed the believers to observe certain etiquette when dealing with His House and Book. He says: This is indeed an honourable Qur'an in a Book well guarded, which none shall touch except those who are clean. (56:77-79)
He wants only the pure to enter His House. He says:
O you who believe, Verily, the idol-worshippers are unclean, so do not let them enter the Sacred House after this year. (9:28)
A True Believer must take care of his internal purity just as he has to observe the prescribed acts of external purity. Islam puts great emphasis on the cleanliness of the mind and the soul just as it places on the cleanliness of the body. For example, Allah says:
Allah wants believers to have a pure heart. He says:
Truly, he will prosper that brings to Allah a pure heart (26:89)
He also wants us to have pure and clean desires. He says:
Truly, he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it. (91:9-10)
Allah wants us to have a heart that is free from stains. He says:
By no means, but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do. (83:14)
While the body is physical and the acts of cleanliness are physical the mind and the soul require such attention that will have positive impacts on them, and the believer is required to avoid the things that can add impurities to them. Allah calls them by different names in the Holy Qur'an, e.g. rijsun (disease), najasun (impurities), ra'nun (spots), etc.
It can be difficult at times to avoid committing mistakes especially when we are dealing with society. Sometimes we may get involved in back-biting, cursing, abusing, etc.
But Allah in His Wisdom has been very kind to the Believers as He has prescribed an Institution which He made one of the Foundation principles of Islam, and that is Fasting.
Fasting helps us to control ourselves, internally and externally, thereby helping us to purify ourselves in all the different dimensions of life. It is perhaps because fasting is designed to benefit the Believer in every way that Allah says: If you fast it is better for you.
Today as we have assembled to celebrate Eid, take note that as a result of the benefits you have acquired during Ramadan through your efforts, you would have ascended a few rungs of the ladder on your way to your Lords.
He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways (70:3)
Allah calls the way to return to Him the path that is steep. (90:11)
So that if you found at times, that fasting was a bit difficult, you will understand to climb is more difficult than to fall down.
We should resolve today that we are not going to spoil what we have gained through fasting, etc. in Ramadan, but we are going to continue to build on it as our Goal is to meet our Lord and greet Him and get the blessings and benefits He has prescribed for the Believers. Remember Allah says:
Whoever is desirous of meeting his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as a partner. (18:110)
Sermon
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an
Verily, Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (2:222)
A true Muslim is a special person as he is enjoined upon to purify his body mind and soul.
Regarding the purity of the body, Allah has directed us to observe the following
• We are ordered to keep our garments clean. Allah says: Keep your clothes clean. (74:4)
• At the time of prayer a Muslim has to make ablution or even take a bath if it is necessary. Allah says: O you who believe, when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands to the elbows, pass your wet hands over your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. (5:6)
• Allah wants that what we consume as food and drink should be pure and clean. He says: They will ask you what is lawful to them (for food); say: Lawful unto you are all good and pure things.
Because Allah loves cleanliness, He has directed the believers to observe certain etiquette when dealing with His House and Book. He says: This is indeed an honourable Qur'an in a Book well guarded, which none shall touch except those who are clean. (56:77-79)
He wants only the pure to enter His House. He says:
O you who believe, Verily, the idol-worshippers are unclean, so do not let them enter the Sacred House after this year. (9:28)
A True Believer must take care of his internal purity just as he has to observe the prescribed acts of external purity. Islam puts great emphasis on the cleanliness of the mind and the soul just as it places on the cleanliness of the body. For example, Allah says:
Allah wants believers to have a pure heart. He says:
Truly, he will prosper that brings to Allah a pure heart (26:89)
He also wants us to have pure and clean desires. He says:
Truly, he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it. (91:9-10)
Allah wants us to have a heart that is free from stains. He says:
By no means, but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do. (83:14)
While the body is physical and the acts of cleanliness are physical the mind and the soul require such attention that will have positive impacts on them, and the believer is required to avoid the things that can add impurities to them. Allah calls them by different names in the Holy Qur'an, e.g. rijsun (disease), najasun (impurities), ra'nun (spots), etc.
It can be difficult at times to avoid committing mistakes especially when we are dealing with society. Sometimes we may get involved in back-biting, cursing, abusing, etc.
But Allah in His Wisdom has been very kind to the Believers as He has prescribed an Institution which He made one of the Foundation principles of Islam, and that is Fasting.
Fasting helps us to control ourselves, internally and externally, thereby helping us to purify ourselves in all the different dimensions of life. It is perhaps because fasting is designed to benefit the Believer in every way that Allah says: If you fast it is better for you.
Today as we have assembled to celebrate Eid, take note that as a result of the benefits you have acquired during Ramadan through your efforts, you would have ascended a few rungs of the ladder on your way to your Lords.
He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways (70:3)
Allah calls the way to return to Him the path that is steep. (90:11)
So that if you found at times, that fasting was a bit difficult, you will understand to climb is more difficult than to fall down.
We should resolve today that we are not going to spoil what we have gained through fasting, etc. in Ramadan, but we are going to continue to build on it as our Goal is to meet our Lord and greet Him and get the blessings and benefits He has prescribed for the Believers. Remember Allah says:
Whoever is desirous of meeting his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as a partner. (18:110)
Friday, 21 August 2009
Ramadan
Thursday 20th August 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
رمضان
The Blessed Month of Ramadan ___________________________________________________________________________________
The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us, and Allah says that Ramadan is His month. One reason why Ramadan is special is because Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that Shaitan is chained in this month;
In this month (for them) evil-minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach unto those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadan.
This is a very special blessing for those who keep the fast. Why can’t Satan ‘attack’ us? Firstly, in Ramadan we tend to be more God conscious. We don’t pay importance to a few things that engage our time and energy. We therefore have more time to think about Allah and because of this we get closer to Allah and Satan can’t get between.
Satan uses a few things to distract us. He engages our lust, desires for food/drink, and a person’s arrogance. All of these are the handiwork of Satan and we are commanded to stay away from them. We are advised to engage in more Ibadaat and to show more compassion to others. Fasting is meant to bring you closer to Allah and to keep you away from those things that are not beneficial for us, in this life and the next. There are no avenues for Satan to attack you.
Ramadan helps you become a ‘VIP’ in the hereafter. There is a gate in Paradise called Ryyaan and those who fast shall enter into Paradise through this gate. Look at the status and benefits you could achieve in this blessed month.
Remember if Allah loves you He will try you. If you are aspiring to get closer to Allah He will love you more, and He would also try you more. Even in Ramadan you may get some trials. However you should try to bear them with patience and keep on persevering. Even if someone abuses you in Ramadan we are taught to say “I am fasting”.
Try your best to make full usage of Ramadan. Engage in recitation of Qur’an, plenty of Astagfirullah and send lots of Darood on our Beloved . Make dua to Allah for whatever you desire because He has shown us that He is capable of doing things outside our realm of understanding.
May Allah make this Ramadan peaceful and tranquil for all the believers’. May He make the trials easy and bearable for us and may He remove most of it in this most special month. Let us benefit from it, and whatever you do, do it solely for the sake of Allah .
ABOUT RAMADAN
By Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Anxiously I looked out for the moon,
Hoping that it was not too soon;
May it be visible I pray
On the western horizon today.
Welcome, O Ramadan, I cried,
As I saw the crescent in the sky,
The month destined to make me be
In the Hereafter, a VIP.
Restraint, submission and devotion,
Extra worship and Recitation.
I tried to please the Lord each day
Through fasting and the way I pray.
A little thirst, a bit of hunger,
Sometimes I wonder how much longer,
For the time when I shall break the fast,
Patiently I waited to the last.
I enjoyed the numerous preparations
At the many aftari invitations,
Curry being the main menu
Interchanged at times with tasty stew.
I waited anxiously for the Night of Power
Hoping to be awake at the Special Hour.
When the climax of worship was to be
The feeling of peace and tranquility.
The Sermon of Eid I'll never forget,
As it makes me feel a bit of regret
It says: As you gather today to celebrate Eid
One day you shall gather to know your deeds
O Ramadan, when you are gone,
A lot of people shall mourn
They did not fast, pray or give charity
Making them not fit to be a VIP.
Zikr lesson for the week
رمضان
The Blessed Month of Ramadan ___________________________________________________________________________________
The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us, and Allah says that Ramadan is His month. One reason why Ramadan is special is because Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that Shaitan is chained in this month;
In this month (for them) evil-minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach unto those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadan.
This is a very special blessing for those who keep the fast. Why can’t Satan ‘attack’ us? Firstly, in Ramadan we tend to be more God conscious. We don’t pay importance to a few things that engage our time and energy. We therefore have more time to think about Allah and because of this we get closer to Allah and Satan can’t get between.
Satan uses a few things to distract us. He engages our lust, desires for food/drink, and a person’s arrogance. All of these are the handiwork of Satan and we are commanded to stay away from them. We are advised to engage in more Ibadaat and to show more compassion to others. Fasting is meant to bring you closer to Allah and to keep you away from those things that are not beneficial for us, in this life and the next. There are no avenues for Satan to attack you.
Ramadan helps you become a ‘VIP’ in the hereafter. There is a gate in Paradise called Ryyaan and those who fast shall enter into Paradise through this gate. Look at the status and benefits you could achieve in this blessed month.
Remember if Allah loves you He will try you. If you are aspiring to get closer to Allah He will love you more, and He would also try you more. Even in Ramadan you may get some trials. However you should try to bear them with patience and keep on persevering. Even if someone abuses you in Ramadan we are taught to say “I am fasting”.
Try your best to make full usage of Ramadan. Engage in recitation of Qur’an, plenty of Astagfirullah and send lots of Darood on our Beloved . Make dua to Allah for whatever you desire because He has shown us that He is capable of doing things outside our realm of understanding.
May Allah make this Ramadan peaceful and tranquil for all the believers’. May He make the trials easy and bearable for us and may He remove most of it in this most special month. Let us benefit from it, and whatever you do, do it solely for the sake of Allah .
ABOUT RAMADAN
By Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Anxiously I looked out for the moon,
Hoping that it was not too soon;
May it be visible I pray
On the western horizon today.
Welcome, O Ramadan, I cried,
As I saw the crescent in the sky,
The month destined to make me be
In the Hereafter, a VIP.
Restraint, submission and devotion,
Extra worship and Recitation.
I tried to please the Lord each day
Through fasting and the way I pray.
A little thirst, a bit of hunger,
Sometimes I wonder how much longer,
For the time when I shall break the fast,
Patiently I waited to the last.
I enjoyed the numerous preparations
At the many aftari invitations,
Curry being the main menu
Interchanged at times with tasty stew.
I waited anxiously for the Night of Power
Hoping to be awake at the Special Hour.
When the climax of worship was to be
The feeling of peace and tranquility.
The Sermon of Eid I'll never forget,
As it makes me feel a bit of regret
It says: As you gather today to celebrate Eid
One day you shall gather to know your deeds
O Ramadan, when you are gone,
A lot of people shall mourn
They did not fast, pray or give charity
Making them not fit to be a VIP.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Thursday 13th August 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
فِطْرَةَ الله
The Nature of Allah (swt) ___________________________________________________________________________________
Prophet Muhammad is Aahraful Mukhluqaat – the best of everything Allah (swt) created. Khatamun Nabieen -The Seal of the Prophets and many other beautiful descriptions Allah (swt) has given him. In spite of all these wonderful qualities Prophet Muhammad has said;
Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God. Whoever expects to meet His Lord, let Him work righteousness, And, in the worship of His Lord, admit no one As partner.
(Chapter 18, verse 110)
In another ayat it is recorded that Hazrat Abraham (as) said “I am the first Muslim”, and Allah gave that verse to the Prophet (pboh). These verses show us that all the commands that the Messenger of Allah (swt) gave to the people to do, he also did them. It was not a case of ‘do as I say and not as I do’.
The coming of Prophet Muhammad (pboh) as the expected one, and the way he lived and worshipped was not what the people expected. They were acustomed to seeing unusual things associated with Messengers of God. For example, Prophet Jesus (as) had a virgin birth and he also spoke in the cradle. The people expected a Messenger to be different from them. Allah (swt) records their reaction to Prophet (pboh) in the Holy Quran in Surah Furqan;
•
And They say: "What sort of an apostle is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to Him to give admonition with Him?
(Chapter 25, verse 7)
What is the wisdom behind the simplicity of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)? There is a verse in the Holy Quran which is difficult to explain.
•• ••
So set Thou Thy face steadily and truly to the faith: (establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be). In the work (wrought) by Allah. that is the standard religion: but Most among Mankind understand not.
(Chapter 30, verse 30)
‘Fitra’ literally means ‘nature’, what is a person’s nature or what is inherent to someone. So what this ayat is telling us is that ‘Fitratallah’ – the nature or the attributes of Allah (swt) can be manifested and cultivated by man. For example Allah (swt) is ‘The Embodiment of Love’ and man can also cultivate and exhibit love.
Why is this important? If you can cultivate some of the attributes of Allah (swt) it becomes easy for you to get close to Him. And who of you would not like to get close to your Lord and Master. You don’t need any special, mysterious qualities in order to get close to Him. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was human and he was able to go back to and greet Allah (swt) on the blessed night of the Miraj.
That is the implication of the ayat mentioned above. Allah (swt) has given man the capacity to get close to Him. Only in Islam can you find this blessed opportunity. Our belove Messenger had the capacity to develop these qualities in his personality and he says that “I am but a man like yourselves”. It sounds simple but it takes a life long mission to develop. Remember this Hadith Qudsi – “And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed”.
May Allah (swt) make it easy for us all to cultivate some of His attributes in our personalities and, through His Grace and Mercy, may we all get close to Him.
Zikr lesson for the week
فِطْرَةَ الله
The Nature of Allah (swt) ___________________________________________________________________________________
Prophet Muhammad is Aahraful Mukhluqaat – the best of everything Allah (swt) created. Khatamun Nabieen -The Seal of the Prophets and many other beautiful descriptions Allah (swt) has given him. In spite of all these wonderful qualities Prophet Muhammad has said;
Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God. Whoever expects to meet His Lord, let Him work righteousness, And, in the worship of His Lord, admit no one As partner.
(Chapter 18, verse 110)
In another ayat it is recorded that Hazrat Abraham (as) said “I am the first Muslim”, and Allah gave that verse to the Prophet (pboh). These verses show us that all the commands that the Messenger of Allah (swt) gave to the people to do, he also did them. It was not a case of ‘do as I say and not as I do’.
The coming of Prophet Muhammad (pboh) as the expected one, and the way he lived and worshipped was not what the people expected. They were acustomed to seeing unusual things associated with Messengers of God. For example, Prophet Jesus (as) had a virgin birth and he also spoke in the cradle. The people expected a Messenger to be different from them. Allah (swt) records their reaction to Prophet (pboh) in the Holy Quran in Surah Furqan;
•
And They say: "What sort of an apostle is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to Him to give admonition with Him?
(Chapter 25, verse 7)
What is the wisdom behind the simplicity of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)? There is a verse in the Holy Quran which is difficult to explain.
•• ••
So set Thou Thy face steadily and truly to the faith: (establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be). In the work (wrought) by Allah. that is the standard religion: but Most among Mankind understand not.
(Chapter 30, verse 30)
‘Fitra’ literally means ‘nature’, what is a person’s nature or what is inherent to someone. So what this ayat is telling us is that ‘Fitratallah’ – the nature or the attributes of Allah (swt) can be manifested and cultivated by man. For example Allah (swt) is ‘The Embodiment of Love’ and man can also cultivate and exhibit love.
Why is this important? If you can cultivate some of the attributes of Allah (swt) it becomes easy for you to get close to Him. And who of you would not like to get close to your Lord and Master. You don’t need any special, mysterious qualities in order to get close to Him. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was human and he was able to go back to and greet Allah (swt) on the blessed night of the Miraj.
That is the implication of the ayat mentioned above. Allah (swt) has given man the capacity to get close to Him. Only in Islam can you find this blessed opportunity. Our belove Messenger had the capacity to develop these qualities in his personality and he says that “I am but a man like yourselves”. It sounds simple but it takes a life long mission to develop. Remember this Hadith Qudsi – “And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed”.
May Allah (swt) make it easy for us all to cultivate some of His attributes in our personalities and, through His Grace and Mercy, may we all get close to Him.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
The Final Messenger
Thursday 30th July 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
The Status of Rasullah
وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ
(And raised high the esteem in which thou art held)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Respected brothers and sisters next week will be the 15th of Shabaan and it is advisable to make some extra ibaadat on this night. According to some traditions Allah (swt);
Allocates the sustenance of man for the year
Decides who will die
Comes down to the lowest heaven in order to accept the supplication of the believers and offer His forgiveness
Try your best to benefit from this most blessed night.
Long before all the Messengers were physically created Allah (swt) took a covenant from them that Prophet Muhammd will be ‘The Messenger. All the previous Messengers are really ‘supporters of Prophet Muhammd and part of their mission was to tell the people of his coming.
One of his titles is Muhammadur Rasullah, The Messenger of Allah (swt). This was higlighted and confirmed on the night of the Mir’aj when Prophet Muhammd lead all the Messengers in Salaat at Masjid Al Aqsa. People like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and Bahaullah who claimed to be Prophets did not pray behind Prophet Muhammd so they cannot be Messengers of Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) says Rasullah is Khatamun Nabi, The Seal of the Prophets. It is a fact that he also had a physical seal between his shoulder blades. This was the Seal of Prophethood. So he had a divine and physical sign that he was the final Messenger.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Ahzab;
•
“The prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers”
(Chapter 33, verse 6)
No one could be closer to the believers than Prophet Muhammd . No one, no matter what their status is could come between Prophet Muhammd and his followers. It is reported that Prophet once said “none of you will be a true believer until I am more beloved to him than his own self.” There is a special bond.
Allah (swt) says that Prophet is the best example. We cannot have anything that is better that The Best. Who could come today and improve on his way? All believers follow his example. He has perfected the way for mankind and Allah (swt) has given us a complete and perfect way of life which is Islam. So if our religion is perfected and our beloved Messenger is the best, what else do we need from anyone?
Peophet Muhammad is the one who went very close to Allah (sw) and got the relection of Allah's (swt) light in his heart. Something which he transmits to the true believers when they aspire to get close to him. Who else can do this? His heart is like a mirror, reflecting the light of Allah (swt) to the world at large.
If you have all this do you really need someone to interfere with your faith and your relation with your Lord? It is good to be aware of Prophet’s status because, unfortunately today, there are many arguments concerning his status and mission. Remember Allah (swt) says in Surah Hujurat;
•
O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to Him In talk, As ye may speak aloud to one another, Lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not
(Chapter 49, verse 2)
What a beautiful ayat pertaining to respect that Prophet Muhammad commands. One possible reason why Allah (swt) reveald Surah Lahab is to show man the danger of being disrespectful to Rasullah . Abu Lahab and his wife demonstrated extreme hatred to Prophet Muhammad (saw). They tried to make his life as difficult as they could. Allah (swt) made Abu Lahab an example for those with that kind of attitude to take notice.
Lets us try to understand the true status that Prophet Muhammad has and insha Allah, Allah (swt) will reward us and take care of our affairs.
Zikr lesson for the week
The Status of Rasullah
وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ
(And raised high the esteem in which thou art held)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Respected brothers and sisters next week will be the 15th of Shabaan and it is advisable to make some extra ibaadat on this night. According to some traditions Allah (swt);
Allocates the sustenance of man for the year
Decides who will die
Comes down to the lowest heaven in order to accept the supplication of the believers and offer His forgiveness
Try your best to benefit from this most blessed night.
Long before all the Messengers were physically created Allah (swt) took a covenant from them that Prophet Muhammd will be ‘The Messenger. All the previous Messengers are really ‘supporters of Prophet Muhammd and part of their mission was to tell the people of his coming.
One of his titles is Muhammadur Rasullah, The Messenger of Allah (swt). This was higlighted and confirmed on the night of the Mir’aj when Prophet Muhammd lead all the Messengers in Salaat at Masjid Al Aqsa. People like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and Bahaullah who claimed to be Prophets did not pray behind Prophet Muhammd so they cannot be Messengers of Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) says Rasullah is Khatamun Nabi, The Seal of the Prophets. It is a fact that he also had a physical seal between his shoulder blades. This was the Seal of Prophethood. So he had a divine and physical sign that he was the final Messenger.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Ahzab;
•
“The prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers”
(Chapter 33, verse 6)
No one could be closer to the believers than Prophet Muhammd . No one, no matter what their status is could come between Prophet Muhammd and his followers. It is reported that Prophet once said “none of you will be a true believer until I am more beloved to him than his own self.” There is a special bond.
Allah (swt) says that Prophet is the best example. We cannot have anything that is better that The Best. Who could come today and improve on his way? All believers follow his example. He has perfected the way for mankind and Allah (swt) has given us a complete and perfect way of life which is Islam. So if our religion is perfected and our beloved Messenger is the best, what else do we need from anyone?
Peophet Muhammad is the one who went very close to Allah (sw) and got the relection of Allah's (swt) light in his heart. Something which he transmits to the true believers when they aspire to get close to him. Who else can do this? His heart is like a mirror, reflecting the light of Allah (swt) to the world at large.
If you have all this do you really need someone to interfere with your faith and your relation with your Lord? It is good to be aware of Prophet’s status because, unfortunately today, there are many arguments concerning his status and mission. Remember Allah (swt) says in Surah Hujurat;
•
O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to Him In talk, As ye may speak aloud to one another, Lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not
(Chapter 49, verse 2)
What a beautiful ayat pertaining to respect that Prophet Muhammad commands. One possible reason why Allah (swt) reveald Surah Lahab is to show man the danger of being disrespectful to Rasullah . Abu Lahab and his wife demonstrated extreme hatred to Prophet Muhammad (saw). They tried to make his life as difficult as they could. Allah (swt) made Abu Lahab an example for those with that kind of attitude to take notice.
Lets us try to understand the true status that Prophet Muhammad has and insha Allah, Allah (swt) will reward us and take care of our affairs.
Sunday, 26 July 2009
About the Soul
QUR'ANIC MESSAGE
By
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Allah says:
And they will ask you concerning the Ruh (soul), say; it is from the Command of my Lord, and I (Allah) have not given you knowledge (of it) except a little. (17:85)
The Ruh commonly translated as soul is a special non-physical spark of extremely refined light which Allah causes to enter the human physical shell. It was never a part of the universe. It does not die and does not enter the body of any other creature upon the death of the individual.
Just as how a tiny spark can glow or become a big flame, so too the Ruh can grow in the body and permeate all the cells of the person. When the light of the soul reaches all the cells the person will begin to have real "religious experience" called in the Holy Qur'an Al Yaqeen, and translated as certainty.
But in order to do so there must be the right condition in the body; just as how the flame can only burn if it gets oxygen and breeze. On the other hand if it is covered with carbon dioxide it will go out.
For the human being the permissible things are the ingredients to make the light of the soul spread and the prohibited things are like the carbon dioxide to the fire. When the light of the soul is prevented from reaching the cells of the body, the body will burn in the Hell Fire.
The mission of life is to allow the light of the soul to spread. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Verily, Allah created the elements of man in darkness, then He infused unto them His Light. He who received the light and made use of it received the right guidance, and he who erred was led astray.
He also used to pray as follows:
O Allah, let there be light in my heart, in my sight, in my hearing, on my right side, on my left side, in front of me and behind me. Let there be light in my nerves, in my blood, in my flesh in my hair and in my limbs. O Allah make me light.
The body is made from earth. Allah says:
He it is Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). (6:2)
Our mission in life is, on one hand, to decorate our bodies with beautiful colors and designs, just as the potter takes a piece of clay (ceramic) and shapes and decorate it. On the other hand we are ordained by the Lord of the worlds to polish and shine it, just as the worker will take a piece of stone (metal) and polish it and shine it till it becomes a beautiful diamond or some other expensive ornament.
Our mission in life is to change our small piece of earth which (i.e. our bodies) into another piece resembling a beautiful jewel. Perhaps, it is in this context Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
The day the earth will be changed into another earth. (14:48)
The goldsmith takes the piece of metal which is a piece of stone taken from the ground, heats it, beats it, makes designs on it and finally produces a beautiful piece of jewel. So too, the human being can accept the trials of the world as the process for refining the personality. If we can withstand the heating and beating (trials of life) and emerge successful, we will be able to absorb the Light of the Lord inside of us and become a jewel in the presence of man and a gem for the Hereafter.
Allah says:
And the earth will shine with the Light of the Lord. (39:69)
There are personalities of bygone times who were able to polish their pieces of the earth, to such an extent, that they are today called saints. Their bodies were not different from ours, but the life style made them outstanding. They submitted to the Lord as He ordained, and when their neighbors, families and friends were enjoying the material life they were toiling (in the night) to improve their relationship with the Creator, and in the day they were humbly submitting to His commands.
Believers are expected to work ceaselessly by upholding the Islamic principles of submission, to polish and brighten their souls so that the light of them can penetrate the cells of the bodies and make them bright. Allah says:
Allah is the Protector of those who have faith; from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith their patrons are the evil ones; from the light they will lead them forth into the depth of darkness. They will be the companions of the fire. They will dwell therein forever. (2:257)
With pain and suffering, with trials and tribulations, with the numerous challenges of life, the believer undertakes the journey; all the time hoping for Allah's Grace and praying that the Light of the Lord will ultimately reach his heart. Along with these programs of activities he prays sincerely as follows:
O our Lord, perfect our light for us, and grant us Forgiveness, for surely, You have power over all things. (66:8)
May the Gracious and Merciful Lord bless every believer, fill his or her heart with light, instill in his personality humility, and fill his mind with sincerity, so that he will live and love for the sake of Allah alone. May He cause every one of us to leave this world believing in His Oneness.
By
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Allah says:
And they will ask you concerning the Ruh (soul), say; it is from the Command of my Lord, and I (Allah) have not given you knowledge (of it) except a little. (17:85)
The Ruh commonly translated as soul is a special non-physical spark of extremely refined light which Allah causes to enter the human physical shell. It was never a part of the universe. It does not die and does not enter the body of any other creature upon the death of the individual.
Just as how a tiny spark can glow or become a big flame, so too the Ruh can grow in the body and permeate all the cells of the person. When the light of the soul reaches all the cells the person will begin to have real "religious experience" called in the Holy Qur'an Al Yaqeen, and translated as certainty.
But in order to do so there must be the right condition in the body; just as how the flame can only burn if it gets oxygen and breeze. On the other hand if it is covered with carbon dioxide it will go out.
For the human being the permissible things are the ingredients to make the light of the soul spread and the prohibited things are like the carbon dioxide to the fire. When the light of the soul is prevented from reaching the cells of the body, the body will burn in the Hell Fire.
The mission of life is to allow the light of the soul to spread. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Verily, Allah created the elements of man in darkness, then He infused unto them His Light. He who received the light and made use of it received the right guidance, and he who erred was led astray.
He also used to pray as follows:
O Allah, let there be light in my heart, in my sight, in my hearing, on my right side, on my left side, in front of me and behind me. Let there be light in my nerves, in my blood, in my flesh in my hair and in my limbs. O Allah make me light.
The body is made from earth. Allah says:
He it is Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). (6:2)
Our mission in life is, on one hand, to decorate our bodies with beautiful colors and designs, just as the potter takes a piece of clay (ceramic) and shapes and decorate it. On the other hand we are ordained by the Lord of the worlds to polish and shine it, just as the worker will take a piece of stone (metal) and polish it and shine it till it becomes a beautiful diamond or some other expensive ornament.
Our mission in life is to change our small piece of earth which (i.e. our bodies) into another piece resembling a beautiful jewel. Perhaps, it is in this context Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
The day the earth will be changed into another earth. (14:48)
The goldsmith takes the piece of metal which is a piece of stone taken from the ground, heats it, beats it, makes designs on it and finally produces a beautiful piece of jewel. So too, the human being can accept the trials of the world as the process for refining the personality. If we can withstand the heating and beating (trials of life) and emerge successful, we will be able to absorb the Light of the Lord inside of us and become a jewel in the presence of man and a gem for the Hereafter.
Allah says:
And the earth will shine with the Light of the Lord. (39:69)
There are personalities of bygone times who were able to polish their pieces of the earth, to such an extent, that they are today called saints. Their bodies were not different from ours, but the life style made them outstanding. They submitted to the Lord as He ordained, and when their neighbors, families and friends were enjoying the material life they were toiling (in the night) to improve their relationship with the Creator, and in the day they were humbly submitting to His commands.
Believers are expected to work ceaselessly by upholding the Islamic principles of submission, to polish and brighten their souls so that the light of them can penetrate the cells of the bodies and make them bright. Allah says:
Allah is the Protector of those who have faith; from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith their patrons are the evil ones; from the light they will lead them forth into the depth of darkness. They will be the companions of the fire. They will dwell therein forever. (2:257)
With pain and suffering, with trials and tribulations, with the numerous challenges of life, the believer undertakes the journey; all the time hoping for Allah's Grace and praying that the Light of the Lord will ultimately reach his heart. Along with these programs of activities he prays sincerely as follows:
O our Lord, perfect our light for us, and grant us Forgiveness, for surely, You have power over all things. (66:8)
May the Gracious and Merciful Lord bless every believer, fill his or her heart with light, instill in his personality humility, and fill his mind with sincerity, so that he will live and love for the sake of Allah alone. May He cause every one of us to leave this world believing in His Oneness.
Eight Important Lessons
Thursday 9th July 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
8 Important Lessons
___________________________________________________________________________________
A young boy went to a madrasa to study Islam and remained there for 33 years. When he was about to leave a teacher asked him how long he spent in the madrasa. The student replied 33 years. The teacher then asked how many lessons he had learnt in these 33 years. The student said that he has learnt 8 lessons. Astonished by this the teacher asked the student to narrate the 8 lessons he took 33 years to learn.
1) Firstly, we come into this world alone, even without any clothing, and as we grow we develop relationships with each other based on love. For example we develop love for our parents, friends, spouse and children. All these relationships are based on love that is very fragile and it can be broken. Either we leave those who we love or they leave us. However, if one develops love for Allah (swt) and He in turn loves us, this ‘love’ can never be broken even after we leave this world.
2) As we grow in this world we develop an ego. Man displays anger, haughtiness, jealously, etc. These are all negative characteristics of man and it can have a negative impact on our spiritual development. Allah (swt) says in Surah Naziat;
And for such As had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires, their abode will be the Garden.
(Chapter 79, verse 40 – 41)
How will you feel when you have to stand and give an account to Allah (swt)? So, if you fear Allah (swt) try to control your ego.
3) We come into this world without anything material and as we grow we acquire some worldly assets. Allah (swt) makes mention of this in Sruah Imran;
Fair In the eyes of men is the love of things They covet: women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. such are the possessions of This world's life; but In nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
(Chapter 3, verse 14)
All our worldly possessions will one day disappear so we should not become attached to those things that will only serve us for a short period of time. Instead we should focus on ‘sending things’ that would be of benefit to us in the hereafter as Allah (swt) says;
What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will and we will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward to the best of their actions.
(Chapter 16, verse 96)
4) As man progresses in this world he tends to develop pride because of his status, wealth or the power he has. Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said,
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action”
Man has been created as the vicegerent of Allah (swt) so we should not inculcate a feeling of pride. All the wealth, status and power one has will inevitably come to an end.
5) Allah (swt) gives to some and He may not give to others, and this can lead to jealously. For example you may be envious and jealous of someone who has a lot of wealth. Allah (swt) says in Sruah Zukhruf;
Is it They who would portion out the Mercy of Thy Lord? it is We who portion out between them their livelihood In the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others In ranks, so that some may command work from others. but the Mercy of Thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.
(Chapter 43, verse 32)
If Allah (swt) is the one who gives why should we be jealous? He knows what we know not. Whatever Allah (swt) has written for you, you will get it so do not be despondent when you see the success of someone else.
6) As you go through life we see a lot of enmity amongst man and most of the time it is caused by trivial things. No way in the Qur’an Allah (swt) says man is an enemy to each other. Instead He identifies Satan as the enemy of mankind at large. Allah (swt) says;
"Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that He was to you an enemy avowed?-
(Chapter 36, verse 16)
We have only one enemy in this world and we should try our best not to have any ill feelings towards any man.
7) Allah (swt) is The One who provides substance for all and, while we may make an effort to acquire sustenance we should know that Allah (swt) will only give us what He has written for us. We should therefore not be despondent of what He has provided because He knows what we do not.
8) Put your complete trust in Allah (swt) because we are incapable of simply blinking our eyes or moving any of our limbs without the permission of Allah (swt). Put your faith and trust in Him because He will never let you down.
After the student had finished narrating these 8 lessons the teacher told him that he studied all the revealed books (the Tawrat, Zabur and Injil and Qur’an) and these 8 lessons are the lessons that Allah (swt) has given in all of His books.
If one can incorporate these lessons is ones life it will enable him to have the right balance in this world and attain success in the hereafter. We should all therefore try to inculcate these characteristics in our lives and, insha Allah, Allah (swt) will take care of our affairs.
Zikr lesson for the week
8 Important Lessons
___________________________________________________________________________________
A young boy went to a madrasa to study Islam and remained there for 33 years. When he was about to leave a teacher asked him how long he spent in the madrasa. The student replied 33 years. The teacher then asked how many lessons he had learnt in these 33 years. The student said that he has learnt 8 lessons. Astonished by this the teacher asked the student to narrate the 8 lessons he took 33 years to learn.
1) Firstly, we come into this world alone, even without any clothing, and as we grow we develop relationships with each other based on love. For example we develop love for our parents, friends, spouse and children. All these relationships are based on love that is very fragile and it can be broken. Either we leave those who we love or they leave us. However, if one develops love for Allah (swt) and He in turn loves us, this ‘love’ can never be broken even after we leave this world.
2) As we grow in this world we develop an ego. Man displays anger, haughtiness, jealously, etc. These are all negative characteristics of man and it can have a negative impact on our spiritual development. Allah (swt) says in Surah Naziat;
And for such As had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires, their abode will be the Garden.
(Chapter 79, verse 40 – 41)
How will you feel when you have to stand and give an account to Allah (swt)? So, if you fear Allah (swt) try to control your ego.
3) We come into this world without anything material and as we grow we acquire some worldly assets. Allah (swt) makes mention of this in Sruah Imran;
Fair In the eyes of men is the love of things They covet: women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. such are the possessions of This world's life; but In nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
(Chapter 3, verse 14)
All our worldly possessions will one day disappear so we should not become attached to those things that will only serve us for a short period of time. Instead we should focus on ‘sending things’ that would be of benefit to us in the hereafter as Allah (swt) says;
What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will and we will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward to the best of their actions.
(Chapter 16, verse 96)
4) As man progresses in this world he tends to develop pride because of his status, wealth or the power he has. Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said,
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action”
Man has been created as the vicegerent of Allah (swt) so we should not inculcate a feeling of pride. All the wealth, status and power one has will inevitably come to an end.
5) Allah (swt) gives to some and He may not give to others, and this can lead to jealously. For example you may be envious and jealous of someone who has a lot of wealth. Allah (swt) says in Sruah Zukhruf;
Is it They who would portion out the Mercy of Thy Lord? it is We who portion out between them their livelihood In the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others In ranks, so that some may command work from others. but the Mercy of Thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.
(Chapter 43, verse 32)
If Allah (swt) is the one who gives why should we be jealous? He knows what we know not. Whatever Allah (swt) has written for you, you will get it so do not be despondent when you see the success of someone else.
6) As you go through life we see a lot of enmity amongst man and most of the time it is caused by trivial things. No way in the Qur’an Allah (swt) says man is an enemy to each other. Instead He identifies Satan as the enemy of mankind at large. Allah (swt) says;
"Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that He was to you an enemy avowed?-
(Chapter 36, verse 16)
We have only one enemy in this world and we should try our best not to have any ill feelings towards any man.
7) Allah (swt) is The One who provides substance for all and, while we may make an effort to acquire sustenance we should know that Allah (swt) will only give us what He has written for us. We should therefore not be despondent of what He has provided because He knows what we do not.
8) Put your complete trust in Allah (swt) because we are incapable of simply blinking our eyes or moving any of our limbs without the permission of Allah (swt). Put your faith and trust in Him because He will never let you down.
After the student had finished narrating these 8 lessons the teacher told him that he studied all the revealed books (the Tawrat, Zabur and Injil and Qur’an) and these 8 lessons are the lessons that Allah (swt) has given in all of His books.
If one can incorporate these lessons is ones life it will enable him to have the right balance in this world and attain success in the hereafter. We should all therefore try to inculcate these characteristics in our lives and, insha Allah, Allah (swt) will take care of our affairs.
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