Enjoining Good , Forbidding Evil

Interesting quote from this article:

Also remember that enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is only obligatory if you think that the person will listen, and if the benefit of saying something is clearly expected to be greater than potential harms. And the legal principle is that preventing harm is given precedence to achieving benefits.

Personal judgement is therefore essential in these matters.
Everyone can do this.
We can decide on the correct course of action and trust in Allah.
If we are not sure, then it is best to do nothing. But we should not use this as an easy way out either.

Be honest with yourself

Takbeer Tashreeq 2007

Allahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illa-llaahu Wallaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar walillaahil hamd

These takbirs start today after Fajr until after Asr on the 22nd Dec insha Allah. This assumes 19th Dec as Eid.

I found these links quite helpful:

Al Mahmood Issue 3 Answers to First two questions, also gives exact wording of the takbir

The Fiqh of Eid , see points 9 to 14

The First Ten Days of Zilhajj

Zilhajj is just round the corner. Please confirm the exact date with your local mosque.

The first ten days of Zilhajj have been described as the best days of the Islamic calendar.

I quote from a discussion on this subject:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."

Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful opportunity by offering during this period as much Ibadah to Allah as one can.

The 10th Zilhajj is Eid, so one cannot fast then.

We should make a special effort given that this is the holiday season, winter days are short and the nights are long.

For those of us who cannot fast/pray for reasons beyond their control, there are many other ways to make the most of these special days:
- Remembrance of Allah through Zikr(Tasbih, Takbeer)
- Giving Charity
- Being even more particular about kindness to parents/husband/wife/children/brothers/sisters/neighbours
- Increasing one's Islamic knowledge
- Even more particular in abstaining from sins such as music

I pray Allah gives us all the chance to avail of another opportunity to reap rewards.

Qurbani

Fiqh of Qurbani , note that there is a mistake on the weight of silver for nisab, it is NOT 100g, see here for the correct weight

see here for a discussion on the weight of silver issue

613.36g in ounces

Cost of silver in ounces

Remember not to cut nails/hairs if performing Qurbani (mustahab)

Bob Talks Too Much: "You lookin' at me!?"

Bob Talks Too Much: "You lookin' at me!?"

Adam & Hawaa (alayhas salaam)

Surah 7 Verses 19-25

Here the story of the fall of Adam & Hawaa (alayhas salaam).

An interesting point is to note that the Arabic used in these verses is in the dual form, denoting the reference to the two persons here.
In Arabic one can refer to something in three ways:

singular (one)
dual (two)
plural (more than two)

Referring to dual form is only possible in Arabic and is of paramount importance here. This is lost in the translation in English. This shows why Arabic is meant to be the language of Quran. So in the context of the story:

Both are told not to approach the tree
Both are approached by Iblis
Both are tricked by Iblis
Both ask Allah for forgiveness
Both are sent down to Earth

So Hawaa (alayhis salaam) is not the cause of Adam (alayhis salaam)'s mistake. Satan does not get to Adam through her. None of this blaming the woman business.

Islam sets the woman free from the shackles of blame.

No reference is made to the apple.
No reference to Satan as a snake. Satan is quoted as whispering. Evil comes in whispers. Goodness is said clearly. Satan cannot force one to do anything. Read A'uthubillah.... to seek protection and one will feel better straight away.
No reference to the type of leaves used to cover.

These are not relevant. What is relevant is that both made a mistake, asked for forgiveness and were forgiven.

Verse 23 is one of the forty rabbana

PDF of forty rabbana can be found here

Iblis - leader of Shayateen

Surah 7 Verse 11-18

This is the account of how Iblis became cursed.
He was amongst the angels although he was Jinn. He achieved this status because of his extreme piety.

However he did not bow to Adam:
- because he was made of clay, Iblis was of fire, Iblis thought it beneath him, pride
- Iblis was around before Adam, why should a senior bow to a junior

In his pride, he disobeyed Allah. He did not see that the issue was not who he was bowing to, but who gave the order.
Even in his wrong, he blames Allah for 'misguiding' him (Verse 16).

A few lessons from this:
- even if we do not understand a command, this is not a reason not to do it. Many people say that they need to 'understand the logic' behind before practising. But this is not obedience, submission. As long we are sure of the authenticity of the command, then that is all that matters.
- we obey the command, in the meantime we can research the wisdom/logic behind it. Even if we do not find it, this does not mean there is none.
- no matter how pious one can be, it does not mean one cannot make mistakes. True piety embodies true humility. There is no room for feeling that one is so pious rather one should be thankful to Allah all the time and always think of others as better than oneself in matters of Deen.

Allah mentions in Verse 13, that it is not a place for pride here. Again the importance of guarding against any traces of pride in one's heart.

Adopt Islamic way of life to avoid cancer.....

BBC article on report

The report (free downloadable PDF format)

Recommendations to prevent cancer

Amazing quotes from the BBC article on the report of The World Cancer Research Fund:

The World Cancer Research Fund carried out the largest ever inquiry into lifestyle and cancer, and issued several stark recommendations.

They include not gaining weight as an adult, avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol, and not eating bacon or ham.

In particular, researchers say people should stop eating processed meats, such as ham, bacon and salami, and limit the consumption of red meat to 500g a week

From a cancer perspective, all alcohol should be avoided, although researchers accepted drinking small amounts could have protective benefits for other diseases.

It is always amazing how people are at pains to justify the 'goodness' of alcohol. Yet the problem is the ills are much greater. One can always get this 'goodness' from other less risky ways, I am sure. The Quran says there is good in it, but that its evil outweighs its good.

Quote from the Report itself, section 12.1:

For example, the evidence on alcoholic
drinks and breast cancer, as shown in chapters
4.8 and 7.10, does not show any ‘safe
threshold’. The risk evidently increases,
albeit modestly, at any level of intake of
any alcoholic drink. And there is no nutritional
need to consume alcohol. So in this
case, the appropriate recommendation
based solely on the evidence for breast cancer
would be not to consume alcoholic
drinks; the quantified recommendation
would be zero.

The way of life to be adopted is quite simply an Islamic one.

It will be clear to all that Islam is the correct way, even if they will not admit to it.

Example of the reaction to report, when the way of life is criticised people are not so ready to accept. But people are quick to criticise others' way of life backed by similar reports.

Another report belittling risk of alcohol to pregnant women Binge drink baby damage 'unclear'

Dangers of eating bacon, bad for lungs

Are men wiser than women according to Islam?

Are men wiser than women according to Islam?

Thought-provoking answer to a common question raised against Islam.

When it is too late to repent

Surah 7 Verse 5

When Allah's punishment comes, it is too late to repent then. They were given the chance to repent but chose not to. Another relevant example is the case of Pharoah who cried out that he believed as the sea closed in on him.

We have many chances to change our ways, but waiting until the last moment is never a good idea. Remember that Imaan is belief in the unseen! It is not Imaan to say I believe when one can see the angels, etc.

Only fear/seek protection from Allah

Surah 7 Verse 3

Allah explains to us not to follow anyone else other than Him.
If we fear anyone other than Him, it is like we are committing shirk.

We should only trust in Allah for all our matters. If we feel that we are afraid of our boss because we feel he controls our job, that is shirk. We should understand that Allah controls everything. If we like/entertain someone because we think that they can help us, protect us, then this is shirk.

At the same time, it does not mean that we should adopt a careless attitude either. Here is a quote from How A Muslim Should Deal With Stress and Anxiety: 25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi).

Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face.

So it important to adopt the correct Halal means, but to remember that in the end , Allah is in control.

Kids Becoming Hifz of Quran

Memorising the Quran

Guidelines for Hifz Students

Amongst Muslims in the west, the practice of encouraging children to learn the whole Quran by heart seems to be something on the way out.
Here are some of the virtues taken from the 'Guidelines for Hifz Students' link above:

Verily We revealed the reminder (Qur'ân) and We are its guardian. (Al Hijr, ayâh no.9)

Uthman Radiallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur'ân and teaches it." (Bukhari)

Abu Saeed Khudri Radiallahu anhu narrates that the prophet of Allâh Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Allâh says: "If anybody finds no time for my remembrance and for begging favours of Me, because he remains busy with the Holy Qur'ân, I shall give him more than what I give all those who beg favours of Me". The superiority of the word of Allâh over all other words is like the superiority of Allâh over the entire creation. (Tirmizi)

Yet why is it so?

Is it that we do not want to pressure them into learning?
Is it that there is not enough time in the day for them to learn?
Do we feel that we will be burdening them if we do this?
Are the pressures of worldly study so much, that they will fall behind if they take time to learn the Quran?

There are several ways to tackle these issues.

How about setting up part-time Hifz lessons in the local masjid?

Once they can read the Quran, the kids can immediately start learning the Quran on a part-time basis. Probably 2, 3, 4, 5 hours a week depending on the child and his/her school work load. Ramp down during school term, ramp up during holidays. But keep the momentum going, no matter how long it takes, the earlier they start the better. Where there is a will there is a way. Parents should approach their local mosque and demand these part-time classes.

Time Management at home
Another side of the coin is that parents should closely examine their child's daily routine. Is it really that difficult to set aside a few hours a week for them to learn the Quran? Parents should examine how many hours their children spend in front of the TV? Actions speak louder than words. Do the children really need to go to all those after school clubs? I am not saying they should not, but we must understand the importance of learning the Quran as well and place it on the same level as worldly education. Sometimes parents are so strict when it comes to worldly education but are so lax when it comes to religious education. Children pick up on this and grow up with this attitude. It is the parents' duty to put it on equal footing. Parents should reward their children for learning parts of the Quran just as they get rewards for passing exams. I say it again, Actions speak louder than words.

Aside from the spiritual benefits of doing Hifz, the following are also very relevant for the growing children:

Kids are in the company of pious people namely the imams, this in itself is something priceless.
Kids learn the virtue of patience as Hifz classes usually involve repetition
Kids learn to concentrate better
Kids get the habit of actually picking up the Quran, rather than just doing this for madrassas and forgetting it once they go home.
School holidays are used wisely instead of wasted in front of TV

Everyone knows how the best time to learn is when a child, we should use this not just for wordly knowledge but also for spiritual knowledge.

We must understand that Hifz is not just for the Moulana or Hafiz but can be for everyone. A Hafiz is not just for Taraweeh salaah. The duty of parents is to prepare the child for this world and the Akhirah. Many families want all their children to be doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants. Yet how many want their children to be Hifz of Quran as well as doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants?

Giving the Quran to the child may be the greatest gift a parent can ever give

Eid Celebration - Do we really care?

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “They are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of God.” [Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih, an authoritative collection of the sayings of the Prophet.]

What to wear for Eid?

The Significance of Eid al-Fitr

The Fiqh of Eid

Eid, A day for Joy

I would like to comment on the attitude of many Muslims today towards Eid.

I will go to Eid prayer and then go back to work
I will go to Eid prayer and then get my lectures
We will celebrate Eid on the weekend
They need me at work
I could not get the time off
This lecture is REALLY important
My situation is difficult
I have no holidays left

Sound familiar?
All too many times I am noticing Muslims, even practising Muslims, have a very low regard to the actual celebration of Eid other than going to Eid Salaat.
Eid only happens twice a year.ONLY TWICE A YEAR!! Eid is OUR festival. Why don't we plan well ahead and make sure that the Eid day will be free?

Oh but we don't know when it will be? Depends on the moon

Yes that is true. So get both days off just in case. At the worst case, the extra day can be spent making the Eid that more special.

Muslims should REALLY celebrate Eid, within the Halal limits obviously.
For many, Eid simply consists of going for prayer and then going to mother's or in-law's place and eating. Eid becomes so boring for children. Probably we should look at how non-Muslims celebrate and take a leaf out of their book.

Why don't we put up decorations around the house?
Why don't we buy presents for each other and have a time to distribute it on Eid day?
Why don't we spare the ladies from the kitchen and order a meal for everyone?
Why don't we REALLY celebrate Eid?
Why don't we do something different from last year?

What message do we present to our children? Do we want to say 'Christmas is better than Eid'?

Everything must stop for Eid! School, University, Work Because it is Eid! None of this business of doing Eid on the weekend! Celebrate Eid on Eid, not when it is convenient to you!

Eid should be a special moment with the family and relatives. Everyone should and must pull out ALL the stops to meet up for Eid. I hear even parents saying to their children

it's your future, you cannot miss school, you cannot miss your lectures

What message does that give to the children? We live in a non-Muslim society where the holidays are focussed around non-Muslim holidays. If we do not make an effort to make our own holiday then the kids will not really remember Eid but they will remember Christmas, Easter. We have to create the environment of celebration in and around us, in the house, in the mosque, in the community, amongst our relatives and neighbours (even non-Muslim ones).

What is really sad is when I see practising Muslims adopt such a laid back attitude to festivities on Eid day. One will see them very active on Dawah to non-Muslims, at Islamic talks and Islamic lectures, on Islamic charity weeks up and down the country, but when it comes to celebrating Eid, it's like all the fire in them just disappears.

Oh I have a lecture I cannot miss!
Oh I could not get the time off!
Oh I will see you on the weekend!

This is the time to celebrate! This is not Haraam! Are you afraid to have fun? This is also Dawah to non-Muslims, show them how Islam is also about having fun! Let them know at work, university and school that we are celebrating Eid! Bring in some sweets for them! But don't forget your own relatives and close family! CELEBRATE!

We must send a message to everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim, that Eid is OUR festival and we will safeguard it at all costs. Lose that and we lose our identity.

There will always be exceptions to the rule, but let's honestly assess our circumstances before we come to any conclusions. Let's make sure that the exception does not become the norm.

Have a great Eid everyone!

Torah and Quran

Surah 6 Verse 154

The Torah too went into great detail, like the Quran, explaining everything people needed to know to lead their life.

It is interesting how this is actually the Old Testament (although not in original form) and part of the Bible. Yet the Christians and Jews behave very differently in their religion.

Surah 6 Verse 155, 156, 157

The Quran too is a blessed book. It is revealed in their language so no one can say that they could not understand the previous books. Or no one can say that if only the book was revealed to them, so that they too could follow. The Quran has come to them, a guide and mercy.

Ten Commandments

Surah 6 Verses 151-152

After questioning what they have made up as forbidden, Allah now tells them what is really forbidden. These are the Ten Commandments.

Generally one will note that when Allah speaks of not associating with him, he also speaks of parents rights. This shows how elevated their status is, that they are mentioned right after talking about Allah.

Allah talks of not killing children for fear of poverty. Sadly this still happens today. Click here for what is happening in India In fact many couples/families are scared into family planning for this very reason. However family planning is not totally wrong as there can be other reasons for family planning that makes its Islamically acceptable. Click here for more details

Allah also talk of speaking justly even if near relative is concerned. This means to say the truth even if one is talking about near relative. There is no room for nepotism.
There is no room for blind allegiance to family even if they are committing sin. There is no place for the 'blood is thicker than water' attitude. Truth, honesty and justice in all situations. It is important to maintain family ties (click here for more details) but also just as important to speak the truth not matter who is concerned.

Do not be tricked by those who do not believe in Hereafter

Suarh 6 Verse 150

They are asked to bring their proof of the forbidding of the foods they mention.

We are then warned not to follow those
treat our signs as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter: for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord (Yusuf Ali translation)

The arabic used is 'Hawaa', can mean fall in love or fall for an argument. This describes the present day situation very clearly as well. How many of us are 'convinced' to follow their desires? I pray Allah protect us all from this!

If Allah Wished Us to Believe, He Would Have Made Us Believe

Surah 6 Verse 148

This is a common retort of disbelievers throughout the ages and even at the time of the Prophet sallallahou alaihe wassallam. The fallacy of this argument is evident once one considers the following:

Why did Allah send Messengers?
Why did Allah send the Holy Books?
Why did Allah give the Messengers miracles?

Allah has given us the freedom to choose between right and wrong.
If Allah forced us to be good, we would be Angels.
See the next verse

Unfortunately some Muslims have also adopted this attitude. Thus even if some Muslims have the means, health to go for Hajj, they postpone it saying

I will go for Hajj if Allah wants me to go

We should adopt all halal means to achieve something, if we are unable to achieve it due to circumstances beyond our control, then we can say in hindsight that it was not written (in my destiny) for me to achieve it. We will be rewarded for the effort we undertook.

Forbidden Meat to Jews

Surah 6 Verse 146

This was what Yacoob alayhis salaam imposed on himself. He did not ask his followers to adopt this but they did. Yacoob alayhis salaam is also known as Israeel, the one who loves God, eel meaning God. Similar the names of the Angels Jibraeel alayhis salaam, Mikaaeel alayhis salaam, Israafeel alayhis salaam.

There are reports that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassallam fasted continuously for 2 to 3 days. The Sahaabah radiallahu anhum wanted to emulate him but the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassallam explicitly stopped them from doing this. Allah forgive me if this is wrong. This is what I heard in my class.

Qarun was a cousin of Musa alayhis salaam. He was a brillant chemist. He amassed enormous wealth. When asked how, he attributed it to his mind. His punishment was that the earth opened and swallowed him. People used to wish to be like him, after the punishment, everyone was happy not to be like him.

Lesson: We should not vie to be like wealthy people, we do not know how they amassed their wealth.

What meat is allowed

Surah 6 Verse 145

With reference to previous verses, Allah lists what is allowed for eating.

Slaughtering an animal in anyone's name other than Allah is an act of defiance to Allah. Often when a famous guest comes around , people slaughter animals in their honour. If their name is used other than Allah's, then the meat is haram.

Also Allah mentions that in extreme circumstances, it is allowed such meat.

Following footsteps of Shaytan

About Surah 6 Verse 142

here following in steps of Shaytan, is explained in next verses, why make haram what is halal. Why say cannot eat this and not that?
Why say 'Allah said this and that'?

in verse 143 and 144 Allah asks them where is your proof for these injunctions?

This also reminds us not to simply accept things just because so and so is saying it. If it is something we have not heard before, then politely ask the proof of this, from Quran and Sunnah, authentic Sunnah.

Israaf - opposite of extravagant

About verse 141 Surah 6

Do not spend so much so that have nothing to live on. Warning against this behaviour as well.

Origin of word Jannah

cannot see, disappear.

jannah - tree branches from different trees intertwine so that cannot see any further
jinn - cannot see

Ex-BNP man jailed over chemicals

Ex-BNP man jailed over chemicals
Another link on this (during trial)

I am posting this, as the media coverage of this news is so minimal. Is it because he does not have a Muslim name?

Some details for future reference in case link above does not work in future.

The person's name is Robert Cottage, Lancashire.Manchester Crown Court.
He was cleared after two trials, of conspiracy to cause explosions.
Dentist David Jackson (62 years) was also cleared.

In spite of there being two trials on two people, there has been very little news coverage of this!

Doing a Google on 'Robert Cottage' brings up some interesting links. I like this one the best.

To the point commentary from Islamophobia Watch

Teenager reverts to Islam in our locality over the Internet

Masha Allah !

About two weeks ago, an English teenager came to the mosque to profess her Islam.

She had learnt about Islam over the internet. Even learnt how to pray, wudu etc all over the Internet.

The Muslim she was communicating with, then asked her to go to her nearest local mosque to say the Shahaadah. So she came to our mosque.

Allahuakbar!

In this day and age of Islam bashing, this is amazing!

People reverting to Islam without Muslims present

I am increasingly hearing about people reverting to Islam in the absence of any Muslims.

Here is a link to the story of a Czech scientist.

Given that Muslims do not exactly present the best view of Islam, this is an interesting development. It shows how Allah does not need us to spread his Deen but that it is a blessing from Allah to us if HE uses us a medium for others to embrace Islam.

Intercession - an important note

A lot of people think that intercession on Yaum-al Qiyamah will mean automatic forgiveness.

Please remember the hadith about Ibrahim (alayhis salaam) intercession for his father on Yaum-al Qiyamah. Remember that Ibrahim (alayhis salaam) is the Khalil of Allah, for which beloved is not even a close translation, it is much more than that. His intercession for his father was not accepted by Allah.

The point is that the one being interceded for has to be worthy of forgiveness. Those hoping for intercession should remember this.