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Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Can a Sunni Marry a Shi'ah?
By Ayub A. Hamid
Question:
A sister has asked: Assalamu Alaykum. I want help in a very serious matter. Can you tell me if a Sunni can marry a Shiya? If a girl is Sunni and a boy is Shiya. Please tell me about this. I shall be very thankful to you. Thanks, Allah Hafiz.
My Answer:
According to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, a person should decide about marrying another person on the basis of his or her Deen. Using Deen as the criterion of marriage means that the person should have the correct Islamic ‘aqeedah and the right Islamic paradigm. In addition, his or her actions and lifestyle should reflect that ‘aqeedah and paradigm. For that purpose, appellations such as Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Sufi, etc. are useless. Our decisions should not be based upon the names people have given to groups but on an individual’s personal faith in, attitude towards and practice of the deen.
(Zawaj.com Editor's Note: To elaborate on this point, it's important to look beyond the person's sectarian label or social background, because within any sectarian group beliefs can vary widely. In addition, a person may hold personal beliefs that are not consistent with his family's or region's sect. A person might call himself Shi'ah but his personal beliefs and practice might be quite correct and good; while a person might call himself Sunni but his personal beliefs could be completely heretical. That is why you must talk to the person in order to find out just what he believes and how he practices Islam.)
Belief
From the perspective mentioned above, one should marry a person who believes in the following:
Allaah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala as the One and Only Lord, Master, Creator, Worthy of worship, Ruler, Sovereign, Protector and Provider -- Who is Infinite and Absolute in every attribute He has mentioned about Himself; to Whom we must submit readily and willingly in slave-like obedience in all aspects and matters of life, throughout our life; Who is the only One that can listen to and respond to our du’aas (ad’iyah) and provide us help in supernatural ways; and Who is so Majestic and Exalted that even those who are closest to Him from His creations can never demand something from Him or intercede for someone without His permission and pleasure. Hence we must rely only on Him, repose our trust in Him and seek only His pleasure.
Muhammad Sall-Allaahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam is His last Prophet and the last Messenger who taught us and demonstrated for us the proper and balanced way of obeying Allaah SAAWS in our life and whose Sunnah is the perfect model for us to emulate in obedience to our Lord Allaah SWT. Other than the Prophet himself, there is absolutely no one who is perfect enough to be right all the time and whose words or actions could be followed on his own authority, without strong support form the Qur-aan and Sunnah.
The Holy Qur-aan is the final guidance from Allaah and is perfectly preserved in its complete and total form and perfectly relevant to all matters of human life in all ages until the Day of Judgment. All the personal and collective matters of our life must be conducted according to the guidance of the Qur-aan.
Angels are real creatures of Allaah SWT who are assigned different roles by Him. They carry out their assignments precisely, exactly and without compromising or making any mistake.
We will be raised and held accountable for our worldly life on the Day of Judgment and rewarded and punished according to our performance in this world. Only the personal faith that exists in the depths of our psyche (heart), and the right actions performed with sincerity and pure intentions for Allaah.
Islamic Practice
The potential partner's religious paradigm should be the following:
Islam is a complete way of life that is designed to develop personal excellence and superb behaviour, ethics and dealings in individuals and to establish the most superb global community that is characterized by peace, justice, graciousness, care and loving environment.
The five pillars of Islam provide us the structure and foundations to help us attain our individual and collective excellence, which is built upon that structure and foundations by practising the rest of the deen.
We must continuously work hard on a daily basis in an organized and planned manner for attaining personal excellence and as well as establishing the Islamic society of excellence for the pleasure of Allaah and the success in the Hereafter.
If a person testifies to have the above mentioned faith and his religious outlook corresponds to the above mentioned paradigm, and his lifestyle testifies to the truth of these assertions, that is the person with deen and that is the best person to get married to. Although I have used 'his', the same applies to 'her' as well.
Question:
A sister has asked: Assalamu Alaykum. I want help in a very serious matter. Can you tell me if a Sunni can marry a Shiya? If a girl is Sunni and a boy is Shiya. Please tell me about this. I shall be very thankful to you. Thanks, Allah Hafiz.
My Answer:
According to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, a person should decide about marrying another person on the basis of his or her Deen. Using Deen as the criterion of marriage means that the person should have the correct Islamic ‘aqeedah and the right Islamic paradigm. In addition, his or her actions and lifestyle should reflect that ‘aqeedah and paradigm. For that purpose, appellations such as Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Sufi, etc. are useless. Our decisions should not be based upon the names people have given to groups but on an individual’s personal faith in, attitude towards and practice of the deen.
(Zawaj.com Editor's Note: To elaborate on this point, it's important to look beyond the person's sectarian label or social background, because within any sectarian group beliefs can vary widely. In addition, a person may hold personal beliefs that are not consistent with his family's or region's sect. A person might call himself Shi'ah but his personal beliefs and practice might be quite correct and good; while a person might call himself Sunni but his personal beliefs could be completely heretical. That is why you must talk to the person in order to find out just what he believes and how he practices Islam.)
Belief
From the perspective mentioned above, one should marry a person who believes in the following:
Allaah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala as the One and Only Lord, Master, Creator, Worthy of worship, Ruler, Sovereign, Protector and Provider -- Who is Infinite and Absolute in every attribute He has mentioned about Himself; to Whom we must submit readily and willingly in slave-like obedience in all aspects and matters of life, throughout our life; Who is the only One that can listen to and respond to our du’aas (ad’iyah) and provide us help in supernatural ways; and Who is so Majestic and Exalted that even those who are closest to Him from His creations can never demand something from Him or intercede for someone without His permission and pleasure. Hence we must rely only on Him, repose our trust in Him and seek only His pleasure.
Muhammad Sall-Allaahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam is His last Prophet and the last Messenger who taught us and demonstrated for us the proper and balanced way of obeying Allaah SAAWS in our life and whose Sunnah is the perfect model for us to emulate in obedience to our Lord Allaah SWT. Other than the Prophet himself, there is absolutely no one who is perfect enough to be right all the time and whose words or actions could be followed on his own authority, without strong support form the Qur-aan and Sunnah.
The Holy Qur-aan is the final guidance from Allaah and is perfectly preserved in its complete and total form and perfectly relevant to all matters of human life in all ages until the Day of Judgment. All the personal and collective matters of our life must be conducted according to the guidance of the Qur-aan.
Angels are real creatures of Allaah SWT who are assigned different roles by Him. They carry out their assignments precisely, exactly and without compromising or making any mistake.
We will be raised and held accountable for our worldly life on the Day of Judgment and rewarded and punished according to our performance in this world. Only the personal faith that exists in the depths of our psyche (heart), and the right actions performed with sincerity and pure intentions for Allaah.
Islamic Practice
The potential partner's religious paradigm should be the following:
Islam is a complete way of life that is designed to develop personal excellence and superb behaviour, ethics and dealings in individuals and to establish the most superb global community that is characterized by peace, justice, graciousness, care and loving environment.
The five pillars of Islam provide us the structure and foundations to help us attain our individual and collective excellence, which is built upon that structure and foundations by practising the rest of the deen.
We must continuously work hard on a daily basis in an organized and planned manner for attaining personal excellence and as well as establishing the Islamic society of excellence for the pleasure of Allaah and the success in the Hereafter.
If a person testifies to have the above mentioned faith and his religious outlook corresponds to the above mentioned paradigm, and his lifestyle testifies to the truth of these assertions, that is the person with deen and that is the best person to get married to. Although I have used 'his', the same applies to 'her' as well.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, November 29, 2008
THE FIRST FOOD OF THIS WORLD: MOTHER'S MILK
From the moment a baby opens its eyes to this world, its body must adapt to a new life. Every factor to facilitate this adaptation has been put into effect during and after the pregnancy. The clearest example of this is the stage of the formation of mother's milk.
The formation of the milk is provided by the mother's hormones. The production of milk is connected basically to a hormone called "prolactin" produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. During pregnancy, the progesterone and the oestrogen hormones produced by the placenta prevent prolactin from being activated and producing milk. But the placenta is discharged after birth causing the level of progesterone and oestrogen in the blood to fall; after this, prolactin comes into action and contributes to the formation of milk. Because of this communication among the hormones, such a valuable nutrient as mother's milk is prepared exactly at the moment when the baby needs it. This is indeed a momentous exchange of information. While the placenta is in the body, it performs vital tasks but at the right time it must be ejected. This brings with it a very important development for human life. In the stages of human creation all the things that take place complement one another. Certainly, these are clear proofs that every human being has been constructed by a supreme power.
And these stages continue after the baby has come into the world. The production of milk by the mother increases according to the baby's need for nourishment. In the first days, up to 50 g. is produced; in the sixth month, the production may be as high as one litre. Those scientists who have tried to find the formula for mother's milk have been unsuccessful after long investigations because there is no standard type of mother's milk. In every mother's body, milk is produced according to the needs of her own baby, and this milk nourishes the baby in a way that no other extraneous nourishment can. Research has shown that the antibodies, hormones, vitamins and minerals in mother's milk are determined by the needs of the baby.
The Difference Between Mother's Milk and Other Nutrients
The use of nutrient material other than mother's milk does not completely meet the needs of the baby. For example, no other nutrient material contains the antibodies required for the baby's immune system.
Cow's milk is considered to be the classic nutrient material for babies. When we compare it with mother's milk, we can better understand the superiority of the latter. In cow's milk there is a higher amount of casein than in human milk. Casein is a protein found in coagulated (sour) milk. This material breaks down into larger pieces in the stomach making digestion difficult. For this reason, cow's milk is harder to digest than mother's milk. The fact that little of this material is found in mother's milk makes the baby's digestion easier.
These two kinds of milk are also different with regard to the composition of amino acids. Due to this difference in composition, the total number of amino acids present in the plasma of a baby fed with cow's milk is greater; the level of some amino acids is too high while the level of others is too low. This has negative effects on the nervous system and, because of the higher protein content, places an extra burden on the kidneys.
Another factor that makes mother's milk different is its sugar content. In mother's milk and cow's milk there is the same kind of sugar-lactose. But the amount of lactose in human milk (L / 7g) is different from that in cow's milk (L / 4.8g). Besides, the large coagulated particles of cow's milk pass much more slowly through the small intestine. For this reason, high amounts of fluid and lactose, which are very important, are absorbed in the first section of the small intestine. Coagulated particles of mother's milk (unlike those of cow's milk) pass through the small intestine easily, and lactose and fluid reach the large intestine. In this way, a healthy intestinal structure develops. The second advantage of the great quantity of lactose found in human milk is that it ensures the synthesis of a material called "cerebroside", which plays an important role in the construction of the essential structures of the nervous system.
Despite the fact that the fat level in mother's milk and cow's milk is almost the same, the quality of those fats is different. The linoleic acid in mother's milk is the only fatty acid required in the nourishment of the baby.
Another factor that distinguishes mother's milk is the amount and proportion of the salt and minerals it contains. For example, in cow's milk the amount of calcium and phosphorus is high; but the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in cow's milk makes it difficult to digest properly. Phosphorus can combine with calcium in the digestive tract and actually prevent the absorption of calcium. Therefore, if a baby is given cow's milk in the first days of its life, the way can be opened to certain abnormalities due to a drop of the level of calcium in the blood. 1
Apart from this, human milk is 50% iron. Because cow's milk contains a much lower proportion of this mineral, babies fed on cow's milk can develop anaemia linked to iron deficiency.
Richness in vitamins is another factor that makes mother's milk indispensable for the baby. From the point of view of the vitamins they contain, mother's milk and cow's milk are quite different. Despite the fact that the level of vitamin A is the same, the level of vitamins E, C and K is higher in mother's milk. The amount of vitamin D in mother's milk is sufficient for the baby's needs.
Mother's Milk Protects the Baby at Every Stage
A baby coming into the world from the protected, bacteria-free womb of its mother must fight against several bacteria in the external world. One of the most important features of mother's milk is that it protects the baby from infections. The protective cells (antibodies) that pass from the mother's milk to the baby cause the baby to start fighting against bacteria it had never known before, as if it had actually been informed. The antibodies contained in great quantities in the form of mother's milk called "colostrum", which is secreted in the first few days after birth, perform an especially protective function.
This protection that mother's milk provides for the baby (protection from slight infections to very serious ones), is vitally important for the first few months, and its benefits increase in proportion to the period of breast feeding.
The benefits to the baby of mother's milk become more evident every passing day. One of the things scientists have discovered about mother's milk is that it is highly beneficial for a baby up to two years of age. 2
The importance of this recent discovery was revealed to us 14 centuries ago:
We have instructed man concerning his parents. Bearing him caused his mother great debility and the period of his weaning was two years: "Give thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final destination." (Qur'an, 31: 14)
The formation of the milk is provided by the mother's hormones. The production of milk is connected basically to a hormone called "prolactin" produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. During pregnancy, the progesterone and the oestrogen hormones produced by the placenta prevent prolactin from being activated and producing milk. But the placenta is discharged after birth causing the level of progesterone and oestrogen in the blood to fall; after this, prolactin comes into action and contributes to the formation of milk. Because of this communication among the hormones, such a valuable nutrient as mother's milk is prepared exactly at the moment when the baby needs it. This is indeed a momentous exchange of information. While the placenta is in the body, it performs vital tasks but at the right time it must be ejected. This brings with it a very important development for human life. In the stages of human creation all the things that take place complement one another. Certainly, these are clear proofs that every human being has been constructed by a supreme power.
And these stages continue after the baby has come into the world. The production of milk by the mother increases according to the baby's need for nourishment. In the first days, up to 50 g. is produced; in the sixth month, the production may be as high as one litre. Those scientists who have tried to find the formula for mother's milk have been unsuccessful after long investigations because there is no standard type of mother's milk. In every mother's body, milk is produced according to the needs of her own baby, and this milk nourishes the baby in a way that no other extraneous nourishment can. Research has shown that the antibodies, hormones, vitamins and minerals in mother's milk are determined by the needs of the baby.
The Difference Between Mother's Milk and Other Nutrients
The use of nutrient material other than mother's milk does not completely meet the needs of the baby. For example, no other nutrient material contains the antibodies required for the baby's immune system.
Cow's milk is considered to be the classic nutrient material for babies. When we compare it with mother's milk, we can better understand the superiority of the latter. In cow's milk there is a higher amount of casein than in human milk. Casein is a protein found in coagulated (sour) milk. This material breaks down into larger pieces in the stomach making digestion difficult. For this reason, cow's milk is harder to digest than mother's milk. The fact that little of this material is found in mother's milk makes the baby's digestion easier.
These two kinds of milk are also different with regard to the composition of amino acids. Due to this difference in composition, the total number of amino acids present in the plasma of a baby fed with cow's milk is greater; the level of some amino acids is too high while the level of others is too low. This has negative effects on the nervous system and, because of the higher protein content, places an extra burden on the kidneys.
Another factor that makes mother's milk different is its sugar content. In mother's milk and cow's milk there is the same kind of sugar-lactose. But the amount of lactose in human milk (L / 7g) is different from that in cow's milk (L / 4.8g). Besides, the large coagulated particles of cow's milk pass much more slowly through the small intestine. For this reason, high amounts of fluid and lactose, which are very important, are absorbed in the first section of the small intestine. Coagulated particles of mother's milk (unlike those of cow's milk) pass through the small intestine easily, and lactose and fluid reach the large intestine. In this way, a healthy intestinal structure develops. The second advantage of the great quantity of lactose found in human milk is that it ensures the synthesis of a material called "cerebroside", which plays an important role in the construction of the essential structures of the nervous system.
Despite the fact that the fat level in mother's milk and cow's milk is almost the same, the quality of those fats is different. The linoleic acid in mother's milk is the only fatty acid required in the nourishment of the baby.
Another factor that distinguishes mother's milk is the amount and proportion of the salt and minerals it contains. For example, in cow's milk the amount of calcium and phosphorus is high; but the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in cow's milk makes it difficult to digest properly. Phosphorus can combine with calcium in the digestive tract and actually prevent the absorption of calcium. Therefore, if a baby is given cow's milk in the first days of its life, the way can be opened to certain abnormalities due to a drop of the level of calcium in the blood. 1
Apart from this, human milk is 50% iron. Because cow's milk contains a much lower proportion of this mineral, babies fed on cow's milk can develop anaemia linked to iron deficiency.
Richness in vitamins is another factor that makes mother's milk indispensable for the baby. From the point of view of the vitamins they contain, mother's milk and cow's milk are quite different. Despite the fact that the level of vitamin A is the same, the level of vitamins E, C and K is higher in mother's milk. The amount of vitamin D in mother's milk is sufficient for the baby's needs.
Mother's Milk Protects the Baby at Every Stage
A baby coming into the world from the protected, bacteria-free womb of its mother must fight against several bacteria in the external world. One of the most important features of mother's milk is that it protects the baby from infections. The protective cells (antibodies) that pass from the mother's milk to the baby cause the baby to start fighting against bacteria it had never known before, as if it had actually been informed. The antibodies contained in great quantities in the form of mother's milk called "colostrum", which is secreted in the first few days after birth, perform an especially protective function.
This protection that mother's milk provides for the baby (protection from slight infections to very serious ones), is vitally important for the first few months, and its benefits increase in proportion to the period of breast feeding.
The benefits to the baby of mother's milk become more evident every passing day. One of the things scientists have discovered about mother's milk is that it is highly beneficial for a baby up to two years of age. 2
The importance of this recent discovery was revealed to us 14 centuries ago:
We have instructed man concerning his parents. Bearing him caused his mother great debility and the period of his weaning was two years: "Give thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final destination." (Qur'an, 31: 14)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Why Should I Wear the Hijaab?
http://www.troid.org/
"PIVOTAL QUOTE"
Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions.
This is a good question and there is a beautiful answer! Allaah has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allaah orders the Muslim woman to wear the hijaab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the hijaab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:
You please Allaah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the hijaab and you can expect great rewards in return.
It is Allaah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.
It is Allaah’s preservation of your chastity.
Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab.
Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.
Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.
Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.
Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!
Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble not degraded because you covered not naked.
Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.
Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.
Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.
Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.
Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.
Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.
Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.
Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…
So a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…
Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing hijaab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allaah only commands what is good…
…and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…
"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord." [Sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]
"PIVOTAL QUOTE"
Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions.
This is a good question and there is a beautiful answer! Allaah has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allaah orders the Muslim woman to wear the hijaab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the hijaab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:
You please Allaah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the hijaab and you can expect great rewards in return.
It is Allaah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.
It is Allaah’s preservation of your chastity.
Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab.
Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.
Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.
Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.
Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!
Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble not degraded because you covered not naked.
Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.
Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.
Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.
Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.
Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.
Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.
Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.
Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…
So a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…
Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing hijaab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allaah only commands what is good…
…and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…
"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord." [Sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]
Sunday, November 9, 2008
VEIL LIFTED FROM PURDAH
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(The author of this article is the Editor in Chief of Al-Balaagh, a bi-monthly published from Lenasia, South Africa. He is a widely known Muslim scholar, writer, author, and journalist. In August 2001 he received an Award of Honor for his 50 years of extraordinary service in the cause of Islam. He has written more than 30,000 letters in 50 years at the rate of 3 to 5 letters a night - to various people around the world, answering their queries, or thanking them for something).
You have seen the 'CASPER THE GHOST', or Ku Klux Klan or NINJA type of picture of a Muslim woman. There are Muslim women-the Mujaahideen women in Iran with rifles in hand who do not wear the NINJA type of dress. To the NINJA dressed Muslim woman her face is more important; to the others giving their lives for Islam is paramount! These brave ladies are emulating their sisters during the battles in our Nabi's (SAS) time-who carried water to the wounded and dying, pulled out arrows from the bodies of the fallen, nursed them, and even fought against the enemies! And they didn't cover their faces like the Ninjas or Ku Klux Klan! -Nor did the Prophet (SAS) ever asked them to do so!
The practice of covering the face completely except for the eyes originated in Zoroastrian Persia of old where the patrician (aristocratic) women wore the purdah in order to distinguish themselves from the plebeian (of lower social class) women. This Zoroastrian CUSTOM has NOTHING whatsoever to do with the Shari'ah of Islam!
POSSIBILITY
Let us visualize the ludicrous situation to which purdah can lend itself. Here's a profitable possibility that can be merrily exploited by the ever-scheming "stronger sex": A man can freely, joyfully, and with perfect composure and relaxation, associate with his paramour by donning the purdah (burqa) and going out with her everywhere in public, undetected and with impunity. He can triumphantly thumb his nose at society from inside the purdah, because NOBODY can lift the veil on his surreptitious escapade!
The public will not bat an eyelid, never suspect, and take it for granted that two WOMEN wearing the purdah are going about their normal, legitimate business. But the man hidden in the fortress of the purdah has other "business" in mind!
THE PURDAH
One more point: Covering the countenance will frustrate man's desire to look at a woman's face. But what about the WOMAN wearing the purdah? SHE can ogle at men from behind the veil! What's there to restrain HER from nibbling at men with her eyes? Where, then is the meaning or significance of purdah?
TRUE purdah is of the heart, the eyes, and thoughts! A woman may cover her face, but her heart is evil, and her tongue full of malicious FITNAH and GOSSIP! (And do not forget that VEIL is the anagram of EVIL!!) What, the, is the use of covering the face? Our Nabi (SAS) maintained most emphatically that: "Verily, Allah does NOT look at your faces (whether veiled, unveiled, bearded or clean-shaven), nor at your wealth; but HE certainly looks at your HEARTS (how clean they are!) and at your DEEDS!"
ZOROASTRIANS
When Persia was conquered by Muslims, and the Zoroastrians (Fire-worshippers) accepted Islam, they brought their mores and customs into Islam-just as when the Hindus of India became Muslims, they incorporated all their Hindu traditions into Islam, e.g. observing "Chaaleeswa" (40 days) after someone dies, etc.
Instead of forcing women to cover their faces, the mullahs should embark on a concerted campaign to compel MEN to wear purdah!! This is because it is the men who mostly harbor evil thoughts. Women have much more cleaner minds than men. Some men are the real rascals! In spite of all the external paraphernalia of "piety"-topi, beard, that long, maxi, woman's kurta, tasbeeh in hand, etc., - Muslims KNOW a number of them to be involved in wicked operations (secret merchants of hard porn, hijacking trucks, stealing containers, etc.,) And yet the mullahs want to slap the Taliban-type of purdah on the poor, innocent women!
SUPINE
It is about time that the oppressed woman of Islam shattered the shackles of male oppression and released herself from the enervating bondage imposed on her by the mullahs! She must emulate her Lucknow sisters and send out a clear, unmistakable message, and programme of things to come.
For centuries the Muslim woman has lain supine. NOW is the time for her to stand UP and say: "Enough is enough!" She must recalcitrantly refuse to take things LYING DOWN… and assiduously assert the rights vouchsafed to her by Allah (SWT) and Rasool (SAS). The time for "sweet talk" is long over. The time for ACTION has now come!
Women of Islam, UNITE! You have NOTHING to lose except your chains! And Allah (SWT) and Rasool (SAS) will most certainly help you BREAK those chains, Insha'Allah.
It may or may not be nearer the truth, but a wise man has sagaciously suggested that only TWO types of women could possibly wear this ridiculous, preposterous, risibility-tickling, alien-looking Ninja-purdah: "The very OLD, and the very UGLY."
Courtesy, AL-BALAAGH of South Africa, p. 7, NOV/DEC 1997
(The author of this article is the Editor in Chief of Al-Balaagh, a bi-monthly published from Lenasia, South Africa. He is a widely known Muslim scholar, writer, author, and journalist. In August 2001 he received an Award of Honor for his 50 years of extraordinary service in the cause of Islam. He has written more than 30,000 letters in 50 years at the rate of 3 to 5 letters a night - to various people around the world, answering their queries, or thanking them for something).
You have seen the 'CASPER THE GHOST', or Ku Klux Klan or NINJA type of picture of a Muslim woman. There are Muslim women-the Mujaahideen women in Iran with rifles in hand who do not wear the NINJA type of dress. To the NINJA dressed Muslim woman her face is more important; to the others giving their lives for Islam is paramount! These brave ladies are emulating their sisters during the battles in our Nabi's (SAS) time-who carried water to the wounded and dying, pulled out arrows from the bodies of the fallen, nursed them, and even fought against the enemies! And they didn't cover their faces like the Ninjas or Ku Klux Klan! -Nor did the Prophet (SAS) ever asked them to do so!
The practice of covering the face completely except for the eyes originated in Zoroastrian Persia of old where the patrician (aristocratic) women wore the purdah in order to distinguish themselves from the plebeian (of lower social class) women. This Zoroastrian CUSTOM has NOTHING whatsoever to do with the Shari'ah of Islam!
POSSIBILITY
Let us visualize the ludicrous situation to which purdah can lend itself. Here's a profitable possibility that can be merrily exploited by the ever-scheming "stronger sex": A man can freely, joyfully, and with perfect composure and relaxation, associate with his paramour by donning the purdah (burqa) and going out with her everywhere in public, undetected and with impunity. He can triumphantly thumb his nose at society from inside the purdah, because NOBODY can lift the veil on his surreptitious escapade!
The public will not bat an eyelid, never suspect, and take it for granted that two WOMEN wearing the purdah are going about their normal, legitimate business. But the man hidden in the fortress of the purdah has other "business" in mind!
THE PURDAH
One more point: Covering the countenance will frustrate man's desire to look at a woman's face. But what about the WOMAN wearing the purdah? SHE can ogle at men from behind the veil! What's there to restrain HER from nibbling at men with her eyes? Where, then is the meaning or significance of purdah?
TRUE purdah is of the heart, the eyes, and thoughts! A woman may cover her face, but her heart is evil, and her tongue full of malicious FITNAH and GOSSIP! (And do not forget that VEIL is the anagram of EVIL!!) What, the, is the use of covering the face? Our Nabi (SAS) maintained most emphatically that: "Verily, Allah does NOT look at your faces (whether veiled, unveiled, bearded or clean-shaven), nor at your wealth; but HE certainly looks at your HEARTS (how clean they are!) and at your DEEDS!"
ZOROASTRIANS
When Persia was conquered by Muslims, and the Zoroastrians (Fire-worshippers) accepted Islam, they brought their mores and customs into Islam-just as when the Hindus of India became Muslims, they incorporated all their Hindu traditions into Islam, e.g. observing "Chaaleeswa" (40 days) after someone dies, etc.
Instead of forcing women to cover their faces, the mullahs should embark on a concerted campaign to compel MEN to wear purdah!! This is because it is the men who mostly harbor evil thoughts. Women have much more cleaner minds than men. Some men are the real rascals! In spite of all the external paraphernalia of "piety"-topi, beard, that long, maxi, woman's kurta, tasbeeh in hand, etc., - Muslims KNOW a number of them to be involved in wicked operations (secret merchants of hard porn, hijacking trucks, stealing containers, etc.,) And yet the mullahs want to slap the Taliban-type of purdah on the poor, innocent women!
SUPINE
It is about time that the oppressed woman of Islam shattered the shackles of male oppression and released herself from the enervating bondage imposed on her by the mullahs! She must emulate her Lucknow sisters and send out a clear, unmistakable message, and programme of things to come.
For centuries the Muslim woman has lain supine. NOW is the time for her to stand UP and say: "Enough is enough!" She must recalcitrantly refuse to take things LYING DOWN… and assiduously assert the rights vouchsafed to her by Allah (SWT) and Rasool (SAS). The time for "sweet talk" is long over. The time for ACTION has now come!
Women of Islam, UNITE! You have NOTHING to lose except your chains! And Allah (SWT) and Rasool (SAS) will most certainly help you BREAK those chains, Insha'Allah.
It may or may not be nearer the truth, but a wise man has sagaciously suggested that only TWO types of women could possibly wear this ridiculous, preposterous, risibility-tickling, alien-looking Ninja-purdah: "The very OLD, and the very UGLY."
Courtesy, AL-BALAAGH of South Africa, p. 7, NOV/DEC 1997
Backbiting
www.doshiza.com
Definition of Gheebah (Backbiting)
A backbiter is called Mughtaab. Gheebah is to talk about your brother/sister in such a manner that he/she would dislike it if told about it. Whether you talk about a physical defect, lineage, manners, conduct, faith or even his clothes, house or mode of transportation - all those constitute Gheebah. With reference to a person's body, it could be stated that he is bald, short, tall, black, yellow, or giving any physical description the person does not like. In regards to family tree, it could include stating that his father is a Bedouin, a garbage collector, cobbler, or anything that he may dislike. In regards to manners and conduct, it could include stating that he has bad manners, is stingy, arrogant, a coward, is weak-hearted, irresponsible or the like. In regards to his deeds associated with religion, it could include statements such as he is a thief, a liar, drunkard, treacherous, an oppressor, careless about Salah or Zakah, saying he doesn't perfect his Ruku' or Sujood, he is not careful about avoiding Najasah (impurities), isn't dutiful to his parents or he doesn't pay Zakah to the right persons, doesn't distribute Zakah correctly, or he doesn't guard his Sawm (fasting) from obscenity, backbiting, or talking ill about others. In regards to his deeds associated with daily living, it could include statements such as he has no manners with people, he talks too much, he always sleeps even when it is not time to sleep, or he sits where he shouldn't. Gheebah statements about someone's clothing could include statements such as his sleeve is wide, his thobe (shirt) is long, or that his clothes are dirty.
The Prophet (pbuh) defined backbiting when he said: "Do you know what is meant by backbiting?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said, "To say something about your brother which he dislikes." One asked, "Even if what I say is true about my brother?" He replied, "If such defects you say are true about him, then you have backbitten him, and if he doesn't have what you say, then you have committed slander against him." (Related by Muslim, Abu Dawood, and Tirmidhi)
Hence, it is not allowed to talk about somebody in his/her absence, even if what was narrated was true. If it was not true, then it would be a bigger sin and it is called Buhtan (false accusation).
Talking about someone else's fault - even in the absence of that person - with the intention of saving someone from that person's harm or of getting someone's help in correcting these faults or of recording one's grievances with the authorities or of any other imaginable positive reason to discuss such faults, should not be considered as Gheebah.
It is important to note that to find other's faults or to talk sarcastically or to defame a person is called 'Lumz'. In the Qur'an, Allah states: "Do not defame one another." (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:11)
It means that when you find faults in others, they will turn around and find faults in you.
The beauty of this wording of the Qur'an is that it says that finding faults in others is like finding faults in you.
Just like Allah states: "Do not kill yourself." Hence, if you kill others, they will try to kill you. Allah also says in the Qur'an: "Woe to every slanderer and back-biter!" (Surah Al-Humazah, 104: 1)
Allah (SWT) made it clear that defaming another Muslim in his/her absence is like eating the flesh of one's dead brother (49:12), which obviously, everybody hates. Hence, it is the most dreadful sin. Note that if the person is present, he/she may have a chance to defend himself/herself, although everybody does not have the courage to defend themselves in these circumstances. If, however, he/she is defamed in his/her absence, the damage is deep and somewhat permanent.
The tongue alone does not do backbiting; it can also be done with the eyes, hands and other movements. For example, imitating somebody who is limping, in order to insult him/her.
Muhammad Rasool Allah (SAS) said: " Backbiting is a worse sin than adultery." It is further explained in a saying of the Prophet (SAS), narrated by Abu Sa'eed and Jubair in Bayhaqi: "Allah may forgive a person if he/she repents after committing adultery. However, Allah will not forgive the one who backbites, till his/her victim forgives him/her."
One time, the Messenger of Allah pointed towards two graves and said to his companions that both of these people are being punished in their graves. One of them used to backbite people and the other was not careful about spilling drops of urine of his clothes and body whilst urinating.
The Prophet (SAS) during his Me’raj journey saw some people who had nails made of red copper. They were tearing apart their faces and chests with these nails. The Noble Prophet asked the Angel Jibrail (AS) about them, He said, “They are being punished because they used to eat people’s flesh in their lives, i.e. used to backbite and defame others.
Abu Hurayra (RA) narrates that the Noble Prophet (SAS) said, “The killing of a Muslim by another unjustly, usurping others’ wealth or defaming other Muslims is totally forbidden (or Haram).” (Sahih Muslim)
Note that listening to backbiting is the same as backbiting somebody. It is better to walk away from such individuals.
Backbiting violates the rights of Allah and the rights of people simultaneously. Hence, it is necessary to ask for forgiveness from the victim first, since Allah will not forgive until the victim forgives. If the victim has died or is untraceable, then ransom has to be paid. Anas (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAS) said, “The ransom for backbiting is to pray to Allah for forgiveness by saying, “ O Allah! Forgive my sins and his too.”
Making Fun
Backbiting (Gheebah) can even be making fun of a person. The Prophet (SAS) vigorously opposed all aspects of backbiting even when it occurred in his own family. For example, once a woman visited Hadrat Aishah (RAa) and when the woman got up to leave, Hadrat Aishah Siddiqua (RAa) made a sign with her hand indicating to the Prophet (SAS) that the woman was short of stature. The Prophet (SAS) immediately chastised her, saying, "You have backbitten!" (Tirmidhi)
Imam Al- Nawawi, a great scholar, commented regarding the above Hadith saying, "This Hadith is paramount with regard to backbiting and I don't know anything more severe than this."
Nameemah (Tale carrying)
Nameemah is the use of speech by people against each other, wishing to cause corruption. ALLAH says in regard to this matter:
"...Neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it [so hate backbiting]" (Surah Hujurat, 49:12)
The Prophet (SAS) has clearly stated, "The gossip-monger will not enter paradise" (Bukhari, Muslim). Further, when the sin is injurious to others, Islam does not distinguish between a Muslim and a non-Muslim victim. The Muslim scholars generally consider backbiting of a non-Muslim unlawful. Defamation, therefore is a crime punishable by the courts in addition to being a matter of reckoning in the hereafter...
Guarding the Tongue
"And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned." (17:36)
"Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created. He has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not." (96:1-5)
It is well known that whoever guards his/her tongue will make fewer mistakes. He will be in control of himself and avoid from falling into something wrong. The Prophet (pbuh) guaranteed Paradise for one who guards his/her mouth. He is reported to have said:
"Whoever gives me surety to safeguard what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I guarantee for him (entrance into) Paradise." [What is between one's jaws is the Lisan (tongue); and what is between the legs is the Farj (private parts)]."
Imam Nawawi said, "Be aware that it is incumbent upon every Mukallaf (competent person in full possession of his faculties) to guard his tongue against all kinds of talking except when it is evident that talking will be a means of beneficence. When talking and being quiet are both equal as a prudent measure, and then the Sunnah is to abstain from talking. Sometimes even a lawful talking may lead to unlawful or distasteful matters. This is a common practice, but there is nothing equivalent to safety." If your tongue is right and straight then the extremities will be straight. But if your tongue disobeys and indulges in the private affairs and honor of people, then the extremities will disobey and Allah's prohibitions will be violated. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said:
"When the son of Adam gets up in the morning, all parts of his body deny the tongue saying, 'Fear Allah regarding us, we follow you. If you are right we shall also be right, and if you go astray, we shall also go astray.'" Nawawi said that denying the tongue means to humiliate and submit. Al-Albani said, "It means that the members consider the tongue as the one denying the favors."
The tongue is a great gift from Allah (SWT) and a marvelous creation. The size may be small, but its capacity to obey or disobey can be great. The Kufr (disbelief) can't be distinguished from Iman (faith) except through the testimony of the tongue. Iman and Kufr are the ultimate capacity to obey or disobey. The tongue has a very broad range of functions. It has a large measure of good that can be performed and a large measure of evil that can be inflicted. If one let go one's tongue, Shaytaan will take him everywhere and lead him to an edge, then allow him to fall for his own downfall. The only way to be saved from the evils of the tongue is to restrain it with the bridle of the Shari'ah (Islamic law). It should be used, but only for what is beneficial in this life and the Hereafter.
Indeed the tongue controls the rest of your body. A well-controlled tongue will keep us within Islam but a loose tongue will destroy us. Instead of swearing, lying and engaging in useless talk we can use our tongues in better ways and what better than telling people about Islam. Allah says "Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah and works righteousness and says I am one of those who bow down in Islam" (41:33)
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah bless his soul, said: "It is strange that a person may find it easy to protect himself from eating Haraam, oppression and injustice, adultery, theft, drinking Khamr, and from unlawful looking, but it is hard for him to restrain the movement of his tongue. How often do we see people who are very cautious about falling into shameful deeds or injustice, but their tongue lashes against the living and the dead and they don't mind it."? He further said: "Some people have the disease of criticizing all the time. They forget the good about others and only mention their faults. They are like flies that avoid the good and pure places and land on the bad places and on wounds. This is because of the evil within the self and the spoiled nature."
Prohibition of Gheebah
Allah has said:
"And spy not, neither backbite against one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful." (49:12)
"And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned." (17:36)
"Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is watcher by him ready (to record it)." (50:18)
It was narrated by Abu Musa: "Some people asked Allah's Messenger (pbuh) whose Islam is the best?" (i.e., who is a very good Muslim?) The Prophet (SAS) replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongues and hands." He is also reported to have said, "Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quiet. Sometimes a person may utter a word to which he attaches no importance and by it he falls into Hell farther than the distance between the East and West."
"And the person may utter a word which displeases Allah without thinking how serious it is, as a result of which Allah will record His wrath for him, because of His displeasure until the Day when he meets Him." (Related by Mu'atta Imam Malik and Tirmidhi).
'Uqbah Bin 'Aamer asked, "O Allah's Messenger (pbuh), what is salvation?" He said: "Control your tongue, keep inside your house, and weep for your sins." (Related by Tirmidhi)
In one Hadith, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) took hold of his tongue and then said, "Keep this under control." When the Sahaba asked, "will we be called to account for what we say?" He replied, "Won't the people be thrown face down into Hell on account of the produce of their tongues." (Related by Tirmidhi).
Now let us see the punishment of the person that backbites in this life and the Hereafter. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "O you people who believe with their tongues (meaning those who pay lip-service to faith), when faith has not entered their hearts, do not backbite the Muslims and do not expose their faults. Whoever exposes the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his faults. And if Allah exposes his faults, his faults will be open for everyone even if he would hide inside his house." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi). Backbiting is prohibited by Ijmaa' (consensus). Imam Qurtubi said, "The Ijmaa' is that Gheebah is a major sin and it necessitates repentance, it is Wajib (obligatory) to turn to Allah in repentance from it."
Backbiting by writing
Gheebah can also be through writing, for the pen is one of two tongues. This is the case when the person tells the truth about others. It is Gheebah and he is Mughtaab, a backbiter. By doing this he disobeys his Lord and he eats the flesh of his brother. But if he is lying then he combines Gheebah and Kidhib (lying).
"When people mention others they may commit one of these three: Gheebah, Buhtan and Ifk, and all are in the Book of Allah. Gheebah is to say what is true about a person. Buhtan is to say what is not true about a person. And Ifk is to say what was conveyed to you." Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "All things belonging to a Muslim are unlawful for another Muslim: his blood, his property and his honor." (Muslim, Ahmad and Bayhaqi) Gheebah deals with honor and Allah has combined honor with property and blood.
Types of Gheebah
Gheebah has different forms and may take all kinds of means. The worst type of Gheebah is the one that combines gossip and riyaa'. An example would be when some person is mentioned and a man would say: "Al-hamdu lillah that He didn't try us, we would have been tempted to enter the doors of the sultan, or that we don't demean ourselves in seeking the ruins of this world." Or one may say, "I seek refuge with Allah from shamelessness. I ask Allah to protect me from such." The intention here is to criticize the other person and it is done in the form of a Du'a (supplication).
One may also praise another person but the intent is to criticize, such as saying: "How good such-and-such person is, he never had a shortcoming in his worship but now he is being lazy. He was tried with something everyone of us is tried with, which is lack of patience." One would criticize oneself but his/her intention is to criticize others by doing this. At the same time he praises himself by showing that he is righteous since he criticizes himself. In this case, he is Mughtaab, Muraa'ee and praising himself. He combines three shameful deeds and because of his ignorance he thinks that he is a righteous person who would not make Gheebah.
Another form of Gheebah is that one criticizes another person, but the people don't pay attention to what has been said. So he says, "Subhaan Allah. How amazing!..." so the people may listen to him and know what he is saying. Or he may say, "I was hurt to hear about our friend and how he was humiliated. I ask Allah to relieve him." He is actually lying about his concern regarding the friend, in his pretense of making Du'a. If he meant to pray for him, he would have prayed for him while alone.
The Motives for Gheebah
There may be numerous reasons to motivate one to make Gheebah. The following examples are among these reasons:
1. Lack of fear of Allah. Whoever feels the greatness of Allah and acknowledges that Allah is watching all his deeds and utterances, he would avoid anything that may displease Allah.
2. Getting things off one's chest. A person may do something to upset another. Every time the aggrieved person feels angry about it, he alleviates the anxiety by making Gheebah about the other person.
3. Joining a group of friends. When a group is engaged in a loose talk aimed at slandering others, a person may think that if he speaks out and tries to stop them they may dislike him and exclude him. So, he joins them in talking ill about others, assuring that this is the only way to be acceptable to them.
4. Seeking to raise one's own status by putting down others. A person may say: "So-and-so person is ignorant, he is not smart." The intention is to praise oneself and show that he has more knowledge than the other person.
5. Envy and jealousy. Some person may be praised by people who like him. A jealous person may hear them and make Gheebah of the other person, criticizing and insulting him, so that the people may think differently about the person they have just praised.
Types of Permissible Gheebah
Gheebah is permissible for a sound religious purpose that cannot be achieved except by using it. These permissible types of Gheebah are as follows:
1. Complaint because of an injustice, such as complaining to a ruler, judge or others in authority. A person may say in this case: "I was treated unjustly by so-and-so in such and such matter."
2. Seeking help to change a Munkar (wrong deed) and to correct the wrongdoers. A person may say: "A person does such and such, so stop him." His intention should be to check the Munkar. If this is not the case, then the statement is Haraam.
3. Seeking a Fatwa. A person may state to the Imam, Mufti or Shaikh, "My father, brother or so-and-so has treated me unfairly. Is that act permissible? And how do I get out of this situation? How do I obtain my rights?" This way of seeking a Fatwa is permissible. However, it is safer and more preferable to say whatever would be said about a non-specific person as doing such and such, as anonymously as possible.
4. Warning Muslims against evil and advising them. This could include criticism of untrustworthy narrators or witnesses. This is permissible by Ijmaa', rather it is mandatory and the benefit is very clear. Such as consulting in the matters of marriage or a business partnership. In this case, the person consulted should not hide anything about the concerned person. He should mention the faulty qualities only with the intention of benefiting the consultant.
5. Mentioning the person who indulges in Haraam or Bid'ah openly. This would include mentioning those who openly drink Khamr or those in positions of authority doing wrong. It is permissible to mention the sin of such a person. However, it is prohibited to mention the person with a different sin unless there is a reason that makes it permissible to do so for that sin.
6. Identifying a person. If a person is known by a descriptive nickname, such as Al-A'mash (squint-eyed), Al-A'raj (one who walks with a limp), or Al-Asamm (deaf), then it is permissible to use these names for identification purposes. But it is not permitted to use these names if the intention is to insult the person. If it is possible to identify such person by using another descriptive name, then it is better and preferable.
Kaffarah (Expiation) of Gheebah
Committing Gheebah is forbidden by the Ijmaa' of the scholars, and considered a major sin. Scholars differ in the Kaffarah of the Mughtaab (backbiter), but they all agree that he/she must make Tawbah as the first step. Repentance itself has three conditions: refraining from the sin, regret for the commission of the sin, and determination not to commit it ever again. Repentance from Gheebah, however, has an additional condition, a fourth one because the Mughtaab has actually committed two offenses:
1. One offense is towards Allah (because he committed an act which Allah has prohibited). The expiation is to turn to Allah in repentance and to regret what has been done.
2. The other one is against Allah's creatures. If the Gheebah has reached the person, then forgiveness must be sought from him and regret must be expressed to him for what has been said. But if the Gheebah didn't reach the person, then he should pray for the person's forgiveness and not tell him something he didn't know anyway, fearing that some evil may result from telling him.
The Cure for Gheebah
The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Do you know who is bankrupt?" The Companions replied, 'The bankrupt amongst us is the person who has no money or property." The Prophet (pbuh) said, "The bankrupt from amongst my Ummah is the one who will come on the Day of Resurrection with a good record of Salah, Sawm and Zakah. But he also had cursed someone, slandered against someone, unlawfully took the property of another, killed someone or beat someone. Then all of these abused persons will receive parts of his (abuser's) Hasanaat. When all of his (abuser's) Hasanaat have been removed from his record after he (abuser) pays back for what he owes, then the aggrieved persons' sins will be transferred to and thrown on him (abuser) and he (abuser) will be thrown into the Fire." (Related by Muslim and Tirmidhi)
The Virtue of Opposing Gheebah
It is the right of a Muslim to speak up and oppose Gheebah made against his brother Muslim. He should protect his brother's honor and defend his reputation in his absence. Should a person fall short in fulfilling this right, he will be punished sooner or later. To defend your brother against Gheebah is not something minor. There are clear and sound Daleels (evidence) that tell us of the virtue of one who fulfills this obligation. Asmaa' Bint Yazeed said that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Whoever defends the honor of his brother in his absence, will be entitled to Allah's protection from the Fire." (Related by Ahmad) The Prophet (pbuh) is also reported to have said: "Whoever defends the honor of his brother, Allah will protect his face from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection." (Related by Ahmad and Tirmidhi)
The person who listens to Gheebah is also a sinner unless he opposes with his tongue or with his heart if he fears harm. If he can leave the gathering or interrupt and change the subject, then he should do so. If he says to the Mughtaab, 'be quiet' but he relishes the gossip in his heart, then such is hypocrisy. He will not be excused unless he rejects the gossip with his heart. One should take it seriously and defend his brethren quite explicitly. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Whoever witnesses the humiliation of a believer and doesn't support him while being capable of supporting him, Allah will humiliate him before all the creatures (on the Day of Judgment)." (Related by Ahmad). Let not the Mughtaab pollute your gatherings and dishonor the Muslims. You should defend the honor of the Muslims. If you do not do so, you may be absent one day and this Mughtaab will be eating of your flesh and you may not find anyone protecting your honor.
JOKING
"I was only joking". We treat lies as being trivial. However we are told, "Allah's messenger did not hate anything more than lying"(Ahmed). The Prophet (SAS) was once asked "Can a Muslim be a coward?" He (SAS) replied "Yes." and then was asked "Can a Muslim be a miser?" and the reply was "Yes." The Prophet (SAS) was then asked, "Can a Muslim be a liar?" The Prophet (SAS) replied "NO! A Muslim can never be a liar". Furthermore, he said, "Truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to paradise...Lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the hellfire." (Bukhari). As we know that one lie leads to another ten lies, which lead to bad actions. Remember you can lie and think that you have got away with it but on the day of Judgement your hands, tongue and feet will bear testimony against you and tell the truth.
The Best Example
As we know that the best person to have ever lived is the Prophet Muhammad (SAS) and he is the best of example for mankind. If we follow him we can never go wrong. Áisha (RAa) the Prophet's wife described the Prophet's conduct as follows: "He was neither a obscene talker nor a user of bad words. He did not shout nor did he repay evil with evil. He used to forgive people and overlook their sins." (Tirmidhi). Final Advice: A beautiful saying of the Prophet (SAS) that will ensure the protection of our tongue. The Messenger of Allah (SAS) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last day, LET HIM EITHER SPEAK GOOD OR KEEP SILENT"
REFERENCES
1. Article on "Suspicion, spying and backbiting" online at http://www.inter- islam.org/Prohibitions/Backbiting.html
2. Article on "BACKBITING" online at www.iad.org/islam/back.html
3. BACKBITING by Abdul Malik Al-Qasim Translated by Sami Ayoub and Mrs. Vivian Taylor Ayoub, DARUSSALAM Publishers & Distributors, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Definition of Gheebah (Backbiting)
A backbiter is called Mughtaab. Gheebah is to talk about your brother/sister in such a manner that he/she would dislike it if told about it. Whether you talk about a physical defect, lineage, manners, conduct, faith or even his clothes, house or mode of transportation - all those constitute Gheebah. With reference to a person's body, it could be stated that he is bald, short, tall, black, yellow, or giving any physical description the person does not like. In regards to family tree, it could include stating that his father is a Bedouin, a garbage collector, cobbler, or anything that he may dislike. In regards to manners and conduct, it could include stating that he has bad manners, is stingy, arrogant, a coward, is weak-hearted, irresponsible or the like. In regards to his deeds associated with religion, it could include statements such as he is a thief, a liar, drunkard, treacherous, an oppressor, careless about Salah or Zakah, saying he doesn't perfect his Ruku' or Sujood, he is not careful about avoiding Najasah (impurities), isn't dutiful to his parents or he doesn't pay Zakah to the right persons, doesn't distribute Zakah correctly, or he doesn't guard his Sawm (fasting) from obscenity, backbiting, or talking ill about others. In regards to his deeds associated with daily living, it could include statements such as he has no manners with people, he talks too much, he always sleeps even when it is not time to sleep, or he sits where he shouldn't. Gheebah statements about someone's clothing could include statements such as his sleeve is wide, his thobe (shirt) is long, or that his clothes are dirty.
The Prophet (pbuh) defined backbiting when he said: "Do you know what is meant by backbiting?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said, "To say something about your brother which he dislikes." One asked, "Even if what I say is true about my brother?" He replied, "If such defects you say are true about him, then you have backbitten him, and if he doesn't have what you say, then you have committed slander against him." (Related by Muslim, Abu Dawood, and Tirmidhi)
Hence, it is not allowed to talk about somebody in his/her absence, even if what was narrated was true. If it was not true, then it would be a bigger sin and it is called Buhtan (false accusation).
Talking about someone else's fault - even in the absence of that person - with the intention of saving someone from that person's harm or of getting someone's help in correcting these faults or of recording one's grievances with the authorities or of any other imaginable positive reason to discuss such faults, should not be considered as Gheebah.
It is important to note that to find other's faults or to talk sarcastically or to defame a person is called 'Lumz'. In the Qur'an, Allah states: "Do not defame one another." (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:11)
It means that when you find faults in others, they will turn around and find faults in you.
The beauty of this wording of the Qur'an is that it says that finding faults in others is like finding faults in you.
Just like Allah states: "Do not kill yourself." Hence, if you kill others, they will try to kill you. Allah also says in the Qur'an: "Woe to every slanderer and back-biter!" (Surah Al-Humazah, 104: 1)
Allah (SWT) made it clear that defaming another Muslim in his/her absence is like eating the flesh of one's dead brother (49:12), which obviously, everybody hates. Hence, it is the most dreadful sin. Note that if the person is present, he/she may have a chance to defend himself/herself, although everybody does not have the courage to defend themselves in these circumstances. If, however, he/she is defamed in his/her absence, the damage is deep and somewhat permanent.
The tongue alone does not do backbiting; it can also be done with the eyes, hands and other movements. For example, imitating somebody who is limping, in order to insult him/her.
Muhammad Rasool Allah (SAS) said: " Backbiting is a worse sin than adultery." It is further explained in a saying of the Prophet (SAS), narrated by Abu Sa'eed and Jubair in Bayhaqi: "Allah may forgive a person if he/she repents after committing adultery. However, Allah will not forgive the one who backbites, till his/her victim forgives him/her."
One time, the Messenger of Allah pointed towards two graves and said to his companions that both of these people are being punished in their graves. One of them used to backbite people and the other was not careful about spilling drops of urine of his clothes and body whilst urinating.
The Prophet (SAS) during his Me’raj journey saw some people who had nails made of red copper. They were tearing apart their faces and chests with these nails. The Noble Prophet asked the Angel Jibrail (AS) about them, He said, “They are being punished because they used to eat people’s flesh in their lives, i.e. used to backbite and defame others.
Abu Hurayra (RA) narrates that the Noble Prophet (SAS) said, “The killing of a Muslim by another unjustly, usurping others’ wealth or defaming other Muslims is totally forbidden (or Haram).” (Sahih Muslim)
Note that listening to backbiting is the same as backbiting somebody. It is better to walk away from such individuals.
Backbiting violates the rights of Allah and the rights of people simultaneously. Hence, it is necessary to ask for forgiveness from the victim first, since Allah will not forgive until the victim forgives. If the victim has died or is untraceable, then ransom has to be paid. Anas (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAS) said, “The ransom for backbiting is to pray to Allah for forgiveness by saying, “ O Allah! Forgive my sins and his too.”
Making Fun
Backbiting (Gheebah) can even be making fun of a person. The Prophet (SAS) vigorously opposed all aspects of backbiting even when it occurred in his own family. For example, once a woman visited Hadrat Aishah (RAa) and when the woman got up to leave, Hadrat Aishah Siddiqua (RAa) made a sign with her hand indicating to the Prophet (SAS) that the woman was short of stature. The Prophet (SAS) immediately chastised her, saying, "You have backbitten!" (Tirmidhi)
Imam Al- Nawawi, a great scholar, commented regarding the above Hadith saying, "This Hadith is paramount with regard to backbiting and I don't know anything more severe than this."
Nameemah (Tale carrying)
Nameemah is the use of speech by people against each other, wishing to cause corruption. ALLAH says in regard to this matter:
"...Neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it [so hate backbiting]" (Surah Hujurat, 49:12)
The Prophet (SAS) has clearly stated, "The gossip-monger will not enter paradise" (Bukhari, Muslim). Further, when the sin is injurious to others, Islam does not distinguish between a Muslim and a non-Muslim victim. The Muslim scholars generally consider backbiting of a non-Muslim unlawful. Defamation, therefore is a crime punishable by the courts in addition to being a matter of reckoning in the hereafter...
Guarding the Tongue
"And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned." (17:36)
"Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created. He has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not." (96:1-5)
It is well known that whoever guards his/her tongue will make fewer mistakes. He will be in control of himself and avoid from falling into something wrong. The Prophet (pbuh) guaranteed Paradise for one who guards his/her mouth. He is reported to have said:
"Whoever gives me surety to safeguard what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I guarantee for him (entrance into) Paradise." [What is between one's jaws is the Lisan (tongue); and what is between the legs is the Farj (private parts)]."
Imam Nawawi said, "Be aware that it is incumbent upon every Mukallaf (competent person in full possession of his faculties) to guard his tongue against all kinds of talking except when it is evident that talking will be a means of beneficence. When talking and being quiet are both equal as a prudent measure, and then the Sunnah is to abstain from talking. Sometimes even a lawful talking may lead to unlawful or distasteful matters. This is a common practice, but there is nothing equivalent to safety." If your tongue is right and straight then the extremities will be straight. But if your tongue disobeys and indulges in the private affairs and honor of people, then the extremities will disobey and Allah's prohibitions will be violated. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said:
"When the son of Adam gets up in the morning, all parts of his body deny the tongue saying, 'Fear Allah regarding us, we follow you. If you are right we shall also be right, and if you go astray, we shall also go astray.'" Nawawi said that denying the tongue means to humiliate and submit. Al-Albani said, "It means that the members consider the tongue as the one denying the favors."
The tongue is a great gift from Allah (SWT) and a marvelous creation. The size may be small, but its capacity to obey or disobey can be great. The Kufr (disbelief) can't be distinguished from Iman (faith) except through the testimony of the tongue. Iman and Kufr are the ultimate capacity to obey or disobey. The tongue has a very broad range of functions. It has a large measure of good that can be performed and a large measure of evil that can be inflicted. If one let go one's tongue, Shaytaan will take him everywhere and lead him to an edge, then allow him to fall for his own downfall. The only way to be saved from the evils of the tongue is to restrain it with the bridle of the Shari'ah (Islamic law). It should be used, but only for what is beneficial in this life and the Hereafter.
Indeed the tongue controls the rest of your body. A well-controlled tongue will keep us within Islam but a loose tongue will destroy us. Instead of swearing, lying and engaging in useless talk we can use our tongues in better ways and what better than telling people about Islam. Allah says "Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah and works righteousness and says I am one of those who bow down in Islam" (41:33)
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah bless his soul, said: "It is strange that a person may find it easy to protect himself from eating Haraam, oppression and injustice, adultery, theft, drinking Khamr, and from unlawful looking, but it is hard for him to restrain the movement of his tongue. How often do we see people who are very cautious about falling into shameful deeds or injustice, but their tongue lashes against the living and the dead and they don't mind it."? He further said: "Some people have the disease of criticizing all the time. They forget the good about others and only mention their faults. They are like flies that avoid the good and pure places and land on the bad places and on wounds. This is because of the evil within the self and the spoiled nature."
Prohibition of Gheebah
Allah has said:
"And spy not, neither backbite against one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful." (49:12)
"And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned." (17:36)
"Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is watcher by him ready (to record it)." (50:18)
It was narrated by Abu Musa: "Some people asked Allah's Messenger (pbuh) whose Islam is the best?" (i.e., who is a very good Muslim?) The Prophet (SAS) replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongues and hands." He is also reported to have said, "Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quiet. Sometimes a person may utter a word to which he attaches no importance and by it he falls into Hell farther than the distance between the East and West."
"And the person may utter a word which displeases Allah without thinking how serious it is, as a result of which Allah will record His wrath for him, because of His displeasure until the Day when he meets Him." (Related by Mu'atta Imam Malik and Tirmidhi).
'Uqbah Bin 'Aamer asked, "O Allah's Messenger (pbuh), what is salvation?" He said: "Control your tongue, keep inside your house, and weep for your sins." (Related by Tirmidhi)
In one Hadith, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) took hold of his tongue and then said, "Keep this under control." When the Sahaba asked, "will we be called to account for what we say?" He replied, "Won't the people be thrown face down into Hell on account of the produce of their tongues." (Related by Tirmidhi).
Now let us see the punishment of the person that backbites in this life and the Hereafter. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "O you people who believe with their tongues (meaning those who pay lip-service to faith), when faith has not entered their hearts, do not backbite the Muslims and do not expose their faults. Whoever exposes the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his faults. And if Allah exposes his faults, his faults will be open for everyone even if he would hide inside his house." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi). Backbiting is prohibited by Ijmaa' (consensus). Imam Qurtubi said, "The Ijmaa' is that Gheebah is a major sin and it necessitates repentance, it is Wajib (obligatory) to turn to Allah in repentance from it."
Backbiting by writing
Gheebah can also be through writing, for the pen is one of two tongues. This is the case when the person tells the truth about others. It is Gheebah and he is Mughtaab, a backbiter. By doing this he disobeys his Lord and he eats the flesh of his brother. But if he is lying then he combines Gheebah and Kidhib (lying).
"When people mention others they may commit one of these three: Gheebah, Buhtan and Ifk, and all are in the Book of Allah. Gheebah is to say what is true about a person. Buhtan is to say what is not true about a person. And Ifk is to say what was conveyed to you." Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "All things belonging to a Muslim are unlawful for another Muslim: his blood, his property and his honor." (Muslim, Ahmad and Bayhaqi) Gheebah deals with honor and Allah has combined honor with property and blood.
Types of Gheebah
Gheebah has different forms and may take all kinds of means. The worst type of Gheebah is the one that combines gossip and riyaa'. An example would be when some person is mentioned and a man would say: "Al-hamdu lillah that He didn't try us, we would have been tempted to enter the doors of the sultan, or that we don't demean ourselves in seeking the ruins of this world." Or one may say, "I seek refuge with Allah from shamelessness. I ask Allah to protect me from such." The intention here is to criticize the other person and it is done in the form of a Du'a (supplication).
One may also praise another person but the intent is to criticize, such as saying: "How good such-and-such person is, he never had a shortcoming in his worship but now he is being lazy. He was tried with something everyone of us is tried with, which is lack of patience." One would criticize oneself but his/her intention is to criticize others by doing this. At the same time he praises himself by showing that he is righteous since he criticizes himself. In this case, he is Mughtaab, Muraa'ee and praising himself. He combines three shameful deeds and because of his ignorance he thinks that he is a righteous person who would not make Gheebah.
Another form of Gheebah is that one criticizes another person, but the people don't pay attention to what has been said. So he says, "Subhaan Allah. How amazing!..." so the people may listen to him and know what he is saying. Or he may say, "I was hurt to hear about our friend and how he was humiliated. I ask Allah to relieve him." He is actually lying about his concern regarding the friend, in his pretense of making Du'a. If he meant to pray for him, he would have prayed for him while alone.
The Motives for Gheebah
There may be numerous reasons to motivate one to make Gheebah. The following examples are among these reasons:
1. Lack of fear of Allah. Whoever feels the greatness of Allah and acknowledges that Allah is watching all his deeds and utterances, he would avoid anything that may displease Allah.
2. Getting things off one's chest. A person may do something to upset another. Every time the aggrieved person feels angry about it, he alleviates the anxiety by making Gheebah about the other person.
3. Joining a group of friends. When a group is engaged in a loose talk aimed at slandering others, a person may think that if he speaks out and tries to stop them they may dislike him and exclude him. So, he joins them in talking ill about others, assuring that this is the only way to be acceptable to them.
4. Seeking to raise one's own status by putting down others. A person may say: "So-and-so person is ignorant, he is not smart." The intention is to praise oneself and show that he has more knowledge than the other person.
5. Envy and jealousy. Some person may be praised by people who like him. A jealous person may hear them and make Gheebah of the other person, criticizing and insulting him, so that the people may think differently about the person they have just praised.
Types of Permissible Gheebah
Gheebah is permissible for a sound religious purpose that cannot be achieved except by using it. These permissible types of Gheebah are as follows:
1. Complaint because of an injustice, such as complaining to a ruler, judge or others in authority. A person may say in this case: "I was treated unjustly by so-and-so in such and such matter."
2. Seeking help to change a Munkar (wrong deed) and to correct the wrongdoers. A person may say: "A person does such and such, so stop him." His intention should be to check the Munkar. If this is not the case, then the statement is Haraam.
3. Seeking a Fatwa. A person may state to the Imam, Mufti or Shaikh, "My father, brother or so-and-so has treated me unfairly. Is that act permissible? And how do I get out of this situation? How do I obtain my rights?" This way of seeking a Fatwa is permissible. However, it is safer and more preferable to say whatever would be said about a non-specific person as doing such and such, as anonymously as possible.
4. Warning Muslims against evil and advising them. This could include criticism of untrustworthy narrators or witnesses. This is permissible by Ijmaa', rather it is mandatory and the benefit is very clear. Such as consulting in the matters of marriage or a business partnership. In this case, the person consulted should not hide anything about the concerned person. He should mention the faulty qualities only with the intention of benefiting the consultant.
5. Mentioning the person who indulges in Haraam or Bid'ah openly. This would include mentioning those who openly drink Khamr or those in positions of authority doing wrong. It is permissible to mention the sin of such a person. However, it is prohibited to mention the person with a different sin unless there is a reason that makes it permissible to do so for that sin.
6. Identifying a person. If a person is known by a descriptive nickname, such as Al-A'mash (squint-eyed), Al-A'raj (one who walks with a limp), or Al-Asamm (deaf), then it is permissible to use these names for identification purposes. But it is not permitted to use these names if the intention is to insult the person. If it is possible to identify such person by using another descriptive name, then it is better and preferable.
Kaffarah (Expiation) of Gheebah
Committing Gheebah is forbidden by the Ijmaa' of the scholars, and considered a major sin. Scholars differ in the Kaffarah of the Mughtaab (backbiter), but they all agree that he/she must make Tawbah as the first step. Repentance itself has three conditions: refraining from the sin, regret for the commission of the sin, and determination not to commit it ever again. Repentance from Gheebah, however, has an additional condition, a fourth one because the Mughtaab has actually committed two offenses:
1. One offense is towards Allah (because he committed an act which Allah has prohibited). The expiation is to turn to Allah in repentance and to regret what has been done.
2. The other one is against Allah's creatures. If the Gheebah has reached the person, then forgiveness must be sought from him and regret must be expressed to him for what has been said. But if the Gheebah didn't reach the person, then he should pray for the person's forgiveness and not tell him something he didn't know anyway, fearing that some evil may result from telling him.
The Cure for Gheebah
The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Do you know who is bankrupt?" The Companions replied, 'The bankrupt amongst us is the person who has no money or property." The Prophet (pbuh) said, "The bankrupt from amongst my Ummah is the one who will come on the Day of Resurrection with a good record of Salah, Sawm and Zakah. But he also had cursed someone, slandered against someone, unlawfully took the property of another, killed someone or beat someone. Then all of these abused persons will receive parts of his (abuser's) Hasanaat. When all of his (abuser's) Hasanaat have been removed from his record after he (abuser) pays back for what he owes, then the aggrieved persons' sins will be transferred to and thrown on him (abuser) and he (abuser) will be thrown into the Fire." (Related by Muslim and Tirmidhi)
The Virtue of Opposing Gheebah
It is the right of a Muslim to speak up and oppose Gheebah made against his brother Muslim. He should protect his brother's honor and defend his reputation in his absence. Should a person fall short in fulfilling this right, he will be punished sooner or later. To defend your brother against Gheebah is not something minor. There are clear and sound Daleels (evidence) that tell us of the virtue of one who fulfills this obligation. Asmaa' Bint Yazeed said that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Whoever defends the honor of his brother in his absence, will be entitled to Allah's protection from the Fire." (Related by Ahmad) The Prophet (pbuh) is also reported to have said: "Whoever defends the honor of his brother, Allah will protect his face from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection." (Related by Ahmad and Tirmidhi)
The person who listens to Gheebah is also a sinner unless he opposes with his tongue or with his heart if he fears harm. If he can leave the gathering or interrupt and change the subject, then he should do so. If he says to the Mughtaab, 'be quiet' but he relishes the gossip in his heart, then such is hypocrisy. He will not be excused unless he rejects the gossip with his heart. One should take it seriously and defend his brethren quite explicitly. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Whoever witnesses the humiliation of a believer and doesn't support him while being capable of supporting him, Allah will humiliate him before all the creatures (on the Day of Judgment)." (Related by Ahmad). Let not the Mughtaab pollute your gatherings and dishonor the Muslims. You should defend the honor of the Muslims. If you do not do so, you may be absent one day and this Mughtaab will be eating of your flesh and you may not find anyone protecting your honor.
JOKING
"I was only joking". We treat lies as being trivial. However we are told, "Allah's messenger did not hate anything more than lying"(Ahmed). The Prophet (SAS) was once asked "Can a Muslim be a coward?" He (SAS) replied "Yes." and then was asked "Can a Muslim be a miser?" and the reply was "Yes." The Prophet (SAS) was then asked, "Can a Muslim be a liar?" The Prophet (SAS) replied "NO! A Muslim can never be a liar". Furthermore, he said, "Truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to paradise...Lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the hellfire." (Bukhari). As we know that one lie leads to another ten lies, which lead to bad actions. Remember you can lie and think that you have got away with it but on the day of Judgement your hands, tongue and feet will bear testimony against you and tell the truth.
The Best Example
As we know that the best person to have ever lived is the Prophet Muhammad (SAS) and he is the best of example for mankind. If we follow him we can never go wrong. Áisha (RAa) the Prophet's wife described the Prophet's conduct as follows: "He was neither a obscene talker nor a user of bad words. He did not shout nor did he repay evil with evil. He used to forgive people and overlook their sins." (Tirmidhi). Final Advice: A beautiful saying of the Prophet (SAS) that will ensure the protection of our tongue. The Messenger of Allah (SAS) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last day, LET HIM EITHER SPEAK GOOD OR KEEP SILENT"
REFERENCES
1. Article on "Suspicion, spying and backbiting" online at http://www.inter- islam.org/Prohibitions/Backbiting.html
2. Article on "BACKBITING" online at www.iad.org/islam/back.html
3. BACKBITING by Abdul Malik Al-Qasim Translated by Sami Ayoub and Mrs. Vivian Taylor Ayoub, DARUSSALAM Publishers & Distributors, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic Approach to the Modern Sciences
www.doshiza.com
Introduction
The Qur'an is a book of guidance; among its several names is Kitab al-Hikmah or the Book of Wisdom. The verses of the Qur’an are called ayath (signs), just as are the phenomena of nature: both speak forth the presence and worship of Allah. We shall show them Our portents on the horizon and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth (Qur'an, 41: 53). In over 1100 verses, the importance of thinking, reflecting and pondering on the signs (natural phenomena) of Allah is emphasized; among these are. 2: 230, 242; 6:97-8; 10:24,67; 13:3-4; 14:25; 16:11-13, 44. 67-9, 90; 20:54; 23:30; 26:8; 28:43; 29:44; 30:20-9; 37:55; 38:29 39:18,21,27,42; 45:3-5,13; 51:49; 59:21. The greatest gift of Allah to man is the ability to think which distinguishes him from all the animals on earth. The Qur’an declares that the universe and all that there is in it is created by Allah as a ‘sign’, a manifestation of His mercy, power and wisdom. It is also a manifestation of His bounty and goodness; for He has created things for man’s benefit. Mankind is enjoined to consider Allah's handiwork, to reflect on the wonders of His creation.
As man was created with an insatiable desire for knowledge, God made adequate arrangements for him to know the hidden secrets of the universe and taught him the nature and names of all things (2:31). Then all the powers and treasures of the heavens and the earth were made subject to him.
He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on the earth; Surely in that are signs for those who reflect. (45:13)
He has made subject to you the night and the day; the sun and the moon; and the stars
Are in subjection by His Command; Verily in this are signs for men of understanding. (16:12)
It is He who made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may extract there from ornaments to wear; and you see the ships thereon that plough the waves, that you seek (thus) of the bounty of God and that you may be grateful. (16:14)
Islam and science
In Islam there is no conflict of principle between science and religion. Both have always existed within man's innate nature without contradiction. Both are means of paying homage to God and worshipping Him who is the Lord and Sovereign of all. The desire to know the mysteries of the earth and the universe has existed in man from the beginning of his creation. Prophet Abraham exemplifies this (upon him be peace):
Behold! Abraham said: My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead. He (God) said: Dost thou not then believe? He said: Yes! But to satisfy my own understanding. (2:260)
The above verse clearly points to the truth that in a sound human nature there is no contradiction between these two innate tendencies, the desire to know and the desire to worship. Both help man to commit himself wholly to the worship of God and follow His Guidance. The quest for knowledge of the manifestations of God's Attributes in the universe leads to God-fearing:
Those truly fear God among His servants who have knowledge. (35: 28)
Just as worshipping God in hope and in fear is natural and human, so too the desire to know more about the world around us and to use its vast resources for the benefit of man is quite natural and human. In Islamic culture, it is a sin to separate and departmentalize science or knowledge and religion. Islamic culture rules the mosque and the school, the market and the laboratory, the home and the presidential office. The law-courts and the legislative assemblies, in short, every aspect of human life (Rahman. 1985. vol.1. p 254-310).
Man is endowed with mind, that is with intelligence or power of reasoning. The Qur’an has laid great emphasis on the proper development of this faculty, on the acquisition of knowledge through observation, experience, and meditation. A Divine injunction commands every Muslim, man and woman, to seek knowledge from the boundless and ever-revealing treasures of knowledge and truth in nature and in all God’s creation. The Qur’an also teaches man to find the 'truth’ and ‘reality’ of things through reasoning and argument, not through unquestioning acceptance of ancestral beliefs without substantiating evidence and argument. The Qur'an was the first book to demand proof in support of every ‘conventional truth’ or ‘historical legacy’, to ask ‘why’ it should he accepted. At the same time, it provides proof and evidence in support of its claims and contentions.
The method and style of reasoning of the Qur’an are quite different from those of philosophers and orators. This is because it is inviting people to believe and have faith in the Truth it has brought from God. A strong faith is essential for man to seek to do what is right consistently, because it is right, but such a strong faith cannot be achieved without reasoning and strong and convincing arguments. It is therefore necessary that natural and simple arguments be given that can satisfy and convince an ordinary man in the street and thereby strengthen his faith. This approach awakens human intellect from its slumber and leads it on to perceive and critically observe even’ phase of life and every phenomenon in nature (lslahi, 1978, pp. 101-117).
The Qur’an not only provides reasoning and arguments to prove its point but also develops the faculty of reasoning in man. This is because a total revolution in the individual and collective life of man cannot be brought about without fully awakening his faculties of thought. The Qur’an provides reasoning that prepares the ground for the creation of this wholesome thought in the heart and soul of man:
He bestows wisdom upon anyone He wills, and he who is given wisdom is in fact given abundant wealth, but only those who have common sense learn lessons from these things. (2: 269)
The Qur'an designates the whole world as the arena for human activity: this world is filled with a vast range of diverse objects created to challenge and be intelligible to the human faculties of thought, reflection, observation, which are, in turn, capable of discovering the deepest meaning and usefulness of the world. To understand the purposiveness of the created world, scientific and technological knowledge is imperative. The Qur’an, therefore, declares that the world is full of beauty and utility, and opens it up to human understanding, appreciation and use. If such a direction had not been given by the Qur’an with the clarity that it is, then the Divine design in the creation would not have been accomplished.
It is by Muslims who combined a passionate commitment to the absolute Transcendence and Oneness of God with a passionate dedication to the Divine Will, that the flame of science extinguished in Athens and Alexandria was rekindled. Science is not Divine revelation but it can provide a means to the betterment of mankind and to a better understanding of Allah’s creation and its purpose. Science is knowledge and Islam has laid great stress on acquisition of knowledge; the Qur’an enjoins God’s servants to beseech Him thus: O Lord! Increase
me in knowledge (20:114).
Also, God's Messenger, upon him be peace, encouraged, through his precept and practice, the spirit of investigation and analysis of facts. The Qur'an says that Allah has made the universe subservient to human capabilities:
And He has subjected to you, as from Him all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect. (45:13)
The ‘reflection’ here referred to is nothing different from the scientific spirit, which leads to understanding of and discoveries in the creation. In Islam, learning and searching for knowledge is a religious duty of every Muslim.The Qur’an appeals constantly to reason and experience and thus it pointed for the first time to the principle that science could be based on experiment as well as theory. The observable aspect of reality is emphasized by the Qur’an in several verses. One of these verses is:
Assuredly, in the creation of the heavens and of the earth; and in the alternation of night and day: and in the ships which pass through the sea; and in the rain which
God sends down from heaven, giving life to the earth after its death, and scattering over it all kinds of cattle: and in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that are made to do service between the heavens and the earth-are signs for those who understand.
(2: 164)
In another verse the Qur’an proclaims:
And it is He who has ordained the stars for you that you may be guided thereby in the darkness of the land and the sea. Clear have We made Our signs to men of knowledge. (6:95)
From over 1100 Qur’anic verses, and from the writings of numerous Eastern as well as Western scholars, it is evident that modern science owes its very existence to Islam. The new spirit of enquiry and the new methods of experiment, observation and measurement, on which modern science is based, are all contributions of those who followed the teachings of Islam.
Scientific achievements
Within a century after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, the Muslims not only conquered new lands, but also became scientific innovators with originality and productivity. The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization lasted over a thousand years. During this millennium Muslims contributed greatly to the enhancement of arts, sciences and cultural growth of mankind. At the apex of its glory around the tenth century, Cordoba, the capital of Muslim Spain, had pavements, street lighting, three hundred public baths, parks, palaces, one hundred thousand houses and seventy libraries. There were close to half a million books in a single library whereas the whole of France contained much less than this figure. By the ninth century, Islamic medical practice had advanced to hospitals with wards, doctors who had to pass tests, and the use of technical terminology. The then Baghdad General Hospital incorporated innovations which sound amazingly modern: the fountains cooled the air near the wards of those afflicted with fever, the insane were treated with gentleness; and at night the pain of the restless was soothed by soft music and storytelling. The prince and pauper received equal attention; the destitute upon discharge received five gold pieces to sustain them during convalescence. While Paris and London were places of mud streets and hovels, Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba had hospitals open to both male and female patients, staffed by attendants of both sexes. These medical centers had libraries, pharmacies, a system of interns, externs, and nurses. There were mobile clinics to reach the disabled, the disadvantaged and those in remote areas. There were regulations to maintain quality control on drugs. Pharmacists became licensed professionals and were pledged to follow the physician’s prescriptions. Legal measures were taken to prevent doctors from owning or holding stock in pharmacies. The extent to which Islamic medicine advanced in the fields of medical education, hospitals. bacteriology, medicine, anesthesia, surgery, pharmacology, ophthalmology, psychotherapy and psychosomatic disease would require several volumes to describe fully.
It is most important to note that the Muslims preserved the cultures of the conquered lands. The Islamic empire for more than 1000 years remained the most advanced and civilized society in the world. This is because Islam stressed the importance of and respect for learning, forbade destruction, and nurtured in Muslims the respect for authority and discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The Muslims recognized excellence and. hungering intellectually, were eager for the wisdom of the world of Galen, Hippocrates, Ptolemy. Dioscorides, Aristotle, and Paul of Aegina. By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasm for learning resulted in all essential Greek writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastwards, and Baghdad emerged as the capital of the scientific world.
Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best-known facets of Islamic civilization, and in which the Muslims most excelled: for example, they performed eye surgery 600 years earlier than in Europe. But they excelled in many other fields as well. For example, the Muslims used paper 200 years before Europe, invented spherical trigonometry in the late 10th century, solved equations of the third and fourth degree, binomials to the nth degree, and developed differential and integral mathematics. They discovered the force of gravitation, blood circulation, laws of motion, including planetary motion, and even developed the theory of evolution and taught it in their universities. They measured the circumference of the earth and value for specific gravities correct to three decimal places almost a thousand years ago. There is hardly a field of knowledge where Muslims did not research, think or investigate, explore or invent, something exemplary. And the greater part of these achievements were passed on to Europe, enabling its intellectual and cultural Renaissance, a historical reality now beginning to be widely acknowledged in the West.
The motivating factors
The zeal and enthusiasm to reach such a peak was the result of Islam's insistence on learning. The Qur'an itself is the greatest motivating factor in this regard: Islam is a rational religion. Repeatedly the Qur’an appeals to men to use their reason and especially their common sense in matters of religion. Historical experience goes to prove that a large measure of free thought is absolutely necessary to human progress, and at the same time those nations, which lose faith in God, deteriorate. To most modern Westerners religious commitment and free thought are incompatible. However, the experience and history of Muslims prove that they are perfectly compatible. In the early centuries of Islam, an intense faith in God was combined with free thought in every field of knowledge and endeavour; for Islam held nothing in human knowledge so sacred as to be immune from criticism. The Creator of the universe and the earth had bestowed on man the gift of reason, which is extolled by Muslim writers as the highest gift, to be used quite freely in the name of Allah - that is to say, with the purpose of pursuing what is good and eschewing what is evil, for which the sacred law affords guidance and safeguards. There is no priesthood in Islam, however the most wise and learned men became the natural leaders. As a matter of fact, scholars are described as ‘the heirs of the prophets’. (Syed, I.B., 2002)
The Qur’an asserts that those who have no knowledge are not equal to those who have it, and that those who do not observe and make sense of what they observe are worse than cattle. It also asserts that the meaning of revelation becomes clear to those who have knowledge and who have understanding, emphasizing that whosoever has been given knowledge has indeed been given an abundant good and that of all things, it is knowledge by which man is superior to angels and has been made vice-regent of God on earth.
References
Islahi, S.D. (1978) Call to Islam and How the Prophets Preached,
Islamic Publications, Lahore, pp.101-117.
Rahman, A. (1985) Encyclopedia of Seerah, Seerah Foundation, London, Vol.1
Syed, I.B. (2002) Intellectual Achievements of Muslims, Islamic Circle, Mauritius, Indian Ocean
Introduction
The Qur'an is a book of guidance; among its several names is Kitab al-Hikmah or the Book of Wisdom. The verses of the Qur’an are called ayath (signs), just as are the phenomena of nature: both speak forth the presence and worship of Allah. We shall show them Our portents on the horizon and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth (Qur'an, 41: 53). In over 1100 verses, the importance of thinking, reflecting and pondering on the signs (natural phenomena) of Allah is emphasized; among these are. 2: 230, 242; 6:97-8; 10:24,67; 13:3-4; 14:25; 16:11-13, 44. 67-9, 90; 20:54; 23:30; 26:8; 28:43; 29:44; 30:20-9; 37:55; 38:29 39:18,21,27,42; 45:3-5,13; 51:49; 59:21. The greatest gift of Allah to man is the ability to think which distinguishes him from all the animals on earth. The Qur’an declares that the universe and all that there is in it is created by Allah as a ‘sign’, a manifestation of His mercy, power and wisdom. It is also a manifestation of His bounty and goodness; for He has created things for man’s benefit. Mankind is enjoined to consider Allah's handiwork, to reflect on the wonders of His creation.
As man was created with an insatiable desire for knowledge, God made adequate arrangements for him to know the hidden secrets of the universe and taught him the nature and names of all things (2:31). Then all the powers and treasures of the heavens and the earth were made subject to him.
He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on the earth; Surely in that are signs for those who reflect. (45:13)
He has made subject to you the night and the day; the sun and the moon; and the stars
Are in subjection by His Command; Verily in this are signs for men of understanding. (16:12)
It is He who made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may extract there from ornaments to wear; and you see the ships thereon that plough the waves, that you seek (thus) of the bounty of God and that you may be grateful. (16:14)
Islam and science
In Islam there is no conflict of principle between science and religion. Both have always existed within man's innate nature without contradiction. Both are means of paying homage to God and worshipping Him who is the Lord and Sovereign of all. The desire to know the mysteries of the earth and the universe has existed in man from the beginning of his creation. Prophet Abraham exemplifies this (upon him be peace):
Behold! Abraham said: My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead. He (God) said: Dost thou not then believe? He said: Yes! But to satisfy my own understanding. (2:260)
The above verse clearly points to the truth that in a sound human nature there is no contradiction between these two innate tendencies, the desire to know and the desire to worship. Both help man to commit himself wholly to the worship of God and follow His Guidance. The quest for knowledge of the manifestations of God's Attributes in the universe leads to God-fearing:
Those truly fear God among His servants who have knowledge. (35: 28)
Just as worshipping God in hope and in fear is natural and human, so too the desire to know more about the world around us and to use its vast resources for the benefit of man is quite natural and human. In Islamic culture, it is a sin to separate and departmentalize science or knowledge and religion. Islamic culture rules the mosque and the school, the market and the laboratory, the home and the presidential office. The law-courts and the legislative assemblies, in short, every aspect of human life (Rahman. 1985. vol.1. p 254-310).
Man is endowed with mind, that is with intelligence or power of reasoning. The Qur’an has laid great emphasis on the proper development of this faculty, on the acquisition of knowledge through observation, experience, and meditation. A Divine injunction commands every Muslim, man and woman, to seek knowledge from the boundless and ever-revealing treasures of knowledge and truth in nature and in all God’s creation. The Qur’an also teaches man to find the 'truth’ and ‘reality’ of things through reasoning and argument, not through unquestioning acceptance of ancestral beliefs without substantiating evidence and argument. The Qur'an was the first book to demand proof in support of every ‘conventional truth’ or ‘historical legacy’, to ask ‘why’ it should he accepted. At the same time, it provides proof and evidence in support of its claims and contentions.
The method and style of reasoning of the Qur’an are quite different from those of philosophers and orators. This is because it is inviting people to believe and have faith in the Truth it has brought from God. A strong faith is essential for man to seek to do what is right consistently, because it is right, but such a strong faith cannot be achieved without reasoning and strong and convincing arguments. It is therefore necessary that natural and simple arguments be given that can satisfy and convince an ordinary man in the street and thereby strengthen his faith. This approach awakens human intellect from its slumber and leads it on to perceive and critically observe even’ phase of life and every phenomenon in nature (lslahi, 1978, pp. 101-117).
The Qur’an not only provides reasoning and arguments to prove its point but also develops the faculty of reasoning in man. This is because a total revolution in the individual and collective life of man cannot be brought about without fully awakening his faculties of thought. The Qur’an provides reasoning that prepares the ground for the creation of this wholesome thought in the heart and soul of man:
He bestows wisdom upon anyone He wills, and he who is given wisdom is in fact given abundant wealth, but only those who have common sense learn lessons from these things. (2: 269)
The Qur'an designates the whole world as the arena for human activity: this world is filled with a vast range of diverse objects created to challenge and be intelligible to the human faculties of thought, reflection, observation, which are, in turn, capable of discovering the deepest meaning and usefulness of the world. To understand the purposiveness of the created world, scientific and technological knowledge is imperative. The Qur’an, therefore, declares that the world is full of beauty and utility, and opens it up to human understanding, appreciation and use. If such a direction had not been given by the Qur’an with the clarity that it is, then the Divine design in the creation would not have been accomplished.
It is by Muslims who combined a passionate commitment to the absolute Transcendence and Oneness of God with a passionate dedication to the Divine Will, that the flame of science extinguished in Athens and Alexandria was rekindled. Science is not Divine revelation but it can provide a means to the betterment of mankind and to a better understanding of Allah’s creation and its purpose. Science is knowledge and Islam has laid great stress on acquisition of knowledge; the Qur’an enjoins God’s servants to beseech Him thus: O Lord! Increase
me in knowledge (20:114).
Also, God's Messenger, upon him be peace, encouraged, through his precept and practice, the spirit of investigation and analysis of facts. The Qur'an says that Allah has made the universe subservient to human capabilities:
And He has subjected to you, as from Him all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect. (45:13)
The ‘reflection’ here referred to is nothing different from the scientific spirit, which leads to understanding of and discoveries in the creation. In Islam, learning and searching for knowledge is a religious duty of every Muslim.The Qur’an appeals constantly to reason and experience and thus it pointed for the first time to the principle that science could be based on experiment as well as theory. The observable aspect of reality is emphasized by the Qur’an in several verses. One of these verses is:
Assuredly, in the creation of the heavens and of the earth; and in the alternation of night and day: and in the ships which pass through the sea; and in the rain which
God sends down from heaven, giving life to the earth after its death, and scattering over it all kinds of cattle: and in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that are made to do service between the heavens and the earth-are signs for those who understand.
(2: 164)
In another verse the Qur’an proclaims:
And it is He who has ordained the stars for you that you may be guided thereby in the darkness of the land and the sea. Clear have We made Our signs to men of knowledge. (6:95)
From over 1100 Qur’anic verses, and from the writings of numerous Eastern as well as Western scholars, it is evident that modern science owes its very existence to Islam. The new spirit of enquiry and the new methods of experiment, observation and measurement, on which modern science is based, are all contributions of those who followed the teachings of Islam.
Scientific achievements
Within a century after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, the Muslims not only conquered new lands, but also became scientific innovators with originality and productivity. The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization lasted over a thousand years. During this millennium Muslims contributed greatly to the enhancement of arts, sciences and cultural growth of mankind. At the apex of its glory around the tenth century, Cordoba, the capital of Muslim Spain, had pavements, street lighting, three hundred public baths, parks, palaces, one hundred thousand houses and seventy libraries. There were close to half a million books in a single library whereas the whole of France contained much less than this figure. By the ninth century, Islamic medical practice had advanced to hospitals with wards, doctors who had to pass tests, and the use of technical terminology. The then Baghdad General Hospital incorporated innovations which sound amazingly modern: the fountains cooled the air near the wards of those afflicted with fever, the insane were treated with gentleness; and at night the pain of the restless was soothed by soft music and storytelling. The prince and pauper received equal attention; the destitute upon discharge received five gold pieces to sustain them during convalescence. While Paris and London were places of mud streets and hovels, Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba had hospitals open to both male and female patients, staffed by attendants of both sexes. These medical centers had libraries, pharmacies, a system of interns, externs, and nurses. There were mobile clinics to reach the disabled, the disadvantaged and those in remote areas. There were regulations to maintain quality control on drugs. Pharmacists became licensed professionals and were pledged to follow the physician’s prescriptions. Legal measures were taken to prevent doctors from owning or holding stock in pharmacies. The extent to which Islamic medicine advanced in the fields of medical education, hospitals. bacteriology, medicine, anesthesia, surgery, pharmacology, ophthalmology, psychotherapy and psychosomatic disease would require several volumes to describe fully.
It is most important to note that the Muslims preserved the cultures of the conquered lands. The Islamic empire for more than 1000 years remained the most advanced and civilized society in the world. This is because Islam stressed the importance of and respect for learning, forbade destruction, and nurtured in Muslims the respect for authority and discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The Muslims recognized excellence and. hungering intellectually, were eager for the wisdom of the world of Galen, Hippocrates, Ptolemy. Dioscorides, Aristotle, and Paul of Aegina. By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasm for learning resulted in all essential Greek writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastwards, and Baghdad emerged as the capital of the scientific world.
Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best-known facets of Islamic civilization, and in which the Muslims most excelled: for example, they performed eye surgery 600 years earlier than in Europe. But they excelled in many other fields as well. For example, the Muslims used paper 200 years before Europe, invented spherical trigonometry in the late 10th century, solved equations of the third and fourth degree, binomials to the nth degree, and developed differential and integral mathematics. They discovered the force of gravitation, blood circulation, laws of motion, including planetary motion, and even developed the theory of evolution and taught it in their universities. They measured the circumference of the earth and value for specific gravities correct to three decimal places almost a thousand years ago. There is hardly a field of knowledge where Muslims did not research, think or investigate, explore or invent, something exemplary. And the greater part of these achievements were passed on to Europe, enabling its intellectual and cultural Renaissance, a historical reality now beginning to be widely acknowledged in the West.
The motivating factors
The zeal and enthusiasm to reach such a peak was the result of Islam's insistence on learning. The Qur'an itself is the greatest motivating factor in this regard: Islam is a rational religion. Repeatedly the Qur’an appeals to men to use their reason and especially their common sense in matters of religion. Historical experience goes to prove that a large measure of free thought is absolutely necessary to human progress, and at the same time those nations, which lose faith in God, deteriorate. To most modern Westerners religious commitment and free thought are incompatible. However, the experience and history of Muslims prove that they are perfectly compatible. In the early centuries of Islam, an intense faith in God was combined with free thought in every field of knowledge and endeavour; for Islam held nothing in human knowledge so sacred as to be immune from criticism. The Creator of the universe and the earth had bestowed on man the gift of reason, which is extolled by Muslim writers as the highest gift, to be used quite freely in the name of Allah - that is to say, with the purpose of pursuing what is good and eschewing what is evil, for which the sacred law affords guidance and safeguards. There is no priesthood in Islam, however the most wise and learned men became the natural leaders. As a matter of fact, scholars are described as ‘the heirs of the prophets’. (Syed, I.B., 2002)
The Qur’an asserts that those who have no knowledge are not equal to those who have it, and that those who do not observe and make sense of what they observe are worse than cattle. It also asserts that the meaning of revelation becomes clear to those who have knowledge and who have understanding, emphasizing that whosoever has been given knowledge has indeed been given an abundant good and that of all things, it is knowledge by which man is superior to angels and has been made vice-regent of God on earth.
References
Islahi, S.D. (1978) Call to Islam and How the Prophets Preached,
Islamic Publications, Lahore, pp.101-117.
Rahman, A. (1985) Encyclopedia of Seerah, Seerah Foundation, London, Vol.1
Syed, I.B. (2002) Intellectual Achievements of Muslims, Islamic Circle, Mauritius, Indian Ocean
Contemporary world
www.doshiza.com
O my dear son! Establish worship and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity, and persevere whatever may befall thee. Lo! That is of the steadfast heart of things."
…..Qur'an, Luqman, 31: 17.
The Muslims in America constitute about 6 million out of a total population of nearly 300 million. That is about 2 per cent. The Muslims are a tiny Island in the Ocean of America where the majority has non-Islamic values.
The world is plagued by all sorts of problems: social unrest, political instabilities, mass poverty and destitution, prostitution, homosexuality, sexual assaults on children, homicides, killings, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, family break-ups, juvenile delinquency, gun violence in schools and in the public, suicides and the so-called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).
In the United States, one million teen-age girls give birth to children out of wedlock per year. How many Muslim teen-age girls give birth to children out of wedlock?
Jahiliyyah Period
(REF: The Life of Muhammad by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui)
The moral and socio- economic scene of today's world is uncannily similar to seventh century Arabia before the advent of Islam.
The tribes of Arabia held once a year, a general assembly, at 'Ukaz a place between Nakhlah and Ta'if. This fair, however, revived the scenes of Rome's greatest glory in gaiety (fun or joviality) and licentiousness (recklessness or decadence). Warriors of all tribes, sworn blood enemies for generations sat in open-air cafes and taverns (pub or saloon). Wine goblets were filled and emptied with alarming rapidity. Amidst this merrymaking the poets recited their poetical compositions, contending and vying (competing or contesting) with each other for the coveted (well-liked or in demand) first honour. A poet made a name for himself here or nowhere.
Drinking had in fact become a second nature with the Arabs. Wine and woman go together, and as a result of licentious drinking, fornication was very rampant (widespread or unchecked). Imported slave girls from Syria and Iraq who afforded vast opportunities of sensual pleasures to the rich with their dancing and singing and all corruption, which usually goes with them.
Polytheism and idol worship were rampant (widespread or unchecked) in Arabia, so was tribalism and unrestrained pursuit of wealth and power. Most Arabs were nomads, with the tribal structure assuring them security. This stability was based largely on the tradition of "blood vengeance," which invariably resulted in an endless cycle of revenge. Society seemed even harsher in the cities. There were only a few cities like Makkah, Yathrib (later Madinat an-Nabi, city of the Prophet or for short Madinah), and Ta'if. A small number of rich and powerful families controlled the economy. Many of the poor were eternally entangled in a web of usury (riba). This system of riba turned them into virtual slaves. Slavery itself was commonplace. Women's status was also extremely deplorable and they were treated largely as chattel (disposable commodity or property or slaves), which was essentially another form of slavery. Marriage, inheritance, and divorce laws reflected the chauvinistic attitudes prevalent in the society. For example unlimited polygamy was widespread, primogeniture (first born of the family) was the rule and sons often inherited their father's wives. A husband could stop conjugal relations with his wife and abdicate all responsibilities toward her without divorcing her and letting her go free. This cruel treatment of wives called zihar (turning your back on something) was widely practiced.
Although females were oppressed and abused routinely, female infanticide was commonplace, and male progeny was a source of pride and status in society, the majority of deities were female. The three major deities, al-Lat, al'-Uzza, and al-Manat were considered the daughters of Allah. (Astaghfirullah)!
Decency and modesty had been swept away from the society by these drinking revelries (celebrations), so common and so frequent, and by the absence of any social discipline; the heathen Arabs had little regard for the sanctity of matrimonial relations. They took pride in flouting them and describing publicly their adulterous adventures.
It is difficult to resist drawing analogies between the seventh century world and the state of the human morality in today's world at the turn of the new millennium. The nuclear man-woman, two-parent family, as a core unit of society has eroded seriously in the West. Brazen sexual exploitation in the media is commonplace and illicit sex condoned and even accepted. Violence at home, against women, children, and violence in the streets, is frightfully routine. Substance abuse is widespread, with United States as the largest consumer of drugs in the world. Alcoholism is rampant, especially among college students, with only feeble attempts being made to address the problem. The lessons from the AIDS epidemic are being swept under the rug of political correctness. African- Americans have been liberated as slaves for a century and a half, yet many are still trapped in an unending cycle of poverty and discrimination, which is in a way a form of economic slavery.
The unraveling (straightening out) of the moral fabric in today's society must weigh heavily on the minds of individuals with insight. They can draw personal solace and inspiration from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAS).
It is said that while he was young as a herdsman Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had a companion whom he asked to take over his duties while he (young Muhammad (SAS)) spent the night in town in some recreation (such as liquor bars or Disco bars) as other youths were wont (established custom) to do in those days. Before he reached his destination, however, Muhammad's (pbuh) attention was arrested by a wedding in one of the houses on the way. He stopped there to listen to the sounds emanating from the house and fell asleep. He came back to Makkah on another occasion for the same purpose, and again on the way his attention was arrested by the sound of beautiful music. He sat down on the street to listen, and again fell asleep. The temptations of Makkah had no power over the disciplined soul of Muhammad (SAS) whose prime concern was contemplation. This is not surprising. Far lesser men than Muhammad (SAS) have also overcome these temptations. He led a life far removed from vice and immorality, and found his pleasures in immersing himself in thought and contemplation.
The Arab tribal society of the Seventh century, whose structure was based on greed, debauchery, and violence, was changed in a very short time, by the Prophet (pbuh), into a society with one of the highest moral standards in history. Compassion, humility, devotion to God and egalitarianism (social equality) replaced the old well-entrenched tribal attitudes of pride in wealth, family and class, cruelty toward fellow humans and self-centered behavior. Women, for the first time in history, had rights and dignity, and the vulnerable and weak sections of the society were protected. Sexuality was removed from public prurience (that which incites lasciviousness (Driven by lust. Preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires) or lust) and became private and wholesome. Wealth was re-circulated so that even the smallest capillaries of the society were infused with energy and indigence (poverty or destitution) became nearly extinct.
EVERYTHING IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, but not in ISLAM.
Alcohol in Soft Drinks
It is well known that some soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, contain among their ingredients a tiny amount of alcohol, which is used to dissolve some constituents of the drinks such as color, flavor, etc. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, for example, contain different types of flavors, considered to be secrets of the trade, these flavors dissolve in alcohol, which is no more than two to three parts in one thousand (0.03-0.02 %) in these drinks
Such soft drinks are considered to be permissible halal from the Islamic point of view, according to the rules for eating and drinking in the Islamic legal law.
The concept behind these rule is that if a small amount of a prohibited substance X is mixed with a dominant permissible substance Y till substance X loses all its attributes such as taste, color, and smell, substance x loses the qualifications of being impure and prohibited by having being dissolved in substance Y.
This conclusion is supported by a ruling by Ibn Taymmiah in his Fatawa (21/502), and by the recommendations of the ninth Medical Fiqh Seminar of the Islamic Medical Science Organization, which met in Aldar Albayda’ in Morocco in June 1997.
The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
Natural and artificial flavors containing alcohol.
In the food industry, alcohol is the second common solvent after water. Some of the flavors like vanilla cannot be made without alcohol. One cannot imagine foods and drinks like, ice cream, cakes and cookies, soft drinks. Etc. without the use of alcohol. IFANCA (The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America) considers alcohol as an unavoidable impurity in the food systems. Muslim countries, which import food products, accept foods containing small quantities of alcohol.
We have established two levels of control points for alcohol in foods and ingredients:
Less than 0.1 per cent in the food items.
Less than 0.5 per cent in food ingredients.
At the above levels, one cannot detect the presence of alcohol by taste, smell or sight.
These guidelines are for the food industry to make halal certified products, however, where should one draw the line, is up to the individual Muslim consumer based on the available knowledge and his or her own commitment.
The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
IFANCA
5901 N. Cicero Ste. 309, Chicago, IL 60646
TEL: (773) 283-3708
FAX: (773) 283-3973
(Reference: www.isna.net/fiqh)
Nation of Islam
Why Afro-Americans want to join the Nation of Islam?
The answer is to lead a moral life, a life of temperance a life of Tee-totallers. To be dignified members of the society.
Life Magazine of May 1979 issue pictorially depicted the reformation of Muslim inmates in a San Francisco prison. The Muslim inmates were free from Drugs and Alcohol and never practiced Homosexuality.
Story of an Atheist from a communist country
A man from the former Soviet Union immigrated to the United States when he was young. When he became old, he was worried about life after death or life hereafter, although he was an atheist. He studied the following religions thoroughly.
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism
Islam
Christianity
Finally he became a Christian, as the Christian priest assured him Paradise if he believed in Jesus Christ as his savior. As a Christian he studied the problems of Christian society and developed second thoughts and was inclined towards Islam for its five pillars of faith and the disciplined life of a Muslim.
Corruption in Muslim countries and World's most corrupt countries
In a developing Muslim country the following corruptions are found.
· Water in pot before milking the cow.
· Drug tampering
· Coffee tainted with tamarind powder
· Ghee (melted butter) tainted with Crisco
· Cereals, like rice and wheat tainted with pebbles to weigh more
· One Muslim by the name of Abdul Sattar (not his real name) has registered an organization called "Abdul Sattar Academy for Islam Research" D.B.U. (doing business as ) "Academy for Islamic Research". Peddling or marketing the business in the name of Islam. THIS IS HARAM.
A list of the world's most corrupt countries has been released recently by Transparency International a Berlin-based voluntary organization claiming to be fighting corruption all over the world by exposing corrupt practices everywhere. Topping the list are four Islamic countries namely Bangladesh (in 2001 and 2002 it is listed first), Nigeria (used to be Number One), Indonesia and Azerbaijan. Pakistan is a close seventh with many other Muslim countries following it. Nigeria, Bolivia and Colombia are rated the most corrupt countries, and Denmark, Finland and Sweden the least corrupt, in an index published by Transparency International, a non-government pressure group. In the year 1997 Transparency International, found Bangladesh occupying the fourth position among the corrupt countries. Being among the top ten on any account was news indeed. Bangladesh has since made incredibly tremendous progress in this particular field. Transparency International again came out with the astounding disclosure that Bangladesh topped the list of 91 countries it surveyed in 2001.
These countries are Muslim countries that have been bestowed with a religion that puts so much emphasis on honesty, truth, righteousness and other attributes of personal behaviour. Then why is the Muslim Umma so weak in its moral fiber? One reason that comes to mind is probably that our Ulama or religious preachers do not stress upon the importance of a righteous character or sound personal character.
They, in fact, indirectly connote that acts like offering or accepting bribe, adulterating foodstuff and medicines, hoarding, black marketing, exploiting the helpless, indulging in nepotism, defeating merit and justice, are but small vices which can be condoned by saying an extra prayers, by extra fasting or by going for Hajj. The result is that the Islamic Ummah is in a deep abyss of moral decadence.
The need of the hour is that the Ulama or religious preachers should stress upon the fact that God does not forgive deliberate acts of sin just by saying extra prayers, extra fastings or by performing a religious rite.
The Ulama or religious Preachers must emphasize the need for 'Jihad-e-Akbar', that is, jihad against personal desires, lust and greed. And that is the service Islam needs most, today. DO NOT JUDGE A CAR BY ITS DRIVER.
O my dear son! Establish worship and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity, and persevere whatever may befall thee. Lo! That is of the steadfast heart of things."
…..Qur'an, Luqman, 31: 17.
The Muslims in America constitute about 6 million out of a total population of nearly 300 million. That is about 2 per cent. The Muslims are a tiny Island in the Ocean of America where the majority has non-Islamic values.
The world is plagued by all sorts of problems: social unrest, political instabilities, mass poverty and destitution, prostitution, homosexuality, sexual assaults on children, homicides, killings, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, family break-ups, juvenile delinquency, gun violence in schools and in the public, suicides and the so-called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).
In the United States, one million teen-age girls give birth to children out of wedlock per year. How many Muslim teen-age girls give birth to children out of wedlock?
Jahiliyyah Period
(REF: The Life of Muhammad by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui)
The moral and socio- economic scene of today's world is uncannily similar to seventh century Arabia before the advent of Islam.
The tribes of Arabia held once a year, a general assembly, at 'Ukaz a place between Nakhlah and Ta'if. This fair, however, revived the scenes of Rome's greatest glory in gaiety (fun or joviality) and licentiousness (recklessness or decadence). Warriors of all tribes, sworn blood enemies for generations sat in open-air cafes and taverns (pub or saloon). Wine goblets were filled and emptied with alarming rapidity. Amidst this merrymaking the poets recited their poetical compositions, contending and vying (competing or contesting) with each other for the coveted (well-liked or in demand) first honour. A poet made a name for himself here or nowhere.
Drinking had in fact become a second nature with the Arabs. Wine and woman go together, and as a result of licentious drinking, fornication was very rampant (widespread or unchecked). Imported slave girls from Syria and Iraq who afforded vast opportunities of sensual pleasures to the rich with their dancing and singing and all corruption, which usually goes with them.
Polytheism and idol worship were rampant (widespread or unchecked) in Arabia, so was tribalism and unrestrained pursuit of wealth and power. Most Arabs were nomads, with the tribal structure assuring them security. This stability was based largely on the tradition of "blood vengeance," which invariably resulted in an endless cycle of revenge. Society seemed even harsher in the cities. There were only a few cities like Makkah, Yathrib (later Madinat an-Nabi, city of the Prophet or for short Madinah), and Ta'if. A small number of rich and powerful families controlled the economy. Many of the poor were eternally entangled in a web of usury (riba). This system of riba turned them into virtual slaves. Slavery itself was commonplace. Women's status was also extremely deplorable and they were treated largely as chattel (disposable commodity or property or slaves), which was essentially another form of slavery. Marriage, inheritance, and divorce laws reflected the chauvinistic attitudes prevalent in the society. For example unlimited polygamy was widespread, primogeniture (first born of the family) was the rule and sons often inherited their father's wives. A husband could stop conjugal relations with his wife and abdicate all responsibilities toward her without divorcing her and letting her go free. This cruel treatment of wives called zihar (turning your back on something) was widely practiced.
Although females were oppressed and abused routinely, female infanticide was commonplace, and male progeny was a source of pride and status in society, the majority of deities were female. The three major deities, al-Lat, al'-Uzza, and al-Manat were considered the daughters of Allah. (Astaghfirullah)!
Decency and modesty had been swept away from the society by these drinking revelries (celebrations), so common and so frequent, and by the absence of any social discipline; the heathen Arabs had little regard for the sanctity of matrimonial relations. They took pride in flouting them and describing publicly their adulterous adventures.
It is difficult to resist drawing analogies between the seventh century world and the state of the human morality in today's world at the turn of the new millennium. The nuclear man-woman, two-parent family, as a core unit of society has eroded seriously in the West. Brazen sexual exploitation in the media is commonplace and illicit sex condoned and even accepted. Violence at home, against women, children, and violence in the streets, is frightfully routine. Substance abuse is widespread, with United States as the largest consumer of drugs in the world. Alcoholism is rampant, especially among college students, with only feeble attempts being made to address the problem. The lessons from the AIDS epidemic are being swept under the rug of political correctness. African- Americans have been liberated as slaves for a century and a half, yet many are still trapped in an unending cycle of poverty and discrimination, which is in a way a form of economic slavery.
The unraveling (straightening out) of the moral fabric in today's society must weigh heavily on the minds of individuals with insight. They can draw personal solace and inspiration from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAS).
It is said that while he was young as a herdsman Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had a companion whom he asked to take over his duties while he (young Muhammad (SAS)) spent the night in town in some recreation (such as liquor bars or Disco bars) as other youths were wont (established custom) to do in those days. Before he reached his destination, however, Muhammad's (pbuh) attention was arrested by a wedding in one of the houses on the way. He stopped there to listen to the sounds emanating from the house and fell asleep. He came back to Makkah on another occasion for the same purpose, and again on the way his attention was arrested by the sound of beautiful music. He sat down on the street to listen, and again fell asleep. The temptations of Makkah had no power over the disciplined soul of Muhammad (SAS) whose prime concern was contemplation. This is not surprising. Far lesser men than Muhammad (SAS) have also overcome these temptations. He led a life far removed from vice and immorality, and found his pleasures in immersing himself in thought and contemplation.
The Arab tribal society of the Seventh century, whose structure was based on greed, debauchery, and violence, was changed in a very short time, by the Prophet (pbuh), into a society with one of the highest moral standards in history. Compassion, humility, devotion to God and egalitarianism (social equality) replaced the old well-entrenched tribal attitudes of pride in wealth, family and class, cruelty toward fellow humans and self-centered behavior. Women, for the first time in history, had rights and dignity, and the vulnerable and weak sections of the society were protected. Sexuality was removed from public prurience (that which incites lasciviousness (Driven by lust. Preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires) or lust) and became private and wholesome. Wealth was re-circulated so that even the smallest capillaries of the society were infused with energy and indigence (poverty or destitution) became nearly extinct.
EVERYTHING IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, but not in ISLAM.
Alcohol in Soft Drinks
It is well known that some soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, contain among their ingredients a tiny amount of alcohol, which is used to dissolve some constituents of the drinks such as color, flavor, etc. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, for example, contain different types of flavors, considered to be secrets of the trade, these flavors dissolve in alcohol, which is no more than two to three parts in one thousand (0.03-0.02 %) in these drinks
Such soft drinks are considered to be permissible halal from the Islamic point of view, according to the rules for eating and drinking in the Islamic legal law.
The concept behind these rule is that if a small amount of a prohibited substance X is mixed with a dominant permissible substance Y till substance X loses all its attributes such as taste, color, and smell, substance x loses the qualifications of being impure and prohibited by having being dissolved in substance Y.
This conclusion is supported by a ruling by Ibn Taymmiah in his Fatawa (21/502), and by the recommendations of the ninth Medical Fiqh Seminar of the Islamic Medical Science Organization, which met in Aldar Albayda’ in Morocco in June 1997.
The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
Natural and artificial flavors containing alcohol.
In the food industry, alcohol is the second common solvent after water. Some of the flavors like vanilla cannot be made without alcohol. One cannot imagine foods and drinks like, ice cream, cakes and cookies, soft drinks. Etc. without the use of alcohol. IFANCA (The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America) considers alcohol as an unavoidable impurity in the food systems. Muslim countries, which import food products, accept foods containing small quantities of alcohol.
We have established two levels of control points for alcohol in foods and ingredients:
Less than 0.1 per cent in the food items.
Less than 0.5 per cent in food ingredients.
At the above levels, one cannot detect the presence of alcohol by taste, smell or sight.
These guidelines are for the food industry to make halal certified products, however, where should one draw the line, is up to the individual Muslim consumer based on the available knowledge and his or her own commitment.
The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
IFANCA
5901 N. Cicero Ste. 309, Chicago, IL 60646
TEL: (773) 283-3708
FAX: (773) 283-3973
(Reference: www.isna.net/fiqh)
Nation of Islam
Why Afro-Americans want to join the Nation of Islam?
The answer is to lead a moral life, a life of temperance a life of Tee-totallers. To be dignified members of the society.
Life Magazine of May 1979 issue pictorially depicted the reformation of Muslim inmates in a San Francisco prison. The Muslim inmates were free from Drugs and Alcohol and never practiced Homosexuality.
Story of an Atheist from a communist country
A man from the former Soviet Union immigrated to the United States when he was young. When he became old, he was worried about life after death or life hereafter, although he was an atheist. He studied the following religions thoroughly.
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism
Islam
Christianity
Finally he became a Christian, as the Christian priest assured him Paradise if he believed in Jesus Christ as his savior. As a Christian he studied the problems of Christian society and developed second thoughts and was inclined towards Islam for its five pillars of faith and the disciplined life of a Muslim.
Corruption in Muslim countries and World's most corrupt countries
In a developing Muslim country the following corruptions are found.
· Water in pot before milking the cow.
· Drug tampering
· Coffee tainted with tamarind powder
· Ghee (melted butter) tainted with Crisco
· Cereals, like rice and wheat tainted with pebbles to weigh more
· One Muslim by the name of Abdul Sattar (not his real name) has registered an organization called "Abdul Sattar Academy for Islam Research" D.B.U. (doing business as ) "Academy for Islamic Research". Peddling or marketing the business in the name of Islam. THIS IS HARAM.
A list of the world's most corrupt countries has been released recently by Transparency International a Berlin-based voluntary organization claiming to be fighting corruption all over the world by exposing corrupt practices everywhere. Topping the list are four Islamic countries namely Bangladesh (in 2001 and 2002 it is listed first), Nigeria (used to be Number One), Indonesia and Azerbaijan. Pakistan is a close seventh with many other Muslim countries following it. Nigeria, Bolivia and Colombia are rated the most corrupt countries, and Denmark, Finland and Sweden the least corrupt, in an index published by Transparency International, a non-government pressure group. In the year 1997 Transparency International, found Bangladesh occupying the fourth position among the corrupt countries. Being among the top ten on any account was news indeed. Bangladesh has since made incredibly tremendous progress in this particular field. Transparency International again came out with the astounding disclosure that Bangladesh topped the list of 91 countries it surveyed in 2001.
These countries are Muslim countries that have been bestowed with a religion that puts so much emphasis on honesty, truth, righteousness and other attributes of personal behaviour. Then why is the Muslim Umma so weak in its moral fiber? One reason that comes to mind is probably that our Ulama or religious preachers do not stress upon the importance of a righteous character or sound personal character.
They, in fact, indirectly connote that acts like offering or accepting bribe, adulterating foodstuff and medicines, hoarding, black marketing, exploiting the helpless, indulging in nepotism, defeating merit and justice, are but small vices which can be condoned by saying an extra prayers, by extra fasting or by going for Hajj. The result is that the Islamic Ummah is in a deep abyss of moral decadence.
The need of the hour is that the Ulama or religious preachers should stress upon the fact that God does not forgive deliberate acts of sin just by saying extra prayers, extra fastings or by performing a religious rite.
The Ulama or religious Preachers must emphasize the need for 'Jihad-e-Akbar', that is, jihad against personal desires, lust and greed. And that is the service Islam needs most, today. DO NOT JUDGE A CAR BY ITS DRIVER.
Two Social Evils
www.doshiza.com
The Muslims in America constitute about 6 million out of a total population of nearly 300 million. That is about 2 per cent. The Muslims are a tiny Island in the Ocean of America where the majority have non-Islamic values.
The world is plagued by all sorts of problems: social unrest, political instabilities, mass poverty and destitution, prostitution, homosexuality, sexual assaults on children, homicides, killings, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, family break-ups, juvenile delinquency, gun violence in schools and in the public, suicides and the so-called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).
This article will analyze the two evils of society, namely slavery and alcoholism and compares its solution by Western methodology and Islamic solution
SLAVERY
As early as 1849, Abraham Lincoln believed that slaves should be emancipated, advocating a program in which they would be freed gradually. To gain support, he proposed that slave owners be compensated for giving up their "property." Support was not forthcoming because for Southern States slavery was an economic issue and for Northern States where lived the abolitionists, slavery was a moral issue. Slavery became the cause of American Civil War. 3 million Americans fought the war on American Soil and 600,000 were killed. Poor Farmers in the Northern States never saw a slave and poor farmers in Southern States could not afford to own a slave.
In September of 1862, after the Union's victory at Antietam, Lincoln issued a preliminary decree stating that, unless the rebellious states returned to the Union by January 1, 1863 freedom would be granted to slaves within those states. The decree also left room for a plan of compensated emancipation. No Confederate states took the offer, and on January 1, 1863 Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation declared, "all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
The Emancipation Proclamation did not free all slaves in the United States. Rather, it declared free, only those slaves living in states not under Union control. William Seward, Lincoln's secretary of state, commented, "We show our sympathy with slavery by emancipating slaves where we cannot reach them and holding them in bondage where we can set them free." Lincoln was fully aware of the irony, but he did not want to antagonize(upset) the slave states loyal to the Union by setting their slaves free.
The proclamation allowed black soldiers to fight for the Union -- soldiers that were desperately needed. It also tied the issue of slavery directly to the war. What the Muslims would have done during the Civil War. Slavery is a moral issue for the Muslims, hence they would have fought to preserve the Union and supported president Ibrahim Lincoln.
ISLAMIC SOLUTION
During the time of the Prophet of Islam there were so many evils in the social life of Arabia. The Prophet wanted to reform all those evils according to the Islamic scheme but
the method he opted was not a revolutionary one. Rather, it was what may be called, an evolutionary method.
An example of this evolutionary method can be seen in the case of slavery. At that time slavery was widespread everywhere in the world including Arabia. It even enjoyed the status of a highly established institution but the Prophet avoided a path that would seek to abolish slavery right in the beginning stage of his movement for reform. Instead, he adopted a gradual process of trying to remove the evils by way of education, teaching and explaining by peaceful means. God revealed verses in the Qur'an that enjoined the Prophet to persuade people to be kind to their slaves. These verses sought to change the very view of slaves in the eyes of slaveholders. The Qur'an referred to slaves not as slaves but as human beings no different from their "masters," equal to all other men and deserving of respect, dignity and treatment that is but the right of all human beings.
In those days slaves were a common commodity traded in the marketplace. So had slavery been immediately abolished, it was bound to create innumerable problems. It would have been as if a war were being waged with such chaos as would be the result of abolishing the ownership of all homes at a time when everyone owned their own house.
So Islam launched a two-fold movement. On one front, it continuously discouraged the making of new slaves. On the other front it also continuously ingrained into the mindset of society that freeing a slave was an incomparable virtue, even to the extent that one was encouraged to purchase new slaves solely for the purpose of freeing them. So the Prophet and his companions began to purchase slaves from their masters and set them free. This example clearly illustrates the Islamic method for removing social evils. This was the very method that was adopted by the Prophet to remove all the prevalent social
evils in Arabian society.
ALCOHOL
O you who believe! wine and gambling, stone altars and
divining arrows are filth from the handiwork of evil. Avoid
them completely so that hopefully you will be successful.
Devil wants to stir up enmity and hatred between you by
means of wine and gambling and to debar you from
remembrance of Allah and prayer. Will you not then give up? (al-Qur'an 5:90-91)
Consider Alcoholism.
In the USA alone, the economic costs of Alcoholism and drug abuse are reported to be at a quarter trillion dollars per year. The social and moral costs are additional. But the solution evades world's most technologically advanced and organized society.
18th Amendment
Consumption of alcohol was discouraged by law in many of the states over the first century of the United States under the Constitution. By 1855, 13 of the 31 states had temperance laws, or alcohol prohibition laws. The Civil War distracted the public from the temperance movement, but the proliferation of saloons after the Civil War, and the trappings of the saloons (like gambling, prostitution, and public drunkenness) lead to the so-called "Women's War" in 1873. Over time, the movement became more organized and the Anti-Saloon League was established in 1893. The ASL's goal was national prohibition, and it set up an office in Washington to that end - it even established its own publishing house in Westerville, Ohio.
The ASL polled candidates on their stand on the temperance question, endorsing candidates with a pro-temperance stance. In the election of 1915, ASL-sponsored candidates swept the elections for Congress, and on December 18, 1917, Congress passed the 18th Amendment. It quickly was adopted by the states, being ratified in just over a year, on January 16, 1919.This was after a century of grass roots efforts, which included thousands of societies for prohibition and abstinence pledges in churches. They also allocated $5 million for enforcement to turn USA into a liquor-free society. A few years later the estimate was $300 million and growing.
21st Amendment
The Prohibition era did have a certain sense of lawlessness; the very fact that consumption was not eliminated is testimony to that; and the fact that organized crime manufactured and distributed the bulk of the illicit alcohol of the 1920's and early 1930's is evidence that gangsters were aided by Prohibition. Enforcement was spotty, with stills (distilleries) and speakeasies(illicit drinking places) popping up in every population center. Over-zealous police and federal agents violated civil rights when searching for and destroying the paraphernalia of alcohol. While most Americans respected the law, were in favor of the law, the shine of "dry" began to wear off, especially as the Great Depression set in.(1929). Prohibition was widely evaded with 'bootlegging' falling under criminal control. This led to gang warfare particularly in Chicago. President Franklin Roosevelt urged the nation to practice moderation.
A movement began to form to repeal the 18th Amendment. Prohibition of alcohol was seen as an affront to personal liberty, pushed on the nation by religious moralists. Alcohol was also seen as a source of revenue for the local and national governments. The Congress passed the amendment on February 20, 1933. The ratification process was complete on December 5, 1933. The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th, the first time an amendment had been repealed by another. In 1933 America toasted farewell to 14 dry years. Hence fourteen years later Prohibition was repealed. The "Noble Experiment" had failed miserably.
In contrast, Islam banned alcohol 14 centuries ago among people whose love for alcohol was second to none. In three simple steps, spanning only a few years, alcohol was banished from the Muslim world. Today, despite small areas of infraction, a map of the dry world coincides with the map of the Muslim world. Islam has declared alcohol to be Ummul-Khabaith (the root of all evil) and no power on earth can change that designation.
We recently saw a small example of the same miracle with respect to drugs. One command by the Taliban Ameer achieved what hundreds of experts and millions of dollars could not. In the areas under Taliban rule the cultivation of opium has stopped.
ISLAMIC APPROACH
Prophet adopted this evolutionary or gradual method. According to al-Bukhâri, Áisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet says that in the early days of Islam only such verses were revealed that sought to change a person's heart and mind, not verses that laid down divine law. Only when the Qur'an had successfully inculcated in the believers an innate acceptance of the evil nature of alcohol and adultery were the two explicitly prohibited.
Describing this Qur'anic prohibition, Áisha (RA) says, " had such a ban been revealed right in the very beginning, the people would have immediately cried out, "Never shall we leave alcohol nor shall we ever leave adultery."
Gradual change is but the Natural way of change. Islam was able to establish an evil-free society for the first time in history only because it employed this natural method of gradual change. We cannot find an example of such comprehensive success in transforming society on the part of any reform movement in the history of social reform.
In other words, the Islamic scheme for social reform can be called a results-oriented method as opposed to a dogmatic method. Islam seeks to bring about change in a manner that takes into consideration the possible consequences of any action instead of simply imposing its laws without any regard to the results.
Study of the Prophet's life reveals the distinction that he made between his ideas and how he put them into practice. Although he was the greatest of idealists and loved perfection, when dealing with people he kept reality firmly in sight and remained ever practical. The Prophet's life is laden with examples such as those leading unto the prohibition of alcohol and adultery.
The Prophet's effort was always such that the people accepted the mores of Islam by their own choice, rather than be forced to accept it, at the command of some political power. One of the aspects behind the wisdom of the Prophet's method is that when people relinquish a certain social evil of their own accord then there is no negative psychology that results. If a certain standard is imposed upon society, however, the social evil in question may seem to have been removed but some other problem is sure to take its place.
Judging by the standard of results achieved, reform by persuasion is true reform while reform by force is simply an upheaval(turmoil, confusion) rather than real change.
Alcohol in Soft Drinks
It is well known that some soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, contain among their ingredients a tiny amount of alcohol, which is used to dissolve some constituents of the drinks such as color, flavor, etc. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, for example, contain different types of flavors, considered to be secrets of the trade, these flavors dissolve in alcohol, which is no more than two to three parts in one thousand (0.3-0.2 %) in these drinks
Such soft drinks are considered to be permissible halal from the Islamic point of view, according to the rules for eating and drinking in the Islamic legal law.
The concept behind these rule is that if a small amount of a prohibited substance X is mixed with a dominant permissible substance Y till substance X loses all its attributes such as taste, color, and smell, substance x loses the qualifications of being impure and prohibited by having being dissolved in substance Y.
This conclusion is supported by a ruling by Ibn Taymmiah in his Fatawa (21/502), and by the recommendations of the ninth Medical Fiqh Seminar of the Islamic Medical Science Organization, which met in Aldar Albayda’ in Morocco in June 1997.
Natural and artificial flavors containing alcohol.
In the food industry, alcohol is the second common solvent after water. Some of the flavors like vanilla can not be made without alcohol. One can not imagine foods and drinks like, ice cream, cakes and cookies, soft drinks, etc. without the use of alcohol. IFANCA (The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America) considers alcohol as an unavoidable impurity in the food systems. Muslim countries, which import food products, accept foods containing small quantities of alcohol.
We have established two levels of control points for alcohol in foods and ingredients:
Less than 0.1 per cent in the food items.
Less than 0.5 per cent in food ingredients.
At the above levels, one can not detect the presence of alcohol by taste, smell or sight.
These guidelines are for the food industry to make halal certified products, however, where should one draw the line, is up to the individual Muslim consumer based on the available knowledge and his or her own commitment.
Islam is the Solution
Then there are armies of "experts" who have been convincing everyone that the real problem of the exploited countries is that they are too "traditional" and their salvation lies in aping the progressive ways of the West. This is the essence of the modernization theory that seeks to move societies from the "traditional" to the "modern."
Today there are generations of educated(in secular or western education) Muslims who have been convinced that progress means modernization, and modernization means westernization. For every problem they turn to the "First World" for answers, guidance, and assistance. They see their own societies as decadent and attribute this decadence to their adherence to traditions and religion. Most of the rulers in the Muslim world today, unfortunately, come from this group. At the same time they claim to be Muslims and servants of Islam.
May be we can invite them to shed this hypocrisy and take an objective look at their ideal (western) societies. They may find out that contrary to their thinking, whatever good is there in any society, it comes from Islam. Whatever evils are there come from hypocrisy and defiance of Islam.
It is generally observed that in Muslim societies today people are neither punctual nor value time much. Their leisurely ways are in direct contrast to the world where the creed is that time is money. Islam does not promote this materialistic notion of the value of time, which results in nobody having time for others. But it does teach the value of every moment of our life as providing the opportunity for earning the rewards in the hereafter. It does require us to be punctual and not to waste time. And it delivers.
In the vast Muslim world there is one activity that is extraordinary in its punctuality and discipline. In the big cities, as well as in the remotest rural areas, the azan is called five times a day and the people gather for the congregational prayers at the proper times without fail. Neither excessive cold in the winter nights nor excruciating heat during sizzling summer days keeps them from their sacred duty. This enterprise has not been financed by governments or big businesses. When most people are in their warm beds in their unheated homes, there is a muezzin in every neighborhood who never fails to wake up and remind everyone, "Prayer is better than sleep." "As-Salatu Khairun Min-an-Naum"
Here is a glimpse of the power of Islam. Can we imagine the situation when not just the muezzin and a small congregation, but the entire population becomes responsive to its duty? Can we imagine when their sense of responsibility goes beyond the prayers and covers all aspects of their life?
Equally fascinating is the unparalleled power of Islam in shunning social evils that are consuming the world. Despite their myriad problems, the Muslim lands even today shine as islands of virtue in a deep dark ocean of vice.
Where else but in a Muslim country (Saudi Arabia) one can find jewelry stores without armed guards, closed doors, and elaborate security systems? One of the major crimes against humanity and morality committed by the "First World" has been the exploitation of women in the form of prostitution. Whether it is legal or illegal, whether there are marked red light areas or not, it flourishes everywhere in the "First World" and has its way. In addition, every area visited by their armies has left behind these centers of filth. Again, the notable exception is the Muslim world.
This world was a dark place, having forgotten or distorted previous prophets' teachings, before Prophet Muhammad brought the light. He brought back the message of Tauheed, universal brotherhood, compassion, mercy, equality, justice, God consciousness, and morality. As Muslims turned away from Islam, the darkness started to increase again, dividing it into first, second, and third worlds. There is lot of arrogance and ignorance in these ranks. But, Islam again illuminates the way. The solution is there, if only we look in the right direction. Islam is the solution.
REFERENCES:
(1) The Life of Muhammad by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui
(2) Wahiduddin Khan at online: http://www.alrisala.org/Articles/mailing_list/social_change_in_islam.html
(3) Khalid Baig Islam is the Solution, Impact International, 4 Sha'ban 1422, 21 October 2001
(4) www.isna.net/fiqh
(5) The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America(IFANCA), 5901 N. Cicero Ste. 309, Chicago, IL 60646.TEL: (773) 283-3708.FAX: (773) 283-3973
The Muslims in America constitute about 6 million out of a total population of nearly 300 million. That is about 2 per cent. The Muslims are a tiny Island in the Ocean of America where the majority have non-Islamic values.
The world is plagued by all sorts of problems: social unrest, political instabilities, mass poverty and destitution, prostitution, homosexuality, sexual assaults on children, homicides, killings, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, family break-ups, juvenile delinquency, gun violence in schools and in the public, suicides and the so-called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).
This article will analyze the two evils of society, namely slavery and alcoholism and compares its solution by Western methodology and Islamic solution
SLAVERY
As early as 1849, Abraham Lincoln believed that slaves should be emancipated, advocating a program in which they would be freed gradually. To gain support, he proposed that slave owners be compensated for giving up their "property." Support was not forthcoming because for Southern States slavery was an economic issue and for Northern States where lived the abolitionists, slavery was a moral issue. Slavery became the cause of American Civil War. 3 million Americans fought the war on American Soil and 600,000 were killed. Poor Farmers in the Northern States never saw a slave and poor farmers in Southern States could not afford to own a slave.
In September of 1862, after the Union's victory at Antietam, Lincoln issued a preliminary decree stating that, unless the rebellious states returned to the Union by January 1, 1863 freedom would be granted to slaves within those states. The decree also left room for a plan of compensated emancipation. No Confederate states took the offer, and on January 1, 1863 Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation declared, "all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
The Emancipation Proclamation did not free all slaves in the United States. Rather, it declared free, only those slaves living in states not under Union control. William Seward, Lincoln's secretary of state, commented, "We show our sympathy with slavery by emancipating slaves where we cannot reach them and holding them in bondage where we can set them free." Lincoln was fully aware of the irony, but he did not want to antagonize(upset) the slave states loyal to the Union by setting their slaves free.
The proclamation allowed black soldiers to fight for the Union -- soldiers that were desperately needed. It also tied the issue of slavery directly to the war. What the Muslims would have done during the Civil War. Slavery is a moral issue for the Muslims, hence they would have fought to preserve the Union and supported president Ibrahim Lincoln.
ISLAMIC SOLUTION
During the time of the Prophet of Islam there were so many evils in the social life of Arabia. The Prophet wanted to reform all those evils according to the Islamic scheme but
the method he opted was not a revolutionary one. Rather, it was what may be called, an evolutionary method.
An example of this evolutionary method can be seen in the case of slavery. At that time slavery was widespread everywhere in the world including Arabia. It even enjoyed the status of a highly established institution but the Prophet avoided a path that would seek to abolish slavery right in the beginning stage of his movement for reform. Instead, he adopted a gradual process of trying to remove the evils by way of education, teaching and explaining by peaceful means. God revealed verses in the Qur'an that enjoined the Prophet to persuade people to be kind to their slaves. These verses sought to change the very view of slaves in the eyes of slaveholders. The Qur'an referred to slaves not as slaves but as human beings no different from their "masters," equal to all other men and deserving of respect, dignity and treatment that is but the right of all human beings.
In those days slaves were a common commodity traded in the marketplace. So had slavery been immediately abolished, it was bound to create innumerable problems. It would have been as if a war were being waged with such chaos as would be the result of abolishing the ownership of all homes at a time when everyone owned their own house.
So Islam launched a two-fold movement. On one front, it continuously discouraged the making of new slaves. On the other front it also continuously ingrained into the mindset of society that freeing a slave was an incomparable virtue, even to the extent that one was encouraged to purchase new slaves solely for the purpose of freeing them. So the Prophet and his companions began to purchase slaves from their masters and set them free. This example clearly illustrates the Islamic method for removing social evils. This was the very method that was adopted by the Prophet to remove all the prevalent social
evils in Arabian society.
ALCOHOL
O you who believe! wine and gambling, stone altars and
divining arrows are filth from the handiwork of evil. Avoid
them completely so that hopefully you will be successful.
Devil wants to stir up enmity and hatred between you by
means of wine and gambling and to debar you from
remembrance of Allah and prayer. Will you not then give up? (al-Qur'an 5:90-91)
Consider Alcoholism.
In the USA alone, the economic costs of Alcoholism and drug abuse are reported to be at a quarter trillion dollars per year. The social and moral costs are additional. But the solution evades world's most technologically advanced and organized society.
18th Amendment
Consumption of alcohol was discouraged by law in many of the states over the first century of the United States under the Constitution. By 1855, 13 of the 31 states had temperance laws, or alcohol prohibition laws. The Civil War distracted the public from the temperance movement, but the proliferation of saloons after the Civil War, and the trappings of the saloons (like gambling, prostitution, and public drunkenness) lead to the so-called "Women's War" in 1873. Over time, the movement became more organized and the Anti-Saloon League was established in 1893. The ASL's goal was national prohibition, and it set up an office in Washington to that end - it even established its own publishing house in Westerville, Ohio.
The ASL polled candidates on their stand on the temperance question, endorsing candidates with a pro-temperance stance. In the election of 1915, ASL-sponsored candidates swept the elections for Congress, and on December 18, 1917, Congress passed the 18th Amendment. It quickly was adopted by the states, being ratified in just over a year, on January 16, 1919.This was after a century of grass roots efforts, which included thousands of societies for prohibition and abstinence pledges in churches. They also allocated $5 million for enforcement to turn USA into a liquor-free society. A few years later the estimate was $300 million and growing.
21st Amendment
The Prohibition era did have a certain sense of lawlessness; the very fact that consumption was not eliminated is testimony to that; and the fact that organized crime manufactured and distributed the bulk of the illicit alcohol of the 1920's and early 1930's is evidence that gangsters were aided by Prohibition. Enforcement was spotty, with stills (distilleries) and speakeasies(illicit drinking places) popping up in every population center. Over-zealous police and federal agents violated civil rights when searching for and destroying the paraphernalia of alcohol. While most Americans respected the law, were in favor of the law, the shine of "dry" began to wear off, especially as the Great Depression set in.(1929). Prohibition was widely evaded with 'bootlegging' falling under criminal control. This led to gang warfare particularly in Chicago. President Franklin Roosevelt urged the nation to practice moderation.
A movement began to form to repeal the 18th Amendment. Prohibition of alcohol was seen as an affront to personal liberty, pushed on the nation by religious moralists. Alcohol was also seen as a source of revenue for the local and national governments. The Congress passed the amendment on February 20, 1933. The ratification process was complete on December 5, 1933. The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th, the first time an amendment had been repealed by another. In 1933 America toasted farewell to 14 dry years. Hence fourteen years later Prohibition was repealed. The "Noble Experiment" had failed miserably.
In contrast, Islam banned alcohol 14 centuries ago among people whose love for alcohol was second to none. In three simple steps, spanning only a few years, alcohol was banished from the Muslim world. Today, despite small areas of infraction, a map of the dry world coincides with the map of the Muslim world. Islam has declared alcohol to be Ummul-Khabaith (the root of all evil) and no power on earth can change that designation.
We recently saw a small example of the same miracle with respect to drugs. One command by the Taliban Ameer achieved what hundreds of experts and millions of dollars could not. In the areas under Taliban rule the cultivation of opium has stopped.
ISLAMIC APPROACH
Prophet adopted this evolutionary or gradual method. According to al-Bukhâri, Áisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet says that in the early days of Islam only such verses were revealed that sought to change a person's heart and mind, not verses that laid down divine law. Only when the Qur'an had successfully inculcated in the believers an innate acceptance of the evil nature of alcohol and adultery were the two explicitly prohibited.
Describing this Qur'anic prohibition, Áisha (RA) says, " had such a ban been revealed right in the very beginning, the people would have immediately cried out, "Never shall we leave alcohol nor shall we ever leave adultery."
Gradual change is but the Natural way of change. Islam was able to establish an evil-free society for the first time in history only because it employed this natural method of gradual change. We cannot find an example of such comprehensive success in transforming society on the part of any reform movement in the history of social reform.
In other words, the Islamic scheme for social reform can be called a results-oriented method as opposed to a dogmatic method. Islam seeks to bring about change in a manner that takes into consideration the possible consequences of any action instead of simply imposing its laws without any regard to the results.
Study of the Prophet's life reveals the distinction that he made between his ideas and how he put them into practice. Although he was the greatest of idealists and loved perfection, when dealing with people he kept reality firmly in sight and remained ever practical. The Prophet's life is laden with examples such as those leading unto the prohibition of alcohol and adultery.
The Prophet's effort was always such that the people accepted the mores of Islam by their own choice, rather than be forced to accept it, at the command of some political power. One of the aspects behind the wisdom of the Prophet's method is that when people relinquish a certain social evil of their own accord then there is no negative psychology that results. If a certain standard is imposed upon society, however, the social evil in question may seem to have been removed but some other problem is sure to take its place.
Judging by the standard of results achieved, reform by persuasion is true reform while reform by force is simply an upheaval(turmoil, confusion) rather than real change.
Alcohol in Soft Drinks
It is well known that some soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, contain among their ingredients a tiny amount of alcohol, which is used to dissolve some constituents of the drinks such as color, flavor, etc. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, for example, contain different types of flavors, considered to be secrets of the trade, these flavors dissolve in alcohol, which is no more than two to three parts in one thousand (0.3-0.2 %) in these drinks
Such soft drinks are considered to be permissible halal from the Islamic point of view, according to the rules for eating and drinking in the Islamic legal law.
The concept behind these rule is that if a small amount of a prohibited substance X is mixed with a dominant permissible substance Y till substance X loses all its attributes such as taste, color, and smell, substance x loses the qualifications of being impure and prohibited by having being dissolved in substance Y.
This conclusion is supported by a ruling by Ibn Taymmiah in his Fatawa (21/502), and by the recommendations of the ninth Medical Fiqh Seminar of the Islamic Medical Science Organization, which met in Aldar Albayda’ in Morocco in June 1997.
Natural and artificial flavors containing alcohol.
In the food industry, alcohol is the second common solvent after water. Some of the flavors like vanilla can not be made without alcohol. One can not imagine foods and drinks like, ice cream, cakes and cookies, soft drinks, etc. without the use of alcohol. IFANCA (The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America) considers alcohol as an unavoidable impurity in the food systems. Muslim countries, which import food products, accept foods containing small quantities of alcohol.
We have established two levels of control points for alcohol in foods and ingredients:
Less than 0.1 per cent in the food items.
Less than 0.5 per cent in food ingredients.
At the above levels, one can not detect the presence of alcohol by taste, smell or sight.
These guidelines are for the food industry to make halal certified products, however, where should one draw the line, is up to the individual Muslim consumer based on the available knowledge and his or her own commitment.
Islam is the Solution
Then there are armies of "experts" who have been convincing everyone that the real problem of the exploited countries is that they are too "traditional" and their salvation lies in aping the progressive ways of the West. This is the essence of the modernization theory that seeks to move societies from the "traditional" to the "modern."
Today there are generations of educated(in secular or western education) Muslims who have been convinced that progress means modernization, and modernization means westernization. For every problem they turn to the "First World" for answers, guidance, and assistance. They see their own societies as decadent and attribute this decadence to their adherence to traditions and religion. Most of the rulers in the Muslim world today, unfortunately, come from this group. At the same time they claim to be Muslims and servants of Islam.
May be we can invite them to shed this hypocrisy and take an objective look at their ideal (western) societies. They may find out that contrary to their thinking, whatever good is there in any society, it comes from Islam. Whatever evils are there come from hypocrisy and defiance of Islam.
It is generally observed that in Muslim societies today people are neither punctual nor value time much. Their leisurely ways are in direct contrast to the world where the creed is that time is money. Islam does not promote this materialistic notion of the value of time, which results in nobody having time for others. But it does teach the value of every moment of our life as providing the opportunity for earning the rewards in the hereafter. It does require us to be punctual and not to waste time. And it delivers.
In the vast Muslim world there is one activity that is extraordinary in its punctuality and discipline. In the big cities, as well as in the remotest rural areas, the azan is called five times a day and the people gather for the congregational prayers at the proper times without fail. Neither excessive cold in the winter nights nor excruciating heat during sizzling summer days keeps them from their sacred duty. This enterprise has not been financed by governments or big businesses. When most people are in their warm beds in their unheated homes, there is a muezzin in every neighborhood who never fails to wake up and remind everyone, "Prayer is better than sleep." "As-Salatu Khairun Min-an-Naum"
Here is a glimpse of the power of Islam. Can we imagine the situation when not just the muezzin and a small congregation, but the entire population becomes responsive to its duty? Can we imagine when their sense of responsibility goes beyond the prayers and covers all aspects of their life?
Equally fascinating is the unparalleled power of Islam in shunning social evils that are consuming the world. Despite their myriad problems, the Muslim lands even today shine as islands of virtue in a deep dark ocean of vice.
Where else but in a Muslim country (Saudi Arabia) one can find jewelry stores without armed guards, closed doors, and elaborate security systems? One of the major crimes against humanity and morality committed by the "First World" has been the exploitation of women in the form of prostitution. Whether it is legal or illegal, whether there are marked red light areas or not, it flourishes everywhere in the "First World" and has its way. In addition, every area visited by their armies has left behind these centers of filth. Again, the notable exception is the Muslim world.
This world was a dark place, having forgotten or distorted previous prophets' teachings, before Prophet Muhammad brought the light. He brought back the message of Tauheed, universal brotherhood, compassion, mercy, equality, justice, God consciousness, and morality. As Muslims turned away from Islam, the darkness started to increase again, dividing it into first, second, and third worlds. There is lot of arrogance and ignorance in these ranks. But, Islam again illuminates the way. The solution is there, if only we look in the right direction. Islam is the solution.
REFERENCES:
(1) The Life of Muhammad by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui
(2) Wahiduddin Khan at online: http://www.alrisala.org/Articles/mailing_list/social_change_in_islam.html
(3) Khalid Baig Islam is the Solution, Impact International, 4 Sha'ban 1422, 21 October 2001
(4) www.isna.net/fiqh
(5) The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America(IFANCA), 5901 N. Cicero Ste. 309, Chicago, IL 60646.TEL: (773) 283-3708.FAX: (773) 283-3973
