In the name of Allah,
"For every people (nation) there is a feast, and this is our feast (Eid). (Bukhari, Muslim)
Islam has removed the burden of celebrating anniversary, birthdays, etc. and simplified to celebrate two days of Eidain. Our religion, Islam, is so perfect that it provides celebration that does not require spending money, so poorest of the poorest can celebrate. All a person need is a clean piece of cloth, and a Muslim gathering nearby to perform the Eid Salat. Alhamdulilah!
I know that some of you are puzzled on what I just said. Eid being cheap and simple. It is true that we have made Eidain to be a very complicated and expensive affair. However, it is not meant to be such. I would like to share what to do and what NOT to do on Eid.
All men who cover their body, all women who cover their body and head, and all kids are required to attend Eid Salat, except menstruating women. Women who usually don't wear hijab are not required to come for Eid Salat. If someone is poor and can't afford to cover their body, we should try to provide for them. (Fardh)
Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to bring them (women) out on (Eid) al-Fitr and (Eid) al-Adha, and to bring out adolescent girls, menstruating women and virgins, but the menstruating women were to stay away from the prayer, but were to witness goodness and the gathering of the Muslims. I said: “O Messenger of Allaah, what if one of us does not have a jilbaab?” He said: “Let her sister lend her a jilbab.” (Sahih Bukhari Book 8 #347)
No Salat should be performed immediately before or after Eid Salat. (Fardh)
The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) went out and offered a two Rak’aat prayer on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal (radiallahu ‘anhu) was accompanying him. (Bukhari Book 15, Number 104)
No speeches before salat. Two rakat followed by a speech, preferably in a language of the land, so people can understand. (Fardh).
Ibn Abbass (ra) reported: " I participated in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer with the Messenger of Allah (saw), Abu Bakr (ra), Umar (ra) and Uthman (ra), and all of them held Eid prayer before Khutbah, and then the Prophet Muhammad (saw) delivered the Khutbah (sermon)." ( Muslim Book 004, Number 1923)
Imam to preach to women directly after Khutbah. (Recommended)
‘Ata (radiallahu ‘anhu) said, “Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said, ‘The Prophet went out on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr and offered the prayer before delivering the khutba. ‘Ata told me that during the early days of Ibn Az-Zubair, Ibn Abbas had sent a message to him telling him that the Adhan for the ‘Id Prayer was never pronounced (in the life time of Allah’s Messenger) and the khutbah used to be delivered after the prayer. ‘Ata told me that Ibn Abbas and Jabir bin ‘Abdullah had said there was no Adhan for the prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Aqha.’ ‘Ata said, “I heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah saying, ‘The Prophet stood up and started with the prayer, and after it he delivered the khutbah. When the Prophet of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) finished (the khutbah), he went to the women and preached to them, while he was leaning on Bilal’s hand. Bilal was spreading his garment and the ladies were putting alms in it.’” I said to Ata, “Do you think it incumbent upon an Imam to go to the women and preach to them after finishing the prayer and Khutba?” ‘Ata’ said, “No doubt it is incumbent on Imams to do so, and why should they not do so?” (Bukhari Book 15, Number 78)
Men should wear the best of the clothes they have. It doesn't have to be new. So, no need for wasting money on new clothes every year. Perfume is must. (Fardh)
Al-Hassan as-Sibt says: "The Messenger of Allah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) ordered us to wear the best clothes we could find for the two 'ids and to apply the best perfume we could find and to sacrifice the best animal we could find." This is related by al-Hakim and in its chain is Ishaq ibn Barzakh whom al-'Azdi declares to be weak while Ibn Hibban says he is trustworthy.
Women, however, can not dress up attractively when they come for Eid salat, and they have to be covered. (Fardh)
Aisha (RA) reports that Allah's Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes unrecognized (Bukhari Book 8, Number 368).
Women should not use perfume when coming for Eid. (Fardh)
Zainub (RA), the wife of Abdullah bin Masood (RA), reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "If any woman attends the Masjid, she should not use any perfume" (Muslim Book 004, Number 0893)
Women should not adorned themselves with makeup, jewelery, cloths etc. (Fardh)
It is reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was in the Masjid when a woman from the people of Muzaina who had adorned herself came into the Masjid. Upon this Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “O People, prevent your women from wearing attractive garments and walking proudly in the Masjid since the people of Bani Israeel were cursed because of this very action of their women (Ibn Majah)
We should try to avoid contacts with Non-Mahram men or women. This is a general rule that does not change for Eid. Physical contact like shaking hands is haram, and unnecessary conversation should be discouraged. (Recommended)
Malik related to me from Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir that Umayma bint Ruqayqa said, "I went to the Messenger of Allah with the women who took an oath of allegiance with him in Islam. They said, 'Messenger of Allah! We take a pledge with you not to associate anything with Allah, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to kill our children, nor to produce any lie that we have devised between our hands and feet, and not to disobey you in what is known.' The Messenger of Allah said, 'In what you can do and are able.' "
Umayma continued, "They said, 'Allah and His Messenger are more merciful to us than ourselves. Come, let us give our hands to you, Messenger of Allah!' The Messenger of Allah said, 'I do not shake hands with women. My word to a hundred women is like my word to one woman.' "(Muwatta Book 55, Number 55.1.2)
Eat dates before Salat (Suggested)
Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas (radiallahu ‘anhu) also narrated: The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to eat odd number of dates. (Bukhari 2.73)
Return from a different path. No need to go crazy looking for a complete different path, just change as much as you can. (Suggested)
On the Day of Eid the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to return (after offering the Eid prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. (Bukhari Book 15, Number 102)
JazakAllah Khair
A struggling Muslim
Abu Arman
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
How to establish Islamic State in Modern Age?
In the Name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful
At this moment in time, no country, city, or village exist that can be reffered to as an Islamic State. An Islamic State have to be based completely on Islamic Shariah. However, Islam does exist as a theology that may be practiced by Muslims with various level of devoution.
I had lengthy debates on this topic with Muslims, Non-Muslims, and Athiests alike, and almost everyone is convinced that it is not possible to establish an Islamic state in this age. I beg to differ with this conclusion.
Another opinion is that Muslim countries that calls themselves Islamic republic are Islamic states. That is not the case either. In fact, Al-Saudi Al-Arabiya is not an Islamic state either.
It violates the basic principle of Allah being the ruler. They have kept a royal family that is against all the teachings of Islam. If the Saudi Royal family gives up the rule and form the counsel to choose leader who is best fit to lead, we may see a shift.
So, What is an Islamic state?
An Islamic state is a community where the only ruler exist is Allah. Of course, you need someone to run the Administration of the state, who is called Custodian (Khalifah). His Job is to apply Allah's laws, with guidance from Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH).
Wouldn't this religous state be opressive on people?
No, certainly not. Allah's laws can never be opressive, as his Mercy superceeds his Anger. In practical terms, Islamic Laws are based upon the best balance of rights. It has been proven for centuries of Islamic state that existed with peace and prosperity between 623 AD to 1300 AD. People flocked to Islamic state for education, jobs, safety, conviniences.
Why do we need an Islamic State?
Absence of an Islamic State has slowed down the progress of human research, and increase in crimes, and increase in Women's opression, and decrease health among humans, ... Humans need to be at peace physically and spritually to think on critical problems, and find solutions.
How do we establish an Islamic State?
This is a very difficult question, since there will be many opinions on this. Some will say religous theocracy system need to be established. Some will say secular democracy with a spirit of Shariah would be needed. Both answers are wrong, and are extremes created by human mind.
Humans are not capable of establishing government or run the goverment on their own. They need Allah's guidance to acheive that. So, the Islamic State has to be based on Allah's guidance. However, it cannot be a State where people are not free to chose their religion, as it will violate Allah's command meaning "There is no compulsion in religion".
Fortunately, we have examples of Islamic states, and the best one is Medina under the best Human being ever lived (PBUH). Next best example is Khilafat of Umar (RA). In fact, his custodianship is the best fit for the modern Age. There is alot to be said about that.
Following Article defines the finer points about why Muslims are confused by two extremes, and reacting violently.
http://www.alislam.org/library/articles/Freedom-of-Expression-and-Islamic-Ideals-Sirajul-Haq-Khan.pdf
Religious minded with insufficient knowledge in Islam are frustrated with dominance of Non-Muslim influence, and have been reacting with violence. On the other hand, Secular minded with insufficient spirit of Islam are frustrated with violent reaction by religious extremists, and have been reacting with extreme view of their own to abandon Hijab, beard, Salat, etc and to embrace Alcohol, Music, Cultural slavery.
Both of these reactions are unIslamic, and only hurt further chance of establishing an Islamic state. What is required is a balance of Religous spirit with tolerance.
If one claims that the method used by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is outdated, then they have not understood the ayat where Allah has finalized the revelation. Allah has provided us with a set of rules that do not become obselete with time, and thinking that they do is a grave mistake.
The Plan
Islamic state is made up of communities who are completely submissive to Allah's will. These communities are made up of families who are completely submissive to Allah's will. These families are made up of individual who are completely submissive to Allah's will. As everything else in Islam, establishing an Islamic state is simple and in our hands.
We as individual need to testify that we have no master except Allah, and his will was communicated through Muhammad (PBUH). Then, we have to surrender our wills to go against this testification. We can't have an Imam as master (as a guide may be), can't have a political leader as master (as our servent may be), can't have social standing as master (as our character may be), can't have wealth as master (as a means may be), can't have pleasure as master (as a relief may be). To clarify, if any of the above contradict Allah's command, abandon it without hesitation.
Next, as a family member, we need to stop other family members from commiting Haram. We can't have an attitude of "minding our own business". Islam teaches us to be humble and Curteous, but be direct and true, which means if you walk in to a family gathering where backbiting is happening, immediately speak up politely, and ask them to stop. Also, we need to invite family members towards good actions. If it is time for Salat, ask them to have a jamat. If there is a confrontation between two memners, asked them to say "I seek refuge in Allah, from Shaytan and its influence", and try to solve it. This was the feature of Our Rasool(PBUH) which he was famous for.
Next, as a community memeber, we need to visit Masjid regularly. Once in the Masjid, don't spent time on lengthy discussion, as it is impossible to avoid backbitting and slander if we speak without purpose for more than 3 mintues. Look for oportunity to learn from others, and sometime teach others for what they don't know. One thing that is very common, an always will destroy communities, is to find like minded company. This creates factions. We have to make effort to communicate with people who don't agree with us. Never! I repeat never use the labels such as "Arab", "Desi" "Salafi", "Hanafi", "Brelwi", "Tablighi", even if no one is around. Our human psychology learn from what we say, and if we say it enough times, it records it as a perception.
Everyday we wake up, we should have 3 objectives.
- How can I oppress my will today in favour of Allah's will?
- How can I convince a family member towards Halal and away from Haram?
- How can I make a difference in the community?
This process can take upto approx 20 years.
At the end of 20 years, we should have at least 2 or 3 indivduals who can be chosen as a leader, and they will be so sincere that they will not want to become leader unless compelled. Once they become our leader, they will start the next stage of building a State of Islam. Non-Muslims will be already attracted towards Muslims for their beautiful character and perfect solutions, so this is an inside out revolution. Peaceful but strong.
If you have not noticed yet, this is exactly how our Prophet (PBUH) built a State. He was a human builder, and the humans he built were like Super Humans that Non-Muslims travelled far distances just to meet them.
How to begin?
Take an oath today to remove doubt, and become sincere towards learning and then implementing Islam in the life
Where to register?
Report 5 times a day to local Masjid.
Intention of these words are to spark thoughts and ideas, and not to present a strict opinion.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
At this moment in time, no country, city, or village exist that can be reffered to as an Islamic State. An Islamic State have to be based completely on Islamic Shariah. However, Islam does exist as a theology that may be practiced by Muslims with various level of devoution.
I had lengthy debates on this topic with Muslims, Non-Muslims, and Athiests alike, and almost everyone is convinced that it is not possible to establish an Islamic state in this age. I beg to differ with this conclusion.
Another opinion is that Muslim countries that calls themselves Islamic republic are Islamic states. That is not the case either. In fact, Al-Saudi Al-Arabiya is not an Islamic state either.
It violates the basic principle of Allah being the ruler. They have kept a royal family that is against all the teachings of Islam. If the Saudi Royal family gives up the rule and form the counsel to choose leader who is best fit to lead, we may see a shift.
So, What is an Islamic state?
An Islamic state is a community where the only ruler exist is Allah. Of course, you need someone to run the Administration of the state, who is called Custodian (Khalifah). His Job is to apply Allah's laws, with guidance from Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH).
Wouldn't this religous state be opressive on people?
No, certainly not. Allah's laws can never be opressive, as his Mercy superceeds his Anger. In practical terms, Islamic Laws are based upon the best balance of rights. It has been proven for centuries of Islamic state that existed with peace and prosperity between 623 AD to 1300 AD. People flocked to Islamic state for education, jobs, safety, conviniences.
Why do we need an Islamic State?
Absence of an Islamic State has slowed down the progress of human research, and increase in crimes, and increase in Women's opression, and decrease health among humans, ... Humans need to be at peace physically and spritually to think on critical problems, and find solutions.
How do we establish an Islamic State?
This is a very difficult question, since there will be many opinions on this. Some will say religous theocracy system need to be established. Some will say secular democracy with a spirit of Shariah would be needed. Both answers are wrong, and are extremes created by human mind.
Humans are not capable of establishing government or run the goverment on their own. They need Allah's guidance to acheive that. So, the Islamic State has to be based on Allah's guidance. However, it cannot be a State where people are not free to chose their religion, as it will violate Allah's command meaning "There is no compulsion in religion".
Fortunately, we have examples of Islamic states, and the best one is Medina under the best Human being ever lived (PBUH). Next best example is Khilafat of Umar (RA). In fact, his custodianship is the best fit for the modern Age. There is alot to be said about that.
Following Article defines the finer points about why Muslims are confused by two extremes, and reacting violently.
http://www.alislam.org/library/articles/Freedom-of-Expression-and-Islamic-Ideals-Sirajul-Haq-Khan.pdf
Religious minded with insufficient knowledge in Islam are frustrated with dominance of Non-Muslim influence, and have been reacting with violence. On the other hand, Secular minded with insufficient spirit of Islam are frustrated with violent reaction by religious extremists, and have been reacting with extreme view of their own to abandon Hijab, beard, Salat, etc and to embrace Alcohol, Music, Cultural slavery.
Both of these reactions are unIslamic, and only hurt further chance of establishing an Islamic state. What is required is a balance of Religous spirit with tolerance.
If one claims that the method used by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is outdated, then they have not understood the ayat where Allah has finalized the revelation. Allah has provided us with a set of rules that do not become obselete with time, and thinking that they do is a grave mistake.
The Plan
Islamic state is made up of communities who are completely submissive to Allah's will. These communities are made up of families who are completely submissive to Allah's will. These families are made up of individual who are completely submissive to Allah's will. As everything else in Islam, establishing an Islamic state is simple and in our hands.
We as individual need to testify that we have no master except Allah, and his will was communicated through Muhammad (PBUH). Then, we have to surrender our wills to go against this testification. We can't have an Imam as master (as a guide may be), can't have a political leader as master (as our servent may be), can't have social standing as master (as our character may be), can't have wealth as master (as a means may be), can't have pleasure as master (as a relief may be). To clarify, if any of the above contradict Allah's command, abandon it without hesitation.
Next, as a family member, we need to stop other family members from commiting Haram. We can't have an attitude of "minding our own business". Islam teaches us to be humble and Curteous, but be direct and true, which means if you walk in to a family gathering where backbiting is happening, immediately speak up politely, and ask them to stop. Also, we need to invite family members towards good actions. If it is time for Salat, ask them to have a jamat. If there is a confrontation between two memners, asked them to say "I seek refuge in Allah, from Shaytan and its influence", and try to solve it. This was the feature of Our Rasool(PBUH) which he was famous for.
Next, as a community memeber, we need to visit Masjid regularly. Once in the Masjid, don't spent time on lengthy discussion, as it is impossible to avoid backbitting and slander if we speak without purpose for more than 3 mintues. Look for oportunity to learn from others, and sometime teach others for what they don't know. One thing that is very common, an always will destroy communities, is to find like minded company. This creates factions. We have to make effort to communicate with people who don't agree with us. Never! I repeat never use the labels such as "Arab", "Desi" "Salafi", "Hanafi", "Brelwi", "Tablighi", even if no one is around. Our human psychology learn from what we say, and if we say it enough times, it records it as a perception.
Everyday we wake up, we should have 3 objectives.
- How can I oppress my will today in favour of Allah's will?
- How can I convince a family member towards Halal and away from Haram?
- How can I make a difference in the community?
This process can take upto approx 20 years.
At the end of 20 years, we should have at least 2 or 3 indivduals who can be chosen as a leader, and they will be so sincere that they will not want to become leader unless compelled. Once they become our leader, they will start the next stage of building a State of Islam. Non-Muslims will be already attracted towards Muslims for their beautiful character and perfect solutions, so this is an inside out revolution. Peaceful but strong.
If you have not noticed yet, this is exactly how our Prophet (PBUH) built a State. He was a human builder, and the humans he built were like Super Humans that Non-Muslims travelled far distances just to meet them.
How to begin?
Take an oath today to remove doubt, and become sincere towards learning and then implementing Islam in the life
Where to register?
Report 5 times a day to local Masjid.
Intention of these words are to spark thoughts and ideas, and not to present a strict opinion.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
Sunday, August 29, 2010
If you are Muslim, Pay Zakat!
In the Name of Allah,
Recently, one brother approached me asking about Zakat, and the amount due. I would like to share some info that may guide people in the right direction.
Is Zakat Fard?
Yes. This should be an obvious thing that Zakat is obligatory, but in case, following verses of Quran and hadith prove the obligation.
"Who do not give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and with regard to the Hereafter, they are disbelievers." (Quran 41:7)
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 573:
Nisab is the exemption limit for the payment of Zakat. In other words, it is the amount which savings or capital or product must exceed in order for the Muslim owner to be obliged to give zakat. Nisab amount calculated based on 3 oz of pure Gold. This changes on a daily basis, so either use a calculator, or look it up for that day.
Who or where to pay Zakat?
To free slaves
Riqab is the term used to describe the group of people who are slaves. The Zakah money is used to free the slaves. For the Gharimeen-those who are in debt
Zakah money is used to pay off debts but these people are not living in luxury, they are living a normal life. For example, someone who has gone bankrupt because of job loss and is overloaded with debt. Fee Sabeelillah (for the Cause of Allah) Ibn as Sabeel
This refers to a traveler, for instance who has lost his wallet and has to get back to his home.
Recently, one brother approached me asking about Zakat, and the amount due. I would like to share some info that may guide people in the right direction.
Is Zakat Fard?
Yes. This should be an obvious thing that Zakat is obligatory, but in case, following verses of Quran and hadith prove the obligation.
"You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down." (Quran 2:43)
"Who do not give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and with regard to the Hereafter, they are disbelievers." (Quran 41:7)
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 573:
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 486:Narrated Abu Ma'bad,:
(the slave of Ibn Abbas) Allah's Apostle said to Muadh when he sent him to Yemen, "You will go to the people of the Scripture. So, when you reach there, invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle. And if they obey you in that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night. And if they obey you in that tell them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakat which will be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, then avoid taking the best of their possessions, and be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah."
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, 'I am your wealth, I am your treasure.' " Then the Prophet recited the holy verses:-- 'Let not those who withhold . . .' (to the end of the verse). (3.180).
When is Zakat Due ?
- 1. Passage of One Lunar Year:
- Zakat is obligatory after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of it's owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).
- 2. Deduction of Debts:
- The owner should deduct any amount of money he or she borrowed from others; then check if the rest reaches the necessary nisab, then pays Zakat for it.
How much to pay?
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 487:Narrated Abu Said:
Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, "No Zakat is due on property mounting to less than five Uqiyas (of silver), and no Zakat is due on less than five camels, and there is no Zakat on less than five Wasqs." (A Wasqs equals 60 Sa's) & (1 Sa=3 K gms App.)
Zakat is not just charity, but it is more like annual tax that Muslims have to pay on their properties that are not necessity (Cash, Jewelry, etc) excluding the debt owed for next 12 lunar months.
If we try to hide our savings from zakat, we are missing the point.
"And those who hoard up gold and silver, and do not spend them in the wayof God, announce unto them a painful punishment..." (Quran 9:34)
http://www.soundvision.com/Info/life/zakatcalc.asp
Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital. So, you just pick a date on lunar calendar and stick to it for the rest of your life. Preferably use Ramadan to get extra reward.
Any amount until "Nisab" is exempt from Zakat. So, we subtract that amount from the final total and pay Zakat on the rest.
Personal properties that are necessity are exempted from Zakat.
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 542:Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "There is no Zakat either on a horse or a slave belonging to a Muslim"
Who or where to pay Zakat?
You can pay zakat to any relative who is not:
- Your parent, grandparent and ascending
- Your child, grandchild and descending
- Your spouse
As for all other relatives then it is not only permissible, but better to pay zakat to them if they are valid zakat-recipients.
- The poor (Fuqara)-this refers to someone who has no income or incapable of earning income
- The needy (Masakin)-this is someone who for instance, may have a job, a house and a car, but their income is below the minimum requirement.
- Employees of the Zakah.
- Sympathizers. These are those people who might enter or who have already entered Islam. Anyone we feel are good friends or ours (non-Muslim or new Muslims) we give them a gift from the Zakah money.
(To draw their hearts closer.) Some people are given because some of his peers
might embrace Islam, while others are given to collect alms from surrounding
areas, or to defend Muslim outposts. Allah knows best. (Ibn Kathir)
Riqab is the term used to describe the group of people who are slaves. The Zakah money is used to free the slaves.
Zakah money is used to pay off debts but these people are not living in luxury, they are living a normal life. For example, someone who has gone bankrupt because of job loss and is overloaded with debt.
This refers to a traveler, for instance who has lost his wallet and has to get back to his home.
If there is no close relative or neighbour in need of it, it is suggested to pay Zakat in your local masjid, since they will have a program to help people in the neighbourhood.
First two categories are top priorities, and Masjid can take care after that. Rest categories are for future generations, when wealth will be so common that you would need to search for a person to pay zakat. Please don't spent time looking for a traveler, as that is the last person for zakat.
Following masjid accepts Zakat and helps locals in Orlando.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
Adnan Jumani
Friday, August 27, 2010
Which Category of Prophet's Ummah Do We Belong To?
In the Name of Allah
'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar said: I heard the Messenger of Allah saying:
My Thoughts:
Category # 1 is the fast track to Jannah, and the questioning will be less. It requires to stay below certain wealth level. This person chose not to expand the wealth. They work to pay their bills and obligation, and share the rest of the money with this world. I recommend this to everyone if you can push back on the peer pressure.
Category # 2 is a group of people who does like earning money, as it is Halal to earn money proper way, and they also spent in the Name of Allah. They follow Islam as best they can. They pay Zakat, charity, and help the needy. Although they do everything right, they will not enter Jannah if they face full accounting on day of judgement. See, more you receive from Allah, more you to answer for it. If someone is rich then they have complicated means of income, and complicated ways of expenditures. If some mistakes are made, they have to account for it. Now, Allah has setup many ways to forgive people, and this group will be forgiven if they don't commit major sins. Our Prophet (PBUH) has told us that we should try not to get accounted, becuase no one can withstand the scrutiny of Allah. So, this group enjoys their lives in this world, and MAY enter jannah if forgiven.
Category # 3 are the ones who are Muslims, and they pray Salat, and do some good deeds, but they earn money anyway they can. They spend on things that do not benefit anyone. For example, they will spent a $50,000 on Marraige, where marraige suppose to be without expenditures. Their life moves around money, and they will skip the Salat, if there is an important meeting with a client. They beleive strongly in power of money, and Islam is a ritual for them. As long as Islam doesn't come in their way of earning more money they are happy to follow it.They truly don't beleive in life after death, as if you beleive that, then all the ealth is like "Toy Money". For example, if you go to Disney resort for a week, they use Disney money within the resort. So you start collecting the money but don't spent it. When you return, you try to use the money at the store, and they will start laughing at you. Same way, all the wealth in this world is good for 60+ years, and we can't use it to buy a cup of coffee at the coffee shop before "Sirat" on judgement day. We have to find a money exchange and exchange the currency that we can use. So, earn money, spent on worldly things, then spent more in the path of Allah converting to currency of hereafter, and keep as less as possible. This group will certainly end up in Hell fire, unless they repent.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar said: I heard the Messenger of Allah saying:
"My Ummah will be of three categories in this world:
The first will have no
desire in hoarding wealth and treasuring it. They do not work for owning and
monopolizing it. Their satisfaction of this world is with what allays their
hunger and covers their bodies. Their wealth in this world is what suffices them
to reach the Hereafter. To those there shall come no fear upon them neither
shall they grieve.
The second category loves earning money through the
most lawful means and spending it in the best manner. They help the needy.
Indeed, it is easier for this kind of person to their blood relatives and do
favor to their brethren and support starving than to earn a dirham unlawfully or
to spend it where it should not be spent, or to withhold it from its rightful
owner, or to treasure it until he dies. Those if they are audited will be
punished; however, if they are forgiven they will be safe.
The third
category loves hoarding money lawfully and unlawfully and keeping away from
where lawfully it should be spent. If they spend it, they spend extravagantly
and hastily, and if they hold it, they hold it out of stinginess and monopoly.
Those are the ones on whose hearts the worldly life holds the reins until it
leads them to the Fire through their sins." (Muhammad PBUH)
My Thoughts:
Category # 1 is the fast track to Jannah, and the questioning will be less. It requires to stay below certain wealth level. This person chose not to expand the wealth. They work to pay their bills and obligation, and share the rest of the money with this world. I recommend this to everyone if you can push back on the peer pressure.
Category # 2 is a group of people who does like earning money, as it is Halal to earn money proper way, and they also spent in the Name of Allah. They follow Islam as best they can. They pay Zakat, charity, and help the needy. Although they do everything right, they will not enter Jannah if they face full accounting on day of judgement. See, more you receive from Allah, more you to answer for it. If someone is rich then they have complicated means of income, and complicated ways of expenditures. If some mistakes are made, they have to account for it. Now, Allah has setup many ways to forgive people, and this group will be forgiven if they don't commit major sins. Our Prophet (PBUH) has told us that we should try not to get accounted, becuase no one can withstand the scrutiny of Allah. So, this group enjoys their lives in this world, and MAY enter jannah if forgiven.
Category # 3 are the ones who are Muslims, and they pray Salat, and do some good deeds, but they earn money anyway they can. They spend on things that do not benefit anyone. For example, they will spent a $50,000 on Marraige, where marraige suppose to be without expenditures. Their life moves around money, and they will skip the Salat, if there is an important meeting with a client. They beleive strongly in power of money, and Islam is a ritual for them. As long as Islam doesn't come in their way of earning more money they are happy to follow it.They truly don't beleive in life after death, as if you beleive that, then all the ealth is like "Toy Money". For example, if you go to Disney resort for a week, they use Disney money within the resort. So you start collecting the money but don't spent it. When you return, you try to use the money at the store, and they will start laughing at you. Same way, all the wealth in this world is good for 60+ years, and we can't use it to buy a cup of coffee at the coffee shop before "Sirat" on judgement day. We have to find a money exchange and exchange the currency that we can use. So, earn money, spent on worldly things, then spent more in the path of Allah converting to currency of hereafter, and keep as less as possible. This group will certainly end up in Hell fire, unless they repent.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
What is more important than Salat (Namaz)?
In the Name of Allah
Most of the Muslims are aware of the status Mothers have in Islam.
But do we know that all our Salat is useless unless, we are obedient to our Mother. This sounds like an easy thing to understand, but lets say it differently.
There is a person, who is very pious, and prays Salat with Jamat in the Masjid 5 times a day. He visits others home and enjoin to come to Masjid. He follows every Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH) down to its tiny details.
He doesn't do any Haram, and stay with Halal. He does not do his daughter's wedding lavishly with Music and intermixing of Sexes. He doesn't talk bad about someone behind their back. You got the idea what kind of person this is.
If you know this man, you know for sure, he is going to Jannah.
But, he does not obey his mother on one thing. For example, he gives preference to his wife over his mother. He will not go to Jannah, unless the mother forgive him, or repent and change himself.
This should be an Alarm call for many of us who take light of their Mother's requests. We have to keep mother above all, except Allah and his messenger. Respecting Mother is not just lip service or a hug once in a while, or calling her "Amma". It means following what she says, and providing what she needs.
“Alqamah (radi Allahu anhu) was a very pious person. He spent his time in prayer and fasting. At the approach of death he was unable to proclaim the Kalima Shahada, in spite of repeated instruction by those present. Alqamah's wife sent a messenger to Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) to inform him of Alqamah's grave condition.
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) enquired whether the parents of Alqamah were alive. He was informed that Alqamah's mother was alive. Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) asked the aged mother about Alqamah. She replied: ‘Alqamah is a very pious person. He passes his time in Salat and Saum. He performs Tahajjud, but he always disobeys me for the sake of his wife. I am, therefore, displeased with him.’
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘It will be best for him if you forgive him.’ However, she refused. Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered Bilal (radi Allahu anhu) to gather firewood. On hearing this order, Alqamah's mother asked in consternation: ‘Will my child be burnt in the fire?’
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Yes! Compared to the punishment of Allah, our punishment is light. I take oath by Allah that as long as you remain displeased with him, neither his Salat nor his Sadaqah is accepted.’
The old lady said: ‘I make you and all people present witness that I have forgiven Alqamah.’ Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) addressing the gathering, said: ‘Go and see if the Kalima is on the tongue of Alqamah or not.’
After returning from Alqamah the people informed him that he was reciting the Kalima. Thus, he left this world with the Kalima on his lips. After burying Alqamah, Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘The curse of Allah is on the one who causes difficulty to his mother. The curse of the angels and the curse of mankind be on him. Allah Ta'ala neither accepts his Fardh nor his Nafl Ibadat as long as he does not repent and obey his mother. He has to gain her pleasure as best as he can. Allah's Pleasure depends on the mother's pleasure and His Wrath is concealed in her wrath.’” [Ahmad]
This hadith is a sobre reminder for us to be respectful and obedient to our parents and try to keep them happy with us. It is not a small matter to upset them for the sake of our friends or others who we value more. The only time that we are allowed to give preference to others is in the matter of others’ Allah-given rights, since no obedience can supercede obedience to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and His Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).
Therefore, it is important to find out what the rights of our children, spouses, relatives, friends, and other Muslims are, so we know what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wants us to do in case there is a clash between what different people want from us. This is the only proper way to balance relationships as it seeks Allah’s pleasure. Otherwise, mothers deserve our utmost attention, respect and obedience.
A Struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
Most of the Muslims are aware of the status Mothers have in Islam.
But do we know that all our Salat is useless unless, we are obedient to our Mother. This sounds like an easy thing to understand, but lets say it differently.
There is a person, who is very pious, and prays Salat with Jamat in the Masjid 5 times a day. He visits others home and enjoin to come to Masjid. He follows every Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH) down to its tiny details.
He doesn't do any Haram, and stay with Halal. He does not do his daughter's wedding lavishly with Music and intermixing of Sexes. He doesn't talk bad about someone behind their back. You got the idea what kind of person this is.
If you know this man, you know for sure, he is going to Jannah.
But, he does not obey his mother on one thing. For example, he gives preference to his wife over his mother. He will not go to Jannah, unless the mother forgive him, or repent and change himself.
This should be an Alarm call for many of us who take light of their Mother's requests. We have to keep mother above all, except Allah and his messenger. Respecting Mother is not just lip service or a hug once in a while, or calling her "Amma". It means following what she says, and providing what she needs.
“Alqamah (radi Allahu anhu) was a very pious person. He spent his time in prayer and fasting. At the approach of death he was unable to proclaim the Kalima Shahada, in spite of repeated instruction by those present. Alqamah's wife sent a messenger to Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) to inform him of Alqamah's grave condition.
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) enquired whether the parents of Alqamah were alive. He was informed that Alqamah's mother was alive. Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) asked the aged mother about Alqamah. She replied: ‘Alqamah is a very pious person. He passes his time in Salat and Saum. He performs Tahajjud, but he always disobeys me for the sake of his wife. I am, therefore, displeased with him.’
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘It will be best for him if you forgive him.’ However, she refused. Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered Bilal (radi Allahu anhu) to gather firewood. On hearing this order, Alqamah's mother asked in consternation: ‘Will my child be burnt in the fire?’
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Yes! Compared to the punishment of Allah, our punishment is light. I take oath by Allah that as long as you remain displeased with him, neither his Salat nor his Sadaqah is accepted.’
The old lady said: ‘I make you and all people present witness that I have forgiven Alqamah.’ Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) addressing the gathering, said: ‘Go and see if the Kalima is on the tongue of Alqamah or not.’
After returning from Alqamah the people informed him that he was reciting the Kalima. Thus, he left this world with the Kalima on his lips. After burying Alqamah, Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘The curse of Allah is on the one who causes difficulty to his mother. The curse of the angels and the curse of mankind be on him. Allah Ta'ala neither accepts his Fardh nor his Nafl Ibadat as long as he does not repent and obey his mother. He has to gain her pleasure as best as he can. Allah's Pleasure depends on the mother's pleasure and His Wrath is concealed in her wrath.’” [Ahmad]
This hadith is a sobre reminder for us to be respectful and obedient to our parents and try to keep them happy with us. It is not a small matter to upset them for the sake of our friends or others who we value more. The only time that we are allowed to give preference to others is in the matter of others’ Allah-given rights, since no obedience can supercede obedience to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and His Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).
Therefore, it is important to find out what the rights of our children, spouses, relatives, friends, and other Muslims are, so we know what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wants us to do in case there is a clash between what different people want from us. This is the only proper way to balance relationships as it seeks Allah’s pleasure. Otherwise, mothers deserve our utmost attention, respect and obedience.
A Struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
Monday, July 12, 2010
Why some Muslims find Islam to be boring?
In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allâh, Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest." (Surah Ar-Ra'd 28)
I speak from experience, as I did find Islam to be boring throughout my life. Going to Masjid didn't have any attraction. Reading Quran certainly was the most boring task I was ever asked to do. Taking Allah's name was very heavy, and I felt really uncomfortable about that.
Now, when it came to Amitabh Bachchan's Music (Indian Movie Star), I could listen for hours, literally. I had my favourite cassettes. Watching TV has been my weakness, but it was an adiction in the past. Of course, sports were the most entertaining part of my day.
With my experience in mind, I am very sensitive about other's similar habbits. I am sure everyone who read this (if they ever read anything I forward that is) can relate to this. If I discuss with people on Music or Movies, they are glowing with excitement, and it becomes hard to interrupt them, but if the discussion turn to Allah's name, they become numb.
Last night, I get to know above ayat of Quran, which reveals the reason Muslims are finding following their religion so boring. Lets face it. They are not avoiding Salat, because it is difiicult, they are avoiding salat because it is not fun, or it interrupts their fun. Everything seems to be about entertaining one self.
So, Why do we find Islam boring?
Answer is in the ayat above. Allah says in this verse that no one can find satisfaction and content of heart in anything except in remembrance of Allah. So, if one is not remembring Allah by praying Salat, reading Quran, or just saying ("Allah", "SubhanAllah"...), they will always be bored and depressed.
Narrated Mujahid: 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said, "Allah's Apostle took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler."
Wait a second. What about all the fun people are having with Music and such? Well, lets examine that. All musicians, movie stars, and entertainers provide fun to everyone, so they should be the fountain of content, right? Wrong. Most of them have committed suicide, or they are thinking about it. They are using drugs, or alcoholic. All of them are depressed. So, why is that, if they are the leaders of modern entertainment age.
What happens is that when we become a society of fun, fun , and fun, our hearts become hardened, and our soul's stomach gets filled with that food. However, Allah gaurantees that eating that food will only increase in hunger, and until we remember Allah on a regular basis, we can never be content. We CAN NOT have both love of this world, and Allah's name in our heart, as it doesn't mix.
Bayhaqi transmittted the hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him )that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "There is a polish for everything and that the polish for the heart (to remove rust from it) is remembrance of Allah. And, no deed is more effective than dhikr of Allah in rescuing from Allah's punishment." The Sahabah May Allah be pleased with them asked, "O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad in Allah's path?" He said ,"yes , even if one wields his sword till it is broken."
For example, we will not see a pious person getting depressed, and get on anti-depressants. There is no need for it. Their hearts are fill with Allah's name, and thats the best food for soul. On the contrast, they will not find attraction in the Music and such, as it starts mixing with Allah's name in their heart, and starts the reaction, which is very uncomfortable. So, they chose to avoid those entertainment as much as they can.
‘The heart becomes rusted like iron in water.’ When asked how to banish this corrosion, the Prophet (pbuh) replied, ‘Remember death frequently & recite the Qur’an.’ An-Nasai
If someone claims that they can keep both love of world (love of entertainment), and love of Allah in their heart, either they are a super being, or they are not being truthful to themselves. Allah's name will not rest where filth is resting, which makes sense. If one prefer to fill their heart with filth, it is unfortunate.
One who lives in a village beside a creek (stream of filth), will get used to its bad smell, and if you visit him, and spray some perfume on them, they will get uncomfortable. It is same for praying salat every friday, and praying Quran once a year, it will be very uncomfortable. If someone listen Music in their car, in the house... and you read quran to them, they will not find any attraction in it.
If we want to be content, we need to clean our heart from the love of this world, specifically love for Music, and other entertainment, We can't expect content, when all we feed our soul is Haram food (Music).
Of course, we all have to pay our due while we are in this world, and no one suggests to do otherwise. We just don't have to fall in love with this world. We should only fall in Love with Allah, as we will be staying with him for a very very long time.
"O Allah! It is evident that the desire for pleasure is inherent in us. Its total elimination is not the aim. But, we supplicate that wealth aids us in the attainment of Your Love." (Umar bin Khattab)
So, how do we cleanse our heart?
Just a struggling Muslim
Adnan
"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allâh, Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest." (Surah Ar-Ra'd 28)
I speak from experience, as I did find Islam to be boring throughout my life. Going to Masjid didn't have any attraction. Reading Quran certainly was the most boring task I was ever asked to do. Taking Allah's name was very heavy, and I felt really uncomfortable about that.
Now, when it came to Amitabh Bachchan's Music (Indian Movie Star), I could listen for hours, literally. I had my favourite cassettes. Watching TV has been my weakness, but it was an adiction in the past. Of course, sports were the most entertaining part of my day.
With my experience in mind, I am very sensitive about other's similar habbits. I am sure everyone who read this (if they ever read anything I forward that is) can relate to this. If I discuss with people on Music or Movies, they are glowing with excitement, and it becomes hard to interrupt them, but if the discussion turn to Allah's name, they become numb.
Last night, I get to know above ayat of Quran, which reveals the reason Muslims are finding following their religion so boring. Lets face it. They are not avoiding Salat, because it is difiicult, they are avoiding salat because it is not fun, or it interrupts their fun. Everything seems to be about entertaining one self.
So, Why do we find Islam boring?
Answer is in the ayat above. Allah says in this verse that no one can find satisfaction and content of heart in anything except in remembrance of Allah. So, if one is not remembring Allah by praying Salat, reading Quran, or just saying ("Allah", "SubhanAllah"...), they will always be bored and depressed.
Narrated Mujahid: 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said, "Allah's Apostle took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler."
Wait a second. What about all the fun people are having with Music and such? Well, lets examine that. All musicians, movie stars, and entertainers provide fun to everyone, so they should be the fountain of content, right? Wrong. Most of them have committed suicide, or they are thinking about it. They are using drugs, or alcoholic. All of them are depressed. So, why is that, if they are the leaders of modern entertainment age.
What happens is that when we become a society of fun, fun , and fun, our hearts become hardened, and our soul's stomach gets filled with that food. However, Allah gaurantees that eating that food will only increase in hunger, and until we remember Allah on a regular basis, we can never be content. We CAN NOT have both love of this world, and Allah's name in our heart, as it doesn't mix.
Bayhaqi transmittted the hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him )that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "There is a polish for everything and that the polish for the heart (to remove rust from it) is remembrance of Allah. And, no deed is more effective than dhikr of Allah in rescuing from Allah's punishment." The Sahabah May Allah be pleased with them asked, "O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad in Allah's path?" He said ,"yes , even if one wields his sword till it is broken."
For example, we will not see a pious person getting depressed, and get on anti-depressants. There is no need for it. Their hearts are fill with Allah's name, and thats the best food for soul. On the contrast, they will not find attraction in the Music and such, as it starts mixing with Allah's name in their heart, and starts the reaction, which is very uncomfortable. So, they chose to avoid those entertainment as much as they can.
‘The heart becomes rusted like iron in water.’ When asked how to banish this corrosion, the Prophet (pbuh) replied, ‘Remember death frequently & recite the Qur’an.’ An-Nasai
If someone claims that they can keep both love of world (love of entertainment), and love of Allah in their heart, either they are a super being, or they are not being truthful to themselves. Allah's name will not rest where filth is resting, which makes sense. If one prefer to fill their heart with filth, it is unfortunate.
One who lives in a village beside a creek (stream of filth), will get used to its bad smell, and if you visit him, and spray some perfume on them, they will get uncomfortable. It is same for praying salat every friday, and praying Quran once a year, it will be very uncomfortable. If someone listen Music in their car, in the house... and you read quran to them, they will not find any attraction in it.
If we want to be content, we need to clean our heart from the love of this world, specifically love for Music, and other entertainment, We can't expect content, when all we feed our soul is Haram food (Music).
Of course, we all have to pay our due while we are in this world, and no one suggests to do otherwise. We just don't have to fall in love with this world. We should only fall in Love with Allah, as we will be staying with him for a very very long time.
"O Allah! It is evident that the desire for pleasure is inherent in us. Its total elimination is not the aim. But, we supplicate that wealth aids us in the attainment of Your Love." (Umar bin Khattab)
So, how do we cleanse our heart?
- Remember Allah! best remembrance is Salat (Namaz). Then, reading Quran. Then, just saying his name.
- Remember Death always! always! It will break the magic of this world, and we will be sober to think. Think about the time when we pass away. We will be washed. We will be wrapped in a white cloth. Our loved one will be crying. We will be lowered to your grave, and dirt will be spread on us, and we will be alone.
Just a struggling Muslim
Adnan
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Prohibition of Free-Mixing Between Men and Women
In the Name Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful
By Shaikh Sami al-Majid
The terms "mixing" and "mingling" are used frequently in discussions on the subject of male-female relations in Islam, but these terms were not used at the time the Qur'an was revealed. For this reason, we cannot find direct references in the Qur'an and Sunnah that say "free mixing between men and women is unlawful". However, this does not mean that such conduct is permissible or that Islam has failed to address the matter. Islam has detailed the relationship between men and women in the most precise and exacting terms. It has set down clear guidelines to show men and women how they must conduct themselves with one another. From all of this, there can be no question that Islam prohibits the free mixing of the sexes.
If we look at every verse of the Qur'an in search of a direct statement prohibiting a child from beating his parents, we will never find it. It is not there. However, the Qur'an says: "Do not even say to them 'uff'." Can any rational person, after hearing this verse, claim that it is permissible for a son to beat up his mother and father?
Likewise, Islam has forbidden a woman from putting on perfume and passing in front of men. It has prohibited her from striking her feet on the ground when she walks to reveal the jingle of her hidden ornaments. Can anyone, after considering these and so many other rulings, assume that women and men are allowed to freely mingle and mix with one another?
The texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah are limited in number. If we were to abstain from forbidding anything that is not directly stipulated by word in the texts, we would be rejecting the validity of analogous reasoning in Islamic Law. This would leave countless matters of life without an Islamic legal ruling. This would strip Islamic Law of one of its greatest qualities, which is its relevance to all times and circumstances.
It is absolutely clear from the texts that Islam does not allow men and women to meet each other whenever and however they like. It has placed clear regulations and restrictions upon such behavior and has defined the limits of interaction between men and women. Moreover, Islam has closed all doors that lead to temptation and promiscuity.
When we consider all of the laws governing the relationship between men and women in Islam, we are forced to come to the conclusion that Islam forbids any mixing between the sexes that might provide even the remotest possibility of temptation. Scholars of Islam throughout history have fully appreciated this fact. We can see it evidenced in the writings of the great jurists:
Al-Sarakhsi writes: "The judge should try women separately from men since people tend to crowd together in the courtroom. It is quite obvious that the mixing together of men and women under such crowded conditions is conducive to temptation and other distasteful consequences." [al-Mabs�t (16/80)]
Al-Nawawi writes: "Ibn al-Mundhir and others maintain that it is a matter of unanimous agreement that women are not obligated to attend the Jumu'ah prayers. However, his argument that this is because it brings about the mixing of women and men is not correct. The attendance of women at the Jumu'ah prayers does not necessarily bring about such mixing since the women stay behind the men." [al-Majm�' (4/350)]
Al-Nawawi also writes: "One of the vilest innovations, that some ignorant people today are involved in, is the habit of lighting candles on Mount 'Arafah on the ninth night. This behavior is gravely misguided and is full of improper goings-on such as the mixing of men and women." [al-Majm�': (8/140)]
In the law book entitled al-Fawakih al-Dawani, there is a discussion of when it is permissible to refuse an invitation to a wedding party. It says: "An invitation may be refused if there is any clear wrongdoing at the party, like the mixing of men and women." [al-Fawakih al-Dawani (2/322)]
When scholars warn against the free mixing of men and women, they are not talking about the mere presence of men and women together in the same place. This is something that is definitely not prohibited by Islamic Law. Men and women gathered in the same place at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the mosque and in the marketplace. They walked down the same roads and public thoroughfares.
The mere presence of men and women in the same area is not a great cause for temptation. It would be wrong to treat this as unlawful mixing, since the reason for prohibiting free mixing does not exist in such circumstances. If someone were to prohibit men and women from frequenting the same public places under the pretext of preventing temptation, this would be taking matters to an extreme and imposing a restriction that is unduly severe. Such a policy is, moreover, unnatural and would impose great hardships on people's lives.
At the same time, some circumstances are indisputably cases of unlawful mixing. This would include situations where women and men are crowded together so that there is a danger of their making physical contact. Equally unlawful would be any occasion where unrelated women and men are seated next to one another. Under these circumstances, desires are kindled and temptations are greater and regrettable things happen, as is seen time and again in co-ed schools and mixed social events.
The same can be said for any repeated acquaintance between men and women. Repeated meetings break down the barriers between men and women and allow a relationship to develop between them.
We cannot compare situations like these to the general presence of men and women at shops and other open public places, especially when women are accompanied by their family. In such cases, there is no intimacy, no crowding, and no reason for suspicion. Preventing women from public places frequented by men in order to prevent temptation would be taking things to an extreme.
A woman is commanded in Islam not to come too close to men. She is not, however, prohibited from going to places where men are present as long as she does not approach them or place herself in a position where she is alone with them.
There can be no doubt that preventative legislation is an important part of Islamic Law. There are numerous rulings in Islam that are preventative in nature. However, this does not mean that we can legislate against every remote possibility of wrongdoing that we can think of. Doing so would be a violation of Islam's tolerance and magnanimity and its ease of application. It would place too great a burden upon the believers.
People might differ as to the degree of mixing that is prohibited. We can, nonetheless, get a good approximation of proper limits by reviewing the laws of Islam that govern the relationship between men and women. The sacred texts provides ample evidence about how and when men and women can meet, how women should dress and conduct themselves when they go outside, and many other pertinent matters. It is impossible for free mixing between men and women to occur if Islamic Law is properly observed.
The body of evidence showing that women and men should not mix freely with one another is quite large. We will briefly mention some of it:
1. Allah says: "And when you ask the ladies for anything, ask them from before a screen. That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs." [S�rah al-Ahzab: 53] For women to go about uncovered in the company of men is inarguably a gross violation of the command given in this verse.
2. It is prohibited for men to join women in one place in the absence of at least one of the women's close male relatives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men and women from being alone together. He said: "Never is a man alone with a woman except that Satan is the third party with them."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Do not enter into the company of women."
A man then asked him: "What about her male in-laws?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "The in-law is the most dangerous".
This hadith emphasizes the importance of being wary of in-laws since they are likely to have more opportunities to be alone with the woman and to see her as others do not get the opportunity to see her.
The private meeting between a man and an unchaperoned woman is one of the serious forms of mixing that can take place between the sexes. Temptations are worse when the people know that they are shielded from the sight of others.
Ibn Daqiq al-'id makes the following important observation: "We must take into consideration whether or not the man's arrival at a place brings about a situation where he is alone with the woman. If it does not do so, it is not unlawful for him to go there." (2/181)
This point was made clear by the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he said: "No man should enter into the presence of a woman after this day unless he is accompanied by one or two other men." [Sahih Muslim]
3. There are numerous evidences that the woman may not shake hands with men who are not among her closest relatives.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) never shook hands with an unrelated woman. Umaymah b. Raqiqah said: "I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) with a group of the women of Madinah to swear fealty for Islam. The women informed Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) that they wished to swear fealty to him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I do not shake hands with women. The way I accept the pledge from one woman is the same as with one hundred women." [al-Muwatta', Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Nasa'i and Sunan Ibn Majah].
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "It is better for one of you to be pierced by a steel pin in his head than to touch the hand of a strange woman." [Al-Mundhiri mentions that all the narrators of this hadith are trustworthy. Al-Albani classifies it as a good hadith in Ghayah al-Maram (no. 403).]
4. The Qur'an clearly forbids women from being soft of speech while talking to men. Allah says: "Be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak with a speech (that is) proper." [S�rah al-Ahzab: 32].
5. There is evidence that women may not sit with strange men while wearing perfume. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Any woman who puts on perfume then goes and passes by some men to let them find her scent is a type of adulteress." [Musnad Ahmad, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Daw�d, and Sunan al-Nasa'i with a sound chain of transmission]
6. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of rows in prayer for the man is the first row and the worst for him is the last, and the best of rows for the women is the last row and the worst for her is the first." [Sahih Muslim].
If this advice is being given for men and women when they are in their purest frame of mind and engaged in prayer, then how should they be expected to conduct themselves in other situations?
Ibn 'Abbas relates that he prayed one of the 'Id prayers with the Prophet (peace be upon him). He informs us that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed and offered a sermon, then he went to the women and offered to them a separate sermon, admonishing them and encouraging them to give charity. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Ibn Hajr offers the following observations about this hadith: "The fact that he went to the women separately shows that the women were assembled separately from the men and were not mixed in with them." [Fath al-Bari (2/466)]
7. Once the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw men and women mixing together on the road upon their departure from the mosque. He said to the women: "Hold back a bit. You do not have to walk in the middle of the road. You may keep to the sides." The narrator of the hadith commented that after that time, women would come so close to the buildings that their dresses would sometime cling to the walls." [Sunan Abi Daw�d with a sound chain of transmission]
Ibn 'Umar related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said about one of the mosque's doors: "We should leave this door exclusively for women to use." Ibn 'Umar, until he died, never again entered through that door. [Sunan Abi Daw�d with a sound chain of transmission. Al-Albani says: "This hadith is authentic according to the conditions set down by Bukhari and Muslim."]
Umm Salamah said: "When the Prophet (peace be upon him) completed the prayer, the women would get up to leave. He would then wait awhile before standing." Ibn Shahab said: "I believe that he waited for a while to give the women an opportunity to depart before the men." [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Ibn Hajr comments: "In the hadith, we see that it is disliked for men and women to mix on the road. How much more, then, should such mixing be avoided inside of houses." [Fath al-Bari (2/336)]
8. It was related in al-Bukhari that women at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not circumambulate the Ka'bah along with the men. 'a'ishah used to go around the Ka'bah at a good distance from the men and avoided mixing with them. Once another woman bade to her to go forward with her so they could touch the corner of the Ka'bah. 'a'ishah refused to do so. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
One of 'aishah's handmaidens came to her and said: "O Mother of believers, I went around the Ka'bah seven times and touched the corner twice or trice".
'aishah replied: "May Allah not reward you for pushing your way through men. It would have been sufficient for you to you to say "Allah Akbar" as you passed by". [Musnad al-Shafi'i]
There are two things that this shows us. First, 'a'ishah did not hesitate to circumambulate the Ka'bah when there were men around, nor did she forbid other women from doing so. She only refrained from crowding into men and mixing with them and this is what she prohibited others from doing. This shows us in the clearest of terms that the mere presence of men and women in the same place is not prohibited.
Second, the mixing and contact between men and women circumambulating the Ka'bah that unavoidably occurs during Hajj under today's crowded conditions cannot be used as proof that such mixing is generally allowed. Firstly, the practice of the people does not constitute any sort of evidence in Islamic Law. Secondly, what is happening today during Hajj is unavoidable. It is permitted out of necessity and cannot be made into a general rule for all times and circumstances. It would be fruitless for us to try and demand that women avoid contact with men while circumambulating the Ka'bah during Hajj. It would be equally impossible to ask them to delay their circumambulations until the crowds depart, especially since the women on Hajj are always accompanied by the others who came with them who cannot be forced to wait around.
It is pure sophistry for anyone to use these exceptional circumstances to argue that men and women are allowed to mingle under circumstances where no necessity exists. It is just as baseless as taking the other extreme and declaring the mere presence or men and women in the same place to be unlawful mixing.
We will conclude by mentioning a few verses of the Qur'an. Allah says: "Nor come nigh to adultery". In this verse, Allah does not say "Do not commit adultery" but tells us not even to come close to it. This means that everything that may seduce a person to fall into adultery is unlawful.
Moreover, Allah says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them." and says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." [S�rah al-N�r: 30-31] This shows us how men and women are to conduct themselves.
By Shaikh Sami al-Majid
The terms "mixing" and "mingling" are used frequently in discussions on the subject of male-female relations in Islam, but these terms were not used at the time the Qur'an was revealed. For this reason, we cannot find direct references in the Qur'an and Sunnah that say "free mixing between men and women is unlawful". However, this does not mean that such conduct is permissible or that Islam has failed to address the matter. Islam has detailed the relationship between men and women in the most precise and exacting terms. It has set down clear guidelines to show men and women how they must conduct themselves with one another. From all of this, there can be no question that Islam prohibits the free mixing of the sexes.
If we look at every verse of the Qur'an in search of a direct statement prohibiting a child from beating his parents, we will never find it. It is not there. However, the Qur'an says: "Do not even say to them 'uff'." Can any rational person, after hearing this verse, claim that it is permissible for a son to beat up his mother and father?
Likewise, Islam has forbidden a woman from putting on perfume and passing in front of men. It has prohibited her from striking her feet on the ground when she walks to reveal the jingle of her hidden ornaments. Can anyone, after considering these and so many other rulings, assume that women and men are allowed to freely mingle and mix with one another?
The texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah are limited in number. If we were to abstain from forbidding anything that is not directly stipulated by word in the texts, we would be rejecting the validity of analogous reasoning in Islamic Law. This would leave countless matters of life without an Islamic legal ruling. This would strip Islamic Law of one of its greatest qualities, which is its relevance to all times and circumstances.
It is absolutely clear from the texts that Islam does not allow men and women to meet each other whenever and however they like. It has placed clear regulations and restrictions upon such behavior and has defined the limits of interaction between men and women. Moreover, Islam has closed all doors that lead to temptation and promiscuity.
When we consider all of the laws governing the relationship between men and women in Islam, we are forced to come to the conclusion that Islam forbids any mixing between the sexes that might provide even the remotest possibility of temptation. Scholars of Islam throughout history have fully appreciated this fact. We can see it evidenced in the writings of the great jurists:
Al-Sarakhsi writes: "The judge should try women separately from men since people tend to crowd together in the courtroom. It is quite obvious that the mixing together of men and women under such crowded conditions is conducive to temptation and other distasteful consequences." [al-Mabs�t (16/80)]
Al-Nawawi writes: "Ibn al-Mundhir and others maintain that it is a matter of unanimous agreement that women are not obligated to attend the Jumu'ah prayers. However, his argument that this is because it brings about the mixing of women and men is not correct. The attendance of women at the Jumu'ah prayers does not necessarily bring about such mixing since the women stay behind the men." [al-Majm�' (4/350)]
Al-Nawawi also writes: "One of the vilest innovations, that some ignorant people today are involved in, is the habit of lighting candles on Mount 'Arafah on the ninth night. This behavior is gravely misguided and is full of improper goings-on such as the mixing of men and women." [al-Majm�': (8/140)]
In the law book entitled al-Fawakih al-Dawani, there is a discussion of when it is permissible to refuse an invitation to a wedding party. It says: "An invitation may be refused if there is any clear wrongdoing at the party, like the mixing of men and women." [al-Fawakih al-Dawani (2/322)]
When scholars warn against the free mixing of men and women, they are not talking about the mere presence of men and women together in the same place. This is something that is definitely not prohibited by Islamic Law. Men and women gathered in the same place at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the mosque and in the marketplace. They walked down the same roads and public thoroughfares.
The mere presence of men and women in the same area is not a great cause for temptation. It would be wrong to treat this as unlawful mixing, since the reason for prohibiting free mixing does not exist in such circumstances. If someone were to prohibit men and women from frequenting the same public places under the pretext of preventing temptation, this would be taking matters to an extreme and imposing a restriction that is unduly severe. Such a policy is, moreover, unnatural and would impose great hardships on people's lives.
At the same time, some circumstances are indisputably cases of unlawful mixing. This would include situations where women and men are crowded together so that there is a danger of their making physical contact. Equally unlawful would be any occasion where unrelated women and men are seated next to one another. Under these circumstances, desires are kindled and temptations are greater and regrettable things happen, as is seen time and again in co-ed schools and mixed social events.
The same can be said for any repeated acquaintance between men and women. Repeated meetings break down the barriers between men and women and allow a relationship to develop between them.
We cannot compare situations like these to the general presence of men and women at shops and other open public places, especially when women are accompanied by their family. In such cases, there is no intimacy, no crowding, and no reason for suspicion. Preventing women from public places frequented by men in order to prevent temptation would be taking things to an extreme.
A woman is commanded in Islam not to come too close to men. She is not, however, prohibited from going to places where men are present as long as she does not approach them or place herself in a position where she is alone with them.
There can be no doubt that preventative legislation is an important part of Islamic Law. There are numerous rulings in Islam that are preventative in nature. However, this does not mean that we can legislate against every remote possibility of wrongdoing that we can think of. Doing so would be a violation of Islam's tolerance and magnanimity and its ease of application. It would place too great a burden upon the believers.
People might differ as to the degree of mixing that is prohibited. We can, nonetheless, get a good approximation of proper limits by reviewing the laws of Islam that govern the relationship between men and women. The sacred texts provides ample evidence about how and when men and women can meet, how women should dress and conduct themselves when they go outside, and many other pertinent matters. It is impossible for free mixing between men and women to occur if Islamic Law is properly observed.
The body of evidence showing that women and men should not mix freely with one another is quite large. We will briefly mention some of it:
1. Allah says: "And when you ask the ladies for anything, ask them from before a screen. That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs." [S�rah al-Ahzab: 53] For women to go about uncovered in the company of men is inarguably a gross violation of the command given in this verse.
2. It is prohibited for men to join women in one place in the absence of at least one of the women's close male relatives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men and women from being alone together. He said: "Never is a man alone with a woman except that Satan is the third party with them."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Do not enter into the company of women."
A man then asked him: "What about her male in-laws?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "The in-law is the most dangerous".
This hadith emphasizes the importance of being wary of in-laws since they are likely to have more opportunities to be alone with the woman and to see her as others do not get the opportunity to see her.
The private meeting between a man and an unchaperoned woman is one of the serious forms of mixing that can take place between the sexes. Temptations are worse when the people know that they are shielded from the sight of others.
Ibn Daqiq al-'id makes the following important observation: "We must take into consideration whether or not the man's arrival at a place brings about a situation where he is alone with the woman. If it does not do so, it is not unlawful for him to go there." (2/181)
This point was made clear by the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he said: "No man should enter into the presence of a woman after this day unless he is accompanied by one or two other men." [Sahih Muslim]
3. There are numerous evidences that the woman may not shake hands with men who are not among her closest relatives.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) never shook hands with an unrelated woman. Umaymah b. Raqiqah said: "I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) with a group of the women of Madinah to swear fealty for Islam. The women informed Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) that they wished to swear fealty to him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I do not shake hands with women. The way I accept the pledge from one woman is the same as with one hundred women." [al-Muwatta', Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Nasa'i and Sunan Ibn Majah].
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "It is better for one of you to be pierced by a steel pin in his head than to touch the hand of a strange woman." [Al-Mundhiri mentions that all the narrators of this hadith are trustworthy. Al-Albani classifies it as a good hadith in Ghayah al-Maram (no. 403).]
4. The Qur'an clearly forbids women from being soft of speech while talking to men. Allah says: "Be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak with a speech (that is) proper." [S�rah al-Ahzab: 32].
5. There is evidence that women may not sit with strange men while wearing perfume. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Any woman who puts on perfume then goes and passes by some men to let them find her scent is a type of adulteress." [Musnad Ahmad, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Daw�d, and Sunan al-Nasa'i with a sound chain of transmission]
6. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of rows in prayer for the man is the first row and the worst for him is the last, and the best of rows for the women is the last row and the worst for her is the first." [Sahih Muslim].
If this advice is being given for men and women when they are in their purest frame of mind and engaged in prayer, then how should they be expected to conduct themselves in other situations?
Ibn 'Abbas relates that he prayed one of the 'Id prayers with the Prophet (peace be upon him). He informs us that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed and offered a sermon, then he went to the women and offered to them a separate sermon, admonishing them and encouraging them to give charity. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Ibn Hajr offers the following observations about this hadith: "The fact that he went to the women separately shows that the women were assembled separately from the men and were not mixed in with them." [Fath al-Bari (2/466)]
7. Once the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw men and women mixing together on the road upon their departure from the mosque. He said to the women: "Hold back a bit. You do not have to walk in the middle of the road. You may keep to the sides." The narrator of the hadith commented that after that time, women would come so close to the buildings that their dresses would sometime cling to the walls." [Sunan Abi Daw�d with a sound chain of transmission]
Ibn 'Umar related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said about one of the mosque's doors: "We should leave this door exclusively for women to use." Ibn 'Umar, until he died, never again entered through that door. [Sunan Abi Daw�d with a sound chain of transmission. Al-Albani says: "This hadith is authentic according to the conditions set down by Bukhari and Muslim."]
Umm Salamah said: "When the Prophet (peace be upon him) completed the prayer, the women would get up to leave. He would then wait awhile before standing." Ibn Shahab said: "I believe that he waited for a while to give the women an opportunity to depart before the men." [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Ibn Hajr comments: "In the hadith, we see that it is disliked for men and women to mix on the road. How much more, then, should such mixing be avoided inside of houses." [Fath al-Bari (2/336)]
8. It was related in al-Bukhari that women at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not circumambulate the Ka'bah along with the men. 'a'ishah used to go around the Ka'bah at a good distance from the men and avoided mixing with them. Once another woman bade to her to go forward with her so they could touch the corner of the Ka'bah. 'a'ishah refused to do so. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
One of 'aishah's handmaidens came to her and said: "O Mother of believers, I went around the Ka'bah seven times and touched the corner twice or trice".
'aishah replied: "May Allah not reward you for pushing your way through men. It would have been sufficient for you to you to say "Allah Akbar" as you passed by". [Musnad al-Shafi'i]
There are two things that this shows us. First, 'a'ishah did not hesitate to circumambulate the Ka'bah when there were men around, nor did she forbid other women from doing so. She only refrained from crowding into men and mixing with them and this is what she prohibited others from doing. This shows us in the clearest of terms that the mere presence of men and women in the same place is not prohibited.
Second, the mixing and contact between men and women circumambulating the Ka'bah that unavoidably occurs during Hajj under today's crowded conditions cannot be used as proof that such mixing is generally allowed. Firstly, the practice of the people does not constitute any sort of evidence in Islamic Law. Secondly, what is happening today during Hajj is unavoidable. It is permitted out of necessity and cannot be made into a general rule for all times and circumstances. It would be fruitless for us to try and demand that women avoid contact with men while circumambulating the Ka'bah during Hajj. It would be equally impossible to ask them to delay their circumambulations until the crowds depart, especially since the women on Hajj are always accompanied by the others who came with them who cannot be forced to wait around.
It is pure sophistry for anyone to use these exceptional circumstances to argue that men and women are allowed to mingle under circumstances where no necessity exists. It is just as baseless as taking the other extreme and declaring the mere presence or men and women in the same place to be unlawful mixing.
We will conclude by mentioning a few verses of the Qur'an. Allah says: "Nor come nigh to adultery". In this verse, Allah does not say "Do not commit adultery" but tells us not even to come close to it. This means that everything that may seduce a person to fall into adultery is unlawful.
Moreover, Allah says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them." and says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." [S�rah al-N�r: 30-31] This shows us how men and women are to conduct themselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)