In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent The Most Merciful
All Praise is due to Allah, the King of mankind.
It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn 'Umar that the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory upon a Muslim that he should listen (to the ruler appointed over him) and obey him whether he likes it or not, except that he is ordered to do a sinful thing. If he is ordered to do a sinful act, a Muslim should neither, listen to him nor should he obey his orders. (Sahih Muslim Book 20 #4533)
Someone forwarded me an article from Orlando Sentinel, which described the complaints against Imam Musri that he has not held elections since 1993, when he became the leader of Islamic Society of Central Florida. In fact, the article says that before 1993 the organization was in chaos, and factions were fighting to represent threir fiqh in the community. Now, this organization is stable and growing. ISCF has registered members, and most of the complaints are from unregistered members.
I have always admired ISCF, and their unity. However, I would like to discuss the form of government that Allah chose for us. If we look at Quran and Sunnah for evidences, we find a unique form of government that is the most efficient. Let me try to present the Islamic form of government.
As we know that Islam is not a religion, but a way of life, so governing a human society is part of that scope. Islam has provided the best form of government I have ever seen or heard. If implemented, it brings the human society to peace and harmony, and provide a just and balanced environment. Many humans do not understand the basic concepts of Islamic government, and thus do not appreciate the weight of its benefits.
An Islamic government (organizaiton) is headed by Allah, and a human is selected as a leader to enforce the commands of Allah. For this man to represent Allah as an authority, he has to have the knowledge of deen, and qualities of the world affairs. This authority includes both administrative and religous, and it is absurd to have an Imam in the masjid, and another man incharge of administration. Any masjid that runs under these unIslamic conditions, and Imam does not have full authority over all matters, is bound to fail.
Narrated Abu Bakra: During the battle of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a Word (I heard from the Prophet). When the Prophet heard the news that the people of the Persia had made the daughter of Khosrau their Queen (ruler), he said, "Never will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their ruler." (Sahih Bukhari 9:88:219)
As a mercy, women are exempt from this charge and Prophet (PBUH) established that in the hadith above. Some have challenged the authenticity of this hadith, but I have verified and there is no weakness in it, using all mainstream Usool-Al-Hadith.
It has been reported on the authority of 'Abd al-Rahman b. Samura who said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to me: 'Abd al-Rahman, do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone (without God's help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon), and it you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by God in the discharge of your duties). (Sahih Muslim Book 20 #4487)
There are other several qualities that an Imam should have to be selected as the leader of the community like Ijtihad, lack of interest in leadership, and sincerity towards Allah to name some. So, how do we select this person? And, how long this person should lead the community? To answer this question, we have to go back to Quran and Sunnah.
After Prophet's (PBUH) death, a need arose to chose a leader for believers. Abu Bakr was chosen as the leader, due to the status he held, and Ansar also gave up their right on his behalf. Abu Bakr chose Umar as the leader. However, Umar Ibn Khattab refused to hand pick the next leader, when he was dying. He setup a committee of the best of the best believers and task them to chose a leader immediately. They selected Uthman ibn Affan, and he became the leader. So, we understand that if a person is running for the office, they should be disqualified automatically, since they have a desire to be a leader, which usually lead to corruption. Also, the leader is selected for life and not for a specific term. And, the required qualification is the piety and deep understanding of Islam.
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you. (Sahih Muslim #4524)
Once selected, a leader of the believers is to be followed in all good things, even when we don't agree with him. He is to take charge of the community in all matters, and will be a paid servant of the community. If this leader commands the community to act on a major sin or deviates from the path, community can depose him. He should keep a shura of men and women from different spectrum of the community to advise him.
In the representative democracy system, which is also called western democratic system, people run for election, asking for leadership position. They will take money from anyone, and do anything to get elected. This is a major flaw, and brings forth the cunning and deceptive people to the top.
In addition, the leaders are elected for a period of time, and asked to go home after the term. So, a qualified person who saves the country and brings peoperity has to sit down on the side line and watch incompitent leader ruin the success. For example, Bill Clinton could have serve USA for 30 more years. It is an extreme of human intelect trying to find best government system, and has become a major flaw.
Islamic government system is based on life long appointment of an able person, who will shape the community towards the goals set for humanity by Allah. He has enough time to establish good programs and see them to success. He has knowledge and advisors to guide him, who are not about to run for election. Of course, the level of piety of the community has to be at a minimum level for this to succeed.
So, Imam Musri is running the organization, according to Islam, and he is qualified to lead the community, and has no requirement to held election. Other Masajid should follow this model, and make the Imam in charge of the community completely. In the absence of that, it is not an obligation for a believer to follow Trustees, and Shura members, who are not educated in Islam, and some sin openly.
Today, there was a meeting to evaluate the option to extend the Jama Masjid, and many people were missing in action. First, I salute to the people who opened it up for the public to take part, but the community is MIA. There were some faces that I have never seen before. Most of the folks from the area where I live were missing, and I was the only one stood up to request them to consider building a masjid in our area instead of expending it. Everyone is looking for a lavish masjid which will attract tourist, but a very few from that bunch come to salah regularly in Jama Masjid. There is only one or two rows sometimes in Fajr Salah. Since the support was not there, my idea was overruled by majority and they moved on to discuss the expansion of the masjid. Masjid does not need expansion, but the level of faith among the people need expansion.
I am ready to pray salah in the mud as the Prophet (PBUH) did. If the 1000 people that attend the Jummah need more space, please put a big donation box on Fridays, so they can help built the expansion. I have to go and join the 65 people in Isha prayer now, which is the true population of the Masjid. MaSalamah.
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Malik that Ubaidullah b. Ziyad visited Ma'qil b. Yaser in the latter's illness. Ma'qil said to him: I am narrating to you a tradition. If I were not at death's door, I would not narrate it to you. I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) say: A ruler who, having obtained control over the affairs of the Muslims, does not strive for their betterment and does not serve them sincerely shall not enter Paradise with them.(Sahih Muslim Book 20 #4502)
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling believer
AbuArman Adnan Jumani
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Crumbling Foundations.
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the only one who is worthy of worship.
"And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners unto Him." (Quran 12;106)
In Tafsir ibn Kathir, the verse is explained as "There is another type of hidden Shirk that most people are unaware of. Hammad bin Salamah narrated that `Asim bin Abi An-Najud said that `Urwah said, "Hudhayfah visited an ill man and saw a rope tied around his arm, so he ripped it off while reciting (this verse)"
My mother asked me the other day, "What does Islam say about Loh - e - Quran?". First, I didn't understand, so she explained me that there is a printout which has all Huruf Muqta'at (letters comes in the begining of some surahs, but don't have any known meaning) in a pattern, and people hang them in their home. Instead of answering her, I gave her the principle of Tawheed.
If we believe in anything that can not be proven with our five senses and logical reasoning, it falls under believe in unseen. In Islam, all beliefs in unseen are forms of shirk, except what taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Moreover, believing pain killer will help with pain is permissible, but wearing a thread believing it will provide comfort is associating partners with Allah.
So, I asked her the purpose of that printout. She said that some believe it to bring increased income and blessings. I told her that if one hangs these letters as a reminder and read them like one would read Quran, there is nothing wrong with it. However, if we believe in it having some super natural power on just being there, then it becomes the form of shirk, because now we have put our trust on something other then Allah. She seemed satisfied, and she is probably one of the few people I know who surrender to Allah when told his commands. May Allah give her entry into Jannah.
In fact, this disease is very widespread, and is very dangerous for the believers. I have fallen into it many times, by believing that the dua hanging in my car will serve any other purpose beside being a reminder to read that dua. Many of you may relate to that, and some of these beliefs have taken so deep roots in our lives that removing them would crumble our foundation of faith, but remove them we must. Foundations may crumble, but it will save us from the fire of hell.
For example, in my local masjid, there is a part of the Quran printed in micro letters and hanging 20 feet above the ground on the right wall. No one can read it, so the only purpose it can serve is to give people belief in unseen power it could have, which takes us away from the worship of Allah. Of course, no one even think about it because it is so subtle and minor, and some may even disagree with me. Remember that we worship Allah as were taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and we are unable to innovate new ways to worship Allah, and it is prohibited in the strict sense.
If any belief is authenticated to have come from the Prophet (PBUH), then there is no harm in following it. There are many methods like blowing in the hands and rubbing all over body after reading Quran, and reading Surah Fatiha over a sick person etc that comes to us from him (PBUH). Our faith in Allah is the key for our salvation, and we should purify it, and keep it safe from the shirk. These minor invalid beliefs open the door for major beliefs, and as long as a person is willing to accept unseen benefit from an Islamic relic, there is no limit to this slope and slip, slip, slip they go.
Once again, everything that is natural and can be explained is permissible for us to believe, on the merit that Allah revealed us this understanding through our senses. Belief in medicine curing with Allah's will, belief in car starting with Allah's will, and belief in fire harming with Allah's will, are all forms of worship, if we belief that Allah have put means for us in these which we can prove.
And, anything that is not explained by natural means, and their benefits are not tangible by all humans regardless of their faith, then believing in them is a matter of faith. Belief in bad omen, belief in Quranic verses' mere presence providing supernatural benefit, belief in horoscope, and belief in charms, are all forms of shirk, if not found in the Quran and the Sunnah.
What I see among believers today is that their foundations are crumbling, and they die one by one in believing these forms of shirk. Let us examine our beliefs, and challenge every action that is based on belief in unseen to verify if this is authentic or just a tradition. This is the least we can do.
"O' Allah, we seek refuge in You from knowingly committing shirk with You and we ask Your forgiveness for what we do not know about" (Ahmad and At-Tibrani)
If any of you like to understand further please contact me, or if you find anything here contradicting Islam, please let me know with evidences, as I am son of Adam, and mistakes are in my nature.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling believer
AbuArman Adnan Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the only one who is worthy of worship.
"And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners unto Him." (Quran 12;106)
In Tafsir ibn Kathir, the verse is explained as "There is another type of hidden Shirk that most people are unaware of. Hammad bin Salamah narrated that `Asim bin Abi An-Najud said that `Urwah said, "Hudhayfah visited an ill man and saw a rope tied around his arm, so he ripped it off while reciting (this verse)"
My mother asked me the other day, "What does Islam say about Loh - e - Quran?". First, I didn't understand, so she explained me that there is a printout which has all Huruf Muqta'at (letters comes in the begining of some surahs, but don't have any known meaning) in a pattern, and people hang them in their home. Instead of answering her, I gave her the principle of Tawheed.
If we believe in anything that can not be proven with our five senses and logical reasoning, it falls under believe in unseen. In Islam, all beliefs in unseen are forms of shirk, except what taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Moreover, believing pain killer will help with pain is permissible, but wearing a thread believing it will provide comfort is associating partners with Allah.
So, I asked her the purpose of that printout. She said that some believe it to bring increased income and blessings. I told her that if one hangs these letters as a reminder and read them like one would read Quran, there is nothing wrong with it. However, if we believe in it having some super natural power on just being there, then it becomes the form of shirk, because now we have put our trust on something other then Allah. She seemed satisfied, and she is probably one of the few people I know who surrender to Allah when told his commands. May Allah give her entry into Jannah.
In fact, this disease is very widespread, and is very dangerous for the believers. I have fallen into it many times, by believing that the dua hanging in my car will serve any other purpose beside being a reminder to read that dua. Many of you may relate to that, and some of these beliefs have taken so deep roots in our lives that removing them would crumble our foundation of faith, but remove them we must. Foundations may crumble, but it will save us from the fire of hell.
For example, in my local masjid, there is a part of the Quran printed in micro letters and hanging 20 feet above the ground on the right wall. No one can read it, so the only purpose it can serve is to give people belief in unseen power it could have, which takes us away from the worship of Allah. Of course, no one even think about it because it is so subtle and minor, and some may even disagree with me. Remember that we worship Allah as were taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and we are unable to innovate new ways to worship Allah, and it is prohibited in the strict sense.
If any belief is authenticated to have come from the Prophet (PBUH), then there is no harm in following it. There are many methods like blowing in the hands and rubbing all over body after reading Quran, and reading Surah Fatiha over a sick person etc that comes to us from him (PBUH). Our faith in Allah is the key for our salvation, and we should purify it, and keep it safe from the shirk. These minor invalid beliefs open the door for major beliefs, and as long as a person is willing to accept unseen benefit from an Islamic relic, there is no limit to this slope and slip, slip, slip they go.
Once again, everything that is natural and can be explained is permissible for us to believe, on the merit that Allah revealed us this understanding through our senses. Belief in medicine curing with Allah's will, belief in car starting with Allah's will, and belief in fire harming with Allah's will, are all forms of worship, if we belief that Allah have put means for us in these which we can prove.
And, anything that is not explained by natural means, and their benefits are not tangible by all humans regardless of their faith, then believing in them is a matter of faith. Belief in bad omen, belief in Quranic verses' mere presence providing supernatural benefit, belief in horoscope, and belief in charms, are all forms of shirk, if not found in the Quran and the Sunnah.
What I see among believers today is that their foundations are crumbling, and they die one by one in believing these forms of shirk. Let us examine our beliefs, and challenge every action that is based on belief in unseen to verify if this is authentic or just a tradition. This is the least we can do.
"O' Allah, we seek refuge in You from knowingly committing shirk with You and we ask Your forgiveness for what we do not know about" (Ahmad and At-Tibrani)
If any of you like to understand further please contact me, or if you find anything here contradicting Islam, please let me know with evidences, as I am son of Adam, and mistakes are in my nature.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling believer
AbuArman Adnan Jumani
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Litmus Test of Islam.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord, the God of Mankind.
"And most of them believe not in Allah except while they associate others with Him. (Quran 12:106)
Recently, someone passed away, and a gathering has been called in the Masjid to make dua and some other rituals may be. So, someone asked me if this is allowed in Islam. First of all, I pray to Allah that he forgives this person and give him Jannah. Instead of answering this question, I would like to present the foundation of Islam which should answer the question itself. Following is the explanation of above verse from Hafiz Kathir.
Ibn `Abbas commented, "They have a part of faith, for when they are asked, `Who created the heavens Who created the earth Who created the mountains' They say, `Allah did.' Yet, they associate others with Him in worship.'' Similar is said by Mujahid, `Ata, `Ikrimah, Ash-Sha`bi, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak and `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam. In the Sahih, it is recorded that during the Hajj season, the idolators used to say in their Talbiyah: "Here we rush to Your service. You have no partners with You, except a partner with You whom You own but he owns not!'' Allah said in another Ayah,
So, what it means is that it is easy to say that we accept Allah as the Supreme Lord, and consider him above everything, but it is not enough to say that. We can still commit shirk while we worship Allah as the only God. Without going into technical details of types of Tawheed, we should believe in three things to be clear of Shirk.
1) Allah is the creator of everything (which almost every human and Jin believes, including mushrikeen, and the people of the book)
2) When it comes to unseen belief, we shall only believe in what is explicitly said in the Quran, and taught by Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). We are allowed to believe on anything that our five senses and logic determine to be true unless it contradicts the belief described above. Any other action that is based on faith and not listed above is shirk.
3) We shall not add or remove from the description of Allah as it is explicitly recorded, and don't mix Allah's attribute with human attributes, and vice versa.
Any violation of above is considered shirk. So, if someone says that please take the medicine X because it heals, we are allowed to believe it, and follow it. However, if someone says that please wear a black thread it will protect you from evil spirit, it needs to be checked, because this is a matter of faith. If it turns out that it was taught by the Prophet (PBUH) then we accept it, otherwise we reject it.
Once again, if an act is not explained by nature (a worldy matter), and done on the basis of unseen belief that a benefit will come, and it does not have a precedence in the Quran and Sunnah, then it is a form of shirk. For example, when Umar (RA) ordered Taraweeh, he was re-instating something that was already established in the Sunnah. Also, when Utham (RA) added a second adhan, his intention was not to increase the reward, but to give people more time to prepare. Intention for an innovation has to be natural, otherwise it will be rejected.
I hope this has helped clarify the foundation of Islam, and provide a litmus test that can be applied for rejecting bad bid'a. Good bid'a is not only allowed, but it is necessary for us today. However, it can not violate the principals of Tawheed.
P.S. I beg you all to find a venue of learning and increase your knowledge. Islamic Center of Orlando has classes of Tafseer, Arabic, Hadith, Seerah etc. Islamic Online University has free courses that are taught by live persons. Please don't be caught by the angel of death while not intending to increase knowledge, as it affirms ones disbelief in Allah's help.
And Allah knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
A seeker of knowledge
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord, the God of Mankind.
"And most of them believe not in Allah except while they associate others with Him. (Quran 12:106)
Recently, someone passed away, and a gathering has been called in the Masjid to make dua and some other rituals may be. So, someone asked me if this is allowed in Islam. First of all, I pray to Allah that he forgives this person and give him Jannah. Instead of answering this question, I would like to present the foundation of Islam which should answer the question itself. Following is the explanation of above verse from Hafiz Kathir.
Ibn `Abbas commented, "They have a part of faith, for when they are asked, `Who created the heavens Who created the earth Who created the mountains' They say, `Allah did.' Yet, they associate others with Him in worship.'' Similar is said by Mujahid, `Ata, `Ikrimah, Ash-Sha`bi, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak and `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam. In the Sahih, it is recorded that during the Hajj season, the idolators used to say in their Talbiyah: "Here we rush to Your service. You have no partners with You, except a partner with You whom You own but he owns not!'' Allah said in another Ayah,
So, what it means is that it is easy to say that we accept Allah as the Supreme Lord, and consider him above everything, but it is not enough to say that. We can still commit shirk while we worship Allah as the only God. Without going into technical details of types of Tawheed, we should believe in three things to be clear of Shirk.
1) Allah is the creator of everything (which almost every human and Jin believes, including mushrikeen, and the people of the book)
2) When it comes to unseen belief, we shall only believe in what is explicitly said in the Quran, and taught by Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). We are allowed to believe on anything that our five senses and logic determine to be true unless it contradicts the belief described above. Any other action that is based on faith and not listed above is shirk.
3) We shall not add or remove from the description of Allah as it is explicitly recorded, and don't mix Allah's attribute with human attributes, and vice versa.
Any violation of above is considered shirk. So, if someone says that please take the medicine X because it heals, we are allowed to believe it, and follow it. However, if someone says that please wear a black thread it will protect you from evil spirit, it needs to be checked, because this is a matter of faith. If it turns out that it was taught by the Prophet (PBUH) then we accept it, otherwise we reject it.
Once again, if an act is not explained by nature (a worldy matter), and done on the basis of unseen belief that a benefit will come, and it does not have a precedence in the Quran and Sunnah, then it is a form of shirk. For example, when Umar (RA) ordered Taraweeh, he was re-instating something that was already established in the Sunnah. Also, when Utham (RA) added a second adhan, his intention was not to increase the reward, but to give people more time to prepare. Intention for an innovation has to be natural, otherwise it will be rejected.
I hope this has helped clarify the foundation of Islam, and provide a litmus test that can be applied for rejecting bad bid'a. Good bid'a is not only allowed, but it is necessary for us today. However, it can not violate the principals of Tawheed.
P.S. I beg you all to find a venue of learning and increase your knowledge. Islamic Center of Orlando has classes of Tafseer, Arabic, Hadith, Seerah etc. Islamic Online University has free courses that are taught by live persons. Please don't be caught by the angel of death while not intending to increase knowledge, as it affirms ones disbelief in Allah's help.
And Allah knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
A seeker of knowledge
AbuArman Jumani
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Islamophobia: The Beginning of the End
In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the Day of Judgement.
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Islam began as something strange and will return" (IbnMajah Kitab-AlFitn #3968)(Muslim Kitab-Ul-Iman #145)
Islamophobia is a term used to describe the undue fear of Islam. Many around the world have the opinion that Islam in its true form is not a system we should follow. When someone tries to practice Islam according the Sunnah of Allah and Sunnah of his Messenger, they would encounter Islamophobia from majority of humans. Above hadith describes this fear that Makkans had in the early days that Islam will destroy their wealth as the idols are removed from Kaba. They were threatened that their culture which was preserved for hundreds of years will alter. It is the same fear that I see in the eyes of people today.
Muslims, including my relatives, fear me and hate me for practicing Islam. They don't want to be told that Eid is our holiday, and we should celebrate it better then we celebrate Birthdays, and Weddings. They don't want to be told that women should wear modest clothes. They don't want to be told that backbiting is a Major sin. They don't want to be told that earning haram wealth will nullify the connection with Allah. They don't want to be told that Women are to be allowed in the Masjid main hall for prayer, and participate in the lectures, so they can ask questions. They don't want to be told that women are not allowed to hold leaderhip position in the community...I can go on for another day or so, but lets leave it at that.
Islamic Sharia has become the dirty word, and even Muslims see it as unnecessary for their survival. I don't see a person being a Muslim, if he or she doesn't commit to Islamic Sharia completely.
I was talking to a young man yesterday, who is a "hafiz of Quran" and our future. I ask him whether he sees the split of Arab and non-Arab in our masjid, and he confirmed, but didn't have any clue how to resolve it. He did repeat the false hope line from Tableeghi Jamat about increasing our iman by coming to Masjid. Hopeless! Hopeless! Hopeless! When I ask these people why can't they sit with scholars from other race, they say you should learn from who you trust. I think that's an excuse to hide the Islamophobia that they keep inside their heart. Everyone is afraid of the other's set of believes.
Even, in the Sunday class, we are told not to judge someone, whereas Allah command us to Forbid Evil in Quran many a times. They are afraid that people will turn away from the class. Well, if we use the wisdom, that should not be the case. We should not fear Islam. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not hold back on his judgement, and told one of the person "Go back and pray again, as you have not prayed properly". I ask, Are you afraid of saying this to someone, then you are an Islamophobic.
I predict that as time progress, Islamophobia will increase among Muslims and Christians, and it will eventually lead to the great wars prophecized in the Bible and Quran. In fact, it has already started. Turkey has sever ties with Israel on a small dispute. Dictators, who were loved by the world as the counteracting agent on Islam are being removed, and being replaced with fresh blood, who ultimately will come to one conclusion that Islam is the only way to run human society. It is the beginning of an End. Wheels are in motion, and only a few see the writing on the wall. The world has slowly started to polarized upon Islam, and it will continue. Islam is peace and will remain peace. Muslims who teach dis-engagement with Christians are wrong. Muslims who teach dis-engagement with radical Islam are wrong. We need to engage. We need to stop this polarization.
I say to Christians, don't be afraid, Islamic Sharia is not what you think. I say to Muslims, don't be afraid to judge each other, as it is our duty, if done with wisdom, don't be afraid from a little bit of Ijtihad to remove corrupt traditions as it is not going against the Fiqh. I say to Vanilla Muslims, you will not lose status among your workplace and schools for practicing Islam. I say to my family, don't be afraid of prioritizing Allah over everything else, and taking the first step towards Allah. I say to fellow practicing Muslims, don't be afraid of staring into the eyes of who defy you, Allah is with you, nothing to be afraid, as the worst that can happen is death, which is the beginning of the eternal life.
Again, Practicing Islam has become strange, and if you are accepted easily by your fellow Muslims, then you must not be practicing as it should be. This is not the time to blend in. This is the time to stand out. As a wise person said recently, "It is time to Represent!"
May Allah make us stranger and provide us strength to remain in the strange ways.
JazakAllah Khairin
A stranger to all, perhaps
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the Day of Judgement.
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Islam began as something strange and will return" (IbnMajah Kitab-AlFitn #3968)(Muslim Kitab-Ul-Iman #145)
Islamophobia is a term used to describe the undue fear of Islam. Many around the world have the opinion that Islam in its true form is not a system we should follow. When someone tries to practice Islam according the Sunnah of Allah and Sunnah of his Messenger, they would encounter Islamophobia from majority of humans. Above hadith describes this fear that Makkans had in the early days that Islam will destroy their wealth as the idols are removed from Kaba. They were threatened that their culture which was preserved for hundreds of years will alter. It is the same fear that I see in the eyes of people today.
Muslims, including my relatives, fear me and hate me for practicing Islam. They don't want to be told that Eid is our holiday, and we should celebrate it better then we celebrate Birthdays, and Weddings. They don't want to be told that women should wear modest clothes. They don't want to be told that backbiting is a Major sin. They don't want to be told that earning haram wealth will nullify the connection with Allah. They don't want to be told that Women are to be allowed in the Masjid main hall for prayer, and participate in the lectures, so they can ask questions. They don't want to be told that women are not allowed to hold leaderhip position in the community...I can go on for another day or so, but lets leave it at that.
Islamic Sharia has become the dirty word, and even Muslims see it as unnecessary for their survival. I don't see a person being a Muslim, if he or she doesn't commit to Islamic Sharia completely.
I was talking to a young man yesterday, who is a "hafiz of Quran" and our future. I ask him whether he sees the split of Arab and non-Arab in our masjid, and he confirmed, but didn't have any clue how to resolve it. He did repeat the false hope line from Tableeghi Jamat about increasing our iman by coming to Masjid. Hopeless! Hopeless! Hopeless! When I ask these people why can't they sit with scholars from other race, they say you should learn from who you trust. I think that's an excuse to hide the Islamophobia that they keep inside their heart. Everyone is afraid of the other's set of believes.
Even, in the Sunday class, we are told not to judge someone, whereas Allah command us to Forbid Evil in Quran many a times. They are afraid that people will turn away from the class. Well, if we use the wisdom, that should not be the case. We should not fear Islam. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not hold back on his judgement, and told one of the person "Go back and pray again, as you have not prayed properly". I ask, Are you afraid of saying this to someone, then you are an Islamophobic.
I predict that as time progress, Islamophobia will increase among Muslims and Christians, and it will eventually lead to the great wars prophecized in the Bible and Quran. In fact, it has already started. Turkey has sever ties with Israel on a small dispute. Dictators, who were loved by the world as the counteracting agent on Islam are being removed, and being replaced with fresh blood, who ultimately will come to one conclusion that Islam is the only way to run human society. It is the beginning of an End. Wheels are in motion, and only a few see the writing on the wall. The world has slowly started to polarized upon Islam, and it will continue. Islam is peace and will remain peace. Muslims who teach dis-engagement with Christians are wrong. Muslims who teach dis-engagement with radical Islam are wrong. We need to engage. We need to stop this polarization.
I say to Christians, don't be afraid, Islamic Sharia is not what you think. I say to Muslims, don't be afraid to judge each other, as it is our duty, if done with wisdom, don't be afraid from a little bit of Ijtihad to remove corrupt traditions as it is not going against the Fiqh. I say to Vanilla Muslims, you will not lose status among your workplace and schools for practicing Islam. I say to my family, don't be afraid of prioritizing Allah over everything else, and taking the first step towards Allah. I say to fellow practicing Muslims, don't be afraid of staring into the eyes of who defy you, Allah is with you, nothing to be afraid, as the worst that can happen is death, which is the beginning of the eternal life.
Again, Practicing Islam has become strange, and if you are accepted easily by your fellow Muslims, then you must not be practicing as it should be. This is not the time to blend in. This is the time to stand out. As a wise person said recently, "It is time to Represent!"
May Allah make us stranger and provide us strength to remain in the strange ways.
JazakAllah Khairin
A stranger to all, perhaps
AbuArman Jumani
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunnah O Sunnah, Where art thou?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent.
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator of Moon and Sun.
"They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage..." (Quran 2:185)
Narrated Ibn Umar: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see It) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days)". (Bukhari Vol 3 Book 31 # 124)
As I was sitting in the masjid with a brother as he grilled me on my blogs and how I made dua for the Masjid to go broke. I love him for the sake of Allah, and would like him to continue to criticize me, but I stand by that dua. During the critical questioning he asked me a question that must be bothering him for a while. He said "Why do you always criticize the Islamic Center of Orlando, but never praise the good that goes on here?" I answered. "I consider myself the press for the community and report what I see". I hope what I say below satisfy that criticism.
Yesterday, I found something good about Islamic Center of Orlando. They were the only one following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), and drove it to the perfect conclusion with declaring 30th Ramadhan today. I am blessed to be living in a community where desire to give in to the pressure of majority was suppressed and Sunnah was uphold. I am proud of the steadfastness of the people who reminded me of the companion who did not take the easy way out of creating calendars, or the misguided opinion of following Saudi government.
Interestingly, I was invited for an Iftar in Masjid "Al-Sunnah" and about to break the fast, when a brother across the food made the comment about Islamic Center of Orlando, and mocked the effort of waiting for the moon, and said "They will have Eid next week". Immediately, I corrected him, and told him that they are following the Sunnah. I could see the anger that came to his eyes, and he couldn't believe that I told him the truth. I would have never said this if he didn't mock the Sunnah. He said something about the masjid was built wrong or something, so I said that that may be true, but on this matter, they are correct. He said that aren't Saudi our brothers, and I told him that there is no official global community (Ummah) so we don't follow Saudi.
Masjid Al-Sunnah will be stopping the fast without looking for the moon, which goes against the Sunnah. Ironically, that Masjid doesn't draw lines on the carpet in fear of abandoning the Sunnah, but failed to follow the Sunnah where it matters. They should change the name of the Masjid to Masjid Al-Saudi.
Goal is not to unite the Ummah. Goal is to follow the Sunnah. Unity should follow. Another brother told me there that we should follow the majority. I don't think he realizes that Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal was in minority when he was tortured, but he didn't do that. It is absurd to follow Saudi in moon sighting.
If Saudi consider us to be part of their Ummah, hence allowing us to report moon sighting from Pakistan and other parts of the world to them, then I have no issue following a central authority. However, they are not an Islamic society, but a theocracy based on their traditional version of Islam, and they are not interested in including us in their community, as can be seen in their policy of no citizenship for born Muslims in Saudi. I don't want to be a subject to their oppressed Kingdom.
Now, Ijtihad can be done, and Khalifah (or Community leader) can rule to follow the calendar with moonset after sunset rule. ISNA and ISCF are doing that, and whoever follow them are following the Sunnah of Ijtihad as Prophet explained to Muad bin Jabal. Islam is not a Kingdom where Muslims have to bow to the King of Saudi with a goti beard for Sunnah if we are lucky enough that he doesn't trim to the skin like some brothers do nowadays.
I am all for unity in the Ummah, but Unity has to based on Sunnah, and not Unity on Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which doesn't even consider us equals to be able to earn citizenship as Prophet allowed for Migrants. I plead to brothers who are trying to please Saudis, please come back to the Sunnah and please Allah. May Allah guide us All.
JazakAllah Khairin.
A member of Masjid "On" Sunnah
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator of Moon and Sun.
"They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage..." (Quran 2:185)
Narrated Ibn Umar: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see It) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days)". (Bukhari Vol 3 Book 31 # 124)
As I was sitting in the masjid with a brother as he grilled me on my blogs and how I made dua for the Masjid to go broke. I love him for the sake of Allah, and would like him to continue to criticize me, but I stand by that dua. During the critical questioning he asked me a question that must be bothering him for a while. He said "Why do you always criticize the Islamic Center of Orlando, but never praise the good that goes on here?" I answered. "I consider myself the press for the community and report what I see". I hope what I say below satisfy that criticism.
Yesterday, I found something good about Islamic Center of Orlando. They were the only one following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), and drove it to the perfect conclusion with declaring 30th Ramadhan today. I am blessed to be living in a community where desire to give in to the pressure of majority was suppressed and Sunnah was uphold. I am proud of the steadfastness of the people who reminded me of the companion who did not take the easy way out of creating calendars, or the misguided opinion of following Saudi government.
Interestingly, I was invited for an Iftar in Masjid "Al-Sunnah" and about to break the fast, when a brother across the food made the comment about Islamic Center of Orlando, and mocked the effort of waiting for the moon, and said "They will have Eid next week". Immediately, I corrected him, and told him that they are following the Sunnah. I could see the anger that came to his eyes, and he couldn't believe that I told him the truth. I would have never said this if he didn't mock the Sunnah. He said something about the masjid was built wrong or something, so I said that that may be true, but on this matter, they are correct. He said that aren't Saudi our brothers, and I told him that there is no official global community (Ummah) so we don't follow Saudi.
Masjid Al-Sunnah will be stopping the fast without looking for the moon, which goes against the Sunnah. Ironically, that Masjid doesn't draw lines on the carpet in fear of abandoning the Sunnah, but failed to follow the Sunnah where it matters. They should change the name of the Masjid to Masjid Al-Saudi.
Goal is not to unite the Ummah. Goal is to follow the Sunnah. Unity should follow. Another brother told me there that we should follow the majority. I don't think he realizes that Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal was in minority when he was tortured, but he didn't do that. It is absurd to follow Saudi in moon sighting.
If Saudi consider us to be part of their Ummah, hence allowing us to report moon sighting from Pakistan and other parts of the world to them, then I have no issue following a central authority. However, they are not an Islamic society, but a theocracy based on their traditional version of Islam, and they are not interested in including us in their community, as can be seen in their policy of no citizenship for born Muslims in Saudi. I don't want to be a subject to their oppressed Kingdom.
Now, Ijtihad can be done, and Khalifah (or Community leader) can rule to follow the calendar with moonset after sunset rule. ISNA and ISCF are doing that, and whoever follow them are following the Sunnah of Ijtihad as Prophet explained to Muad bin Jabal. Islam is not a Kingdom where Muslims have to bow to the King of Saudi with a goti beard for Sunnah if we are lucky enough that he doesn't trim to the skin like some brothers do nowadays.
I am all for unity in the Ummah, but Unity has to based on Sunnah, and not Unity on Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which doesn't even consider us equals to be able to earn citizenship as Prophet allowed for Migrants. I plead to brothers who are trying to please Saudis, please come back to the Sunnah and please Allah. May Allah guide us All.
JazakAllah Khairin.
A member of Masjid "On" Sunnah
AbuArman Jumani
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Are we Muslim or Mu'min?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful,
There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Mesenger.
The desert Arabs say, "We believe." Say, "Ye have no faith; but ye (only)say, 'We have submitted our wills to Allah,' For not yet has Faith entered your hearts. But if ye obey Allah and His Apostle, He will not belittle aught of your deeds: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 49:14)
I was listening to Dr Israr Ahmed give a beautiful explaination on the difference between a Muslim and a Beleiver. He went into such a detail that I had no doubts whatsoever, what needed to be done to become a beleiver. I will post the url at the end of this article so everyone can listen to it.
When it comes to Immigration, and our green card depending upon the definition of the word an immediate relative, or when it comes to taxes, where if the definition fits we could qualify for alot of money back from the government, we will not leave any stone unturned. In the above verse, Allah is differiantiating between a Mu'min and a Muslim. we should understand the definition of these two words.
So many times, you will hear that a non-practicing Muslim will say that they attest to oneness of Allah, so they are beleivers, and it is one in the same thing. It is not true, as you can see above. Most of us are Muslims by accidents, which mean that we were born in the Muslim family so we had no choice but to be a Muslim. Have we truly accepted Allah as our God, because one can not choose which order to follow and which order to delay from a God.
If we read Quran and ahadith, we will see that, most of the time, the word used is Mu'min or the believer, but not Muslim, and it is on purpose to distinguish between someone who says it from the mouth, and the one who shows it from the actions. I have used the term Prcticing Muslim in the past, and it is same as Mu'min.
For example, a person sign up for Military, and also wears the uniform, but will not respond to the order of the General. What do you think will happen to this soldier? I am so glad that Allah is merciful, because he waits for us to turn around, and not strike us down on first sin.
I will not say much, and let all of you listen to this wonderful explaination which definately will increase your faith at the least. He goes through an example that hits your heart, and a Muslim with a listening heart, should say Labbyaik to it.
Personally, I don't blame muslims by birth, because they never knew what is Islam, and how they can become a Mu'min, as their parents never taught them, because they didn't know. It reflects when I have conversation with older muslims who claim that Islam is what is followed from forefathers, and we should submit to it. If one is from Paksitan or India, they have never seen a woman going to masjid, so they starting to get a heart attack, when I mention that woman used to enter the main hall of the masjid, and sit visibly in the masjid behind men, and would even challenge the Khalifah on his ijtihad.
Let us make a pledge that we all will learn about Islam, and seek it with passion, and seek it for ourselves and not to argue with Scholars, and then try to practice anything that we learn, and share with our families after a congregation at home (which I hope everyeone is doing). Stop each other from sinning, and enjoin to follow Allah, and make an effort to Invite non-muslims to Islam, and establish the community that is an Ideal Muslim Society.
Please watch this video, if you are not afraid of being brainwashed into a believer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZc0yUWedus
JazakAllah Khairin
A wanna be Mu'min
AbuArman Jumani
There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Mesenger.
The desert Arabs say, "We believe." Say, "Ye have no faith; but ye (only)say, 'We have submitted our wills to Allah,' For not yet has Faith entered your hearts. But if ye obey Allah and His Apostle, He will not belittle aught of your deeds: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 49:14)
I was listening to Dr Israr Ahmed give a beautiful explaination on the difference between a Muslim and a Beleiver. He went into such a detail that I had no doubts whatsoever, what needed to be done to become a beleiver. I will post the url at the end of this article so everyone can listen to it.
When it comes to Immigration, and our green card depending upon the definition of the word an immediate relative, or when it comes to taxes, where if the definition fits we could qualify for alot of money back from the government, we will not leave any stone unturned. In the above verse, Allah is differiantiating between a Mu'min and a Muslim. we should understand the definition of these two words.
So many times, you will hear that a non-practicing Muslim will say that they attest to oneness of Allah, so they are beleivers, and it is one in the same thing. It is not true, as you can see above. Most of us are Muslims by accidents, which mean that we were born in the Muslim family so we had no choice but to be a Muslim. Have we truly accepted Allah as our God, because one can not choose which order to follow and which order to delay from a God.
If we read Quran and ahadith, we will see that, most of the time, the word used is Mu'min or the believer, but not Muslim, and it is on purpose to distinguish between someone who says it from the mouth, and the one who shows it from the actions. I have used the term Prcticing Muslim in the past, and it is same as Mu'min.
For example, a person sign up for Military, and also wears the uniform, but will not respond to the order of the General. What do you think will happen to this soldier? I am so glad that Allah is merciful, because he waits for us to turn around, and not strike us down on first sin.
I will not say much, and let all of you listen to this wonderful explaination which definately will increase your faith at the least. He goes through an example that hits your heart, and a Muslim with a listening heart, should say Labbyaik to it.
Personally, I don't blame muslims by birth, because they never knew what is Islam, and how they can become a Mu'min, as their parents never taught them, because they didn't know. It reflects when I have conversation with older muslims who claim that Islam is what is followed from forefathers, and we should submit to it. If one is from Paksitan or India, they have never seen a woman going to masjid, so they starting to get a heart attack, when I mention that woman used to enter the main hall of the masjid, and sit visibly in the masjid behind men, and would even challenge the Khalifah on his ijtihad.
Let us make a pledge that we all will learn about Islam, and seek it with passion, and seek it for ourselves and not to argue with Scholars, and then try to practice anything that we learn, and share with our families after a congregation at home (which I hope everyeone is doing). Stop each other from sinning, and enjoin to follow Allah, and make an effort to Invite non-muslims to Islam, and establish the community that is an Ideal Muslim Society.
Please watch this video, if you are not afraid of being brainwashed into a believer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZc0yUWedus
JazakAllah Khairin
A wanna be Mu'min
AbuArman Jumani
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Try Allah's influence also...
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful,
All praise is due to Allah, the Sustainer, and the Provider.
"And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. (Quran 65:3)"
Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that he rode the Prophet's camel while sitting behind the Prophet , and the Messenger of Allah said to him,
"O boy! I will teach you words [so learn them]. Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you, be mindful of Allah and He will be on your side. If you ask, ask Allah, and if you seek help, seek it from Allah. Know that if the Ummah gather their strength to bring you benefit, they will never bring you benefit, except that which Allah has decreed for you. Know that if they gather their strength to harm you, they will never harm you, except with that which Allah has decreed against you. The pens have been raised and the pages are dry." At-Tirmidhi called it "Sahih Hassan".
I have been to gatherings, where mulsims are bent over backward to accomodate one or two people who are influential, in hopes to get help from them when they need it. They could be politicians, wealthy, community leaders, Imam of local masjid, or a scholar. This sentiment is very common, and it comes in many shape and sizes. Nothing wrong with it, but it is missing an enitity
Moreover, if we get stuck somewhere, we either depend upon our wisdom or ask others for help. This was the case with me as well until 3 years ago. My brain will only think of solutions and other humans who could help with some problem I am facing. Once, I started to learn more about the way of Islam, I realized that there is a force behind every action of everyone, who has more power than any influencial person on earth.
If we can bring Allah to our side, he will be "that relative who is wealthy and knows people" for us, and anywhere we go, or anything we do we can call him and say "hey dude, I need some help here...." and the funny thing is that he promised to respond, and sometimes we don't even have to move our tongue, and he is there to help, and sometimes you just have a firm beleive that Allah is there for you, and anything you think happens for you.
Of course, no friend comes cheap, and Allah also require us to keep our end of the bargain by obeying his commands, but I see that as a cheap bargain, because he has agents everywhere, and he has no restriction on how much he can help us. Remember his agents will not be able to help you if you have a picture or a dog or someone who has impurity on the body. Jsut remove these and you should be safe, InsaAllah. In my opinion, Allah is the best one to depend upon.
Alhamdulilah, since last 3 years, I have seen the power of Allah's influence in action many times. Impossible things happens when you beleive in him. It only works, if we put 100% beleive in him that he exists, he is watching, and we are on his good side. Now, there are many ways to get ot his good side, but thats the topic for another day.
Last night I was sitting in the masjid, and listening to a "non-scholar" scholar from tablighi jamaat, trying to prove that we can put our trust in Allah, and don't need to work for a few days, and come with him. That is just abusing the trust, because Allah did not create us to have him do everything for us and we become lazy, and hop around from masjid to masjid leaving our families, but "lakam dinulum waliaddin" (to you , your way, and to me, mine).
I am not talking about this foolish idea about leaving the camel untied and hoping that that camel will stick around since we gave him his favourite food. No, tie the camel and leave it to Allah to protect it.
Camel will stroll away beacuse it is natural, and we should the ways of nature and follow it.
Recently, I traveled to different parts of the world, and found that Allah's influence is strong in the heart of darkness of Philippines, and in the blinding brightness of Arab arrogance. I would like all of us to try this influence, and just have tawakal-Allah (trust in Allah) before we have trust in the Imam of the masjid, or in the wealthy cousin who can get you a job, or the computer engineer friend who you may need when your computer is broken. Respect everyone, but don't suck up to everyone except Allah.
Try Allah's influence by saying his name when leaving the house, say his name when returning, say his name when you get hurt, say his name when facing a problem, and don't do anything that he has asked not to do. Have trust in Allah, and try to make him happy, If he is happy, you will see that doors will open as you approach them, literally, no kidding. Just try it....
"O Allah, I submit to you and I believe in you and I have relied on you and I turn to you and I have argued by you. I seek refuge with Your might, there is no god other than You, from Your misguiding me. You are the Living who does not die while jinn and men will all die." (Muhammad ibn Abdullah(PBUH))
JazakAllah Khairin,
A dependent of Allah
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the Sustainer, and the Provider.
"And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. (Quran 65:3)"
Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that he rode the Prophet's camel while sitting behind the Prophet , and the Messenger of Allah said to him,
"O boy! I will teach you words [so learn them]. Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you, be mindful of Allah and He will be on your side. If you ask, ask Allah, and if you seek help, seek it from Allah. Know that if the Ummah gather their strength to bring you benefit, they will never bring you benefit, except that which Allah has decreed for you. Know that if they gather their strength to harm you, they will never harm you, except with that which Allah has decreed against you. The pens have been raised and the pages are dry." At-Tirmidhi called it "Sahih Hassan".
I have been to gatherings, where mulsims are bent over backward to accomodate one or two people who are influential, in hopes to get help from them when they need it. They could be politicians, wealthy, community leaders, Imam of local masjid, or a scholar. This sentiment is very common, and it comes in many shape and sizes. Nothing wrong with it, but it is missing an enitity
Moreover, if we get stuck somewhere, we either depend upon our wisdom or ask others for help. This was the case with me as well until 3 years ago. My brain will only think of solutions and other humans who could help with some problem I am facing. Once, I started to learn more about the way of Islam, I realized that there is a force behind every action of everyone, who has more power than any influencial person on earth.
If we can bring Allah to our side, he will be "that relative who is wealthy and knows people" for us, and anywhere we go, or anything we do we can call him and say "hey dude, I need some help here...." and the funny thing is that he promised to respond, and sometimes we don't even have to move our tongue, and he is there to help, and sometimes you just have a firm beleive that Allah is there for you, and anything you think happens for you.
Of course, no friend comes cheap, and Allah also require us to keep our end of the bargain by obeying his commands, but I see that as a cheap bargain, because he has agents everywhere, and he has no restriction on how much he can help us. Remember his agents will not be able to help you if you have a picture or a dog or someone who has impurity on the body. Jsut remove these and you should be safe, InsaAllah. In my opinion, Allah is the best one to depend upon.
Alhamdulilah, since last 3 years, I have seen the power of Allah's influence in action many times. Impossible things happens when you beleive in him. It only works, if we put 100% beleive in him that he exists, he is watching, and we are on his good side. Now, there are many ways to get ot his good side, but thats the topic for another day.
Last night I was sitting in the masjid, and listening to a "non-scholar" scholar from tablighi jamaat, trying to prove that we can put our trust in Allah, and don't need to work for a few days, and come with him. That is just abusing the trust, because Allah did not create us to have him do everything for us and we become lazy, and hop around from masjid to masjid leaving our families, but "lakam dinulum waliaddin" (to you , your way, and to me, mine).
I am not talking about this foolish idea about leaving the camel untied and hoping that that camel will stick around since we gave him his favourite food. No, tie the camel and leave it to Allah to protect it.
Camel will stroll away beacuse it is natural, and we should the ways of nature and follow it.
Recently, I traveled to different parts of the world, and found that Allah's influence is strong in the heart of darkness of Philippines, and in the blinding brightness of Arab arrogance. I would like all of us to try this influence, and just have tawakal-Allah (trust in Allah) before we have trust in the Imam of the masjid, or in the wealthy cousin who can get you a job, or the computer engineer friend who you may need when your computer is broken. Respect everyone, but don't suck up to everyone except Allah.
Try Allah's influence by saying his name when leaving the house, say his name when returning, say his name when you get hurt, say his name when facing a problem, and don't do anything that he has asked not to do. Have trust in Allah, and try to make him happy, If he is happy, you will see that doors will open as you approach them, literally, no kidding. Just try it....
"O Allah, I submit to you and I believe in you and I have relied on you and I turn to you and I have argued by you. I seek refuge with Your might, there is no god other than You, from Your misguiding me. You are the Living who does not die while jinn and men will all die." (Muhammad ibn Abdullah(PBUH))
JazakAllah Khairin,
A dependent of Allah
AbuArman Jumani
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)