In the Name of Allah.
Oh Allah, I didn't know you most of my life.
No one introduced me to you.
I commited sins left and right, and continue till today.
No one directed me to you.
I chose to ignore you and didn't believe your existence.
No one nudged me to you.
I don't want Jannah or Forgiveness only.
I want to be liked by you.
The world stands between me and you,
but I am attracted to you.
Muhammad has became my leader,
who guided me to you.
I know now what I didn't know,
I certainly belng to you.
Many ignore me when I say your name to them.
I leave their accounts to you.
I am alone in this journey, and will sleep alone at the end.
At the end, my return is to you.
People ask me to follow them, as they know you more,
Perhaps,
but my goal is to become pleasing to you.
I resisted, made excuses, argued, defied, and sinned
Today! I surrender my will to you.
Do, as you please with me. Punsih me here, or punish me there.
But after that give me a place close to you.
I know that you have been watching me.
Just one question.
Haven't I turned around to you?
I will practice Islam, or die trying, InshaAllah!
This is my promise to you.
A sinner
AbuArman
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Are we part time Muslims?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator, and the Sustainer.
Note: As promised, here is an update. The initiative to build a masjid on the CR 535 is progressing. Location will be around Reams rd area. There will be a public announcement sometime in the future. Make dua for the success for every masjid around the world.
"O you who believe! Fulfill your Promises!" (Quran 5:1)
I was watching a movie where a reporter was jailed for 3 years for not disclosing the source of the classified information, and she was told that if she revealed the name she would let go. She stood her ground, and lost her husband and her kid during that period. Source was a 6 year old girl who told the reproter that her mother was on official business, when she went with her husband who was an ambassador. In essence, she protected the promise she gave to a kid over loosing everything she had. Is there anyone who is reading this who can do such thing?
Interestingly, this is what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us, ordered us, and left us. As a muslim, we should surpass this simple command of fullfiling promise at any cost. However, many of us will fall short of this command if it means going through a little discomfort, nevermind major loss. We want to obey Allah when it is easy and fun like Taraweeh, or Eid, or Occasional Salah on Sundays in the masjid.
O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of
Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy. (Quran 2:08)
What I am saying is that most of us are part time Muslims, which means we are Muslims when it is convenient, but Islam fades away in our daily life. For example, if a woman with Hijab enters the men area of the masjid by mistake, we will become nervous, but at work we don't mind shaking hands with women who are not even wearing decent clothes.
In fact, every aspect of our life there are two ways to act, one that is according to Islamic Sharia, and the other that is against the Sharia. If we always chose the Islamic Sharia in all matters, then we are certainly full time muslims. Of course, there will be times, when we will not know what the right thing is or we forgot to do it, and those need to be worked on.
I want to give an example that has been in my mind for a while. On Sundays, there are two lectures in our community. One is at 11 AM in MAGO, and the other is at Islamic Center of Orlando after Maghrib.
Morning session is taught by Imam Sykes, who is one of the sincerist person I know, and his lecture is based on perfecting good conduct. Setting is very relaxed, and welcoming, especially for sisters who can actually learn Islam without the filter of their husbands. It is not hard core tafseer of Quran or discussion of Halal or Haram, but an education of perfecting the character. There are some subjective teachings that I disagree with, but overall the class is very informative.
Evening session is taught by Imam Tariq, who is probably the most educated person in our community, and his lecture is a progressive tafseer of Quran verse by verse, and ocassional poetry that makes the class all more fun. Setting is not friendly towards women, but borthers enjoy it, except a few who were confused when I asked them to stay for it after Maghrib. It is hard core commands of Allah and what a muslim should or should not do.
So, a full time Muslim would be worried about practicing Islam and would like to know about how to go about improving the character, which they can learn in the morning session. Then, they will realize that the character is improving, but what does Allah command us to do when our boss comes to us and say that we have to lie in the meeting presentation. We would need to learn the Halal and Haram, which can be found in the Quran and the explaination of the Quran (Tafseer by Sunnah), which they can learn in the evening sessions.
Now, it doesn't mean that either of the class doesn't teach the other topic. They do but they avoid going into details. Morning class refer to discussion over Halal/Haram as becoming Haram police, which is fine for the setting. Evening class avoid discussing contemprary issues that are contraversial, which is fine for the sake of focus. See, both class has its purpose, and both are essential for us to become fulltime muslims.
Every company have fulltime employees and part time employees. Full time employees will own the product and work day and night to make it success, but part time employees have limited interests, and will leave after the hours are done.
Islam should be the driving force in our lives, and not a hobby. We should learn the Halal/Haram but also improve our character. So, I would like to invite you all to these two session on sundays, if you live in Orlando area. Or, find a similar two classes. Let us complete our din, and become full time muslims
May Allah make us full time in this employment.
JazakAllah Khairin
An applicant for full time slavery to Allah
Abu Arman
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator, and the Sustainer.
Note: As promised, here is an update. The initiative to build a masjid on the CR 535 is progressing. Location will be around Reams rd area. There will be a public announcement sometime in the future. Make dua for the success for every masjid around the world.
"O you who believe! Fulfill your Promises!" (Quran 5:1)
I was watching a movie where a reporter was jailed for 3 years for not disclosing the source of the classified information, and she was told that if she revealed the name she would let go. She stood her ground, and lost her husband and her kid during that period. Source was a 6 year old girl who told the reproter that her mother was on official business, when she went with her husband who was an ambassador. In essence, she protected the promise she gave to a kid over loosing everything she had. Is there anyone who is reading this who can do such thing?
Interestingly, this is what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us, ordered us, and left us. As a muslim, we should surpass this simple command of fullfiling promise at any cost. However, many of us will fall short of this command if it means going through a little discomfort, nevermind major loss. We want to obey Allah when it is easy and fun like Taraweeh, or Eid, or Occasional Salah on Sundays in the masjid.
O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of
Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy. (Quran 2:08)
What I am saying is that most of us are part time Muslims, which means we are Muslims when it is convenient, but Islam fades away in our daily life. For example, if a woman with Hijab enters the men area of the masjid by mistake, we will become nervous, but at work we don't mind shaking hands with women who are not even wearing decent clothes.
In fact, every aspect of our life there are two ways to act, one that is according to Islamic Sharia, and the other that is against the Sharia. If we always chose the Islamic Sharia in all matters, then we are certainly full time muslims. Of course, there will be times, when we will not know what the right thing is or we forgot to do it, and those need to be worked on.
I want to give an example that has been in my mind for a while. On Sundays, there are two lectures in our community. One is at 11 AM in MAGO, and the other is at Islamic Center of Orlando after Maghrib.
Morning session is taught by Imam Sykes, who is one of the sincerist person I know, and his lecture is based on perfecting good conduct. Setting is very relaxed, and welcoming, especially for sisters who can actually learn Islam without the filter of their husbands. It is not hard core tafseer of Quran or discussion of Halal or Haram, but an education of perfecting the character. There are some subjective teachings that I disagree with, but overall the class is very informative.
Evening session is taught by Imam Tariq, who is probably the most educated person in our community, and his lecture is a progressive tafseer of Quran verse by verse, and ocassional poetry that makes the class all more fun. Setting is not friendly towards women, but borthers enjoy it, except a few who were confused when I asked them to stay for it after Maghrib. It is hard core commands of Allah and what a muslim should or should not do.
So, a full time Muslim would be worried about practicing Islam and would like to know about how to go about improving the character, which they can learn in the morning session. Then, they will realize that the character is improving, but what does Allah command us to do when our boss comes to us and say that we have to lie in the meeting presentation. We would need to learn the Halal and Haram, which can be found in the Quran and the explaination of the Quran (Tafseer by Sunnah), which they can learn in the evening sessions.
Now, it doesn't mean that either of the class doesn't teach the other topic. They do but they avoid going into details. Morning class refer to discussion over Halal/Haram as becoming Haram police, which is fine for the setting. Evening class avoid discussing contemprary issues that are contraversial, which is fine for the sake of focus. See, both class has its purpose, and both are essential for us to become fulltime muslims.
Every company have fulltime employees and part time employees. Full time employees will own the product and work day and night to make it success, but part time employees have limited interests, and will leave after the hours are done.
Islam should be the driving force in our lives, and not a hobby. We should learn the Halal/Haram but also improve our character. So, I would like to invite you all to these two session on sundays, if you live in Orlando area. Or, find a similar two classes. Let us complete our din, and become full time muslims
May Allah make us full time in this employment.
JazakAllah Khairin
An applicant for full time slavery to Allah
Abu Arman
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Who should be our leader?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah.
I can't remember the count, but many many times I have debated with Muslims reagrding our current leaders, and everyone seems to be confused as to who should be selected leader of Muslims. I ask them that what qualities they would like to see in him, and their answer is usually either very bias towards their race, or very vague.
Even our local masjid struggle with this when selecting for shura or Amir. They have selected rich, educated, influencial people hoping to bring success to the community, but thats not the formula for success.
It is not very difficult to decide who should be our leader, or what should be the criteria. We already have the method prescribed by the rightly guided ones. I would like to present some examples, and then a short story to make the point.
Leader should be the most pious person in the community, and he should believe in Islamic Sharia, and follows it in his life. He should be the one with the balance of knowledge and wisdom. He should be selfless in his actions. He should be open to ijtihad for the occassions, when the new matters come up for decision. He should be the one who would punish his family members more severly than others, if they break the law.
He should not interpret Sharia by himself, but refer the matter to the most knowledgable in the area. His family should be happy with him. He keeps his promises. He does not lie.
You never ever select anyone leader who wants to be one. If you want to be one, and get selected, then you are responsible for all the good and bad, and Allah will not help. However, if you don't want to be, and get selected, Allah will help you in every step, given that you follow Allah's will.
I understand that all of these qualities may not exist in one individual, but if some of them exist, then he is the one. My favourite leader was Al Farooq, Umar bin Khatta'b, the poor king, the one who invented the modern government, the one who championed the personal freedom, the one who allowed free speech, the one who worked in ditches himself. Nowadays, Imams wear fancy suites, and will not help in changing the trash, or cleaning dishes in the masjid. They are mere opposite of Umar.
Following story reflects what I have to say.
Caliph Umar Bin Khattab and trencher
Umar ibn Khattab not only known as the Caliph of authoritative, but also simple
and populist. To find out about people, Omar did not hesitate disguised as
ordinary people.
He often strolled into the countryside alone. At that time no one recognized that
he was actually head of government. When he found his subjects was trouble, he was
immediately given assistance.
Umar knew what was in his hands when it was not hers but belongs to the people.
For that Umar strictly prohibits family members spree. He was always thrifty in
the use of daily needs. Because hematnya, to use only lights amirulmukminin family
is very careful. The new oil lamps were lit when there is an important
conversation. If not, better not to use lights.
"My children, we better talk in the dark. Therefore, the oil used to light the
lamp belonged to the people! "Said the caliph when his son wanted to talk in the
middle of the night.
In his life, Umar always uphold the people's mandate to be administered in the
shoulder. Great respect for all people.
Apparently, the story about the greatness of the Caliph Omar was heard also by a
neighboring king. King was interested and wanted to meet with Omar.
So one day dipersiapkanlah troops to escort the royal government came to Umar.
When the king arrived at the gates of the city of Medina, he saw a man were busy
digging trenches and clearing drains on the roadside. Then, the man she called it.
"O my brother!" Cried the king, sitting on the saddle horse greatness.
"Can you show where the palace and the throne Umar?" He said later. The man was
immediately stopped the work. Then he saluted.
"O Master, Which Mr. Umar?" He asked in a ditch digger. "Umar ibn al-Khattab
head of government of the Islamic empire of the famous wise and brave," said the
king. Trencher man smiled. "You guessed wrong. Umar ibn Khattab was the head of
the Islamic government does not have a palace and throne as you
thought. He was an ordinary person like me, "explained the ditch digger,".
"Oh really? How could the head of the Islamic government of the great famous all
over the country had no palace? "King frowned.
"You do not believe it? Okay, follow me, "said the ditch digger.
Then he invited the king's entourage to the "palace" Umar. After walking through
the village halls, markets, and the city, they finally arrived in front of a
modest house. He led the royal guests came in and sat. Ditch
digger went back and change clothes. After the royal guests were met. "Now escort
us to the palace of 'Umar!" Said the king impatiently.
Ditch digger smiled. "Mr. King, I have said earlier that Umar ibn al-Khattab did
not have a palace. You are in the palace of Umar! "
Huh?! "The king and his guards stared. Of course they were shocked. Because the
house was not described masukinya least as a center of the kingdom. Although the
house was clean and neat, but very simple.
Apparently the king did not want to believe it. He also took out his sword. Then
stood up, brandishing his sword.
"Do not try to cheat me! This sword can cut your neck in an instant! "He threatened glaring.
Trencher was still smiling. Then quietly, he stood up. "Here there are no people
who dared to lie. If they do sword had cut his neck. Put the sword back. We did not deserve a fight in court Umar, "said trencher. He calmly took the king and put his sword back in its sheath.
The king was amazed to see the courage and the serenity of the trencher. Between
believing and not, looked at the face ditch digger. Then, he returned to see Umar's 'palace'.
Emerged servants and guards to entertain them with a ceremony greatness. However, the king had not been believed.
"Is this the palace Umar?" he asked the maid-servant.
"Yes, my lord, this is the palace of Umar ibn al-Khattab," said one maid.
"Okay," he said. King had to trust the maid's words.
"But, where is Omar? Show me, I'd love to meet him and shake his hand! "Said the king.
the maid politely pointed to the trencher man who sat in front of the king.
"Seated in front of you is the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab" replied the maid
"Huh!" King was completely stunned. So did his bodyguards.
"So ... so, you are Caliph Omar ...?" Asked the king with a stutter.
The ditch digger nodded with a friendly smile.
"Since our first meeting at the gate of the city of Medina, in fact you were
dealing with 'Umar ibn al-Khattab!" He said quietly.
Then the king hugged him tightly. He was very touched and even cried to see the simplicity of Umar. He did not think, Caliph whose name revered in the entire country, was willing to dig trenches alone at the edge of town.
Since then, the king always send people to the city of Medina to study the Islamic
religion.
This is who we need to lead us. May Allah provide us a leader like him again.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah.
I can't remember the count, but many many times I have debated with Muslims reagrding our current leaders, and everyone seems to be confused as to who should be selected leader of Muslims. I ask them that what qualities they would like to see in him, and their answer is usually either very bias towards their race, or very vague.
Even our local masjid struggle with this when selecting for shura or Amir. They have selected rich, educated, influencial people hoping to bring success to the community, but thats not the formula for success.
It is not very difficult to decide who should be our leader, or what should be the criteria. We already have the method prescribed by the rightly guided ones. I would like to present some examples, and then a short story to make the point.
Leader should be the most pious person in the community, and he should believe in Islamic Sharia, and follows it in his life. He should be the one with the balance of knowledge and wisdom. He should be selfless in his actions. He should be open to ijtihad for the occassions, when the new matters come up for decision. He should be the one who would punish his family members more severly than others, if they break the law.
He should not interpret Sharia by himself, but refer the matter to the most knowledgable in the area. His family should be happy with him. He keeps his promises. He does not lie.
You never ever select anyone leader who wants to be one. If you want to be one, and get selected, then you are responsible for all the good and bad, and Allah will not help. However, if you don't want to be, and get selected, Allah will help you in every step, given that you follow Allah's will.
I understand that all of these qualities may not exist in one individual, but if some of them exist, then he is the one. My favourite leader was Al Farooq, Umar bin Khatta'b, the poor king, the one who invented the modern government, the one who championed the personal freedom, the one who allowed free speech, the one who worked in ditches himself. Nowadays, Imams wear fancy suites, and will not help in changing the trash, or cleaning dishes in the masjid. They are mere opposite of Umar.
Following story reflects what I have to say.
Caliph Umar Bin Khattab and trencher
Umar ibn Khattab not only known as the Caliph of authoritative, but also simple
and populist. To find out about people, Omar did not hesitate disguised as
ordinary people.
He often strolled into the countryside alone. At that time no one recognized that
he was actually head of government. When he found his subjects was trouble, he was
immediately given assistance.
Umar knew what was in his hands when it was not hers but belongs to the people.
For that Umar strictly prohibits family members spree. He was always thrifty in
the use of daily needs. Because hematnya, to use only lights amirulmukminin family
is very careful. The new oil lamps were lit when there is an important
conversation. If not, better not to use lights.
"My children, we better talk in the dark. Therefore, the oil used to light the
lamp belonged to the people! "Said the caliph when his son wanted to talk in the
middle of the night.
In his life, Umar always uphold the people's mandate to be administered in the
shoulder. Great respect for all people.
Apparently, the story about the greatness of the Caliph Omar was heard also by a
neighboring king. King was interested and wanted to meet with Omar.
So one day dipersiapkanlah troops to escort the royal government came to Umar.
When the king arrived at the gates of the city of Medina, he saw a man were busy
digging trenches and clearing drains on the roadside. Then, the man she called it.
"O my brother!" Cried the king, sitting on the saddle horse greatness.
"Can you show where the palace and the throne Umar?" He said later. The man was
immediately stopped the work. Then he saluted.
"O Master, Which Mr. Umar?" He asked in a ditch digger. "Umar ibn al-Khattab
head of government of the Islamic empire of the famous wise and brave," said the
king. Trencher man smiled. "You guessed wrong. Umar ibn Khattab was the head of
the Islamic government does not have a palace and throne as you
thought. He was an ordinary person like me, "explained the ditch digger,".
"Oh really? How could the head of the Islamic government of the great famous all
over the country had no palace? "King frowned.
"You do not believe it? Okay, follow me, "said the ditch digger.
Then he invited the king's entourage to the "palace" Umar. After walking through
the village halls, markets, and the city, they finally arrived in front of a
modest house. He led the royal guests came in and sat. Ditch
digger went back and change clothes. After the royal guests were met. "Now escort
us to the palace of 'Umar!" Said the king impatiently.
Ditch digger smiled. "Mr. King, I have said earlier that Umar ibn al-Khattab did
not have a palace. You are in the palace of Umar! "
Huh?! "The king and his guards stared. Of course they were shocked. Because the
house was not described masukinya least as a center of the kingdom. Although the
house was clean and neat, but very simple.
Apparently the king did not want to believe it. He also took out his sword. Then
stood up, brandishing his sword.
"Do not try to cheat me! This sword can cut your neck in an instant! "He threatened glaring.
Trencher was still smiling. Then quietly, he stood up. "Here there are no people
who dared to lie. If they do sword had cut his neck. Put the sword back. We did not deserve a fight in court Umar, "said trencher. He calmly took the king and put his sword back in its sheath.
The king was amazed to see the courage and the serenity of the trencher. Between
believing and not, looked at the face ditch digger. Then, he returned to see Umar's 'palace'.
Emerged servants and guards to entertain them with a ceremony greatness. However, the king had not been believed.
"Is this the palace Umar?" he asked the maid-servant.
"Yes, my lord, this is the palace of Umar ibn al-Khattab," said one maid.
"Okay," he said. King had to trust the maid's words.
"But, where is Omar? Show me, I'd love to meet him and shake his hand! "Said the king.
the maid politely pointed to the trencher man who sat in front of the king.
"Seated in front of you is the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab" replied the maid
"Huh!" King was completely stunned. So did his bodyguards.
"So ... so, you are Caliph Omar ...?" Asked the king with a stutter.
The ditch digger nodded with a friendly smile.
"Since our first meeting at the gate of the city of Medina, in fact you were
dealing with 'Umar ibn al-Khattab!" He said quietly.
Then the king hugged him tightly. He was very touched and even cried to see the simplicity of Umar. He did not think, Caliph whose name revered in the entire country, was willing to dig trenches alone at the edge of town.
Since then, the king always send people to the city of Medina to study the Islamic
religion.
This is who we need to lead us. May Allah provide us a leader like him again.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
Monday, December 27, 2010
What is wrong with wishing Merry Christmas?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the one who holds my life in his hand.
I received a question over the weekend that reminded me to write about this topic. For muslims living side by side with non-muslims, it becomes very odd and confusing at the time of non-Islamic religious holidays. And, one of the biggest question that bother people is that should we greet them in their holiday, or not?
Sole purpose of Islam is to establish civlized, mannered, and curteous society. As the messenger of Allah (PBUH) said himself.
Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I was sent to perfect good character."
(Malik's Muwatta Book 47, Number 47.1.8)
So, Islam would never teach to be rude or disrespectful, because that would be contrary to the purpose of messenger of Allah's life.
However, it does not mean that we disobey Allah to make non-muslims feel good, and anything that is prohibited should not be done for the sake of good manners, because Allah has best manners, and he never prohibits something that is good for us.
In essence, we have to find out if saying "Merry Christmas" violates an order of the Allah (remember that order of the Prophet (PBUH) is from Allah and not from himself so that counts as well).
First condition to be a Muslim is to proclaim that none worthy of worship beside Allah, and if someone worships other than Allah would automatically leaves Islam. This should be pretty clear, and no evidence is needed here. If one disagree with this, there are bigger issues to discuss then a greeting.
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (4031)
Above hadith talks about the actions that are specific to Christians, and no other nation use it beside in the context of Christians. For example, wearing cross (with bottom end elongated) etc. If a person imitates the unique aspect of a nation or race, Islam consider that person to be one of them, but that is not why this greeting becomes prohibited. This is just to remind ourselves to not lose our identity.
Christmas is a religious celebration for the birth of Jesus, and there are billions of Christians who pray in the church on this day, and consider this to be the most sacred day. There are some who consider it to be a secular holiday, but those are still following the traditions of the practicing Christians. Regardless, it is pretty safe to say that Christmas is a religious holiday for some.
For Christians, worshiping God includes many things, and it varies from one sect of Christians to the next. It includes, certain time of the year, certains words uttered, certain traditions followed, certain rituals performed. Similarly, Muslims worship God by celebrating Eid, and greet each other on the day of Eid. In addition, Muslims are required to greet with salam each other, and it is considered part of worshiping Allah.
Now, the only question remains is "Is saying Merry Christmas, part of Christian worshipping tradition?" If it is, then we are prohibited to initiate or respond with that greeting. However, we can respond their greeting with a "Thank You", since we should appreciate their gesture to include us in their celebration.
For the greeting to become part of worship, we have to show that a group of followers consider it to be such, regardless of what other non-practicing people consider it to be.
Christmas is a religous celebration, where worship is performed by Christians on this day. Many church services include a traditional christmas greeting which in most part of the world is "Merry Christmas".
Following two images shows that greeting on Christmas is part of the traditions, and all such traditions performed by Pope in Catholicism are considered to be part of worship. So, greeting for Christmas is part of worship for this religion.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7706419-merry-christmas-greeting-messages/image/69016735-pope-benedict-xvi-is-greeted-by-cardinals-during-the-traditional-exchange-of-christmas
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7706419-merry-christmas-greeting-messages/image/69016737-pope-benedict-xvi-sits-during-the-traditional-exchange-of-christmas-greetings-to-the-curia
Now, once we have proven that greeting for Christmas is part of the worship, lets look at the words used by the Pope to make that greeting. In the following offical letter, the Pope is greeting the followers with Christmas greetings, and says "...Merry Christmas and very many good wishes also for the New Year! ". Here the words "Merry Christmas" are the greeting for christmas, and rest is the wish for new year. Wishing a new year is not proven to be religous for a specific religion, and he is using it because of the proximity of the two. So, Wishing new year is not prohibited due to the fact that it is not connected to religious ceremony. However, this letter ties the words "Merry Chrsitmas" to the leader of a Christian sect using it to recognize his dedication to his beliefs, which is the definition of worship.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/december/documents/hf_ben_xvi_spe_20061222_curia-romana_en.html
Hence, the greeting "Merry Christmas" is part of worshiping other then Allah, and is a violation of the first oath a Muslim takes when he or she becomes a Muslim. Please do not take it lightly because our faith depends upon rejecting the worship of birth and death of Jesus. If we wish someone this greeting, we are participating in the activity that glorifies the worship of someone other than Allah.
Would you wish someone, when they move in together to fornicate (couples without marraige), or they about to suicide, or stealing, or opressing someone? I hope not. So, why would you wish someone when they are celebrating commiting the biggest sin of all "Shirk" (biggest self inflicted wound or Zulm a human can do).
There is nothing wrong with wishing someone Happy New Year or Happy ThanksGiving, but it is wrong to wish a non-muslim on their religous celebration, because by definition they are celebrating "Shirk" (polytheism) and they are commiting suicide in the life hereafter.
I want all the non-muslims to succeed (become muslims), and will never cheer at their demise, which will be wishing them "Merry Christmas".
JazakAllah Khairin
a struggling muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah, the one who holds my life in his hand.
I received a question over the weekend that reminded me to write about this topic. For muslims living side by side with non-muslims, it becomes very odd and confusing at the time of non-Islamic religious holidays. And, one of the biggest question that bother people is that should we greet them in their holiday, or not?
Sole purpose of Islam is to establish civlized, mannered, and curteous society. As the messenger of Allah (PBUH) said himself.
Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I was sent to perfect good character."
(Malik's Muwatta Book 47, Number 47.1.8)
So, Islam would never teach to be rude or disrespectful, because that would be contrary to the purpose of messenger of Allah's life.
However, it does not mean that we disobey Allah to make non-muslims feel good, and anything that is prohibited should not be done for the sake of good manners, because Allah has best manners, and he never prohibits something that is good for us.
In essence, we have to find out if saying "Merry Christmas" violates an order of the Allah (remember that order of the Prophet (PBUH) is from Allah and not from himself so that counts as well).
First condition to be a Muslim is to proclaim that none worthy of worship beside Allah, and if someone worships other than Allah would automatically leaves Islam. This should be pretty clear, and no evidence is needed here. If one disagree with this, there are bigger issues to discuss then a greeting.
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (4031)
Above hadith talks about the actions that are specific to Christians, and no other nation use it beside in the context of Christians. For example, wearing cross (with bottom end elongated) etc. If a person imitates the unique aspect of a nation or race, Islam consider that person to be one of them, but that is not why this greeting becomes prohibited. This is just to remind ourselves to not lose our identity.
Christmas is a religious celebration for the birth of Jesus, and there are billions of Christians who pray in the church on this day, and consider this to be the most sacred day. There are some who consider it to be a secular holiday, but those are still following the traditions of the practicing Christians. Regardless, it is pretty safe to say that Christmas is a religious holiday for some.
For Christians, worshiping God includes many things, and it varies from one sect of Christians to the next. It includes, certain time of the year, certains words uttered, certain traditions followed, certain rituals performed. Similarly, Muslims worship God by celebrating Eid, and greet each other on the day of Eid. In addition, Muslims are required to greet with salam each other, and it is considered part of worshiping Allah.
Now, the only question remains is "Is saying Merry Christmas, part of Christian worshipping tradition?" If it is, then we are prohibited to initiate or respond with that greeting. However, we can respond their greeting with a "Thank You", since we should appreciate their gesture to include us in their celebration.
For the greeting to become part of worship, we have to show that a group of followers consider it to be such, regardless of what other non-practicing people consider it to be.
Christmas is a religous celebration, where worship is performed by Christians on this day. Many church services include a traditional christmas greeting which in most part of the world is "Merry Christmas".
Following two images shows that greeting on Christmas is part of the traditions, and all such traditions performed by Pope in Catholicism are considered to be part of worship. So, greeting for Christmas is part of worship for this religion.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7706419-merry-christmas-greeting-messages/image/69016735-pope-benedict-xvi-is-greeted-by-cardinals-during-the-traditional-exchange-of-christmas
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7706419-merry-christmas-greeting-messages/image/69016737-pope-benedict-xvi-sits-during-the-traditional-exchange-of-christmas-greetings-to-the-curia
Now, once we have proven that greeting for Christmas is part of the worship, lets look at the words used by the Pope to make that greeting. In the following offical letter, the Pope is greeting the followers with Christmas greetings, and says "...Merry Christmas and very many good wishes also for the New Year! ". Here the words "Merry Christmas" are the greeting for christmas, and rest is the wish for new year. Wishing a new year is not proven to be religous for a specific religion, and he is using it because of the proximity of the two. So, Wishing new year is not prohibited due to the fact that it is not connected to religious ceremony. However, this letter ties the words "Merry Chrsitmas" to the leader of a Christian sect using it to recognize his dedication to his beliefs, which is the definition of worship.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/december/documents/hf_ben_xvi_spe_20061222_curia-romana_en.html
Hence, the greeting "Merry Christmas" is part of worshiping other then Allah, and is a violation of the first oath a Muslim takes when he or she becomes a Muslim. Please do not take it lightly because our faith depends upon rejecting the worship of birth and death of Jesus. If we wish someone this greeting, we are participating in the activity that glorifies the worship of someone other than Allah.
Would you wish someone, when they move in together to fornicate (couples without marraige), or they about to suicide, or stealing, or opressing someone? I hope not. So, why would you wish someone when they are celebrating commiting the biggest sin of all "Shirk" (biggest self inflicted wound or Zulm a human can do).
There is nothing wrong with wishing someone Happy New Year or Happy ThanksGiving, but it is wrong to wish a non-muslim on their religous celebration, because by definition they are celebrating "Shirk" (polytheism) and they are commiting suicide in the life hereafter.
I want all the non-muslims to succeed (become muslims), and will never cheer at their demise, which will be wishing them "Merry Christmas".
JazakAllah Khairin
a struggling muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
How to recognize hypocricy and eliminate it?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the creator and the sustainer of all creation.
If I say something wrong it is from my ego, and if I speak the truth it is from Allah.
Update on Islamic Center of Windermere: Sorry for the short notice, but the meeting is delayed until further notice. Someone has presented an alternative which I would like to discuss in person before moving forward with a general meeting.
"And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe. They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!" (Quran 2:8-9)
When I started to try to practice Islam, one thing that keep coming back to me was the fear that I may be a hypocrite. I could be advising others to remember Allah, but not doing it myself. Or, may be I pretend to be a Muslim, but in the depths of my heart, there exist a doubt on Allah's existence. Until today, it is a constant fear, and sometimes I have caught myself acting hypocritacilly, and asked forgiveness from Allah. So, I speak from experience on this topic.
Thankfully, Quran and Sunnah provides a detection mechanism to find hypocrisy in our lives, and remove it once we find it. Before we dive into that mechanism, we have to list the two different types of Nifaq (hypocricy).
a) Greater (An-Nifaaq Al-Akbar): To present an outward appearance of belief in Allah, his Angels, his books, his messengers, the last day, etc. while concealing withing that which negates all or some of that. This is the hypocrisy which the Prophet (PBUH) confronted during his life and the ones who Allah said in the Qur’an that they are in "the lowest depth of hell-fire".
b) Lesser (An-Nifaaq Al-Asghar) or hypocrisy of action: To present an outward appearance of good and good deeds while concealing within that which negates that.
Ayah above refers to hypocricy in belief which is the worst kind of hypocrisy. Punishment for it is worst than the punishment of others in hell.
" The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire. You will not find any one to help them,” (Quran 4:145)
Allah provided a detection mechanism for them in the following ayah. An hypocrite in belief would assure others of their strong beleives when in the masjid or religous discussion, but when in a more secular gathering or alone, he/she would downplay being a Muslim.
“And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe,” but when they are alone with their Shayâtin (devils – polytheists, hypocrites, etc.), they say: “Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking.” (Quran 2:14)
Another way to detect is the habbit of avoiding all gatherings or situations where they might have to act upon their beleives.
“And when it is said to them: “Come to what Allâh has sent down and to the Messenger (Muhammad),” you (Muhammad) see the hypocrites turn away from you (Muhammad) with aversion.” (Quran 4:61)
It is not easy to eliminate hypocricy in belief, because the belief in Allah never took root in the heart. For them, Islam is a title and they play along. Only way out is to accept Allah as the master and remove the doubts from the heart.
Hypocrisy in action is the lesser type, and is more common among muslims. It means that a person has whole hartedly believed in oneness of Allah, and is muslim in heart. However, some of their actions are hypocritical. Following is the general rule to identify hypocrisy of that type.
"Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
The Prophet said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up.
1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.
2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.
3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.
4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner."
(Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 33)
This is a very powerful hadith, becuase it lays it out in simple terms what are the symptoms of hypocrisy. So, if one has the four characteristics listed above, our Prophet (PBUH) is guaranteeing him or her to be a hypocrite, regardless of his other deeds. I hope none of us possess these four at the same time. When I read this hadith a while ago, it was very scary to me because I was on occassion liying, betraying the trust, breaking promises, and in the heat of the argument say whithout thinking if it is true or not.
One who has these character traits in interaction with other people is most likely to have them with regard to Allah and his Prophet (PBUH). That is why the existence of them is a ‘sign’ of the existence of greater hypocrisy, possibly.
Another sign is missing fajr and Isha salat regularly.
"Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) Rasualullah (SAW) said, "No prayer is harder for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayers..."(Bukhari Volume 1, Book 11, Hadith # 626)
Very common variation of hypocricy that I have noticed is that some people will act differently with a politician or rich guest, but when they leave they would act differently. Theses are the telling sign of possible deep hypocrisy, since it is a disease.
Hypocrisy in action is a disease of the heart, and it can spread fast to become the hypocrisy of belief, so we have to act fast and keep our heart healthy. Another way of looking at hypocrisy is the love for this world, because when our actions are not reflecting our beliefs, it is usually because our beliefs have become inconvenient, or we are expecting worldly loss due to our actions according to Islam. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has called this love for the world "rust for the heart", and prescribed two medicines below.
The Prophet [saw] once remarked: “Surely, these hearts get rusted as iron gets rusted in water." He was asked how the heart’s rust could be rubbed off. He replied: "By frequent remembrance of death and the recitation of the Qur’an.”
[Bayhaqi]
Beside these medicines, one can bring sincerity in their actions, and have an intention to align their deeds with their beliefs. Also, speaking the truth, keeping the promise, keeping the trust, and not transgressing during argument can help reduce hypocrisy in our lives.
We should fear hypocrisy like we fear diseases, and do a regular checkup to see if any of our actions are hyocritical.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Juman)
All praise is due to Allah, the creator and the sustainer of all creation.
If I say something wrong it is from my ego, and if I speak the truth it is from Allah.
Update on Islamic Center of Windermere: Sorry for the short notice, but the meeting is delayed until further notice. Someone has presented an alternative which I would like to discuss in person before moving forward with a general meeting.
"And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe. They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!" (Quran 2:8-9)
When I started to try to practice Islam, one thing that keep coming back to me was the fear that I may be a hypocrite. I could be advising others to remember Allah, but not doing it myself. Or, may be I pretend to be a Muslim, but in the depths of my heart, there exist a doubt on Allah's existence. Until today, it is a constant fear, and sometimes I have caught myself acting hypocritacilly, and asked forgiveness from Allah. So, I speak from experience on this topic.
Thankfully, Quran and Sunnah provides a detection mechanism to find hypocrisy in our lives, and remove it once we find it. Before we dive into that mechanism, we have to list the two different types of Nifaq (hypocricy).
a) Greater (An-Nifaaq Al-Akbar): To present an outward appearance of belief in Allah, his Angels, his books, his messengers, the last day, etc. while concealing withing that which negates all or some of that. This is the hypocrisy which the Prophet (PBUH) confronted during his life and the ones who Allah said in the Qur’an that they are in "the lowest depth of hell-fire".
b) Lesser (An-Nifaaq Al-Asghar) or hypocrisy of action: To present an outward appearance of good and good deeds while concealing within that which negates that.
Ayah above refers to hypocricy in belief which is the worst kind of hypocrisy. Punishment for it is worst than the punishment of others in hell.
" The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire. You will not find any one to help them,” (Quran 4:145)
Allah provided a detection mechanism for them in the following ayah. An hypocrite in belief would assure others of their strong beleives when in the masjid or religous discussion, but when in a more secular gathering or alone, he/she would downplay being a Muslim.
“And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe,” but when they are alone with their Shayâtin (devils – polytheists, hypocrites, etc.), they say: “Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking.” (Quran 2:14)
Another way to detect is the habbit of avoiding all gatherings or situations where they might have to act upon their beleives.
“And when it is said to them: “Come to what Allâh has sent down and to the Messenger (Muhammad),” you (Muhammad) see the hypocrites turn away from you (Muhammad) with aversion.” (Quran 4:61)
It is not easy to eliminate hypocricy in belief, because the belief in Allah never took root in the heart. For them, Islam is a title and they play along. Only way out is to accept Allah as the master and remove the doubts from the heart.
Hypocrisy in action is the lesser type, and is more common among muslims. It means that a person has whole hartedly believed in oneness of Allah, and is muslim in heart. However, some of their actions are hypocritical. Following is the general rule to identify hypocrisy of that type.
"Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
The Prophet said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up.
1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.
2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.
3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.
4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner."
(Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 33)
This is a very powerful hadith, becuase it lays it out in simple terms what are the symptoms of hypocrisy. So, if one has the four characteristics listed above, our Prophet (PBUH) is guaranteeing him or her to be a hypocrite, regardless of his other deeds. I hope none of us possess these four at the same time. When I read this hadith a while ago, it was very scary to me because I was on occassion liying, betraying the trust, breaking promises, and in the heat of the argument say whithout thinking if it is true or not.
One who has these character traits in interaction with other people is most likely to have them with regard to Allah and his Prophet (PBUH). That is why the existence of them is a ‘sign’ of the existence of greater hypocrisy, possibly.
Another sign is missing fajr and Isha salat regularly.
"Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) Rasualullah (SAW) said, "No prayer is harder for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayers..."(Bukhari Volume 1, Book 11, Hadith # 626)
Very common variation of hypocricy that I have noticed is that some people will act differently with a politician or rich guest, but when they leave they would act differently. Theses are the telling sign of possible deep hypocrisy, since it is a disease.
Hypocrisy in action is a disease of the heart, and it can spread fast to become the hypocrisy of belief, so we have to act fast and keep our heart healthy. Another way of looking at hypocrisy is the love for this world, because when our actions are not reflecting our beliefs, it is usually because our beliefs have become inconvenient, or we are expecting worldly loss due to our actions according to Islam. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has called this love for the world "rust for the heart", and prescribed two medicines below.
The Prophet [saw] once remarked: “Surely, these hearts get rusted as iron gets rusted in water." He was asked how the heart’s rust could be rubbed off. He replied: "By frequent remembrance of death and the recitation of the Qur’an.”
[Bayhaqi]
Beside these medicines, one can bring sincerity in their actions, and have an intention to align their deeds with their beliefs. Also, speaking the truth, keeping the promise, keeping the trust, and not transgressing during argument can help reduce hypocrisy in our lives.
We should fear hypocrisy like we fear diseases, and do a regular checkup to see if any of our actions are hyocritical.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Juman)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Is Watching TV Haram?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the creator and the sustainer.
I had many stories to tell from hajj, but I will do that some other time. Some thing that occupied my mind for a while, and I received many questions on this, when I sent the warning on Jadoo TV. The big question that many practicing muslims wonder is whether watching television Haram. (remember that non-practicing muslim would not care much either way, as they are done with Islam once walk out of Masjid)
Since I was a kid, we had a television set, and we watched the once a day program for kids, or once a day news cast, or once a day drama etc. It was usually a family affair, and the most we spent was 6 to 7 hours a week. In Pakistan, during those days, there was a fear of Allah, and programs were approved for modesty, and I don't recall anytime where my father would have got up and put his hand on my eyes and said that this is not for kids, or even close to it.
Unfortunately, last I visited Pakistan, some channels were so out of line that I had to look away from the screen as I was embarrassed. So, I don't think I need to mention the situation of TV channels in USA. Of course, there are channels and programs that are somewhat modest.
Now, if we are trying to follow Islam, how do we know if we can watch TV?
We have to look at several aspect of this act, and decide for each possibility of prohibition.
1. Is transmitting live video haram?
Making images is discouraged, if not prohibited in Islam, in general. This includes taking photographs for personal use. Exception have been given for picutres to identify someone. We should avoid as much as we can from taking pictures or let anyone take our pictures. Following hadith shows the sever punishment for that.
Hadith - Bukhari 3:428, Narrated Said bin Abu Al-Hasan
While I was with Ibn 'Abbas a man came and said, "O father of 'Abbas! My sustenance is from my manual profession and I make these pictures." Ibn 'Abbas said, "I will tell you only what I heard from Allah's Apostle . I heard him saying, 'Whoever makes a picture will be punished by Allah till he puts life in it, and he will never be able to put life in it.' " Hearing this, that man heaved a sigh and his face turned pale. Ibn 'Abbas said to him, "What a pity! If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees and any other unanimated objects."
Hadith - At-Tirmidhi
"On the Day of Resurrection a neck will stretch forth from Hell; it will have two eyes to see, two ears to hear, and a tongue to speak. It will say, "I have been appointed to take care of three types of people: every arrogant tyrant, every person who called on some deity other than Allaah (swt) and those who made pictures" [at-Tirmidhi stated that this hadith was saheeh - at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.179, See also Jaami' al-Usool, 10/518, the editor said its isnaad is hasan]
Hadith - Muslim, Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib
AbulHayyaj al-Asadi told that Ali ibn AbuTalib said to him: Should I not send you on the same mission as Allah's Messenger sent me? Do not leave an image without obliterating it, or a high grave without levelling it. This hadith has been reported by Habib with the same chain of transmitters and he said: (do not leave) a picture without obliterating it.
On the other hand, video broadcast that we don't capture or keep for non-educational purposes is exempt from this, becuase once we see it, it has disappeared, which is very close to our eye sight. Within our eyes, images are formed that are transmitted at a certain speed to show us what we see. So, the technology of television braodcast is halal.
2. Are there some programs prohibited?
Every intelligent person should come to this conclusion that even if TV technology is halal, there could be transmissions that are prohibited to watch, as they are prohibited to see from our eyes.
I am not going to list all, but here are some.
a) Musical instruments are haram.
Hadith - Bukhari 7:494
Narrated Abu 'Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari that he heard the Prophet saying, "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments as lawful.
b) Indecent or shameful acts are haram to watch or perform.
When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do ye say of Allah what ye know not?" (Quran 7:28 )
c) Watching after hearing Adhan, or missing salat due to TV is haram.
And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah, the Verses of the Qur'an) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-Fire). (Quran 31:6)
d) Anything on TV that leads to haram should be avoided as well.
3. Is it prohibited to entertain and pass time?
In general, Islam allows everything in our life, except a few, which means everything is halal, except which is explicitly prohibited. So, entertainment or passing time is an importann aspect of life, and it is allowable. However, some may find more closeness to Allah in reducing the pass time and devoting to zikr of Allah.
There is a big warning sign here, because the entertainment and pass time should not take us away from Salat, or our responsibilities. If that happens, then anything we are doing becomes haram.
Now, we know that watching TV, in general, is allowed but we need to be careful on how and what we watch. I have struggled alot with this, because I loved entertaining myself through TV. Slowly, I have started to reduce the time, and eliminate haram content.
My suggestion is to improve our TV habbits slowly but consistently, but stop watching musical, and indecent programs right away, and never let this habbit delay your salat. I have seen the difference it has made in my life, and avoiding haram content has created more interest in Allah, because anything we see affects our state of mind.
In the end, I have to mention that some people are confused due to fatwaas from some scholars advising not to watch TV or making it haram. I have not seen a single fatwaas yet, but I see the following.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071220/asp/nation/story_8688288.asp
I don't know if it is true about Deoband, but if it was, they are not prohibiting it but suggesting avoidance to prevent slipup. Also, the word "Fatwaa" means "legal opinion" not a law, which means if the evidence supporting that opinion is not sound we can reject it. Of course, if you lack knowledge to evaluate the evidences, you find trusted opinions until someone can provide stronger evidence refuting it and are easy to interpret.
Please don't make things haram for yourself that are halal, and make it easy on yourself to follow the beautiful religion of Islam. Balance is the key.
Salman al-Farsi reported that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) was asked about animal fat, cheese, and fur, he replied, "The halal is that which Allah has made lawful in His Book and the haram is that which He has forbidden, and that concerning which He is silent He has permitted as a favor to you." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.)
If you beleive in Allah, and the day of judgement, let us take an oath to not let television corrupt our minds or miss the duties toward Allah and his creation, but enjoy it if we wish in the proper way.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling muslim
AbuArman (Adnan)
All praise is due to Allah, the creator and the sustainer.
I had many stories to tell from hajj, but I will do that some other time. Some thing that occupied my mind for a while, and I received many questions on this, when I sent the warning on Jadoo TV. The big question that many practicing muslims wonder is whether watching television Haram. (remember that non-practicing muslim would not care much either way, as they are done with Islam once walk out of Masjid)
Since I was a kid, we had a television set, and we watched the once a day program for kids, or once a day news cast, or once a day drama etc. It was usually a family affair, and the most we spent was 6 to 7 hours a week. In Pakistan, during those days, there was a fear of Allah, and programs were approved for modesty, and I don't recall anytime where my father would have got up and put his hand on my eyes and said that this is not for kids, or even close to it.
Unfortunately, last I visited Pakistan, some channels were so out of line that I had to look away from the screen as I was embarrassed. So, I don't think I need to mention the situation of TV channels in USA. Of course, there are channels and programs that are somewhat modest.
Now, if we are trying to follow Islam, how do we know if we can watch TV?
We have to look at several aspect of this act, and decide for each possibility of prohibition.
1. Is transmitting live video haram?
Making images is discouraged, if not prohibited in Islam, in general. This includes taking photographs for personal use. Exception have been given for picutres to identify someone. We should avoid as much as we can from taking pictures or let anyone take our pictures. Following hadith shows the sever punishment for that.
Hadith - Bukhari 3:428, Narrated Said bin Abu Al-Hasan
While I was with Ibn 'Abbas a man came and said, "O father of 'Abbas! My sustenance is from my manual profession and I make these pictures." Ibn 'Abbas said, "I will tell you only what I heard from Allah's Apostle . I heard him saying, 'Whoever makes a picture will be punished by Allah till he puts life in it, and he will never be able to put life in it.' " Hearing this, that man heaved a sigh and his face turned pale. Ibn 'Abbas said to him, "What a pity! If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees and any other unanimated objects."
Hadith - At-Tirmidhi
"On the Day of Resurrection a neck will stretch forth from Hell; it will have two eyes to see, two ears to hear, and a tongue to speak. It will say, "I have been appointed to take care of three types of people: every arrogant tyrant, every person who called on some deity other than Allaah (swt) and those who made pictures" [at-Tirmidhi stated that this hadith was saheeh - at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.179, See also Jaami' al-Usool, 10/518, the editor said its isnaad is hasan]
Hadith - Muslim, Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib
AbulHayyaj al-Asadi told that Ali ibn AbuTalib said to him: Should I not send you on the same mission as Allah's Messenger sent me? Do not leave an image without obliterating it, or a high grave without levelling it. This hadith has been reported by Habib with the same chain of transmitters and he said: (do not leave) a picture without obliterating it.
On the other hand, video broadcast that we don't capture or keep for non-educational purposes is exempt from this, becuase once we see it, it has disappeared, which is very close to our eye sight. Within our eyes, images are formed that are transmitted at a certain speed to show us what we see. So, the technology of television braodcast is halal.
2. Are there some programs prohibited?
Every intelligent person should come to this conclusion that even if TV technology is halal, there could be transmissions that are prohibited to watch, as they are prohibited to see from our eyes.
I am not going to list all, but here are some.
a) Musical instruments are haram.
Hadith - Bukhari 7:494
Narrated Abu 'Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari that he heard the Prophet saying, "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments as lawful.
b) Indecent or shameful acts are haram to watch or perform.
When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do ye say of Allah what ye know not?" (Quran 7:28 )
c) Watching after hearing Adhan, or missing salat due to TV is haram.
And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah, the Verses of the Qur'an) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-Fire). (Quran 31:6)
d) Anything on TV that leads to haram should be avoided as well.
3. Is it prohibited to entertain and pass time?
In general, Islam allows everything in our life, except a few, which means everything is halal, except which is explicitly prohibited. So, entertainment or passing time is an importann aspect of life, and it is allowable. However, some may find more closeness to Allah in reducing the pass time and devoting to zikr of Allah.
There is a big warning sign here, because the entertainment and pass time should not take us away from Salat, or our responsibilities. If that happens, then anything we are doing becomes haram.
Now, we know that watching TV, in general, is allowed but we need to be careful on how and what we watch. I have struggled alot with this, because I loved entertaining myself through TV. Slowly, I have started to reduce the time, and eliminate haram content.
My suggestion is to improve our TV habbits slowly but consistently, but stop watching musical, and indecent programs right away, and never let this habbit delay your salat. I have seen the difference it has made in my life, and avoiding haram content has created more interest in Allah, because anything we see affects our state of mind.
In the end, I have to mention that some people are confused due to fatwaas from some scholars advising not to watch TV or making it haram. I have not seen a single fatwaas yet, but I see the following.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071220/asp/nation/story_8688288.asp
I don't know if it is true about Deoband, but if it was, they are not prohibiting it but suggesting avoidance to prevent slipup. Also, the word "Fatwaa" means "legal opinion" not a law, which means if the evidence supporting that opinion is not sound we can reject it. Of course, if you lack knowledge to evaluate the evidences, you find trusted opinions until someone can provide stronger evidence refuting it and are easy to interpret.
Please don't make things haram for yourself that are halal, and make it easy on yourself to follow the beautiful religion of Islam. Balance is the key.
Salman al-Farsi reported that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) was asked about animal fat, cheese, and fur, he replied, "The halal is that which Allah has made lawful in His Book and the haram is that which He has forbidden, and that concerning which He is silent He has permitted as a favor to you." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.)
If you beleive in Allah, and the day of judgement, let us take an oath to not let television corrupt our minds or miss the duties toward Allah and his creation, but enjoy it if we wish in the proper way.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling muslim
AbuArman (Adnan)
Friday, November 5, 2010
Hajj: Rehearsal for the last journey.
In the name of Allah,
All praise is due to whom in his hands is my life.
فِيهِ ءَايَـٰتُۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌ۬ مَّقَامُ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ ۥ كَانَ ءَامِنً۬اۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلۡبَيۡتِ مَنِ ٱسۡتَطَاعَ إِلَيۡهِ سَبِيلاً۬ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (٩٧)
"In it are signs manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah―those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith; Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures." (Quran 3:97)
Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) said, "He who is not prevented from performing the pilgrimage by an obvious necessity, a tyrannical ruler, or a disease which confines him at home, and dies without having performed the pilgrimage, may die if he wishes as a Jew, or if he wishes as a Christian." (Tirmidhi: 2535, Narrated Abu Umamah) (Darimi transmitted it)
When I was young I was told that Hajj is something you do once in a life time, and you can do it anytime in your life. They recommended to do it in the last days of life, because it will be easier to refrain from sin after that. During Hajj, there is a commitment to Allah that we repent for our sins, and repentence is only accepted if the intention is to never do that sin.
Recently, I found out that Hajj becomes fardh upon us once we are adult, and can afford it, and there is no physical limiations. This made me realize that I had no reason not to go for Hajj. So, I am intending to depart on Hajj tomorrow, InshaAllah. I would like to suggest you all who haven't perform hajj, and are able to go to make intention for next year. You don't have to follow Indian/Pakistani culture where people sin, sin, and sin, untill old age when sinning becomes difficult, then they go to Hajj. No offense intended to whom that follow this logic, but it is a little risky one.
So, what is the purpose for Hajj? Hajj rituals are very similar to what will happen to us on the day of judgement. We all will be in large crowd, moving, standing, reflecting on our lives. We will be moved to the grounds of arafat, and will stand before Allah. There will be no duties on that day except to be attentive to Allah.
Hence, it is a rehearsal for the difficult day to come. Allah, with his mercy, has allowed us the sneak preview for the movie to be released. On top of that, we are given opportunity to improve our results on that day by realizing our faults, promise to stop them, ask forgiveness, and promise to never repeat them. Practice makes perfect, so get on the practice suit and go to Hajj.
One who delays hajj intentionally is similar to the one who receives a letter of large inheritance from a distant relative, and delays responding to the letter. As a muslim, we inherited the internal knowledge of how we can ammend our lives, but this dunya keeps us distracted.
Also, like any other deeds, intention is what makes that deed count. So, if the person sincerely cut the ties from the world during the Hajj, and repent for the sins, and keeps the promise made during Hajj may have their Hajj accepted.
In fact, if you are not going to hajj this year, you also have an opportunity to gain tons of rewards by fasting on first 9 days, or atleast on 9th Dhul-Hijja (Arafat day). And, do good deeds during these days.
"By the dawn; by the 10 nights" [Noble Quran 89:1-2]
Ibn Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: "This is the correct opinion." [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/413]
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 86)
"...I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of 'Arafa may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years. " (Muslim Book 006, Number 2602)
If you beleive in Allah, and the last day, I recommend the following article in details and follow as much as you can.
http://www.islamicfinder.org/articles/article.php?id=420&lang
I ask forgiveness from you all for any sins I commited against you. Please show mercy upon me, and Allah will show mercy upon you.
If you have a specific dua that you want me to beg from Allah, please reply to this, and give me names and details, as you feel comfortable. Please pray for my Hajj to become Hajj Mabrur.
Jazakallah Khairin
AbuArman
A struggling muslim.
All praise is due to whom in his hands is my life.
فِيهِ ءَايَـٰتُۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌ۬ مَّقَامُ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ ۥ كَانَ ءَامِنً۬اۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلۡبَيۡتِ مَنِ ٱسۡتَطَاعَ إِلَيۡهِ سَبِيلاً۬ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (٩٧)
"In it are signs manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah―those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith; Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures." (Quran 3:97)
Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) said, "He who is not prevented from performing the pilgrimage by an obvious necessity, a tyrannical ruler, or a disease which confines him at home, and dies without having performed the pilgrimage, may die if he wishes as a Jew, or if he wishes as a Christian." (Tirmidhi: 2535, Narrated Abu Umamah) (Darimi transmitted it)
When I was young I was told that Hajj is something you do once in a life time, and you can do it anytime in your life. They recommended to do it in the last days of life, because it will be easier to refrain from sin after that. During Hajj, there is a commitment to Allah that we repent for our sins, and repentence is only accepted if the intention is to never do that sin.
Recently, I found out that Hajj becomes fardh upon us once we are adult, and can afford it, and there is no physical limiations. This made me realize that I had no reason not to go for Hajj. So, I am intending to depart on Hajj tomorrow, InshaAllah. I would like to suggest you all who haven't perform hajj, and are able to go to make intention for next year. You don't have to follow Indian/Pakistani culture where people sin, sin, and sin, untill old age when sinning becomes difficult, then they go to Hajj. No offense intended to whom that follow this logic, but it is a little risky one.
So, what is the purpose for Hajj? Hajj rituals are very similar to what will happen to us on the day of judgement. We all will be in large crowd, moving, standing, reflecting on our lives. We will be moved to the grounds of arafat, and will stand before Allah. There will be no duties on that day except to be attentive to Allah.
Hence, it is a rehearsal for the difficult day to come. Allah, with his mercy, has allowed us the sneak preview for the movie to be released. On top of that, we are given opportunity to improve our results on that day by realizing our faults, promise to stop them, ask forgiveness, and promise to never repeat them. Practice makes perfect, so get on the practice suit and go to Hajj.
One who delays hajj intentionally is similar to the one who receives a letter of large inheritance from a distant relative, and delays responding to the letter. As a muslim, we inherited the internal knowledge of how we can ammend our lives, but this dunya keeps us distracted.
Also, like any other deeds, intention is what makes that deed count. So, if the person sincerely cut the ties from the world during the Hajj, and repent for the sins, and keeps the promise made during Hajj may have their Hajj accepted.
In fact, if you are not going to hajj this year, you also have an opportunity to gain tons of rewards by fasting on first 9 days, or atleast on 9th Dhul-Hijja (Arafat day). And, do good deeds during these days.
"By the dawn; by the 10 nights" [Noble Quran 89:1-2]
Ibn Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: "This is the correct opinion." [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/413]
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 86)
"...I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of 'Arafa may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years. " (Muslim Book 006, Number 2602)
If you beleive in Allah, and the last day, I recommend the following article in details and follow as much as you can.
http://www.islamicfinder.org/articles/article.php?id=420&lang
I ask forgiveness from you all for any sins I commited against you. Please show mercy upon me, and Allah will show mercy upon you.
If you have a specific dua that you want me to beg from Allah, please reply to this, and give me names and details, as you feel comfortable. Please pray for my Hajj to become Hajj Mabrur.
Jazakallah Khairin
AbuArman
A struggling muslim.
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