Worship Allah While Satisfying Desires!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent.

If I offend anyone by this, please blame me and punish me, but do not reject the message that I convey without any strong counter evidences.

“O believers enter into Islam completely”(Quran 2:208)

As I have mentioned, Al-Islam is not a religion, but "Deen" which means a way of life. So, it is impossible that Islam does not guide one in one of the most important aspect of our life, which is during our intimate relations with our spouses. Unfortunately many scholars and local Imams fail to discuss the topics that are very important. I would like to share what a Muslim husband and wife suppose to do in their physical relationship.

Yesterday, I was talking to some brothers about implementing Quran in our lives, and not just memorizing the Arabic words. This is an example of the implementation of the Quran. So, please implement this, and worship Allah while satisfying desires. What a beautiful deen.

Halal unless prohibited

"Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; (Quran 2:223)

Above verse gives permission to Muslims to have physical relation with their spouse as they please, and makes every reasonable act permitted. There are some specific prohibition that are explained below. In fact, we should make an effort to meet each other's desires without crossing the boundaries, and the boundary is very big.

Foreplay before play

Imam al-Daylami (Allah have mercy on him) records a narration on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is reported to have said: “One of you should not fulfil one’s (sexual) need from one’s wife like an animal, rather there should be between them foreplay of kissing and words.” (Musnad al-Firdaws Of al-Daylami, 2/55)

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (Allah have mercy on him) reports in his famous “Tibb al-Nabawi” that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) forbade from engaging in sexual intercourse before foreplay. (See: al-Tibb al-Nabawi, 183, from Jabir ibn Abd Allah)

Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) would kiss one of his wives and then leave for prayer (salat) without performing ablution (wudu). Urwa says that I asked A’isha: “It must have been you?” (Upon hearing this) A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) smiled.”(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no. 86, Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 181 & Sunan al-Nasa’i, no. 170))

Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) would kiss her whilst he was fasting (m, refer to the fiqh of kissing during fast) and he would suck her tongue.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 2378)

Again, some self acclaimed pious individual would have you believe that we should not indulge in the foreplay with our wives, and keep it very formal. However, this is totally incorrect, for who can possibly be more pious, pure and God-fearing than the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), yet not only did he encourage foreplay, etc, but practically engaged in it with his wives, as we have learnt from the many narrations quoted above.

Thus, it is not a sign of piety to abstain from such activities, for there is no place for monasticism (rahbaniyya) in Islam. It is a practical religion where one may fulfil his/her needs in a permissible way.

Prohibition of rectal intercourse

Although Allah has allowed approaching wives in any way. He has prohibited intercourse through the anus/rectum. Anything that Allah prohibits has a wisdom, and we should surrender to his command regardless of it making sense to us or not. Also, any order from the Messenger (PBUH) is an order from Allah, as he had the power of attorney. If you have doubt about this, please contact me. 

Narrated AbuHurayrah:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: He who has intercourse with his wife through her anus is accursed.  (Abu Dawood Book 11, Number 2157)

Narrated AbuHurayrah:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If anyone resorts to a diviner and believes in what he says (according) to the version of Musa), or has intercourse with his wife (according to the agreed version) when she is menstruating, or has intercourse with his wife through her anus, he has nothing to do with what has been sent down to Muhammad (peace_be_upon_him) - according to the version of Musaddad. (Abu Daw Book 29, Number 3895)

Prohibition of intercourse during menstruation

Again, this is a specific prohibition, and overrides any other allowances. So, we should avoid intercourse during this period. However, Prophet (PBUH) would caress his wives during this period to continue the relationship, and he would not treat them like something dirty that you can't go close to.

"And they ask you concerning consorting with their wives during menstruation. Tell them, 'It is a harmful thing, so keep away from your women during menstru­ation, and do not consort them until they are clean. But when they have washed themselves clean, consort with them as Allah has commanded you. Allah loves those who turn to Him often, and loves those who are clean and pure.' "(Al Quran 2:222)

Allowance of Oral interaction

This is one of the most common question I receive, and there are many scholars who would deny Muslims from this approach without having any evidences. There is no such restriction on us, and whoever restrict themselves are only denying the favours of Allah by rejecting what is permissible. May Allah question them on the day of judgment.

"Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; (Quran 2:223)

Above verse gives full permission to us to perform any sexual activity with our wives, except intercourse during menstruation or through rectum, as stated above.

Everything is halal in this world for us, except what is specifically prohibited by Allah or by the Prophet (PBUH). So, if the couple finds the comfort in this approach, there is no prohibition.

Foreplay is not only allowed, it has been encouraged in Islam. Goal is to satisfy each other so there is no need for extra marital affairs. Care must be taken with cleanliness before and after the oral intercourse, as Islam is the way of cleanliness.

Cleaning after intercourse

After an intercourse, we are required to take a bath, because we can not pray salat in this state. It is permissible to sleep in this state of "Janaba" but it is better to at least make wudu.

Also, angels do not enter home where there is someone in the state of Janaba.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle went out (of the mosque) when the Iqama had been pronounced and the rows straightened. The Prophet stood at his Musalla (praying place) and we waited for the Prophet to begin the prayer with Takbir. He left and asked us to remain in our places. We kept on standing till the Prophet returned and the water was trickling from his head for he had taken a bath (of Janaba). (Bukhari Volume 1, Book 11, Number 612)

Narrated Abu Bakr bin 'Abdur-Rahman:
My father and I went to 'Aisha and she said, "I testify that Allah's Apostle at times used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaba from sexual intercourse, not from a wet dream and then he would fast that day." Then he went to Um Salama and she also narrated a similar thing. (Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 153)

Contraception are allowed

Some would tell us that we should try to have kids, at every relationship, and using any countering measures is haram. In the following hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) made it very clear that we cannot block a human body to enter this world, so he allowed the method of Azl, which is the best method for contraception till today.

Abu Sirma said to Abu Sa'id al Khadri (Allah he pleased with him): 0 Abu Sa'id, did you hear Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) mentioning al-'azl? He said: Yes, and added: We went out with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) on the expedition to the Bi'l-Mustaliq and took captive some excellent Arab women; and we desired them, for we were suffering from the absence of our wives, (but at the same time) we also desired ransom for them. So we decided to have sexual intercourse with them but by observing 'azl (Withdrawing the male sexual organ before emission of semen to avoid-conception). But we said: We are doing an act whereas Allah's Messenger is amongst us; why not ask him? So we asked Allah's Mes- senger (may peace be upon him), and he said: It does not matter if you do not do it, for every soul that is to be born up to the Day of Resurrection will be born. (Bukhari Book 008, Number 3371)

Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:

A man said: Apostle of Allah, I have a slave-girl and I withdraw the penis from her (while having intercourse), and I dislike that she becomes pregnant. I intend (by intercourse) what the men intend by it. The Jews say that withdrawing the penis (azl) is burying the living girls on a small scale. He (the Prophet) said: The Jews told a lie. If Allah intends to create it, you cannot turn it away. (Bukhari Book 11, Number 2166)

 According to Jabir, "We used to practise 'azl in the Prophet's (pbuh) lifetime while the Qur'an was being revealed." There is another version of the same hadith, "We used to practise coitus interruptus during the Prophet's (pbuh) lifetime. News of this reached him and he did not forbid us." (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 136)

Although Islam encourages to have children, but it also allowed contraception methods that are not harmful to one’s health. Please chose wisely.

Abortion is allowed until 119 days

Non-Muslims struggle with this question everyday, and they have been debating on when the fetus becomes a human life. Islam has provided the answer to that question. Human life is the soul, and the soul enters on 120^th day, so before that the fetus is an animal life.

Narrated Abdullah:

Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(as regards your creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first forty days, and then he becomes a clot for an other forty days, and then a piece of flesh for an other forty days. Then Allah sends an angel to write four words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into his body. (Bukhari Volume 4, Book 55, Number 549)

If there is a need to abort a pregnancy, it can be aborted until the human soul enters the fetus. Before that day, the fetus is a living being, but not a human. Of course killing any living being is a sin, but a lesser sin then killing a human. This should be done with great care and out of great necessity. Recently, scholars have watered down this approach, but we cannot mold Islam according the our needs, rather mold ourselves according to the need of the Shari'a.

This topic is vast, and we can spent hours discussing it. I hope that this helps some prevent extra marital affairs, and divorce, and tense relationships.

JazakAllah Khairin

A practicing Muslim

Abu Arman

Machine-cut Chicken

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent.

All creation is the property of Allah.


Recently, I was asked the question about machine cut chicken. If it is halal to consume the chicken meat that is cut by machines. I was amazed that muslims are still not sure about halal food. Why is it so difficult for us to figure this out? It is not rocket science as some old men have made it to be.

It is very easy to decide if a food is halal, and a muslim should learn this from childhood. There should be no difference of opinion in this, as it has been made so clear. As an evidence, I will show you that a person like me who has no "ijaza" certificate can also figure this out.

Following is a very detailed article which provide a well thought of opinion. It is precise, but not accurate.

http://hma.jucanada.org/mechanical_slaughter.aspx/user_submission_system/machine-slaughtered_meat

This person makes the case that machine cut chicken are completely halal, except for the rate of the pronounciation of the name of Allah. Argument is that if the name of Allah is not said before every slaughter, it is not halal anymore. Lets examine that.

"So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]." (Quran 16:98)

Above verse makes it obligation for Muslims to seek refuge in Allah before reading quran. So, does that mean we need to do that before every verse of the reading or before every chapter? Does the Imam read that before every Surrah during Taraweeh, or just at the begining of Rakat is enough? Of course not, once at the begining of the recitation is enough.

"O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salât (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows..." (Quran 5:6)

Another example. Above verse command us that when we stand for the salat, we should make wudu. So, does that mean if you make wudu in Maghrib, you are not allowed to pray Isha in the same wudu? Of course, you can pray  in the same wudu, as long as there has been no interruption to break the state.

Similarly, when a person switch on the machine in the Name of Allah, the intention is to cut all the chicken with Allah's name. Requiring a person to repeat utterance for every single cut is splitting hairs. There is no place in Islam for undue-burden.

In the above fatwa, case is made that if one forgets to say Allah's name, it is still halal because of the intention. Similarly, if one is turning the machine on with Allah's name, it is sufficient.

I know that many still doubt what I say here, and they will stick to their religions based on their four saints, who seems to have more weight in their life then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah will judge them for their sincerity. If they sincerily foolish enough to beleive that 100 years after Prophet's death one Imam explained the religion for them, which Prophet (PBUH) couldn't do himself, but 1300 years after that Imam, there is no debate, then Allah may forgive them. If they do taqleed, because they think it is a religion, they have gone astray.

For the 73rd group who is willing to listen, if a person tells you that something is halal, and that person understand what it means to be halal, you are not obligated to research, unless someone brings you evidence otherwise. Also, if you have a doubt that the other opinion may be correct, then you should not consume that meat, because the intention is more important than the action.

Although it is easy to figure out what is halal and what is haram, it is vital that we are not supressing our doubts for financial gains or personal conveniences.

Once again, following 3 conditions are required on meat to be halal. Meat from publix and McDomalds is haram.

1- Animal slaughtered with permission of Allah
2- The animal is not prohibited in Quran and Sunnah
3- Blood has oozed out

No, meat from christian stores are not halal, because they are not slaughtering according to their book anymore.  Kosher is halal, since they still meet the requirements.

Again, we cook machine cut meat at my home, and will serve you that, so if you eat from my home, it will be halal. Alhamdulilah!

And Allah knows best.

JazakAllah Khairin

A no non-sense Muslim
AbuArman

A dua of a sinner.

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

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

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)

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)

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)