In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the Knower of All
Islamic Center of Windermere: I received some support, but we need to build on it. Following are the next steps. We are going with the land found. Please contact me right away, if you like to be part of the core committee. I will be exploring ICNA, ISCF, and other local organization for participation.
1) Create a Non-Profit
2) Start the contract
3) Visit Muslims homes
4) Public Meeting
"O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy." (Quran 2:208)
So many times I meet people who tell me that they believe in Allah, but don't try to practice Islam completely. Well, that is very unfortunate, because what they saying is that they follow some commands of Allah, but not others. Of course, they are rejecting the above verse of the Quran, but that's the topic of another day. I would like to show another side of this reality. I hope you all follow me till the end, as it may change your life.
Let us go through the examples of these situation. There is a family, which has decided that they will eat halal meat, but will keep listening to musical instrument, and other prohibited act. Now, they suffer, because they can not just enter any restaurant, and order meat, because they consider it haram. So, they find themselves away from non-muslim friends and co-workers, so their life in this world is not comfortable as it could be, if they were eating haram. However, their other actions are against Allah's command, so there is a chance that they would enter hellfire in the next life. Non-muslims on the other hand will enjoy this life and suffer in the next life. Believers will suffer in this life and enjoy the next life.
This poor group of people, who are hanging in the middle, because they were born in a Muslim family, but never learned Islam, and don't want to follow Islam completely where their lifestyle is limited. They may suffer in both lives, and for what. Now, you would ask me, why am I bringing this up, because no one can follow Islam perfectly. Answer is yes, but Allah is Not asking us to practice Islam perfectly, but asking us to "Enter" Islam completely.
When a person enter Islam completely, he or she surrenders all their desires, and they never intentionally commit an act that goes against commands of Allah and his messenger.They may still make mistakes, but they will not reject hijab, just because they are not ready yet. They will not shave their face because it may affect their work or wife's approval. No. Once a person enters into Islam, then everything they do, they check against Islam, if they are not violating any Islamic ruling.
Of course, I am not talking about the difference of opinion, where one does not believe it to be sin, but talking about when one believe it to be sin, and does it anyways. Since I have done it, my reasoning usually is that "Well I am following 99%, this one sin will not take me to hellfire". However, that is the plan of Iblis (satan). He wants us to slip on one sin, so he get access to us.
Some pray Jummah regularly, but drink Alcohol, commit adultery, gamble etc. Now, they know that all of this is haram, but they do it intentionally. Aren't they foollish? Aren't they losing benefit from each group, believers and non-believers? Aren't they trying to play on both teams?
I say to those foolish people. Chose a team! Either enter and sit down, or leave, so you can at least enjoy this life and prepare for hellfire. This back and forth does not make sense. Listening to Indian music, and then listening to Quran. You will not enjoy either. Drinking Alcohol, and then drinking ZamZam. You will not benefit from either. Sleeping with wife, and then sleeping with non-wife. Only harm can come. Speak ill of others, and then read Quran. No benefit at the end (this is my slippery slope).
If we know something is prohibited, why do it? Why wait for next year to stop it? Stop now. Make the intention today.
Complete Change takes a moment. Convincing our inner self for the change takes a long time. Take a hold of the inner self. Have a conversation. Go through a cost benefit analysis. Whatever it takes, stop this madness. Please don't commit sin intentionally, after you have surrendered your will to Allah (became a Muslim). If your oath to Allah can not be trusted, then nothing from you can be trusted.
Please Adnan! stop sinning for God's sake and your sake.
JazakAllah Khairin
A foolish person
AbuArman Jumani
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Is Mechanical Slaughtering haram?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the Most Wise
Anything good in this writing is from Allah, and any mistakes are from me.
Islamic Center of Windermere: I went to see the rental property yesterday, and it is huge. It will cost around $30,000 per month, which is very expensive. I also saw a land close to my home for $500,000 that is big and perfect for masjid. I think that is the best option, but I need to know if there are people willing to participate. Please let me know.
A brother asked me if mechanical slaughtering is haram. I asked him why he wanted to know. He said someone just told him in the masjid that majority of scholars agree in UK that it is haram. I would like to answer this in details, because many believers who live in western countries, are confused.
First of all, there is a difference of opinion, and we should not go around telling each other to follow a specific opinion, unless we are ready to argue with evidences. It is like a sister who wears a niqab tells a sister who doesn't wear niqab that she should wear the face veil (niqab). Or, it is like a brother going around telling others that they should raise their hands before and after ruku. Please leave people alone, and don't impose your opinion on others, if you don't know the details of the opinion.
So, this person who is going around the community telling others not to eat machine cut has not provided any specific opinion with evidences, rather a link to "Anonymous Survey" that was done in UK, where many questions were asked, and one of them was if mechanical slaughtering is halal, and 95 % say no. However, there are no names, and there are no legal opinions, so we don't know who were these people, and what is their evidence. Come on brother! Stop this fitnah. So, we are taking votes to decide our religion now? Mr Ahmed Hanbali would have lost, if a vote was taken. Following is the link to that survey.
http://halalfocus.net/2010/02/18/uk-muslim-scholars-reject-mechanical-slaughtering/
Now, there are opinions which say that Bismillah has to be read over each slaughter by a believer for it to be halal. I have broken down this argument in my earlier blog, so instead of repeating it let me try something else.
We will follow the fiqh principle that is accepted globally as universal principle, which is that everything on earth is permissible for us, except what is specifically forbidden. It is based on many evidences from the Quran and Sunnah, like following evidences.
"O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations. Lawful to you (for food) are all the beasts of cattle except that which will be announced to you (herein)...Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maytah (the dead animals), blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than Allah, and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns ـand that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal ـunless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) - and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An-Nusub (stone altars)." (Quran 5:1 - 3)
The above verse makes it very clear that all animals are by default lawful for us to consume, except which are specifically forbidden. This is the Sunnah of Allah to mention the general principle before mentioning the prohibition, and it can be seen in many places in the Quran. So, according to this verse everything is permissible for us, except what will be told to us by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH). Then, we look at the following verses of the Quran where Allah admonishes us for trying to make something haram that is halal for us.
"So eat of that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned, if you are believers in His Ayat. And why should you not eat of that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned, while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity And surely, many do lead astray by their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows best the transgressors." (Quran 6:118-119)
Second verse talks about a group of people who forbid food that is slaughtered with the mention of Allah's name. So, why would a believer do that? Well, it is addressing the people who try to find reason other than mentioned by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH).
Now, what is it mean to mention Allah's name on the animal before killing it. If it would have mean that a person stands over the animal, and mention Allah's name, and then the animal is killed by that person, why did the Prophet (PBUH) allowed the following.
'Adi b. Hatim reported: I asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying: We are a people who hunt with these (trained) dogs, then (what should we do)? Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: When you set of your trained dogs having recited the name of Allah, then eat what these (hounds) have caught for you, oven if it (the game) is killed, provided (the hunting dog) has not eaten (any part of the game). If it has eaten (the game), then you don't eat it as I fear that it might have caught for its own self. And do not eat in case other dogs have joined your trained dogs. (Sahih Muslim 4733)
It is clear from this evidence that pronouncing the name of Allah before killing is a way to ask Allah's permission for consuming that living being, which are not to be harmed otherwise. It is a way to make the intention that the act of killing that will take place is according to the permission Allah gave us in the Quran, and it is not part of the killing ritual.
So, if there is a plant where they have chicken lined up to be slaughtered, and we invoke Allah's permission, and start the process by a button that leads to the slaughter, that meat is permissible to eat, as long as there are no other reason that makes it prohibited.
Now, someone may ask, if the person at the plant has to recite Allah's name over each animal? No, they don't if the machine is continuous, as that action of slaughter has not stopped until the machine stopped. Manual slaughter is interrupted after every animal as one has to move to the next animal. One should recite Allah's name again.
Point of this blog is not to convince anyone to change their opinion, but convince people to tolerate other's opinion when there is strong evidence on both side. We should not ask people to blindly follow a scholar or a group of scholar, when we are not able to understand the evidence ourselves.
Due to this fitnah, local businesses have to follow strict rulings, because otherwise they will have this ignorant mob coming after them. May Allah protect us from these drive by fatwa givers, who don't back them up with evidences. I challenge them to reply to this blog with evidences, so we can look at them.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A well wisher
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the Most Wise
Anything good in this writing is from Allah, and any mistakes are from me.
Islamic Center of Windermere: I went to see the rental property yesterday, and it is huge. It will cost around $30,000 per month, which is very expensive. I also saw a land close to my home for $500,000 that is big and perfect for masjid. I think that is the best option, but I need to know if there are people willing to participate. Please let me know.
A brother asked me if mechanical slaughtering is haram. I asked him why he wanted to know. He said someone just told him in the masjid that majority of scholars agree in UK that it is haram. I would like to answer this in details, because many believers who live in western countries, are confused.
First of all, there is a difference of opinion, and we should not go around telling each other to follow a specific opinion, unless we are ready to argue with evidences. It is like a sister who wears a niqab tells a sister who doesn't wear niqab that she should wear the face veil (niqab). Or, it is like a brother going around telling others that they should raise their hands before and after ruku. Please leave people alone, and don't impose your opinion on others, if you don't know the details of the opinion.
So, this person who is going around the community telling others not to eat machine cut has not provided any specific opinion with evidences, rather a link to "Anonymous Survey" that was done in UK, where many questions were asked, and one of them was if mechanical slaughtering is halal, and 95 % say no. However, there are no names, and there are no legal opinions, so we don't know who were these people, and what is their evidence. Come on brother! Stop this fitnah. So, we are taking votes to decide our religion now? Mr Ahmed Hanbali would have lost, if a vote was taken. Following is the link to that survey.
http://halalfocus.net/2010/02/18/uk-muslim-scholars-reject-mechanical-slaughtering/
Now, there are opinions which say that Bismillah has to be read over each slaughter by a believer for it to be halal. I have broken down this argument in my earlier blog, so instead of repeating it let me try something else.
We will follow the fiqh principle that is accepted globally as universal principle, which is that everything on earth is permissible for us, except what is specifically forbidden. It is based on many evidences from the Quran and Sunnah, like following evidences.
"O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations. Lawful to you (for food) are all the beasts of cattle except that which will be announced to you (herein)...Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maytah (the dead animals), blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than Allah, and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns ـand that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal ـunless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) - and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An-Nusub (stone altars)." (Quran 5:1 - 3)
The above verse makes it very clear that all animals are by default lawful for us to consume, except which are specifically forbidden. This is the Sunnah of Allah to mention the general principle before mentioning the prohibition, and it can be seen in many places in the Quran. So, according to this verse everything is permissible for us, except what will be told to us by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH). Then, we look at the following verses of the Quran where Allah admonishes us for trying to make something haram that is halal for us.
"So eat of that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned, if you are believers in His Ayat. And why should you not eat of that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned, while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity And surely, many do lead astray by their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows best the transgressors." (Quran 6:118-119)
Second verse talks about a group of people who forbid food that is slaughtered with the mention of Allah's name. So, why would a believer do that? Well, it is addressing the people who try to find reason other than mentioned by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH).
Now, what is it mean to mention Allah's name on the animal before killing it. If it would have mean that a person stands over the animal, and mention Allah's name, and then the animal is killed by that person, why did the Prophet (PBUH) allowed the following.
'Adi b. Hatim reported: I asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying: We are a people who hunt with these (trained) dogs, then (what should we do)? Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: When you set of your trained dogs having recited the name of Allah, then eat what these (hounds) have caught for you, oven if it (the game) is killed, provided (the hunting dog) has not eaten (any part of the game). If it has eaten (the game), then you don't eat it as I fear that it might have caught for its own self. And do not eat in case other dogs have joined your trained dogs. (Sahih Muslim 4733)
It is clear from this evidence that pronouncing the name of Allah before killing is a way to ask Allah's permission for consuming that living being, which are not to be harmed otherwise. It is a way to make the intention that the act of killing that will take place is according to the permission Allah gave us in the Quran, and it is not part of the killing ritual.
So, if there is a plant where they have chicken lined up to be slaughtered, and we invoke Allah's permission, and start the process by a button that leads to the slaughter, that meat is permissible to eat, as long as there are no other reason that makes it prohibited.
Now, someone may ask, if the person at the plant has to recite Allah's name over each animal? No, they don't if the machine is continuous, as that action of slaughter has not stopped until the machine stopped. Manual slaughter is interrupted after every animal as one has to move to the next animal. One should recite Allah's name again.
Point of this blog is not to convince anyone to change their opinion, but convince people to tolerate other's opinion when there is strong evidence on both side. We should not ask people to blindly follow a scholar or a group of scholar, when we are not able to understand the evidence ourselves.
Due to this fitnah, local businesses have to follow strict rulings, because otherwise they will have this ignorant mob coming after them. May Allah protect us from these drive by fatwa givers, who don't back them up with evidences. I challenge them to reply to this blog with evidences, so we can look at them.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A well wisher
AbuArman Jumani
Sunday, March 25, 2012
What would Muhammad Do?: Muslim Brotherhood/Sisterhood
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the source of all guidance.
Islamic Center of Windermere: Finally, we have found a few locations. There is a huge rental space available, but it will cost $27,000 per month. There is a land available, which will cost around $1.5 million. Please share your thoughts on how to proceed? If anyone wants to see the property, please contact me.
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided." (Quran 16:25)
On April 4, I wrote a blog about two groups of Muslims that met 100 feet from each other, but were 100 miles apart. One was lead by an American convert Imam, and the other by an Indian born Imam. I saw the opportunity for the community to connect these groups, because they needed each other. Finally, these groups met and coordinated a few events recently with success. Immigrant Muslims hosting, the host country Muslims, and both groups are engaged in sincere and serious dialogue.
As a member of both groups, I see the further opportunities, and possibilities to raise the stakes even higher, and create more real bond that will benefit the community. Following are some of my suggestions in that regard.
- Immigrant Muslims should enroll in the yahoo group that is setup for new Muslims, so they are engaged with them in real time.
- New Muslims should attend the events hosted in the Jammah Masjid, and subscribe to Masjid mailing list.
- Instead of reading the speeches from the paper during bi-monthly picnics, create an interactive sessions where open discussions takes place.
- Immigrant Muslims should reach out to the new Muslims at the individual level, and have at least one same gender contact consistently.
- Islam is practical religion, so some practical solutions need to be setup like jobs program, or health clinic etc.
A final advice is to not put too much emphasis on who is a new Muslim and who is an immigrant Muslim, because we all are Muslims, and there shouldn't be groups of any kind. When Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) created bonds between Muslims in Medina, he did not do that to maintain the distinction, but to remove the distinction. For example, he chose Ali as his brother, and not anyone from Medina, because it is not an alliance between new Muslims and immigrant Muslims, but a brotherhood among all Muslims. Think about that. Don't look for a new Muslim to teach Arabic, but teach each other, if you don't know.
We need to assimilate and make the new Muslims our paternal brothers and sisters, and invite them to our weddings, dinner party, call them when they have a baby, argue with them, love them. People who attend Jammah Masjid should attend the events hosted by Imam Sykes. Pot luck, faith club, food drive etc. People who attend Imam Sykes class should attend hadith class at 8 Am on Sunday.
Be practical, as Islam is a practical religion. We should not take a photo with a poor naked baby and return to our air-conditioned limo to head to our home. Take the baby home or find him some clothes and check up on him at a regular basis. May be find a job for the father. I hope what I say here makes sense. Don't donate a fish, but teach someone to fish, so they can feed themselves.
This is what Muhammad (PBUH) would do. He would never use the terms new Muslims and Immigrant Muslim, except when necessary. So, lets do our next event in the parking lot of Jammah Masjid, and make it practical. Allah has shown mercy upon us and guided us to this point, so let us take the next step.
JazakAllah Khairin
A well wisher.
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the source of all guidance.
Islamic Center of Windermere: Finally, we have found a few locations. There is a huge rental space available, but it will cost $27,000 per month. There is a land available, which will cost around $1.5 million. Please share your thoughts on how to proceed? If anyone wants to see the property, please contact me.
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided." (Quran 16:25)
On April 4, I wrote a blog about two groups of Muslims that met 100 feet from each other, but were 100 miles apart. One was lead by an American convert Imam, and the other by an Indian born Imam. I saw the opportunity for the community to connect these groups, because they needed each other. Finally, these groups met and coordinated a few events recently with success. Immigrant Muslims hosting, the host country Muslims, and both groups are engaged in sincere and serious dialogue.
As a member of both groups, I see the further opportunities, and possibilities to raise the stakes even higher, and create more real bond that will benefit the community. Following are some of my suggestions in that regard.
- Immigrant Muslims should enroll in the yahoo group that is setup for new Muslims, so they are engaged with them in real time.
- New Muslims should attend the events hosted in the Jammah Masjid, and subscribe to Masjid mailing list.
- Instead of reading the speeches from the paper during bi-monthly picnics, create an interactive sessions where open discussions takes place.
- Immigrant Muslims should reach out to the new Muslims at the individual level, and have at least one same gender contact consistently.
- Islam is practical religion, so some practical solutions need to be setup like jobs program, or health clinic etc.
A final advice is to not put too much emphasis on who is a new Muslim and who is an immigrant Muslim, because we all are Muslims, and there shouldn't be groups of any kind. When Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) created bonds between Muslims in Medina, he did not do that to maintain the distinction, but to remove the distinction. For example, he chose Ali as his brother, and not anyone from Medina, because it is not an alliance between new Muslims and immigrant Muslims, but a brotherhood among all Muslims. Think about that. Don't look for a new Muslim to teach Arabic, but teach each other, if you don't know.
We need to assimilate and make the new Muslims our paternal brothers and sisters, and invite them to our weddings, dinner party, call them when they have a baby, argue with them, love them. People who attend Jammah Masjid should attend the events hosted by Imam Sykes. Pot luck, faith club, food drive etc. People who attend Imam Sykes class should attend hadith class at 8 Am on Sunday.
Be practical, as Islam is a practical religion. We should not take a photo with a poor naked baby and return to our air-conditioned limo to head to our home. Take the baby home or find him some clothes and check up on him at a regular basis. May be find a job for the father. I hope what I say here makes sense. Don't donate a fish, but teach someone to fish, so they can feed themselves.
This is what Muhammad (PBUH) would do. He would never use the terms new Muslims and Immigrant Muslim, except when necessary. So, lets do our next event in the parking lot of Jammah Masjid, and make it practical. Allah has shown mercy upon us and guided us to this point, so let us take the next step.
JazakAllah Khairin
A well wisher.
AbuArman Jumani
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Promiscuous Relationship
In the Name of Allah,
All the praise is due to Allah, the perfectly knowledgeable
This is a recent story of an affair that lasted for one night.
Zaytuna: "Salam Orlando"
Orlando: "Wasalam. Do I know you?"
Zaytuna: "No, not yet", replies with a smile, "I am from California, and travelling around the USA for a reason".
Orlando: "Nice to meet you. So what is the reason that brings you here"
Zaytuna: "Well...I am building a new home in Berkeley, California, and it requires $7 million to buy the building I really like. I am travelling around the USA to collect money for it."
Orlando: "We are also trying to fix the whole in our back wall in our home. Alright, so you are asking for funds. Let me see, how much do I have here". Orlando takes out his wallet.
Zaytuna: "Oh no! no! God no! I am not asking for a charity like this on the street. I would like to take you out for a dinner, and then we can talk about this". Orlando blushes.
Orlando: "Oh...So when is this dinner?"
Zaytuna: "Lets do it on Saturday. How is that?"
Orlando: "Can we eat at my house? My wife name is Masjid, and she would love to meet you, and my kid Mago would love to hear the stories of California."
Zaytuna: "Oh no silly. We can't do dinners with Masjid. We will meet at a nice place where Masjid is not close by. It will be more comfortable and less distracting"
Orlando: Replies confusingly. "Alright, See you on Saturday"
Zaytuna: "And, please bring your checkbook"
Meeting takes place on Saturday in an up class ballroom.
Zaytuna: "Salam, Welcome Orlando"
Orlando: "Wasalam, Wow! this is a nice place. This is much fancier then my home with Masjid"
Zaytuna: "Yes, it creates the right environment"
A few minutes later.
Zaytuna: "Look. This is the picture of my sons Hamza, and Zaid"
Orlando: "Oh! I am very impressed with them"
Zaytuna: "Listen! I need at least a $1 million dollar tonight from you."
Orlando: "That is a lot. We just met. I don't even know why you are building the house, and who will be living there."
After a few sweet speeches from Zaytuna later.
Orlando: "Sure. I will write you a check for $400,000, as thats all I have in the bank."
Zaytuna: "Alright, that will do."
Next Morning.
Masjid: "My dear husband, my only dress was torn today. Can you please write me a check for $40, so I can buy a modest dress? Also where did you go last night. I was waiting for you on Isha."
Mago: "Papa, you promised to buy me the books for the school today."
Tear rolls down Orlando's eyes, and his head sinks in his hands. What has he done. Gave away so much money in one night to someone who he met only once, and never to see again. Here his family was not even included in the decision.
May Allah helps Orlando to spent in the right place, and provide us a single leader who can look after our best interest.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A well wisher of Orlando
AbuArman Jumani
All the praise is due to Allah, the perfectly knowledgeable
This is a recent story of an affair that lasted for one night.
Zaytuna: "Salam Orlando"
Orlando: "Wasalam. Do I know you?"
Zaytuna: "No, not yet", replies with a smile, "I am from California, and travelling around the USA for a reason".
Orlando: "Nice to meet you. So what is the reason that brings you here"
Zaytuna: "Well...I am building a new home in Berkeley, California, and it requires $7 million to buy the building I really like. I am travelling around the USA to collect money for it."
Orlando: "We are also trying to fix the whole in our back wall in our home. Alright, so you are asking for funds. Let me see, how much do I have here". Orlando takes out his wallet.
Zaytuna: "Oh no! no! God no! I am not asking for a charity like this on the street. I would like to take you out for a dinner, and then we can talk about this". Orlando blushes.
Orlando: "Oh...So when is this dinner?"
Zaytuna: "Lets do it on Saturday. How is that?"
Orlando: "Can we eat at my house? My wife name is Masjid, and she would love to meet you, and my kid Mago would love to hear the stories of California."
Zaytuna: "Oh no silly. We can't do dinners with Masjid. We will meet at a nice place where Masjid is not close by. It will be more comfortable and less distracting"
Orlando: Replies confusingly. "Alright, See you on Saturday"
Zaytuna: "And, please bring your checkbook"
Meeting takes place on Saturday in an up class ballroom.
Zaytuna: "Salam, Welcome Orlando"
Orlando: "Wasalam, Wow! this is a nice place. This is much fancier then my home with Masjid"
Zaytuna: "Yes, it creates the right environment"
A few minutes later.
Zaytuna: "Look. This is the picture of my sons Hamza, and Zaid"
Orlando: "Oh! I am very impressed with them"
Zaytuna: "Listen! I need at least a $1 million dollar tonight from you."
Orlando: "That is a lot. We just met. I don't even know why you are building the house, and who will be living there."
After a few sweet speeches from Zaytuna later.
Orlando: "Sure. I will write you a check for $400,000, as thats all I have in the bank."
Zaytuna: "Alright, that will do."
Next Morning.
Masjid: "My dear husband, my only dress was torn today. Can you please write me a check for $40, so I can buy a modest dress? Also where did you go last night. I was waiting for you on Isha."
Mago: "Papa, you promised to buy me the books for the school today."
Tear rolls down Orlando's eyes, and his head sinks in his hands. What has he done. Gave away so much money in one night to someone who he met only once, and never to see again. Here his family was not even included in the decision.
May Allah helps Orlando to spent in the right place, and provide us a single leader who can look after our best interest.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A well wisher of Orlando
AbuArman Jumani
Monday, February 27, 2012
Waking up inside a dream.
In the Name of Allah, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of mankind.
Islamic Center of Winter Garden: After 60 days of wait, there has been no public meeting setup, so the coordination with the other group has failed, and we are back to being on our own. Original effort is restarted. Will keep you updated, once I am able to setup a public meeting. We will build the masjid inshAllah.
"The life of this world is nothing but a game and a diversion. The Abode of the Next World that is truly Life if they only knew." (Quran 29:64)
Prophet (PBUH) said, "...By Allah! It is not poverty that I fear for you, but what I fear for you is that the world will be presented for you just as it was presented for those before you, then you will compete for it, and it will destroy you, just as it destroyed them." (Sahih al-Jami # 5523)
Whenever one wants to know the depth of the belief of a believer, it is sufficient to measure their fear for poverty and adversity in this world, because fear of failure in this world stems from a doubt that there is life after death. If one believes on the life after death as a matter of fact, and they have no doubt that it will come to pass, why would they worry so much about poverty and adversity in this world.
Sometimes in my dreams I am able to realize that it is a dream, and control my movements, but most of the time, I go through the dream believing it is reality. If something fearful happening in the dream, I might wake up with that terror still in my heart and a little bit of sweat. Many of you can relate to this. Now, are the dream real? Well, I don't know. They do affect us physically, and some die because of the dreams. I would like to draw a connection between dreams and this life of the world.
In this life, humans can smell, taste, touch, hear, see, and think, and this gives us the sense of reality. However, Allah is telling us that this world is just a game and a diversion, and a virtual reality or a dream, which feels true, but it is very short in "reality". Of course, while in this world, anything Allah says about hereafter is an unseen thing, and it is like someone coming up to us in a dream and telling us that this is a dream, and the real life await us after we wake up. Well, can we wake up in this dream? Do we even believe that there is a real life after death?
If one believes on the above verse, they will not fear running out of money, or losing a job, or the masjid management, or the influential relative, or social isolation. Some spend thousands on travel, but delay Hajj, why? Why would one delay Hajj? one reason could be that meeting their relatives is more important for them, then Hajj. Your debt is not an excuse, when you can spent $10,000 on vacation, but not on Hajj.
In conclusion, no one need to judge anyone else on this, because everyone knows if they believe in the life after death, as they believe the car stopping in front of them, and they have to hit breaks. Would you hit breaks, if Prophet (PBUH) was sitting with you, and ask you to hit break, but you cannot see the car in front of you? This is what Allah is asking us to do. Believe in the message Prophet (PBUH) gave us, regardless of it being seen or unseen. It is very difficult, but it is very easy, depending upon our doubt on the life after death.
Test your faith, before Allah test it. Take audit, before Allah does. Believe, before the dream ends. Wake up oh my brothers and sisters! Wake up! This world is just a dream, and I swear to Allah, it will end when you least expected. Be prepare for death, as you prepare for your vacation. Check your reservation. Post it on facebook. Pay the bills. Make arrangements for your destination. Convert money into traveller's check. If you believe, do it today.
If you don't know what I am talking about, it is certainly unfortunate. And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
Awoke within dream
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of mankind.
Islamic Center of Winter Garden: After 60 days of wait, there has been no public meeting setup, so the coordination with the other group has failed, and we are back to being on our own. Original effort is restarted. Will keep you updated, once I am able to setup a public meeting. We will build the masjid inshAllah.
"The life of this world is nothing but a game and a diversion. The Abode of the Next World that is truly Life if they only knew." (Quran 29:64)
Prophet (PBUH) said, "...By Allah! It is not poverty that I fear for you, but what I fear for you is that the world will be presented for you just as it was presented for those before you, then you will compete for it, and it will destroy you, just as it destroyed them." (Sahih al-Jami # 5523)
Whenever one wants to know the depth of the belief of a believer, it is sufficient to measure their fear for poverty and adversity in this world, because fear of failure in this world stems from a doubt that there is life after death. If one believes on the life after death as a matter of fact, and they have no doubt that it will come to pass, why would they worry so much about poverty and adversity in this world.
Sometimes in my dreams I am able to realize that it is a dream, and control my movements, but most of the time, I go through the dream believing it is reality. If something fearful happening in the dream, I might wake up with that terror still in my heart and a little bit of sweat. Many of you can relate to this. Now, are the dream real? Well, I don't know. They do affect us physically, and some die because of the dreams. I would like to draw a connection between dreams and this life of the world.
In this life, humans can smell, taste, touch, hear, see, and think, and this gives us the sense of reality. However, Allah is telling us that this world is just a game and a diversion, and a virtual reality or a dream, which feels true, but it is very short in "reality". Of course, while in this world, anything Allah says about hereafter is an unseen thing, and it is like someone coming up to us in a dream and telling us that this is a dream, and the real life await us after we wake up. Well, can we wake up in this dream? Do we even believe that there is a real life after death?
If one believes on the above verse, they will not fear running out of money, or losing a job, or the masjid management, or the influential relative, or social isolation. Some spend thousands on travel, but delay Hajj, why? Why would one delay Hajj? one reason could be that meeting their relatives is more important for them, then Hajj. Your debt is not an excuse, when you can spent $10,000 on vacation, but not on Hajj.
In conclusion, no one need to judge anyone else on this, because everyone knows if they believe in the life after death, as they believe the car stopping in front of them, and they have to hit breaks. Would you hit breaks, if Prophet (PBUH) was sitting with you, and ask you to hit break, but you cannot see the car in front of you? This is what Allah is asking us to do. Believe in the message Prophet (PBUH) gave us, regardless of it being seen or unseen. It is very difficult, but it is very easy, depending upon our doubt on the life after death.
Test your faith, before Allah test it. Take audit, before Allah does. Believe, before the dream ends. Wake up oh my brothers and sisters! Wake up! This world is just a dream, and I swear to Allah, it will end when you least expected. Be prepare for death, as you prepare for your vacation. Check your reservation. Post it on facebook. Pay the bills. Make arrangements for your destination. Convert money into traveller's check. If you believe, do it today.
If you don't know what I am talking about, it is certainly unfortunate. And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
Awoke within dream
AbuArman Jumani
Friday, February 17, 2012
Boredom: A sign of weakness in faith
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the one who conceals.
("...And of mankind is he who purchases Lahw Al-Hadith to mislead (men) from the path of Allah without knowledge, (Quran 31:6) ) Qatadah said: "By Allah, he may not spend money on it, but his purchasing it means he likes it, and the more misguided he is, the more he likes it and the more he prefers falsehood to the truth and harmful things over beneficial things.'' It was said that what is meant by the words (ibn Kathir)
People have explained the downfall of believers in many ways, but the above verse puts it into context for us. This generation is the generation of entertainment. If there is no entertainment, there is no crowd. Even Masjid try to find something entertaining for people to do to attract them.
Some entertain by sitting outside the masjid, and some entertained by food, and some entertained by sports, and some entertained by smart phones. Everywhere you turn, there are ways to entertain yourself. People travel to entertain themselves, and they call it vacation. Vacationing from what? Regular prayer in the Masjid. Peaceful life at home. Meeting the relatives.
In reality, everyone is bore if not entertained. Now, it is not prohibited to entertain oneself, and the Prophet (PBUH) did participate in activities of entertainment. What is happening is that we are wasting hours of our lives that we could have spent in remembering Allah. I do not point fingers at anyone, as I am guilty of it myself. I wasted 3 hours last night watching something that was idle talk at the end. Nothing material or spiritual I gained. Why did I do? I was bored. Does this sounds familiar? Next generation gets bore even faster. My kids are bore, if we ask them to shut off electronics. It is amazing how we are attached to filling our void with idle activities.
Personally, I see this as a sign of weakness in faith. When I read Quran, or read a book of knowledge, I get a boost, and want to continue this everyday, because probably my faith is high. After a while, I find myself involve in an activity that was created to pass time. Pass time?!? Time will pass regardless of what we doing. We should not be wasting our precious time in idle stuff.
Most of us find it boring to listen to an hour lecture on Aqeedah or Fiqh, but zip through an hour long episode of a TV series. We are not connected to Allah in a way that we find sweetness in his remembrance. Yes, when the time comes for adhan, we will fold our chairs unwillingly and drag our feet to pray salah, but as soon as salah is finish, we stand up and start mingling without spending anytime in dhikr or tasbeeh.
I think if we control how much time we spent on idle activities, and try to spend more time in reading books, listening to lecture, going to classes, or just discussing Islam at our dinner table, we can start increasing our faith. Once our faith increases, all other issues in the community will melt away.
Also, most of the successful people, believer and non-believer, do not watch TV or Movies. They either read books or busy with something important.
Enough is Enough! I pledge to work on defeating this boredom in my life and cut down on idle activities I am drawn to, and suggest you do the same. And Allah knows best.
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: The son of Adam displeases Me by abusing Dahr (time), whereas I am Dahr--I alternate the night and the day. (Sahih Muslim Book 027, Number 5581)
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling believer
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the one who conceals.
("...And of mankind is he who purchases Lahw Al-Hadith to mislead (men) from the path of Allah without knowledge, (Quran 31:6) ) Qatadah said: "By Allah, he may not spend money on it, but his purchasing it means he likes it, and the more misguided he is, the more he likes it and the more he prefers falsehood to the truth and harmful things over beneficial things.'' It was said that what is meant by the words (ibn Kathir)
People have explained the downfall of believers in many ways, but the above verse puts it into context for us. This generation is the generation of entertainment. If there is no entertainment, there is no crowd. Even Masjid try to find something entertaining for people to do to attract them.
Some entertain by sitting outside the masjid, and some entertained by food, and some entertained by sports, and some entertained by smart phones. Everywhere you turn, there are ways to entertain yourself. People travel to entertain themselves, and they call it vacation. Vacationing from what? Regular prayer in the Masjid. Peaceful life at home. Meeting the relatives.
In reality, everyone is bore if not entertained. Now, it is not prohibited to entertain oneself, and the Prophet (PBUH) did participate in activities of entertainment. What is happening is that we are wasting hours of our lives that we could have spent in remembering Allah. I do not point fingers at anyone, as I am guilty of it myself. I wasted 3 hours last night watching something that was idle talk at the end. Nothing material or spiritual I gained. Why did I do? I was bored. Does this sounds familiar? Next generation gets bore even faster. My kids are bore, if we ask them to shut off electronics. It is amazing how we are attached to filling our void with idle activities.
Personally, I see this as a sign of weakness in faith. When I read Quran, or read a book of knowledge, I get a boost, and want to continue this everyday, because probably my faith is high. After a while, I find myself involve in an activity that was created to pass time. Pass time?!? Time will pass regardless of what we doing. We should not be wasting our precious time in idle stuff.
Most of us find it boring to listen to an hour lecture on Aqeedah or Fiqh, but zip through an hour long episode of a TV series. We are not connected to Allah in a way that we find sweetness in his remembrance. Yes, when the time comes for adhan, we will fold our chairs unwillingly and drag our feet to pray salah, but as soon as salah is finish, we stand up and start mingling without spending anytime in dhikr or tasbeeh.
I think if we control how much time we spent on idle activities, and try to spend more time in reading books, listening to lecture, going to classes, or just discussing Islam at our dinner table, we can start increasing our faith. Once our faith increases, all other issues in the community will melt away.
Also, most of the successful people, believer and non-believer, do not watch TV or Movies. They either read books or busy with something important.
Enough is Enough! I pledge to work on defeating this boredom in my life and cut down on idle activities I am drawn to, and suggest you do the same. And Allah knows best.
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: The son of Adam displeases Me by abusing Dahr (time), whereas I am Dahr--I alternate the night and the day. (Sahih Muslim Book 027, Number 5581)
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling believer
AbuArman Jumani
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Searching for Sincere People!
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
Prophet(PBUH) said, Verily, deen is sincerity. We asked: “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and the leaders of the Muslims and to the common Muslims. [Sahîh Muslim, Book 1, Number 0098]
I have waited for a long time to talk about this topic, as it has been one of the reasons that I write these blogs. In fact, many of you will see familiarity in it. So, what does it mean to be sincere? Why sincerity is important?
Let us look at the second question first. If a person is not sincere, then you don't know what their agenda is, and why are they so friendly to you. It may be that when you need them, they will not be there for you because their agenda has changed. Opposite of sincerity is hypocrisy, and if a person is not sincere, they are hypocrite. When I started to practice Islam in 2006, one thing that I decided was to detect insincere person. One is able to tell from a slight actions that a person is not sincere, because they are going along with the conversation. I think it was a result of people opposing me and reacting to the message of Islam in different ways. Sincere people would just tell me outright that they don't agree with me, but insincere people would say encouraging words in front of me, but attack me behind my back. This has been always the hardest part, which I have come to grips with.
So, it is better to have a sincere enemy then insincere friend, because you are not sure if you can trust them. Islam is completely based on sincerity, and that is the meaning of the hadith above. A believer can not believe, if he is not sincere to Allah when he is alone, sincere to his Messenger when difficult hadith is read, sincere to Quran when it shows the truth that is bitter, sincere to leaders when they make a decision that one doesn't like, and specially sincere to other believers when one meets them. I think everyone understands how sincerity is the key to trust and being a believer, so I will not spent too much time on it.
In my case, I tell the truth to people and most don't appreciate it, and possibly talk about me, or even conspire against me. I do not mind that, as if they talk about me, I would receive rewards from it. If they conspire against me, they can not harm me unless Allah allows it. However, I do not want to spend time with people who are insincere, because anything they say, I am not sure if they mean it or just another polite thing they are saying to not offend me. I have made it part of my defense mechanism to repel such people, and if someone who can tolerate the truth and react the way a sincere person would, I know I can trust him, and after that I try to use wisdom to deal with them. You may ask, how can I assume that I am sincere myself, and I would tell you that I am a sinner and make mistake, and don't know if I am sincere. I have made it my effort in my life to stay sincere no matter what. Of course, others are better judge of it, and I may be just living in a pipe dream, but I know the difficult situations I went through, and I could have taken the easy and political road, but I didn't.
Now, how to recognize sincerity among common folks? There may be many methods, but I determine sincerity by testing them. For example, if you tell a group of people your problem, and they all say " Please let me know if I can help you". This could be a sincere statement or a cosmetic statement. I would call their bluff on it, and ask them for help, and see how they react. If they make excuses, most likely they were insincere. Of course, it would take multiple tests to be sure. It has become common to be politically correct to be accepted by majority of people, and people call it wisdom to not offend anyone. For example, if you have a meeting for community, and you ask a difficult question like "would you support the effort B?", if the person is sincere, they will give you the right answer regardless of the popularity of it. However, an insincere person will always give the popular answer, and try to wave you or change the topic.
Another test I use is personal praise. An insincere person will praise you for minor things just to keep the social relationship, and make you feel better. When they use it with me, I know they are exaggerating, and I will run other tests to be sure. This is usually a very accurate sign of an insincere person, because a sincere person doesn't make effort to praise someone unless it happens naturally. One time, I was praised by someone, and I can see that the person is doing it for a purpose, because he asked me for something right before it.
Most conclusive test I have seen is the stress test. You take someone through a series of conversations, and show them a short fall they have, and see how they react. Everyone will defend, as it is natural, but how they defend is the sign. If a person defend upon the same principal they started with and as the principals are proven wrong they soften their stance, then they are sincere to their core, and I stop at that point and accept them as most trustworthy. On the other hand, if a person defends by any means necessary and quit the conversation or change the principal if their principals are being proven wrong, then they are insincere, and I would stop and leave them alone, and they are not trustworthy.
Most of our world is filled with insincere people, and they would be nice to us, but they may not be sincere to us, and if they are not sincere to us, how can they be sincere to an unseen entity. If everyone was sincere, but still followed their current path, there is an opportunity to bring them closer to the true path. For this reason, we should not waste time with people who are not sincere, because they will not accept the truth if presented to them.
In my humble opinion, sincerity is not something a person can learn, but it comes naturally when one believes in Allah. Either you are sincere or not. It comes from removing the fear of losing status, job, friendship, money, and influence. If we have one sincere friend, and 1000 insincere enemy, it is better then having 1000 insincere friends, because with them everything you participate in will be an insincere gesture.
Sincerity is to be able to disconnect any ties, except the tie with Allah, if necessary. For example, if someone proves to us that the religious tradition that we followed the whole life is un-Islamic, and we refuse to accept it and find excuses to stay with that tradition, because if we accept it, all the people we know will consider us traitor, we are not being sincere. Similarly, if a person is sincere to a cause, and not doing to get money or status or influence, they will be willing to do anything to help that cause including giving leadership role.
Recently, I called a meeting for building a masjid in windermere, and forwarded to many people in the community and reminded for weeks. Night before the meeting, I received an email saying that there was a meeting held at my neighbor's house and they will be building a masjid in this area. Now, it was a great coincidence that they didn't come to my meeting or called me or invited me, but I assume that they were sincere, and I called them and handed over my effort to them, because I don't know what is in their heart. All I asked them was to call the public meeting, so we can find out how many people are interested. All we need is a masjid built so people who don't go to masjid, can chose to pray in congregation. It doesn't matter who builds it. I will give them until Feb 24 to announce the effort and let the people decide the location in the meeting. If they fail to do that, the cooperation will be a failure and will break my trust.
We don't live to please human beings, but we live to please Allah, so that is the priority. Sometimes one has to please humans, as long as it doesn't displeases Allah. When one pleases humans, at the cost of displeasing Allah, they have destroyed themselves. If it turns out that I was blocked from building a masjid on purpose, and that resulted in delay of building a house of Allah, it will be the end of my trust on them, and I will restart my effort InshAllah.
You have probably noticed that this blog is also a test that I am sending out. Responses, and non-responses will all be the sign. Thank you for taking part in it.
May Allah makes me a sincere person, and help us find sincere people, so we can trust them.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling to be a sincere person
Abu Arman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
Prophet(PBUH) said, Verily, deen is sincerity. We asked: “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and the leaders of the Muslims and to the common Muslims. [Sahîh Muslim, Book 1, Number 0098]
I have waited for a long time to talk about this topic, as it has been one of the reasons that I write these blogs. In fact, many of you will see familiarity in it. So, what does it mean to be sincere? Why sincerity is important?
Let us look at the second question first. If a person is not sincere, then you don't know what their agenda is, and why are they so friendly to you. It may be that when you need them, they will not be there for you because their agenda has changed. Opposite of sincerity is hypocrisy, and if a person is not sincere, they are hypocrite. When I started to practice Islam in 2006, one thing that I decided was to detect insincere person. One is able to tell from a slight actions that a person is not sincere, because they are going along with the conversation. I think it was a result of people opposing me and reacting to the message of Islam in different ways. Sincere people would just tell me outright that they don't agree with me, but insincere people would say encouraging words in front of me, but attack me behind my back. This has been always the hardest part, which I have come to grips with.
So, it is better to have a sincere enemy then insincere friend, because you are not sure if you can trust them. Islam is completely based on sincerity, and that is the meaning of the hadith above. A believer can not believe, if he is not sincere to Allah when he is alone, sincere to his Messenger when difficult hadith is read, sincere to Quran when it shows the truth that is bitter, sincere to leaders when they make a decision that one doesn't like, and specially sincere to other believers when one meets them. I think everyone understands how sincerity is the key to trust and being a believer, so I will not spent too much time on it.
In my case, I tell the truth to people and most don't appreciate it, and possibly talk about me, or even conspire against me. I do not mind that, as if they talk about me, I would receive rewards from it. If they conspire against me, they can not harm me unless Allah allows it. However, I do not want to spend time with people who are insincere, because anything they say, I am not sure if they mean it or just another polite thing they are saying to not offend me. I have made it part of my defense mechanism to repel such people, and if someone who can tolerate the truth and react the way a sincere person would, I know I can trust him, and after that I try to use wisdom to deal with them. You may ask, how can I assume that I am sincere myself, and I would tell you that I am a sinner and make mistake, and don't know if I am sincere. I have made it my effort in my life to stay sincere no matter what. Of course, others are better judge of it, and I may be just living in a pipe dream, but I know the difficult situations I went through, and I could have taken the easy and political road, but I didn't.
Now, how to recognize sincerity among common folks? There may be many methods, but I determine sincerity by testing them. For example, if you tell a group of people your problem, and they all say " Please let me know if I can help you". This could be a sincere statement or a cosmetic statement. I would call their bluff on it, and ask them for help, and see how they react. If they make excuses, most likely they were insincere. Of course, it would take multiple tests to be sure. It has become common to be politically correct to be accepted by majority of people, and people call it wisdom to not offend anyone. For example, if you have a meeting for community, and you ask a difficult question like "would you support the effort B?", if the person is sincere, they will give you the right answer regardless of the popularity of it. However, an insincere person will always give the popular answer, and try to wave you or change the topic.
Another test I use is personal praise. An insincere person will praise you for minor things just to keep the social relationship, and make you feel better. When they use it with me, I know they are exaggerating, and I will run other tests to be sure. This is usually a very accurate sign of an insincere person, because a sincere person doesn't make effort to praise someone unless it happens naturally. One time, I was praised by someone, and I can see that the person is doing it for a purpose, because he asked me for something right before it.
Most conclusive test I have seen is the stress test. You take someone through a series of conversations, and show them a short fall they have, and see how they react. Everyone will defend, as it is natural, but how they defend is the sign. If a person defend upon the same principal they started with and as the principals are proven wrong they soften their stance, then they are sincere to their core, and I stop at that point and accept them as most trustworthy. On the other hand, if a person defends by any means necessary and quit the conversation or change the principal if their principals are being proven wrong, then they are insincere, and I would stop and leave them alone, and they are not trustworthy.
Most of our world is filled with insincere people, and they would be nice to us, but they may not be sincere to us, and if they are not sincere to us, how can they be sincere to an unseen entity. If everyone was sincere, but still followed their current path, there is an opportunity to bring them closer to the true path. For this reason, we should not waste time with people who are not sincere, because they will not accept the truth if presented to them.
In my humble opinion, sincerity is not something a person can learn, but it comes naturally when one believes in Allah. Either you are sincere or not. It comes from removing the fear of losing status, job, friendship, money, and influence. If we have one sincere friend, and 1000 insincere enemy, it is better then having 1000 insincere friends, because with them everything you participate in will be an insincere gesture.
Sincerity is to be able to disconnect any ties, except the tie with Allah, if necessary. For example, if someone proves to us that the religious tradition that we followed the whole life is un-Islamic, and we refuse to accept it and find excuses to stay with that tradition, because if we accept it, all the people we know will consider us traitor, we are not being sincere. Similarly, if a person is sincere to a cause, and not doing to get money or status or influence, they will be willing to do anything to help that cause including giving leadership role.
Recently, I called a meeting for building a masjid in windermere, and forwarded to many people in the community and reminded for weeks. Night before the meeting, I received an email saying that there was a meeting held at my neighbor's house and they will be building a masjid in this area. Now, it was a great coincidence that they didn't come to my meeting or called me or invited me, but I assume that they were sincere, and I called them and handed over my effort to them, because I don't know what is in their heart. All I asked them was to call the public meeting, so we can find out how many people are interested. All we need is a masjid built so people who don't go to masjid, can chose to pray in congregation. It doesn't matter who builds it. I will give them until Feb 24 to announce the effort and let the people decide the location in the meeting. If they fail to do that, the cooperation will be a failure and will break my trust.
We don't live to please human beings, but we live to please Allah, so that is the priority. Sometimes one has to please humans, as long as it doesn't displeases Allah. When one pleases humans, at the cost of displeasing Allah, they have destroyed themselves. If it turns out that I was blocked from building a masjid on purpose, and that resulted in delay of building a house of Allah, it will be the end of my trust on them, and I will restart my effort InshAllah.
You have probably noticed that this blog is also a test that I am sending out. Responses, and non-responses will all be the sign. Thank you for taking part in it.
May Allah makes me a sincere person, and help us find sincere people, so we can trust them.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling to be a sincere person
Abu Arman Jumani
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