In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Specially Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the King of the day of judgement.
Whenever I warned my dear brothers about the fitnah of Tableeghi Jamat, they would always invite me to come and experience their gatherings before making my judgement. Friday night, I decided to attend the Ijtema organized by the Tableeghi Jamat. Following is my report on that. I have tried to put aside my personal opinion, and look at it objectively, but I am just a human.
According to my limited understanding, Ijtema is a gathering of Muslims, to remind themselves, and to learn their deen, and to leave with increased faith and more knowledge then one arrived. So, the main event will be the speeches, and this is what I wanted to see. To see what this Ijtema means for Muslim Ummah.
As I drove towards the Osceola High School, I saw the signs for ijtema, and as I entered the school, parking area was well organized. People were streaming in the school from every direction. I parked my car, and slowly walked towards the school. Most of the people were carrying sleeping bag and luggage, and it reminded me of Hajj. Jamat members were collecting money for dinner, but I already had dinner so I walked inside. When I came close to the auditorium doors, I was shocked to see people lying around with their luggage, and it was probably because I wasn't expecting that view.
It was almost Maghrib time, so me and another brother sat down in the front rows, and I was very impressed with the setup and organization. After adhan, salat didn't start for 15 minutes or so, and when it did, the recitation was very simple, which I liked, but was surprised that many of the Huffaz with a good recitation were not selected to lead salat. Finally, after salat, the famous announcement was made "After the rest of the salat, there is a very important talk on deen, please come closer." Then, the announcement said something which made my jaw dropped. He said, please do not leave, because this talk is the most important part. Wait. What!? So, this talk is more important then Salat? Anyways, the speaker came and sat down.
He started speaking without invoking Allah's name or any salutation to the Prophet (PBUH), and it was not a good start at all. Well, he started talking about our four stages, and the first stage being the womb. I think he forgot that the first stage is the soul staying in the heavens before womb, but anyways not a big deal. the speech was mostly about how Allah provides our need, and running after this world will take us away from Allah's path, which is all true and good reminders. However, he kept saying the we should practice our deen, but the only two practices he mentioned were Salat and going in the path of Allah, and the path of Allah was "tashkeel" of course, which he mentioned a couple of times.
First half of the speech was without any reference to Quran and Sunnah, and he gave one reference to a Quranic verse without mentioning the Surah or the verse number. So far, there was nothing that he said was new, which is not said regularly in the bayans for tashkeel in the masjid. All of a sudden, he mentions a pious person giving everything in his house to charity, and in the dream finds the location of burried wealth which the speaker called it "Barakah". I am not sure about this story. Was this dream from Allah or shaytan? Anyways, nothing wrong with an anonymous story I guess. Then, he mentions a few of ahadith and stories of the companions that blew me away. They were more hand waves and conversation plugins. No reference of the narrator, or the book, just english translations.
First, he mentions that Abdullah bin rawah was stopped by the robbers, and he asked them if he could pray two rakat, before they killed him. They allowed him, and during salat, he said "Arhama Rahimeen", and angels on the highest heaven heard him and they came to help. Really!? who narrated this story? How this narrator knows what angels did? Doesn't sound authentic at all. Some ahadith he mentioned, I couldn't locate at all (when I came back home and checked), and only Allah knows if they are truly ahadith. Some were weak like the one about missing a salat will be punished by 80 years in hell fire. He didn't mention it, but I think it is knows to be from At-Tabari. By the time, he summed up his speech, a few men stood up among the crowd with a notebook and pen, and the speaker told everyone. Tashkeel is the path of Allah, as the companions were sent to fight, you should sign up with us to go out for 40 days. Oh my Allah. What religion is this? I could not believe that every speech ends with a call for recruitment. If Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would have done that, only a handful would have remained in this deen. We can't ask for people to go in the path of Allah after every speech.
Well, brothers and sisters, I gave Tableeghi Jamat another try, hoping to be proven wrong by substantative speeches with authentic evidences, and no mention of joining Tableeghi Jamat, but none of that happen I am exhausted with this group, and I surrender to Allah my affairs and their affairs. I am no saint. I am no scholar. I am no wise man. I am just a Muslim, who follow Allah and his messenger, and Tableeghi Jamat has not shown any connection with Quran and Sunnah so far, and is not beneficial for me or anyone else. If I ever miss my brothers of Tableeghi Jamat or wanted to hang out among these cool dudes ( I really like them), I may visit their ijtema again, but this effort has lost all interest for me, Islamically. Not a bad idea to get away from the family for a day or two.
If any of you believe that this group has more benefits than harm, you may continue to associate with them, but I see more harm than benefit, and I will keep myself and my family away from this deviant group, and continue to advice who would listen. Please discourage this group as this is not healthy at all for this Ummah.
Reason for this group to be harmful and deviant is because they do not base their movement upon Quran and authentic Sunnah, and have established an aggressive cult that prioritize Tashkeel as going in the path of Allah.
"And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path. This He has ordained for you that you may have Taqwa." (Quran 6:153)
Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, in the Book of the Sunnah in his Sunan, and Al-Bazzar collected this Hadith. Ibn Jarir recorded that a man asked Ibn Mas`ud, "What is As-Sirat Al-Mustaqim (the straight path)'' Ibn Mas`ud replied, "Muhammad left us at its lower end and its other end is in Paradise. To the right of this Path are other paths, and to the left of it are other paths, and there are men (on these paths) calling those who pass by them. Whoever goes on the other paths will end up in the Fire. Whoever takes the Straight Path, will end up in Paradise. (Ibn Kathir)
Brothers, Prophet (PBUH), his compaions and generations after them did not consider any of these Tableeghi activites as path of Allah, and the path of Allah is the methodology of the Sunnah, which has no connection with Tashkeel that Tableeghi Jamat is promoting. Tableeghi Jamat is a new religion and a cult, and getting involve in it is serious innovation. It seems very innocent, but we don't need any new "Nisab", as the Prophet (PBUH) has already provided us with a nisab.
Oh my beloved Allah! I pray to Allah to you to discontinue these lines on our left and right, and keep us on the straight path. Keep us from any "Important Talk" that is not decorated with your speech. Ameen.
And Allah knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
A seeker of the path of Allah.
Abu Arman Jumani
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Mudharabah: The Speculative Parternship in Islam
In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, The Provider.
It is an amazing coincidence that speculative partnership is the topic of my recent assignment for Fiqh-ul-Muamalat, but nothing truly is a coincidence in the dominion of Allah, and everything seems so according to his plan. Recently, some events unfolded that provided a painful insight into harms of not following the Islamic conditions of Mudharabah (speculative parternership). Unfortunately, it seems a very common practice in western countries to form this invalid type of speculative partnership. Let us examine the details of this type of trade or business that is certainly haram in Islam, but is very attractive among Muslims. In this example, we are looking at a car dealer, who is a Muslim, and looking for investment for his expanding business. He reaches out to other Muslims in his family and community, and able to convince many to participate in his business. However, these partnerships were formed without giving due regards to the conditions set by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH). In the end, it was a dishonorable situation, and it became a warning and example for other Muslims to not engage in similar trades.
Mudharabah is a type of partnership where one partner provides assets for the business, but does not participate in day to day operations of the business, and the other partner runs the business. In the example of the car dealer, he receives money from a partner, who provides the money without the presence of witnesses, or any written agreement. The Sleeping partner (partner providing the money) verbally stipulates that he requires a certain amount of money every month regularly as “profit”. The working partner (the car dealer), agrees to the terms verbally, and does provide some returns for a period of time. After a while, the business takes a downturn, and the business runs out of money, as the regular “profit” payments to the sleeping partner continue during the loss. In the beginning, the car dealer hides the reality of the business, and get more sleeping partners involve in the same fashion, but once the original partner finds out, he demands his principal and profit. There are many issues with this partnership, and we can go through each of them and identify a solution for them so it can conform to Islamic law.
“[David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they."” (Quran 38:24)
Even if writing down a partnership contract was not an obligation, in the western countries, it should be an obligation, because the law of the land settles financial transaction with written proofs. At the least, it should be done to protect both parries’ interest, and provide a stable partnership. In the above example, the car dealer didn’t find it necessary to write down the terms of the investment/loan/partnership, which became a major issue in keeping track of total debt, and hence collapse of the business. The car dealer continues to borrow money to pay the others’ monthly “profit” payments, without knowing the true nature of his debt, until the end. If the car dealer would have written down every transaction with witnesses, it would have provided the needed awareness of total debt, and hence minimizing the damage, at the least. According to local custom for the western countries, it is critical to record all business transaction, and should be a condition to Islamic transactions within these countries.
"O You who have attained to faith! Whenever you give or take credit for a stated term, set it down in writing. … And call upon two of your men to act as witnesses…” (Quran 2:282)
In this partnership, the sleeping partner was expecting a fixed return on his investment, and this return is not tied to the profit of the business. As we know that one of the conditions of speculative partnership is to use percentages of profits, and not fixed amount of profit, because the business could make no money in one of the months, but the investor will want their return nonetheless. In fact, we look at his closely, this is a form of Riban-Nasi’ah (interest based loan), because the investment is a loan that was given to the car dealer to do business on the condition that a fee will be returned for using the money, and the intention was not to share the profit from the business, at all. If these two partners would have stipulated the percentage of share from the profit in their agreement, then there would not have been an issue of riba. Unfortunately, the investors are not willing to take the risk, and greed takes hold of them. This greed destroys the business and everyone attached to this business. The Prophet (PBUH) said.
“Any loan that brings a profit is (kind of) riba” Al-Bayhaqi (10933) [5/573]
Any partnership that has deception in it loses blessings from Allah, and in the example of the car dealer, he failed to disclose the true state of the business to his partners. In fact, this is a very common trend among Muslims, and people expect this from of the working partners. In some cases, the sleeping partner takes the option of interest based loan instead of splitting the profit due to the expected deception from the working partners. Also, the sleeping partners deceived the car dealer as well, by denying the money received, as nothing was documented. So, lack of honesty leads to absence of trust, and motivation to rely on interest based loan (haram) instead of sharing the profit (halal). If the car dealer would have been honest about his profit, and loss, he would have taken hold of the situation before it became unbearable.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "Allah Says: I am the third partner of any two partners as long as neither of them betrays the other. But if one of them betrays the other I get out of them" (Abu Dawud (3383) [3/438])
In conclusion, this type of partnership has become norm of the society now, and Muslims don’t find it objectionable. When this above partnership broke, and interdiction began, the sleeping partner was told that his investment was riba, but he refused to accept it, and claimed to have invested Islamically for profit (fixed profit i.e.). This event caused harm to three close families, and unknown number of indirect victims, including infants and women. During the interdiction, the debt was documented with the help of two male witnesses, and the profit given so far was deducted from the principal amount, and business inventory ceased with allowance of the car dealer to sell the inventory. It is a living example of how disobedience to Allah results in disgrace in this world and disgrace in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to learn the Islamic law of business, and apply it to protect ourselves.
I beg to all of you to learn and practice Islam in all aspect of your life, or be ready for dishonor in this world and hereafter.
JazakAllah Khairin
A witness to these disobeying Muslims
AbuArman Jumani
Monday, June 4, 2012
Shab-E-Miraj: Bidah or No Bidah, That is the question!
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.
All praise is due to Al-Aleem, the most knowledgeable.
"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result." (Quran 4:59)
After a long pause, I attended the hadith class on Sundays. I did not expect to witness the clashes of religions on full force. Imam was trying to explain that celebrating Shab-E-Miraj on Rajab 27 is not part of Islam, and he gave many reasons. As he went through the arguments, I could see the room become a little uneasy. People were not buying the argument, and someone asked the long awaited question. "But, what is wrong with worshipping Allah on special days?". This is where the explanation of Good Bidah versus Bad Bidah should have come, but the Imam chose the answer in a short statement which didn't explain it completely.
I am not sure, if it was a mistake or on purpose, but unless this issue is explained, it can explode in the face of the community. I asked an indirect question to a group who attended the class. As expected, it triggered the chain of discussion leading to the topic at hand, and three brothers were on one side and other three brothers on the other side. Group supporting the Shab-E-Miraj festivities presented the argument that there are some scholars who consider it islamic, and thus it is a difference of opinion, and we should not label as bidah. In fact, this is a very good point, because there are many religions within Islam who divide over these differences, so why not another one?
Alright, so lets discuss this a little. There is nothing wrong with someone worshiping Allah in congregation or alone during any night, and if people do that, there is no blame. However, if they believe that they will receive an extra reward to do it on 27 Rajab, this becomes a new belief in Islam which was not present at the time of death of the Prophet (PBUH). Allah decreed that Islam has been perfected, which means all matter of unseen believe has been established, and there is no more messenger coming with a revelation that a normal human cannot perceive. Shab-E-Miraj is celebrated with this new belief (Bidah) that worship during this night will provide more reward than night before or night after. Have they received a revelation from Allah? Have they figured out something that the Prophet (PBUH) and companions combined couldn't know? All along, this night of special rewards was ignored by the pious generations of believers? How? No, it is impossible. This is prohibited completely in Islam, and can not be tolerated. If anyone wants to know the deviation happening due to this, please cut and past this link on internet (noorulislambolton.com/Articles/Rajab.pdf)
In my humble opinion, the Imam should have explained it a little further by presenting the difference between legitimate differing opinion based on ijtihad, and illegitimate differing opinion which defies Quran and Sunnah evidences. Let us find out how to handle difference of opinions in Islam. Above verse of the Quran provides the instructions for us how to do that. We suppose to follow clear commands from the Quran and Sunnah, and follow the Ameer of the Masjid in complicated matters, and if two Ameers disagree, they suppose to resolve by looking up evidences. It is very simple and it works. I would like to present two examples to clarify the types of difference of opinions.
There are two types of difference of opinions among scholars. One is allowed, and second is not allowed. If both opinions are based on authentic proofs, and ijtihad is the only separating factor, then we have to accept both opinions, and we should follow the scholar that we normally follow.
However, if one opinion has a clear hujjah (proof) over the other, or in the begining both were based on ijtihad, but later a proof is brought up that supports one position, then we should submit to that opinion. If the person supporting the weak opinion accepts the new proof as authentic, but still don't submit to it, because it is outside their "madhab", this is taqleed (blind following).
Narrated by Ibn Umar, On the day of Al-Ahzab (i.e. Clans) the Prophet said, "None of you Muslims should offer the 'Asr prayer but at Banu quraiza's place." The 'Asr prayer became due for some of them on the way. Some of those said, "We will not offer it till we reach it, the place of Banu quraiza," while some others said, "No, we will pray at this spot, for the Prophet did not mean that for us." Later on It was mentioned to the Prophet and he did not berate any of the two groups. (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 445)
In the above hadith, there was a difference of opinion, and it was allowed. Best opinion was to pray Asr on time, and the Prophet (PBUH) had that opinion as well. However, the companions who disagreed didn't have that knowledge, and they were both right at that time. For the sake of argument, let us assume that they were to get a message that Prophet (PBUH) has prayed Asr already. After that, no difference of opinion would have been allowed, and they would have submit to that and prayed Asr. So, it is all about the available knowledge at the time, and sincerity of intention, but once truth is established, it is an obligation to obey.
"...and if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from the Gha'it (toilet), or from Lamastum (touching) women, but you do not find water, then perform Tayammum..." (Quran 4:43)
Above verse seems to say that we should perform wudu after merely touching a woman. Some scholars took this meaning literally, and declared that if one touches any woman, their wudu is not valid. Other said that this refers to sexual intercourse, and merely touching does not break wudu. Now, we can't have wudu and not have wudu at the same time. One of them is certainly correct opinion. In fact, the correct opinion is that wudu does not break, because Allah has used this word in other places where touching refers to sexual intercourse. (ibn Kathir)
"And if you divorce them before you have touched them, and you have appointed unto them the dowry, then pay half of that" (Quran 2:237)
Also, the Prophet (PBUH) didn't make wudu after just touching his wives, as it is reported below.
Narrated: Aisha, The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) kissed me and did not perform ablution. ( Abu Dawood Book of Purification # 178)
In the case of the wudu breaking by mere a physical touch, in the begining, it was a difference of interpreting the word, and the difference was allowed, but we now know the hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) kissed Ayesha (RA) before going out to lead Salah. This clear hujjah overrides any difference of opinion, and if someone still follows the weak opinion, they are either challenging the authencity of the hadith, or have some explaining to do. Shafii madhab still defends this opinion, and stretch the truth so much that it starts to hurt. If you want to watch this painful act, copy and paste this link on internet (shafiifiqh.com/the-proofs-that-touching-a-woman-breaks-wudu/)
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we love you for the sake of Allah, and respect the difference of opinion where there is evidence on both sides, but this is not one of those cases. Please submit to this opinion of Shab-E-Miraj being addition to Islam and Bidah, and save yourselves from the fire. Yes, there are scholars in India and Pakistan who allow celebrating Shab-E-Miraj, but this difference of opinion does not qualify for the immunity, because there is clear evidence against it, and anyone who follows the weak opinion after the truth has come to him is not following the command of Allah mentioned in the begining. We have to obey Allah and obey the Messenger (PBUH), and if we disagree, we should let Quran and Sunnah decide the truth. Once decided, we should surrender to it regardless of who holds that opinion. This is the straight path.
May Allah guide us to the straight path.
JazakAllah Khairin
A sincere brother in Islam.
Abu Arman Jumani
All praise is due to Al-Aleem, the most knowledgeable.
"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result." (Quran 4:59)
After a long pause, I attended the hadith class on Sundays. I did not expect to witness the clashes of religions on full force. Imam was trying to explain that celebrating Shab-E-Miraj on Rajab 27 is not part of Islam, and he gave many reasons. As he went through the arguments, I could see the room become a little uneasy. People were not buying the argument, and someone asked the long awaited question. "But, what is wrong with worshipping Allah on special days?". This is where the explanation of Good Bidah versus Bad Bidah should have come, but the Imam chose the answer in a short statement which didn't explain it completely.
I am not sure, if it was a mistake or on purpose, but unless this issue is explained, it can explode in the face of the community. I asked an indirect question to a group who attended the class. As expected, it triggered the chain of discussion leading to the topic at hand, and three brothers were on one side and other three brothers on the other side. Group supporting the Shab-E-Miraj festivities presented the argument that there are some scholars who consider it islamic, and thus it is a difference of opinion, and we should not label as bidah. In fact, this is a very good point, because there are many religions within Islam who divide over these differences, so why not another one?
Alright, so lets discuss this a little. There is nothing wrong with someone worshiping Allah in congregation or alone during any night, and if people do that, there is no blame. However, if they believe that they will receive an extra reward to do it on 27 Rajab, this becomes a new belief in Islam which was not present at the time of death of the Prophet (PBUH). Allah decreed that Islam has been perfected, which means all matter of unseen believe has been established, and there is no more messenger coming with a revelation that a normal human cannot perceive. Shab-E-Miraj is celebrated with this new belief (Bidah) that worship during this night will provide more reward than night before or night after. Have they received a revelation from Allah? Have they figured out something that the Prophet (PBUH) and companions combined couldn't know? All along, this night of special rewards was ignored by the pious generations of believers? How? No, it is impossible. This is prohibited completely in Islam, and can not be tolerated. If anyone wants to know the deviation happening due to this, please cut and past this link on internet (noorulislambolton.com/Articles/Rajab.pdf)
In my humble opinion, the Imam should have explained it a little further by presenting the difference between legitimate differing opinion based on ijtihad, and illegitimate differing opinion which defies Quran and Sunnah evidences. Let us find out how to handle difference of opinions in Islam. Above verse of the Quran provides the instructions for us how to do that. We suppose to follow clear commands from the Quran and Sunnah, and follow the Ameer of the Masjid in complicated matters, and if two Ameers disagree, they suppose to resolve by looking up evidences. It is very simple and it works. I would like to present two examples to clarify the types of difference of opinions.
There are two types of difference of opinions among scholars. One is allowed, and second is not allowed. If both opinions are based on authentic proofs, and ijtihad is the only separating factor, then we have to accept both opinions, and we should follow the scholar that we normally follow.
However, if one opinion has a clear hujjah (proof) over the other, or in the begining both were based on ijtihad, but later a proof is brought up that supports one position, then we should submit to that opinion. If the person supporting the weak opinion accepts the new proof as authentic, but still don't submit to it, because it is outside their "madhab", this is taqleed (blind following).
Narrated by Ibn Umar, On the day of Al-Ahzab (i.e. Clans) the Prophet said, "None of you Muslims should offer the 'Asr prayer but at Banu quraiza's place." The 'Asr prayer became due for some of them on the way. Some of those said, "We will not offer it till we reach it, the place of Banu quraiza," while some others said, "No, we will pray at this spot, for the Prophet did not mean that for us." Later on It was mentioned to the Prophet and he did not berate any of the two groups. (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 445)
In the above hadith, there was a difference of opinion, and it was allowed. Best opinion was to pray Asr on time, and the Prophet (PBUH) had that opinion as well. However, the companions who disagreed didn't have that knowledge, and they were both right at that time. For the sake of argument, let us assume that they were to get a message that Prophet (PBUH) has prayed Asr already. After that, no difference of opinion would have been allowed, and they would have submit to that and prayed Asr. So, it is all about the available knowledge at the time, and sincerity of intention, but once truth is established, it is an obligation to obey.
"...and if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from the Gha'it (toilet), or from Lamastum (touching) women, but you do not find water, then perform Tayammum..." (Quran 4:43)
Above verse seems to say that we should perform wudu after merely touching a woman. Some scholars took this meaning literally, and declared that if one touches any woman, their wudu is not valid. Other said that this refers to sexual intercourse, and merely touching does not break wudu. Now, we can't have wudu and not have wudu at the same time. One of them is certainly correct opinion. In fact, the correct opinion is that wudu does not break, because Allah has used this word in other places where touching refers to sexual intercourse. (ibn Kathir)
"And if you divorce them before you have touched them, and you have appointed unto them the dowry, then pay half of that" (Quran 2:237)
Also, the Prophet (PBUH) didn't make wudu after just touching his wives, as it is reported below.
Narrated: Aisha, The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) kissed me and did not perform ablution. ( Abu Dawood Book of Purification # 178)
In the case of the wudu breaking by mere a physical touch, in the begining, it was a difference of interpreting the word, and the difference was allowed, but we now know the hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) kissed Ayesha (RA) before going out to lead Salah. This clear hujjah overrides any difference of opinion, and if someone still follows the weak opinion, they are either challenging the authencity of the hadith, or have some explaining to do. Shafii madhab still defends this opinion, and stretch the truth so much that it starts to hurt. If you want to watch this painful act, copy and paste this link on internet (shafiifiqh.com/the-proofs-that-touching-a-woman-breaks-wudu/)
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we love you for the sake of Allah, and respect the difference of opinion where there is evidence on both sides, but this is not one of those cases. Please submit to this opinion of Shab-E-Miraj being addition to Islam and Bidah, and save yourselves from the fire. Yes, there are scholars in India and Pakistan who allow celebrating Shab-E-Miraj, but this difference of opinion does not qualify for the immunity, because there is clear evidence against it, and anyone who follows the weak opinion after the truth has come to him is not following the command of Allah mentioned in the begining. We have to obey Allah and obey the Messenger (PBUH), and if we disagree, we should let Quran and Sunnah decide the truth. Once decided, we should surrender to it regardless of who holds that opinion. This is the straight path.
May Allah guide us to the straight path.
JazakAllah Khairin
A sincere brother in Islam.
Abu Arman Jumani
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Greet others, if you believe!
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, The All Peace full.
"They will not hear therein (in paradise) ill speech or commission of sin -Only a saying: "Peace, peace."" (Quran 56:25-26)
Recently, I traveled to Washington DC due to my work, and went looking for food. As I entered into a restaurant, I saw a believer getting the food from the buffet. He looked at me, and I looked at him. I smiled and waited for him to say Salam, but he did not. It was an amazing display, but not surprising. It was clear that he was a believer, because he had a beard, which is the sign of a believer. Beard is usually an announcement of one's faith that they are not ashamed of obeying Allah. Anyways, I greeted him, but no reply. I wasn't sure if he did not hear me or was he ignoring me. I said it one more time, but a little louder, "AsSalamuAlaykum". This time, he turned around and returned the greeting. It felt like pulling someones tooth. At that time, above verses of Surah AlWaqia came to me, as I have been trying to memorize them. In these verses, Allah was providing a description of Jannah, where everyone will greet each other with the best of greeting.
After finishing the food while listening to this brother giving me lecture about Satan controlling me, I took the bus to the Islamic Center nearby. As I entered, I was taken by the design and beauty of the architecture of the masjid. It looked more like a palace of a Muslim King. I heard that a masjid is paradise on this earth, so I was waiting for everyone to greet me as I entered. It did not happen. I went and sat down with a brother waiting for Maghrib Salah. When we finish Salah, I greeted the Arab brother on my right side, and the Paksitani brother on my left side. Both were pleasantly surprised with the gesture, and smiled for the first time, since I have been observing them. See, they both were ignoring each other, and I am not sure why. After I greeted them, they both greeted each other and others in the masjid.
We have become so self centered that greeting others have become an abnormal activity. I know that some of the Imam of the masajid don't greet people when they enter unless they are close to them or they know them except for Imam Hatim Hamidullah from Masjid al Haqq. He will go out of his way and greet the new faces. He will smile and greet them and welcome them to the masjid, and may have a small talk. Why not you scholars of Islam? Why not you Imam of communities? Why not greet and smile as you approach people who you do not know? You don't have to come and sit with the people you know, to read a book or chit chat. Isn't the masjid part of paradise? There should be greetings flying left and right, and smiles on most faces as their eyes meet. We should not be like the donkeys who carry the knowledge of Quran and Hadith, but do not practice. Come on now! Walk up to that brother in the far side who looks new, and welcome him with a greeting. I guarantee you that there will be happiness in both hearts.
In fact, we should greet the the strangers on the streets, in the market, and at the workplace, regardless of if they are believers, muslims, or non-muslims. Greeting to strangers diffuses any silent tension that may be building in their head as they see your beard, and your wife's hijab (of course this is assuming that you are practicing Islam). It is the best form of dawah to Islam. It is the key to success at work. It is the bond that will tie the community. If you observe the people, you can tell by how they greet each other, how much they care about each other. Many times, I walk in the masjid, and I see people just ignore anyone who they don't know, and go straight for the group they recognize "Arey Chaudray Sahib kaisey hain aap...?" "Kaifal Haalak ...?"
Narrated Abu Hurayrah
The Messenger of Allah, said: You shall not enter paradise so long as you do not affirm belief (in all those things which are the articles of faith) and you will not believe as long as you do not love one another. Should I not direct you to a thing which, if you do, will foster love amongst you: (i.e.) give currency to (the practice of paying salutation to one another by saying) as-salamu alaykum. (Sahih Muslim 96)
Many discuss with me why we don't have unity in our communities, and the same people do not greet strangers in the masjid. How do they expect the unity to come, if they would not surrender their ego to Allah and walk up to a brother that is not from their circle and greet them with a smile? I do not know of any thing better than greeting one another, to create brotherhood.
I claim that a person who does not greet every living thing has not yet believed. A believer should greet an animal, an empty house, a muslim, a believer, and a non-believer. A believer should greet others before they greet. A believer should greet strangers.
Please greet anyone and everyone, as you will do in the Jannah, if you believe. Of course, If you do not believe, continue avoiding greetings.
P.S. I like to share a painful detail. One of the brother told me today that Imam of Masjid Al-Sunnah described the lifestyle of Americans as pigs, and hence causing a new female convert to Islam to suffer and cry. I do not know the details of the Friday sermon, but I wish we can avoid it. It is unfortunate that we bring scholars who do not understand the culture, and they will harm our chances. We should find a way to replace them with scholars who understand American culture and benefit Islam in USA. Inviting Non-Muslims in USA is our primary goal.
JazakAllah Khairin
A person who greets you greetings of peace.
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, The All Peace full.
"They will not hear therein (in paradise) ill speech or commission of sin -Only a saying: "Peace, peace."" (Quran 56:25-26)
Recently, I traveled to Washington DC due to my work, and went looking for food. As I entered into a restaurant, I saw a believer getting the food from the buffet. He looked at me, and I looked at him. I smiled and waited for him to say Salam, but he did not. It was an amazing display, but not surprising. It was clear that he was a believer, because he had a beard, which is the sign of a believer. Beard is usually an announcement of one's faith that they are not ashamed of obeying Allah. Anyways, I greeted him, but no reply. I wasn't sure if he did not hear me or was he ignoring me. I said it one more time, but a little louder, "AsSalamuAlaykum". This time, he turned around and returned the greeting. It felt like pulling someones tooth. At that time, above verses of Surah AlWaqia came to me, as I have been trying to memorize them. In these verses, Allah was providing a description of Jannah, where everyone will greet each other with the best of greeting.
After finishing the food while listening to this brother giving me lecture about Satan controlling me, I took the bus to the Islamic Center nearby. As I entered, I was taken by the design and beauty of the architecture of the masjid. It looked more like a palace of a Muslim King. I heard that a masjid is paradise on this earth, so I was waiting for everyone to greet me as I entered. It did not happen. I went and sat down with a brother waiting for Maghrib Salah. When we finish Salah, I greeted the Arab brother on my right side, and the Paksitani brother on my left side. Both were pleasantly surprised with the gesture, and smiled for the first time, since I have been observing them. See, they both were ignoring each other, and I am not sure why. After I greeted them, they both greeted each other and others in the masjid.
We have become so self centered that greeting others have become an abnormal activity. I know that some of the Imam of the masajid don't greet people when they enter unless they are close to them or they know them except for Imam Hatim Hamidullah from Masjid al Haqq. He will go out of his way and greet the new faces. He will smile and greet them and welcome them to the masjid, and may have a small talk. Why not you scholars of Islam? Why not you Imam of communities? Why not greet and smile as you approach people who you do not know? You don't have to come and sit with the people you know, to read a book or chit chat. Isn't the masjid part of paradise? There should be greetings flying left and right, and smiles on most faces as their eyes meet. We should not be like the donkeys who carry the knowledge of Quran and Hadith, but do not practice. Come on now! Walk up to that brother in the far side who looks new, and welcome him with a greeting. I guarantee you that there will be happiness in both hearts.
In fact, we should greet the the strangers on the streets, in the market, and at the workplace, regardless of if they are believers, muslims, or non-muslims. Greeting to strangers diffuses any silent tension that may be building in their head as they see your beard, and your wife's hijab (of course this is assuming that you are practicing Islam). It is the best form of dawah to Islam. It is the key to success at work. It is the bond that will tie the community. If you observe the people, you can tell by how they greet each other, how much they care about each other. Many times, I walk in the masjid, and I see people just ignore anyone who they don't know, and go straight for the group they recognize "Arey Chaudray Sahib kaisey hain aap...?" "Kaifal Haalak ...?"
Narrated Abu Hurayrah
The Messenger of Allah, said: You shall not enter paradise so long as you do not affirm belief (in all those things which are the articles of faith) and you will not believe as long as you do not love one another. Should I not direct you to a thing which, if you do, will foster love amongst you: (i.e.) give currency to (the practice of paying salutation to one another by saying) as-salamu alaykum. (Sahih Muslim 96)
Many discuss with me why we don't have unity in our communities, and the same people do not greet strangers in the masjid. How do they expect the unity to come, if they would not surrender their ego to Allah and walk up to a brother that is not from their circle and greet them with a smile? I do not know of any thing better than greeting one another, to create brotherhood.
I claim that a person who does not greet every living thing has not yet believed. A believer should greet an animal, an empty house, a muslim, a believer, and a non-believer. A believer should greet others before they greet. A believer should greet strangers.
Please greet anyone and everyone, as you will do in the Jannah, if you believe. Of course, If you do not believe, continue avoiding greetings.
P.S. I like to share a painful detail. One of the brother told me today that Imam of Masjid Al-Sunnah described the lifestyle of Americans as pigs, and hence causing a new female convert to Islam to suffer and cry. I do not know the details of the Friday sermon, but I wish we can avoid it. It is unfortunate that we bring scholars who do not understand the culture, and they will harm our chances. We should find a way to replace them with scholars who understand American culture and benefit Islam in USA. Inviting Non-Muslims in USA is our primary goal.
JazakAllah Khairin
A person who greets you greetings of peace.
AbuArman Jumani
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Blindspot: What Scholars are not telling us?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, The Provider.
"Allah destroys "ribaa" and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever." (Quran 2:276)
When I listen to my teacher teach us about fiqh of trade, one thing keeps circulating in my mind, and that is "Ribaa". This word is one of the most misunderstood word in Islam. I intentionally did not translate above, as it is mistranslated in many translations. Literally, it means increase or excess, or something that is unreasonably increases, or the excess that is not natural. And Allah knows best.
So, why did Allah used this word? Does it means Interest?
Allah used this word, because it represent the concept that is banned for us, and interest is just one way to implement it, but it is not the only way to implement it. Muslims who avoid interest are not aware that "Ribaa" is implemented around them in several ways, and everything they buy or sell has at least fumes of Ribaa in it. That is exactly what Prophet (PBUH) told us. So, what does it exactly means?
I was reading an article about how home prices have plunged 30% costing $7 trillion loss to US economy. I started to think. How can we lose $7 trillion? Did something break that we constructed? Where was the money that we lost? If we lost it, who gained it? Then, I realized that this money is Ribaa that Allah destroyed. In essence, the whole economy of this world is based on Ribaa, and the wealth is created, not earned. I will try to explain it in simple terms, because this topic can get complicated.
Majority of Scholars of Islam discuss the details that they can see which are halal or haram, but there is a blind spot that they don't realize. They do not include the global economy in the equation. This is what causes depression and downturn in the economies, and people are fooled into investing their wealth into a black hole of Ribaa system that sucks in everything but provides nothing. Alright enough of cliches, lets look at the example.
In the old days, price of commodities did not increase, and everything cost the same regardless of passing time. Now a days, prices go up, and if you convert one currency into other, you may get more goods for your money in a poor country. This is because that the standard of value is the currency, and it is not the price of the product that is going up, it is the currency that is being devalued. Moreover, the different currencies are traded by the standard of US dollar. So, everything in the world values against US dollar. Before 1973, US dollar was backed by gold and silver, so if Pakistan got bored, they can call US treasury, and say, "Hey, I would like to cash some of this dollars into my gold I gave you 20 years ago, and US will handover the gold". So, Gold and Silver value was static, as it has always been in the past.
Now, US dollars is the independent standards for the wealth of this world. So, the wealth is not grounded in the crops and cattle that Allah can increase, but it is in the hands of Federal Reserve of USA. Mr Bernake decides to print money and value of dollar goes down, and bread is more expensive in Karachi.
If we look at the value of Gold and Silver against any commodity like barrel of Oil, it is roughly the same since 1970, but the price in dollar has increased. That is Ribaa.
So, every country including Saudi Arabia has a currency that is circulated through their economy on federal lending. Banks are given permission to lend $10 on $1 deposit they have in the central bank, and ask the people to pay that $10 back by borrowing from another bank, and on and on it goes. This can usually be sustained for 15 - 18 years, before the balloon pops and the economy resets. So, where does the reset comes from. It comes from you and me. When you deposit your income in the bank, you receive exactly the same amount you deposit plus interest, but in reality, the value of dollar has gone down since then, so the buying power of the same money has reduced to 50% after 5 years or so. They should be giving us according to the increase in the value of Gold. (Value of Gold has also become a traded commodity, but thats another topic)
I see people so happy to see the interest on the large amount of money they have in the bank, not realizing that even with interest gains they lost their wealth. It is due to Ribaa that is the foundation for the value for the money we use. This is how Allah destroys our wealth if we deal with Ribaa. World economy will always be going through cycles sucking up our blood as fuel, until we re-establish the Islamic Economy.
Unfortunately, these details falls in the blind spot of the Scholars, so only a few knows about it, and the rest are slaves to this system without knowing about. I try to get rid of my income as soon as possible so I don't lose any wealth. Pay your debt. Give Charity. Give it to your wife :-). What ever it takes, keep only what you need for sure in the near future. Don't keep money in savings if there is no plan use for it. That is the Sunnah. Of course, if you want to go to Hajj, or send your kids to College, save it for that purpose, and may be invest it in Gold, business, cattle, something that Allah can increase for you.
May Allah give us strength and knowledge so we can avoid Ribaa not as interest only, but as business transaction, daytime trading, currency exchanges, money laundering etc. Of course, we can't avoid the fumes of Ribaa, that is in the air, because we have to breath to stay alive.
So, today any money we save will be destroyed, and any money we give in charity is locked in for us on the day of judgement at the same conversion rate. And Allah is the most just currency exchanger. This is what this verse of the Quran means.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
Aware of the blindsopt
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, The Provider.
"Allah destroys "ribaa" and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever." (Quran 2:276)
When I listen to my teacher teach us about fiqh of trade, one thing keeps circulating in my mind, and that is "Ribaa". This word is one of the most misunderstood word in Islam. I intentionally did not translate above, as it is mistranslated in many translations. Literally, it means increase or excess, or something that is unreasonably increases, or the excess that is not natural. And Allah knows best.
So, why did Allah used this word? Does it means Interest?
Allah used this word, because it represent the concept that is banned for us, and interest is just one way to implement it, but it is not the only way to implement it. Muslims who avoid interest are not aware that "Ribaa" is implemented around them in several ways, and everything they buy or sell has at least fumes of Ribaa in it. That is exactly what Prophet (PBUH) told us. So, what does it exactly means?
I was reading an article about how home prices have plunged 30% costing $7 trillion loss to US economy. I started to think. How can we lose $7 trillion? Did something break that we constructed? Where was the money that we lost? If we lost it, who gained it? Then, I realized that this money is Ribaa that Allah destroyed. In essence, the whole economy of this world is based on Ribaa, and the wealth is created, not earned. I will try to explain it in simple terms, because this topic can get complicated.
Majority of Scholars of Islam discuss the details that they can see which are halal or haram, but there is a blind spot that they don't realize. They do not include the global economy in the equation. This is what causes depression and downturn in the economies, and people are fooled into investing their wealth into a black hole of Ribaa system that sucks in everything but provides nothing. Alright enough of cliches, lets look at the example.
In the old days, price of commodities did not increase, and everything cost the same regardless of passing time. Now a days, prices go up, and if you convert one currency into other, you may get more goods for your money in a poor country. This is because that the standard of value is the currency, and it is not the price of the product that is going up, it is the currency that is being devalued. Moreover, the different currencies are traded by the standard of US dollar. So, everything in the world values against US dollar. Before 1973, US dollar was backed by gold and silver, so if Pakistan got bored, they can call US treasury, and say, "Hey, I would like to cash some of this dollars into my gold I gave you 20 years ago, and US will handover the gold". So, Gold and Silver value was static, as it has always been in the past.
Now, US dollars is the independent standards for the wealth of this world. So, the wealth is not grounded in the crops and cattle that Allah can increase, but it is in the hands of Federal Reserve of USA. Mr Bernake decides to print money and value of dollar goes down, and bread is more expensive in Karachi.
If we look at the value of Gold and Silver against any commodity like barrel of Oil, it is roughly the same since 1970, but the price in dollar has increased. That is Ribaa.
So, every country including Saudi Arabia has a currency that is circulated through their economy on federal lending. Banks are given permission to lend $10 on $1 deposit they have in the central bank, and ask the people to pay that $10 back by borrowing from another bank, and on and on it goes. This can usually be sustained for 15 - 18 years, before the balloon pops and the economy resets. So, where does the reset comes from. It comes from you and me. When you deposit your income in the bank, you receive exactly the same amount you deposit plus interest, but in reality, the value of dollar has gone down since then, so the buying power of the same money has reduced to 50% after 5 years or so. They should be giving us according to the increase in the value of Gold. (Value of Gold has also become a traded commodity, but thats another topic)
I see people so happy to see the interest on the large amount of money they have in the bank, not realizing that even with interest gains they lost their wealth. It is due to Ribaa that is the foundation for the value for the money we use. This is how Allah destroys our wealth if we deal with Ribaa. World economy will always be going through cycles sucking up our blood as fuel, until we re-establish the Islamic Economy.
Unfortunately, these details falls in the blind spot of the Scholars, so only a few knows about it, and the rest are slaves to this system without knowing about. I try to get rid of my income as soon as possible so I don't lose any wealth. Pay your debt. Give Charity. Give it to your wife :-). What ever it takes, keep only what you need for sure in the near future. Don't keep money in savings if there is no plan use for it. That is the Sunnah. Of course, if you want to go to Hajj, or send your kids to College, save it for that purpose, and may be invest it in Gold, business, cattle, something that Allah can increase for you.
May Allah give us strength and knowledge so we can avoid Ribaa not as interest only, but as business transaction, daytime trading, currency exchanges, money laundering etc. Of course, we can't avoid the fumes of Ribaa, that is in the air, because we have to breath to stay alive.
So, today any money we save will be destroyed, and any money we give in charity is locked in for us on the day of judgement at the same conversion rate. And Allah is the most just currency exchanger. This is what this verse of the Quran means.
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
Aware of the blindsopt
AbuArman Jumani
Monday, April 30, 2012
Barzakh: World of Souls
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Who causes death to everything.
"They ask you [O Muhammad (saws] concerning the Ruh (Soul). Say: 'It is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given very little."(Qur'an Al-Israa 17:85)
Someone asked me about the matter of the soul after it departs the body. They learned about it, but weren't clear on some of the details. First of all, Allah has not shared a lot of information regarding the nature of soul, but there is some information that provide basic understanding.
At the time of death, our soul is removed from our body through the nervous system, and it is captured by the Angels. Angels take the soul with them towards the heavens. Once the Soul reaches the seventh heaven, Allah orders the Angels to store the deeds from the soul into one of the two storage (Illeen, or Sijjin). After that, the soul is returned to the world.
So, where does the soul remains until the day of judgment? This confuses many people, and some even fall into shirk due to these confusions. So, let us try to find out what is the truth. One of the best source for this topic after Quran and Sunnah is a book called "The Soul's Journey"(Kitab-ur-Ruh) written by ibn AlQayyim. I have an electronic copy, if anyone needs it. What I will be presenting is mostly from that book.
There are two things that we have to understand, before understanding the life after death. First, restrictions of times are different in the next world, then from this world. For example, when the soul comes back from heavens, it can enter this world at the same exact time that it left this world, because passing of time is the rate of decay of the structure of this world, and it is static when looking from first heaven towards this world, so soul will watch the family members carry the body to the graveyard, and so forth, although the soul has just returned from a long journey to seventh heaven and back.
Second, soul exist in a different reality, and can not be seen from our world. Similar to Jinn and Angels, who occupy this world with us, but not in the same reality. An example of this is the sound waves that dog can hear, but we cannot hear, because Allah has restricted our hearing to a certain bandwidth, but dogs are more sensitive. Similarly, our eyesight, and body can't perceive the Angels, Jinn, and soul because they are vibrating at a different wavelength of matter, but dogs and horses are able to perceive that wavelength.
If one understands these two details, then everything else fits into place. When the soul returns to this world, it once again experiences the time passage, but can not interact with us. We will feel like air to it, and it will feel like air to us. Once the body is buried, the soul stays with the body and answers the Angels' questions. What if the body was burned to dust. How would the soul enters that dust, as sometimes the dust is thrown into water? Of course, the grave is not the physical grave, but it is the world of souls. Soul will not enter the body again until the day of judgement, and the body will decay, but the punishment of the grave will not stop. So, all this information tell us that, soul stays below the first heaven, and within this world, but in a different reality.
Before the day of judgement, our bodies will be come together, and soul will enter it. At that point, the soul will forget all about the days that it spent in the grave(the world of souls), and the memory will start from the time of death. On the day of resurrection, we will feel that we just died. Of course we will enter Jannah (InshAllah) with the body and soul together, and it will not be the world of souls.
How much time do we spend researching our itinerary, and nearest restaurants, and maps, so when we travel, we are informed and not confused. Now, how much time do we spend reading information about life after death? Is it because we don't believe that it will happen, as much as we believe that the upcoming vacation. Let this be a reminder to all of us to prepare for our journey through the world of souls.
The Angels are on their way.
Oh God! Oh God! Now I leave?
The line grew short, and came my turn.
Oh God! Oh God! Now I believe!
And Allah knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
Marketing Agent for Journey of Soul
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, Who causes death to everything.
"They ask you [O Muhammad (saws] concerning the Ruh (Soul). Say: 'It is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given very little."(Qur'an Al-Israa 17:85)
Someone asked me about the matter of the soul after it departs the body. They learned about it, but weren't clear on some of the details. First of all, Allah has not shared a lot of information regarding the nature of soul, but there is some information that provide basic understanding.
At the time of death, our soul is removed from our body through the nervous system, and it is captured by the Angels. Angels take the soul with them towards the heavens. Once the Soul reaches the seventh heaven, Allah orders the Angels to store the deeds from the soul into one of the two storage (Illeen, or Sijjin). After that, the soul is returned to the world.
So, where does the soul remains until the day of judgment? This confuses many people, and some even fall into shirk due to these confusions. So, let us try to find out what is the truth. One of the best source for this topic after Quran and Sunnah is a book called "The Soul's Journey"(Kitab-ur-Ruh) written by ibn AlQayyim. I have an electronic copy, if anyone needs it. What I will be presenting is mostly from that book.
There are two things that we have to understand, before understanding the life after death. First, restrictions of times are different in the next world, then from this world. For example, when the soul comes back from heavens, it can enter this world at the same exact time that it left this world, because passing of time is the rate of decay of the structure of this world, and it is static when looking from first heaven towards this world, so soul will watch the family members carry the body to the graveyard, and so forth, although the soul has just returned from a long journey to seventh heaven and back.
Second, soul exist in a different reality, and can not be seen from our world. Similar to Jinn and Angels, who occupy this world with us, but not in the same reality. An example of this is the sound waves that dog can hear, but we cannot hear, because Allah has restricted our hearing to a certain bandwidth, but dogs are more sensitive. Similarly, our eyesight, and body can't perceive the Angels, Jinn, and soul because they are vibrating at a different wavelength of matter, but dogs and horses are able to perceive that wavelength.
If one understands these two details, then everything else fits into place. When the soul returns to this world, it once again experiences the time passage, but can not interact with us. We will feel like air to it, and it will feel like air to us. Once the body is buried, the soul stays with the body and answers the Angels' questions. What if the body was burned to dust. How would the soul enters that dust, as sometimes the dust is thrown into water? Of course, the grave is not the physical grave, but it is the world of souls. Soul will not enter the body again until the day of judgement, and the body will decay, but the punishment of the grave will not stop. So, all this information tell us that, soul stays below the first heaven, and within this world, but in a different reality.
Before the day of judgement, our bodies will be come together, and soul will enter it. At that point, the soul will forget all about the days that it spent in the grave(the world of souls), and the memory will start from the time of death. On the day of resurrection, we will feel that we just died. Of course we will enter Jannah (InshAllah) with the body and soul together, and it will not be the world of souls.
How much time do we spend researching our itinerary, and nearest restaurants, and maps, so when we travel, we are informed and not confused. Now, how much time do we spend reading information about life after death? Is it because we don't believe that it will happen, as much as we believe that the upcoming vacation. Let this be a reminder to all of us to prepare for our journey through the world of souls.
The Angels are on their way.
Oh God! Oh God! Now I leave?
The line grew short, and came my turn.
Oh God! Oh God! Now I believe!
And Allah knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
Marketing Agent for Journey of Soul
AbuArman Jumani
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Oh! The nation of limpy folks.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, worthy of all worship.
"Indeed those who say, 'Our Lord is Allah,' and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time)..." (Quran 41:30)
Sufyan bin `Abdullah Ath-Thaqafi said, "I said, `O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam that I will not have to ask anyone about it after you.' He said (Say: I believe in Allah, then stand firm.)'' (ibn Kathir)
Islamic Center of Windermere: We have a land that we can use with county's approval, and the next step is to visit Muslim's home and do a survey, before calling a public meeting. If you like to volunteer to go out with us, please contact me at ajumani@hotmail.com. Only say yes if you will stand firm. Also, the other group is not communicating with us, so we are not collaborating with them any longer.
Yesterday, I met one of my dear brothers in Islam, and he asked me why haven't I written any blogs lately. Well, I do not write for entertainment, and I can't write as I wish. When something hits my heart, and it inspires me to write, I write. So, what inspired me yesterday was the fact that there were 30 sisters and 3 brothers in the gathering. Where are the men folks? Now, I missed the last few classes, due to my conflict with school, but I regret that, and hope to continue attending the groups that I consider to be on the right path.
In fact, whenever I send out a request for participation, only a few people respond. Some ignore it as they don't agree with what I say. Some ignore it because they don't want to part of anything controversial. "Oh brother, I can't support you because my family wants me out". "Oh, the gathering of new muslims. Why would I waste my time there? We will just invite them to our place every 2 months." "Oh, you are building a masjid, and I will not be a leader. No thank you." It is not just my call for support, where people are missing in action, but they are missing in every place where it is not their culture, or their group of people present.
Some of you may ask what am I talking about. What I am talking about is the command of Allah where he wants us to stand firm. So, what does this means? It means that if you believe that there is an effort or a group that is on the right path, and they need your support, you should move heaven and earth to participate in it. It is not enough to come one Sunday after 3 months and call it a success. No brothers (and I am talking to brothers only). You don't get to chose when to come in and when not to. Let me give you an example.
Every organization is built like a wall, where every brick supporting the brick above it. If a brick says "You know what I will not be able to participate, because I have to buy a new rug for my home, or I am not feeling active today, or my kids want to go to park, or my relative has invited for dinner." What????? Are you kidding me. Do you think the wall will stay in its place? No, the brick walls do not stand firm when there are big gaps in them, or bricks are "LIMP".
If not a single person from Jamah Masjid attends the monthly pot luck on Saturday, what is the purpose of keeping the masjid. Only reason I see for a masjid in USA is to convey Islam, and support the growth. Why anyone bother becoming a Muslim, if they are to be ignored. We should demolish the masjid and pray at home. What is the purpose of these Muslims in USA? Are they here to earn income, then that is what they will get.
Today, if we start an initiative, and ask for participation, like it was done on the 27th Ramadhan in 2010. I was there. I saw people raising hands "$10,000" "$25,000". "AllahuAkbar!". Later on, we found out that most of them were limp bricks, and when asked to hand over the money, they denied it. Masajid are full on Fridays. I sit and watch as people walk in like they are doing a favor to attend, and get upset if there is no space to sit or Imam takes an extra minute to explain an important announcement. Where were you during the week? If you came during the week, people would have notice the need to expand and everyone would have chipped in.
Oh! The nation of limpy folks.
Men folks have become limp bricks in the wall, and they come when they feel convenient for them. They pretend that all they have to do is have long beards, and pray salah in the masjid. When it comes to the time when the load of the wall is pushed upon their shoulder, they don't hold their grounds. Islam is a hobby for them, and they play with it as they find it convenient. We don't need this nation of limpy folks, and if they remain Muslim or leave Islam, we don't care.
Alright, I do miss events and classes, and I will inshAllah work on being more consistent, but we should be consistent overall, as a member of a group. We should do it for the pleasure of Allah, and not for the pleasure of the Imam. We should take initiatives on our own, and not wait for others to be the leaders.
And, May Allah help the ones who believe, and then stand firm.
JazakAllah Khairin
A mostly consistent, but sometimes wrong, Muslim
AbuArman Jumani
All praise is due to Allah, worthy of all worship.
"Indeed those who say, 'Our Lord is Allah,' and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time)..." (Quran 41:30)
Sufyan bin `Abdullah Ath-Thaqafi said, "I said, `O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam that I will not have to ask anyone about it after you.' He said (Say: I believe in Allah, then stand firm.)'' (ibn Kathir)
Islamic Center of Windermere: We have a land that we can use with county's approval, and the next step is to visit Muslim's home and do a survey, before calling a public meeting. If you like to volunteer to go out with us, please contact me at ajumani@hotmail.com. Only say yes if you will stand firm. Also, the other group is not communicating with us, so we are not collaborating with them any longer.
Yesterday, I met one of my dear brothers in Islam, and he asked me why haven't I written any blogs lately. Well, I do not write for entertainment, and I can't write as I wish. When something hits my heart, and it inspires me to write, I write. So, what inspired me yesterday was the fact that there were 30 sisters and 3 brothers in the gathering. Where are the men folks? Now, I missed the last few classes, due to my conflict with school, but I regret that, and hope to continue attending the groups that I consider to be on the right path.
In fact, whenever I send out a request for participation, only a few people respond. Some ignore it as they don't agree with what I say. Some ignore it because they don't want to part of anything controversial. "Oh brother, I can't support you because my family wants me out". "Oh, the gathering of new muslims. Why would I waste my time there? We will just invite them to our place every 2 months." "Oh, you are building a masjid, and I will not be a leader. No thank you." It is not just my call for support, where people are missing in action, but they are missing in every place where it is not their culture, or their group of people present.
Some of you may ask what am I talking about. What I am talking about is the command of Allah where he wants us to stand firm. So, what does this means? It means that if you believe that there is an effort or a group that is on the right path, and they need your support, you should move heaven and earth to participate in it. It is not enough to come one Sunday after 3 months and call it a success. No brothers (and I am talking to brothers only). You don't get to chose when to come in and when not to. Let me give you an example.
Every organization is built like a wall, where every brick supporting the brick above it. If a brick says "You know what I will not be able to participate, because I have to buy a new rug for my home, or I am not feeling active today, or my kids want to go to park, or my relative has invited for dinner." What????? Are you kidding me. Do you think the wall will stay in its place? No, the brick walls do not stand firm when there are big gaps in them, or bricks are "LIMP".
If not a single person from Jamah Masjid attends the monthly pot luck on Saturday, what is the purpose of keeping the masjid. Only reason I see for a masjid in USA is to convey Islam, and support the growth. Why anyone bother becoming a Muslim, if they are to be ignored. We should demolish the masjid and pray at home. What is the purpose of these Muslims in USA? Are they here to earn income, then that is what they will get.
Today, if we start an initiative, and ask for participation, like it was done on the 27th Ramadhan in 2010. I was there. I saw people raising hands "$10,000" "$25,000". "AllahuAkbar!". Later on, we found out that most of them were limp bricks, and when asked to hand over the money, they denied it. Masajid are full on Fridays. I sit and watch as people walk in like they are doing a favor to attend, and get upset if there is no space to sit or Imam takes an extra minute to explain an important announcement. Where were you during the week? If you came during the week, people would have notice the need to expand and everyone would have chipped in.
Oh! The nation of limpy folks.
Men folks have become limp bricks in the wall, and they come when they feel convenient for them. They pretend that all they have to do is have long beards, and pray salah in the masjid. When it comes to the time when the load of the wall is pushed upon their shoulder, they don't hold their grounds. Islam is a hobby for them, and they play with it as they find it convenient. We don't need this nation of limpy folks, and if they remain Muslim or leave Islam, we don't care.
Alright, I do miss events and classes, and I will inshAllah work on being more consistent, but we should be consistent overall, as a member of a group. We should do it for the pleasure of Allah, and not for the pleasure of the Imam. We should take initiatives on our own, and not wait for others to be the leaders.
And, May Allah help the ones who believe, and then stand firm.
JazakAllah Khairin
A mostly consistent, but sometimes wrong, Muslim
AbuArman Jumani
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