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When An Order Admits Two Interpretations

Abdullah Ibn Umar reports: “When we returned home after the siege by the confederate tribes was ended, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered us: ‘No one should offer the Asr prayer except at the Qurayzah quarters. Some of us were still on the way when Asr was due. Some said that they would not pray until they arrived at Qurayzah, while others said that they would pray on the way because the Prophet did not wish anyone to delay prayers until its time was over. The Prophet was told of this, and he did not reproach either group.” (Related by Al-Bukhari)

The siege referred to in this hadith was when the combined forces of major Arabian tribes, together with their Jewish allies, besieged Madinah, with the declared aim of exterminating Islam and all Muslims. The Prophet and his companions dug a moat along the area where these forces could enter Madinah, which was wide and deep enough to prevent any breach of their lines.

The Muslims were able to hold on indefinitely because their enemy could not force entry, no matter how much they tried. Only after the Jewish tribe of Qurayzah, bound by a treaty of friendship and alliance with the Muslims, decided to switch sides and attack the Muslims from behind, the Muslims were in real danger. Still, the Muslims were determined to continue with their resistance. Ultimately, the Muslims were able to create doubts among the various parties of their enemies, which led to the withdrawal of the Arabian tribes, humiliated and defeated without even putting up a fight. The Muslims were then able to go to their homes to rest.

However, on orders from God, the Prophet sent out callers requiring all Muslims to move against the traitors of Qurayzah. The order was in the terms set out in the quoted hadith: ‘No one should offer the Asr prayer except at the Qurayzah quarters.’ The Prophet’s companions immediately complied with the Prophet’s order, as they always did. They set out in small groups, heading to Qurayzah’s forts where they would join the Prophet.

As they marched on, quite a long distance that took more than a couple of hours, it was time for Asr’s prayer. They feared that by the time they would reach their destination they would have missed their prayer, as the sun would have set. Some of them argued that the Prophet did not wish them to miss their prayer; rather, he only indicated the urgency of setting out. Therefore, they stopped to pray on the way, before they resumed their march. Others took the order quite literally. They argued that the occasion was special and, therefore, the Prophet wanted them to get to the Qurayzah quarter so that they would pray there. Hence, they did not stop. Although they arrived after sunset, which meant that the time range for Asr had passed, they prayed it on arrival.

The reporter of the hadith makes clear that the Prophet did not take issue with either group. He accepted both as correct. This is an indication that some situations admit more than one acceptable alternative. If one exercises one’s discretion to arrive at the right choice, God will accept that and reward him for it, even if he is wrong. The Prophet says that a scholar who exercises scholarly discretion to arrive at a ruling will be given a double reward if he is right and a single reward if he is wrong.

– by Adil Salahi

Prophethood In Islam

Prophethood in Islam has a special status and significance. According to Islam, Allah created man for a noble purpose: to worship Him and lead a virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance. How would man know the role and purpose of his existence unless he received clear and practical instructions of what Allah wants him to do? Here comes the need for prophethood. Thus Allah had chosen from every nation a prophet or more to convey His Message to people. One might ask: How were the prophets chosen and who were entitled to this great honor? Prophethood is Allah’s blessing and favor that He may bestow on whom He wills. However, from surveying the various messengers throughout history, three features of a prophet may be recognized:

1 . He is the best in his community morally and intellectually. This is necessary because a prophet’s life serves as a model for his followers. His personality should attract people to accept his message rather than drive them away by his imperfect character. After receiving the message he is infallible.

2. He is supported by miracles to prove that he is not an impostor. Those miracles are granted by the power and permission of God and are usually in the field in which his people excel and are recognized as superiors. We might illustrate this by quoting the major miracles of the three prophets of the major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Moses’ contemporaries excelled in magic. So his major miracle was to defeat the best magicians of Egypt of his days. Jesus’ contemporaries were recognized as skillful physicians. Therefore, his miracles were to raise the dead and cure incurable diseases. The Arabs, the contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad, were known for their eloquence and magnificent poetry. So Prophet Muhammad’s major miracle was the Qur’an, the equivalent of which the whole legion of Arab poets and orators could not produce despite the repeated challenge from the Qur’an itself.
Again Muhammad’s miracle has something special about it. All previous miracles were limited by time and place, i.e., they were shown to specific people at a specific time. Not so the miracle of Muhammad, the Qur’an. It is a universal and everlasting miracle.

Previous generations witnessed it and future generations will witness its miraculous nature in terms of its style, content, and spiritual upliftment. These still can be tested and will thereby prove the divine origin of the Qur’an.

3. Every prophet states clearly that what he receives is not of his own but from God for the well-being of mankind. He also confirms what was revealed before him and what may be revealed after him.

A prophet does this to show that he is simply conveying the message which is entrusted to him by the One True God of all people of all ages. So the message is one in essence and for the same purpose.

Therefore, it should not deviate from what was revealed before him or what might come after him. Prophets are necessary for conveying God’s instructions and guidance to mankind. We have no way of knowing why we were created. What will happen to us after death? Is there any life after death? Are we accountable for our actions? In other words, is there any reward or punishment for our deeds in this life? These and so many other questions about God, angels, paradise, hell, etc. cannot be answered without revelation from the Creator and All-Knower of the unseen.

Those answers must be authentic and must be brought by individuals whom we trust and respect.
That is why messengers are the select of their societies in terms of moral conduct and intellectual ability.

The Prophet As A Man – Showing Best Manners

Food represents one of the most common activities in human life. It is essential for survival. People go to great lengths to ensure that they and their families have enough food. Moreover, eating is associated with social activities. People invite relatives, friends and neighbors to a meal. They are keen to offer them the best they can have. Moreover, eating together becomes a social function in which certain manners and practices are observed. People often speak of table manners, indicating that those who observe them are refined people, well brought up and deserve respect and friendship. On the other hand, people who lack table manners are considered as vulgar and uncouth.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has taught us the best of manners in every situation. His teachings were often by example. However, he added instructions to ensure that people observed the right manners. For example, people in high position of authority were used to have a rich variety of foods spread before them. They would recline and eat at leisure. This used to be the mark of affluence and power. The Prophet made clear that he would have nothing of that. He is quoted to have said : “I do not recline and eat.” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others.) Ubayy ibn Kaab, a close companion of the Prophet famous for his fine recitation of the Qur’an, reports: “The Prophet used to sit on his knees when he ate. He never reclined when eating.” (Related by Abu Al-Shaykh)

For most of his life, the Prophet lived in poverty. He never complained. Prior to his marriage to lady Khadeejah, he lived in his uncle’s home, Abu Talib, who was poor. However, there always seemed to be enough food to go round. Khadeejah was rich and the Prophet worked in conducting her business. He was living comfortably. After her death and for most of the time until his death, he was poor. Sometimes, he might not find food for his family’s needs. He would be patient until God’s help was forthcoming. Thus the Prophet experienced all the problems of poverty. Therefore, when he had plenty, he did not forget the times of need, and he always remained kind to the poor.

Don’t You Know How To Cook?

BURSTING over food not cooked to our taste is a sin that few escape. Extreme fury and anger, mostly with spouses, is expressed with rejecting food and refusing to eat, undermining this great blessing many are deprived of.

Yes, mistakes happen. The wife may have forgotten to add salt.

In such situations, we ought to be patient, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was when his wives cooked food he didn’t like. He sat, and said nothing at all, nor did he eat from it.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary from Riyad-us-Saliheen: “This Hadith throws light on the Prophet’s excellent manners which ought to be followed by all Muslims.

It is a deplorable state of affairs that when we find a dish a bit unsavory, we lose our temper and create quite a scene in the house.”

Another important aspect is not hurting someone’s feeling. He or she might have exerted so much effort in cooking that for us. Positive and encouraging statements are more helpful in correcting people than hurting their feelings.

Prophet Shu’aib (Alaih Assalaam)

Allah has sent a prophet to every people. Prophet Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) was sent to the people of Madyan. These people, who were merchants and traders, were also called forest dwellers because they lived near a thick forest.

Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) said to them: You should pray to Allah Who has created you. You should not cheat other people who come to buy from you.

But the forest dwellers did not listen to Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam). They wanted to earn more money, and they earned more by cheating their customers. So they went on doing it. What was more, they refused to believe what Shu’aib (Alaih Assalaam) told them. Get out of our town or we will throw stones at you, the forest dwellers threatened. If what you say is true, then we would have been punished long ago. We don’t believe you and we are not going to worship Allah. We are not afraid of His punishment.

It did not take long for Allah’s punishment to come to them. They all died in one day from a terrible earthquake. The large amounts of money which they had gained and collected could not help them at all. So their cheating was punished and it had done them no good at all to demand high prices and get rich quickly.
When the town was destroyed, Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) and his companions who believed in Allah were saved. As the forest dwellers died, Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) said to them: I have always reminded you to pray to Allah and I have warned you not to cheat other people. Now Allah has punished you!

 

Requirements Of A Good Business

When the term ‘good business’ is mentioned, people are most likely to think of the sort of business that brings handsome profit to the seller. From the buyer’s point of view, good business means getting good value for money. Islam, however, brings in a sense of moral values into business, even when we speak of normal daily shopping. The Qur’an and the Prophet (peace be upon him) have laid down certain principles that must apply to business, so that the two parties of a deal and the community make good returns.

Two such principles are highlighted in the following short Hadith: Hakeem ibn Hazam quotes the Prophet as saying: “The two parties to a sale continue to have a choice unless they part. If they are truthful and state things clearly, their deal is blessed. If they suppress information and lie, all blessing is removed from their deal.” (Related by Al-Bukhari).

The first principle the Prophet points out here is that both the buyer and seller should have the choice to go through with a deal or not. The choice remains open until they part. Neither should be rushed before he is fully satisfied that the deal is sound. Thus, neither is taken unaware and neither tries to trick or cheat the other.

The other principle is that both should be truthful in what they say concerning the goods they are exchanging. If the seller is aware of a defect in what he is selling, it is unlawful for him to sell it without pointing out the fact to the buyer. On the other hand, the buyer should not be knowingly giving false information in order to pay a lesser price. Both must stick to the truth. This ensures that the deal is blessed and both will benefit by it. A good example of this requirement is the case reported of Imam Abu Haneefah, who had a business selling clothes. A woman customer said to him: ‘I am not well off, and I trust you. Sell me this garment for what constitutes no loss to you.’ He said: ‘Take it for four dirhams’. That was far below the normal price. Hence the woman asked whether he was making fun of her. He told her that he was not, adding: ‘This is one of two identical garments. I sold the first for what I paid for both minus four dirhams. So four dirhams will give me my money back’. Had Abu Haneefah asked for 20 dirhams, the woman would have thought she got the garment at a very good price. He would have justified the difference as his compensation for the effort and time he put in the deal. But the woman asked him to give it to her at no loss to himself. Hence his answer. The deal was certainly blessed for both of them, as the Prophet mentions.

The first principle of choice being open to both parties gives ‘parting’ as the point at which the deal is complete. Scholars differ as to whether what is meant is physical parting or differing in what they say. Those who say that it is physical maintain that if the deal is made, with both parties expressing agreement, and they go their separate ways, the deal must be honored. This does not preclude the possibility of going back on it if a defect is discovered, or if a condition is not met. The other view is that parting means that agreement is expressed by both parties. If one agrees and the other does not, the choice remains open.
– By  ADIL SALAHI

Healthy Living Taught By The Prophet

Health is the most important aspect of human life; without it we cannot function well. Today we have made material progress and technological advancement, but the world is widespread with an increasing number of diseases. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us many aspects of healthy living which Allah ordered him to teach mankind. He himself enjoyed good health.

The Prophet (peace be upon him)) prescribed black seeds (habbas-sawda), which he said is a cure for all diseases except death. It is true that if we take a few black seeds in the morning we are protected from many diseases – to mention only a few: coughs, colds, arthritis, nausea, constipation etc. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said olive oil is a cure for many diseases which is quite true as has been proved by medical standards. One tbsp. of olive oil daily in the morning overcomes pains in the joints and lessens the risk of heart attack. In the Qur’an Allah prescribed honey as a cure for mankind, which is so true. If we take honey at breakfast we are protected from many diseases, for example, coughs, colds, asthma and depression etc. We should make sure the honey is pure. If we apply it to our eyes we do not need glasses.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly ate dates, which has been proved by medical standards to contain all the nutrients of a well-balanced diet. It is very energizing as well, and we know from the Prophet Muhammad s life that he was always energetic. He relished goat s milk, which is very low in fat and is a cure for many diseases. Moreover he was very fond of all milk, drank himself and presented to others. Drinking milk reduces the risk of heart attacks as has been established by medical standards. He used to put honey in it and drink it which too is very energizing. Then he didn t have milk, he used to put honey in water and drink it which is also very energizing.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited the intake of pork as enjoined by Allah, as it is not healthy to eat its meat because it feeds on dirt which causes many diseases. In the Qur an it is also forbidden to use intoxicants which are not healthy as has been proved by medical standards. Even occasional drinking of wine causes migraine headaches.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended using the miswak regularly, which keeps the teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is a cure for thyroid problems too, if we use it in the interior teeth and gums.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended sleeping early, night after Ishaa prayer, as early night sleep promotes health. He enjoined us to wake up early, as the early morning sunlight is beneficial for health and cures many diseases. He also advised to rest in the afternoon after lunch, which refreshes us and now most workers in the U.S.A. are demanding break in the afternoon for short naps as they say the Mediterranean naps refresh them and they have a better input to continue work instead of increase in wages.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to wash after relieving oneself, which protects us from many diseases. He also ordered use left hand for washing afterwards since it protects us from becoming a carrier of many diseases. He recommended clipping the nails, which also keeps us from becoming a carrier of many diseases.

If we follow all the above mentioned recommendations we can lead more healthy lives, which will be very fulfilling for us and the people around us, as was practiced and enjoined by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Cleanliness and personal hygiene was taught and practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him). He taught us to clean our teeth and wash ourselves by performing ablution before prayers, which protects us from many diseases. Cataract of the eyes develops due to air pollution, so doctors recommend washing the eyes after exposure from outside or workplaces to avoid cataract from developing. If we follow all these health points preached and practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him), we can lead more healthy and fruitful lives.

Prophet Lut (Alaih Assalaam)

Prophet Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family lived among very evil and disobedient people. These people did many things which Allah had forbidden. So Allah commanded Lut (Alaih Assalaam) to tell them: You must stop doing evil and believe in Allah. Allah has sent me to warn you of a terrible punishment that is going to befall you if you do not obey Him.

But people refused to listen to Lut (Alaih Assalaam). They even laughed at him because he would not join them in doing evil deeds.

One day, some visitors came to Lut (Alaih Assalaam). The evil people wanted to capture his visitors and harm them. Lut (Alaih Assalaam) was very afraid that he would not be able to protect his guests. But to Lut (Alaih Assalaam)’s surprise and relief, the visitors said: You need not be frightened. Those evil-doers cannot harm us. For we are messengers of Allah. We have come from Allah to tell you to take your family and leave this town at night. None of you should try to turn and look back or stay behind. Only those who go without looking back will be saved.
Lut (Alaih Assalaam) knew at once that the visitors were indeed Allah’s angels. They had come so that Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family could escape and be safe, for Allah was going to punish the evil-doers of that town. Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family, however, had believed in Allah and prayed to Him. Therefore they were to be saved.

At once, Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family got ready and left their house at night when it was dark, so that the evil people would not see them. But then, just as they were leaving, Lut (Alaih Assalaam)’s wife turned back and stayed behind. She refused to believe in Allah and was also disobedient. So she was not saved from punishment and death when Allah sent down a rain of fire and stones. All the houses in the town were destroyed and the disobedient people perished in the rain of fire and stones.

Only Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and the rest of his family were rescued, and they praised and thanked Allah for having saved them.

They Never Look At Him In The Eye

Rights of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are the most important, after the rights of Allah. There is no human who has more rights than the Prophet. Allah said, what translated means:

“Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that you assist and honor him (Muhammad)…” (Qur’an, 48:8-9)

Therefore, love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) should be more than one’s love for himself, his children, family, and worldly possessions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, what translated means: “None of you will reach belief till I become dearer to him than his children, parents and all humans.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has many rights. Respect and appreciation for him should be observed in the best manner. Respecting the Prophet includes respect for and adherence to his Sunnah after his death. Due rights should be accoded to the Prophet without exaggeration. When one reads how the companions used to love and respect the Prophet, one knows the importance of this matter. When Quraish (the Prophet’s tribe) sent Urwa Bin Mas’ud to negotiate with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Hudaibiyya, he was greatly impressed by how the companions treated the Prophet. He said, “I have visited the kings of Persia, Rome and Abyssinia, but I have not seen any leader more revered and respected by his people than Muhammad.

If he ordered them to do anything, they do it promptly delay. If he performs Wudhu (washing up for prayer) they all seek the remainder of the water he used. They never look at him in the eye, out of respect.” This is how the Prophet (peace be upon him) was treated by his companions. He was Allah’s Messenger who possessed great qualities and the best of conduct ever.

The rights of the Prophet include compliance with and submission to his orders and believing in what he informed us of the past and future happenings. When a Muslim wants to follow his religion, he must do so believing that he Prophet’s way is the best way. Believing in the Prophet includes the affirmation that his religion is the best religion. Allah said, what translated means:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (Qur’an, 4:65), and, “Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you love Allah then you follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 3:31)

To defend the religion of the Prophet is one of his rights upon believers. Defending the religion can be done by using arms, speech and writings. To ignore attacks on the Prophet (peace be upon him) or on his religion is impermissible for Muslims. Muslims must strive to prevent, in the best manner, attacks on the Prophet’s character or on any aspect of his religion, which is the best religion sent to mankind.

– By Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

Grateful For Every Kindness

It was customary for the Arabs in Makkah when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born that they sent their newborn children to some Bedouins where the young ones were breast-fed by wet nurses. They felt that spending the first few years in a desert environment ensured that the child would grow up physically and mentally strong. Indications suggest that Makkah suffered some infectious diseases, and its people felt that children would be spared such diseases in the desert’s open air. We have a detailed story of how the young Muhammad ended up with Haleemah, his Bedouin wet nurse. We need only mention that Haleemah and her family were most delighted to have him, feeling that the young child brought some subtle blessing into their life. Hence, after he was weaned, Haleemah begged Aminah, the Prophet’s mother, to allow her to keep him for some more time. This was agreed, and most probably Muhammad stayed with Haleemah until he was five years of age.

In normal cases, when a child spends the first few years of life with carers who are not of his own family, living away from his hometown, it is not expected that relations with such carers would be maintained into his adult life without an effort by both parties. Nor would it be expected that he would look at those days of his childhood with tenderness. Most of us remember very little of our early years. Besides, Haleemah and her people lived in the desert, while Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent the rest of his life in Makkah, except for his last ten years when he lived in Madinah. Yet we read that in his adult life, Muhammad showed genuine gratitude to those very people.