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The Same Old Battle

None but the unbelievers dispute God’s revelations. Let it not deceive you that they seem to be able to do as they please on earth. Before their time the people of Noah rejected the truth, as did other groups and communities after them. Each of these communities schemed against the messenger sent to them, aiming to lay their hands on him. With false argument they strove to refute the truth, but then I took them to task. How awesome was My punishment! Thus your Lord’s word shall come true against the unbelievers: they will be the dwellers in the fire of hell.

(The Forgiving, Ghafir; 40: 4-6)

The opening of the surah established the truth of God’s oneness and His divine attributes. The surah now makes clear that this truth is accepted by all creatures. It is, in fact, firmly rooted in their nature and directly related to the nature of the universe. Only the unbelievers dispute these signs and argue about God’s revelations. Thus they are a class apart, choosing to be at odds with the universe and all other creatures within it.

“None but the unbelievers dispute God’s revelations.”

Throughout the entire expanse of the universe, only the unbelievers stand apart, deviating from the true path. In relation to the whole universe, they are weaker and less significant than an ant in relation to planet earth. When they stand on their own disputing God’s revelations and denying His signs, the rest of the universe declares its acceptance of Him and recognizes His oneness, deriving its strength from Him. With their odd attitude, the unbelievers’ fate is sealed, no matter how powerful, affluent and mighty they may appear to be: “Let it not deceive you that they seem to be able to do as they please on earth.”

They may be able to move about, gather wealth, enjoy their power and revel in easy living. However, they are ultimately doomed. The battle, if there could ever be a battle between them and the Creator of the universe, will lead to its inevitable end.

There were in former times communities that followed the same path. Their fate should make clear to the unbelievers what happens in the end to anyone who tries to stand against the power of the Almighty: “Before their time the people of Noah rejected the truth, as did other groups and communities after them. Each of these communities schemed against the messenger sent to them, aiming to lay their hands on him. With false argument they strove to refute the truth, but then I took them to task. How awesome was My punishment!”

Journey of Faith

Has it never occurred to you that you live in a world, surrounded by miracles?

Look skyward.

There, without fail, every single day of your life, is the Sun.

Floating in space, it hangs there, without a suspending rope, without a supporting pillar.

Have you ever noticed it?

Or thought about it?

Who made it?

How was it placed there?

The Sun provides an immense amount of heat and light, a single source so incredible, that if it had been any nearer or farther, temperatures on this planet would not be able to support life; it has been placed by Allah, at precisely the correct distance from earth. The core of the sun has a temperature of 15.6 million degrees, yet only a small portion of the light and heat,  just sufficient for life on earth, reaches this planet. And this Sun of ours is just one, of 100 billion stars in this Universe!

Subhan Allah! (Glory be to Allah!)

And We have made the heaven a roof, safe and well guarded. Yet they turn away from its signs (i.e. sun, moon, winds, clouds, etc.). And He it is Who has created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit floating. [21:32,33]

Think!

Did man create the Sun?

Is man the one who positions the Sun?

Can man command the Sun to obey him?

Can man even look into the Sun directly without hurting his eyes?

Truly, Man is weak and helpless……

Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over the Throne. He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Universe (mankind, jinns and all that exists)! [ 7:54 ]

Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then, He rose above the Throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon (to continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs, explaining the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.

Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah!), who has placed before us a blazing miracle of His Power and Majesty, Glory be to He, who has power over all things! Exalted is Allah who places these signs of His greatness before our eyes, so that we may grow in faith, as we perceive the miracles of life.

Think! The mind is that which sets us apart from the animals.

Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory be to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire. 3:191]

Ponder, so that you may benefit, by gaining true Iman (faith).

Will you not take heed?

Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind. [ 22:46]

The Islamic Wife In The Light Of Holy Qur’an And Ahadees

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “A thankful tongue, a soft-hearted wife is a friend of yours in religion.” These are the qualities that Islam desires in a woman who shall nurture the future generations of mankind towards an Islamic society.

Sociologists all over the world are laying more and more stress on the importance of family life, as opposed to what goes on in the West, where 5 out of 10 marriages end in divorce, where 60% of divorced women are prone to suicide, and almost every separated family has a history of a delinquent child.

As a maintainer of woman, the man has been deemed responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs outside the house, striving to earn, a livelihood. Woman has been given complete charge of the house, responsible for rearing the children and managing the home. This division of management is not in any way derogatory to the honor of woman; she is not the man’s slave, but his equal. In all its wisdom, Islam has allotted different sets of duties to men and women because of their different physical and mental attributes. Man is physically better suited to rough it out in the harsh world, and, due to her physical and emotional make up, woman is more suitable to manage the house.

A woman is more self-sufficient in household affairs and better shoulders the responsibility of rearing the children. This arrangement guarantees the continuation and the formation of a society complementing religion. This is a great trial and test for man and woman. Very rarely do we find a family like that of Imam Ali (A.S.), which contains a Fatima Zahra (S.A.), Hassan (A.S.), Hussain (A.S.), Zainab (S.A.) and Kulsum (S.A.).

The Holy Qur’an states: “They (wives) are an apparel for you, and you are an apparel for them.” (2:187)

What the Qur’an is stating is clear – besides covering the body, apparel protects the body from the vagaries of nature, enhancing one’s personal beauty. Man and wife should complement each other, and as Imam Ali (A.S.) has said, “Like a dress, a worthy wife will conceal one’s fault.”

Prophet Muhammad’s Mothers

PROPHET Muhammad (peace be upon him), was an orphan child. His father died while his mother Amna was still pregnant. His mother also died when he was six years old. When she was dying, he cried but she told him as her last words “Muhammad, be a man.” And he was the best of all men.

There are other four women who acted as Prophet Muhammad’ mothers after the death of his real mother.

The first woman was Thuaiba (may Allah be pleased with her), the maid servant of his uncle Abu Lahab, who was the first one to have the honor of breast-feeding the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet liked her so much and was grateful to her and her children till she died in the seventh year A.H (after Hijra).

The second mother was Halimah Al-Sadiah (may Allah be pleased with her), one of the most famous wet-nurses in the Arabian Peninsula at that time. She came to Makkah to find a child from a rich family whom she could breast-feed as a means of making a living, but she did not find any child except for Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was a poor orphan rejected by the other wet-nurses who were searching for rich children, but Halimah (may Allah be pleased with her) had a strange feeling that, that orphan boy would be a source of blessing and goodness to her and her family.

The third one was Barakah Bint Tha’labah, commonly known as Umm Ayman, who took care of the Prophet (peace be upon him) immediately after the death of his mother. She was a slave and the Prophet (peace be upon him) set her free. She embraced Islam and became a good Muslim and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was grateful to her till she died.

Fatimah Bint Asad (may Allah be pleased with her)’ his uncle, Abu Talib’s wife, and the mother of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) also acted as his foster mother. She acted as foster mother after the death of the Prophet’ grandfather when the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to live with his uncle. Fatimah noticed something strange: whenever her children gathered to eat, they never felt full except when Muhammad (peace be upon him) had eaten with them.

Her love for that orphan child increased after she heard what her husband told her: he told her that one of the hermits told him that his nephew (Muhammad) would be the next prophet.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remained grateful to her throughout her life and when she died, he buried her with his honourable hands and prayed for her.

This means that although he had lost his mother, Allah gave him four foster mothers, to whom he was a grateful son.

How To Increase One’s Iman?

If a sick person doesn’t realize that they are sick, the doctor will never be able to cure her. So realizing that there is a spiritual sickness is a sign that your faith is strong. I have the following words of advice for you:

Al-Haakim reported in al-Mustadrak, and al-Tabaraani reported in al-Mu jam, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your hearts. (Reported by al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak, 1/4;. Al-Haythami said in Majma al-Zawaa id, 1/52, It was reported by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer and its isnaad is saheeh. ) This Hadith tells us that our faith will become weak but we will have to strengthen it with various actions and different good deeds. If we try to implement the following, In Sha Allah it will help us all.

On a weekly basis, try to attend some Halaqah or an Islamic gathering. That is a great way of keeping the battery of Iman and actions charged.

A good suggestion would be that you join some weekend or evening Islamic course or something of that sort. You will find good company there which will be a means of strengthening your faith and Iman. And when you feel like you are all burnt out , there will be others there who will guide you and help you out and get you back up on your feet again.

Try to read some portion of the Quran everyday and make Zikr of Allah. It will not be a bad idea to start off the day by reciting Surah Yaseen.

Try to have a daily Halaqah of reading from a Hadith book at home. The most widely used Hadith book in English is probably Riyadh us Salihin. Set aside a time at home, and try to sit down with other family members. It does not have to be long. Even five minutes or ten minutes will suffice. A daily dose of the words of Allah and his beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam goes a long way in keeping us attached to our faith.

After prayers or whenever, try to recite as many times as possible the words which are mentioned in the following Hadith: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Do not forget to say in every prayer, Rabbi a inni ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ibaadatika (O Allah, help me to remember You, thank You and worship You properly.). (al-Nasaa i, 1303)

How To Hold Dialogue With The Other?

Islam is the religion of mercy, tolerance and forgiveness and many other human values. One of the values that Islam has given due attention to is dialogue. Here, I will try to shed some light on dialogue as a noble value in Islam.

Islam sees that dialogue is the golden means to know the other as Allah, praise be to Him, created people of different cultures, natures, languages and faiths and this is stated in the Holy Qur’an, “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an, 49:13)

But dialogue with the other requires patience, flexibility and open-mindedness which were clearly revealed in Prophet Muhammad’s dialogue with others even if they were idolaters and this is why Allah praises him, “It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allah; for Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Qur’an, 3:159)

Good listening is one of the principles of dialogue in Islam. It was never reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not listen well to anyone. In other words, he was always an attentive listener: he was never reported to interrupt anybody even if the speaker was one of his enemies and he used to say “Have you finished, brother?” This was his way of respecting other people’s rights to express themselves.

Even if this dialogue involves an argument or debate, the Holy Qur’an advises Muslims to do that in a civilized way, “Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (Qur’an, 16:125)

The above verse emphasizes that dialogue with the other requires wisdom and common sense, which are basic requirements to convey the teachings and message of Allah. It can be said that Islam stresses that dialogue is the way to communicate with the other.

By: Dr. Khaled Tawfik

Women, Women, Women!

The woman must do this, the woman must do that. She must cook the food, take care of children, and obey her husband at all costs! Does Islam really subjugate women like it is thought? Well the answer is plain and simple. NO! To think, some of us are getting too obsessed with women, and all our focus and criticism goes against them, but what about men? Without doubt there are many things that are upon the women that are in her benefit, however, there are just as many things upon men, but these are either ignored or just not talked about.

Firstly, we should understand that men and women are different and have different roles in Islam. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And wish not for the things in which Allah has made some of you to excel others. For men there is reward for what they have earned, (and likewise) for women there is reward for what they have earned, and ask Allah of His Bounty. Surely, Allah is Ever All-Knower of everything.” (Qur’an, 4:32)

In Islam, men have many responsibilities to fulfill towards women. The man must earn, provide for, clothe and shelter his wife, and he is not allowed to take the money she owns. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that your wife has a right upon you (Al-Bukhari) and fulfilling this right is an indication of revering and fearing Allah. Man will be questioned if he fulfilled this duty. If he does not, then it is a clear act of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger.

So husbands, are we fulfilling our duty or are we disobeying our Lord?

Women play an important role towards the society. A mother who raises her children in accordance with the teachings of Islam is the backbone of society. Well-nurtured children are a basis for a strong community. Men should also play a part in the upbringing of the children. Yes, he has to go out and work, but there are 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week. I’m sure most of us are not so busy; if we prudently manage our time, we can make positive contribution in their upbringing. Here’s the question: How many men change nappies? How many men get up at night when the baby is crying? Very few I suppose.

How about dishes? When was the last time any of us men did the washing up? Why is it such a chore? After finishing dinner, what harm would it cause to pick up the plates and wash them? No instead, we eat to our fill, leave the plates where they are and take it for granted that our wives will do it. By helping around in washing dishes, changing nappies, and making our beds, our wives will only love us more.

The man also has a Hijab to observe. He must always lower his gaze. This is another aspect taken for granted. We have heard that we are not held to account for that one, unintentional, look. But some take it for granted to elongate it and make it ‘one long look.’ We must fear Allah and observe proper Hijab. Men should also dress modestly. His clothes must show piety and his Awrah must not be displayed.

We also ignore dressing up for our wives. Ask yourselves, when was the last time you looked your best for your wife? It is expected from her to look after the kids, make the dinner, clean the house and look good for us, but what about us? If the food is not cooked when we come home or we don’t like its taste, how do we react? Do we follow the Sunnah and keep silent without criticizing food?

We should follow the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in all areas of our lives, and that includes within our households. Women are our partners. When no one listens to our problems, our wives do. Let’s start from today and make that change and surely the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) statement should be something for us to ponder on.

“The best of you are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you with my wives‚ – (Ibn Hibban)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): A Model Husband

When Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to deliver his message as God’s last messenger to mankind, all human societies ill-treated women. Arabia was no exception. Prior to Islam Arabian women had no rights, not even the right to live. Often parents killed their young daughters, burying them alive, for fear of poverty or shame. Under the Roman and Byzantine Empires, women were practically enslaved, even by the rule of law. The Persian Empire considered women to be the source of evil. Today, the Western civilization boasts of its achievement of equality between men and women. Yet, this was achieved after hard struggle. Until World War One, women did not have the right to vote in general elections in Britain or elsewhere in Europe. The suffragette movement had to fight hard for that right to be granted. By contrast, Islam, as preached by Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago, gave women a status equal to that of men. The Qur’an clearly states: “Women shall, in all fairness, enjoy rights similar to those exercised against them.” (2: 228)

Legal provisions are one thing and personal treatment is another. A member of parliament may give the best argument in a public debate for looking after women, but his behavior toward his wife and women folk may be overbearing and hurtful. Prophet Muhammad made sure that his conduct was always a practical endorsement of what he preached. As a husband, he never wavered in his love and kind treatment of Khadijah, his first and only wife for 25 years. He continued to cherish her memory to the end of his life. He married other women after her death, but none could fill her place. Yet with them he committed himself to much more than what Islam requires of all men to be kind and caring of their women. He disliked to be seen by any of them without a smile on his face. He visited each one of them in the morning and in the afternoon, enquiring after them and ensuring that they received what they needed. At night, he would be with the one whose turn it was for him to stay with.

Aishah mentions that when he was alone with his wives, he was the most amenable of people, always smiling and relaxed. Every description of the Prophet, given by his companions, highlights the fact that he inspired awe in anyone who talked to him, whether on religious matters or any other subject. Yet he did not allow that awe inspiring appearance to become a barrier between him and any of his wives. They always spoke to him in the friendliest manner that characterizes a marital relation. One of them once said to him in front of her father: “Speak out, but say nothing but the truth.”

What we see here is a normal conversation between husband and wife. The role of the Prophet, who is God’s messenger to all mankind, totally disappears. Had the woman felt that she was addressing God’s messenger, she would not have thought of speaking in this way. She was merely a woman talking to her husband and trying to prove a point in dispute between them. Muhammad, whose life was totally devoted to his mission, saw nothing wrong with the way she spoke to him. He accepted it as perfectly normal. We will have more to say on this aspect of the Prophet’s life in future.

— By Adil Salahi