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No Reason To Fear Satan

“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.” (Qur’an, 3:175)

Ibn Taymiyyah commented on the verse: “This verse proves that Satan makes his allies sources of fear, and he causes people to be afraid of them. And the verse shows that it is not permissible for the believer to fear the allies of Satan, and he should not fear people, as (Allah) said: ‘So, do not fear the people, and fear Me…’ (Qur’an, 5:44)

So, we are commanded to fear Allah, and we are prohibited from fearing the allies of Satan. He also said: ‘Those who convey the message of Allah and fear Him and fear none except Allah…’ (Qur’an, 33:39)

“And some people say: ‘O Lord! I fear You and I fear those who don’t fear You.’ These are nonsensical words, and it is not allowed to say them. Rather, one should fear Allah alone and not fear any person, since whoever does not fear Allah is too low to be feared, as he is a wrong-doer and is from the allies of Satan. So, Allah has forbidden us from having fear of such a person.

“The fact that someone is given power over you is the result of your sins and your fear of that person. So, if you fear Allah and repent from your sins and seek His Forgiveness, nobody can overpower you.” (Majmoo Al-Fatawa; 1/77-78)

Ibn al-Qayyim said: “From the plots of the enemy of Allah (Satan) is that he makes the believers afraid of his soldiers and allies. So, they do not strive against them, they do not enjoin what is good, and do not forbid what is bad.”

Qatadah explained: “He makes them great and powerful in his heart. The stronger your faith becomes, the weaker the fear in your heart will be of Satan’s allies; and the weaker your faith becomes, the stronger the fear in your heart will be of them.” (Ighathat Al-Lahfan, 1/94).

Journey Of A Lifetime

Hajj is performed from the 8-13 of Dhul-Hijjah. The Manasik (rites) of Haj At-Tamattu’ is described below and has been summarized on the right. Early on the morning of 8th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Tarwiyah, the pilgrim assumes Ihram for Hajj as he did for Umrah, but says “Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan” and begins reciting the Talbiyyah. All the rules of Ihram which applied to Umrah also hold for Hajj. He then proceeds to Mina where he spends the day in worship and performs Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha shortened but not joined. He spends the night there.

After Fajr on 9th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, he leaves for `Arafah. At the time of Dhuhr, he prays Dhuhr and `Asr shortened and combined with one Adhan and two Iqamah. He remains there until Maghrib, standing with hands raised in supplication anywhere within the boundaries of Arafah.

After sunset, he proceeds to Muzdalifah where he performs Maghrib and Isha shortened and combined with one Adhan and two Iqamah. He then goes to sleep until Fajr. After performing Fajr at its earliest time on the 10th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Sacrifice, he leaves Muzdalifah before sunrise and returns to Mina. He continues reciting the Talbiyah.

He collects seven pebbles and does a stoning of the Big Jamarah sometime between sunrise and night, standing with Makkah to his left and Mina to his right. He says “Allahu Akbar” with each stone throw. The slaughter must be done and then he may partially come out of the state of Ihram by shaving the head or cutting the hair for men and trimming the hair for women.

Perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah walking normally, then do Sa`ee. One is now completely out of Ihram. On the 11th-13th Dhul Hijjah, the Days of Tashreeq, one stays in Mina and performs stoning of the three Jamarat each day between Zawal (the sun is at its peak) and night – 21 pebbles must be collected for this. The smallest Jamarah is stoned first, then the medium, then the big one. After stoning at the first two, one may face the Qiblah and supplicate to Allah. On the 13th after stoning the Jamarat one leaves Mina.

One must perform the Farewell Tawaf prior to leaving Makkah. This completes the Manasik of Hajj. May Allah grant all pilgrims Hajj Mabroor (an accepted Haj, the reward of which is nothing but Jannah).

Family Life In Islam

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. And lower unto them the wing of humility through mercy, say: My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young. (17:23-24).

In the West, most children can’t wait to reach the legal age and move out of the house. Parents are seen as a hindrance to one’s freedom. Aged parents are seen as a burden that should be shoved onto the shoulders of a nursing home.

For a Muslim, being kind to parents is much more than remembering them on their birthdays or Mother’s or Father’s Day. Being kind to them means listening respectfully to their opinion and obeying them in everything that is not disobedience to God. For an adult child it means to see that they have the necessities of life and whatever more one can afford; to keep them under one’s roof when they are elderly without grudge; to never speak unkindly to them or physically abuse them.

Nursing homes are almost unheard of in many Muslim countries. (Alzheimer’s disease is also rare.) In an Islamic society, parents are respected for their wisdom and experience. Adult children might move out in search of work, but they still turn to their parents for advice and visit or communicate with them as much as possible. It is a Muslim’s honored duty to lovingly care for his or her parents in their old age. Parents sacrifice so much for their children when they are small; a Muslim is happy to return that sacrifice when his or her parents can no longer care for themselves. It is not a burden but a means of winning a great reward in Paradise.

In many Muslim societies, the extended family lives together. As parents become grandparents, they may help in looking after or educating young children. And even when they are no longer “productive”, they continue to be loved and respected for their humanity, and for their wisdom and experience.

A Muslim’s duties to his or her parents do not end when they die, for one thing, that benefits the dead is the prayers of their righteous children.

A man asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Whom should I honor most?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Your mother.” “And who comes next?” asked the man. He replied, “Your mother.” “And who comes next?” asked the man. He replied, “Your mother.” “And who comes next?” asked the man. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “Your father.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Repent Before You Regret

Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him? And Allah is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All-Knowing. (An-Nisaa‚ 4:147)

People are created with many weaknesses and imperfections. Throughout our lives, we forget many things and make countless mistakes. However, through repentance, which Allah grants us as a great favor, it is always possible in this world to correct our mistakes. Indeed, the world is created just for this purpose: We are trained, put to test, and purified of our mistakes in this world. It is likely that we may deeply regret our mistakes or the way we have led our lives. However, it is always possible to make up for this regret. After having lived through this regret, we can ask for repentance and hope for Allah’s forgiveness.

In the Qur’an, Allah gives the glad tidings that He will forgive any sin provided one repents sincerely. Allah knows our inner thoughts and every word we keep to ourselves. He knows whether we are true to Him or not. Allah, in the Qur’an, describes His closeness to His servants:

Your Lord knows best what is in your inner selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. (Al-Israa‚ 17:25)

Yet, another important fact surfaces here: After death, it is not possible to make up for the mistakes and sins committed in this world unless Allah wills otherwise. So not a single moment do we have to lose. Minutes pass by in a blink of an eye and with every moment passing, we draw even closer to death. Furthermore, we can never foresee when death will confront us. Its date, hour, and minute can never be known. We all will certainly die one day and will give an account of our deeds in the presence of Allah.

For this reason, man must always bear in mind that he may soon die. If he is not to regret in the Hereafter, he must reconsider his life. If it were the time to meet the angels of death right now, would you be able to give an account of all the years you have spent in this world? What have you done so far to earn the consent of Allah? Have you been meticulous enough in fulfilling Allah‚s commands?

Fever, A Blessing In Disguise

Fever wipes out one’s sins and rids his body of dead substances and germs. It is a blessing in disguise.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a believer gets sick or feverish, it is like metal when put on fire, the bad is gone, and the good remains.” (Al-Bayhaqi)

He (peace be upon him) also describes the intensity of fever by saying: “Fever is coal from hell, get rid of it by using cold water.” (Ibn Majah)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade the cursing of fever by saying: “Do not curse a fever because it abolishes sins like fire abolishes dirt from iron.” (Ibn Majah)

The cure the Prophet (peace be upon him) told us for fever 1400 years ago is still practiced as one of the best ways to reduce fever.

A bacterial or viral infection usually raises the temperature of a person. Antibiotics are useless with viral infections, such as influenza and the common cold, although the patient might sweat and have a very high fever. Putting cold pads on a patient’s forehead is used by doctors in several hospitals through medicines like aspirin and paracetamol are abundant.

Using water to reduce fever is not limited to using cold pads. Drinking a lot of fluids is also helpful. This is also understood from the wordings of the Prophetic narration: “cool it with water.” Water is either what the patient drinks, what is given intravenously, or what the patient puts on his face or body to cool the fever.

Another scientific miracle can be found in the Prophet’s statement, “the bad is gone and the good remains.” To understand this, let’s look at what fever really is.

Fever occurs when the body temperature rises above normal (37C). There is an area in the brain that is a temperature regulator.

When a germ enters the body, it starts secreting toxins. Toxins affect the temperature regulator causing its temperature to rise. The substances that cause this rise in temperature are called pyrogens. Pyrogens are caused not only by germs but also by the ruined tissues in the body after being affected by germs.

When the temperature rises in the temperature regulator, the rest of the body has to comply. It increases its temperature in response. Soon, the whole body feels feverish and the patient’s temperature rises.

When the inflammation worsens, the germs increase and consequently ruin the tissues. The germs and the pyrogens will find the body’s defense system ready to attack and eat the by-products of the germs and rid the body of them. While doing this, it releases to the body fluids a substance called leukocyte pyrogens or endogenous.

Therefore, the fever remains while the body is cleansing itself of the by-products, confirming again the Prophetic narration.

Business Ethics In Islam

As Muslims, we have to adhere to ethical standards, not only in business but also in all aspects of life. Both business and ethics are interrelated. There is a reference to this point in the Qur’an: For you in the Messenger of Allah is a fine example to follow. (Al-Ahzab 33:21).

It is worth stressing here that when Muslims stick to ethics in their daily lives, they will become good examples to emulate in today’s world. They will help rectify some aspects of the distorted image of Islam in today’s world and thus they will become worthy ambassadors of their religion.

Allah Almighty says: And to the Madyan (Midian) people (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other ilah (god) but Him, and give not short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity and verily, I fear for you the torment of a   Day encompassing.  And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption.“ (Hud 11:84-85)

Prophet Shu`aib (peace be upon him) was a great prophet of Allah. He was sent to the people of Madyan around the time of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). Prophet Shu`aib was sent among people who were very much involved in the business. These people were very proud of their business acumen and success, but they were dishonest. He told them to observe ethics in business. They became very angry with him and told him, “Don’t mix religion with business.” The Qur’an tells us that Allah’s punishment came upon those people and only Prophet Shu`aib and his followers were saved.

It is indeed important that every man must adhere to ethical standards in the business. Business and ethics are not separate, rather they are interconnected. Allah says in the Qur’an:“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad, peace be upon him) you have a good example to follow . . .” (Al-Ahzab 33:21).

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an ideal human being in every respect. He was the best teacher, preacher, and guide; the best statesman, lawgiver, judge, diplomat, negotiator of treaties, and military commander; the best family man, a good husband, a compassionate father and grandfather, a good neighbor, and friend of his people. He was also a very honest and successful businessman.

Prophet Muhammad was chosen by God to be His last Prophet and Messenger at the age of 40. Before that, he was very much involved in the business. He was born in Makkah, which was a popular trade center in Arabia. Caravans from Syria in the north and Yemen in the south used to pass by Makkah. Prophet Muhammad would join in these caravans. It is reported that he traveled to Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and many other places in Arabia in these caravans. Some historians have also suggested that he probably traveled to Iraq and Ethiopia.

Do You Really Want Paradise?

‘I want to go to Jannah (Paradise)’ should be our goal in life. It should be written in bold letters on our foreheads so that it serves a constant reminder for us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has left with us a very small key to Jannah, which we Muslims today have become oblivious of. Just like you need a key to open your car’s door, or house door, or office door; similarly you need a key to open Jannah to you. What is this key?

The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever goes down a path/road searching for knowledge, Allah will make it easy for him the road to Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, Vol.3, Hadith no. 99)

Traveling on the path to knowledge refers both to walking or driving along an actual pathway, such as going to conferences or the local mosque whenever there is an Islamic lecture or seminar. Searching also entails, a metaphysical road, such as studying and memorizing the Qur’an and Hadith. Not just memorizing like a parrot, but understanding it and acting upon it.

For those who seek knowledge, Allah will make their learning easier, clearing the way for him, and smoothing his journey to Paradise. This is why some of our pious predecessors used to say, “Is there anyone seeking knowledge so that we can assist him in finding it?”

Brothers and sisters, be LOVERS of Knowledge, be seekers of Knowledge. “Yes, where is my Qur’an, where is my Hadith Bukhari!” Let’s get up every morning with a purpose: to seek Jannah by seeking Knowledge. Knowledge is also the shortest path to Allah. Whoever travels the road of knowledge reaches Allah and Paradise by the shortest route. Knowledge also clears the way out of darkness, ignorance, doubt, and skepticism. This is why Allah called His Book “Light.”

Knowledge is the ROAD to Paradise, and Islam is the vehicle that takes you to this destination of Paradise. Just like you get in a car to go from one destination to another, but how? By finding out the directions to get there, either by seeing a map or asking someone. Similarly, our Qur’an and Hadith are our maps, and our scholars are the people who give the directions from this map to get to our ultimate destination, Paradise.

Ask yourself, “Is Paradise easy?” Have you ever seen how easy it is for some brothers and sisters to memorize the whole Qur’an by heart? Have you ever seen how easy it is for some of us to study the Qur’an and Hadith for hours and hours, while others cannot even open the Qur’an or Hadith even once a year or month? Why?