Friday, September 24, 2010

Why do I bother sending emails?

In the Name of Allah,

All praise due to Allah, the creator, the sustainer.

Last Friday, I ran into someone I have known for a long time, and I admire very much. He mentioned that another brother who we know mutually got one of my emails, and was not happy about the content. He also argued that may be we shouldn't confront someone if they follow the wrong path, as it may offend them. As long as they are Muslim, they should follow their faith, and we should follow our faith. I don't agree with this, because we are given a direct command to do the opposite.

If I offended someone, I expect a direct reply, so I can corrected my fault or explain. Regardless, I appologize to anyone whose feeling got hurt with something I sent, and offer to remove their name from my distribution list.

I would never want to hurt anyone's feeling, so if there is anyone on this email that would like to be removed, please reply with a small note, and I will be glad to remove them. Of course, I would never stop sharing what I learn, even if my life or my family's life is threatened. It is an order from Allah to us, and I intend to follow.

So, why do I bother sending emails?

Interestingly, I received a few other feedbacks, and I would like to share them too.

Last Friday, I received the following email from a young sister who got my emails forwarded, and got to know a wonderful site http://edars.com/ which has a treasure that Fort Knox will not contain.

"Asalaam o alikum,
I know that as you are reading this, you most be wondering who this is and to answer that, I am -------, -- years of age,daughter of ---, ---------@hotmail.com, i hope that rings some sort of a bell, you have been forwarding really healthy Islamic emails and links to her, and she has been forwarding it to me. Just one of that link sort of changed my life, Edars.com. Great insight to Islam, MashAllah, and actually, in a way, thanks to you, i now have the Islamic knowledge, i should have had a long time ago, and Alhumdolillah it continues to grow and influence my inner.
God bless you and your family.
Thanks,
---. "

As you can see that there is no equal to the benefit someone can receive from a small effort. May Allah bestow his favor on her by providing knowledge of Islam.

Then, day before I received call from my father from Pakistan, and he mentioned that his dear friend who I have been sending email greatly appreciated that.

Another email received agreeing with the view I presented with proofs about apostate.

"I concur 100%. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a mercy for all mankind and we have made a mockery of the glorious life which he lead and we should follow! May Allah accept your efforts!!"

Happiest news I received was one of the person I got to know has accepted Islam 4 months ago, and he really appreciates all the knowledge about Islam I have been forwarding, being a new Muslim. May Allah accept his Shahadah, and forgive all his previous sins.

Another relative of mine has been actively learning about Islam recently, and these emails have helped him sort out some things.

In short, I appologize for any strong opinions I injected in my emails, but mostly I have forwarded proves from Quran and Sunnah, so anyone can provide counter arguments easily. Please do not remind me that I am not a scholar, as I already know that. I don't beleive in the Jewish model of people depending on scholars to interpret the meaning of the Holly Scriptures, as it leads to personal opinions becoming Sharia law.

We should consult with scholars, if matters are not clear, but where clear commands from Allah, and Prophet (PBUH) are available, we should follow them.

"Allah the Most High said: Let there be among you a community who enjoin good and forbid evil; it is they that shall be successful," [3:104]

"Those of the Israelites who were unbelievers have already been cursed on the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary, for they were disobedient, and transgressed. They did not forbid one another from committing the evil that they wrought. What they used to do was foul indeed. [5:79]"

Please "pay it forward".

- Stop someone from doing gheebat.
- Stop someone from listening Musical instrument
- Stop someone from paying interest
- Stop someone from staring at our sisters
- Stop someone from breaking promise
- Share your knowledge. Don't hoard all the treasure of the knowledge in your heart. I know some in our local Masjid who have loads of knowledge, but they will not share it with us. Just come for salat and walk out quitely. They should find the young ones, and pass on the knowledge. Think, what if Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) just kept quite about Islam?


JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman
A struggling Muslim

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Is there Wine in Jannah?

In the Name of Allah,

I received a question through text. One of my relative was asked by someone if there will be Wine in Jannah?

Simple Answer to that is yes. Wine will not taste foul like it does here. It will not affect us the same way. It will be a pleasunt drink and there will be no hangovers.

"(Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink;" (Quran 47:15)

"it (the wine) has no bad effects, nor does it cause intoxication." (Quran37:47)

"From which (the wine) they will have no headache, nor will they be intoxicated." (Quran 56:19)

So, it is pretty clear that we will InshAllah get Wine in abundance, but it will be missing the downside of drinking wine in this world.

However, we can not drink Wine here, and if we do, we may not be able to drink it in afterlife.

Hadith - Muslim #4963, Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar

Allah's Messenger said: Every intoxicant is Khamr and every intoxicant is forbidden. He who drinks wine in this world and dies while he is addicted to it, not having repented, will not be given a drink in the Hereafter.

May this be the motivation for people to keep away from Intoxicating drinks.

JazakAllah

AbuArman

A struggling Muslim

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Ramadan Fever is Over !?!

In the Name of Allah,

All praise due to Allah, in whose hands is my life. I worship none but Allah, the creator, the sustainer.

Last night, I went for Maghrib Salat in the Masjid. Winds were calm, and weather was pleasant. As I drove into the Masjid road, something struck me as different. I couldn't figure out for a few minutes what it was. Finally it came to me. Today was 3 days after Eid. There were only 3 cars. Two were from the Imams, and one other probably the brother's who was untieing the wires from Iftar tent.

I almost broke down in tears, and fear came upto me. See, I got tied up with family activities since the Asr prayer on Eid day until that time, and I was feeling restless to go to masjid. Now, I felt guilty for not trying harder to visit masjid last 3 days.

As I slowly walk into the Masjid, the reality of Ramadan fever struck me. So, all the glory, and sincerity was halted in those Muslim's life? Where are they now? Are they praying Maghrib at home, or are they watching the Monday Night Football? Is this the new religion, Pakistani/Indian community has created?

Then, I start thinking about all those brothers I met during Ramadan. Wearing clean and bright religious traditional clothes walking up and down the Masjid waiting for iftar or Taraveeh. Some of them, I start becoming fond of them. They shook my hand, and ask questions, as I sat with them. I felt like the times of Prophet (PBUH) where people came in droves with utmost sincerity to Masajid.

Now, I wonder where are they. Middle aged brother who stopped shaving and I could see the white hairs in the growing beard, motivated me to pray salat with more attention, being jealous of his devoution. Aged person whose son brought him to masjid during Iftar time with dificulty that impressed me to start respecting my father more. Brother who wore the most elegant clothes for Salat, and made me shy of standing beside him. Brothers with long beards, floating around with Quran under their arm shaking people's hand.

I remember the group of brothers, who I love from bottom of my heart, would fight over the inches of the first row during Taraveeh. I see them now sitting in the last row for Fard salat. Brothers I know who forced out young man with short beard because their hairs aren't growing fast enough to lead Salat. Behind which Imam they pray their Maghrib Salat today? Taraveeh goers who would frown upon me when I had to go home after 8 rakat to attend a family affair. What is the count of their rakats today?

One night, I was walking out of the Masjid, one brother came upto me, and ask me a question. Now the question was very simple, and I have asked in different cases. He asked, "Salam, Do you know when is Taraveeh tonight?" I said right after I'sha. His got puzzeled. He asked with force this time. "What time?". I replied 9:30 PM for I'sha, and then 9:45 PM for Taraveeh. He said slowly but I could hear him. "Oh ok! 9:45 PM". I knew he was planning on skipping I'sha.

Now, I was born in Pakistan so I used to see this shift in people's life there. In fact, one of my relative has a hotel in Dubai, so I asked him when he was leaving. He replied, "I need to get back before Ramadan, so we can start renovation". I asked why in Ramadan. He explained to me that Dubai prohibits Alcohol and Dance parties during Ramadan, so the business is dead, which makes the perfect time for renovation. It gave the hadith about Satan being chained another meaning altogether. I start imagining Satans walking around in the streets of Dubai, looking for customers. I felt bad for those poor souls in Dubai who couldn't find Alcohol and entertainment during the blessed month. I bet Iblis celebrated Eid like no Human would. Dubai is open for business!

I don't say these things to look down upon them, as I myself missed 3 days of Salat in Masjid, but there has to be sincere love for Allah and Masjid. It is worst in Indian/Pakistani culture, because we have made them part of our culture.

I pray to Allah that I am able to see those brothers before next Ramadan, as I may not be alive until then. More importanly, May Allah allow us to attend Masjid regularly.

JazakAllah
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman

Thursday, September 9, 2010

How to celebrate Eid?

In the name of Allah,

"For every people (nation) there is a feast, and this is our feast (Eid). (Bukhari, Muslim)

Islam has removed the burden of celebrating anniversary, birthdays, etc. and simplified to celebrate two days of Eidain. Our religion, Islam, is so perfect that it provides celebration that does not require spending money, so poorest of the poorest can celebrate. All a person need is a clean piece of cloth, and a Muslim gathering nearby to perform the Eid Salat. Alhamdulilah!

I know that some of you are puzzled on what I just said. Eid being cheap and simple. It is true that we have made Eidain to be a very complicated and expensive affair. However, it is not meant to be such. I would like to share what to do and what NOT to do on Eid.

All men who cover their body, all women who cover their body and head, and all kids are required to attend Eid Salat, except menstruating women. Women who usually don't wear hijab are not required to come for Eid Salat. If someone is poor and can't afford to cover their body, we should try to provide for them. (Fardh)

Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to bring them (women) out on (Eid) al-Fitr and (Eid) al-Adha, and to bring out adolescent girls, menstruating women and virgins, but the menstruating women were to stay away from the prayer, but were to witness goodness and the gathering of the Muslims. I said: “O Messenger of Allaah, what if one of us does not have a jilbaab?” He said: “Let her sister lend her a jilbab.” (Sahih Bukhari Book 8 #347)

No Salat should be performed immediately before or after Eid Salat. (Fardh)

The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) went out and offered a two Rak’aat prayer on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal (radiallahu ‘anhu) was accompanying him. (Bukhari Book 15, Number 104)

No speeches before salat. Two rakat followed by a speech, preferably in a language of the land, so people can understand. (Fardh).

Ibn Abbass (ra) reported: " I participated in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer with the Messenger of Allah (saw), Abu Bakr (ra), Umar (ra) and Uthman (ra), and all of them held Eid prayer before Khutbah, and then the Prophet Muhammad (saw) delivered the Khutbah (sermon)." ( Muslim Book 004, Number 1923)

Imam to preach to women directly after Khutbah. (Recommended)

‘Ata (radiallahu ‘anhu) said, “Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said, ‘The Prophet went out on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr and offered the prayer before delivering the khutba. ‘Ata told me that during the early days of Ibn Az-Zubair, Ibn Abbas had sent a message to him telling him that the Adhan for the ‘Id Prayer was never pronounced (in the life time of Allah’s Messenger) and the khutbah used to be delivered after the prayer. ‘Ata told me that Ibn Abbas and Jabir bin ‘Abdullah had said there was no Adhan for the prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Aqha.’ ‘Ata said, “I heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah saying, ‘The Prophet stood up and started with the prayer, and after it he delivered the khutbah. When the Prophet of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) finished (the khutbah), he went to the women and preached to them, while he was leaning on Bilal’s hand. Bilal was spreading his garment and the ladies were putting alms in it.’” I said to Ata, “Do you think it incumbent upon an Imam to go to the women and preach to them after finishing the prayer and Khutba?” ‘Ata’ said, “No doubt it is incumbent on Imams to do so, and why should they not do so?” (Bukhari Book 15, Number 78)

Men should wear the best of the clothes they have. It doesn't have to be new. So, no need for wasting money on new clothes every year. Perfume is must. (Fardh)

Al-Hassan as-Sibt says: "The Messenger of Allah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) ordered us to wear the best clothes we could find for the two 'ids and to apply the best perfume we could find and to sacrifice the best animal we could find." This is related by al-Hakim and in its chain is Ishaq ibn Barzakh whom al-'Azdi declares to be weak while Ibn Hibban says he is trustworthy.

Women, however, can not dress up attractively when they come for Eid salat, and they have to be covered. (Fardh)

Aisha (RA) reports that Allah's Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes unrecognized (Bukhari Book 8, Number 368).

Women should not use perfume when coming for Eid. (Fardh)

Zainub (RA), the wife of Abdullah bin Masood (RA), reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "If any woman attends the Masjid, she should not use any perfume" (Muslim Book 004, Number 0893)

Women should not adorned themselves with makeup, jewelery, cloths etc. (Fardh)

It is reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was in the Masjid when a woman from the people of Muzaina who had adorned herself came into the Masjid. Upon this Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “O People, prevent your women from wearing attractive garments and walking proudly in the Masjid since the people of Bani Israeel were cursed because of this very action of their women (Ibn Majah)

We should try to avoid contacts with Non-Mahram men or women. This is a general rule that does not change for Eid. Physical contact like shaking hands is haram, and unnecessary conversation should be discouraged. (Recommended)


Malik related to me from Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir that Umayma bint Ruqayqa said, "I went to the Messenger of Allah with the women who took an oath of allegiance with him in Islam. They said, 'Messenger of Allah! We take a pledge with you not to associate anything with Allah, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to kill our children, nor to produce any lie that we have devised between our hands and feet, and not to disobey you in what is known.' The Messenger of Allah said, 'In what you can do and are able.' "

Umayma continued, "They said, 'Allah and His Messenger are more merciful to us than ourselves. Come, let us give our hands to you, Messenger of Allah!' The Messenger of Allah said, 'I do not shake hands with women. My word to a hundred women is like my word to one woman.' "(Muwatta Book 55, Number 55.1.2)

Eat dates before Salat (Suggested)



Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas (radiallahu ‘anhu) also narrated: The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to eat odd number of dates. (Bukhari 2.73)

Return from a different path. No need to go crazy looking for a complete different path, just change as much as you can. (Suggested)


On the Day of Eid the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to return (after offering the Eid prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. (Bukhari Book 15, Number 102)


JazakAllah Khair

A struggling Muslim
Abu Arman

Friday, September 3, 2010

How to establish Islamic State in Modern Age?

In the Name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful

At this moment in time, no country, city, or village exist that can be reffered to as an Islamic State. An Islamic State have to be based completely on Islamic Shariah. However, Islam does exist as a theology that may be practiced by Muslims with various level of devoution.

I had lengthy debates on this topic with Muslims, Non-Muslims, and Athiests alike, and almost everyone is convinced that it is not possible to establish an Islamic state in this age. I beg to differ with this conclusion.

Another opinion is that Muslim countries that calls themselves Islamic republic are Islamic states. That is not the case either. In fact, Al-Saudi Al-Arabiya is not an Islamic state either.
It violates the basic principle of Allah being the ruler. They have kept a royal family that is against all the teachings of Islam. If the Saudi Royal family gives up the rule and form the counsel to choose leader who is best fit to lead, we may see a shift.

So, What is an Islamic state?
An Islamic state is a community where the only ruler exist is Allah. Of course, you need someone to run the Administration of the state, who is called Custodian (Khalifah). His Job is to apply Allah's laws, with guidance from Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH).

Wouldn't this religous state be opressive on people?
No, certainly not. Allah's laws can never be opressive, as his Mercy superceeds his Anger. In practical terms, Islamic Laws are based upon the best balance of rights. It has been proven for centuries of Islamic state that existed with peace and prosperity between 623 AD to 1300 AD. People flocked to Islamic state for education, jobs, safety, conviniences.

Why do we need an Islamic State?
Absence of an Islamic State has slowed down the progress of human research, and increase in crimes, and increase in Women's opression, and decrease health among humans, ... Humans need to be at peace physically and spritually to think on critical problems, and find solutions.

How do we establish an Islamic State?
This is a very difficult question, since there will be many opinions on this. Some will say religous theocracy system need to be established. Some will say secular democracy with a spirit of Shariah would be needed. Both answers are wrong, and are extremes created by human mind.

Humans are not capable of establishing government or run the goverment on their own. They need Allah's guidance to acheive that. So, the Islamic State has to be based on Allah's guidance. However, it cannot be a State where people are not free to chose their religion, as it will violate Allah's command meaning "There is no compulsion in religion".

Fortunately, we have examples of Islamic states, and the best one is Medina under the best Human being ever lived (PBUH). Next best example is Khilafat of Umar (RA). In fact, his custodianship is the best fit for the modern Age. There is alot to be said about that.

Following Article defines the finer points about why Muslims are confused by two extremes, and reacting violently.

http://www.alislam.org/library/articles/Freedom-of-Expression-and-Islamic-Ideals-Sirajul-Haq-Khan.pdf

Religious minded with insufficient knowledge in Islam are frustrated with dominance of Non-Muslim influence, and have been reacting with violence. On the other hand, Secular minded with insufficient spirit of Islam are frustrated with violent reaction by religious extremists, and have been reacting with extreme view of their own to abandon Hijab, beard, Salat, etc and to embrace Alcohol, Music, Cultural slavery.

Both of these reactions are unIslamic, and only hurt further chance of establishing an Islamic state. What is required is a balance of Religous spirit with tolerance.

If one claims that the method used by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is outdated, then they have not understood the ayat where Allah has finalized the revelation. Allah has provided us with a set of rules that do not become obselete with time, and thinking that they do is a grave mistake.

The Plan

Islamic state is made up of communities who are completely submissive to Allah's will. These communities are made up of families who are completely submissive to Allah's will. These families are made up of individual who are completely submissive to Allah's will. As everything else in Islam, establishing an Islamic state is simple and in our hands.

We as individual need to testify that we have no master except Allah, and his will was communicated through Muhammad (PBUH). Then, we have to surrender our wills to go against this testification. We can't have an Imam as master (as a guide may be), can't have a political leader as master (as our servent may be), can't have social standing as master (as our character may be), can't have wealth as master (as a means may be), can't have pleasure as master (as a relief may be). To clarify, if any of the above contradict Allah's command, abandon it without hesitation.

Next, as a family member, we need to stop other family members from commiting Haram. We can't have an attitude of "minding our own business". Islam teaches us to be humble and Curteous, but be direct and true, which means if you walk in to a family gathering where backbiting is happening, immediately speak up politely, and ask them to stop. Also, we need to invite family members towards good actions. If it is time for Salat, ask them to have a jamat. If there is a confrontation between two memners, asked them to say "I seek refuge in Allah, from Shaytan and its influence", and try to solve it. This was the feature of Our Rasool(PBUH) which he was famous for.

Next, as a community memeber, we need to visit Masjid regularly. Once in the Masjid, don't spent time on lengthy discussion, as it is impossible to avoid backbitting and slander if we speak without purpose for more than 3 mintues. Look for oportunity to learn from others, and sometime teach others for what they don't know. One thing that is very common, an always will destroy communities, is to find like minded company. This creates factions. We have to make effort to communicate with people who don't agree with us. Never! I repeat never use the labels such as "Arab", "Desi" "Salafi", "Hanafi", "Brelwi", "Tablighi", even if no one is around. Our human psychology learn from what we say, and if we say it enough times, it records it as a perception.

Everyday we wake up, we should have 3 objectives.

- How can I oppress my will today in favour of Allah's will?

- How can I convince a family member towards Halal and away from Haram?

- How can I make a difference in the community?

This process can take upto approx 20 years.

At the end of 20 years, we should have at least 2 or 3 indivduals who can be chosen as a leader, and they will be so sincere that they will not want to become leader unless compelled. Once they become our leader, they will start the next stage of building a State of Islam. Non-Muslims will be already attracted towards Muslims for their beautiful character and perfect solutions, so this is an inside out revolution. Peaceful but strong.

If you have not noticed yet, this is exactly how our Prophet (PBUH) built a State. He was a human builder, and the humans he built were like Super Humans that Non-Muslims travelled far distances just to meet them.

How to begin?
Take an oath today to remove doubt, and become sincere towards learning and then implementing Islam in the life

Where to register?
Report 5 times a day to local Masjid.

Intention of these words are to spark thoughts and ideas, and not to present a strict opinion.

JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani