WOMAN IN ISLAM - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
WOMAN IN ISLAM
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear Muslims:
In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine
revelation echoed in the wide desert of Arabia with a fresh, noble, and
universal message to humanity: "O Mankind, keep your duty to your Lord who
has created you from a single soul and from it has created its mate (of same
kind) and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women" (4: 1).
Stressing this noble and natural conception, the Qur'an states:
"It is He has created you from a single person (Adam) and then He has
created from him his wife (Eve), that he might enjoy the pleasure of living
with her" (7:189). Allah (SWT) also says: "The Creator of heavens and
earth. He has made for you pairs from yourselves" (42:11).
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:
Woman has a high status as a wife. Among the most impressive verses in
the Qur'an about marriage is the following: "And among His signs is this:
That He created wives for you from yourselves that you may find repose in them,
and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed are
signs for a people who reflect." (30:2 1).
According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone
without their consent.
Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad
(PBUH), and she reported that her father had forced her to marry without her
consent. The Messenger of God gave her the choice . . . (between accepting the
marriage or invalidating it). (Ahmed). In another version, the girl said:
"Actually I accept this marriage but I wanted to let women know that
parents have no right (to force a husband on them)" (Ibn Maja).
Dear Muslims:
The Holy Qur'an thus states that wives have the same rights as they
have to fulfil certain duties towards their husbands. Allah (SWT) says:
"And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men
are a degree above them." (2:228). Such degree is Quiwama (maintenance and
protection). This refers to that natural difference between the sexes which
entitles the weaker sex to protection. It implies no superiority or advantage
before the law. Yet, man's role of leadership in relation to his family does
not mean the husband's dictatorship over his wife.
Islam emphasizes the importance of taking counsel and mutual agreement
in family decisions. The Qur'an gives us an example: "...If they (husband
wife) desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation,
there is no blame on them..." (Qur'an 2: 233).
Over and above woman’s basic rights as a wife comes the right which is
emphasized by the Qur'an and is strongly recommended by the Prophet (PBUH);
kind treatment and companionship. Allah (SWT) says: "...But consort with
them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing
wherein God has placed much good." (4: l9).
Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: The best of you is the best to
his family and I am the best among you to my family. Also: "The most
perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are
best to their wives". (Ahmed)
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:
The Holy Qur'an has a special recommendation for the good treatment of
mothers. Allah (SWT) says: "And we have enjoined upon man (to be good) to
his parents: His mother bears him in weakness upon weakness..." (31:14).
In fact, Islam consides kindness to parents next to the worship of God:
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none save Him, and that you be
kind to your parents. . ." (17:23 ).
A man came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
asking: O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good
company? The Prophet (PBUH) said, Your mother. The man said then who else: The
Prophet (PBUH) said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? Only then did
the Prophet (PBUH) say, Your father. "
Furthermore, a famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise
is at the feet of mothers." (In Al'Nisa'I, Ibn Majah and Ahmad).
Dear Muslims:
Islam also gives woman her much care as a daughter and as a sister.
Among the sayings of Prophet: “Whosoever supports two daughters till they
mature, he and I will come in the day of judgment as this (and he pointed with
his two fingers held together)”. A similar Hadeeth deals in like manner with
one who supports two sisters. (Ahmed).
Dear Muslims:
As far as the commands of the Holy Qur’an are concerned, there is no
difference between man and woman. The phrase: “O believers” or “O you who
believe” is always used in the Holy Qur’an to include both males and females.
Some verses explain literally that the same command given to men is also given
to women. An example for this is verses No. 30 and 31 in Surat An-Nur (24). The
two verses can be translated as: “Tell the believing men to lower their gazes
(from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts” (24:30),
and, “And tell the believing women to lower their gazes (from looking at
forbidden things), and protect their private parts”. (24:31). Another example is
the verse: “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His
Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their
decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed
into a plain error”. (33:36).
Dear Brothers
And Sisters In Islam:
The verse quoted
above (33:36) teaches all Muslims, males and females, the importance of
yielding to Allah’s will. Submission to Allah’s commands gives life to our
hearts and souls. The Holy Qur’an says: “O you who believe! Answer Allah (by
obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you
life”. Muslims thus cannot neglect answering the commands of Allah (SWT) and
His Messenger (PBUH). This is more stressed with regard to the ordinances of Islam.
For women, one of these religious duties is putting on the Hijab (veil).
This is the explicit instruction of the Holy Quran: “O Prophet! Tell your wives
and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils)
all over their bodies (to cover all their bodies except their faces and the two
hands up to the wrists)”. (33:59). Moreover, Allah (SWT) says: “And (tell the
believing women) to draw their veils all over their bodies (except the faces
and two hands aup to the wrists)”. (24:31). Hijab is thus a religious
obligation that a Muslim woman cannot miss. All Muslim Mathahib (schools
of thought) agree on this. It hurts and pains Muslims severely if they are
deprived from fulfilling any one of the precepts (fra’id) of their religion. Thus,
we hope that people in power all over the world guarantee the religious freedom
of Muslim women to practise the obligation of Hijab.
May Allah (SWT)
forgive, guide and bless us all (Ameen)
Wife's Rights in Islam - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Wife's Rights in Islam
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear Muslims:
Marriage in Islam is
an important institution that has deep effects on society. Marriage is a bond containing
rights and duties that each person, male or female, should preserve, protect
and fulfil. Both the husband and wife, have certain rights and duties. Allah
said:
"And live with
them honourably."[4:19 ].
Each of them must
fulfil his or her duties for the marriage to succeed. Allah said:
"And they (women)
have rights (over their husbands) similar (to those of their husbands) over
them as regards to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of
responsibility) over them.) [2:228].
Women must fulfil
their duties towards their husbands. Men must treat their wives fairly and
fulfil their duties towards them, too. A happy marriage is assured if both the
husband and the wife preserve each other’s rights. A marriage that does the
opposite is a miserable one.
The Sunah of the
Prophet is full of advice of what brings about a successful marriage. He (SAW)
said: "Treat women fairly. The woman was created from a bent rib. The most
bent part of the rib is the top. If you want to straighten it, you will break it.
If you left it, it will stay bent. So treat women fairly." [Al- Bukhari
& Muslim]. In this Hadith, the Prophet orders men to be fair with their
wives and to treat them in the best manner. He described forcing a woman to
change some of her attitudes as breaking the rib, and breaking the rib here
means divorce. The Prophet was seeking to protect marriage from what may
destroy it. He said: "No Mu'min (believer) should dislike his believing
wife. If he does not like her attitude (in some matters), (then) he will like
another." [Muslim].
The Prophet advises
men as how to have a good marriage. Men must ignore some of their wives
mistakes and attitudes as long as they are not sins. The Prophet acknowledges
that changing these attitudes is difficult. Women, Just like men, are not
perfect. To enjoy marriage, men must forgive the bad attitudes and habits, and
remember, the good ones. Surely in most cases, the good sides are more than the
bad sides. For the husband to hate his wife, ignoring the good in her, means the
destruction of their marriage. Many men want their wives to be perfect. This is
not possible to achieve. If men ignore this fact, then misery and depression
will fill their marriage, and this may lead to divorce. The Prophet advises the
believers to protect their marriage by correcting the impermissible behaviour
of their wives, and not force change in matters that are not sins.
Dear Muslims:
Today we will consider the main obligations
imposed by Islam up on the husband toward his wife and insha`allah in a coming
khutbah we will discuss those of the wife toward her husband. The chief rights
of wives are as follow:
Dowry:
In Islam the
man presents his wife with a dowry they have mutually agreed upon, at the time
of marriage. The amount varies according to his means and generosity, and his
wife has the right to spend, save or remit any part of it. Allah (SWT) says in
the Quran:
"And give to the
women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatorybridal-money given by the husband
to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart, but if they, of their
own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it, and enjoy it without
fear of any harm (as Allah has made it lawful). (An-Nisa’ 4:4)
Maintenance:
Women have been
entrusted by Allah (SWT) with the task of providing a peaceful, comfortable
home environment for the breadwinner who works for their provisions outside the
home all day long.
It is one of the extraordinary beauties of Islam that by entrusting the male to
the position of protector and provider, it frees the woman, who is burdened
with the long cycle of bearing, giving birth to, nursing and raising children,
from having to assume the extra burden of her own and her children’s support,
which is unjust and a tremendous hardship.
While a woman must obey her husband, as long as he does not ask anything
forbidden of her, and guard his possessions while he is away from the house,
and handle his money as he wishes, she must also be faithful, trustworthy and
honest.
A wife is regarded as a source of love, peace and compassion, as stated in the
Quran:
"And among His
Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you
may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy.
Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect." (Ar-Rum 30:21)
"…But the father
of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a
reasonable basis. No person shall
have
a burden laid on him greater than he can bear” (Al-Baqarah 2:233). Once the
prophet (SAW) was asked:
"’O Messenger of
Allah (SAW), what right can a wife demand of her husband?’ He replied, ‘that
you should give her food when you eat, clothe her when you clothe yourself, not
strike her on the face, and do not insult her or separate form her except in
the house.’" (Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and Abu Dawud). In another
occasion;
"A woman came to
the Prophet (SAW) complaining of her husband, ‘Messenger of Allah (SAW), Abu
Sufyan is a niggardly man who does not give me and my son enough; except what I
take from him without his knowledge.’ He replied, ‘Take what is enough for you
and your son according to what is ma’roof (well-known in your society).’"
(Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Good Treatment, Consideration and Companionship:
Allah (SWT)
instructs men that they must be compassionate and kind to their wives:
"…They are Libas
[i.e. body cover (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with her as in Verse
7:189) Tafsir At-Tabari], for you and your are the same for them…" (Al
Baqarah 2:187)
"It is He Who has
created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He has created form him his
wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her…"
(Al-A’raf 7:189)
This
meaning that a wife and a husband are meant for mutual support, mutual comfort,
and mutual protection of each other.
Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) also said:
"The best of you
are those who are best to the women." (Sahih At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah)
The best
husband is one who provides his wife with true leadership without harshness, or
laxness, and who does not misuse his authority and strength. Even if the
behaviour of a wife should become hard to live with (for she may not always be
in strong health and of cheery disposition), the man is asked to be patient and
kind to her. Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who
believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should
not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr (dowry,
bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) you have
given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with
them honourably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and
Allah brings through it a great deal of good." (An-Nisa’ 4:19 )
A wife has the right
to her husband’s attention, companionship and time. The husband should try to
please his wife and make her happy, taking into consideration her needs,
wishes, likes and dislikes, and making time for relaxation and recreation
together.
The Right to Adequate Sexual Relations:
Since the
purpose of marriage is to be a mutual source of comfort, peace, and enjoyment
for each other, like a garment that protects and cover, the sexual aspect of
marriage is an extension of this. The husband is asked to be gentle,
considerate and loving with his wife, and to try to satisfy her needs. The wife
must reserve herself exclusively for her husband, and make efforts to be
attractive, as well as making herself available to him whenever he is in need
of her. This latter obligation also applies to the husband. In Islam, any
sexual relations are reserved EXCLUSIVELY for the confines of marriage. Both
husband and wife are also obligated to honour the privacy of the intimate
relations between them, and should not speak of them to anyone. Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) said:
"Verily among the
worst people before Allah on the Day of Judgment is a man who approaches his
wife sexually and she responds and then he spreads her secrets." (Sahih
Muslim)
The Prophet
(SAW) also declared that having sexual intercourse with one’s wife is like
giving charity. It is very important to play and sport with one’s wife before
having sex, as the Prophet (SAW) told Jabir,
"Why
did you not marry a virgin, with whom you could play and who would play with you?"
(Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The Right to Learning Matters of the Deen :
A husband’s
duty is to teach his wife the essential knowledge of Islam, in particular
matters pertaining to women. If he does not know himself, then he must buy her
books and tapes that would teach her or let her go to study circles where she
can acquire that knowledge. She cannot leave the house without his permission.
However, he should not prevent her from going to the Masjid (Mosque). Allah’s
Messenger (SAW) said:
"Do not prevent
the female servants of Allah from visiting the mosques of Allah, but they may
go out (to the mosque) having not perfumed themselves." (Ahmad and Abu
Dawud)
"…Their houses are better for them." (Abu Dawud)
The Right to Be Just With All the Wives:
The Prophet
(SAW) said: "When a man has two
wives and does not treat them equally he will come on the Day of Resurrection
with a side hanging down." (At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud)
The wives have
the right to equal number of nights and equal amount of wealth.
The husband
should also respect his wife’s relatives, consider her consultation and even
try to assist her in the Household.
We
ask Allah (SWT) to help us to fulfil our duties toward the others, to improve
ourselves and to forgive us all (Ameen).
What next after the month of Ramadan - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
What next after the month of Ramadanthe month of
Ramadan
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear Muslims:
How fast are the days and nights pass!
Such is the nature of this infinite world. It does not stay on one condition.
That is the Law of Allah on His creature. Everything moves according to its
appointed time. This reality is recognized by people of understanding and
reason. They as a result, take lessons from that. Allah (SWT) says, “Verily, in
the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and
day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.” (Aal-Imran: 190).
Ramadan will soon end as it is an
itinerant guest. Alas, Ramadan will go while some people have gained profits
thereof and others have incurred loss. Ramadan will go and with it will go our
deeds. Let him who has done good deeds during Ramadan continue on the same path
and let him who has been negligent endeavour to end his life with good deeds
for acts are judged according to their ends.
May the peace of Allah be upon the month
of fasting and night prayers! May the peace of Allah be upon the month of the
Qur’an and the remembrance of Allah! It has passed like the twinkling of an
eye, yet while it was here it was an arena for those who race to do good deeds.
Dear Muslims:
Islamic religion entails lofty and
unparalleled meanings and aims and among the major aims of fasting is that it
is a means of attaining piety in all its forms. So learn from your fasting
strong will to do good deeds, refine your character and reform yourself
inwardly and outwardly. Endeavour to rectify what has been damaged and
strengthen what has weakened.
There are many verses in the Glorious
Qur’an that call to uprightness in good deeds and firmness on the true
guidance. Allah (SWT) says, “So stand you firm and straight (on the religion of
Islamic monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn
in repentance (unto Allah) with you and transgress not Allah’s legal limits.”
(Hood: 112).
This is the divine admonition addressed
to individuals and societies that includes standing firm on the teachings of
Islam, abiding by its limits and obeying its laws. Then listen to the Prophet’s
admonition in this regard: A Bedouin man asked the Messenger of Allah: “Tell me
a word in Islam, which I will have no need to ask any other person after you.”
The Messenger of Allah answered “Say: I believe in Allah and stand firm on that.”
This is an admonition that guarantees a satisfying life for the Muslim nation
and is capable of actualising an eternal happiness for them. Allah (SWT) says,
“Verily, those who say our Lord is (only) Allah
and thereafter stand firm and straight (on the Islamic faith of
monotheism), on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the
dwellers of Paradise , abiding therein
(forever) a reward for what they used to do.” (Al-Ahqaf: 13 – 14).
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:
The fear of straying away from the right
path was the main concern of the people of proper understanding and the way of
those with sound minds and those firmly grounded in knowledge, those who desire
for themselves means of access to their Lord, fear His punishment and hope for
His mercy. Allah mentioned in the Qur’an how they supplicate and ask His help
to remain steadfast and keep away from deviation as in the verse, which means,
“It is He, Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are Verses that are
entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book (verses including
commandments and penal laws); and others not entirely clear. So as for those on
whose hearts there is a deviation they follow that which is not entirely clear
thereof, seeking trials and seeking its hidden meanings, but none knows its
hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge
say, ‘We believe in it, the whole of it is from our Lord’. And none receive
admonition except men of understanding. (They say) Our Lord! Let not our hearts
deviate after You have guided us, and grant us from Your Mercy. Truly, You are
the Bestower” (Aal ‘Imran: 7-8).
Dear Muslims:
This supplication which reflects humility
and humbleness to Allah, was the supplication of the best of creation, our
Prophet (PBUH). Uttering this supplication is an indication of perfect
imitation of the Prophet (PBUH), as ‘Um Salamah, (RAA), said, ‘The Prophet
(PBUH) used to repeatedly say this supplication, “O Controller of the hearts!
Make my heart steadfast upon Your religion” so I asked him, ‘O Prophet of
Allah! Do hearts fluctuate?’ He said, “Yes, all mankind’s hearts are between
two of the fingers of Allah. If Allah wills He maintains a man’s steadfastness,
and if He wills He deviates him” (Ahmad & Tirmithi).
Likewise, in the narration of Anas (RAA) he
said, ‘The Prophet (PBUH) used to repeatedly say, “O Controller of the hearts!
Make my heart steadfast upon Your religion” so I said to him, ‘O Prophet of
Allah! We believed in you and in what you came with; do you fear that we may
deviate?’ He said, “Yes, all mankind’s hearts are between two of the fingers of
Allah. He changes them as He pleases” (Tirmithi & Ibn Maajah).
Dear Muslims:
If the Prophet (PBUH) feared a change of
heart of those who were the cream of Muslims, the pioneers of Islam, the ones
firmly grounded in faith, with strong certainty in Allah and sincere servitude
to Him and are the best of all generations, as the Prophet informed us; if this
fear was regarding those people, then how would the case be concerning those
who came after them, especially people in our era? This era during which trials
are plentiful and successive; falsehood has spread everywhere under decorated
banners; doubts and desires attacked people’s hearts; misguiding temptations
have attacked people through what they see, read and hear; and deviant ways
have become strong and taken control over people’s minds and hearts.
Further, innovations have spread among
other Muslims, and new practices, which are not a part of Islam, have been added
to it. In some cases, their traditions and customs have been made a part of
Islam, as well as acts of worship, which have no basis in our religion, have
been invented, through which they hope to come closer to Allah and gain His
reward.
Dear Muslimls:
Our righteous predecessors used to exert
maximum effort in perfecting their acts of worship and had grave concerns
regarding their acceptance or rejection. ‘Ali Ibn Abi Taalib warned: “Have a
greater concern for the acceptance of your deeds than you do for the amount of
deeds you have performed. Do not you hear the saying of Allah: ‘Indeed, Allah
accepts only from the righteous” (Al Ma’idah: 27).
O Allah! have mercy on us all, help us to
be always steadfast on obedience, bless and forgive us all (Ameen).
Warning Against Adultery And Fornication - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Warning Against Adultery And
Fornication
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear Muslims: The religion of Islam was revealed complete in order to perfect
Allah’s blessings on mankind, and guarantee the highest form of grace and
kindness. It orders that conditions be improved, and that people be generous.
It warns against useless and time-wasting speech and actions. It brought all
that can beautify the slave of Allah, and decorate him, and all that can
distance him from anything that may defile him and disgrace him.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah is generous
and gracious, and he loves the generous, gracious people, and He loves the ones
who strive to better the state of affairs and He hates useless and time-wasting
speech and actions.” (At-Tabarani).
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam: One of Islam’s greatest goals is to establish the abstention from
what is forbidden, create virtuousness, purity and to implant good-doing and
charity in the community, and the distancing from vice and indecency. And from
here Islam has been careful to distance people from their animalistic desires
and Satanic manners.
Allah (SWT) says, “And let those who find
not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste until Allah
enriches them of His Bounty.” (An-Noor:
33). Ibn Abbaas narrated in his account of Abu Sufyan and Qaesar, “Abu Sufyan
said, ‘And he orders us to worship Allah without associating any partners with
Him and forbids us from worshipping that which our forefathers worshipped, and
he orders us to perform prayers, give charity, be chaste, keep our promises,
and to return trusts to their rightful owners.” (Bukhari & Muslim).
At-Tirmidhi relates that the prophet said, “The first three to enter paradise
were shown to me: A martyr, a chaste person, and a slave who perfected his
worship of Allah and remained faithful to his master.”
The chastity of Islam is what restrains the
human behaviour from deteriorating into the following of despicable desires. It
looks after one’s interests, curbs one’s desires and prevents one from slipping
into error and lack of discipline. This chastity finds expression in human
decency and there appears in it purity, and human virtue. This chastity is related
to the achievement of manhood and authority. At the time one’s spirit is
strengthened by performing good deeds, good personal manners, good habits,
leaving behind the filth and immorality, tolerating its observance in keeping
up good habits, and leaving the degrading and despicable.
Dear
Muslims: Islam concentrates on the foundation of chastity to protect honour
and majesty. At that time the human will remain strong-willed, and courageous.
So don’t yield to your desire, and don’t obey it.
Guarding chastity from immorality is one
thing that can purify the soul, bring peace to nations, and maintain security.
Allah (SWT) says, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze, and protect
their private parts. That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what
they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their
private parts.” (An-Noor: 30).
Allah (SWT) praised those who guard their
chastity, and made that a sign of supreme success. Allah says, “Successful
indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers in al solemnity and
full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil
vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay the
Zakaat. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal
sexual acts.)” (Al-Mu’minoon: 1).
The
Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever guarantees for me (that) what is between his legs
and what is between his two beards (i.e. between the left and right sides of
his beards: meaning his mouth)[i.e. will perform no act of indiscretion]. I
guarantee for him paradise.” (Bukharie). He also said, “If a woman prays five
times daily, and fasts her month (of Ramadaan), and guards her chastity, and
obeys her husband, it will be said to her, ‘Enter Paradise by any door you
like.’”
Dear Muslims: The greatest thing that destroys this guard of chastity is
fornication, so it is one of the biggest sins and greatest transgressions.
And Allah (SWT) warned against fornication
and described its awful description and it’s
result of utter destruction, He says, “And those who invoke not any
other god along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except
for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse – and whoever does this
shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of
Resurrection, and he will abide there in disgrace. Except those who repent and
believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds…” (Al-Furqan: 68). He (SWT) also says, “And
come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a transgression
of Allah’s limits, and an evil way.”
(Al-Israa’: 32).
Fornication is incompatible with the
characteristics of the faithful believer and repulsive to the pious and the
God-fearing. Allah (SWT) says, “The adulterer marries not but an adulteress or
a Mushrikah (polytheist woman) and the adulteress none marries her except an
adulterer or a Mushrik (polytheist man). Such a thing is forbidden to the
believers.” (An-Noor: 3).
Dear Muslims: Fornication is usually associated with the performance of other
acts of disobedience to Allah and it guarantees all forms of harm. By way of
fornication, mortal diseases become prevalent in the community, and different
kinds of afflictions and trials appear, and the good god-fearing family is
non-existent, blessings become scarce, not to mention the estrangement and
enmity between human beings, the spread of multifarious diseases.
Listen, then, to the light of the Prophet
Muhammad’s revelation; it speaks about these evil effects and warns against
these dangers and evils. The Prophet said, “My nation will remain well as long
as there is not a prevalence of children born out of wedlock, and if there is
such a prevalence they will be on the point of receiving Allah’s punishment.”
(Ahmad).
May Allah (SWT) bless, guide and forgive us
all (Ameen).
True Love For Allah - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
True
Love For Allah
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear Muslims: Allâh (SWT) says:
“Say: If you truly love Allâh, then follow
me, and Allâh will love you.” [3:31 ]
This âyah is also known as Ayatul-Mahabbah
(the âyah about love). Al-Hasan al-Basrî said, “The people claimed that they
loved Allâh, so Allâh the Most High revealed the âyah about mahabbah (love),
“Say: If you truly love Allâh, then follow me, and Allâh will love you.” So
this âyah indicates the proofs and evidences for mahabbah and its fruits and
benefits. So from the proofs of mahabbah and its clear signs is: to follow the
Messenger (PBUH); and from its fruits and its benefits is that Allâh (SWT) will
love you. So whosoever does not seek to follow the Prophet (PBUH), then such a person will not attain
the love of Allâh (SWT).
Dear Muslims: There are certain characteristics of True Love for Allah. He (SWT)
says:
“O you who believe! If any of you turns
back from his religion (then wait) Allâh will create a people who will love Him
and He will love them, who will be soft and gentle with the Believers and harsh
with the (transgressing) disbelievers, who will fight in the path of Allâh, and
will not be afraid of the blame from the blamers.” [5:54 ]
Here, Allâh (SWT) has mentioned four
characteristics of those who love Him:
Firstly and Secondly: they are gentle and
soft towards the Believers. It is said that this means: to be merciful,
compassionate and kind. ’Atâ‘ (d.114H) – rahimahullâh – said, “A Believer’s
gentleness for another Believer is like that of a child towards his father, or
a slave towards his beloved master.
Thirdly, Jihâd in the Path of Allâh with
the soul, the hand, the tongue, and with wealth and property. This is the
characteristic by which the true mahabbah is ascertained.
Fourthly, they are not afraid of the blame
and reproach of the blamers. This being the truest characteristic of mahabbah.
If the one claiming mahabbah, whilst loving his beloved, fears the blames and
reproaches or others, then this is in reality, not considered to be true
mahabbah. In another verse Allâh the Most High says:
“Those whom they call upon, themselves
desire the wasîlah (means of approach) to their Lord to which of them should be
nearest. They hope for His mercy and fear His punishment.” [17:57 ]
Here, three levels which are linked to
mahabbah have been mentioned, [i] Love, which is desiring to seek nearness to
Him; [ii] at-Tawassul (seeking the means of approach) to Him, through righteous
and correct actions; [iii] Hope and fear, a proof of desiring the means of
approach to Him through righteous and correct actions is that such actions are
done hoping in His mercy and also fearing His punishment.
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam: People have discussed (at lengths) about mahabbah - its causes, its
signs, its fruits, its supports and its rulings. The most comprehensive of what
has been said about this is what Abû Bakr al-Katânî relates from al-Junayd
(d.297H): Abû Bakr al-Katânî said:
A discussion about mahabbah took place in
Makkah, during pilgrimage season. The Shaykhs who were present spoke about this
topic, and al-Junayd being the youngest of them. They said to him: What do you
say, O ’Irâqî? So al-Junayd lowered his head and tears were gushing from his
eyes, then he said:
“A servant should overcome his soul, and be
continuous in the remembrance of his Lord, establishing the rights of his Lord,
focusing upon Him with his heart. So when he talks, it is due to Allâh, when he
speaks, it is from Allâh, when he moves, it is by the Command of Allâh, and
when he is serene, then it is from Allâh, He belongs to Allâh, is for Allâh and
is with Allâh.” Upon hearing, the Shaykhs all started weeping, and they said:
There is nothing left to add to that, may Allâh reward you O Crown of the
Knowledgeable Ones.”
Dear Muslims: Amongst the reasons which cause mahabbah of Allâh (SWT) to develop,
are ten: Firstly: Reciting the Qur‘ân, reflecting and understanding its meaning
and its intent.
Secondly: Drawing closer to Allâh (SWT)
through optional deeds, after fulfilling the obligatory duties. Here it may be
beneficial to quote a Prophetic tradition in which Abû Hurayrah (RAA) relates
that the Messenger of Allâh (PBUH) said:
“Allâh - the Most High - has said:
Whosoever shows enmity to a friend of Mine, I shall be at war with him. My
servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the
obligatory duties. And My servant continues to draw near to Me with the optional
actions, so that I shall love him. So when I love him I am his hearing with
which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes
and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask something of Me, I would
surely give it to him; and were he to ask Me for shelter, I would surely grant
him it.”
(Related by al-Bukhârî)
Thirdly: Being continuous in the dhikr
(remembrance) of Allâh (SWT), with the tongue, the heart and the limbs - under
all circumstances. The more constant the dhikr, the more mahabbah develops and
intensifies.
Fourthly: Giving precedence to what Allâh
(SWT) loves over personal loves, when being overcome by desires.
Fifthly: Contemplating and deliberating
over the Names and Attributes of Allâh (SWT).
Sixthly: Recognising and remembering the
favours and bounties of Allâh (SWT) - both the manifest and hidden.
Seventhly: To be humble and submissive
before Allâh (SWT) - and this is the greatest matter.
Eightly: To be in seclusion reciting the
Qur‘ân, during that time in which Allâh (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven
(which is the last third of every night), finishing this recitation with
seeking Allâh’s forgiveness and repenting to Him.
Ninthly: To sit in the gatherings of true
and sincere lovers of Allâh (SWT), reaping the fruits of their speech, and not
to speak except if there is benefit in it and that you know that such talk will
increase you in goodness and that it will benefits others as well.
And Tenthly: To stay clear of all those
causes which distances the heart from Allâh - the Mighty and Majestic.
May Allah (SWT) grant us His true love and
sincere obedience, guide and forgive us all (Ameen).
There Shall Be No Infliction Of Harm On Oneself Or Others - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
There Shall Be No Infliction
Of Harm On Oneself Or Others
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear Muslims:
Since God (Allah) is the absolute and the sole master of men and the
universe, and since He has given each man human dignity and honor, and breathed
into him of His own spirit, it follows that men are essentially the same. In
fact, the only differences between them are such artificial ones as
nationality, color, or race. Thus, all human beings are equal and form one
universal community that is united in its submission and obedience to God
(Allah). The center of this universal brotherhood is the Islamic confession of
the oneness of God (Allah) that, by extension, includes the oneness and
brotherhood of humanity.
An Islamic state may be established
anywhere. While the state is geographically limited, the human rights and
privileges granted to humanity by God (Allah) are not. God (Allah) in the
Qur'an states that these are universal and fundamental, and that all
individuals are to enjoy and observe them under all circumstances.
Allah (SWT) says:
“O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for God (Allah), as witnesses to
fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong
and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety, and fear God (Allah).
For God (Allah) is well-acquainted with all that ye do”. (Qur'an 5:8). Human
blood is sacred in any case and cannot be spilled without justification.
Violating this rule is equivalent to killing all of humanity:
“..if anyone slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading
mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people”. (Qur'an
5:32).
It is not permissible to oppress women, children, old people, the sick
or the wounded. Women's honor and chastity are to be respected under all
circumstances. The hungry must be fed, the naked clothed, and the wounded or
diseased given medical treatment regardless of their pro- or anti-Muslim
sentiments and activities. In Islam, human rights are granted by God (Allah),
not by kings or legislative assemblies, and therefore they can never be taken
away or changed, even temporarily, for any reason. Every Muslim is required to
accept them and recognize the people's right to have them enforced and obeyed.
Dear Muslims:
One’s honor should also be protected, Allah (swt) says:
“O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: it may
be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor let some women laugh at
others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor defame
nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames
... Avoid suspicion as much (as possible) : for suspicion in some cases is a
sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their
backs”. (Qur'an 49:11-12).
Thus, Islam guarantees privacy:
“Do not enter any houses unless you are sure of their occupant's
consent”. (Qur'an 24:27) .
In Islam, as has been stated earlier, an individual's power and
authority is a trust from God (Allah). This is an awesome responsibility for a
person, for he must use this trust in a way that is acceptable to God (Allah)
or else suffer the consequences. This was acknowledged by Abu Bakr, who said in
his very first address : “Cooperate with me when I am right, and correct me
when I commit error. Obey me so long as I follow the commandments of Allah and
His Prophet (pbuh), but turn away from me when I deviate.
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:
Islam also allows complete freedom of thought and expression, provided
that it does not involve spreading that which is harmful to individuals and the
society at large. For example, the use of abusive or offensive language in the
name of criticism is not allowed. In the days of the Prophet (pbuh), the
Muslims used to ask him about certain matters. If he had received no revelation
on that particular issue, they were free to express their personal opinions.
Moreover, Islam calls for freedom of Conscience and Conviction. God
(Allah) states:
“Let there be no compulsion in religion. (Qur'an 2:256)
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:
Islam recognizes the right of the needy to demand help from those who
are more fortunate :
“And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of (the
needy), him who asked, and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from
asking)”. (Qur'an 51:19)
Also, Islam gives its citizens the right to absolute and complete
equality in the eyes of the law. According to the Islamic concept of justice,
absolutely no one is above the law, for all men are equal. This point was made
in a very dramatic fashion by the Prophet (pbuh) himself. One day, a woman
belonging to a high and noble family was arrested in connection with a theft.
The case was brought to the Prophet (pbuh) with the recommendation that she be
spared the mandated punishment for theft (amputation of the hand). The Prophet
(pbuh) replied : “The nations that lived before you were destroyed by God
(Allah) because they punished the common man for their offenses and let their
dignitaries go unpunished for their crimes. I swear by Him Who holds my life in
His hand that even if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad (pbuh), had committed
this crime, I would have amputated her hand.”
Dear Muslims:
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah states :
“Who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation”. (Qur'an 42:38)
This procedure is known as shura, which is usually translated as
“consultation.” In practice, it means that the executive head of the government
and the members of the assembly should be elected by free and independent
choice of the people.
Lastly, Islam seeks to achieve the above-mentioned human rights and
many others through the provision of certain legal safeguards, but primarily
through calling upon individuals to transcend their lower animal-like instincts
so that they can go beyond mere ties fostered by the kinship of blood, racial
superiority, linguistic arrogance, and economic privilege. Islam urges man to
move on to a plane of existence where, by reason of his inner excellence, he
can realize the ideal of the brotherhood of man. May Allah (swt) bless, guide
and forgive us all (Ameen).