Da'wah Attitude

"Eat Little, Be Cautious, and Constantly Remember Allāh"

2010-12-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Extracted from the book :"The manners of the knowledge seeker"

Ibn Jamā’ah said:

“From the best ways to help yourself understand the knowledge you are dealing with and to prevent boredom from it is to eat very little, and from what is halāl."

Ash-Shāfi’ī said:

“For the past sixteen years, I never ate my fill.”

The reason for this is that eating excessively leads to excessive drinking and sleeping, dulling of the senses, and laziness of the body. This is all in addition to the fact that doing so is disliked in the Sharī’ah, and exposes the body to all types of dangerous disease as it was said: Indeed, most of the diseases you see Are from eating and drinking… And none of the famous scholars or awliyā’ were ever described as having eaten much, or was ever praised for doing so. Rather, excessive eating is a trait of mindless animals.

A person’s intellect is the source of his deeds, and it is too noble to be hampered and wasted by such a despicable thing as excess food. If there were no downside to eating too much other than that it forces one to use the bathroom, this would’ve been enough for the intelligent one to steer clear of such a practice. And whoever attempts to be successful in seeking knowledge while insisting upon excessive eating, drinking, and sleeping is attempting the impossible.”

Ibn Qudāmah (may Allāh have Mercy on him) said:

“The desire of the stomach is the most destructive of them all, and it is what caused Ādam (peace be upon him) to exit Paradise, and from the desire of the stomach comes the desire for sex and wealth. These leads to many problems, all the result of satisfying one’s appetite."

‘Uqbah ar-Rāsibī said: “I entered upon al-Hasan while he was eating, and he said: “Come eat with me.” I said: “I have already eaten until I can eat no more.” He said: “Subhān Allāh! Does the Muslim eat until he can eat no more?!””

[Tadhkirat as-Sāmi’ wal-Mutakallim’]

Eating in moderation consists of raising one’s hands from the table while he is still a bit hungry. This strengthens the body and wards off disease, and this is because such a person does not reach for food unless he is hungry for it, and raises his hands back while he is still hungry for it. However, eating too little can also weaken you, and some people were so deficient in what they ate that this caused them to be lax in their obligations. Out of their ignorance, they thought this to be something good while this was not the case, since those who praised and encouraged hunger were referring to moderate hunger that we have described above.”

[‘Mukhtasar Minhāj al-Qāsidīn’]

5 misconceptions about Islaam

2010-12-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

These are the common misconceptions people have about Islaam

1. The word Allaah - الله - actually means moon-god!

No, it doesn't.

The whole concept of people thinking that Allaah means the moon-god or the god of the pagans has no basis in any authentic historical records. It was rather the people who couldn't explain Islaam forged the lie.

If it really were the case then there should have been some Arab poetry at the least to point it out talking about this so called moon-god.

The word الله is the name of God in Arabic. If you visit any country where there are Jews, and they speak Arabic, or if you meet Arab Christians, they all refer to god as Allaah -الله- in their books or speech.

And it is a known fact that the Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God -الله-.

2. Islaam is synonymous with terrorism

Terrorism is NOT a part of Islaam, and there isn't a single verse that commands us Muslim to terrorise others. And it has been in the history of every nation and religion, that they will use their ideology to support their cause, their struggle. If so was the case that Muslims areterrorists then why do we find a handful of people that are committing terror in the name of their religion? There is no scripture revealed or even a part of it that promotes terrorism. Yes, not even Quran.

There were Muslims too who died in 9/11.

It's also unfair that when a non Muslim terrorizing, his religion isn't attacked.

3. Islaam subjugates the women

The best answer to this question is to ask the Muslim women for themselves. Apart from that, Islaam isn't the only religion where the women cover their head.

Muslim women are singled out that they are oppressed, because they are the only ones following the law of God to the letter. Jewish and Christian women are told to do the same according to their own scriptures.

4. The Prophet of Islaam was all about wars, womanising...etc

If that were to be the case, then the Messenger of Allaah wouldn't have signed peace treaties with the disbelievers who chose to reject the message.

When Makkah was conquered by the Muslims, the Messenger of Allaah gave the banner to one of his soldiers, who said that today was the day when Quraysh would be humiliated, and that it was the day of bloodshed. What did the Messenger of Allaah do? He took the banner from him, and gave it to his son, Qays bin Sa'd bin 'ubadah (Qays the son of Sa'd bin Ubadah, who originally held the banner).

As for being called a womaniser, if it was so, then there wouldn't have been any limit on the no. of wives Messenger of Allaah took. The first wife of the Prophet of Allaah was a widowed lady, who was many years older than him. A womaniser would go for someone who was suitable for his carnal desires. He stayed with her for 15 yrs.

5. Muslims worship a black box in the desert

Muslims don't worship it. It's a part of the ritual, which is all a part of submission to God. When we Muslims go around the sacred House; just like Christians don't worship their churches and Jews don't worship their synagogues.

Muslims do not worship any structure, and we worship only One God.

So Who do Muslims worship?

Muslims worship ONE God, called Allaah in arabic, who created All of humanity, and out of His fairness He communicates with them through His prophets and messengers. They are good, noble and chosen people among their nations, and Archangel Jibrail brings the message of God to God's apostles on this earth.

On Softening The Hearts

2010-12-10T02:45:00.000-08:00

By Ibn Jawzi

"I feel that occupying oneself with jurisprudence (fiqh) or learning hadiths is hardly sufficient to rectify the heart, unless one adds to this the reading of heart-melting traditions (raqa’iq) and the study of the lives of the pious predecessors. Since they reached the objective of the revelatory texts and transcended the external form of the prescribed duties to taste their inner meanings and intent.

I do not inform you of this save after personal exposure and experience. For I have found that the majority of scholars and students of hadith are mainly concerned with attaining the briefest chain of transmission (isnad) or to increase the collections (ajza’) of hadith narrated by a single narrator or dealing with a single theme or subject. Whereas the majority of jurists are concerned with dialectics and how to win arguments. How can hearts ever be softened by such things?

Previously, some of the predecessors would visit a pious person only to observe his manners and conduct, not to learn knowledge from him. For the fruits of knowledge lie in manners and conduct; so understand this. Therefore combine the learning of fiqh and hadith with study of the lives of the predecessors and pietists so that this may be a cause for your heart to soften.

To this end I have written monographs on each of the famous and noble personalities, detailing their lives and character. I have written one about al-Hasan al-Basri; about Sufyan al-Thawri; and about Ibrahim b. Adham, Bishr al-Hafi, Ahmad b. Hanbal, Ma’ruf [al-Karkhi], and other scholars and pietists. And it is Allah who grants the enabling grace to achieve the objective.

However, actions cannot be rectified with a paucity of knowledge. For their example is like that of a commander and a subordinate, with the soul stubbornly between the two. Only with the combined efforts of the commander and the subordinate can the goal be reached. And we seek refuge with Allah from apathy."

[Sayd al-Khatir pg 302-303]

Principles of a Noble Character

2010-12-10T02:38:00.000-08:00

Four Principles for a Noble Character
Author: Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

“It is not imagined that one can have noble character except if it is founded upon four pillars:

The First: Sabr (Patience)

The Second: ‘Iffah (Chastity)

The Third: Shujaa’ah (Courage)

The Fourth: ‘Adl (Justice)

Patience inspires him to be tolerant, control his anger, endure the harms that he receives from others, to be forbearing and deliberate in his decisions. It motivates him to be gentle and not to be rash or hasty.

Chastity inspires him to avoid every imprudent characteristic, whether in statement or action, and encourages him to have a sense of modesty and integrity which is the epitome of all good. It prevents him from fornication, stinginess, lying, backbiting and spreading tales to cause separation and discord between the people.

Courage inspires him to have a sense of self esteem, to emphasize high and noble manners and to make it apart of his natural disposition. It also encourages him to exert himself and to be generous, which is in essence, true courage and it leads to strong will and self determination. It encourages him to distance himself from his ardent lowly desires, to control his anger, and to be forbearing because by such, he can control his temper, take it by the reins and curb his violent and destructive behavior just as the Messenger (salla Allahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

“The Strong is not the one who can wrestle his opponent to the ground but rather the strong is the one who can control himself when he gets angry.” [Agreed upon

«ليس الشديد بالصرعة ، إنما الشديد الذي يملك نفسه عند الغضب» متفق عليه

This is true genuine courage and it is the sole trait that the slave utilizes to conquer his opponent.

Justice encourages him to be impartial in his behavior with people and to be moderate between the two extremes of negligence and extremism. It motivates him to be generous and kind; which is the middle course between absolute degradation and arrogance, and to make this a part of his disposition and makeup. It encourages him to be courageous; which is the middle course between cowardice and imprudence, and to be forbearing; which is the middle course between extreme unnecessary anger and ignominy.

These four virtuous characteristics are the axis and provenance of all noble manners and the foundation of all repugnant and ignominious characteristics are built upon four pillars:

The First: Jahl (Ignorance)

The Second: Dhulm (Oppression)

The Third: Shahwah (following ones lowly desires)

The Fourth: Ghadab (Anger)

Ignorance allows him to view good in the form of evil and evil in the form of good, and to consider that which is complete to be incomplete and that which is incomplete to be complete.

Oppression causes him to put things in places which are not appropriate for them, so he gets angry when it’s time to be happy and he is happy when it’s time to be angry. He is ignorant and hasty when it’s time to be deliberate and deliberate when it’s time to be hasty, he is stingy when it is time to be generous and generous when it’s time to be stingy. He is weak when it is time to be courageous and assume responsibility, and he assumes responsibility when it is time to take a step back (and let someone else undertake the initiative). He is gentle and lenient when it is time to be harsh and firm and he is harsh and firm when it is time to be lenient. He is humble when it is time to be superior and arrogant when it is time to be humble.

Following (his) lowly desires encourages him to be diligent in obtaining that which the soul ardently desires, to be stingy and greedy. It encourages him to adorn himself with all types of despicable and imprudent characteristics.

Anger incites him to be arrogant, jealous, envious, to hold enmity of others and to be imprudent and shameless.

The foundation of these four repugnant and blameworthy characteristics; are two pillars:

Either extreme self ignominy,

Or extreme self pride.

Translator: Shadeed Muhammad, Abu Az-Zubayr

Reference: Madaarij ul Salikeen: Vol 2, P 308.

Imam ash-Shafi'i and the Old Man

2010-12-08T03:46:00.000-08:00

Rabi’ ibn Sulayman (a companion of Imam al-Shafi’i) said:

‘We were with al-Shafi’i one day when an old man wearing garments of wool came to us with a walking-stick in his hand. Al-Shafi’i stood up, fixed his clothes and greeted the old man. He sat down and al-Shafi’i began looking at him in admiration when the man said:

Old man: Can I ask?
Al-Shafi’i: Ask.

Old man: What is the Hujjah (evidence) in the religion of Allah?
Al-Shafi’i: The Book of Allah.

Old man: What else?
Al-Shafi’i: The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam).

Old man: What else?
Al-Shafi’i: The consensus of the Ummah.

Old man: Where did you get ‘consensus of the Ummah’ from? (i.e. what’s your evidence).
Al-Shafi’i pondered for a moment when the old man said:

Old man: I will leave you for 3 days. If you come up with evidence from the Book of Allah, fine. If not, then repent to Allah Ta’ala.

Al-Shafi’i's face changed colour and then he left. He didn’t come out until the third day, between dhuhr and ‘asr. His face, hands and legs had swollen and he became ill. He sat down but it was only a short while when the old man returned. He greeted him and sat down then he said,

Old man: Do you have what I asked for?
Al-Shafi’i: Yes.

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.

Allah, the Most High said:
وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءتْ مَصِيراً

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the way of the believers, We shall keep him on the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – and what an evil destination.” [al-Nisa: 115]

… And He (Allah `azza wa jall) will not burn him in Hell for opposing the believers in something except that it is something obligatory.’

Old man: You have told the truth.
Then he got up and left.

Al-Shafi’i then said to those around him: I read the Qur’an 3 times every day (in the 3 days he was given), until I came to this verse.’
- Siyar A’lam al-Nubala

Lessons from Ibn al-Mubarak

2010-12-07T02:02:00.000-08:00

Ten Lessons Ibn al-Mubarak Taught Us

‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak was a scholar known for simultaneously combining numerous traits of virtue. In fact, his friends would sit and count all of the good things that were part of his character and personality. adh-Dhahabi related that they said: “Let’s sit and count the good traits that Ibn al-Mubarak has.” So, they ended up listing: “Knowledge, Fiqh, literature, grammar, language, zuhd, eloquence, poetry, praying at night, worship, Hajj, Jihad, bravery, instinct, strength, speaking little in what doesn’t concern him, fairness, and lack of conflict with his companions.”

Reading through his life story, one sees exactly this and cannot help but to derive brief yet heavy lessons from how this man lived:

1- No matter how bad you think you are, you can always become better.

In ‘Tartib al-Madarik’ (1/159), al-Qadi ‘Iyad mentioned that Ibn al-Mubarak was asked about the circumstances in which he began studying. He replied: “I was a youth who drank wine and loved music and singing while engaging in these filthy acts. So, I gathered some friends to one of my gardens where there were sweet apples, and we ate and drank until we passed out while drunk. At the end of the night, I woke up and picked up the stringed oud and began singing:

Isn’t it time that you had mercy on me * And we rebel against those who criticize us?

And I was unable to pronounce the words as I intended. When I tried again, the oud began speaking to me as if it were a person, saying the verse: {“Isn’t it time for the hearts of those who believe to be affected by Allah’s reminder?”} [al-Hadid; 16] So, I said: “Yes, O Lord!” And I smashed the oud, spilled the wine, and my repentance with all its realities came by the grace of Allah, and I turned towards knowledge and worship.”

2 – You should associate with honorable people.

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/323), Ibn al-Jawzi mentioned: “Ibn al-Mubarak’s home in Marw was vast. It measured fifty square yards. There was no person known for knowledge, worship, manhood, or high status in Marw except that you saw him in this house.”

3 – You should be a helpful guest.

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/324), it is narrated that when an-Nadr bin Muhammad’s son got married, he invited Ibn al-Mubarak, “and when he arrived, Ibn al-Mubarak got up to serve the guests. an-Nadr did not leave him and swore that he would tell him to leave until he finally sat down.”

4 – You should give money to the poor.

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/327), Ibn al-Jawzi mentions that Ibn al-Mubarak “would spend a hundred thousand dirhams a year on the poor.”

5 – You should always return borrowed items to their owners.

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/329), al-Hasan bin ‘Arafah said that ‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak told him: “I borrowed a pen from someone in Sham, and I intended to return it to its owner. When I arrived in Marw (in Turkmenistan!), I saw that I still had it with me. Abu ‘Ali (al-Hasan’s nickname), I went all the way back to Sham to return the pen to its owner!”

6 – You should be brave, and hide your good deeds:

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/329), ‘Abdah bin Sulayman said: “We were on an expedition in the lands of the Romans with ‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak. We met the enemy, and when the two armies met, a man came out from their side calling for a duel. One of our men went out to him and dueled with him for an hour, injuring him and killing him. Another came out, and he killed him. He called for another duel, and another man came out. They dueled for an hour, and he injured and killed him as well. The people gathered around this man, and I was with them, and saw that he was covering his face with his sleeve. I took the edge of his sleeve and pulled it away to find that it was ‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak,” and in the version reported by adh-Dhahabi, he made him swear not to reveal his identity until the day he died.

7 – You should have a tender heart.

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/330), al-Qasim bin Muhammad said: “We were on a journey with Ibn al-Mubarak, and I was always asking myself: what is so special about this man that he is so famous? If he prays, so do we. If he fasts, so do we. If he fights, so do we. If he makes Hajj, so do we.

One night, we spent the night in a house travelling on the way to Sham. The lamp went out, and some of us woke up. So, he took the lamp outside to light it, and stayed outside for a while. When he came back in with the lamp, I caught a glimpse of Ibn al-Mubarak’s face, and saw that his beard was wet with his tears. I said to myself: “This fear of Allah is what has made this man better than us. When the lamp went out and we were in darkness, he remembered the Day of Resurrection.”"

8 – You should be generous to your friends.

In ‘Sifat as-Safwah’ (2/329), Isma’il bin ‘Ayyash said: “I don’t know of a single good trait except that Allah has placed it in ‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak. My friends told me that they were travelling with him from Egypt to Makkah, and he was serving them khabis (a sweet flour dish) while he was fasting the entire trip.”

9 – You should not give in to Satan’s whispers.

In ‘Tartib al-Madarik’ (1/159), it is related that Ibn al-Mubarak was making ablution, and Satan came to him and said: “You did not wipe over this part of your body.” Ibn al-Mubarak said: “I did.” Satan said: “No, you didn’t.” So, Ibn al-Mubarak said: “You are the one making the claim, and you must therefore bring proof to back the claim up.”

10 – You should sincerely pray for people to accept Islam.

In ‘Tartib al-Madarik’ (1/162), it is related that al-Hasan bin ‘Isa bin Sirjis would walk by Ibn al-Mubarak, and he was a Christian. Ibn al-Mubarak asked who he was, and was told: “He is a Christian.” So, Ibn al-Mubarak said: “O Allah, grant him Islam.” So, Allah answered his supplication and al-Hasan became an excellent Muslim, and he travelled to seek knowledge and became one of the scholars of the Ummah.”

Few tips on Assignmenting

2010-12-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

►Don't procrastinate.◄

►Be concise and stick to the topic when you are writing your assignment. Also, stick to the assigned limit by your professor or teacher.

►Refer back the stuff wherever you take it from, and stay away from plagiarism.

►Don’t rush your assignments, make sure the spellings and grammar is all right. If you rush it, it will just show, and give out a bad impression.

►Your main intention should be that it should be for the sake of Allaah. Don’t make the knowledge run away from you, seek it only for the sake of Allaah.

►Exams are just like the speed bumps on the way, they shouldn't be the driving force behind your aims of seeking knowledge. Study hard and prepare well, just don’t make the exams the sole focus of our studies. Don’t be that focused on the exams itself, but focus on gaining the knowledge.

►If you can find time to do this and that (activities that drain your energies and you gain no benefit out of doing them..), then you can surely find the time for these studies.

►Remember, the person who will gain the most benefit from all this is going to be you first and foremost. Look at it as something that will prepare you for the future

Gain Strength from Salah! Part 2

2010-11-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam)!

Stand (to pray) all night, except a little.

Half of it, or a little less than that,

Or a little more; and recite the Qur'ân (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. (Surah Al-Muzzammil 1-4)

Allaah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala has written down ample reward for the one who stands up in prayer in the middle of the night. And He has hidden it from them as a surprise.

Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says in the Quran:

Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allâh's Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them. (Surah As-Sajdah 16)

His slaves leave the comfort of their beds and call upon Him at a time when all those around them are enjoying their deep slumbers.

Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala then mentions in the verse following the previous one that..

No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do. (Surah As-Sajdah 17)

Ibn Al-Qayyim comments on this verse saying that look at how these people hid their prayers and glorification of their Lord from the mankind in the darkness of the night. So Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala hid from them their rewards in a similar fashion, and will reveal His bounties for His slaves on the Day of Judgement. None of us can imagine what that could be now hmm..

Just a short reminder for myself and others, and now back to work!

Gain Strength from Salah! Part 1

2010-06-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Guard strictly your prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind)."(Surah Al-Baqarah: 238)

When Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala spoke directly to Moses Alaihe Salam, He said:"And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." (Taha 13-14)

Also, the prayers were made obligatory upon this Ummah during the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad SallaAllahu Alaihe WaSallam during his ascension to heaven. Furthermore, Allaah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala describes the qualities of a successful believer as follows in one of the noble chapters of Qura'an:Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their Salât with all solemnity and full submissiveness.( Surah Al-Mu'minoon 1-2)

And then, the first matter than a person shall be asked about on the Day of Judgement is his Salah, his prayers.

Aren't these signs enough for you Ya Abd-Allaah!? (Slave of Allaah)

The most important aspect of a believer's life is his relationship with his Lord. This relationship can be enhanced and strengthened by improving the conditions of our Salah. The Salah that will increase us in God-consciousness (taqwa of Allaah), sincerity (ikhlaas) is the one that will benefit us.

Salah isn't something that came into existence with Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam; the earlier prophets prayed in some similar ways. The Muslims are the only nation who pray in accordance to the the way their Prophet taught them; Jews and Christians do not pray as their prophets used to.

Adding a gem from one of my previous blog..

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

(5. You we worship, and You we ask for help from.) The first part is a declaration of innocence from Shirk (polytheism), while the second negates having any power or strength, displaying the recognition that all affairs are controlled by Allah alone. This meaning is reiterated in various instances in the Qur’an. For instance, Allah said,

So we Muslims declare ourselves free of polytheism in every Rak’ah. Well and good. If your Salaah is set, then everything is fine, and if not, then it’s calling for trouble in this world and the next. ALSO, make sure you don’t steal from your prayers. How does that happen?
Here’s how
The Messenger of Allaah Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam said that  “The worst thief among men is the one who steals from his prayer.” When his companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how does he steal from his prayer?”, he replied, “He does not complete its rukoo (bowing) and sujood (prostration).” (Sahih Hadith)

If you perform your Salah properly, it will have a lasting effect on you. The proof for this is mentioned in the Quran:"Verily, man was created impatient, irritable when evil touches him and niggardly when good touches him. Except for those devoted to prayer those who remain constant in their prayers…" (al-Maarij 19-23)The more we do something, the better we get at it.. Could the same be applied to our Salah? Has your Salah today been better than say a year ago?

Everyday you have an opportunity to become better and turn to Allaah in humility and complete submission.

"And your Lord says, Call on Me and I will answer your prayer.." (Surah Ghaafir:60)

Spread the (authentic) knowledge

2010-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Prophet of Allaah Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam said, "Convey from me, even one it's verse." [al-Bukhaari]

You don't have to attain a scholar's degree to do that.

Did you learn something new at an Islamic halaqah today? Share it with your family and friends those who were not present with you in that class.

Did you come across something interesting in the Seerah of the Prophet SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam or his Companions RadhiAllahu 'Anhum? Highlight it, put it on your gem board or blog so people can benefit from it as well.

Remember though:

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [Surah an-Nahl:125]

One has to start off with patience and a good character to deliver the message. Lack of manners turns people off from the message that's being delivered, and if you top it off with lack of knowledge then that's the perfect recipe for the widespread corruption we are witnessing in our times.

So make sure that the knowledge you are passing on is authentic, and not a fictional super-human ideology that'd make the affairs of this Deen appear to be cumbersome on the normal individuals of this society.

And the reward for doing so?

"Whoever guides (another person) to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

Hence call the people to follow the teachings of Islaam and teach them what you learn from the Qura'an or the ahadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam.

"And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [ Surah Fussilat:33]

Cheaters are Oppressors

2010-06-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Messenger of Allaah, Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam said: "He who cheats does not belong to us" (Sahih Muslim)

Why does Islaam take such a strong stance against cheating? What are its consequences? Is there any benefit in it? Why do people cheat?

Simple, it usurps the rights of others! The one who uses deceptive tactics to get ahead actually harms the one who truly deserves the praise for his hard work he did, the time he put in, and the effort and dedication he showed. Cheaters may gain a short-term benefit, but in the long run, they will never be the champions, and certainly not so in the sight of Allaah, because He is All-Aware of what each and every single person among us does.

Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).

Surah Qaaf

That's just about the utterances, so what about the despicable act of putting it down in the writing to get a better grade or when helping a friend because he/she couldn't have done any better than to ask you for the answers to the questions they can't figure out a solution during the exam? Both of them have partaken in this sin, and both shall carry the burden. What about the onlookers who know what's going on? They are classified as silent oppressors and also have a share in this deceitful deed. Unless of course, someone speaks out. Don't be a witness to oppression, if your brother commits a sin, admonish him silently, but if he persists, then take stern action against him but do NOT jeer at him or call him names; you have to uphold the standards of da'wah even at such times and deal patiently and wisely.

Since nothing is purely evil, cheating may give the people involved a better grade and a nice overall GPA, and all the splendid surprises that come along with that.. But in the sight of Allaah, and in his heart, the person knows the truth and his conscience shall never let him get away with this. If anyone earns a degree by being dishonest, whatever he earns by using that degree will be haraam! Imagine building a house on shaky grounds that is bound to collapse on it's builder at anytime whilst he was hoping to live in it peacefully. For How Long?

Won't there come a time when we all shall be standing in front of Allaah Subhanahu Wa ta'ala and be held accountable for our deeds, and nothing as small as a grain will escape the scale of justice.. What will we do then? Who will come to our aid and save us from the torment? Haven't we been warned enough? What will make us take heed before it's too late? What will deter a believer from committing this abhorrent crime? (And by the way, a believer is not a believer at the time of committing such a loathsome deed). Doesn't he know that the Messenger of Allaah SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam out-casted such a person from being among the believers? Is your 5 or 10 marks question worth being abandoned by the Messenger of Allaah!?

It cannot be re-iterated enough that cheaters never succeed. Such an act will even cause the invocations (Dua) of the person to be rejected and lose all the barakah in this life. Is it really worth it?

A person will not move his feet from his place on the Day of Judgement till he answers what he has been held accountable for. Three people will be involved in the case of a cheater..

*His parents, the ones whose duty it was to look after their offsprings.. They will be asked whether they instilled the qualities of a righteous believer in their child, and whether or not their child was taught about the halal and haram of Islaam? These parents shall be brought into account and punished for not raising their children on the correct Islamic beliefs.

**His teachers and mentors, the ones who will be questioned about every penny they earned and whether they give education it's due right with the right attitude. And how well they took care of the Muslim students. Scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, if they cannot take care of what they have been entrusted with, then they have cheated the waseeyah (will) of the Prophet Muhammad SallAllaahu Alaihe WaSallam.

***The students, the ones who have forgotten that Allaah is Always Aware of what they do, and cheat left and right as if their actions are not being put on record.

Imagine that a faction of cheaters enters into the field of engineering, medical, Islamic education, and other faculties. Shaytan will be their guide, cheating is his religion, and destruction is their fate.

Verily the disbelieving nations have instilled qualities of nationalism in their children, who grow up obeying the rules of their government. Isn't the Muslim Ummah more eligible in that sense to follow the rule of Allaah that has been sent down for them?!

If you hadn't prepared well for the exams, inform the relevant authorities about it. It wouldn't cost you anything but courage and honesty. And it does not matter what the actual reason was behind this plight of yours. Do better next time, plan and prepare ahead of time, do whatever it takes to achieve a better result and work hard. But don't cheat.

It'd be better to fail than get ahead unfairly because it kills the whole purpose of exams i.e. to distinguish the average student from the excellent one by putting their knowledge to test. Remember, by cheating you are in reality taking away the rights of your brother/sister in Islaam who truly deserves rewards of their hard-earned work which will make you very detestable in the sight of Allaah.

If you have cheated in exams or helped someone cheat, turn to Allaah with a sincerely remorseful heart and seek His forgiveness before the doors of Repentance are closed in your face.

It is incumbent upon every Muslim to take care of what he has been entrusted with.

Allaah loves those who are honest.

May Allaah bless this Ummah with Emaan that will never wane and protect us all from the deplorable acts of cheating, deceit and dishonesty, Ameen.

The First Call: Iqra'!

2010-06-17T18:18:00.001-07:00

Bismillah..

In the name of Allaah

I would like to remind myself first and foremost, and then the others, about the importance of Iqra'.

So how important is this term? What implications does it have pertaining to our daily lives? What is the way forward with this with regards to our dreams, goals, and realisations?

No, I am not talking about the academic institutions with a similar title, but rather the institution of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SallAllaahu Alaihe WaSallam where it all started.

It is of utmost importance for a da'ee (a caller, specifically to the way of Allaah, with humility, as a Muslim) to understand the implications why Allaah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala chose this to be the first revelation from His Final Revealed Message,Al-Qura'an.

Iqra linguistically means to "read" or "recite/proclaim" .

The first Da'wah technique is Iqra'.

How can you diminish ignorance and spread the light of knowledge?

Educate yourself first. Remove the tar of ignorance and give your mind, heart, and soul an uplifting boost of Emaan.

How do you do that?

Simple, Iqra'! Read!

Read what?

Read what has been sent down by the One to whom belongs all the Praise, the Lord of the Worlds, the one who is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Read and contemplate. Read and be affected.

We as Muslims need to take heed and recognize of the significance of this first call. We need to step up and take it further ahead rather than just sitting and reciting the ayaat in a melodious tone.

There are so many sources from where one can begin to learn from and understand the meanings of the revealed ayaat in a deeper fashion, whether it is online (blogs,forums, e-books, e-academies..) or offline (institutes, universities, weekend seminars..). So go with whatever you feel comfortable with it (trusted sources of course). And then build upon the knowledge you have gained, review it, share it with others... the list goes on (not to forget the continuous reward a person will gain for spreading the knowledge, both during his life and after he passes away..)

We can't afford to sit idly and let the years fly by while having accomplished nothing and are loitering around the block 1 of ignorance in regards to the affairs of our Deen.

We need to take the first step, and by the will of Allaah, leave our mark and leave a better legacy for the future generations.. If not this, then just die in a better state than when we were when we came in this dunya.

Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists) (Surah Al-'Alaq)