Why Drugs are Prohibited in Islam
The objectives of Islam include preserving the religion and the human soul, honor, mind and wealth. Any substance or act that harms any of these five matters is considered unlawful in Islam.
The enemies of Islam and humanity have fought against this religion, and have attempted to distance Muslims from their religion using different means. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
{They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islaamic calendar). Say, `Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allaah is to prevent mankind from following the way of Allaah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.' And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islaamic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever – for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter....} [Qur`an 2: 217].
The enemies of Islam and humanity fully recognise the fact that the sole source of the Muslims' strength lies in their commitment to Islam. Thus, they use the most evil and lowly means in order to control and corrupt the Muslim nation. They realize that the quickest means to destroy the Muslim youth is by using the weapon of desires: seductive women, alcohol and drugs. The worst, and most effective, of these has beenthe weapon of drugs, because it is directed at the heart of the Muslim nation and its protective shield, the youth who shoulder the responsibility of protecting the Muslim nation and advancing it on the path to progress. When the youth are destroyed, the entire nation heads to destruction, and it becomes easy pickings for anyone to eat from and devour its resources and wealth Islam prohibits the use of all types of intoxicants, whether in the form of a drink, pills, drops, inhaled substances, needles, etc. The evidences for the prohibition are as follows: · Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
{Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad) whom they find written with them in the Tawraat (Torah) (Deut, xviii 15) and the Injeel (Gospel) (John, xiv 16), ـ he commands them for Al-Ma`roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained); and forbids them from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); he allows them as lawful At-Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabaa'ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), he releases them from their heavy burdens (of Allaah's Covenant with the Children of Israel), and from the fetters (bindings) that were upon them. So those who believe in him (Muhammad), honour him, help him, and follow the light (the Quran) which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.}
[Quran 7: 157]
and there is no doubt that drugs come under the definition of Khabaa’ith. · Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
{O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allaah is Most Merciful to you.}[Quran 4: 29]. It has been proven scientifically that consuming drugs eventually leads to death. · Umm Salamah, 
narrated, “The Prophet 
prohibited anything which makes a person drunk or feeble (or causes numbness to the brain).”[Ahmad]. Muslim scholars over centuries have also condemned the use of intoxicating and hallucinogenic substances. · Ibn Taymiyyah, 
said, "Hashish is prohibited whether it causes a person to lose control over his mind or not; it is worthier in being prohibited than alcohol because its harm is more than that of alcohol." · Shaykh Muhammad Aal Ash-Shaykh, said, "Ibn Hajar conveyed the statements of all four Imaams of jurisprudence who prohibited drugs." · Shaykh Jaad Al-Haqq, the grand Mufti of Egypt, said on 4/5/1399 A.H., "It is the consensus of all Muslim scholars that producing all types of drugs, planting them, trading in them or using them is prohibited, and that the one who does any of that should be punished."
{They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islaamic calendar). Say, `Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allaah is to prevent mankind from following the way of Allaah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.' And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islaamic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever – for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter....}
{Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad) whom they find written with them in the Tawraat (Torah) (Deut, xviii 15) and the Injeel (Gospel) (John, xiv 16), ـ he commands them for Al-Ma`roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained); and forbids them from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); he allows them as lawful At-Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabaa'ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), he releases them from their heavy burdens (of Allaah's Covenant with the Children of Israel), and from the fetters (bindings) that were upon them. So those who believe in him (Muhammad), honour him, help him, and follow the light (the Quran) which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.}
[Quran 7: 157]
and there is no doubt that drugs come under the definition of Khabaa’ith.
{O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allaah is Most Merciful to you.}[Quran 4: 29]. It has been proven scientifically that consuming drugs eventually leads to death.
narrated, “The Prophet prohibited anything which makes a person drunk or feeble (or causes numbness to the brain).”[Ahmad]. said, "Hashish is prohibited whether it causes a person to lose control over his mind or not; it is worthier in being prohibited than alcohol because its harm is more than that of alcohol." said, "Ibn Hajar conveyed the statements of all four Imaams of jurisprudence who prohibited drugs."
MUSLIMS WORSHIP THE KAABA?
Question:
When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer?
Answer:
Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah.
It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:
"We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblahthat shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction."
[Al-Qur’an 2:144]
1. Islam believes in fostering unity
For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards theKaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.
2. Kaaba is at the Centre of the World Map
The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilahthe Kaaba is at the centre of the world map.
3. Tawaaf around Kaaba for indicating one God
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.
4. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you".
5. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan
At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?
HIJAAB FOR WOMEN
Question:
Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
Answer:
The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘hijaab’ or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated ‘hijaab’, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam
1. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust
The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied basic human dignity:
1. Babylonian Civilization:
The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death.
2. Greek Civilization:
Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations. Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called ‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.
3. Roman Civilization:
When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common amongst the Romans.
4. Egyptian Civilization:
The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.
5. Pre-Islamic Arabia:
Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.
2. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them to maintain their status.
Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.
Hijaab for women.
Qur`an says
" And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons..." [Al-Qur’an 24:31]
" And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons..." [Al-Qur’an 24:31]
3. Six criteria for Hijaab.
According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing hijaab:
1. Extent:
The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’.
The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’.
All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.
2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.
3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.
4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.
5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.
6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.
4. Hijaab includes conduct and behaviour among other things
Complete ‘hijaab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of ‘hijaab’ of the clothes is observing ‘hijaab’ in a limited sense. ‘Hijaab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘hijaab’ of the eyes, ‘hijaab’ of the heart, ‘hijaab’ of thought and ‘hijaab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc.
5. Hijaab prevents molestation
The reason why Hijaab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:
"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Al-Qur’an 33:59]
The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested.
6. Example of twin sisters
Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini? Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an rightly says that hijaabprevents women from being molested.
7. Capital punishment for the rapists
Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, someone rapes your wife, your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put him to death. But if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double standards?
8. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women
Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour. Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers, hidden behind the colourful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’.
9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape
United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the world. According to a FBI report, in the year 1990, every day on an average 1756 cases of rape were committed in U.S.A alone. Later another report said that on an average everyday 1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The year was not mentioned. May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans got ‘bolder’ in the following years.
Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijaab is followed in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic hijaab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease?
10. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes
Naturally as soon as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results will be inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe easier. Hijaab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity.
Is Allah Forgiving or Revengeful?
QuestionThe Qur'an says several times that Allah is most Merciful and Forgiving but also says many times that He gives severe punishment. Is He Forgiving or Revengeful?
Answer1. Allah is most Merciful
The Qur'an says several times that Allah is the most Merciful. In fact all the 114 Surahs i.e. chapters of the Glorious Qur'an except for Surah Taubah chapter 9, begin with the beautiful formula, Bismillah-hir-Rahman-
2. Allah is Forgiving
The Glorious Qur'an mentions in several verses including Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 25 and Surah Maidah, chapter 5 verse 74:
"And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
3. Allah gives severe punishment to the deserving
Allah besides being Merciful and Forgiving is also strict in giving punishment to the deserving. The Qur'an mentions in several verses that Allah will give severe punishment to the unbelievers and rejecters of faith. He will give punishment to all those who disobey Him. Several verses of the Qur'an describe the various types of severe punishment that Allah will give in hell to all those who disobey.
"Those who reject our Signs, we shall soon cast into the Fire; as often as their skins
Are roasted through, we shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise".
[Al-Qur'an 4:56]
[Al-Qur'an 4:56]
4. Allah is Just
The question is, whether Allah is forgiving or revengeful? An important point to be noted is that Allah besides being Merciful and Forgiving, He also has to give severe punishment to the deserving wicked or evil people, because He is also Just. The Qur'an mentions in Surah Nisa: "Allah is never unjust in the least degree".
[Al-Qur'an 4:40]
[Al-Qur'an 4:40]
It is further mentioned in Surah Al-Ambiya:
"We shall set up scales of justice for the day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, we will bring it (to account): and enough are we to take account".
[Al-Qur'an 21:47]
[Al-Qur'an 21:47]
5. Example: Teacher forgives a student who copies in the examination
If during an examination, a student copies and the teacher who supervises in the examination catches the student red-handed, the teacher says that he is very merciful and kind and forgives him and allows him to continue copying. Those students who have worked hard for the examination will not call the teacher merciful and kind but will call him unjust. This merciful act of the teacher will encourage the other students to also copy. If all the teachers are merciful and kind and allow the students to copy then no student will ever study for examinations and all will pass with flying colours by copying. The theoretical results of the examinations will be excellent in which all the students will pass with first class and distinction but practically these students will be a failure in life. The whole purpose of the examination would be defeated.
6. This Life is a Test for the Hereafter
The life in this world is a test for the Hereafter. The Qur'an says in Surah Al Mulk: "He who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving".
[Al-Qur'an 67:2]
[Al-Qur'an 67:2]
7. If Allah forgives all and punishes none, who will obey him?
If Allah (swt) forgives each and every human being and punishes no one, then why should the human beings obey the command of Allah (swt)? I do agree that no one will go to hell, but this world would become hell to live in. If all human beings are going to go to heaven then what is the purpose and use of the human beings to come to this world, this life cannot be called a test for the hereafter.
8. Allah only forgives if a person repents
Allah (swt) only forgives if a person repents. The Qur'an says in Surah Al-Zumar, chapter 39 verse 53-55:
"Say: - O my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
"Turn ye to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (will), before the penalty comes on you - after that ye shall not be helped."
"And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the penalty comes on you - of a sudden, while ye perceive not!"
[Al-Qur'an 39:53-55]
[Al-Qur'an 39:53-55]
There are four criteria for repentance: First, agree that the act is wrong. Secondly, stop it immediately. Thirdly, never do it again in future. And lastly, compensate for the loss if caused to anyone.
Ramadan - The Blessed Month
Ramadan - The Blessed Month
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month during which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims spend Ramadan fasting, offering voluntary prayers apart from the mandatory 5 times prayer each day, giving charity (Zakah) and reciting the Qur'an.
It is a month of self discipline and a time for refinement of the soul to enable us to be better human beings.
The Holy month of Ramadan
Allah chose the month of Ramadan to send down the Glorious Qur’an to bring mankind out of darkness and oppression into light and guidance. It is a month in which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, the Shaytaan is chained, the rewards of good deeds are multiplied, people rise to higher levels in Jannah (paradise), and evil deeds and sins are forgiven.
Muslims are required to fast during the day making sure that they avoid the things which would invalidate it- from vain talk and idle play to backbiting, spreading tales, and lying. Muslims are required to bring life to the nights of Ramadan through prayer and reciting Qur'an. In this month, extra care should be taken of the poor and needy by giving charity and showing them other forms of righteousness. They are required to strive against their own selves by increasing deeds of obedience and avoiding all sinful acts.
Allah says : "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)".
The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 183
Allah says in the Qur'an
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe sawm (fasting) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him".
[ The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 185 ]
The Virtue of the Qur’an
Allah said: "…a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)".
Here Allah praised the Qur’an, which He revealed as guidance for the hearts of those who believe in it and adhere to its commands. Allah said: and clear proofs meaning, as clear and unambiguous signs and unequivocal proof for those who understand them. These proofs testify to the truth of the Qur’an, its guidance, the opposite of misguidance, and how it guides to the straight path, the opposite of the wrong path, and the distinction between the truth and falsehood, and the permissible and the prohibited.
The Obligation of Fasting during Ramadan
Allah said: "So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month".
This verse requires the healthy persons who witness the beginning of the month, while residing in their land, to fast the month. When Allah ordered fasting, He again mentioned the permission for the ill person and the traveler to break the fast and to fast other days instead as compensation.
Allah said: "…and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days".
This verse indicates that ill persons who are unable to fast or fear harm by fasting, and the traveler, are all allowed to break the fast. When one does not fast in this case, he is obliged to fast other days instead.
Allah said: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you".
This verse indicates that Allah allowed such persons, out of His mercy and to make matters easy for them, to break the fast when they are ill or traveling, while the fast is still obligatory on the healthy persons who are not traveling.
Remembering Allah upon performing the Acts of Worship
Allah’s statement: "....and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you"
means: So that you remember Allah upon performing the act of worship.
This is similar to Allah’s statement: "So when you have accomplished your Manasik (rituals) remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with far more remembrance. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 200
and: "and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting. And during a part of the night, glorify His praises, and after the prayers. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 50, Verse(s) 39-40
Similarly, several scholars have stated that reciting Takbir(i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) during ‘Id-ul-Fitr was specified by the verse that states: "(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you..."
Allah’s statement: "so that you may be grateful to Him". means: If you adhere to what Allah commanded you, obeying Him by performing the obligations, abandoning the prohibitions and abiding by the set limits, then perhaps you will be among the grateful.
Therefore, it is the duty of every muslim to make full utilization of the month of Ramadan by devoting his/her time to prayers, reciting of the Qur'an, performing righteous deeds and abstaining from evil deeds and praising Almighty Allah for all the favours that He has bestowed upon us and seeking His blessings and pleasure so that he/she may rise in rank in the eyes of Almighty Allah as Allah states that the only criteria to distinguish men is piety and righteousness and not race, wealth, social status or any of the other things which are serve as distinguishing criteria in the eyes of humans.
"O Mankind!
Most certainly, it is We( God Almighty) who have Created you all
From a single (pair) Of a male and a female,
And it is We (God almighty) who have made you into Nations and tribes,
That ye may recognise each other (Not the ye may despise each other.)
Verily the noblest of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you."
[The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13 ]
"O Mankind!
Most certainly, it is We( God Almighty) who have Created you all
From a single (pair) Of a male and a female,
And it is We (God almighty) who have made you into Nations and tribes,
That ye may recognise each other (Not the ye may despise each other.)
Verily the noblest of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you."
[The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13 ]
Ramadan approaches
A couple of days are left till the blessed month of Ramadan begins. Ramadan is a month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. It is important to go over the importance and blessings of this month. I hope this piece does motivate the Muslims to give maximum time to worship and abstinence while to the non-Muslims it serves as a quick guide regarding the holy month of Ramadan.
"Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful". – [Quran 2:185]
As Muslims it is compulsory for us to submit to Allah(swt), the Lord and Creator of the heaven and earth. In Ramadan we only follow His command and fast all day till sunset keeping away from food, water and other temptations that a man might be exposed to. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and it if farz i.e. compulsory for all Muslims to observe fast:
Narated by Ibn Umar: Allah's Apostle (s) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat. (i.e. obligatory charity)
4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
[Sahih Bukhari, Vol.1, Book 2, #007]
Fasts were also observed by the other prophets of Allah(swt) like David(as) who would fast on alternate days (Sahih Bukhari). We are informed in the Quran that fasting was also prescribed for those before us:
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint",- – [Quran 2:183]
Fasting serves as a shield and prevent us from indulging into activities with which Allah(swt) is not pleased. We are to refrain from any fights or verbal abuse:
Narated By Abu Huraira: The Prophet (s) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" – [Sahih Bukhari, Vol.3, Book 31, #127]
This month brings us a chance to be forgiven for all the sins that we have committed, hence Muslims should completely devote their time to fast, worship Allah and ask for forgiveness. If a man fasts in the month of Ramadan, all his sins would be forgiven although fasting does not mean that one only starves himself till sunset while sitting in an air-conditioned room all day long thinking that all his sins will be forgiven. A Muslim’s day in Ramadan is no different than any other day where he continues to work and interact with people whether it is a hot scorching day in summer or a cold chilly day of the winters. Moreover it is of vital importance that a Muslim does not pray or fast to show off. Such an intention would render his actions fruitless.
Narated By Abu Huraira: The Prophet (s) said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." –
[Sahih Bukhari, Vol.3, Book 31, #125]
Ramadan enables us to learn how to abstain from the wrongdoings. Moreover we also get to undergo the experience of hunger and thus sympathy develops for the poor. As a result it increases our capacity to help the needy. With countless blessings in the month of Ramadan, we should try our best to spend time worshipping Allah(swt) and asking for forgiveness. This month comes once a year so let’s not be lazy with Salaat or Fast.
Lets-prepare-for-month-of-RAMADAN
Ramadan, the blessed month is about to come. It is time to improve the self; Ramadan is the month which puts us in a situation that we must act rightly so that our fasting would be accepted by Allah (swt). This is why we are more serious when the blessed month of mercy arrives. But before we start preparing for the month of Ramadan we must allow ourselves to continue an act that we have done in Ramadan, at least one or two to carry this characteristic within you. The month of Ramadan is a chance to purify yourself from the ills that you may have done, it is a chance to carry this gift of Dhikr till the day you die!
Allah Almighty said: {O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (pious)} [Surat Al-Baqarah: 183]
Some people spend their Ramadan sleeping and eating too much…That’s soo sad, wasting all this blessed time with food, tv, sleeping! That’s a shame and a waste! We should take this as a chance of asking Allah (swt) for forgiveness. But not only do some people eat and sleep too much, they also just pray in Ramadan, or decide to pray only on Fridays, till Ramadan has passed , you would see some forgetting the importance of the Ibadaah instead of continuing it. May Allah (swt) forgive us all, Ameen.
Intention
First and foremost, Niyah matters. Intention plays an important part in our lives as you will have this tendency to do this act for the sake of Allah (swt) seeking his pleasure alone and not for anyone else. Before any preparation, let’s make this sincere intention to Allah (swt), let's achieve Ikhlas (sincerity, being true with Allah (subhana wa ta'ala and seeking his pleasure alone), let’s plan but never expect that the next day you will be alive. Spend a time at night alone when no-one would see you to prepare for the month of Ramadan, make Dua (supplication) so the light of humbleness will enter your heart. Remember that Allah (swt) bestows his grace to whomever he wills. Seek Allah’s grace by trying to start tomorrow with remembering Allah (swt). When you eat, remember that Allah (swt) has given this food so that we can satisfy our hunger. When you drink, remember that Allah (swt) has given us this drink to quench our thirst. In many things you can praise your Lord! So, in every deed that you have done would be with sincerity because of your remembrance of Allah (swt). Indeed, Allah (swt) knows what’s in the hearts of mankind.
Enlist your bad habits, and practices
To be able to clear out, I think this is what we must be looking at first. The bad practices that hardens the heart, it can end up to corrupt you, so this is the first thing that you must get rid of. If you really want to improve for a lifetime, List down some bad habits or practices that you do, or you think you do. For example:
Back-biting, tale bearing and lying
Smoking, drugs and alcohol
Watching pornography over the internet or TV channels
Undutiful to parents and cutting ties of kinship
Negligence of prayers
MAY ALLAH MAKE US THIS RAMADAN A WAY TO PARADISE-AMEEN
MAY ALLAH MAKE US THIS RAMADAN A WAY TO PARADISE-AMEEN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)