"Mujahid stated, 'Four Ayaat (verses) at the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah describe the believers, two describe the disbelievers, and thirteen describe the hypocrites.'" (At-Tabari 1:239. Found in Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Four and Two compared to Thirteen! Something to think about.
"We mentioned that four Ayaat (verses) in the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah described the believers. The [next] two [] Ayaat describe the disbelievers. Afterwards, Allah begins to describe the hypocrites who show belief and hide disbelief. Since the matter of the hypocrites is vague and many people do not realise their true reality, Allah mentioned their description in detail..." (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Taqwa
"The root meaning of Taqwa is to avoid what one dislikes. It was reported that Umar bin Al-Khattaab asked Ubayy bin Ka'b about Taqwa. Ubayy said, 'Have you ever walked on a path that has thorns on it?' Umar said, 'Yes.' Ubayy said, 'What did you do then?' He said, 'I rolled up my sleeves and struggled.' Ubayy said, 'That is Taqwa.'" (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Guidance to know the path, Taqwa to walk its rugged stretch.
Struggling through, Shunning doubt.
Holding out, Having faith.
Guidance to know the path, Taqwa to walk its rugged stretch.
Struggling through, Shunning doubt.
Holding out, Having faith.
Saturday, 2 June 2007
6.4, Ways of Doing Good
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
We know our obligations towards people, and we understand the rights of animals, but what, if anything, does Islam say about plants, gardening and agriculture?
Jabir (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “When a Muslim plants a tree, whatever is eaten from it is charity from him and whatever is stolen is charity and whatever is subtracted from it is charity.” (Muslim)
Another narration says: “If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows a field, and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity from him.”
We see here the importance of gardening and agriculture, and how rewarding it can be as a pastime. Also, the one for whom it is an occupation; we see the reward for bearing patiently any loss suffered due to theft or loss.
Returning back to the rights of men, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He who performs his Wudhu perfectly and comes to Jumuah prayer and listens (to the Khutbah) silently, the sins which he has committed since the previous Friday plus three more days (i.e., 10 days) will be forgiven for him. One who distracts himself with pebbles during the Khutbah will not get the (Jumu`ah) reward.” (Muslim)
Firstly, we see here a duty on the part of the Khateeb (the Imaam) towards the attendees to deliver a brief Khutbah, and to try and make it as engaging as possible. Further, he has a duty to arrive on time, to make the necessary preparations, to rest beforehand so that he is concentrated, and so on.
Secondly, we see a duty on the part of the attendees towards the Khateeb to make the necessary preparations and arrive early, to listen silently, to not make conversation or gestures with those around, to not play with objects nearby, to rest beforehand so that they do not sleep through the sermon, and so on.
If these requirements are met, then the excellence of Jumuah (the Friday prayer), which includes the sermon, is that the minor sins committed in the previous ten days are forgiven.
Lastly, I end with the saying of the Messenger of Allah (SAW): “Allah will surely speak with every one of you without an interpreter. He (the man) will look at his right side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before, and he will look to his left side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before. Then he will look in front of him and will find nothing but Hell-fire facing him. So protect (yourselves) from (Hell) Fire, by giving in charity even half a date; and if he does not finds it, then with a kind word.”
We know our obligations towards people, and we understand the rights of animals, but what, if anything, does Islam say about plants, gardening and agriculture?
Jabir (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “When a Muslim plants a tree, whatever is eaten from it is charity from him and whatever is stolen is charity and whatever is subtracted from it is charity.” (Muslim)
Another narration says: “If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows a field, and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity from him.”
We see here the importance of gardening and agriculture, and how rewarding it can be as a pastime. Also, the one for whom it is an occupation; we see the reward for bearing patiently any loss suffered due to theft or loss.
Returning back to the rights of men, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He who performs his Wudhu perfectly and comes to Jumuah prayer and listens (to the Khutbah) silently, the sins which he has committed since the previous Friday plus three more days (i.e., 10 days) will be forgiven for him. One who distracts himself with pebbles during the Khutbah will not get the (Jumu`ah) reward.” (Muslim)
Firstly, we see here a duty on the part of the Khateeb (the Imaam) towards the attendees to deliver a brief Khutbah, and to try and make it as engaging as possible. Further, he has a duty to arrive on time, to make the necessary preparations, to rest beforehand so that he is concentrated, and so on.
Secondly, we see a duty on the part of the attendees towards the Khateeb to make the necessary preparations and arrive early, to listen silently, to not make conversation or gestures with those around, to not play with objects nearby, to rest beforehand so that they do not sleep through the sermon, and so on.
If these requirements are met, then the excellence of Jumuah (the Friday prayer), which includes the sermon, is that the minor sins committed in the previous ten days are forgiven.
Lastly, I end with the saying of the Messenger of Allah (SAW): “Allah will surely speak with every one of you without an interpreter. He (the man) will look at his right side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before, and he will look to his left side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before. Then he will look in front of him and will find nothing but Hell-fire facing him. So protect (yourselves) from (Hell) Fire, by giving in charity even half a date; and if he does not finds it, then with a kind word.”
6.3, Ways of Doing Good
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed, and I begin in the Name of Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted, who says in the Qur’an, “… and whatever you do of good deeds, truly, Allah knows it well.” (2: 215)
And in another place, Allah says, “So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it.” (99: 7)
More often than not, when we are advised to increase in good deeds, what comes to mind is spending more time in the Masjid, making extra prayers, increasing in Tasbeeh, reading Qur’an for longer, and so on. But, in doing so, by equating good deeds to these acts alone we limit our Islam and forget that this is a way of life that not only defines our relationship with our Creator, but also defines our relationship with the created, i.e., people, animals, plants, the environment, and so on.
I ended previously with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)
In a strong sense, what we see here is a social obligation. But, this cheerfulness should be something that comes to us naturally in all of our day to day interactions and dealings. Whether it is the friend you see at university every day or the friend you haven’t seen in years, this cheerfulness should be as fresh as the radiant face you would take with you to a job interview, and as welcoming as the smile that comes upon hearing good news.
And why not when we have so much to be cheerful for; from the health and wealth that we enjoy, to the family and friends that provide us with so much comfort, to the Islam and God-consciousness that give us peace and protection from all evil and depression.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Every day the sun rises charity (Sadaqah) is due on every joint of a person: that you administer justice between two men is a charity; and assisting a man to mount his beast, or helping him load his luggage on it is a charity; and a good word is a charity; and every step that you take (towards the mosque) for Salat (prayer) is a charity and removing harmful things from the road is a charity.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
When we hear this, it becomes clear how many opportunities for charity we pass every day. Think about it, how many times have you seen a mother struggling to take her pushchair up a set of stairs, or a friend feeling slightly down in need of a visit or a kind word, or an elderly neighbour carrying a large load of shopping, and upon seeing this you thought to yourself, “he’ll be ok”, or “I’m busy, somebody else will help him”, or perhaps you passed by without thinking anything at all? These are opportunities gone missing. Not only for our selves, but also opportunities to improve the general negative impression that these individuals are likely to have built against Muslims from the media circus around them.
This Hadith and the previous one are with regards to our dealings with people. What about animals? Does Islam give any rights to animals?
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “While a man was walking on his way he became extremely thirsty. He found a well and went down into it to drink water. Upon leaving it, he saw a dog which was panting out of thirst. His tongue was lolling out and he was eating moist earth from extreme thirst. The man thought to himself: ‘This dog is extremely thirsty as I was.’ So he descended into the well, filled up his leather sock with water, and holding it in his teeth, climbed up and quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah appreciated his action and forgave his sins.” The Companions asked: “Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?” He (SAW) said, “A reward is given in connection with every living creature.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
There are slight variations in the narration, but in all it emphasizes the importance of kindness to every creature, including animals, because Allah is pleased with such kindness. We also see here that Allah’s mercy and forgiveness is immensely vast. If He wants He may forgive a person even on account of a minor good action done by that person.
And in another place, Allah says, “So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it.” (99: 7)
More often than not, when we are advised to increase in good deeds, what comes to mind is spending more time in the Masjid, making extra prayers, increasing in Tasbeeh, reading Qur’an for longer, and so on. But, in doing so, by equating good deeds to these acts alone we limit our Islam and forget that this is a way of life that not only defines our relationship with our Creator, but also defines our relationship with the created, i.e., people, animals, plants, the environment, and so on.
I ended previously with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)
In a strong sense, what we see here is a social obligation. But, this cheerfulness should be something that comes to us naturally in all of our day to day interactions and dealings. Whether it is the friend you see at university every day or the friend you haven’t seen in years, this cheerfulness should be as fresh as the radiant face you would take with you to a job interview, and as welcoming as the smile that comes upon hearing good news.
And why not when we have so much to be cheerful for; from the health and wealth that we enjoy, to the family and friends that provide us with so much comfort, to the Islam and God-consciousness that give us peace and protection from all evil and depression.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Every day the sun rises charity (Sadaqah) is due on every joint of a person: that you administer justice between two men is a charity; and assisting a man to mount his beast, or helping him load his luggage on it is a charity; and a good word is a charity; and every step that you take (towards the mosque) for Salat (prayer) is a charity and removing harmful things from the road is a charity.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
When we hear this, it becomes clear how many opportunities for charity we pass every day. Think about it, how many times have you seen a mother struggling to take her pushchair up a set of stairs, or a friend feeling slightly down in need of a visit or a kind word, or an elderly neighbour carrying a large load of shopping, and upon seeing this you thought to yourself, “he’ll be ok”, or “I’m busy, somebody else will help him”, or perhaps you passed by without thinking anything at all? These are opportunities gone missing. Not only for our selves, but also opportunities to improve the general negative impression that these individuals are likely to have built against Muslims from the media circus around them.
This Hadith and the previous one are with regards to our dealings with people. What about animals? Does Islam give any rights to animals?
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “While a man was walking on his way he became extremely thirsty. He found a well and went down into it to drink water. Upon leaving it, he saw a dog which was panting out of thirst. His tongue was lolling out and he was eating moist earth from extreme thirst. The man thought to himself: ‘This dog is extremely thirsty as I was.’ So he descended into the well, filled up his leather sock with water, and holding it in his teeth, climbed up and quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah appreciated his action and forgave his sins.” The Companions asked: “Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?” He (SAW) said, “A reward is given in connection with every living creature.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
There are slight variations in the narration, but in all it emphasizes the importance of kindness to every creature, including animals, because Allah is pleased with such kindness. We also see here that Allah’s mercy and forgiveness is immensely vast. If He wants He may forgive a person even on account of a minor good action done by that person.
Saturday, 19 May 2007
The Martial Artist and the Islamist
A similtude to be struck,
between the Martial Artist and the Islamist.
None more formiddable than the one well-rounded.
The one most strict, standing firm to the letter,
yet lacking any grounding in character
will be easily tripped.
The one versed in submission, kneeling much in prayer,
yet lacking the eagerness to wrestle society's ills
will be brutally pounded at the first encounter.
The one striking big, longing for quick result,
yet lacking the preparation for a lasting struggle
will feel himself wear with fatigue.
---
Note: My definition of "Islamist" here is "one who attempts to implement Islamic values in all spheres of his/her life". This is meant as a positive thing of course. I think it to be a good word despite the attempts by the right-wing press to mortify it from use.
between the Martial Artist and the Islamist.
None more formiddable than the one well-rounded.
The one most strict, standing firm to the letter,
yet lacking any grounding in character
will be easily tripped.
The one versed in submission, kneeling much in prayer,
yet lacking the eagerness to wrestle society's ills
will be brutally pounded at the first encounter.
The one striking big, longing for quick result,
yet lacking the preparation for a lasting struggle
will feel himself wear with fatigue.
---
Note: My definition of "Islamist" here is "one who attempts to implement Islamic values in all spheres of his/her life". This is meant as a positive thing of course. I think it to be a good word despite the attempts by the right-wing press to mortify it from use.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Raising Muslim Boys
Sport must not be neglected in raising children, especially boys. Not only is it a form of entertainment for them but it is also a preparation. In it are powerful metaphors that link to life at large. For example:
- Horse-riding: The horse-rider learns to control and dictate his beast, as he will be required to control and dictate his Nafs.
- Swimming: The swimmer gains mastery over an alien environment, as will be required of him in rising above temptations and not drowning in desires.
- Archery: The archer is committed to patiently persevere in refining his technique. Concentrated on the greatest of precision and the smallest of detail he sets out to hit the mark. Similarly he will set his ambitions in life and focus in on his targets.
- Martial Arts: The primitiveness is unmatched and the purpose (like in life) is clear. The resulting confidence parries away with doubt and depression, and the developed strength (inner and outer) is priceless in overcoming the challenges and obstacles that life has to offer.
- Horse-riding: The horse-rider learns to control and dictate his beast, as he will be required to control and dictate his Nafs.
- Swimming: The swimmer gains mastery over an alien environment, as will be required of him in rising above temptations and not drowning in desires.
- Archery: The archer is committed to patiently persevere in refining his technique. Concentrated on the greatest of precision and the smallest of detail he sets out to hit the mark. Similarly he will set his ambitions in life and focus in on his targets.
- Martial Arts: The primitiveness is unmatched and the purpose (like in life) is clear. The resulting confidence parries away with doubt and depression, and the developed strength (inner and outer) is priceless in overcoming the challenges and obstacles that life has to offer.
Saturday, 28 April 2007
6.2, Ways of Doing Good
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Abu Dharr (RA) reported: Some people said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW): “O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken away (all the) reward. They observe Salat (prayers) as we do; and give Sadaqah (charity) out of their surplus wealth.” Upon this he (SAW) said, “Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) following which you can (also) give Sadaqah? In every declaration of the glorification of Allah (i.e., saying Subhana-Allah) there is a Sadaqah, and in every Takbir (i.e., saying Allahu Akbar) is a Sadaqah, and in every celebration of praise (saying Al-hamdu lillah) is a Sadaqah, and in every declaration that He is One (La ilaha illallah) is a Sadaqah, and in enjoining of good is a Sadaqah, and in forbidding evil is a Sadaqah, and in man's sexual intercourse (with his wife) there is a Sadaqah.” They (the Companions) said: “O Messenger of Allah, is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual need among us?” He (SAW) said, “You see, if he were to satisfy it with something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to satisfy it legally, he should be rewarded”. (Muslim)
This Hadith highlights two important points.
Firstly, we see an example of the enthusiasm of the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) for surpassing each other in good actions.
Secondly, it tells that virtue has a vast meaning in Islam and it includes every action which is done with good intention, provided it does not involve disobedience of Allah. So much so that it covers even the natural activities of man. The example given is the fulfilment of one’s sexual desire. When done improperly (outside of marriage) it is one of the most hated and socially ill of acts. Not only doing it, we are warned strictly from drawing near to anything that leads to it. However, when it is done properly (within the legal framework of Islam) not only is it something permissible for us but it is something for which we are rewarded.
Lastly, Abu Dharr (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)
We learn from this Hadith that meeting somebody cheerfully is a virtue. Why is this? Two reasons stand out from amongst others. Firstly, it is a sign of good manners, which cannot be stressed enough. Secondly, it creates affection and friendship between us, which is highly praiseworthy and brings with it an abundance of benefit.
And so I end, by reminding us all not to become grumpy under the pressure of exams and assignments, for us to be rays of joy and inspiration for all those around us, and for us to keep the Sunnah of smiling and cheerfulness alive and well.
Abu Dharr (RA) reported: Some people said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW): “O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken away (all the) reward. They observe Salat (prayers) as we do; and give Sadaqah (charity) out of their surplus wealth.” Upon this he (SAW) said, “Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) following which you can (also) give Sadaqah? In every declaration of the glorification of Allah (i.e., saying Subhana-Allah) there is a Sadaqah, and in every Takbir (i.e., saying Allahu Akbar) is a Sadaqah, and in every celebration of praise (saying Al-hamdu lillah) is a Sadaqah, and in every declaration that He is One (La ilaha illallah) is a Sadaqah, and in enjoining of good is a Sadaqah, and in forbidding evil is a Sadaqah, and in man's sexual intercourse (with his wife) there is a Sadaqah.” They (the Companions) said: “O Messenger of Allah, is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual need among us?” He (SAW) said, “You see, if he were to satisfy it with something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to satisfy it legally, he should be rewarded”. (Muslim)
This Hadith highlights two important points.
Firstly, we see an example of the enthusiasm of the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) for surpassing each other in good actions.
Secondly, it tells that virtue has a vast meaning in Islam and it includes every action which is done with good intention, provided it does not involve disobedience of Allah. So much so that it covers even the natural activities of man. The example given is the fulfilment of one’s sexual desire. When done improperly (outside of marriage) it is one of the most hated and socially ill of acts. Not only doing it, we are warned strictly from drawing near to anything that leads to it. However, when it is done properly (within the legal framework of Islam) not only is it something permissible for us but it is something for which we are rewarded.
Lastly, Abu Dharr (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)
We learn from this Hadith that meeting somebody cheerfully is a virtue. Why is this? Two reasons stand out from amongst others. Firstly, it is a sign of good manners, which cannot be stressed enough. Secondly, it creates affection and friendship between us, which is highly praiseworthy and brings with it an abundance of benefit.
And so I end, by reminding us all not to become grumpy under the pressure of exams and assignments, for us to be rays of joy and inspiration for all those around us, and for us to keep the Sunnah of smiling and cheerfulness alive and well.
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