REACH FOR THE SILVER LINING
Take the color grey. Some people will say it's a dark shade of white. And others will say it's a light shade of black.
A half glass of water. Some people will say it's half-full. And yet others will say it's half-empty.
Each version is right in it's own sense.
Just depends which vantage point you're coming from.
But it is this very vantage point of viewing, understanding, accepting, and dealing with the events in our lives which makes a great difference on the quality of our lives that we ourselves carve out for ourselves.
Many things occur in our daily lives which affect us in many ways, which we have little control over. We can always reflect and assume and presume that if we had done this or that previously, then it would have likely produced this or that result. Perhaps, and perhaps not.
But little good is such reflection other than it is a lesson to be learned in order to not make similar mistakes in the future. Such reflection cannot change what has happened. And it is what has happened to us already which we must deal with.
So, what will we do with what occurs to us in our lives? Will we take the lesson to be had, accept what is real, make the best of it, and move on? Or will we sadly ponder over what could have been, hopelessly wishing things could be different, digging a ditch for ourselves and remain utterly emotionally stuck in a rut-being miserable and perhaps causing misery also to those around us?
Truly, the best way to handle all things in life (which is also what is taught by Islamic principles) is to try to make the best of each and every situation. Even if you may consider it a calamity. Still, accept what has come, take the lesson to be had, learn from it and move on. Do not dwell depressingly on the dark side of things.
A relative of mine was recently stopped for speeding. And as so many here in Saudi have such high disregard for the speeding laws and fines, a newer and more severe punishment has been put into effect for those who are found to break this law. A ticket fine of 1,000 S.R. is issued (somewhere in the neighborhood of $275 US$), plus the car is impounded and the offender held in prison for 48 hours!
Now, believe you me, this last slap is a real dingy! I mean, it is this punishment that they have come up with which is really teaching folks a lesson!
Slap a fine on them, they will either grudgingly pay it or perhaps defer paying until a later date. Makes little difference. They just turn around to speeding yet again, perhaps heading down the road (sometimes literally) toward a fatal accident.
And the car-well, they can impound the car, and the offender will just go off to get himself yet another death machine to create yet more havoc.
But literally pulling him in and off the road, with no escape or outlet for 48 hours-now that's a real brainstorm! The offender is literally put in idle and safely off the roads for 48 hours. And no mobile or other distractions to pass away his time. (As all prisoners, all such personal items such as mobiles, keys, wallets, etc., are put away for safe-keeping until their release.)
All they have for amusement is the walls and bars of the prison, fellow inmates, and plenty of 'free' time for some deeper inner thought and soul-searching.
After some interfering and pleading from some influential parties on his behalf, my relative was released after a 24-hour period rather than the more regular and official 48-hours. Still, the experience was enough to shake him well enough.
He is not a habitual speeder. In fact, his driving is normally quite safely within the range. But he was in a hurry to catch a plane that day. And boom! No flight for him on that day!!
All praises and thanks be to Allah. Perhaps being stopped for speeding and held for a time saved him from a fatal accident had he been let go to continue on his speeding way to catch the plane.
He has come out of this experience wiser and more notive of his own driving, even advising others of safety measures.
And he has also learned, first hand, the beauty and value of freedom. Such a precious ideal indeed. And something that so many of us take for granted until it is taken away.
Try your best to make the best of each situation. And thank Allah much, regardless of what refalls you. Be patient and turn to Allah in prayer to find consolement.
Remember that He has promised us that He will not burden us with anything more than we can bear.
'Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope.' (s. 2, v. 286)
In times of his greatest distress, the prophet(SAAW) was known to admonish Bilal to make the call for prayer, so that they could all find peace and tranquility for what had befallen them.
So take the example set for us by our beloved prophet(SAAW) and turn to Allah in prayer, and you too will eventually find peace and tranquility.
Many storm clouds may pass over us through our lives. But remember, as the old saying goes-to each cloud there is a silver lining.
So search for those silver linings. They are there. With each and every cloud. You just have to search for it. Do not view the darkness of the cloud itself. Rather, reach inside till you can grasp the silver lining!
Remember-without the storm clouds, we cannot get the blessing of the rains with which comes the promise of new and fresh life.
May Allah bless and guide us all.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
RAMADHAN-ONCE AGAIN
RAMADHAN: ONCE AGAIN
Ramadhan-it is mentioned in the Quran.
Ramadhan-the month of fasting, so that you (O people) may attain piety.
Ramadhan-the month in which the Blessed Quran was revealed.
Ramahdan-the month of mercy, peace, and forgiveness.
Ramadhan-an excellent chance at renewing your faith as a true muslim.
People fast, pray, give to charity, and do many other forms of worship throughout the year. But in the month of Ramadhan, we witness a concentrated effort of increasing in all such manners of worship and dedicating themselves to Allah and His cause.
As for their increase in the fast in Ramadhan-one whole month of 29 or 30 days without break-this is mandatory upon each muslim past the stage of puberty who is able (healthwise) to accomplish the fast. And to miss any of the days of the fast without valid excuse (i.e. menstruating women, a traveler or ill person, etc.) is a major sin, for which there is no real expiation. Hence, you will notice that all muslims worldwide pay great heed and close attention to realizing this fast.
As for the increased prayers, charity, and any other form of worship at this time, it is largely due to the desire of those individuals to reaping the ten-fold increase of reward they have been promised for any deeds done at this time.
Many older muslims will remember of the Ramadhans past, of the increased state of their belief, or perhaps the increased sense of brotherhood, or perhaps merely the better healthy feelings they had at the end of the month of fasting. For this and many more reasons, you will find muslims worldwide anticipating the arrival of this blessed month-some even to the extent of making a count-down of the days till it's beginning.
One of the greatest joys of anticipation for this Holy month is the knowledge and realization that the devils are chained and the gates of Hell oare closed, and the gates of Heaven remain open for the duration of this month. In this alone is a great promise of extreme and extended mercy for this Blessed month. So, muslims tend to rejoice and attempt to take the greatest advantage of this blessing and opportunity.
The history of Islam and muslims has proven to show that the muslims, through their increase in worship and hence the increase in their faith during this month, has given them, by the Grace of Allah, greater strength to achieve many great things during this period. The early battles of Islam were won during this Holy month.
There are, however, some points that would benefit us all to remember, in order to reap the true benefits that this month has to offer.
One point is that although we are to refrain from intake of nourishment and marital relations in the daylight hourse-and then we are permitted to partake of these things in the night-this is not necessarily a license or a bell to change the normal routine and turn our nights into days and vice verse by staying up all night and sleeping all through the day. On the contrary, we should remain on the normal schedule of awakening in the day light hours and completing our work on a normal schedule, and take to our sleep at normal times of the night as we do for the rest of the year. And if we must insist to remain awake for more hours of the night, then we should not lose it on wasteful pastimes, but we should take great care to pay attention to the late night prayers, and gain the best rewards. Remember that Allah has told us that He has created the daylight to work and reap the harvests of our work, and the night time for rest and replenishment of our bodies and their needs. There is no clause whatsoever directing us that the nature of Ramadhan should turn that balance upside down. So, beware of the common developing trend of people to do so.
Beware also of going overboard in feasty fashion at the time of the breakfast in the evenings and throughout the night. There is nothing wrong with eating your fill after a day of fasting. But remember that your stomach and digestive system have been at rest, and so overloading it at time of breakfast will make a terribly heavy load upon it. Eat and drink-but sparingly. You may be surprised that a marginally small portion will quickly fill you up. Let the natural cleansing process of the fast work to the greatest potential benefit for you.
You should also realize that the fast in itself is not merely to refrain from the intake of nourishment and marital relations. It is also an opportune time to practice restraint in general-and namely in your interactions with others. It is quite easy and common that as the fast progresses through the day, so do the tempers rise. Many people who carelessly let their tempters run out of control will lay blame to the fast. For those for whom this lies true, it only goes to show that the fast is not benefiting them, or that they are not reaching for it's benefit, in the spiritual sense. For the fast itself is an exercise in self-control, or self-discipline. And if we cannot control our tempers at those inevitable hot times, then what have we accomplished? The prophet(SAAW) has even been recorded to have advised his companions and followers-that if you are met with an opposition accusing you of something, or in some other method seeming to instigate a fight, then do not respond to them in similar manner, but rather simply respond in a manner to reject the invitation to fight by the statement: 'Allahumma inni sa'im' (O Lord! I am fasting.). And then procede to reject and ignore the igniting spark to the fight.
This advice to avoid fighting remains true and strong for all walks of life and all situations. A very tempting and common scenario is the mother in the home with her children. The children play and interact with one another throughout the day. They bicker and fight quite frequently. They complain about one another or this or that toy. Their needs and demands are many. This consistent bickering and complaining and whining (not to mention the messiness of the house after her cleaning) is quite strenuous on the most patient of mothers. It becomes quite tempting for her to yell back at them in angry and despairing response, perhaps even sometimes to resort to physically punishing them. My advice to the mothers here is to take a deep breath, perhaps count to ten if you need those moments, and remember Allah and make the statement that you are fasting. And then, if the children really do need disciplining, then do so in a more calm (and merciful) manner.
The prophet(SAAW) has mentioned much sound advice on anger and how to manage it. This is merely one aspect-that a rise in uncontrolled anger is in fact contrary to the point and goal of the fast. It does not mean to turn the other cheek for an attacker to take advantage of you if you are attacked. By all means-if by chance you are attacked, then defend yourself in appropriate manner. But in normal day-to-day interactions with people and the world, then you should do all possible to keep your temper in check.
Ramadhan has many lessons to teach us-which we should make the extra effort to learn and then apply throughout the year. Many people will increase the night prayers in this month, seeking Allah's mercy. Then why not pay attention to those late night prayers throughout the rest of the year? Many people will increase their recitation of Quran during Ramadhan, seeking the reward for that recitation, and imitating the practice of the beloved prophet(SAAW), who used to review the Quran with Jibreel (AS) during Ramadhan. Then why not continue to recite the Quran daily throughout the year?
The kuffar world uses New Year's Day each year as a 'land-mark' holiday by which they view the passing of that day, which is truly like any other day of the year, as a landmark by which they see a hope of revision and renewal. I am sure that many of you readers are familiar with the term 'New Year's Resolutions'. This is the determination that one takes on with the realization of the passage of yet another year, of making some positive change in their life for the coming new year.
Well, for the muslims, we have two major landmarks of time passage. And these are namely, the month of Ramadhan, and the Hajj. And for the muslims, it is not merely a time of making a pledge (which sadly for most people turns out to be empty)-but rather a time of hands-on experience in which the muslim experiences first-hand the benefit of that change in daily life practices. It is an experience in which the muslim puts to physical practice the promise of the pledge. It is an experience which the muslim's mind and spirit can draw on the vivid memory of it throughout the remainder of the year. It is a chance for tangible evidence of what benefit a little change can bring to the individual's life. Hence, it is many times a strong catalyst for more permanent and beneficial change in the muslim's life.
I propose to all reading this-make this Ramadhan such an experience for you this year. Do not rejoice in the breakfast every night for the mere pleasure of eating after a tiring day. But rather- when your stomach sends those hunger pains, and when you see the relief of your food in front of you-remember your brethren worldwide less fortunate than you, who must sustain those hunger pains throughout the night and the next day as well. And don't just remember them at your time of hunger. Do something about it! See to it that some poor person-at least one-satisfies those hunger pains for at least one day! Pray the night prayers-but not only in Ramadhan. Continue throughout the year-even if only 3 rakaat nightly-to seek of Allah's mercy and forgiveness and blessings during that tender hour in which He himself has promised us that He does answer our prayers. Recite the Quran daily-not only in Ramadhan, but throughout the whole year. It is a guide to how to best live this life, as well as a guide to the path which leads to Allah. So reach out for His Mercies through the path paved with His words and directions.
Seek and reap the benefits that Ramadhan has to offer you. They are quite easy and within reach for those who will make the effort!
It thank Allah that He has blessed us to live to witness and experience yet another Ramadhan. I ask Him that He will bless us all even more now to gain not only the rewards, but as well the benefits, that Ramadhan has to offer us. Ameen.
Ramadhan-it is mentioned in the Quran.
Ramadhan-the month of fasting, so that you (O people) may attain piety.
Ramadhan-the month in which the Blessed Quran was revealed.
Ramahdan-the month of mercy, peace, and forgiveness.
Ramadhan-an excellent chance at renewing your faith as a true muslim.
People fast, pray, give to charity, and do many other forms of worship throughout the year. But in the month of Ramadhan, we witness a concentrated effort of increasing in all such manners of worship and dedicating themselves to Allah and His cause.
As for their increase in the fast in Ramadhan-one whole month of 29 or 30 days without break-this is mandatory upon each muslim past the stage of puberty who is able (healthwise) to accomplish the fast. And to miss any of the days of the fast without valid excuse (i.e. menstruating women, a traveler or ill person, etc.) is a major sin, for which there is no real expiation. Hence, you will notice that all muslims worldwide pay great heed and close attention to realizing this fast.
As for the increased prayers, charity, and any other form of worship at this time, it is largely due to the desire of those individuals to reaping the ten-fold increase of reward they have been promised for any deeds done at this time.
Many older muslims will remember of the Ramadhans past, of the increased state of their belief, or perhaps the increased sense of brotherhood, or perhaps merely the better healthy feelings they had at the end of the month of fasting. For this and many more reasons, you will find muslims worldwide anticipating the arrival of this blessed month-some even to the extent of making a count-down of the days till it's beginning.
One of the greatest joys of anticipation for this Holy month is the knowledge and realization that the devils are chained and the gates of Hell oare closed, and the gates of Heaven remain open for the duration of this month. In this alone is a great promise of extreme and extended mercy for this Blessed month. So, muslims tend to rejoice and attempt to take the greatest advantage of this blessing and opportunity.
The history of Islam and muslims has proven to show that the muslims, through their increase in worship and hence the increase in their faith during this month, has given them, by the Grace of Allah, greater strength to achieve many great things during this period. The early battles of Islam were won during this Holy month.
There are, however, some points that would benefit us all to remember, in order to reap the true benefits that this month has to offer.
One point is that although we are to refrain from intake of nourishment and marital relations in the daylight hourse-and then we are permitted to partake of these things in the night-this is not necessarily a license or a bell to change the normal routine and turn our nights into days and vice verse by staying up all night and sleeping all through the day. On the contrary, we should remain on the normal schedule of awakening in the day light hours and completing our work on a normal schedule, and take to our sleep at normal times of the night as we do for the rest of the year. And if we must insist to remain awake for more hours of the night, then we should not lose it on wasteful pastimes, but we should take great care to pay attention to the late night prayers, and gain the best rewards. Remember that Allah has told us that He has created the daylight to work and reap the harvests of our work, and the night time for rest and replenishment of our bodies and their needs. There is no clause whatsoever directing us that the nature of Ramadhan should turn that balance upside down. So, beware of the common developing trend of people to do so.
Beware also of going overboard in feasty fashion at the time of the breakfast in the evenings and throughout the night. There is nothing wrong with eating your fill after a day of fasting. But remember that your stomach and digestive system have been at rest, and so overloading it at time of breakfast will make a terribly heavy load upon it. Eat and drink-but sparingly. You may be surprised that a marginally small portion will quickly fill you up. Let the natural cleansing process of the fast work to the greatest potential benefit for you.
You should also realize that the fast in itself is not merely to refrain from the intake of nourishment and marital relations. It is also an opportune time to practice restraint in general-and namely in your interactions with others. It is quite easy and common that as the fast progresses through the day, so do the tempers rise. Many people who carelessly let their tempters run out of control will lay blame to the fast. For those for whom this lies true, it only goes to show that the fast is not benefiting them, or that they are not reaching for it's benefit, in the spiritual sense. For the fast itself is an exercise in self-control, or self-discipline. And if we cannot control our tempers at those inevitable hot times, then what have we accomplished? The prophet(SAAW) has even been recorded to have advised his companions and followers-that if you are met with an opposition accusing you of something, or in some other method seeming to instigate a fight, then do not respond to them in similar manner, but rather simply respond in a manner to reject the invitation to fight by the statement: 'Allahumma inni sa'im' (O Lord! I am fasting.). And then procede to reject and ignore the igniting spark to the fight.
This advice to avoid fighting remains true and strong for all walks of life and all situations. A very tempting and common scenario is the mother in the home with her children. The children play and interact with one another throughout the day. They bicker and fight quite frequently. They complain about one another or this or that toy. Their needs and demands are many. This consistent bickering and complaining and whining (not to mention the messiness of the house after her cleaning) is quite strenuous on the most patient of mothers. It becomes quite tempting for her to yell back at them in angry and despairing response, perhaps even sometimes to resort to physically punishing them. My advice to the mothers here is to take a deep breath, perhaps count to ten if you need those moments, and remember Allah and make the statement that you are fasting. And then, if the children really do need disciplining, then do so in a more calm (and merciful) manner.
The prophet(SAAW) has mentioned much sound advice on anger and how to manage it. This is merely one aspect-that a rise in uncontrolled anger is in fact contrary to the point and goal of the fast. It does not mean to turn the other cheek for an attacker to take advantage of you if you are attacked. By all means-if by chance you are attacked, then defend yourself in appropriate manner. But in normal day-to-day interactions with people and the world, then you should do all possible to keep your temper in check.
Ramadhan has many lessons to teach us-which we should make the extra effort to learn and then apply throughout the year. Many people will increase the night prayers in this month, seeking Allah's mercy. Then why not pay attention to those late night prayers throughout the rest of the year? Many people will increase their recitation of Quran during Ramadhan, seeking the reward for that recitation, and imitating the practice of the beloved prophet(SAAW), who used to review the Quran with Jibreel (AS) during Ramadhan. Then why not continue to recite the Quran daily throughout the year?
The kuffar world uses New Year's Day each year as a 'land-mark' holiday by which they view the passing of that day, which is truly like any other day of the year, as a landmark by which they see a hope of revision and renewal. I am sure that many of you readers are familiar with the term 'New Year's Resolutions'. This is the determination that one takes on with the realization of the passage of yet another year, of making some positive change in their life for the coming new year.
Well, for the muslims, we have two major landmarks of time passage. And these are namely, the month of Ramadhan, and the Hajj. And for the muslims, it is not merely a time of making a pledge (which sadly for most people turns out to be empty)-but rather a time of hands-on experience in which the muslim experiences first-hand the benefit of that change in daily life practices. It is an experience in which the muslim puts to physical practice the promise of the pledge. It is an experience which the muslim's mind and spirit can draw on the vivid memory of it throughout the remainder of the year. It is a chance for tangible evidence of what benefit a little change can bring to the individual's life. Hence, it is many times a strong catalyst for more permanent and beneficial change in the muslim's life.
I propose to all reading this-make this Ramadhan such an experience for you this year. Do not rejoice in the breakfast every night for the mere pleasure of eating after a tiring day. But rather- when your stomach sends those hunger pains, and when you see the relief of your food in front of you-remember your brethren worldwide less fortunate than you, who must sustain those hunger pains throughout the night and the next day as well. And don't just remember them at your time of hunger. Do something about it! See to it that some poor person-at least one-satisfies those hunger pains for at least one day! Pray the night prayers-but not only in Ramadhan. Continue throughout the year-even if only 3 rakaat nightly-to seek of Allah's mercy and forgiveness and blessings during that tender hour in which He himself has promised us that He does answer our prayers. Recite the Quran daily-not only in Ramadhan, but throughout the whole year. It is a guide to how to best live this life, as well as a guide to the path which leads to Allah. So reach out for His Mercies through the path paved with His words and directions.
Seek and reap the benefits that Ramadhan has to offer you. They are quite easy and within reach for those who will make the effort!
It thank Allah that He has blessed us to live to witness and experience yet another Ramadhan. I ask Him that He will bless us all even more now to gain not only the rewards, but as well the benefits, that Ramadhan has to offer us. Ameen.
PUT ALL YOUR CARES BEHIND YOU!
PUT ALL YOUR CARES BEHIND YOU
Can you really do it? Forget about all of the day's activities and distractions, the memories of a lost yesterday, the plans for tomorrow and beyond-and then concentrate fully on the issue at hand?
A rather difficult thing to do in this fast-paced, multi-tasking, worldly oriented life of ours today. And particularly difficult in matters of worship. Specifically speaking of prayer.
But to attain a true sense of sincerity, and achieve the fulfilling sensation of having offered the prayer in the best possible form-that is exactly what we must do: put all the worldly cares truly behind, and concentrate whole-heartedly and quite sincerely on the issue at hand-that of worshipping the Creator as He deserves to be worshipped-associating no partners with Him by not being distracted by our worries or cares of the moment or this worldly life.
Although my days and nights are most generally taken up by other activities, once in a while I get the chance to see a glimpse of TV or hear one of the various programs on the radio broadcast. As I keep my bedroom clock-radio tuned to the Saudi broadcast of the Quran, I many times at night or early morning catch some of the radio talk shows where people call in for live fatwa (religious rulings) answers from the scholars.
It was on one of these broadcasts that I heard a woman ask the scholar about the 'takbirat-al-ihram' (i.e. the statement of 'Allahu akbar' as the official commencement of the prayer)-it's validity, importance, and relation to the prayer. As she was on the line, she made mention that although she knew of the 'takbirat al-ihram', still for some reason she had been forgetfully and mis-mindedly ignoring it's implementation for years. In other words, she had been performing her prayers without beinning by the announcement: 'Allahu akbar.'
The scholar's answer was that all of her prayers that were offered without the commencing statement of 'Allahu akbar' were invalid, thus most likely unaccepted by Allah (Allah knows best). He based this answer on the ruling that the 'takbirat al-ihram' is one of the basic cornerstones of the prayer. Without it, the prayer is not valid. Secondly, he based his answer also on the fact that although this woman had previous knowledge of the 'takbirat al-ihram', still she chose to ignore it's importance, perhaps out of haste to get the prayer started and then finished.
Another locally well-known Saudi scholar, in speaking on the basic points of the validity of the prayer-mentioned how this statement in and of itself (Allahu akbar), coupled with the action of raising the hands at about ear-level (i.e. above the shoulders)-fingers brought in close to one another, palms facing forward as the face, signifies the similitude of putting all of our worldly cares and thoughts of the moment behind us, clearing the path to the front for clear contemplation on Allah, His creation, and our relation to Him and His creation-in order that we may apply ourselves fully in body, spirit, and soul-to the most important task of worshipping Him.
What a beautifully exacting description of the opening commencement of the prayer-the 'takbirat al-ihram'! Put all of your cares and worries behind you, and direct your mind, body, and soul, to the worship of your Creator!
Do not be among the lost-those who have lost their prayers, and therefore have lost out on all the benefits which they may have reaped otherwise.
As for the woman who asked about the validity of her prayers which she offered void of the 'takbirat al-ihram', not only did the sheikh tell her that her prayers she offered in such manner were invalid. He also mentioned that these prayers were a duty she owed unto Allah, seeing as how they were of the obligatory prayers. Hence, she had fallen into debt with Allah. And the only way to now clear that debt would be for her to once again offer all those prayers from all those years-this time in proper prescribed manner-by commencing with the statement 'Allahu akbar'.
It is interesting how so many people in this life are anxious to repay their debts with the banks or other institutions or individuals from whom they have obtained loans. Yet when they fall into debt with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe-they put it off so non-chalantly. And yet, the possible penalties pending from the second scenario are so much more devastating and everlasting!
Beware, oh my brethren Muslims, from the debt you m ay encrue upon yourself with the Creator! Do what you must to either avoid it or pull yourself out of it! This is not the type of debt where you may borrow from others to pull yourself out. You must do what is expected and commanded of you in order to pull yourself out.
Put your cares and worries behind you, and direct your attention fully towards worshipping your Creator as He deserves to be worshipped!
As it is said in the prayer call: 'come to the prayer, come to success.'
Put your cares behind you, concentrate fully and sincerely, and you too shall find success in your prayers and your reward with Allah.
Can you really do it? Forget about all of the day's activities and distractions, the memories of a lost yesterday, the plans for tomorrow and beyond-and then concentrate fully on the issue at hand?
A rather difficult thing to do in this fast-paced, multi-tasking, worldly oriented life of ours today. And particularly difficult in matters of worship. Specifically speaking of prayer.
But to attain a true sense of sincerity, and achieve the fulfilling sensation of having offered the prayer in the best possible form-that is exactly what we must do: put all the worldly cares truly behind, and concentrate whole-heartedly and quite sincerely on the issue at hand-that of worshipping the Creator as He deserves to be worshipped-associating no partners with Him by not being distracted by our worries or cares of the moment or this worldly life.
Although my days and nights are most generally taken up by other activities, once in a while I get the chance to see a glimpse of TV or hear one of the various programs on the radio broadcast. As I keep my bedroom clock-radio tuned to the Saudi broadcast of the Quran, I many times at night or early morning catch some of the radio talk shows where people call in for live fatwa (religious rulings) answers from the scholars.
It was on one of these broadcasts that I heard a woman ask the scholar about the 'takbirat-al-ihram' (i.e. the statement of 'Allahu akbar' as the official commencement of the prayer)-it's validity, importance, and relation to the prayer. As she was on the line, she made mention that although she knew of the 'takbirat al-ihram', still for some reason she had been forgetfully and mis-mindedly ignoring it's implementation for years. In other words, she had been performing her prayers without beinning by the announcement: 'Allahu akbar.'
The scholar's answer was that all of her prayers that were offered without the commencing statement of 'Allahu akbar' were invalid, thus most likely unaccepted by Allah (Allah knows best). He based this answer on the ruling that the 'takbirat al-ihram' is one of the basic cornerstones of the prayer. Without it, the prayer is not valid. Secondly, he based his answer also on the fact that although this woman had previous knowledge of the 'takbirat al-ihram', still she chose to ignore it's importance, perhaps out of haste to get the prayer started and then finished.
Another locally well-known Saudi scholar, in speaking on the basic points of the validity of the prayer-mentioned how this statement in and of itself (Allahu akbar), coupled with the action of raising the hands at about ear-level (i.e. above the shoulders)-fingers brought in close to one another, palms facing forward as the face, signifies the similitude of putting all of our worldly cares and thoughts of the moment behind us, clearing the path to the front for clear contemplation on Allah, His creation, and our relation to Him and His creation-in order that we may apply ourselves fully in body, spirit, and soul-to the most important task of worshipping Him.
What a beautifully exacting description of the opening commencement of the prayer-the 'takbirat al-ihram'! Put all of your cares and worries behind you, and direct your mind, body, and soul, to the worship of your Creator!
Do not be among the lost-those who have lost their prayers, and therefore have lost out on all the benefits which they may have reaped otherwise.
As for the woman who asked about the validity of her prayers which she offered void of the 'takbirat al-ihram', not only did the sheikh tell her that her prayers she offered in such manner were invalid. He also mentioned that these prayers were a duty she owed unto Allah, seeing as how they were of the obligatory prayers. Hence, she had fallen into debt with Allah. And the only way to now clear that debt would be for her to once again offer all those prayers from all those years-this time in proper prescribed manner-by commencing with the statement 'Allahu akbar'.
It is interesting how so many people in this life are anxious to repay their debts with the banks or other institutions or individuals from whom they have obtained loans. Yet when they fall into debt with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe-they put it off so non-chalantly. And yet, the possible penalties pending from the second scenario are so much more devastating and everlasting!
Beware, oh my brethren Muslims, from the debt you m ay encrue upon yourself with the Creator! Do what you must to either avoid it or pull yourself out of it! This is not the type of debt where you may borrow from others to pull yourself out. You must do what is expected and commanded of you in order to pull yourself out.
Put your cares and worries behind you, and direct your attention fully towards worshipping your Creator as He deserves to be worshipped!
As it is said in the prayer call: 'come to the prayer, come to success.'
Put your cares behind you, concentrate fully and sincerely, and you too shall find success in your prayers and your reward with Allah.
PREPARE YOURSELVES!!
PREPARE YOURSELVES!!
Most of us, at one time or another, have traveled from one place to another far away place. Whether that travel was for a short break from our daily routine of life-i.g. a vacation-or of a more permanent nature such as moving, it invariably involved to some extent packing and other preparations. Most of us will generally pack clothes and various provisions in the form of food and drink to sustain us in our travels. Or in place of carrying those provisions with us, we will take along a plentiful stash of cash money with which to buy nourishments and various other needs along the way. As well as the afore-mentioned packing, many of us will make yet other preparations before traveling-such as arranging our homes and personal items before we leave, making sure that those dependent upon us for support are properly taken care of in our absence, etc.
Well, my dear friends-a very important and surely permanent-ah, verily: eternal-type of travel is imminent upon each and every one of us at any given time.
What differentiates this particular travel from all others is that we have no choice in the matter-no option to refuse this trip. And we also have no say-so about when we will travel nor our final destination. It is all up to the divine command and mercy of our Creator.
But we don indeed have the option to prepare for it.
Now I ask you this sincere question-what have you prepared for your trip? What do you have in the form of garments to shade and conceal you? What have you built up as a protector against the elements which may discomfort you? What have you prepared as your nourishment? What have you prepared to keep you company in that lonely, dark, cold, and damp grave? What have you prepared as assurance for your loved ones you will be forced to leave behind? What have you prepared to continue in this world to move towards good acts on your behalf?
Have you prayed? Have you fasted? Did you pay the zakat and perform the pilgrimage?
If your answers to these last points are 'yes'-then I say to you: 'so what?!' Those things are only the most basic of duties we as Muslims owe to Allah!
What I am talking about is-what-if anything- extra have you done from your heart merely for the sake of Allah?
What have you done to prepare for the Final Journey? The Journey from which there is no return to this familiar earthly life. The Journey by which we enter into a completely new, different, and unfathomable state of existence. The Journey which brings us ever closer to the Final Judgement Day and then our abode for eternity.
Have you willingly and freely given money in charity-which will bless you and sustain you later? Have you learned the Quran-which will accompany you in the grave and perhaps act as your protector from the punishment of the grave? Have you done acts of good nature purely for the sake of Allah which will earn you salvation from the fire and entrance into Heaven? Have you made provisions to sustain your loved ones whom you will leave behind? Have you remembered Allah much so that you will enter into a beautiful garden full of many trees?
My dear brethren-what have you done to prepare for your eternal abode?
Beware of losing precious time on the trivialities of this life. Remember the true reminder that this life is nothing but the passing of time and pleasures for a time. It is not the true life, nor is it our permanent abode. From Allah we have come, and it is to Him that we shall return. It is merely a testing ground to sift out the true believers from the others. To prove and determine which souls deserve paradise and great reward, and which deserve the everlasting torment and punishment.
Make the best usage of the time and health and mentality that Allah has blessed you with. Strive in every manner you possibly can for His cause, all the while hoping and praying for His help in seeking His pleasure.
Aim to die in the state of jihad (i.e. striving) in His cause-not only in the state of a mere muslim.
Abu Ad-Darda, one of the companions of the prophet(SAAW), was visited by some of the companions when news came to them of his serious condition of his dwindling health. They found him in terribly low state of depressed spirit as well as the deteriorated state of his physical health. They tried to cheer him up, reminding him of the outlook a true believing muslim should have, even when death is approaching.
In his response to them, he tearfully exclaimed his lowered spirits were not due to his realization of the imminence of the approach of death, nor was it necessarily due to his state of physical illness.
But rather that all those years previously he had always hoped and prayed that his final moments of his earthly life-the state in which his soul would be taken-that it would happen while he were in the state and action of jihad for the cause of Allah, not merely in the state of Islam.
Ah, such a high aspiration indeed! And a goal that we should all strive for-to die in the state of jihad for the cause of Allah!!
My dear muslim brethren-what have you done to prepare for that path?
What have you done for Allah??
What will be your accompaniment in the grave? Sorrow of the chances past which you did not take the best advantage of? Or happiness of the promise of salvation and paradise?
Prepare yourselves for the Journey!!
Most of us, at one time or another, have traveled from one place to another far away place. Whether that travel was for a short break from our daily routine of life-i.g. a vacation-or of a more permanent nature such as moving, it invariably involved to some extent packing and other preparations. Most of us will generally pack clothes and various provisions in the form of food and drink to sustain us in our travels. Or in place of carrying those provisions with us, we will take along a plentiful stash of cash money with which to buy nourishments and various other needs along the way. As well as the afore-mentioned packing, many of us will make yet other preparations before traveling-such as arranging our homes and personal items before we leave, making sure that those dependent upon us for support are properly taken care of in our absence, etc.
Well, my dear friends-a very important and surely permanent-ah, verily: eternal-type of travel is imminent upon each and every one of us at any given time.
What differentiates this particular travel from all others is that we have no choice in the matter-no option to refuse this trip. And we also have no say-so about when we will travel nor our final destination. It is all up to the divine command and mercy of our Creator.
But we don indeed have the option to prepare for it.
Now I ask you this sincere question-what have you prepared for your trip? What do you have in the form of garments to shade and conceal you? What have you built up as a protector against the elements which may discomfort you? What have you prepared as your nourishment? What have you prepared to keep you company in that lonely, dark, cold, and damp grave? What have you prepared as assurance for your loved ones you will be forced to leave behind? What have you prepared to continue in this world to move towards good acts on your behalf?
Have you prayed? Have you fasted? Did you pay the zakat and perform the pilgrimage?
If your answers to these last points are 'yes'-then I say to you: 'so what?!' Those things are only the most basic of duties we as Muslims owe to Allah!
What I am talking about is-what-if anything- extra have you done from your heart merely for the sake of Allah?
What have you done to prepare for the Final Journey? The Journey from which there is no return to this familiar earthly life. The Journey by which we enter into a completely new, different, and unfathomable state of existence. The Journey which brings us ever closer to the Final Judgement Day and then our abode for eternity.
Have you willingly and freely given money in charity-which will bless you and sustain you later? Have you learned the Quran-which will accompany you in the grave and perhaps act as your protector from the punishment of the grave? Have you done acts of good nature purely for the sake of Allah which will earn you salvation from the fire and entrance into Heaven? Have you made provisions to sustain your loved ones whom you will leave behind? Have you remembered Allah much so that you will enter into a beautiful garden full of many trees?
My dear brethren-what have you done to prepare for your eternal abode?
Beware of losing precious time on the trivialities of this life. Remember the true reminder that this life is nothing but the passing of time and pleasures for a time. It is not the true life, nor is it our permanent abode. From Allah we have come, and it is to Him that we shall return. It is merely a testing ground to sift out the true believers from the others. To prove and determine which souls deserve paradise and great reward, and which deserve the everlasting torment and punishment.
Make the best usage of the time and health and mentality that Allah has blessed you with. Strive in every manner you possibly can for His cause, all the while hoping and praying for His help in seeking His pleasure.
Aim to die in the state of jihad (i.e. striving) in His cause-not only in the state of a mere muslim.
Abu Ad-Darda, one of the companions of the prophet(SAAW), was visited by some of the companions when news came to them of his serious condition of his dwindling health. They found him in terribly low state of depressed spirit as well as the deteriorated state of his physical health. They tried to cheer him up, reminding him of the outlook a true believing muslim should have, even when death is approaching.
In his response to them, he tearfully exclaimed his lowered spirits were not due to his realization of the imminence of the approach of death, nor was it necessarily due to his state of physical illness.
But rather that all those years previously he had always hoped and prayed that his final moments of his earthly life-the state in which his soul would be taken-that it would happen while he were in the state and action of jihad for the cause of Allah, not merely in the state of Islam.
Ah, such a high aspiration indeed! And a goal that we should all strive for-to die in the state of jihad for the cause of Allah!!
My dear muslim brethren-what have you done to prepare for that path?
What have you done for Allah??
What will be your accompaniment in the grave? Sorrow of the chances past which you did not take the best advantage of? Or happiness of the promise of salvation and paradise?
Prepare yourselves for the Journey!!
ODE TO A BELOVED UNCLE
ODE TO A BELOVED UNCLE
His talent, his knowledge, and the art-now lost forever!!
As muslims, we have been fore-warned that as time passes, and as the Judgement Day draws near-as the Hour has been established-so will the beneficial knowledge decrease. Scholars of Islamic teachings have interpreted this through the ages to mean not that knowledge will be picked from our brains and removed as one picks and removed berries from a bush-but rather that those blessed souls who have been endowed with knowledge and a special talent or a gift will die off, without-for some odd reason or another-having passed on that knowledge or talent for future generations to benefit from and develop upon.
And so this happens now as I am a sad witness to it.
The passing of Uncle Abdallah is a sad blow on so many. It is always typically selfishly sad for us when a loved one passes along. Out of our natural human inclinations, we cry out of the sorrow of looking towards the moments to come when we will miss the presence of our loved one in our lives. A presence which we had become accustomed to, and which we selfishly dread when faced with the reality of this immediate future void. That is in reality a reflection of the love of one's self, not of the loved one who has passed along. How many times-at the death of a loved one-have you heard those remaining cry out for fear of the unknown which the deceased must be entering??
Uncle Abdallah was well-trained and professionally versed in the age-old art of what might be called 'traditional orthopedics'. He was not a lettered man. Nor did he go through anything anyways near a conventional medical school. But he knew how to read, understand, and interpret an x-ray. And even more important-he knew in his brain and heart where and how to guide his crafted yet strong hands to set straight even the most peculiar bone and/or muscular deformities, fractures, slips, sprains, and strains. In the Arabic, his craft is known as one of the many branches of 'arab medicine'. This term is a wide-encompassing term meaning in general traditional treatment passed down through the centuries and generations. In encompasses a wide range of treatments from the usage of herbs and spices and home-made remedies of mixtures of ointments and lotions as well as various herbal potions, and of course, not excluding the physical treatment of setting straight orthopedic ailments.
His practice could perhaps be compared to the more modern development of chiropractic treatment, but only in a vague way. This is an art encompassing much more than mere chiropractic practices.
And so sad for the remaining community-his craft and this gift from God has been lost now forever. Unless and until God should grace yet another soul miraculously to begin all over again. But it is a feat not easy to achieve. For the knowledge that Uncle Abdallah acquired and went to his grave with was not something he merely woke up with one day. No; it had accumulated painfully and slowly through the ages; passed down from generation to generation, to apparently diminish and disappear now in this age. So sad for those remaining.
So many knew him far and wide. He had no need to advertise. The simplest and most ancient form of advertisement-word of mouth-was plenty to assure him of even the most distant customers, day and night, all through the year.
Severe cold or rain would not discourage them from waking him and his family at any hour of the day or night. Nor would great distances or miles be a hindrance for those seeking an option to long periods of uncomfortable casts or invasive surgery using steel implants, which would require even more eventual surgery. And, unlike the various modern-day treatments, his age-old practice proved to induce good, strong, proper, and even healing of the bones, muscles, and related tendons and fibers.
A dearly lost art indeed. And a man greatly missed by so many.
He was widely known as fair and just in all matters. Extremely generous, he would jump at the chance to entertain and feed the guests. He was well-known to even compete with others in attaining guests for entertainment, so deeply rooted was his inclination towards generosity towards the guests.
And so loving and caring for his family. Always ensuring to provide the best he could for them, and more. And although he had no dependable monthly income, he was never one to be known to be miserly towards his children or his wife. Yearly ensuring a trip to Makkah and then to Madinah for witnessing the completion of the fast of Ramadhan and the celebration of the eid. And providing for his wife not only the enjoyment of the trip, but as well gifts for her to take back home for herself, and plenty of shopping money for her to buy gifts for her loved ones back home as a treat of her return from traveling.
Such a loving and generous man indeed. Even in the late years, when the two (i.e. man and wife) had become rather slow and weak in their movements, he was so daunting on his beloved wife to take her himself personally to visit her sisters or other loved ones, keeping her hand in his to guide her in and out of the car to the door of the houses, and back. And now, the surviving wife is left to face the emptiness of her house, the evolving emptiness of her life without her life-long partner, and the upcoming excruciating moments when she must clear his possessions out of the house out of her view. Going back into her bedroom now, the pain only begins over and over again, as she notices his cloak hanging in the closet, his clothes hanging on the hook on the wall, and the thin cane he customarily carried along with him, all painful physical evidence of his one-time presence in this worldly life. Letting go is always a drawn-out and painful process. But it is something that we all must face eventually.
Of those he treated, I will narrate briefly to you of only a few to demonstrate his explicit talent. One-a young man-was in a devastating car accident. It was a miracle that this young man did not die in that accident, nor was he more seriously hurt than the fractures that he encountered. But he came out with a broken thigh bone, and a shattered hip and joint. The doctors prescribed a sequence of surgeries to reset the break, and to reconstruct the shattered hip and joint. The young man and his mother so wisely opted to try Uncle Abdallah's traditional treatment. And so he proceeded in his usual manner of first washing the injured area with warm water and soap. And then his hands began with the knowing pressure and pulling, advising those standing by to hold the man down as the pain would rise, until he got the fracture and the dislocations and the shattered bone fragments all set in the proper places. Then he would wrap the region with perhaps a strap of leather, covered by some gauze, after first applying a mixture of a ghee and honey rub as a soothing ointment which also helps induce the healing process. And before leaving the patient, he would first instruct the patient and family on how long the wrap should remain before removal or his next visit; and also on how or when the patient can bath; and he would remind them also of the importance of healthy diet to help induce good healing: fresh meat broth, fresh fruits and juices, etc.
As for the young man, the treatment consisted of several such repeated visits over a span of several months. And, finally, when the healing was complete and all wraps removed and he could easily walk again, he returned to the doctor who treated him those first days and nights at the hospital. That same orthopedic surgeon who was so insulted by the young man's insistence to exit the hospital, fractures untreated, on his own accord and accepting his own responsibility for any adverse reactions to his own option for refusing conventional treatment.
The doctor could not believe his eyes: the young man was walking again-only several months after the accident-with only a slight limp, no sign of any distortion of the leg, nor any sign of surgical entrance. How could this be??? Could it be true???
The doctor asked the young man to agree to a new x-ray, as well as he asked medical records for his chart and previous x-rays to make a study comparison between the two sets of x-rays.
It was truly amazing! Without any invasive surgery; with only his skilled hands, experience, and knowledge, Uncle Abdallah was able, by the grace and permission of God, to renew this young man's leg into a miraculously healed and useful leg!!
All praises and thanks be to God Almighty. And may He shower His mercy on Uncle Abdallah and let him rest in peace.
As for uncountable others-truly countless breaks, dislocations, deformities, sprains, and strains, have all been successfully set straight by Uncle Abdallah.
But now to be no more. He and his art and his heart are lost to us all now forever.
But the memory of him, of his talent, of his love and care for his fellow man, will carry on in so many of our hearts for a long time. As well as the memory of so many witnesses to his attention and attachment to worshipping God in the best possible manner.
If I had the chance to relay to Uncle Abdallah a message-I would say: 'We miss you dearly, O father!! Not only for the great service you provided to so many, and the odd hours that you would- without any complaint- jump to help others, but for your deep and caring heart, for your strength, for your love and kindness. I pray that you will rest in peace and comfort now, with no more pain or discomfort, and that you will be admitted into the most beautiful and wide expansive Heavens!! Ameen!!!'
His talent, his knowledge, and the art-now lost forever!!
As muslims, we have been fore-warned that as time passes, and as the Judgement Day draws near-as the Hour has been established-so will the beneficial knowledge decrease. Scholars of Islamic teachings have interpreted this through the ages to mean not that knowledge will be picked from our brains and removed as one picks and removed berries from a bush-but rather that those blessed souls who have been endowed with knowledge and a special talent or a gift will die off, without-for some odd reason or another-having passed on that knowledge or talent for future generations to benefit from and develop upon.
And so this happens now as I am a sad witness to it.
The passing of Uncle Abdallah is a sad blow on so many. It is always typically selfishly sad for us when a loved one passes along. Out of our natural human inclinations, we cry out of the sorrow of looking towards the moments to come when we will miss the presence of our loved one in our lives. A presence which we had become accustomed to, and which we selfishly dread when faced with the reality of this immediate future void. That is in reality a reflection of the love of one's self, not of the loved one who has passed along. How many times-at the death of a loved one-have you heard those remaining cry out for fear of the unknown which the deceased must be entering??
Uncle Abdallah was well-trained and professionally versed in the age-old art of what might be called 'traditional orthopedics'. He was not a lettered man. Nor did he go through anything anyways near a conventional medical school. But he knew how to read, understand, and interpret an x-ray. And even more important-he knew in his brain and heart where and how to guide his crafted yet strong hands to set straight even the most peculiar bone and/or muscular deformities, fractures, slips, sprains, and strains. In the Arabic, his craft is known as one of the many branches of 'arab medicine'. This term is a wide-encompassing term meaning in general traditional treatment passed down through the centuries and generations. In encompasses a wide range of treatments from the usage of herbs and spices and home-made remedies of mixtures of ointments and lotions as well as various herbal potions, and of course, not excluding the physical treatment of setting straight orthopedic ailments.
His practice could perhaps be compared to the more modern development of chiropractic treatment, but only in a vague way. This is an art encompassing much more than mere chiropractic practices.
And so sad for the remaining community-his craft and this gift from God has been lost now forever. Unless and until God should grace yet another soul miraculously to begin all over again. But it is a feat not easy to achieve. For the knowledge that Uncle Abdallah acquired and went to his grave with was not something he merely woke up with one day. No; it had accumulated painfully and slowly through the ages; passed down from generation to generation, to apparently diminish and disappear now in this age. So sad for those remaining.
So many knew him far and wide. He had no need to advertise. The simplest and most ancient form of advertisement-word of mouth-was plenty to assure him of even the most distant customers, day and night, all through the year.
Severe cold or rain would not discourage them from waking him and his family at any hour of the day or night. Nor would great distances or miles be a hindrance for those seeking an option to long periods of uncomfortable casts or invasive surgery using steel implants, which would require even more eventual surgery. And, unlike the various modern-day treatments, his age-old practice proved to induce good, strong, proper, and even healing of the bones, muscles, and related tendons and fibers.
A dearly lost art indeed. And a man greatly missed by so many.
He was widely known as fair and just in all matters. Extremely generous, he would jump at the chance to entertain and feed the guests. He was well-known to even compete with others in attaining guests for entertainment, so deeply rooted was his inclination towards generosity towards the guests.
And so loving and caring for his family. Always ensuring to provide the best he could for them, and more. And although he had no dependable monthly income, he was never one to be known to be miserly towards his children or his wife. Yearly ensuring a trip to Makkah and then to Madinah for witnessing the completion of the fast of Ramadhan and the celebration of the eid. And providing for his wife not only the enjoyment of the trip, but as well gifts for her to take back home for herself, and plenty of shopping money for her to buy gifts for her loved ones back home as a treat of her return from traveling.
Such a loving and generous man indeed. Even in the late years, when the two (i.e. man and wife) had become rather slow and weak in their movements, he was so daunting on his beloved wife to take her himself personally to visit her sisters or other loved ones, keeping her hand in his to guide her in and out of the car to the door of the houses, and back. And now, the surviving wife is left to face the emptiness of her house, the evolving emptiness of her life without her life-long partner, and the upcoming excruciating moments when she must clear his possessions out of the house out of her view. Going back into her bedroom now, the pain only begins over and over again, as she notices his cloak hanging in the closet, his clothes hanging on the hook on the wall, and the thin cane he customarily carried along with him, all painful physical evidence of his one-time presence in this worldly life. Letting go is always a drawn-out and painful process. But it is something that we all must face eventually.
Of those he treated, I will narrate briefly to you of only a few to demonstrate his explicit talent. One-a young man-was in a devastating car accident. It was a miracle that this young man did not die in that accident, nor was he more seriously hurt than the fractures that he encountered. But he came out with a broken thigh bone, and a shattered hip and joint. The doctors prescribed a sequence of surgeries to reset the break, and to reconstruct the shattered hip and joint. The young man and his mother so wisely opted to try Uncle Abdallah's traditional treatment. And so he proceeded in his usual manner of first washing the injured area with warm water and soap. And then his hands began with the knowing pressure and pulling, advising those standing by to hold the man down as the pain would rise, until he got the fracture and the dislocations and the shattered bone fragments all set in the proper places. Then he would wrap the region with perhaps a strap of leather, covered by some gauze, after first applying a mixture of a ghee and honey rub as a soothing ointment which also helps induce the healing process. And before leaving the patient, he would first instruct the patient and family on how long the wrap should remain before removal or his next visit; and also on how or when the patient can bath; and he would remind them also of the importance of healthy diet to help induce good healing: fresh meat broth, fresh fruits and juices, etc.
As for the young man, the treatment consisted of several such repeated visits over a span of several months. And, finally, when the healing was complete and all wraps removed and he could easily walk again, he returned to the doctor who treated him those first days and nights at the hospital. That same orthopedic surgeon who was so insulted by the young man's insistence to exit the hospital, fractures untreated, on his own accord and accepting his own responsibility for any adverse reactions to his own option for refusing conventional treatment.
The doctor could not believe his eyes: the young man was walking again-only several months after the accident-with only a slight limp, no sign of any distortion of the leg, nor any sign of surgical entrance. How could this be??? Could it be true???
The doctor asked the young man to agree to a new x-ray, as well as he asked medical records for his chart and previous x-rays to make a study comparison between the two sets of x-rays.
It was truly amazing! Without any invasive surgery; with only his skilled hands, experience, and knowledge, Uncle Abdallah was able, by the grace and permission of God, to renew this young man's leg into a miraculously healed and useful leg!!
All praises and thanks be to God Almighty. And may He shower His mercy on Uncle Abdallah and let him rest in peace.
As for uncountable others-truly countless breaks, dislocations, deformities, sprains, and strains, have all been successfully set straight by Uncle Abdallah.
But now to be no more. He and his art and his heart are lost to us all now forever.
But the memory of him, of his talent, of his love and care for his fellow man, will carry on in so many of our hearts for a long time. As well as the memory of so many witnesses to his attention and attachment to worshipping God in the best possible manner.
If I had the chance to relay to Uncle Abdallah a message-I would say: 'We miss you dearly, O father!! Not only for the great service you provided to so many, and the odd hours that you would- without any complaint- jump to help others, but for your deep and caring heart, for your strength, for your love and kindness. I pray that you will rest in peace and comfort now, with no more pain or discomfort, and that you will be admitted into the most beautiful and wide expansive Heavens!! Ameen!!!'
IN PREPARATION FOR THE HAJ
IN PREPARATION FOR THE HAJ
So, you have made your plans and preparations to perform the haj, eh?
Your reservations for travel and accommodation have already been made and confirmed. You have either paid off your debts or come to some amicable agreement with your debtors, which frees you for the haj. You have had all the necessary vaccinations, and so now all the necessary paper work has been completed for your safe and smooth journey.
You have even either purchased or selected from your closet the clothing that you will need. Perhaps even your bags are already packed. And you have also put away a nice little bundle of money for your provisions and other needs along the way.
And you have even studied in books as a review on how to proceed through the haj, or perhaps you have attended lectures or some sort of classes of tutoring to prepare you for the haj.
And so, you are ready. But…are you REALLY ready?
This is a gathering of people from literally ever crack and corner of the world, uniting in this one spot, on this one day (namely-Arafat), for one purpose-to worship and humbly dedicate themselves to the One and Only God.
For even the most sage haji's, who have attended the haj many times over and are accustomed to this scene, it is still a tremendously emotional and impressively flabbergasting moment.
If you come by air, most likely your first glimpse of the haj atmosphere will greet you at the specially allocated haj terminal in Jeddah. The Saudi authorities have wisely set up this separate terminal building to help them more efficiently process the hundreds of thousands of hajis. This has helped them to free up the regular terminal somewhat for those traveling at this time for reasons other than the haj.
Then, as you first enter Makkah, you will notice the influx of the tens of thousands of pilgrims homing in on the Grand Mosque for prayer and the ceremonial circumambulation of the Kaaba as honey bees are attracted towards and held in magnetic connection to their queen and the hive.
Another beautiful site developing and increasing in recent years is something that I affectionately call 'Rainbos of the Haj'. This is the growing tendancy of the various separate groups coming for the haj, in particular those from non-arab lands, of assigning a one-color scheme of head-dress (hijab) for all of their female participants to don. It is not uncommon nowadays to look out onto the sea of humans in the Grand Mosque, and find a group of 20+ women donned in, for example, yellow scarves, followed by yet another group of purple, and yet another group of green, and so on and so forth, literally covering their heads with any and every color of the rainbow and all shades in between. This manner helps their own groups-helping to prevent losses from their groups in aiding them to identify one another.
As you progress towards Mina, the tent-city camp site where most of your stay will be, you will notice now more and more of the men donned in the traditional simple garb of two pieces of un-sewn white cloth. Here, at this point, (only one or two days before the haj of Arafat), the only men dressed in regular clothing are those not intending haj for themselves.
The days preceding the haj have come and gone. You have done your first visit of the Grand Mosque, performed some prayers and completed the circumambulation due upon your arrival. You have checked into your assigned tent in Mina, acquiring 'your space' for your stay.
Now the truly Big Day has arrived. The Day of Arafat. The Day of the Bigger Haj (al-Haj Al-Akbar), as it is so names by Allah in the Quran.
This is truly the Day of the Haj-for without attending to it in it's proper place, in proper manner, and in proper time, it does not count with Allah as Haj for that person, even if they may attend to all the other rites and rituals of the Haj. And as for all the other rites and rituals of the Haj-if you miss out on them in any way, there is expiation for that. But there is no form of expiation for missing the presence at Arafat-within it's set boundaries, and during the daylight hours up until sunset.
This most excellent day of the year is a day for prayers and supplication-seeking for His Mery and Forgiveness. So take the fullest advantage of this truly one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This is the Day in which Allah tells His angels that He indeed forgives those who have presented themselves to Him at this time and at this spot. So do not lose the spirit of the moment by worldly cares and worries.
For those who have the chance to participate in and witness for themselves the gathering of the pilgrims-all at one spot, all at one time, all facing one direction, all dressed the same, all for the same reason-humbling themselves to worship and serve the One and Only God-it is a fantastically overwhelming experience indeed.
Over 2 million, perhaps closer to 3 million, pilgrims-all worshipping the One God at one time! People from all over the globe-countless backgrounds, countless languages, countless professions and levels in society-all standing literally side by side, bowing all at one time, prostrating all at one time, in perfect unison and obedience behind one leader, all seeking the Mercy of their Creator and Sustainer.
It is a sight which is, perhaps, even chillingly predictive of the Day of Resurrection. A Day when all will be raised in a fashion of facing their Lord and Accounter.
But it is different still. For on this day, we are yet in this life, and we yet have the chance for repentance and redemption. We have this hane yet to hopefully wipe our slates clean.
For as Allah has promised us, for those who commit no sin nor debauchery in the haj, they will return after the haj as a new born babe, with a clean slate! Literally a new start! A second chance at a new life-with all past sins wiped off the slate!
It is truly overwhelming indeed-to the point where you may very well in fat find yourself at a loss of words or manner of how to ask what you most desperately need or want from your Lord. So do not let this sensation of overwhelm consume you to that extent. Rather, continue to remember Allah much in the simplest fashion.
Repeat the shahada over and over. This statement itself is truly the essence of Islam. So, repeat it often. It is something truly loved by Allah. Another phrase to frequently moisten your tongue with is: 'subhan-Allah wa bi hamdihi, subhan Allahul-adhim'. As recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, this phrase is dearly beloved by the Most Merciful, light on the tongue, and heavy in the scales (of reward). So, repeat it often. And don't become forgetful or mindless of seeking Allah's forgiveness. Two great benefits of this is that one: it is a door-opener to having your other prayers answered; and, two: it is a method of attaining Allah's protection from His anger and punishment, as He Himself has promised us. And Allah never relinquishes on anything He promises.
Take the fullest advantage of the Day of the Haj. Humble yourself to Allah in seeking His Mercy and His Forgiveness. Reap the rih benefit to be had from the Haj. Take your belief to another higher and more encompassing level. Find the true brotherhood of Islam. Take care to help and be kind to your fellow pilgrims. Have much patience.
It is truly an out-of-this-world experience, if you will open yourself for it. Prepare yourself-leave the world and all of your worldly cares behind you for that short time. And sincerely give of yourself to Allah.
He has beckoned unto you, commanding His slave Ibrahim (AS) to proclaim the Haj when it's time comes. He has spoken-the Haj is now upon us. And you, my brothers and sisters, are answering His call: 'Labaik Allahumma labaik'. Pilgrims coming from literally every crack and corner of the world-to gather in answer to His all.
So reap the benefits of this time, and be of those who are sincere with they say: 'Laa ilaha illa Allah, Mohammedan rasool Allah.'
May Allah grant you the greatest benefit of this haj-to be forgiven of your sins, and to be granted entrance to His Paradise. And may He protect you to return to your loved ones in excellent form.
So, you have made your plans and preparations to perform the haj, eh?
Your reservations for travel and accommodation have already been made and confirmed. You have either paid off your debts or come to some amicable agreement with your debtors, which frees you for the haj. You have had all the necessary vaccinations, and so now all the necessary paper work has been completed for your safe and smooth journey.
You have even either purchased or selected from your closet the clothing that you will need. Perhaps even your bags are already packed. And you have also put away a nice little bundle of money for your provisions and other needs along the way.
And you have even studied in books as a review on how to proceed through the haj, or perhaps you have attended lectures or some sort of classes of tutoring to prepare you for the haj.
And so, you are ready. But…are you REALLY ready?
This is a gathering of people from literally ever crack and corner of the world, uniting in this one spot, on this one day (namely-Arafat), for one purpose-to worship and humbly dedicate themselves to the One and Only God.
For even the most sage haji's, who have attended the haj many times over and are accustomed to this scene, it is still a tremendously emotional and impressively flabbergasting moment.
If you come by air, most likely your first glimpse of the haj atmosphere will greet you at the specially allocated haj terminal in Jeddah. The Saudi authorities have wisely set up this separate terminal building to help them more efficiently process the hundreds of thousands of hajis. This has helped them to free up the regular terminal somewhat for those traveling at this time for reasons other than the haj.
Then, as you first enter Makkah, you will notice the influx of the tens of thousands of pilgrims homing in on the Grand Mosque for prayer and the ceremonial circumambulation of the Kaaba as honey bees are attracted towards and held in magnetic connection to their queen and the hive.
Another beautiful site developing and increasing in recent years is something that I affectionately call 'Rainbos of the Haj'. This is the growing tendancy of the various separate groups coming for the haj, in particular those from non-arab lands, of assigning a one-color scheme of head-dress (hijab) for all of their female participants to don. It is not uncommon nowadays to look out onto the sea of humans in the Grand Mosque, and find a group of 20+ women donned in, for example, yellow scarves, followed by yet another group of purple, and yet another group of green, and so on and so forth, literally covering their heads with any and every color of the rainbow and all shades in between. This manner helps their own groups-helping to prevent losses from their groups in aiding them to identify one another.
As you progress towards Mina, the tent-city camp site where most of your stay will be, you will notice now more and more of the men donned in the traditional simple garb of two pieces of un-sewn white cloth. Here, at this point, (only one or two days before the haj of Arafat), the only men dressed in regular clothing are those not intending haj for themselves.
The days preceding the haj have come and gone. You have done your first visit of the Grand Mosque, performed some prayers and completed the circumambulation due upon your arrival. You have checked into your assigned tent in Mina, acquiring 'your space' for your stay.
Now the truly Big Day has arrived. The Day of Arafat. The Day of the Bigger Haj (al-Haj Al-Akbar), as it is so names by Allah in the Quran.
This is truly the Day of the Haj-for without attending to it in it's proper place, in proper manner, and in proper time, it does not count with Allah as Haj for that person, even if they may attend to all the other rites and rituals of the Haj. And as for all the other rites and rituals of the Haj-if you miss out on them in any way, there is expiation for that. But there is no form of expiation for missing the presence at Arafat-within it's set boundaries, and during the daylight hours up until sunset.
This most excellent day of the year is a day for prayers and supplication-seeking for His Mery and Forgiveness. So take the fullest advantage of this truly one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This is the Day in which Allah tells His angels that He indeed forgives those who have presented themselves to Him at this time and at this spot. So do not lose the spirit of the moment by worldly cares and worries.
For those who have the chance to participate in and witness for themselves the gathering of the pilgrims-all at one spot, all at one time, all facing one direction, all dressed the same, all for the same reason-humbling themselves to worship and serve the One and Only God-it is a fantastically overwhelming experience indeed.
Over 2 million, perhaps closer to 3 million, pilgrims-all worshipping the One God at one time! People from all over the globe-countless backgrounds, countless languages, countless professions and levels in society-all standing literally side by side, bowing all at one time, prostrating all at one time, in perfect unison and obedience behind one leader, all seeking the Mercy of their Creator and Sustainer.
It is a sight which is, perhaps, even chillingly predictive of the Day of Resurrection. A Day when all will be raised in a fashion of facing their Lord and Accounter.
But it is different still. For on this day, we are yet in this life, and we yet have the chance for repentance and redemption. We have this hane yet to hopefully wipe our slates clean.
For as Allah has promised us, for those who commit no sin nor debauchery in the haj, they will return after the haj as a new born babe, with a clean slate! Literally a new start! A second chance at a new life-with all past sins wiped off the slate!
It is truly overwhelming indeed-to the point where you may very well in fat find yourself at a loss of words or manner of how to ask what you most desperately need or want from your Lord. So do not let this sensation of overwhelm consume you to that extent. Rather, continue to remember Allah much in the simplest fashion.
Repeat the shahada over and over. This statement itself is truly the essence of Islam. So, repeat it often. It is something truly loved by Allah. Another phrase to frequently moisten your tongue with is: 'subhan-Allah wa bi hamdihi, subhan Allahul-adhim'. As recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, this phrase is dearly beloved by the Most Merciful, light on the tongue, and heavy in the scales (of reward). So, repeat it often. And don't become forgetful or mindless of seeking Allah's forgiveness. Two great benefits of this is that one: it is a door-opener to having your other prayers answered; and, two: it is a method of attaining Allah's protection from His anger and punishment, as He Himself has promised us. And Allah never relinquishes on anything He promises.
Take the fullest advantage of the Day of the Haj. Humble yourself to Allah in seeking His Mercy and His Forgiveness. Reap the rih benefit to be had from the Haj. Take your belief to another higher and more encompassing level. Find the true brotherhood of Islam. Take care to help and be kind to your fellow pilgrims. Have much patience.
It is truly an out-of-this-world experience, if you will open yourself for it. Prepare yourself-leave the world and all of your worldly cares behind you for that short time. And sincerely give of yourself to Allah.
He has beckoned unto you, commanding His slave Ibrahim (AS) to proclaim the Haj when it's time comes. He has spoken-the Haj is now upon us. And you, my brothers and sisters, are answering His call: 'Labaik Allahumma labaik'. Pilgrims coming from literally every crack and corner of the world-to gather in answer to His all.
So reap the benefits of this time, and be of those who are sincere with they say: 'Laa ilaha illa Allah, Mohammedan rasool Allah.'
May Allah grant you the greatest benefit of this haj-to be forgiven of your sins, and to be granted entrance to His Paradise. And may He protect you to return to your loved ones in excellent form.
IN DEFENSE OF ISLAM AND MOHAMMED(saaw)
IN DEFENSE OF ISLAM AND MOHAMMED(SAAW)
Throughout the ages, there have been various upsurges from time to time of the apparently endless war between the religious factions of the world. Some of those upsurges have been more physical and bloody and fatal than others. And some of those upsurges have been more on the intellectual front. Yet even the upsurges of the intellectual design sadly lead towards an uncontrollable spiraling of flaming reaction of defensive vengeance that oft times results in loss or damage of property and/or life.
Such is the evidential scene we observe in today's environment of a wide-ranged Muslim reaction towards the most recent attacks of insulting caricatures of our beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW), publicized in some European papers. Rather than putting down the Muslims, these insults have come to bring together the various differing factions of Muslims all within the wider fold of Islam. Recognizing our differences, we have come to overlook those differences, and join hands in defending the honor of our beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW), and the truth of the message he was endowed to spread to mankind. It is a time of heightened awareness among the Muslims themselves of the importance of the message of Islam.
Pictures have appeared in many international newspapers as well as on many satellite T.V. stations broadcasting not only mass demonstrations by Muslims in opposition to the publications of the caricatures-but sadly as well various other more violent reactions such as destructions of vehicles and/or public buildings in relation to or of importance to those somehow related to those guilty of the publications.
We as Muslims must stop to look into ourselves and our religion with some serious investigative introspect. And although we all know that our beloved prophet(SAAW) did indeed lead his companions into battle at times, we must also realize the reason for and behind those very battles. Even in time of battle, there were strict rules in place, according to the dictates of Islam, which rendered the highest and utmost respect to human life and rights. Not true with what is witnessed today.
We need to examine the life and practices of our beloved prophet(SAAW0, to better understand his manners in dealing in nearly any situation. And from that knowledge of his(SAAW) excellent and upright behavior, we can then and perhaps only then, deduce what he himself (SAAW) would do (or perhaps approve of doing) when faced with some similar situation as what we are facing today.
Those brave and unknowing souls who are falsely accusing that Islam was spread by the sword and other similar methods of death, destruction, and hateful danger, are finding retaliation of such similar destruction as the angry defensive vengeance-response from various Muslims. Granted, those response are a marginally small percentage in relation to the world's Muslim populace today. But because of the nature of the response (violent) and the expectation of the accusers, it is a most widely heard and recognized response.
To those opting or even in support of such measures of violent defensive vengeful reaction to the insults waged against our beloved prophet(SAAW) and divine religion-I ask-what message does that really send to the on-looking world?! Can it be said, by acts of unnecessary violence, that Islam does not promote nor teach violence?
Indeed, a common underlying factor for mankind of all the ages and every walk and belief-is that imitation is the utmost compliment and truest showing of one's love and care for something or someone.
If you Muslims the world round truly love and respect Mohammed(SAAW), then the best way to prove that love is to imitate his(SAAW) truly excellent and unprecedented example. He(SAAW0 spread the important divine message of Islam to the world by the highest example of patience, love, and kindness towards his fellow man. Never becoming weak nor wavering in his bold yet simple speech in the face of adversity and opposition, while ever so gently striking a safe balance all the time. Strong, yet not offensive and insulting. And in particular, not unnecessarily violent. The violent and deadly battles were reserved only for those occasions of dire necessity.
The current trend of violent reaction in supposed defense of Islam and our beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW), escalating only in yet more violence from each opposing side, is reminiscent to me of the typical school bully scene and mentality. We have on the one side a group of people opting to insult Islam and the beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW) with slanderous caricatures and accompanying dialogue or captions. Then on the defensive side are not only those who have opposed such childish insulting behavior by various methods of public condemnation and boycotts, but we also sadly have the various factions taking to more physical and invasively violent measures such as bombings or raids and attacks upon people and things of even the most remote connection to those responsible for the insults.
My dear Muslim brethren, it is in fact the group of the latter description which not only distorts the true message of Islam worldwide and hence makes the non-Muslims automatically on the defense against anything in relation to Islam and Muslims, but it is also the spiraling generator for the bully to react in even more vicious manner.
O Muslims! Come together at this most important time in the history of mankind and defend our esteemed religion and prophet with the best possible manner of defense-that is which is defined within the realms of the teachings of Islam. Beware of taking steps of outward and unnecessary violence as a response to the verbal and written attacks. This type of action only serves as a detriment to the image of Islam and Muslims worldwide, and a re-enforcement of the misconceptions held by so many against Islam.
Oppose those who opt to insult Islam and Muslims with something which is better than violence. Extinguish the fire with water, not with fire. And fight ignorance with knowledge, shedding a light on the darkness.
Throughout the ages, there have been various upsurges from time to time of the apparently endless war between the religious factions of the world. Some of those upsurges have been more physical and bloody and fatal than others. And some of those upsurges have been more on the intellectual front. Yet even the upsurges of the intellectual design sadly lead towards an uncontrollable spiraling of flaming reaction of defensive vengeance that oft times results in loss or damage of property and/or life.
Such is the evidential scene we observe in today's environment of a wide-ranged Muslim reaction towards the most recent attacks of insulting caricatures of our beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW), publicized in some European papers. Rather than putting down the Muslims, these insults have come to bring together the various differing factions of Muslims all within the wider fold of Islam. Recognizing our differences, we have come to overlook those differences, and join hands in defending the honor of our beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW), and the truth of the message he was endowed to spread to mankind. It is a time of heightened awareness among the Muslims themselves of the importance of the message of Islam.
Pictures have appeared in many international newspapers as well as on many satellite T.V. stations broadcasting not only mass demonstrations by Muslims in opposition to the publications of the caricatures-but sadly as well various other more violent reactions such as destructions of vehicles and/or public buildings in relation to or of importance to those somehow related to those guilty of the publications.
We as Muslims must stop to look into ourselves and our religion with some serious investigative introspect. And although we all know that our beloved prophet(SAAW) did indeed lead his companions into battle at times, we must also realize the reason for and behind those very battles. Even in time of battle, there were strict rules in place, according to the dictates of Islam, which rendered the highest and utmost respect to human life and rights. Not true with what is witnessed today.
We need to examine the life and practices of our beloved prophet(SAAW0, to better understand his manners in dealing in nearly any situation. And from that knowledge of his(SAAW) excellent and upright behavior, we can then and perhaps only then, deduce what he himself (SAAW) would do (or perhaps approve of doing) when faced with some similar situation as what we are facing today.
Those brave and unknowing souls who are falsely accusing that Islam was spread by the sword and other similar methods of death, destruction, and hateful danger, are finding retaliation of such similar destruction as the angry defensive vengeance-response from various Muslims. Granted, those response are a marginally small percentage in relation to the world's Muslim populace today. But because of the nature of the response (violent) and the expectation of the accusers, it is a most widely heard and recognized response.
To those opting or even in support of such measures of violent defensive vengeful reaction to the insults waged against our beloved prophet(SAAW) and divine religion-I ask-what message does that really send to the on-looking world?! Can it be said, by acts of unnecessary violence, that Islam does not promote nor teach violence?
Indeed, a common underlying factor for mankind of all the ages and every walk and belief-is that imitation is the utmost compliment and truest showing of one's love and care for something or someone.
If you Muslims the world round truly love and respect Mohammed(SAAW), then the best way to prove that love is to imitate his(SAAW) truly excellent and unprecedented example. He(SAAW0 spread the important divine message of Islam to the world by the highest example of patience, love, and kindness towards his fellow man. Never becoming weak nor wavering in his bold yet simple speech in the face of adversity and opposition, while ever so gently striking a safe balance all the time. Strong, yet not offensive and insulting. And in particular, not unnecessarily violent. The violent and deadly battles were reserved only for those occasions of dire necessity.
The current trend of violent reaction in supposed defense of Islam and our beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW), escalating only in yet more violence from each opposing side, is reminiscent to me of the typical school bully scene and mentality. We have on the one side a group of people opting to insult Islam and the beloved prophet Mohammed(SAAW) with slanderous caricatures and accompanying dialogue or captions. Then on the defensive side are not only those who have opposed such childish insulting behavior by various methods of public condemnation and boycotts, but we also sadly have the various factions taking to more physical and invasively violent measures such as bombings or raids and attacks upon people and things of even the most remote connection to those responsible for the insults.
My dear Muslim brethren, it is in fact the group of the latter description which not only distorts the true message of Islam worldwide and hence makes the non-Muslims automatically on the defense against anything in relation to Islam and Muslims, but it is also the spiraling generator for the bully to react in even more vicious manner.
O Muslims! Come together at this most important time in the history of mankind and defend our esteemed religion and prophet with the best possible manner of defense-that is which is defined within the realms of the teachings of Islam. Beware of taking steps of outward and unnecessary violence as a response to the verbal and written attacks. This type of action only serves as a detriment to the image of Islam and Muslims worldwide, and a re-enforcement of the misconceptions held by so many against Islam.
Oppose those who opt to insult Islam and Muslims with something which is better than violence. Extinguish the fire with water, not with fire. And fight ignorance with knowledge, shedding a light on the darkness.
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