A childhood friend recently asked me this "Is it ok if I remain single all my life and not be married? I have a problem with trust. I don't think I can have a successful marriage."
I didn't probe further what her problem was, and I tried not to draw any assumptions what has happened in her life. Situations like this seem to be increasing every day and it's definitely a worrying trend. It doesn’t help that we keep hearing news of failed marriages and cheating spouses. However, I always believe that there’s an answer out of all this and the answer lies within Islam.
“What? It lies within Islam? Why then is the Malay Muslim community one of the biggest, (if not the biggest) contributors towards this problem?”
The reality is that many of the Muslims today are Muslims only by name. They don’t inculcate Islamic values in all or many parts of their life while in fact; we have to apply it in everything we do. If each and every Muslim truly strives to apply Islam as a way of life, this would definitely increase the chances for a happier life and more successful marriage.
Before providing her with some avenues that would hopefully help her find her way out of this, I reminded her about the basics in life as a Muslim and the single most important question that everyone must continuously remind themselves, “At the end of all this dramatic life, when we all die, where are we going? What is our true purpose of life?”
I hope that my e-mail reply to her question would help in some way. May Allah guide her and those in a similar state out of this and protect them.
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Since we’re on this topic, here’s an interesting read to share. Do check out the ‘heated debates’ from the comments too. Oh How About Love (ummsofiyyah.wordpress.com)
And here’s my comment on it, just as a reminder for myself and maybe for others too.
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Hm, just to share.. here’s some excerpts of advice that we can ponder about love and marriage..
“Dalam soal berumah tangga, janganlah terlalu memilih dan hanya mencari yang paling sempurna. Jika kita mahu yang paling sempurna, maka nanti apabila kita membuat keputusan untuk menerima seseorang, kita menganggapnya sebagai seorang yang sempurna. Jika rumah tangga dibina atas fikiran seperti itu, kita tidak expect sebarang kekurangan. Maka selepas berumah tangga, hanya kekurangan isteri sahajalah yang sering terlihat di mata, kerana kita menjangkakan kesempurnaan. Terimalah seseorang, seadanya. Kebaikannya disyukuri, kekurangannya diredhai”
“perkahwinan sebenarnya menggabungjalinkan antara cinta, kasih sayang, tanggungjawab dan peranan. Ada hari air pasang, cinta memainkan peranan. Ada hari air surut, maka tanggungjawab dan kematangan pula mengambil tugas.”
“Aik macam pernah dengar kata-kata di atas.. tapi di mana yah?” some might think. They are excerpts from a couple of articles at saifulislam.com.
Apart from choosing someone for their piety, for me, there needs to be other factors as well in choosing our lifetime partners. I feel, it’s up to the individual. Each has his/her own needs and aspirations. One’s choice in their future partners will be based on their perspective towards life. When they find someone who shares similar goals and outlook towards life, that person will be their likely choice.
The basics for me are like what Abu Raiyan said, “yang sejuk di mata dan penawar di hati.” That’s because I’ll live with this person for the rest of my life and at least some form of attraction and chemistry is a must for me. To be more convinced after that, that’s where istikharah prayers come in for both parties before proceeding further.
I agree to how ‘Anonymous’ and ‘Abu Raiyan’ suggested about loving someone for the sake of Allah. It is about loving him/her for their piousness and effort towards being a good Muslim and to know that both will strive for the success of the marriage based on Islamic values, constantly reminding and guiding each other towards goodness and doing their best to refrain from anything that’s bad.
With this as the basis in the marriage, along with mutual trust, patience, understanding, open communication (both being an open book to each other), respecting each other’s needs/aspirations/time and also accepting each other for who they are (not how you want him to be), this will help towards the success of the marriage, insya Allah.
Things will not be perfect in a sense that every single day will be all lovely and romantic even if we strive for this. Every situation in this life will be forever filled with trials. There will be good times and tough times. If both can understand this, then they’ll be patient and help each other to work things out whenever things turn out bad. It definitely needs a lot patience and effort.
And lastly, about Islam and the natural tendencies of humans, mutual expressions of love not only physically, but also emotionally, between married couples are definitely a must for the bonds of marriage to remain strong.
For example, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to express his love toward his wives by word and deed. It is reported that `Amr ibn Al-`Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “O Allah’s Messenger, whom do you love most, after Allah Almighty?” He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “`A’ishah.” `Amr ibn Al-`Aas then said, “And from among the men?” The Prophet answered, “Her father (Abu Bakr).” This hadith shows how great the Prophet’s love was for `A’ishah, and this love was well-known among his Companions.
`A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “It would happen that Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) would take a utensil containing food, give it to me while I was having my menstrual period, and adjure me to eat from it. Then he would take the vessel being keen to put his mouth on the same place I put my mouth on.” Of course, the Prophet did this as a kind of compliment and to let his wife feel his affection.
`A’ishah also swore that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do the same when drinking water. She would drink then he would take the utensil and drink from it, putting his mouth where she had put hers.
By doing such things, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) intended to guide his nation as to how the relation between the spouses should be, how affection and mercy can last between them, and how the husband can talk gently and play with his wife. (excerpted from an Islamonline.net article)
Thus, I agree with your last statement in your comment about Islam and the natural tendencies of humans. (",)
And Allah Almighty knows best.
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Hm, asik cakap pasal love and marriage je, tapi nikahnya tak lagi.. tsk tsk.. MACAM PAHAM aku ni.. hahah. Allah al-Musta'aan.
"O Ever Living, O Self-Subsisting and Supporter of all, by Your Mercy I seek assistance, rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye." Ameen.
Anyway, here’s a few articles that we can ponder upon about love and marriage.
- What is Love? (islamonline.net)
- Mutual Expressions of Love Between Spouses (islamonline.net)
- Jodoh tidak datang bergolek (saifulislam.com)
- Erti Sebuah Perkahwinan (saifulislam.com)
- Loving Each Other for the Sake of Allah (islamonline.net)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Hope For Desperate Souls
Article from readingislam.com..
Julaybib, the Prophet's companion
By Amatullah Abdullah
Freelance Writer
There are many outstanding Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who come to mind throughout Islamic history. Some are huge in stature, and others are humble, yet highly respectable or brilliant in some way. Julaybib was a beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad however, not a likely figure to make it in the ranks of celebrated heroes of Islam.
His life and deeds were not sung nor recounted with reverence as they should be but with the meager facts available one sees hope for humble souls through his life.
Julaybib was not tall, or handsome, he was not known to be a gallant warrior on the battlefield before the advent of Islam. His personal attributes appeared so contrary to the normal heroes of old.
Julaybib was an orphan, deformed and extremely short. He was brutally rejected by society because the people were more concerned with his physical appearance and status than integrity.
His story is significant and many lessons can be learnt from it. It shows us a lot about how a human being can be devalued based on superficial things. His life is an example and hope for souls filled with despondency because they do not measure up to the norms set by society. His story touches the hearts of many even today.
Julaybib was an orphan from Madinah and acquired his name before embracing Islam. His name means "small grown" in Arabic which denoted his physical appearance. He was extremely short and could be compared to a dwarf when considering today's definition. It is also noted that he was even described as "damim" in Arabic which means deformed, unattractive or of repulsive appearance.
In addition to his physical appearance, another important factor in his mistreatment had to do with his lineage. Lineage was an essential part in the Arab society he lived in, just as it is still important today in many cases. One's lineage determined his or her status in the society. His physical appearance, and unknown lineage, made people shun and spurn him. He was an outcast which caused him much public humiliation and disgrace.
Facing such disdainful treatment, Julaybib was apparently a lonely soul yearning for love and compassion. As he was carrying the burden of prejudice on his shoulder from the time he was born, companionship, love and compassion became alien to him.
There were often times, a question as to whether this man would even taste any compassion or respect in his life. The question cleared with his acceptance of the Prophet Muhammad's message of Islam.
He became a devoted servant of Almighty God and beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad. He gained respect and affection from Prophet Muhammad, for his sincerity, integrity and strong Islamic belief. Julaybib earned the honor he yearned and became one of the most valued companions of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad cared deeply for this soul. He was sensitive of Julaybib's needs, and this is evident from the hadith where the Prophet approached a man from the Ansar (Madinah Muslims who helped the Makkans when they emigrated to Madinah), seeking the hand of his beautiful daughter in marriage on behalf of Julaybib. The Islamic scholar, Imam Ahmad, has recorded this incidents in Julaybib life as follows:
The Prophet went to a man of the Ansar and said:
"Give me your daughter for marriage."
The man answered excitedly, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah , it would be an honor and a blessing."
For which the Prophet said, "I do not want her for myself."
The Ansari man asked, "Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah?"
And the Prophet answered, "For Julaybib."
When the Ansari man heard this, he was shocked and said, "O Messenger of Allah, let me consult her mother." So he went to the girl's mother (his wife) and told her, "The Messenger of Allah is proposing marriage for your daughter."
The wife of the Ansari seemed overjoyed and said, "Yes, it would be a pleasure."
The Ansari explained to his wife that the Prophet was not proposing to marry their daughter for himself but he is proposing on behalf of Julaybib.
His wife was almost shaken and immediately responded, "What! Julaybib? No, by Allah, we will not marry her to him."
When the Ansari prepared to leave to meet the Messenger of Allah and mentioned to him his mother's disapproval, his daughter, a pious Muslim, asked her father, "Who is asking for my hand?"
Her mother told her that the Prophet was asking her hand on behalf Julaybib.
Their daughter instantly asked them, "Are you refusing to follow the command of the Messenger of Allah? Follow his command, for I will not come to any harm."
The following is illustrated in the book Companions of the Prophet by Abdul Wahid Hamid:
Hearing her daughters word, the Mother's heart being filled with remorse said: "Stop my daughter, don't say another word indeed I have erred I repent and I repent a thousand times over for as of this moment their is no one who I would prefer for you than Julaybib."
The following day the marriage was in place, Uthman and Ali, two of the Prophet's Companions, presented Julaybib a gift of money to help arrange the wedding reception, and to purchase necessary accommodation.
So the Prophet married the beautiful daughter of the Ansari to Julaybib who was once rejected by the whole society. The attitude of the daughter of the Ansari was that of a true believer.
The daughter's attitude shows her confidence of a Muslim woman who could not be influenced by the whims of the society. Unlike the parent's of today's world who are more concerned about status and money, her parents' reaction to her approval explains how Islam does not pressure a woman nor does it disregard her right to choose her husband.
Islam gave the happiness Julaybib deserved and he lived happily together with his beautiful wife until he was martyred.
The follow hadith is another proof that Julaybib was indeed dearly loved and valued by Prophet Muhammad:
After a battle, the Prophet asked his Companions:
"Is anyone missing amongst you?"
They said: "So and so and so."
He asked them again: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"
They answered: "So and so and so."
He asked them for the third time: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"
They said: "No."
Thereupon the Prophet said:
"But I see that Julaybib is missing."
The Companions searched for him amongst those who had been killed and found him by the side of seven enemies whom he had killed. He had been killed. The Prophet came there and stood by his body and said:
"He killed seven people. Then his opponents killed him. He is mine and I am his."
He then placed him upon his hands and there was none else to lift him but the Prophet Muhammad. Then the grave was dug for him and he was placed in it. (Muslim)
The man whose life was filled with despair and struggles won the hearts and admiration of many through his pure intentions, traits, and love for Islam and the Prophet. It is really amazing to note how this man of small stature managed to hold a sword and kill his opponent. He was able to accomplish much chivalry through the Prophet's encouragement.
There are so many lessons to be learnt from Julaybib's life. His story is a reflection of Islam. Islam ended his desolate world of disparagement.
His life is an example and hope for human souls which are filled with desolation.
- Amatullah Abdullah is a freelance writer who resides in Chennai, India. Her essays have been published in India, the UK, and the US. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature and is currently working on her master's.AmatullahAbdullah is is the managing editor of Iqra! Newspaper, and an active member of the Islamic Writers Alliance (IWA). She can be reached at amatullah110@yahoo.com. To read more of her works, visit http://writerinislam.blogspot.com/.
Julaybib, the Prophet's companion
By Amatullah Abdullah
Freelance Writer
There are many outstanding Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who come to mind throughout Islamic history. Some are huge in stature, and others are humble, yet highly respectable or brilliant in some way. Julaybib was a beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad however, not a likely figure to make it in the ranks of celebrated heroes of Islam.
His life and deeds were not sung nor recounted with reverence as they should be but with the meager facts available one sees hope for humble souls through his life.
Julaybib was not tall, or handsome, he was not known to be a gallant warrior on the battlefield before the advent of Islam. His personal attributes appeared so contrary to the normal heroes of old.
Julaybib was an orphan, deformed and extremely short. He was brutally rejected by society because the people were more concerned with his physical appearance and status than integrity.
His story is significant and many lessons can be learnt from it. It shows us a lot about how a human being can be devalued based on superficial things. His life is an example and hope for souls filled with despondency because they do not measure up to the norms set by society. His story touches the hearts of many even today.
Julaybib was an orphan from Madinah and acquired his name before embracing Islam. His name means "small grown" in Arabic which denoted his physical appearance. He was extremely short and could be compared to a dwarf when considering today's definition. It is also noted that he was even described as "damim" in Arabic which means deformed, unattractive or of repulsive appearance.
In addition to his physical appearance, another important factor in his mistreatment had to do with his lineage. Lineage was an essential part in the Arab society he lived in, just as it is still important today in many cases. One's lineage determined his or her status in the society. His physical appearance, and unknown lineage, made people shun and spurn him. He was an outcast which caused him much public humiliation and disgrace.
Facing such disdainful treatment, Julaybib was apparently a lonely soul yearning for love and compassion. As he was carrying the burden of prejudice on his shoulder from the time he was born, companionship, love and compassion became alien to him.
There were often times, a question as to whether this man would even taste any compassion or respect in his life. The question cleared with his acceptance of the Prophet Muhammad's message of Islam.
He became a devoted servant of Almighty God and beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad. He gained respect and affection from Prophet Muhammad, for his sincerity, integrity and strong Islamic belief. Julaybib earned the honor he yearned and became one of the most valued companions of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad cared deeply for this soul. He was sensitive of Julaybib's needs, and this is evident from the hadith where the Prophet approached a man from the Ansar (Madinah Muslims who helped the Makkans when they emigrated to Madinah), seeking the hand of his beautiful daughter in marriage on behalf of Julaybib. The Islamic scholar, Imam Ahmad, has recorded this incidents in Julaybib life as follows:
The Prophet went to a man of the Ansar and said:
"Give me your daughter for marriage."
The man answered excitedly, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah , it would be an honor and a blessing."
For which the Prophet said, "I do not want her for myself."
The Ansari man asked, "Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah?"
And the Prophet answered, "For Julaybib."
When the Ansari man heard this, he was shocked and said, "O Messenger of Allah, let me consult her mother." So he went to the girl's mother (his wife) and told her, "The Messenger of Allah is proposing marriage for your daughter."
The wife of the Ansari seemed overjoyed and said, "Yes, it would be a pleasure."
The Ansari explained to his wife that the Prophet was not proposing to marry their daughter for himself but he is proposing on behalf of Julaybib.
His wife was almost shaken and immediately responded, "What! Julaybib? No, by Allah, we will not marry her to him."
When the Ansari prepared to leave to meet the Messenger of Allah and mentioned to him his mother's disapproval, his daughter, a pious Muslim, asked her father, "Who is asking for my hand?"
Her mother told her that the Prophet was asking her hand on behalf Julaybib.
Their daughter instantly asked them, "Are you refusing to follow the command of the Messenger of Allah? Follow his command, for I will not come to any harm."
The following is illustrated in the book Companions of the Prophet by Abdul Wahid Hamid:
Hearing her daughters word, the Mother's heart being filled with remorse said: "Stop my daughter, don't say another word indeed I have erred I repent and I repent a thousand times over for as of this moment their is no one who I would prefer for you than Julaybib."
The following day the marriage was in place, Uthman and Ali, two of the Prophet's Companions, presented Julaybib a gift of money to help arrange the wedding reception, and to purchase necessary accommodation.
So the Prophet married the beautiful daughter of the Ansari to Julaybib who was once rejected by the whole society. The attitude of the daughter of the Ansari was that of a true believer.
The daughter's attitude shows her confidence of a Muslim woman who could not be influenced by the whims of the society. Unlike the parent's of today's world who are more concerned about status and money, her parents' reaction to her approval explains how Islam does not pressure a woman nor does it disregard her right to choose her husband.
Islam gave the happiness Julaybib deserved and he lived happily together with his beautiful wife until he was martyred.
The follow hadith is another proof that Julaybib was indeed dearly loved and valued by Prophet Muhammad:
After a battle, the Prophet asked his Companions:
"Is anyone missing amongst you?"
They said: "So and so and so."
He asked them again: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"
They answered: "So and so and so."
He asked them for the third time: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"
They said: "No."
Thereupon the Prophet said:
"But I see that Julaybib is missing."
The Companions searched for him amongst those who had been killed and found him by the side of seven enemies whom he had killed. He had been killed. The Prophet came there and stood by his body and said:
"He killed seven people. Then his opponents killed him. He is mine and I am his."
He then placed him upon his hands and there was none else to lift him but the Prophet Muhammad. Then the grave was dug for him and he was placed in it. (Muslim)
The man whose life was filled with despair and struggles won the hearts and admiration of many through his pure intentions, traits, and love for Islam and the Prophet. It is really amazing to note how this man of small stature managed to hold a sword and kill his opponent. He was able to accomplish much chivalry through the Prophet's encouragement.
There are so many lessons to be learnt from Julaybib's life. His story is a reflection of Islam. Islam ended his desolate world of disparagement.
His life is an example and hope for human souls which are filled with desolation.
- Amatullah Abdullah is a freelance writer who resides in Chennai, India. Her essays have been published in India, the UK, and the US. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature and is currently working on her master's.AmatullahAbdullah is is the managing editor of Iqra! Newspaper, and an active member of the Islamic Writers Alliance (IWA). She can be reached at amatullah110@yahoo.com. To read more of her works, visit http://writerinislam.blogspot.com/.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Membetulkan Niat Menuntut Ilmu
article from al-qayyim.net..
Sabda Nabi s.a.w. maksudnya :
“Daripada Ka’ab bin Malik r.a, katanya : Aku mendengar RasululLah s.a.w. bersabda: “Sesiapa yang menuntut ilmu (agama) untuk menyaingi ulama, atau berbahas dengan orang jahil, atau supaya dengan ilmu tersebut wajah orang ramai tertumpu kepadanya, maka Allah masukkan dia ke dalam neraka.” (Riwayat al-Tirmizi, Ibn Majah daripada Ibn ‘Umar, al-Hakim daripada Jabir bin ‘Abdillah. Al-Hakim mensahehkannya dan disetujui oleh al-Zahabi. Lihat : Al-Mustadrak 1/272, cetakan Dar al-Ma’rifah, Beirut. Ada perselisihan dalam menentukan kedudukan hadith ini, namun hadith ini mempunyai syahid (pembuktian daripada riwayat lain) yang menjadikannya pada darjah sahih.)
Tujuan menuntut ilmu agama adalah untuk keluar dari kejahilan demi mencari kebenaran dan berpegang kepadanya. Juga untuk menegakkan kebenaran dan membelanya. demikian tugasan dan tanggungjawab taalib al-‘Ilm dan ulama’ (ahl al-‘Ilm). Menuntut ilmu adalah ibadah dan ianya membawa insan muslim ke syurga. Namun ada di kalangan manusia golongan yang ingin bermegah-megah dengan ilmu agamanya, bukan untuk kebenaran tetapi sekadar untuk menaikan diri dan kedudukannya sahaja. Dalam hadith ini disebut tiga niat buruk yang menyebabkan penuntut ilmu agama dihumban ke dalam neraka.
Pertama : Liyujaariya bihi al-‘Ulama’ – iaitu untuk bersaing dengan ulama.
Kata al-Imam Ibn Athir (wafat 606H) : “maksudnya ialah untuk dia bersama ulama di dalam perbahasan dan perdebatan bagi menzahirkan ilmunya kepada orang ramai dengan tujuan riya’ dan sum’ah (inginkan kemasyhuran). (Ibn al-Athir, al-Nihayah fi gharib al-Hadith wa al-Athar, 1/256, cetakan Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut.)
Turut berbincang dan berbahas dalam majlis ulama atau dengan para ulama bukanlah satu kesalahan. Apatah lagi jika seseorang itu benar-benar berkemampuan. Islam menggalakkan kebangkitan ilmu dan generasi intektual yang baru.
Islam mengalu-alukan ijtihad yang baik dan memenuhi tuntutan. Namun yang salah ialah pada niatnya yang ingin menjadikan ilmu sebagai jambatan kesombongan dan ketakburan. Ilmu yang sepatutnya membawa dirinya kepada syukur dan insaf dijadikan sebagai punca sikap bangga diri dan menunjuk-nunjuk.
Kesan niat yang sangat buruk sangat bahaya; orang yang seperti ini hanya mementingkan dirinya sahaja bukan kebenaran fakta. Dia hanya ingin menegakkan hujahnya untuk menaikkan namanya bukan untuk kebenaran yang Allah redhai. Jika dia melihat kebenaran di pihak lain dia akan menolak dan mencari dalil yang baru demi menjaga kemasyhuran namanya. Maka tempat orang seperti ini di dalam neraka.
Kata al-Imam al-Tibi (wafat 743H) : “Maksud hadith ini ialah dia tidak menuntut ilmu kerana Allah, sebaliknya untuk dia berkata kepada para ulama : “aku ini berilmu seperti kamu”, kemudiannya dia takabur dan meninggikan diri pada orang ramai. Ini semuanya (sifat) yang tercela dan azab siksa akan dikenakan kepadanya.” (Al-Tibi, Syarh al-Tibi ‘ala al-Miskah al-Masabih, 1/420, cetakan Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut.)
Kedua : Liyumaariya bihi as-Sufahaa’ – untuk bertengkar dengan orang jahil.
Kata Imam al-Munawi (meninggal 1031H) : “Maksudnya ialah untuk dia berhujjah dan bertengkar dengan mereka secara sombong dan membanggakan diri.” (Al-Munawi, Faidh al-Qadir, 6/176, cetakan al-Maktabah al-Tijariyah al-kubra, Mesir)
Niat buruk kedua dalam menuntut ilmu agama ialah menuntut ilmu dengan tujuan untuk bertengkar dengan orang yang jahil kerana ingin menunjukkan kehebatannya. Sedangkan antara tujuan ilmu ialah untuk menyelamatkan orang jahil agar menemui kebenaran. Ini kerana akal golongan yang jahil sangat terhad dan memerlukan bimbingan. Namun ada golongan yang menuntut ilmu untuk bertengkar dengan golongan jahil ini dan menunjukkan kehebatannya kepada mereka. Orang jahil yang terhad ilmu dan akalnya pasti menyangka dia hebat. Mungkin hal ini tidak dapat dilakukan di hadapan ulama maka dia mencari ruang di kalangan orang jahil.
Sebenarnya berbahas, atau berhujjah, atau berdebat itu sendiri bukanlah perkara yang terlarang dalam syariat, tetapi ianya mestilah dengan cara yang baik dan membawa kesan yang positif. Bukan untuk kesombongan dan ketakburan tetapi untuk membimbing manusia kembali kepada hidayah.
Firman Allah dalam surah al-Nahl ayat 125 yang bermaksud : “Serulah ke jalan tuhanmu (wahai Muhammad) dengan hikmah (kebijaksanaan ) dan nasihat pengajaran yang baik, dan berdebatlah dengan mereka (yang engkau serukan itu) dengan cara yang lebih baik; sesungguhnya tuhan mu Dia lebih mengetahui siapa yang sesat dari jalanNya, dan Dia lebih mengetahui siapa yang mendapat hidayah petunjuk.”
Kata al-Tibi : “Maksud : berdebatlah dengan mereka dengan cara yang lebih baik ialah dengan cara yang terbaik dalam perdebatan, iaitu dengan lunak dan berlemah lembut tanpa bersikap kasar dan keras. Ini kerana golongan yang jahil itu kurang pertimbangannya.” (Al-Tibi, op.cit. 1/420.)
Ketiga : Yasrifa bihi wujuuha an-Naasi ilaihi – agar dengan ilmu tersebut wajah orang ramai tertumpu kepadanya.
Ini niat buruk yang ketiga iaitu menuntut ilmu agar mendapat habuan, harta dan pangkat. Dia menjadikan pengetahuan agama untuk mencari popularity atau mendapat kedudukan dan jawatan. Menjadikan orang ramai tertarik kepadanya. Orang yang seperti ini sebenarnya bersedia untuk menjual agamanya untuk habuan dunia yang dia buru.
Kesalahannya bukan kerana dia mendapat habuan dunia atau kemasyhuran tetapi niatnya yang memburu dunia dengan mempergunakan agama itu adalah suatu kesalahan.
Jika menjelmanya tiga niat buruk ini dalam jiwa pemegang amanah ilmu maka ilmu tidak lagi menjadi cahaya yang menerangi kegelapan, sebaliknya ilmu akan dijadikan jualan untuk mendapatkan habuan. Oleh itu Nabi s.a.w. menjanjikan tiga niat buruk ini dengan neraka.
Dalam hadith yang lain baginda menyebut : maksudnya : “Daripada Abu Hurairah ; Sabda RasululLah s.a.w. : “ Sesiapa yang mempelajari sesuatu ilmu yang dengannya dicari redha Allah Azza wa Jalla, tetapi dia tidak mempelajarinya kecuali untuk mendapatkan habuan dunia, maka dia tidak akan mendapat bau syurga pada hari kiamat.” (riwayat Abu Daud dan Ibn Majah. Al-Nawawi mensahihkannya dalam Riyadh al-Solihin – lihat Ibn ‘Allan, Dalil al-Falihin, 4/191 cetakan Dar al-Fikr, Beirut)
Pengajaran Semasa
1- Semua para penuntut ilmu syarak pada zaman ini disemua peringkat hendaklah membersihkan niat asal mereka dalam menuntut ilmu. Jika golongan ilmuan Islam dapat dipulihkan niat mereka agar bersih dan mencari redha Allah s.w.t. pastinya Islam akan terbela dan setiap yang mempermain-mainkannya akan terjawab.
2- Kemunculan individu dan NGO tertentu yang cuba menjadikan nas-nas agama sebagai sendaan adalah terbit daripada salah satu dari tiga niat di atas. Mereka ini bukan sahaja tidak mencukupi ilmu pengetahuan agamanya sebaliknya mereka gagal membersihkan niat mereka dalam menuntut ilmu syarak atau ketika membaca bahan agama.
3- Kelahiran tokoh agama ‘segera’ yang mengajar agama di surau, masjid dan sebagainya tanpa mendalami ilmu-ilmu Islam dan disiplin setiap ilmu adalah berpunca dari niat ingin menzahirkan diri sekalipun mereka tidak layak. Sebahagian mereka sememangnya mempunyai sedikit pengajian agama. Namun niat ingin segera muncul di khalayak ramai menjadikan mereka tergesa-gesa menjadi guru orang ramai sebelum mereka menguasai ilmu. Maka lahir fatwa-fatwa yang menyanggahi kitab Allah dan sunnah RasululLah s.a.w.
4- Orientalis telah memperdayakan umat Islam dalam persoalan niat menuntut ilmu ini.
Maka kita dapati pada hari ini ramai yang memiliki sijil agama sehingga ke peringkat kedoktoran falsafah dari dunia barat dengan ‘berguru’ kepada Yahudi dan Kristian. Sikap tidak mementingkan ilmu dan ingin segera memeliki sijil segera dan memperolehi habuan dunia menjadikan sebahagian mereka mengambil jalan pintas dengan berguru kepada musuh-musuh agama dalam bidang agama.
Kebanyakan mereka pulang ke dunia Umat Islam dengan membawa pemikiran yang beracun. Secara sedar atau tidak mereka ini hari demi hari hanya menambahkan keraguan jiwa mereka terhadap agama, demikian juga mereka sebarkan kepada umat Islam.
Sebab itu seorang tabi’ besar Muhammad bin Sirin (wafat 110H) menyebut : maksudnya : “Sesungguhnya ilmu ini (mengenai al-Quran dan as-Sunnah) adalah Deen (agama). Oleh itu perhatikanlah daripada siapa kamu semua mengambil agama kamu.” (riwayat Muslim pada muqaddimah sahihnya)
Bayangkan bagaimana dipelajari aqidah Islamiyyah daripada guru yang kafir yang tidak percayakan Islam, bagaimana dipelajari tafsir daripada guru yang tidak percayakan al-Quran, bagaimana dipelajari hadith daripada guru yang tidak beriman dengan Muhammad sebagai Rasul, bagaimana dipelajari fekah daripada guru yang tidak pernah mengamalkan hukum hakam syarak.
Namun hanya kepada Allah kita mengadu betapa ramai anak-anak umat Islam yang mendapat kelulusan agama dengan panduan mereka yang tidak beriman kepada Islam. Mereka pulang dengan membawa gelaran-gelaran ilmu, namun sebenarnya sebahagian mereka hanya membawa racun kepada umat Islam.
Sabda Nabi s.a.w. maksudnya :
“Daripada Ka’ab bin Malik r.a, katanya : Aku mendengar RasululLah s.a.w. bersabda: “Sesiapa yang menuntut ilmu (agama) untuk menyaingi ulama, atau berbahas dengan orang jahil, atau supaya dengan ilmu tersebut wajah orang ramai tertumpu kepadanya, maka Allah masukkan dia ke dalam neraka.” (Riwayat al-Tirmizi, Ibn Majah daripada Ibn ‘Umar, al-Hakim daripada Jabir bin ‘Abdillah. Al-Hakim mensahehkannya dan disetujui oleh al-Zahabi. Lihat : Al-Mustadrak 1/272, cetakan Dar al-Ma’rifah, Beirut. Ada perselisihan dalam menentukan kedudukan hadith ini, namun hadith ini mempunyai syahid (pembuktian daripada riwayat lain) yang menjadikannya pada darjah sahih.)
Tujuan menuntut ilmu agama adalah untuk keluar dari kejahilan demi mencari kebenaran dan berpegang kepadanya. Juga untuk menegakkan kebenaran dan membelanya. demikian tugasan dan tanggungjawab taalib al-‘Ilm dan ulama’ (ahl al-‘Ilm). Menuntut ilmu adalah ibadah dan ianya membawa insan muslim ke syurga. Namun ada di kalangan manusia golongan yang ingin bermegah-megah dengan ilmu agamanya, bukan untuk kebenaran tetapi sekadar untuk menaikan diri dan kedudukannya sahaja. Dalam hadith ini disebut tiga niat buruk yang menyebabkan penuntut ilmu agama dihumban ke dalam neraka.
Pertama : Liyujaariya bihi al-‘Ulama’ – iaitu untuk bersaing dengan ulama.
Kata al-Imam Ibn Athir (wafat 606H) : “maksudnya ialah untuk dia bersama ulama di dalam perbahasan dan perdebatan bagi menzahirkan ilmunya kepada orang ramai dengan tujuan riya’ dan sum’ah (inginkan kemasyhuran). (Ibn al-Athir, al-Nihayah fi gharib al-Hadith wa al-Athar, 1/256, cetakan Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut.)
Turut berbincang dan berbahas dalam majlis ulama atau dengan para ulama bukanlah satu kesalahan. Apatah lagi jika seseorang itu benar-benar berkemampuan. Islam menggalakkan kebangkitan ilmu dan generasi intektual yang baru.
Islam mengalu-alukan ijtihad yang baik dan memenuhi tuntutan. Namun yang salah ialah pada niatnya yang ingin menjadikan ilmu sebagai jambatan kesombongan dan ketakburan. Ilmu yang sepatutnya membawa dirinya kepada syukur dan insaf dijadikan sebagai punca sikap bangga diri dan menunjuk-nunjuk.
Kesan niat yang sangat buruk sangat bahaya; orang yang seperti ini hanya mementingkan dirinya sahaja bukan kebenaran fakta. Dia hanya ingin menegakkan hujahnya untuk menaikkan namanya bukan untuk kebenaran yang Allah redhai. Jika dia melihat kebenaran di pihak lain dia akan menolak dan mencari dalil yang baru demi menjaga kemasyhuran namanya. Maka tempat orang seperti ini di dalam neraka.
Kata al-Imam al-Tibi (wafat 743H) : “Maksud hadith ini ialah dia tidak menuntut ilmu kerana Allah, sebaliknya untuk dia berkata kepada para ulama : “aku ini berilmu seperti kamu”, kemudiannya dia takabur dan meninggikan diri pada orang ramai. Ini semuanya (sifat) yang tercela dan azab siksa akan dikenakan kepadanya.” (Al-Tibi, Syarh al-Tibi ‘ala al-Miskah al-Masabih, 1/420, cetakan Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut.)
Kedua : Liyumaariya bihi as-Sufahaa’ – untuk bertengkar dengan orang jahil.
Kata Imam al-Munawi (meninggal 1031H) : “Maksudnya ialah untuk dia berhujjah dan bertengkar dengan mereka secara sombong dan membanggakan diri.” (Al-Munawi, Faidh al-Qadir, 6/176, cetakan al-Maktabah al-Tijariyah al-kubra, Mesir)
Niat buruk kedua dalam menuntut ilmu agama ialah menuntut ilmu dengan tujuan untuk bertengkar dengan orang yang jahil kerana ingin menunjukkan kehebatannya. Sedangkan antara tujuan ilmu ialah untuk menyelamatkan orang jahil agar menemui kebenaran. Ini kerana akal golongan yang jahil sangat terhad dan memerlukan bimbingan. Namun ada golongan yang menuntut ilmu untuk bertengkar dengan golongan jahil ini dan menunjukkan kehebatannya kepada mereka. Orang jahil yang terhad ilmu dan akalnya pasti menyangka dia hebat. Mungkin hal ini tidak dapat dilakukan di hadapan ulama maka dia mencari ruang di kalangan orang jahil.
Sebenarnya berbahas, atau berhujjah, atau berdebat itu sendiri bukanlah perkara yang terlarang dalam syariat, tetapi ianya mestilah dengan cara yang baik dan membawa kesan yang positif. Bukan untuk kesombongan dan ketakburan tetapi untuk membimbing manusia kembali kepada hidayah.
Firman Allah dalam surah al-Nahl ayat 125 yang bermaksud : “Serulah ke jalan tuhanmu (wahai Muhammad) dengan hikmah (kebijaksanaan ) dan nasihat pengajaran yang baik, dan berdebatlah dengan mereka (yang engkau serukan itu) dengan cara yang lebih baik; sesungguhnya tuhan mu Dia lebih mengetahui siapa yang sesat dari jalanNya, dan Dia lebih mengetahui siapa yang mendapat hidayah petunjuk.”
Kata al-Tibi : “Maksud : berdebatlah dengan mereka dengan cara yang lebih baik ialah dengan cara yang terbaik dalam perdebatan, iaitu dengan lunak dan berlemah lembut tanpa bersikap kasar dan keras. Ini kerana golongan yang jahil itu kurang pertimbangannya.” (Al-Tibi, op.cit. 1/420.)
Ketiga : Yasrifa bihi wujuuha an-Naasi ilaihi – agar dengan ilmu tersebut wajah orang ramai tertumpu kepadanya.
Ini niat buruk yang ketiga iaitu menuntut ilmu agar mendapat habuan, harta dan pangkat. Dia menjadikan pengetahuan agama untuk mencari popularity atau mendapat kedudukan dan jawatan. Menjadikan orang ramai tertarik kepadanya. Orang yang seperti ini sebenarnya bersedia untuk menjual agamanya untuk habuan dunia yang dia buru.
Kesalahannya bukan kerana dia mendapat habuan dunia atau kemasyhuran tetapi niatnya yang memburu dunia dengan mempergunakan agama itu adalah suatu kesalahan.
Jika menjelmanya tiga niat buruk ini dalam jiwa pemegang amanah ilmu maka ilmu tidak lagi menjadi cahaya yang menerangi kegelapan, sebaliknya ilmu akan dijadikan jualan untuk mendapatkan habuan. Oleh itu Nabi s.a.w. menjanjikan tiga niat buruk ini dengan neraka.
Dalam hadith yang lain baginda menyebut : maksudnya : “Daripada Abu Hurairah ; Sabda RasululLah s.a.w. : “ Sesiapa yang mempelajari sesuatu ilmu yang dengannya dicari redha Allah Azza wa Jalla, tetapi dia tidak mempelajarinya kecuali untuk mendapatkan habuan dunia, maka dia tidak akan mendapat bau syurga pada hari kiamat.” (riwayat Abu Daud dan Ibn Majah. Al-Nawawi mensahihkannya dalam Riyadh al-Solihin – lihat Ibn ‘Allan, Dalil al-Falihin, 4/191 cetakan Dar al-Fikr, Beirut)
Pengajaran Semasa
1- Semua para penuntut ilmu syarak pada zaman ini disemua peringkat hendaklah membersihkan niat asal mereka dalam menuntut ilmu. Jika golongan ilmuan Islam dapat dipulihkan niat mereka agar bersih dan mencari redha Allah s.w.t. pastinya Islam akan terbela dan setiap yang mempermain-mainkannya akan terjawab.
2- Kemunculan individu dan NGO tertentu yang cuba menjadikan nas-nas agama sebagai sendaan adalah terbit daripada salah satu dari tiga niat di atas. Mereka ini bukan sahaja tidak mencukupi ilmu pengetahuan agamanya sebaliknya mereka gagal membersihkan niat mereka dalam menuntut ilmu syarak atau ketika membaca bahan agama.
3- Kelahiran tokoh agama ‘segera’ yang mengajar agama di surau, masjid dan sebagainya tanpa mendalami ilmu-ilmu Islam dan disiplin setiap ilmu adalah berpunca dari niat ingin menzahirkan diri sekalipun mereka tidak layak. Sebahagian mereka sememangnya mempunyai sedikit pengajian agama. Namun niat ingin segera muncul di khalayak ramai menjadikan mereka tergesa-gesa menjadi guru orang ramai sebelum mereka menguasai ilmu. Maka lahir fatwa-fatwa yang menyanggahi kitab Allah dan sunnah RasululLah s.a.w.
4- Orientalis telah memperdayakan umat Islam dalam persoalan niat menuntut ilmu ini.
Maka kita dapati pada hari ini ramai yang memiliki sijil agama sehingga ke peringkat kedoktoran falsafah dari dunia barat dengan ‘berguru’ kepada Yahudi dan Kristian. Sikap tidak mementingkan ilmu dan ingin segera memeliki sijil segera dan memperolehi habuan dunia menjadikan sebahagian mereka mengambil jalan pintas dengan berguru kepada musuh-musuh agama dalam bidang agama.
Kebanyakan mereka pulang ke dunia Umat Islam dengan membawa pemikiran yang beracun. Secara sedar atau tidak mereka ini hari demi hari hanya menambahkan keraguan jiwa mereka terhadap agama, demikian juga mereka sebarkan kepada umat Islam.
Sebab itu seorang tabi’ besar Muhammad bin Sirin (wafat 110H) menyebut : maksudnya : “Sesungguhnya ilmu ini (mengenai al-Quran dan as-Sunnah) adalah Deen (agama). Oleh itu perhatikanlah daripada siapa kamu semua mengambil agama kamu.” (riwayat Muslim pada muqaddimah sahihnya)
Bayangkan bagaimana dipelajari aqidah Islamiyyah daripada guru yang kafir yang tidak percayakan Islam, bagaimana dipelajari tafsir daripada guru yang tidak percayakan al-Quran, bagaimana dipelajari hadith daripada guru yang tidak beriman dengan Muhammad sebagai Rasul, bagaimana dipelajari fekah daripada guru yang tidak pernah mengamalkan hukum hakam syarak.
Namun hanya kepada Allah kita mengadu betapa ramai anak-anak umat Islam yang mendapat kelulusan agama dengan panduan mereka yang tidak beriman kepada Islam. Mereka pulang dengan membawa gelaran-gelaran ilmu, namun sebenarnya sebahagian mereka hanya membawa racun kepada umat Islam.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The Prophet's Farewell Sermon
article from islamonline.net
By Living Shari`ah Staff
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered this sermon on the 9 Dhul-Hijjah 10 a.h. in the valley of Mount `Arafat, during his final Hajj, known as the Farewell Hajj. The contents of the message were collected from different narrations, and there are other parts of it that are not mentioned here. After praising, and thanking Allah, he said:
O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I will ever be among you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.
O people, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners.
Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.
Allah has forbidden you to take interest; therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to al-`Abbas ibn `Abdul-Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived, and the first such right I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn Al-Harith [a relative of the Prophet].
O mankind, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these (holy months) are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumadah and Sha`ban.
O people, beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never commit adultery.
O people, listen to me in earnest. Worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give the share of Zakah in your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action.
Learn that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim that belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O people, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand my words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others, and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.
By Living Shari`ah Staff
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered this sermon on the 9 Dhul-Hijjah 10 a.h. in the valley of Mount `Arafat, during his final Hajj, known as the Farewell Hajj. The contents of the message were collected from different narrations, and there are other parts of it that are not mentioned here. After praising, and thanking Allah, he said:
O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I will ever be among you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.
O people, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners.
Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.
Allah has forbidden you to take interest; therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to al-`Abbas ibn `Abdul-Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived, and the first such right I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn Al-Harith [a relative of the Prophet].
O mankind, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these (holy months) are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumadah and Sha`ban.
O people, beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never commit adultery.
O people, listen to me in earnest. Worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give the share of Zakah in your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action.
Learn that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim that belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O people, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand my words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others, and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
If God wills..
Article from readingislam.com..
If you ever happen to have a conversation with a Muslim you will always find him ending most of his sentences about anything that he will do in the future with the phrase "If God wills" (in sha' Allah in Arabic), be it something he will do in the next coming minutes or after ten years.
Muslims believe that nothing in the heavens or the earth happens unless God wants it to happen. Part of believing in the Oneness of God and true submission to Him is believing in His full control and power over everything He created.
A firm believer in God knows that God gave him limited powers, he can't assure to himself that he will live to the following day, let alone guaranteeing taking his second breath. So he always attributes any will or power to God, for He is the one Who gives it to him.
When the pagans asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to tell them about "the Sleepers of the Cave", the story of "Zul-Qarnain" and the soul, he said tomorrow I will tell you the answers of your questions, without saying "If God wills".
Prophet Muhammad waited for a revelation from God with the answers for these questions for fifteen days. Then God revealed to him the following verses reminding him that no one should say tomorrow I will do so and so without saying If God wills,
[And do not say of anything: Surely I will do it tomorrow, Unless Allah pleases; and remember your Lord when you forget and say: Maybe my Lord will guide me to a nearer course to the right than this.] (Al-Kahf 18:23-24)
This, of course, is not an open invitation to be passive, break promises, and lay back, saying, "I have no power whatsoever over my life."
Reliance on God for help and sustenance, and admitting His power should not be interpreted as passivity of action in one's life, for God ordered us to work hard and at the same time seek His guidance and help and rely on His wisdom for deciding what is better for us.
As we don’t know the future, and the Unseen belongs to God only. We should trust in His divine providence.
God says in the Quran what means,
[Say: I do not control any benefit or harm for my own soul except as Allah please; and had I known the Unseen I would have had much of good and no evil would have touched me; I am nothing but a warner and the giver of good news to a people who believe.] (Al-A`raf7:188)
Believing in God's power over everything is a kind of relief for every Muslim, for he knows that God only decrees what's good for him. When faced with ordeals and calamities, Muslims believe that God will always guide them to a way out.
They truly mean it when they say " Tomorrow will be better, if God wills" for they know that their Lord only does what's best for them, and from Him comes all the bounties and all the Good.
- Neveen Shedid is an editor at Reading Islam. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Cairo university and a diploma in Islamic studies.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
All of us have to play a part
Stumbled upon this enlightening entry in a blog (mahfuzhafiz.blogspot.com) by bro Mahfuz an Al-Azhar University undergrad.. just to share
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Kisah Semut
izinkan saya berkongsi sebuah kisah perihal semut yang telah dirakamkan di dalam Al-Quran di dalam surah An-Naml(17-19). Walaupun kisah ini hanya merangkumi 3 ayat di dalam Al-Quran tetapi banyak pengajaran yang dapat kita ambil demi kemaslahatan umat. Di antara keistimewaan Nabi Sulaiman a.s ialah beliau dikurniakan Allah dengan tentera yang terdiri dari pasukan-pasukan manusia,jin dan burung. Angkatan tentera yang besar dan cukup lengkap ini membantu Nabi Sulaiman a.s menjaga keselamatan negerinya dari ancaman musuh. Pada suatu hari Nabi Sulaiman a.s mengumpulkan kesemua bala tenteranya dan mengaturnya dengan rapi.
17. Dan dihimpunkan bagi Nabi Sulaiman bala tenteranya, dari jin dan manusia serta burung; lalu mereka dijaga serta diatur keadaan dan perjalanan masing-masing.
Maka maralah tentera Sulaiman sehingga mereka tiba di sebuah tempat yang bernama “Waadi An-Naml”(Lembah semut) dimana di situ terdapat sebuah kerajaan semut. Semut-semut pada masa itu sedang sibuk menjalankan aktiviti harian mengumpul rezeki. Seekor seemut sedar akan kehadiran tentera Sulaiman maka dia menyeru semut-semut yang lain agar memasuki sarang masing-masing supaya tidak diinjak dan dibinasakan tentera Sulaiman.
18. (Maralah angkatan itu) hingga apabila mereka sampai ke "Waadin-Naml", berkatalah seekor semut: "Wahai sekalian semut, masuklah ke sarang kamu masing-masing, jangan Sulaiman dan tenteranya memijak serta membinasakan kamu, sedang mereka tidak menyedari".
Nabi Sulaiman sedar akan kelakuan semut-semut itu lalu beliau berdoa.
19. Maka tersenyumlah Nabi Sulaiman mendengar kata-kata semut itu, dan berdoa Dengan berkata:" Wahai Tuhanku, ilhamkanlah daku supaya tetap bersyukur akan nikmatMu Yang Engkau kurniakan kepadaKu dan kepada ibu bapaku, dan supaya Aku tetap mengerjakan amal soleh Yang Engkau redai; dan masukkanlah daku - Dengan limpah rahmatMu - Dalam kumpulan hamba-hambaMu Yang soleh".
Demikian kisah yang dirakamkan di dalam Al-Quran mengenai kelakuan seekor semut menyelamatkan seluruh masyarakat semut yang ada di tempat itu.
Al-Quran `menggunakan kalimah “Namlatun” untuk menunjukkan identiti semut yang menjadi penyelamat itu. Namun tidak digunakan kalimah “Maalikun-naml” yang membawa erti raja semut ataupun “Amiirun-Naml” yang membawa erti ketua semut. Begitu juga tidak diidentitikan semut itu sebagai General, Polis ataupun seekor semut yang dikurniakan banyak ilmu pengetahuan tentang agama atau ‘Ustaz’ dikalangan semut. Ia mungkin adalah seekor rakyat biasa tetapi ia telah menjalakan tanggungjawabnya sebagai penyumbang untuk menyelamatkan masyarakatnya. Kisah ini dirakamkan di dalam al-Quran dan Al-Quran diturunkan kepada Umat Islam agar kita dapat mengambil I’tibar dari kisah-kisah seperti ini.
Mari kita lihat keadaan masyarakat Islam sekeliling kita. Adakah mereka menghadapi bahaya seperti mana semut-semut tadi yang berkemungkinan diinjak dan dibinasakan ataupun masyarakat kita berhadapan dengan ancaman bahaya yang lebih dasyat dari itu. Penganutan budaya dan pemikiran yang merosakkan akal dan menjauhkan kita dari Tuhan pencipta alam ini. Budaya Islam yang Agung sudah kabur di mata pandangan kita sendiri dan cara hidup lain yang diagung-agungkan dan dibanggakan.
Saya mengatakan senario sedemikian adalah lebih merbahaya dari injakan tentera Sulaiman kerana keadaan masyarakat Islam seperti itulah yang akan diwariskan kepada generasi anak cucu kita yang belum dan akan dilahirkan di dunia ini nanti. Siapakah yang akan menyelamatkan kita dari bencana sedemikian?
Sudah tentu kita akan menuding jari ke arah para Ustaz, ustazah, tok Imam, ulama’, guru dan sebagainya. Jika itu tanggapan kita maka itu adalah pemikiran yang salah dan perlu diperbetulkan.
SETIAP individu yang bergelar muslim deberi mandat dan status yang mulia dari Allah s.w.t iaitu sebagai khalifah dimuka bumi ini. Maka dengan itu setiap dari kamu bertanggungjawab untuk menyelamatkan masyarakat Islam. Usaha perlu depertingkatkan untuk mengubah status/darjat masing-masing dan dengan usaha yang gigih,ilmu yang bermanfaat,makanan rohani dan iman yang mantap dijadikan bekalan. Dengan itu juga kita dapat menyelamatkan masyarakat kita dari bahaya-bahaya sedemikian.
Kita ibarat seorang yang sedang menyelamatkan teman yang sedang tidur di dalam rumah yang sedang terbakar.Kita harus menyelamatkannya dengan apa cara sekalipun untuk membawanya keluar. Dengan kesedaran juga kita ibarat seorang yang membawa pelita memasuki lombong mengeluarkan manusia yang terkandas dan terperangkap didalamnya. Dengan tangan inilah yang akan memimpin mereka dan membawa mereka keluar ke alam yang penuh dengan cahaya.
Jika setiap individu muslim memainkan peranan maka Budaya Islam suatu hari nanti akan kembali gemilang seperti mana yang dibuktikan oleh generasi yang lampau. Sempat atau tidak kita menemuinya tidak menjadi persoalan kerana yang penting dan diambil kira disisi Allah s.w.t ialah kita turut serta dalam usaha murni itu.
Dengan usaha itu juga dapat dijadikan bekalan di akhirat kelak dan dengan itu juga Allah s.w.t menghapuskan dosa-dosa kita. Inilah impian setiap muslim yang takut akan tuhannya. Amin ya Rabb.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Kisah Semut
izinkan saya berkongsi sebuah kisah perihal semut yang telah dirakamkan di dalam Al-Quran di dalam surah An-Naml(17-19). Walaupun kisah ini hanya merangkumi 3 ayat di dalam Al-Quran tetapi banyak pengajaran yang dapat kita ambil demi kemaslahatan umat. Di antara keistimewaan Nabi Sulaiman a.s ialah beliau dikurniakan Allah dengan tentera yang terdiri dari pasukan-pasukan manusia,jin dan burung. Angkatan tentera yang besar dan cukup lengkap ini membantu Nabi Sulaiman a.s menjaga keselamatan negerinya dari ancaman musuh. Pada suatu hari Nabi Sulaiman a.s mengumpulkan kesemua bala tenteranya dan mengaturnya dengan rapi.
17. Dan dihimpunkan bagi Nabi Sulaiman bala tenteranya, dari jin dan manusia serta burung; lalu mereka dijaga serta diatur keadaan dan perjalanan masing-masing.
Maka maralah tentera Sulaiman sehingga mereka tiba di sebuah tempat yang bernama “Waadi An-Naml”(Lembah semut) dimana di situ terdapat sebuah kerajaan semut. Semut-semut pada masa itu sedang sibuk menjalankan aktiviti harian mengumpul rezeki. Seekor seemut sedar akan kehadiran tentera Sulaiman maka dia menyeru semut-semut yang lain agar memasuki sarang masing-masing supaya tidak diinjak dan dibinasakan tentera Sulaiman.
18. (Maralah angkatan itu) hingga apabila mereka sampai ke "Waadin-Naml", berkatalah seekor semut: "Wahai sekalian semut, masuklah ke sarang kamu masing-masing, jangan Sulaiman dan tenteranya memijak serta membinasakan kamu, sedang mereka tidak menyedari".
Nabi Sulaiman sedar akan kelakuan semut-semut itu lalu beliau berdoa.
19. Maka tersenyumlah Nabi Sulaiman mendengar kata-kata semut itu, dan berdoa Dengan berkata:" Wahai Tuhanku, ilhamkanlah daku supaya tetap bersyukur akan nikmatMu Yang Engkau kurniakan kepadaKu dan kepada ibu bapaku, dan supaya Aku tetap mengerjakan amal soleh Yang Engkau redai; dan masukkanlah daku - Dengan limpah rahmatMu - Dalam kumpulan hamba-hambaMu Yang soleh".
Demikian kisah yang dirakamkan di dalam Al-Quran mengenai kelakuan seekor semut menyelamatkan seluruh masyarakat semut yang ada di tempat itu.
Al-Quran `menggunakan kalimah “Namlatun” untuk menunjukkan identiti semut yang menjadi penyelamat itu. Namun tidak digunakan kalimah “Maalikun-naml” yang membawa erti raja semut ataupun “Amiirun-Naml” yang membawa erti ketua semut. Begitu juga tidak diidentitikan semut itu sebagai General, Polis ataupun seekor semut yang dikurniakan banyak ilmu pengetahuan tentang agama atau ‘Ustaz’ dikalangan semut. Ia mungkin adalah seekor rakyat biasa tetapi ia telah menjalakan tanggungjawabnya sebagai penyumbang untuk menyelamatkan masyarakatnya. Kisah ini dirakamkan di dalam al-Quran dan Al-Quran diturunkan kepada Umat Islam agar kita dapat mengambil I’tibar dari kisah-kisah seperti ini.
Mari kita lihat keadaan masyarakat Islam sekeliling kita. Adakah mereka menghadapi bahaya seperti mana semut-semut tadi yang berkemungkinan diinjak dan dibinasakan ataupun masyarakat kita berhadapan dengan ancaman bahaya yang lebih dasyat dari itu. Penganutan budaya dan pemikiran yang merosakkan akal dan menjauhkan kita dari Tuhan pencipta alam ini. Budaya Islam yang Agung sudah kabur di mata pandangan kita sendiri dan cara hidup lain yang diagung-agungkan dan dibanggakan.
Saya mengatakan senario sedemikian adalah lebih merbahaya dari injakan tentera Sulaiman kerana keadaan masyarakat Islam seperti itulah yang akan diwariskan kepada generasi anak cucu kita yang belum dan akan dilahirkan di dunia ini nanti. Siapakah yang akan menyelamatkan kita dari bencana sedemikian?
Sudah tentu kita akan menuding jari ke arah para Ustaz, ustazah, tok Imam, ulama’, guru dan sebagainya. Jika itu tanggapan kita maka itu adalah pemikiran yang salah dan perlu diperbetulkan.
SETIAP individu yang bergelar muslim deberi mandat dan status yang mulia dari Allah s.w.t iaitu sebagai khalifah dimuka bumi ini. Maka dengan itu setiap dari kamu bertanggungjawab untuk menyelamatkan masyarakat Islam. Usaha perlu depertingkatkan untuk mengubah status/darjat masing-masing dan dengan usaha yang gigih,ilmu yang bermanfaat,makanan rohani dan iman yang mantap dijadikan bekalan. Dengan itu juga kita dapat menyelamatkan masyarakat kita dari bahaya-bahaya sedemikian.
Kita ibarat seorang yang sedang menyelamatkan teman yang sedang tidur di dalam rumah yang sedang terbakar.Kita harus menyelamatkannya dengan apa cara sekalipun untuk membawanya keluar. Dengan kesedaran juga kita ibarat seorang yang membawa pelita memasuki lombong mengeluarkan manusia yang terkandas dan terperangkap didalamnya. Dengan tangan inilah yang akan memimpin mereka dan membawa mereka keluar ke alam yang penuh dengan cahaya.
Jika setiap individu muslim memainkan peranan maka Budaya Islam suatu hari nanti akan kembali gemilang seperti mana yang dibuktikan oleh generasi yang lampau. Sempat atau tidak kita menemuinya tidak menjadi persoalan kerana yang penting dan diambil kira disisi Allah s.w.t ialah kita turut serta dalam usaha murni itu.
Dengan usaha itu juga dapat dijadikan bekalan di akhirat kelak dan dengan itu juga Allah s.w.t menghapuskan dosa-dosa kita. Inilah impian setiap muslim yang takut akan tuhannya. Amin ya Rabb.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Dear Sister.. Reposted
This was posted back in October 17, 2006. I'm reposting it again with a few 'technical adjustments' just as a reminder.. i also welcome any Muslimah to write a similar post entitled 'Dear Brother..' (ha)
>>>>>>>>>>>>
This goes out to some Muslimah out there in context of today's generation. The writing was actually inspired after a personal encounter, having an open discussion about Boy-Girl Relationships with a friend..
I'm someone who frequently make mistakes too..please remind me in areas where I may be wrong or insufficient..
-start-
Dear Sister in Islam..
Your sincerity to practice Islam as a way of life is admirable. Still, it's not enough. You practice Islam to how you understand it, the way you perceive it is. But that's not the way it should be.
Is there such thing as a strict and less-strict Islam? There's only one type of Islam, one which is based on al-Quran and as-Sunnah.
Alhamdulillah, you uphold the pillars of Islam well. But you don't wear the hijab the way it should be worn. You say that type of coverage is too strict. The way you dress with 'tudungs', t-shirt and tight jeans/pants don't really cover your 'aurah'. Even 'baju kurungs' which don't meet the standard requirements.
You get involved in many relationships which only lead to hurt and despair. You've tried again and again to find "true love". Your boyfriends don't really practice Islam well as you do. But you keep advising hoping he'll change. You try your best to practice restraint by not accepting any sexual advances from your boyfriend reminding him its not allowed in Islam.
That's great, really.
But still, intimate pre-marital relationships itself is not allowed in Islam. When discussed, you say that's too strict. Would there be such sexual advances if you're not in those relationships? Which hadith or verse from al-Quran says that BGR is allowed before marraige?
Of course it's not easy to change. It's something you've been used to all your life, growing up in an environment where such practices are common.
When you look around, most of your friends are doing the same thing. You truly enjoy thier company and have known them for years. Why would you want to risk that happiness by being someone different exercising Islam "more strictly"?
It's not that you're not sincere in trying to practice Islam. You are. But do you know that you're going against His rules just to have that kind of temporary happiness?
Haven't we been assured of happiness greater than that?
-end-
Allah Almighty says:
{Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.} (An-Nur: 30-31)
No matter how sincere we may be, it is not enough for a Muslim if that sincerety doesn't follow with the correct form of understanding and practice.
The closest thing that I know of pre-marital relations being encouraged is during the engagement period, after both families have agreed and both are determined that it will lead to marriage within a short period of time. And even then, it must always be within the boundaries that Islam has set.
When we indulge in intimate pre-marital relations, sure we can be happy at times. But for many cases, it is often short lived which leads to confusion and despair. Some end up in a worse state. And the cycle continues for the worst, leading to many problems in the society.
We must remember that we are not alone. We are always accompanied by 'Shaytan' who have promised to always lead humans to the wrong path.
We always feel joy and excitement when doing things that are unIslamic. But most of the times, when we want to do something Islamic, an opposite feeling pops up. This is the time when 'Shaytan' will always try to make it difficult for us. That is the work of 'Shaytan' through our nafs.
Hwaa Irfan, cyber-counselor from Islamonline.net says,"You have been under the throes of the lower desire, An-nafs al-ammarah (Yusuf 12: 53) bi`su, the evil commanding self. An-nafs al-ammarah bi`su, is the desire for self gratification. Imam Baghawi tells us:
"The nafs al-ammarah bi`su' has Shaytân as its ally. He promises it great rewards and gains, but casts falsehood into it. He invites it and entices the soul to do evil. He leads it on with hope after hope and presents falsehood to the soul in a form that it will accept and admire.
Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule Sr tells us this:
"Shaytan exploits the sexual attraction between the genders to inflame passions that lead to sexual transgression. Each person always has shaytan with him or her . The sexual attractiveness of the woman is generally more than that of the man. Thus in sexual relations it is the male who usually seeks out the female.
The extra beauty and attractiveness of the woman can be a temptation for both her and for men [Suurah Yuusuf 12:(23-24) & 12:(30-34)].
A woman conscious of her beauty may exploit it by being flirtatious and thus exposing herself to men. Men will be attracted by her beauty and may lose control and commit sexual transgression" - (excerpt from Islamonline.net article)
Focusing to think and reason about the problem on our own will only allow Shaytan to lead us astray again and again unless in addition to that, we also focus on seeking Allah's help and guidance through things such as prayers, supplication (du'a) and dhikrullaah (remembrance of Allah).
We must also work on staying away from repeating bad deeds of the past and keep ourselves busy in good deeds, doing things that will be beneficial to us, for here and the hereafter, regularly seeking knowledge and work on self-improvement through the guidance of the Qur'an and Sunnah, or books based on them and also through those knowledgable and examplary as Muslims.
Always remember that Only Allah SWT can help us and only we can overcome the barriers within ourselves to change
{..."Allaah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in thier ownselves. And verily, Allaah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower"} [Suurah Al-Anfaal 8:53]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of hardship." (Reported by Ahmad)
{"And whoever does evil or acts unjustly to his soul, then asks forgiveness of Allah, he shall find Allah forgiving, Merciful"} (An-Nisa 4:110)
Rasoolullaah (sallAllahu'alaihi wa sallam) said as well, "Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala) says,'I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. If he remembers Me in a company, I remember him in a company better than his company. If he comes one handspan nearer to Me, I come one cubit nearer to him. If he comes on cubit nearer to Me, I come a distance of two arm-lengths nearer to him. If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running." (al-Bukhari)
{Say: "O 'Ibaadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."} (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Its sad to see some muslims who defend their own opinion.."Iman is not what is outside..Its whats inside", as some might claim. If thats the case, then we can also put it this way e.g A bartender who works in a bar selling and handling liquor, dressing inappropriately says ".. don't look at whats outside..its what's on the inside." Clearly, this is not Islamic at all!
Oh Allah, forgive our sins, purify our hearts, protect us from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our own deeds.. guide us whenever we forget or fall into error, guide us all to the right path. Aameen.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
This goes out to some Muslimah out there in context of today's generation. The writing was actually inspired after a personal encounter, having an open discussion about Boy-Girl Relationships with a friend..
I'm someone who frequently make mistakes too..please remind me in areas where I may be wrong or insufficient..
-start-
Dear Sister in Islam..
Your sincerity to practice Islam as a way of life is admirable. Still, it's not enough. You practice Islam to how you understand it, the way you perceive it is. But that's not the way it should be.
Is there such thing as a strict and less-strict Islam? There's only one type of Islam, one which is based on al-Quran and as-Sunnah.
Alhamdulillah, you uphold the pillars of Islam well. But you don't wear the hijab the way it should be worn. You say that type of coverage is too strict. The way you dress with 'tudungs', t-shirt and tight jeans/pants don't really cover your 'aurah'. Even 'baju kurungs' which don't meet the standard requirements.
You get involved in many relationships which only lead to hurt and despair. You've tried again and again to find "true love". Your boyfriends don't really practice Islam well as you do. But you keep advising hoping he'll change. You try your best to practice restraint by not accepting any sexual advances from your boyfriend reminding him its not allowed in Islam.
That's great, really.
But still, intimate pre-marital relationships itself is not allowed in Islam. When discussed, you say that's too strict. Would there be such sexual advances if you're not in those relationships? Which hadith or verse from al-Quran says that BGR is allowed before marraige?
Of course it's not easy to change. It's something you've been used to all your life, growing up in an environment where such practices are common.
When you look around, most of your friends are doing the same thing. You truly enjoy thier company and have known them for years. Why would you want to risk that happiness by being someone different exercising Islam "more strictly"?
It's not that you're not sincere in trying to practice Islam. You are. But do you know that you're going against His rules just to have that kind of temporary happiness?
Haven't we been assured of happiness greater than that?
-end-
Allah Almighty says:
{Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.} (An-Nur: 30-31)
No matter how sincere we may be, it is not enough for a Muslim if that sincerety doesn't follow with the correct form of understanding and practice.
The closest thing that I know of pre-marital relations being encouraged is during the engagement period, after both families have agreed and both are determined that it will lead to marriage within a short period of time. And even then, it must always be within the boundaries that Islam has set.
When we indulge in intimate pre-marital relations, sure we can be happy at times. But for many cases, it is often short lived which leads to confusion and despair. Some end up in a worse state. And the cycle continues for the worst, leading to many problems in the society.
We must remember that we are not alone. We are always accompanied by 'Shaytan' who have promised to always lead humans to the wrong path.
We always feel joy and excitement when doing things that are unIslamic. But most of the times, when we want to do something Islamic, an opposite feeling pops up. This is the time when 'Shaytan' will always try to make it difficult for us. That is the work of 'Shaytan' through our nafs.
Hwaa Irfan, cyber-counselor from Islamonline.net says,"You have been under the throes of the lower desire, An-nafs al-ammarah (Yusuf 12: 53) bi`su, the evil commanding self. An-nafs al-ammarah bi`su, is the desire for self gratification. Imam Baghawi tells us:
"The nafs al-ammarah bi`su' has Shaytân as its ally. He promises it great rewards and gains, but casts falsehood into it. He invites it and entices the soul to do evil. He leads it on with hope after hope and presents falsehood to the soul in a form that it will accept and admire.
Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule Sr tells us this:
"Shaytan exploits the sexual attraction between the genders to inflame passions that lead to sexual transgression. Each person always has shaytan with him or her . The sexual attractiveness of the woman is generally more than that of the man. Thus in sexual relations it is the male who usually seeks out the female.
The extra beauty and attractiveness of the woman can be a temptation for both her and for men [Suurah Yuusuf 12:(23-24) & 12:(30-34)].
A woman conscious of her beauty may exploit it by being flirtatious and thus exposing herself to men. Men will be attracted by her beauty and may lose control and commit sexual transgression" - (excerpt from Islamonline.net article)
Focusing to think and reason about the problem on our own will only allow Shaytan to lead us astray again and again unless in addition to that, we also focus on seeking Allah's help and guidance through things such as prayers, supplication (du'a) and dhikrullaah (remembrance of Allah).
We must also work on staying away from repeating bad deeds of the past and keep ourselves busy in good deeds, doing things that will be beneficial to us, for here and the hereafter, regularly seeking knowledge and work on self-improvement through the guidance of the Qur'an and Sunnah, or books based on them and also through those knowledgable and examplary as Muslims.
Always remember that Only Allah SWT can help us and only we can overcome the barriers within ourselves to change
{..."Allaah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in thier ownselves. And verily, Allaah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower"} [Suurah Al-Anfaal 8:53]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of hardship." (Reported by Ahmad)
{"And whoever does evil or acts unjustly to his soul, then asks forgiveness of Allah, he shall find Allah forgiving, Merciful"} (An-Nisa 4:110)
Rasoolullaah (sallAllahu'alaihi wa sallam) said as well, "Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala) says,'I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. If he remembers Me in a company, I remember him in a company better than his company. If he comes one handspan nearer to Me, I come one cubit nearer to him. If he comes on cubit nearer to Me, I come a distance of two arm-lengths nearer to him. If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running." (al-Bukhari)
{Say: "O 'Ibaadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."} (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Its sad to see some muslims who defend their own opinion.."Iman is not what is outside..Its whats inside", as some might claim. If thats the case, then we can also put it this way e.g A bartender who works in a bar selling and handling liquor, dressing inappropriately says ".. don't look at whats outside..its what's on the inside." Clearly, this is not Islamic at all!
Oh Allah, forgive our sins, purify our hearts, protect us from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our own deeds.. guide us whenever we forget or fall into error, guide us all to the right path. Aameen.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Might as well go and live in the mountains..
Just something interesting I got off the web..
The statement of Shaykh al-Albaanee to avoid practicing hajr (abandonment) of people of innovation, or those who fall into innovations, is not just on one tape, but several. The following is the context in which Shaykh Al Albaanee clearly spoke against the practice of hajr in our times.
“If we find in some of the statements of the scholars of the salaf rulings stating that one who falls into an innovation is in fact an innovator, it should be taken from the point of view that it is a statement of warning and not a statement of belief.
Perhaps it is also suitable to mention on this occasion the well-known statement of Imaam Maalik: “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” This famous narration took place in an occasion when a man came to Imaam Maalik and asked him about the rising above the throne, as regards to Allaah. Imaam Maalik responded, “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” He did not become an innovator for merely asking about it; the man wanted to understand something. But Imaam Maalik feared that while questioning, he may make some statements which are against the belief of the salaf. So he told them to remove the man from the sitting. “Remove the man, for he is an innovator.” Look now how the means have differed.
What do you think: if I or any other person of knowledge were asked the same thing by either the generality of Muslims or by specific groups amongst them who have more knowledge, do you think we should give the answer which Imaam Maalik gave? Would we tell the people to get him out of our gathering because he is an innovator?
NO. WHY? BECAUSE THE TIMES ARE DIFFERENT. SO THE METHODS WHICH WERE USED IN THOSE TIMES WERE ACCEPTABLE THEN, BUT ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TODAY BECAUSE THEY WILL HARM MORE THAN THEY WILL BENEFIT. AND WE CAN ADD TO THIS THE PRINCIPLE OF HAJR (BOYCOTTING), WHICH IS KNOWN IN ISLAAM.
We are often asked, “So-and-so- a friend- doesn’t pray, he smokes, and he does this and that. Should we boycott him?” I say, “No, you should not boycott him because boycotting him is what he would like for you to do. Your boycotting him would not benefit him. In fact, it is the opposite, it would make him happy. And it would allow him to continue in his misguidance.”
Not to mention, on this occasion, a Shaamee saying relative to a man who is corrupt and has abandoned prayer. This man repented and went to pray his first prayer in the masjid only to find the door of the masjid locked. His response to this was, “You’re closed, so I’ll drop the prayer.” That corrupt individual who has abandoned prayer, does he want the practicing Muslim to boycott him? This is just like the example- “You’re closed so I won’t bother to pray.” The [boycotted] man would similarly say, “I do not need his companionship; I do not want to be with him anyway.” This is because the companionship of the righteous with the corrupt prevents the latter from being free to do whatever he wants to do. The corrupt individual does not really want that. Thus, the boycotting of the un-righteous by the righteous is what the un-righteous prefers.
Consequently, the Islaamically legal boycott is intended to fulfill a legal benefit, which is to teach that individual. So if the boycott in no way teaches him a lesson, but in fact, it increases him in misguidance on top of his already misguided state, in such a circumstance, boycotting is not applicable or appropriate. CONSEQUENTLY, TODAY IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO IMITATE THE METHODS USED BY THE EARLY SCHOLARS BECAUSE THEY DID SO FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH AND THE ABILITY TO PREVENT.
Today look at the how the situation of Muslims is. They are weak in everything. Not only in the governments, but the individuals as well. The situation is as the Prophet (pbuh) described it when he said: “Islaam began as something strange and it will return again to become something strange, so give glad tidings to the Strangers.” He was asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He responded, “They are people who believed, a few righteous individuals amongst many people; those who disobey them are many more than those who obey them.”
SO IF WE OPEN THE DOOR OF BOYCOTTING AND DECLARING PEOPLE INNOVATORS, WE MAY AS WELL GO AND LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS. WHAT IS OBLIGATORY ON US TODAY IS TO CALL TO THE WAY OF OUR LORD WITH WISE PREACHING AND A GOOD EXPRESSION AND DISCUSS WITH THEM WITH THAT WHICH IS BETTER.”
The statement of Shaykh al-Albaanee to avoid practicing hajr (abandonment) of people of innovation, or those who fall into innovations, is not just on one tape, but several. The following is the context in which Shaykh Al Albaanee clearly spoke against the practice of hajr in our times.
“If we find in some of the statements of the scholars of the salaf rulings stating that one who falls into an innovation is in fact an innovator, it should be taken from the point of view that it is a statement of warning and not a statement of belief.
Perhaps it is also suitable to mention on this occasion the well-known statement of Imaam Maalik: “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” This famous narration took place in an occasion when a man came to Imaam Maalik and asked him about the rising above the throne, as regards to Allaah. Imaam Maalik responded, “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” He did not become an innovator for merely asking about it; the man wanted to understand something. But Imaam Maalik feared that while questioning, he may make some statements which are against the belief of the salaf. So he told them to remove the man from the sitting. “Remove the man, for he is an innovator.” Look now how the means have differed.
What do you think: if I or any other person of knowledge were asked the same thing by either the generality of Muslims or by specific groups amongst them who have more knowledge, do you think we should give the answer which Imaam Maalik gave? Would we tell the people to get him out of our gathering because he is an innovator?
NO. WHY? BECAUSE THE TIMES ARE DIFFERENT. SO THE METHODS WHICH WERE USED IN THOSE TIMES WERE ACCEPTABLE THEN, BUT ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TODAY BECAUSE THEY WILL HARM MORE THAN THEY WILL BENEFIT. AND WE CAN ADD TO THIS THE PRINCIPLE OF HAJR (BOYCOTTING), WHICH IS KNOWN IN ISLAAM.
We are often asked, “So-and-so- a friend- doesn’t pray, he smokes, and he does this and that. Should we boycott him?” I say, “No, you should not boycott him because boycotting him is what he would like for you to do. Your boycotting him would not benefit him. In fact, it is the opposite, it would make him happy. And it would allow him to continue in his misguidance.”
Not to mention, on this occasion, a Shaamee saying relative to a man who is corrupt and has abandoned prayer. This man repented and went to pray his first prayer in the masjid only to find the door of the masjid locked. His response to this was, “You’re closed, so I’ll drop the prayer.” That corrupt individual who has abandoned prayer, does he want the practicing Muslim to boycott him? This is just like the example- “You’re closed so I won’t bother to pray.” The [boycotted] man would similarly say, “I do not need his companionship; I do not want to be with him anyway.” This is because the companionship of the righteous with the corrupt prevents the latter from being free to do whatever he wants to do. The corrupt individual does not really want that. Thus, the boycotting of the un-righteous by the righteous is what the un-righteous prefers.
Consequently, the Islaamically legal boycott is intended to fulfill a legal benefit, which is to teach that individual. So if the boycott in no way teaches him a lesson, but in fact, it increases him in misguidance on top of his already misguided state, in such a circumstance, boycotting is not applicable or appropriate. CONSEQUENTLY, TODAY IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO IMITATE THE METHODS USED BY THE EARLY SCHOLARS BECAUSE THEY DID SO FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH AND THE ABILITY TO PREVENT.
Today look at the how the situation of Muslims is. They are weak in everything. Not only in the governments, but the individuals as well. The situation is as the Prophet (pbuh) described it when he said: “Islaam began as something strange and it will return again to become something strange, so give glad tidings to the Strangers.” He was asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He responded, “They are people who believed, a few righteous individuals amongst many people; those who disobey them are many more than those who obey them.”
SO IF WE OPEN THE DOOR OF BOYCOTTING AND DECLARING PEOPLE INNOVATORS, WE MAY AS WELL GO AND LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS. WHAT IS OBLIGATORY ON US TODAY IS TO CALL TO THE WAY OF OUR LORD WITH WISE PREACHING AND A GOOD EXPRESSION AND DISCUSS WITH THEM WITH THAT WHICH IS BETTER.”
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque
Excerpt from Saifulislam.com entitled "Agar Kaumku Beringat-ingat"..Link Here!
"Anta tidak ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa?" tanya teman di sisi.
Tepu dada saya mendengar soalan itu.
Membendung perasaan untuk menjenguk ziarah ke Kiblat pertamaku, untuk menyusul jejak-jejak Isra' dan Mi'raj yang agung itu, untuk menjamah barakah Tanah Haram ketiga itu. Masakan diri ini tidak kepingin untuk ke sana.
"Jangan ditanya keinginan hati. Jawapannya pasti. Tetapi ana menghormati fatwa masyaikh kita", saya membalas lesu.
"Fatwa yang mana?" sahabat saya kurang pasti.
"Haram melawat al-Masjid al-Aqsa kecuali dengan maksud jihad membebaskannya", saya menjawab.
"Oh ya. Ana pun ada mendengarnya. Apa alasan fatwa itu?" tanyanya lagi.
"Lawatan sebagai pelancong ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa yang terjajah, mustahil berlaku kecuali kita meminta visa dan izin dari kerajaan regim Haram Zionis itu. Setiap application untuk ke Palestin adalah pengiktirafan kita kepada ketuanan Yahudi yang sedang menjajahnya. Malah setiap permohonan yang dicas USD100 itu menjadi sumber pendapatan kerajaan Zionis", saya berkongsi apa yang saya tahu.
"Benar...!" teman saya menyapa perlahan.
Di era 90'an itu, ramai Ulama' di bumi Syam yang memfatwakan haram ke atas aktiviti ziarah dan pelancongan ke al-Quds. Biar pun segelintir rakyat Malaysia masih aktif transit di Amman sekembalinya mereka dari Umrah, lalu menyambung perjalanan ke al-Quds melalui agensi-agensi pelancongan, kami yang bertamu sebagai penuntut ilmu di Dataran Syam ini, tidak berdaya untuk menyanggah fatwa ini. Al-Quds hanya beberapa puluh kilometer dari penempatan kami, namun untuk ke sana.... tidak mungkin.
Al-Quds bukan untuk diziarahi dalam mood pelancongan.
Ia menanti pembebasan! >>>
For full version of article, Link Here!
"Anta tidak ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa?" tanya teman di sisi.
Tepu dada saya mendengar soalan itu.
Membendung perasaan untuk menjenguk ziarah ke Kiblat pertamaku, untuk menyusul jejak-jejak Isra' dan Mi'raj yang agung itu, untuk menjamah barakah Tanah Haram ketiga itu. Masakan diri ini tidak kepingin untuk ke sana.
"Jangan ditanya keinginan hati. Jawapannya pasti. Tetapi ana menghormati fatwa masyaikh kita", saya membalas lesu.
"Fatwa yang mana?" sahabat saya kurang pasti.
"Haram melawat al-Masjid al-Aqsa kecuali dengan maksud jihad membebaskannya", saya menjawab.
"Oh ya. Ana pun ada mendengarnya. Apa alasan fatwa itu?" tanyanya lagi.
"Lawatan sebagai pelancong ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa yang terjajah, mustahil berlaku kecuali kita meminta visa dan izin dari kerajaan regim Haram Zionis itu. Setiap application untuk ke Palestin adalah pengiktirafan kita kepada ketuanan Yahudi yang sedang menjajahnya. Malah setiap permohonan yang dicas USD100 itu menjadi sumber pendapatan kerajaan Zionis", saya berkongsi apa yang saya tahu.
"Benar...!" teman saya menyapa perlahan.
Di era 90'an itu, ramai Ulama' di bumi Syam yang memfatwakan haram ke atas aktiviti ziarah dan pelancongan ke al-Quds. Biar pun segelintir rakyat Malaysia masih aktif transit di Amman sekembalinya mereka dari Umrah, lalu menyambung perjalanan ke al-Quds melalui agensi-agensi pelancongan, kami yang bertamu sebagai penuntut ilmu di Dataran Syam ini, tidak berdaya untuk menyanggah fatwa ini. Al-Quds hanya beberapa puluh kilometer dari penempatan kami, namun untuk ke sana.... tidak mungkin.
Al-Quds bukan untuk diziarahi dalam mood pelancongan.
Ia menanti pembebasan! >>>
For full version of article, Link Here!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Do You Have a Reason to Be Thankful?
Article from islamonline.net by Hassan Sultan
As young children we were always told to read the Qur’an as much as possible and then when Ramadan came along we were expected to read all of it. We should ask ourselves how many times do we read the Qur’an, and ponder upon its meanings. Lately, when I read the Qur’an there was one verse in particular that really made me think and it humbled me. It reminded me that thanking Almighty Allah is an obligation upon all of us. In order to thank Almighty Allah, we must first remember the blessings we have been given, and we should also keep in mind what can happen if we are not thankful, and how we should show our gratitude.
* Do you remember the first day you lived away from your family?
* Do you remember all the times you took your mother’s cooking for granted?
* Do you recall the free time you had, and compare it to the times when you were busy?
Try to remember the times when you had energy and the times when you were too sick to walk.
Remembering Allah's Blessings
It is important for us to appreciate the blessings we have. Everyday, at least seventeen times, we recite ‘al-hamdu lillahrabbil alamin’ (thanks be to Allah the Lord of all that exists).. This verse in Surat Al-Fatiha is short yet powerful. The word ‘rabb’ here means Lord, the only one Who has the right to be worshipped, legislates, and tells us what to do.
Think about this amazing fact; research has disclosed that if a person slept eight hours at night the body moves at least 400 times. If the body was to stay in one position it would become paralyzed, but Almighty Allah through His mercy allows our bodies to move. Also, if we did not have a strong immune system, after a couple of breaths we would get very sick, due to the amount of toxins that enters the body. How many breaths did you just take? These are just two of the blessings that Almighty Allah has bestowed upon us. Many people in the world today are blessed with so much like nice homes, cars, food, and much more; however, such things are often taken for granted.
The Fateful Test
It was narrated that there were three men; one blind, one deaf and one with a skin disease. Their only wish was to be cured and live a normal life, so Allah the Almighty, through the angel Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him), cured them. Later on, they all became wealthy. Then a blind man approached the one who had been blind and asked for help but the man refused to do so and turned him away. The man reminded him of his previous situation, but it had no affect. The same thing happened with the man who was deaf. Shortly afterwards both lost all their wealth, as this was a test from Almighty Allah. The man who asked for help was Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him). They failed the test because they simply forgot to be grateful to Almighty Allah.
Unlike the man who was deaf, and the man who was blind, the one who had suffering from a skin disease offered all that he had. As a result, his wealth increased. Almighty Allah reminds us in the Qur'an that if we thank Him, He will increase what we have. We should take a moment now to reflect and think of all the bounties that have been bestowed upon us.
Throughout history those who refused to thank Almighty Allah were ultimately the losers. On the Day of Judgment all those who rejected Allah the Almighty will wish that they did not exist, and every Muslim will wish for one more second of life.
Those who are studying are aware when the exams will take place, but no one knows when death will face us. Therefore, we should take heed before it is too late. Being a Muslim is the greatest blessing a person can have. Almighty Allah reminds us that He has taken us from darkness to light, but if we fail to acknowledge His bounties and commands, we will only gain His anger.
It is explained in the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), that a person has shelter as well as the other basic necessities of life, he is considered a rich person. We are also taught to never look at those who have more than us when it comes to matters of this worldly life. Instead, we should think about those who are less fortunate than us.
In order to read this article you must have a computer and internet access. Now think about how many people there are around the world who do not have these two things. There are many who do not have the blessings that you have! Thank Almighty Allah because truly we are blessed.
Think about the people who do not understand the message of Islam, and thank Almighty Allah that we are Muslims. After receiving such a blessing, we should do good so as to thank Almighty Allah. On the Day of Judgment our book of good deeds will be presented alongside the blessings we received
I pray that we will all take Islam seriously and learn and educate ourselves so we can put it into practice.
The verse mentioned above in Surat Al-Fatiha inspired me so much when I sat down and pondered on its meanings. Almighty Allah loves us and gives us so much mercy. Undoubtedly, if we read and study the Qur’an it will make our life much easier. If we do so, when we see what is happening in Gaza, Iraq and the rest of the Muslim world, we will know how to react, and more importantly our hearts will be at ease. Let’s remember to thank Almighty Allah for all His many blessings.
- Hassan Sultan is a freelance writer from Washington. He can be reached through youth_campaign@iolteam.com
As young children we were always told to read the Qur’an as much as possible and then when Ramadan came along we were expected to read all of it. We should ask ourselves how many times do we read the Qur’an, and ponder upon its meanings. Lately, when I read the Qur’an there was one verse in particular that really made me think and it humbled me. It reminded me that thanking Almighty Allah is an obligation upon all of us. In order to thank Almighty Allah, we must first remember the blessings we have been given, and we should also keep in mind what can happen if we are not thankful, and how we should show our gratitude.
* Do you remember the first day you lived away from your family?
* Do you remember all the times you took your mother’s cooking for granted?
* Do you recall the free time you had, and compare it to the times when you were busy?
Try to remember the times when you had energy and the times when you were too sick to walk.
Remembering Allah's Blessings
It is important for us to appreciate the blessings we have. Everyday, at least seventeen times, we recite ‘al-hamdu lillahrabbil alamin’ (thanks be to Allah the Lord of all that exists).. This verse in Surat Al-Fatiha is short yet powerful. The word ‘rabb’ here means Lord, the only one Who has the right to be worshipped, legislates, and tells us what to do.
Think about this amazing fact; research has disclosed that if a person slept eight hours at night the body moves at least 400 times. If the body was to stay in one position it would become paralyzed, but Almighty Allah through His mercy allows our bodies to move. Also, if we did not have a strong immune system, after a couple of breaths we would get very sick, due to the amount of toxins that enters the body. How many breaths did you just take? These are just two of the blessings that Almighty Allah has bestowed upon us. Many people in the world today are blessed with so much like nice homes, cars, food, and much more; however, such things are often taken for granted.
The Fateful Test
It was narrated that there were three men; one blind, one deaf and one with a skin disease. Their only wish was to be cured and live a normal life, so Allah the Almighty, through the angel Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him), cured them. Later on, they all became wealthy. Then a blind man approached the one who had been blind and asked for help but the man refused to do so and turned him away. The man reminded him of his previous situation, but it had no affect. The same thing happened with the man who was deaf. Shortly afterwards both lost all their wealth, as this was a test from Almighty Allah. The man who asked for help was Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him). They failed the test because they simply forgot to be grateful to Almighty Allah.
Unlike the man who was deaf, and the man who was blind, the one who had suffering from a skin disease offered all that he had. As a result, his wealth increased. Almighty Allah reminds us in the Qur'an that if we thank Him, He will increase what we have. We should take a moment now to reflect and think of all the bounties that have been bestowed upon us.
Throughout history those who refused to thank Almighty Allah were ultimately the losers. On the Day of Judgment all those who rejected Allah the Almighty will wish that they did not exist, and every Muslim will wish for one more second of life.
Those who are studying are aware when the exams will take place, but no one knows when death will face us. Therefore, we should take heed before it is too late. Being a Muslim is the greatest blessing a person can have. Almighty Allah reminds us that He has taken us from darkness to light, but if we fail to acknowledge His bounties and commands, we will only gain His anger.
It is explained in the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), that a person has shelter as well as the other basic necessities of life, he is considered a rich person. We are also taught to never look at those who have more than us when it comes to matters of this worldly life. Instead, we should think about those who are less fortunate than us.
In order to read this article you must have a computer and internet access. Now think about how many people there are around the world who do not have these two things. There are many who do not have the blessings that you have! Thank Almighty Allah because truly we are blessed.
Think about the people who do not understand the message of Islam, and thank Almighty Allah that we are Muslims. After receiving such a blessing, we should do good so as to thank Almighty Allah. On the Day of Judgment our book of good deeds will be presented alongside the blessings we received
I pray that we will all take Islam seriously and learn and educate ourselves so we can put it into practice.
The verse mentioned above in Surat Al-Fatiha inspired me so much when I sat down and pondered on its meanings. Almighty Allah loves us and gives us so much mercy. Undoubtedly, if we read and study the Qur’an it will make our life much easier. If we do so, when we see what is happening in Gaza, Iraq and the rest of the Muslim world, we will know how to react, and more importantly our hearts will be at ease. Let’s remember to thank Almighty Allah for all His many blessings.
- Hassan Sultan is a freelance writer from Washington. He can be reached through youth_campaign@iolteam.com
Monday, March 09, 2009
The Prophet and Women
Just to share a booklet on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Women prepared by 'Educational Department in Madar al-Watan'.
Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem
All praise is due to Allah, and may Allah praise Muhammad and render him safe from all evil.
One of the common misconceptions in the West about Muhammad (sollallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Islam, is that he was oppressive and dominative towards women, and that he prohibited them their rights. They say that he used women for his own pleasure and treated them as if they were his servants. They say the Prophet would not listen to them and would forbid them from participating in any general matter concerning the public. They say that he would not converse with them nor seek their opinion, and that he would merely order them, they would have no option but to follow his orders.
This is how the West portrays Muhammad regarding the treatment of women. Religious figures, intellectuals, the media, and even politicians have painted this picture in the minds of average Westerner in order to drive them away from Islam and its Prophet. There are, however, some highly regarded intellectuals, media figures and politicians who did not succumb to their forgery; rather, continued to portray him in the proper light. Unfortunately, the strength and control of the first group over various media outlets has drowned their voices, to the extent that they are totally disregarded.
If we truly seek to know how the Prophet treated women, we must read his biography and study his sayings in this regard. Then only will we be able to fairly judge the way he viewed women.
But first we must ask… did women actually have any rights before Islam which the Prophet is said to have abolished in his call to Islam?
The answer is quite the opposite. Women had no rights before Islam. Rather, the Arabs before Islam, in accordance with their nature, hated daughters. They considered them such a shame that some of them even buried their daughters alive. Allah says:
{And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark and he is filled with inward grief!} [Surah an-Nahl(16):58-59]
Before the dawn of Islam, if a woman lost her husband, she would be inherited by her husband’s sons or other male relatives. If they wished, they would wed her to one of them, or if they wished they would prevent her from marrying again, imprisoning her with them until she died. Islam came and abolished all of this, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) affirmed their rights, as we will see in this discourse.
Other societies at that time were not any better than the Arabs in regards to their treatment of women. In the Greek Empire, women were regarded as scrap property; they were even bought and sold in the markets! Women had no civil or financial rights. Their husbands and fathers, had unrestricted authority over them, even over their money! They were unable to do anything without their permission.
In India, if a women lost her husband, she would lose all the incentives to carry on living, and her life would end with the death of her husband.
If we look at the condition of women in Europe in the Middle (Medieval) Ages when authority was in the hands of the Christian Church, we see that her state of affairs was even worse. Religious figures actually debated whether women were humans or devils!
This was the condition in which women were living before the advent of Islam. Now we must ask, what status and treatment did Islam grant women? What did the Prophet do for women? The Prophet never said that he hated women, nor did he belittle them. Rather, he said the opposite. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
“Beloved to me of the things of this world are women and fragrances, and I seek comfort in prayer.” (An-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet informed of the equality of women to men in their humanity in his saying:
“Women are only the twin halves of men.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)
All men are children of women and other men, and all women are children to men and women. No one is superior to the other. The only valid criterion in superiority is faith and righteousness.
In the sixth century, a meeting was adjourned, called the Macon Assembly, in order to discuss whether women actually had souls. They came to the conclusion that women had no soul and therefore were excused from the punishment of Hellfire. The only exception was Mary, the mother of Jesus (‘alaihi salaam).
As for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he affirmed the equality of men and women in regards to faith, righteousness and reward in the Hereafter. Allah, the Most High, says:
{Verily, the Muslim men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient to Allah, the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give Sadaqah (Zakat and alms), the men and the women who observe fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.} [Surah Al-Ahzab (33):35]
Allah also says:
{Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof; and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer, such will enter the Heavenly Gardens, where they will be provided therein without limit!} [Surah Ghafir(40):35]
Allah eradicated the hatred Arabs had for female children in the Qur’an:
{To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He created what He wills. He bestows female(offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills.} [Surah Ash-Shoora (42):49-50]
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) abolished this abominable belief and encouraged people to give a proper upbringing to their daughters and treat them well. The Prophet said:
“Whoever supports two daughters until they reach the age of Puberty, he wil come on the Day of Resurrection with me [like this], and he joined his fingers.” (Muslim)
In this statement, the Prophet mentioned the high status of that person on the Day of Requital and his closeness to him. He would attain this rank because he took care of his daughters till they reached the age of puberty.
He also said:
“Whoever has three daughters or sisters, or two daughters or sisters, and treats them well, and keeps to Allah’s orders in their regard will enter Jannah (Heavenly Gardens).” (At-Tirmidhi, graded as Saheeh by Al-Albani)
With this, the Prophet put an end to the deep-rooted dislike which Arabs had before the dawn of Islam for female children.
The Prophet also encouraged the education of women. He said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (ibn Majah)
This includes both males and females. Once a woman approached the Prophet and said,
“O Messenger of Allah, the men are benefiting from your knowledge, so specify a day in which we can come and learn what Allah has taught you. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘Gather on such and such day,’ so they gathered. The Prophet came and taught them what Allah taught him.” (Muslim)
Moreover, when the Prophet gave a sermon or admonition, he would address both men and women. He would then approach the womenfolk and address them specifically. So in fact, it was women who benefited more from his sermons.
The Prophet did not imprision women in their homes, as some erroneously presume; rather, he allowed them to leave their homes, tend to their affairs, visit relative and friends, visit the sick, and for various other reasons. The Prophet allowed them to pray in the Mosques. The Prophet said:
“Do not prevent your womenfolk from (praying) in the Mosques.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would take his wife along if he was invited and he would refuse the offer if the host did not accommodate her. Anas (radiallaahu ‘anhu) narrated:
“A particular Persian neighbor of the Prophet cooked tasty food. Once he cooked some food for the Prophet and invited him. The Messenger of Allah said, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘No,’ and invited him again. The Messenger of Allah repeated. ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘ No’ and insisted in his invitation. The Messenger of Allah again asked, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he finally responded on the third request, ‘Yes,’ so they both went to his house.” (Muslim)
Notice how the Prophet refused the invitation because he did not want to eat without his wife. Indeed in this is an example of model marital relations, respecting the rights of wives, and paying importance to their feelings.
The Prophet was also well-aware of the nature of women and their emotional and physical makeup. For this reason, the Prophet advised men to be compassionate and patient with them. He said:
“I advise you to be good to your womenfolk, for indeed they were created from a rib, and the most bent part of a rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break. If you are affable, you will be able to live with her,” (ibn Hibbaan)
This narration presents the best method to reform women and improve them; through kindness, compassion, persuasion and affability. Reformation with harshness and strictness would only produce negative results.
The Prophet encouraged men to provide for their wives as much as they are able. Islam has made it an obligation upon the husbands to provide for his wife, but despite this the Prophet informed us that husbands are rewarded each time they spend on their wives. The Prophet said: to Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas:
“You do not spend any amount of money for the sake of Allah except that you will be rewarded for it, even that which you put in the mouth of your wife (i.e. food and drink).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
He also said:
“The best money spent is that on one’s family.” (Muslim)
He also said:
“If a man gives his wife something to drink, he will be rewarded for it.” (Ahmad, Al-Albani graded it as Hasan)
When Irbad ibn Saariyah, a companion of the Prophet, heard this narration, he went to his wife and gave her something to drink, and then he related what he heard from the Prophet.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed us that a man will be held responsible for his wife and children’s actions on the Day of Resurrection. He said:
“Surely Allah will ask every responsible person about those under his responsibility. [He will be asked] whether he took care of them or neglected them, until a man will be asked about his household.” (ibn Hibbaan)
The Prophet forbade hitting women. He said:
“Do not hit the female slaves of Allah.” (Abu Dawood)
He ordered that men have patience with their wives and not dislike them. He said:
“A believing male should not dislike a believing woman. If he dislikes something of her character, he might be pleased with another.” (Muslim)
Hence, the Prophet encouraged men to look for praiseworthy characteristics of women, so that they do not always look at their inferior qualities, for that will create hatred and enmity between a man and his wife.
The Prophet allowed women to complain to court if she is not treated well by her husband. Some women went to the Prophet and complained about the bad manners of their husbands. The Prophet said (addressing the Muslims):
“Many women complained to the family of the Prophet and about their husbands, [those men] are not the best of you.” (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet also knew the physical weakness of women in relation to men, and that most of the time she is not able to defend herself. For this reason, he warned those who oppress the weak, among them women, in his saying:
“O Allah put in a strait those who wrong the two weak; orphans and women.” (an-Nasaa’i)
This prophetic tradition implies that oppression of these two types of people will not be overlooked; rather, it may be a cause for punishment in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet ordered men to conceal the private affairs of women. He said:
“Indeed the worse of people on the Day of Resurrection is a man who has sexual intercourse with his wife and then tells others of their private affairs.” (Muslim)
In this Prophetic tradition, the Prophet prohibits men to discuss sexual acts which take place between them and their wives, in addition to other private affairs wives entrust to their husbands.
Islam, out of deference to women, encourages husbands to fulfill the sexual rights of their wives so that they will not desire to look elsewhere. The Prophet said:
“You will [even] be rewarded for having sexual intercourse.”
The Companions exclaimed, “O Messenger of Allah! Are we rewarded for fulfilling our desires?”
He replied:
“Wouldn’t he be punished if he fulfills (this desire) in an impermissible way? Similarly, if he fulfills it in a permissible way, he will be rewarded.” (Muslim)
Another example which shows how the Prophet honored women and how he forbade men from harboring evil thoughts about their wives and from seeking their faults. Jabir (radhiallaahu ‘anhu) said:
“The Prophet forbade men from approaching their wives at night, seeking to find them treacherous or seeking some other faults in them.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
What act can honor women more than the fact that men who have been away (on a journey) have been forbidden to enter their houses at night without informing their wives, if they intended to spy on them or doubted their honor? Indeed it is Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallaam) who truly freed women.
As for the manners of the Prophet with his family, he was most affectionate and kind. He would help his wives in household chores. Aswad said:
“I asked Aa’ishah how the Prophet was with his wives. She replied, ‘He would help his wives with household chores, and when the time for prayer came, he would stand and leave.’ (Bukhari)
Let us look at another example of an exchange of beautiful words between a husband, Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and his wife, Aa’ishah which will show the extent of love and affection the wives of the Prophet would receive from him. He said to Aa’ishah:
“Indeed I know when you are angry and when you are pleased.”
She responded, “How do you know that O Messenger of Allah?”
He said, “When you are pleased, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Muhammad,’ and when you are angry, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Ibraheem.’”
She said: “Yes, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah! I only leave the mention of your name.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
… meaning that the love in her heart for Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not decrease.
Let’s take a look at another example of fun and amusement enjoyed by a married couple. Aa’ishah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) said:
I accompanied the Prophet in some of his journeys while I was young and lean. He said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did so. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and I won, and he did not say anything. But when I became older and put on weight, I accompanied him in some of his journeys, he said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and he won, and he said, “This one for that!” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet’s loyalty to Khadeejah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) (his first wife) continued even after her death. Anas (radhiallaahu anhu) said:
“If the Prophet was presented with a gift, he would say, ‘Take it to so and so, for indeed she was a friend of Khadeejah.’” (Tabaraani)
He was once asked about the most beloved of people to him, to which he responded, “Aa’ishah,” while she was his wife.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also did not forget the rights of the mother, who many legislations of the international women’s rights movement pretend to ignore, for they do not respect motherhood nor pay any importance to raising children. As for the Prophet, when he was asked by a man,
“Who is the most deserving of my good company?”
He responded, “Your mother.”
He said, “and then who?” to which he responded, “Your mother.”
The man repeated, “And then who?”
He said, “Your mother.”
The man said, “And then who?”
He said, “Your father.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This was the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) attitude towards women.
Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem
All praise is due to Allah, and may Allah praise Muhammad and render him safe from all evil.
One of the common misconceptions in the West about Muhammad (sollallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Islam, is that he was oppressive and dominative towards women, and that he prohibited them their rights. They say that he used women for his own pleasure and treated them as if they were his servants. They say the Prophet would not listen to them and would forbid them from participating in any general matter concerning the public. They say that he would not converse with them nor seek their opinion, and that he would merely order them, they would have no option but to follow his orders.
This is how the West portrays Muhammad regarding the treatment of women. Religious figures, intellectuals, the media, and even politicians have painted this picture in the minds of average Westerner in order to drive them away from Islam and its Prophet. There are, however, some highly regarded intellectuals, media figures and politicians who did not succumb to their forgery; rather, continued to portray him in the proper light. Unfortunately, the strength and control of the first group over various media outlets has drowned their voices, to the extent that they are totally disregarded.
If we truly seek to know how the Prophet treated women, we must read his biography and study his sayings in this regard. Then only will we be able to fairly judge the way he viewed women.
But first we must ask… did women actually have any rights before Islam which the Prophet is said to have abolished in his call to Islam?
The answer is quite the opposite. Women had no rights before Islam. Rather, the Arabs before Islam, in accordance with their nature, hated daughters. They considered them such a shame that some of them even buried their daughters alive. Allah says:
{And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark and he is filled with inward grief!} [Surah an-Nahl(16):58-59]
Before the dawn of Islam, if a woman lost her husband, she would be inherited by her husband’s sons or other male relatives. If they wished, they would wed her to one of them, or if they wished they would prevent her from marrying again, imprisoning her with them until she died. Islam came and abolished all of this, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) affirmed their rights, as we will see in this discourse.
Other societies at that time were not any better than the Arabs in regards to their treatment of women. In the Greek Empire, women were regarded as scrap property; they were even bought and sold in the markets! Women had no civil or financial rights. Their husbands and fathers, had unrestricted authority over them, even over their money! They were unable to do anything without their permission.
In India, if a women lost her husband, she would lose all the incentives to carry on living, and her life would end with the death of her husband.
If we look at the condition of women in Europe in the Middle (Medieval) Ages when authority was in the hands of the Christian Church, we see that her state of affairs was even worse. Religious figures actually debated whether women were humans or devils!
This was the condition in which women were living before the advent of Islam. Now we must ask, what status and treatment did Islam grant women? What did the Prophet do for women? The Prophet never said that he hated women, nor did he belittle them. Rather, he said the opposite. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
“Beloved to me of the things of this world are women and fragrances, and I seek comfort in prayer.” (An-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet informed of the equality of women to men in their humanity in his saying:
“Women are only the twin halves of men.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)
All men are children of women and other men, and all women are children to men and women. No one is superior to the other. The only valid criterion in superiority is faith and righteousness.
In the sixth century, a meeting was adjourned, called the Macon Assembly, in order to discuss whether women actually had souls. They came to the conclusion that women had no soul and therefore were excused from the punishment of Hellfire. The only exception was Mary, the mother of Jesus (‘alaihi salaam).
As for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he affirmed the equality of men and women in regards to faith, righteousness and reward in the Hereafter. Allah, the Most High, says:
{Verily, the Muslim men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient to Allah, the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give Sadaqah (Zakat and alms), the men and the women who observe fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.} [Surah Al-Ahzab (33):35]
Allah also says:
{Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof; and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer, such will enter the Heavenly Gardens, where they will be provided therein without limit!} [Surah Ghafir(40):35]
Allah eradicated the hatred Arabs had for female children in the Qur’an:
{To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He created what He wills. He bestows female(offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills.} [Surah Ash-Shoora (42):49-50]
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) abolished this abominable belief and encouraged people to give a proper upbringing to their daughters and treat them well. The Prophet said:
“Whoever supports two daughters until they reach the age of Puberty, he wil come on the Day of Resurrection with me [like this], and he joined his fingers.” (Muslim)
In this statement, the Prophet mentioned the high status of that person on the Day of Requital and his closeness to him. He would attain this rank because he took care of his daughters till they reached the age of puberty.
He also said:
“Whoever has three daughters or sisters, or two daughters or sisters, and treats them well, and keeps to Allah’s orders in their regard will enter Jannah (Heavenly Gardens).” (At-Tirmidhi, graded as Saheeh by Al-Albani)
With this, the Prophet put an end to the deep-rooted dislike which Arabs had before the dawn of Islam for female children.
The Prophet also encouraged the education of women. He said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (ibn Majah)
This includes both males and females. Once a woman approached the Prophet and said,
“O Messenger of Allah, the men are benefiting from your knowledge, so specify a day in which we can come and learn what Allah has taught you. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘Gather on such and such day,’ so they gathered. The Prophet came and taught them what Allah taught him.” (Muslim)
Moreover, when the Prophet gave a sermon or admonition, he would address both men and women. He would then approach the womenfolk and address them specifically. So in fact, it was women who benefited more from his sermons.
The Prophet did not imprision women in their homes, as some erroneously presume; rather, he allowed them to leave their homes, tend to their affairs, visit relative and friends, visit the sick, and for various other reasons. The Prophet allowed them to pray in the Mosques. The Prophet said:
“Do not prevent your womenfolk from (praying) in the Mosques.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would take his wife along if he was invited and he would refuse the offer if the host did not accommodate her. Anas (radiallaahu ‘anhu) narrated:
“A particular Persian neighbor of the Prophet cooked tasty food. Once he cooked some food for the Prophet and invited him. The Messenger of Allah said, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘No,’ and invited him again. The Messenger of Allah repeated. ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘ No’ and insisted in his invitation. The Messenger of Allah again asked, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he finally responded on the third request, ‘Yes,’ so they both went to his house.” (Muslim)
Notice how the Prophet refused the invitation because he did not want to eat without his wife. Indeed in this is an example of model marital relations, respecting the rights of wives, and paying importance to their feelings.
The Prophet was also well-aware of the nature of women and their emotional and physical makeup. For this reason, the Prophet advised men to be compassionate and patient with them. He said:
“I advise you to be good to your womenfolk, for indeed they were created from a rib, and the most bent part of a rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break. If you are affable, you will be able to live with her,” (ibn Hibbaan)
This narration presents the best method to reform women and improve them; through kindness, compassion, persuasion and affability. Reformation with harshness and strictness would only produce negative results.
The Prophet encouraged men to provide for their wives as much as they are able. Islam has made it an obligation upon the husbands to provide for his wife, but despite this the Prophet informed us that husbands are rewarded each time they spend on their wives. The Prophet said: to Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas:
“You do not spend any amount of money for the sake of Allah except that you will be rewarded for it, even that which you put in the mouth of your wife (i.e. food and drink).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
He also said:
“The best money spent is that on one’s family.” (Muslim)
He also said:
“If a man gives his wife something to drink, he will be rewarded for it.” (Ahmad, Al-Albani graded it as Hasan)
When Irbad ibn Saariyah, a companion of the Prophet, heard this narration, he went to his wife and gave her something to drink, and then he related what he heard from the Prophet.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed us that a man will be held responsible for his wife and children’s actions on the Day of Resurrection. He said:
“Surely Allah will ask every responsible person about those under his responsibility. [He will be asked] whether he took care of them or neglected them, until a man will be asked about his household.” (ibn Hibbaan)
The Prophet forbade hitting women. He said:
“Do not hit the female slaves of Allah.” (Abu Dawood)
He ordered that men have patience with their wives and not dislike them. He said:
“A believing male should not dislike a believing woman. If he dislikes something of her character, he might be pleased with another.” (Muslim)
Hence, the Prophet encouraged men to look for praiseworthy characteristics of women, so that they do not always look at their inferior qualities, for that will create hatred and enmity between a man and his wife.
The Prophet allowed women to complain to court if she is not treated well by her husband. Some women went to the Prophet and complained about the bad manners of their husbands. The Prophet said (addressing the Muslims):
“Many women complained to the family of the Prophet and about their husbands, [those men] are not the best of you.” (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet also knew the physical weakness of women in relation to men, and that most of the time she is not able to defend herself. For this reason, he warned those who oppress the weak, among them women, in his saying:
“O Allah put in a strait those who wrong the two weak; orphans and women.” (an-Nasaa’i)
This prophetic tradition implies that oppression of these two types of people will not be overlooked; rather, it may be a cause for punishment in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet ordered men to conceal the private affairs of women. He said:
“Indeed the worse of people on the Day of Resurrection is a man who has sexual intercourse with his wife and then tells others of their private affairs.” (Muslim)
In this Prophetic tradition, the Prophet prohibits men to discuss sexual acts which take place between them and their wives, in addition to other private affairs wives entrust to their husbands.
Islam, out of deference to women, encourages husbands to fulfill the sexual rights of their wives so that they will not desire to look elsewhere. The Prophet said:
“You will [even] be rewarded for having sexual intercourse.”
The Companions exclaimed, “O Messenger of Allah! Are we rewarded for fulfilling our desires?”
He replied:
“Wouldn’t he be punished if he fulfills (this desire) in an impermissible way? Similarly, if he fulfills it in a permissible way, he will be rewarded.” (Muslim)
Another example which shows how the Prophet honored women and how he forbade men from harboring evil thoughts about their wives and from seeking their faults. Jabir (radhiallaahu ‘anhu) said:
“The Prophet forbade men from approaching their wives at night, seeking to find them treacherous or seeking some other faults in them.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
What act can honor women more than the fact that men who have been away (on a journey) have been forbidden to enter their houses at night without informing their wives, if they intended to spy on them or doubted their honor? Indeed it is Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallaam) who truly freed women.
As for the manners of the Prophet with his family, he was most affectionate and kind. He would help his wives in household chores. Aswad said:
“I asked Aa’ishah how the Prophet was with his wives. She replied, ‘He would help his wives with household chores, and when the time for prayer came, he would stand and leave.’ (Bukhari)
Let us look at another example of an exchange of beautiful words between a husband, Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and his wife, Aa’ishah which will show the extent of love and affection the wives of the Prophet would receive from him. He said to Aa’ishah:
“Indeed I know when you are angry and when you are pleased.”
She responded, “How do you know that O Messenger of Allah?”
He said, “When you are pleased, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Muhammad,’ and when you are angry, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Ibraheem.’”
She said: “Yes, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah! I only leave the mention of your name.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
… meaning that the love in her heart for Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not decrease.
Let’s take a look at another example of fun and amusement enjoyed by a married couple. Aa’ishah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) said:
I accompanied the Prophet in some of his journeys while I was young and lean. He said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did so. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and I won, and he did not say anything. But when I became older and put on weight, I accompanied him in some of his journeys, he said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and he won, and he said, “This one for that!” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet’s loyalty to Khadeejah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) (his first wife) continued even after her death. Anas (radhiallaahu anhu) said:
“If the Prophet was presented with a gift, he would say, ‘Take it to so and so, for indeed she was a friend of Khadeejah.’” (Tabaraani)
He was once asked about the most beloved of people to him, to which he responded, “Aa’ishah,” while she was his wife.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also did not forget the rights of the mother, who many legislations of the international women’s rights movement pretend to ignore, for they do not respect motherhood nor pay any importance to raising children. As for the Prophet, when he was asked by a man,
“Who is the most deserving of my good company?”
He responded, “Your mother.”
He said, “and then who?” to which he responded, “Your mother.”
The man repeated, “And then who?”
He said, “Your mother.”
The man said, “And then who?”
He said, “Your father.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This was the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) attitude towards women.
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