Concept of Bidah in Islam
Bid'ah is a word that has been misused so often today, that it's definition needs to be explained clearly.
Definition of Bid'ah
Bid'ah, literally means innovation. In special terms it means carrying out actions which displease Allah ta`ala and his messenger.
[Tirmizi chapter Il]
Qadi Shawkani writes "In Islam there are two kinds of Bid'ah: Bid'ah Say'iah and Bid'ah Hasana. If a new thing opposes the Qur’an and Sunnah then it is Say'iah, but if it is not against the Shari'ah then it is Hasanah.
(Nayl-ul-Autaar, Qadi Shawkani chapter Salaah Al Taravee).
Imam Nawawi writes that there are certain types of Bid’ah. Two of them are Bid’ah Sayyiah and Bid’ah Hasanah. Bid’ah sayyiah is a Bid’ah that opposes the Qur’an and sunnah and Bidah Hasanah is a Bid’ah that is not against the Qur’an or Sunnah. For example:
To invent the usool (principle) of Hadeeth, usool of Fiqh, usool of Tafsir etc.
[Tahzeeb al Asma wal lughaat word Bid’ah by Imam Nawawi]
Hafidhh ibn Rajjab defines bida to mean new things that have no basis in the Qur'an or Sunnah. If a new practice has evidence from the Qur'an or Sunnah it will not be Bid'ah Shari'ah, but it will be Bid'ah Logaviyya (linguistic).
(Jaami' Al Uloom Al Hukkam page 252 by Hafidhh ibn Rajjab).
Hafidhh Asqalani writes if a new thing is against Islam, it will be bad. If it is not against Islam, it will be hasanah (Good).
(Fathul Bari chap on Taravi by Hafidhh Asqalani).
Hafidhh ibn Taymiyyah writes that bid'ah is always bad, but some scholars say that there are two kinds of bid'ah, that one is good and one is bad. If a new thing has origin in the Qur'an and Sunnah it will be called Bid'ah Logaviyya (verbally) but not Bid'ah in Shari'ah. Only the word bid'ah will be used on the new things. Like, the Qur'an was collected in one book after the Prophet Muhammad [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace], and the congregational Taravi prayer was started in Sayyidna Umar's time but these two things have an origin in the Sunnah. Therefore, it will be called bid'ah verbally.
(Iqtidah al Sirat al Mustaqeem chap on Bid'ah by Hafidhh ibn Taymiyya).
From the above, the conclusion is that if a new thing has been started, and it neither goes against the Qur’an or Sunnah, then it can be declared a ‘good’ innovation. However, if a new act is initiated against the Qur'an and Sunnah, that will be called bad bid'ah, or a reprehensible innovation.
Definition of BID'AH SAYYIAH
Bid'ah say'iah is a new thing, introduced to and made part of the Deen (Islam) that has no origin what so ever from the Qur'an or the Sunnah of Rasoolallah [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim write that there was some companions talking and the Prophet was listening. One of them said: 'I will make prayers (Salaah) all night long.' The second said: 'I will fast (sawm) all the time.' The third said: 'I will never marry.' When our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]heard them say this he said: 'I am the most God conscious of Allah (Ta`ala) than any of you. I pray (Salaah,) I fast (sawm) as well, and I do marry woman too. And who so turns his face from my Sunnah, cannot be of my Ummah'.
[Mishkat Muslim, Bukhari chapter Ihtisam]
The reason why our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]stopped them from doing what they wanted to do was because it was against Sunnah(his way). What ever we do which is against the way of our Prophets [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] Sunnah is a Bid'ah Say'iah.
RasoolAllah [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] stated: "On the Day of Judgement, some people will come to me when I will be standing by Haudh-e-Kauser (Well). They will be grabbed and taken towards the Hellfire. I shall say: "These are my people" but in reply I will be told: "These are the people who introduced innovations after you, so they are unbelievers."
[Bukhari & Muslim, Kitaab-ul-Haudh]
From the above Hadith we learn of the innovations from which we have been warned. Such innovations that make a person Murtad (a non believer.) A few examples of innovations, which cause a person to become Murtad:- A person claiming to be a Prophet, deny giving Zakaat. Perform Haj at a place other than the Ka'ba, or to introduce any other new belief which is in opposition to Qur'an or Ahadith.
A person once sent salaam to Abdullah Ibn Umar radhiAllahu anhu who replied: I do not accept his salaam, as this person has innovated by becoming Qadriyyah (A sect which does not believe in destiny) [Mistake, Kitaab-ul-Iman wa-al-Qadr, transmitted by Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]
The above narration emphasises the fact that Bid'ah is to hold such an Aqeedah which is in direct opposition to the Qur'an and Sunnah, i.e. to become Qadriyyah, Jabriyya etc.
RasoolAllah [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] stated: "Every innovation leads astray and every creator of the astray goes in the Fire."
[Muslim chapter Al-jumah]
An example of this Bid'ah is given by Hafidhh Ibn Al-Qayyim who writes: 'The one who denies the punishment of the grave is an innovater'.
[Kitaab-ur-Rooh chap10]
PROOF OF BID'AH HASANA
Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'an:
"And we ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they innovated for themselves which we did not prescribe for them"
Surah Al Hadeed, verse 27"
This verse points out that when something new is invented to please Allah Ta'ala then it is permissible, and Allah Ta'ala gives reward for it. Those who do not fulfil the requirements then Allah Ta'ala will not reward them.
RasoolAllah [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] stated: "The person who introduced a good thing in Islam, shall obtain the reward for it and also the reward for those who adopt it. As for the one who introduces a bad thing (Bid'ah Sayyi ah) he will obtain the punishment for introducing it and also for those who adopt it, will also be punished."
(Sahih Muslim in Kitaab-uz-Zakaat Tirmidhee chapter Eleleven).
This Hadith gives proof of the fact that it is permissible to introduce a good act in Islam, also it gives permission to follow that deed with the intention of reward.
Even our Prophets (Sallallahu'alaihi wa sallams) companions intoduced new things in Islam that the Messenger of Allah himself had not done, and our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]did not stop them. If by doing something new without the permission of our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]was Bid'ah then these people would not have done so. Yes it was important for them to remember that, not to start some thing new which would be against our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] sunnah in any way.
There are many examples, but for the moment we shall highlight two:
Our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] asked Bilal radiAllahu unho "What do you practice that from which you look forward to a lot of reward from Allah Subha Nahu Wata’ala. The reason being I heard your footsteps in Paradise. (junnaah") Bilal radiAllahu unho replaid: "Whenever I do Ablution (Wudhu,) after it I always say a Prayer (Nafil Salaah")
["Bukhari, Kitab Tahajud"]
This new practice that Bilal RadiAllaho unho started by himself was so much accepted by Allah Ta`ala that our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] heard his foot steps in paradise.
Ibn Hajr writes in his commentary to worship at a set time is permissible.
[Fathul bari by Hafidhh Asqalani]
2) In a Masjid in Quba an Imam used to lead congregation prayers in every rakat (cycle) after reciting Surah Al Fatiha and a verse of the Qur'an he also recited Surah Al Ikhlas as well. When our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] asked him: 'Why do you do this? He replied: 'I love reading Surah Al Ikhlas'. Our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] said: 'This love will take you towards paradise'. [Bukhari Kitab as Salaah]
Our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] did not stop either of these two companions, but instead gave them inspiration of the glad tidings they were going to receive.
Imam Bukhari writes Umar [May Allah be pleased with Him] ordered that congregational Taravi prayer should be offered together. When the people started this and Umar saw this he said This is a good bid'ah. [Bukhari Kitab-us Taraweeh]
Umar RadiAllaho unho ordered the people to offer congregational prayers of Taraweeh, and called this “Bid'ah Hasana.” From this we can prove two things.
1) After our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] any new thing that was initiated and was not against his sunnah or the Qur'an is called Bid'ah Hasana.
2) To start something new in Islam, which is not already there and does not affect the sunnah then this will be the Sunnah of Umar radiAllaho unho.
This Hadith supports the fact that if a new thing does not oppose the Qur'an or Ahadith then it is a Bid'ah Hasana.
During the Khilafa of Abu Bakr Siddique RadhiAllahu anahu, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu came to Abu Bakr Radiallaho and said: "In the Battle of Yamama many Hufaad of Qur'an have been Martyred. I fear that if the Hufaad continue to die in such battles the Qur'an could disappear. I recommend that you command for the Qur'an to be collected". Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu replied: "How can I do a thing, which was not a practice of (Rasoolallah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam") Umar RadhiAllahu anhu replied: "By Allah this is a good thing." Umar RadhiAllahu anhu mentioned this many times to the Khalifa. Later Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu said: "Allah has opened my heart to the fact that this was not an action of (Rasoolallah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam) but this is a good thing". Abu Bakr Radiallahu unhu then told Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu to start collecting the Qur'an who questioned the Khalifa by asking: Abu Bakr Radiallaho Why are you doing something which was not an action of (Rasoolallah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam?") Abu Bakr Radiallaho replied: "By Allah this is a very good thing". Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu later said: "Allah Subha Nahu Wata’ala opened my heart to the fact that this was a good thing so I started collecting the Qur'an until it was collected."
(Bukhari in Kitaab Fadhaa il-ul-Qur'an).
The above Hadith goes a long way in proving that the introduction of a good thing (which was not an action of Rasoolallah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam) is the Sunnah of the Sahaba RadhiAllahu Ta'ala Ajma'een.
During the time of RasoolAllah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam, seven different types of Qir'aat (recitation techniques) were used to recite the Qur'an. But Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu united the people to one type of Qirat. This was a thing not done by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, Abu Bakr nor Umar RadhiAllahu anhum but by Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu.
['Bukhari in Fadhaa il-ul-Qur'an']
Some examples of Bid'ah Hasana.
Punctuation in the Qur'an
Names of Surahs written in the Qur'an
Mihrabs in the Masjid
Minarets of Masjid
Taqleed of the four schools of Fiqh
Fixing congregational prayer times with the clock times
These are all Bid'ah Hasana and have been accepted by the whole of the Ummah.
In the Haramian (Makkah and Madina) they celebrate on the 27th of Ramadan “Lai latul qader”, it is not establishd in Hadith. Is there any set date for Lai latul Qadar or even to congregate for hours on end? To give the Ka'aba a bath twice in a year is not mentioned in the Qur’an.
So why do all these Muslims from the whole world join them in prayer there. In what Hadith does this say that to recite the whole of the Qur'an in Salaah (Taraweh) and finish on the 27th of Ramadan?
In which Hadith does it say that Bukhari is the next book after the Holy Qur'an, or did any of our Prophets [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] companions say this?
In Saudi Arabia they do celebrate their National day. They hang the picture of the King every where even on the Riyals where does this derive from? So then it would be right to say that to assent that Bukhari is the second Heighest book (kitab) after the Qur'an is Bid'ah? Usool-Tafsir, Usool-Hadith, Usool-Fiqh, and Asma e Rijal, which companions of our Prophet Salalla ho alhi wasallam started this. So this means that this is also Bid'ah?
Our Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] and his Companions used to call Saudi Arabia “Jaziratul Arab” but the present Government has taken that name out and changed it to Saudi Arabia.
These are some new actions done by the Sihaba and the pious which were not counted as Bidah
Hafidhh Ibn Taimiyyah writes: "Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal would place his hand on the grave of a person who had just died and then supplicate to Allah". He also says: "There were some people from amongst the Salaf who would never narrate a Hadith of (Rasoolallah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam) without performing wudhu (ablution)".
[Ibn Taimiyyah in Al-Tawasul page 90]
Hafidhh Ibn Taimiyyah did not refer to the above as innovations even though both acts are not evident from the life of (Rasoolallah Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam,) or the rightly guided Khalifa s. This clearly proves that the Salaf believed that it was permitted to do something which did not oppose the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Messenger (Sallallahu'alaihi wa sallam)
It is in this same book of Hafidhh Ibn Taimiyyah where it mentions many other cases where the Sahaba started things that were not present during the time of (RasoolAllah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam)
A few examples of these are:
Abu Hurairah radhiAllahu anhu would do masah (wiping) of his neck during wudhu. Umar radhiAllahu anhu would put water in his eyes and do masah of the ears, Abdullah Ibn Umar radhiAllahu considered it virtuous to walk along the same routes which the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] used in his lifetime also to stop where the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] stopped, and to perform wudhu where (RasoolAllah Sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam) performed it. Abdullah Ibn Umar would also touch with his hands the places where (Rasoolallah Sallallahu'alaihi wa sallam) sat to obtain Baraka (blessings).
[Qaydah Jaleelah page 223 by Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyah]
All of this is evidence in support of the fact it is permitted to do something not done by the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] so long as it does not oppose the Sunnah and is intended for reward alone. As this was the practice of the Sahaba radhiAllahu anhum.
The objection, which could arise, is that: 'The Companions had the authority to start something new but we do not.'
Firstly: Not all the things mentioned earlier were started by the Companions.
Secondly, Hafidhh Ibn Taimiyyah writes: "Apart from the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] no one has the right to introduce anything new to the Deen (Religion) and then call it Sunnah, the Khulafa Rashideen followed the Sunnah, therefore their way is called the way of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]. Wajib is only what Allah has made Wajib and Haraam is only that which Allah and his Messenger has forbidden, the authority of classifying Mustahab (Desirable), Mubaah (permissible), and Makrooh (Disliked), is with the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] alone. No others have such authority". He continues by saying, "The majority of Scholars do not consider the (above) practice of Abdullah Ibn Umar to be permitted" ["Hafidhh Ibn Taimiyyah]
[Qaydah Jaleelah chap action of Sihabah by Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyah]
According to Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyahs statement we can see that the sunnah can only be something that was practised by the Prophet not by anyone else. Some people consider something to be Bid’ah, which was not practised by the Prophet, or His Companions. According to the above statement they cannot say this as the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] only had such Authority to do so.
In the following pages we will discuss some of the issues, which are considered as ‘Bidah’ by some of the Muslims.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Thursday, 18 August 2011
The Holy Quran
The Glorious Quran is the word of Almighty Allah which was revealed upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The Quran is the most exalted Kitaab of the Kitaabs sent by Almighty Allah and is a guidance for the entire mankind. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) taught the Quran to more than 100 000 Sahaba-e-Kiraam and from amongst them approximately 10 000 Sahaba-e-Kiraam were Huffaaz of the Glorious Quran. There is no room for doubt in the Holy Quran and no person can even make one Surah equivalent to the Surah of the Holy Quran. It is essential to bring Imaan on every word in the Quran and to refute even one word in the Quran is Kufr.
The Quran cannot be touched without Ghusl and Wudhu. To read the Quran is a great way of Ibaadah and to look at and to touch the Quran with love is a means for great blessing and reward. It is not even permissible to read the Quran from memory when you are in an impure state. To recite Ta'ooz (A'uzubillah) before reciting the Quran is Waajib (compulsory) and to recite the Tasmiyah (Bismillah) is Sunnah (Tradition) and Mustahab (desirable). To recite the Quran in a loud voice in a huge gathering is disallowed. The Quran should be recited softly in a gathering where many people are reciting the Quran.
When the Quran is being recited aloud, it is Fardh for all those present to listen attentively. To be a Hafiz of the Holy Quran is a very great gift and an act worthy of great blessing, but to learn the Quran and then to allow it to be forgotten is a great sin.
When a page of the Quran tears or becomes old, then it should be wrapped in a clean piece of material, and buried in a small grave (hole). If the Quran falls from your hand unintentionally, it should be picked up and kissed. One should repent for this error and take flour (wheat) equivalent to the weight of the Quran and give it as Khairaat.
It is Waajib to respect and honour the Glorious Quran. One should not face his feet or back towards the Quran. One should also not sit higher than the Quran, since these are all acts of disrespect. When confronted with a problem, turn to the Holy Quran. All your problems will be solved with great swiftness. Read the Holy Quran and also teach it. This is the true teaching of Islam.
ABOUT THE HOLY QURAN
The Holy Quran is Universal and the most exalted Book.
Holy Quran is a treasure of guidance.
The Holy Quran is a Beacon.
The Holy Quran is a sea of chemistry.
The Holy Quran is the most exalted of all Divine Books.
The Holy Quran is the Law of Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a message of guidance and mercy.
The Holy Quran is the only Book free from doubt.
The Holy Quran is the only Book free from errors.
The Holy Quran is in the Arabic language.
The Holy Quran is not poetry but wisdom.
The Holy Quran is light and brightness.
The Holy Quran is Blessed and Glorious.
The Holy Quran explains everything clearly.
The Holy Quran is complete and comprehensive.
The Holy Quran is a Pure Book.
The Holy Quran is a Revelation from Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is Revelation on to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is Cure and Sustenance.
The Holy Quran is advice to the unaware.
The Holy Quran is not a story but is the Word of Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a Book of Facts.
The Holy Quran is simple and pleasant.
The Holy Quran is the dominator of all Arabic Books.
The Holy Quran is the most truthful Book of all books.
The Holy Quran is the Book of Books.
The Holy Quran is Glorious and Praiseworthy.
The Holy Quran is full of Mercy and Wisdom.
The Holy Quran is exalted and Bountiful.
The Holy Quran is the soul.
The Holy Quran cannot be destroyed.
Almighty Allah has promised to protect the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran can be memorised by young and old.
The Holy Quran is a Book that is read repeatedly.
The verses of the Holy Quran are like one another.
Almighty Allah knows the reality of the closeness of verses.
No man or creation can bring an equal to the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran is from always for always.
If the Holy Quran had to be revealed on to a mountain, then the mountain would be reduced to dust through the fear of Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a trust from Almighty Allah which has been kept protected by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
To become Haafiz of the Holy Quran is Fardh-e-Kifaaya (obligatory upon at least one person).
To memorise as many ayats that are enough for Salaah is Fardh 'Ain (obligatory on every Muslim).
Recitation of the Holy Quran is a means of gaining reward and blessing.
The Holy Quran will intercede on behalf of its reciter.
The Holy Quran will takes its reader into Jannah with it.
A Haafiz of the Holy Quran will intercede for his family.
The parents of a Haafiz, Qaari and Aalim of the Holy Quran will be blessed with the Crown of Jannah on the day of Qiyamah.
To read the Holy Quran and forget it is a great sin that is worthy of punishment.
To belittle, reject, or insult the Holy Quran is Kufr (infidelity).
The Holy Quran is easily forgotten and should thus be protected.
To touch the Holy Quran without Wudhu is disallowed and Haraam.
The Holy Quran should be recited in slow rhythmic tones.
A minimum of ten rewards is given for the recitation of each verse of the Holy Quran.
When commencing the recitation of the Holy Quran, it is compulsory to read the Ta'ooz and desirable to read the Tasmiyah. If the recitation commences with any other Surah, then to recite Tasmiyah is Sunnah.
To recite the Holy Quran by looking into it is greater than reciting it from memory.
To listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran is more excellent than recitation or Nafil.
It is necessary to remain silent and listen when the Holy Quran is being recited.
If groups of people are reciting Holy Quran, then they should recite silently.
When learning or teaching the Holy Quran, it is allowed for the students to read aloud in a group.
To respect and honour the Holy Quran is necessary, but also Fardh.
To kiss, recite, look, carry, listen to or write the verses of the Holy Quran are all acts of Ibaadat.
Nothing should be kept on the Holy Quran, even if it is a religious book or a Tasbeeh bead.
One should not sit with one?s feet or back towards the Holy Quran and neither should one sit higher than the Holy Quran.
When pages of the Holy Quran become brittle, they should not be burnt but be buried in a safe place.
To take an oath on the Holy Quran is proper but one should refrain from this.
To tell fortune from the Holy Quran is Makrooh?e?Tahreemi (close to Haraam).
There is nothing wet and nothing dry that has not been explained in the Holy Quran.
All that which was in the past Divine books is in the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran is an existing miracle.
Surah Yaseen is the heart of the Holy Quran.
The beauty of the Holy Quran is Surah Rahmaan.
Du?as are accepted during the time of completing the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran was revealed 600 years after the Injeel (Original Bible).
The Holy Quran was revealed according to need.
75. The Holy Quran was revealed over a period of approximately twenty-two years, two months and fourteen days.
The first verse of the Holy Quran to be revealed was "Iqra Bi Ismi Rabbikal Lazi" in Laylatul Qadr, in month of Ramadaan in the Cave of Hira. This took place thirteen and half years before Hijrat, i.e. on the 14th of August 610 A.D.
The Holy Quran consists of 6 666 verses, 558 Rukus, 114 Surahs and 30 Separas (parts).
?Bismillah hir Rahmaan nir Raheem? appears 114 times in the Holy Quran.
?Bismillah? is written before each Surah in the Holy Quran except in Surah Tauba, but is also written in Surah Namal.
The ?Bismillah? that is written in the beginning of each Surah is not a part of any Surah but it is part of the Holy Quran and continuous Ayah.
There are 15 Sajda-e-Tilaawah in the Holy Quran, 14 agreed upon and one that is not agreed upon.
On reading or hearing the Ayat-e-Sajdah, it becomes Waajib on the reciter and listener to both make Sajda-e-Tilaawah and this only one Sajdah.
Every Ayah and every Surah of the Holy Quran was recorded in writing on the command of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
There were approximated 40 Sahaba who were responsible for recording the Holy Quran in writing.
The Sahabi who was responsible for continuously recording the Holy Quran in writing was Sayyiduna Zaid bin Thaabit (radi Allahu anhu). He also recited the Holy Quran from what he had written twice to Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The first complete copy the Holy Quran was prepared by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu), which was later re-copied by Sayyiduna Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) and sent to various other places.
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) set all the Surahs into their positions except for Surah Anfaal. Surah Anfaal was placed between Surah A'raaf and Surah Tauba by Hazrat Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) from his authoritative interpretation. He also did not write ?Bismillah? before Surah Tauba.
After Huzoor (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) the first Haafiz of the Holy Quran was Sayyiduna Uthman (radi Allahu anhu).
The last verse, "Al Yauma akmaltu lakum Deenakum ... ", of the Holy Quran was revealed on the 9th of Zil-Hajj 10 A.H. on a Friday after Asr Salaah in Arafaat.
The present setting of the Holy Quran is the actual setting as in Lawh-e-Mahfooz (The Protected Tablet).
Ninety nine names of Almighty Allah are present in the Holy Quran.
Twenty six names of Nabis can be found in the Holy Quran.
There are 32 names of the Holy Quran in the Holy Quran.
Fourteen questions of the Ummat-e-Muhammadi have been stated in the Holy Quran.
The word Imaam appears 12 times in the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Moosa?s (alaihis salaam) name appears on numerous occasions in the Holy Quran.
From amongst the months, only the name of the month of Ramadaan appears in the Holy Quran; from the names of the females, only that of Hazrat Maryam (radi Allahu anha); and from the Sahaba, only the name of Sayyiduna Zaid bin Haarith (radi Allahu anhu) is mentioned distinctly in the Holy Quran.
The importance of Du?a has been mentioned more than 70 times in the Holy Quran.
The importance of Charity has appeared more than 150 times in the Holy Quran.
The importance of Namaaz is mentioned more than 700 times in the Holy Quran.
The name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) ? ?Muhammad? appears 4 times in the Holy Quran and the name ?Ahmad? appears once.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has not been addressed by his name in the Holy Quran like other Prophets, but he has been addressed as ?Yaa Ayyuhal Muzammil?, ?Yaa Ayyuhal Mudassir?, ?Yaseen?, etc.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has been addressed by the words ?Ya Ayyuhan Nabi? 11 times in the Holy Quran.
There are 29 verses of the Holy Quran that show the finality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad?s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Prophethood.
With commanding obedience to Almighty Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Holy Quran also commands obedience to one's parents.
The Holy Quran has referred to man and wife as the garb of one another.
Surah Faatiha, Surah An'aam, Surah Kahaf, Surah Saba and Surah Faatir are those five Surahs that commence with ?Alhumdulillah? (Praise be to Almighty Allah), but the complete Surah of Praise is Surah Faatiha.
Four people first recited the entire Holy Quran in one Rakaat, namely, Hazrat Uthman (radi Allahu anhu), Hazrat Tameem Daari (radi Allahu anhu), Hazrat Sa?eed bin Jubair and Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu).
Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) read every Surah of the Holy Quran in Witr.
Nuqtas (dots) were put in the Holy Quran in the year 86 A.H.
The Jazm, Tashdeed and Madd were placed in the Holy Quran by Khaleel bin Ahmad Basri.
In 143 A.H. Haj'jaaj bin Yusuf Saqafi placed the signs of Zabr, Zer and Pesh in the Holy Quran.
The signs of Half, Quarter, etc. were placed in the Holy Quran during the time of Maamoon Abbasi.
Huj'jaaj bin Yusuf also wrote the names of the Surahs.
The first Arabic calligraphy of the Holy Quran was written by Ya'rib bin Qahtaan.
The first Sufi commentary of the Holy Quran was by Qushairi and was called "Lataa'iful Irshaad".
There are more than 1 200 commentaries of the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Sheikh Saadi (radi Allahu anhu) did the first translation of the Holy Quran in 691 A.H. This was done in the Persian language.
At present, the Holy Quran has been translated into more than 50 languages.
In 883 A.D., more than one thousand years ago, the Holy Quran was translated into the Hindi language on the command of a Hindu King whose name was Mahrook. He was the King of Kashmir and Panjab.
The first Latin translation of the Holy Quran was done in 1 543 A.D. in Switzerland.
Martin Luther did the fist German translation of the Holy Quran.
The first Russian translation of the Holy Quran was published in 1 776 A.D. in Petersburg.
The Bengali translation of the Holy Quran was completed in 1 818 A.D. and was only of the last part.
The first translation of the Holy Quran was made in 1 941 A.D. in Hamburg under the name of ?Arishul Holy Quran?.
There are more than 300 Urdu translations of the Holy Quran to date.
The first Urdu translation of the Holy Quran was done in 1 774 A.D. by Shah Rafi'ud'deen.
The most beautiful Urdu translation filled with gems of Love of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was made in 1911 A.D. by A?la Hazrat Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qaderi Barakati (radi Allahu anhu) and was called ?Kanzul Imaan? (The Treasures of Faith).
The Holy Quran is another name for Revelation from Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a miracle of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is the Character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is the constitution for mankind.
The Holy Quran is a History of man and the History of the Universe.
The Holy Quran is the life history of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is Makki and Madini.
The Holy Quran is the Praise of Almighty Allah and Praise of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is a Great Treasure.
The Holy Quran is Knowledge.
The Holy Quran is the Final Book of Almighty Allah, revealed upon the Final Messenger to the Final Nation.
The Holy Quran is a Word of Almighty Allah.
WORLD'S LARGEST QURAN
The city of Baroda in the state of Gujarat is home to the world's largest Quran, reports Tanvir Siddiqui in the Indian Express.The six feet, three inch high and three-and-half feet wide holy text in Jami Masjid in Mandvi is one of its kind in the world. It has 15 volumes and each volume 80 pages, weighing 100 kg each. There are 1200 pages of the book with the total weight being one-and-half ton. Each page of the book is lined with cloth to ensure longitivity and is stored in a gigantic trunk. It takes four persons to carry a volume, while three persons are required to read it (one to recite and two for turning the pages). This more than 200 year old copy of the holy text was written by calligrapher Mohammed Ghause, who stated writing it at the age of 15 and took 45 years to finish it. The copy is read twice a year - on the night of Elevation (Shab-e-Me'raj) and on the night of Salvation (Shab-e-Baraat). Courtesy: The Leader, 21 June 1996
The Quran cannot be touched without Ghusl and Wudhu. To read the Quran is a great way of Ibaadah and to look at and to touch the Quran with love is a means for great blessing and reward. It is not even permissible to read the Quran from memory when you are in an impure state. To recite Ta'ooz (A'uzubillah) before reciting the Quran is Waajib (compulsory) and to recite the Tasmiyah (Bismillah) is Sunnah (Tradition) and Mustahab (desirable). To recite the Quran in a loud voice in a huge gathering is disallowed. The Quran should be recited softly in a gathering where many people are reciting the Quran.
When the Quran is being recited aloud, it is Fardh for all those present to listen attentively. To be a Hafiz of the Holy Quran is a very great gift and an act worthy of great blessing, but to learn the Quran and then to allow it to be forgotten is a great sin.
When a page of the Quran tears or becomes old, then it should be wrapped in a clean piece of material, and buried in a small grave (hole). If the Quran falls from your hand unintentionally, it should be picked up and kissed. One should repent for this error and take flour (wheat) equivalent to the weight of the Quran and give it as Khairaat.
It is Waajib to respect and honour the Glorious Quran. One should not face his feet or back towards the Quran. One should also not sit higher than the Quran, since these are all acts of disrespect. When confronted with a problem, turn to the Holy Quran. All your problems will be solved with great swiftness. Read the Holy Quran and also teach it. This is the true teaching of Islam.
ABOUT THE HOLY QURAN
The Holy Quran is Universal and the most exalted Book.
Holy Quran is a treasure of guidance.
The Holy Quran is a Beacon.
The Holy Quran is a sea of chemistry.
The Holy Quran is the most exalted of all Divine Books.
The Holy Quran is the Law of Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a message of guidance and mercy.
The Holy Quran is the only Book free from doubt.
The Holy Quran is the only Book free from errors.
The Holy Quran is in the Arabic language.
The Holy Quran is not poetry but wisdom.
The Holy Quran is light and brightness.
The Holy Quran is Blessed and Glorious.
The Holy Quran explains everything clearly.
The Holy Quran is complete and comprehensive.
The Holy Quran is a Pure Book.
The Holy Quran is a Revelation from Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is Revelation on to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is Cure and Sustenance.
The Holy Quran is advice to the unaware.
The Holy Quran is not a story but is the Word of Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a Book of Facts.
The Holy Quran is simple and pleasant.
The Holy Quran is the dominator of all Arabic Books.
The Holy Quran is the most truthful Book of all books.
The Holy Quran is the Book of Books.
The Holy Quran is Glorious and Praiseworthy.
The Holy Quran is full of Mercy and Wisdom.
The Holy Quran is exalted and Bountiful.
The Holy Quran is the soul.
The Holy Quran cannot be destroyed.
Almighty Allah has promised to protect the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran can be memorised by young and old.
The Holy Quran is a Book that is read repeatedly.
The verses of the Holy Quran are like one another.
Almighty Allah knows the reality of the closeness of verses.
No man or creation can bring an equal to the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran is from always for always.
If the Holy Quran had to be revealed on to a mountain, then the mountain would be reduced to dust through the fear of Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a trust from Almighty Allah which has been kept protected by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
To become Haafiz of the Holy Quran is Fardh-e-Kifaaya (obligatory upon at least one person).
To memorise as many ayats that are enough for Salaah is Fardh 'Ain (obligatory on every Muslim).
Recitation of the Holy Quran is a means of gaining reward and blessing.
The Holy Quran will intercede on behalf of its reciter.
The Holy Quran will takes its reader into Jannah with it.
A Haafiz of the Holy Quran will intercede for his family.
The parents of a Haafiz, Qaari and Aalim of the Holy Quran will be blessed with the Crown of Jannah on the day of Qiyamah.
To read the Holy Quran and forget it is a great sin that is worthy of punishment.
To belittle, reject, or insult the Holy Quran is Kufr (infidelity).
The Holy Quran is easily forgotten and should thus be protected.
To touch the Holy Quran without Wudhu is disallowed and Haraam.
The Holy Quran should be recited in slow rhythmic tones.
A minimum of ten rewards is given for the recitation of each verse of the Holy Quran.
When commencing the recitation of the Holy Quran, it is compulsory to read the Ta'ooz and desirable to read the Tasmiyah. If the recitation commences with any other Surah, then to recite Tasmiyah is Sunnah.
To recite the Holy Quran by looking into it is greater than reciting it from memory.
To listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran is more excellent than recitation or Nafil.
It is necessary to remain silent and listen when the Holy Quran is being recited.
If groups of people are reciting Holy Quran, then they should recite silently.
When learning or teaching the Holy Quran, it is allowed for the students to read aloud in a group.
To respect and honour the Holy Quran is necessary, but also Fardh.
To kiss, recite, look, carry, listen to or write the verses of the Holy Quran are all acts of Ibaadat.
Nothing should be kept on the Holy Quran, even if it is a religious book or a Tasbeeh bead.
One should not sit with one?s feet or back towards the Holy Quran and neither should one sit higher than the Holy Quran.
When pages of the Holy Quran become brittle, they should not be burnt but be buried in a safe place.
To take an oath on the Holy Quran is proper but one should refrain from this.
To tell fortune from the Holy Quran is Makrooh?e?Tahreemi (close to Haraam).
There is nothing wet and nothing dry that has not been explained in the Holy Quran.
All that which was in the past Divine books is in the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran is an existing miracle.
Surah Yaseen is the heart of the Holy Quran.
The beauty of the Holy Quran is Surah Rahmaan.
Du?as are accepted during the time of completing the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran was revealed 600 years after the Injeel (Original Bible).
The Holy Quran was revealed according to need.
75. The Holy Quran was revealed over a period of approximately twenty-two years, two months and fourteen days.
The first verse of the Holy Quran to be revealed was "Iqra Bi Ismi Rabbikal Lazi" in Laylatul Qadr, in month of Ramadaan in the Cave of Hira. This took place thirteen and half years before Hijrat, i.e. on the 14th of August 610 A.D.
The Holy Quran consists of 6 666 verses, 558 Rukus, 114 Surahs and 30 Separas (parts).
?Bismillah hir Rahmaan nir Raheem? appears 114 times in the Holy Quran.
?Bismillah? is written before each Surah in the Holy Quran except in Surah Tauba, but is also written in Surah Namal.
The ?Bismillah? that is written in the beginning of each Surah is not a part of any Surah but it is part of the Holy Quran and continuous Ayah.
There are 15 Sajda-e-Tilaawah in the Holy Quran, 14 agreed upon and one that is not agreed upon.
On reading or hearing the Ayat-e-Sajdah, it becomes Waajib on the reciter and listener to both make Sajda-e-Tilaawah and this only one Sajdah.
Every Ayah and every Surah of the Holy Quran was recorded in writing on the command of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
There were approximated 40 Sahaba who were responsible for recording the Holy Quran in writing.
The Sahabi who was responsible for continuously recording the Holy Quran in writing was Sayyiduna Zaid bin Thaabit (radi Allahu anhu). He also recited the Holy Quran from what he had written twice to Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The first complete copy the Holy Quran was prepared by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu), which was later re-copied by Sayyiduna Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) and sent to various other places.
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) set all the Surahs into their positions except for Surah Anfaal. Surah Anfaal was placed between Surah A'raaf and Surah Tauba by Hazrat Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) from his authoritative interpretation. He also did not write ?Bismillah? before Surah Tauba.
After Huzoor (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) the first Haafiz of the Holy Quran was Sayyiduna Uthman (radi Allahu anhu).
The last verse, "Al Yauma akmaltu lakum Deenakum ... ", of the Holy Quran was revealed on the 9th of Zil-Hajj 10 A.H. on a Friday after Asr Salaah in Arafaat.
The present setting of the Holy Quran is the actual setting as in Lawh-e-Mahfooz (The Protected Tablet).
Ninety nine names of Almighty Allah are present in the Holy Quran.
Twenty six names of Nabis can be found in the Holy Quran.
There are 32 names of the Holy Quran in the Holy Quran.
Fourteen questions of the Ummat-e-Muhammadi have been stated in the Holy Quran.
The word Imaam appears 12 times in the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Moosa?s (alaihis salaam) name appears on numerous occasions in the Holy Quran.
From amongst the months, only the name of the month of Ramadaan appears in the Holy Quran; from the names of the females, only that of Hazrat Maryam (radi Allahu anha); and from the Sahaba, only the name of Sayyiduna Zaid bin Haarith (radi Allahu anhu) is mentioned distinctly in the Holy Quran.
The importance of Du?a has been mentioned more than 70 times in the Holy Quran.
The importance of Charity has appeared more than 150 times in the Holy Quran.
The importance of Namaaz is mentioned more than 700 times in the Holy Quran.
The name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) ? ?Muhammad? appears 4 times in the Holy Quran and the name ?Ahmad? appears once.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has not been addressed by his name in the Holy Quran like other Prophets, but he has been addressed as ?Yaa Ayyuhal Muzammil?, ?Yaa Ayyuhal Mudassir?, ?Yaseen?, etc.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has been addressed by the words ?Ya Ayyuhan Nabi? 11 times in the Holy Quran.
There are 29 verses of the Holy Quran that show the finality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad?s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Prophethood.
With commanding obedience to Almighty Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Holy Quran also commands obedience to one's parents.
The Holy Quran has referred to man and wife as the garb of one another.
Surah Faatiha, Surah An'aam, Surah Kahaf, Surah Saba and Surah Faatir are those five Surahs that commence with ?Alhumdulillah? (Praise be to Almighty Allah), but the complete Surah of Praise is Surah Faatiha.
Four people first recited the entire Holy Quran in one Rakaat, namely, Hazrat Uthman (radi Allahu anhu), Hazrat Tameem Daari (radi Allahu anhu), Hazrat Sa?eed bin Jubair and Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu).
Hazrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) read every Surah of the Holy Quran in Witr.
Nuqtas (dots) were put in the Holy Quran in the year 86 A.H.
The Jazm, Tashdeed and Madd were placed in the Holy Quran by Khaleel bin Ahmad Basri.
In 143 A.H. Haj'jaaj bin Yusuf Saqafi placed the signs of Zabr, Zer and Pesh in the Holy Quran.
The signs of Half, Quarter, etc. were placed in the Holy Quran during the time of Maamoon Abbasi.
Huj'jaaj bin Yusuf also wrote the names of the Surahs.
The first Arabic calligraphy of the Holy Quran was written by Ya'rib bin Qahtaan.
The first Sufi commentary of the Holy Quran was by Qushairi and was called "Lataa'iful Irshaad".
There are more than 1 200 commentaries of the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Sheikh Saadi (radi Allahu anhu) did the first translation of the Holy Quran in 691 A.H. This was done in the Persian language.
At present, the Holy Quran has been translated into more than 50 languages.
In 883 A.D., more than one thousand years ago, the Holy Quran was translated into the Hindi language on the command of a Hindu King whose name was Mahrook. He was the King of Kashmir and Panjab.
The first Latin translation of the Holy Quran was done in 1 543 A.D. in Switzerland.
Martin Luther did the fist German translation of the Holy Quran.
The first Russian translation of the Holy Quran was published in 1 776 A.D. in Petersburg.
The Bengali translation of the Holy Quran was completed in 1 818 A.D. and was only of the last part.
The first translation of the Holy Quran was made in 1 941 A.D. in Hamburg under the name of ?Arishul Holy Quran?.
There are more than 300 Urdu translations of the Holy Quran to date.
The first Urdu translation of the Holy Quran was done in 1 774 A.D. by Shah Rafi'ud'deen.
The most beautiful Urdu translation filled with gems of Love of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was made in 1911 A.D. by A?la Hazrat Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qaderi Barakati (radi Allahu anhu) and was called ?Kanzul Imaan? (The Treasures of Faith).
The Holy Quran is another name for Revelation from Almighty Allah.
The Holy Quran is a miracle of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is the Character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is the constitution for mankind.
The Holy Quran is a History of man and the History of the Universe.
The Holy Quran is the life history of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is Makki and Madini.
The Holy Quran is the Praise of Almighty Allah and Praise of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The Holy Quran is a Great Treasure.
The Holy Quran is Knowledge.
The Holy Quran is the Final Book of Almighty Allah, revealed upon the Final Messenger to the Final Nation.
The Holy Quran is a Word of Almighty Allah.
WORLD'S LARGEST QURAN
The city of Baroda in the state of Gujarat is home to the world's largest Quran, reports Tanvir Siddiqui in the Indian Express.The six feet, three inch high and three-and-half feet wide holy text in Jami Masjid in Mandvi is one of its kind in the world. It has 15 volumes and each volume 80 pages, weighing 100 kg each. There are 1200 pages of the book with the total weight being one-and-half ton. Each page of the book is lined with cloth to ensure longitivity and is stored in a gigantic trunk. It takes four persons to carry a volume, while three persons are required to read it (one to recite and two for turning the pages). This more than 200 year old copy of the holy text was written by calligrapher Mohammed Ghause, who stated writing it at the age of 15 and took 45 years to finish it. The copy is read twice a year - on the night of Elevation (Shab-e-Me'raj) and on the night of Salvation (Shab-e-Baraat). Courtesy: The Leader, 21 June 1996
Use of ASA for Jummah
QUESTION:
What is the Islamic Directive regarding the use of the Asa by the Khateeb during the Khutba of Salaatul Jumma?
ANSWER:
There are varying opinions regarding the use of the Asa by the Khateeb whilst delivering the Jumma sermon. Some Ulema have expressed the view that it is Sunnat, other Hanafi Ulema regard it as Makrooh, whilst Imam Shafi (radi Allahu anhu) says that the use of the Asa is Sunnat.
The practise of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) regarding the use of the Asa varied according to places and time. On the plains of the battlefield, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sometimes delivered a sermon leaning on a bow or sword. For the sermon of Jumma, he sometimes leaned on the Asa. It is also indicated by some Ulema that before the Mimbar was constructed in Masjid-e-Nabawi Shareef, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) leaned on a bow or Asa whilst delivering a sermon. However, after the Mimbar Shareef was constructed in the Masjid, there is no historical proof that he leaned over anything whilst delivering a sermon.
Wherever the Asa is used these days by the Khateeb during the Friday sermons, it is not proper to stop him from doing so. In the same vein, wherever the Asa is not used by the Khateeb in any Masjid for delivering the Friday sermon, people should not force the Khateeb to change his habit and use the Asa. Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Wherever a conflict appears between a practice that is regarded as a Sunnat by some people, whilst other Muslims regard it as Makrooh, then it is better to leave out that Sunnat as it is not a Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah."
What is the Islamic Directive regarding the use of the Asa by the Khateeb during the Khutba of Salaatul Jumma?
ANSWER:
There are varying opinions regarding the use of the Asa by the Khateeb whilst delivering the Jumma sermon. Some Ulema have expressed the view that it is Sunnat, other Hanafi Ulema regard it as Makrooh, whilst Imam Shafi (radi Allahu anhu) says that the use of the Asa is Sunnat.
The practise of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) regarding the use of the Asa varied according to places and time. On the plains of the battlefield, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sometimes delivered a sermon leaning on a bow or sword. For the sermon of Jumma, he sometimes leaned on the Asa. It is also indicated by some Ulema that before the Mimbar was constructed in Masjid-e-Nabawi Shareef, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) leaned on a bow or Asa whilst delivering a sermon. However, after the Mimbar Shareef was constructed in the Masjid, there is no historical proof that he leaned over anything whilst delivering a sermon.
Wherever the Asa is used these days by the Khateeb during the Friday sermons, it is not proper to stop him from doing so. In the same vein, wherever the Asa is not used by the Khateeb in any Masjid for delivering the Friday sermon, people should not force the Khateeb to change his habit and use the Asa. Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Wherever a conflict appears between a practice that is regarded as a Sunnat by some people, whilst other Muslims regard it as Makrooh, then it is better to leave out that Sunnat as it is not a Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah."
Birth of a New Sect
History has shown that every new sect commenced as a social or political party, which, with public support and encouragement, develops into a religious sect. In the light of this knowledge, one sees clear signs of such a sect rising in South Africa in juxtaposition with the culture and constitution of the new South Africa.
The majority of Muslims in this country subscribe to the orthodox Sunni faith, which traces it's origin to the earliest source of Islamic history or tradition, and has for years managed to maintain it's pristine Islamic culture and values. The emergence of this new sect, from within the Muslim community, aims to undermine and defeat the vigour of this vibrant Sunni community.
We find, evidently, that amongst the strategies now being employed by this new sect, which has its root in the Wahabi Deobandi system of belief, and who have vociferously proclaimed Meelad and Salaam as "Bid'at" and "Haraam" now, surprisingly, mixing with the Sunnis. Suddenly their is surge of Zikr programmes (previously never held!) in their masajids and they are now participating in Jalsas and Meelad. They even permit Sunnis to perform Zikr and Salaam in their mosques. Their "schemes" involves partaking in Niyaaz not only in Meelads but also functions hosted by other religious groups. Furthermore, part of their strategy is to be actively involved in trade meetings and grab every opportunity to lecture and make themselves be heard.
Does this mean that there is a sudden change of heart? Have they suddenly realised that the Sunni path is the true and guided path? No. This is not their intention. Once they have succeeded in attaining our trust they begin to use us for commercial benefits and together with the forces of other enemies, they proceed to mislead and destroy our Sunni community.
Will the Muslim community silently allow this exploitation? Are we so uncaring to ignore such a threat to our Imaan? The trusting, guiless and simple Sunnis are impressed by these "dramas" and appoint these "actors" as their religious leaders.
There is a crying need for Sunnis to arm ourselves with knowledge and maintain a strong foothold of their Imaan.
The majority of Muslims in this country subscribe to the orthodox Sunni faith, which traces it's origin to the earliest source of Islamic history or tradition, and has for years managed to maintain it's pristine Islamic culture and values. The emergence of this new sect, from within the Muslim community, aims to undermine and defeat the vigour of this vibrant Sunni community.
We find, evidently, that amongst the strategies now being employed by this new sect, which has its root in the Wahabi Deobandi system of belief, and who have vociferously proclaimed Meelad and Salaam as "Bid'at" and "Haraam" now, surprisingly, mixing with the Sunnis. Suddenly their is surge of Zikr programmes (previously never held!) in their masajids and they are now participating in Jalsas and Meelad. They even permit Sunnis to perform Zikr and Salaam in their mosques. Their "schemes" involves partaking in Niyaaz not only in Meelads but also functions hosted by other religious groups. Furthermore, part of their strategy is to be actively involved in trade meetings and grab every opportunity to lecture and make themselves be heard.
Does this mean that there is a sudden change of heart? Have they suddenly realised that the Sunni path is the true and guided path? No. This is not their intention. Once they have succeeded in attaining our trust they begin to use us for commercial benefits and together with the forces of other enemies, they proceed to mislead and destroy our Sunni community.
Will the Muslim community silently allow this exploitation? Are we so uncaring to ignore such a threat to our Imaan? The trusting, guiless and simple Sunnis are impressed by these "dramas" and appoint these "actors" as their religious leaders.
There is a crying need for Sunnis to arm ourselves with knowledge and maintain a strong foothold of their Imaan.
Drug Abuse & Crime
CONCERNED PARTIES, THE WORLD OVER, WHO WISH TO COUNTERACT THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS, CRIME AND AIDS IN OUR SOCIETY, SHOULD DO SO WITH ABSOLUTE SINCERITY. IT IS A MATTER OF CONCERN THAT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN TACKLED AND THAT MERELY THE SYMPTOMS ARE TREATED. THIS MAKES ALL EFFORTS TO RID SOCIETY OF DRUGS, CRIME AND THE SPREAD OF AIDS LOOK LIKE A CONTINUOUSLY WASTED EFFORT. THE EFFECTS OF ALL FORMS OF CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND GET-TOGETHERS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM SEEM USELESSLY INEFFECTIVE.
If the politicians and the governments of the world were seriously concerned about improving the moral quality of life for their citizens, then the initial step to achieve this should be to ban the beverage use of alcohol, the production of such beverages, pornography and all forms of shameless dressing. These evils contribute towards all major crimes more than anything else. It would seem that a culture of pass-time and fashion dictates the arrangement of seminars and conferences to address such issues. In doing so, mere lip-service is paid to counter-acting crime and the spread of Aids as opposed to constructive moves to eradicate the problems.
It is for this reason that Islam had banned the use of alcohol, and had always advocated a rigid form of dress code and discipline thereby barring any form of shamelessness from entering the moral fibre of society. The great Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said, "Alcohol is the mother of all evils." The use of alcohol has contributed most towards promoting adultery, thieving, murders and all other forms of major and minor misdemeanours.
In our so-called "technologically advanced" world of today, the challenge to Islam and the Muslims, in addressing the problem of crime, gangsterism, Aids and drug abuse, is no different to the challenge that the Muslims were faced with during the advent of Islam, in the face of pre-Islamic ignorance.
We pray that the Almighty Allah grant the responsible authorities the understanding to address the root cause of the problems rather than treating the symptoms.
THE BEST FIGHT AGAINST GANGSTERISM AND DRUGS IS TO UPLIFT THE SPIRITUAL QUALITIES OF HUMAN LIFE AND CONTROL UNNECESSARY DESIRES
WEALTH HAS BLINDED THE UMMAH TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT MANY HAVE ESTABLISHED ILLEGAL DRUG BUSINESSES. MUSLIMS MUST RETURN TO A LIFE OF GOOD CHARACTER. THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE SERVING THE RELIGION AND ARE SPIRITUALLY INCLINED SHOULD PUT THEIR LIVES INTO CONTEXT.
The responsibility of Muslim parents in the new South Africa has become much more than it used to be. The grim situation and the criminal atmosphere outside the home is not only diverting the minds of our children away from the Deen, but it is also diverting them away from general human values, towards a totally criminal environment and society.
The immodesty and shamelessness in schools, offensive literature and obscene television programmes of today face a massive challenge to the Islamic Culture. The best method of fighting against Drugs and Gangsterism is to lessen the need for materialism in our lives and to strive to attain proper social and spiritual standards in our society.
The greed to gather large amounts of wealth has blinded man to such an extent that he has established illegal drug businesses that are wiping out an entire generation. If the pleasant qualities such as kindness, satisfaction, patience and consciousness are awakened in a person, and these are used to combat and drown his greed for wealth and his evil and carnal desires which are destructing him, then he without doubt will be able to live the life of a civilised and conscientious human being. If a person implements humbleness, modesty, kindness and good character in his life, then his life will be comfortable in this world and in the Hereafter, just as it is evident from the Holy Quran in which Almighty Allah says, "This home of the Hereafter, we assign it to those who desire not exaltation in the earth, nor disorder. And the end is only for those who are pious." (Surah Qasas, Ruku 9, Verse 83) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated, "Love of the World is the root of all wrongdoing."
Those persons who are serving the religion and are spiritually inclined, should put their lives into context and stay away from materialistic wealth, pomp and splendour. No person can attain spiritual elevation until he does not remove the love for material wealth from his heart.
This is the time when most youngsters are at the period of change. Many are moving away from the general acceptance of parental and elder control and values, and are just managing to assert their own individuality. Children want to look and behave like every other youngster in their age group, from their choice of clothes, hair styles and make up, to listening with glazed eyes to the same music and mooning over pop idols. To some, this assertion of individuality may include experimentation with drugs.
Despite the strenuous efforts made by the honest police and custom officers, drugs constantly pour into the country by air and sea. The drug-lords or drug barons, who are usually well-organised, make millions of rand of profit from selling drugs through their agents on the streets. In South Africa, the drug problem is on the increase. More and more children are exposed to drugs such as dagga, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, LSD, etc. The shocking news is that drugs are now being sold to school children from little as 6 years old.
Recently, most schools have issued warnings to children and parents about the harmful effects of a very dangerous drug called LSD, commonly known as rust, acid and microdot. In order to promote the use of this drug among school children, the drug manufacturers are now marketing LSD in the form of squares of paper that look like stamps, coloured tablets about the size of an aspirin, tiny pinhead-sized tablets (microdots) and as small spots on small pieces of blotting paper (blotter acid). On first inspection, children are attracted to these "sweets" as they are sold in the shapes of famous cartoon characters and beautiful and appealing looking sweets. When these "sweets" are eaten, they immediately take on a certain effect and before the child realises, he or she becomes drugged and also addicted to that type of "sweet".
There are many effects of this drug. The drug has an effect on the persons central nervous system. The person will begin to experience strange body sensations such as floating and heaviness. He or she will begin to hallucinate. Perceptions of time and distance are poor. The symptoms are also a rising body temperature and blood pressure, enlarged pupils and rapid heart beat. Sweating will alternate with shivering, appetite is lost and nausea felt and all this may be accompanied by fear and agitation, and by insomnia. As the effects wear off, the user may be left feeling tense, nervous, highly strung out and washed out. (Drug Abuse, Gosden, Tony Blase, 1987, pg. 110)
If you believe that your child has started taking drugs, whether it is LSD to any other form, do not panic or explode into recriminations. Get in touch with social and medical agencies through doctors, social workers, or your local Imam. There are some very active and useful organisations in South Africa from whom advice and encouragement may be obtained.
What are some of the danger signs of drug abuse?
Money and easily sold goods start disappearing from the home.
Sons and daughters being absent from home more often.
Careless about appearance.
Unusual displays of temper with no apparent cause.
Lack of appetite.
Excessive use of perfume to hide the smell of drugs.
Wearing sunglasses at unusual times usually to hide the eyes.
Unusual borrowing of money with no evidence of any purchases.
Consistent paleness of complexion; unusual state of fatigue or excitation; becoming droopy and languid, alternating with excessive high spirit and moroseness. (Drug Abuse, Gosden, Tony Blase, 1987, pg. 23)
What can I do to help stop drug abuse?
Inform your children and teach them about the horrors.
Encourage them to talk to other members of your family if they don't want to talk to you - uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins, etc.
Encourage schools, youth clubs, Islamic organisations, your local Imam or Moulana to warn about drug abuse.
Join your local organisation and put pressure on your local political representative, councillors, and the Government to do something to stamp out the drug trade.
If you suspect a person/s selling drugs in your area, report your suspicions to the police.
If the politicians and the governments of the world were seriously concerned about improving the moral quality of life for their citizens, then the initial step to achieve this should be to ban the beverage use of alcohol, the production of such beverages, pornography and all forms of shameless dressing. These evils contribute towards all major crimes more than anything else. It would seem that a culture of pass-time and fashion dictates the arrangement of seminars and conferences to address such issues. In doing so, mere lip-service is paid to counter-acting crime and the spread of Aids as opposed to constructive moves to eradicate the problems.
It is for this reason that Islam had banned the use of alcohol, and had always advocated a rigid form of dress code and discipline thereby barring any form of shamelessness from entering the moral fibre of society. The great Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said, "Alcohol is the mother of all evils." The use of alcohol has contributed most towards promoting adultery, thieving, murders and all other forms of major and minor misdemeanours.
In our so-called "technologically advanced" world of today, the challenge to Islam and the Muslims, in addressing the problem of crime, gangsterism, Aids and drug abuse, is no different to the challenge that the Muslims were faced with during the advent of Islam, in the face of pre-Islamic ignorance.
We pray that the Almighty Allah grant the responsible authorities the understanding to address the root cause of the problems rather than treating the symptoms.
THE BEST FIGHT AGAINST GANGSTERISM AND DRUGS IS TO UPLIFT THE SPIRITUAL QUALITIES OF HUMAN LIFE AND CONTROL UNNECESSARY DESIRES
WEALTH HAS BLINDED THE UMMAH TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT MANY HAVE ESTABLISHED ILLEGAL DRUG BUSINESSES. MUSLIMS MUST RETURN TO A LIFE OF GOOD CHARACTER. THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE SERVING THE RELIGION AND ARE SPIRITUALLY INCLINED SHOULD PUT THEIR LIVES INTO CONTEXT.
The responsibility of Muslim parents in the new South Africa has become much more than it used to be. The grim situation and the criminal atmosphere outside the home is not only diverting the minds of our children away from the Deen, but it is also diverting them away from general human values, towards a totally criminal environment and society.
The immodesty and shamelessness in schools, offensive literature and obscene television programmes of today face a massive challenge to the Islamic Culture. The best method of fighting against Drugs and Gangsterism is to lessen the need for materialism in our lives and to strive to attain proper social and spiritual standards in our society.
The greed to gather large amounts of wealth has blinded man to such an extent that he has established illegal drug businesses that are wiping out an entire generation. If the pleasant qualities such as kindness, satisfaction, patience and consciousness are awakened in a person, and these are used to combat and drown his greed for wealth and his evil and carnal desires which are destructing him, then he without doubt will be able to live the life of a civilised and conscientious human being. If a person implements humbleness, modesty, kindness and good character in his life, then his life will be comfortable in this world and in the Hereafter, just as it is evident from the Holy Quran in which Almighty Allah says, "This home of the Hereafter, we assign it to those who desire not exaltation in the earth, nor disorder. And the end is only for those who are pious." (Surah Qasas, Ruku 9, Verse 83) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated, "Love of the World is the root of all wrongdoing."
Those persons who are serving the religion and are spiritually inclined, should put their lives into context and stay away from materialistic wealth, pomp and splendour. No person can attain spiritual elevation until he does not remove the love for material wealth from his heart.
This is the time when most youngsters are at the period of change. Many are moving away from the general acceptance of parental and elder control and values, and are just managing to assert their own individuality. Children want to look and behave like every other youngster in their age group, from their choice of clothes, hair styles and make up, to listening with glazed eyes to the same music and mooning over pop idols. To some, this assertion of individuality may include experimentation with drugs.
Despite the strenuous efforts made by the honest police and custom officers, drugs constantly pour into the country by air and sea. The drug-lords or drug barons, who are usually well-organised, make millions of rand of profit from selling drugs through their agents on the streets. In South Africa, the drug problem is on the increase. More and more children are exposed to drugs such as dagga, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, LSD, etc. The shocking news is that drugs are now being sold to school children from little as 6 years old.
Recently, most schools have issued warnings to children and parents about the harmful effects of a very dangerous drug called LSD, commonly known as rust, acid and microdot. In order to promote the use of this drug among school children, the drug manufacturers are now marketing LSD in the form of squares of paper that look like stamps, coloured tablets about the size of an aspirin, tiny pinhead-sized tablets (microdots) and as small spots on small pieces of blotting paper (blotter acid). On first inspection, children are attracted to these "sweets" as they are sold in the shapes of famous cartoon characters and beautiful and appealing looking sweets. When these "sweets" are eaten, they immediately take on a certain effect and before the child realises, he or she becomes drugged and also addicted to that type of "sweet".
There are many effects of this drug. The drug has an effect on the persons central nervous system. The person will begin to experience strange body sensations such as floating and heaviness. He or she will begin to hallucinate. Perceptions of time and distance are poor. The symptoms are also a rising body temperature and blood pressure, enlarged pupils and rapid heart beat. Sweating will alternate with shivering, appetite is lost and nausea felt and all this may be accompanied by fear and agitation, and by insomnia. As the effects wear off, the user may be left feeling tense, nervous, highly strung out and washed out. (Drug Abuse, Gosden, Tony Blase, 1987, pg. 110)
If you believe that your child has started taking drugs, whether it is LSD to any other form, do not panic or explode into recriminations. Get in touch with social and medical agencies through doctors, social workers, or your local Imam. There are some very active and useful organisations in South Africa from whom advice and encouragement may be obtained.
What are some of the danger signs of drug abuse?
Money and easily sold goods start disappearing from the home.
Sons and daughters being absent from home more often.
Careless about appearance.
Unusual displays of temper with no apparent cause.
Lack of appetite.
Excessive use of perfume to hide the smell of drugs.
Wearing sunglasses at unusual times usually to hide the eyes.
Unusual borrowing of money with no evidence of any purchases.
Consistent paleness of complexion; unusual state of fatigue or excitation; becoming droopy and languid, alternating with excessive high spirit and moroseness. (Drug Abuse, Gosden, Tony Blase, 1987, pg. 23)
What can I do to help stop drug abuse?
Inform your children and teach them about the horrors.
Encourage them to talk to other members of your family if they don't want to talk to you - uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins, etc.
Encourage schools, youth clubs, Islamic organisations, your local Imam or Moulana to warn about drug abuse.
Join your local organisation and put pressure on your local political representative, councillors, and the Government to do something to stamp out the drug trade.
If you suspect a person/s selling drugs in your area, report your suspicions to the police.
Had Islam been propagated
Had Islam been propagated like false sects through wealth and affluent power, then by now it would have retained no distinction between truth and falsehood. Islam retained this distinction in the beauty of its message; its high moral standards; and in its vigorous promotion of equality and service to mankind.
Certainly, the procedures of propagation involves the expenditure of an enormous degree of sincerity, together with wealth in the Name of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.
It would have been so much better if local Da'wah Organisations planned to channel their funds in support of existing Da'wah institutions in an effort to strengthen such movements and spread the light of Islam in Africa and abroad. The moral and financial support of Islamic countries could be used to create in our youth greater moral and spiritual values so that they, as our future leaders, are geared to fight off the influential effects of materialism and western culture.
Even in a place like America, which is rife with materialistic values and moral depravity, Tableegh or Islamic propagation had been successfully conducted by the Ulema and spiritual personalities who have had no financial support from Islamic governments. Their only support was their own sincere efforts, a deep-rooted love and knowledge of Islam and the basic principles of Truth in Islam.
Muslims are an integral part of this society in which they live. Now that the South African society has undergone great transformation and change, those who are sincere in propagating Islam should consider their methods and manners which are presently being used to further their objectives of spreading Islam. Since the circumstances surrounding the Muslims of South Africa are very different compared to those in Saudi Arabia or other Islamic countries, our method of the propagation Islam in South Africa should have its own "distinctive flavour".
To employ a Da'wah programme that may seem suitable in a certain country may not have the same desired effect in another country. The importation of "foreign" methods of propagation in South Africa is now becoming questionable and evidently being controlled by the purse string of Saudi and Iranian agencies. This has led some Muslim Da'wah workers to turn a blind eye to the situation in their own country. Their hard-lined and somewhat fanatical effort in propagating the Deen of Islam has received widespread criticism and has brought about more disunity and hate for Islam.
Many great Muslims, like Moulana Mohammed Abdul Aleem Siddique and Hazrat Soofie Saheb (radi Allahu anhuma) have played a tremendous role in the field of Islamic missionary work, and it is hoped that those who are entrusted with this responsibility look for enlightened leadership and re-assess their methods of Islamic propagation. They should create a society that looks towards Muslims for guidance and towards Islam as a solution to all their problems.
ILMI ISIK'S "ILMI ISLAMIC INSTITUTE"
THE CENTRE OF ISLAMIC LITERATURE IN EUROPE
Husain Ilmi Isik, the author of the famous "Endliss Bliss" books from Turkey, is continuing with Islamic propagation work and his books are reaching all corners of the globe.
He is a great Islamic Scholar and is a Sunni Hanafi. Sincerity, staunchness and steadfastness in Sunni Aqaa'id is ingrained in his humble personality. Husain Ilmi is the Mureed of the Turkish Sheikh and Spiritual Guide, Hazrat Sheikh Sayyid Abdul Hakeem Aarwasi (rahmatullah alai). He considers his ability of his service to Islam to be the blessings from His Peer-o-Murshid.
The task of translating the Kitaabs of great Scholars of Islam in English and various languages have been undertaken by him and these books are distributed freely by the thousands throughout Europe and Asia. He is an expert in Arabic, Persian, Turkish and French. He is also very widely read in both Islamic and Western fields of knowledge.
All the books published by the Isik Institute are of the teachings of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah. The aims of the Isik Institute is to publicise proper Islamic beliefs and to refute all misled beliefs and sects. Some of his famous books are: "The Religious Reformers of Islam", "Endless Bliss", "The Sunni Path", "Documents of the Right World", "Confessions of a British Spy", "Islam and Christianity", etc.
Certainly, the procedures of propagation involves the expenditure of an enormous degree of sincerity, together with wealth in the Name of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.
It would have been so much better if local Da'wah Organisations planned to channel their funds in support of existing Da'wah institutions in an effort to strengthen such movements and spread the light of Islam in Africa and abroad. The moral and financial support of Islamic countries could be used to create in our youth greater moral and spiritual values so that they, as our future leaders, are geared to fight off the influential effects of materialism and western culture.
Even in a place like America, which is rife with materialistic values and moral depravity, Tableegh or Islamic propagation had been successfully conducted by the Ulema and spiritual personalities who have had no financial support from Islamic governments. Their only support was their own sincere efforts, a deep-rooted love and knowledge of Islam and the basic principles of Truth in Islam.
Muslims are an integral part of this society in which they live. Now that the South African society has undergone great transformation and change, those who are sincere in propagating Islam should consider their methods and manners which are presently being used to further their objectives of spreading Islam. Since the circumstances surrounding the Muslims of South Africa are very different compared to those in Saudi Arabia or other Islamic countries, our method of the propagation Islam in South Africa should have its own "distinctive flavour".
To employ a Da'wah programme that may seem suitable in a certain country may not have the same desired effect in another country. The importation of "foreign" methods of propagation in South Africa is now becoming questionable and evidently being controlled by the purse string of Saudi and Iranian agencies. This has led some Muslim Da'wah workers to turn a blind eye to the situation in their own country. Their hard-lined and somewhat fanatical effort in propagating the Deen of Islam has received widespread criticism and has brought about more disunity and hate for Islam.
Many great Muslims, like Moulana Mohammed Abdul Aleem Siddique and Hazrat Soofie Saheb (radi Allahu anhuma) have played a tremendous role in the field of Islamic missionary work, and it is hoped that those who are entrusted with this responsibility look for enlightened leadership and re-assess their methods of Islamic propagation. They should create a society that looks towards Muslims for guidance and towards Islam as a solution to all their problems.
ILMI ISIK'S "ILMI ISLAMIC INSTITUTE"
THE CENTRE OF ISLAMIC LITERATURE IN EUROPE
Husain Ilmi Isik, the author of the famous "Endliss Bliss" books from Turkey, is continuing with Islamic propagation work and his books are reaching all corners of the globe.
He is a great Islamic Scholar and is a Sunni Hanafi. Sincerity, staunchness and steadfastness in Sunni Aqaa'id is ingrained in his humble personality. Husain Ilmi is the Mureed of the Turkish Sheikh and Spiritual Guide, Hazrat Sheikh Sayyid Abdul Hakeem Aarwasi (rahmatullah alai). He considers his ability of his service to Islam to be the blessings from His Peer-o-Murshid.
The task of translating the Kitaabs of great Scholars of Islam in English and various languages have been undertaken by him and these books are distributed freely by the thousands throughout Europe and Asia. He is an expert in Arabic, Persian, Turkish and French. He is also very widely read in both Islamic and Western fields of knowledge.
All the books published by the Isik Institute are of the teachings of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah. The aims of the Isik Institute is to publicise proper Islamic beliefs and to refute all misled beliefs and sects. Some of his famous books are: "The Religious Reformers of Islam", "Endless Bliss", "The Sunni Path", "Documents of the Right World", "Confessions of a British Spy", "Islam and Christianity", etc.
the Muslim Community today,
Within the Muslim Community today, it has become a fashionable past-time to speak about unity and harmony. To merely speak of unity and to practically establish unity are two different things. The basis of unity, in the Muslim Community, lies on IMAN (Belief) and AQEEDAH (The Fundamental Articles of Faith). Any other attempt to unite Muslims on other grounds would most definitely result in failure.
Whilst various religious groups and bodies engage themselves in producing new magical formulae to bring about unity and harmony in the community, the degree of discord and disunity increases in leaps and bounds! The truth is that the spirit of unity has to emanate from the innermost sanctum of the heart. When such a spirit of unity envelopes Iman, Aqeedah and purpose, then a sincere yearning for Amal (Action) is produced which leads to the establishment of unity on a very solid and unshakeable foundation.
But, where sincerity is replaced with selfish motives; truth with hypocrisy; the yearning to follow Allah's Command replaced with the yearning to acquire leadership and fame; the spirit of gaining Allah's Pleasure replaced with the spirit of acquiring and accumulating wealth; the real unity, the true love and harmony would only be within the realm of our dreams and could never become a reality. The history of the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his illustrious Companions (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) is filled with the examples of the successful unification of Muslims based on selflessness and striving to gain Allah's Pleasure.
Today's modern proponents of unity, harbour ulterior motives whereby Islamic principles are sacrificed and Iman is compromised to please others for the sake of personal gain.
In place of Iman and Aqeedah, monetary gains and common ulterior motives are used as the basis of getting together Muslims. This hypocritical type of unity is and will always be unstable, unfruitful and create discord amongst the Muslims
Whilst various religious groups and bodies engage themselves in producing new magical formulae to bring about unity and harmony in the community, the degree of discord and disunity increases in leaps and bounds! The truth is that the spirit of unity has to emanate from the innermost sanctum of the heart. When such a spirit of unity envelopes Iman, Aqeedah and purpose, then a sincere yearning for Amal (Action) is produced which leads to the establishment of unity on a very solid and unshakeable foundation.
But, where sincerity is replaced with selfish motives; truth with hypocrisy; the yearning to follow Allah's Command replaced with the yearning to acquire leadership and fame; the spirit of gaining Allah's Pleasure replaced with the spirit of acquiring and accumulating wealth; the real unity, the true love and harmony would only be within the realm of our dreams and could never become a reality. The history of the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his illustrious Companions (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) is filled with the examples of the successful unification of Muslims based on selflessness and striving to gain Allah's Pleasure.
Today's modern proponents of unity, harbour ulterior motives whereby Islamic principles are sacrificed and Iman is compromised to please others for the sake of personal gain.
In place of Iman and Aqeedah, monetary gains and common ulterior motives are used as the basis of getting together Muslims. This hypocritical type of unity is and will always be unstable, unfruitful and create discord amongst the Muslims
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