In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, one who holds my life in his hand.
“Have you considered those who were asked to accept judgement from Allah’s Book? When they are asked to accept judgement from Allah’s Book, some of them turn their backs and walk away!” (Qur’an 3:23)
Every week, I look forward to Sundays tafsir class after Maghrib in Islamic Center of Orlando. It saddens me to see 150 Muslims walk out after Maghrib without staying for 5 minutes of tafsir.
Some of them include Hafiz of Quran. Some are pillars of the community. Some are trustees of the community. Some are activists who gather people after Salat for hadith readings. Some are passionate muslims ready to fight. Some have beards reaching their chest. Some lives so close to the masjid that literally they can throw a stone to their homes. Some visit Muslims home, inviting them to Masjid, but walk out of the most important part of being in the Masjid LEARN THE MEANING OF THE WORD OF ALLAH
Do they have so much knowledge that they do not require any more understanding of Quran? Do they despise the Imam so much that they can't tolerate him for 30 minutes? Do they find Quran as a chant that is read to cast spells on each others?
Honestly, I am confused, and I am sad to see that.
Some of them I have invited personally to stay back, but they will not stay back.
I think there is a misconception about Quran that is very common, and a reason for this behaviour. Many memorize the Quran literally assuming that this will give them the benefits promised by Prophet (PBUH). So, a memorizer of Quran will be given power of intercession? Lets look at that hadith.
Hazrat Ali relates that our holy Prophet said “Whoever recites the Qur'an, memorizes it, accepts its halal (lawful things) as halal and haram (forbidden things) as haram (i.e. his beliefs in these matters are correct), Allah, the Exalted, will enter him to Paradise and accept his intercession on behalf of ten such persons of his family upon whom entry into Hell has become incumbent (i.e. Allah will forgive them because of his intercession). (Tirmidhi, Fadailu'l-Quran, 13; Ibn Majah, Muqaddima, 17.)
If we look closely to the definition of the person mentioned in this hadith. One has to recite a part of Quran, memorize the part of Quran, and then live that part of the Quran. After fulfilling all three conditions, will he be given the honor that is mentioned.
Hafiz of Quran is not the person who memorize the letters of Quran, and read them in Taraweeh. If a person has memorized the whole quran, but doesn't understand what he has memorized, and doesn't follow in his life. He will not be given any such benefits. Islam is not a system of chants and magical spells, but a practical way of life. No benefit without practice. Even Salat includes actions.
My son is going to hifz program, and memorizing the Quran. I will not consider him Hafiz until he understand the meaning of what he memorized, and live according to that meaning. Solely memorizing the words doesn't benefit in anyway, unless there is an effort to follow those words.
Now, every Masjid in the Muslim communities have such programs of Tafsir of Quran, and so does the Masjid in my community. Imam will announce about the tafsir in the Friday sermon, where 500 people will be there, and there will be 150 people in the Maghrib on Sundays, but only 15 - 20 people present during the tafsir.
Wallah! tafsir class is the call towards speech of Allah, and we skip it, intentionally, every single week like a clock work. This is the value of Allah in our lives? Is this the answer we give to Allah, and his messenger, when he invited the humanity towards Islam?
Quran is the direct speech of Allah, not a paraphrased or summarized version. We are skipping the only chance provided to understand that speech. What is more important in our life that we have to rush towards? Is that the NFL game? Is that the sweet our wives are cooking? Is that the dinner you are invited to?
I urge all who gets this message to please attend the tafsir class or similar to learn about the verses of the Quran. If you are "Hafiz" of Quran, you are more resposible to understand what you memorized, and teach others. Short of that will strip of any benefits of the memorization, InshAllah.
I understand that you may have commitments, or may have some disagreement with Imam, but come for Allah, and come to learn his speech. If you have no excuse, please come and hear what Allah has to say to you. Lets make the masjid our center of learning, not our homes privately where only a few can benefit.
I invite everyone to the following, and will be witness on the day of judgement that this call was made to all of us.
Sisters are invited as well to attend these, since Islam is an equal opportunity system.
Speech of Allah with meaning (Tafsir - e - Quran)
Sundays After Maghrib
Islamic Center of Orlando,
11543 Ruby Lake Road Orlando, FL 32836-6159
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Is Islam Din(way) or Madhab (religion)?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
If I make a mistake, it is from my ego, and if I say good, it is from Allah.
Recently, I realized that there is a disconnect between the two extreme spectrum of Muslims. One extreme has made Islam as a cult, where you follow rituals, but no one cares if you are following Islam beyond that, and they would invite people to their madhab (religion). Other extreme is repelled by the idea of madhab (religion) and rituals, and they would like to follow Islam without being labelled as madhabi (religuous) person.
Finally, I figured it out that there is a great misconception that has created this polarization. Both sides consider Islam as a madhab, and want to impose their methods on each other. In fact, Islam is neither a cult where focus is the membership, nor a club that you can participate on Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings.
Islam has two sources i.e. Quran and Sunnah, and neither sources use the word "Madhab" to describe Islam. Allah has used the word "Din" to describe Islam, and I have yet to see a hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) use the word "Madhab". So, humans have created madhab, whereas Allah has provided din.
ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ وَأَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمَ دِينً۬اۚ
"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (Quran 5:3)
In the above translation, the word religion is used for the word "din", but a better word to describe din is "way" or "lifestyle". Person translating Quran is usually trying to present a meaning of the sentence, so it can reflect the meaning in English. Hence, the word religion suffice as a translation, to convey the meaning of the sentence. However, the root meaning of the word is lost in translation.
Lets look at these two words in the light of usage among the scholars of Islam. Scholars will refer the word "Din" or "Deen" to mean the way of life shown to us in Quran and sunnah, which is chosen by Allah. On the other hand, scholars will refer the word "Madhab" to mean the interpretation of a "Mujtahid" (e.g. opinion of Imam Abu Hanifa) in the matters where there is a conflict of interpretation. So, it is clear that Islam as a whole is not a madhab, but a din.
Let me give you an example of what I saw today. I met one of the Muslim brothers in the masjid at Fajr time, but on the way back home, I saw a young man from this brother's house taking the pet dog out to have him releive. I didn't see him at the masjid, so he may or may not be there. For the sake of explaination, I will assume that he wasn't there. So, this young man probably his son, obeying the will of a pet and walked outside, but couldn't obey the will of Allah to come to the masjid for fajr. It is not because he doesn't want to obey Allah, but it is beacause he sees the pet's need as his lifestyle and his duty, and sees going to masjid at Fajr as a religious matter.
Islam is NOT a religion. Islam is NOT a religion. Islam is NOT a religion.
Islam is a way of life, so consider it as such. We can't be a Muslim on Friday afternoon, and leave Islam to shake our bottoms at night club, or sip from wine, or backbite over dinner, or miss maghrib while visiting someone's home, or deal in interest, or walkout after Maghrib on Sundays when tafsir starts, or waste money on weddings, or be mean to the wife, or park the car on the street outside the masjid when the parking lot is empty, or shave our face, or socialize with non-mahram, or go out naked head for men to absorb our beauty, or urine while standing, or lsiten to music, or speak filth from the mouth, or break the promise, or lie for small things like jokes, or not speakup against sin, or stay quite in family when transgressions are taking place...
"O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. If ye backslide after the clear (signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? But to Allah do all questions go back (for decision)." (Quran 2:208-210)
A beleiver does not take off Islam as we take off loose clothes after coming home from masjid, but he wears Islam for the rest of his life until the Angel of death visits him. An unbeleiver does not wear Islam for the rest of his life. A hypocrite wears Islam for religous days and time, and takes it off for worldly matters.
These are the only 3 choices Allah has created, and this will be the 3 main groups on the day of judgement. There will be no group called "kalma go" (muslim by tongue), and there will be no group called Namazi (muslim by appearance).
Shake off the ego of being a religious person, and shake off the ego of being a moderate muslim. Be sincere to Allah, and he will be sincere to you. Islam is not a cult, so don't join for rituals, and Islam is not a club, so don't join for optional benefits.
Join Islam as your heart is joined to your body. Protect your faith 24 hours a day, and never let your heart or Islam stop beating, until you suppose to die.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
If I make a mistake, it is from my ego, and if I say good, it is from Allah.
Recently, I realized that there is a disconnect between the two extreme spectrum of Muslims. One extreme has made Islam as a cult, where you follow rituals, but no one cares if you are following Islam beyond that, and they would invite people to their madhab (religion). Other extreme is repelled by the idea of madhab (religion) and rituals, and they would like to follow Islam without being labelled as madhabi (religuous) person.
Finally, I figured it out that there is a great misconception that has created this polarization. Both sides consider Islam as a madhab, and want to impose their methods on each other. In fact, Islam is neither a cult where focus is the membership, nor a club that you can participate on Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings.
Islam has two sources i.e. Quran and Sunnah, and neither sources use the word "Madhab" to describe Islam. Allah has used the word "Din" to describe Islam, and I have yet to see a hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) use the word "Madhab". So, humans have created madhab, whereas Allah has provided din.
ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ وَأَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمَ دِينً۬اۚ
"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (Quran 5:3)
In the above translation, the word religion is used for the word "din", but a better word to describe din is "way" or "lifestyle". Person translating Quran is usually trying to present a meaning of the sentence, so it can reflect the meaning in English. Hence, the word religion suffice as a translation, to convey the meaning of the sentence. However, the root meaning of the word is lost in translation.
Lets look at these two words in the light of usage among the scholars of Islam. Scholars will refer the word "Din" or "Deen" to mean the way of life shown to us in Quran and sunnah, which is chosen by Allah. On the other hand, scholars will refer the word "Madhab" to mean the interpretation of a "Mujtahid" (e.g. opinion of Imam Abu Hanifa) in the matters where there is a conflict of interpretation. So, it is clear that Islam as a whole is not a madhab, but a din.
Let me give you an example of what I saw today. I met one of the Muslim brothers in the masjid at Fajr time, but on the way back home, I saw a young man from this brother's house taking the pet dog out to have him releive. I didn't see him at the masjid, so he may or may not be there. For the sake of explaination, I will assume that he wasn't there. So, this young man probably his son, obeying the will of a pet and walked outside, but couldn't obey the will of Allah to come to the masjid for fajr. It is not because he doesn't want to obey Allah, but it is beacause he sees the pet's need as his lifestyle and his duty, and sees going to masjid at Fajr as a religious matter.
Islam is NOT a religion. Islam is NOT a religion. Islam is NOT a religion.
Islam is a way of life, so consider it as such. We can't be a Muslim on Friday afternoon, and leave Islam to shake our bottoms at night club, or sip from wine, or backbite over dinner, or miss maghrib while visiting someone's home, or deal in interest, or walkout after Maghrib on Sundays when tafsir starts, or waste money on weddings, or be mean to the wife, or park the car on the street outside the masjid when the parking lot is empty, or shave our face, or socialize with non-mahram, or go out naked head for men to absorb our beauty, or urine while standing, or lsiten to music, or speak filth from the mouth, or break the promise, or lie for small things like jokes, or not speakup against sin, or stay quite in family when transgressions are taking place...
"O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. If ye backslide after the clear (signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? But to Allah do all questions go back (for decision)." (Quran 2:208-210)
A beleiver does not take off Islam as we take off loose clothes after coming home from masjid, but he wears Islam for the rest of his life until the Angel of death visits him. An unbeleiver does not wear Islam for the rest of his life. A hypocrite wears Islam for religous days and time, and takes it off for worldly matters.
These are the only 3 choices Allah has created, and this will be the 3 main groups on the day of judgement. There will be no group called "kalma go" (muslim by tongue), and there will be no group called Namazi (muslim by appearance).
Shake off the ego of being a religious person, and shake off the ego of being a moderate muslim. Be sincere to Allah, and he will be sincere to you. Islam is not a cult, so don't join for rituals, and Islam is not a club, so don't join for optional benefits.
Join Islam as your heart is joined to your body. Protect your faith 24 hours a day, and never let your heart or Islam stop beating, until you suppose to die.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Taqleed, the greatest fitnah!
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
"As for those who divide their din (religion) and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did." (Quran 6:159)
One question that I get the most is "What madhab do you follow?". What people are trying to figure out is what school of thought I am working for, so they can either categorize me or attack the weak points of that madhab. Following is my answer.
“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Apostle, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.” (Quran 4:59)
So, I believe in every command of Allah, then, I believe in every command of The Prophet (PBUH), then I believe in every scholar of Islam, but if there is a difference among them, I refer to Quran and Sunnah to settle it.
This is what Allah selected for me, and I believe him when he tells me that this is the best method for final determination on Sharia law.
However, The method that most Islamic Scholars use today is called “Taqleed”. It is not proven through Quran and Sunnah that Taqleed is allowed or suggested.
On the contrary, following Ibn Khatir tafsir is very tough about following the tradition of forefathers, and other books for Sharia law, when Quran and Sunnah provides the answer.
http://tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=4&tid=11545
Here is what Mufti Taqi Usmani believes in. He says that a person should follow one of the 4 Imams hundred percent of the time, even when he knows the ruling is incorrect, because his actions will not be approved by the Imam or that school.
http://www.cometoislam.com/fiqh/legal/48-49.htm
Linguistically, taqleed means: Placing something around the neck, which encircles the neck. Technically it means: Following he whose sayings is not a proof (hujjah). Animals when demosticated are given a collar so the master controls their actions. So, the concept in following a school of thought is similar, where a person removes his or her inclination towards the possible truth, and surrenders to the will of the scholars, but we suppose to only surrender to will of Allah.
"Indeed the people of Truth and the Sunnah do not follow anyone [unconditionally] except the messenger of Allaah SAW, the one who does not speak from his desires - it is only revelation revealed to him." [by Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo'ah al-Fataawaa, vol 3, page 216,
Daar Ibn Hazm Print, Trans: Aboo 'Abdis-Salaam]
Abu Haneefah (d. 150H) (rahimahullaah) said: "Adhere to the athar (narration) and the tareeqah (way) of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and beware of newly invented matters for all of it is innovation" [Reported by As-Suyootee in Sawn al Mantaq wal-Kalaam p.32]
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, rahimahullaah, said:
"And the four Imaams, may Allaah be pleased with them, all forbade the people from blindly following them in all that they may say; and this was an obligation upon them [to do]."
Abu Haneefah (rahimahullaah) said:
"When a hadeeth is found to be saheeh, then that is my madhhab." [Ibn 'Aabideen in al-Haashiyah (1/63) and in his essay Rasm al-Mufti (1/4 from the Compilation of the Essays of Ibn 'Aabideen), Shaikh Saalih al-Fulaani in Eeqaaz al-Himam (p. 62) and others. Ibn 'Aabideen quoted from Sharh al-Hidaayah by Ibn al-Shahnah al-Kabeer, the teacher of Ibn al-Humaam]
Imaam Maalik ibn Anas (rahimahullaah) said:
"Truly I am only a mortal: I make mistakes (sometimes) and I am correct (sometimes). Therefore, look into my opinions: all that agrees with the Book and the Sunnah, accept it; and all that does not agree with the Book and the Sunnah, ignore it." [Ibn 'Abdul Barr in Jaami' Bayaan al-'Ilm (2/32), Ibn Hazm, quoting from the former in Usool al-Ahkaam (6/149), and similarly Al-Fulaani (p. 72)]
Imaam Shaafi'i (rahimahullaah) said:
"The sunnahs of the Messenger of Allah (saaws) reach, as well as escape from, every one of us. So whenever I voice my opinion, or formulate a principle, where something contrary to my view exists on the authority of the Messenger of Allah (saaws), then the correct view is what the Messenger of Allah (saaws) has said, and it is my view." [Related by Haakim with a continuous sanad up to Shaafi'i, as in Taareekh Dimashq of Ibn 'Asaakir (15/1/3), I'laam al-Mooqi'een (2/363, 364) & Eeqaaz (p. 100).]
Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahimahullaah) said:
"Do not follow my opinion; neither follow the opinion of Maalik, nor Shaafi'i, nor Awzaa'i, nor Thawri, but take from where they took." [Fulaani (p. 113) & Ibn al-Qayyim in I'laam (2/302).]
"Whoever rejects a statement of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) is on the brink of destruction." [Ibn al-Jawzi (p. 182)2)]
In Islam, we accept Allah's word, and Prophet (PBUH) commands as the truth, and it doesn't require evidence or logical explaination. This is called Ita'at and Taqleed of Allah and Rasool (PBUH). Since we know that Allah is all wise, and whatever he tells is good for us, we don't have to verify it or explain it. Similarly, in matters of din, Prophet (PBUH) did not say anything from his own, and whatever he told us was from Allah, so we accept it as a law.
Once I presented the argument to one of the local scholar on the format of the Friday Sermon. After many arguments and counter arguments, finally, he agreed that the format needed rectification. I asked him to support me in changing the format, he refused. I asked why. He said he is not capable of doing that. Wow! I was shocked. Here I present the truth, and ask to come to straight path, and the taqleed of others against Prophet's Sunnah prevented him from following it.
Now, Ita'at and Taqleed (follow unconditionally) of anyone else except Allah and Rasool (PBUH) is not permissible, because they are fallable, and can make mistakes. Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafii, Imam Hanbali, Imam Muhammad, Imam Yusuf, Mufti Taqi Usmani... They all are great scholars, and we should learn from them, and follow their opinion if they don't contradict Quran and Sunnah. However, it is ok to challenge their opinions (fatwas), with sound ahadith and Qiyas (logical reasoning).
Some scholar use the following ayah to support taqleed.
"Then ask the People of Knowledge if you do not know" (Quran 16:43)
However, this is completely out of context. This ayay in full reveals that Allah was refuting the claims that the Messengers could not be human, and Allah is asking us to check with the scholars of Judiasm and christianity, if we were not sure.
"And before thee also the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message. " (Quran 16:43)
"(So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.) meaning, ask the people of knowledge among the nations such as the Jews and Christians and other groups: `were the Messengers who came to you human beings or angels' Indeed they were human beings. " (Tafsir ibn Kathir)
Another evidence used is the hadith below.
"Aswad bin Yazid narrates, "Mu'aath came to us in Yemen as a teacher and commander. We questioned him regarding a man who had died leaving (as his heirs) a brother and sister. He decreed half the estate for the daughter and half for the sister. This was while the Rasulullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was alive." [Kitaabul Faraa-idh: Bukhari and Muslim Shareef]
Of course, following a scholar in the absence of clear and authenticated evidence is always allowed, and is an obligation from the verse above, but taqleed requires that one must not question the rulings of a single fiqh school, regardless of the mistakes present in the rulings, which is what in question here.
In fact, these Imam themselves rejected taqleed, and encouraged debate in their sessions. Imam Abu Hanifa is famous for having lengthy contested debates with his students and other Imams, and if there was one person disagrees, he would not write his opinion. In fact, He sent his son to study under Imam Malik, so he can diversify his education.
After the famous meeting with Imam Abu Hanfia, Imam Malik asked for his books and changed his many rulings based on them. And, Imam Shafii was the student of Imam Malik, but Imam Malik used to visit him, and respected his opinions.
So, Is it wrong to follow a single scholar?
No. It is permissible to follow a single scholar for all Sharia ruling for the whole life, if needed, but if a clear evidence is presented from Quran and Sunnah against the ruling of that scholar, then it becomes fardh upon us to not follow that Scholar. If we follow the scholar, and his ruling is wrong, but no one points it out to us, we will not be responsible for it, as long as we are making an effort to learn din, and tried our best to find the truth.
Wait, how would a laymen know the difference between the opinions of the scholars?
Many scholars who claim to follow "Salaf" ignore this question, but lets try to answer this. Allah has created humans with different abilities, and they grow in their understanding as time passes, so it is not fair to consider everyone at the same level of skills to analyze opinions (fatwaas).
Some are at below minimum level of undestanding the din, and they should follow a scholar without looking for evidence, because evidences won't make much sense.
Some are starting to learn the din, and have some knowledge of major topics, and they can follow a scholar without looking for evidence, or demand evidence to verify, if they like.
Some are reaching basic understanding of the science of fiqh, and are able to interpret the opinions, and they could try to explain others the meanings.
In this fashion, there are many levels of understanding, and there should be no restrictions on someone to try to reach the next level. However, the golden rule of proof with authenticated evidence has to be followed. One can do Ittib'a (following with condition) of the scholars, but should avoid taqleed (followed unconditionally).
In essence, there are two extremes that exists today. One prohibits any question against the opinions of the scholar, even if the refuting evidence is so clear that they agree it to be correct, but they will ask everyone to keep the collar and keep moving with the herd. Other extreme questions everything, and claims to follow the way of the salaf by taking literal meaning to be superior to the logical meaning, and they would refuse to accept the opinions of certain scholars, even if the Quran and Sunnah is quite on the subject.
How to avoid sects (firqa) in Islam?
First, understand that labels like "Hanafi", "Maliki", "Salafi", "DeoBandi", "Barelwi", "Ahl-e-Shunnah wal Jama" ... are all names of firqa or sects, because they require people to follow their beleif system blindly, and any evidence that contradict their opinion is ignored.
Then, learn your din. It is Fardh upon us. Follow the sunnah. If someone contradicts Quran and Sunnah, do not follow that opinion. If you don't have time, follow the most trusted opinion, and ask for evidence. If the opinion links to Quran and Sunnah, follow it.
Islam is not a religion (madhab), but it is "the way" (din). Allah uses the word "din" to describe Islam not madhab, and madhab is cerated by humans, so make your choice.
For Non-Arab brothers, please spent sometime listening to Arab Scholars, and verify what they say, and if they say the truth, follow it. Just diversify your knowledge.
For Arab brothers, don't walk away when they are doing tafseer of Quran, or reading ahadith in the corner of the Masjid, just because the reader is not an Arab. Listen to any Muslim who is willing to teach. If you don't agree verify it, and if there is evidence, follow it.
"Verily, this is My way, leading straight: follow it: follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His (great) path: thus doth He command you. that ye may be righteous." (6:153)
JazakAllah Khairin
A struglling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
"As for those who divide their din (religion) and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did." (Quran 6:159)
One question that I get the most is "What madhab do you follow?". What people are trying to figure out is what school of thought I am working for, so they can either categorize me or attack the weak points of that madhab. Following is my answer.
“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Apostle, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.” (Quran 4:59)
So, I believe in every command of Allah, then, I believe in every command of The Prophet (PBUH), then I believe in every scholar of Islam, but if there is a difference among them, I refer to Quran and Sunnah to settle it.
This is what Allah selected for me, and I believe him when he tells me that this is the best method for final determination on Sharia law.
However, The method that most Islamic Scholars use today is called “Taqleed”. It is not proven through Quran and Sunnah that Taqleed is allowed or suggested.
On the contrary, following Ibn Khatir tafsir is very tough about following the tradition of forefathers, and other books for Sharia law, when Quran and Sunnah provides the answer.
http://tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=4&tid=11545
Here is what Mufti Taqi Usmani believes in. He says that a person should follow one of the 4 Imams hundred percent of the time, even when he knows the ruling is incorrect, because his actions will not be approved by the Imam or that school.
http://www.cometoislam.com/fiqh/legal/48-49.htm
Linguistically, taqleed means: Placing something around the neck, which encircles the neck. Technically it means: Following he whose sayings is not a proof (hujjah). Animals when demosticated are given a collar so the master controls their actions. So, the concept in following a school of thought is similar, where a person removes his or her inclination towards the possible truth, and surrenders to the will of the scholars, but we suppose to only surrender to will of Allah.
"Indeed the people of Truth and the Sunnah do not follow anyone [unconditionally] except the messenger of Allaah SAW, the one who does not speak from his desires - it is only revelation revealed to him." [by Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo'ah al-Fataawaa, vol 3, page 216,
Daar Ibn Hazm Print, Trans: Aboo 'Abdis-Salaam]
Abu Haneefah (d. 150H) (rahimahullaah) said: "Adhere to the athar (narration) and the tareeqah (way) of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and beware of newly invented matters for all of it is innovation" [Reported by As-Suyootee in Sawn al Mantaq wal-Kalaam p.32]
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, rahimahullaah, said:
"And the four Imaams, may Allaah be pleased with them, all forbade the people from blindly following them in all that they may say; and this was an obligation upon them [to do]."
Abu Haneefah (rahimahullaah) said:
"When a hadeeth is found to be saheeh, then that is my madhhab." [Ibn 'Aabideen in al-Haashiyah (1/63) and in his essay Rasm al-Mufti (1/4 from the Compilation of the Essays of Ibn 'Aabideen), Shaikh Saalih al-Fulaani in Eeqaaz al-Himam (p. 62) and others. Ibn 'Aabideen quoted from Sharh al-Hidaayah by Ibn al-Shahnah al-Kabeer, the teacher of Ibn al-Humaam]
Imaam Maalik ibn Anas (rahimahullaah) said:
"Truly I am only a mortal: I make mistakes (sometimes) and I am correct (sometimes). Therefore, look into my opinions: all that agrees with the Book and the Sunnah, accept it; and all that does not agree with the Book and the Sunnah, ignore it." [Ibn 'Abdul Barr in Jaami' Bayaan al-'Ilm (2/32), Ibn Hazm, quoting from the former in Usool al-Ahkaam (6/149), and similarly Al-Fulaani (p. 72)]
Imaam Shaafi'i (rahimahullaah) said:
"The sunnahs of the Messenger of Allah (saaws) reach, as well as escape from, every one of us. So whenever I voice my opinion, or formulate a principle, where something contrary to my view exists on the authority of the Messenger of Allah (saaws), then the correct view is what the Messenger of Allah (saaws) has said, and it is my view." [Related by Haakim with a continuous sanad up to Shaafi'i, as in Taareekh Dimashq of Ibn 'Asaakir (15/1/3), I'laam al-Mooqi'een (2/363, 364) & Eeqaaz (p. 100).]
Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahimahullaah) said:
"Do not follow my opinion; neither follow the opinion of Maalik, nor Shaafi'i, nor Awzaa'i, nor Thawri, but take from where they took." [Fulaani (p. 113) & Ibn al-Qayyim in I'laam (2/302).]
"Whoever rejects a statement of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) is on the brink of destruction." [Ibn al-Jawzi (p. 182)2)]
In Islam, we accept Allah's word, and Prophet (PBUH) commands as the truth, and it doesn't require evidence or logical explaination. This is called Ita'at and Taqleed of Allah and Rasool (PBUH). Since we know that Allah is all wise, and whatever he tells is good for us, we don't have to verify it or explain it. Similarly, in matters of din, Prophet (PBUH) did not say anything from his own, and whatever he told us was from Allah, so we accept it as a law.
Once I presented the argument to one of the local scholar on the format of the Friday Sermon. After many arguments and counter arguments, finally, he agreed that the format needed rectification. I asked him to support me in changing the format, he refused. I asked why. He said he is not capable of doing that. Wow! I was shocked. Here I present the truth, and ask to come to straight path, and the taqleed of others against Prophet's Sunnah prevented him from following it.
Now, Ita'at and Taqleed (follow unconditionally) of anyone else except Allah and Rasool (PBUH) is not permissible, because they are fallable, and can make mistakes. Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafii, Imam Hanbali, Imam Muhammad, Imam Yusuf, Mufti Taqi Usmani... They all are great scholars, and we should learn from them, and follow their opinion if they don't contradict Quran and Sunnah. However, it is ok to challenge their opinions (fatwas), with sound ahadith and Qiyas (logical reasoning).
Some scholar use the following ayah to support taqleed.
"Then ask the People of Knowledge if you do not know" (Quran 16:43)
However, this is completely out of context. This ayay in full reveals that Allah was refuting the claims that the Messengers could not be human, and Allah is asking us to check with the scholars of Judiasm and christianity, if we were not sure.
"And before thee also the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message. " (Quran 16:43)
"(So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.) meaning, ask the people of knowledge among the nations such as the Jews and Christians and other groups: `were the Messengers who came to you human beings or angels' Indeed they were human beings. " (Tafsir ibn Kathir)
Another evidence used is the hadith below.
"Aswad bin Yazid narrates, "Mu'aath came to us in Yemen as a teacher and commander. We questioned him regarding a man who had died leaving (as his heirs) a brother and sister. He decreed half the estate for the daughter and half for the sister. This was while the Rasulullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was alive." [Kitaabul Faraa-idh: Bukhari and Muslim Shareef]
Of course, following a scholar in the absence of clear and authenticated evidence is always allowed, and is an obligation from the verse above, but taqleed requires that one must not question the rulings of a single fiqh school, regardless of the mistakes present in the rulings, which is what in question here.
In fact, these Imam themselves rejected taqleed, and encouraged debate in their sessions. Imam Abu Hanifa is famous for having lengthy contested debates with his students and other Imams, and if there was one person disagrees, he would not write his opinion. In fact, He sent his son to study under Imam Malik, so he can diversify his education.
After the famous meeting with Imam Abu Hanfia, Imam Malik asked for his books and changed his many rulings based on them. And, Imam Shafii was the student of Imam Malik, but Imam Malik used to visit him, and respected his opinions.
So, Is it wrong to follow a single scholar?
No. It is permissible to follow a single scholar for all Sharia ruling for the whole life, if needed, but if a clear evidence is presented from Quran and Sunnah against the ruling of that scholar, then it becomes fardh upon us to not follow that Scholar. If we follow the scholar, and his ruling is wrong, but no one points it out to us, we will not be responsible for it, as long as we are making an effort to learn din, and tried our best to find the truth.
Wait, how would a laymen know the difference between the opinions of the scholars?
Many scholars who claim to follow "Salaf" ignore this question, but lets try to answer this. Allah has created humans with different abilities, and they grow in their understanding as time passes, so it is not fair to consider everyone at the same level of skills to analyze opinions (fatwaas).
Some are at below minimum level of undestanding the din, and they should follow a scholar without looking for evidence, because evidences won't make much sense.
Some are starting to learn the din, and have some knowledge of major topics, and they can follow a scholar without looking for evidence, or demand evidence to verify, if they like.
Some are reaching basic understanding of the science of fiqh, and are able to interpret the opinions, and they could try to explain others the meanings.
In this fashion, there are many levels of understanding, and there should be no restrictions on someone to try to reach the next level. However, the golden rule of proof with authenticated evidence has to be followed. One can do Ittib'a (following with condition) of the scholars, but should avoid taqleed (followed unconditionally).
In essence, there are two extremes that exists today. One prohibits any question against the opinions of the scholar, even if the refuting evidence is so clear that they agree it to be correct, but they will ask everyone to keep the collar and keep moving with the herd. Other extreme questions everything, and claims to follow the way of the salaf by taking literal meaning to be superior to the logical meaning, and they would refuse to accept the opinions of certain scholars, even if the Quran and Sunnah is quite on the subject.
How to avoid sects (firqa) in Islam?
First, understand that labels like "Hanafi", "Maliki", "Salafi", "DeoBandi", "Barelwi", "Ahl-e-Shunnah wal Jama" ... are all names of firqa or sects, because they require people to follow their beleif system blindly, and any evidence that contradict their opinion is ignored.
Then, learn your din. It is Fardh upon us. Follow the sunnah. If someone contradicts Quran and Sunnah, do not follow that opinion. If you don't have time, follow the most trusted opinion, and ask for evidence. If the opinion links to Quran and Sunnah, follow it.
Islam is not a religion (madhab), but it is "the way" (din). Allah uses the word "din" to describe Islam not madhab, and madhab is cerated by humans, so make your choice.
For Non-Arab brothers, please spent sometime listening to Arab Scholars, and verify what they say, and if they say the truth, follow it. Just diversify your knowledge.
For Arab brothers, don't walk away when they are doing tafseer of Quran, or reading ahadith in the corner of the Masjid, just because the reader is not an Arab. Listen to any Muslim who is willing to teach. If you don't agree verify it, and if there is evidence, follow it.
"Verily, this is My way, leading straight: follow it: follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His (great) path: thus doth He command you. that ye may be righteous." (6:153)
JazakAllah Khairin
A struglling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Deviation of the Ummah, Past & Present
Int the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the creator, the sustainer.
"Show us the straight path: The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray." (Quran 1:6-7)
A few days back, we went to Busch Gardens, and we were listening to a wonderful speech from a great learned person of our time, Shiekh Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips. He was speaking on a topic that is very dear to me since I became practicing Muslim a few years ago. I would like to share some of it.
Last ayah of Surah Al-Fatiha speaks of two groups who are on the wrong path. First, the one whom Allah is angry with, and the second who are astrayed. According to ayahs and mutwatir ahadith, it has been proven that Jews had the wrath of Allah upon them, and Christians have gone astray.
So, how did people deviated from Islam since Adam? Why would a Muslim worship an idol? Why would knowledge turn into ignorance. Following explains why.
Now, Jews do not do shirk for the most part, and they are in possession of scripture in its original language, although they have lost some part of it, but their religion is intact for them. So, Allah is angry at them, because they have the holy book in their home wrapped in a cloth and beautiful covering, and some of them read it also, but they do not follow the commands in it.
Thawban, radi Allahu `anhu (may Allah be pleased with him), one of the companions of the Prophet (saws) and a freed slave, narrated a hadith (prophetic saying) of the beloved Prophet (saws). He related that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “The nations are about to call each other and set upon you, just as diners set upon food.”
It was asked, “Will it be because of our small number that day?”
The Prophet (saws) answered, “Rather, on that day you will be many, but you will be like foam, like the foam on the ocean. And Allah will remove the fear of you from the hearts of your enemies and will throw wahn (weakness) into your hearts.”
Someone then asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What is Wahn?”
He replied, “Love of the world and the hatred for death” (Abu Dawood 4297).
Muslims today are following the path of Jews for the most part. I know many families, where Quran is respected, and preserved like a valuable. They will bring it out, open it, and say "Mashallah, what a wonderful word of God". Then, they will wrap it back and place it in the highest part of the closest. I ask them sometimes. So, you have read Surah Noor verses 30 and 31. They will say "Yes, of course". I would say do you believe this to be a command of Allah. They would say "Yes". Then, I ask them, Why don't you follow it. "Well we are not that religous, you know".
If we have a copy of Quran, and it is wrapped in a cloth, and we do wudu to touch it (which is not necessary, but that is a topic for another day), and we read it, but when it comes time to follow it, we ignore it, we become part of this group upon whom Allah is Angry.
What is the reason for this deviation? It is the love for this world, and hatred of death. We prioritize the important worldly events over Islamic events.
Then, Christians are mentioned in the last word as "one who gone astray". Christians have become ignorant, because of Simon Paul, who cancelled the Sharia of Jesus, and replaced it with a law of Love, and unconditional peace. They have intentionally modified their laws to accomodate the world affairs. Moving their worship to Sunday. Lastly, they start worshipping Jesus. They claim to worship one God, but they don't follow their own laws.
Today, it is very common to find Muslims who beleive the Sharia of Muhammad (PBUH) to be out of date, and they call themselves "Moderate" Muslims. They don't know it, but what they are claiming is that Allah didn't know what will come in the future, when he says that this religion is complete until last day. They think that they know better, and like to make modifications in Sharia law, instead of following it, because it makes them look different, and is inconvenient. Fiqh (implementation) can be modified, but Sharia (basic priniciple) can not change.
The Prophet said, “You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a mastigure [a sand lizard], you too will go there.” We said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?” He replied, “Whom else?” (Meaning, of course, the Jews and the Christians.) (alBukhari 4:662; 9:422)
Lets look at the present day deviations of Muslims. We have both of these types of deviation among us now. We follow Jews in their stubborness and refuse to follow Sharia, and we follow Christians in worshipping dead saints, and their graves, and their love for the world to modify our religion to fit the society.
Muslims have deviated from the basic belief by saying that Allah is everywhere, and we pray in our hearts, and don't have to pray salat regularly. For example, I asked my Christian relative. Why don't you follow the rules in your religion? He replied that as long as you beleive in God, you don't have to follow any rules. Then, I ask one of my muslim relative. Why don't you follow this command of Allah, and come pray salat with me? He replied that as long as you beleive in God, you will be protected from Hell, so I don't have to. I was surprised at the similarity of the answers.
Another time, I asked my Christian relative. Why doesn't your wife covers her head in the Church. "Oh, it is an old law, it is not necessary any more". Then, I ask one of my Muslim female relative, "Why don't you cover your head when coming to Masjid on Eid. She replied, "Oh, nowadays, no one follow this". Again, I was amazed at the answer.
I see muslim men, clean shaved, trying to fit into ranks of Christians and Jews. Changing their first names to avoid standing out, avoid praying salat at work and in public, socializing in a manner that reflect the Non-Muslims.
I see muslim women, uncovered, trying to impersonate indian fashion, or Christian trend. They don't feel shy in staring into a strange men's eyes when conversing. Talk without filtering backbitting, slander, or lies. Mistreating their husbands with compaints, and unreasonable requests.
So, what am I asking from myself and you?
If we read Quran, do not leave until you read the meaning of the part we read. Once we read the meaning, follow it from that moment on. Treat it like a letter from IRS, which I am sure many would follow better then we follow Quran. Beleive me the audit from Allah is delayed, but very severe.
If you hear a hadith of our Prophet (PBUH), follow it to the letter, and never go against it. If hadith has an order, it is fardh upon us. I see many men sitting in our local masjid listening the hadith about "greeting poeple you don't know", and keep passing by people they don't know without greeting, and go after people they know, so they can go on "Allah's path". I wish I can tell them that they just dodged Allah's path. Allah's path is not bringing people to Masjid, it is to follow the commands of Allah in our lives. Enough said.
It doesn't matter if we don't perform all the acts of piety, because we will not be judged on that. We will be judged on how much sin we accumilated. For example, it is better for us to avoid sin then praying Nafil prayers after Maghrib. All we need to do is perform fardh (obligatory) acts, which are a few, and avoid major sins. Thats it.
I end with the following Ayat.
"There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower." (Quran 2:256)
**If someone is interested in watching the whole video, here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdixLS_YPYY
JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman
A struggling Muslim
All praise is due to Allah, the creator, the sustainer.
"Show us the straight path: The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray." (Quran 1:6-7)
A few days back, we went to Busch Gardens, and we were listening to a wonderful speech from a great learned person of our time, Shiekh Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips. He was speaking on a topic that is very dear to me since I became practicing Muslim a few years ago. I would like to share some of it.
Last ayah of Surah Al-Fatiha speaks of two groups who are on the wrong path. First, the one whom Allah is angry with, and the second who are astrayed. According to ayahs and mutwatir ahadith, it has been proven that Jews had the wrath of Allah upon them, and Christians have gone astray.
So, how did people deviated from Islam since Adam? Why would a Muslim worship an idol? Why would knowledge turn into ignorance. Following explains why.
Now, Jews do not do shirk for the most part, and they are in possession of scripture in its original language, although they have lost some part of it, but their religion is intact for them. So, Allah is angry at them, because they have the holy book in their home wrapped in a cloth and beautiful covering, and some of them read it also, but they do not follow the commands in it.
Thawban, radi Allahu `anhu (may Allah be pleased with him), one of the companions of the Prophet (saws) and a freed slave, narrated a hadith (prophetic saying) of the beloved Prophet (saws). He related that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “The nations are about to call each other and set upon you, just as diners set upon food.”
It was asked, “Will it be because of our small number that day?”
The Prophet (saws) answered, “Rather, on that day you will be many, but you will be like foam, like the foam on the ocean. And Allah will remove the fear of you from the hearts of your enemies and will throw wahn (weakness) into your hearts.”
Someone then asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What is Wahn?”
He replied, “Love of the world and the hatred for death” (Abu Dawood 4297).
Muslims today are following the path of Jews for the most part. I know many families, where Quran is respected, and preserved like a valuable. They will bring it out, open it, and say "Mashallah, what a wonderful word of God". Then, they will wrap it back and place it in the highest part of the closest. I ask them sometimes. So, you have read Surah Noor verses 30 and 31. They will say "Yes, of course". I would say do you believe this to be a command of Allah. They would say "Yes". Then, I ask them, Why don't you follow it. "Well we are not that religous, you know".
If we have a copy of Quran, and it is wrapped in a cloth, and we do wudu to touch it (which is not necessary, but that is a topic for another day), and we read it, but when it comes time to follow it, we ignore it, we become part of this group upon whom Allah is Angry.
What is the reason for this deviation? It is the love for this world, and hatred of death. We prioritize the important worldly events over Islamic events.
Then, Christians are mentioned in the last word as "one who gone astray". Christians have become ignorant, because of Simon Paul, who cancelled the Sharia of Jesus, and replaced it with a law of Love, and unconditional peace. They have intentionally modified their laws to accomodate the world affairs. Moving their worship to Sunday. Lastly, they start worshipping Jesus. They claim to worship one God, but they don't follow their own laws.
Today, it is very common to find Muslims who beleive the Sharia of Muhammad (PBUH) to be out of date, and they call themselves "Moderate" Muslims. They don't know it, but what they are claiming is that Allah didn't know what will come in the future, when he says that this religion is complete until last day. They think that they know better, and like to make modifications in Sharia law, instead of following it, because it makes them look different, and is inconvenient. Fiqh (implementation) can be modified, but Sharia (basic priniciple) can not change.
The Prophet said, “You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a mastigure [a sand lizard], you too will go there.” We said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?” He replied, “Whom else?” (Meaning, of course, the Jews and the Christians.) (alBukhari 4:662; 9:422)
Lets look at the present day deviations of Muslims. We have both of these types of deviation among us now. We follow Jews in their stubborness and refuse to follow Sharia, and we follow Christians in worshipping dead saints, and their graves, and their love for the world to modify our religion to fit the society.
Muslims have deviated from the basic belief by saying that Allah is everywhere, and we pray in our hearts, and don't have to pray salat regularly. For example, I asked my Christian relative. Why don't you follow the rules in your religion? He replied that as long as you beleive in God, you don't have to follow any rules. Then, I ask one of my muslim relative. Why don't you follow this command of Allah, and come pray salat with me? He replied that as long as you beleive in God, you will be protected from Hell, so I don't have to. I was surprised at the similarity of the answers.
Another time, I asked my Christian relative. Why doesn't your wife covers her head in the Church. "Oh, it is an old law, it is not necessary any more". Then, I ask one of my Muslim female relative, "Why don't you cover your head when coming to Masjid on Eid. She replied, "Oh, nowadays, no one follow this". Again, I was amazed at the answer.
I see muslim men, clean shaved, trying to fit into ranks of Christians and Jews. Changing their first names to avoid standing out, avoid praying salat at work and in public, socializing in a manner that reflect the Non-Muslims.
I see muslim women, uncovered, trying to impersonate indian fashion, or Christian trend. They don't feel shy in staring into a strange men's eyes when conversing. Talk without filtering backbitting, slander, or lies. Mistreating their husbands with compaints, and unreasonable requests.
So, what am I asking from myself and you?
If we read Quran, do not leave until you read the meaning of the part we read. Once we read the meaning, follow it from that moment on. Treat it like a letter from IRS, which I am sure many would follow better then we follow Quran. Beleive me the audit from Allah is delayed, but very severe.
If you hear a hadith of our Prophet (PBUH), follow it to the letter, and never go against it. If hadith has an order, it is fardh upon us. I see many men sitting in our local masjid listening the hadith about "greeting poeple you don't know", and keep passing by people they don't know without greeting, and go after people they know, so they can go on "Allah's path". I wish I can tell them that they just dodged Allah's path. Allah's path is not bringing people to Masjid, it is to follow the commands of Allah in our lives. Enough said.
It doesn't matter if we don't perform all the acts of piety, because we will not be judged on that. We will be judged on how much sin we accumilated. For example, it is better for us to avoid sin then praying Nafil prayers after Maghrib. All we need to do is perform fardh (obligatory) acts, which are a few, and avoid major sins. Thats it.
I end with the following Ayat.
"There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower." (Quran 2:256)
**If someone is interested in watching the whole video, here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdixLS_YPYY
JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman
A struggling Muslim
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Interfaith Marriages
Interfaith Marriages
Children have the right to be brought up in an Islamic environment by good Muslim parents. So Muslim men in the West should think carefully before marrying outside the faith.
Muslim men and women are told to seek faithful spouses with a strong, good belief, and not allow non-Muslim standards of selection influence them. Muslim men can marry only Muslim, Christian, or Jewish chaste women, while Muslim women can marry only chaste Muslim men.
Allah (s.w.t.) said:
This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who have received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when you give them their marriage portions and live with them in honor, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denies the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. [Qur'an: Al-Ma'idah (5:5)].
A Muslim man is discouraged from marrying a non-Muslim woman if there is no Islamic State or if he is not living in an existing Islamic state, since the non-Islamic states do not recognize his rights as head of the family to raise the children Islamically. On the contrary, the children will most likely be brought up in their mother's religion, since the Muslim husband does not have his Islamic rights in his non-Muslim wife's country.
There are many tragic examples of Muslim men who tried to take their children to their Muslim countries after they divorced non-Muslim wives. The women in many of these cases succeeded in bringing the children back to be raised in the non-Islamic societies as non-Muslims. The fathers are referred to as kidnappers (of their own children) in the non-Islamic media.
Unfortunately, even the governments in Muslim countries these days help the non-Muslim wives to get custody of the children. This is due to the absence of an Islamic state which would protect Muslim children from being kidnapped by non-Muslim wives to be raised as non-Muslims.
Muslim men should consider these issues before they marry non-Muslim women, especially when the man is strongly influenced by her physical appearance. A Muslim man should look to the future and consider his duties toward his children. The cases mentioned show clearly the damage that can be done to children in interfaith marriages, and while a personal sin may be easy to forget and repent from, one may never overcome the problems that arise because his children were raised as non-Muslims as a result of his negligence concerning providing the right spouse and community for them. Children have the right to be brought up in an Islamic environment by good Muslim parents.
The benefits of marrying a non-Muslim woman are minimal when both live in a non-Islamic state. The woman and her relatives would not see how Muslims live as a community, nor would they have close contact with family, should the Muslim man decide to marry her and live outside the Islamic State. Marrying a chaste Christian or Jewish woman in a non-Islamic state should be considered as a last resort and as the only alternative to keep him from falling into adultery.
Men, however, should be aware of the fact that most women in non-Islamic societies do not qualify as chaste women in Islam, (i.e. abstention from unlawful sexual activities). Some Muslim men ignore these conditions and ignore the commands of Allah when they are misled and fooled by a smile from a non-Muslim woman.
Abdullah Ibn `Abbas, a famous companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a famous scholar, said that Muslim men should not marry Christian or Jewish women from people who are enemies of Islam.
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, a contemporary Muslim scholar, said that the Christian or Jewish women can be married only if the four conditions summarized below are satisfied:
She must be Kitabiyyah, i.e. Christian or Jewish by faith, and not by virtue of birth into a Christian or Jewish family. Many women who live in Christian or Jewish societies today are atheists, Buddhists or Bahai's. These women are prohibited for Muslim men. A woman who commits apostasy, by becoming a non-Muslim after being a Muslim, would not be allowed to marry a Muslim man, since apostasy is much worse than unbelief.
She must be Muhsanah, which means chaste and virtuous. Women who are involved in illicit relationships with men are prohibited for Muslim men. Most non-Muslim women these days do not qualify as Muhsanat (chaste and virtuous women who abstain from sexual activities outside marriage), and Muslim men should fear Allah and keep this condition in mind.
The woman should not be from people who are fighting Islam or are helping others to fight Islam.
There should be no threat or possible harm from marrying her. For example, if a man's children would not be raised as Muslims, he should not marry her. If the courts in a non-Islamic society would give the children to her in the case of divorce, then he cannot marry her, unless she agrees that he would have the children in the case of divorce.
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi also said that Muslim men may not marry Christian or Jewish women if the Muslim community is a small minority in a huge non-Muslim society, and such marriages would make it impossible for Muslim women to find Muslim men to marry. This is classified under "limiting the allowed" in the Islamic jurisprudence. Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi used the example that if all people grew cotton instead of wheat, the government would have the right to stop them from doing so, since wheat is a necessary food ingredient, even though growing cotton is allowed in normal cases.
Non-Muslim women who repent and accept Islam are treated as any other Muslim if their acceptance of Islam is sincere and not merely for the purpose of marrying Muslim men. Islam forgives all that was before it. Some people, however, accept Islam by name only to marry a Muslim, without showing the least change in their lifestyles to prove that they are following Islam. One should not marry from such people.
There are many Muslim girls of a marriageable age who are living in non-Islamic countries, and it is the duty of the Muslim men to protect these girls from marrying non-Muslim men, which is absolutely prohibited in Islam. If Muslim men loosely practice their right to marry Christian or Jewish women, the Muslims girls in non-Islamic societies will be forced into unwanted circumstances and Muslim men will be at least partially responsible and will get their share of the punishment from Allah.
In considering marriage to a non-Muslim woman a man should remember that marriage is more than the private marital relationship. A good Muslim woman would provide her husband with total security, comfort, trust, tranquility, and happiness, and would raise the children as good Muslims. A man would not have to see his children taken to a church every Sunday without being able to prevent it or live with the concern that his wife would teach his children un-Islamic traditions. It is much easier to trust a Muslim woman than to trust a non-Muslim woman who does not fear Allah, and know that He is watching her all the time. And certainly a woman who does not fear Allah, who sees and knows everything, will not fear or obey her husband who is only home in the evenings.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:
A woman is chosen as a wife for her wealth, beauty, family, and faith. Win the one that has the faith or you would ruin your life. (Bukhari and Muslim).
The following verse from the Qur'an beautifully gives us the guidelines for selecting the right wife:
Allah (s.w.t.) said:
Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe; a slave woman who believes is better than a free woman who does not believe, even though the latter may appear very attractive to you. Al-Qur'an: Al-Baqarah (2:221)
Children have the right to be brought up in an Islamic environment by good Muslim parents. So Muslim men in the West should think carefully before marrying outside the faith.
Muslim men and women are told to seek faithful spouses with a strong, good belief, and not allow non-Muslim standards of selection influence them. Muslim men can marry only Muslim, Christian, or Jewish chaste women, while Muslim women can marry only chaste Muslim men.
Allah (s.w.t.) said:
This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who have received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when you give them their marriage portions and live with them in honor, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denies the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. [Qur'an: Al-Ma'idah (5:5)].
A Muslim man is discouraged from marrying a non-Muslim woman if there is no Islamic State or if he is not living in an existing Islamic state, since the non-Islamic states do not recognize his rights as head of the family to raise the children Islamically. On the contrary, the children will most likely be brought up in their mother's religion, since the Muslim husband does not have his Islamic rights in his non-Muslim wife's country.
There are many tragic examples of Muslim men who tried to take their children to their Muslim countries after they divorced non-Muslim wives. The women in many of these cases succeeded in bringing the children back to be raised in the non-Islamic societies as non-Muslims. The fathers are referred to as kidnappers (of their own children) in the non-Islamic media.
Unfortunately, even the governments in Muslim countries these days help the non-Muslim wives to get custody of the children. This is due to the absence of an Islamic state which would protect Muslim children from being kidnapped by non-Muslim wives to be raised as non-Muslims.
Muslim men should consider these issues before they marry non-Muslim women, especially when the man is strongly influenced by her physical appearance. A Muslim man should look to the future and consider his duties toward his children. The cases mentioned show clearly the damage that can be done to children in interfaith marriages, and while a personal sin may be easy to forget and repent from, one may never overcome the problems that arise because his children were raised as non-Muslims as a result of his negligence concerning providing the right spouse and community for them. Children have the right to be brought up in an Islamic environment by good Muslim parents.
The benefits of marrying a non-Muslim woman are minimal when both live in a non-Islamic state. The woman and her relatives would not see how Muslims live as a community, nor would they have close contact with family, should the Muslim man decide to marry her and live outside the Islamic State. Marrying a chaste Christian or Jewish woman in a non-Islamic state should be considered as a last resort and as the only alternative to keep him from falling into adultery.
Men, however, should be aware of the fact that most women in non-Islamic societies do not qualify as chaste women in Islam, (i.e. abstention from unlawful sexual activities). Some Muslim men ignore these conditions and ignore the commands of Allah when they are misled and fooled by a smile from a non-Muslim woman.
Abdullah Ibn `Abbas, a famous companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a famous scholar, said that Muslim men should not marry Christian or Jewish women from people who are enemies of Islam.
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, a contemporary Muslim scholar, said that the Christian or Jewish women can be married only if the four conditions summarized below are satisfied:
She must be Kitabiyyah, i.e. Christian or Jewish by faith, and not by virtue of birth into a Christian or Jewish family. Many women who live in Christian or Jewish societies today are atheists, Buddhists or Bahai's. These women are prohibited for Muslim men. A woman who commits apostasy, by becoming a non-Muslim after being a Muslim, would not be allowed to marry a Muslim man, since apostasy is much worse than unbelief.
She must be Muhsanah, which means chaste and virtuous. Women who are involved in illicit relationships with men are prohibited for Muslim men. Most non-Muslim women these days do not qualify as Muhsanat (chaste and virtuous women who abstain from sexual activities outside marriage), and Muslim men should fear Allah and keep this condition in mind.
The woman should not be from people who are fighting Islam or are helping others to fight Islam.
There should be no threat or possible harm from marrying her. For example, if a man's children would not be raised as Muslims, he should not marry her. If the courts in a non-Islamic society would give the children to her in the case of divorce, then he cannot marry her, unless she agrees that he would have the children in the case of divorce.
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi also said that Muslim men may not marry Christian or Jewish women if the Muslim community is a small minority in a huge non-Muslim society, and such marriages would make it impossible for Muslim women to find Muslim men to marry. This is classified under "limiting the allowed" in the Islamic jurisprudence. Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi used the example that if all people grew cotton instead of wheat, the government would have the right to stop them from doing so, since wheat is a necessary food ingredient, even though growing cotton is allowed in normal cases.
Non-Muslim women who repent and accept Islam are treated as any other Muslim if their acceptance of Islam is sincere and not merely for the purpose of marrying Muslim men. Islam forgives all that was before it. Some people, however, accept Islam by name only to marry a Muslim, without showing the least change in their lifestyles to prove that they are following Islam. One should not marry from such people.
There are many Muslim girls of a marriageable age who are living in non-Islamic countries, and it is the duty of the Muslim men to protect these girls from marrying non-Muslim men, which is absolutely prohibited in Islam. If Muslim men loosely practice their right to marry Christian or Jewish women, the Muslims girls in non-Islamic societies will be forced into unwanted circumstances and Muslim men will be at least partially responsible and will get their share of the punishment from Allah.
In considering marriage to a non-Muslim woman a man should remember that marriage is more than the private marital relationship. A good Muslim woman would provide her husband with total security, comfort, trust, tranquility, and happiness, and would raise the children as good Muslims. A man would not have to see his children taken to a church every Sunday without being able to prevent it or live with the concern that his wife would teach his children un-Islamic traditions. It is much easier to trust a Muslim woman than to trust a non-Muslim woman who does not fear Allah, and know that He is watching her all the time. And certainly a woman who does not fear Allah, who sees and knows everything, will not fear or obey her husband who is only home in the evenings.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:
A woman is chosen as a wife for her wealth, beauty, family, and faith. Win the one that has the faith or you would ruin your life. (Bukhari and Muslim).
The following verse from the Qur'an beautifully gives us the guidelines for selecting the right wife:
Allah (s.w.t.) said:
Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe; a slave woman who believes is better than a free woman who does not believe, even though the latter may appear very attractive to you. Al-Qur'an: Al-Baqarah (2:221)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Islamic Sharia: Everything or Nothing
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
AssalamuAlaykum Brothers and Sisters,
It has become a very common practice in Media and among Non-Practicing Muslims, or even in some Practicing Muslims, to rule out Islamic Sharia as the complete law.
We would like to follow Islamic Sharia, when paying zakat, or fasting, or divorce. However, we will not follow Sharia, when we are socializing with opposite sex, or paying interest payments, or killing innocents, or taking bribes, listening to music...etc.
Islamic Sharia is not something that we can pick and chose when to follow. It has to be in effect in our life all the time or never. If we are applying for Immigration benefits, we can't decieve our facts, as Sharia prohibits that. Muslim men are required to have beard in Sharia, and women are required to cover themselves. Islamic Sharia prohibits taking still pictures. It is also forbidden to go to extreme in religion. It is also forbidden to let the hair in private area to grow longer then a certain length. These are just some examples.
Now, there are some reason why Non-Muslim and most Muslims are not interested in Sharia laws. Biggest reason is the perception of the treatment of women according to Islamic Sharia. In fact, it is a myth. Islamic Sharia's top objective is to liberate women, and give balanced rights to everyone. What happens in some Muslim countries is an outsome of ancient cultures not yielding to Islamic Sharia. For example, women are required to educate themselves in Islam, but some Afghanis do not have the knowledge of Islam to understand that point, so they apply their cultural values which disallow women from chosing to study or work or own property or not wear hijab. Islam welcomes all cultures, but if our culture contradicts Islamic Sharia, we have to abandon it.
Narrated Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri: I went to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) and asked him: "What do you say (command) about our wives?" He replied: "Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them." (Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 11, Number 2139)
"The best of you is one who is best towards his family and I am best towards the family". (At-Tirmithy).
"None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully". (At-Tirmithy).
I claim that women are being opressed by unIslamic cultures, because they are being objectified to sell advertisements, movies, sports, etc. Women have been thrown in to the society to survive as a single mother, where she is disadvantaged by men at every corner of the street. I attest to some women close to me are living the lives of poverty because of "equal" rights of women in USA. Women don't need equal rights, but need "equitable" (meaning more) rights. I see women brainwashed to wear clothes that reveal part of the hairs and skin that entertain the men at work, and muslim women has fallen to this trap thinking "Oh, we are free to show our bodies".
No sisters in Islam, you are being punked. Men are satisfying their visual and sexual urges without paying the dues to the women, and when you get pregnant, these men will run away. Marraige is not just created for men, but it was created to protect women from the opression of men, and now women have been convinced to have extra marital relationships. Sure, which men wouldn't like to have that without commitment to provide for her for the rest of her life.
Muslim sisters who do not cover themselves does not offend me and I support their right to chose sin. However, it hurts me to see men taking advantage of them and moving on. I beg the Muslim sisters to reconsider invoking your rights under Islam and shun the opression of men in USA and other unIslamic cultures. It is your choice.
Allah did give men a degree higher in administrative duties, but that is only to remove conflict, becuase there can't be two President of the country, or two Kings of the Kingdom or two head of the household. To compensate for this, Allah increased the rights and status of women in other areas. Men have to provide for the women, but women don't have to do house work, if they don't want to. Of course, if women chose to take care ofthe home and their husbands, then the reward is Jannah without struggle that men go through. So, Allah is not bounded by a flesh brain to think and his wisdom is infinite, and he has balanced the rights and duties in the most perfect manner for human beings. If we choose not to follow his command, it only harm us.
Allah created human beings with a power to chose right and wrong, but it is not easy, and the thats why the reward is huge. Allah is very merciful, and so provided a written manual to decide what is right and what is wrong. If he would have left it up for us, we would make many mistakes. If humans wants to live a peaceful and succesful life, they have to follow the manual. Any other variation will end in disaster. Last and the most comprehensive of these manuals is Islamic Sharia.
If someone says that Islamic Sharia is not suitable for this age, they are questioning the wisdom of Allah, as he has told us that Islam is a guidance until Qiyamah. It is the only method to live our life to succeed here and here after. If someone thinks that they can do good deeds, and not follow Islam completely, and will enter Jannah. They are certainly mistaken. Before we were born, our souls took an oath with Allah that he is the only God, and we will follow his command. We should remember that oath, and start following Islamic Sharia in everything.
"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost."(Qur'an 3:85)
So, can we believe in Allah, pray 5 times, fast, go to Hajj, pay Zakat, and consider ourselves following Islam? No, we can not. We have to enter the religion compeltely. We can't flirt with women at work, and then become sober in Taraweeh. We cannot display an item for sale in false pretence in our stores, and pray 20 long Rakat to make up for it. No such thing.
"O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly" (Qur'an 2:208)
Either we are muslims or not. We can not be Muslim when we visit Masjid or Kaba, and act different at work. Our lives should be exactly the same when we are inside haram, and when we are in our living room with friends.
Islamic Sharia is the perfect set of rules that will create the best living environment on earth. As a Muslim, we should live it, and preach Non-Muslim by example. Companions of Prophet (PBUH) did not spread Islam by debating and showing proves from Quran, although it is sometimes necessary. They lived Islam, and never went against Islamic Sharia intentionally.
In conclusion, being a Muslim is like cooking, and if we use all the ingredients, and follow the instructions, the lives will be delicous, but if we use all but one ingredient, the lives may not taste so good. So, don't follow Islamic Sharia because it is a trend, or it is required. Follow Sharia because it has all the answers. From marraige to business to School to Govt Offices, it will provide the protection against opression. Allah guarantees it.
Just try it! Take a pledge that you will live according to Sharia, and try to direct your path towards it. We don't have to change overnight, but we need to have intention to change.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah, the owner of the day of judgement.
AssalamuAlaykum Brothers and Sisters,
It has become a very common practice in Media and among Non-Practicing Muslims, or even in some Practicing Muslims, to rule out Islamic Sharia as the complete law.
We would like to follow Islamic Sharia, when paying zakat, or fasting, or divorce. However, we will not follow Sharia, when we are socializing with opposite sex, or paying interest payments, or killing innocents, or taking bribes, listening to music...etc.
Islamic Sharia is not something that we can pick and chose when to follow. It has to be in effect in our life all the time or never. If we are applying for Immigration benefits, we can't decieve our facts, as Sharia prohibits that. Muslim men are required to have beard in Sharia, and women are required to cover themselves. Islamic Sharia prohibits taking still pictures. It is also forbidden to go to extreme in religion. It is also forbidden to let the hair in private area to grow longer then a certain length. These are just some examples.
Now, there are some reason why Non-Muslim and most Muslims are not interested in Sharia laws. Biggest reason is the perception of the treatment of women according to Islamic Sharia. In fact, it is a myth. Islamic Sharia's top objective is to liberate women, and give balanced rights to everyone. What happens in some Muslim countries is an outsome of ancient cultures not yielding to Islamic Sharia. For example, women are required to educate themselves in Islam, but some Afghanis do not have the knowledge of Islam to understand that point, so they apply their cultural values which disallow women from chosing to study or work or own property or not wear hijab. Islam welcomes all cultures, but if our culture contradicts Islamic Sharia, we have to abandon it.
Narrated Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri: I went to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) and asked him: "What do you say (command) about our wives?" He replied: "Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them." (Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 11, Number 2139)
"The best of you is one who is best towards his family and I am best towards the family". (At-Tirmithy).
"None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully". (At-Tirmithy).
I claim that women are being opressed by unIslamic cultures, because they are being objectified to sell advertisements, movies, sports, etc. Women have been thrown in to the society to survive as a single mother, where she is disadvantaged by men at every corner of the street. I attest to some women close to me are living the lives of poverty because of "equal" rights of women in USA. Women don't need equal rights, but need "equitable" (meaning more) rights. I see women brainwashed to wear clothes that reveal part of the hairs and skin that entertain the men at work, and muslim women has fallen to this trap thinking "Oh, we are free to show our bodies".
No sisters in Islam, you are being punked. Men are satisfying their visual and sexual urges without paying the dues to the women, and when you get pregnant, these men will run away. Marraige is not just created for men, but it was created to protect women from the opression of men, and now women have been convinced to have extra marital relationships. Sure, which men wouldn't like to have that without commitment to provide for her for the rest of her life.
Muslim sisters who do not cover themselves does not offend me and I support their right to chose sin. However, it hurts me to see men taking advantage of them and moving on. I beg the Muslim sisters to reconsider invoking your rights under Islam and shun the opression of men in USA and other unIslamic cultures. It is your choice.
Allah did give men a degree higher in administrative duties, but that is only to remove conflict, becuase there can't be two President of the country, or two Kings of the Kingdom or two head of the household. To compensate for this, Allah increased the rights and status of women in other areas. Men have to provide for the women, but women don't have to do house work, if they don't want to. Of course, if women chose to take care ofthe home and their husbands, then the reward is Jannah without struggle that men go through. So, Allah is not bounded by a flesh brain to think and his wisdom is infinite, and he has balanced the rights and duties in the most perfect manner for human beings. If we choose not to follow his command, it only harm us.
Allah created human beings with a power to chose right and wrong, but it is not easy, and the thats why the reward is huge. Allah is very merciful, and so provided a written manual to decide what is right and what is wrong. If he would have left it up for us, we would make many mistakes. If humans wants to live a peaceful and succesful life, they have to follow the manual. Any other variation will end in disaster. Last and the most comprehensive of these manuals is Islamic Sharia.
If someone says that Islamic Sharia is not suitable for this age, they are questioning the wisdom of Allah, as he has told us that Islam is a guidance until Qiyamah. It is the only method to live our life to succeed here and here after. If someone thinks that they can do good deeds, and not follow Islam completely, and will enter Jannah. They are certainly mistaken. Before we were born, our souls took an oath with Allah that he is the only God, and we will follow his command. We should remember that oath, and start following Islamic Sharia in everything.
"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost."(Qur'an 3:85)
So, can we believe in Allah, pray 5 times, fast, go to Hajj, pay Zakat, and consider ourselves following Islam? No, we can not. We have to enter the religion compeltely. We can't flirt with women at work, and then become sober in Taraweeh. We cannot display an item for sale in false pretence in our stores, and pray 20 long Rakat to make up for it. No such thing.
"O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly" (Qur'an 2:208)
Either we are muslims or not. We can not be Muslim when we visit Masjid or Kaba, and act different at work. Our lives should be exactly the same when we are inside haram, and when we are in our living room with friends.
Islamic Sharia is the perfect set of rules that will create the best living environment on earth. As a Muslim, we should live it, and preach Non-Muslim by example. Companions of Prophet (PBUH) did not spread Islam by debating and showing proves from Quran, although it is sometimes necessary. They lived Islam, and never went against Islamic Sharia intentionally.
In conclusion, being a Muslim is like cooking, and if we use all the ingredients, and follow the instructions, the lives will be delicous, but if we use all but one ingredient, the lives may not taste so good. So, don't follow Islamic Sharia because it is a trend, or it is required. Follow Sharia because it has all the answers. From marraige to business to School to Govt Offices, it will provide the protection against opression. Allah guarantees it.
Just try it! Take a pledge that you will live according to Sharia, and try to direct your path towards it. We don't have to change overnight, but we need to have intention to change.
JazakAllah Khairin
A struggling Muslim
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
When is the first Ramadhan?
In the Name of Allah,
If you live in USA, you have noticed that some Masajid will follow a different day for First Ramadhan, and Eidain. So, we end up with having two Eids on seperate days within the same locality. This could be very confusing for Muslims who don't know all the details of the issue.
First of all, since Eid and Ramadhan are community affairs, we have to follow the Masjid where we pray 5 times or once a week (if our faith is week), even if the local Imam is wrong about the dates, we should follow him on this issue.
Even if the month suppose to be 29 days, moonsighting is required for starting Ramadhan. If the moonsighting was obscured due to clouds, Prophet (PBUH) ordered us to default to 30 day month, and fast after that. There is no wiggle room here. Allah does not want Muslims to be burdened and provided a simple method to decide, and some of us want to make it more difficult.
However, Prophet (PBUH) accepted witnesses of moon sighting if they testified and were credible. So, if no one sighted the moon within the city, but someone in the surrounding areas sighted the moon, and they can testify, we are allowed to accept that as moon sighting.
Now, there is not a single evidence in Quran, hadith, or Rightly guided Khulafah's lives that can show us that some sort of prediction or calulation can replace the standing order of the Prophet (PBUH), which means order of Allah.
There is another possible valid opinion that says that moon sighting in other countries could be used as witnesses to fulfil the exception above. If that was the case, our Prophet (PBUH) must have made effort to send people out to Makkah or other cities. Umar would hadve setup a commnication system to notify provinces for dates for Eid-Al-Adha. But, there is no evidence of any of that, so moon sighting has to be witnessed close by.
So, how would we know how far is too far? It should be common sense. But, this could be discussed. Usually this depends upon the horizon angles and proximity. Following hadith gives an example of distance that will be too far for moon sighting.
I hope that ISNA and others do not beleive that Our Prophet's teachings are out of date and they need to be replaced by new technology because he never saw this coming. On the contrary, he was shown the future, and he was aware of all the generations to come, and their relative progress.
One argument that ISNA and others who support the use of moon calculation gives is the unity of Muslims. In fact, we could be united in our method and traditions, but don't have to unite in dates and times, as we live in different part of the worlds. Unity is not agreeing on one thing, but tolerating difference of opinion. Abu Bakar, and Umar didn't agree on many issues, but they were united in the method and tradition. If Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) compromised the principles for unity, Islam would have been more like Catholic Church which changes its laws according to how political winds are blowing. If we follow the Sunnah, and perform worship according to that, it will unite us more than celebrating Eid on one day.
In fact, if ISNA can setup a central moonsighting committee in NYC, and someone sees moon in USA and reports to them, then we can all unite in dates. All Imams I know are open to witnesses from credible people in USA, and it can work.
Please take some time out and try to sight the moon, and report to your local masjid, and don't go against strict orders of Prophet (PBUH) on this matter. If you didn't make an attempt to sight the moon, you should not speak, as you are withdrawing your right to participate.
And Allah Knows best,
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
If you live in USA, you have noticed that some Masajid will follow a different day for First Ramadhan, and Eidain. So, we end up with having two Eids on seperate days within the same locality. This could be very confusing for Muslims who don't know all the details of the issue.
First of all, since Eid and Ramadhan are community affairs, we have to follow the Masjid where we pray 5 times or once a week (if our faith is week), even if the local Imam is wrong about the dates, we should follow him on this issue.
Even if the month suppose to be 29 days, moonsighting is required for starting Ramadhan. If the moonsighting was obscured due to clouds, Prophet (PBUH) ordered us to default to 30 day month, and fast after that. There is no wiggle room here. Allah does not want Muslims to be burdened and provided a simple method to decide, and some of us want to make it more difficult.
NARRATOR Abdullah ibn Umar
ABU DAWUD
HADITH_No 2312
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The month consists of twenty-nine
days, but do not fast till you sight it (the moon) and do not break your fast
till you sight it. If the weather is cloudy, calculate it thirty days.
However, Prophet (PBUH) accepted witnesses of moon sighting if they testified and were credible. So, if no one sighted the moon within the city, but someone in the surrounding areas sighted the moon, and they can testify, we are allowed to accept that as moon sighting.
NARRATOR Abdullah ibn Abbas
ABU DAWUD
HADITH_No 2333
A bedouin came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) and said: I have sighted
the moon. Al-Hasan added in his version: that is, of Ramadan. He asked: Do you
testify that there is no god but Allah? He replied: Yes. He again asked: Do you
testify that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah? He replied: Yes. and he testified
that he had sighted the moon. He said: Bilal, announce to the people that they
must fast tomorrow.
Now, there is not a single evidence in Quran, hadith, or Rightly guided Khulafah's lives that can show us that some sort of prediction or calulation can replace the standing order of the Prophet (PBUH), which means order of Allah.
There is another possible valid opinion that says that moon sighting in other countries could be used as witnesses to fulfil the exception above. If that was the case, our Prophet (PBUH) must have made effort to send people out to Makkah or other cities. Umar would hadve setup a commnication system to notify provinces for dates for Eid-Al-Adha. But, there is no evidence of any of that, so moon sighting has to be witnessed close by.
So, how would we know how far is too far? It should be common sense. But, this could be discussed. Usually this depends upon the horizon angles and proximity. Following hadith gives an example of distance that will be too far for moon sighting.
NARRATOR Abdullah ibn Abbas
SAHIH MUSLIM
HADITH_No
2391
Kurayb said: Umm Fadl, daughter of Harith, sent him (Fadl, i.e. her
son) to Mu'awiyah in Syria. I (Fadl) arrived in Syria, and did the needful for
her. It was there in Syria that the month of Ramadan commenced. I saw the new
moon (of Ramadan) on Friday. I then came back to Medina at the end of the month.
Abdullah ibn Abbas asked me (about the new moon of Ramadan) and said: When did
you see it? I said: We saw it on Friday night. He said: (Did) you see it
yourself? I said: Yes, and the people also saw it so they observed fast and
Mu'awiyah also observed fast. Thereupon he said: But we saw it on Saturday
night. So we shall continue to observe the fast until we complete thirty (fasts)
or we see it (the new moon of Shawwal). I said: Is the sighting of the moon by
Mu'awiyah not valid for you? He said: No; this is how the Messenger of Allah
(peace_be_upon_him) has commanded us. Yahya ibn Yahya was in doubt (whether the
word used in the narration by Kurayb) was Naktafi or Taktafi.
I hope that ISNA and others do not beleive that Our Prophet's teachings are out of date and they need to be replaced by new technology because he never saw this coming. On the contrary, he was shown the future, and he was aware of all the generations to come, and their relative progress.
One argument that ISNA and others who support the use of moon calculation gives is the unity of Muslims. In fact, we could be united in our method and traditions, but don't have to unite in dates and times, as we live in different part of the worlds. Unity is not agreeing on one thing, but tolerating difference of opinion. Abu Bakar, and Umar didn't agree on many issues, but they were united in the method and tradition. If Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) compromised the principles for unity, Islam would have been more like Catholic Church which changes its laws according to how political winds are blowing. If we follow the Sunnah, and perform worship according to that, it will unite us more than celebrating Eid on one day.
In fact, if ISNA can setup a central moonsighting committee in NYC, and someone sees moon in USA and reports to them, then we can all unite in dates. All Imams I know are open to witnesses from credible people in USA, and it can work.
Please take some time out and try to sight the moon, and report to your local masjid, and don't go against strict orders of Prophet (PBUH) on this matter. If you didn't make an attempt to sight the moon, you should not speak, as you are withdrawing your right to participate.
And Allah Knows best,
A struggling Muslim
Adnan Jumani
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