Another Misleading Documentary

Channel Four’s documentary on ‘The Quran’ is another example on the continuous misinterpretation of the Quran which is becoming alarmingly common amongst those who claim to be ‘experts’ in Quranic understanding. Unfortunately, the doc was only a collaborator to those individuals who seem that they can portray the teachings of the Quran for their own ideas and understanding and has added fuel to fire in its attempt to ‘clear the air’.

            Amongst many misreadings, the author has portrayed the film to be a basic guide for those who are new or unfamiliar with the themes of the Quran (as he said on an interview with Simon Mayo on Radio 5.)  However, what is so inappropriate is the amount of time he dedicates to mere and unpopular accusations which a recent ‘reformist’ has claimed to discern. The doc highlights these measly claims to an extent which cultivates a sense of doubt in the reader which can only be seen as ignorance. The parable would like of a teacher explaining to a history class the basic background of the 9/11 attacks and dedicating the majority of the lesson to conspiracies and inside cover-up allegations.

            Amid the claims of neutrality and impartiality, the documentary is yet another bias report of the Quran from a western ‘thinker’ who fails to discover the true luscious savour which outbursts from the Quraan for those who seek with a heart of sincerity.

 

 

 

 

 

The Fire of Anger

Throughout the journey of our life, we come across many different types of people with different attitudes and character. We see many individuals who are rough and ill mannered. If you analyse this group, one may notice that the main reason why they are often despised is due to their anger. However, anger is a natural instinct which exists in all. So why is it that some are so well known due to their anger? The simple reason to this is that those who seem to have less or no anger at all have successfully learnt the art of anger management which not only make them pleasant individuals but also pious and virtuous ones.

 

Allah has created man as the greatest of creation due to its intellect and articulate features. However, we are also told in the Quran that man has been created week and can be brought down by his desires and feelings. One of the states when man can be recognised as weak is when he is subjected to the weapons of Shaytaan. One such weapon is carnal desires.  A person can be controlled so strongly when blind through his carnal desires that he fails to recognise any distinction between right and wrong. Another state which man can be seen as weak is when he is under intoxications. We see that when a person is drunk, he fails to use his intellect which Allah has blessed him with as made him great due to it. Similar to these two states, another weapon of Shaytaan is anger. We see that he is under this state, which he fails to use his intellect and is subjected to his desires and feelings. And similar to the previous two sates, an angry person also regrets much of his actions when his feeling ware off. This is why Anger is often described in Islamic literature as the root of all evil which is so strongly discouraged

 

The Prophet of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) was requested for counsel by an individual to whom he replied “Do not get angry”. The man repeated his request many times, but the Prophet (PBUH) kept saying: “Do not get angry.” (Bukhari)

 

Anger is often referred to as a human asset which can not be eradicated but instead needs to be progressively tamed. When we analyse the life of the Prophet (PBUH), we see many incidents which we would expect any individual to get angry. Instead, we see the Prophet (PBUH) smiling and care-free. Hazret Ali (R.D) describing this once said: 

 

“The prophet did not get angry for any action of the world. When any
true matter charmed him, nobody knew it and nobody got up to take
revenge for his anger. He got angry only for truth”.

 

When it was matters of deen, the Prophet (PBUH) would not restrain his anger. When he would become angry at someone else’s wrong actions or disbeliefs, he didn’t express it with his hand or tongue. His companions knew that he was angry by just looking at his face, which would turn red and with some sweat on his forehead, and he would keep quiet for a moment, trying to control himself.

 

            It was one of the great examples a person can learn from the example of the Prophet (PBUH) was that he never allowed his anger to prevail over him. Sheikh Hassan Al Basri said that one of the signs of the Believers is that his anger does not prevail over him. Allah describes the God-fearing as those who restrain themselves in anger.

 

“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden whose width is that of the heavens and the Earth, prepared for the God-fearing, those who spend in times of ease and times of hardship and who restrain their anger and who pardon people. And Allah loves those who do good.” (Surah al Imran : 133-134)

 

Allah himself describes his own self as having his mercy overpowering his anger. Indeed the act of restraining can be extremely great and can prove to be quit hard at times. This is why the Prophet (PBUH) described the person who can control his anger to be the true strong person. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

 

“The strong man is not the one who can throw another down. The strong man is the one who can keep hold of himself when he is angry.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

 

Like wise, Allah has promised great reward for that person who restrains his anger. The messenger of Allah (PBUH) once said:

 

“Whoever controls their temper in a state that if he wanted he could have taken revenge, then on the day of judgement, Allah will call him in front of everyone and will give him the choice of picking the Hoor of his choice.” (Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)

 

 However, when a person does get angry, Islam lays down simple remedies which, if adopted can prove to be the best and effective anger management skills.

 

The Prophet (PBUH) advised us not to speak when we are angry. He said: “If one of you gets angry, he should be quiet.” [Musnad Ahmad]

 

The Prophet (PBUH) also advised: “Anger is from Satan, and Satan was created from fire. Fire is but extinguished by water, so if one of you gets angry, he should perform wudû’.” (Abu Dawud and Musnad Ahmad)

 

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) also directed us to try to change ones body position if angry. This means that if you’re standing up, sit down, and if you’re sitting down stand up.

 

It is narrated in Bukhari that two people were arguing in the presence of Rasulullah (PBUH). One of the two became so angry that his face went red and his veins swelled.  Rasulullah (PBUH) lifted his face towards that person and said to him that I know a sentence if you were to say it your anger will go away. The sentence is taw’wz. (To say ‘aoozu billahi minash shaytaanir rajeem,’ which means ‘I seek Allah’s refuge from Shaytaan, the accursed.’)

 

It is also very beneficial to think of Allah’s anger and punishment when one is angry. One may question ones self in the heart and ask ‘what would happen to me if Allah showed me his wrath?’ We humans who seek forgiveness from Allah must forgive others first. When one forgives someone else, it establishes peace and tranquillity in one’s heart.

 

It is recorded in a Hadeeth Qudsi that the Prophet (PBUH) said that Allah has announced to humanity: ‘O son of Adam, when you get angry, remember Me.’ Thus, remembrance of God and meditation will put out our anger calm us down. One of the meditation words we may recite is ‘Ya Halim’ (O the Patient/mild one), which is one of the attributes of Allah.

 

May Allah give us the ability to remain patient and control our anger. Ameen

 

Pleasure of Fear

      

          The pleasure of fear saturated my heart and tipped out over my face as I sat on the multicoloured mat. I purposely conjured the thought of solitude again to feel that sweet pleasure in my heart. The way I would sit here in the dark without a disturbance from no one in truth filled my thirst for seclusion. For me, the greatest pleasure was not in the silence but in the sincerity. It was here that I was freed from my constant worry of unfaithfulness. I was guaranteed that my heart would not wonder to any mortal being silently aching for its praise or to any moneyed obtuse begging for a temporary relief. But, I would ache and I would beg. If fact, I would go extreme in my entreating which would eventually lead me to tears. But what were these tears? They defiantly were not tears of grief. No, for that was not possible. These were tears sopping out of a heart filled with pleasure of fear.

Land Of Love

 

I dream of a place filled with peace and happiness

Reminding me of tranquillity and serenity

A place which denies hostility and evils

Covering me with love and beauty

 

It is a place where the old ones speak of

But cannot see until their departure

It is a place the pure ones are granted

And the foul ones are left behind

 

Rivers of milk, honey and wine

Surrounded by loved ones for eternity

Lofty mansions, built from silver and gold

A hundred years to encircle a tree

 

These are my dreams, this is my bliss

In between infinite light and eternal love

Come with me, experience my rapture

Feel the love of my heavenly dream

 

 

S.C

Submission

 

Sitting alone on a windswept mountain

The thoughts that come to are wordless

Filling me with nothing bat gladness

Smiling at your infinite grace

 

I wait for the inspiration

In that majestic call to prayer

A lonely voice calling

God is great, God is great…

 

It is not long till I discover

Everything is composed of you

These thoughts, so close to me

For I have a reason, I have a light

 

This is the way I desire

The path that devotees undergo

To trample the desire of greed

Of the empty world below

 

If only I had ninety nine mountains

To engrave your names upon

To fulfil the lust of submission

And invoke your divine compassion

 

 S.C

Holding Hope

 

The Supremacy of The Sublime’s radiance

Has yet to illuminate us

The beauty of The Fashioner’s earth

Has yet to mystify us

 

The depth of The Honourer’s oceans

Has yet to wash over us

The strength of The Enricher’s creation

Has yet to overpower us

 

The richness of The Beneficent’s mercy

Has yet to pleasure us

The warmth of The Everlasting’s protection

Has yet to engulf us

 

The sweetness of our reverence

Has yet to charm us

The faith in our hearts

Has yet to purify us

 

But the narrowness of our minds

Has yet to broaden us

The evil of our actions

Has yet to befall us

 

The whisperers of Satan

Has indeed captured us

But the heart remains steadfast

Between fear and hope.

 

S.C

The Quraan

 

Allah has blessed this Ummah with a unique and glorious book, the holy Quran. This glorious book is a source of guidance for the whole Ummah, direct from Allah. However, it is of great pity that we have neglected this book and have not given its due right.

 

              The Quran, which literally means recitation, is the last revelation from Allah to the last prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The revelation began in the cave of Hira. Unlike other books which no longer exist in there original form, the Quran stands unchanged and will remain unaltered till the end of time. This it self is a living miracle of the Quran that it has survived so many centuries without the slightest change. Every word of it is memorised in the hearts of thousands of Muslims who continue to memorise and recite it everyday in all parts of the world. In fact, it is Allah himself who has taken the duty of preserving the Quran. Allah says in a verse of the Quran

  “Surely, we have revealed this reminder, and surely we are its guardian and protector”

The Quran consists of broadly three fundamental concepts of Tawhid, Risaalah and Akhirah. It is the principal source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all subjects that concern us as human beings- wisdom, doctrine, worship and law- but its basic theme is the relationship between Allah and his servants. At the same time, it provides guidelines for a just society and proper human conduct. It is only through obeying the teachings of the Quran can an individual attain success in this life and the hereafter. The messenger of Allah (S.A.W) has said “There is nothing that facilitates nearness to Allah better than that which has come directly from Allah, that is the Quran”

 

            The faithful are inspired, consoled often moved to tears by its eloquence and poetic imagery, especially when recited aloud. And yet the Quran is free of scientific inaccuracies, whose historical authenticity can be verified.

            Allah himself announces to the people of the world:

 

 “O mankind, there has come to you a heart rendering advice from your sustainer (the Quran) and a healing for that (disease of doubt, hypocrisy, ignorance e.t.c) which is in your breast, a guidance and a mercy for the believers.”  (Yunus;57)

 So brothers and sisters, it is time realise the greatness of this book we find amongst us. Discover this precious jewel and adorn your life with it. Our Prophet (S.A.W) prayed to Allah “O Allah make the Quran the spring of my heart” what a glorious request. If indeed the Quran was the spring of our hearts, our hearts would be in bloom always with the freshness of nature’s newness.

 

May Allah make the Quran the spring of our hearts and may he give us his divine guidance to follow commandments laid out in the Quran. Ameen.

Hadeeth

Allah has created mankind with such an intellect which equips him to differentiate between right and wrong. Mankind also goes through phrases known as ghaflah or heedlessness, which clouds his natural corrective vision. As a result, he often agrees to many evils, falling blind to its harms. However, the ultimate creator is fully aware of this downfall of man and as a result has prepared guidance for him even before his existence. The form of this guidance varies throughout time. For some nations, it existed in the form of miracles of prophets or books full of commands and instructions. However, Allah intended a unique and supreme form of guidance for this unique Ummah. Allah blessed the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with two forms of guidance which eliminate its followers in their own unique style.

 

“I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray”

 

Although Allah sent many books to previous nations, they failed to remain in their original state and were quickly changed by corrupt man to suit their own whims and desires. However, Allah himself took the responsibility to preserve this book in its original state.

 

“Surely, we have revealed this reminder, and surely we are its guardian and protector”

 

Due to the complexity of the Quran, the prophet explained its verses to his companions through his actions and sayings. When asked by one of his companions regarding the prophet’s code of conduct, his wife, Aysha (rd) replied ‘his manners were the Quran.’ Implying that his actions were a manifestation of the teachings of the Quran. As a result, Allah also preserved the sayings and actions of the holy prophet (SAW) what we know as Hadeeth today.

The Hadeeth is defined in the books of theology as the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) sayings, actions or occasions involving the Prophet (SAW).

There have been many compilations of Hadeeth in various eras which have helped preserve the tradition of the prophet (SAW). One of the earliest is the book of Hammam bin Munabbih. However, there a have been many other compilations that have become very popular and accepted amongst the majority of Muslims, such as the sihaa-sitta or the six authentic compilations. The Hadeeth compiled in these books consist of two parts. The first part is known as the Sanad or chain of narration. The author of the book states the name of the individual who he heard the Hadeeth from and he narrates the Hadeeth from his teacher and so forth, till the Sahabi and finally to the Prophet (SAW). To ensure the authenticity of these sacred Hadeeth, those that narrate the Hadeeth are observed and examined deeply to ensure they have no past history of impiousness or lying. Only those Hadeeth which are narrated from dependable relaters are accepted to be authentic. This scrutinizeation ensures authenticity of the Hadeeth which exists in no other religion than Islam. One of the most authentic compilation of Hadeeth is known as Saheeh al Bukhari written by Imam Muhammed ibn Ismail al Bukhari (204-261H). His dedication to Hadeeth was very high which resulted to his book –often known as the most authentic book after the holy Quran- being accepted throughout the Muslim world. There have also been many other great personalities that have dedicated there entire lives to the service of Hadeeth. Most recently is the great sheikh of Saharanpur, India, Shekul Hadeeth Hazret Moulana Muhammed Zakariyya (N.M) who amongst writing many great commentaries on Hadeeth, taught Sahheh Bukhari for over forty years.    

After studying the Hadeeth, an individual may recognize the lifestyle of the Prophet (SAW). For Allah has sent the Prophet (SAW) as a epitome and sublime example for mankind and he has ordered us to follow in his footsteps. This can be achieved primary through the study and practice of Hadeeth.

Amongst the many benefits of studying and teaching Hadeeth, the most great is the connection a devotee reaches with Allah and the Prophet (SAW) through its study. The love of the Prophet (SAW) penetrates the heart

Cleanliness

 It is human nature that we are inclined to cleanliness and dislike filth. However, we often see fellow humans who are clouded from this. They, for some reason or another are disconnected to the tune of hygiene in their nature. Due to this lack of natural hygiene in many people, Allah has put hygiene as part of our religion. In fact, the Prophet (SAW) compared cleanliness to constitute to half of faith and warned that it will be one of the first things, a person will be asked about in the grave.

         One of the main successes a sincere believer yearns for is to reach a status of divine mutual love in which the believer becomes the beloved of Allah. To reach this, the general message in the Quran is to adapt Taqwa. However, besides this, Allah has also prescribed hygiene and cleanliness, a simple yet significant aspect which, if adapted will result in a person attaining the love of Allah, or in the least reach a pathway for the person to adapt Taqwa. As Allah mentions in the Quran, “Indeed Allah loves those that stay clean”. Simple yet worthy actions like hygiene are often seen in Islam to reap great rewards which make this religion so unique. However, it should not be misunderstood that Islam promotes hygiene to be a desirable quality. Rather, Islam has made cleanliness a compulsory act for us to practise several times a day.

That there are numerous aspects of cleanliness that are emphasised in the Quran and Hadeeth. One of the main points is that a person must make Wudhu before praying Salaah or touching the Quran. A greater importance is that he must be in a total state of purity even before he is eligible to perform Wudhu. This means he must have had a bath if needed. In addition to this, he must also ensure his clothes and body are free from any impurities. Nevertheless, purity is not only required for worship but for hygiene also. Indeed the prophet has highlighted the blessing of food in washing the hands before and after its intake. Another act of purity most emphasised in the Hadeeth is cleaning the teeth with the Miswaaq. The Messenger of Allah emphasised that besides it being a source of purity, it pleases Allah and he himself was so particular in clean his mouth with the Miswaaq that we find narrations of him using it on nearly every occasion. In addition to this, the Prophet (SAW) has also ordered those that have hair which need addressing to look after there hair.

The Prophet (SAW) also encouraged outward beauty. Muslims are ordered to beautify themselves before prayer. On an occasion, the Prophet (SAW) showed unease on seeing an individual dressed with dirty clothes and asked his companions “Didn’t this individual find anything to clean his clothes?” Therefore, Islam stresses both internal and external cleanliness. In fact, the messenger of Allah also encouraged the cleaning of the home and the community. The Prophet (SAW) said “Removing any harm from the road is charity”.

           To conclude, it is transparent to how much the Prophet (SAW) promoted hygiene and cleanliness to a society which were totally ignorant to the harms of dirty and unclean societies. May Allah infuse in our hearts the importance of cleanliness and its importance in our religion. Ameen.

Importance Of Salaam

            Throughout history, many nations with many different cultures and languages have passed, with each nation owning their own greeting. British culture has greetings such as good morning or hello which is now reflected into many different languages and cultures. The French use the words ‘Bonjour’ and the Chinese greet each other with the words ‘Ni Hao.’ The Arabs in the age of Ignorance (before the advent of the messenger of Allah) also greeted one another with the words “An’im sabaahan” which is the general equivalent of good morning. However, none of these greetings have a major meaning or significance which may be of benefit to its users. For example, using the phrase ‘good morning’ to someone does not mean that the greeted will have a pleasant morning.  Yet, the greeting in Islam is unique in its words, meaning and significance.

          After the arrival of Islam, the Prophet (SAW) eradicated the past greetings which the earlier Arabs used and blessed the believers with ‘Assalumaleykum warahmatulaahi wa barakaatuh’ which is a more pure and beneficial greeting. The first human, Prophet Adam (AS) who was told to learn the greeting of salaam from the angels because it would be the greeting of his progeny thus, salaam is the greeting of humanity which the Prophet (SAW) revived and which will be the greeting of the dwellers of paradise.    

        Literally, the meaning of ‘Assalumaleykum warahmatulaahi wa barakaatuh’ is ‘May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be with you’. Therefore, when Muslim’s greet, they also pray for each other for peace and ensure each other that they will not afflict harm on the fellow Muslim. Thus, a mutual security is reached in merely the greeting. The Prophet (SAW) has said in a Hadeeth “As-salaam is indeed a name from the names of Allah, which Allah has placed upon the Earth, therefore spread salaam amongst yourselves in abundance.”. In light of this Hadeeth, a giver of salaam is also indicating for the blessings of Allah’s name. Like this, scholars have taken out numerous deeper meanings from this greeting.

       The importance of spreading salaam can be seen through many narrations. Indeed one of the first things the Prophet (SAW) promoted after his Hijrah to Madinah was the spreading of Salam and highlighted it as one of the rights of a Muslim. The reason to this was because Love and mutual affection is one of the core teachings of Islam. The Prophet (SAW) not only taught it through his teachings, but it was primarily through his actions, the Muslims learnt the significance of brotherhood and sisterhood. Accordingly, to create this love and harmony he promoted the spreading of Salaam which will be a catalyst for this. The Prophet (SAW) in an authentic narration has made dependent the entry into paradise not on worship, but in mutual love which he advised can be reached by simply greeting each other with Salaam. Thus, the spreading of Salaam became a common practice amongst the Muslims which resulted in peaceful and loving society.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam amongst yourselves.”

 

          The emphasis laid on salaam can be visible from a Hadeeth in which the messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked as to which Islam is the best. To which he replied: “To feed the hungry and to give salaam to those you know and those you don’t know.” He also promised that those who initiate with salaam are most close to Allah and his messenger Muhammad (SAW).It is precisely due to this emphasis laid by the Prophet (SAW) that we realize why the companions took salaam so seriously. It is said about Abdullah ibn Umar that he used to go the market place for the sole purpose that he would meet fellow Muslims to which he could do salaam. These individuals were so thirsty to attain the reward Allah has put in giving salaam that they would say salaam even if they were separated by a tree whilst walking. The Prophet (SAW) is even recorded to have prohibited replying to an individual who did not initiate with salaam and he himself once told a companion called Kildah bin Hambal (R.D) to exit the room and return with saying salaam.

          Like nearly ever thing in our deen, the Prophet (SAW) also laid out etiquettes of giving salaam. The Prophet (SAW) advised us that due to respect “a younger person should give salaam to an elder person, a by-passer to a seated person and a small group of people to a larger group.” Scholars have explained that although it is wajib on the person greeted to reply, the giver of salaam is worthy of greater reward for carting out the Sunnah. When offering salaam, one should also ensure that he say the full salaam to reach the maximum benefit and reward and not merely suffice on Assalumaleykum.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) related that a man passed by the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) whilst he was sitting with some others, and said “Salaam ‘alaykum (peace be upon you).” The Prophet (SAW) said, “[He will have] ten hasanaat (rewards).” Another man passed by and said “Salaam ‘alaykum wa rahmat-Allaah (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah).” The Prophet (SAW) said, “[He will have] twenty hasanaat.” Another man passed by and said “Salaam ‘alaykum wa rahmat-Allaahi wa barakaatuhu (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah and His blessings).” The Prophet (SAW) said, “[He will have] thirty hasanaat.” [Nasaai]

May Allah also give us the divine ability to carry out this great and fruitful act and may he make it a means for the bonding of the whole Muslim Ummah. Ameen