THE FOLLOWING IS BY MY BROTHER IN ISLAM -MOINUDDIN PATHAN.
I WOULD REQUEST ALL OF THEM TO RAED IT COMPLETELY, ITS ABSOLUTELY WORTH READING INSHA ALLAH.
e-Love Affairs: A Way of Shaytaan
Keep this in Mind:-
Normally Shaytaan will not let you read this complete article because of length of this article or may be other excuses. I have tried my level best to reduce the length of this article. But don’t let shaytaan misguide you whenever in between this thought comes in your mind say Aaudhubillah…..And Read this Article to be sincere to your LORD Allah SWT.
Click here to download article in Word Format
~~:Start:~~
We all know that Satan is the biggest enemy of human being; he always wants to misguide the human being. And it is his job and he is doing his job since the day he misguided Adam PBUH and Eve PBUH. Qur’an warn us about Shaytaan
In Surah Aa’araf 7:16-17
“He said: Because thou hast thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way: Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies)."
(Same message you can read in several places in Quran including Surah Hijr 15:32-40, Surah Isra 17:62-65)
And that’s why Allah commands us not to follow the good steps of the satan.
Allah says in the Quran in Surah Baqrah 2:168 as well as Surah Baqrah 2:208
“……..and do not follow the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an avowed enemy.
It is proved from the history and till today that Satan always wants to commit human being in to sin. He uses different strategies before the different types of human being to commit them in to sin. Like we have an example we know that if anyone wants to fight with his enemy he always use to take more power compare to his enemy, then only he can beat his enemy. If he will fight before his enemy with less power than it is difficult for a person to beat his enemy who is more powerful compare to him.
In the same way Satan always get ready to deal with the different types of people who had different level of Imaan.
In today’s world committing sin become so easy:-
Today’s modern world in 21st Century in which by the Allah’s grace we have got different easy way to connect with the people across the globe. In the same time there are lots of Fitnah is also being spread by the Satan trough this technology. You may know that in the previous age if a person wants to watch movie he has to visit Cinema hall or the place where television is available to watch that movie. But what is happening today?! Anybody can switch his television ON and he can watch any movie he wants. Because now everything is available in CD or DVD form. Few decades earlier those people who wear fewer clothes were called poor, but today people who wear fewer clothes are called richest person. Few decades earlier those people who were committing sex for money were called prostitute, but today same kind of people are called sex-worker. If anyone call them prostitute people feel insult towards them. See how the world is changing. In short I would say in this modern world today vulgarity become morality and anyone who opposes this ideology easily label as conservative or sick mind people.
Today in the world our youths are living in only imagination life. Just visit to our colleges, where our youths go to learn what they are doing there? Everyone has ear phone and he is busy in listening music. Where what he listen? Haraam things. And he thinks that it is good for him as he is in tension. Huh What kind of mentalities becoming of our youth.
Have you ever thought why the cell phone companies are giving night calling free or less expensive? Simply because they cant sleep whole night and talk with their friend. The peace of their mind is taken away.
Among all these weapons of Shaytaan the biggest weapon is Internet. In this article we will see how a Muslim man or woman misguided by the shaytaan. I got this article from a website where it was mention this article was written by a sister by the name of “Umme Lulu”, in this article she is addressing directly to other sisters. But don’t think brothers are out of blame. Shaytaan misguides both. In the ending part of this article we will give few tips which should be followed to make free ourselves from the traps of Shaytaan.
Sister ‘Adds’ Brother: The Spark That Ignites the Flame:-
It starts when a brother adds you on Msn/Yahoo/Skype/IM/Faceboook/MySpace, and you start getting along. First it was just to ask for help, or send something to them, or for one reason or another but you knew you were not doing it for the wrong reasons, you did it because you just needed to, you know your priorities, morals, beliefs and your limits. You know you won’t make it go any further than just instant messaging the brother. Such a thing you know would be crossing the line and you're not going to let shaytaan get to you THAT easily. You've heard of the ways shaytaan tries to get people trapped in his scams and plans; pfft you think: I’m not stupid! I’m not going to do that! It’s not like you are going to marry him, right? You have no such intention. And you are definitely not boyfriend and girlfriend, astaghfirullah!! No way! Just brother and sister in Islam, bas! This is all innocent you tell yourself. You just talk about normal things, stuff you would discuss with your girls. There is nothing haraam about that?
But as time goes by, you start liking the brother…and so what if you like him right? That isn’t haraam either! And he doesn’t even like you anyway; it can’t and WON’T go any further is what goes through your mind. After awhile, you start getting thoughts like 'ohh imagine if me and him got together hehe' fun…. but ridiculous thought isn’t it? It’s just a thought!
You tell yourself it will not get too far, and you carry on talking to him. And now, you start coming online more often. You find yourself waiting for him.
During the day you might be doing your work or something else, but at the back of your mind you know you're just waiting and wishing for him to come online so you can talk to him and have a laugh. The little voice inside your head tells you something is wrong, but you push it aside. There’s nothing wrong about me talking to this brother! But of course, you know your parents wouldn’t approve of you talking to this non-mahram brother for hours each day. Alone. Actually you would imagine your parents and siblings would simply flip out if they found out about you communicating with him. And moreover, you would imagine ALLAH SWT would not approve of such a thing. Of this endless, pointless freemixing with this non-mahram brother. You remember all of the lectures talking about the dangers of this free mixing. What it can lead to, and the countless stories of individuals who started out with innocent friendships but ended up in something more….something haraam.
But, It’s fine you tell yourself, its all innocent! INNOCENT! He’s just a friend, nothing more! Yes, sure you are starting to develop feelings for him, but so what? You can just suppress it and never talk to him about it. Everything will just stay as it is, normal!
Soon, you start talking less to your other friends. You start avoiding them while online because you just want to talk to him only. In your conversations, you tell him everything. You start telling him your deep dark secrets: something you haven’t told many people, only the certain individuals that you trust. It’s ok, because you know and trust him! You are really close now……
And then one day OMG you can’t believe it! OMG OMG: wake up! Pinch yourself! Did he just admit that he likes you??? Finally wohoo, it got through to him that you like him and its the best perfect moment because he likes you too! !!!
You think: What now?? Where to go from here??
‘Friendship Turned Relationship’:-
Above we saw how a sister falls into the fitna of online relationships with a non-mahram brother. This relationship first began ‘innocent’. But now the brother and sister are not only talking for hours each day in secrecy without parent’s knowledge, but now they are calling each other and even sharing pictures. Basically they have transformed now into a ‘couple’. This relationship which is nowhere near marriage is of course not acceptable in Islam. This relationship is basically defined as boyfriend/girlfriend even though most Muslims who fall into it do not want to call it by such a name. These relationships come with a stamp of approval by none other than the shaytaan. He deludes each side with false ideas of love in order to keep them in this haraam relationship and encourages them to even go further all the way to Zina (adultery/fornication) which is one of the major sins. The brothers and sisters who are caught up in these relationships do not believe for a second they would end up committing such immorality, but as we know the majority of the time they actually do. SubhanAllah.
Oh my Allah you think….you and the brother have been ‘talking’ now for six months! Wow! That seems like forever. But now, it’s not like before. You don’t feel the burning guilt each time you think about him or IM him or call him. Or even when you send your pictures to him (still Hijabed of course!). It’s almost…normal. Sometimes you worry because you think maybe you lost your fear of Allah? Or maybe even your imaan? Because before while talking to him you felt ashamed, and tried anyway to turn away from Allah seeing you, even though you knew that was impossible. As Allah is the All-Seer and All-Knower. Now, it’s like you feel nothing, you feel 1000% comfortable talking with the brother. Your little voice warning you of this and that is becoming very silent lately. What happened? Isn’t that a bad thing? You think wait...isn't it like my internal compass, now is it broken??!
Before you can continue with your thoughts, you hear the very familiar ring tone; it’s him calling again!!! That makes it a shocking three times, in only one day! You forget everything you were just telling yourself…You didn’t loose your imaan, you didn’t loose your fear of Allah, hmm maybe you are just not feeling well. You rush to pick up the phone and start conversing with the brother. You are so happy when you are talking to him, he makes everything fine again. It’s like you forget all of your worrying and bad thoughts, these doubts that come to you whenever you are alone. That’s why you like talking to him as much as possible. He’s almost become like a shield from any reminder. Any painful reminder that is!
Weeks go by and things continue as they are. No change. No action. Not even an intention to change. As far as you are concerned you are not mixing into falsehood. Your goal justifies the means you are using at the moment.
One day one of your relative asks you to come to a lecture with her. You say sure, you would love to tag along. While in the car you ask the sister what the topic is. She replies: The Pathways to Zina. Oh, wow! What a topic…Oh my God did your heart just stop beating?! Wait, no you are fine. Phew. Ok, relax. Why the sudden panic? Have you committed Zina? Have you even come close to it? No…
Ok then, relax yourself! *Relaxed*. Ok, just attend the lecture and try not to draw attention to yourself ok? Ok!
The sister and you finally make it to the Masjid. The Sheikh starts the lecture. First he goes through the definition of Zina. We all know what it means you think. But why are you so nervous? Why do you feel like the sheikh is talking directly to YOU? You are just being paranoid! Just focus on the lecture.
The sheikh continues and mentioned a verse. The sheikh also recited it and translated for everyone:
The sheikh explains by saying Allah Azza wa Jal in His Wisdom did not only prohibit the munkarat (evil, abominable deeds) but also made the pathways to them prohibited as well. The sheikh pauses again.
You feel sweat coming down your forehead. Is it really that hot in here? Why are you burning up?
The sheikh continues as you listen attentively.
“So brothers and sisters. Let us ask ourselves. What are the pathways to Zina? To this most disgusting sin?
The audience is silent.
And come not near to unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a faahishah (a great sin) and an evil way.
(Al-Qur’an Surah Al-Israa 17:32)
The sheikh makes a dramatic pause. He continues: “Brothers and sisters, why do you think Allah does not say “Do not commit Zina”. Why does Allah Azza wa Jal say do not come NEAR to Zina?
The sheikh answers his own question. “Brothers and Sisters, wallahi there are many pathways to this sin. Among them is our neglecting Allah’s Command to lower our gaze. Among them is this extreme freemixing we see in our community….”
Again, the sheikh pauses. Why does he keep pausing?? You just might get a heart attack!
“And not to forget our online community as well because Allah Azza wa Jal is not watching us just when we are in the Masjid or at the Islamic Events. But Allah SWT is watching us wherever we are. Whether that is the Universities, whether that is the MSA or whether that is at home, while we browse our computers”.
OMG. No he didn’t just say that…. You heart stops.
“Brothers and sisters, we mistakenly trivliaze these sins, that are nothing but stepping stones to the greater sin of Zina. The uncontrollable gazing, the constant freemixing online and off. SubhanAllah, you hear brothers and sisters say it isn’t that big of a deal sheikh. That it’s all innocent and fun. What fun? Disobeying our Rabb is fun? Disobeying our Rabb is innocence? Since when ya Shabab?
You see amongst these same youth how ‘normal’ freemixing has become. SubhanAllah, you wouldn’t be surprised to see a brother or sister who regularly attends the Masjid and Islamic Events at home freemixing for hours each day. SubhanAlllah, is our piety just outside, where people can see? Do we not fear Allah who sees us as we spend these hours mingling with the other gender? Do we not know the shaytan is just laying a trap for us, to ultimately commit shameful actions like the bigger Zina….while we commit the 'smaller zina with our eyes that are seeing haraam, our feet which are walking to haraam. Even our hands which we use to mingle and chat with the opposite sex? Do you not realize the shaytan's even bigger trap, to make us his companion in Jahanam? Brothers and Sisters! Let’s wake up from our desires. These countless hours we spend freemixing online and off only bringing us one step closer to the hellfire.
When will we wake up? When death comes, and it is too late to repent or come back to the straight path? SubhanAllah how many countless people were deceived before us, who thought their sins were trivial; that they were not ‘a big deal’? And how many of them now lay in their graves in regret? Do we want to end up with the same fate? No! So then we must leave these sins brothers and sisters, before our time is up. And who is to say when that will be? Today, tomorrow?..
You are now frozen in your place. You probably haven’t even blinked yet…
The sheikh continued to talk about freemixing and you became lost in your thoughts. You imagined yourself at your computer…talking to the brother. SubhanAllah what if your soul was taken away at that very moment? You would be raised up in that same state. Complete humiliation! Because of your sin….you finally acknowledged it. You are sinning! Oh my God. Sinning!! How did you even get here? What happened? Oh My God, you think, what happened to me? Nearly seven months in….a…relationship with a brother? SubhanAllah!! You feel hot tears coming down. You quickly duck your head down so no one can see.
The sheikh’s words interrupt your guilty thoughts. Now he is relating a story about a pious worshipper. His name was Barsisa and three brothers left their sister with him thinking that he was the best person to take care of her. What happened next? It was so long ago that you heard the story. You listen closely to the sheikh’s words.
The sheikh relates the whole story. SubhanAllah yes, you remember now! He comimited zina with her!! Astaghfirullah….and it all started with one glance, with one conversation. The whole time the shaytan was tempting him and finally the worshipper commited zina with the girl. OMG that wasn’t the end of it! The girl became pregnant. As the sheikh recounts the story you remember how it ended.
The worshipper killed the woman and her baby and ended up asking the shaytan for help. He made SUJOOD to him (KUFR). SubhanAllah! And the shaytan ditched him in the end saying: "I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists) just like the verse in Surat al Hashr:
(Their allies deceived them) like Shaytan (Satan), when he says to man: "Disbelieve in Allah." But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Shaytan (Satan) says: "I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!" (Al-Hashr 59:16)
The worshipper ended up being killed by the brothers because they discovered what he did. SubhanAllah!! All because he fell for the shaytan’s whispers!
Now the tears are coming down hard and you can’t control or conceal them. Everyone looks at you. You run to the bathroom. Looking at yourself in the mirror. Fully covered Hijabi with tear stained eyes. Tears for months of sins committed. SubhanAllah. Imagine if you would have ended up like the worshipper? Committing Zina! O Allah you cry as you drop the ground, THANK YOU………..THANK YOU for saving me from Zina. You cry as you make a silent duaa: “O ALLAH, FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME FOR ALL OF THE OPRESSION I HAVE COMMITED AGAINST MYSELF. O ALLAH I TURN TO YOU IN COMPLETE REPENTANCE. I WILL STOP THE SINS I WAS COMMITING BEFORE, AND I WILL NOT FALL IN THE SAME TRAP AGAIN. YA RABB FORGIVE ME….”.
You sit on the floor for some time sobbing from regret for your wrongs.
The sheikh’s beautiful recitation can be heard on the loud speakers even in the upstairs bathroom where you are. What are the verses he is reciting now? You are still sobbing but you try to listen.
Wait…you know this verse! He’s reciting from….from….
Surah Zumar! Ch.39….Ayat no. 53!
Say: "O 'Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
You can’t get that beautiful verse out of your head from Surah Zumar. Wow how MERICFUL is Allah, our Rabb! Who forgives His slaves for their wrongdoings! You continue to sit on the floor for some time reflecting and thinking about the next steps. What you are going to do as soon as you get home. You get up and before you leave you examine yourself in the mirror once again. You dry your eyes, and this time a small smile appears on your face. You think to yourself: I’m a Muslimah!! Alhamdulilahi Rabbil Alaamen! Where would you have been if you were otherwise? Where would you have been if you didn’t have your Islam? And your Merciful Rabb, who calls you to good and warns you from evil by sending so many reminders? You would be so lost!!
Alhamdulilah.
You go downstairs to the women’s section and listen to the rest of the lecture. The sheikh is now talking about marriage. You listen attentively.
You can hear it in his voice that the sheikh is smiling as he talks. You like his merciful approach! More people should be like this, because being merciful to one who does wrong, instead of being overbearing and harsh really works!
The sheikh says:
“The youth sometimes approach me and tell me: “Ya sheikh ! Why are you making marriage hard on us? Do you want us to remain single forever!! How are we supposed to find people if we can’t even TALK to them? Simple talking! And besides that’s what everyone does, especially in my culture…they can’t all be wrong?!”
Well brothers and sisters here are my answers. First of all: NOOO, I am certainly not trying to make marriage hard on you! There are too many singles in this Ummah! So please hurry to marry!!! What are you waiting for?
Some people in the crowd laugh.
The sheikh continues.
“Brothers and Sisters, remember it is marriage that is half of your deen and it will definitely be a form of protection for you in this land of Fitnah and will be better for your dunya and akhirah. So if you are able to, then marry! The Prophet Salalahu Alayhi wa Salaam said in an authentic hadith:
“O group of youngsters, whoever amongst you has the means should get married, because it keeps the gaze down the best and it is the most protecting for the private parts. Whoever does not have the means should fast, because that breaks the temptation.”
I encourage all the youth here to get married, and also for their parents to make this path to halal easy for them. For if you make it hard on them, they will pursue the paths to haraam instead.
Secondly, in response to “how are we supposed to find people, if we can’t talk to them”… then I say brothers and sisters, there are many ways to find suitable people to marry both online and offline. And we don’t have to swim in the rivers of haraam to reach this goal. The first step the youth should take is to TALK TO THEIR PARENTS. This is crucial. Do not go out and search for someone to marry without your parent’s knowledge; this is especially true for sisters, because they require a Wali (a male guardian). And yes, this applies even when you are in cyberspace!! The Shariah of Allah doesn’t change when we talk about the internet brothers and sisters!!
So if you are offline, as they say, get into touch with community members who can make this process easier for you. Ask around to see who is also looking to get married. And no do not get me wrong…. I don’t mean a brother stepping up to a sister and asking her himself!
A few more laughs in the audience.
…”Rather he should ask good brothers and the sister should ask good sisters. As for online, there are countless matrimonial websites….but beware they contain a lot of fitaan such as pointless freemixing, sharing pictures and the like. Make sure that the woman you question has her Wali’s full knowledge and supervision. This talking should also be done according to the rules of gender interaction in Islam. Be serious! Don’t just play with people’s minds and hearts. And always keep halal.
So as not to drag on since this isn’t a marriage lecture, let me wrap up by advising you all to have a firm intention to marry, follow the permissible means, have Taqwa of Allah and trust in Him and insha’Allah brothers and sisters marriage will be made easy for you.
As for the last statement that “everyone does this’ especially in such and such culture”…. well I say brothers and sisters: do we take our religion from other than Allah and His Messenger? Do we follow any other’s opinions, other than Allah and His Messenger? No! And besides please know brothers and sisters that most of mankind, like Allah SWT said, will lead you into wrongdoing. So fear Allah brothers and sisters do not follow them in their wrongdoing and refrain from using such reasoning. Simply obey Allah and Obey His Messenger and you will be fine!
…This makes so much sense you think! SubhanAllah all this time you were deceiving yourself. You and the brother were using haraam means to achieve a halal end. It’s just wrong, plain and simple.
The sheikh continues and after 15 minutes or so, concludes the talk.
Alhamdulillah what a great lecture! You and your relative walk to the car. Before she can get in the driver’s seat you walk over to give her a hug. While in your embrace, you tell her sincerely how blessed you are to have such a good friend like her and that you really benefitted from this talk. Surprised, she returns your hug.
You get into the passenger seat and on the drive home you know exactly what you are going to do.
As soon as you get home, you turn on your laptop. You see the brother signed in, probably waiting for you? You IM him one last time:
“Asalaamu Alaiakum…I have something important to tell you”
“Walaykum Asalaam. Ok tell me…”
“Well, I just came back from a lecture. It really scared me straight, Alhamdulilah. And it made me realize what we are doing is so wrong brother. We cannot freemix anymore, we can’t call or text each other or share pictures. By saying that eventually we will marry…wallahi it does not make what we are doing halal. It’s still haraam. The fact is, marriage is several years away for me and for you. When the time is right then I will take the permissible means to find a suitable person, and so should you.
The brother is surprised and does not reply back. So you continue.
Listen brother, I know we have been talking for a long time… and it won’t be easy to part, but I’m doing this for the sake and pleasure of Allah and for Him alone. Death can come to us at any moment. So wallahi I do not want to die in a state that is displeasing to my Rabb, by sinning. And this is sinning…what we have been doing for all this time. May Allah forgive me and you!
Now, it’s time to wake up from this trap shaytaan is setting for us. I am going to remove you from my list and from my phone and from any other place I have you. Please do the same. Let’s both repent to Allah, and leave these sins and never return to them.
The brother tries to persuade you out of your plan, but you stay FIRM! Finally, seeing the truth of your words, and also realizing that this is indeed haraam, he agrees. You both remove each other.
When it’s all done, you sit in your chair and breathe a deep sigh of relief. SubhanAllah! That was the easy part, now it’s time for you to stay firm! Insha’Allah.
You sit for some time just reflecting and repenting to Allah SWT. You know the four steps to repentance are:
1. Sincerity to Allaah, the Most High: By doing it only for the sake of Allaah and seeking His reward and salvation from His punishment.
2. Remorse: for the sin that was committed, such that you are sad you did it and wish you had never done it.
3. Ceasing to commit the sin immediately. If the sin was against Allaah, that you should (1) stop doing it if it was an unlawful act, or (2) hasten to do it if it was an obligation that you abandoned doing. You didn’t commit any wrong against a particular person and you know if you did you would have to ask their forgiveness and make things right.
4. Determination: to not go back to doing that sin again in the future.
How NOT to fall into Zina!
1) Lower your GAZE! Lower your GAZE and Fear Allah!
Every time you login in any of your account (orkut, yahoo, facebook, gmail, myspace, etc) ASK YOUR SELF WHY YOU ARE LOGIN. WHAT IS YOUR INTENTION OF LOGIN IN THAT ACCOUNT? Before IMing any sister or brother ask your self why you are chatting with him, What is your intention? Don’t you think shaytaan can use you for his work? Always ask such question before chatting to anyone.
2) Do NOT freely mix with non-mahram brothers and sisters online or off!
-Do NOT add them to your MSN, Yahoo, Google, etc list
-Do NOT communicate privately with them on such things like Forums and other social networking sites.
-Keep to what is necessary. If you need something, gonna ask something from them then keep it brief and formal!
-Do NOT get personal. Act like you are in a business meeting!
3) Get SERIOUS or give up the haraam!If you are one of those that say ‘O I am going to get married to such and such person, and this good INTENTION gives me an excuse to talk to them! Well actually this is NOT right. If you ARE serious, then go through the proper channels such as telling parents, getting them involved and having their approval and supervision when (and if you need) to communicate with them, especially for sisters!! This communication should also NOT cross boundaries, remember that! If you cannot do this, then brothers and sisters you are either not ready, not serious or your circumstances are not right at the moment so you must then give it up for the sake of Allah, and Allah will grant you something better in it’s place! Make duaa!!
4) If you are not able to marry then fast like the Prophet Salalahu Alayhi wa Salaam advised. Attach yourself to the ilm. Go to lectures, listen to a lecture! Surround yourself with good people who will call you to good not immoral people who will encourage you to do bad. Read the Quran! Ponder over the Quran! Pray your Salah, it keeps you away from immoral deeds! If you are a brother, make friends with good brothers (no need for to get close to sisters!). If you are a sister, get close to good sisters! Fear Allah, Fear Allah. You will return to Him. We will all return to Him. We ALL will be judged by Him. All of the deeds we did good or bad we will see again. SubhanAllah! So have fear and shame before Allah before you commit such acts, or leave them now if you are currently doing it! On Yawmul Qiyamah we will ALL stand before Allah and ALL of humanity. Don’t we want Allah to be happy and pleased with us? Do we want Allah to be displeased…angry with us? NO! We love our Rabb, and we want Him to love us in return! So brothers and sisters, let’s earn Allah’s love by obeying Him and His Messenger, Salalahu Alayhi wa Salaam!
~~:END:~~
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Necessity of Adhering to the Sunnah and Forbidding Defying It
From The Book: "The Hadith Is Proof In Itself In Belief And Laws" Chapter 1
By: Shaykh Nasir A-Deen Al-Albaanee
Early generations of Muslims are unanimous in that the Sunnah of the Prophet is the second and last source for Islamic Jurisprudence in all matters of life, belief, the unseen, Laws and Commandments, politics and education. They also unanimously prohibit shunning the Sunnah in any of the matters mentioned above, or preferring opinions, Ijtihad (trying one's best to reach a Fatwa concerning a matter that has no clear rule in religion) or Qiyas (to establish a rule concerning a new matter by comparing it to a similar matter that has a rule in religion) to the Sunnah.
Imam Ash-Shafi'i said in his book Ar-Risalah: "Qiyas is not permitted when a Khabar (Hadith) exists." Similar to this saying is what some scholars say: "If Athar (Hadith) exists, Qiyas is abandoned," and, "There is no Ijtihad where the Nass (text of the Quran or Hadith) exists." Their proof to these sayings are found in the Quran and the Sunnah.
The Quran Orders Muslims to Revert to the Sunnah
The Quran provides many Ayat that order Muslims to refer to the Sunnah for judgment, some of them are mentioned here as a reminder, And remind (by preaching revelation, O Mohammad) for verily, the reminding profits the believers. [51:55].
1 -- It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [33:36].
2 -- O you who believe! Do not forward (& speech or objection) in the presence of 'Allah and His Messenger (the Quran & Sunnah), and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. [49:1].
3-- Say (O Mohammad): "Obey Allah and the Messenger (Mohammad)." But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers. [3:32].
4 -- And We have sent you (O Mohammad) as a Messenger to mankind, and Allah is sufficient as a Witness. He who obeys the Messenger, has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then We have not sent you (O Mohammad) as a watcher over them. [4:79-80].
5 — O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Mohammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is better and more suitable for final determination [4:59].
6 -- And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient [8:46].
7 — And obey Allah and the Messenger, and beware (of sins) and be afraid of Allah. Then if you turn away, you should know that it is Our Messenger's duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest way. [5:92].
8 -- Make not the calling of the Messenger among you as your calling of one another. Allah knows of you who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking permission to leave, from the Messenger). And let those who oppose the Messenger's commandment (Sunnah, orders, statements, etc.) beware, lest some Fitnah (trials, calamities, disbelief, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. [24:63].
9 -- O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person to decide anything). And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered. [8:24].
10 -- And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, and transgress His Limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment. [4:13-14].
11 -- Have you not seen those (hypocrites) who claim that they believe in that which has been sent down to you, and that which was sent down before you, and they wish to go for judgment (in their disputes) to the Taghut (false hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [33:21],
15 — By the Star when it goes down (or vanishes). Your companion (Mohammad) has neither gone astray nor erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. [53:1-4].
16 — And We have also sent down unto you the Reminder and the Advice, that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought [16:44].
Hadiths that Call upon Muslims to Obey the Prophet in All Matters
As for the Sunnah, it contains numerous evidences, that clearly attest the obligation of following the Messenger in all matters of religion. The following are some of them:
1 — Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, what translated means: "All of my Ummah (nation) will enter Paradise, except whoever refuses (to enter Paradise)." They said: "And who will refuse?" He said: "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me will have refused." [Al-Bukhari].
2 — Jabir ibn Abdillah said: "Angles came to the Prophet while he was sleeping. Some of them said: lHe is asleep.' Others said: 'The eye is asleep, but the heart is awake.' They said: 'There is an example to this friend of yours, therefore say your example.' Some of them said: 'He is asleep.' And others said:' The eye is asleep, but the heart is awake.' They said: 'His example is like the example of a man who built a house, threw a feast and sent a caller (inviting to the feast). Whoever accepts the invitation, will enter the house and will eat from the feast Whoever does not accept the invitation, will not enter the house and will not eat from the feast' They said: 'Clarify it (this example) so that he understands it' Some of them said: 'He is asleep.' And others said: ' The eye is asleep, but the heart is awake.' They said: 'The house is Paradise and the caller is Mohammad, Whoever obeys Mohammad, obeys Allah. Whoever disobeys Mohammad, disobeys Allah. Mohammad divides between people (between those who believe and obey him and those who disbelieve and disobey him)."' [Al-Bukhari].
3 -- Abu Moosa narrated that the Prophet said, what translated means: "The example of me and what Allah has sent me with, is like the example of a man who came to a people, saying: 'O my people! I saw the army (of the enemy) with my own eyes. I am the naked warner (the habit of Arabs before Islam was that when one wants to warn his people of an invading army, he does so while naked to be more dramatic). Therefore, escape escape.' Some of his people obeyed him and left at night, traveling at ease, and they were safe. Others disbelieved and in the morning they were still in their places. The army attacked them in the morning, destroyed and overwhelmed them. This is the example of whoever obeys me and follows what I was sent with, and the example of whoever disobeys me and disbelieves in what I was sent with of truth" [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].
4 -- Abu Rafi' said that the Messenger of Allah said, what translated means: "Let me not find any of you, and while resting on his couch, that if an order of mine is mentioned in front of him, either a command of mine or a prohibition, he says: 'I do not know! Whatever we find in the Book of Allah (the Quran) we follow (otherwise we do not!)."' [Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithi, ibn Majah, At-Tahawi & others].
5 -- Al-Miqdam narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, what translated means: "Verily! I was given the Quran and its equal with it (the Sunnah). There may be a man, his stomach is full and he is (laying) on his couch, and saying: 'Hold fast to this Quran. Whatever you find of 'permissible matters, take it as permissible, and whatever you find in it of prohibitions, consider it prohibited,' However, whatever the Messenger of Allah renders impermissible is equal to what Allah renders impermissible. Verily, (the meat of) domestic donkeys is impermissible, also all carnivores which have fangs, also all what one finds that belongs to a Mu 'aahid (people of the Scripture who live under Muslim rule) unless its owner gives it away. And whoever stays with a people (as a guest), then they must be generous to him, if they do not, then he can take from them what he needs (of sustenance)." [Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithi, Al-Hakim & Ahmad].
6 -- Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, what translated means: "I have left with you two things, that (if you hold fast to them) you will never be misled after them (as long as you hold fast to them): The Book of Allah and my Sunnah. They will not separate from each other till they meet me on the Hawdh (the pool of Paradise river water that flows outside the gates of Paradise on the Hereafter)." [Malik & Al-Hakim].
The Meaning of the Above Evidences
The above Ayat and Hadiths have benefits of very crucial importance, mentioned as follows:
1 -- There is no difference between Allah's Decrees and the decrees of the Messenger. Believers are not given any choice to disobey them. Disobedience of the Prophet is the same as disobeying Allah, both are utter misguidance.
2 -- No one has the right to introduce his preference between the hands of the Prophet (after his Sunnah has been decreed or mentioned), exactly as no one has any preference between Allah's Hands (after His order has been decreed). It is impermissible to defy the Sunnah of the Messenger. IbnAl- Qayyim said in his book Flam Al-Muwaqqi'in: "This means the following: Do not say until he (the Messenger) says, do not order until he orders, do not issue a Fatwa (legislative opinion) until he says his Fatwa, and do not decide in any matter until he issues his decision concerning it and until his order is established."
3 -- Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys Allah, the Praised one.
4 -- To shun the obedience of the Messenger is a Kufr.
5 -- The necessity of referring to Allah and His Messenger when divisions and differences arise in matters of religion. Ibn Al-Qayyim said: "The Praised one decreed that He and His Messenger must be obeyed. He repeated the order (saying [4:59]: 'And obey the Messenger') informing us that his (the Messenger's) obedience must be established without comparing his order with the Quran. If he decrees a matter, then his decree must be adhered to without hesitation, whether his decree can be found in the Quran or not. He was given the Quran "and its equal with it." Allah did not command that one must obey people of authority as an independent authority (saying: "And obey Muslim rulers, scholars"). Rather, He included their obedience in the obedience of the Messenger." [I'lam Al-Muwaqqi'in]. It is well-known to the scholars that referring to Allah means referring to His Book, and that referring to the Messenger means referring to him during his lifetime, and to his Sunnah after his death. They consider this a condition of Iman.
6 -- In the sight of the Shari'ah (Islamic Law), accepting divisions, by not referring to the Sunnah to end this division, is a major cause for the failure of Muslims in all their matters and the cause for their losing their strength and effectiveness.
7 -- Warning against disobeying the Messenger because of what this disobedience leads to of an evil end in this life and in the Hereafter.
8 -- Those who defy the order of the Messenger deserve to fall in calamities in this life, and face the painful torment in the Hereafter.
9 -- The necessity of accepting the Message of the Messenger and his decrees. This acceptance is the cause for the good life and happiness in this life and in the Life After.
10 -- Obeying the Prophet leads to entering Paradise and reaching the ultimate success. Disobeying the Prophet and ignoring his commandments is cause for entering Hellfire and facing humiliating torment.
11 -- one of the characteristic of the hypocrites, who show Islam and conceal Kufr, is that if they are called to refer to the Messenger and his Sunnah as a judge, they refuse and hinder from this path.
12 -- Mu'mins (believers) are different from the hypocrites. If they are called to the Messenger to judge between them, they hurry to this path with full acceptance, as if saying: "We hear and we obey." Therefore, they are the successful ones and the ultimate winners of Paradise for following this path.
13 -- Whatever the Prophet has ordered us, must be followed and obeyed, and we must shun all that he has prohibited us from doing.
14 -- The Messenger is our example and leader in all matters of religion, that is if we seek the pleasure of Allah and the best of the Hereafter.
15 -- All the Prophet has uttered, in matters of religion or the unseen, that cannot be comprehended with our limited minds or proved with experimentation, are a revelation from Allah to him. Misguidance can never touch this revelation.
16 -- The Sunnah of the Messenger clarifies whatever is revealed in the Quran.
17 -- The Quran cannot be a substitute for the Sunnah. on the contrary, the Sunnah is equal to the Quran in terms of the necessity of adherence and implementation. Whoever substitutes the Quran for the Sunnah defies and disobeys the Messenger, consequently committing disobedience of the Ayat mentioned above.
18 -- Whatever the Prophet has prohibited is equal to whatever Allah has prohibited. All decrees of the Messenger, that cannot be found in the Quran, are considered as if they were in the Quran. The Messenger said, what translated means:
"Verily! I was given the Quran and its equal with it" [Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithi, Al-Hakim & Ahmad].
19 -- Immunity from error and misguidance is only attained through adherence to both the Quran and the Sunnah. This rule is valid till the Day of Judgment. Therefore, it is impermissible to differentiate between the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet.
The Necessity of Adhering to the Sunnah in Matters of Belief and Laws
The above evidences from the Quran and the Sunnah clearly attest that adhering to the Sunnah, and all what the Prophet has decreed, is absolutely necessary. Whoever refuses to refer to the Sunnah for judgment and does not accept whatever the Sunnah decrees, is not a believer. I would also like to point out that there are two important matters that these evidences clarify:
First: These evidences provide general guidance to whoever hears about this religion, till the Day of Judgment. This is clearly stated in the Ayah: that I may warn therewith you and whosoever it may reach. [6:19] and, And We have not sent you (O Mohammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to mankind. [34:28].
This was further explained by the Prophet himself in the Hadith: "And Prophets were only sent to their own people. However, I was sent to all mankind." [Al-Bukhari & Muslim], and, "By Whom my soul is in His Hand, no man of this nation hears of me, also no Jew or Christian, and then does not believe in me, but will be of the people of Hell" [Muslim, ibn Mandah & others].
Second: This rule (that the Sunnah must always be obeyed) includes all matters of religion, let it be matters of belief, Laws, etc. Every companion was obligated to believe in all of this (matters of belief and Laws) whenever he heard a decree of the Prophet, or was informed about it by another companion. It was not permissible for any companion to reject the Hadith of the Prophet if it was an Ahad Hadith by another companion, even in matters of 'Aqidah (belief). Likewise, whoever comes after the companions, has no right to reject the Hadith using the same excuse (that it is an Ahad Hadith), as long as whoever is narrating the Hadith is truthful himself. This must be the case till Allah inherits the earth and all that is on it. This was the case during the time of the Tabi'in (the second generation of Islam) and the Mujtahid Imams (who perform Ijtihad which is trying one's best to reach a decision concerning a matter of religion, depending on the Quran and the Sunnah), as we will narrate of Imam Ash-Shaffi later on in this book.
Al-Khalaf (Later Generations) Judged the Sunnah Instead of Judging With the Sunnah
After the righteous generations, came generations that ignored the Sunnah of the Prophet and lost their grip on it. This happened because the later generations adopted rules and basics that some people of Al-Kalam (philosophers), and some scholars of Fiqh and Usul (those who establish general rules comprised of numerous minor rules) adopted. As a result of these adopted rules, the Sunnah, or at least a major part of it, was ignored and doubted. A part of the Sunnah was even rejected because this part was in opposition to the general rules that Al-Khalaf established!! The Ayah was changed: Instead of referring to the Sunnah for judgment, they did the opposite. They referred the Sunnah to their own rules and regulations for judgment!! Whenever their rules agreed, they accepted the Sunnah Otherwise, the Sunnah was rejected!! As a result, the strong ties between Muslims, from among Al-Khalaf, and the Sunnah, were severed. Muslims of Al-Khalaf have become ignorant in the Messenger, his belief, Seerah (life story), worship, fast, prayer, Hajj, Laws and his legislative decrees. If these people are asked about any of the above, their answer will be issued based on weaker even fabricated Hadiths!! Or they may answer with a Mathhab (a school of though and a way of understanding the religion according to a certain scholar). If their answer is in opposition to a correct Hadith, and if they are reminded with this fact, they do not change their decision. Nor do they accept to adhere to the truth because of some doubts that they raise, or because of their rules and regulations. We will mention some of these rules later on in this book, God willing.
This disease, that we explained above, has become widespread in the Muslim world today. It even touched the majority of religious magazines and books. Very few refer to the Quran and the Sunnah when issuing Fatwas. The majority depend on one of the four Mathaheb (schools of thought of Abu Hanifah, Malik, Ash-Shafi'i & Ahmad). Occasionally, they refer to other than these four Mathaheb for Fatwa, but only for certain interest of the Muslim nation, so they claim. To these people, the Sunnah has become a forgotten matter, unless this certain interest requires referring to the Sunnah!!
An example of this is the attitude of some of these people concerning the Hadith by ibn Abbas that, at the time of the Prophet, if one divorces his wife three times in the same time, that it was considered one divorce only. These people considered this Hadith as a long ignored Mathhab!! Later, they adopted it (because of Masla'ha [certain necessity of the Muslim nation] and not because it was the Sunnah!), but after they were fighting against it and against who calls to it!!
The Sunnah has Become a Stranger to Al-Khalaf
What proves that the Sunnah has become a stranger in this later generation is the following. one famous Islamic magazine was asked if Allah gathers animals on the Day of Judgment. Their answer was: "Imam Al-Alosi said, in his transliteration of the Quran: 'There is no Nass (text) from the Book or the Sunnah concerning this matter that we can use to confirm that other than mankind and Jinn, of animals and carnivores, will be gathered (on the Day of Judgment).'"
This was the answer to the above question! This answer is amazing, and self-evident to how people of knowledge, let alone the ignorant, ignore knowledge of the Sunnah. There are many correct Hadiths concerning this matter. They all attest that animals and carnivores will be gathered and will be judged against each other. one of these Hadiths is. "You (people) will give back each his dutiful right (on the Day of Judgment). Even the sheep that does not have a horn will be able to revenge (harm done to it by) the sheep that has a horn!" [Muslim]. (Then all animals will be made dust). As ibn Amr said, this is when the Kafir says, as mentioned in the Quran: "Woe to me! Would that I were dust. [78:40]
Rules of Al-Khalaf That They Substituted for the Sunnah
What are these rules and regulations that Al-Khalaf introduced and substituted for the Sunnah? To answer this question, we say that these rules can be summarized by the following:
First: Some scholars of Al-Kalam said that Hadith Al-Ahad is not valid in matters of'Aqeedah (matters of belief and the unseen)!! As a consequence, some Du'at (those who propagate Islam) of today repeated this rule, saying that matters of 'Aqeedah (belief) cannot, and even said that it is Haram (impermissible) to, be taken from Ahad Hadiths!!
Second: There are some Mathaheb that established some rules concerning the above matter (of Hadith Al-Ahad):
a -- They preferred Qiyas (to establish a Fatwa concerning a new matter by comparing this matter to a similar one that has a ruling in Islam) to the Ahad Hadith! [Al I'lam & Shar'h Al-Manar].
b -- Ahad Hadith is rejected if it is in opposition to (their own) established rules and regulations!! [Al-I'lam & Shar'h Al-Manar].
c -- Rejecting the Hadith that introduces a decree that adds to a rule in the Quran. They claim that since the Sunnah does not perform Naskh (replacing or overruling) over the Quran, then this Hadith must not be accepted. If we accept it, they claimed, then this will constitute a Naskh!! [Shar'h Al-Manar & Al-I'hkam].
d -- They claimed that when a general rule is opposed by a specific rule, then the specific rule is overruled. Therefore, they claimed that general rules of the Quran cannot be restricted by Ahad Hadiths [Shar'h Al-Manar & Irshad Al-Fu'hul].
e -- They accepted the way people of Al-Madinah conducted their religion as dominant over the correct Hadith!!
Third: Taqleed (following a certain Mathhab in all matters of religion) and accepting it as a Mathhab (path) and religion.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
70 MAJOR SINS.
1. Ascribing Associates To Allah, The Most High (Shirk)
2. Killing A Human Being
3. Sorcery
4. Not Performing the Prayer
5. Not Paying Zakat
6. Breaking One's Fast During Ramadan Without an Excuse
7. Not Performing the Hajj When Able to
8. Showing Disrespect to One's Parents
9. Severing the Ties of One's Relatives
10. Adultery
11. Sodomy
12. Accepting Usurious Gain
13. Wrong Consuming an Orphan's Property
14. Lying About the Prophet
15. Fleeing From the Battlefield
16. The Leader Who Misleads His Followers, the Tyrant and the Oppressor
17. Arrogance, Pride, Conceit, Vanity and Haughtiness
18. Bearing False Witness
19. Drinking Alcohol
20. Gambling (Qimar)
21. Accusing a Woman of Adultery
22. Misappropriating Spoils of War, Muslim Funds or Zakat
23. Theft
24. Highwaymen Who Menace the Road
25. The Engulfing Oath
26. Taking People's Property Through Falsehood
27. Collecting Taxes
28. The Consumption of Haram
29. Suicide
30. Telling Lies
31. The Dishonest Judge
32. Bribery
33. Women Imitating Men and Vice Versa
34. The Pimp and the One Who Permits His Wife To Fornicate
35. Marrying Solely to Return to the Previous Husband
36. Not Freeing Oneself of All Traces of Urine
37. Showing off in Good Work
38. Learning Sacred Knowledge for the Sake of this World or Concealing It
39. Breach of Faith
40. Reminding Recipients of One's Charity to Them
41. Disbelieving in Destiny
42. Listening to the People's Private Conversations
43. The Talebearer Who Stirs Up Enmity Between People
44. Cursing Others
45. Breaking One's Promise or Pledge
46. Believing Fortunetellers and Astrologers
47. A Wife's Rebellion Against Her Husband
48. Picture-making
49. Loudly Lamenting For the Dead or When Afflicted With an Adversity
50. Excess Against Others
51. Overburdening and Arrogance Against Others
52. Hurting One's Neighbor
53. Hurting or Reviling Muslims
54. Harming the Servants of Allah
55. Dragging the Hem of One's Garment Out of Conceit
56. Men Wearing Silk or Gold
57. Fleeing of the Slave
58. Slaughtering in Other Than Allah's Name
59. Falsely Claiming Someone is One's Father
60. Arguing, Picking Apart Another's Words, and Quarreling
61. Withholding Excess Water From Others
62. Stinting When Weighing or Measuring Out Goods and Similar Merchandise
63. Feeling Secure From Allah's Devising
64. Despairing of the Mercy of Allah and Losing of Hope
65. Forgoing the Congregational Prayer to Pray Alone Without A Legal Excuse
66. Constantly Missing the Friday and Congregational Prayer Without A Valid Excuse
67. Bringing Loss to the Bequest
68. Deception and Evil Schemes
69. Spying on the Muslims and Revealing Their Weaknesses
70. Disparaging the Companions of the Prophet
2. Killing A Human Being
3. Sorcery
4. Not Performing the Prayer
5. Not Paying Zakat
6. Breaking One's Fast During Ramadan Without an Excuse
7. Not Performing the Hajj When Able to
8. Showing Disrespect to One's Parents
9. Severing the Ties of One's Relatives
10. Adultery
11. Sodomy
12. Accepting Usurious Gain
13. Wrong Consuming an Orphan's Property
14. Lying About the Prophet
15. Fleeing From the Battlefield
16. The Leader Who Misleads His Followers, the Tyrant and the Oppressor
17. Arrogance, Pride, Conceit, Vanity and Haughtiness
18. Bearing False Witness
19. Drinking Alcohol
20. Gambling (Qimar)
21. Accusing a Woman of Adultery
22. Misappropriating Spoils of War, Muslim Funds or Zakat
23. Theft
24. Highwaymen Who Menace the Road
25. The Engulfing Oath
26. Taking People's Property Through Falsehood
27. Collecting Taxes
28. The Consumption of Haram
29. Suicide
30. Telling Lies
31. The Dishonest Judge
32. Bribery
33. Women Imitating Men and Vice Versa
34. The Pimp and the One Who Permits His Wife To Fornicate
35. Marrying Solely to Return to the Previous Husband
36. Not Freeing Oneself of All Traces of Urine
37. Showing off in Good Work
38. Learning Sacred Knowledge for the Sake of this World or Concealing It
39. Breach of Faith
40. Reminding Recipients of One's Charity to Them
41. Disbelieving in Destiny
42. Listening to the People's Private Conversations
43. The Talebearer Who Stirs Up Enmity Between People
44. Cursing Others
45. Breaking One's Promise or Pledge
46. Believing Fortunetellers and Astrologers
47. A Wife's Rebellion Against Her Husband
48. Picture-making
49. Loudly Lamenting For the Dead or When Afflicted With an Adversity
50. Excess Against Others
51. Overburdening and Arrogance Against Others
52. Hurting One's Neighbor
53. Hurting or Reviling Muslims
54. Harming the Servants of Allah
55. Dragging the Hem of One's Garment Out of Conceit
56. Men Wearing Silk or Gold
57. Fleeing of the Slave
58. Slaughtering in Other Than Allah's Name
59. Falsely Claiming Someone is One's Father
60. Arguing, Picking Apart Another's Words, and Quarreling
61. Withholding Excess Water From Others
62. Stinting When Weighing or Measuring Out Goods and Similar Merchandise
63. Feeling Secure From Allah's Devising
64. Despairing of the Mercy of Allah and Losing of Hope
65. Forgoing the Congregational Prayer to Pray Alone Without A Legal Excuse
66. Constantly Missing the Friday and Congregational Prayer Without A Valid Excuse
67. Bringing Loss to the Bequest
68. Deception and Evil Schemes
69. Spying on the Muslims and Revealing Their Weaknesses
70. Disparaging the Companions of the Prophet
ISLAM AND TERRORISM
MUSLIMS ARE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND TERRORISTS
Question:
Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
Answer:
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.
Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practice the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fund amentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practice the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because; I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbor misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.
5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.
6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?
Question:
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book ’Islam at the cross road’ (Page 8):
’History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.’
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India is non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, ’Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?’
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, ’Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?’
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book ’Heroes and Hero worship’, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: ’the sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.’
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
’Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error’
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
’Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious.’
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, ’People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born’
Question:
Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
Answer:
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.
Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practice the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fund amentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practice the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because; I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbor misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.
5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.
6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?
Question:
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book ’Islam at the cross road’ (Page 8):
’History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.’
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India is non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, ’Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?’
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, ’Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?’
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book ’Heroes and Hero worship’, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: ’the sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.’
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
’Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error’
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
’Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious.’
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, ’People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born’
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