A Letter from Rohingya

MYANMAR - A Letter from Rohingya

 

 

 

More than 270,000 Rohingyans, a large percentage of them women and children, have fled Myanmar in the last two weeks. [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]
 

A resident of Myanmar's Rakhine State discusses daily life and the abuses and attacks Rohingyans endure.

 

 

 

“For all my life, all 24 years of it, I've been a prisoner in this open air jail you know as Rakhine State. I was born in Myanmar, as were my parents, but my citizenship was snatched away before I was even conceived. We're facing extinction, and unless the international community stands with us, one of the most persecuted people in the world, we will face genocide and you, you will all be a party to it.

 

My movement, education, access to healthcare and career have been heavily restricted because of my ethnicity. I'm banned from working in the government, denied the right to pursue higher education, barred from visiting the capital, Yangon, and even stopped from leaving northern Rakhine State. I'm subjected to the worst form of discrimination, all because I'm a Rohingyan Muslim.

 

 

For years, my people, who have been denied their most basic rights, are killed on a near daily basis. Shot dead in plain sight, forcibly and systematically made homeless, our homes razed in front of our very eyes; we're the victims of a brutal state.

 

 

For you to fully appreciate what our conditions are like, I'm going to use an analogy: imagine a mouse stuck in a cage with a hungry cat. That's what it's like for the Rohingyans. Our only method of survival is to run, or hope someone helps us get out.

 

 

For those of us that have remained, there's a systematic campaign to separate us from the wider Rakhine community. We're called "Kalar" [a slur often used against Muslims] by Buddhists to our faces. Whether you're a child or an old man, no one escapes the abuse. We face discrimination at schools and at hospitals, and there's been a boycott campaign by Buddhists to avoid us at all costs.

 

 

"Only buy from Buddhists," they say. "If you give a penny to a Buddhist, they'll help build a Pagoda (temple), but if you give a penny to a Muslim, they'll build a mosque." These kinds of comments, they've become the norm and helped encourage Buddhist extremists to attack us.

 

 

When Aung San Suu Kyi, a Noble Peace Prize winner, won parliamentary elections in 2015 and ended half a century of dominance by the military, we had high hopes change was coming. We were confident that this woman, hailed as a beacon of democracy, would end our abuse and oppression. Sadly, it soon became clear that not only would she not be our voice, she would ignore our suffering. Her silence showed she was complicit in the violence.

 

 

In the end, she failed us; our last hope, failed us.

 

 

In 2012, a huge number of the Rohingya were slaughtered in one of the worst bouts of communal violence. Around 140,000 were internally displaced, an event that would repeat itself in 2016. Shot, slaughtered, and burned alive in front of their families, the violence last October would give rise to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a small group of men who decided to defend themselves and fight back. Armed with just sticks and stones, they knew they couldn't fend off the well-equipped Myanmar army but they tried nonetheless.

 

 

Still, now our sisters and mothers are forced to give birth in paddy fields as we run for our lives in this violence that you say is between two equal sides. It is not. Children being shot at as they flee and women's bodies floating in rivers is not an equal fight.

 

 

We're facing extinction, and unless the international community stands with us, one of the most persecuted people in the world, we will face genocide and you, you will all be a witness to it.

 

 

The author of this letter has requested anonymity due to fear of attacks from the government.

 

He spoke to Al Jazeera's Faisal Edroos. 

 

The plight of the Rohingyan Muslims has reached critical levels. Our URGENT appeal is to assist in providing aid to the refugees fleeing persecution. Kindly assist our Rohingyan brethren in their desperate hour of need. Jazakallah Khayr! 

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Deliverance for the Suffering Ummah | Palestine | Masjid-e-Aqsa

Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

During a trip to the United Kingdom, I gave a talk in a Masjid in London. In the vicinity of the Masjid, Jews predominantly reside.

In that talk, I mentioned that once, when Haaji Bhai Padia (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) was travelling by air, a Jewish Rabbi was seated next to him. In conversation, the Jewish Rabbi said to Haaji Bhai Padia (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh): “We are not afraid of the Muslims today, because Allah’s help is not with them, nor with us. Today, everything is about power: The one who has more arms and more ammunition, wins. We have more, and we are more powerful. However, when the Mosques (Masaajid) of the Muslims start filling up for the Fajr prayer as the Masjids get full for the Jumu’ah prayer, we will not be able to fight the Mu slims, because Allah’s help will be with them, and we can never overcome the one who is assisted by Allah.”

After this talk, a young man came to me and informed me that he is from India (or Pakistan). He said: “I go home once a year. Each time, on my return, my neighbour, who is Jew, asks me: ‘How many people are attending the Fajr prayer?’ …This is the question posed to me every time. Once, I asked him: ‘Why do you always ask me this same question?’ He said: ‘Today, we have no fear for the Muslims, but when their Masjids get full for the Fajr prayer as they do for Jumu’ah, we will not fight them as Allah’s help will be with them and we cannot fight Allah.

”Abdullah S’aud is a brother from South America, whose homeland is Palestine. He related that he was a little child when his family was exiled to South America. At that time, Ariel Sharon mentioned to the father of Abdullah S’aud: “You will come back; but not today and not tomorrow. You will come back when your Masjids are full for Fajr like how they are for Jumu’ah.

”We clamour and we shout and we cry, for the rise of Islam, yet we do not rise for the Fajr Salaah. Our hypocrisy becomes evident in the light of the Ahadith. There is no doubt of a person’s Nifaaq (hypocrisy) if he is absent from the Fajr and Isha Salaah, in the Masjid.Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are ‘Isha and Fajr, but if they only knew what they contain, they would come even if they had to crawl.

”[1]Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “A person who does not go for Salaah after hearing the Azaan is committing a great wrong and is doing an act of Kufr (disbelief) and Nifaaq (hypocrisy).

”[2]Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (Radhiyallahu ‘an hu) had said: “If you neglect the Sunnah, you will go astray. Verily, I have seen a time when no one stayed away from the congregational prayers except for the hypocrites who were well known for their hypocrisy or a sick man. I remember that a man would be brought leaning on two men and put in the Saff (row) to attain its reward and escape the sins of missing it.”

[3]If the entire Ummah performed Salaah - established Salaah - the entire Ummah would be in the protection of Allah Ta’ala, the One who is Al-Mighty and All-Powerful. No power on the surface of the earth will be able to overcome or defeat a people in the special protection of Allah Ta’ala.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
“Whoever prays the dawn prayer (Fajr), then He is under Allah’s protection. So beware, O son of Aadam, that Allah does not call you to account for being absent from His protection for any reason.

”[4]Boy cotting, sanctioning and marching may find a place in bringing attention to injustice and crippling an economy but they do not draw the assistance of Allah Ta’ala. The assistance of Allah Ta’ala comes only with obedience to Allah Ta’ala and with conforming to the Sunnah. Muslims, today, see some kind of solution in marching and boycotting – but sadly, do not see the solution where it is: In practically implementing the teachings of the Qur’aan and Sunnah.We will only overcome the forces of Zionism and the enemies of Islam taking the route of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).Our condition is that Salaah is neglected; the beautiful Sunnah is disregarded - there is no care and no concern to identify ourselves with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam), by adopting the Sunnah Libaas (dress/garb), maintaining the beard one fist length and following in his noble footsteps. ...The majority do not wa nt to give up the song and dance, the interest and gambling, the western culture or the Hollywood/Bollywood culture, and all other sins. ...Then how will we invite Allah Ta’ala’s Nusrah[5], in this manner?Allah Ta'ala has His conditions. These will have to be met first, before we can overcome our enemies. Allah Ta’ala clearly defines His conditions and His promises:

“Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and perform righteous deeds, that He will, of surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them… So establish Salaah (Prayer) and give regular Charity (Zakaah); and obey the Messenger that you may receive mercy. ”
[Surah Nur 24 : 55 / 56]The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were able to overcome the super powers of their time because they were living Islam. The keys of Masjid-e-Aqsa were willingly handed over to Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the Ameerul Mu’mineen, whose reign as the Khalifa saw the establishment of justice on the face of the earth. This justice was through the implementation of the Qur’aan Sharief and Sunnah and standing firm and resolute on its teachings.Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), himself, said: “We are a people whom Allah Ta’ala elevated with Islam.” – i.e. true and sincere submission to Allah Ta’ala.

We talk about Masjid-e-Aqsa and the violation and desecration of Masjid-e-Aqsa by the Israeli Zionist forces. However, the condition of Masjid-e-Aqsa is only a reflection of the condition of the Ummah at large.
Sheikh ‘Ali Abbaasi, the Imam of Masjid-e-Aqsa, had asked Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhum), the principal of Madrasah Taleemuddeen, about the sad and distressing condition of Palestine and asked why there is no support from the Muslim countries.
Hadhrat Mufti Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) expla ined that he had read in the Tafsier of Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) that Allah Ta’ala has different systems for Masjidul Haraam in Makkatul Mukarramah and for Masjidul Aqsa.
Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had explained in his Tafsier that Masjidul Haraam is continuously under the protection of Allah Ta’ala. The Kuffaar will not be able to gain control of Baitullah, and the condition of the Muslim Ummah does not affect this protection. This protection has no interruption.

The condition of Masjid-e-Aqsa is centred and based on the condition of the Muslim Ummah. If the Ummah is obedient to Allah Ta’ala, then Masjid-e-Aqsa would be in their full control. If the Ummah is in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala, then the Muslim Ummah loses control of Masjid-e-Aqsa and the land of Palestine. Control is handed over to our enemies.This is what we see today. A great majority of the Mus lim Ummah are heedless of the Commandments of Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu; even engaging recklessly in sins.

We raise our voices against the Israeli Zionist forces who desecrate our beloved Masjid-e-Aqsa; we march against the injustice, we wave the Palestinian flag everywhere, and we wear its colours in some way or the other - all in solidarity. ...However, if we are not performing Salaah and if, in our lives, there is disobedience to Allah Ta'ala, then let us understand the very, very sad reality: We are instrumental in the desecration and violation of Masjid-e-Aqsa and the oppression of the Palestinian people. Then our role is not constructive; rather it is destructive - because we are a contributing factor to the Israelis having control of Masjid-e-Aqsa. Imam Maalik (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) had said so aptly, in his time: "The last generations of the Ummah can only be reformed by that which reformed its first generations. What was not part of the religion then, cannot b ecome part of the religion now."The first step is establishing Salaah in our lives and working towards bringing the whole of Islam into our lives, practically. If we really want to solve our problems, this is the only way.May Allah Ta’ala forgive us, have mercy upon us, guide us, and grant us the understanding and the Taufeeq of becoming practical on dien. آمين

Israel to vote on partitioning Al-Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews

As Muslims are entangled in their local problems, Israel is silently working on its plans.

Are you ready for this?

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Israel to vote on partitioning Al-Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews

 

It is important to note that both Rabbinical and Israeli law currently bans Jews from prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque because of the sanctity of the site for the Jewish religion [picture: Dome of the Al-Aqsa Mosque]

An Arab Knesset member has revealed that there will be a vote in the next month on a law drafted by an Israeli committee regarding the partition of Al-Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews.

Arab MK Masoud Ghanayim was quoted on Monday by Palestinian newspaper Felesteen as saying that "the draft law, which has been prepared by the interior parliamentary committee in the Knesset, stipulates that Jews can perform prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque."

He continued: "This is based on a proposal that gives Muslims and Jews equal rights in their access and use of the holy site. It also specifies certain locations where Jews can perform their prayers."

It is important to note that both Rabbinical and Israeli law currently bans Jews from prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque because of the sanctity of the site for the Jewish religion. Most Jews who lobby to pray there are illegal settlers with a right wing agenda.

The Old City in Jerusalem where Al-Aqsa is located is internationally recognised as occupied land. The Israeli occupation authorities frequently prevent Muslims from praying there.

According to Ghanayim, the same draft law also bans organising civil protests and demonstrations in Al-Aqsa compound, and sets out punishment for any violations.

Ghanayim said that putting such a law for any vote is a "flagrant aggression on the religious rights of Muslims around the world." He also called it part of the Judaisation plan for the city of Jerusalem.

Commenting on the basis of this law, Ghanayim said it "is solely based on a legitimacy built on historical and religious myths bolstered with the power of the oppressive occupation."

He stressed that Al-Aqsa Mosque is part of the Islamic and Arabic world and cannot be partitioned at any time or place. He reiterated: "It is part of Arab and Palestinian lands, which is occupied by the Zionists and the [illegal] occupation does not have the right to impose its laws."

At the same time, he insisted that the Israeli government is behind all the attempts by the extremist right wing settlers to extend Israeli sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque and warned that the Israeli government would pay the price for this aggression on the rights of Arabs and Muslims.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/14775-israel-to-vote-on-partitioning-al-aqsa-mosque-between-muslims-and-jews

#ReleaseMoazzamBegg

The Muslim Lawyers Association has organized a picket calling for the
release of former Guantánamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg.
The picket is expected to take place on Jan Smuts Avenue in Sandton, North
of Johannesburg.

Begg has been remanded in custody after appearing in court in London
charged with terror offences related to Syria.When he appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court he denied the charges of providing terrorist training and of funding terrorism overseas.
Begg is due back in court on 14 March.

The latest planned action in South African comes as lawyers world-wide have
called for his release. A statement of support for Begg has been signed by around 60 prominent UK
and US lawyers, academics and human rights group leaders, asking the police to be vigilant over his treatment, given his experiences at Guantánamo Bay, where he was held for nearly three years.
He was never charged with any offence and returned to the UK in 2005. The Muslim Lawyers Association said they are calling for Begg’s release “in the name of justice”.

A strong social media campaign has been launched to force his release.
Social media users have used the hashtag; #ReleaseMoazzam to express their
anger at his imprisonment.

««««««« Why Don’t You Have A Boyfriend ?»»»»»»»

««««««« Why Don’t You Have A Boyfriend ?»»»»»»»


She replied with confidence : you tell me : why would I have a bf ?!
I guess you have no answer for my question, but I have answers for yours :
First, I am a believer, I can’t do what displease my Creator, HE ordered me not to to take a bf so I should obey HIM.

Allah says in Qur’an: “nor those who take [secret] lovers. “(surat Al-Nisa-25)
Second, I am a daughter of a man who raised me to be a chaste woman, I am a sister of a man who is proud of my purity, so I don’t want to disappoint them, and most of all I don’t want to disappoint a third man who is my future husband and the father of my children in shaa Allah, because I am preserving myself to him only
My mom raised me to be a righteous woman so that I deserve a righteous man she never raised me to be a toy in any boy’s hand, but she raised me to complete the Deen of a pious man.
Also, I am not an easy girl who would be impressed with sweet love words, but I am a proud Muslimah who is just like a pearl in its shell no one can touch it but a brave man who would value it and cherish its beauty…

Dear Muslimahs…Know your worth! and Be that One In Million who love to have the love of Their Lord than the love of a boyfriend!!!
..
★ [ DON,T FORGET TO SHARE ] ★

Raising Muslim Kids in the West

   I want to write about a topic very close to my heart and maybe some of you could share your feelings and your approaches to parenting. Being in a western country can be so full of freedom and opportunity but can come with pitfalls as well. I want my children to be Muslims and to be proud of their heritage and strong in their beliefs. I also want them to be well rounded and to be a part of the wider community that they live in as well. I want them to understand what is great about their religion but respect others with different beliefs. I guess I want what most parents want. I want my kids to be among the righteous creations of Allah. I want them to be successful and to be happy and to be good, kind people who Allah will love.

   It can be tricky to decide how to approach all of these things. If you live in a place where few other people wear hijab how do you introduce it to your daughters as something required of us as well as something that is for our benefit and as something beautiful and normal? It feels like a tough balancing act. I don't want to segregate my family from other people around us so much. My approach has been to educate my kids about their religion and heritage as much as I can at home and to be as much apart of their school life as I can be as well. I try to volunteer at the school  often as well as attending as many school events as I can. I think it helps knowing some of the other mothers as well as knowing many of the students. Plus, it helps because if I know some of the parents and children I have more opportunity to explain some of the things my kids don't do or take part in. It leaves less chance for people thinking you are rude or strange just because they don't understand your religion ;).  I like to think that it helps for other students to get used to seeing us and seeing a woman in hijab or muslims as something normal and hopefully as nice people. Other people have been so amazingly nice . . . I guess that is the way it should be but I know it isn't always the way it is unfortunately. The scariest thing in the world is those teenage years that I know can be unpredictable. InshaAllah we will be able to instill a love of the beauty and truth in Islam in our children and it will be something they can run to rather than rebel from. I like to stress choice over duty. I understand that we have obligations in Islam. What I mean is that I like to put emphasis on how my obligations benefit me. I choose Islam because it is the best life. It is a blessing in my life and not a burden.

    How do you approach these issues? Do any of you think it is difficult raising a Muslim family in the west? Do any of you think it offers a unique opportunity to flower in your beliefs? I guess like anywhere else we have fears and dangers as well as beautiful opportunities and promise

With a Heavy Heart

As Salaamu Alaikum, 18 years down the line and democracy fully supported, sadness overcame as I write this post and reflect... We tell each other and the world (and those that will listen) racisism is over...I ask is it really over? Gone and forgotten...? Last night I heard about the Muslim youth who past away whilst defendng his Suunah beard. Read More about the story here http://www.ciibroadcasting.com/2012/08/07/muslim-man-dead-after-defending-the-sunnah-beard/ Oh allah grant us safety fom the Kufr and those that do not know, Aameen

Request for Dua'as

As-Salaamu-Alaikum

Please remember our brothers and sisters of Burma in your Dua'as.

To read more about their plight ---> clink on the below link.

http://www.columnpk.com/muslim-massacre-in-myanmar-dr-asjad-bokhari/

Who’s to say we can’t do the same!

Who’s to say we can’t do the same! The blessed Sahabiyaat witnessed such an era where in a father used to bury alive his baby daughter, women were humiliated and then made to drink wine from their murdered father’s skull. Brother spilt the blood of his brother, and men performed nikah with his own step mother. It is from this cruelty and ignorance that these blessed sahabiyaat were produced. By taking benefit from the teachings of Rasulullah salallahu alaihi wasalam they soon became the Rafeeq-e-hayaat (life companions) of their husbands, and the Queens of their households!We were born as Muslims and we live as Muslims Alhamdulillah, so who is to say that it is too hard for us to follow such role models today! If Hazrat Aisha (radhiallahu anha) spent her life, her knowledge and her belongings for the benefit of the people then who is to say that we cannot do the very same today? If Hazrat Fatima bint Khattab (radhiallahu anha) was the means of reforming Hazrat Umar (radhiallahu anhu) from one of the biggest enemies of Islam to the 2nd greatest Sahaaba in time, Khalifa-e Rasool and Commander of the believers then who is to say that we too as women cannot help bring people towards this perfect Deen. Sisters remember “Man kaana lillah kaanallahu lahu” Become your Lords and Allah azza wajal will readily become yours. Put the passion of the serving the Deen in your hearts. Love Allah and his Rasool like you’ve loved none before and become the guiding stars of the Ummah. For the Ummah today is in great need, and if anyone is going to help change its state, my dearest mothers and sisters then it is you and I, the womenfolk of Islam. You see, a woman who lives her life in the light of the Quran and Sunnah will have more contentment and peace of heart than any other women in the world. If this woman then reciprocates her guidance and wisdom, her light of knowledge and deeds of piety onto her children and onto the members of her household and community then imagine, just imagine how many great generations she can produce to be the flag bearers of Islam, and how many societies she can be a means of reforming! Let us begin by asking Allah to help us imitate such beautiful women and follow their remarkable ways. Who knows how far our small intentions and heartfelt prayers can take us!

Life

Know that your provision was written for you before you were even born:

Allaah had sent an angel to write down your provision for you when you were just a few days old in your mothers womb, and you will get it, no matter what.
"(the angel) says, ‘O Lord, male or female? Doomed or blessed? What is his provision? What is his lifespan?’ And that is written in his mother’s womb.” (Bukhaari)

There is nothing that can take your provision away. And you will not die until you have had your full provision. The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) said:

“Jibreel (AS) has inspired to me that no soul will die until it has completed its appointed term and received its provision in full, so fear Allaah and do not be desperate in seeking provision, and no one of you should be tempted to seek provision by means of committing sin if it is slow in coming to him, for that which is with Allaah can only be attained by obeying Him.” (Saheeh al-Jaami, 2085)

Next Time YOU Complain about ANYTHING in life..Have a Look at this Picture...

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"O God, grant me life as a poor man, cause me to die as a poor man and resurrect me in the company of the poor.." His wife asked him why he said that, and he replied: "Because (the poor) will enter Paradise (before) the rich. Do not turn away a poor man...even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you..God will bring you near Him on the Day of Ressurrection."

Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376.

Have a very good stare at the above picture. Immediate observations are:

1. The wood sticks from which the house is made.

2. The old clothes and plastic bags which are put around the man made house to give privacy to these people

3. The children don’t have shoes

4. Its only one room in some camp. Just one room.

5. No electricity supply or gas supply

6. No running tap in this ‘house’

7. No carpet or fancy flooring

8. How do they sleep? What do they sleep on?

9. No fridge or freezer

10. Finally. ‘Patience and Acceptance’ They are used to this life, they hardly moan. For them, anything they get, they accept without a moan. Look at the state of kids nowadays, if they don’t get anything, into an immediate mood swing or parents are just over spoiling the kids due to their demands.

SABC documentary to focus on “South African Muslim Identity”

A documentary to be screened as part of SABC2′s ‘Issues of Faith’ series on Sunday, November 20th at 09h00, will investigate the changing face of Muslim identity within the South African landscape.

Written and directed by freelance journalist Fatima Asmal-Motala and producer Shaffee Shaik of New Wave Productions, ‘Muslim Identity’ investigates the impact of globalisation on young Muslims who are becoming increasingly exposed to a diversity of interpretations of Islam primarily due to the advent of technology.

‘Traditionally many Muslims, particularly those living in KZN and Gauteng, have been heavily influenced by Indo-Pak interpretations of Islam,’ says Asmal-Motala.

‘This is fast changing in a post-apartheid context, with many of them searching for a more contexualised interpretation.’

The documentary looks at how young Muslims view their identities and investigates several related issues including: Muslim bloggers, the increased participation of women in hijab in the public sphere, creative expression of identity and challenges faced by White and Black Muslims.

‘These issues are unpacked in the form of interviews with several well known South African personalities like Zain Bhikha, the author Shubnum Khan, women’s rights activist Quraysha Sooliman, blogger MJ Khan and several others,’ says Shaik.

The interviews are interspersed with scholarly perspectives from European intellectuals Tariq Ramadan and Anas Altikriti, as well as local Imam, Hafiz Fuzail Soofie.

‘Muslim Identity’ will be screened on SABC 2 at 9am on Sunday, November

Hajj: A Celebration of Peace

More than two million people surround me. We all have one common goal, one purpose for being here together. I do not stand out from anyone else. There are no signs of wealth or greatness upon me. No Rolex watch or Nike shoes to mark me as a rich person. I am one person alone, in a sea of humanity.The people around me are young and old, male and female, rich and poor. We represent humankind in our diversity, yet we are united. We are an embodiment of unity in diversity. Where am I? I'm at hajj.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims declare that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger. They pray, they fast, they pay obligatory charity, and they go to hajj. Hajj is a pilgrimage to the city of Makah in Saudi Arabia.

People make this journey prepared to stand at the House of God, the Kabah, and affirm their love for God and His religion of Islam.

(And proclaim to humankind the hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform hajj)) (Al-Hajj 22:27)

Hajj commemorates Prophet Abraham, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail (Ishmael), and the sacrifices and hardships they endured to establish the city of Makkah and the house of God.

More than two million Muslims stand in one place, wearing the same simple clothing, following the same rituals, and saying the same words. They are united in their devotion to God. The black man stands next to the white man, and they call on God with one voice. The king stands beside the pauper, and they declare their submission to the will of God using the same words.

Muslims from every corner of the globe are united in their submission to the will of God. They cry out as if with one voice, "Here I am O God, here I am at your service, and You have no partner. Here I am. All praise, grace, and dominion belong to you. You have no partner."

This supplication is said repeatedly by the pilgrims. It is their answer to God's call for the Muslims to perform Hajj. These words are repeated with joy and reverence by all, regardless of status or class.

Islam is the religion of unity. Repeatedly throughout the Quran, God reminds the believers that they must remain united and seek strength through unity. Hajj epitomizes this unity. People from every race and color come together in submission to the will of God.

Muslims are one brotherhood and they come together with a sense of purpose and a desire for peace.

(The believers are nothing else but brothers (in Islam). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear God, that you may receive mercy.) (Al Hujurat, 39:10)

(And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of God (this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember God's favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islam), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus God makes His signs clear to you, that you may be guided) (Aal `Imran 3:103)

Muslims at hajj are one people, they are a soothing sea of humanity, gathered together to worship One God. Muslims turn their faces in one direction and submit to the will of God. They are united by their love of God, and united in their diversity.

Future memories

It’s Saturday night, and the people have gathered. The lights go out. A hush descends as the crowd becomes quiet. The screen begins displaying its image. A man appears. He speaks. He tells of a group of people who will have lived their lives for a period, enjoying life – doing as they pleased. These people received certain information and requests – warnings that their life choices were dangerous. But they rejected these warnings – thinking they knew better. Thinking they were entitled to continue engaging in the lifestyles that they were enjoying, and that no consequences would harm them if they continued. But then their lives will come to an end. Death approaches them, and they see a different reality. The curtain is lifted from their eyes. The truth smacks them like a sledgehammer. They finally realize the truth: the messages that came to them were true. The messengers that warned them were not liars, or gullible fools hanging onto a fantasy – a make-believe idea that had no bearing in the real world. The world they existed in – where freedom and unlimited fun reigned – was an illusion. And the world they’re now facing is real. Real; troubling; and never-ending. They beg for more time. They ask to be sent back. Now that they know the truth, if they have another chance, they’d do it all differently. They’d accept the messages. They’d believe the messengers. They’d live in the way they were asked to. Or so they believe. But if they were sent back, they would do the same thing again. Nothing would be different. And they will be forced to remain in this state of regret until the Day of Resurrection – when they will be called to account for that which they used to do, and will have to deal with the consequences thereof. You’re probably wondering what this scene describes. What movie was this? And when did this happen? This was no cinema. And this was no movie. This was the scene in a masjid –Zeenatul Islam, District Six, Cape Town – one Saturday night this month. It was in the basement level, after the taraweeh prayers were concluded for that night. The speaker – the man who described this series of events – was Mufti Ismail Menk, who is visiting from Zimbabwe. The events he described was a snippet from the Quran – and the intro to his lecture for the night. Down in the basement level, they put up TV screens so that the people downstairs can see the speaker on the main level, as he delivers his talk. This particular narrative – about the regretful people who will want to go back – is based on Surah Mu’minoon (The Believers: Quran – surah 23 – verses 99 and 100). It describes those who, in worship, join partners with Almighty Allah (i.e. the idolaters / pagans). And when their (worldly) lives are about to end, they finally see the truth and wish they could have another chance. (Full tafseer here.) It could also describe those who have been negligent as regards the commands of Allah (Tafseer Ibn Kathir). In either case, we would do well to safeguard ourselves against the company of such people, lest we become of them – since the people we surround ourselves with can play a huge role in our beliefs and choice of lifestyle. And – even without friends like these – we would do well to guard our own selves so that we never slip into those categories; because we’re not immune – we never know where our wrong choices in life could lead us. I began with this story because it came on a night that was very memorable. Memorable not because it was extra-ordinary in its events, but because of the epiphany that struck me during the evening. This Ramadan, Cape Town has been blessed once more to have the visit of the always-inspiring Mufti Ismail Menk, And my habit this month has been – on Saturday nights – to go to the taraweeh prayers he’s leading. So on this particular night, I took a break during the salaah and looked around, and just took in the atmosphere. All these people standing, so dedicated, in long night prayer – with the Quran being recited so beautifully by one of the world’s greatest (for me, at least) Islamic personalities – and all this in the blessed month of the ummah. I had one of those flash-forward moments: where you just appreciate the present. Something about it just strikes you deeply. You imagine that – in the future – you’re going to look back on this moment, on this period of your life, with fondness. And for those few moments that I pondered this – those moments that this atmosphere hit me – it was just awesome. How special a time this is. How blessed. How amazing. This experience – taraweehs with Mufti Menk – stand out for me in this month. In that downstairs level, when the talk starts, it’s like this huge sleepover. They put the lights off, the TV screens come on, and everyone gathers together to watch. It’s like a cinema – and it’s a Saturday night, which makes it even more similar to that experience. But in this case, it’s actually virtuous to be in this gathering. This isn’t some Hollywood movie – designed for our entertainment. How amazing that all these people are gathered here – on a Saturday night – to watch something ‘religious’. Everyone so eager to take in the lessons and wisdom about to be imparted, by Allah’s mercy and permission, from this tremendously-loved speaker – a caller to goodness. The theme for this series of talks this month is the stories of the Prophets (peace be upon them all). And what amazing stories they are – so full of wisdom and lessons for all of humanity – whether we call ourselves Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, or even atheist. Humans naturally incline towards stories – and these are the stories of the best people to ever walk the Earth: the messengers and prophets – chosen by God – to convey a simple message to humanity. The same message throughout the ages: your Creator is ONE, and you should worship Him alone. And because this series draws directly from the Quran – which we believe is the pure, un-altered word of God – as Muslims we know these stories are 100% true; free of the fabrications that were introduced in other scriptures that have been corrupted. Another event that night was while I waited outside to go home. A Somalian brother stopped by to speak to me – saying how tired he was in taraweeh – almost falling asleep, but pushing himself to go on. He’d slept only 2 hours the night before. And he said how inspirational he found Mufti Menk to be – how balanced a speaker he is: not too liberal, not too conservative; but balanced. And, clearly inspired, he spoke of how the change of the world starts with us: if we live right, and teach our children right, they’ll be better than us; and in two or three generations, they can change this world. Bring it back to its senses. It was such a random encounter – he spoke to me as if he knew me well; but I didn’t know him at all. It was a bond – brotherhood in Islam. That’s what made it so easy – so comfortable a conversation. And before long, he was gone. A seemingly-random experience – but one, I suspect, that was meant to teach me something. Ramadan is usually a special month for me – but this one is standing out even more. I know it and feel it. Like Ramadan 2007 – when I was on the verge of a life-changing milestone in life. That was such a special month – and one I look back on fondly. And this one – this month –feels like it’s going to be the same in terms of nostalgia. I have been largely restricted in terms of the spiritual depth I would otherwise want to pursue, but even despite that, this month has an air to it that is definitely exceptional. In future years, insha-Allah, I’ll look back and remember how beautiful this was. These are future memories in the making, and I’m extremely grateful to be living through these experiences. But to make this post interactive, I ask you – the reader: How’s your month been so far? And have you had any of these “future memory” moments in Ramadans past or present?

SA Muslims Targeted

From:

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URGENT! SA MUSLIMS TARGETED

The MEDIA REVIEW NETWORK wishes to alert the Muslim community of a concerted effort to tarnish the entire ummah of being complicit in a plot to plant "bombs" in our country.

Certain media have quoted "experts in Islam militancy" stating that "there will definitely be a bombing campaign...."

The prime culprit is Prof Hussein Solomon, former head of Centre for International Political Studies (CIPS) at the University of Pretoria, and now director of the mysterious and so-called think tank, “The International Institute of Islamic Studies.”

Prof. Solomon has, for many years, been beating the drumbeat of "Islamic militancy” posing a danger to democracy in South Africa. In September 2007, he addressed a conference in Israel in the company of known anti Muslim bigots, including Steven Emerson and Daniel Pipes. Incidentally, Edward Said, one of the world’s leading authorities on the Middle East, dismisses Daniel Pipes as “a perfervid anti-Muslim whose main characteristic is that as Orientals he ‘knows’ Islam for the appallingly dreadful thing that it is”. In analysing Emerson’s documentary: “Jihad in America”, Said says of the film: “……..the purport of the film is to agitate against Islam as a sinister breeder of cruel, insensitive killers, plotters and lustfully violent men”.

The following are some of the rash and irresponsible statements Prof. Solomon made at the Conference:

• “…. you have various Muslim organisations, mosques, madressahs and Muslim Media …….psychologically preparing Muslims for terrorism, martyrdom operations.”
• “ There is this fact that military training is occurring in Muslim high schools.”
• “………….you find hundreds of South African Muslims going off to Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia for Islamic Instruction. They come back and occupy very powerful positions in terms of influencing young kids at Madressahs.”

Solomon was challenged on a number of occasions by the Media Review Network (MRN) in the media. He also faces charges for some of the statements above.

The MRN would also like to alert the Muslims of South Africa about the distinct possibility of local and foreign nationals working as undercover agents, under the guise of promoting Islam in various capacities.

This could be in the form of doing, for example, humanitarian work in Gaza; or providing the media an analysis on the crimes against Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq; or visiting Islamic sites in the Middle East; or of promoting education for the destitute.

It is incumbent upon the Muslims to enquire from the credible and legitimate organisations in the forefront of the struggle against the enemies of Muslims, as to the devious claims of the so-called "experts".

Many of these unscrupulous villains are sophisticated, smooth-talking and articulate Muslims comfortably dining with their American and Zionist hosts, whilst possibly serving their own interests.

The ummah cannot remain inactive and silent in the face of dangerous, unsubstantiated allegations, allowing Solomon and his ilk to taint the entire SA Muslim community as sympathizers of "terrorists."

We urge the ummah to pressurise their leaders in the different areas to meet with the politically influential and demand that these allegations, unfounded as they are, be substantiated.

Dr. Firoz Osman

Secretary-General,

Media Review Network

Cell: 082 337 6976

E-mail: fhosman@iafrica.com

Rights of Relatives

A Muslim is required to maintain a good relationship with his relatives. In Islamic terms, 'Silah-Rahimi' is used to denote 'good treatment towards the relatives'.

In the Qur'an Allah tells us:

"Give your relatives their due…" (17:26)

"Allah commands justice, kindness and giving to near relatives…." (16:90)

"…And show kindness to your parents and to near relatives…" (4:36)

The sayings of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] are replete with virtues of joining the ties of relations and helping relatives We are encouraged to visit our relatives, inquire about their circumstance, spend on them, give them sadaqa (voluntary charity) if they are poor,assist them in any reasonable way and the most important is to show love and affection to them.

In the Quraan, where the Muslims are enjoined to show kindness to parents, they are also required to treat other relatives with love and sympathy and to pay due regard to their rights as well.

The foremost claim on a person is that of his mother, then of his father, and then grade by grade, of the other relatives. Therefore through relationship, the relatives' rights come after that of the parents.

Allah has declared, "I am Allah, I am Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), I have created the bond of kinship and named it Rahim,-which I have derived from the root of my name of Rahman. Thus, whoever, shall join it (ie. Rahim), I shall join him, and whoever will break it, I shall break him."

The Almighty has designed the system of birth in such a way, that whoever is born, is tied to the bonds of kinship-and these bonds carry certain claims and rights. Thus, whoever fufills these claims, by being kind to his relatives and treating them well, Allah will "join him" i.e. He will make him His own and bestow His favour and mercy on him. And whosoever will violate these claims, Allah will "break him" i.e. He will have nothing to do with him.

Fulfilling the Rights of Relatives

It is related by Anas (R.A.) that the Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said "Whoever wants an increase in his sustenance and that the marks of his feet remain for a long time in the world (i.e. to live long) - he should be kind and helpful to his relatives."

Family quarrels, which generally arise from the disregard of the relatives' rights, affect a persons health and causes friction in homes and in the community at large. Those who treat their relatives well and are helpful to them, are free from tensions and they are happier and more peaceful.

Violation of Relatives' Rights

The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has said "Whoever violates the rights of relatives, shall not go to Paradise."

It shows that the violation of the relatives' rights is so detested by Allah, that with its filthiness, no one can enter Paradise. It is only when a person (believer) has received his punishment or has been forgiven, that the gates of Paradise will be opened for him.

Showing Kindness to Those Who Severe Relations

Often,there are people who care little for the bonds of relationship and are rude and unjust in this respect. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has enjoined to continue to treat them well and fufil the obligations, irrespective of what they do and how they behave.

Abdullah ibn Umar(R.A.) relates from the Prophet (S.A.W.), "He does not fulfill the claim of Silah-Rahimi[one who keeps the ties of relations] who shows no kindness in return for the kindness shown to him. The person who really fulfills the claim is he who treats his relatives well even when they are mean and unjust to him.”

A man asked: O Messenger of Allaah[pbuh], I have relatives with whom I maintain ties of relations, yet they cut-off from me. I treat them kindly, yet they treat me in an evil manner. And I am forbearing and patient with them, yet they behave rudely and ignorantly towards me. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
"If the situation is as you say, then it is as if you are filling their mouths with sand. And Allaah will continue to aid and support you as long as you continue doing what you are doing."

When the violation of the rights of relatives is returned in a similar manner, the evil will spread in the society -But if it is returned with kindness, it may lead to their correction and it will assist in the promotion of Silah-Rahimi, in the life of the community.

As we know, Islam enjoins us not only to be good to those who are good to us, but also to be good to those who are not good to us. This shows exemplary moral character according to the standard of Islam.

And the most important aspect of fulfilling the rights of relatives….It is a means to Allah’s happiness!!!!!!!!!!

Some practical Tips to Promote Family Relations:

• Visit them often- don’t wait for “occasions” e.g. deaths, marriages etc
• Invite them home
• Always show love even if your relatives do not do the same.
• Always make dua [pray] for them
• Give them gifts- Spend on them according to your means.
• Help them in need and sympathise with them on sad occasions
• Share happy moments and occasions with them
• Avoid backbiting- It’s the main cause of friction
• Always talk positively about them and don’t look down upon them
• Occasionally give them a call to enquire about their welfare
• Don’t compete with them in material pursuits.
• Always be a well-wisher of your Relatives
• Plan ways to improve and strengthen relations.