Life Has No Second Innings

 In a world enveloped in entertainment, games and social media, people have become paralyzed and transfixed to their television screens and handheld gadgets, closely following the progress of players and teams as if their very existence depended on the result. The present craze “The Cricket World Cup”.

Has it ever occurred to you that the game of cricket can be compared to our lives in this temporary abode?

In Cricket, the batsman does his utmost to protect his stumps from the bowler’s delivery. Whether the ball that he has to face is an in-swinger, an out-swinger, a bouncer, a full toss or a creeper, the batsman has to adjust his strokes and maneuvers accordingly. Armed with his bat he has to strike the ball in such a manner so as to accumulate runs without being caught by any of the fielders.

In a similar manner, in real life, it is imperative for us to do whatever we can to safeguard our Imaan, from the attack of bowler Shaitaan, who has promised that he will muster his forces and concentrate his efforts in bowling down our Imaan. The Quran bears testimony to this, “Then I will approach from before them, from behind them, from their right and from their left.” (Surah 7 Verse 17)

In Cricket the bowler varies his pace, length and delivery in order to outsmart the batsman. Bowler Shaitaan does the same. Let’s take a look at a typical over.

1. Ball number one may come in the form of making you neglect your Salaah
2. Ball number two may be instigation towards becoming vulgar and abusive
3. Ball number three may be a suggestion to cheat and be fraudulent
4. Ball number four may be an impulse to disobey ones parents
5. Ball number five may be a temptation towards immorality
6. Ball number six may be a real googly or doosra - just when you feel you are treading the right path, Shaitaan catches you  inspiring you with pride and contempt for those you perceive as being less pious.  

The true Muslim needs to deflect and strike Shaitaan with the bat of Islam. Like a true professional you need to be alert and quick on your feet. Don’t get caught on the back foot.

Just like the World Cup, man is playing a match of limited overs. You just don’t know how many overs you are going to last. Will you see the innings through or will you be run out, resulting in a departure earlier than expected. In a similar manner some of us are destined to leave this world through ill-health, some through accidents and others through fatal shootings, resulting in a departure earlier than we expect.

The only runs that count are those that you make during the game. When the batsman returns to the pavilion after being given out he reflects and contemplates on how he should have played. After death, when man sees the reality of the Aakhirah his plight is the same. He reflects on how he should have lived his life. He will beg Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) for a second chance, pleading, “O my Lord! Send me back that I may do a (single) good deed.” (Surah 23 Verse 98-99)

During the game the batsmen is safe only when he is positioned within his crease. So too is a Muslim when he is positioned within the Shari’ah, within the boundaries demarcated by Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) and His Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Stump microphones picking up the faintest of sounds and digital technology tracking the slightest of touches is a sure reminder that every word we utter and every move we make is captured.

How often have we left the safety of the crease, the protection of the Shari’ah, and indulged in sin. What would our position be if Malakul Maut (Angel of Death) were to remove our soul at a place we would rather not be with company we would rather not be seen with?

Just as a single catch could cost a match and a single strike could mean the difference between victory and defeat, a single act of kindness and a single urge to succumb to the will of Shaitaan may determine eternal success or eternal doom.

Remember the game of life has no second innings!!!!

by Moulana Imran Khamissa

In the year 2119…

In the year 2119, in just 100 years from now, every single reader of this piece will be underground, our bodies having become part of the soil. During that time, our fate with respect to paradise or hell would have been made known to us.

Meanwhile above the soil, our houses that were left behind would have become homes for others, our clothes would have become garments for others, our cars will be driven by others, and as for us, we will be – for the most part – never thought about by anyone again. How often do you think about your great grandfather? How often does your great grandmother cross your mind?

Our presence here on earth today, that presence that we make so much noise about and shed so many tears for, was preceded by countless generations before us and shall be followed by countless generations after us. Every generation that passes through this world barely finds the time to take a glance at Dunyah before needing to bid it farewell and handing over the baton, having not fulfilled even a fraction of ones ambitions. Our lives are, in reality, far shorter than we imagine.

In 2119, every one of us will realize from within the grave just how worthless this world actually was, and how trivial those dreams were that centered on it.


We will be wishing that we had dedicated our lives to the great matters, the matters of Islam, and had devoted ourselves to collecting good deeds, particularly those that continue to benefit us after our death.


Many of us reading this piece will be screaming out, but in vain:

رَبِّ ارْجِعُونِ * لَعَلِّي أَعْمَلُ صَالِحًا فِيمَا تَرَكْتُ

“My Lord return me! So that I may do good in that which I have left behind.


The response to this request, however, shall be harsh:

كَلَّا إِنَّهَا كَلِمَةٌ هُوَ قَائِلُهَا وَمِنْ وَرَائِهِمْ بَرْزَخٌ إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ

“No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is now a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.”


Many of us will be biting our hands in regret, saying:

يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي قَدَّمْتُ لِحَيَاتِي

“I wish that I had prepared for my life.”


The angel of death will not wait until you and I become righteous.


Let us pursue the path of righteous, then welcome Malikal Maut - Angel of Death.


May Allah change lives through us all, Aameen

Khabbab Ibn Al-Aratt RA

A woman named Umm Anmaar who belonged to the Khuza'a tribe in Makkah went to the slave market in the city. She wanted to buy herself a youth for her domestic chores and to exploit his labour for economic gains. As she scrutinized the faces of those who were displayed for sale, her eyes fell on a boy who was obviously not yet in his teens. She saw that he was strong and healthy and that there were clear signs of intelligence on his face. She needed no further incentive to purchase him. She paid and walked away with her new acquisition.


On the way home, Umm Anmaar turned to the boy and said: "What's your name, boy?" "Khabbab." "And what's your father's name?" "Al-Aratt." "Where do you come from?" "From Najd." "Then you are an Arab!" "Yes, from the Banu Tamim." "How then did you come into the hands of the slave dealers in Makkah?" "One of the Arab tribes raided our territory. They took our cattle and captured women and children. I was among the youths captured. I passed from one hand to another until I ended up in Makkah..."


Umm Anmaar placed the youth as an apprentice to one of the blacksmiths in Makkah to learn the art of making swords. The youth learnt quickly and was soon an expert at the profession. When he was strong enough, Umm Anmaar set up a workshop for him with all the necessary tools and equipment for making swords. Before long he was quite famous in Makkah for his excellent craftsmanship. People also liked dealing with him because of his honesty and integrity. Umm Anmaar gained much profit through him and exploited his talents to the full. In spite of his youthfulness, Khabbab displayed unique intelligence and wisdom. Often, when he had finished work and was left to himself, he would reflect deeply on the state of Arabian society which was so steeped in corruption. He was appalled at the aimless wandering, the ignorance and the tyranny which he saw. He was one of the victims of this tyranny and he would say to himself: "After this night of darkness, there must be a dawn." And he hoped that he would live long enough to see the darkness dissipate with the steady glow and brightness of new light.


Khabbab did not have to wait long. He was privileged to be in Makkah when the first rays of the light of Islam penetrated the city. It emanated from the lips of Muhammad ibn Abdullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) as he announced that none deserves to be worshipped or adored except the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He called for an end to injustice and oppression and sharply criticised the practices of the rich in accumulating wealth at the expense of the poor and the outcast. He denounced aristocratic privileges and attitudes and called for a new order based on respect for human dignity and compassion for the underprivileged including orphans, wayfarers and the needy. To Khabbab, the teachings of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) were like a powerful light dispelling the darkness of ignorance. He went and listened to these teachings directly from him. Without any hesitation he stretched out his hand to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) in allegiance and testified that "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and His messenger."


He was among the first ten persons to accept Islam. Khabbab did not hide his acceptance of Islam from anyone. When the news of his becoming a Muslim reached Umm Anmaar, she became incensed with anger. She went to her brother Siba'a ibn Abd al-Uzza who gathered a gang of youths from the Khuza'a tribe and together they made their way to Khabbab. They found him completely engrossed in his work. Siba'a went up to him and said: "We have heard some news from you which we don't believe." "What is it?" asked Khabbab. "We have been told that you have given up your religion and that you now follow that man from the Banu Hashim." "I have not given up my religion," replied Khabbab calmly. "I only believe in One God Who has no partner. I reject your idols and I believe that Muhammad is the servant of God and His messenger."


No sooner had Khabbab spoken these words than Siba'a and his gang set upon him. They beat him with their fists and with iron bars and they kicked him until he fell unconscious to the ground, with blood streaming from the wounds he received. The news of what happened between Khabbab and his slave mistress spread throughout Makkah like wild-fire. People were astonished at Khabbab's daring. They had not yet heard of anyone who followed Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and who had had the audacity to announce the fact with such frankness and defiant confidence. The Khabbab affair shook the leaders of the Quraysh. They did not expect that a blacksmith, such as belonged to Umm Anmaar and who had no clan in Makkah to protect him and no AsabEyyah to prevent him from injury, would be bold enough to go outside her authority, denounce her gods and reject the religion of her forefathers. They realized that this was only the beginning...


The Quraysh were not wrong in their expectations. Khabbab's courage impressed many of his friends and encouraged them to announce their acceptance of Islam. One after another, they began to proclaim publicly the message of truth. In the precincts of the Haram, near the Ka'bah, the Quraysh leaders gathered to discuss the problem of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). Among them were Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, al- Walid ibn al-Mughira and Abu Jahl ibn Hisham. They noted that Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was getting stronger and that his following was increasing day by day, indeed hour by hour. To them this was like a terrible disease and they made up their minds to stop it before it got out of control. They decided that each tribe should get hold of any follower of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) among them and punish him until he either recants his faith or dies.


On Siba'a ibn Abd al-Uzza and his people fell the task of punishing Khabbab even further. Regularly they began taking him to an open area in the city when the sun was at its zenith and the ground was scorching hot. They would take off his clothes and dress him in iron armour and lay him on the ground. In the intense heat his skin would be seared and his body would become inert. When it appeared that all strength had left him, they would come up and challenge him: "What do you say about Muhammad?" "He is the servant of God and His messenger. He has come with the religion of guidance and truth, to lead us from darkness into light." They would become more furious and intensify their beating. They would ask about al-Laat and al-Uzza and he would reply firmly: "Two idols, deaf and dumb, that cannot cause harm or bring any benefit..." This enraged them even more and they would take a big hot stone and place it on his back.


Khabbab's pain and anguish would be excruciating but he did not recant. The inhumanity of Umm Anmaar towards Khabbab was not less than that of her brother. Once she saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) speaking to Khabbab at his workshop and she flew into a blind rage. Every day after that, for several days, she went to Khabbab's workshop and punished him by placing a red hot iron from the furnace on his head. The agony was unbearable and he often fainted. Khabbab suffered long and his only recourse was to prayer. He prayed for the punishment of Umm Anmaar and her brother. His release from pain and suffering only came when the Prophet, peace be upon him, gave permission to his companions to emigrate to Madinah.


Umm Anmaar by then could not prevent him from going. She herself became afflicted with a tertible illness which no one had heard of before. She behaved as if she had suffered a rabid attack. The headaches she had were especially nerve-racking. Her children sought everywhere for medical help until finally they were told that the only cure was to cauterize her head. This was done. The treatment, with a red hot iron, was more terrible than all the headaches she suffered.


At Madinah, among the generous and hospitable Ansar, Khabbab experienced a state of ease and restfulness which he had not known for a long time. He was delighted to be near the Prophet, peace be upon him, with no one to molest him or disturb his happiness. He fought alongside the noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) at the battle of Badr. He participated in the battle of Uhud where he had the satisfaction of seeing Siba'a ibn Abd al-Uzza meet his end at the hands of Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam).


Khabbab lived long enough to witness the great expansion of Islam under the four Khulafaa ar- Rashidun, Abu Bakr RA, Umar RA, Uthman RA and Ali RA. He once visited Umar RA during his caliphate. Umar RA stood up, he was in a meeting, and greeted Khabbab with the words: "No one is more deserving than you to be in this assembly other than Bilal RA." He asked Khabbab about the torture and the persecution he had received at the hands of the Mushrikeen. Khabbab RA described this in some detail since it was still very vivid in his mind. He then exposed his back and even Umar RA was aghast at what he saw. In the last phase of his life, Khabbab RA was blessed with wealth such as he had never before dreamed of.


He was, however, well-known for his generosity. It is even said that he placed his Dirhams and his Dinars in a part of his house that was known to the poor and the needy. He did not secure this money in any way and those in need would come and take what they needed without seeking any permission or asking any questions. In spite of this, he was always afraid of his accountability to Allah for the way he disposed of this wealth. A group of companions related that they visited Khabbab RA when he was sick and he said: "In this place there are eighty thousand Dirhams. By Allah, I have never secured it any way and I have not barred anyone in need from it." He wept and they asked why he was weeping. "I weep," he said, "because my companions have passed away and they did not obtain any such reward in this world. I have lived on and have acquired this wealth and I fear that this will be the only reward for my deeds."


Soon after he passed away. The Khalifah Ali ibn abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, stood at his grave and said: "May Allah have mercy on Khabbab. He accepted Islam wholeheartedly. He performed Hijrah willingly. He lived as a Mujahid and Allah shall not withhold the reward of one who has done good."


~ from "Companions of The Prophet", Vol. 1, By: Abdul Wahid Hamid ~

Haaya (Modesty)

There was once an eagle that lived atop the highest of mountains, nesting among the crags. One day, the eagle felt curious about the village that lay at the foot of the mountain and decided to pay it a visit. As it landed on the ground below, an old lady suddenly threw a sack over it, capturing it and taking it to her home!

Once at home, she took the bewildered and frightened eagle out of the sack. Never having seen an eagle before, she looked at it and exclaimed, “You poor bird! Nobody’s been looking after you! Your nails are so long and filthy! And your beak has become curved and sharp! And your wings are overgrown! Shame!” Saying so, she clipped the eagle’s wings. Then, she trimmed its beak. Finally, she cut its talons.

Obviously, that was the end of the eagle. With its wings trimmed, it could no longer fly. With its talons trimmed, it could no longer hunt, and with its beak cut, it could no longer eat. What seemed like kindness was, in reality, absolute cruelty to the eagle as it effectively killed the bird. Furthermore, it obliterated the beauty and unique features of the eagle, which lay in its curved beak, hooked talons and large, powerful wings, and rendered the eagle indistinguishable from an overgrown chicken.

In comparison to this example, Allah Ta‘ala has blessed the Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) with the quality of hayaa (modesty and shame). This is their own special quality that sets them apart and distinguishes them from every other Ummah and religion, and this is the quality on which the survival of their imaan is dependent. To some people, hayaa may seem to be a hindrance and obstacle in the path of ‘progress’. The reality is that stripping a Muslim of hayaa is an act of utter cruelty and completely handicaps a person, preventing him from progressing on the path to Jannah.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has said, “Hayaa and imaan have been joined together. When one leaves, the other follows.” (Mustadrak Haakim #58) When hayaa has been joined to imaan, we can understand that if a person inculcates more hayaa in his life, his imaan will also proportionately progress, and if one loses his hayaa, he will soon thereafter lose his imaan (may Allah Ta‘ala save us all).

Similarly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has mentioned, “Indeed every religion has a distinguishing characteristic, and the distinguishing characteristic of Islam is hayaa.” (Sunan Ibni Maajah #4181) If a Muslim is void of hayaa, he or she will eventually become indistinguishable from the disbelievers. Sadly, this is commonly witnessed today, where many Muslim brothers and sisters, on account of their dressing, etc, cannot be distinguished from the disbelievers.

It is a lamentable reality that we live in an age of indecency, shamelessness and immorality. However, instead of being swept away by the tsunami, we should rather strive to rekindle the spirit of hayaa – especially as the very survival of our imaan depends on the level of our hayaa. For this purpose, Uswatul Muslimah has commenced a new category on the website dedicated to the revival, promotion and understanding of hayaa. This category is entitled ‘Hayaa Handbook’. Insha-Allah, we will regularly post articles to this category, discussing and elaborating on different dimensions of hayaa and its role in our lives.

May Allah Ta‘ala accept us all to lead lives of complete hayaa and to strive for the revival of hayaa, in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Missing Ingredient to living your life?

Like a lot of folks these days, I’ve been groomed to push myself toward achievement in most areas of my life. It seems that, in the current culture, it’s no longer cleanliness that we deem closest to Godliness; it’s busy-ness. If our Google calendars aren’t a veritable rainbow of appointments and meetings, if we’re not constantly exhausted and worn down, we must be lazy or falling behind somewhere.

Not only is this constant push toward over-doing affecting adults, it’s clearly being transmitted to the next generation. When kids aren’t at school, they’re at a sport’s practice, a tutoring session, a club meeting, a study group gathering…Something

Of course, none of these things are negative on their own, but when they’re all taken together, it raises the question: where is the time to unwind? I’ve lost count of how many I work with who have wearily told me their pages-long weekly schedule. I once let my young one lay down for because she had a fever, but still had to get to a swimming lesson afterwards.

Savasana (or “rest,” or “that part where we lay down”) needs to be their favorite aspect. Yes, there are certainly members of the business crowd who tiptoe out when the lights go dim, but I’ve come to understand that for the lion’s share of working, savasana reigns supreme. And rightly so! I often joke, “When else does someone let you to lay down for 10 minutes?”

The thing is, if we let ourselves, we could do this at any time (okay, maybe not during a meeting or in the produce department). I think the key word here is “let.” When your teacher stands before you and tells you it’s time to rest, you have just been given permission to do so. You’re allowed. You are told that it is okay, in that moment, to simply be.

As my personal practice has evolved with study, experience, and age, I’ve come to fully embrace the extraordinary importance of giving myself that kind of permission. This brings me to the point of this piece: I want to empower everyone who reads this to grant themselves the time and space to step back, unwind, and let themselves be.

I want all of us to welcome the radical idea that living a full life and loving oneself means allowing that time to chill. Give yourself permission to stop taking calls and emails after work hours so you can sit outside and chat with family. Allow yourself to take time to rest after meals. Grant yourself the mental space to put aside a stressful situation and deal with it when you have the time and energy to process. You are allowed to skip the gym after a long day. It’s okay to say “no” to a project or a social engagement solely on the basis of not feeling like it. 

Forgo a utilitarian shower in the morning for a leisurely bath in the evening. Accept that, every once in awhile, you can let someone else do the cooking. Embrace the relaxed feeling of sitting to read or making tea first thing in the morning, before gazing into the light of your phone. Take a bike ride without anywhere to go. Unplug for an entire weekend so you can read a book cover to cover. Leave space in your agenda for doing nothing, and don’t feel guilty about it. We have such precious few moments on this earth, ask yourself if all of this time consuming chatter is serving your self or your purpose here.

If nothing else, I implore you to ask yourself: what is this lifestyle teaching your children, our children? From where I sit, it seems the lesson is that our value as people is directly tied to your obligations. Grace, humility, presence of mind—none of these matter if you’re not running yourself ragged. This notion has become so ingrained that we don’t even realize it’s happening.

Ask yourself, when is the last time you (or your child) had an entire weekend without commitments? When is the last time you took a nap, or a bath? These are important activities for nurturing the body, the mind, the spirit. It’s no secret how deeply healing mindfulness is. But is it even possible to be mindful when you’re living in a never-ending whirlwind of commitment?

So please dear reader, give yourself—and your children—permission to rest J

Not sure of the origin of this, however it was sent via e-mail from a very dear friend - AC 

Etiquette of Visiting

As Salaamu Alaikum

Etiquette of Visiting

Visiting our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters when they are ill, in distress or after a tragedy is an excellent deed.

The Prophet said: "The dearest of people to Allah, may He be exalted, is the one who does most benefit to people, and the dearest of deeds to Allah, may He be exalted, is joy that you bring to a Muslim, or relieving him of distress, or paying off debt for him, or dispelling his hunger. And to walk with a brother to meet his needs is dearer to me than observing i‘tikaaf in this mosque – meaning the mosque of Madinah – for a month.”
(At-Tabaraani)

However there is a certain etiquette that we have to adhere to when visiting. Below listed are a few pertinent points to keep in mind:

*If the person is ill do not stay too long and be an inconvenience to them
*If they are sleeping don't wake them up, nor should you go into the room.
*Be patient if they take a while to open the door. Bear in mind that the females in the house probably walk around the house without their hijaab and need to put it on before they open the door. Also bear in mind that it sometimes takes a while to find the keys.
*If your host has served you refreshments do not refuse it. Someone went to the trouble of making tea/pouring juice and setting a plate for you.
*Don't ask nosy questions
*Don't make panchaat. Offer condolences, pray for the person and leave.
*If you are visiting the family of the deceased, pray for the deceased while there (make dhikr, read a para of Quraan, read a Yaseen, anything) don't just go there to eat
*How their house looks inside is not fodder for the panchaat (gossip) people. Understand that Allah has gifted/tested us all in different ways.
*If they serve you food don't sit and talk at the table, eat and get up so that others can too. Bear in mind that the family probably didn't eat yet and are probably hungry. It's not your kitchen table where you can converse long after you've eaten.

May Allah (swt) make us mindful of these etiquettes, Aameen

The Fault Finders

The Fault Finders

There are some people you come across who just seem to find fault with everything. Often the intentions behind such remarks are malicious.

We want to put someone down, we want to belittle them so we criticise everything they do and we find fault with it. It may seem like nothing to us but the punishment is severe.

In a tradition related by Hadrat Rashid bin Sa'ad it is related that the Holy Prophet observed "I saw some people who were hanging by their breasts" I enquired: "these are those who found faults with others and brought calumnies against them" (Ahmed)

*Calumny:making false or damaging statements about someone.

Therefore before your tongue itches to say something nasty, before your fingers itch to type something nasty think about the consequences, not only for the person you're about to hurt but for yourself too.

May Allah (swt) save us from this, Aameen

Sunnah

Sunnah

 

Umme Haani radiyallahu anha (a relative of Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam) says, “Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam came to me (to my house at the time when Makkah was conquered) and asked if there was something to eat. I replied, ‘Nothing besides dry bread and vinegar.’ Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, ‘Bring it. That house is not without a curry which has vinegar in it.” (TIRMIZI)

Commentary: Allahu Akbar, what a simple life Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam led. How wonderful will it be if Allah in his infite mercy and with the intercession of His beloved Rasool also grants us such simplicity. The fact is that food and drink in the eyes of Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was given only such importance, that it was only used when it was required. When necessary, he ate what was available. Eating was looked upon as being means to sustain life, and not as we see it, that the filling of the stomach is more important, and religious deeds are regarded as something of a secondary importance. Their aim in life was to propagate Islam and make a fertile ground for it, and as an obligation and human need to fulfil religious needs.

 

It is also deduced from this Hadith that where one has an informal relationship with someone, there is no harm in asking for something.

Backbiting – One of the major sins in Islam

Today we’re going to ask you to do something difficult. Very difficult. Some might say impossible….
In fact we’re fairly sure 90% of people reading this won’t be able to do this. Hopefully we’re wrong. And Allah knows best.

Backbiting is a MAJOR sin and every single person reading this message has probably at some point in their life backbitten someone, so firstly let’s quickly address the definition of backbiting from the greatest source we have.
Abu Dharr once asked the Prophet Muhammad (saw): O Messenger of Allah, what is gheebah? He replied: It is to mention about your brother that which he detests. Abu Dharr said: O Messenger of Allah, what if that which is mentioned of him should actually be in him? He replied: Know that when you mention that which is in him, you have committed his gheebah, and when you mention that which is not in him, then you have slandered him. Even listening to backbiting is a sin

Prophet Muhammad (saw) once said to Imam Ali: O Ali! When someone hears the backbiting of his Muslim brother committed in his presence, yet he does not rally to his assistance despite being capable of doing so, God shall humiliate him in the world and in the Hereafter

So now we’ve addressed the definition let us add a few more important points.

Did you know backbiting is more of a sin than adultery. You know why? When you commit adultery you can ask Allah for forgiveness and Allah can forgive you but when you backbite someone Allah cannot forgive you unless the person you spoke ill of forgives you first.

The Prophet (saw) once gave counsel to Abu Dharr, saying: O Abu Dharr! Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is graver than adultery. Abu Dharr (r) said: Why is that so, O Messenger of Allah? He (s) replied: That is because when a man commits adultery and then repents to God, God accepts his repentance. However, backbiting is not forgiven until forgiven by its victim.

So what shall we do? The choice is actually simple but very difficult. It’s a real battle of confronting our ego and pride and showing humility.

We need to start asking people for forgiveness. We need to approach people with humility, whether it’s a phone call, a text message, an email but ideally should be a direct communication between you and the person you want to approach. Yes it’s difficult but not impossible. Ask for their forgiveness and when they forgive you, you’ll feel lighter, more relieved. If you think this is beyond you, you’re wrong. You can do it.

Imagine the alternative? You’re now standing in front of Allah and your account is about to begin. You look to your right and you feel happy looking at all your good deeds. Suddenly your good deeds start vanishing and you’re panicking. The good deeds are going to all the people you have backbitten against, your father, brother, sister, mother, wife, friend, cousin, work colleague.

So start now, have a plan. Speak to 1 person a week and ask for their forgiveness. Maybe they will also ask for your forgiveness. You may look small in their eyes but you’ll look BIG in Allah’s
You can do it.

Here is a template message you can send people asking for their forgiveness. Feel free to copy and paste the below into an email, a BBM, an SMS, or a whatsapp message. We hope this helps you make that first step:

Asalaamu’Alaykum. I recently read a life changing article on backbiting on this website and it really made me think. I had no idea backbiting was such a major sin and is considered more of a sin than even adultery. It’s also a sin that Allah will not forgive unless the person you backbit against forgives you. Today I would like to ask for your forgiveness for any gheebah I may have committed against you. I want you to know this was never done maliciously to harm you, it was more done carelessly and without regard. Insha’Allah it will not happen again. Islam teaches us to be humble and to forgive each other and I hope you will forgive me. Jazakhallah Khair and I look forward to your response.

 

You can read the article on the website (http://magicalprincessdiaries.blogspot.com/) and please also forward to friends and family as reading it has absolutely changed my life.

Backbiting and Slander

Backbiting and Slander

'...Allah will defend him in this world and in the next....'

 

And why did you not, when you heard it, say?  "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander" (Quran 24:16)

A commentary on one of the most destructive of major sins

Islam is a religion of peace, love and compassion. Lies, suspicion, back biting, slander and gossip are totally alien to Islam. In fact they are considered amongst the most destructive of major sins. This is so because these sins sow enmity and discord among the Muslim Ummah and lead to its destruction. They cause hostilities between people of the same household, and between neighbors, friends and relatives.

Islam demands that our relationship with mankind should be one of sincerity and responsibility. It should be one where we have respect for the honor, reputation and privacy of others. Islam teaches us that we are not only held accountable for our own attitudes and actions but also for anything else over which we have control or influence over, in our society or the world around us.

Verses: Let's see what the Quran states about backbiting and slander - 'This is the Book, in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah'. (2:2)

Allah has forbidden the believers from backbiting

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah, verily, Allah is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)

When we reflect deeply over this assimilation it should be enough to keep us away from backbiting!

Do not treat the issue of Backbiting & Slander with indifference because it is a great sin

Behold, you received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things which you had no knowledge; and you thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of Allah (24: 15)

Many of us back bite and gossip without thinking. We think it is minor matter, however Allah reminds us to be careful and even though we think we are doing something little it is in fact very big in the sight of Allah!

Allah teaches us to speak out against Slander and try to put a stop to it

And why did you not, when you heard it, say? "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to Allah, this is a most serious slander" (24:16)

Many people are so busy spreading the slander they hear that they do not even stop to think if it is true or not.

Shaitan (Satan) wants us to use our tongue to create conflict and hatred

Say to My servants that they should only say those things that are best, for Satan does sow dissensions among them, for Satan is to man an avowed enemy. (17:53)

Are we falling into Shaitan's (Satan's) trap? We can all analyze ourselves.

Hadiths: Let's see what Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said about Backbiting in the hadiths. Allah states in the Quran - You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern of conduct. (33:21)

The definition of Backbiting & Slander

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said :"Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He then said, "It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike." Someone asked him, "But what if what I say is true?" The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him." (Muslim)

We should guard our tongue from sins and use our limbs in acts of obedience

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said : "Who protects his tongue from unlawful utterances and his private parts from illegal sexual intercourse, I shall guarantee him entrance into Paradise." (Bukhari and Muslim)

The definition of the best muslim

"I asked the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him): Who is the best Muslim? The Messenger of Allah(Peace Be Upon Him) replied, "He is the one from whom Muslims are safe from the evil of his tongue and hands." (Muslim)

Deriding people in their presence by making negative facial expressions or by hand gestures while they are unaware is also a form of backbiting.

We need to beware of the slipping of our tongues

"When man wakes up in the morning each day, all parts of the body warn the tongue saying, ‘Fear Allah as regards us for we are at your mercy; if you are upright, we will be upright and if you are crooked, we become crooked.’" (At-Tirmidhee)

Summary

Backbiting and slander is so widespread that it has become the topic of people’s meetings and an avenue for expressing their anger, misgivings and jealousy. Those who indulge in backbiting are oblivious of the fact that they are only harming themselves. This is because of the fact that on the Day of Resurrection both the wrongdoer and the wronged will stand before Allah, Who is the Just Judge, Allah will then give this wronged person from the good deeds of the person who wronged him in accordance with his wrong by backbiting.

Some situations allow us to inform others of what someone has done. It is allowed for us to inform the authorities when someone does injustice to us or others. It is allowed for us to inform someone who can help a perpetrator from committing further vice. It is also permissible for us to tell whoever seeks our advice on a person for business dealings or marriage. In this case it is not allowed for us to hide what we know about the person so that the enquirer will not be deceived. All these types of speaking about others are lawful.

Islam teaches us that if people are being ridiculed or backbited in our presence, we should defend their honor. If we neglect this, we shall deprive ourselves of ever needed help and mercy from Allah - If a man's Muslim brother is slandered in his presence, and he is capable of defending him and does so, Allah will defend him in this world and in the next. But if he fails to defend him, Allah will destroy him in this world and the next. (Baghawi). What will we do the next time we are tempted to backbite or hear slander in our presence? Right now the choice is ours!

We ask Allah the Most High, the All Powerful, to teach us that which will benefit us, and to benefit us by that which we learn. May Allah grant blessings and peace to our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his family and companions.

On Maut

I am lying on the bed. My children, brothers and sisters are all sitting by my bedside. Some close friends too are standing and overlooking my face. Suddenly I start breathing with long breaths. Someone among the people sitting in the room, everyone around repeats with the reciter. My breath starts to ease out. I am opening my eyes and looking at something. The Angel of death has arrived. I am getting late for the eternal journey. My mouth has opened up. My brother is dropping some water into my mouth; it is perhaps the "Zam Zam" water which I had preserved for the very moment.

Then everyone starts to recite, "Laa'ilaaha illallaaha Muhammadur Rasoolullaah". I have lost my vision. I have lost my tongue, I have even lost my sensation but I can still hear. I can hear my loved ones weeping in grief. I'm not dead yet but I am almost lifeless. The Angel of death makes the final act and takes my soul out with an intensive jerk. I have now left this world.

All my wealth, cars, properties, bank balances, contacts and connections are of no use now. My identity is my grave and I am being referred to as 'dead body'. My near ones are preparing my grave and some of them think it as inauspicious to keep the dead body inside the house for too long. The house which I myself built and lived in is shrinking in space for me. My bath is being prepared. I am taken out in the compound for the final bath. My bathroom fitted with expensive bath fittings is not for me now.

I am being wrapped in the white cotton shroud. I am boxed in a wooden box for the travel to my grave. My expensive car is not for me now.

For what then did I amass so many worthless things? Why did I lie to earn the useless wealth? It is of no use to me. Woe to me for I wasted my life in vain. I forgot that my last journey is near and certain. Why did I sin so much? Oh! I have lost my game.

Now stop imagining! This is going to happen one day with you and me. So best start preparing.

World Hijab Day

On February 1st, women from all regions of the world celebrated World Hijab Day. But is it something praiseworthy or blameworthy in the religion? Celebrating world and national Days and events that promote universal values and morals are praiseworthy. It couldn’t be condemned or depicted as unlawful bid`ah (innovation in religion).
Dr. Wael Shihab, PhD in Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University, and the Head of the Shari`ah Dept. of Onislam.net website, stated:
In fact, the core meaning of the prohibited bid'ah in Islam is to introduce or invent a devotional or ritual act of worship into religion with no backing from Shari`ah. It is not acceptable, for instance, for anybody to invent a new form of salah (prayer); it would be unlawful bid`ah. `Ibaddat (acts of worship and religious rituals) should be founded on correct Shari`ah proofs.

World Days and events—such as the World Hijab Day or Orphans Day—are mostly based on cultural and social considerations. They are not meant to introduce new religious rituals or devotional acts of worship.

Muslim communities may participate and promote World Days or events that have noble goals. This is considered as cooperation in goodness. Allah Almighty says,

“Help you one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment.”

(Al-Ma’idah 5: 2)

The World Hijab Day aims at, among others, supporting Muslim women’s right of wearing hijab and raising awareness regarding its morals and merits.
It is absurd, therefore, for anyone to claim that it is bid`ah to promote such good goals of the World Hijab Day. It is a social event that aims at supporting universal values and morals.

May Allah accept your and our good deeds!  Allah Almighty knows best.

Mona Ebrahim releases humorous book about Hijab

Haute Hijab, 2 December 2013

 

Read about Muslim American feminist, Mona Ebrahim, who released a humorous book revealing why so many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab, viewing their choice as liberation rather than oppression.  We were able to read the entire book and absolutely loved it! Get your copy on Amazon, on www.101reasonshijab.com, and soon in bookstores nationwide!

 

1)  Tell us a little about yourself; where you're from, studies/profession, hobbies, etc.

 

I was born and raised in San Fernando Valley, California. I studied at UC Santa Cruz in Northern California and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film, TV, and Video. I got married, lived in France for a bit (where I had my first child), and went back to the states. From then on I did so many things while raising my children, but never really had a “career.” Between trying to create a film co-op, doing graphic design, photography, videography, writing and teaching, I started a clothing retail and design company with my friend called Rebirth of Chic. We wanted to provide women with clothing that was totally modest, yet artsy and fashionable. Even though this aim was important to me, what I did with my photography meant even more to me.

 

I wanted to put out images of women who were modestly and Islamically dressed (not tight, see through, shows the shape, with hijab), yet were captivatingly beautiful, but not sexy. I wanted to show my fellow women you can find that beauty and elegance in yourself without having to be sexy and physically alluring. At the same time I delved deeper into my Islamic studies and taught and wrote. I hope to publish some of my writings soon.

2)  Tell us about the book, "101 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Wear Hijab"

 

101 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Wear Hijab, is a funny and refreshing look at what is often a serious, controversial, and misunderstood topic. Full of laughs and insight, it whisks the reader into the experience and life-view of this American Muslim author, and gives an understanding as to why so many women choose to wear hijab, even against odds like bans, family’s disapproval, and sometimes societal condemnation.

 

It is a fully illustrated, 80-page hardcover, coffee table book packed with 101 comic illustrations. Not just a one-time read, this book is one of those “conversational pieces” you leave on your coffee table, shelf, or open library to initiate a conversation in a social setting.

 

It’s a book you can share at your college or reading circles and have a discussion. It’s a book you’ll want to buy and donate to your local library to finally be a voice that shows the positive things about hijab women feel, instead of all of the countless silencing voices of women and Saudi princesses who run away from Islam, Muslims, and Islamic traditions only to be "liberated" by the West. These are true stories, but where is our story? Muslim women who chose to wear hijab rarely have one.

 

In the face of punitive comments by people like Ann Coulter, we rarely have a chance to talk back. So here are my reasons, not one, not two, but Ha! 101 Reasons!

 

"101 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Wear Hijab" is a fun, introspective, and creative book. Sometimes silly. When I first started wearing hijab I started noticing all sorts of benefits, and “Cool, Alhamdulillah!” things about wearing hijab.

 

So many things I didn’t expect. So I started writing them down; this was back in 1998, the end of my college career. It was a project I was always passionate about but never got around to finish. I had most of the reasons, about 75, in the first few years; and completed more than 101 reasons in 2009, when I picked it up again. I was so busy with my kids, work, and life that I had it on hold for a long time. From 2009 to now I went through finding illustrators, trying to do the publishing process on my own, and going back and forth with the illustrators, and editing. Finally I gave up and hired a publisher to help me wrap it up! Overall, I learned not to give up, to be patient, and know that everything will come into fruition when its appointed time comes.

 

3)  What was the motivation behind the book?

It started out as funny things I jotted down, and grew into “How many ‘silver linings’ can I come up with?” I know Allah has good reasons to prescribe the hijab, and I, myself, felt so many positive benefits; so why not share them with others? A third impetus might be that I know so many people want to ask me, “Why would you choose to wear that, honey? Don’t you know you are free here?” Or some Muslims might want to ask me, “Why would you choose to wear that, Sister? Don’t you know we are free here?” So, this is my chance to share my response!

 

4)  What has the response been, thus far?

A lot of people are excited and eager to read it. I get a lot of laughs from women who wear hijab, when I’ve read it to them. I hear a lot of “Oh my God, that’s so true!” and snickers. I know some of my reasons, some people won’t get unless they’ve been totally immersed into the American Culture as I have. Some of them are just for fun. Even a lot of my friends and family who don’t wear hijab “get” a lot of the reasons and laugh. And finally, my non-Muslim friends find it eye opening and amusing, and definitely intriguing.

 

5)  If you could give one piece of advice to someone struggling with hijab, what would it be?

 

Be positive.

If you think everyone is looking at you or hates you, they will. If you be yourself, be friendly and helpful, and a follower of the Prophet Muhammad’s (upon Him peace and blessings) persona and example, everyone will like you whether they want to or not. When I talk to people, people who I can feel have a preconceived notion about me, I can feel their image of me (as well as the hijab on my head) dissolve before my eyes.

 

Know you have a lot to offer the world, walk proudly, and people will respect you.

 

Finally, if you wear the hijab (or do anything) with the intention of pleasing and following God’s guidance, Allah will give you your due reward and put barakah in your life.

 

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Get your copy of "101 Reasons Why I'm Glad I Wear Hijab" on Amazon, on or www.101reasonshijab.com.

 http://www.hautehijab.com