FREE MIXING IN ISLAM

FREE MIXING IN ISLAM

What is permissible and what is not ?

What is considered free mixing ?

- Men and women are permitted to be in the same place. (i.e. shops, streets etc)

- Men and women should avoid situations where they are crowded together or seated together.

- Repetitive acquaintance should be avoided to prevent familiarity.

- Business like discussion between man and woman is permissible when necessary.

Why is it like this ?

- Prevention of intimate relationships developing outside of marriage.

- Prevention of gossip and slander that can destroy relationships and families.

- Prevention of one party "falling in love" and being hurt.

- Prevention of children being born outside of marriage.

- Prevention of families being broken up.

The Evidence

Allah (The One & Only God) says: "Nor come nigh to adultery".

Allah (The One God) says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them." and says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." [Noble Quran 24:30-31]

Allah (The One God) says: "And when you ask the ladies for anything, ask them from behind a screen. That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs." [Noble Quran 33:53]

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men and women from being alone together. He said: "Never is a man alone with a woman except that Satan (Devil) is the third party with them."

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Do not enter into the company of women."

A man then asked him: "What about her male in-laws?"

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "The in-law is the most dangerous".

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "It is better for one of you to be pierced by a steel pin in his head than to touch the hand of a strange woman."

Allah (The One & Only God) says: "Be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak with a speech (that is) proper." [Noble Quran 33:32].

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Any woman who puts on perfume then goes and passes by some men to let them find her scent is a type of adulteress." [Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi]

Umm Salamah said: "When the Prophet (peace be upon him) completed the prayer, the women would get up to leave. He would then wait awhile before standing." Ibn Shahab said: "I believe that he waited for a while to give the women an opportunity to depart before the men." [Sahih al-Bukhari]

It was related in al-Bukhari that women at the time of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) did not circumambulate the Kabah along with the men. Aishah used to go around the Kabah at a good distance from the men and avoided mixing with them. Once another woman bade to her to go forward with her so they could touch the corner of the Kabah. Aishah refused to do so. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

One of Ayshahs handmaidens came to her and said: "O Mother of believers, I went around the Kabah seven times and touched the corner twice or trice". Ayshah replied: "May Allah not reward you for pushing your way through men. It would have been sufficient for you to you to say "Allah Akbar" as you passed by". [Musnad al-Shafii]

Punishment for Zina

In this life

Fornication is 100 lashes
"The male and female who commit fornication -flog each of them with one hundred lashes, and let not compassion for the two of them keep you from complying with Allahs religion, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment." [Noble Quran 24:2]

Adultery is death

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "It is not permitted to shed the blood of any Muslim .... Except in three cases: a soul for a soul, the married person who commits adultery, and the one who forsakes his religion..." [Bukhari and Muslim]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When someone commits Zina or drinks wine, Allah (The One God) removes his faith from him, just as a person takes his shirt off over his head"

In the Hereafter

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not speak to nor look at nor purify three types of people: an old man who commits Zina, a lying king and a vainglorious poor person...."

The Holy Prophet said: "We went on and arrived near a pit which was like and oven, out of which we could hear cries. We glanced into it and naked men and women, who cried out when the flames reached them from below. I asked: Who are these, O Gabriel? He replied, Males and females who have committed fornication. " [Bukhari]

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If someone commits Zina with a married women, in the grave there will be a punishment on him and on her equal to half the punishment of this Ummah...."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The man who has laid his hand with lust on a woman who is not permissible to him will come on the Day of Judgment with his hand tied to his neck.

If he kissed her, his lips will be cut in the Fire, and if he had sexual intercourse with her, his private parts will speak against him in the Day of Judgment saying: I did what was forbidden.

Allah (The One & Only God) Most High will look at him with anger, and the flesh on his face will sag and he will look haggard and old. He will say: What did I do? His tongue will witness against him saying, I said what was forbidden; his hands will speak and say, We reached for what was forbidden; each of his feet will say. I went to a forbidden place.; and his private parts will say, I did it.

An one of the guardian angels will say, I heard it. and the other guardian angel will say, I wrote it, and Allah Most High will say, I knew it but I concealed it. Then He will say My angels, take him and give him a taste of My punishment. Great is My anger against the man who had so little shame towards Me!"

Khadejah Jones
ShareIslam.com 

Backbiting & Slandering

 

 

Backbiting & Slandering

 

Allah (The One & Only God) says in the Holy Quran:
"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 forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful"

[Holy Quran Al-Hujuraat 49:12]

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

"Do you know what gheebah (backbiting) is?"

They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best."

He said, "Saying something about your brother that he dislikes."

It was said, "What if what I say about my brother is true?"

He said, "If what you say is true then you have backbitten about him, and if it is not true, then you have slandered him."

Narrated by Muslim, 2589

It was narrated that

Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

The Messenger of Allah

(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

passed by two graves and said,

"They are being punished, but they are not being punished

for anything that was difficult to avoid.

One of them used to walk about

spreading malicious gossip (nameemah),

and the other used not to take precautions to avoid

getting urine on himself when he urinated."

Then he called for a green branch, which he split in two

and planted a piece on each grave, and said,

"May their torment be reduced so long as

these do not dry out."

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 213; Muslim, 292

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whoever has wronged his brother
with regard to his honour or anything else,
let him seek his forgiveness today,
before there will be no dinar and no dirham,
and if he has any good deeds to his credit
they will be taken from him in a manner
commensurate with the wrong he did,
and if he has no good deeds,
then some of his counterpart's bad deeds
will be taken and added to his burden."

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2317.

Ibn Taymiyah said:

Whoever wrongs a person by slandering him,

backbiting about him or insulting him,

then repents, Allah (The One God) will accept his repentance,

but if the one who was wronged finds out

about that, he has the right to settle the score.

But if he slandered him or backbite about him

and the person did not hear of that,

then there are two views according to the scholars,

both of which were narrated from Ahmad,

the more correct of which is that he should not

tell him that he spoke against him in his absence.

It was said that he should rather speak well of him

in his absence just as he spoke badly of him

in his absence, as al-Hasan al-Basri said:

The expiation for gheebah (backbiting) is to pray for forgiveness

for the person about whom you backbit.
Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 3/291

Situations in which Backbiting is Permissible

From Imaam an-Nawawi's Riyaad-us-saaliheen p519

Gheebah (backbiting) is permissible for a sound religious purpose that cannot be achieved except by using it.

These permissible types of Gheebah are as follows:
1. Complaint because of an injustice,

such as complaining to a ruler, judge or others in authority.

A person may say in this case:

"I was treated unjustly by so-and-so

in such and such matter."

2. Seeking help to change a Munkar (wrong deed)

and to correct the wrongdoers.

A person may say:

"A person does such and such, so stop him."

His intention should be to check the Munkar.

If this is not the case, then the statement is Haram (Forbidden).

3. Seeking a Fatwa (Ruling).

A person may state to the Imam, Mufti or Shaikh,

"My father, brother or so-and-so

has treated me unfairly.

Is that act permissible?

And how do I get out of this situation?

How do I obtain my rights?"

This way of seeking a Fatwa is permissible. However, it is safer and more preferable to say whatever would be said about a non-specific person as doing such and such, as anonymously as possible.

4. Warning Muslims against evil and advising them.

This could include criticism of untrustworthy narrators or witnesses. This is permissible by Ijmaa', rather it is mandatory and the benefit is very clear.
Such as consulting in the matters of marriage or a business partnership. In this case, the person consulted should not hide anything about the concerned person. He should mention the faulty qualities only with the intention of benefiting the consultant.

5. Mentioning the person who indulges in Haram or Bid'ah (Innovation in religion) openly.

This would include mentioning those who openly drink Khamr (alcoholic drinks) or those in positions of authority doing wrong.
It is permissible to mention the sin of such a person. However, it is prohibited to mention the person with a different sin unless there is a reason that makes it permissible to do so for that sin.

6.Identifying a person.

If a person is known by a descriptive nickname, such as

Al-A'mash (squint-eyed),

Al-A'raj (one who walks with a limp),

or Al-Asamm (deaf),

then it is permissible to use these names

for identification purposes.

But it is not permitted to use these names

if the intention is to insult the person.

If it is possible to identify such person

by using another descriptive name,

then it is better and preferable.

Love your brother/sister for the sake of Allah (The One & Only God)

In our contemporary society, friends are made at school, at work, in neighborhoods and even over the Internet. Friends are made and kept for a variety of reasons. People make friends with others who share common interests, hobbies, and even vices. The final goal of a friendship is often simply company, a desire to spend time with someone, doing something that they both enjoy. A Muslim ought to choose friends more carefully and critically.

Certainly, Muslims, like everyone else, want friends who share interests and who are fun to be with. We all enjoy having a picnic with a friend or going out to dinner with friends, and who wouldn't like to go to a gathering with some of their best friends? But, that is not only what a truly Islamic friendship is all about. In fact, an Islamic friendship is not that simple at all. In Islam, true friendships are bound by brotherhood and sisterhood, bonds that are stronger than typical friendships. They are bonds that exist for a much higher reason and with a greater goal.Muslims make friends knowing that the relationship they will ensue is an important bond between two people who share mutual goals. Their friendship is one that exists primarily for the sake of Allah the Almighty. The love and camaraderie that is born from such a friendship is a secondary benefit, for sure.



True love for the sake of Allah (The One & Only God)
Love for others comes in different forms. Love between a husband and wife is one type of these forms, all friendship is another form. However, all forms of fondness that any one person can have for any other person, for the purpose of this article, will be referred to as love.
Realistically, pure love of another person only for the sake of Allah (The One God) is difficult. Few people can attain such a friendship, which is why Allah (The One God) rewards such an act of faith generously. The Holy Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, explained, "Allah said: those who love one another for My glory will be upon Minbars of light [high positions], and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same." [At-Tirmithi]



Nevertheless, many of us, in an attempt to reach this high level of faith, must try to make and build strong friendships that benefit us and Muslim nation. In Islam true friendship is brotherhood or sisterhood- a bond that is strong and enduring. In this bond, men and women can find the sweetness of faith as the Holy Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, said:"There are three things that whoever attains them will find the sweetness of faith: if Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anyone or anything else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he hates to return to disbelief after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]


The rewards of loving another for Allah's (The One God's) sake are consistent with its importance. Its impact is not singular- it affects the entire society. For entire society to exist in harmony and peace, its constituents must be at peace. If we could each want for our friends what we want for ourselves, the world would be a better place. This is what Islam ensures. If there is brotherhood and unity among the people, the society at large will be united.
The Holy Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, instilled a deep-rooted love in the hearts of the companions to create a model Islamic society that all Muslims thereafter can emulate. Holy Prophet Muhammad , salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, tried to eliminate hatred, jealousy and rivalry by inducing brotherhood, a sincere love and friendship. The Islamic society is ideally built upon the foundation of brotherhood, as the Holy Prophet advised: "Believers are like a structure, parts of which support one another. The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body; if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in fever." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

How to love someone
Since love among the believers is a condition of faith in Islam, the peace and harmony that is desired by all can be achieved, as each individual strives to do good and earn reward. So, what can we do? How can we be sure that our friendships are for the sake of Allah (The One God)? Our lives are full of opportunities to increase and improve our friendships. First, as with any undertaking, we need to make clear, pure and sincere intentions. Pertaining to the existing friendships that we already have, we should make a conscious effort to love our friends for the sake of Allah (The One God). When we make friends in the future, we should also make conscious intentions that those new friendships will be for the sake of Allah (The One God).

After a pure intention, we need sincere actions. The Holy Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, recommended a very simple but significant way to help Muslims gain brotherhood saying: "I swear by the One in Whose hands my soul is, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam [greeting one another saying: As-Salaam Alaykum (meaning 'Peace be on you')] amongst yourselves." [Muslim]

Greeting each other frequently and lovingly is the first step to achieving the ideal brotherhood.
It would seem that greeting another with "As-Salaam Alaykum" is an easy action. However, given the nature of men and women and our vulnerability to changing emotions, sometimes these simple words are hard to utter. In other words, there are times when even this simple greeting is hard to say to someone with whom we might have argued. The beauty of Islam is that it is realistic. So, it is allowed for us to take time to "cool off," but we are not allowed to cut off friendships based on rash and unreasonable emotions. The Holy Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, said, "It is not permissible for a Muslim to abandon his brother for more than three days, both of them turning away from one another when they meet. The better of them is the one who is first to greet the other." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]



These teachings encourage Muslims to improve themselves, thereby improving their society. "Do not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another, do not hate one another, and do not envy one another. Be O slaves of Allah brothers." [Al-Bukhaari]


The Holy Prophet's memory and words live in our hearts and minds. Heeding his advice, we should realize that we are supposed to be brothers or sisters in Islam because we share a common religion and belief. We are to be brothers and sisters in our hearts because we share a common goal-Allah's (The One & Only God's) pleasure.



"Enter you here in peace and security. And we shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury: they will be brothers joyfully facing each other on thrones of dignity. There, no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they ever be asked to leave" (Holy Quran Al-Hijr: 46-48).
 
Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said: “Allah will say to the inhabitants of Paradise: O inhabitants of Paradise! They will say: O our Lord, we present ourselves and are at Your pleasure, and goodness rests in Your hands. Then He will say: Are you contented? And they will say: And how should we not be contented, O Lord, when You have given to us that which You have given to no one else of Your creation? Then He will say: Would you not like Me to give you something better than that? And they will say: O Lord and what thing is better than that? And He will say: I shall cause My favour to descend upon you and thereafter shall never be displeased with you.” [It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Muslim and at-Tirmidhi).]
 
Beautified is the life of the world for those who disbelieve; they make a jest of the believers. But those who keep their duty to Allah will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. Allah giveth without stint to whom He will. (Holy Quran: 2:212)
 



“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims), with complete submission to Allah.” [Holy Quran Aal ‘Imraan 3:102]

The Dominant Influence of Whims and Desires

 

 

 

 

The Dominant Influence of Whims and Desires

 

 

 

All praise is due to Allah (The One & Only God), may peace and blessings be upon Holy Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow their guidance.

Fear Allah (The One God), for whoever fears Allah prospers and whoever prefers the pleasure of Allah (The One God) to his personal wishes is saved. Allah (The One God) says,

“Fear Allah as he should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam.” (Holy Quran Aal-‘Imran 3: 102)

 

 

The true Muslim is the one who aims for lofty goals and strives to free himself from the shackles of lustful desires in search of salvation. His only concern is the hereafter and he always prepares himself for that day with righteous deeds. Allah (The One God) says,

“And of mankind is he who would sell himself seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to (His) slaves.” (Holy Quran Al-Baqarah 2: 207)

 

 

A believer should not be entrapped by temptation, disgracing passion and misleading whims for that is the greatest calamity that can befall a Muslim. When it befalls a heart it destroys it, and when it befalls a society it ruins it. Aboo Barzah narrated that the Holy Prophet said,

“Indeed, what I fear for you most is the erroneous passion of your bellies and private parts and misleading whims.” (Ahmad)

 

 

Although Passion and whims are similar in cause and effect; whims have to do with uncertainty in matters of religion while passion has to do with satisfying ones lustful desires.
Allah (The One God) speaks in His Glorious Book about past nations who were mightier than us and wealthier who surrendered to their passions and whims and fell into the abyss of immorality. They enjoyed the portion of Allah’s blessing and yet disobeyed Him and engaged in false talk about religion, then Allah (The One God) chastised them and they did not find any protector against Him. Allah (The One God) says,

“Like those before you they were mightier than you in power and more abundant in wealth and children. So enjoy your portion awhile as those before you enjoyed their portion awhile; and you indulge in play and pastimes (and in telling lies against Allah and His Messenger) as they indulged in play and pastimes. Such are they whose deeds are in vain in this world and in the hereafter; such are those who are the losers.” (Holy Quran At-Tawbah 9: 69)

 

 

The greatest Jihaad (Struggle) is to wage war against one’s whims and passion, because following one’s whims leads to calamity and destruction. Ibn Taimiyah said,

“Waging war against one’s soul and whims is the basis for Jihaad against the unbelievers and hypocrites for one cannot be able to fight them until he fights with his own soul and whims first. Whoever is able to subdue his whims and passions shall have glory and prevail and whoever is subdued by his passions shall have disgrace and destruction.”

 

Hearts are but vessels, the good ones are those that are full of goodness and evil ones are those that are full of evil and corruption. Souls are naturally inclined towards evil and when it is given what it aspires for it leads its owner to peril and whoever denies his ego its whims will have peace of mind in this world and be saved from its evils. Allah (The One God) says,

“And by nafs (ego) and Him Who perfected it in proportion. Then he showed it what is wrong and what is right. Indeed he succeeds who purifies his own self. And indeed he fails who corrupts his own self” (Holy Quran As-Shams 91: 7-10)

 

The Holy Prophet said,

“All people wake up in the morning while among them are those who offer themselves for sale (i.e. surrender themselves to their passions and whims) and those who free themselves (from their passions and whims) or destroy themselves.” (At-Tirmidhee)

 

 

Reins of whims gets strengthened through a lot of factors and helpers and it imposes itself forcefully over human intellect. So whoever does not restrain his soul from following it will have his life ruined. The Holy Prophet said,

“The Paradise is surrounded with detestable things while Hellfire is Surrounded with pleasures.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

 

Therefore beware of whims and its causes, for its benefits are little and its consequences are grievous.
Be cautious of your egos when they love something and yearn for something for passion is blind and deaf. Take the verse of the Holy Qur’an as criterion for judging everything. Allah (The One & Only God) says,

“O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong).” (Holy Quran Al-Anfaal 8: 29)

 

The Holy Prophet said,

“Indeed, I leave two things with you with which you will never go astray: The Book of Allah and my sunnah.” (Al-Haakim)

 

 

 

Beware of keeping the company of people who have heretic tendencies, for keeping their company is disgrace. They always follow the dictate of their whims; they are concerned only of this world and its temporary enjoyments and crave for leadership and high position through hypocrisy and extremism. Their views are undesirable and outrageous and their deeds are unclean. Allah (The One God) describes them thus:

“Have you seen him who has taken as his ilah (god) his own desire? Would you be a wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him? Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the path (i.e. even worse than cattle).” (Holy Quran Al-Furqaan 25: 43-44)

 

 

That was why the salaf (The righteous) used to say,

“Beware of two types of people: a whimsical man whose whims have put him in trial and a man of worldly possessions whom wealth has turned blind.”

 

Whoever calls people to other things besides Islam and its beauties is a heretic and corrupt and whoever disagrees with the Holy Qur’an, sunnah (ways of Holy Prophet) and the consensus of the Muslims and calls to man-made laws, innovative deeds or outrageous ideologies in the name of modernization or civilization is corrupt and heretic. He should not be followed or assisted in carrying out his erroneous deeds. Allah (The One God) says,

“And follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you.” (Holy Quran Al-Maa’idah 5: 48)

Allah (The One & Only God) also says,

“Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allah) then indeed you be one of the wrongdoers.” (Holy Quran Al-Baqarah 2: 145)

 

The Holy Prophet also condemned and warned against them when he said,

“There will be some people among my nation who will be subdued by vain desires as rabies subdues its victim; for rabies leaves no vein or muscle (of its victims) unaffected.” (Aboo Dawood)

 

 

We seek Allah’s protection from falsehood and dirty utterances.
While commanding the believers to keep away from those who follow their wishful desires and shun them, Allah (The One God) says,

“And all the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.” (Holy Quran Al-A’raaf 7: 180)

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the Book of Allah and the authentic sunnah of His Prophet, for that is the right path.
Worshipping Allah (The One God) by innovative methods is part of following one’s vain desires and the deeds performed this way only keep one further from Allah. The Holy Prophet said,

“Hold onto my sunnah and the paths of rightly guided successors after me. Hold on to it tightly and keep away from the innovations in matters (of religion) for every innovation is heretical and every heresy is error.” (Aboo Dawood)

He also said,
“Whoever innovates anything in this our religion that which is not part of it will have it rejected.”

 

These are some sayings of the Holy Prophet whom Allah (The One God) describes that he does not speak of (his own) desire.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ood said,

“We only emulate and do not initiate; and we follow and do not innovate; and we shall never go astray as long as we hold on to the religion.”

 

 

It is rather disgusting to see that innovations and superstition are widespread in our societies these days and yet nobody does speak against them. This is in fact a horrible and disappointing situation that can cause Allah’s (The One God's) retribution and punishment. It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim to explain what is Bid’ah (Innovation in religion) to people and to acquaint them with it’s dangers and evils. The Holy Prophet said,

“Religion is sincere advice.” We (the companions) said, “For whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “For the sake of Allah, His Messenger, Muslim Leaders and their common folk.” (Muslim)

 

Jareer bin Abdillah Al-Bajalee said,

“I give my allegiance to the Messenger of Allah that I shall establish prayer, give Zakat and give sincere advice to every Muslim.” (Al-Bukharee)

 

 

Refine your souls and remind it of Allah’s chastisement for following one’s whim leads to destruction and torment while fear of Allah (The One God) leads to guidance and well-being. The Holy Prophet said,

“Three things save people from punishment: fear of Allah privately and publicly; being just during period of pleasure and anger; and being moderate in spending in poverty and wealth. Likewise there are three things that destroy man: followed vain desire; covetousness and self-admiration.” (At-Tirmidhee)

 

 

Shun the heretic people; ask Allah (The One God) for firmness in faith and seek refuge with Him from the trials of life and death. Ibn Abaas narrated that the Holy Prophet used to teach them the following supplication as he taught them a soorah from the Holy Qur’an:

O Allah! I seek refuge with you from the torment of the grave; I seek refuge in you from the trial of Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjaal (Antichrist) and I seek refuge in you from the trial of life and death.” (Muslim)

 

 

Do not be like those who kill themselves with their own hands and always remember Allah’s (The One God's) word:

“Follow not your desire for it will mislead you from the path of Allah. Verily! Those who wander astray from the path of Allah (shall) have a severe torment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.” (Holy Quran Saad 38: 26)

 

O you who has a mountain-load of sins! O you who has been deafened and blinded by vain desire! Repent from your sins and turn back to your Lord before it is too late for Allah (The One God) accepts the repentance of those who repent and turn back to good deeds. Allah (The One God) says,

“Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they whom Allah will forgive and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces them and he says, ‘Now I repent’; nor of those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful torment.” (Holy Quran An-Nisaa’ 4: 17-18)

 

 

The Holy Prophet said,

“I shall be at the pool awaiting those who will come to me among you. And there will be some people who shall be prevented from reaching me and I will say, ‘My Lord! They are of me and of my nation!’ Then I will be told, ‘Did you know what they did after you? By Allah, they turned back on their heels (i.e. they disbelieved).’ I will then say, ‘To Hell with him. To Hell with Him who changed the religion after me.’ (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

 

 

Beware of making changes in the religion and beware of being among the callers to error and ignorance; those who stand on the edge of Hell campaigning for women’s liberation & obscenity and calling unto all evils. Allah (The One God) warns us against this set of people when He says,

“Allah wishes to make clear (what is lawful and what is unlawful) to you and to show you the ways of those before you, and accept your repentance, but those who follow their lusts, wish that you (believers) should deviate tremendously away from the Right Path.” (Holy Quran An-Nisaa’ 4: 26-27)

 

 

The Holy Prophet said,

“Whoever calls unto a guidance shall have rewards equal to that of each of those who follow him deducting nothing from their rewards. And whoever calls unto error shall have sin equal to that of each of those who follow him deducting nothing of their sins.” (Muslim)

 

 

Beware of sins that cause eternal misery and hold on strongly to Eemaan (faith). Be aware that this life is just like a serpent’s poison and do not be deluded with your health and energy. Allah (The One & Only God) says,

“Then for him who transgressed and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires). Verily, his abode will be Hell-Fire. But as for him who fears standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts, verily Paradise will be his abode.” (Holy Quran An-Naazi’aat 79: 37-41)

 

 

Fear Allah (The One God) and obey Him. He says,

“O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds).” (Holy Quran At-Tawbah 9: 119)

 

 

Beware also of following vain desires while judging others, arbitrating between quarreling groups or giving witness.

“And not let the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is well with you do.” (Holy Quran Al-Maa’idah 5: 8)

 

 

Remember a day that hidden affairs will be exposed; a day that a flag will be raised for every treacherous fellow and it will be said, ‘This is the treachery of so-and-so son of so-and-so.’
Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, fear Him, remember that you are going to meet Him one day and extol Him by loving Him more than all your beloved ones and giving His obedience Preference over all other things. Get prepared to meet him and do all good deeds that please Him. Also, reflect on your own selves and your weaknesses and hold yourselves responsible for all the sins you have committed. Reform your hearts by listening to the verses of the Glorious Qur’an and subdue your whims and lusts. Be like your predecessors to whom the realities of this world was exposed, they then saw its defects and to whom the hereafter manifested and they strove to gain the pleasure of Allah (The One & Only God). Sacrifice yourselves to the truth

“…and take a provision (for the journey to the hereafter.), but the best provision is piety and righteousness.” (Holy Quran Al-Baqarah 2: 197)

 

 

Be also reminded that the fruit of listening to admonition is to follow it; be therefore among those who listen to the words and follow the best thereof.

Enjoining Good And Forbidding Evil

 

 

 

 

Enjoining Good And Forbidding Evil

 

 

 

Allah (The One & Only God), the Exalted, says:
"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma`ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism, all that Islam orders one to do & goodness) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief, all that Islam has forbidden & evil). And it is they who are the successful.'' (Holy Quran 3:104)

"You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Sunnah (his ways)) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma`ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism, all that Islam has ordained & goodness) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief, all that Islam has forbidden, & evil)''.(Holy Quran 3:110)

 

 

"Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e., don't punish them).'' (Holy Quran 7:199)

 

 

"The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and goodness), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism, disbelief & evil )''. (Holy Quran 9:71)

 

 

"Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do". (Holy Quran 5:78,79)

 

 

"And say: `The truth is from your Master.' Then whosoever wills, let him believe; and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve". (Holy Quran 18:29)

 

 

"Therefore proclaim openly (Allah's Message - Islamic Monotheism) that which you are commanded...'' (Holy Quran 15:94)

 

 

"We rescued those who forbade evil, but with a severe torment. We seized those who did wrong because they used to rebel against Allah's Command (disobey Allah)". (Holy Quran 7:165)

 

 

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form of Faith".
[Muslim].

 

Commentary: This Hadith contains a very important prescription to prevent the Muslim society from all things which are forbidden in Islam. So long as Muslims adhered to it and ceaselessly and fearlessly performed their obligation of enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong, their society was largely safe from many evils and sins.

 

 

 

Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "Never a Prophet had been sent before me by Allah (The One God) to his people but he had, among his people, (his) disciples and companions, who followed his ways and obeyed his command. Then there came after them their successors who proclaimed what they did not practise, and practised what they were not commanded to do. And (he) who strove against them with his hand is a believer; he who strove against them with his heart is a believer; and he who strove against them with his tongue is a believer; and beyond that there is no grain of Faith".
[Muslim].

 

 

`Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We swore allegiance to Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to hear and obey; in time of difficulty and in prosperity, in hardship and in ease, to endure being discriminated against and not to dispute about rule with those in power, except in case of evident infidelity regarding which there is a proof from Allah (The One God). We swore allegiance to Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to say what was right wherever we were, and not to fear from anyone's reproach.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Commentary: It has been emphasized in this Hadith that even if a Muslim ruler is sinful and cruel, one should not disobey him unless he orders to go against the Divine injunctions. In that case, such rulers should not be obeyed. Similarly, it is not permissible to revolt against them until they commit clear-cut infidelity because there is a greater danger of loss in revolt and rebellion. It should be noted once and for all that the expression of truth and compliance with religious injunctions have top priority on all occasions. This should be done regardless of what people say on this account.

 

 

Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "The likeness of the man who observes the limits prescribed by Allah (The One God) and that of the man who transgresses them is like the people who get on board a ship after casting lots. Some of them are in its lower deck and some of them in its upper (deck). Those who are in its lower (deck), when they require water, go to the occupants of the upper deck, and say to them : `If we make a hole in the bottom of the ship, we shall not harm you.' If they (the occupants of the upper deck) leave them to carry out their design they all will be drowned. But if they do not let them go ahead (with their plan), all of them will remain safe".
[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that the consequences of committing acts which are forbidden in Islam are not confined only to those persons who commit them, but the whole society has to suffer for them. It is, therefore, essential that the people who are in the habit of committing sinful acts and violate Divine injunctions, should be checked to save the whole society from destruction. If this is not done, the entire society will have to face the Divine punishment.

 

 

Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "You will have rulers some of whom you approve and some of whom you will disapprove. He who dislikes them will be safe, and he who expresses disapproval will be safe, but he who is pleased and follows them (will be indeed sinful)". His audience asked: "Shall we not fight them?'' He replied, "No, as long as they establish Salat amongst you".
[Muslim].

Commentary:
1. By qualifying the obedience of Muslim rulers with Salat (Prayer to God), it has been made clear that what actually distinguishes between Kufr and Islam is Salat.
2. If a person has the power to stop the rulers from committing evil deeds, he must use this power for it. If he is incapable of it, he should at least condemn their evil deeds in his heart. To join or acquiesce in the evil deeds of the rulers is an extremely dangerous trend. From this angle, participation in political parties is a dangerous affair because when these parties come into power, all their members have to endorse and pursue their good as well as bad policies.

 

Zainab  (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) came to visit me one day frightened and he (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "La ilaha illallah (There is no true God but Allah). Woe to the Arabs because of an evil which has drawn near! Today an opening of this size has been made in the barrier restraining Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog people).'' And he (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) made a circle with his thumb and index finger. I said, ``O Messenger of Allah! Shall we perish while still there will be righteous people among us?'' He (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) replied, ``Yes, when wickedness prevails".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Commentary:  This Hadith also tells us about the ominous of sin. It says that when vice becomes common, then in spite of the presence of some virtuous persons, that community (morally corrupted) will be destroyed. But on the Day of Resurrection, those noble persons who had done their duty of preaching virtue and checking vice will stand apart from the sinners. Thus this Hadith induces one to keep away from sins.

 

 

 

 

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "Beware of sitting on roads (ways).'' The people said: "We have but them as sitting places.'' Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "If you have to sit there, then observe the rights of the way". They asked, "What are the rights of the way?'' He (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "To lower your gaze (on seeing what is illegal to look at), and (removal of harmful objects), returning greetings, enjoining good and forbidding wrong".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. This Hadith tells us that it is improper to sit on roadsides and passages in such a way which causes inconvenience to men and women (passers) who pass by. It is really very unfortunate that now we do not care about such things at all.
2. If sitting on roadside is indispensable at all, then it is essential to observe the requirements mentioned in the Hadith to justify the needful.
3. Some other Islamic etiquette mentioned in this Hadith have also been stated in other Ahadith. For instance, politeness of speech, sharing of someone's burden, helping the oppressed and the troubled, guiding the wayward person to the right path, answering (in the prescribed manner) one who sneezes, etc.

 

 

`Abdullah bin `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saw a man wearing a gold ring. So he the Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) pulled it off and threw it away, saying, "One of you takes a live coal, and puts it on his hand.'' It was said to the man after Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had left: "Take your ring (of gold) and utilize it,'' whereupon he said: "No, by Allah, I would never take it when Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) has thrown it away".
[Muslim].

Commentary:
1. We learn from this Hadith that wearing of gold ring is prohibited for men (men only) and so is wearing of golden ornament by them. It is very unfortunate indeed that nowadays it has become a popular fashion to present men gold ring on their marriage and they wear it with great pride (Gold jewelry & ornaments are for women enhancing their feminism while it oposes masculine characteristic). It is a very dangerous custom and must be altogether shunned for two reasons. Firstly, it is an unnecessary formality and burden to exchange presents and hold big feasts on betrothal ceremony. It is also open to objection in Islamic law. Secondly, to give and take unlawful things is all the more forbidden and is akin to building one sin over another.
2. The spirit of obedience mentioned in this Hadith is matchless.

 

 

Abu Sa`id Al-Hasan Basri reported: `Aidh bin `Amr (the Companion) (May Allah be pleased with him) visited `Ubaidullah bin Ziyad (the ruler) and said to him: "Son, I heard Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saying, `The worst shepherds (rulers) are those who deal harshly in respect of supervision. Beware, Don't be one of them!''' Ibn Ziyad said to him, "Sit down, you are but husk from among the Companions of the Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam)..'' `Aidh bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) retorted: "Was there any husk among them? Surely, husk came after them and among others than them".
[Muslim].

Commentary:  This Hadith presents a model of courage and boldness of speaking the truth before a tyrant. It was displayed by `Aidh (May Allah be pleased with him) in the court of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad, governor of Basrah. The latter humiliated `Aidh (May Allah be pleased with him) for his straight forwardness and truth but he repeated his statement about the eminence of the Companions of the Holy Prophet and said none of them could be called husk.

 

 

Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah (The One God) will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted".
[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: To abandon the practice of enjoining virtue and forbidding vice is likely to incur the displeasure of Allah (The One God). This trend is indeed fraught with the danger of rejection of prayers and supplications by Him.

 

 

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "The best type of Jihad (striving in the way of God) is speaking a true word in the presence of a tyrant ruler.''
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary:  Jihad has many degrees. Preaching of virtue is also Jihad which literally means to strive in the way of God. The most meritorious of all is the effort of communicating the Message of Allah (The One & Only God) to an unjust ruler. Similarly, if a society is so much given to a vice that no one can dare to utter a word against it, then to protest against it can also be reckoned as the best Jihad.

Abu `Abdullah Tariq bin Shihab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person asked the Holy Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) (when he had just put his foot in the stirrup): "What is the highest form of Jihad?'' He (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "Speaking the truth in the presence of a tyrant ruler".
[An-Nasa'i].

 

 

 

`Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "The first defect (in religion) which affected the Children of Israel in the way that man would meet another and say to him: `Fear Allah (The One God) and abstain from what you are doing, for this is not lawful for you.' Then he would meet him the next day and find no change in him, but this would not prevent him from eating with him, drinking with him and sitting in his assemblies. When it came to this, Allah (The One God) led their hearts into evil ways on account of their association with others.'' Then he (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) recited, "Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. You see many of them taking the disbelievers as their Auliya' (protectors and helpers). Evil indeed is that which their own selves have sent forward before them; for that (reason) Allah's (The One God's) wrath fell upon them and in torment will they abide.

And had they believed in Allah (The One God) and in the Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and in what has been revealed to him, never would they have taken them (the disbelievers) as Auliya' (protectors and helpers); but many of them are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).''

 
Then he (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) continued: "Nay, by Allah, you either enjoin good and forbid evil and catch hold of the hand of the oppressor and persuade him to act justly and stick to the truth, or, Allah will involve the hearts of some of you with the hearts of others and will curse you as He had cursed them".
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

 

The wording in At-Tirmidhi is: Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "When the Children of Israel became sinful, their learned men prohibited them but they would not turn back. Yet, the learned men associated with them and ate and drank with them. So, they were cursed at the tongues of Dawud and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), because they were disobedient and were given to transgression.'' At this stage Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) who was reclining on a pillow sat up and said, "No, By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, there is no escape for you but you persuade them to act justly.''

 

Commentary:  This Hadith tells us that the duty of `Ulama' (the scholars & learned) is to check the people from vice and if, in spite of all their efforts people do not abandon them, they should avoid associating with them because it is a matter of religious reverence and vanity. If they do not do it, they will also be cursed like the disobedient lot. May Allah (The One God) save us from this negligence.

 

 

 

 

 

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: "O you people! You recite this Verse: `O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.' But I have heard Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saying: "When people see an oppressor but do not prevent him from (doing evil), it is likely that Allah (The One God) will punish them all.''
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

Commentary:  What Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) had stated was that this was generally understood to mean that if a person is on the Straight Path then it is not necessary for him to preach virtue and forbid vice because in that case he neither has the fear of being harmed by the disobedience and sins of others nor is he answerable to Allah (The One God) for their misdeeds. Thus, what it implies is that Muslim Ummah is not responsible for the enforcement of Islamic Shari`ah in the world and all it is concerned with is its own improvement only. By narrating this Hadith, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) refuted and made it clear that it is the duty of the believing nation and each of its member to make best possible efforts to check the vices prevalent in the society. So much so that if a Muslim has the ability to check the vices by means of force or speech but he does not do it, his negligence in this regard will become a cause of Divine wrath and punishment. In spite of the best efforts on the part of the pious ones there is no improvement, and people do not abstain from sins and disobedience of Allah (The One & Only God) then the pious persons will not be held responsible for what the defaulters do, nor would they suffer on this account.

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________

 

 

"…but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (The patient believers) Who, when afflicted with calamity, say, “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom are the blessings from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones." [Holy Quran 2:155-156].

 

 

 

 

"And seek help in patience and the prayer." [Holy Quran 2:45].

 

 

 

 

"And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah (The One God)." [Holy Quran 42:43].

 

 

 

"The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend." And then said about this virtue, "But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter, i.e. Paradise, and in this world of a high

moral character)." [Holy Quran 41:34-35].