Have We Lost the True Understanding of the Shahadah?

Bismillah.

Muslims have lost the real worship of Allah because they have turned the Shahadah into a meaningless ritual. They say it often, but they do not implement its meaning into their lives. The Shahadah is a statement about our relationship and connection with Allah. This relationship is based on Allah being recognised as Lord and Master, while submitting to Him as His slaves. The connection between Allah and Muslims is one of worship and obedience. Until and unless, Muslims submit to their Lord as His humble slaves and only worship and obey Him, they will continue to be lost when it comes to the real worship of Allah. 

Furthermore, the Shahadah is a declaration of loyalty to Allah, that Allah is the friend of the believer and Shaytan is the enemy. It also affirms that the believer fears Allah and that He is the only One worthy of worship. Once a believer makes this declaration, they promise to obey Allah’s commandments, and put their trust in Allah.  Trust in Allah is the major theme of the Qur’an; thus, the slave trusts his or her Lord by asking Him for their needs, knowing full well that it is Allah who creates these problems and then rewards them for asking Him for help, guidance and relief. The slave’s life revolves around obeying Allah, trusting Him and then asking Him, which brings him or her closer to Allah.

The Shahadah is a transformational declaration which seeks to change people’s lives. The statement that radically changed the lives of the sahaba, should do the same to us today. The sahaba internalised the Shahadah; thus, they were able to make such a tremendous impact in the world. They were able to do this because they knew that the Hereafter was their goal and that being a true slave of Allah will never lead to humiliation. They sacrificed their wealth, their families and their lives to achieve their goal. They worked tirelessly to surrender to Allah by subduing their desires for the pleasure of Allah. They worked openly and secretly to please Allah; that their secret deeds were better than their public ones. They were Muslims when no-one was looking at them and they were Muslims when dealing with people in public. They did not have different personas for different occasions, they were the same sincere and courageous people when dealing with private matters as they were dealing with the public. The Shahadah must progress from discussion points and zikr into action that proves one’s faith, as without action there is no evidence of one’s submission to Allah.

The role of the Quran in the Islamic religious tradition

Bismillah.

Muslims are a diverse group of believers who all unite under the belief that the Quran is their holy writ and that it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by God. Muslims have always united under this belief while they have differed in the interpretation of the what the text actually means and how it applies today. As such the Quran for Muslims is a living text which affects their daily lives and is part and parcel of their way of life. This can be seen from the artistic depictions of Quranic verses to taxi-drivers listening to its recitation as they go about their business. For the Muslim the Quran is their link with the divine.

The role of the Quran in Islamic religious tradition is central, there is no other text that is comparable to it, nor is there any text like it linguistically in the Arabic language. The Prophethood of Muhammad started with its revelation and it ended when all of it was revealed. Muhammad was the guide, the teacher, and the interpreter of the holy book. It defined his role, explained his functions and even corrected his mistakes so as to teach Muslims morals through his life. 

The Quran does not claim to be the first revealed book from God but reaffirms the history of revelations before it of the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel. It also acknowledges the Hebrew prophets of old – Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Elias, Zechariah and many others, including Jesus. The Quran speaks of a brotherhood of prophets and a community of believers, always emphasising the oneness of God and the Day of Judgement. A belief that Jews, Christians and Muslims all share. It uses the term, ‘People of the Book’ to describe Jews and Christians in particular and tells Muslims that they also worship the same God.

As Muslims believe the Quran to be beyond space and time, the holy text is interpreted and reinterpreted in every age by scholars who look at the Quran with fresh eyes in the light of their own times to see how it can be applied. The process of interpretation has taken many dimensions from ethical, spiritual, legal, lingual, moral, historical and contextual. This has ensured that a vast diversity of interpretations is always happening to the text and that scholars and laypeople alike engage with the holy book for answers and guidance in their lives. The Quran, its reading and interpretation is the true example of diversity within Islam and goes directly against the idea of Muslims and Islam being monolithic and not being part of a vast intellectual tradition.

Being a Grateful Slave of Allah

Bismillah.

Being Allah’s slave means that we have to be grateful to Him.

Living here in Australia, we have so much to be grateful for. We have security and peace while we live in a time where most of the Muslim World is in chaos and the safety and security of people and their property cannot be guaranteed. 

Allah says in Surah Yunus 10:60,

“Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.” 

And in Surah Surah Saba [34:13] Allah says,

“But few of My slaves are grateful.” 

So, we must be grateful. Even if we are small in number. Even though we find that other people are not grateful, we should be grateful. We have to strive to be that elite group of people which Allah says are few in number. That small group of grateful slaves.

So that main question is how can we be grateful slaves of Allah?

1. By recognising everything that He has given to you. 

“Thus Allah makes clear to you His Ayat that you may be grateful.” [Surah al-Ma’idah 5:89]

His ayat or signs are numerous, some of which we know and some of which we do not know.

Everyday Allah gives us provision, health, wealth and strength to do things. Every moment we have breath in our lungs, we need to be grateful to Allah who has given us taufeeq to live, to enjoy, to talk, to work and to be with our family and friends. 

Allah says about the person who recognises His signs saying in Surah Luqman [31:31],

“Verily, in this are signs for every patient, grateful person.” 

2. The grateful slave remembers with Kind and Loving Master

Allah says in Surah al-Baqarah [2:152],

“Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be grateful to Me and never be ungrateful to Me.” 

So, Allah connected His remembrance with being grateful to Him. The greatest remembrance a person can do is to worship Allah - to pray salah five times daily. There is no Ibadan greater than salah. 

So, a grateful slave of Allah will take care of his or her salah.

And again in Surah az-Zumar [39:66] Allah says,

“But worship Allah, and be among the grateful.” 

3. Fear Allah

In Surah al-Imran [3:123] Allah says,

“So fear Allah much that you may be grateful.”

A grateful slave of Allah is not disobedient to Him. A grateful slave of Allah tries his or her best to please their Rabb. A grateful slave of Allah fears the displeasure of their Lord.

Like you would not sin in front of your parents, you should take care not to sin against Allah. Fearing Allah is part of iman. We fear Allah so that He will forgive us and reward us for our efforts to please Him.

4. Make du’a that Allah makes you grateful

In Surah al-Ahqaf [46:15] Allah gives us a du’a to recite in order for Allah to give us the ability to be grateful to Him.

“O my Lord, help me to be grateful for Your flavours which You have bestowed upon me, and upon my parents, and to do good deeds that will please you.” 

Indeed our Rabb is extremely merciful and loving towards His slaves. That He has given us a du’a in the Qur’an to ask to be grateful to Him. We are to learn this du’a and to keep asking Allah to become His grateful slaves.

And not only that. Subhan Allah!

When we do become grateful slaves of Allah, He says in the Qur’an,

“And We shall reward the grateful.” [Surah al-Imran 3:145]

So after being grateful and everything that we are grateful for is from Him, then He rewards us for being grateful. Subhan Allah, how incredible is Allah?

5. Make a list of all of the things you are grateful for 

People who are depressed and suffer from depression are encouraged by psychologists to make a list of things in their lives that they are grateful for. This is done because it has psychological benefits. Studies show that a depressed person who makes a list of things they are grateful for every day starts to feel better about themselves and their life. 

So if any one of us feels down or depressed about our situation in life, make a list of things that you are grateful for and watch your mood and attitude to your life change for the better.

Being a grateful slave of Allah is indeed a great favour and blessing from Allah in itself.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised us,

"Look to one who is lower than you, and do not look to one who is above you. For indeed that is more worthy of you so that you will not belittle Allah's favours upon you.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi #2513: sahih)

There is an important message in this hadith, that in order to be grateful to Allah do not look at those who have better things than you. But look at those who have less than you, then you will become grateful.

Also do not think that just because someone has better things than you that they are not being tested by Allah. 

Everyone of us is being tested - from the homeless man in the city to the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company. 

The key is to be a grateful slave of Allah.

So the take home message is:

1. Recognise all the favours and blessings that Allah has given you in your life.
2. Pray five times a day
3. Fear Allah and do good deeds deeds.
4. Make du’a to be a grateful slave of Allah.
5. Make a list of things you are grateful for every day.

Our Relationship with Allah

Bismillah.

Our relationship with Allah is the most important relationship in our lives. He is our Rabb, our Lord, our Master, Our King and our Sustainer.

We are his slaves, and the success of the slaves lies in the total obedience and surrender, to the will of their Master and Owner.

Annemarie Schimmel, the German orientalist scholar on Islam, wisely wrote, “The true slave (abduhu) of God is … the truly free person.” (Celebrating Muhammad, p. 15)

Being a slave of Allah is an honour, not a humiliation. But in order for us to be honoured we must submit and humble ourselves before our Gracious Lord.

As you know, the prophets and the messengers are the best of Allah’s creation, and Allah calls them His slaves.

In Surah al-Zukhruf 43:59, Allah says about Isa alayhis Salam, “He was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example to the Bani Israel.”

In Surah al-Isra 17:11, Allah says about the night journey of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam, ‘Glorified and exalted be He who took His slave for a journey by night …’ 

And concerning the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an to the prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, Allah says in Surah an-Najm 53:10, ‘Thus, He revealed to His slave what He revealed.’

Allah calls his mightiest messengers His slaves. 

We are the slaves of Allah Subhan wa Ta’ala because everything we have, including ourselves, belongs to Him and is owned and controlled by Him. We cannot do anything that is against the will of our Lord. Every breath we take, we do so because Allah has given us the ability and strength to do so. If Allah does not will something, that thing can never occur.

Ten names and attributes of Allah which focus on our relationship with Him are:

1. Allah - Surah al-Fatihah 1:1

Allah is the proper name of our God. It means ‘He who deserves to be worshipped.’ Islam is the only religion that knows the proper name of God. That is why when we call upon Allah, we are using His personal name. 

2. Al-Rabb - Surah al-Fatihah 1:2

Al-Rabb means the One who creates, then helps them grow and develop, at the same time He sustains them and directs and plans everything that is needed by that creation to be made available to it for its survival and continued existence.

So for our existence on this planet, Allah created the air, the water, the plants and the animals to ensure our survival and our continued existence here. The same can be said about our bodies, families and even to a microscopic level within our cells.

3. Al-Ilah - Surah al-Baqarah 2:163

Al-Ilah is the One who is adored, loved respected and worshipped with humility and sincerity in your heart. He is the only One who you seek salvation and refuge in. 

4. Al-Rahman & Al-Raheem - Surah al-Faihah 1:1

Signifies to us Allah’s mercy and compassion that we see everyday in our lives. This mercy and compassion is there for both believers and disbelievers, for sinners as well as, for those who repent. 

5. Al-Qareeb - Surah al-Baqarah 2:186

Allah said to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that when My slaves ask you concerning Me, tell them I am near. Allah is not distant, not unaware of you and not uncaring about your situation. He is ever near.

6. Al-Qadir - Surah at-Tariq 86:8

Shows us that Allah is capable of doing as He wills. That is why the slave must turn to his Master as Allah is Able when the creation is incapable.

7. Al-Musta’an - Surah Yusuf 12:18

Means the One whose help is sought. Allah is the one whom we turn to when we need help. 

8. Al-Mujeeb - Surah Hud 11:61

Means the Responsive, so when we call on Allah, He will respond. Subhan Allah, so why wouldn’t we turn to Him whenever we are in need, when our Rabb is responsive.

9. Al-Lateef - Surah al-An’am 6:103

Allah is gentle and most kind towards His creation. His immense kindness can be seen by the fact that none of us requested to be born yet He created us, and none of us wanted to become Muslims and yet He guided us.

10. Al-Kareem - Surah al-Infitar 82:6

Allah is the most generous to His slaves. He gives us His blessings and favours every single day, most of which without us even asking.

I have concentrated on Allah’s names and attributes that inspire us to love, adore and worship our Rabb. There are of course, many more names which I will endeavour to present at another time, Insha Allah. 

May Allah give us taufeeq to know Him and get closer to Him. Ameen

Character Traits of Prophets Yusuf and Yaqub (alyhimus salam)

Bismillah.

The references are all from Surah Yusuf.

Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) Alayhis Salam

• Loving son (12:4)
• Morally upright (12:23)
• In self-control - did not give in to temptation (12:24)
• Speak the truth (12:26)
• Ready to sacrifice his freedom for his beliefs (12:33)
• God-conscious - righteous (12:33, 53, 90)
• Trust in Allah (12:34, 90)
• Believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (12:38)
• Conveys Allah’s message to others (12:39-40)
• Patient in adversity (12:42, 90)
• Known as someone who tells the truth (12:46)
• His reputation is important to him (12:50)
• He wants the truth to be known (12:50)
• Even enemies testify to his upright character (12:51)
• Does not want any donut about his trustworthiness (12:52)
• Know your strengthens and qualifications (12:55)
• Generous to his family (12:62)
• Intelligent (12:62)
• Judicious (12:70-79)
• Defends himself (12:77)
• Confront wrong-doers with the truth (12:89)
• Forgiving to those who have wronged him (12:92)
• Family oriented (12:99)
• Honoured his parents (12:100)
• Grateful to Allah even after adversity (12:100-101)
• Wants closeness to Allah - taqwa (12:101)

Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) Alayhis Salam

• Loving father (12:5)
• God-conscious - righteous (12:6, 64)
• Believes in the God of Abraham and Isaac (12:6)
• Intuitive (12:13, 94)
• Patient in adversity (12:18, 83)
• Trust in God (12:18, 66, 67, 83, 84, 96)
• Cautious (12:64, 66, 67)
• Vigilant (12:67)
• Turn to Allah in times of grief and sorrow (12:86)
• Does not lose hope (12:87)
• Forgiving to those who’ve done wrong (12:98)

Classifications of Allah's Names and Attributes

Bismillah.

From: Surah Ikhlas (112:1-4); Surah an-Nur (24:35); Surah al-Baqarah (2:255); Surah al-Hashr (59:21-24); Surah al-Hadid (57:1-3).

Beauty

• Nothing comparable unto Him
• He is the Light
• Self-Subsistent Fount of All Being
• He knows what is open and what is hidden
• Truly exalted
• Most Gracious
• Dispenser of Grace
• Beyond our perception
• His limitless glory
• Maker of forms and appearances
• Truly Wise
• Everything in the heavens and earth extol His glory
• The Outward
• The Inward

Majesty

• Allah-us-Samad
• He guides whom He wills
• Has knowledge of all things
• Ever-Living
• Neither slumber overtakes Him nor sleep
• Everything belong to Him
• Power over everything
• Tremendous
• Sovereign Supreme
• The One on whom all salvation rests
• The Giver of Faith
• The Almighty
• The One who subdues wrong and restores right
• The One to whom all greatness belongs
• His is the dominion of the heavens and the earth
• Grants life and deals death
• Has the power to will anything

Perfection

• The One
• Eternal
• Begets not
• Nor is He begotten
• The Holy
• The One who determines what is true and what is false
• Creator
• The First
• The Last

Qur'an is not Poetry

Bismillah.

Recently a dear friend of mine posed the following question: Why does the Qur’an specifically state that it is not poetry, while it is rich and affects the heart?

“And We have not taught him poetry, nor is it suitable for him. This is only a reminder and a plain Qur’an." (Surah Yaseen 36:69)

When the Quraysh said to Waleed Ibn Mugheerah, “Then we shall say to the people that he is a poet.” Waleed, one of the wisest men of the Quraysh, replied, “But he is not a poet. We know the different kinds of poetry, and his words can’t be compared to any of them. He is therefore, not a poet.” (Mubarakpuri’s When the Moon Split) This is part of a much longer Hadith report.

Reading tafsirs by different scholars it seems the main reason why Allah says that the verses of the Qur’an is not poetry, is because Arabic poetry has many rules which the Qur’an did not follow. Arabic poetry seems to have a certain way to be recited and composed which, interestingly, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was bad at doing or did not know how to do, according to his wife Aisha and her father Abu Bakr among others. There’s even an incident where the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) tries to recite poetry but gets the rhythm wrong, so Abu Bakr tries to correct him.

Poetry also is a man-made mixture of truth, hyperbole, wisdom, flattery, rhyme, half-truths, imagination and even lies; conversely, the Qur’an is divine, wisdom, truth, rhyme and pure. To say the Qur’an is poetry, underscores its aims and objectives because the main aim of poetry in 7th century Arabia was to entertain and record their tribal history; while this was not the purpose and intent of the Qur’an. The lofty intent and purposes of the Qur’an cannot be compared to poetry.

It is important also to note that tribal poetry competitions came to an end with the revelation of the Qur’an.

As for the second half of the above ayah, “This is only a reminder and a plain Qur’an.” Scholars have interpreted this as, the gist of the Qur’an should be understood by anyone who reads it with understanding without the need to study its rules, context and language; which is the case for ancient Arabic poems today. Whereas, the Qur’an does not need in-depth knowledge and study to know what Allah is trying to tell us on a basic level like Surah al-Fatihah and Surah al-Asr as well as Surah al-Ikhlas.

Why We Should Be Making More Du'a

Bismillah.

In Surah al- Fatihah we recite in ayah number 5:

“It is You we worship and You we ask for help.”

1. The Most Noble of All Actions and the Best Act of Worship is Du’a

• And this is because Allah said in Surah adh-Dhariyat, “And I have not created jinn and humankind except to worship Me.” (51:56)
• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “The best form of worship is du’a.” (al-Hakim (1/491); as-Sahihah, no.1579)
• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “There is nothing that is more noble in the sight of Allah than du’a.” (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, al-Hakim; Sahih al-Jami, no.5392.

2. Allah Only Cares About Us If We Make Du’a to Him

• Allah says in Surah al-Furqan, “Say O Muhammad, ‘My Lord only pays attention to you because of your du’a to Him.” (25:77)
• As-Sadi, a commentator of the Qur’an said that this means that Allah cares and loves us only because we make du’a to him.

3. Du’a Repels and Changes Predestination or Qadr

• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Nothing repels qadr except du’a.” (at-Tirmidhi, no.139; Ibn Majah, no.90; as-Sahihah, no.154)
• Allah will change the qadr of a person because of the sincerity and quality of his du’a. So we should ask Allah to repel future problems and calamities from us, our families and the entire ummah.
• Allah says about Himself in Surah al- Hajj (22:14): “Allah does as He pleases.” 

4. The Reward for Du’a is Guaranteed

• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “There is no-one who asks for Allah for anything except that Allah gives it to him, or keeps him away from a similar evil, as long as he does not ask for something evil or breaking of family ties.” (Sahih al-Jami, no.5637; Sahih at-Tirmidhi, no.2827)
• Ibn Hajar, the famous commentator of Sahih al-Bukhari, said, “Every single person that makes du’a will be responded to, but the actual responses are different. Sometimes, the exact matter that was prayed for is given, and sometimes, something equivalent to it is given.” (Fath al-Bari, 11/95)  

5. Du’a is the Cure for All Diseases: Physical and Spiritual

• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “For whoever the door of du’a is opened, then all the doors of mercy have been opened for him. And nothing is more pleasing to Allah than being asked for good health.” (at-Tirmidhi, no.3548; Sahih al-Jami, no.3409) 
• Ibn al-Qayyim, known as the doctor of the heart, says, “Du’a is of the most beneficial cures, and it is the enemy of all diseases. It fights them, and cures them, and prevents their occurrence …” (ad-Da’wa wa ad-Dawa, p.41)

6. If You want Something From Allah, Make Du’a for Your Brother or Sister in Islam to Have The Same Thing

• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “There is no Muslim who prayers for his brother in his absence except that an angel says, ‘Ameen, and may you receive the same.’” (Muslim; Abu Dawud, no.1534; Sahih al-Jami, no.5737)
• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no.13 & Sahih Muslim, no.45a)

7. Make Du’a at Any Time and for All Matters

• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever wishes that Allah responds to his du’a in times of hardship, then let him increase his du’a in times of ease.” (at-Tirmidhi, no.3382; al-Hakim, 1/544; as-Sahihah ,no.593)
• Aisha, the mother of the believers, said, “Ask Allah for everything, even if it is only a shoe-lace, because if Allah does not make it easy, then it will not be possible.” (at-Tirmidhi, 4/292; ad-Da’ifah, no.1326 - not marfu)

8. Allah Loves being Asked

• Allah says in Surah al-Baqarah, “And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then tell them, I am indeed close to them, I respond to their du’a when he calls on Me.” (2:186)
• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Ask Allah from His bounty, for verily Allah loves to be asked.” (at-Tirmidhi, no.3571; ad-Da’ifah, no.492 - supported by other hadith)
• Dr Akram Nadwi says that when a slave of Allah starts asking Allah and he starts to love asking Allah and being close to Allah, that at times the slave forgets why he is making du’a to his Gracious Rabb.

9. Even When the Answer of the Du’a is Delayed You are Still the Winner

• Allah says in Surah al-Anbiya, “And We test you, with good and evil, as a fitnah. And to Us you will return.” (21:35)
• This is because Allah tests our patience and resolve.
• He wants us to keep turning to Him for help and guidance throughout our lives.
• The believer keeps getting rewards for every time he turns to Allah and has patience in waiting for His answer.
• It brings the believer closer to His Lord and Master.
• It shows his humility and need for His Lord’s assistance and Allah’s position in his life. 
• Only asking for evil is refused, otherwise all du’a is answered either here or in the hereafter.
• Allah may delay your du’a and give you something better or He may delay your du’a until the hereafter where it will be for eternity. 
• Any du'a answered in the hereafter will be definitely unimaginably better than if it was answered here.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

1. MAKE LOTS OF DU’A.
2. YOU CAN NEVER BE A LOSER WITH DU’A AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT ASK FOR EVIL.
3. WHEN IN DOUBT MAKE DU’A - DO NOT LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM BUT AT THE GREATNESS OF YOUR LORD TO WHOM YOU ARE PLEADING FOR HELP AND FAVOURS.

Don't Be Sad - Important Videos

How to Defeat Shaytan and Smile Everyday

Why Shaytan? Because Allah calls him our open enemy more than 10 times in the Noble Qur’an.

Allah says in Surah Fatir, “Surely, Shaytan is your enemy so treat him like your enemy.” [35:6]

Why smile? Because it is sunnah and scientific research tells us that smiling relieves stress, lowers blood pressure and even a fake smile can lift a person’s mood.

Jarir (radi Allahu anhu) said that whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) saw him, he smiled. [Sahih al-Bukhari #3822; Jami at-Tirmidhi #3821: sahih]

Furthermore, the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) companions Ibn Jaz and Abdullah Ibn Haarith (radi Allahu anhum) said, he had not seen anyone smile more than the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). [Jami at-Tirmidhi #3641: hasan; Shama'il Muhammadiyah #217]

Abdullah ibn Mubarak was asked about good akhlaq and the first thing he mentioned was to smile. [Jami at-Tirmidhi #2005: sahih]

Remember these verses from the Glorious Qur’an and put them into action. This will help you defeat Shaytan and make you smile everyday.

1. If you want the Lord of the Universe to remember you, remember Him, as Allah says in Surah al-Baqarah, “So remember Me; I will remember you.” [2:152]

• Can you imagine, being remembered by Allah, our King, our Master, our Lord?
• It is credible how great Islam is, that our Creator gave us the formula if we want Him to remember us. Subhan Allah! What a great pleasure and great gift from Allah. 
• So simple, just by saying: Alhamdulillah, Subhan Allah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allah will remember us.
• But never forget that the greatest remembrance is salah.

2. "Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” [Surah ar-Ra’d 13:28]

• In this ayat, Allah tells us that when we do remember Him, it is good for us, both physically and spiritually.
• So the remembrance of Allah is indeed a great ni’mah from Allah, since there is only gain for us. We remember Allah, He remembers us! Subhan Allah. Then by remembering Allah, we find solace and contentment in our hearts. Allahu Akbar!
• By remembering Allah everyday, we are the winners. We cannot lose. 
• Find time to remember Allah, when you are waiting in line, when you are by yourself, when you are travelling, when you are walking.

3. “Fear not, surely Allah is with us.”[Surah at-Tawbah 9:40]  

• Imagine the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) hiding in the cave, after being pursued by the Quraysh. 
• Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) would later say, ‘Had the Quraysh looked down, they would have seen our feet.” They were so close to the enemy, but Allah was with them.
• In our own lives, during times when we are feeling low, when despair and hopelessness stare us in the face remember - ALLAH IS WITH YOU.
• This is indeed a great comfort for the believers.
• Allah also says in Surah al-Hadid, “He is with you wherever you are.”[57:4]

4. “Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear.”[Surah al-Baqarah 2:286]

• This ayat is a great joy for the believers, because Allah is telling us and giving us a guarantee that no matter how difficult the test in your life becomes, no matter what you have to go through, Allah knows that you are greater than that test or difficulty, and that you will overcome it.
• Allah tells us what the tests and trials He will afflict on us, Allah says, “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to as-Sabirun.”[Surah al-Baqarah 2:155]
• So all these things are part and parcel of life. The dunya is for tests and trials, but we know that our Lord will never burden us more than we can handle.

5. “Say: O My slaves who have sinned and committed evil deeds! Do not despair of Allah’s mercy, for surely, Allah forgives all sins. He is truly Most Merciful, Most Forgiving.” [Surah az-Zumar 39:53]

• Allah again says, “And ask forgiveness of your Lord and turn unto Him in repentance. For my Lord is indeed, Most Merciful, Most Loving.”[Surah Hud 11:90]
• We sin everyday. We are weak and in need of Allah’s guidance and compassion. That is why we must repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness everyday. Do not let a day go by without seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Do not let Shaytan win. 
• Allah also said, “Indeed Allah loves those who repent.”[Surah al-Baqarah 2:222]
• Get close to Allah. Ask and cry for your salvation. Keep remembering that Allah forgives ALL sins.
• Allah says, “Whosoever repents after sinning and does good deeds, then surely Allah will pardon him. Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”[Surah al-Maidah 5:39]
• Allah is Most Loving, Most Merciful and Oft-Forgiving. Allahu Akbar!

The Problem with Absolutism in Islam

Bismillah.

First and foremost I must make certain disclaimers here, as without a doubt there are principles, beliefs and pillars within Islam that are absolute. These include:

1. The Oneness of Allah
2. The Prophethood of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
3. Qur'an is God's word
4. Paradise and Hell
5. Angels and Jinns
6. Other prophets and their revelations
7. Day of Judgment
8. Sins and good deeds
9. Salah and du'a
10. Fasting in Ramadan
11. Shahadah
12. Hajj and umrah
13. Zakat and Sadaqah
14. Zikr and Athkar
15. Halal and haram

In general, these principles, beliefs and rituals are agreed to as part of Islam by the scholars and there is no disagreement that they are not within Islam. Of course, the details and descriptions of each one mentioned has a myriad of differences of opinion within Islam.

It is these differences of opinion that are the subject of this blog.

Muslims today view diversity of opinions among the scholars of Islam in a very negative light and mistakenly believe that the Sahabah radi Allahu anhum were a monolithic group of people who did, thought and said the same thing. That time is seen as a time of unity of opinions and action. However, the truth is that the Sahabah radi Allahu anhum were a diverse group of people who differed among themselves at times.

One famous example of this diversity is mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari, "On the day of Al-Ahzab the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said to his companions, 'None of you should offer the Asr salah until you reach Banu Quraiza." On the way, Asr salah became due, so some of the companions decided to pray while the others said, 'We will not offer it until we reach Banu Quraiza.' The ones who decided to pray said, 'No, we will pray now as that is what the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam meant.' Later on, this incident was mentioned to the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and he did not blame any of the two groups." [Chapter on Military Expeditions, #4119]

The Sahabah radi Allah anhum interpreted the words of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam differently despite hearing it directly from him and having him in their midst. Yet, the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam did not admonish anyone for having two contrary opinions about what they heard and how they implemented it. This dichotomy of a literalist and spirit approach has been in Islam from the very beginning, as this example clearly demonstrates.

Another such example, is the question of whether the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam saw his Lord during the Isra Wal Miraj, here are what the companions said:

Ibn Abbas said, 'Muhammad saw his Lord.' To which Ikrimah asked, 'Didn't Allah say, "No vision can grasp Him, but He grasps all vision." [Surah al-An'am 6:103] Ibn Abbas replied, 'Woe to you! That is when He manifests His light. But Muhammad saw his Lord two times.'" [Jami at-Tirmidhi #3279; Hasan]  

Aisha states that 'whoever claimed that Muhammad saw his Lord, is committing a great fault, for he only saw Jibril in his true form, where he covered the entire horizon.' [Sahih al-Bukhari #3234] While in another narration she says, 'If anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen his Lord, he is a liar, for Allah says, 'No vision can grasp Him' [Surah al-An'am 6:103]." [Sahih al-Bukhari #7380]

While Abu Dharr said he asked the Prophet, 'Did you see your Lord?' He replied, 'He is light, how could I see Him?' [Sahih Muslim #178a]

After reading the above statements, one would expect Aisha to have declared Ibn Abbas a liar. However, this did not happen, in fact Aisha and Ibn Abbas respected each other, despite holding opposite opinions about this matter.

Allah commands, O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those entrusted with authority among you. If you are in dispute over any matter, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable in the end. [Surah an-Nisa 4:59]

This verse tell us to obey the Qur'an and Sunnah and to follow the scholars of Islam in matters where we need guidance in our daily lives. Here the door of the diversity of opinions in Islam is open for every Muslim. Whichever scholar's opinion a Muslim follows, being sincere and happy to meet Allah on the Day of Judgment with that, it is perfectly fine.

This is because of two principles in Islam:

1. Aisha said, 'Whenever the Prophet was given an option between two things, he would choose the easier one as long as it was not sinful. But if it was sinful, he would remain far from it." [Sahih al-Bukhari #6786]

2. The Prophet said, 'When a scholar gives an opinion, having tried his best to arrive at the correct opinion, and he is right, he gets two rewards. Whereas, if a scholar gives an opinion, having tried his best to arrive at the correct opinion, and he errs, he gets one reward.' [Sahih Muslim #1716a] 

As such, a Muslim is allowed to follow opinions that are easy for him or her to carry out their everyday living. They are also recommended to find reliable and trustworthy scholars to ask opinions of, in order to make their life agreeable according to the principles of Islam. 

Diversity of opinions within Islam is a great asset, which needs to be encouraged and scholars given freedom, opportunities and authority to differ and not feel intimidated, or labelled for their sincere effort to interpret the Qur'an and the Sunnah, in increasingly novel situations with complex problems. This would also encourage our best minds to strive to become scholars, in order to exercise their abilities without fear or favour, but willing to serve the ummah and uphold the lofty legacies of the scholars of the past. 

Without a diverse variety of opinions and rigorous intellectual debate, Muslims wishing to practice Allah's Deen will find it out of touch with modernity and seekers of the truth will see and feel a disconnect between Islam and the world today. We as Muslims need to look at our intellectual past to rediscover diversity and maturity, to accept difference and to see it as a strength and not as a deviation.

Qur'an Recitations that touch the heart

Qur'an Recitations that Touch the Heart

A wonderful young hafiz from Morocco

Qari Muhammad al-Kurdi

Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner

Qari Ismail Noori

25 Life Lessons from Surah al-Fatihah

Why is contemplating about Surah al-Fatihah important?

• Allah tells us in the Qur’an many times to reflect on the Qur'an
• To help us concentrate in our salah
• To know why this Surah is important to us on a personal level
• To realise the power and relevance of this surah

25 Life Lessons from Surah al-Fatihah

1.Never forget that Allah reminds us, He announces to us, that He is Compassionate and Merciful.

2. This compassion and mercy of Allah is evident everywhere we look and every blessing He gives us and allows us to have and enjoy.

3. No-one deserves more praise than Allah.

4. The God you believe in is the Master, the Controller, the Sustainer and the Provider of the entire universe. Do not think for a moment that He does not know you or care about you. He is the Rabb of everything. The Lord of things we know and things we do not know and may never know. 

5. Mercy and compassion were so important to Allah that He mentioned it twice. Allah does things with deliberation. Nothing is said or done without purpose. 

6. Tread cautiously and purposefully on this earth as we all will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment.

7. Act, think and live in a way that shows that we believe that one day I will meet my Lord and will have to give an explanation for my actions.

8. Allah is our King. Treat Him in that manner.

9. Ask only Allah. Never think that Allah will not respond. 

10. Everyone needs help so help them.

11. When despair and hopelessness start to enter your mind and your heart - always remember to turn for help to Allah.

12. Beg only before Allah.

13. Worship only Allah. Everything we trust and have hope in will one day disappoint us and let us down. Rely only on Allah.

14. Do not become self-righteous and so sure of your righteousness or righteous cause or belief that you forget that we ask Allah to guide us on the Straight Path a minimum of 17 times a day.

15. Look for people who Allah has blessed with His Grace but know that no person, no people were perfect and that you will find weaknesses and mistakes in everyone of them. So take the good and leave the rest.

16. Stay away from people who earn Allah's anger through their speech and through their actions. Those who sin openly and do not worry about the consequences.

17. Stay away from those who have gone astray. This included s those who do not want to reform themselves after being advised many times. Especially if you think their speech and their actions might harm or affect you adversely.

18. This awesome surah is a gift from Allah to us. How grateful should we be that Allah gives us taufiq to recite it?  

19. Are we giving it due reverence and devotion in our salah?

20. Are we living by its lessons and meanings in our daily life?

21. We are asking Allah to guide us to the Straight Path, but it is not that Allah is guiding us but many of us are turning away from His guidance?

22. The least we can do to respect and revere this surah is to recite it correctly to please our Lord.

23. The surah is called the opening. The opening to Allah's compassion and mercy. The opening to knowing your Rabb. The opening to the vastness tawhid and the opening to a relationship and proximity to Allah.

24. Our relationship with Allah is summed up in this short surah.

25. The key words and phrases of this surah are: Compassion, Mercy, Praise Allah, Accountability, Worship Allah alone, Du'a, Straight Path, Guidance and Avoid Wrong-doers.