Islam calls for sincerity at work
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
ISLAM gives due importance for work which has been considered as an essential element for man's success in life. It is expected that a worker uses his full potential sincerely, with utmost loyalty for his employer.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "Almighty is gracious to one who earns his living by his own labour and not to one who begs despite being able and fit to work. "The best food taken by anyone is that which comes from his labour." One should note that Holy Quran indicates to mankind work is completely connected with trust and responsibility and every man is responsible for his work and conduct.
Earning money through a proper or righteous trade is vastly preferred over begging. The principle is emphasised in the following hadith:
A man of the Ansar came to the Prophet (PBUH) and sought alms. The Prophet asked, "Have you nothing in your home?" He replied, "Yes, a piece of cloth, a part of which we wear and a part of which we spread (on the ground), and a wooden bowl from which we drink water."
He said, "Bring them to me." The man then brought these articles to him and The Prophet took them in his hands and asked, "Who will buy these?" A man said, "I shall buy them for one dirham." Prophet called twice or thrice, "Who will offer more than one dirham?" Another man said, "I shall buy them for two dirhams."
Prophet (PBUH) gave the items to him, took the money and giving them to the Ansari, he said, "Buy food with one of them and hand it to your family, and buy an axe and bring it to me."
He did as instructed. The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) fixed a handle on it with his own hands and said, "Go, gather firewood and sell it, and do not let me see you for a fortnight." The man went away and gathered firewood and sold it. When he had earned ten dirhams, he came to him and bought a garment with some of them and food with the others.
The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) then said, "This is better for you than begging will come as a spot on your face on the Day of Judgment. Begging is justified only for three people: One who is in grinding poverty, one who is seriously in debt, or one who is responsible for compensation and finds it difficult to pay."
"It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse Ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but Unto Him is the Resurrection."[67:15]
"Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight Of good, see it!" [99:7]
"And anyone who has done an atom's weight Of evil, shall see it." [99:8]
Holy Prophet likened work with worship, provided it is carried out honestly.
Holy Quran says:
"Is it they who would portion out the mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: And We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the mercy of thy Lord is better that the (wealth) which they amass." [43:32]
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=35&Section=Home
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Care for orphans and the needy
Care for orphans and the needy
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
The first ten days of blessed month of Ramadan has just over and reached its second part. The materials aspects of fasting are more and of course its spiritual benefits are immense for those who are practicing consciously. This blessed month is divided into 3 parts, the first part is merciful, the 2nd part is devoted to seek forgiveness and 3rd part is praying Almighty for freedom from the fire of Hell. This is the month of self-discipline and demonstration and protraction of complete surrender and submission to the will, wiser and commandments of Almighty.
It is quite and just a wonderful deed to concentrate more on the Holy Quran the book of eternal guidance to the mankind which was reveled to Holy Prophet (pbuh) first from this Holy month and hence this month got more superiority.
Holy Quran and Prophet have not left any subject whether it is social, science, management, legal, domestic, crime, etc. Holy Quran's concern towards orphans, poor, servants, slaves and distressed are very note worthy.
Orphans
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he himself, an orphan whose father died before he was born, leaving no property. The Prophet's mother Amina was in ailing health and hence he was chiefly brought up by his nurse Halima and his beloved mother Amina died at the age of 6 years of Holy Prophet.
Prophet treated all orphans with tender affection and respect, setting an example to his contemporaries who frequently took advantage of the helpless position of orphans and in any case looked upon them as subordinate creatures to be repressed and kept in their place such as attitude is common in all ages. Helpless creatures ought to be treated as sacred trusts, whether they are orphans, or dependents creatures of any kind unable to assert themselves either through age, sex, social, artificial conditions or any cause whatever.
Holy Prophet further told that he and caretaker of an orphan would be in paradise like these two fingers showing his two fingers where the gap is no space between i.e. so close each other. Further Holy Prophet told, the best home is which an orphan is nicely treated and if the orphan is gently petted or fondled, there will be reward equal to the number of hairs on his head. Though plenty of Holy verses of Quran and Hadeeds, the following would suffice the importance given to orphan.
"Seest thou one Who denies the Judgement (To come)?" [107:1]
"Then such is the (man) Who repulses the orphan (With harshness)" [107:2]
"And encourages not The feeding of indigent." [107:3]
Holy Quran warns that those who are swallowing the properties of orphan unjustly, surely they only swallow - fire into their bellies and they shall enter burning fire and further Holy Quran instructing mankind to treat orphan equally and don't threaten them.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=40&Section=Home
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
The first ten days of blessed month of Ramadan has just over and reached its second part. The materials aspects of fasting are more and of course its spiritual benefits are immense for those who are practicing consciously. This blessed month is divided into 3 parts, the first part is merciful, the 2nd part is devoted to seek forgiveness and 3rd part is praying Almighty for freedom from the fire of Hell. This is the month of self-discipline and demonstration and protraction of complete surrender and submission to the will, wiser and commandments of Almighty.
It is quite and just a wonderful deed to concentrate more on the Holy Quran the book of eternal guidance to the mankind which was reveled to Holy Prophet (pbuh) first from this Holy month and hence this month got more superiority.
Holy Quran and Prophet have not left any subject whether it is social, science, management, legal, domestic, crime, etc. Holy Quran's concern towards orphans, poor, servants, slaves and distressed are very note worthy.
Orphans
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he himself, an orphan whose father died before he was born, leaving no property. The Prophet's mother Amina was in ailing health and hence he was chiefly brought up by his nurse Halima and his beloved mother Amina died at the age of 6 years of Holy Prophet.
Prophet treated all orphans with tender affection and respect, setting an example to his contemporaries who frequently took advantage of the helpless position of orphans and in any case looked upon them as subordinate creatures to be repressed and kept in their place such as attitude is common in all ages. Helpless creatures ought to be treated as sacred trusts, whether they are orphans, or dependents creatures of any kind unable to assert themselves either through age, sex, social, artificial conditions or any cause whatever.
Holy Prophet further told that he and caretaker of an orphan would be in paradise like these two fingers showing his two fingers where the gap is no space between i.e. so close each other. Further Holy Prophet told, the best home is which an orphan is nicely treated and if the orphan is gently petted or fondled, there will be reward equal to the number of hairs on his head. Though plenty of Holy verses of Quran and Hadeeds, the following would suffice the importance given to orphan.
"Seest thou one Who denies the Judgement (To come)?" [107:1]
"Then such is the (man) Who repulses the orphan (With harshness)" [107:2]
"And encourages not The feeding of indigent." [107:3]
Holy Quran warns that those who are swallowing the properties of orphan unjustly, surely they only swallow - fire into their bellies and they shall enter burning fire and further Holy Quran instructing mankind to treat orphan equally and don't threaten them.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=40&Section=Home
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Victorious follow Prophet and Holy Quran
Victorious follow Prophet and Holy Quran
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
"Holy Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) character is the Qur'an itself", Ayesha wife of Holy Prophet said! From this precious words Ayesha (may Allah and His Prophet may be pleased with her) intimated that all the wonderful pictures of moral sublimating are drawn in action by Holy Prophet (PBUH). Also it is crystal clear that life of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) cannot be studied in isolation from Holy Qur'an and nor can Qur'an be correctly understood and interpreted without reference to the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
For a believer "the leader is the Prophet, the guidance is the Holy Qur'an and the Goal is Allah". It is the firm belief of the Muslims that Qur'an is the revealed Book of God - the verbatim dictation of God through Angle Gabriel to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Almighty says in the Qur'an: "This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it: it is a guidance for the righteous who believe in the unseen, and observe prayer, and spend out of what we have provided for them. And who believe in that which has been revealed before thee, and they have firm faith what is yet to come. It is they follow the guidance of their Lord and it is they who shall prosper." (2:3-6)
Muslims also believe that while the Qur'an sets the ideal for man, the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has given him through his words and deeds recorded in the Hadith literature the techniques for the achievement of the Great Ideal in the life of man. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the finest and perfect Model for man. The Holy Qur'an says: "Verily you have in the prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day, who remembers Allah much" (33:22)
Having completed the work of all the Prophets in the world the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remains to be "the seal of Prophet-hood". After him there is no Prophet. This basic belief is put in a nut-shell in, the Mulmantara of Islam-Lailaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullahi - there is none worthy of worship but the One worthy of worthship and obedience and Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is the apostle of God. This revolutionary slogan in its briefest possible words had changed the mode of the thought of man and the very course of history of mankind. It emphasises that there is no divine being except Allah, the only God who should be obeyed, loved, worshipped, praised and remembered, from whom we expect all good and whose displeasure we fear, who will reward the good acts and punish the evil ones, who is regarded as the master and lord and law-giver, whose injunctions should be obeyed and prohibitions avoided, and whose prescribed restrictions are to be strictly observed and lives have to be moulded according to His will. He who submits completely to the supreme will of God will attain peace in this world and in the Hereafter and that is the religion of Islam.
It is therefore quite natural for Muslims to love the Book of God infinitely and revere the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with the highest respect and the utmost regards. The Algerian saint and sage, Sheik Ahamed Al Alawi says in one of his poems: "The Qur'an hath taken up its dwelling in our hearts and on our tongues and is mingled with our blood and our flesh and all that is in us." And Muslims find in the Holy Prophet (PBUH) "the perfect man" in the words of Carlyle and as Arnold Toynbee puts it "the greatest benefactor Mankind", Muslims revere the Prophet, they love him, follow him with the implicit faith in the rightness of even the minutest details in his life.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=36&Section=Home
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
"Holy Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) character is the Qur'an itself", Ayesha wife of Holy Prophet said! From this precious words Ayesha (may Allah and His Prophet may be pleased with her) intimated that all the wonderful pictures of moral sublimating are drawn in action by Holy Prophet (PBUH). Also it is crystal clear that life of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) cannot be studied in isolation from Holy Qur'an and nor can Qur'an be correctly understood and interpreted without reference to the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
For a believer "the leader is the Prophet, the guidance is the Holy Qur'an and the Goal is Allah". It is the firm belief of the Muslims that Qur'an is the revealed Book of God - the verbatim dictation of God through Angle Gabriel to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Almighty says in the Qur'an: "This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it: it is a guidance for the righteous who believe in the unseen, and observe prayer, and spend out of what we have provided for them. And who believe in that which has been revealed before thee, and they have firm faith what is yet to come. It is they follow the guidance of their Lord and it is they who shall prosper." (2:3-6)
Muslims also believe that while the Qur'an sets the ideal for man, the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has given him through his words and deeds recorded in the Hadith literature the techniques for the achievement of the Great Ideal in the life of man. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the finest and perfect Model for man. The Holy Qur'an says: "Verily you have in the prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day, who remembers Allah much" (33:22)
Having completed the work of all the Prophets in the world the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remains to be "the seal of Prophet-hood". After him there is no Prophet. This basic belief is put in a nut-shell in, the Mulmantara of Islam-Lailaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullahi - there is none worthy of worship but the One worthy of worthship and obedience and Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is the apostle of God. This revolutionary slogan in its briefest possible words had changed the mode of the thought of man and the very course of history of mankind. It emphasises that there is no divine being except Allah, the only God who should be obeyed, loved, worshipped, praised and remembered, from whom we expect all good and whose displeasure we fear, who will reward the good acts and punish the evil ones, who is regarded as the master and lord and law-giver, whose injunctions should be obeyed and prohibitions avoided, and whose prescribed restrictions are to be strictly observed and lives have to be moulded according to His will. He who submits completely to the supreme will of God will attain peace in this world and in the Hereafter and that is the religion of Islam.
It is therefore quite natural for Muslims to love the Book of God infinitely and revere the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with the highest respect and the utmost regards. The Algerian saint and sage, Sheik Ahamed Al Alawi says in one of his poems: "The Qur'an hath taken up its dwelling in our hearts and on our tongues and is mingled with our blood and our flesh and all that is in us." And Muslims find in the Holy Prophet (PBUH) "the perfect man" in the words of Carlyle and as Arnold Toynbee puts it "the greatest benefactor Mankind", Muslims revere the Prophet, they love him, follow him with the implicit faith in the rightness of even the minutest details in his life.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=36&Section=Home
Friday, September 21, 2007
'Desire for your brother what you seek for yourself'
'Desire for your brother what you seek for yourself'
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
ISLAM is a complete code of conduct to lead a peaceful life for the entire humanity and Holy Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) mission is universal and not for any particular country or group.
In his life Prophet (PBUH) established Islam as the complete and universal system of life. Prophet (PBUH) lays down wonderful code of peace and love among people.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Do you love your creator? Love your fellow beings first." Further he emphasised that the person who eats his food and leaves his neighbour hungry is not belonging to Islam and no man is true believer unless he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.
The above Quote of Prophet indicates that Islam and the teachings of Prophet lays greatest emphasis on kindness among fellow human beings and peace and harmony in the society.
The Holy Quran declares: "And if two parties of believers get into a fight, then make peace between them. And if one part of them does wrong to the other, fight ye that which does wrong till it return unto the ordinance of Allah; then, if it returns, make peace between them justly, and act equitably. Lo! Allah loveth the equitable." [49:9]
Holy Prophet (PBUH) showed how peace can be established among the various religions of the world by declaring not to abuse those whom they take up, as gods besides Allah.
Also going through the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), one can understood how he suffered immensely while propagating peace, truth, equating all men as same and oneness of God etc., and he withstood all the troubles with patience.
He never intended to have any type of war with anybody but war was imposed on him to safeguard his group, and to protect and establish his mission of peace.
Still Prophet (PBUH) is the last man to go for fight that was only for self defence. In the war also, his instructions was not to attack first, but only to defend enemies attack.
Whenever, there was any offer of peace, and cessation of hostility, Holy Prophet immediately put down the arms with his followers, as instructed by Holy Quran: "And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.'' [8:61]
"And Allah summons to the abode of Peace, and leads whom He will to a straight path." [10:25]
The Holy Quran condemns disturbance of peace vehemently. The following verses are some of the examples in this regard.
"Work not confusion in the earth after the fair ordering (thereof), and call on Him in fear and hope. Lo! The mercy of Allah is nigh unto the good." [7:56]
"O my people! Give full measure and full weight in justice, and wrong not people in respect of their goods. And do not evil in the earth, causing corruption." [11:85]
"... Serve Allah, and look forward to the Last Day, and do not evil, making mischief in the earth." [29:36]
"...They seek to create disorder, the Almighty loves not those who create disorder." [5:64]
"But seek the abode of the Hereafter in that which Allah has given thee and neglect not thy portion of the world, and be thou kind even as Allah has been kind to thee, and seek not corruption in the earth. Lo! Allah loves not corrupters." [28:77]
The Holy Quran and Holy Prophet (PBUH) clearly proclaim that disturbance is severer than murder.
"... for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers." [2:191]
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=43&Section=Home
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
ISLAM is a complete code of conduct to lead a peaceful life for the entire humanity and Holy Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) mission is universal and not for any particular country or group.
In his life Prophet (PBUH) established Islam as the complete and universal system of life. Prophet (PBUH) lays down wonderful code of peace and love among people.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Do you love your creator? Love your fellow beings first." Further he emphasised that the person who eats his food and leaves his neighbour hungry is not belonging to Islam and no man is true believer unless he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.
The above Quote of Prophet indicates that Islam and the teachings of Prophet lays greatest emphasis on kindness among fellow human beings and peace and harmony in the society.
The Holy Quran declares: "And if two parties of believers get into a fight, then make peace between them. And if one part of them does wrong to the other, fight ye that which does wrong till it return unto the ordinance of Allah; then, if it returns, make peace between them justly, and act equitably. Lo! Allah loveth the equitable." [49:9]
Holy Prophet (PBUH) showed how peace can be established among the various religions of the world by declaring not to abuse those whom they take up, as gods besides Allah.
Also going through the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), one can understood how he suffered immensely while propagating peace, truth, equating all men as same and oneness of God etc., and he withstood all the troubles with patience.
He never intended to have any type of war with anybody but war was imposed on him to safeguard his group, and to protect and establish his mission of peace.
Still Prophet (PBUH) is the last man to go for fight that was only for self defence. In the war also, his instructions was not to attack first, but only to defend enemies attack.
Whenever, there was any offer of peace, and cessation of hostility, Holy Prophet immediately put down the arms with his followers, as instructed by Holy Quran: "And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.'' [8:61]
"And Allah summons to the abode of Peace, and leads whom He will to a straight path." [10:25]
The Holy Quran condemns disturbance of peace vehemently. The following verses are some of the examples in this regard.
"Work not confusion in the earth after the fair ordering (thereof), and call on Him in fear and hope. Lo! The mercy of Allah is nigh unto the good." [7:56]
"O my people! Give full measure and full weight in justice, and wrong not people in respect of their goods. And do not evil in the earth, causing corruption." [11:85]
"... Serve Allah, and look forward to the Last Day, and do not evil, making mischief in the earth." [29:36]
"...They seek to create disorder, the Almighty loves not those who create disorder." [5:64]
"But seek the abode of the Hereafter in that which Allah has given thee and neglect not thy portion of the world, and be thou kind even as Allah has been kind to thee, and seek not corruption in the earth. Lo! Allah loves not corrupters." [28:77]
The Holy Quran and Holy Prophet (PBUH) clearly proclaim that disturbance is severer than murder.
"... for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers." [2:191]
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=43&Section=Home
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Zakaat aims to curb penury
Zakaat aims to curb penury
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
Self discipline and self control are key notes to all who are observing the days of Ramadan. They are spiritually enlightened, understand the poverty, sufferings of poor, distressed and needy fellowmen, and their minds are motivated to help them.
One of the important forms of worship in Islam is Zakaat, and Almighty placed Zakaat next to prayer. Allah says in many places repeatedly in Holy Quran: "Keep up prayer and pay Zakaat." Zakaat means purification. It was made compulsory on the first Ramadan in second year of Hijra.
Zakaat is the purification of impurities. The great Islamic scholar who contributed more on Islamic thoughts and Prophet's (PBUH) sunnah, Imam Ghazzali said: "There are three reasons for its being a pillar of Islam. The first reason is to appreciate the oneness of God. The next is to be pure from miserliness. And the third is to express gratefulness for the gifts of God, as God's gifts on His servants are unbounded.
Zazarath Abu Zarr, one of the companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH), said: "I came to Holy Prophet (PBUH) who was seated in the shade of Ka'ba. He said to me, by the lord of the Ka'ba, they are undone. I asked, Who are they?" Prophet (PBUH) replied: Those who increase their wealth and not those who spend in His way. Those who have got camels, cattle, sheep and goats and who don't pay their Zakaat will meet these animals in huge forms on the resurrection day. They will attack them with their horns and will tread upon them by their hoofs. If one party finishes and other party will come. This will continue till the people are brought for judgement."
Hence Islam stresses on real sprit of religion by total submission to God and Holy Prophet's (PBUH) teachings guide us that faith and services are two of important foundations of Islam. Scholars say the best manifestation of faith is prayers and services to the orphans, poor and needy. Also western scholars say that no religion of the world prior to Islam had consecrated charity, the support of widow, the orphans and the helpless, needy poor by implementing its principles.
By the laws of Islam, every individual who is wealthy is bound to contribute a certain part of his wealth towards the help and assistance of the poor neighbours and needy. The amount is one part of forty i.e. 2.5 per cent (Two and a half per cent) on the value of all goods, chattels, emblements, on profits of trade, mercantile business, etc. Also one should note that alms are due only when the property amounts to a certain value and has been in the possession of a person for one whole year nor are any due from cattle employed in agriculture or in the carrying of burdens. The second name for Zakaat is "Sadaqah" which means free will offering which is considered all kinds of bodily and monetary assistance and acts of piety. Zakaat is monetary assistance which is rendered obligatory by a Muslim who posses fixed amount of wealth.
Islam wants sincerity in the deeds of devotion and charity etc. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said even courtesy is a charity and in this kind of charity poor and needy can also participate and in simple words it is nothing but sympathy and fellow feeling. On the authority of A'isha (Allah and His Prophet be pleased Her) who said : That the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Every human being of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah, and removes a stone, or thorn, or bone from the people's path, or enjoins what is good and forbids from evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty shall walk that day having removed himself from Hell.
On the authority of Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said : Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with his shade on the Day, when there would be no shade but that of him (i.e. On the Day of Judgement, and they are): The just leader, a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Almighty, a man whom a beautiful woman of high rank seduces him (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this often by saying): "I fear Allah", a man who gives charity and conceals it that the right hand does not know what the left has given, and man who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears.
One should observe, that Charity will never decrease the wealth rather it will increase one's wealth and protect one from troubles. But many who are attached to the world are not thinking about their wealth genuinely and just ignoring the poor.
Holy Qur'an says: "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believe in Allah and the last day and the angles and the scripture and the Prophets; and given his wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observe proper worship and pay the poor-due.
And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are they who are sincere. Such are the God-fearing." [2:177]. Holy Prophet(PBUH) said obeying miserliness, following low desires, and self-conceit are the three destructive guilts.
Modern financial consultants and economists wonder how professionally and neatly did the Holy Prophet (PBUH) evaluate the scheme of zakaat 1400 years ago; it is a scheme of social justice which can be beneficial for the poor and needy people of society. Experts say the zakaat, if properly exercised, and implemented, it would eliminate poverty and enhance prosperousness in the modern world.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=42&Section=Home
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
Self discipline and self control are key notes to all who are observing the days of Ramadan. They are spiritually enlightened, understand the poverty, sufferings of poor, distressed and needy fellowmen, and their minds are motivated to help them.
One of the important forms of worship in Islam is Zakaat, and Almighty placed Zakaat next to prayer. Allah says in many places repeatedly in Holy Quran: "Keep up prayer and pay Zakaat." Zakaat means purification. It was made compulsory on the first Ramadan in second year of Hijra.
Zakaat is the purification of impurities. The great Islamic scholar who contributed more on Islamic thoughts and Prophet's (PBUH) sunnah, Imam Ghazzali said: "There are three reasons for its being a pillar of Islam. The first reason is to appreciate the oneness of God. The next is to be pure from miserliness. And the third is to express gratefulness for the gifts of God, as God's gifts on His servants are unbounded.
Zazarath Abu Zarr, one of the companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH), said: "I came to Holy Prophet (PBUH) who was seated in the shade of Ka'ba. He said to me, by the lord of the Ka'ba, they are undone. I asked, Who are they?" Prophet (PBUH) replied: Those who increase their wealth and not those who spend in His way. Those who have got camels, cattle, sheep and goats and who don't pay their Zakaat will meet these animals in huge forms on the resurrection day. They will attack them with their horns and will tread upon them by their hoofs. If one party finishes and other party will come. This will continue till the people are brought for judgement."
Hence Islam stresses on real sprit of religion by total submission to God and Holy Prophet's (PBUH) teachings guide us that faith and services are two of important foundations of Islam. Scholars say the best manifestation of faith is prayers and services to the orphans, poor and needy. Also western scholars say that no religion of the world prior to Islam had consecrated charity, the support of widow, the orphans and the helpless, needy poor by implementing its principles.
By the laws of Islam, every individual who is wealthy is bound to contribute a certain part of his wealth towards the help and assistance of the poor neighbours and needy. The amount is one part of forty i.e. 2.5 per cent (Two and a half per cent) on the value of all goods, chattels, emblements, on profits of trade, mercantile business, etc. Also one should note that alms are due only when the property amounts to a certain value and has been in the possession of a person for one whole year nor are any due from cattle employed in agriculture or in the carrying of burdens. The second name for Zakaat is "Sadaqah" which means free will offering which is considered all kinds of bodily and monetary assistance and acts of piety. Zakaat is monetary assistance which is rendered obligatory by a Muslim who posses fixed amount of wealth.
Islam wants sincerity in the deeds of devotion and charity etc. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said even courtesy is a charity and in this kind of charity poor and needy can also participate and in simple words it is nothing but sympathy and fellow feeling. On the authority of A'isha (Allah and His Prophet be pleased Her) who said : That the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Every human being of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah, and removes a stone, or thorn, or bone from the people's path, or enjoins what is good and forbids from evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty shall walk that day having removed himself from Hell.
On the authority of Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said : Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with his shade on the Day, when there would be no shade but that of him (i.e. On the Day of Judgement, and they are): The just leader, a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Almighty, a man whom a beautiful woman of high rank seduces him (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this often by saying): "I fear Allah", a man who gives charity and conceals it that the right hand does not know what the left has given, and man who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears.
One should observe, that Charity will never decrease the wealth rather it will increase one's wealth and protect one from troubles. But many who are attached to the world are not thinking about their wealth genuinely and just ignoring the poor.
Holy Qur'an says: "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believe in Allah and the last day and the angles and the scripture and the Prophets; and given his wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observe proper worship and pay the poor-due.
And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are they who are sincere. Such are the God-fearing." [2:177]. Holy Prophet(PBUH) said obeying miserliness, following low desires, and self-conceit are the three destructive guilts.
Modern financial consultants and economists wonder how professionally and neatly did the Holy Prophet (PBUH) evaluate the scheme of zakaat 1400 years ago; it is a scheme of social justice which can be beneficial for the poor and needy people of society. Experts say the zakaat, if properly exercised, and implemented, it would eliminate poverty and enhance prosperousness in the modern world.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=42&Section=Home
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Salat sharpens visions of performers
Salat sharpens visions of performers
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
In the first stage the person who offers salat, bring hands, palms open, up to ears, and place thumbs behind earlobes, as "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) is uttered and the beneficial are body feels relieved of weight owing to even distribution on both feet. straightening back improves posture. Mind is brought under control of intellect. Vision is sharpened by focusing upon floor, where head will posture. Muscles of upper and lower back are loosened. Higher and lower centres of brain are united to form singleness.
In the next stage, the performer places hands, right over left, just near the navel which would give beneficial effect of extension of concentration, causes further relaxation of legs and back, generates feelings of humanity, modesty, and piety. In the recital of the above verses, virtually all of the sounds that occur in Arabic are uttered, stimulating dispersal of all of the ninety-nine drive attributes in perfectly controlled degrees throughout the body, mind and soul. The sound stimulates the heart, thyroid, pineal gland, pituitary, adrenal glands, and lungs, purifying and uplifting them all.
In next stage, the performer of salat bends at waist, placing palms on knees with fingers spread. Back is parallel to ground, such that if a glass of water were on the back, it would not spill. Eyes are looking down, directly ahead. Do not bend knees, which would give the beneficial effects and are fully stretching the muscles of the lower back, thighs, and calves. Blood is pumped into upper torso. The muscles of stomach, abdomen, and kidneys are toned up. Over time, this posture improves the personality, generating sweet kindness and inner harmony.
In next stage, the performer of salat will be rising from the bending position of "ruku" recite "Samia Llahu li-man Hamidha". "Rabbana Wa Lakal-hamd" (Allah hears the one who praises Him; Our Lord, Yours is the praise). Then return to standing position, arms at side and the beneficial effects are the fresh blood moved up into torso in previous posture returns to its original state, carrying away toxins. Body regains relaxation and releases tension.
In the next stage, the performer of salat will place both hands on knees and lower slowly and easily into a kneeling position. Then touch the head and hands to the ground, the following seven body parts should be in contact with the ground: forehead, two palms, two knees, toes of both feet, and the beneficial effects of knees form a right angle to allow stomach muscles to develop and prevent growth of flabbiness in midsection, increase flow of blood into upper regions of body, especially the head (including eyes, ears, and nose) and lungs; allow mental toxins to be cleansed by blood, reduces high blood pressure, increase elasticity of joints, annihilates egotism and vanity, increase patience and reliance upon God, increase spiritual stations and produce high psychic energy throughout body. This posture of supreme submission and humility is the essence of worship.
In the next stage the prayer performer will be reciting "Allahu Akbar", rises from previous positions and assumes the sitting stage and the beneficial effects are, that for men, the heel of the right foot is curled up and the weight of the leg and part of the body rests upon it. This aids detoxification of the liver and stimulates peristaltic action of the large intestine. Women keep both feet, soles up, underneath their bodies. The body returns to even greater relaxation, and the posture assists digestion by forcing the contents of the stomach downward.
In the further stage, motions of above two are repeated exactly and the beneficial effects are repetition of the deep prostration within a few seconds, cleanses the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. Gives experience of lightness of body and emotional happiness. Oxygenation of entire body is accomplished. Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
In the next and last action for one unit is that with head in prostration, lifting of head away from the floor and bring the torso backward. Placing hands on knees, reverse the procedure for going down, and, while again reciting "Allahu Akbar", return to the standing position. This completes one 'rak'at' of (unit) prayer.
Another important point regarding this practice, simply as a physical activity, is that persons of all ages can do it. It is smooth, flowing, and easy, and in time becomes the greatest physical development that is possible.
In the course of one day, the minimum performance consists of seventeen units of prayer, composed of nineteen separate positions during each rak'at. This is a total of 119 physical positions per day, or 3,570 postures monthly, or 42,840 postures yearly.
In the average adult lifetime of forty years, 1,713,600 postures are performed. Anyone so doing is protected and inoculated against a host of ailments and diseases, such as heart attack and other cardiac problems; emphysema arthritis; bladder, kidney, and bowel problems, viral and bacterial infections, eye diseases, loss of memory and senility, sciatica and spinal ailments, and many, many others. This practice can be done virtually anywhere, requires no special equipment, and costs nothing at all.
Apart from this lot of social benefits are also there.
Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: "If a man says prayer at its appointed time, establishes ablution, makes his bow and prostration perfect and has got god fear, salath will become bright and rise upwards and the salath would say: "May god guard you as you have guarded me." If a man does not pray at its appointed time, does not make ablution well and does not make perfect his ruk'u (position) and prostration and god-fear, salat will become dark and rise upwards and word says: "May god destroy you as you have destroyed me." God will keep it folded as old cloth is kept folded. The Prophet said: The word thief applies to one who steals in prayer.
The Great Imam Syed Khaleel Awn Mowlana Al Hasaniyul Hashimey told that the people have to establish the performance of prayers pleasantly, happily without any hastiness and such prayers are more beneficial for mind and will be accepted by Almighty Allah.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=43&Section=Home
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
In the first stage the person who offers salat, bring hands, palms open, up to ears, and place thumbs behind earlobes, as "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) is uttered and the beneficial are body feels relieved of weight owing to even distribution on both feet. straightening back improves posture. Mind is brought under control of intellect. Vision is sharpened by focusing upon floor, where head will posture. Muscles of upper and lower back are loosened. Higher and lower centres of brain are united to form singleness.
In the next stage, the performer places hands, right over left, just near the navel which would give beneficial effect of extension of concentration, causes further relaxation of legs and back, generates feelings of humanity, modesty, and piety. In the recital of the above verses, virtually all of the sounds that occur in Arabic are uttered, stimulating dispersal of all of the ninety-nine drive attributes in perfectly controlled degrees throughout the body, mind and soul. The sound stimulates the heart, thyroid, pineal gland, pituitary, adrenal glands, and lungs, purifying and uplifting them all.
In next stage, the performer of salat bends at waist, placing palms on knees with fingers spread. Back is parallel to ground, such that if a glass of water were on the back, it would not spill. Eyes are looking down, directly ahead. Do not bend knees, which would give the beneficial effects and are fully stretching the muscles of the lower back, thighs, and calves. Blood is pumped into upper torso. The muscles of stomach, abdomen, and kidneys are toned up. Over time, this posture improves the personality, generating sweet kindness and inner harmony.
In next stage, the performer of salat will be rising from the bending position of "ruku" recite "Samia Llahu li-man Hamidha". "Rabbana Wa Lakal-hamd" (Allah hears the one who praises Him; Our Lord, Yours is the praise). Then return to standing position, arms at side and the beneficial effects are the fresh blood moved up into torso in previous posture returns to its original state, carrying away toxins. Body regains relaxation and releases tension.
In the next stage, the performer of salat will place both hands on knees and lower slowly and easily into a kneeling position. Then touch the head and hands to the ground, the following seven body parts should be in contact with the ground: forehead, two palms, two knees, toes of both feet, and the beneficial effects of knees form a right angle to allow stomach muscles to develop and prevent growth of flabbiness in midsection, increase flow of blood into upper regions of body, especially the head (including eyes, ears, and nose) and lungs; allow mental toxins to be cleansed by blood, reduces high blood pressure, increase elasticity of joints, annihilates egotism and vanity, increase patience and reliance upon God, increase spiritual stations and produce high psychic energy throughout body. This posture of supreme submission and humility is the essence of worship.
In the next stage the prayer performer will be reciting "Allahu Akbar", rises from previous positions and assumes the sitting stage and the beneficial effects are, that for men, the heel of the right foot is curled up and the weight of the leg and part of the body rests upon it. This aids detoxification of the liver and stimulates peristaltic action of the large intestine. Women keep both feet, soles up, underneath their bodies. The body returns to even greater relaxation, and the posture assists digestion by forcing the contents of the stomach downward.
In the further stage, motions of above two are repeated exactly and the beneficial effects are repetition of the deep prostration within a few seconds, cleanses the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. Gives experience of lightness of body and emotional happiness. Oxygenation of entire body is accomplished. Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
In the next and last action for one unit is that with head in prostration, lifting of head away from the floor and bring the torso backward. Placing hands on knees, reverse the procedure for going down, and, while again reciting "Allahu Akbar", return to the standing position. This completes one 'rak'at' of (unit) prayer.
Another important point regarding this practice, simply as a physical activity, is that persons of all ages can do it. It is smooth, flowing, and easy, and in time becomes the greatest physical development that is possible.
In the course of one day, the minimum performance consists of seventeen units of prayer, composed of nineteen separate positions during each rak'at. This is a total of 119 physical positions per day, or 3,570 postures monthly, or 42,840 postures yearly.
In the average adult lifetime of forty years, 1,713,600 postures are performed. Anyone so doing is protected and inoculated against a host of ailments and diseases, such as heart attack and other cardiac problems; emphysema arthritis; bladder, kidney, and bowel problems, viral and bacterial infections, eye diseases, loss of memory and senility, sciatica and spinal ailments, and many, many others. This practice can be done virtually anywhere, requires no special equipment, and costs nothing at all.
Apart from this lot of social benefits are also there.
Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: "If a man says prayer at its appointed time, establishes ablution, makes his bow and prostration perfect and has got god fear, salath will become bright and rise upwards and the salath would say: "May god guard you as you have guarded me." If a man does not pray at its appointed time, does not make ablution well and does not make perfect his ruk'u (position) and prostration and god-fear, salat will become dark and rise upwards and word says: "May god destroy you as you have destroyed me." God will keep it folded as old cloth is kept folded. The Prophet said: The word thief applies to one who steals in prayer.
The Great Imam Syed Khaleel Awn Mowlana Al Hasaniyul Hashimey told that the people have to establish the performance of prayers pleasantly, happily without any hastiness and such prayers are more beneficial for mind and will be accepted by Almighty Allah.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=43&Section=Home
Monday, September 17, 2007
Salat -- dialogue with the Lord
Salat -- dialogue with the Lord
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
IN THIS Holy Month, one can witness increased activities and more gathering in the mosques for regular as well as special prayers. This is a sign of blessings for human well being physically, socially and spiritually.
The glorious Almighty does not insist upon the performance of any other devotion as much as He does on the performance of Salat (prayers).
"This is the scripture wherein there is no doubt, a guidance to those who shun evil, who believe in the unseen, and establish Salat, and spend of that which we have bestowed upon them." (Quran - 2:1)
The word Salat in arabic is translated as prayer or worship, and also supplications for forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. (In persian, Turkish and Urdu, the term is Namaz)
Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is reported to have said "the difference between a believer in God and a disbeliever in is the performance of salat."
The great Indian scholar of medieval period Khawja Moinuddeen Chisty commented on the importance of the salat with the following statements:
"Without performing salat, none can approach God, because salat is the climax in the process of such approach for the pious. Salat is the ladder leading to the proximity of god. Salat is a trust committed to human care by the Almighty, a secret relationship existing between the worshiper and the worshiped."
Prophet (PBUH) said: Prayer, five times is like a flowing canal, of pure water by the side of one's house. He takes bath five times daily in it. Will you see any impurity in his body?
His companions replied: No. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: As water removes impurities, so prayer for five times removes sins.
Prayer for the five times expiates the sins of a man till he does not commit major sins. The distinction between us and the hypocrites is our presence at morning and night prayers and their absence at these two prayers. If a man meets God after destroying his prayer, God will not look towards his virtues. Prayer is the pillar of religion. He who gives it up destroys the pillar.
Prophet (PBUH) was once asked: Which action is best? Prophet told: To pray at the appointed times. If a man protects his prayer for five times with full ablution and at appointed times, these will be proof and light for him on the Day of Resurrection. He who destroys his prayer will rise with Pharaoh and Haman enemies of Almighty.
Salat is at once an external and an internal practice: a set of physical exercises (some have compared them to yoga asanas), and the richest spiritual nourishment.
By considering each of these aspects in some details, one can learn why the learned scholars have considered in many cases that they would rather die than forgo their salat.
The practice of salat is performed at five regular intervals throughout the day as a minimum and can be done at other times according to the capacities of the worshiper.
The timings of performance are fixed according to the journey of the sun and planets across the heavens. These times are as follows:
Morning Prayer: Begins approximately forty-five minutes before sunrise and extends up to the rising of the sun.
Mid day Prayer: Begins after the sun has passed the median point in the sky and has just begun its downward arc.
Afternoon Prayer: Begins when the sun has crossed a bisection of the arc made by the sun, midpoint between noon and the line of the horizon; or when the body's shadow is equal to two body lengths.
Evening Prayer: Begins just after the sun has set below the horizon and no light is left reflecting off the clouds (i.e, there is no more redness).
Night Prayer: Begins when night has fully fallen, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after the time of Magrib, or sunset.
By following these prayer timings, one is perfectly tuned to the motions of the planets, seasonal changes, and geographic variations. In so doing, one becomes harmonised with all of the natural cycles of the universe.
There are three aspects to the salat: thought, word, and action. Before beginning the salat, one must clean one self of any physical dirt on the body or clothing, or on the place where one intends to pray.
At the same time, one must drive out all negative or evil thoughts and cleanse the mind to concentrate fully upon the glory of Allah the Almighty. This preparation, called wudu (ablution).
The salat is done by assuming eight separate positions of the body and reciting various Qur'anic verses with each position. Positions, actions and benefits are described in the next article.
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
IN THIS Holy Month, one can witness increased activities and more gathering in the mosques for regular as well as special prayers. This is a sign of blessings for human well being physically, socially and spiritually.
The glorious Almighty does not insist upon the performance of any other devotion as much as He does on the performance of Salat (prayers).
"This is the scripture wherein there is no doubt, a guidance to those who shun evil, who believe in the unseen, and establish Salat, and spend of that which we have bestowed upon them." (Quran - 2:1)
The word Salat in arabic is translated as prayer or worship, and also supplications for forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. (In persian, Turkish and Urdu, the term is Namaz)
Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is reported to have said "the difference between a believer in God and a disbeliever in is the performance of salat."
The great Indian scholar of medieval period Khawja Moinuddeen Chisty commented on the importance of the salat with the following statements:
"Without performing salat, none can approach God, because salat is the climax in the process of such approach for the pious. Salat is the ladder leading to the proximity of god. Salat is a trust committed to human care by the Almighty, a secret relationship existing between the worshiper and the worshiped."
Prophet (PBUH) said: Prayer, five times is like a flowing canal, of pure water by the side of one's house. He takes bath five times daily in it. Will you see any impurity in his body?
His companions replied: No. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: As water removes impurities, so prayer for five times removes sins.
Prayer for the five times expiates the sins of a man till he does not commit major sins. The distinction between us and the hypocrites is our presence at morning and night prayers and their absence at these two prayers. If a man meets God after destroying his prayer, God will not look towards his virtues. Prayer is the pillar of religion. He who gives it up destroys the pillar.
Prophet (PBUH) was once asked: Which action is best? Prophet told: To pray at the appointed times. If a man protects his prayer for five times with full ablution and at appointed times, these will be proof and light for him on the Day of Resurrection. He who destroys his prayer will rise with Pharaoh and Haman enemies of Almighty.
Salat is at once an external and an internal practice: a set of physical exercises (some have compared them to yoga asanas), and the richest spiritual nourishment.
By considering each of these aspects in some details, one can learn why the learned scholars have considered in many cases that they would rather die than forgo their salat.
The practice of salat is performed at five regular intervals throughout the day as a minimum and can be done at other times according to the capacities of the worshiper.
The timings of performance are fixed according to the journey of the sun and planets across the heavens. These times are as follows:
Morning Prayer: Begins approximately forty-five minutes before sunrise and extends up to the rising of the sun.
Mid day Prayer: Begins after the sun has passed the median point in the sky and has just begun its downward arc.
Afternoon Prayer: Begins when the sun has crossed a bisection of the arc made by the sun, midpoint between noon and the line of the horizon; or when the body's shadow is equal to two body lengths.
Evening Prayer: Begins just after the sun has set below the horizon and no light is left reflecting off the clouds (i.e, there is no more redness).
Night Prayer: Begins when night has fully fallen, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after the time of Magrib, or sunset.
By following these prayer timings, one is perfectly tuned to the motions of the planets, seasonal changes, and geographic variations. In so doing, one becomes harmonised with all of the natural cycles of the universe.
There are three aspects to the salat: thought, word, and action. Before beginning the salat, one must clean one self of any physical dirt on the body or clothing, or on the place where one intends to pray.
At the same time, one must drive out all negative or evil thoughts and cleanse the mind to concentrate fully upon the glory of Allah the Almighty. This preparation, called wudu (ablution).
The salat is done by assuming eight separate positions of the body and reciting various Qur'anic verses with each position. Positions, actions and benefits are described in the next article.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Fasting for spiritual elevation
Fasting for spiritual elevation
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
Fasting is religious installation as important and universal as prayer and Holy Qur'an says :
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint." [2:183]
From this verse, it is understood before Islam, the followers of other faiths Hindus, Christians and Jews etc. also observed fasting.
Moses observed fasting for forty days on the Tur (Mount sira), Jesus remained in the lonely place and observed fasts for 40 days, Yahya used to keep fasts very often and many pious groups too. Moreover, fasting was observed as a sign of grief of mourning or for a great event and the basic underlying idea was to propitiate an angry god. Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) abolished these ideas and introduced highly developed significance as ordered by Almighty Allah, and fasting is made to observe every year to regulate the principles of their lives.
The divine instruction from Almighty Allah on fasting was reveled in the 2nd year after Hijrath (migration from Makkah to Madina) and Ramadan in 9th month of Islamic calendar which is based on lunar system. Due to this arrangement the month of Ramadan keeps on rotating throughout the year on different seasons summer, winter, autumn, spring etc. and completes a full circle in 36 years thus making believers to keep the fast under all conditions of climate and weather.
The word Ramadan does not actually mean fast. The technical term for fasting is Siyam or Saum whose root word means "to be at rest."
According to the Islamic law "Saum" signifies abstaining from eating, smoking, drinking and sexual intercourse from the dim beginning of dawn to dusk. Fasting is a course of training once in a year for a continuos period of one lunar month-Ramadan, during which every believer gets the opportunity of his spiritual elevation. Although the observer of fast can avail, himself of the delicious eatables yet he prefers to remain hungry and to be at rest and peace. He touches neither food nor drink simply because of his firm faith in the omnipresence of Allah.
The month of Ramadan is full of blessings. In this month Allah turns towards his believers and showers upon them his special mercy. He forgives their faults, accepts their prayers, and appreciates their competition for surpassing one another in the performance of virtuous deeds. He feels proud of the attitude of His worshippers and boasts to angels about them. It is necessary upon the believers to display their righteousness in deserved and suitable manner. The most pitiable and unfortunate is he who is deprived of the mercy of Allah in this Holy month by not doing good deeds, special prayers and by ignoring fasting etc.
Following are the important regulations which must be followed for the fasting to be valid.
The niyyath or intention to fast.
The period of the fast must extend from the time just before sunrise until just after sunset. According to the Holy book one may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the day light; then keep the fast until night."
During the period of fast total abstaining from the following is required food, drink, smoking, sexual intercourse, back biting, fighting, cursing, arguing and misbehavior.
Pregnant or lactating women, seriously ill persons and the most fragile aged persons are exempted from fasting but in some cases may be liable to make up missed days as in menstruation period for ladies.
Fasting occurs in the heart, and mind and so it is hidden from all human eyes, visible only to the eye of God: it is a secret action. Hence Almighty knows the mental strength of the fasting men and reward will be as per the indidvual's faith and true actions.
General people's fast is restraining oneself from eating, drinking and sexual passions.
A higher form of the fast consists of (in addition to above) refrain from wrong actions of hands, feet, sight and other limbs or parts of the body.
The superior form of fast, the greatest a fast of the mind. Such people always think of Almighty. They consider their existence in this world only as a seed for growth into the next world.
Medical experts reveal that during a fast no new food goes into the body and so not new toxins are produced and the liver is free to work full time to eliminate existing toxins. This occurs because the body which requires fuel to survive, now begins to first burn the toxins contained with it and then turns to the stored nutrients. This increases the functioning of the cell and the natural resistance of body increase manifold. The blood becomes pure and the skin begins to clear and acquire a new glow.
Fasting is definitely one of the means to control the Nafs (soul). The great scholar and Imam Jamaliya Seyed Khaleel Awn Mowlana El Hasaniyul Hashimy says, "If lack of peace is identified, we should undertake all possible efforts to get rid of the shortfall. These efforts constitute the major war (Jihaadul Akbar) to subdue the mean soul (Nafs)."
The fasting in higher order will certainly be one of the best tools to deal with nafs (ego), and let Almighty Allah bless us all to attain desired benefits, peace, etc. in the Holy Month.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=45&Section=Home
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
Fasting is religious installation as important and universal as prayer and Holy Qur'an says :
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint." [2:183]
From this verse, it is understood before Islam, the followers of other faiths Hindus, Christians and Jews etc. also observed fasting.
Moses observed fasting for forty days on the Tur (Mount sira), Jesus remained in the lonely place and observed fasts for 40 days, Yahya used to keep fasts very often and many pious groups too. Moreover, fasting was observed as a sign of grief of mourning or for a great event and the basic underlying idea was to propitiate an angry god. Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) abolished these ideas and introduced highly developed significance as ordered by Almighty Allah, and fasting is made to observe every year to regulate the principles of their lives.
The divine instruction from Almighty Allah on fasting was reveled in the 2nd year after Hijrath (migration from Makkah to Madina) and Ramadan in 9th month of Islamic calendar which is based on lunar system. Due to this arrangement the month of Ramadan keeps on rotating throughout the year on different seasons summer, winter, autumn, spring etc. and completes a full circle in 36 years thus making believers to keep the fast under all conditions of climate and weather.
The word Ramadan does not actually mean fast. The technical term for fasting is Siyam or Saum whose root word means "to be at rest."
According to the Islamic law "Saum" signifies abstaining from eating, smoking, drinking and sexual intercourse from the dim beginning of dawn to dusk. Fasting is a course of training once in a year for a continuos period of one lunar month-Ramadan, during which every believer gets the opportunity of his spiritual elevation. Although the observer of fast can avail, himself of the delicious eatables yet he prefers to remain hungry and to be at rest and peace. He touches neither food nor drink simply because of his firm faith in the omnipresence of Allah.
The month of Ramadan is full of blessings. In this month Allah turns towards his believers and showers upon them his special mercy. He forgives their faults, accepts their prayers, and appreciates their competition for surpassing one another in the performance of virtuous deeds. He feels proud of the attitude of His worshippers and boasts to angels about them. It is necessary upon the believers to display their righteousness in deserved and suitable manner. The most pitiable and unfortunate is he who is deprived of the mercy of Allah in this Holy month by not doing good deeds, special prayers and by ignoring fasting etc.
Following are the important regulations which must be followed for the fasting to be valid.
The niyyath or intention to fast.
The period of the fast must extend from the time just before sunrise until just after sunset. According to the Holy book one may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the day light; then keep the fast until night."
During the period of fast total abstaining from the following is required food, drink, smoking, sexual intercourse, back biting, fighting, cursing, arguing and misbehavior.
Pregnant or lactating women, seriously ill persons and the most fragile aged persons are exempted from fasting but in some cases may be liable to make up missed days as in menstruation period for ladies.
Fasting occurs in the heart, and mind and so it is hidden from all human eyes, visible only to the eye of God: it is a secret action. Hence Almighty knows the mental strength of the fasting men and reward will be as per the indidvual's faith and true actions.
General people's fast is restraining oneself from eating, drinking and sexual passions.
A higher form of the fast consists of (in addition to above) refrain from wrong actions of hands, feet, sight and other limbs or parts of the body.
The superior form of fast, the greatest a fast of the mind. Such people always think of Almighty. They consider their existence in this world only as a seed for growth into the next world.
Medical experts reveal that during a fast no new food goes into the body and so not new toxins are produced and the liver is free to work full time to eliminate existing toxins. This occurs because the body which requires fuel to survive, now begins to first burn the toxins contained with it and then turns to the stored nutrients. This increases the functioning of the cell and the natural resistance of body increase manifold. The blood becomes pure and the skin begins to clear and acquire a new glow.
Fasting is definitely one of the means to control the Nafs (soul). The great scholar and Imam Jamaliya Seyed Khaleel Awn Mowlana El Hasaniyul Hashimy says, "If lack of peace is identified, we should undertake all possible efforts to get rid of the shortfall. These efforts constitute the major war (Jihaadul Akbar) to subdue the mean soul (Nafs)."
The fasting in higher order will certainly be one of the best tools to deal with nafs (ego), and let Almighty Allah bless us all to attain desired benefits, peace, etc. in the Holy Month.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=45&Section=Home
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ramadan -- festival of blessings
Ramadan -- festival of blessings
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
ISLAM is a religion that teaches love, peace, tolerance, and benevolence with all human beings, as practiced by Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) who exemplified the teachings of Islam as its greatest role model.
It is a well known fact that the edifice of Islam stands on five pillars and those are namely Faith (Iman), offering obligatory prayers five times daily (Salah), fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), Giving a fixed portion of wealth in charity to the poor & needy (Zakath), and performing a pilgrimage to Ka'aba once in lifetime by those who can afford it and are physically fit (Haj).
Now, with the beginning of Ramadan the believers embark upon a journey of peace, blessings and peity.
During the last day of Shaban, just a day before Ramadan, Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said to the companions: "O People! A great month, a blessed month, a month that consists a night better than thousand months is upon us. Allah has made fasting during this month an obligatory duty, and the passing of its nights in prayer as a voluntary practice. If someone draws near to Allah during it with some good deed, he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfils an obligatory duty in it, will be like the one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month. It is the month of endurance, and the reward for endurance is paradise. It is the month of sharing with others, and a month in which the believer's provision is increased. If someone gives a fasting man something with which to break his fast, it will provide forgiveness of sins and save him from Hell, and he will have a reward equal to his (reward) without his reward being diminished in any respect."
Some of the companions told Allah's Messenger (PBUH) that all of them can't afford to provide for the needy to break his fast. Thereupon he replied: Allah gives this reward to him who gives one who has been fasting some milk mixed with water, or a date, or a drink of water with which to break his fast; and anyone who gives a full meal to one who has been fasting, will be given a drink from my tank by Allah and will not feel thirst till he enters Paradise. It is a month the beginning of which is mercy, its middle is forgiveness, and its end is salvation from Hell. If any one makes things easy for his slaves during it, Allah will forgive him and free him from Hell." (Baihaqi)
Further Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "when Ramadan begins, the gates of paradise are opened while those of hell are closed and the devils are chained and a herald cries out: O, you who seek good, come here and you who desire evil, desist." (Ibn Majah)
Abu Umanah reported: "I came to the messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter paradise.' Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it. 'Then I came to him again and he said: 'stick to fasting.'"
On another occasion Abu Umanah said: 'O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an action by which I may enter paradise.' Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: 'Take to fasting, there is nothing like it.'
Sahl Ibn Sa'd reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "There is a gate to paradise that is called Ar-Rayyan. On the day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked."
Once while Prophet (PBUH) was mounting the pulpit in the Masjid to give a sermon he exclaimed, "Aameen" on the first step of the pulpit, he did the same on the second step as well as the third step. His companions felt this was unusual.
After the completion of the sermon and prayer, the companions requested Holy prophet (PBUH) for an explanation. He replied, "when I mounted first step Arch-angel Jibraeel appeared and said 'May that person be destroyed, who lives in the month of Ramadan but did not secure forgiveness' there upon I said Aameen. When I mounted second step Jibraeel said 'May that person be destroyed who refrains from reciting durood when your Holy name is mentioned in his presence, there upon I said Aameen. When I mounted the third step, he said 'May that person be destroyed whose both parents or one parent happen to reach old age and he is unable to attain salvation (by serving them), there upon I said Ameen.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) who has been acclaimed by the Almighty Allah as Rahmatul lil Alameen (mercy upon the universal) and as Merciful to believers in Holy Qur'an had cursed the people who are not honouring the Holy month of Ramadan, parents and not reciting durood when Holy Prophet's (PBUH) name is mentioned.
It is also worthy to note the sayings of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) "If my followers would realise what really Ramadan is they would wish that whole year should be Ramadan."
Abu Hurairah, a close companion of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said that "The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday Prayers, and consecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided major sins."
Prophet (PBUH) said, "whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."
Let us make the most of this "festival of blessings" and attain peace and salvation.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=39&Section=Home
13th September 2007
BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL
ISLAM is a religion that teaches love, peace, tolerance, and benevolence with all human beings, as practiced by Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) who exemplified the teachings of Islam as its greatest role model.
It is a well known fact that the edifice of Islam stands on five pillars and those are namely Faith (Iman), offering obligatory prayers five times daily (Salah), fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), Giving a fixed portion of wealth in charity to the poor & needy (Zakath), and performing a pilgrimage to Ka'aba once in lifetime by those who can afford it and are physically fit (Haj).
Now, with the beginning of Ramadan the believers embark upon a journey of peace, blessings and peity.
During the last day of Shaban, just a day before Ramadan, Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said to the companions: "O People! A great month, a blessed month, a month that consists a night better than thousand months is upon us. Allah has made fasting during this month an obligatory duty, and the passing of its nights in prayer as a voluntary practice. If someone draws near to Allah during it with some good deed, he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfils an obligatory duty in it, will be like the one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month. It is the month of endurance, and the reward for endurance is paradise. It is the month of sharing with others, and a month in which the believer's provision is increased. If someone gives a fasting man something with which to break his fast, it will provide forgiveness of sins and save him from Hell, and he will have a reward equal to his (reward) without his reward being diminished in any respect."
Some of the companions told Allah's Messenger (PBUH) that all of them can't afford to provide for the needy to break his fast. Thereupon he replied: Allah gives this reward to him who gives one who has been fasting some milk mixed with water, or a date, or a drink of water with which to break his fast; and anyone who gives a full meal to one who has been fasting, will be given a drink from my tank by Allah and will not feel thirst till he enters Paradise. It is a month the beginning of which is mercy, its middle is forgiveness, and its end is salvation from Hell. If any one makes things easy for his slaves during it, Allah will forgive him and free him from Hell." (Baihaqi)
Further Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "when Ramadan begins, the gates of paradise are opened while those of hell are closed and the devils are chained and a herald cries out: O, you who seek good, come here and you who desire evil, desist." (Ibn Majah)
Abu Umanah reported: "I came to the messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter paradise.' Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it. 'Then I came to him again and he said: 'stick to fasting.'"
On another occasion Abu Umanah said: 'O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an action by which I may enter paradise.' Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: 'Take to fasting, there is nothing like it.'
Sahl Ibn Sa'd reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "There is a gate to paradise that is called Ar-Rayyan. On the day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked."
Once while Prophet (PBUH) was mounting the pulpit in the Masjid to give a sermon he exclaimed, "Aameen" on the first step of the pulpit, he did the same on the second step as well as the third step. His companions felt this was unusual.
After the completion of the sermon and prayer, the companions requested Holy prophet (PBUH) for an explanation. He replied, "when I mounted first step Arch-angel Jibraeel appeared and said 'May that person be destroyed, who lives in the month of Ramadan but did not secure forgiveness' there upon I said Aameen. When I mounted second step Jibraeel said 'May that person be destroyed who refrains from reciting durood when your Holy name is mentioned in his presence, there upon I said Aameen. When I mounted the third step, he said 'May that person be destroyed whose both parents or one parent happen to reach old age and he is unable to attain salvation (by serving them), there upon I said Ameen.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) who has been acclaimed by the Almighty Allah as Rahmatul lil Alameen (mercy upon the universal) and as Merciful to believers in Holy Qur'an had cursed the people who are not honouring the Holy month of Ramadan, parents and not reciting durood when Holy Prophet's (PBUH) name is mentioned.
It is also worthy to note the sayings of Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) "If my followers would realise what really Ramadan is they would wish that whole year should be Ramadan."
Abu Hurairah, a close companion of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said that "The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday Prayers, and consecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided major sins."
Prophet (PBUH) said, "whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."
Let us make the most of this "festival of blessings" and attain peace and salvation.
http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=39&Section=Home
13th September 2007
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