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Haj, the journey of hearts

DURING Haj in Arafah, 10 years after the Hijrah, a man was thrown from his camel. The camel stomped him and the man's neck was snapped. He was dead. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"Bathe his body with water and sidr and bury him with both garments. Do not cover his head, nor touch him with camphor ... for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the Day of Resurrection in the state of Talbiyah." – (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said about Haj, "And there is no reward for an accepted Haj … except Jannah!" This is the ultimate reward.

The first verses of Surah Al-Haj does not speak of Arafah or the rituals, it simply says:

"O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allâh." (Qur'an, 22:1-2)

Haj is not a journey like a vacation to a tourist destination, it is a journey of the soul and heart. When one pays careful attention to the verses speaking of Haj, he will find that almost all verses conclude with a commandment of being conscious of Allah's presence, or a reminder of Allah's bounteous favor upon us, or a link between Haj and the Last Day.

The destination

In the olden days, whenever a journey was to be undertaken, proper provisions had to be prepared. The deserts were long, hot, harsh, and unmerciful. There were no gas stations to fill up with chips and refreshments, or rest stops to slurp water from a fountain. In fact, there was not a human in sight for miles upon miles of barren sand dunes, and losing the way meant losing your life. Thus, you had to have the provisions with you before you made the journey – enough food, enough water, enough everything to carry you to your destination.

In the verses that speak of Haj, Allah speaks about the provisions one should take. While everyone is focused on their journey to the Ka'ba and the material provisions, Allah turns the attention of His slaves to another journey, journey of the Hereafter, and a different kind of provision, the provision of Taqwa.

"...And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.)" (Qur'an, 2:197)

On the day Buhaym Al-'Ajlee set out with his companion for Haj, he looked toward the endless desert awaiting them both and wept, his chest soaking from the tears. "This is something," said Buhaym, "that has made me understand the most certain journey I must one day take to Allah!"

Blessings on us

There is debate over whether someone who performs Haj should be called a Haji. The title is not something found in the Sunnah, but it has an interesting background in our cultural history. In ancient days, when someone decided to perform the journey for Haj, it was synonymous with bidding farewell to life on earth. This was due to the treacherous obstacles of traveling in the desert – trials such as sickness, starvation, and the struggles invloved in the journey. An entire village might gather to bid those people farewell.

When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, he would dedicate his life to the worship and obedience of Allah. Gone was the cheating, lying, or missing Salah – he was now a "Haji."

Today, with the jumbo jets, ocean liners, and Mercedes buses, the facilitation of performing Haj has taken away the luster of the title "Haji." Some might complain that there are no queen-size mattress beds in Mina, or that the air conditioning motor is a tad too loud. But dear brothers and sisters, who is it that provided us with all the blessings that we are living in?

The slave of Allah can only understand the favor of Allah upon him when it is taken away.

Alhamdulillaah. Indeed the greatest blessing that Allah has favored us with is Islam, and it alone suffices as favor.

Allah knows we are going to get dusty during Haj, Allah knows it. So don't be surprised when that dust blows, instead turn to Allah and hit back with patience and a whisper of gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever performs Haj and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Haj), then he returns from Haj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Getting the heart in shape

Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, "My! Look at the number of Hujjaj!" A wise man replied, "Nay, the travelers are many, but the Hujjaj are few."

In Haj, I have seen people who are patient and seek the reward of Allah during trying moments. What is the difference between them and those who spend their breath in criticism, argumentation and fights?

Some people come to Haj prepared financially, others come with a prepared heart. That is what's essential – a prepared heart. How can we get that heart in shape for Haj? First, attend lectures and workshops dealing with Haj. Haj is one of the pillars upon which Islam is built. When someone intends to perform this rite, it is a must upon him that he learns it well. Seeking knowledge is a must on every Muslim.

Imam Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, "Knowledge comes before statements and actions." He then quotes the verse of Allah:

"So know that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin..." (Qur'an, 47:19)

Secondly, establish prayers and pray Tahajjud (the late night prayers). When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this Deen, Allah ordered him to prepare by praying Tahajjud.

Allah said:

"O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little." (Qur'an, 73:1-2)

A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad's house. Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him. At the time of Fajr, he found the vessel still full of water and realized the student had not woken up during the night. He was shocked and remarked, "How can a person be a student of knowledge and not stand for the night prayers!"

Some people said to Ibn Mas`ood (may Allah be pleased with him), "We are unable to wake up to perform Tahajjud."

He told them, "You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins." And lastly, repent to Allah and make lots of Du'a.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Alternative Media: Need of the Hour

Mr. Sajjak khan(pathan)

Email:pcc_perfect@yahoo.com

In the recent age, the age of print and electronic media, under its cover Europe, and the entire Western countries play a key role in considering plots to destroy Muslim Ummah and to make the Islamic world powerless is a big goal, first ever in Islamic history. Let alone killing mercilessly the innocent folks of Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, even the whole Muslim Ummah is being so anguished mentally and physically, that the earth, vast as it is, has straitened for them and they don't find peaceful place to live in because of their worst and mischievous planning in general and by Jews, the perpetual Muslim's enemy and Christian in particular.

These anti-Islamic elements are pumping the awful misinformation against Islam and Muslim, at the highest level, with the intention to create confusion and bad blood between the people living in the whole world concerning Islam. Incessantly, in order to point fingers at Islam, the confusion has been brought out in the mind of the people worldwide. In entire Western countries, a great deal of confusion is being created on the subject of Islam, while it is true, doubtless and the most follow-able religion on the surface of the earth. There is no confusion and shadow of doubt in it. Its teachings are clear crystal and natural. It is worthwhile for the whole humanity. It doesn't let its adherents to oppress and lean to anyone in any way. Despite that, the media has projected Islam as a terrorist and conservative religion that asserts its follower to believe in spreading terrorism and violence as it prohibits people to progress in various fields of the life. It is the fruit of unlawful struggle of Islamic enemies in relation to Islam.

But there is a question, how such confusion and negative thoughts and ideas occupy the mind of people about Islam. And why Americans, Europeans and Westerners remember Muslim as the terrorist and violent people? The simple answer to the question is that the Jews conspired systematically such planning with complete help of media to propagate such misunderstanding and disillusion on the subject of Islam, among the people, long long ago.

It is as clear as crystal that it is the age of media. The people are tied with media to get any kind of knowledge generally. Some of them look into the newspapers; some of them watch the television and a lot of people listen to the various channels of the radio as most of the people use the Internet, the latest facility of the media to acquire the world's report. There would be a few number narrow-minded people perhaps, who may not be related with any means of the media, in this communication age. So the anti-Islamic elements utilising the benefits of the media have started campaign in opposition to Islam.

It must be kept in the mind that Islamic scholars and intellectual, sensible and responsible Muslim community people have given the answer to the every rising question against Islam in the form of good retort to the anti-Islamic elements from time to time at different places. But, unfortunately their services were whether in the shape of writing or speaking, fore instance, the books and speeches. So, these efforts could not draw the attention of all human beings. Nevertheless, it was limited struggle only for those who listened the speeches and read the books. Still these misunderstandings are raining cats and dogs upon the globe and we have kept mum. The confusion was created, but we could not give authenticated evidence against those blames by the modern sources, which are popular among one and all. As a result, in many countries, the doubts and misinformation has spread like jungle fire as regards to Islam.

So, to clean the people's wrong mentality and hearts we will have to utilise the means utilised by anti-Islamic elements. It is critical situation that Muslims have the lowest degree of the power over the media and modern technology in its own time. They have no thick subscription newspapers and magazines, neither any suitable nor popular Web Sites.

First and fore most, the Muslim Community will have to progress in the very field of media in order to convey the true messages. They will have to capture the media of the whole world. They will have to publish the newspapers from every city and country. They will have to launch remarkable Web sites. They will have to establish their own news agency. And it should never be forgotten that they would have to justify in their uses, so that people are attracted to them and they will pay their attraction towards the Islamic media.

While on the on hand, Jews, who are as the fistful on the surface of the earth, try to progress and develop in the numerous fields of the life. They have occupied the media on the other. Surely, the Jews wise men had thought that the next age would be the age of media, by which they can easily convey their message to masses in no time. So, the Jews community spends the energy for making the most of media hurriedly and publish newspapers, launch so many television channels, establish a good number of news agencies and now occupied many places to launch Websites on Internet. It is its good result that they progressed in this field and today they have undeniable power to generalise their messages, but they convince their every proposal among masses and classes people; even they publish the globe related news regarding their worst wishes, without any destruction.

It is need of time for Muslim community to establish its influence on the media in the recent time. So that, Islamic media can remove the misconception published about Islam. And while on the one hand contemporary media publishes the news to destroy the whole humanity, the Islamic media would publish the news to make a prosperous society on the other. At that time, the people will come to Islamic media in crowed, because it will be a better substitute for them. I wish Islamic media was launched in countless number on behalf of Muslim community, in general and from Muslim countries in particular to convey good and true message taken out in the light of Islamic teachings and thoughts.

It is a time to think for the Muslim leaders of the Islamic Organisations and Muslim countries in respect of this field. There are many organizations and outfits collect money in the name of reforming Muslim Ummah, to built good Islamic society and sermonize Islamic significance, but does nothing; even there is not a newspaper or any other powerful means to do the job. So just they should start Islamic News Channels, launch websites on the Internet and publish daily, weekly as well as monthly magazine for this very purpose. It should be remembered that there are also some such means and sources to propagate Islamic messages in the shape of TV Channels, Websites and magazines from Muslim countries and organisations but they are insufficient. May Allah enable us for His noble cause!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dowry: Destruction or construction

Mr.SAjjak khan (pathan)

E-Mail:pcc_perfect@yahoo.com

Mr.bdul Qavi Qasmi

E-Mail:qaviqasmi@gmail.com

Now it is observed with open eyes that society is going from bad to worst. There are a lot of its reasons and causes. But the dowry, as to me, is among the most society destructive system. This custom is disastrous for the society. It has polluted and poisoned its atmosphere at all. Before going into detail, let me clarify its meaning and sense. Dowry literary means the money or property that, in some societies, a wife or her family member must pay to her husband when they get married. It also means the money or property that a husband must pay to his wife’s family when they get married. But now, as the most known, it implies each of jewelry, household and other goods given on the force of bridegroom or his parents to the bride at the occasion of marriage.

There are two kinds of dowry. The first is to give something to enable the young boy and the girl to stand a new household without any inconvenience. Perhaps it was believed that when any boy’s parents had to do a lot to make their son stand on his legs in business or something else. There was nothing wrong if the girl’s parents help the young couple to start their new joinery. And it is also quoted that the holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) handed over his beloved daughter H. Fatimah (may Allah be pleaded with her) at the time her marriage one jar, mill, two beds and one pillow full of palm-leaf. Of course, such dowry is not prohibited.

The second aspect is much repulsive that the boy’s parents make hefty demands which are sometime beyond the bound of imagination, as car, air-condition, refrigerator, desert cooler, scooter, the TV set, computer, mobile set and like these other items besides a big amount of money in cash, lands and jewelry. The poor girl’s parents have to be in debt, loan or sell their some valuable property, which is means to get them livelihood, to fulfill the demands of the boy and his greedy parents.

It is the truth that should be never forgotten that the poor parents had already provided their daughter, since the time of the creation, every kind of facilities, for instance, lodging & fooding, medicine, means of good and strength health, the education according to their ability, and the well-behaved possible relations and showered on her unlimited love and affection. On all these, they spent a lot heartily. It is also undoubted that after marriage, she has to live in her in-law’s house and according to the management made by them. She becomes a part and a member of in-law’s house. She has to adjust and adapt herself according to the atmosphere in the new house.

Keeping all these undeniable facts in mind, a question arises here that when she is leaving her family for and going to become a part of a new family about which she often does not know much and the house is almost entirely mystery for her. Why, then, should it be obligatory on behalf of her parents to endow with much cash, jewelry and so many items of necessity and luxury?

On contrary that, if unfortunately she takes step in a new house not with a huge amount of money, goods and others luxurious items, the poor creature must accept regular taunts and torture from various members of her in-law’s family and be ready to commit suicide or to be burnt alive by the heartless mother in-law or even by her own husband for the sake of whom she left her most beloved parents, relatives and house.

It is obvious to everyone, that today countless girls pass their lives sitting in their house due to lack and adversity of dowry and luxurious things. There is virtual sale of boys in the market. Of course any law and regulation, chalked out by mortal human being, cannot solve the problem. Much depends should be on the Islamic roles and regulation, chalked out by Immortal Allah. It is essential to obey Allah’s commandments in each and every aspect of life. And also this dowry system should be condemned everywhere, in schools courses and young boys should take oath that they would never demand dowry. They should convince their elders that dowry is a destructive system and should restrain from this repulsive custom. There should be far-spread campaign in the newspapers, magazines against this system. Seminars and functions should be held to convey the people the dangers of this system. Such a campaign should not be limited to urban only, but also in the least developed areas to spread the massage against this system.

May Allah give us taufeeq to curb this hazardous custom in our society! Ameen!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

ISLAM: The Pioneer of Education & Modern Sciences

Muhammadullah Khalili Qasmi

Education, in present age, being the most important and modern age whereas eventually it is only necessary thing for the people, is considered to be a gift of this the holy Quran to which goes the credit of education's foundation and its advancement. Before I go to describe the details about the topic, let's have a comparative look on the religions and civilisations that existed prior to Islam.

The Greece and China are said to make extraordinary progress, in past, in the field of education and art but they also did not favour the education for all. Plato has dreamt of democracy and equality but he also could not go beyond education for some particular segments of the society.1

Education in India, before he advent of Islam, was considered to be the monopoly of Brahmins. They excluded the lower class people from acquiring knowledge. They thought themselves to be superior and believed that educating them is “casting pearl before swine” as an English proverb says. The Indian society was divided into four categories; Brahmin, Chatri, Weshu and Shwudr. Only the Brahmins, among them, had right to get education even when their civilization was on its full swing. Though there were mass revolts against the notion and later took the shape of Buddhism and Jainism, but soon these religions grew weaker the previous condition returned. None can deny the glory of Nalanda and Takshila universities, but after all, the fact is that the common people were always deprived of education in Hindu periods. The lower caste person was not even allowed to hear the scriptures. If sometimes a lower-caste person happens to gain a hearing by steal used to be put melted lead in his ears. As if it was a heinous crime for him to listen the Vedic verses.2

Likewise, the Europe, those days, was passing through dark ages of history. The churches owned the ins and outs of the citizens. The scientists, artists and men of learning were tortured and sometimes even were torched to death. Galileo was sentenced to death because he came up with the idea that the earth evolves round the sun. Bruno was burned alive for he was of the opinion that the universe has some other planets like earth.3

An European writer describes the situation as: "When Europe was immersed in darkness of ignorance the Caliphs of Baghdad and Qurtuba had spread the light of culture and civilisation in Islamic world. When the leaders of Europe did not know even how to write their names the children of Islamic countries were accustomed to reading and writing"4

Similarly, ignorance was prevailing all over Arabia. There was neither a school nor a college and library. Not only the entire tribes were illiterate but also some of them used to feel proud of being unlettered. Allama Bilazari has asserted that Quraish, the head of all tribes, had only 17 persons who knew writing. Those who were assigned to write the revelation of the Prophet (PBUH) they also were 43 out of all Ansar and Muhajireen.5

It is an established truth that Islam has attached much emphasis on education. It is only Islam, which occupies this distinguished position of being the messenger of knowledge and leader of an educational revolution. According to Islamic viewpoint the humanity set out for its journey in the light of knowledge, not in the darkness of ignorance as modern people say that man is a developed form of animals. The other systems have put the education in the category of necessities of life but Islam has regarded it the utmost necessity of human life. There is neither a religion nor a civilisation that has termed education as basic right of every individual in the society.

In fact, in the 6th century, when the sun of Islam rose from the horizon of Arabian Peninsula in its fullest blaze the entire world was shrouded by darkness. People all around were steeped in ignorance and long slumber. The first slogan that Islam chanted in this horrible atmosphere was about 'education'. The earliest verses that revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) invited people to education:

“Read in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, who created. Created man out of a (mere clot of congealed blood. Read and thy Lord is Most Bountiful. He who taught (the use of) the pen. Taught man that which he knew not”. 6

These five verses of the holy Quran along with many others are the fountainhead of education in post-Islam history. They created a remarkable eagerness toward education and filled the followers of Islam with a tremendous spirit that carved a new history. The holy Quran and Hadith encouraged this spirit and gave it a good push by repeated mentioning of education's virtues and greatness:

“Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well acquainted with all ye do”7

“Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?”8

“Ulama are the heirs of the prophets”

An A’alim is the trustee of Allah on this earth”10

One who covers a way in search of knowledge Allah will lead him to the paradise”11

Apart from this we find that the Holy Quran & Hadith have repeatedly asked Muslims to deliberate in the signs of the heavens and the earth. They encouraged the human spirit of curiosity and regarded mankind the supreme creature. There were many things in the universe, which people used to worship, but Islam asserted that every thing on the world has been created for the service of men. As the Quran says: "it is He who has created all things that are on earth"12

These were the reasons that the Arabs who were quite uncivilized and ignorant turned into the leader of the world in all section of life. They acquired the knowledge of philosophy, medical science, pharmacy, botany, surgery, geography, astronomy, agriculture and so on. In no less than hundred years they became experts in all these fields. They not only followed the previous theories but also they discovered countless facts and invented new things. The Islamic cities were the centres of education and science attracting students from all across Europe, Asia and Africa. Today's modern science and technology has been developed on the theories and philosophies of Muslims. An orientalist admits: "The Arabs have opened the door of arts and sciences, literature and philosophy for Europe. The Arabs taught Europe for six hundred years"13

Maulana Ali Miyan Nadvi writes: “The historians admit that the Loather’s reformation was profoundly impressed by Islamic teachings, and not only the Christianity but also the European life and culture has been influenced by Islam.

Robert Briffault writes in his book ‘The Making of Humanity’: “There is not even a part of Europe’s advancement which is not impressed by Islamic civilisation. Not only the natural sciences, for which we are obliged to the Arabs, have facilitated life in Europe but the Islamic culture also has influenced on various fields”14

There is another French writer who states: “As the Arabs have impressed the East they have impressed the west too. In 9th and 10th centuries when the muslims’ civilisation was onfull swing that European cities were like prisons where our leadres lived wildly. They used to boost of their ignorance, untill some personalities dared to break the ice and folded their knees before Arabs who were the teachers of that age”.15

In this situation, imagine, whatever Islam has done is nothing short of a miracle. In a short period of time the Arabs turned in to the most civilized nation, and whenever they went left their deep impressions on life, culture and language. The entire cultural and lingual structure of Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Morocco and other countries…

It is extremely tragic that Muslims, today, with their past glory and bright history are lagging behind from contemporary communities in every field. The European and others have marched ahead while Muslims failed to treasure their elders' heritage and advance it to coming generations. Recalling the bygone era I do not wish you to feel proud of the past but regain that amazing grandeur and dazzling splendour by stepping forward in to the field of education and modern science.

Islami Nizam-e-Zindagi, p. 241, Pro. Sayyid Ata'ullah Hussaini, Taj Compony Delhi

Ibid., Taleem Hindustan ke Muslim ahd-e-Hukumat mein, pp. 17,18, SM Jaffar, Traqqi Urdu Bureau Delhi, 2nd ad. 1984

Insani Dnya par Musalmanon ke Uruj o Zawal ka Asar, pp. 220-21, M. Ali Miyan Nadvi, Lucknow 1422 AH/2001AC

Riyaz-ul-Janna, Riyaz-ul-Uloom Guraini Jaunpur, May & June 2000, p. 53

Islami Nizam-e-Zindagi, p. 240, Pro. Sayyid Ata'ullah Hussaini, Taj Compony Delhi

Sura Alaq 96/1,2,3,4,5

Sura Mujadila 58/11

Sura Zumur 39/9

Abudaud & Tirmizi, referred by Ihya-ul-uloom Urdu translation, 30

Ihya-ul-Uloom 34, Ibn-e-Abdulbarr

Muslim, Ihya-ul-Uloom 35

Sura Baqra, 2/29

Riyaz-ul-Janna, Riyaz-ul-Uloom Guraini Jaunpur, May & June 2000, p. 53

Insani Dnya par Musalmanon ke Uruj o Zawal ka Asar, p.154, M. Ali Miyan Nadvi, Lucknow 1422 AH/2001AC

Tamaddun-e-Arab, Gustov Lobon, Translated in Urdu by Sayyid Ali Belgrami, p. 599, Maqbool Acdemy Lahore, 1936