THE WAY TO HAPPINESS

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),
THE WAY TO HAPPINESS
Ultimately, we all want to be happy. It seems easier for some than others, and there are those who it is a perpetual struggle.
So what is happiness? And how do we achieve it?
Sources of Happiness
Different individuals and groups of people may have different ideas with regard to the best ways of achieving happiness. Some common beliefs are that the following are the means to happiness:

1. Wealth.
2. Rank and position.
3. Educational achievements (Academic and Honorary? Degrees).
4. Fame (i.e., in politics, arts, sports, science, etc.).


Happiness in Wealth

One of the biggest misconceptions is that money can buy happiness. I think there is a saying actually, money can't buy happiness but it can certainly rent it. So if it can't buy happiness, only rent it then there is no level of permanency in the happiness that is attained through wealth.

How many unhappy rich people do we hear about? What about all the stories of the people who have won lotto and ended up like prisoners in their homes from the attention they received, the gold diggers after their money, chasing them to the point they have no life? There is a story of a man that won lotto and used his money to import all his favorite exotic foods from around the globe, ended up really fat and died of a heart attack.

The Prophet (peace be upon him), as always states it best... he (peace be upon him) said:

"May he be miserable, the worshipper of the Dinar and dirham, and the worshipper of the striped silk cloak. If he is given anything, he is satisfied; but if not, he is unsatisfied". [Al-Bukhari]


Happiness in Rank & Position

Could real happiness be attained through the acquirement of high rank or position in society?

In Islam, holding any position, rank or office is first and foremost regarded as a trust and, therefore, constitutes an obligation, and a legal as well as moral responsibility. Therefore, those to be entrusted with such roles could only be citizens who are possessed of unquestionable competence, integrity and virtue. Only a righteous and competent person can shoulder responsibility and use his position or office for public welfare.

Thus, he would love doing his job because ultimately he would be blessed with joy, happiness, contentment and satisfaction? But what happens when he reaches retirement age? Where will he source his happiness then?

Hardly does a year pass by around the world without closing with the news of miserable falls, overthrows and/or assassinations of unwanted rulers, kings, emperors, premiers, presidents, etc.


Educational Achievements

Then, where is happiness? Is it in obtaining the highest level of education and in earning doctorate degrees?

It is true that Islam not only encourages but also requires man to seek knowledge and live in the light of learning. Islam is a way of life based on knowledge and not on superstition. Prophets are the sources of divine knowledge, and the first divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) begins with the word "IQRA" meaning "READ". In that same revelation, Allah, tells mankind that He (Allah) taught man 'with the pen" and taught man "what he did not know". Much emphasis is placed in Islam on the need for excellent learning, that in the Quran, Allah teaches mankind the following supplications:

"...and say 'O my Lord, advance me in knowledge'." [Noble Quran 22:114]

In another verse of the holy Quran, Allah tells mankind: "those truly fear Allah among His servants who have knowledge." [Noble Quran 35:28]

Yet, in another verse of the Holy Quran, Allah questions mankind: "are they equal, those who know and those who do not know?" [Noble Quran 39:9]

So isn't Allah then telling us that we should be getting degrees?

No, the knowledge here is knowledge of Islam, beneficial knowledge that will make us successful in this life and the Hereafter. There are many who have attained high degrees in university only to live an unhappy or lonely life. The knowledge that Allah is recommending is that of the Quran and Sunnah, not that of the university degree.


Happiness in Fame

How much happiness do the "famous" men and women in activities enjoy?

Next time you are waiting at the checkout to pay for your shopping just look at the covers of the popular magazines and it is obvious that a life of fame is not a happy one. Divorce, drugs problems, over weight, etc these are all the headlines you will see.

"And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter is the real life if they but knew". [Noble Quran 29:64]

The messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

"Two hungry wolves sent in the midst of a flock of sheep are no more destructive to them than a man's greed for wealth and fame is to his Deen.'' [At-Tirmidhi]


Barriers to Real Happiness

1. Disbelief In Allah And Lack Of The True Faith - One of the biggest barriers to real happiness both in this world and the Hereafter is the rejection of Allah's true religion (i.e., Islam). Those who lack correct belief and stray from Divine Guidance revealed to mankind through the Universal and Last Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, will suffer from spiritual void and deprive themselves from real salvation and mercy.

"Those whom God (in His Plan) wills to guide, He opens their breast to Islam; those whom He wills to leave straying, He makes their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus does Allah lay abomination on those who refuse to follow His code of life, that is Islam..." [Noble Quran 6:125]

2. Envy and Jealousy - In chapter 113 of the Holy Quran, we are advised to seek refuge in Allah "from the mischief of the envious one as he practices envy... "

Both envy and jealousy, when translated into action, lead to the destruction of happiness and deprive people of the good things they enjoy. The best refuge from evil is trust in Allah alone.

3. Ill-will - True believers are described in the Quran as saying when they pray to Allah:

"And leave not, in our hearts, rancor (or sense of injury) against those who have believed..." [Noble Quran 10:59]

4. Anger - Anger connotes displeasure and hostility. Therefore, it is one of the biggest threats that spoil man's happiness. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) stressed the importance of self restraint when he advised one of his companions:

"Do not be overpowered by anger..."

5. injustice - Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari companion of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), related that the Prophet said [as narrated by imams Bukhari and Muslim]:

"Allah may give a wrongdoing tyrant respite, and thereafter when He punishes him, He never lets him escape." Then, he recited this Quranic Verse: "Such is the chastisement of thy Lord when He chastises communities in the midst of their wrong: grievous, indeed, and severe is His chastisement." [Noble Quran 11:102]

In another verse from the Holy Quran, it is stated:

"And how many populations did I give respite, which were given to wrongdoing, In the end I punished them. To Me is the destination (of all)." [Noble Quran 22:48]

6. Fear of Worldly Power - Fear of other than Allah. Allah says in the Quran:

"It is only the Satan that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: be you not afraid of them, but fear me, if you are true believers. [Noble Quran 3:175]

7. Suspicion - Allah states:

"O ye who believe! Shun suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin..." [Noble Quran 49:12]

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also says:

"Shun suspicion, because suspicion is the biggest lie." [Bukhari and Muslim]

8. Arrogance - An arrogant person leads a life of misery even though he treats other people rudely and boastfully without due regard to established norms of moral conduct. He oppresses them or turns his cheek in scorn toward them but he is definitely haunted with guilty conscience which makes his life miserable:

"Turn not thy cheek in scorn toward folk, nor walk with pertness in the land. Lo! Allah loveth not each braggart boaster." [Noble Quran 31:I8]

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his advice in this regard when he said:

"On the Day of Judgment Allah will not look towards him who trails his lower garment out of pride" [Bukhari and Muslim]

9. Other such as - devotion to other than Allah, pessimism, sinful and criminal behavior, alcohol and Drug Addiction


On the Way to Happy Life

1. Sound Belief - Belief in Allah and in His perfect attributes would deeply influence the Muslim's character and his whole outlook on life. It brings him to acquire good qualities and aim for human perfection. This will undoubtedly achieve, for both the individual and the society, a life of ideal values and collective happiness.

2. Worship and Devotion to Allah

"Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between" [Noble Quran 21:16]

So creation is not for idle sport or play, Allah has a serious purpose behind it. What is it? Allah has revealed to us His purpose:

"I have only created Jinns (i.e., genies) and men, that they may serve Me!" [Noble Quran 51:56]

Obedience and worship of Allah are a major and comprehensive source of contentment and happiness for man. On the personal level, it gives man the feeling that he is close to Allah and such nearness to his Lord, consequently, provides him with guidance, wisdom, strength, confidence, steadfastness, security, joy and satisfaction. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

"Happiness, all happiness, is long life (full) of obedience to Allah." [Quda'i and Daylami]

3. Goodness and Kindness to Others - This emanates from the very essence of faith.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

"All creatures are dependants of Allah, and the most favored among them by Allah is the one who is most helpful to His dependants." [Tabarani, Abu Na'im and Bayhaqi]

Thus, active faith turns man into a mercy to himself and to others.

4. Renunciation of Too Long Term Hopes and Grieves of the Past - hanging onto a past that cannot be returned and aspiring to a future that may not come only leads to discontentment. Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

"Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possessed the whole world.'' [At-Tirmidhi].

Being content with what we have today, embarking on utilizing the day that we have and being grateful to Allah, all these are lead to happiness.

5. In times of discontentment - the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him ) in the following words:

"Look at those inferior to you, and do not look at those superior to you. Thereby, you would be able to appreciate better the benevolence of Allah bestowed upon you." [Bukhari and Muslim]

gives us the best advise for these times.

6. Building of better understanding - seeking knowledge of Islam and removing misconceptions and superstitions deliver man from ignorance, illusions and baseless worries that spoil his tranquility and happiness.

7. One important step on the way to happiness is - to work towards harmony within oneself and with the outward world: in the family, at school, in the office, in society and more generally, in humanity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us that there is a time for this and a time for that and that we are a people of moderation.

8. Access to happiness can also be obtained - by making ever aspect of your life lawful. Eat what is lawful, make your home and work environment lawful.

"Eat of the things which Allah hath provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allah, in Whom you believe." [Noble Quran 5:88]

9. Stability of the human Personality - Be moderate in all that you do

"And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).'' [Noble Quran 25:67]

10. Repentance purifies - rectify your mistakes with repentance rather than dwell on them and feel badly

"O ye Believers! Turn ye all together toward Allah, that ye may attain Bliss." [Noble Quran 24:31].

11. Learning and Pursuit - Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) stressed the importance of the pursuit of knowledge as a way to eternal happiness.

"If a person follows a path for acquiring knowledge Allah will make easy the passage to paradise for hint" [Muslim]

Pursuit of knowledge provides man with a feeling of enjoyment and pleasure If man enjoys having delicious meals for his body, he would also enjoy more delicious meals (of knowledge) for his mind and soul.

12. To form a happy social life - Choosing spouse, friends and companions wisely.

13. Strong will - Ability to persist through the challenges and hurdles of life.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to have a good life is strong Iman and good deeds, Allah the Most High said:

"Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and is true believer, verily to him will We give a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions." [Noble Quran 16:94]

This is because true believers in Allah, who have sound belief that gives rise to righteous deeds, and mends the heart and corrects the human behavior, and makes good both this world and the Hereafter. These people know how to deal with situations of happiness and joy and situations of anxiety, sorrow and grief.


Khadejah Jones
Share Islam Team
ShareIslam.com

- Making the Quran your reference point -

An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to Haj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) happened to pass that way. He was also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu -layhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed and in a state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows: Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa RahmatullahThe lady: The word from a merciful Lord is Peace (Surah 36 Aayat 58).She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.

She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.She said further: Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them. (Surah 7 Aayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Where are you coming from?The lady: Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam(Far distant place of worship) (Surah17 Aayat1). She meant that she had come from Musjid-e-Aqsa.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): How long are you in this place?The lady: For three nights (Surah 19 Aayat10).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What arrangements are made for your food?The lady: And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me (Surah 26 Aayat 79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by Allah.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Is there any water for Wudhu?The lady: And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayammum) rub your faces and hands. (therewith) (Surah 4 Aayat 43).She meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Here is some food. Partake of it.The lady: Strictly observe the fast till nightfall (Surah 2 Aayat 187).She indicated that she is fasting.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): This is not the month of Ramadaan.The lady: And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware. (Surah 2 Aayat158) Meaning that I have observed an optional (nafl) fast.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): It is permitted to break the fast when in a journey.The lady: And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know. (Surah 2 Aayat 184).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Speak like how I speak.The lady: He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready (Surah 50 Aayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in the words of the Holy Quran.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Which clan do you belong to?The lady: Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked (Surah 17 Aayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) byenquiring about them.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.The lady: Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you (Surah 12 Aayat 92)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?The lady: And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it (Surah 2 Aayat 197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah will recompense you for it.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Well, then you may mount it.Saying this he made the camel to sit down.The lady: Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower their gaze. (Surah 24 Aayat 30).

Hadhrat Abdullah understood and (turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes got strangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed: whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned. (Surah 42 Aayat 30). In other words she was drawing Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak's (RA) attention towards thismishap. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser).She applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying And we made Sulaiman to understand (Surah 21 Aayat 79). When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when undertaking a journey Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning. (Surah 43 Aayat 13). Hadhrat Abdullh bin Mubarak (RA) held the bridle (or nose string) of the camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking very fast.The lady: Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice (Surah 31 Aayat 19). Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood. He began walking slower and he lowered his voice.The lady: Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you. She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Holy Quran. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) began reciting the Holy Quran.The lady became very pleased and said but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding (Surah 2 Aayat 269). After reciting the Holy Quran for a while, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) O Aunt, have have you a husband? (meaning is he living) The lady: O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you (Surah 5 Aayat 101). She meant that no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that her husband has most probably passed away.

Finally they (caught up) met the caravan. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Do you have any son or relative (friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?The lady: Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world (Surah 18 Aayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and he has provisions with him.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What work are your sons doing for the caravan? (Hadhrat Abdullah's object for asking was to make it easy for him to recognise her son).The lady: And landmarks, and by the star they find a way (Surah 16 Aayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Can you tell me their name?The lady: Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend (Surah 4 Aayat 125). And Allah spoke directly unto Moosa (Surah 19 Aayat 12). By reciting these Aayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya, Ibrahim and Moosa. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came forward.The lady: (addressing her children) Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof (Sura 18 Aayat 19) In other words she instructed them to feed Hadhrat Abdullah (RA).When the food was brought, she told Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA):Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days. (Surah 69 Aayat 24), and with this Aayat she recited another Aayat, the object of which was to convey her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The Aayat was: Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness? (Surah 55 Aayat 60). Their conversation terminated on this Aayat. The lady's son informed Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) that his mother has been speaking in this manner, i.e. using only the Aayats of the Holy Quran in her speech, for the last 40 years

http://www.lutonmuslims.co.uk/Pearls.htm

- Temporary Beauty -

Once Malik ibn Dinar(rh) was passing through the streets of Basra, where he happened to see a female servant walking with the kind of pomp and show generally displayed by the maidservants of kings. Upon witnessing the manner of her walking Hazrat Malik called her and said,: "O handmaid, would your master like to sell you?" She was really surprised to hear this and said, "What? Repeat it again." Hazrat Malik did accordingly, at which she said, "Would a beggar like you be able to purchase me if the master agreed to sell at all?" He replied in the affirmative, adding that he could purchase a better one than her. On hearing this she laughed and ordered the servants to take the beggar along with them (just as an amusement for the master). On reaching home she narrated the event to her master, who laughed boisterously and ordered Hazrat Malik to be brought before him. When Hazrat Malik was brought forward, the master was over-awed and asked, "What do you want?" In reply, he advised him to sell his handmaid to him. The master asked, "Can you pay her price?" Hazrat Malik replied, "For me her price is no more than two stones of dates." On hearing this the whole audience began to laugh. The master asked, "What prompted you to fix this price for her?" He replied that there were many shortcomings in her. Upon the master's request Hazrat Malik enumerated them thus:

'If she does not apply perfume her body emits a foul smell. If she does not clean her teeth they begin to putrefy. If she does not comb her hair it becomes infested with lice. On becoming a bit older she would appear like an old woman not worthy to be loved. She menstruates. She makes water and relieves herself. In other words she emits all sorts of filth (spittle, mucus, saliva). She suffers from agonies and hardships. Being greedy, she shows her love to you merely for her self interests and material benefits. Today, if any loss is incurred by her due to you, the whole edifice of her love would crumble down in no time. She is based on falsehood. As soon as you breathe your last, she will sit by the side of another person and sing of her permanent and everlasting love for him, in the same way as she did for you.

In contrast, I have a handmaid a thousand times better than your handmaid. Her price is very little. She is made of camphor's essence. She has been fashioned out of musk and saffron. She is covered by pearls and light. If her spittle is cast in salty water, it will become sweet. Should she speak to a dead man, he would be revived. If her wrist is shown to the sun, it will suffer darkness and eclipse. If she visits a place of darkness, it will be illuminated. If she happens to appear in the world with all her elegance, the whole world will become fragrant. She is brought up in the gardens of musk and saffron. She has played amongst the branches of ruby and coral. Her abode is a place of great blessings. She drinks water from Tasnim (a fountain in paradise). She never backs out of her word. Her love is everlasting." Hazrat Malik (rh) then asked the master to let him know which handmaid is more beneficial to him. All said unanimously that the handmaid described by Hazrat Malik (rh) was far more valuable. Then Hazrat Malik said, "Every one can afford to buy her at any time and in every age. The master set the maidservant free, and both of them bade farewell to the worldly pleasures and dedicated themselves to worship of Allah (SWT).

Reference: http://www.lutonmuslims.co.uk/Pearls.htm

Women in Dawah

Abdul Lateef M. Al-Hassan and Sumayyah Bint Joan
al-Jumu'ah Magazine

From the very beginning, women have played vital roles in the propagation of the fundamental truths of Islamic da'wah. From the sacrifices of Sumayyah, to the collected Ahadeeth of Aisha, women have been instrumental in the flourishing and spreading of this deen. Unfortunately during these times, the Islamic revival suffers from weaknesses in its properly qualified personnel, which limits its spreading and restricts the da'wah work to an elitist group of activists, with finite and limited efforts of da'wah and tarbiyah being focused on women.

Da'wah amongst women deserves, and should get, far more attention than it does. So far, except in a few instances, women have been distanced from the field of da'wah work. If we look at the reality, and the situation of Islamic da'wah work, and the position of women in it today, we can easily find the following problems:

1- Deficiency in da'wah capabilities among and by women.

2- The ill use of existing limited-resources in combination with a lack of personal initiative on the part of women.

3- A neglect or omission of women's issues in the planning of Islamic da'wah.

4- Absence of strong tarbiyah and the lack of fundamental Islamic knowledge in the da'iyat (female callers) in the field of da'wah. Only a few of the wives and daughters of dou'at (male callers) have any worthwhile Islamic knowledge.

5- Most women do not possess a proper understanding the role of da'wah made incumbent on their husbands. Because of this, they may not understand the importance of time given to projects outside the home, which in turn may, become a source of tension within the home.

6- The level of general Islamic knowledge among most women is low.

7- Women's da'wah programs, as well as overall da'wah programs and institutions are rare, and not well organized.

ROOTS of the PROBLEM

Many obstacles and restraints have been the causes behind the weakness and neglect of da'wah work amongst women. One they have been recognized and analyzed, viable solutions can be sought and implemented.

One major reason, is that many men are not convinced about the importance of women's role and responsibilities in the field of da'wah. The Qur'anic verse "...remain at your homes..." [33:33] has been misinterpreted by many, and so has the right of stewardship or Qawama. In many instances we see men objecting to women's participation in da'wah and thus preventing them from fulfilling their role toward their fellow Muslims and to the larger society in general. Spreading Islam has been made incumbent on all Muslims, men and women.

"It is vital that husbands encourage their wives to participate in da'wah work," said Dr. Aisha Hamdan, Director of the Islamic Education Foundation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in child and family issues. She teaches at a private university in the Twin Cities. The IEF is a two-year-old organization, with one of its goals being, to increase the level of awareness and to provide training in giving da'wah, amongst Muslim women and men. "They should encourage them to spread the message of this deen, perhaps by taking them along when they go out, and by instructing them on the proper ways of giving presentations about Islam."

A more particular reason is the absence or confusion of priorities in the minds of dou'at. Many of them have been overwhelmed and distracted by the state of the Ummah, even to the extent of ignoring to give proper attention to their homes and families. Their energies having been exhausted in the work outside the home, leaving them with nothing left for their families. This imbalance hurts not only the families, but also the community as a whole.

The level of women's education and awareness of their position and responsibility plays an important role. As education and awareness decline, women become disinterested, their level of giving and sense of sacrifice weakens. "Unfortunately, not a lot of Muslim women feel that they know enough about Islam to share it with others. They need to realize that it is their responsibility to obtain that knowledge and then share it with others. Many women also feel uncomfortable presenting to groups of people due to various reasons." Dr. Hamdan said. "This is why we are conducting training sessions here, about how to conduct da'wah. We are committed to trying to arm women with the necessary skills, that will give them the confidence to take up this very important, and often neglected role in their lives as Muslims."

Indulgence in luxuries, even if they are halal things, usually force women to devote more time to them and less time to doing da'wah. This also happens when they find it difficult to balance rights with duties. Sometimes women lose perspective, forgetting that the work inside the home is the core of their mission. By neglecting this role, or when they fail to arrange their priorities, and get tied to a job that distracts them, they ultimately fail at fulfilling their da'wah roles both inside and outside the home. "For many women, their jobs as wife, mother, cook, and teacher, inside their homes, are so time consuming, that the main barrier to engaging in da'wah work is oftentimes, a lack of time itself," said Dr. Hamdan. "This is why it is so important for husbands to be supportive to their wives in fulfilling their obligations both within and outside the home."

Another unfortunate reality is that most da'wah organizations have failed to absorb and utilize the energies of women, and have also failed to adjust their plans and programs in a way that would incorporate women as core assets in their da'wah work.

The media, and many other elements of the promiscuous society we live in, have had major impacts on the psyche of Muslim women. This psychic crippling has kept many women away from their mission and distorted the image of Islam in the minds of most of them.

Paradise Is At the Feet of Mothers

A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a military campaign. The Prophet asked the man if his mother was still living. When told that she was alive, the Prophet said: "(Then) stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet." (Al-Tirmidhi)

On another occasion, the Prophet said: "God has forbidden for you to be undutiful to your mothers." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

One of the things I have always appreciated about my adopted faith is not only its emphasis on maintaining the bonds of kinship, but also the high regard in which women, particularly mothers, are held. The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: "And revere the wombs that bore you, for God is ever watchful over you." (4:1)

It should be obvious that our parents deserve our utmost respect and devotion - second only to God. Speaking in the Quran, God ays: "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final Goal." (31:14)

The fact that God has mentioned parents in the same verse as Himself shows the extent to which we should strive in our efforts to serve the mothers and fathers who sacrificed so much for us. Doing so will help us to become better people.

In that same verse, God says: "We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him."

In other words, the debt we owe to our mothers is magnified due to the difficult nature of pregnancy - not to mention the nurturing and attention paid to us in infancy.

Another narration, or "Hadith," from the life of the Prophet Muhammad again shows us just how much we owe to our mothers.

A man once asked the Prophet to whom he should show the most kindness. The Prophet replied: "Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then your father." (Sunan of Abu-Dawood) In other words, we must treat our mothers in a manner befitting their exalted position - and, again, revere the wombs that bore us.

The Arabic word for womb is "rahem." Rahem is derived from the word for mercy. In Islamic tradition, one of God's 99 names is "Al-Raheem," or "the Most Merciful."

There exists, therefore, a unique connection between God and the womb. Through the womb, we get a glimpse of the Almighty's qualities and attributes. It nurtures, feeds and shelters us in the early stages of life. The womb can be viewed as one manifestation of divinity in the world.

One cannot help but make the parallel between a Loving God and a compassionate Mother. Interestingly, the Quran does not portray God as exclusively male or female. As a matter of fact, by revering our mothers, we are paying respect to God.

Each of us should appreciate what we have in our mothers. They are our teachers and our role models. Every day with them is an opportunity to grow as a person. Every day away from them is a missed opportunity.

I lost my own mother to breast cancer on April 19, 2003. Though the pain of losing her is still with me and her memory lives on in my siblings and me, I sometimes worry that I might forget what a blessing she was for me.

For me, Islam is the best reminder of my mother's presence. With daily encouragement from the Quran and the living example of the Prophet Muhammad, I know I will always keep her memory close to my heart. She is my rahem, my connection to the divine. On this Mother's Day, I am grateful for the occasion to reflect on that.

Obedience to the Husband

Islam has given woman rights and imposed on her some obligations. One of the most significant rights is that of her husband over her. The husband is your Paradise or your Hellfire; that is, if you obey him you will enter Paradise, and if you disobey him you will enter Hellfire. The following are Ahaadith which order a woman to obey her husband:

The Prophet sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallaam said:

“When a woman observes her five obligatory prayers, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter by any gate of Paradise she wishes.”

Reported by Ibn Hibban, al-Bazzaar, Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal, at-Tabarani and al-Baani.

The Prophet sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallaam said:

“If a woman dies while her husband was pleased with her, she will enter Paradise.”

Reported by at-Tirmidhi.

The Prophet sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallaam said:

“If a husband calls his wife to his bed (to have sexual relations) and she refuses and causes him to sleep in anger, the Angels will curse her till morning.”

The Prophet sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallaam said:

“If I were to order anyone to prostrate himself before another, I should order a woman to prostrate herself before her husband.”

Reported by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibban.

When the Prophet sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallaam was asked which woman was best he replied,

“The one who pleases (her husband) when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives a command, and does not go against his wishes regarding her person or property by doing anything of which he disapproves.”

Reported by at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i’ and al-Bayhaqi.

INSTIGATE LOVE TO ALLAH

All praise is due to Allah alone, who perfectly controls everything. May He send salutations and exalt the mention of the Warner and the Bringer of Glad Tidings - our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and all his companions.

One of the attributes of Allah is that He Loves His believing slaves in a fashion which befits His Majesty and Might; His slaves in turn love Him more than their wealth, children and their own selves.

Allah says what means:

"Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him." (Al- Ma'idah:54)

It is mutual love between the Lord and His slaves:

"And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else)." (Al-Baqarah: 165)


The Ruling on Loving Allah

Loving Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) more than we love our family, our possessions and anything else in this world is a part of being a true believer in Islam.

Anas narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"I swear by The One in Whose Hands is my soul, none of you will be a complete believer until I am dearer to him than his father, his son, and all of mankind." (Bukhari)


Loving Allah is a Sign of Strong Belief

The Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us that it is a quality of belief and a sign of enjoying the sweetness of faith is realized when the love of Allah and His Messenger is greater than that of anyone or anything else. Anas Ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"One who attains the following three things will taste the sweetness of faith: To make Allah and His Messenger more beloved to himself than anything else; to love a person for no other reason except for the sake of Allah; and to hate to return to disbelief just as much as he would hate to be thrown into fire." (Bukhari & Muslim)


Loving Allah is Following the Way of the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Allah says (what means):

"Say (O Muhammad): 'If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.'" (Al 'Imran:31)

How much do we truly follow the Prophet (peace be upon him)? Where are we when it comes to following his Sunnah in our worship, transactions and manners? Where are we when it comes to following his Sunnah in our supplications, remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Quran, seeking the assistance of Allah, relying on Him and taking refuge in Him? Where are we when it comes to following his Sunnah by being kind to our friends, neighbor and parents, and when it comes to being generous to guests and visiting the sick? Where are we when it comes to following his Sunnah in our etiquettes, humility, mercy, leniency and forgiveness? Where are we when it comes to following his Sunnah in bravery, wisdom and Jihad against the enemies of Allah everywhere?


The Qualities of Those Whom Allah Loves

To do good: "And do good. Truly, Allah loves the good-doers." (Al-Baqarah:195)

To repent and purify themselves: "Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves." (Al-Baqarah:222)

To be are pious: "Yes, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allah much; verily, then Allah loves those who are the pious." (Al 'Imran:76)

To be patient: "But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allah's way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allah loves the patient." (Al 'Imran:146)

To rely on Allah: "Then when you have taken a decision, rely on Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who rely on Him." (Al 'Imran: 159)

To be just: "And if you judge, judge with justice between them. Verily, Allah loves those who act justly." (Al-Ma'idah:42)

To be sincere in Jihad: "Verily Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure." (As-Saff:4)


Beware of Having The Following Qualities

Allah has described in His Book the qualities that we must avoid if we want to one of His believing servants that He loves:

Disbelief: "But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers." (Al 'Imran:32)

Transgression: "And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors." (Al-Baqarah:190)

Mischief-making: "And they (ever) strive to make mischief on the earth. And Allah does not like the mischief-makers." (Al- Ma'idah:64)

Oppression: "But whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Verily, He likes not the oppressors." (Ash-Shoora:40)

Pride and boastfulness: "Verily Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful." (An-Nisa':36)

Betrayal: "And argue not on behalf of those who deceive themselves. Verily, Allah does not like anyone who is a betrayer, sinner." (An-Nisa': 107).

Publicly uttering evil: "Allah does not like that the evil should be uttered in public except by him who has been wronged." (An-Nisa':148)

Extravagance: "Eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste by extravagance." (Al-A'raf:31)

Taking pride and being ungrateful: "Remember when his people said to him: Do not exult (with riches, being ungrateful to Allah). Verily, Allah likes not those who exult (with riches, being ungrateful to Allah)." (Al- Qasas:76)


How to Earn Allah's Love

The true description of attaining Allah's love comes from a Qudsi Hadith,
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said on behalf of his Lord:

"I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of mine. And my servant never comes closer to Me by virtue of anything more than that which I have made compulsory upon him, and my slave continues to draw closer to me by performing optional good deeds until I love him, and if I were to love him I become the hearing by which he hears, the eyesight by which he sees, the hand by which he strikes and the legs by which he walks." (Bukhari & Muslim)


Things Which Instigate Allah's Love

Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned some examples of things which instigate the love of Allah:

1. Reciting the Quran with attentiveness and pondering over its meanings.

2. Performing optional acts of worship after fulfilling the obligatory ones.

3. Always remembering Allah in the heart, by the tongue and deeds, because one will benefit proportional to the amount that he remembers Allah.

4. Favoring His love over any other love, particularly when your desires become strong.

5. Striving hard to reach that which He loves.

6. Learning and pondering over His qualities and attributes, because the one who learns and ponders over the qualities and attributes of Allah will certainly love Him due to this.

7. Thinking about His apparent and concealed favors and kindness.

8. Supplicating and appealing to Him during the last third of every night, reciting His Book, standing with full servitude before Him and begging for His forgiveness.

9. Being around righteous people who sincerely love Allah and learning the best of what they say, just as one would pick the best fruit from a tree. Also, one should not speak unless one is certain that this is the correct thing to do and that one will benefit by this.

10. Refraining from anything which might become an obstacle between oneself and Allah.

All these can be achieved by being willing to perform them and having insight, which can only happen after the help of Allah.



Khadejah Jones
Share Islam Team
ShareIslam.com