Real Freedom: I Couldn't Have Said It Better!

By: Bro. Abu Khattab

You call me weird but I say that I’m different,
You call me barbaric but I say I’m risk free.
You call me a loser but I’m thankful for my possessions,
You call me fanatical but I only obey.


You call me ugly but to my Lord I’m beautiful,
You call me backwards but I’m always looking forward.
You call me a loner but I have my Lord,
You call me trouble but I’m not breaking His Laws.
You call me unsocial but would I mix with corruption?
You call me a terrorist but I fight for my freedom.
A freedom of justice and peace in the lands,
Ruled under the laws of our Creator and Sustainer.

Do you not call your wars the same?
That you fight for freedom of the people around.
We do the same except ours is the truth,
For you aim to reap riches and expand your command.

Freedom isn’t the ability to collect your wealth,
And storing it then dying without spending a cent.
Freedom is the ability of collecting your wealth,
Then spreading it to the poor across the lands.

Freedom isn’t the ability to fornicate with others,
Then being bed ridden from disease for the rest of your life.
Freedom is marriage where you are able to choose,
And if a reason is presented, then separate happily.

Freedom isn’t taking out a loan full of usury,
Then being unable to pay it because you cannot afford it.
Freedom is asking your Lord for help,
Then if it is good for you it will come your way.

Freedom isn’t being able to undress in the streets,
And be paraded around and stared at like an animal.
Freedom is modesty where you have control,
Of who gets to see you and what they’re able to do.

Freedom isn’t what you deem as freedom,
For freedom benefits and doesn’t destroy.
Freedom lasts and would never fall,
Our freedom has lasted since the dawn of man.

But you fail to accept the destruction you’ve caused,
And you continue to fight the light that shines.
Your days are numbered and I’m counting down,
Where truth will prevail over the falseness of man.

So you call me extreme for what I have to say,
But as I said I am only one who obeys.
The debt collector comes when your time is up,
So what will you say O one who disobeys?


You call me dark but I follow the light,
You call me stupid but I’m the one who believes.
You call me different but this when I pause,
I am not different but you should call me strange…

Polygyny, or Multiple Girlfriends?

This article attempts to deal with a marital problem which is connected with conduct, namely, the deviation of the husband, or infidelity. We believe that, many a time, if a man asks to marry another woman or looks at other than his wife, he is actually in real need of a second marriage. What, then, is more honorable: marrying another woman or committing an immoral act? Which is better for the man's religion: a second marriage or taking a girlfriend?

The woman may think that polygyny is unfair to her, undermines her personality, nullifies her independence, and denies her of respect and ownership. This perception is only partly true from the perspective of the individual woman, but at the same time, this view exposes its blatant aggression against the gender of women in general when some women, who are deprived of or have lost a husband, look for another one and cannot find any. When Islam legislates or legalizes a matter, it considers the public interest and gives it precedence over the interest of the individual in order to bring about public benefits and ward off destructive evils. By doing so, Islam is consistent with common sense and wise reasoning.

Evidence on its permissibility:

Islam permitted polygyny in text of the Quran in Surah An-Nisaa’. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].} [Quran 4:3]

This is the maximum number permitted, and it is not permissible to marry more than four. This is the statement of scholars of Tafseer (Quranic exegesis) and Muslim jurists, and the whole Ummah (Muslim nation) is in unanimous agreement upon this. If anyone entered Islam while having more than four wives at the time of the Prophet, , he would order him to keep four and divorce the remaining ones.

It goes without saying that there are seven cases which inevitably require polygyny:

1. The divorced woman

2. The widow

3. The spinster

4. The infertile woman

5. The nature of man and his sexual ability

6. The conditions of war and the resulting shortage of men

7. Reports that indicate that the number of women in the coming years will be twice the number of men

What is the problem, then?

Allaah The Almighty has incomparable wisdom in all his sayings and actions, and so His legislating polygyny is by no means belittling the woman or underestimating her position and status. Polygyny was made lawful for the interest of the woman, the man, and the society as a whole.The problem here therefore is not in the Sharee‘ah of Allaah; the problem is in the individual mistakes made by some people. Therefore, we should not attribute the mistake and injustice to the Sharee‘ah of Allaah. The tragedies and problems that occur due to polygyny are a result of the husband's failure to create a balance between the two parties. Islam is not affected by some Muslims' abuse of the concession of polygyny without justice. Indeed, Islam reigns supreme and nothing is superior to it and it is the criterion and standard. Whoever agrees with it is right, and whoever disagrees with it is wrong and has to reconsider his actions. Curing the injustice that occurs from some husbands cannot take place by banning what Allaah The Almighty has made lawful. The cure should be through teaching, educating and understanding the rulings of Islam.

We have heard many bizarre stories and tragedies that represent polygyny in a repugnant form. Some men have behaved improperly, exceeded the limits, and showed injustice. At a time in which the man wants to carry out the Sunnah of polygyny, some have neglected their duties, themselves, and their dependants. Some men are unfair to their first wives, neglect their children, and deprive them of inheritance. Some fail to support them financially, raise them, or take care of their affairs. A man may unhesitatingly divorce one of his wives to get rid of the problems and thus bring about harm on her. Sometimes a husband enrages and distresses one of his wives or compares her to the other, or does similar harmful acts.

Permissible with conditions:

Polygyny, though permissible, has certain conditions:

1. Justice

2. Financial maintenance

The first condition:

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].} [Quran 4:3] This verse states that justice is a condition for the permissibility of polygyny. So, if the man fears himself being unjust between his wives, it would be prohibited for him to marry more than one, and he is obliged to marry one woman only. This addresses the obligatory justice that man affords in terms of financial maintenance, accommodation and overnight stays. What man does not have control over, like the inclination of his heart towards one of his wives, however, is not included. This is what Allaah The Almighty means by His Saying (what means): {And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so].}[Quran 4:129]

The second condition:

Financial maintenance: Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].} [Quran 4:3] In his book ‘Uddatus-Saabireen, Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, "This means do not be unfair or unjust." Ash-Shaafi‘i interpreted it to mean "(in order to) to increase your children." But the first opinion is the preponderant one. The Prophet, , said: "O young men, whoever can afford marriage, let him marry. Marriage helps man lower his gaze and maintain chastity. Whoever cannot afford it, let him fast. Fasting is a shield for him."

If the man cannot afford marriage financially, he is not allowed to marry. This ruling applies to his first marriage, and thus he is not, with even greater reason, allowed to marry a second woman when he is already married to one. Marrying another woman while he knows that he is unable to financially support her with the first wife is an act that shows man's indifference in fulfilling others' rights. It is a form of injustice, and injustice is not permissible.

In short, Islam has permitted polygyny for the benefit of the woman and the man and the society in a general and comprehensively realistic way. Polygyny saves the woman from the clutches of corruption and immorality, and from the traps of depression, frustration and deprivation. This occurs in conditions that only polygyny can help and be the effective solution and way out. Moreover, the man must abide by the conditions of justice, equity, and the capability of financial support that Islam obligated on the man in this case. If these conditions are not present, there can be no polygyny. The woman who suffers harm because of the second marriage has the right to demand separation and divorce. Let there be no harm or reciprocating harm.

Polygyny is like a medicine or treatment for many diseases. It is permissible and becomes an act of the Sunnah if there are good intentions and Sharee‘ah limits are observed. It may become prohibited if the man fears injustice, or if a verbal or customary condition preventing polygyny is set when the marriage contract is concluded. Polygyny may be a successful solution to the problem of infidelity in question.

May Allaah guide us all to do what is best for us and the Muslim family – Allaah willing.


http://www.rasoulallah.net/v2/document.aspx?lang=en&doc=13752

One Apple Leads To His Marriage

One of our pious predecessors, Thabit Bin Nu’man, was hungry and tired as he was passing through a garden that bordered a river. He was so hungry that he could hear his stomach growling, and so his eyes became fixed on the fruits he saw on the various trees of the garden. In a fit of desperation, he forgot himself and extended his hand to an apple that was within reach. He ate half of it and then drank water from the river. But then he became overcome with guilt, despite the fact that he had only eaten because of dire need.

He said to himself, “Woe unto me! How can I eat someone else’s fruits without his permission? I make it binding upon myself not to leave this place until I find the owner of this garden and ask him to forgive me for having eaten one of his apples.“

After a brief search, he found the owner’s house. He knocked on the door and the owner of the garden came out and asked him what he wanted.

Thabit Bin Nu’man said, “I entered your garden that borders the river, and I took this apple and ate half of it. Then I remembered it does not belong to me, and so I ask you now to excuse me for having eaten it and to forgive me for my mistake.“

The man said, “On one condition only I will forgive you for your mistake.“

Thabit Bin Nu’man asked, “And what is that condition?“

He said, “That you marry my daughter.“

Thabit Bin Nu’man said, “I will marry her.“

The man said, “But heed you this; indeed my daughter is blind, she does not see; mute, she does not speak;deaf, she does not hear.“

Thabit Bin Nu’man began to ponder over his situation; a difficult predicament indeed did he find himself in now; what should he do? Not get out of it, thought Thabit, for he realised that to be tested by such a woman, to take care of her, and to serve her, are all better than to eat from the foul matter of the Hellfire as a reward for the apple that he ate. And after all, the days of this world are limited.

And so he accepted the condition to mary the girl, seeking his reward from Allaah, Lord of all that exists. He was nonetheless somewhat anxious in the days prior to the marriage.

He thought, “How can I have sexual relations with a woman who neither speaks nor sees nor hears?“

So miserable did he become that he almost wished for the earth to swallow him up before the appointed date.

Yet despite such apprehensions, he placed his complete trust upon Allaah and he said, “There is neither might nor power except with Allaah. Indeed to Allaah do we belong and indeed to Him shall we al return.“

On the day of the marriage he saw her for the first time. She stood up before him and said, “Peace, mercy and blessings of Allaah be upon you.“

When he saw her grace and beauty, he was reminded of what he would see when he would imagine the fair maidens of paradise (i.e., the gorgeous hoor al-ayn). After a brief pause he said, “What is this? She indeed speaks, hears and sees.” He then told her what her father said earlier.

She said, “My father has spoken the truth. He said I was mute because I do not speak any forbidden word, and I have never spoken to any man who is not lawful to me (i.e., she has never spoken to any ghair mahrams)! And I am indeed deaf in the sense that I have never sat in a gathering in which there is backbiting, slander, or false and vain speech! And I am indeed blind, in the sense that I have never looked upon a man who is not permissible for me!“

[End]

Noble reader, reflect on and learn a lesson from this story!

My brothers in Islaam, see how much he feared Allaah, and how much he had his trust in Allaah, and where this got him!

My sisters in Islaam, see how this woman kept herself chaste, pious, in her hijaab, so much so, she was considered mute (not speaking to any man), deaf (avoiding places of backbiting) and blind (not seeing any man). Allaahu Akbar, isn’t it these qualities that pious men love to see in their wives? Nay; aren’t these qualities all men (Muslim and non-Muslims) wish to see in their wives? Isn’t it these qualities that give men the crave and yearn to meet their hoor al-ayn in jannah?

The fruit of this marriage was the birth of a child who grew up to be known as Imaam Abu Haneefah.

KHADIJAH BINT KHUWAYLID

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),
KHADIJAH BINT KHUWAYLID
The Wives of The Prophet Muhammad by: Ibn Kathir

Narrated Abu Hurayrah:

Jibril came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, "O Messenger of Allah! This is Khadijah coming to you with a dish having meat soup (or food or drink). When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord (i.e. Allah) and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a Qasab (palace in Paradise) wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble)." [Bukhari]

Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, came from a noble family. Her father Khuwaylid had been one of the most honored leaders of their tribe until he was killed in battle. Her husband had also died, leaving her a very wealthy woman. When Muhammad (peace be upon him) was still a young man, she entrusted him with some of her wealth, asking him to trade with it in Syria on her behalf. He was already well known for his honesty, truthfulness and trustworthiness. He returned from Syria after having made a large profit for Khadijah.
After hearing his account of the journey, she decided that he would make the best of the husbands, even though many of the most important nobles of the Quraish had already proposed to her and had been refused, and in due course she proposed to him. After the Prophet's uncle, Abu Talib, had given the proposed marriage his blessing, Muhammad and Khadijah were married. At the time of the marriage, the Prophet was twenty-five years old, while Khadijah was forty years old.

For the next fifteen years they lived happily together, and Khadijah bore several children. Their first child, a son whom they named Qasim, died when he was only two years old. However, Muhammad and Khadijah also had four daughters who survived: Zaynab, Ruqayya, Umm Kulthum and Fatima. Then Abdullah was born to him but also died in his infancy.

The more Khadijah came to know about her husband, the more she loved and respected him. Everyone in Makkah called him 'al-Amin', which means 'the trustworthy one', and she, more than anyone else, knew how fitting this name was. It became Muhammad's custom each year to spend the month of Ramadan in seclusion and reflection in a cave on the mountain of Hira, which is on the outskirts of Makkah. Khadijah would always make sure that he was provided with food and drink during his retreat. Towards the end of one Ramadan, when he was forty and Khadijah fifty-five, Muhammad suddenly appeared at their house in the middle of the night, trembling with fear and saying, "Cover me up, cover me up!"

Khadijah was very alarmed to see him in such a state. Quickly she wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and, when he had calmed down, she asked him to describe exactly what had happened. He told her how a being whom he had never seen before - in fact it was the angel Jibril - had suddenly appeared to him while he was asleep and had said, "Recite!"
"But I am not a reciter," he had replied, for he was unlettered and could neither read or write. "Recite!" the angel had repeated, clasping Muhammad close to his chest. "I am not a reciter," he had repeated. "Recite!" the angel had repeated, firmly embracing him yet again. "What shall I recite?" he had asked in desperation, and the angel had replied:

"Recite, in the Name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot, Recite, and your Lord is the Most Gracious, Who taught with the pen, taught man what he did not know." [Quran 96:1-5]

"Oh Muhammad," said Jibril eventually, "you are the Messenger of Allah and I am Jibril," and with these words he disappeared from Muhammad's sight.

As she listened to Muhammad's words, Khadijah did not share any of these fears. She realized that something tremendous and awe-inspiring had happened to her husband, and she was certain, knowing him as she did, that he was neither mad nor possessed. "Do not worry," she said, "for by Him who has dominion over Khadijah's soul, I hope that you are the Prophet of this nation. Allah would never humiliate you, for you are good to your relatives, you are true to your word, you help those who are in need, you support the weak, you feed the guest and you answer the call of those who are in distress."

When Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a little more relaxed, Khadijah took him to see her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, for he was a man of knowledge, and she was sure that he would be able to explain the meaning of what had just happened to her beloved husband. Waraqah had studied the books of both the Jews and the Christians very closely and he had learned a great deal from many of their wisest people. He knew that the coming of another Prophet had been foretold by both Moses and Jesus, peace be on them, and he knew many of the signs that would confirm the identity of this Prophet when he appeared.

After listening closely to his story, Waraqah, who was both old and blind, exclaimed, "This is the same being who brought the revelations of Allah to Moses. I wish I was young and could be alive while our people will drive you out."

He explained to Muhammad (peace be upon him) about his Prophethood and that it was the Angel Jibril that had visited him at the cave.

Khadijah as both overjoyed and awed to find that her understanding of what had happened on the mountain had been confirmed. Khadijah did not hesitate in expressing "I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

In the years that followed, difficult years in which the leaders of the Quraish did everything in their power to stop the Prophet spreading his message, Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was a constant source of help and comfort to Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the difficulties which he had to face. All her wealth was spent in the way of Allah, helping to spread the message of her husband, helping to free slaves who had embraced Islam, and helping to feed and shelter the community of Muslims that slowly but surely began to grow in numbers and strength.

The Quraish were infuriated by the Prophet's success and did everything in their power to discourage both him and his followers, often inflicting awful tortures on them, but without success. Eventually there came a time when, as Waraqah had foretold, Muhammad and his followers -along with all the members of his tribe, the Banu Hashim were driven out of the city of Mecca and forced to camp out in a small ravine in the mountains nearby. No one would buy and sell with the Muslims, or allow their sons and daughters to marry any of them.

For three years the small Muslim community lived a life of hardship and deprivation, but although they suffered from hunger and thirst, and from exposure to heat and cold, this was a time in which the hearts of the first Muslims were both purified and also filled with the light of knowledge and wisdom. It was during this period that the Prophet's uncle, Abu Talib, who was by then more than eighty years old, died; and then a few months later, during the month of Ramadan, Khadijah also died, at the age of sixty-five, may Allah be pleased with her. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mourned her deeply. They had shared twenty-five years of marriage together and she had given birth to five of his children.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never stopped loving Khadijah, and although he married several more wives in later years and loved them all, it is clear that Khadijah always had a special place in his heart. Indeed whenever 'Ayshah, his third wife, heard the Prophet speak of Khadijah, or saw him sending food to Khadijah's old friends and relatives, she could not help feeling jealous of her, because of the love that the Prophet still had for her.

Once Ayshah asked him if Khadijah had been the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand."

Khadejah Jones
Share Islam Team
ShareIslam.com