For sisters eyes only!

In our times seeking knowledge seems to have become something only for men, women’s chores involve cooking food and producing children. This has led to the frustration of many teenage girls, specially in the west. They might have great ambitions in seeking knowledge and teaching it to others, and it is mainly for these sisters I decided to post this.

First of all people have to realise that seeking knowledge is not a glamorous thing to do, I realise that in our time it has sometimes come across as something popular to do, reading about different stories maybe on this blog or other places you think wow I want that too! But truth be told, the nitty-gritty bits or behind the scene stuff is very hard to say the least. Seeking knowledge full-time, is not something for everyone, can you really manage sitting for a few hours just repeating and memorizing or reading arabic grammar books over and over again? Some of you might think yes of course I love Islaam! But when it comes to studying Islaam a lot of people seem to be able to talk the talk without any action. Ask yourself dear sister, how much Qur’aan have you actually memorised? You might be in your late teens or early twenties, do you actually take time out and look for study circles? Be it in your local masjid or the neighbouring masjids. Many people tell themselves, if only I had a chance to study abroad I would have sat in the masjid twenty-four hours a day and studied and studied. But truth be told, if you aren’t a good student in Toronto [as an example] chances are you wont change much in Madeenah.

I do not mean to demoralise my sisters by saying this, all I wish to do is to make them realise that they have to be serious, and if you show Allah your sincerity in this then He will surely aid you. Having said that, the main issue that stands between sisters and seeking knowledge is that they do not have any mahram to travel with and seek knowledge. Or that they might have a mahram but that person would never want to travel with them to some dry humid country just for her to read some “silly” books, you can study Islaam here, they will most likely tell you. And to be quite frank there is no real way of getting around this, since it is a law put down by Allah Himself, and if you start your quest for knowledge by going against a command of Allah then there will most likely not be any blessings at all in that search. My best suggestions to young sisters, is to try to get married to a brother who share their views and is equally serious about seeking knowledge, or marry a brother who is already seeking knowledge. The other option is for you to try to convince your brother or maybe even uncle or any other mahram to help you. The next problem usually is, ok but where do I go and study? Here is a very rough list for places to go and seek knowledge inshAllah:


Saudi Arabia: This is without doubt the best place in our time to seek knowledge. It is good in that it will teach you the right Aqeedah and Manhaj and plus it has universities that give away scholarships to students. The University of Madeenah is opening up a branch for sisters soon and this will be for the wives of students providing them with an opportunity to study. The University of Makkah, Ummul Qurra already has a branch for women, which enables both husband and wife to study side by side. Then there is the new University called Nourah bint ‘Abdirahmaan, this university is for women and they accept international students aswell. One of the main conditions is that the female has a mahram residing in Riyadh.

Yemen: I would not advice sisters to travel there at the moment, since there is a big security risk with battles being fought against Shi’as etc. Also life generally is rougher there. The government usually give foreigners abit of a tough time, and ask questions etc, but if you are originally Yemeni or Somali, this is a good place since you will be able to blend in with the population easily. Places to study are many, there is the famous Dammaj which was founded by Shaykh Muqbil rahimahullah. There is also places in Macbar where you can learn the basics of Islaam and memorise Qur’aan etc. But again the situation is not stable in Yemen at the moment.

Egypt: This country is mainly good for two things, when it comes to the arabic language and memorizing Qur’aan. The Egyptians are very good in both these fields. It is also good in that it provides flexibility for people to come and study. The people in Egypt are very friendly and welcoming, and a person usually picks up the language quickly. The main places for studying are in Cairo, al-Ibaanah is a good institute which will teach you arabic and islamic subjects. There is al-Fajr institute which has grown very big recently which teaches a similar syllabus. In Cairo you will find many different institutes and it is up to you to pick which one suites you the best, all of these institutes cost money. There is a place up in the north, qortoba institute I have heard good things about it but I am not sure if they provide services for females. You can read more about them here http://www.qortoba.net/

Pakistan/India: This wouldn’t be very ideal for non Pakistanis or non Indians, since the circumstance in Pakistan has changed dramatically within the past few years. However if you happen to be Pakistani or Indian it might be something worth looking into.

Mauritania: This is really not a place for westerners to go, let alone women. Life is very tough here and students are required to be very tough and serious. To make your way there you will have to have contacts and know which Shaykhs to study underneath and which ones to avoid. These are few of the places that comes to mind, if other people have places I have over looked please feel free to add them through the comments on the blog.

by brother Aboo Thaabit, Isma’eel bin Muhammad Noor, a student at the Islamic University of Madeenah (the city of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) Saudi Arabia.

Advice For My Sister In Islam

Be proud of your religion and the religion of your ancestors. Be a good example for your sons and daughters and sincere in your belonging to this mighty nation.

Know that honor is an honor to all wise people, and that adultery is dishonorable to all nations, even if some called it freedom. Know that adultery is also done with the eyes by seeing, with the ears by listening, and with the mouth by kissing, as was mentioned in a Hadith related by Imam Muslim.

Your happiness is in being an obedient and believing daughter, a loyal and generous wife and a pious and merciful mother.

Know that prayer is the cornerstone of Islam. Fasting one day, for the sake of Allah, takes your face seventy years away from Hellfire, as the Hadith, related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, states.

Charity is a major cause for gaining forgiveness and for repentance to be accepted.

Those women who are showing parts of their bodies to men, will not enter Paradise or smell its fragrance and are cursed, as in the Hadith related by Imam Muslim.

Hijab is an honor and protection for you. Hijab must be modest in color and not exotic, wide and thick and not revealing, different from the dress of non-Muslim women and men.

SISTERHOOD IN ISLAM

Sisterhood in Islam is something very special that a sister who has come from a life as a non Muslim and embraced this beautiful religion of Islam notices immediately. Her sisters in Islam treat her in a manner that no one has ever done before, not even her family.

So what makes this relationship so special?

She Loves Them as Sisters For the Sake of Allah

It doesn't matter what your skin color is, the language you speak, the status of your family, whether you are rich or poor, in Islam we are all united like a single family. Our belief in Allah united us:

"The Believers are but a single brotherhood..." [Noble Quran 49:10]

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"There are three things that whoever attains them will find the sweetness of faith: if Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anyone or anything else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he would hate to return to Kufr after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire." [Bukhari and Muslim]


The Status of Two Who Love One Another For the Sake of Allah

There is great reward in loving one another for the sake of Allah:

"Where are those who loved one another for My glory? Today I will shade them in My shade on the Day when there is no shade but Mine." [Muslim]

Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"A man went to visit a brother of his in another village. Allah sent an angel to wait for him on the road. When the man came along, the angel asked him, 'Where are you headed?' He said, 'I am going to visit a brother of mine who lives in this village.' The angel asked, 'Have you done him any favor (for which you are now seeking repayment)?' He said, 'No, I just love him for the sake of Allah.' The angel told him, 'I am a messenger to you from Allah, sent to tell you that He loves you as you love your brother for His sake.'" [Muslim]

And we are encouraged to tell one another, to promote a loving bond between each other:

Anas said that a man was with the Prophet (peace be upon him), when another man passed by. The first man said, "O Messenger of Allah, indeed I truly love this man." The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him, "Have you let him know that?" He said, "No." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Tell him." He caught up with him and told him, "Truly I love you for the sake of Allah," and the man said, "May Allah love you who loves me for His sake." [Abu Dawud]


Effect of Love for the Sake of Allah on the Life of a Muslim Woman

It is important that we greet one another in the proper Islamic manner:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"By the One in Whose hand in my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salam amongst yourselves." [Muslim]

And when one of us is hurting, oppressed or suffering in some way, we all feel it:

"The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body: if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in pain."


She Does Not Forsake or Abandon Her Sister

We don't let our differences or misunderstandings keep us apart, we work to keep our relationships strong.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"No two people who love one another for the sake of Allah, or for the sake of Islam, will let the first minor offence of either of them come between them." [Bukhari]

He (peace be upon him) also said:

"It is not permissible for a Muslim to be estranged from his brother for more than three days, both of them turning away from one another when they meet. The better of them is the one who is first to greet the other." [Bukhari and Muslim]

And all it takes to mend that relationship is greeting your sister with "As-Salamu Alaykum" (peace be with you) a greeting of peace:

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

"It is not permissible for a man to be estranged from a believer for more than three days. If three days have passed, then he should go and give Salam to him; if he returns the Salam, then both of them will have share in the reward, and if he does not respond then the one who gave the Salam will be absolved of the sin of estrangement." [Bukhari]

We always want the best for one another and avoid harming our sister in Islam:

Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not envy one another, do not outbid one another (in order to inflate prices), do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not enter into a transaction when others have already entered into it. O servants of Allah, be brothers. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not oppress him, humiliate him or look down upon him. Taqwa is here" - and so saying, he pointed to his chest three times. "It is evil enough for a man to look down upon his Muslim brother. The whole of a Muslim's being is sacred to another Muslim - his blood, his wealth and his honor are inviolable." [Muslim]

And we do not bear grudges. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The doors of Paradise are opened on Monday and Thursday, and every servant who does not associate anything with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who bears a grudge against his brother. It will be said, 'Wait for these two until they reconcile, wait for these two until they reconcile, wait for these two until they reconcile.'" [Muslim]


She is Tolerant & Forgiving Towards Her Sisters

Allah says in the Noble Quran:

"...[those] who restrain anger and pardon (all) men - for Allah loves those who do good." [Noble Quran 3:134]

And His Prophet (peace be upon him) explained:

"There are three sins, whoever dies free of these sins will be forgiven for anything else, if Allah wills: associating anything with Allah; practicing magic or witchcraft; and bearing resentment towards his brother." [Bukhari]


She Meets Them With a Smiling Face

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful countenance." [Muslim]


She is Faithful & Kind Towards Them

We try our best to emulate the beautiful example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who showed to greatest of kindness and tolerance:

Anas, his servant and constant companion, described his noble character thus:

"I served the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) for ten years, and he never said to me 'Uff! [The smallest word of contempt]. If I did something, he never said 'Why did you do that?' and if I did not do something, he never said 'Why did you not do that?'" [Bukhari and Muslim]

Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"There is no kindness in a thing but it adds beauty to it, and there is no absence of kindness but it disfigures a thing." [Muslim]

And we behave with the best manners towards our sisters:

Anas also said:

"The Prophet (peace be upon him) never used obscene language, or uttered curses and insults. If he wanted to rebuke someone, he would say, 'What is the matter with him, may his forehead be covered with dust! '"


She Does Not Gossip About Them

We avoid back biting, slandering, gossiping about our fellow sisters in Islam:

"...Nor speak ill of each other behind their back. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it. But fear Allah, for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful." [Noble Quran 49:12]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned Mu'adh ibn Jabal. He took hold of his tongue and said,

"Restrain this." Mu'adh said, "O Messenger of Allah, will we be held responsible for what we say?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "May your mother be bereft of you! Is there anything that causes people to be thrown into Hell on their faces (or he said: on their noses) but the harvest of their tongues?" [Ibn Majah]


She Avoids Arguing With Them, Making Hurtful Jokes & Breaking Promises

And we are careful to speak in a manner that will not hurt our sisters feelings:

The Prophet (peace be upon him):

"Do not argue with your brother, do not joke excessively with him, do not make a promise to him then break it." [Bukhari]


She is Generous & Honours Her Sisters

We are always keen to share what we have no matter how small it may be:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Spread Salam, offer food generously, uphold the ties of kinship, stand in prayer at night when people are sleeping, and enter Paradise in peace." [Ahmad]

He (peace be upon him) also said:

"In Paradise there are rooms whose outside can be seen from the inside, and whose inside can be seen from the outside. Allah has prepared them for those who feed others generously, who are gentle in speech, who fast continuously, and who stand in prayer at night when people are sleeping." [Ahmad]


She Prays for Her Sisters in Their Absence

And when our dear sister and friend is away from us, we supplicate for her:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The quickest prayer to be answered is a man's supplication for his brother in his absence." [Bukhari]

You are not a true believer until you love for your sister what you love for yourself. We love for our sister to be in Paradise as much as we love to be there ourselves, and we strive to please Allah together, side by side in this beautiful relationship called Sisterhood in Islam.

Khadejah Jones
ShareIslam.com

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.