Showing posts with label 'Ibaadah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 'Ibaadah. Show all posts

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Dawa in Islam is actually an order from Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)



I Seek refuge in Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), from the Shaitan.
      In the name of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
    ASALATU WASALAMU ALAYKA YA RASULLALLAH Sallallaahu Ta’aala 'alayhi WA Salaam

      Dawa in Islam is actually an order from Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD),
Before you give Dawa understand the way of giving Dawa.
   “We should first understand what Dawa is.
    Dawa means to invite people to the way of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), to call unto them to know the truth and follow it.
    Dawa is done in two ways.
   The first one is through example, through being a role model. In the Quranic terminology it is called
   "Being witnesses towards mankind" (Shuhada' 'ala an-nasi).
    It is the duty of every Muslim, male or female, young or old, to be a witness of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) among the people.
   When people see a Muslim, they should see a good person, a person of truth, of sincerity and of virtue.
   A Muslim's life should be an open invitation through which people see the beauty of Islam and find it an interesting code of ethics and teachings to follow.
   Allah Most High says in the Qur'an:
"Thus we have appointed you a middle community in order that you may be witnesses towards humankind
And that the Messenger may be a witness towards you… (Al-Baqarah: 143).
All Muslims must give Dawa through their good Islamic life as individuals, as families and as communities.
People who come into contact with them should see Islam as a living and practical faith that makes the life of human beings better.
    Another way of giving Dawa is through teaching, preaching, communication, engaging in dialogues, discussions and debates, writing books and articles, giving lectures, etc. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says:
 “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
And argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. “(An-Nahl: 125) Of course this requires deep knowledge, Preparation and training. Muslims should use the most effective and appropriate methods of Dawa in every place and time.
 Nowadays, for example, Dawa requires modern ways such as the use of radio, television, Internet in addition to the person-to-person preaching and teaching.
    I know that every Muslim would not have time to go through this kind of training and give Dawa in this way.
But some people must prepare themselves and engage in this field, as Allah the Exalted says:
"And the believers should not all go out to fight. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth,
That they (who are left behind) may gain sound knowledge in religion, and that they may warn their folk when they return to them, so that they may beware." (At-Tawba 9:122)
  Thus, giving Dawa with proper training and specialization is regarded as fard kifayah (collective obligation).
That means in every community some people must take the proper Dawa training and should do this work in a systematic and methodical way on behalf of all other members of the community.
If some people do this work, then there is no blame on others, but if no one does it, all Muslims of the community are considered sinners.
It is the duty of all Muslims to support this work by providing facilities and funds so that it can be done in a proper manner.”

Dawa in Islam is actually an order from Allah in His Holy Qur'an in a number of places. Let us consider one:

        "Kuntum khairan ummatin ukhrajat linaasi tawmaruna bil maruf wa tan anna anhil Munkar."
        You are the best of people raised up, for you call to all that is right and righteous and you forbid the evil, and you believe in Allah.
        [Qur'an 3:110]

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.
Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [The-Qur'an, an-Nisa'(16):125]

'Dawa' literally means "Inviting people to Islam".
The Qur'an is Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)’s message for the whole humanity to come till the end of this world and it has laid great emphasis on Dawa.
Infect a Muslim's life is supposed to be a "Dawa" for mankind. There are different levels at which individual Muslims can do Dawa.
It is hence essential to understand the basic principles of Dawa.

An important matter for Muslims to realize is that Dawa is an obligation upon them. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says in the Qur'an:

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.
Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [Al-Qur’an, an-Nisa'(16):125]

"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof [i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do] And forbidding al-Munkar [polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden]. And it is they who are successful." [Al-Qur’an, Aal `Imran (3):104]

The second verse may seem to be restricting the general obligation given in the first verse,
But a close look at the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) reveals that calling to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)  is an individual obligation, Rather than a collective one.
The Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) has said:
 "Convey from me, even one verse." [Al-Bukhari]
Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of scholarship,
It is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability.
The obligation is further emphasized by the following verse which explains that not conveying the message -
 Hiding knowledge - is disobedience to Allah that causes Allah's curse to descend upon such people, which show that such a sin leads to the Hellfire.

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance,
 Which we have sent down, after we have made it clear for the people in the book,
They are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers." [Al-Qur’an, al-Baqarah (2):159]

In the same connection, the Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) has stated,
"Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the branding iron from the hellfire." [Ahmad]
Calling people to Allah also means completing our own worship, the reason for which we are created.
It is one of the noblest acts that entail a high reward.

"And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [Al-Qur’an, Fussilat (41):33]

With regards to the reward, the Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) has said:
"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim] Also,

"By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you it would be better for you than the best type of camels." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim

Islam is not just prayer, fasting, paying Zakat, and going for Hajj.
These are the foundations of Islam; however Islam is a very comprehensive and all-encompassing religion that covers all aspects of life.
 In that sense, Islam is a way of life and a code of teachings and rules that makes life better.
Dawa means conveying the message of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
It is to help all people be always on the right track and guide those who have gone astray to return to the path of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
“In addition to performing Salah, fasting and other pillars of Islam, we need to have the Taqwa (consciousness of Allah the Almighty) in our hearts,
Be this in public or in private life. That means we are required to follow the commands of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and avoid all what He has forbidden.
The Qur’an and the Sunnah are the sources of guidance and knowledge for us, and as such,
We need to resort to the Qur’an and refer to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam in all of our actions
And read them regularly to seek guidance. If sometimes we fail to find the guidance in the Qur’an
And Sunnah to a particular problem or situation in our life, then we need to approach the Muslim scholars and ask them about things we do not know.
This way we will make sure that we are on the right path of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) Most High.
As far as the issue of Dawa in the sense of preaching is concerned, it is regarded as fard kifayah (collective obligation) on Muslims.
But Dawa in the sense of setting a good example is fard `ayan (individual obligation) on Muslims to safeguard their religion and convey its message to Muslims and non-Muslims as well. With regard to the methods of giving Dawa, they are many: Wise and gentle approach, giving speeches and sermons, setting good example for others to follow, etc.”
“`Ibadah (worship) in Islam is not restricted to the performance of the five daily prayers, fasting, Zakat, Hajj, and others rituals.
The real meaning of `ibadah is very comprehensive and goes beyond these acts mentioned above.
Literally, `ibadah stands for submission and showing humility to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, as He is the One Who has given us bounties and favours.
Therefore, any act of goodness that is classified under righteousness and piety is considered to be an act of worship in Islam.

It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) asked Muadh Ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him):
 “Do you know what right Allah Most High has on His servants and what right they have on Him?”
  He said: "No, Allah and His Messenger know best.” Thereupon Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) replied:
 “The right people owe to Allah is to worship Him alone and associate no partner with Him.
And the right people deserve from Allah is not to be punished if they do not associate any partner with Him.”
   This Hadith indicates the broad concept of `ibadah in Islam, and that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)  the Almighty can forgive any sin except taking other partners with Him, Exalted be He.
   People are required to strive against themselves and overcome their desires and not to respond to their evil-whispering soul.

 Allah Most High says:

 “And those who strive in Our (cause), We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right.” (Al-`Ankabut: 69)
   
In addition to this, people should spend in the cause of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), give charity to their relatives and others, avoid evils such as backbiting, Slander, suspicion, spying, etc. They should abide by truth, honesty, keeping promises, and all Islamic manners that have been stated in the ever-lasting and all-encompassing book, the Qur’an. Allah Almighty says:

    “We have not neglected anything in the Book.” (Al-Anam: 38)
    As for Dawa, it means to enjoin and call to what is good and forbid and warn against what is evil.
It is the obligation of people who are qualified, have profound understanding of the Deen, and have good character and manners,
And have a broad knowledge of Islam.
   Concerning the best method of giving Dawa, it is by wisdom and gentle approach, as Allah (Glorified be He) taught His noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Qur’an:
   “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (An-Nahl: 125)

    And He says in another verse:
   “Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted,
They would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair.” (Al `Imran: 159)
   
And He says elsewhere:
   “Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Al-`Araf: 199)

Do you fit the picture...? He! He! He!
For those of you going out there to spread Islam I have some advice:

1.-You must Look into yourself first and ask 'am I a good Muslim?’
If you are not then you must sort that out before going out there, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is far more concerned about you than others.

2. Make sure you know enough about Islam first, otherwise you will fail from the beginning.

3. Never go out there with the intention of turning someone, go out there with the intention of teaching.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) does not care how many you turn, rather He cares that you tried to teach.

4. Teach people and don't preach to them, everyone hates a preacher.

5. Lead by example AND practice what you teach. Hypocrisy is one of the biggest sins in Islam.

6. Always tell the truth about Islam, no matter what.

7. Don't do the whole 'you're in hell if you don't do this' this or that bit.
How do YOU know that YOU'RE not going to hell? And who gave you the right to judge people?
That's Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) job, not yours.

8. Don't argue, shout, raise your voice, belittle, annoy, insult etc people even if they do it to you.
It not only detracts from your message (since people will pay more attention to returning your insults) but it also gives Muslims a bad name.
If, on the other hand you remain calm and, above all, keep smiling NO MATTER WHAT it’ll get you is a lot more respect.
I get regular comments asking me how I can keep my self calm with some of the things that get thrown at me.
It's really just a case of rising above it; once you start to return/give insults then you have stopped teaching.

9. Connected to the above point, don't get involved in arguments. Debating a point is fine, but arguing is just stupid.
That also applies to posting on websites. When you see someone telling a lie about Islam, either because they misunderstand
or are trying to attack Islam, then politely point out how they are wrong, back up your point with evidence and leave it at that,
Don’t get involved in an argument my friend.

The most important thing to do though is to look at yourself and how you are as a Muslim,
You are accountable for your own actions the most so you MUST concentrate on yourself and being a good Muslim first and foremost.

……………… Now do you still want to start a Dawa centre? ................................
If you want to set up a Dawa group calling the people of your area back to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD),
Then this is a sketch of how you could do that InshAllah:

1- Announce that you are intending to set up a Dawa group by various means e.g. websites,
Emails, putting up posters in your, council, schools, colleges, local mosques (after seeking permission from mosque committee),
Hand out flyers after Jummah prayers,

Continue to link up with the Muslim community in your area so that they know what you are up to.
Try to give talks and publicise yourself so as to get support from the community.
This will be very beneficial for you in the long term.
The more you are linked up with your community the more support and boost you will end up getting.
Plus you will have the advantage that you will be benefiting Muslims as well as not yet Muslims (aka non Muslims).
Because the Muslims will be encouraged and inspired by your brave and reward full actions and you have the chance to help them too.
You can start thinking about how to set up your stalls, in which locations and what kind of stall or gazebo you will buy etc.
You will also need to ask permission from the local council and see what requirements that asks from you
E.g. you may need to purchase public liability insurance, and fill various council forms etc. But it’s not a major issue Alhamdulillah.

  - You can experiment with your own ideas and styles of doing Dawa. Everyone is experimenting nowadays.

- That’s it basically. Now get the people to man your stall and do the Dawa.
 The first day don’t be too proactive, have a look to see what happens from the outside.
Also the council might want to check on you, so make sure everything is done well and you are all neat and tidy with everything InshAllah.
Remember you are the ambassadors of Islam when you are doing Dawa so make sure you always present a good image.
 E.g. Dress nicely, put perfume like the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) etc. Be a proficient Dawa group. Not an average one.

- InshAllah then as long as you are doing your utmost to do good Dawa,
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will bless you with many converts
and you then next need to think about how to support them as it is difficult for them and many converts go back to non Islam

Useful/Important points:

    1- Don’t rush things. Remember Haste is from the Devil. And that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) loves it when we do a job that we do it well.
    2- Try to plan as best as you can.
    3- Try to build up a good relationship between the team members so that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is pleased with you all and grants you and the group a massive success InshAllah. Make sure you have no arrogance among you and that it’s not about who becomes leader etc. If you are thinking like that you will never succeed.
So please don’t think about things that way. Not just in Dawa but in all aspect of our lives.
Choose your leader best on merit and try to be as supportive as possible to him.
    4- Remember ultimately you are doing this work of Dawa to please your creator.
 So try to make sure than in every little action involved in your work He is pleased with it.
So look at how you are doing your work as well as the work. Make sure it is pleasing to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
    5- Try to think deeply about what Dawa is and why you are doing it. This will give you the best strength and insight into this wonderful activity.
I believe you should definitely see it as an amazing and very rewarding activity. Do not see it as a job that must be done and that’s it.
You would not be doing it in the right spirit, I don’t believe.
    6- Notice also how your Muslim community are reacting to your effort in Dawa and try to ensure that they are coming with you and are not leaving you behind. It’s important to establish report with them so that InshAllah from them many will participate and benefit immensely from this work. Because ultimately this work will lead to the re-emergence of Islam as the dominate power on earth as foretold by the prophets (sayings) and also by Allah in the Qur’an.
This is what I believe. So the quicker the Muslims get into it the better for them and the world.
So you would be benefiting the Muslims and humanity.
 What a grand job you are doing!! ”Mash ‘Allah it’s like the job of the Prophets and Messengers of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD). Wow COOL!
    7- And lastly but this is so important and should really have been my first point: Always keep in touch with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) by keeping to ask Him in every step of the way to grant you success in that step. This way you stay attached and linked up to Him and you become heavenly guided InshAllah. Remembrance of Allah is the most important of all things I think. There is evidence for this in the Qur’an I believe. (WA Lethikrullahi Akbar).
    
      Enjoining good and forbidding evil is the pivot and most important principle in Islam and it is the main reason why Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) sent His Prophets and Messengers to His creatures.
If this principle is not implemented and put into practice, then prophet hood is ineffective, the deen fades away, misguidance, corruption and ignorance prevail, civilizations decline, and nations are destroyed.
Whenever this principle has been extinguished, people follow their desires and whims, ignore their Lord, and live like animals — and then you can hardly find anyone who adheres to the principle of enjoining well And forbidding evil, even though the reward of putting it into practice is great in the sight of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).

I believe it is obligatory in the sense that one must identify themselves as a Muslim to others and lead by example using the Qur'an and Sunnah, not simply by active persuasion or sermons. Actions speak louder than words.

"Let there rise from among you group(s) Calling society to Islam, commanding society to do what Allah orders
I.e. obligatory, and to refrain from what He forbids i.e. prohibited, and these (group(s)) are the ones who are successful." [Q 3:104].

As Muslims we are obligated to carry ISLAM to believers and non-believers and struggle to make our deen be known to mankind.

The word "Dawa" in Arabic literally means invitation, and that is what this is about. Inviting people to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD),
And specifically inviting those who are not Muslim to embrace the religion of Islam and become part of the body of the Muslim Ummah.

All Muslim have a duty then to invite others to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) according to their individual capacity and circumstance,
And there is another duty that follows on from that that is often neglected and that is duty of care to those new Muslims to ensure
That not only are their religious needs but also in fact their worldly needs are looked after.

It is painfully obvious that this is obligation that has been often neglected and even forgotten altogether,
And when it is done it is often done in a haphazard and random manner.
Many have been deceived into thinking that giving Dawa is not their job and that it is beyond their ability
And it is something that should be left to the imams and the experts.
The fact is that looking at the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and at his noble companions all of them,
 Even the most simple of them looked at inviting others to Islam as a duty and an essential part of their religion.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) described him self as being like the one who invites others to participate in a feast.
So those who accepted ate from the feast and those who refused did not.
It is very clear though that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did invite, and encouraged people to enter into Islam and warned them of the dire consequence of failing to accept that call.
He did not merely present information about Islam.
So this calling and inviting is in fact one of the greatest tasks of all the messengers, and those who follow that example are following in the footsteps of the best of all the human beings.

"Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness and says: "I am of those who bow in Islam"? 41:33

Hassan al Basri recited this verse and said:
"This person is the beloved to Allah, the walee of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and is the most beloved to Him from amongst the people of the earth.
 He answered the call of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and invites the people to the very same call he responded to.
He works righteous deeds within his response and declares, 'Indeed I am from the Muslims."

So remember oh Muslim that this life is short and the next eternal, and that is your deeds that Allah will weigh up for you in scales.
So whoever's deeds are heavy with good, they will have a happy end. So think about what will maximise you scale of good deeds, and make it heavy!
So bear in mind that when you read what the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said
"That whoever encourages someone to do a righteous deed then they will get the reward for that person doing that righteous deed without that person’s reward being reduced in the least.
“So if you are the means for someone entering Islam, then no wonder it is better than all the best of the wealth of this world,
Since every time that person prays, fasts, reads Qur’an, gives charity, remembers Allah, then you get a share of the reward for that.
So not fail dear reader to part of this call, and do not fail to contribute as much as you can to this blessed invitation,
 For according to the degree of you contribution so is the extent of your reward!

A brother or sister must lead by example.
A brother or sister must be patient with all brothers and sisters.
A brother or sister must observe, develop and nurture their own Iman before they try to observe, develop, or nurture another brothers or sisters Iman.
If ask a question one must respond accordingly with what wisdom that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has graced them with,
 And share such truth that they have been blessed with.

"If someone asks what work there is to do, light the candle in their hand?" - Rumi

How many calamities have befallen this nation, one after the other in rapid succession?
And all of these disasters have causes that are based in being far from our religion and from being immersed in disobedience, Sin and neglect of our duties.
Among the matters which our Lord warned us of abandoning is the obligation of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil and calling to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
Indeed when we abandon this duty calamities will strike us and although we will beg and plead to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD),
He will not respond to our cries due to our leaving this duty as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"You must enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong or else Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will send up you a calamity and you will make Dua and your Dua will not be accepted."
So this is duty on every individual according to their own circumstance and ability,
Abu Sa'id Khudri relates that he heard from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) as saying:
"If anyone notices something evil, should change it with his hands and if he cannot he should change it with his tongue and if he cannot he should at least hate it in his heart and that is the weakest form of faith." Muslim
And what greater evil is there in the sight of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) that people should make shirk with Him and disbelieve in Him and reject the message that He sent for their benefit and guidance?

This is not only a matter for scholars and imams, but for everyone and the blessed Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
 "Convey from me even if it one ayah." So whatever you know and understand from the deen you should convey that, and indeed Allah mention in His book:

"By Time, Certainly the human beings are in a state of loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds and join together in the teaching of truth and join together in patience."

So, if we leave calling to and teaching the truth we will certainly be of the losers, and may Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) protect us from that!
Furthermore the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) gave the example of people in a boat which has an upper and lower deck.
The people on the upper deck have water and the people on the lower deck have none.
So those people on the lower deck thirsty but they are shy to disturb those on the upper deck so they start to make a hole in the boat to get water.
So if those people on the upper deck do not prevent those people on the lower deck then they will all perish!"
So this is what the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) warned about, that when the evil is more than the good then even the good will suffer,
And we can see that around us today as crime and immorality and the surrender to al Hawa, the desires, is everywhere,
So evil and hatred and mischief has become wide spread in a manner that envelopes us all!
Certainly all the good is obeying Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and following His deen, and all evil lies in opposing it.
 What greater evil can fall humanity than their being far from their Lord and His perfect knowledge
And guidance that He revealed for their benefit in the Qur’an and through the example of His noble messenger the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)?

  The best of nations
When the Muslims take up this duty and raise this call, and extend this invitation then and only then will we be the best of all nations,
Since doing that is a condition of our success as Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says:

"Ye are the best of peoples raised up for mankind enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah." Al Imran 3:110

You and I have embarked on a project to help try and make this a reality.
Calling to good and prohibiting evil is the distinguishing mark of this nation, and instrumental to our success, so when we abandon that the description of being the best of peoples can no longer apply to us, rather we might become like those whom Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) cursed due to their hiding the truth that they had:

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers." [Al-Qur’an, al-Baqarah (2):159]

I pray Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to give us strong Iman and sabir. Amen.
I wish you all well and may you get superior success from the most Superior Beings in Existence Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
I pray and hope that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) guides us to be from those who are callers to this noble deen of Islam. Amen.
If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),
      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know
         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.

Sunday, 3 January 2010

Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth

Prophet Muhammad  (s.a.w.s.): Allâh’s Messenger to the Whole Mankind

The One and Only.

Fourteen hundred years ago, when people asked the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.), who is your Lord. The answer came in the following verse of the Holy Quran:

 Say: "He is Allah, the One and Only. (The Holy Quran, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Ayah 1, 112:1)

Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth . . . "[1] The Light is one of the ninety-nine Beautiful Names of Allah. Light is that by which things become known. Things may exist in the dark, but they cannot be seen. Light may be physical, such as the light of the sun or the moon, or intelligible, like the light of the intellect. The latter is that which illuminates the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge. Total darkness is non-existence, thus light is that which brings created beings out of non-existence into existence. It is the creative act of Allah and this is one of the meanings of "Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth . . . " The other meaning is that every light in the universe is but a reflection of His mercy, every knowledge a reflection of His knowledge and so on. "Allah created His creation in darkness," said the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, "then He sprayed them with His light. Those whom this light reached became rightly guided, while those it did not went astray."[2] And he also said, as recorded by Muslim, "Allah, August and Majestic is He, wrote the destinies of creation fifty thousand years before He created the Heavens and the earth. His throne was on the water. Among what He wrote in the Remembrance, which is the Mother of the Book, was: Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets."

The Mother of the Book is the source of all knowledge, including the Divine Scriptures. It is the essential knowledge of Allah before He created creation. This is why it is said to have been written fifty thousand years before the creation of the cosmos, a symbolic number, since without stars and planets there cannot be days and years as we understand them. Allah conceived His creation in the darkness of non-existence, then with the light of His creative act brought them out into existence. Thus the First Light was created, a being appearing against the dark background of non-existence. "The first thing that Allah created was the Intellect,"[3] said the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. He also said, "The first thing that Allah created was the Pen," which amounts to the same thing, since the first intellect is the primordial light in its passive aspect as recipient of the knowledge of what is to be, while the Pen is the primordial light in its active aspect of writing this knowledge on the Guarded Tablet at Allah’s command. "The first thing that Allah created was the Pen and He said to it: Write! So it wrote what is to be forever."[4] From this First light all of creation, with all its varied forms and meanings till the end of time unfolds.

This primordial light is what is called the Light of the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, since he is the created being who received the major share of it.

This light was also the origin of the lights of all other Divine Messengers, of the angels, then of all other beings. This is how the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, could say, "I was a Prophet when Adam was still between spirit and body."[5] The power of this light made the Prophet’s radiation so powerful, once he appeared on earth, that Allah calls him in the Qur’an "an illuminating lamp." Allah describes the sun and the moon in the Qur’an in like manner explaining what He means when He says that He made the Prophet "an illuminating lamp". He says, Exalted is He:

"Have you not seen how Allah created seven heavens, one upon another, and set the moon therein for a light and the sun for a lamp?"[6] Here he calls the sun a lamp, since its light is self generating, but He calls the moon a light, since it but reflects the light of the sun. He also says: " . . . and We appointed a blazing lamp . . . "[7] The sun’s light being extremely hot, and, "Blessed is He who has set in the sky constellations and has set among them a lamp and an illuminating moon,"[8] emphasizing that the moon’s light is light with little heat. When He says to His Prophet: " O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good tidings and of warning, as a caller to Allah by His leave and as an illuminating lamp,"[9] we are to understand that He made the Prophet’s light powerful like the sun’s, yet cool and gentle like the moon’s.

Some of the Prophet’s Companions were given to see this light as even brighter than both the sun and moon, for when they walked with him they noticed that he cast no shadow on the ground.[10] Those who saw him in the full moon noticed that his blessed face was brighter than the moon,[11] and one of his Companions, the Lady Rubayyi‘, when asked to describe him, said, "My son, had you seen him, you would have seen the sun shining."[12]

The light of the Prophet shone at all levels, it filled the material, intermediary, and spiritual worlds, dispelled the darkness of ignorance and disbelief, and is destined to shine across the ages till the end of time.

That this light was physical as well as spiritual was borne witness to most amply by those who saw him. The Lady ‘A‘isha related how she saw the whole room fill with light one night, then it disappeared, while the Prophet continued to call upon his Lord. Then the room was filled with a more powerful light which disappeared after a while. She asked, "What is this light I saw?" he said, "Did you see it. O ‘A‘isha?" "Yes!" she replied. He said, "I asked my Lord to grant me my nation, so He gave me one third of them, so I praised and thanked Him. Then I asked him for the rest, so He gave me the second third, so I praised and thanked Him. Then I asked Him for the third third, so He gave it to me, so I praised and thanked Him." She said that had she wished to pick up mustard seeds from the floor by this light she could have.[13] In the famous description of Hind ibn Abi Hala, the Prophet’s stepson from the Lady Khadija, "He was dignified and awe inspiring, radiant like the radiance of the moon on the night it is full…"[14] Ibn ‘Abbas described how he saw light shining from between his front teeth.[15] Abu Qursafa, as a boy, went to swear allegiance to the Prophet, together with his mother and her sister. When they returned home they told him, " My son, we have never seen the like of this man, nor anyone better looking, cleaner dressed, or gentler in his speech; and we saw as if light came out of his mouth." [16]

The Companion, Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, described how, when the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, first entered Madina, everything in Madina became illuminated, then how, when he died and was buried in ‘A’isha’s house, the light disappeared. The phenomenon was so sudden that the Companions were taken aback and began to doubt whether they had really seen it at all.[17] This was only the light that radiated from his blessed body, for Madina itself remained the city of Light. Abu Hurayra related how they were once praying the night prayer of ‘isha’ with the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, and how the Prophet’s two grandsons, Hasan and Husayn climbed onto his back when he went into prostration. When he was done, he placed one of them on his right and the other on his left. Abu Hurayra asked him, "Shall I take them to their mother?" he replied, "No". Then a flashing light appeared from the sky, at which he said, "go to your mother." The light remained until they reached their house.[18] On another occasion, Anas said that, he accompanied the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, into the mosque where they saw a group of people with their hands raised, calling upon Allah. "Do you see in their hands what I see?" the Prophet asked. "What is in their hands?" Anas replied. "There is light in their hands," replied the Prophet. "Ask Allah the Exalted to show it to me," said Anas. At the Prophet’s request, Allah showed it to him.[19] Another Companion, ‘Amr al-Aslami, said that once they were with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, on a very dark night and lost sight of each other. Suddenly ‘Amr’s fingers shone forth with light so that they were able to round up their mounts and gather again. The light did not subside until they had finished gathering.[20] As for Abu ‘Abs, he used to pray all the ritual prayers with the Prophet, then walk back to his dwelling, at Bani Haritha, a few miles from the mosque. One dark rainy night, as he left the mosque, his staff was made to shine forth with light, so that he was able to walk safely back home.[21] On another occasion, two of the Prophet’s well known Companions, Usayd ibn Hudayr and ‘Abbad ibn Bishr, left the Prophet’s house late on a dark night. The tip of the staff of one of them lit up like a lamp and they were able to walk. When they came to the place where they usually separated, the tip of the other staff lit up as well.[22] Another Companion, al-Tufayl ibn ‘Amr al-Dawsi, related how, after his first visit to the Prophet, when he accepted Islam and was about to return to his tribe, he asked the Prophet for a sign to show to his tribesmen, at which a light shone forth from his forehead. He exclaimed, "Not here, O Messenger of Allah, they will think it a curse!" So the Prophet moved the light to the tip of al- Tufayl’s whip. He returned to his tribe with this sign and most of them accepted Islam.[23]

Ka‘b ibn Zuhayr was a man from Muzayna, a highly talented poet who used his talent against the Prophet and his companions. Once Macca had been conquered, Ka`b became a fugitive, aware that the Prophet had ordered him executed. His brother, Bujayr, was a Muslim. He sent Ka`b a message that he could only save his life if he came to the Prophet repentant. Eventually Ka‘b agreed to this and came to Madina. The Prophet forgave him, accepted his allegiance, and gave him permission to recite the poem Ka`b had composed in his praise. When he came to the passage,

    The Messenger is a light that illuminates An Indian blade, a sword of Allah, drawn

the Prophet took his mantle, his burda, off his shoulders and put it on Ka‘b’s, signalling his approval. The best swords of the time were Indian and the connection between the sword and light is that the Arabs signalled the way by standing on a rise and brandishing their swords in the sun so that they flashed like mirrors.[24]

The light of the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, manifested itself in his parents before and during his birth. His biographers have recorded that his father’s forehead shone with a light that a certain women from Quraysh noticed. She knew that the appearance of the Prophet of the End of Time was imminent and felt that ‘Abdallah’s forehead signalled his being the father. She offered herself to him, but he refused. Soon `Abdallah married Amina and, once she became pregnant with the Prophet, the light vanished from his forehead. He met the same woman again and, noticing she no longer wanted him, asked her why. She replied that he no longer carried that light on his forehead.[25] As for the Lady Amina, when she became pregnant, she saw in a dream-vision that a light came out of her that lit the land as far north as Syria.[26] She was also told in her dream that she was pregnant with the master of this nation and the sign of that would be that when she gave birth to him she would see a light coming out with him that would shine over Bosra in Syria. "When this happens", she was told, "call him Muhammad!"[27] "I conceived him, " she said, "and suffered no pain until delivery. When he came out of me, a light came out with him that illuminated everything from East to West…"[28] She also said, "I saw the night I gave birth to him a light that illuminated the palaces of Syria so that I saw them."[29] The Prophet later confirmed this, saying, "My mother saw, when she gave birth to me, a light that illuminated the palaces of Bosra."[30] This event is also a very clear indication of the spiritual rank of the Lady Amina, for to see the palaces of Bosra in Syria from Macca demands the spiritual vision of sanctity. Later, the Prophet’s uncle, ‘Abbas, praised him with a poem, on his return from the Tabuk expedition, saying:

    You, when you were born, the earth was lit

        And with your light so was the sky

When his wet-nurse, Halima al-Sa‘dia, first saw him, she laid her hand on him and he smiled. "When he smiled," she said, "a light appeared from his mouth that rose to the sky."[32]

Some of the hadiths we have quoted here have strong chains of transmission, others have weaker ones. However, we must remember that even the chain considered weakest by Muslim traditionists, is quite acceptable as historical proof to any professional historian on this planet, being far stronger and better authenticated than other ancient sources he works with. It is also well known that weak traditions strengthen each other so as to become acceptable. This is why those we have quoted here have been accepted by leading scholars such as Ibn Kathir, Suyutii, Qadi ‘Iyad, Bayhaqi, and others.

Commenting on the verse of Qur’an,"There has come to you a light from Allah and a clear Book,"[33] the well-known scholar al-Alusi says that the light in question is no other than the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. He quotes the Follower, Qatada, as an authoritative source for this opinion, as well as other well known scholars, pointing out that this is the most logical interpretation of the construction of the verse, Then he also quotes those whose opinion differs from his in that they believe that both the light and the Book refer to the Qur’an. This he does because real Muslim scholars, as opposed to pretenders and impostors, always quote, along with their own opinions, the contrary opinions of other reputable scholars, so weighing both in the most objective manner. Qadi ‘Iyad, the famous author of al-Shifa’, is of the same opinion as al-Alusi, an opinion, an opinion shared by other famous commentators such as Tabari and Qurtubi.

Although the Prophet’s light is the most powerful in the universe, since he is the nearest created being to Allah, it is not the only one. Angels are made of light, the Qur’an is light, the spirits of human beings are light, faith is light, knowledge is light, the sun, the moon, and the stars are also lights. The light of each human being depends upon his faith, knowledge, and virtue. Thus the most powerful lights are those of Divine Messengers, then those of Prophets, saints, virtuous believers, and finally those of sinful believers. This is the hierarchy of human beings. Both the first and the last are human, all have lights, and all are slaves of Allah, but the distance between the top of the pyramid and its bottom is so great that those at the bottom, in Paradise, will see those at the top as distant as, in this world, we see the stars at night.[34]
"Did We not exalt your fame?"
(al-Qur'an 94:4)

It is a well-known fact that the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) was the supremely successful man in the entire human history. But he was not just a hero, as Thomas Carlyle has called him. According to the Qur’an, he was a good example for all mankind. He has shown us the way of achieving supreme success in this world.

By studying the life of the Prophet we can derive those important principles which were followed by the Prophet. In short, the Prophet of Islam was a positive thinker in the full sense of the word. All his activities were result-oriented. He completely refrained from all such steps as may prove counter-productive.

First Principle: To begin from the possible
This principle is well explained in a saying of Aishah. She said: "Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always opted for the easier choice." (Al-Bukhari)To choose the easiest option means to begin from the possible, and one who begins from the possible will surely reach his goal.



Second Principle: To see advantage in disadvantage
In the early days of Mecca, there were many problems and difficulties. At that time, a guiding verse in the Qur’an was revealed. It said: "With every hardship there is ease, with every hardship there is ease." (94:5-6).This means that if there are some problems, there are also opportunities at the same time. And the way to success is to ignore the problems and avail the opportunities.

Third Principle: To change the place of action
This principle is derived from the Hijrah. Hijrah was not just a migration from Mecca to Medina. It was to find a more suitable place for Islamic work, as history proved later on.

Fourth Principle: To make a friend out of an enemy
The prophet of Islam was repeatedly subjected to practices of antagonism by the unbelievers. At that time the Qur’an enjoined upon him the return of good for evil. And then, as the Qur’an added, "You will see your direst enemy has become your closest friend" (41:34).
It means that a good deed in return of a bad deed has a conquering effect over your enemies. And the life of the Prophet is a historical proof of this principle.

Fifth Principle: To turn minus into plus
After the Battle of Badr, about 70 of the unbelievers were taken as the prisoners of war. They were educated people. The Prophet announced that if any one of them would teach ten Muslim children how to read and write he would be freed. This was the first school in the history of Islam in which all of the students were Muslims, and all of the teachers were from the enemy rank. Here I shall quote a British orientalist who remarked about the Prophet of Islam: He faced adversity with the determination to wring success out of failure.

Sixth Principle: The power of peace is stronger than the power of violence
When Mecca was conquered, all of the Prophet’s direst opponents were brought before him. They were war criminals, in every sense of the word. But the Prophet did not order to kill them. He simply said: "Go, you are free." The result of this kind behavior was miraculous. They immediately accepted Islam.

Seventh Principle: Not to be a dichotomous thinker
In the famous Ghazwa of Muta, Khalid bin Walid decided to withdraw Muslim forces from the battlefield because he discovered that the enemy was unproportionately outnumbered. When they reached Medina, some of the Muslims received them by the word "O Furrar" (O deserters!) The Prophet said "No. They are Kurrar" (men of advancement)."
Those Medinan people were thinking dichotomously, either fighting or retreating. The Prophet said no. There is also a third option, and that is to avoid war and find a time to strengthen yourself. Now history tells us that the Muslims, after three years of preparation, advanced again towards the Roman border and this time they won a resounding victory.

Eighth Principle: To bring the battle in one’s own favorable field
This principle is derived from the Ghazwa of Hudaibiyya. At that time, the unbelievers were determined to engage Muslims in fighting, because obviously they were in an advantageous position. But the Prophet, by accepting their conditions unilaterally, entered into a pact. It was a ten-year peace treaty. Until then, the meeting ground between Muslims and non-Muslims had been on the battlefield. Now the area of conflict became that of ideological debate. Within two years, Islam emerged as victorious because of the simple reason of its ideological superiority.

Ninth Principle: Gradualism instead of radicalism
This principle is well-established by a hadith of Al-Bukhari. Aishah says that the first verses of the Qur’an were related mostly to heaven and hell. And then after a long time when the people’s hearts had softened, the specific commands to desist from adultery and drinking were revealed in the Qur’an.This is a clear proof that for social changes, Islam advocates the evolutionary method, rather than the revolutionary method.

Tenth Principle: To be pragmatic in controversial matters
During the writing of Hudaibiyyah treaty, the Prophet dictated these words: "This is from Muhammad, the Messenger of God." The Qurayshi delegate raised objections over these words. The Prophet promptly changed the word and ordered to write simply Muhammad, son of Abdullah.

These were the principles through which the Prophet of Islam gained that success which has been recognized by historians as the supreme success.

In the end, I would like to repeat those ten principles of success:


1. To begin from the possible
2. To see advantage in disadvantage
3. To change the place of action
4. To make a friend out of an enemy
5. To turn minus into plus
6. The power of peace is stronger than the power of violence
7. Not to be a dichotomous thinker
8. To bring the battle in one’s own favorable field
9. Gradualism instead of radicalism
10. To be pragmatic in controversial matters

 The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Last Sermon
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca).

After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".