In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the one who guides.
If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people.(Abu Dawood Book 39, Number 4515)
You must then follow my sunnah and that of the rightly-guided caliphs. Hold to it and stick fast to it. Avoid novelties, for every novelty is an innovation, and every innovation is an error. (Abu Dawood Book 40, Number 4590)
Many a times I hear Muslims argue over the word Bid'aa (Innovation). One will say to the other that you are creating this Bid'aa in the worship hence causing our religion to change, and the other will say where is the proof. Proof usually is the principle of Fiqh they quote which says "Everything in worship is haram, except what permitted, and every non-worship thing is halal except what is prohibited."
However, this is a mis-understanding that has remained with the scholar for centuries now, because it is almost impossible to differentiate between worship and non-worship acts. And, anyone who likes the innovation will continue to support and find a way to make it not worship, and the other person will try to label it worship.
Today, I would like to present a better version of this Fiqh principle which can benefit Muslims in centuries to come. First we have to understand the reason for Islam to be sent to us. Moreover, human beings were created with basic guidance mechanism which is present inside our conciousness and it can help us guide to success without Islam. However, we also have a tendancy of desire which overshadows our basic guidance. Also, the human being consider something to be fact using six things. Five are the senses and the sixth is the logic.
Humans will time and time again use these six abilities to evaluate cases and decide what to do next. Now, if Allah did not send Islam, Humans can continue to build societies that succeed, as can be seen in Non-Muslim countries, so there is a power in the six abilities, but humans will fall in the trap of desire and go stray from the success. Islam provides the balance in the human societies by prohibiting the things that seems beneficial using the six abilities, but they are not in long term. This is one half of Islam.
Humans also are being of imagination and they would like to imagine things that can not be preceived by the six abilities, and will try to justify them by claiming to have faith on them. Once it becomes the matter of faith other humans can do very little to disprove these, and hence humans keep increasing these imagination as time goes on and it will become the driving force in their lives and mixed with their desires it will bring them back from success. Islam was send to prohibit all forms of faith accepts the faith from Allah. This puts a lid on the addition to the faith and keep it to the faiths that are beneficial for us.
By now, smarter of you have guessed the new principal of Fiqh that can be more clear and precise in defending the innovation which are not beneficial for us.
Yes, "Every belief is prohibited except what's permitted by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH), and every Tangible/Logical thing is halal except what is prohibited."
Proof for the first part is the testimony every Muslim gives "There is no God, except Allah". What we saying is that we will not have faith in anything unseen except what Allah tell us. Proof for second part is proven many times and it is inherited in the verses of the Quran where Allah tell us that everything he created for us is good, and then he told us certain things that are not benefit for us and he created to test us.
So, now if any Muslim wants to add a good innovation has to pass the above test, and prove it to us that it is not a matter of faith but tangible/logical thing that we can perceive. If the innovation turns out to be only a belief on something that can not be perceived, and it is not taught by Quran and Sunnah, it becomes the innovation that is not allowed.
I hope this will help me and others evaluate the opinions of the scholars throughout centuries and find their true standing against Islam.
JazakAllah Khairin
A tangible and logical person who believes in Allah
AbuArman Jumani
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Islam as the cure for Global Economy.
In the Name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Provider.
Note: My presentation will be on "An Ideal Islamic Society" at MAGO on August 15 at 11:30 AM. Please come and support me.
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Provider.
"O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums). And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know." (Quran 2:278 - 280)
Note: My presentation will be on "An Ideal Islamic Society" at MAGO on August 15 at 11:30 AM. Please come and support me.
Since I was born, I have seen praise for capitalist system, and seen the wealth it has created in USA and other countries. Banking system flourishing, making loans to businesses, and business able to grow due to that. Money exchanges, treasury bonds, and interest loans are the safest form of investment around the world. So, as a practicing Muslim, when I read the ayahs of Quran above, I am shocked at the harsh language Allah has used to condemn these practices. It just did not compute for me. Of course, I take the words of Allah over my wisdom, and accepted that Usury to be evil, and start walking away from it.
Recently, I started studying about the capitalist system, so I can understand the debt crisis around the world. I would like to share what I have learned.
—Narrated Ibn 'Umar:The Prophet said, "The selling of wheat for wheat is Riba (usury) except if it is handed from hand to hand and equal in amount. Similarly the selling of barley for barley, is Riba except if it is from hand to hand and equal in amount, and dates for dates is usury except if it is from hand to hand and equal in amount. (Bukhari 3:34:379)
Ribaa or Usury means asking for unreasonable return in a transaction. In practical terms, it can be two things
1) Asking for return without associating with the use of the investment, so if there is a loss, return is still due making it an unreasonable demand. For example, lending money with a promise to return regardless of the outcome of the investment.
2) Asking for return of same merchandise but in greater quantity. For example, lending money and asking for more money in return as a rent over that money for the duration of time the money will be kept.
Ribaa was forbidden in every system Allah sent, and it is forbidden in Christianity. In 1545, Henry VIII declared "An Acte Agaynst Usurie" which permitted transactions on the above basic principles. On the surface, it is the most ingenious scheme, because it protects the investor, and guarantees a return in form of money. Driven by lust, greed, and power hunger, King Henry VIII and people like him established the banking system which today has become the blood of the global economy. If we were to shut down the banks for a few days, economy will collapse and world would be in chaos.
Today, every country on earth including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is involve in Usury through central banking system. In central banking system, an independent entity is formed who can print money and give loans with that money. Then, other banks takes loan from the central bank and are allowed to give loans in the amount 10 times the loan they received from the central bank, hence creating money out of thin air. This cycle continues as the receiver of this money in private sector deposit this new money in their bank which in turn multiplies it 10 times and provide loans. At the end of the day, for $1000 of gold backed value becomes $100, 000 of credit money in circulation. In some cases gold is removed, and the central bank is allowed to print as much money as they like to keep the interest rates low. However, the inflation (amount of printed currency) causes the value of the currency to decline and prices for goods and services rise. To control the inflation, central bank may increase the interest rates.
"O you who believe! Eat not Ribâ (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful." (Quran 3:130)
Now, since I have confused you completely, lets look at what is at risk here. As you can notice that monetary system is a pyramid upside down balanced on its tip, so a slight fluctuation of balance will bring the house down, since the money is not there for people who deposited and for the banks to collect their interest in form of cash. For example, if everyone goes and withdraws their money from the bank, the bank will not be able to honor it, and it will be a "run on the bank". If majority of the loans default, bank will fail due to the fake value of assets created by the promise of the borrower. If that happens, insurance company will have to cover for the loss that it can not. This is what happened in September, 2008. Banks failed due to investors selling the promissory note (which already is fake money) multiple times, and people owning the homes walking away from the promise, hence causing investors to loose trillions of the fake money.
Narrated byAbuHurayrah Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Usury has seventy parts, the least important being that a man should marry his mother." (Tirmidhi #2826)
So, Allah is all wise, and he understood this fault in the system of Riba and hence forbidden for humans. Now, how many of you are involve in this system? How many of you earn money just by having money sitting in savings account? How many of you borrowed money and promise to return it with more money? Taking and paying interest is like having sexual relation with your mother, which I hope you want to stop. Let us stop this incestuousness.
Now let me present the Islamic Sharia sent by Allah for humans. In this system, all wealth comes from Allah, which means natural resources have value, and it can increase, by the will of Allah, profit can be earned by trading, and currency is backed by Gold in 100% value. No credit is allowed. No increase in value without a service provided. Government collects zakat, Jizya, and Ushoor fort their expenses. No short cuts to become rich. No risk free investment. No exchanges of same commodity in increased value. No living out of means. Of course, I am not listing the complete system here, but the principals, but they have worked before and they can work again.
http://countrystudies.us/saudi-arabia/44.htm
Saudi Arabia were forced by IMF to setup the monetary system, and then compelled to extend credit beyond the value of gold, then compelled SAMA, the saudi central bank, to loan money to Saudi government. So, the last holdout for Islam has fallen in the swamp, and it gets worst from here. There is no practical Islam left. This can be reversed. I know it can be reversed. We all can do our part, and stop taking and paying interest, and stop investing in the risk free investments, stop spending the money we have not earned yet.
What say you all!!!
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman Jumani
Today, every country on earth including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is involve in Usury through central banking system. In central banking system, an independent entity is formed who can print money and give loans with that money. Then, other banks takes loan from the central bank and are allowed to give loans in the amount 10 times the loan they received from the central bank, hence creating money out of thin air. This cycle continues as the receiver of this money in private sector deposit this new money in their bank which in turn multiplies it 10 times and provide loans. At the end of the day, for $1000 of gold backed value becomes $100, 000 of credit money in circulation. In some cases gold is removed, and the central bank is allowed to print as much money as they like to keep the interest rates low. However, the inflation (amount of printed currency) causes the value of the currency to decline and prices for goods and services rise. To control the inflation, central bank may increase the interest rates.
"O you who believe! Eat not Ribâ (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful." (Quran 3:130)
Now, since I have confused you completely, lets look at what is at risk here. As you can notice that monetary system is a pyramid upside down balanced on its tip, so a slight fluctuation of balance will bring the house down, since the money is not there for people who deposited and for the banks to collect their interest in form of cash. For example, if everyone goes and withdraws their money from the bank, the bank will not be able to honor it, and it will be a "run on the bank". If majority of the loans default, bank will fail due to the fake value of assets created by the promise of the borrower. If that happens, insurance company will have to cover for the loss that it can not. This is what happened in September, 2008. Banks failed due to investors selling the promissory note (which already is fake money) multiple times, and people owning the homes walking away from the promise, hence causing investors to loose trillions of the fake money.
Narrated byAbuHurayrah Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Usury has seventy parts, the least important being that a man should marry his mother." (Tirmidhi #2826)
So, Allah is all wise, and he understood this fault in the system of Riba and hence forbidden for humans. Now, how many of you are involve in this system? How many of you earn money just by having money sitting in savings account? How many of you borrowed money and promise to return it with more money? Taking and paying interest is like having sexual relation with your mother, which I hope you want to stop. Let us stop this incestuousness.
Now let me present the Islamic Sharia sent by Allah for humans. In this system, all wealth comes from Allah, which means natural resources have value, and it can increase, by the will of Allah, profit can be earned by trading, and currency is backed by Gold in 100% value. No credit is allowed. No increase in value without a service provided. Government collects zakat, Jizya, and Ushoor fort their expenses. No short cuts to become rich. No risk free investment. No exchanges of same commodity in increased value. No living out of means. Of course, I am not listing the complete system here, but the principals, but they have worked before and they can work again.
http://countrystudies.us/saudi-arabia/44.htm
Saudi Arabia were forced by IMF to setup the monetary system, and then compelled to extend credit beyond the value of gold, then compelled SAMA, the saudi central bank, to loan money to Saudi government. So, the last holdout for Islam has fallen in the swamp, and it gets worst from here. There is no practical Islam left. This can be reversed. I know it can be reversed. We all can do our part, and stop taking and paying interest, and stop investing in the risk free investments, stop spending the money we have not earned yet.
What say you all!!!
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman Jumani
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Empty Chests.
In the Name of Allah,
In fact, there are more Islamic schools and scholars today, than my childhood, so Islamic information and education is not being taken away. Scholars with fancy ijazas (certificates) and beautiful traditional dresses rising to pulpit every friday, and every week there is a new Islamic institution opening up in USA.
On Sunday night, I attended an event of IQI, a local organization, where Quran is taught. Speaker went to great lengths to make a point that we shouldn't just read Quran, but implement Quran. However, the slides they showed or examples they put forward was mostly memorizing Arabic words, or reading style. There was not a single example of the implementation of Quran that I saw.
Interestingly, the head of the school that sponsored does not consider keeping a full beard important, which is a command of Allah. He does have alot of education on reading Quran, but I am not sure about implementing Quran. First thing a non-muslim sees is our face, and if we don't appear to be muslim, there is no dawah. Without dawah, what is the purpose of Quran. Whole purpose of Quran was to bring people to Allah.
Reading Quran with proper tajweed and memorizing it is not the goal. Having ijaza from the scholar and giving speeches is not the goal. Reading hadith from Fazail-e-Amaal is not the goal. Celebrating Mother's day to show gratitude on one day for the mother is not goal. I gaurantee that our children will come and see us on mother's day and other 364 days will be "Kid's day". Arguing on raising hands during Salah is not the goal.
Knowledge or "Ilm" comes from the root word "know" which means the person with knowledge will have the information, and education, but most importantly know that the information is truth or not. Know that the information will harm or benefit. Know that information is obligation or optional. Know how to implement the information.
Today, the scholars with information and education are able to read Quran from memory, give speeches, quote ahadith. But, if a lame person comes and challenge them with proofs, they dismiss with wrong explaination, and when he brings the proof, ignore it. This is not knowledge. This is knowledge taken away.
There are a few whose chests have knowledge, but rest of the chests are void of the knowledge. There is alot of information, and there is years of education, but the knowledge is not present.
Let me give an example.
"Hast thou observed him who belieth religion? (1) That is he who repelleth the orphan, (2) And urgeth not the feeding of the needy." (Quran 107:1-3)
How many scholars do you know are running a homeless shelter in their masajid? Is IQI or DarulHifz taking their children to feed the homeless in Masjid Haq in downtown orladno? Is Islamic Center of Orlando reaching out to local shelters to see if they can provide food? If it is happening, I do not see.
How can the Muslims sleep in the night having people homeless on the street? Why there is not an implementation of this verse in our lives? I think we live like hypocrites and sleep in our comfy beds thinking we have done the obligation by reading some Arabic words that we have no knowledge.
Where is the drive from the Tablighi Jamat to provid grocery for Muslim families who are suffering? God forbid if the Biryani goes short on the travelling Jamat of rich fellows. What is this religion of fake traditions and fancy talk? May Allah keep me away from Islam, if this is the essence of it.
I do not recognize this as knowledge. I do not recognoze this as Scholars.
There is no "Knowledge" left. Count your days oh people, the time is approaching. Feed someone you do not know. Feed someone who has not eaten for a day. Feed someone who is not a muslim. Feed someone who is not able to feed himself.
I will try InshAllah myself to do the same, since I am guilty of the same.
That is All!
JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman
Narrated Anas:As you can see, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave indications of our times in this hadith. Now the question is how would the knowledge has been taken away. Many ponder this question, but can't answer it because they are thinking about knowledge in terms of information and education.
Allah's Apostle said, "From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):
1. Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of Religious learned men).
2. (Religious) ignorance will prevail.
3. Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common).
4. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse. (Bukhari Volume 1, Book 3:80)
In fact, there are more Islamic schools and scholars today, than my childhood, so Islamic information and education is not being taken away. Scholars with fancy ijazas (certificates) and beautiful traditional dresses rising to pulpit every friday, and every week there is a new Islamic institution opening up in USA.
On Sunday night, I attended an event of IQI, a local organization, where Quran is taught. Speaker went to great lengths to make a point that we shouldn't just read Quran, but implement Quran. However, the slides they showed or examples they put forward was mostly memorizing Arabic words, or reading style. There was not a single example of the implementation of Quran that I saw.
Interestingly, the head of the school that sponsored does not consider keeping a full beard important, which is a command of Allah. He does have alot of education on reading Quran, but I am not sure about implementing Quran. First thing a non-muslim sees is our face, and if we don't appear to be muslim, there is no dawah. Without dawah, what is the purpose of Quran. Whole purpose of Quran was to bring people to Allah.
Reading Quran with proper tajweed and memorizing it is not the goal. Having ijaza from the scholar and giving speeches is not the goal. Reading hadith from Fazail-e-Amaal is not the goal. Celebrating Mother's day to show gratitude on one day for the mother is not goal. I gaurantee that our children will come and see us on mother's day and other 364 days will be "Kid's day". Arguing on raising hands during Salah is not the goal.
Knowledge or "Ilm" comes from the root word "know" which means the person with knowledge will have the information, and education, but most importantly know that the information is truth or not. Know that the information will harm or benefit. Know that information is obligation or optional. Know how to implement the information.
Today, the scholars with information and education are able to read Quran from memory, give speeches, quote ahadith. But, if a lame person comes and challenge them with proofs, they dismiss with wrong explaination, and when he brings the proof, ignore it. This is not knowledge. This is knowledge taken away.
There are a few whose chests have knowledge, but rest of the chests are void of the knowledge. There is alot of information, and there is years of education, but the knowledge is not present.
Let me give an example.
"Hast thou observed him who belieth religion? (1) That is he who repelleth the orphan, (2) And urgeth not the feeding of the needy." (Quran 107:1-3)
How many scholars do you know are running a homeless shelter in their masajid? Is IQI or DarulHifz taking their children to feed the homeless in Masjid Haq in downtown orladno? Is Islamic Center of Orlando reaching out to local shelters to see if they can provide food? If it is happening, I do not see.
How can the Muslims sleep in the night having people homeless on the street? Why there is not an implementation of this verse in our lives? I think we live like hypocrites and sleep in our comfy beds thinking we have done the obligation by reading some Arabic words that we have no knowledge.
Where is the drive from the Tablighi Jamat to provid grocery for Muslim families who are suffering? God forbid if the Biryani goes short on the travelling Jamat of rich fellows. What is this religion of fake traditions and fancy talk? May Allah keep me away from Islam, if this is the essence of it.
I do not recognize this as knowledge. I do not recognoze this as Scholars.
There is no "Knowledge" left. Count your days oh people, the time is approaching. Feed someone you do not know. Feed someone who has not eaten for a day. Feed someone who is not a muslim. Feed someone who is not able to feed himself.
I will try InshAllah myself to do the same, since I am guilty of the same.
That is All!
JazakAllah Khairin
AbuArman
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Al-Qaeeda vs Al-Islam
In the Name of Allah,
All praise due to Allah, the King and God of every human, beleiver or non-believer.
If I say something that is wrong, it is from my ego, and if I say something good, it is from Allah.
Islam forbids discussing vices of the dead, but allows explaination that is necassary for Ummah to hear. If you have not heard about the death of Usama bin Ladin, then there are bigger things to worry about then reading this blog. Only Allah knows for sure the depth of his evils, and we leave his account with Allah, but we cannot deny the damage he caused to Al-Islam by following his desires. I would like to bring up the aspect of this event that is more improtant then anything else.
It was a relief and joy to hear that Usama was killed, and this chapter was closed. It is a victory for Islam, and for muslims. When Umar ibn khattab was the Ameer, and caused a women to deliver her baby prematurely and the death of the infant as a result of startling her, there was a trial and he would have been put to death, if found guilty. If someone claims to be a muslim they should be ready to apply justice to their loved ones and themsleves if necassary. Usama is not even dirt of Umar, and if he was the head of Alqaeeda, then his death sentence is according to Islamic law.
In Addition, every Muslim should have one goal above all goals, and that is two fold. First, invite his own soul to Islam, and then other souls towards Islam. Everything in our lives should be judged against this goal, and if anything goes against this goal, we should abandon it. Moreover, Islam forbids killing any living being including animals as stated beleow.
Say: Come, I will recite unto you that ... ye slay not the life which Allah hath made sacred, save in the course of justice. This He hath command you, in order that ye may discern. (Quran 6:151)
However, Allah made some exceptions to this rule to keep justice and balance. He allowed killing of animals for our needs, by taking Allah's name, so the permission be granted for that. Any animal killed without the permission of Allah is slain in sin. Similarly, to deter humans from major crimes, death penalty is allowed, and killing a human is allowed while defending one's property, and defending Al-Islam. If there is someone who attacks muslims with the intention to wipe out Islam, we are not only allowed but obligated to fight that force to defend Islam. Even in that situation, anyone who surrenders or is a civilian should not be harmed, as stated below.
All praise due to Allah, the King and God of every human, beleiver or non-believer.
If I say something that is wrong, it is from my ego, and if I say something good, it is from Allah.
Islam forbids discussing vices of the dead, but allows explaination that is necassary for Ummah to hear. If you have not heard about the death of Usama bin Ladin, then there are bigger things to worry about then reading this blog. Only Allah knows for sure the depth of his evils, and we leave his account with Allah, but we cannot deny the damage he caused to Al-Islam by following his desires. I would like to bring up the aspect of this event that is more improtant then anything else.
It was a relief and joy to hear that Usama was killed, and this chapter was closed. It is a victory for Islam, and for muslims. When Umar ibn khattab was the Ameer, and caused a women to deliver her baby prematurely and the death of the infant as a result of startling her, there was a trial and he would have been put to death, if found guilty. If someone claims to be a muslim they should be ready to apply justice to their loved ones and themsleves if necassary. Usama is not even dirt of Umar, and if he was the head of Alqaeeda, then his death sentence is according to Islamic law.
In Addition, every Muslim should have one goal above all goals, and that is two fold. First, invite his own soul to Islam, and then other souls towards Islam. Everything in our lives should be judged against this goal, and if anything goes against this goal, we should abandon it. Moreover, Islam forbids killing any living being including animals as stated beleow.
Say: Come, I will recite unto you that ... ye slay not the life which Allah hath made sacred, save in the course of justice. This He hath command you, in order that ye may discern. (Quran 6:151)
However, Allah made some exceptions to this rule to keep justice and balance. He allowed killing of animals for our needs, by taking Allah's name, so the permission be granted for that. Any animal killed without the permission of Allah is slain in sin. Similarly, to deter humans from major crimes, death penalty is allowed, and killing a human is allowed while defending one's property, and defending Al-Islam. If there is someone who attacks muslims with the intention to wipe out Islam, we are not only allowed but obligated to fight that force to defend Islam. Even in that situation, anyone who surrenders or is a civilian should not be harmed, as stated below.
Narrated By Ibn 'Umar : During some of the Ghazawat of Allah's Apostle a woman was found killed, so Allah's Apostle forbade the killing of women and children. (Bukhari Vol 4, Book 52:258)
"Fight the disbelievers in the Name of Allâh, neither breach a covenant nor entertain treachery, and under no circumstances a new-born, woman, an ageing man or a hermit should be killed; moreover neither trees should be cut down nor homes demolished. [Mukhtasar Seerat Ar-Rasool p.327; Rahmat-ul-lil'alameen 2/271]"
Al-Qaeeda, and other ignorant groups have twisted this sacred exception to allow fighting when no one is attacking with the intention of wiping out Islam. On top of that, they have broke the sacred rule to not kill women and children. It is the lack of faith in Allah that drives them to such extremes, because they are basically saying that following Allah's rules are hindering their success, and they can be bent. They are wrong on both counts, and are fighting against Allah. There is no army that is preparing to fight against Islam, rather President Hussein of USA has made clear of that.
"God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. (The Noble Quran, 60:8)"
I had a lengthy debate with a local scholar on this subject who was quoting the first verse of the above Surah, and claiming that we should not make friends with non-beleivers, but when I asked him to read on to the eighth verse above, he realized that Allah has explained about dealing justly who does not fight against Islam. I hope others see the truth, and abondan their hate.
On the contrary, Al-Qaeeda, Hammas (they are condemning Usama's killing), and other groups who are driving non-muslims away from Islam for their satisfaction of egos, have become the enemies of Islam. If someone to be fought to defend Islam, it is these Muslims that we should fight. USA is one of the few places on earth left where glimpses of Medina under Muhammad bin Abdullah (PBUH) can be seen, and it is this religous freedom that the Companions defended, and not the Muslim rule. They did not attack villages who were not accepting Islam unless they were planning to wipe out Islam.
This is not a struggle between Alqaeeda and non-muslims, but Alqaeeda and Al Islam. I know that most ignore my words, but which side are you on? Al-Islam or Al-Qaeeda. Lets make the death of Usama, a foundation to build an Image of Islam that attracted millions 1400 years ago. We can start by setting up demonstrations against Alqaeeda and Hammas in our local communities, and denounce verbally the actions of who harm Islam by acting ignorantly.
JazakAllah Khairin
A "struggling" muslim
AbuArman
Monday, February 28, 2011
Oppressing Women the American Way!
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the lord of men and women
Last few weeks, I have been struggling with something and researching. Also, I have been observing the two extreme of this spectrum of men applying their desires on women. On one end of the extreme are the Muslim brothers who would insist on women being hidden under full garment and also out of sight of Muslim men. This includes separate rooms for women in Masjid and the houses. On the other end of extreme, are Muslim brothers who would insist on women allowed to lead Salat or at least seeking "equal rights" for women.
Interestingly, they both claim to be the flag bearer of the Sunnah of Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH). So what is the true rights of women in this circumstance? Lets examine it.
Our local masjid, Islamic Center of Orlando, like many masajid, has a sperate room upstairs for sisters who attend Masjid for prayer and educational talks. However, women are not allowed to interact with Imam let alone with other men in the main hall in the Masjid. If a sister is on a wheelchair it will be almost impossible for her to get to the first floor. Also, if a woman had a question, they could not ask the Imam from where they are sitting.
Is this according to Quran and Sunnah? Does Allah wants women to be in this state of helplessness, where they have no way to participate actively in the masjid.
There is another person who struggled with this question like I did, and he was Umar bin Khattab (R.A.). He disliked women interacting with men and coming to masjid, and he even kicked out some women from the masjid because they were crossing the limits of decency, but he didn't create the first floor "prison".
Khawla bint Qays said: "We were women, in the Mosque [in Madina al-Munawwara], who may have mixed with the men at times and perhaps even flirted (ghazalna) and even harmed themselves in this intermixing; so `Umar said: 'I swear I shall make free women of you again.' So he brought us out (akhrajana) of the Mosque." Kanz al-`Ummal #23131 from Ibn Sa`d's Tabaqat.
We can certainly understand the best method to follow by reading about Umar ibn Khattab's life. Even Umar (R.A.) understood the order of the prophet to allow women to come to masjid. It is not for women to pray 4 rakat in a damp and dark room and go home covered in cloth from head to toe, without having any opportunity to interact during a mashwara, or annoucement, or talks. There is more to the masjid then just Ibadat.
Following are some verses of the Quran explaining how important women role is
The believing men and women, are associates and helpers of each other. They (collaborate) to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil; to establish prayers and give alms, and to obey Allah and his Messenger. Those are the people whom Allah would grant mercy. Indeed Allah is Mighty and Wise. (Al-Taubah 9:71)
Following are some ahadith where the companion struggle with the same question.
Narrated Ibn Umar: One of the wives of Umar (bin Al-Khattab) used to offer the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayer in congregation in the Mosque. She was asked why she had come out for the prayer as she knew that Umar disliked it, and he has great ghaira (self-respect). She replied, "What prevents him from stopping me from this act?" The other replied, "The statement of Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) : 'Do not stop Allah's women-slave from going to Allah s Mosques' prevents him." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 23)
Ibn 'Umar reported: Grant permission to women for going to the mosque in the night. His son who was called Waqid said: Then they would make mischief. He (the narrator) said: He thumped his (son's) chest and said: I am narrating to you the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and you say: No! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0890)
Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they seek permission from you. Bilal said: By Allah, we would certainly prevent them. 'Abdullah said: I say that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said it and you say: We would certainly prevent them! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0891)
Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said that Atika bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl, the wife of Umar ibn al-Khattab, used to ask Umar ibn al-Khattab for permission to go to the mosque. He would keep silent, so she would say, "By Allah, I will go out, unless you forbid me," and he would not forbid her. (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 14, Number 14.5.14)
If creating a separate room or having a partition for women was acceptable, Ibn Umar would not thump his son, because isolating women to a room or creating a partition will satisfy those who complained. And, yes, they had enough resources to make that happen. They did not do it, because, they knew that it will trample on the order of the Prophet (PBUH)
So, disallowing women from attending on the same floor, and from asking questions, is same as preventing women from attending masjid. For example, Dar-al-Uloom masjid in Kissimmee FL has neglected the women section, and frequently turn off air to it. It discourages women in that area from attending, and I have seen the situation of that room myself. Discouraging women by any means is same as not giving permission. Do we have more ghaira (jealousy) then Umar, or is it our ego, or is it our pagan traditions taking over?
Some try to explain the sunnah by saying that women were allowed to pray behind men in the same prayer hall, because level of piety was high among those people. If that is true, then why these ahadith are painting a different picture?
Ibn Abbas said: A beautiful woman, from among the most beautiful of women, used to pray behind the Prophet. Some of the people used to go to pray in the first row to ensure they would not be able to see her. Others would pray in the last row of the men, and they would look from underneath their armpits to see her. Because of this act, in regard to her, Allah revealed, "Verily We know the eager among you to be first, and verily We know the eager among you to be behind" (Surah al-Hijr ayah 24) -- this hadith is found in ibn Majah, Abu Dawud, Tayalisi, Baihaqi, Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Nasai and it is judged SAHIH by Albani. He includes it as #3472 in his Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahih
Hadhrat ?aisha (Radhiallaahu ?nha) narrates that if Nabi (Sallallaahu ?layhi
Wasallam) knew what the women are doing he would have prevented them from
the Masjid just as the women of Bani Israaeel were prevented.' (Bukhari vol.
1 p. 120)
In reality, the fitnah existed since the days of Adam (PBUH), and Allah asked us to lower our gaze because the women will be in our line of sight. If women were suppose to be always out of sight, then this verse of Quran seems to be wasted, but we know that Allah's speech is free from flaw. It is absurd to try to reduce fitnah by preventing women. Aisha herself admitted that only the Prophet can change this order, if he was alive, but she knew this and every scholar knows this that Prophet's direct command cannot be disobeyed regardless of the new situation.
So, what I see here is men giving excuses, to keep the status quo, so they can follow their cultural values from Jahaliya, where women were nothing but property. Interestingly, men of Taqleed (blind followers) and free thinkers (Salafi etc) are both oppressing women by assigning them isolated quarters in the masjid and houses. This is a great pain for me.
Ibn Al-Jauzi narrated the virtues and merits of Umar bin Al-Khattab (Allah bless him) in the following words: Umar forbade the people from paying excessive dowries and addressed them saying: "Don't fix the dowries for women over forty ounces. If ever that is exceeded I shall deposit the excess amount in the public treasury". As he descended from the pulpit, a flat-nosed lady stood up from among the women audience, and said: "It is not within your right". Umar asked: "Why should this not be of my right?" she replied: "Because Allah has proclaimed: 'even if you had given one of them (wives) a whole treasure for dowry take not the least bit back. Would you take it by false claim and a manifest sin'". (Al Nisa, 20). When he heard this, Umar said: "The woman is right and the man (Umar) is wrong. It seems that all people have deeper insight and wisdom than Umar". Then he returned to the pulpit and declared: "O people, I had restricted the giving of more than four hundred dirhams in dowry. Whosoever of you wishes to give in dowry as much as he likes and finds satisfaction in so doing may do so".
In the above incident, a woman stood up in the masjid, and not only was present, but spoke, and not only spoke, but confronted a man, and not only confronted a man, challenged a ruling from the Ameer on an Islamic Sharia matter, not any Ameer, Umar, who was feared for his strong will and confidence. If the expectation from women was to act like sheep, then Umar would have stopped her and asked to discuss this in private.
Please explain it to me, How a woman in Islamic Center of Orlando can do the above today? By restricting this ability of women in the masjid, they are in essence are prevented from the Masjid, and the order of the Prophet (PBUH) has been disregarded.
Yes, preventing possible ways to sin is suggested in Islam, but not at the expense of opression of woman's right, where the order from Allah is clear to give permission to woman to "come to masjid" not "observe in the masjid".
In the rules of fiqh, Prophet's (PBUH) order can only be overturn by another order from him or Quranic verse. In this case no evidence of such exist. So, it is un-Islamic to create such isolated rooms in the masjid.
Actually, I understand the reasoning behind it. If we allow women to be in the same room, not all of them would wear proper clothing, and men will be distracted. So, men created this bubble inside the masjid, where they are not tempted, but that is like Ostrich putting head in the sand and thinking that it is safe. No, we can not live the double life. Men only club in the masjid, with a sober look and reading Quran in the corner, but a mix dinner party where cousins are in the same room. We should work on our piety and lower our gaze so we don't look at women in the masjid or out, and we should stop messing with the orders of the Prophet (PBUH).
On the other hand, there are some (possibly in the reaction of the first extreme) who swing to other extreme, where they insist on woman being allowed to be Ameer or Imam, or having equal rights. This is a form of oppression as well, because Allah did not create women for that role, and he mentions it explicitly.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means.)" (Quran 4:34)
Asking women to try to compete with men in everything, or creating a perception that if women can not have the leadership, they are somehow lower in capabilities is completely wrong. Women excel men in many fields, and men excel women in some fields, but there is no need for them to compete in every single field. Of course, women have right to compete in any field, except where Allah has decreed otherwise. For example, a woman can not choose their husband's friend, but a man is allowed to choose wife's friend.
Some quote Queen Sheba's story to claim woman's right to Imamat. Queen Sheba was a non-muslim, and the laws were pagan laws where a woman was a Queen. Allah has given man a degree higher in the administration, and there is no room for debate. There was no woman selected by the Prophet (PBUH) to head any of the villages. He knew that people to come for thousands of years will follow his example, and he understood that woman's right need to be spelled out, but he did not make any example to suggest that a woman could be a head of state.
Narrated Abu Bakra:
During the battle of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a Word (I heard from the Prophet). When the Prophet heard the news that the people of the Persia had made the daughter of Khosrau their Queen (ruler), he said, "Never will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their ruler." (Bukhari Vol 9 Book 88 #219)
All praise is due to Allah, the lord of men and women
Last few weeks, I have been struggling with something and researching. Also, I have been observing the two extreme of this spectrum of men applying their desires on women. On one end of the extreme are the Muslim brothers who would insist on women being hidden under full garment and also out of sight of Muslim men. This includes separate rooms for women in Masjid and the houses. On the other end of extreme, are Muslim brothers who would insist on women allowed to lead Salat or at least seeking "equal rights" for women.
Interestingly, they both claim to be the flag bearer of the Sunnah of Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH). So what is the true rights of women in this circumstance? Lets examine it.
Our local masjid, Islamic Center of Orlando, like many masajid, has a sperate room upstairs for sisters who attend Masjid for prayer and educational talks. However, women are not allowed to interact with Imam let alone with other men in the main hall in the Masjid. If a sister is on a wheelchair it will be almost impossible for her to get to the first floor. Also, if a woman had a question, they could not ask the Imam from where they are sitting.
Is this according to Quran and Sunnah? Does Allah wants women to be in this state of helplessness, where they have no way to participate actively in the masjid.
There is another person who struggled with this question like I did, and he was Umar bin Khattab (R.A.). He disliked women interacting with men and coming to masjid, and he even kicked out some women from the masjid because they were crossing the limits of decency, but he didn't create the first floor "prison".
Khawla bint Qays said: "We were women, in the Mosque [in Madina al-Munawwara], who may have mixed with the men at times and perhaps even flirted (ghazalna) and even harmed themselves in this intermixing; so `Umar said: 'I swear I shall make free women of you again.' So he brought us out (akhrajana) of the Mosque." Kanz al-`Ummal #23131 from Ibn Sa`d's Tabaqat.
We can certainly understand the best method to follow by reading about Umar ibn Khattab's life. Even Umar (R.A.) understood the order of the prophet to allow women to come to masjid. It is not for women to pray 4 rakat in a damp and dark room and go home covered in cloth from head to toe, without having any opportunity to interact during a mashwara, or annoucement, or talks. There is more to the masjid then just Ibadat.
Following are some verses of the Quran explaining how important women role is
The believing men and women, are associates and helpers of each other. They (collaborate) to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil; to establish prayers and give alms, and to obey Allah and his Messenger. Those are the people whom Allah would grant mercy. Indeed Allah is Mighty and Wise. (Al-Taubah 9:71)
Following are some ahadith where the companion struggle with the same question.
Narrated Ibn Umar: One of the wives of Umar (bin Al-Khattab) used to offer the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayer in congregation in the Mosque. She was asked why she had come out for the prayer as she knew that Umar disliked it, and he has great ghaira (self-respect). She replied, "What prevents him from stopping me from this act?" The other replied, "The statement of Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) : 'Do not stop Allah's women-slave from going to Allah s Mosques' prevents him." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 23)
Ibn 'Umar reported: Grant permission to women for going to the mosque in the night. His son who was called Waqid said: Then they would make mischief. He (the narrator) said: He thumped his (son's) chest and said: I am narrating to you the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and you say: No! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0890)
Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they seek permission from you. Bilal said: By Allah, we would certainly prevent them. 'Abdullah said: I say that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said it and you say: We would certainly prevent them! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0891)
Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said that Atika bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl, the wife of Umar ibn al-Khattab, used to ask Umar ibn al-Khattab for permission to go to the mosque. He would keep silent, so she would say, "By Allah, I will go out, unless you forbid me," and he would not forbid her. (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 14, Number 14.5.14)
If creating a separate room or having a partition for women was acceptable, Ibn Umar would not thump his son, because isolating women to a room or creating a partition will satisfy those who complained. And, yes, they had enough resources to make that happen. They did not do it, because, they knew that it will trample on the order of the Prophet (PBUH)
So, disallowing women from attending on the same floor, and from asking questions, is same as preventing women from attending masjid. For example, Dar-al-Uloom masjid in Kissimmee FL has neglected the women section, and frequently turn off air to it. It discourages women in that area from attending, and I have seen the situation of that room myself. Discouraging women by any means is same as not giving permission. Do we have more ghaira (jealousy) then Umar, or is it our ego, or is it our pagan traditions taking over?
Some try to explain the sunnah by saying that women were allowed to pray behind men in the same prayer hall, because level of piety was high among those people. If that is true, then why these ahadith are painting a different picture?
Ibn Abbas said: A beautiful woman, from among the most beautiful of women, used to pray behind the Prophet. Some of the people used to go to pray in the first row to ensure they would not be able to see her. Others would pray in the last row of the men, and they would look from underneath their armpits to see her. Because of this act, in regard to her, Allah revealed, "Verily We know the eager among you to be first, and verily We know the eager among you to be behind" (Surah al-Hijr ayah 24) -- this hadith is found in ibn Majah, Abu Dawud, Tayalisi, Baihaqi, Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Nasai and it is judged SAHIH by Albani. He includes it as #3472 in his Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahih
Hadhrat ?aisha (Radhiallaahu ?nha) narrates that if Nabi (Sallallaahu ?layhi
Wasallam) knew what the women are doing he would have prevented them from
the Masjid just as the women of Bani Israaeel were prevented.' (Bukhari vol.
1 p. 120)
In reality, the fitnah existed since the days of Adam (PBUH), and Allah asked us to lower our gaze because the women will be in our line of sight. If women were suppose to be always out of sight, then this verse of Quran seems to be wasted, but we know that Allah's speech is free from flaw. It is absurd to try to reduce fitnah by preventing women. Aisha herself admitted that only the Prophet can change this order, if he was alive, but she knew this and every scholar knows this that Prophet's direct command cannot be disobeyed regardless of the new situation.
So, what I see here is men giving excuses, to keep the status quo, so they can follow their cultural values from Jahaliya, where women were nothing but property. Interestingly, men of Taqleed (blind followers) and free thinkers (Salafi etc) are both oppressing women by assigning them isolated quarters in the masjid and houses. This is a great pain for me.
Ibn Al-Jauzi narrated the virtues and merits of Umar bin Al-Khattab (Allah bless him) in the following words: Umar forbade the people from paying excessive dowries and addressed them saying: "Don't fix the dowries for women over forty ounces. If ever that is exceeded I shall deposit the excess amount in the public treasury". As he descended from the pulpit, a flat-nosed lady stood up from among the women audience, and said: "It is not within your right". Umar asked: "Why should this not be of my right?" she replied: "Because Allah has proclaimed: 'even if you had given one of them (wives) a whole treasure for dowry take not the least bit back. Would you take it by false claim and a manifest sin'". (Al Nisa, 20). When he heard this, Umar said: "The woman is right and the man (Umar) is wrong. It seems that all people have deeper insight and wisdom than Umar". Then he returned to the pulpit and declared: "O people, I had restricted the giving of more than four hundred dirhams in dowry. Whosoever of you wishes to give in dowry as much as he likes and finds satisfaction in so doing may do so".
In the above incident, a woman stood up in the masjid, and not only was present, but spoke, and not only spoke, but confronted a man, and not only confronted a man, challenged a ruling from the Ameer on an Islamic Sharia matter, not any Ameer, Umar, who was feared for his strong will and confidence. If the expectation from women was to act like sheep, then Umar would have stopped her and asked to discuss this in private.
Please explain it to me, How a woman in Islamic Center of Orlando can do the above today? By restricting this ability of women in the masjid, they are in essence are prevented from the Masjid, and the order of the Prophet (PBUH) has been disregarded.
Yes, preventing possible ways to sin is suggested in Islam, but not at the expense of opression of woman's right, where the order from Allah is clear to give permission to woman to "come to masjid" not "observe in the masjid".
In the rules of fiqh, Prophet's (PBUH) order can only be overturn by another order from him or Quranic verse. In this case no evidence of such exist. So, it is un-Islamic to create such isolated rooms in the masjid.
Actually, I understand the reasoning behind it. If we allow women to be in the same room, not all of them would wear proper clothing, and men will be distracted. So, men created this bubble inside the masjid, where they are not tempted, but that is like Ostrich putting head in the sand and thinking that it is safe. No, we can not live the double life. Men only club in the masjid, with a sober look and reading Quran in the corner, but a mix dinner party where cousins are in the same room. We should work on our piety and lower our gaze so we don't look at women in the masjid or out, and we should stop messing with the orders of the Prophet (PBUH).
On the other hand, there are some (possibly in the reaction of the first extreme) who swing to other extreme, where they insist on woman being allowed to be Ameer or Imam, or having equal rights. This is a form of oppression as well, because Allah did not create women for that role, and he mentions it explicitly.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means.)" (Quran 4:34)
Asking women to try to compete with men in everything, or creating a perception that if women can not have the leadership, they are somehow lower in capabilities is completely wrong. Women excel men in many fields, and men excel women in some fields, but there is no need for them to compete in every single field. Of course, women have right to compete in any field, except where Allah has decreed otherwise. For example, a woman can not choose their husband's friend, but a man is allowed to choose wife's friend.
Some quote Queen Sheba's story to claim woman's right to Imamat. Queen Sheba was a non-muslim, and the laws were pagan laws where a woman was a Queen. Allah has given man a degree higher in the administration, and there is no room for debate. There was no woman selected by the Prophet (PBUH) to head any of the villages. He knew that people to come for thousands of years will follow his example, and he understood that woman's right need to be spelled out, but he did not make any example to suggest that a woman could be a head of state.
Narrated Abu Bakra:
During the battle of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a Word (I heard from the Prophet). When the Prophet heard the news that the people of the Persia had made the daughter of Khosrau their Queen (ruler), he said, "Never will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their ruler." (Bukhari Vol 9 Book 88 #219)
Some thinks that this hadith is weak, but Imam Bukhari is well known to select authentic hadith, so someone has to prove that Imam Bukhari made a mistake, and it will be a pretty tough job to go against a giant like Imam Bukhari. It is possible, but not likely. Regardless. The Quran is very clear on this matter, so this hadith is an additional supporting evidence anyways.
So, Islam is the middle path between the extreme in sacred law like Judaism, where women are banned from congregation in fear of sin, and the extreme of Innovation like Christianity, where women sit side by side to men in congregation, in order to prove their equal rights. Islam provides the balance of "Equitable" but not "Equal" rights for women to protect them from either extreme of men desires.
The danger of these two extremes has been articulated by Imam Malik who is reported to have said, “He who practices Sufism without learning Sacred Law corrupts his faith, while he who learns Sacred Law without practicing Sufism corrupts himself. Only he who combines the two proves true.”
Furthermore, Imam al-Shafi’i is reported to have said, “A Jurist and a Sufi, do not be one without the other, for the Jurist [only] has not tasted piety in his heart, and as for the Sufi [only], he is an ignorant one, and how can an ignorant one ever prosper? I am, by the right of Allah, giving you sincere advice.”
Women are humans, and they are believers, and have the same right as men to use Masjid. It is not prohibited for women to interact with non-mahram men, unless they cross the limits of Allah. It is however, prohibited for them to have a physical contact when there is a possibility of desire, so women sitting arrangement should be segregated if possible, because there is no way to prevent physical contact without segregating the seating. That is exactly what having different rows in salat provides us.
"...And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise." (Quran 2:228)
Imam Ahmad recorded that Umm Salamah said, "O Messenger of Allah! Men go to battle, but we do not go to battle, and we earn one-half of the inheritance (that men get).'' Allah sent down,
(And wish not for the things in which Allah has made some of you to excel others). At-Tirmidhi also recorded this Hadith. (Ibn Kathir)
So, Allah has created rules for this world to test us, and made some of us poor and some rich, some men and some women, some handicap and some able. It is his will to create differences between sexes and it is his will to give a slightly upper-hand in administration to men, and give many allowances to women in return. Fighting Allah's word is not wise. If man is in charge in the house to make the administrative decision relating to family, it is only logical to extend that to community, since community is a large family. This slight upper-hand does not mean that men are better, but they just have a different role in this world. More importantly, these rules will not apply in the hereafter, which should be our goal. Regardless, Allah has clearly stated that men are to be the leaders, and all Prophets followed this.
I ask sisters and brothers to help me change this, so we can start following the command of the Prophet (PBUH). Don't use excuses like, changed times, Ghaira, and general indecency to circumvent the Sunnah. Sunnah is that women are allowed in the main hall of the masjid, and they can not be the head of the community.
In Islamic Center of Orlando, we can remedy this by allowing women to occupy left side of the masjid, with soft partition during Salat, and allow women to ask questions during the Tafseer on Sundays, and "Allow women to attend Masjid".
Yes! we can do this. We can segregate seating during the sunday classes, yet have mix gathering providing women to participate in the masjid, yet allow them to be seen by muslim visitor to our homes, if we allow women to go for grocery. Are non-muslim men more trustworthy then muslim brothers?
And Allah knows best.
JazakAllah Khairin
A feminist like Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH)
Abu Arman (Adnan Jumani)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Limits of Husband's rights on his wife
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, the one who created everything.
If I make a mistake, it is from my ego, and if I say something good, it is from Allah.
"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Quran 30:21)
This world depends upon the societies that exist in this world. Society of Humans. Society of bacterias. Societies of animals. Societies of plants. Societies of rocks. So on and so forth. Society of humans depends upon families. Family depends upon the relationship of wife and husband. All other societies were created to serve the society of humans. In essence, the whole world revolves around the bond between a husband and wife.
In order for this bond to exist, there are pulls and pushes (rights on each other), just like a bond between a sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) atoms have, in the salt molecule. God, due to his immense love for his creation, sent us the balanced push and pull model to keep the molecule of the family stable. Slight imbalance in this ratio can result in an explosion or disintegration. Either is bad.
Islam is the only system that provide those details, and if one doesn't follow the rules provided in Islamic Sharia, they are taking a chance with their relationship.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means.)" (Quran 4:34)
Since Allah created the man and women different, with different abilities and different needs, it is absurd to think that the bond between a big atom and a small atom can be created by an equal force of push and pull (rights). Non-Islamic culture try their best to setup that bond, but sometimes explosions are happening (man abusing their wives), and sometimes disintegrations are happening (divorce). Only if they read Quran and follow it that they will find the best balance of rights and duties. So What is this balance prescribed by the creator himself?
"...And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise." (Quran 2:228)
Following is the explaination of this verse by the second most knowledgable person in Quranic understanding.
Ibn `Abbas said, "I like to take care of my appearance for my wife just as I like for her to take care of her appearance for me. This is because Allah says:
[وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِى عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ]
(And they (women) have rights similar (to those of their husbands) over them to what is reasonable.)'' This statement is reported by Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abu Hatim (Ibn Kathir)
In a nutshell, husband and wife has same rights over each other, except what is distinguished or reasonably different. If we don't find an instruction in Islam which differentiate the rights of man from woman, and there is no logical difference in the rights, equal rights must be applied.
Some of the examples of Allah's command to distinguish the rights of man from woman is follows.
- Woman has the right to be fed, and provided, without any promise of anything in return ( such as house work or cooking etc)
- Woman has the right to own property without sharing with husband, but she has the right to share in husband's earnings.
- Woman has the right for extra liniency during her menstural periods from Allah and man.
- Man has the right to go to the wife, unless she is physically unable to like sickness. Woman can not refuse because she does not feel the urge. This is to prevent man from commiting adultery, because man is weaker than woman in perseverance
- Man has the right to chose who his wife befriends (male or female).
- Woman has the right to sin, as given to every human by Allah, and husband is not responsible for her sins, but he is responsible to share the knowledge required to make the decision.
- Man has the right to divorce, if there is an acceptable reason
- Woman has the right to seek divorce from the authorities, if she is being opressed.
- Woman has the right to work, if it doesn't interfere with other rights.
....
I understand that many rights listed here are contraversial, and if you beleive that I got them wrong, please contact me with evidence and logical proof using that evidence for Quran and Sunnah.
I would like to discuss the right to sin that I listed above. Many men confuse the slightly higher status Allah gave to man as a permission to police the wife's piety. They will compel her to follow Islam like she is a child. Now, children have to be compelled to pray Salah, but thats only until they reach pubirty. We are not allowed to compel anyone over the age of pubirty to follow Islam. And, establishing marital relation is not allowed before the age of pubirty in Islam.
"There is no compulsion in Islam" (Qur'an, 2:256)
This command applies to husbands towards their wives as well, because there is no evidence of an exception. Upperhand given to man is to resolve conflict and make decision in the matters of family, and not to make the wife pious. For example if wife did not follow the command of Hijab before marraige, and the husband try to compel her to wear hijab, it is an opression. He accepted her in marraige with her existing piety level. On the other hand, if she was wearing hijab, and then stops wearing it after marraige, then the rules of indecency will apply and husband has several choice and one of them is to divorce her. There is no option to imprison her or compel her to follow.
"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 anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste." (Last Sermon of Muhammad (PBUH))
In fact, rights of husband and wife are equal to each other, except a few matters where Allah has given man a upper hand, and that is for a reason. Allah has given man the upper hand on administrative matters, and he has the final authority on matters that relate to family in general. If no one has an upper hand in those matters, it would be very difficult to run the family. Allah has given man the right to approve his wife's friend and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used his last sermon make that ruling. If man had the right to decide for everything in wife's life, it was a waste of our Prophet (PBUH) time to mention that, whereas he never said more than what was needed. And he reminded men that they will be judged for their treatment of their wives, which I think is the most important part of the relationship.
A pious huband should be more afraid of abusing his authority then his wife not looking like a pious woman, because the former leads to Hell fire, and the later leads to a personal jealousy. So, extra precaution should be taken when invoking the upperhand right, and it should be similar to President of the United States invoking the right to veto a bill.
Here is how I deal with my wife, and if you like you can follow it. My wife was a non-muslim, and accepted Islam before we got married. After 9 years of Marraige, I started practicing Islam, and wanted her to practice Islam, but I was scared to become tyrant, and never asked her to wear hijab. I did however pointed out the verse in the Quran to her ordering women to wear hijab, and made the case when the opportunity arose. Once she accepted Allah as the final authority on everything, she chose to wear hijab, and my dua was accepted. If she didn't chose it, I would have died married to her, and died praying for her. She will answer for her own deeds, and I will answer for my deeds.
This does not mean that if the husband or wife is commiting indecent acts that you do not warn them and separate from them. It just means that we should have enough taqwa and understanding to convince our spouses regarding the truth, instead of telling them that they ought to do "this".
If we live in a unIslamic society (which is the whole world right now), we should be extra linient towards women, except what ordained by Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was reported to have said: 'The most perfect Muslim in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives" (From Mishkat al-Masabih, No. 0278(R) Transmitted by Tirmidhi).
And Allah Knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
A Struggling Husband
Abu Arman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah, the one who created everything.
If I make a mistake, it is from my ego, and if I say something good, it is from Allah.
"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Quran 30:21)
This world depends upon the societies that exist in this world. Society of Humans. Society of bacterias. Societies of animals. Societies of plants. Societies of rocks. So on and so forth. Society of humans depends upon families. Family depends upon the relationship of wife and husband. All other societies were created to serve the society of humans. In essence, the whole world revolves around the bond between a husband and wife.
In order for this bond to exist, there are pulls and pushes (rights on each other), just like a bond between a sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) atoms have, in the salt molecule. God, due to his immense love for his creation, sent us the balanced push and pull model to keep the molecule of the family stable. Slight imbalance in this ratio can result in an explosion or disintegration. Either is bad.
Islam is the only system that provide those details, and if one doesn't follow the rules provided in Islamic Sharia, they are taking a chance with their relationship.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means.)" (Quran 4:34)
Since Allah created the man and women different, with different abilities and different needs, it is absurd to think that the bond between a big atom and a small atom can be created by an equal force of push and pull (rights). Non-Islamic culture try their best to setup that bond, but sometimes explosions are happening (man abusing their wives), and sometimes disintegrations are happening (divorce). Only if they read Quran and follow it that they will find the best balance of rights and duties. So What is this balance prescribed by the creator himself?
"...And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise." (Quran 2:228)
Following is the explaination of this verse by the second most knowledgable person in Quranic understanding.
Ibn `Abbas said, "I like to take care of my appearance for my wife just as I like for her to take care of her appearance for me. This is because Allah says:
[وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِى عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ]
(And they (women) have rights similar (to those of their husbands) over them to what is reasonable.)'' This statement is reported by Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abu Hatim (Ibn Kathir)
In a nutshell, husband and wife has same rights over each other, except what is distinguished or reasonably different. If we don't find an instruction in Islam which differentiate the rights of man from woman, and there is no logical difference in the rights, equal rights must be applied.
Some of the examples of Allah's command to distinguish the rights of man from woman is follows.
- Woman has the right to be fed, and provided, without any promise of anything in return ( such as house work or cooking etc)
- Woman has the right to own property without sharing with husband, but she has the right to share in husband's earnings.
- Woman has the right for extra liniency during her menstural periods from Allah and man.
- Man has the right to go to the wife, unless she is physically unable to like sickness. Woman can not refuse because she does not feel the urge. This is to prevent man from commiting adultery, because man is weaker than woman in perseverance
- Man has the right to chose who his wife befriends (male or female).
- Woman has the right to sin, as given to every human by Allah, and husband is not responsible for her sins, but he is responsible to share the knowledge required to make the decision.
- Man has the right to divorce, if there is an acceptable reason
- Woman has the right to seek divorce from the authorities, if she is being opressed.
- Woman has the right to work, if it doesn't interfere with other rights.
....
I understand that many rights listed here are contraversial, and if you beleive that I got them wrong, please contact me with evidence and logical proof using that evidence for Quran and Sunnah.
I would like to discuss the right to sin that I listed above. Many men confuse the slightly higher status Allah gave to man as a permission to police the wife's piety. They will compel her to follow Islam like she is a child. Now, children have to be compelled to pray Salah, but thats only until they reach pubirty. We are not allowed to compel anyone over the age of pubirty to follow Islam. And, establishing marital relation is not allowed before the age of pubirty in Islam.
"There is no compulsion in Islam" (Qur'an, 2:256)
This command applies to husbands towards their wives as well, because there is no evidence of an exception. Upperhand given to man is to resolve conflict and make decision in the matters of family, and not to make the wife pious. For example if wife did not follow the command of Hijab before marraige, and the husband try to compel her to wear hijab, it is an opression. He accepted her in marraige with her existing piety level. On the other hand, if she was wearing hijab, and then stops wearing it after marraige, then the rules of indecency will apply and husband has several choice and one of them is to divorce her. There is no option to imprison her or compel her to follow.
"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 anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste." (Last Sermon of Muhammad (PBUH))
In fact, rights of husband and wife are equal to each other, except a few matters where Allah has given man a upper hand, and that is for a reason. Allah has given man the upper hand on administrative matters, and he has the final authority on matters that relate to family in general. If no one has an upper hand in those matters, it would be very difficult to run the family. Allah has given man the right to approve his wife's friend and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used his last sermon make that ruling. If man had the right to decide for everything in wife's life, it was a waste of our Prophet (PBUH) time to mention that, whereas he never said more than what was needed. And he reminded men that they will be judged for their treatment of their wives, which I think is the most important part of the relationship.
A pious huband should be more afraid of abusing his authority then his wife not looking like a pious woman, because the former leads to Hell fire, and the later leads to a personal jealousy. So, extra precaution should be taken when invoking the upperhand right, and it should be similar to President of the United States invoking the right to veto a bill.
Here is how I deal with my wife, and if you like you can follow it. My wife was a non-muslim, and accepted Islam before we got married. After 9 years of Marraige, I started practicing Islam, and wanted her to practice Islam, but I was scared to become tyrant, and never asked her to wear hijab. I did however pointed out the verse in the Quran to her ordering women to wear hijab, and made the case when the opportunity arose. Once she accepted Allah as the final authority on everything, she chose to wear hijab, and my dua was accepted. If she didn't chose it, I would have died married to her, and died praying for her. She will answer for her own deeds, and I will answer for my deeds.
This does not mean that if the husband or wife is commiting indecent acts that you do not warn them and separate from them. It just means that we should have enough taqwa and understanding to convince our spouses regarding the truth, instead of telling them that they ought to do "this".
If we live in a unIslamic society (which is the whole world right now), we should be extra linient towards women, except what ordained by Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was reported to have said: 'The most perfect Muslim in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives" (From Mishkat al-Masabih, No. 0278(R) Transmitted by Tirmidhi).
And Allah Knows best
JazakAllah Khairin
A Struggling Husband
Abu Arman (Adnan Jumani)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Do you give preference to some people?
In the Name of Allah,
All praise is due to Allah, who created all of us.
أيها الناس إن ربكم واحد وإن أباكم واحد كلكم لآدم وآدم من تراب أكرمكم عند الله اتقاكم، وليس لعربي على عجمي فضل إلا بالتقوى
(Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH))
I saw many translation of this statement, but none match the arabic exactly. I am going to try to translate it literally so we can understand this better. Please correct me if I make mistakes here.
"O People! Your lord is one, and your father is one, Adam, and Adam was created from dust. In the sight of Allah, Arab is not preffered over Non-Arab, except in Taqwa"
Of course, the meaning of the statement is paraphrased many ways, but it is good to stay close to Arabic then using the various translations.
I don't know how many of you come across this, but I get different reaction from people when I dress differently. If I am wearing Paksitani Kameez and Shalwar (national dress), Arabs will not be eager to extend their hands to me, and some Pakistanis/Indians will recognize me. On the other hand, If I wear "Taub" (Single long Arabic shirt), Arabs would receive me with a smile and Pakistanis/Indians will see through me like they didn't see me.
Interestingly, one day the Mauzzin of the masjid told me that he is having hard time recognizing, because I wear different caps every day. I just smiled, because I didn't know what to say. It is true that I wear all types of dress to Masjid, because I do this outside the masjid. Why would I pretend to be someone in the masjid that I am not? Of course, the requirements is that clothes should be clean, loose, and the best when attending Masjid.
This biast opinion is not only due to appearence, but it leaks into person's wealth, political affiliation, social status, size of the beard, color of the beard, age, race, ethnicity, etc. This is visible in Muslim countries many folds, and sometimes people are opressed due to incompatibility of these attributes, which they have no control over, and Allah has chosen for them.
For example, When I landed in Jeddah for Hajj, Saudi Airline agents treated me like I was asking them for loan, whereas I was willing to pay them money for two seats for me and my mother. As I stepped back, an Arab couple walked up and got the seats without paying anything, because we all missed the same flight, so we all had the old boarding pass. My sin was that I spoke with them in English, and I was not someone they preffered. So, me and my mother slept on the foot path for 24 hours, watching all Saudi citizen escorted to the gate without waiting in the line like others. Anyways, this is the story of some other day. I seek justice against those Saudis from Allah alone.
Everywhere I go among Muslims, I see preference is being given to people who have wealth or influence. Even among my relatives, service will be provided to you on the basis of how much benefit you could provide for them in return. Even in my masjid, all Arabs line up on the right side of the first row, and all Non-Arabs line up on the left side of the first row.
However, when dealing with non-muslims, preference is given to the one who has the best character or more need. For example, When standing in the line of IRS service center, an officer will not come and say, "Hey, aren't you the son of the Detective John? You don't have to stand in the line, come with me" or "Hey, let him (a white caucacian) come ahead of you".
In fact, when I went to get a refund for my same ticket that they will not extend to next flight in Saudi Airlines office, there is a ticket machine to get a number. The office is right behind The grave of the Prophet (PBUH). I walked up to the machine and start selecting the options to get the ticket. I had some trouble so I tried a couple of times. Meanwhile a local with nice clean traditional dress walked in behind me. He came and stand behind me, since I was still using the machine. Security guard cam running, and start waving me to step back and indicated that the Arab shoud go first. I got mad, so I stared at him, and put my hand forward, and turn to the machine and got my number. My patience had run out by then, and I was only been to Saudi for two days. I got the ticket and sat right in the front, leaving behind the two Arabs wondering about me. May Allah forgive me for the rudeness.
Now, how did we got to this point that right behind the grave of the person who uttered the above words, Arabs are being preffered over non-Arabs. May be my taqwa indicator on my forehead was malfunctioning and the security guard was confused by that, or may be some Saudis have degenerated in obedience to the Prophet that they disobey right in the vicinity of his grave.
Similarly, I visited Pakistan, and saw similar preference but the preffered people were with connections and wealth. Some have gone to the extent to demand the preference as their right due to their father's political connection or wealth. One difference is that if you force the issue with Arabs, they will accept your right sometimes, and help you out. However, in Pakistan, they will physically grab you and throw you out. God forbid that you have a beard, and traditional clothes, because that is an open invitation for any Pakistani to treat you like illiterate and you may not be able to enter a restarunt.
This has to end, and all of us have to change that. Would you smile and greet a person of your race, but pass right by the person of other race? I see this everyday in the masjid.
I would like to challenge everyone on this thread to greet arabs if they are non-arabs, and non-arabs if they are arabs in the masjid, out of their way to balance it out. Don't bend backwards if the relative has more wealth, and ignore the one who is poor. Avoid the people who sin openly, and connect with the ones with more taqwa, or atleast the ones who don't sin openly, because there is more chance of having higher taqwa, if you don't sin in public and have shame.
Please obey the Prophet (PBUH), and ignore people's appearence, wealth, political influence, age, race...and treat them equally in all matters, and please don't wear kameez shalwar and taub in the masjid consistently, and Paints and shirt in your clinic or offices.
I have suffered greatly because of treating people equal, and most of the people don't invite me, or come to my home, but it gives me such a pleasure to know that I am obeying the Prophet (PBUH), and willing to go through this Isolation for the rest of my life, in hopes to be among the ones liked by Allah, and meet my guide at kauthar and have him recognize me for a second. Ameen
We should love who Allah loves, and despise who Allah despise.
JazakAllah Khairin
Son of Adam and nothing more.
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
All praise is due to Allah, who created all of us.
أيها الناس إن ربكم واحد وإن أباكم واحد كلكم لآدم وآدم من تراب أكرمكم عند الله اتقاكم، وليس لعربي على عجمي فضل إلا بالتقوى
(Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH))
I saw many translation of this statement, but none match the arabic exactly. I am going to try to translate it literally so we can understand this better. Please correct me if I make mistakes here.
"O People! Your lord is one, and your father is one, Adam, and Adam was created from dust. In the sight of Allah, Arab is not preffered over Non-Arab, except in Taqwa"
Of course, the meaning of the statement is paraphrased many ways, but it is good to stay close to Arabic then using the various translations.
I don't know how many of you come across this, but I get different reaction from people when I dress differently. If I am wearing Paksitani Kameez and Shalwar (national dress), Arabs will not be eager to extend their hands to me, and some Pakistanis/Indians will recognize me. On the other hand, If I wear "Taub" (Single long Arabic shirt), Arabs would receive me with a smile and Pakistanis/Indians will see through me like they didn't see me.
Interestingly, one day the Mauzzin of the masjid told me that he is having hard time recognizing, because I wear different caps every day. I just smiled, because I didn't know what to say. It is true that I wear all types of dress to Masjid, because I do this outside the masjid. Why would I pretend to be someone in the masjid that I am not? Of course, the requirements is that clothes should be clean, loose, and the best when attending Masjid.
This biast opinion is not only due to appearence, but it leaks into person's wealth, political affiliation, social status, size of the beard, color of the beard, age, race, ethnicity, etc. This is visible in Muslim countries many folds, and sometimes people are opressed due to incompatibility of these attributes, which they have no control over, and Allah has chosen for them.
For example, When I landed in Jeddah for Hajj, Saudi Airline agents treated me like I was asking them for loan, whereas I was willing to pay them money for two seats for me and my mother. As I stepped back, an Arab couple walked up and got the seats without paying anything, because we all missed the same flight, so we all had the old boarding pass. My sin was that I spoke with them in English, and I was not someone they preffered. So, me and my mother slept on the foot path for 24 hours, watching all Saudi citizen escorted to the gate without waiting in the line like others. Anyways, this is the story of some other day. I seek justice against those Saudis from Allah alone.
Everywhere I go among Muslims, I see preference is being given to people who have wealth or influence. Even among my relatives, service will be provided to you on the basis of how much benefit you could provide for them in return. Even in my masjid, all Arabs line up on the right side of the first row, and all Non-Arabs line up on the left side of the first row.
However, when dealing with non-muslims, preference is given to the one who has the best character or more need. For example, When standing in the line of IRS service center, an officer will not come and say, "Hey, aren't you the son of the Detective John? You don't have to stand in the line, come with me" or "Hey, let him (a white caucacian) come ahead of you".
In fact, when I went to get a refund for my same ticket that they will not extend to next flight in Saudi Airlines office, there is a ticket machine to get a number. The office is right behind The grave of the Prophet (PBUH). I walked up to the machine and start selecting the options to get the ticket. I had some trouble so I tried a couple of times. Meanwhile a local with nice clean traditional dress walked in behind me. He came and stand behind me, since I was still using the machine. Security guard cam running, and start waving me to step back and indicated that the Arab shoud go first. I got mad, so I stared at him, and put my hand forward, and turn to the machine and got my number. My patience had run out by then, and I was only been to Saudi for two days. I got the ticket and sat right in the front, leaving behind the two Arabs wondering about me. May Allah forgive me for the rudeness.
Now, how did we got to this point that right behind the grave of the person who uttered the above words, Arabs are being preffered over non-Arabs. May be my taqwa indicator on my forehead was malfunctioning and the security guard was confused by that, or may be some Saudis have degenerated in obedience to the Prophet that they disobey right in the vicinity of his grave.
Similarly, I visited Pakistan, and saw similar preference but the preffered people were with connections and wealth. Some have gone to the extent to demand the preference as their right due to their father's political connection or wealth. One difference is that if you force the issue with Arabs, they will accept your right sometimes, and help you out. However, in Pakistan, they will physically grab you and throw you out. God forbid that you have a beard, and traditional clothes, because that is an open invitation for any Pakistani to treat you like illiterate and you may not be able to enter a restarunt.
This has to end, and all of us have to change that. Would you smile and greet a person of your race, but pass right by the person of other race? I see this everyday in the masjid.
I would like to challenge everyone on this thread to greet arabs if they are non-arabs, and non-arabs if they are arabs in the masjid, out of their way to balance it out. Don't bend backwards if the relative has more wealth, and ignore the one who is poor. Avoid the people who sin openly, and connect with the ones with more taqwa, or atleast the ones who don't sin openly, because there is more chance of having higher taqwa, if you don't sin in public and have shame.
Please obey the Prophet (PBUH), and ignore people's appearence, wealth, political influence, age, race...and treat them equally in all matters, and please don't wear kameez shalwar and taub in the masjid consistently, and Paints and shirt in your clinic or offices.
I have suffered greatly because of treating people equal, and most of the people don't invite me, or come to my home, but it gives me such a pleasure to know that I am obeying the Prophet (PBUH), and willing to go through this Isolation for the rest of my life, in hopes to be among the ones liked by Allah, and meet my guide at kauthar and have him recognize me for a second. Ameen
We should love who Allah loves, and despise who Allah despise.
JazakAllah Khairin
Son of Adam and nothing more.
AbuArman (Adnan Jumani)
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