July 9, 2010

Addiction

Jumada Athaany 1431AH (May 2010)

Addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling on the main street and on Wall Street has rendered the souls of many uncontrollable. Thus addiction becomes a household name in many societies around the globe. In the early 1920s, the United States criminalized production and consumption of alcohol. This law was on the books for six years or so before it was repealed, as it was affecting the status quo. However, with legalized alcohol; many doctors have systematically reduced the quantity of alcohol a person may consume to a small amount.

According to a research published by Mayo Clinic in August 2008, “Moderate alcohol use seems to offer some health benefits, particularly for the heart. But too much alcohol raises the stakes, putting you at risk of adverse health consequences. Moderate drinking is defined as two drinks a day if you're a male 65 and younger, or one drink a day if you're a female or a male 66 and older. A drink is defined as 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirits.”  (The Mayo Clinic, 2008)

But in Islam, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: “If the high quantity intoxicates; its small quantity is forbidden.”   

The national police association has recognized DUI (Driving Under Influence) as one of the leading reasons of fatal accidents nationally. At the same time, trading in the stock market is deemed as gambling in disguise because it is synthetic buying and selling of stocks according to the experts and a member of the Congress during the latest Goldman Sacks ordeal.

Historically, the prohibition against alcohol in the U.S. was sanctioned and ratified under the Volstead Act, in January of 1919. The law took effect at one minute past midnight on January 16th, 1920. The law carried with it some heavy penalties; fines of up to $1,000 were imposed on those caught defying the new law. Those who were unable to pay their fines faced a prison term up to six months in jail. All credit to Anti Saloon League of America which was instrumental in the passage of the law that outlawed selling and consumption of alcohol in the U.S. Despite this prohibition, enforcement was a different story altogether. The New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia predicted that, “it would take a police force of 250,000 to enforce the Prohibition Act and another 200,000 to police the police.” Allahu Akbar! True to La Guardia’s prediction, the prohibition engendered widespread organized crime across the country.

Subhanallah! The 3,000 jobs of the Prohibition Agency were held by 10,000 different men over a six year period. Still, throughout the prohibition years, millions of gallons of alcohol were confiscated by the enforcement agency. And by the late 1920s the prohibition was becoming a very unpopular reality throughout the nation. Al Smith, a Democratic presidential candidate at the time campaigned against the Volstead Act in 1928. While he lost in the election, he managed to galvanize a very powerful campaign against the Volstead Act which was deemed “Prohibitionism”. Four years later, Prohibitionists lost the battle and President Franklin Roosevelt became the Commander-in-Chief of the United States. In February of 1933 the Congress passed the 21st amendment which repealed prohibition once and for all. On December 5th of that year, the 21st Amendment was ratified.  

The Story Behind the Volstead Act: may wish to formulate this into a sentence such as “This brief excerpt from the National Archives illustrates the views of concerned citizens towards the ban of prohibition”

“By the turn of the 20th century, temperance societies were prevalent in the United States. Concerned citizens had begun warning others about the effects of alcohol nearly 100 years earlier. In 1826 the American Temperance Society was founded to convince people to abstain from drinking. Not long after, the Women's Christian Temperance Union pledged not only to ban alcohol and drugs, but to improve public morals. The anti-Saloon League was formed in 1893 and eventually became a powerful political force in passing a national ban on alcoholic beverages. Women were strongly behind the temperance movement, for alcohol was seen as the destroyer of families and marriages. Men would often spend their money on alcohol, leaving women with no money to provide for their children.”

The National Archives, 201 0

The negative impact of alcohol and illegal drugs on the brain was a reality that made the former Surgeon General David Satcher declared to the union the negative effects of alcohol. Delivered from his speech at Kansas State University, Satcher states, “In December of 1999; the first ever Surgeon General's report on mental health conditions which have bases in the brain ...  over the last 25 to 30 years it's very clear that most mental disorders can be traced to changes in the neurons of the brain or the secretions, the connections… mental disorders are real ... The bad news in that report was that one in five Americans who suffer a mental disorder each year, about 20 percent, 44 million people, of that number less than half even seek treatment. The literature suggests high rates of alcohol, drug, or mental (ADM) disorders in the juvenile justice population.” (Source, Year).

In Islam on the other hand, the danger of alcohol and gambling was declared by Allah, The Creator of the Universe. The prohibition of alcohol was systemic due to the extreme affection people had for alcohol. While the prohibitive orders were [being] revealed, Umar ibn Khattab may Allah be pleased with him said, "O Allah! Clarify for us the [matter of] alcohol with (bayaanan shaafiyan) an unequivocal clarification!" thus the verse which is in Baqarah (chapter 2:219) was revealed, "They ask you about alcohol and gambling. Say: In them is great sin…" So Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was called and it was read to him and he said [again], "O Allah! Clarify for us the [matter of] alcohol with a clear statement." Thereafter the verse in Al-Nisaa was revealed (Chapter 4:43): "O you who believe! Do not approach prayer while you are drunk…" Hence, the herald of the Messenger of Allah, the peace and blessings of Allah upon him, would call out when the prayer was about to commence, "Let no drunken approach the prayer," and Umar may Allah be pleased with him was called [again] and it was read to him. He said, "O Allah! Clarify for us the [matter of] alcohol with a clear statement," so the verse was revealed in AlMaaidah (chapter 5:90-91), "…so will you not refrain?!" Umar said, "We refrain." (Hadith of ‘Abdullah ibn Ahmad ibn Hambal)

Danger of (AUI) Action Under Influence was something the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) of Prophet Muhammad,  peace be upon him, experienced first -hand and it was no play issue to abandon intoxicants when the final prohibition came down.  Here is a story of historic proportion between two icons among the companions - Ali ibn Abi Talib and Hamza ibn 'Abdul Muttalib may Allah be pleased with them:

Narrated 'Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Allah anhu:

I had a she-camel which I got in my share from the booty of the battle of Badr, and the Prophet had given me another she-camel from the Khumus which Allah had bestowed on him that day. And when I intended to celebrate my marriage to Fatima may Allah be pleased with her, the daughter of the Prophet peace be upon him , I made an arrangement with a goldsmith from Bani Qainuqa 'that he should go with me to bring Idhkhir (i.e. a kind of grass used by gold-smiths) which I intended to sell to gold-smiths in order to spend its price on the marriage banquet. While I was collecting ropes and sacks of pack saddles for my two she-camels which were kneeling down beside an Ansari's dwelling and after collecting what I needed, I suddenly found that the humps of the two she-camels had been cut off and their flanks had been cut open and portions of their livers had been taken out. On seeing that, I could not help weeping. I asked, "Who has done that?" They (i.e. the people) said, "Hamza bin 'Abdul Muttalib, may Allah be pleased with him has done it. He is present in this house with some Ansari drinkers, a girl singer, and his friends. The singer said in her song, "O Hamza, get at the fat she-camels!" On hearing this, Hamza, may Allah be pleased with him, rushed to his sword and cut of the camels' humps and cut their flanks open and took out portions from their livers." Then I came to the Prophet peace be upon him, with whom Zaid bin Haritha was present. The Prophet, peace be upon him, noticed my state and asked, "What is the matter?" I said, "O Allah's Apostle, I have never experienced such a day as today! Hamza attacked my two she-camels, cut off their humps and cut their flanks open, and he is still present in a house along some drinkers." The Prophet asked for his cloak, put it on, and proceeded, followed by Zaid bin Haritha and myself, till he reached the house where Hamza was. He asked the permission to enter, and he was permitted. The Prophet,  peace be upon him, started blaming Hamza for what he had done. Hamza was drunk and his eyes were red. He looked at the Prophet,  peace be upon him,  then raised his eyes to look at his knees and raised his eves more to look at his face and then said, "You are not but my father's slaves." When the Prophet,  peace be upon him,  understood that Hamza, may Allah be pleased with him, was drunk, he retreated, walking backwards went out and we left with him. (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 340)

Hence, addiction is a serious problem and Islam dealt with it in a pragmatic way. Thus, societies may be able to deal with this pandemic before it erodes all moralities today and tomorrow.

Imam ‘AnduSemih A. Tadese

 

References:

Al-Qur’an

Sahih Bukhari

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol/sc00024

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/volstead-act/

http://www.my.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/landonlect/satchertext901.html

http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/minorities/us-surgeon-general-says-minorities-face-larger-hurdles-toward-mental-health-care-than-whites/menu-id-68/

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/cmh/childreport.html

  

May 17, 2010

 

What a decision!

Rabiu Thani 1431AH (April 2010)

Many mothers since the olden days until this age of genetically modified food do decide to deprive their infant children from breastfeeding in the first 24 months post birth. The natural nutrition in mother's milk is often held from the infants without any medical reason, but rather personal one; either mutually by both parents or by mother alone.

Thus, breastfeeding has become one of the controversial topics among non Muslims and sometimes among Muslims, most especially here in the West. But to measure how well we are performing, the United States managed 28th place on the Save the Children "Mothers Index" while Norway topped the list of countries worldwide motherhood rankings.

After a meeting organized by the Interagency Group for Action Breastfeeding held in 1988 specifically to develop and agree on a set of definitions for studying behavior of breastfeeding mothers from many part of the world; Labbok and Krasovec (1990) find lack of consistency and precision in defining what constitute breastfeeding.

However, in Islam, the decision was made by the Creator Himself and leaves little window of choice to parents.

Allah the Most Exalted says:

“And the mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of breastfeeding, and the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no sin on them. And if you decide on a foster breastfeeding-mother for your children, there is no sin on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you agreed (to give her) on reasonable basis. And fear Allah and know that Allah is All-Seer of what you do.” (2:233)

The controversy about breastfeeding is not only about its necessity to well being of a child but even about what constitute breastfeeding both in the family and in the academia or among pediatric experts.

Merits of Breastfeeding for mother:

Breastfeeding protects mother from post-partum uteritis.

It helps mother to stop bleeding resulting from delivery.

It normalizes mother's uterine - size and place quickly after delivery.

It prevents the recurrence of pregnancy with a rate of more than 98%, without contraceptives.

 It protects the lactating mother against breast and uterine cancer.

 Merits of Breastfeeding on baby:

Breastfeeding protects the baby from viral infections, because mother's milk contains natural immunity agents.

The mother's milk protects baby from food allergy, as it is free of protein in other kind of milk that may causes allergy.

It prevents shortage of calcium in baby’s blood, thus helping him or her to construct strong bones.

It returns with spiritual and psychological benefits to the baby, as it helps build a well composed, righteous and straight personality, and strengthens the spiritual and passionate links between baby and mother.

As revealed in a research published in Pediatric Clinics of North America in February 2001, the mental abilities of babies who receive breast feeding from their mothers are stronger and higher than otherwise, and the longer the period of breast feeding, the higher the mental abilities are.

It was shown that mother's milk also provides protection against cancer. After showing that the incidence of the lymph cancer observed in childhood was nine times greater in formula-fed children, they realized that the same results applied to other forms of cancer. According to the results, mother's milk accurately locates the cancer cells and later destroys them. It is a substance called alpha-lac (alphalactalbumin).

Researchers indicated that breast feeding alleviates the baby’s fear of needle pricks and helps as analgesic during painful operations such as circumcision.

A new theory emerged in the recent years indicating that the protein in cow milk can cause a biological reaction that destroys the pancreatic beta cells excreting insulin.  This theory is supported with the high rate of the presence of cow milk proteins in the serum of children with diabetes in comparison with study group of non-diabetic children.
But why is it that cow milk causes this harm before the second year, and then disappears after this period?

In a study conducted in Finland in 1994 and published in Auto-immunity Journal, the authors state that the protein of cow milk passes in natural form through the lining membrane of digestive system which is not yet fully grown.  As the enzymes of the digestive system cannot break the protein into amino acids, the protein of cow milk enters as a complex protein and works as a catalyst to produce immunity agents in the body of the child. New references reveal that enzymes and the lining membrane of the digestive system and kinetics of digestion and absorption do not attain complete function except in the second year after delivery.

In addition, since breastfeeding requires from both parents continuous sacrifice to ensure proper feeding of their child, mainly via breastfeeding, Allah has enjoined children to pay them due regards.

“And We (Allah) enjoined on man (dutifulness and goodness) to both of his parents, his mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning was in two years, that you (child) be grateful to Me (Allah) and your parents; unto Me is the final destination .” (31:14)

Additionally, prohibition of marriage as a result of a mother breastfeeding a non biological child is often debated among Muslims. Prophet Muhammad sala Allahu alayhe wasalam clarifies this issue to the Muslims:

First, the number of breastfeeding should be five or more, because of the hadith of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: "When the Qur’an was first revealed, the number of breastfeeding that would make a child a relative (mahram) was ten, then this was abrogated and replaced with the number of five which is well-known." (Reported by Muslim, no. 1452).

Second, breastfeeding ought to be in the first two years of the child’s life, because of the hadith of Harmalah ibn Yahya told us that ‘Abdullah ibn Wahb told us that Ibn Lahimah informed us from Abu al-Aswad from ‘Urwah from ‘Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr that the Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said: "There is no breastfeeding except what fills the stomach to bursting point." (Reported by Ibn Maajah, no. 1946; see also Saheeh al-Jaami‘, no. 7495). Imam Al-Bukhaari, may Allah have mercy on him, included a chapter in his Saheeh entitled: "The chapter of the one who says there is no breast-feeding after two years because of the words of Allah ‘. . . two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling . . .’ [al-Baqarah 2:233]. The definition of rad‘ah (one breastfeed) is that the child should take the breast and drink milk from it, then leave it of his own accord in order to breathe or to change position, and so on. Thus, if this is the case, then the rulings concerning breastfeeding will apply, i.e. the child will be considered a relative and marriage will be forbidden, and if not, marriage between them is therefore permissible in the absence of any other element of prohibition.

But in the case of doubt concerning the number of breastfeeding, Imam Ibn Qudaamah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "If there is some doubt concerning whether breastfeeding took place, or concerning the number of feeds and whether it was enough to make the child a relative (mahram) or not, then there is no proof that the child must be considered a relative, because the general rule of life is that a child does not breastfeed from anyone except his or her own mother, and one cannot dismiss certainty in favor of doubt. (al-Mughni 11/312). Therefore marriage is permissible between them if there is no proof otherwise to engender prohibition.

 

Rates of Breastfeeding in the United States

 

 

US Breastfeeding rates: 1965 through 1995

 

Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics 1997

                                                                                                               

In conclusion, breastfeeding is the child birth of a child and no one should stand in its way because it is tantamount to violation of basic human right of a new born.

"Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring (children) who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun i.e. the pious ones."

Imaam 'AbduSemi'h Tadese

References:

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/804

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/99/4/e12

http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/106/4/203

http://www.jstor.org/pss/1966617

 

 

 

March 20, 2010

Propaganda

The term propaganda is a noun. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, it means; information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

Etymologically, the word is said to have originated from 1718, from Mod.L. Propaganda, short for Congregatio de Propaganda Fide meaning, "congregation for propagating the faith", a committee of cardinals established in 1622 by Gregory XV to supervise foreign missions. However, in modern political sense, it can be traced back to World War I, and it is not originally pejorative.

This word could also mean official government communications to the public that are designed to influence opinion. The information may be true or false, but it is always carefully selected for its political effect.

In the story of Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him and the wife of ‘Aziz (King) of Egypt who tried to seduce him, according to Imam Ibn Kathir,

When the news reached the women in the city, who also plotted against Yusuf.

Allah states that the news of what happened between the wife of the `Aziz and Yusuf spread in the city, that is, Egypt, and people talked about it,

[وَقَالَ نِسْوَةٌ فِى الْمَدِينَةِ]

(And women in the city said...), such as women of chiefs and princes said, while admonishing and criticizing the wife of the `Aziz,

[امْرَأَتُ الْعَزِيزِ تُرَاوِدُ فَتَـهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ]

(The wife of the `Aziz is seeking to seduce her (slave) young man,), she is luring her servant to have sex with her,

[قَدْ شَغَفَهَا حُبًّا]

(Indeed she loves him violently); her love for him filled her heart and engulfed it,

[إِنَّا لَنَرَاهَا فِى ضَلَـلٍ مُّبِينٍ]

(Verily, we see her in plain error.), by loving him and trying to seduce him.

[فَلَمَّا سَمِعَتْ بِمَكْرِهِنَّ]

(So when she heard of their accusation,) especially their statement, "indeed she loves him violently.'' Muhammad bin Ishaq commented that, "They heard of Yusuf's beauty and wanted to see him, so they said these words in order to get a look at him.'' Q12.30-31

As a result, “And (in their amazement, the women) cut their hands: they said, Allah preserves us! No mortal is this! This is none other than a noble angel!” Q12.31

At the dawn of Islam in Arabia, during the epoch of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),in many occurrences, propaganda was used by the Quraysh and other tribes , who were mainly either fifth columns or disbelievers. Unfortunately, many of the propaganda had a tremendous negative   on the Muslims and shook their platforms, like never before.

To mention but few, the so called “death of the Prophet” after the battle of Uhud and the malicious act of  the awful lie against the mother of the believers, Al-Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her and her family) was the Hadithul Ifk or the concocted slander. The examples of similar slander or propaganda are many from the time of the Prophet until this age of globalization and information highway.

Among other propaganda used by the polytheists of Quraysh, in order to derail the worship of Allah (SWT) was calling Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) awful labels , like liar, magician, poet, misguided and associating daughters to Allah. All of these tactics were instrumental in getting the attention of the hypocrites.

 For instance, concerning the propaganda about the so called "death" of the Prophet at the battle of Uhud.

The Muslims rejoiced when they realized that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was actually alive.

They regrouped with him (peace be upon him among themselves. Then heir sorrow vanished, and, as they climbed up the mountain, they spoke of how the victory had eluded them and of their companions who had been killed.

But Allah the Almighty said to those who said: "Muhammad has been killed, so go back to your people":

 “And Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful.” Quran 3:144

As if all these historical propaganda were not enough, rumor and propaganda were created that Barack Hussein Obama is a Muslim. What a lie! This game was played on Americans, Muslims and non Muslim alike, to create confusions prior to the presidential election of 2008.

Unfortunately, some Muslims bought into this propaganda to the extent that the president himself had to take some precautions to avoid further confusion.

In conclusion, the damage propaganda can do to an individual or a community is immeasurable, therefore, Muslim communities ought to refrain from it to save themselves from its unbearable consequences.

References:

    Propaganda: (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved February 08, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propaganda

 

    Propaganda: (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved February 08, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propaganda

 

    Propaganda: (n.d.). The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved February 08, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propaganda

 

February 5, 2010

Essence of Islam

The essence of Islam is perfection. Allah, the Most High declared, “Today I have perfected your way of life for you, and completed my bounty upon you and approved for you all, Islam as your religion.” Q5.3 The perfection is guaranteed by Allah, but Muslims must practice the essence of Islam for the perfection to be perfected.

The essence of Islam includes but not limited to the following characteristics:

Flexibility, Allah says, (فاتقوا الله ما استطعتم) [64. 16] meaning, “Fear Allah to the best of your ability.”

And He subhanahu wata’aala says, (وما جعل عليكم في الدين من حرج) [22. 76] meaning, “And He (Allah) made not obligatory upon you any rigidity or difficulty”

Allah also said, (يريد الله بكم اليسر ولا يريد بكم العسر) [2. 184] meaning, “And Allah wants easiness (flexibility) for you and not difficulty (rigidity).”

Another Quranic evidence says, (لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها) which means, “Allah does not make obligatory upon a soul but what he can afford.” Q2.286. Regarding this verse, Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, says, this is an instruction to the believers, Allah made practicing Islam easy and flexible for them.

Totality, which means, a Muslim may not look outside of Islam for solution to any issue in his/her life.

Imam Ibn Rajab writes in his illustrious book: The Difference between Humiliation and Sincere Advice. This is why we find out in the books of early generations, in different jurisprudential, Quranic exigencies, and Hadith explications, difference of opinions among scholars who filled their books with classic exercise of scholarly debate and critique of opinions.

The notion of the comprehensiveness of Islam is never a matter of debate among Muslim scholars; thus, the notion affords them the freedom to delve into the arena where differences of opinion are generally entertained.

Humility, opposite of egoism or self-aggrandizement that is why, when Umar ibn Khatab, may Allah be pleased with him, was corrected by a woman regarding the discussion of mahar or marriage dowry in the following verse:

 (وَإِنْ أَرَدْتُمُ اسْتِبْدَالَ زَوْجٍ مَكَانَ زَوْجٍ وَآتَيْتُمْ إِحْدَاهُنَّ قِنْطَاراً فَلا تَأْخُذُوا مِنْهُ شَيْئاً أَتَأْخُذُونَهُ بُهْتَاناً وَإِثْماً مُبِيناً) (النساء:20)

November 23,2009
Hajj Resolution?

As the year 2009 is drawing to an end, it is a common practice among people to make a “New Year’s Resolution.” Unfortunately, many do not know the origin of the Gregorian calendar system and its tenacious connection to idol worshiping in Roman history. Perhaps Muslims ought to reflect and make a personal resolution which will benefit them spiritually and make them prepared for the journey of no return - death. For many, death is only remembered when it is time to bury another, heedless of the fact that the cemetery is the longstanding home for all of us before the Judgment Day.

Here we are, in the month of Dhul Hijah, 1430 (the month of Hajj), the last month of the Islamic calendar. Allah says: “The number of months in the sight of God is twelve (in a year) so ordained by Him, the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the upright standard.” [Attawbah 9.36]

The legislation of Hajj was historically and religiously unequivocal. Allah, the Almighty says: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:97]

According to the correct view, Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year, AH (after the Hijrah), the year of the Delegations (‘Aamul Wufood). Hajj is a fareedah (obligatory duty), one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. The evidence in the Sunnah or Hadith is the following, among many others: Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is built upon five (pillars): testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing regular prayer, paying the Zakah, Hajj and fasting Ramadan.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 8; Muslim, 16).

The population of the Muslims worldwide has reached 1.57 billion, according to the latest finding of the PEW research, published in October 2009. And Islam remains the fastest growing religion in the world. Hence, with this increasing number of Muslims globally, and especially here in the United States, many of these Muslims have not made Hajj in their entire life.

 

However, the Islamic requirement is clear. What remains to be clarified and publicized, at least to the Muslims here in the West, is the urgency of this matter and the danger associated with delaying it. Of course, the over one billion Muslims in this global village must also be aware of the seriousness of this matter. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in the following ahaadith (plural of Hadith):

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever wants to go for Hajj, let him hasten to performing it, because he may fall ill or some other problems may arise.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1732). Also narrated by Ibn Maajah, 2883 and Ahmad, 1836) without the phrase “because he may…”

But according to the Shaafee’ school of thought, Hajj may be delayed, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) delayed his Hajj until 10 AH*.

But the answer to this is as follows:

1. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) only delayed it for one year, but they say it may be delayed indefinitely! There was a valid reason.
2. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) wanted to purify the House (the Ka’bah) of the Mushrikeen (idol worshipers) and those who performed Hajj naked.
3. He was kept busy with the delegations, which started to come to Madinah to announce their Islam, and this means he had a valid religious reason for the short delay.

 (See al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 7/17, 18)

Thus, if it is physically impossible for one to perform Hajj, there are many other options for one to ensure this obligation is carried out.

Performing Hajj for a deceased person

A woman came to Prophet Muhammad  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, "My mother vowed to perform a Hajj, but died before doing Hajj. Shall I now do Hajj on her behalf?" The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) replied, "Yes, do Hajj on her behalf. Wouldn't you settle a debt if your mother had died before being able to settle it? Pay Allah back, for Allah deserves more to be paid back." (Bukhari)

Ibn Hajar al-Haytami noted that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) "likened Hajj to a debt and commanded that it be settled, which proves its obligation and the same applies to fasting of Ramadan.

Planning performance of Hajj

Since performance of Hajj became obligatory in the ninth year AH, Prophet Muhammad  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) planned to perform Hajj the following year, the tenth year after Hijrah. This is what is required of a Muslim. It is unfortunate to see Muslims making plans to do everything else without giving heed to this fundamental obligation of Islam.

Deputizing someone in case of permanent incapability

Physical capability is required for Hajj to become obligatory upon a Muslim. Thus, if someone is physically incapable of making Hajj, yet financially sound, deputizing someone else maybe a good way to perform Hajj. The reason is very simple: if it is acceptable to make Hajj on behalf a deceased person, it is the same for a living one, provided the financial criterion is fulfilled.

The unparallel of Jannah (Paradise)

Every Muslim wants to enter paradise. Thus, the reward of a sound Hajj is paradise. This is based on the hadith of Prophet Muhammad  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who said, “The reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise.” He also said, "(The performance of) `Umrah is expiation, for the sins committed between it and the previous one.” (Reported by Muslim)

In conclusion, a Muslim should constantly think about this obligation, alongside the performance of all other Islamic obligations and recommendations, daily, weekly, monthly and annually. And when it comes to Hajj, making a Hajj resolution may be the way to go, especially, when you and I have no idea when the angel of death will come to take our soul. So what is your Hajj resolution?

قوله تعالى : { وما تسبق من أمة أجلها وما يستخرون } [ الحجر : 5]

“And no any person can foresee (death) in term, nor can they delay it.” Q15.5

Imam ‘AbduSemi’h A. Tadese

 Notes:*

AH stands for, after Hijrah (migration) Prophet Muhammad  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from Makkah to Medinah about 623 CE (Common or Christian era).

 

RA stands for radiya Allahu anhu, meaning, may Allah be pleased with him or her.

 

RA also stands for rahimahu Allah, meaning, may Allah have mercy upon him or her.

 

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October 4th, 2009
What is your Ramadan Resolution?

[يأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ]

(O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may have Taqwa).Q2.183

The month of Ramadan has arrived again and it is the time to make a Ramadan resolution. Whenever the month of Ramadan comes, a caller proclaims: “O you who seeks virtue, come forth! O you who seeks evil, get back!” This is the month of fasting, intensive Quranic recitation and supplication. It is the month that provides an opportunity for repentance, forgiveness from Allah and emancipation from the bondage of hellfire. It is the month for performing good deeds and giving charity with extraordinary generously. It is the month when the gates of the heavens are opened, the gates of hellfire are locked and the rewards for our deeds are multiplied many times over. It is the month wherein supplications are answered and the status of the genuine worshipper is elevated. 

We should welcome this month and embrace it with happiness and joy as is done in Muslim countries worldwide. We should have the sincere resolve to observe the fasts, the prayers and to completely devote most of our time in act of worship day and night; thus, our fasting will be accepted and our misdeeds forgiven.

The scholars of Islam have categorized those who fast in Ramadan into three different categories:

First, Sawmul 'Umoom – Popular Fasting – the kind of fasting is when people are only fasting for fun and therefore considered useless fasting or UF. In this case only Allah can mercifully accept such fasting because Prophet Muhammad sala Allahu alayhe wasallam reportedly said: The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allaah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.”[Al-Bukhaari]

Second, Sawmul Khusoos – Special Fasting – the kind of fasting where people are fasting for the pleasure of Allah and in expectation of the rewards and therefore considered useful or rewardable fasting RF. But specifically, ones fasting will only be categorized under this special fasting when the following six conditions are fulfilled:

1.      Lowering ones gaze.

2.      Using ones tongue for something beneficial.

3.      Avoiding listening to useless things or idle talk.

4.      Restraining the rest of ones limbs from anything that is haram.

5.      Avoiding overindulgence in halal things: food, drink, sleep etc.

6.      His or her soul after iftaar must be dangling between acceptance and rejection by Allah subhaanahu wata'aala the fast since there is no guaranteed his or fast that day is accepted, though, it maybe acceptable.                                                         It was narrated that Imam Hassan Al-Basari that he passed by a group of people who were busy having fun and laughing, upon seen them he said: Verily, Allah made the month of Ramadan an opportunity for His creatures for them to compete in His obedience, and a group competed and became victorious, while another did not compete and therefore lost. How profoundly astonishing is it for some people who are having fun and giggling on a day when foremost ones became successful and the wrongdoers lost. But I swear by Allah, if covering is to be uncovered a righteous person would have been engaging in righteousness and an evil doer with his or her evil deeds (busy cashing hell). One of the righteous people called Al-Ahnaf bin Qays (RA) was told once upon a time; 'you are a very old man-weak body, fasting is going to make you even weaker' then he replied: 'I am preparing  it for a very long journey-in the hereafter; and patient on the obedience of Allah is better easier for me than His torment.'

Third, Sawmu Khusoosul Khusoos – Very Important Fasting – the kind of fasting where people are not only fating with their limbs but also with their mind. Thus, their fasting is considered useful and of the highest magnitude fasting or fasting is of VIP –Very Important People such as the messengers, Prophets alayhem salaatu wasallam and saints rahemahum Allah.

At the commencement of each 10 days of Ramadan, a sincere Muslim ought to make a resolution. So, what is your Ramadan resolution?

We ask Allah subhaanahu wata'aala to accept our fasting, good deeds and forgive us of our sins and save our neck from the bondage of hellfire. Ameen.

Reference

Ihyaae Uloom Deen by the erudite scholar Al-Imam Al-Gazali.

Imam 'AbduSemi'h Tadese

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October 5th, 2009
Dangerous Game

Practicing Islam is a way of live and not only a religion per se.

Thus, practicing Islam as if it is only a religion is not only lacking but a banter, which is tantamount to playing dangerous game with Allah, the Most High. And the fact that Islam is a way of life is agreed upon by mainstream Muslims worldwide.   

 

Everything in Islam is either worship ('Ebaadaat) or interactions (Mu'aamalaat). In the case of Ebaadaat, the scholars affirmed that they are all categorized and specified as tawqeefiyyah (scripturally specified). As for the Muslims, they have only two holidays.

These are `Eidul-Fitr and `Eidul-Adhâ. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah, he found that the inhabitants of that city had two festive days wherein they would play and enjoy themselves. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah – Most Blessed and High – have replaced these with what is better: `Eidul-Fitr and

`Eidul-Adhâ.  [Sunan Abî Dâwûd(1134) and Sunan al-Nasâ’î (1556)] Based on this hadîth, one Arab poet said:

 Two holidays there are for those with sense.
There is no third to these if we desire
To be secure in our auspicious day.

 
They are the `Eidul-Fitr and `Eidul-Adhâ.  
Any addition to these is a departure
From Prophet Muhammad's guidance and his way

He wrote these verses to refute another poet who had added the Prophet's birthday to the list of Muslim holidays and said:

Fitr, Adhâ, and the birthday –
Three holidays the Muslims share.
These holidays end, but gladness remains
Because Muhammad's love is there.

Therefore, everything within Islam; if it is not worship or 'Ebaadaat categorically, it is human interactions Mu'aamalaat. The scholars of Islam affirmed that

they are not scripturally specified or ghayr tawqeefiyyah.

This is why many of new inventions are not haram or forbidden for the Muslims, as long as there is no haram element in it, and if there is haram element it must be avoidable.

Thus, a Muslim may own a computer in his or her home with internet connections to the cyber world. As long as he or avoids haram website or blogs and harming people in any way shape or form his or her ownership of such computer is Islamically acceptable.

Lastly, practicing Islam is a way of live and not only a religion per say and a Muslims be constantly mindful of this understand and parents must emphasize this fundamental concept in their children. Thus, practicing Islam as if it is only a religion is not only lacking but banter; tantamount to playing dangerous game with Allah Subhaanahu wata'aala.

Imam 'AbduSemi'h Tadese

Imam – Islamic Center of Pittsburgh

_____________________________________________________
May 15th, 2009
When Tomorrow Comes
As humans, it is natural to anticipate longevity for oneself, family members, friends, and loved ones. At the same time, many who believe in heavenly revelations are under no illusion that the days of this life can be short lived. Thus, uttering; "when tomorrow comes" may be more or less wishful thinking than a reality. Because, tomorrow may never come!

Allah, The Almighty says,

"Say: Verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to (Allâh), the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do." Q 62:8

A good life, full of happiness often gives people some reason to live for, despite the fact that neither happiness nor sadness increases a person's long life span in this world. At the end of the day, for those who believe in it, destiny means to know and believe that death comes exactly when it is meant to be.

Allah, The Almighty declares,

وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسٍ أَنْ تَمُوتَ إِلا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ كِتَابًا مُؤَجَّلا))))

"And no person can ever die except by Allâh’s Leave and at an appointed term." Q 3.145

And He also tells,

((وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ فَإِذَا جَاءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لا يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ))

"And every nation has its appointed term; when their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)." Q 7.34

Concerning Prophet Muhammad's death, peace be upon him, 'Aisha, narrates: “Abu Bakr (her father, May Allah be pleased with both of them) came riding his horse from his dwelling place in As-Sunh. He disembarked, entered the Mosque and did not speak with anybody until he came to me and went directly to the Prophet, Peace be upon him, who was covered with a marked blanket. Abu Bakr uncovered his face. He knelt down and kissed him and then started weeping and said, "My father and my mother be sacrificed for you (this is a metaphorical expression used to show total submission and absolute love), O Allah's Prophet! Allah will not combine two deaths on you. You have died the death which was written for you."”

Abu Salama also narrated from Ibn Abbas, May Allah be pleased with them: Abu Bakr came out and 'Umar , was addressing the people (refuting that Muhammad (S) had died), and Abu Bakr told him to sit down but 'Umar refused. Abu Bakr again told him to sit down but 'Umar again refused. Then Abu Bakr recited the Tashah-hud (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle) and the people attended to Abu Bakr and left 'Umar. Abu Bakr said, "Amma ba'du, whoever amongst you worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah, Allah is alive and will never die!

Allah said:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلاَّ رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ أَفإِيْن مَّاتَ أَو ْ ))

قُتِلَ انقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَـبِكُمْ وَمَن يَنقَلِبْ عَلَى

الشَّـكِرِينَ))  عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَن يَضُرَّ اللَّهَ شَيْئاً وَسَيَجْزِى اللَّهُ

 

'Muhammad is no more than an Apostle and indeed (many) Apostles have passed away before him, if he dies or (he is) killed, will you then turn back on your heels? (And apostate) If anyone did turn back on his heels, he will not do the least harm to Allah; and Allah will swiftly reward the grateful ones.' "(3.144).

(The narrator added, "By Allah, it was as if the people never knew that Allah had revealed this verse before till Abu Bakr recited it and then whoever heard it, started reciting it.") Sahihul Bukhari, Book of Funerals (Kitab Al-Janaa'iz) Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 23:

Volume 2, Book 23, Number 333  

Thus, death is inescapable and each and every person will have to experience it. A poet says:

لَوْ كَانَتِ الدُّنيا تَدُومُ لاَهْلِهَا *** لَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّه حَيًا وَبَاقِيًا

If life is everlasting for its inhabitants, (then surely) Prophet Muhammad should have been alive and everlasting.

On another note, many are in the habit of making plans for the future without saying, "If Allah wills" or "in shaa Allah." And this is one of the etiquette of Islam, and an established practice of the Prophets, may the peace of Allah be upon them all. Allah informs us:

[وَلاَ تَقْولَنَّ لِشَىْءٍ إِنِّى فَاعِلٌ ذلِكَ غَداً إِلاَّ أَن يَشَآءَ اللَّهُ وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ]

(And never say of anything, "I shall do such and such thing tomorrow.'' Except (with the saying), "If Allah wills!" And remember your Lord when you forget) Q 18, 23-24

At-Tabarani recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that this meant saying, "If Allah wills.''

Historically, we are told about the story of Prophet Solomon alayhe assalam, who forgot to say, "If Allah wills."

Here Allah, may He be glorified, showed His Messenger the correct etiquette when determining to do something in the future; one should always refer to the will of Allah, the Knower of the Unseen, Who knows what was and what is yet to be and what is not to be, and how it will be if it is to be. It was recorded in the Two Sahihs that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said:

«قَالَ سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلَامُ: لَأَطُوفَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى سَبْعِينَ امْرَأَةً وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ: تِسْعِينَ امْرَأَةً، وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ: مِائَةِ امْرَأَةٍ تَلِدُ كُلُّ امْرَأَةٍ مِنْهُنَّ غُلَامًا يُقَاتِلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ، فَقِيلَ لَهُ وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ قَالَ لَهُ الْمَلَكُ: قُلْ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ، فَلَمْ يَقُلْ، فَطَافَ بِهِنَّ فَلَمْ تَلِدْ مِنْهُنَّ إِلَّا امْرَأَةٌ وَاحِدَةٌ نِصْفَ إِنْسَانٍ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلّم: وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَوْ قَالَ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ لَمْ يَحْنَثْ، وَكَانَ دَرَكًا لِحَاجَتِه»

(Sulayman bin Dawud (peace be upon them both) said: "Tonight I will go around to seventy women [according to some reports, it was ninety or one hundred women] so that each one of them will give birth to a son who will fight in the cause of Allah.'' It was said to him, [according to one report, the angel said to him] "Say: `If Allah wills'", but he did not say it. He went around to the women but none of them gave birth except for one who gave birth to a half-formed child.) The Messenger of Allah said, (By the One in Whose hand is my soul, had he said, "If Allah wills,'' he would not have broken his oath, and that would have helped him to attain what he wanted. ) According to another report, (They would all have fought as horsemen in the cause of Allah.) At the beginning of this Surah we discussed the reason why this Ayah was revealed: when the Prophet was asked about the story of the people of the Cave, he said, "I will tell you tomorrow.'' Then the revelation was delayed for fifteen days, because he did not say, "in shaa Allah". Hence, Muslims should cultivate this habit.

Allah reminds,

[يأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمْ وَاخْشَوْاْ يَوْماً لاَّ يَجْزِى وَالِدٌ عَن وَلَدِهِ وَلاَ مَوْلُودٌ هُوَ جَازٍ عَن وَالِدِهِ شَيْئاً إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ فَلاَ تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَوةُ الدُّنْيَا وَلاَ يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِاللَّهِ الْغَرُورُ ]

(O mankind! Have Taqwa – constant fear - of your Lord, and fear a Day when no father can avail aught for his son, nor a son avail aught for his father. Verily, the promise of Allah is true, let not then this present life deceive you, nor let the chief deceiver deceive you about Allah.) Q. 31, 33

On the role of the Satan - the chief deceiver, Allah instructs:

[فَلاَ تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَوةُ الدُّنْيَا]

(let not then this present life deceive you,) meaning, do not let your feelings of contentment with this life make you forget about the Hereafter.

[وَلاَ يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِاللَّهِ الْغَرُورُ]

(nor let the chief deceiver deceive you about Allah.) refers to the Shaytan. This was the view of Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Ad-Dahhak and Qatadah. The Shaytan makes promises to them and arouses in them false desires, but there is no substance to them, as Allah says:

[يَعِدُهُمْ وَيُمَنِّيهِمْ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمْ الشَّيْطَـنُ إِلاَّ غُرُوراً ]

(He makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaytan's promises are nothing but deceptions.) (4:120).

Wahb bin Munabbih said: `Uzayr, peace be upon him, said: "When I saw the misfortune of my people, I felt very sad and distressed, and I could not sleep, so I prayed to my Lord and

fasted, and I called upon Him weeping. There came to me an angel and I said to him: `Tell me, will the souls of the righteous intercede for the wrongdoers, or the fathers for their sons' He said: `On the Day of Resurrection all matters will be settled, and Allah's dominion will be made manifest and no exceptions will be made. No one will speak on that Day except with the permission of the Most Merciful. No father will answer for his son, or any son for his father, or any man for his brother, or any servant for his master. No one will care about anybody except himself, or feel grief or compassion for anyone except himself. Everyone will be worried only about himself. No one will be asked about anybody else. Each person will be concerned only about himself, weeping for himself and carrying his own burden. No one will carry the burden of another.''' This was recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim.

And He asserts,

[وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لاَ يَعْلَمُهَآ إِلاَّ هُوَ]

(And with Him are the keys of the Unseen (five things), none knows them but He.) (6:59) It was reported in the Sunnah that the above five things are called the Keys of the Unseen. Imam Ahmad recorded that Buraydah said that he heard the Messenger of Allah saying:

«خَمْسٌ لَا يَعْلَمُهُنَّ إِلَّا اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ:

[إِنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى الاٌّرْحَامِ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَداً وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَيمٌ خَبِيرٌ ]»

(There are five things which no one knows except Allah: (Verily, Allah, with Him is (1) the knowledge of the Hour, (2) when He sends down the rain, (3) knows that which is in the wombs, (4) no person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and (5) no person knows where he will die. Verily, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware.)) The chain of narrators for this Hadith is Sahih, although they (Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.

Imam Ahmad also recorded that Ibn `Umar (RA) said, "The Messenger of Allah said:

«مَفَاتِيحُ الْغَيْبِ خَمْسٌ لَا يَعْلَمُهُنَّ إِلَّا اللهُ   :(The Keys of the Unseen are five, which no one knows except Allah)

[إِنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى الاٌّرْحَامِ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَداً وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَيمٌ خَبِيرٌ ]»

(Verily, Allah, with Him is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware.)) This was recorded only by Al-Bukhari, which he narrated in the Book of the Rain Prayer in his Sahih. He also recorded it in his Tafsir with a different chain of narrators, stating that `Abdullah bin `Umar

said, "The Prophet said:

[إِنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى الاٌّرْحَامِ]

 

 

ur.  s the knowledge of the Hoi with Him Allah Verily

 He sends down the rain and He knows that which is in the wombs. This too was recorded by AlBukhari

 

Therefore, uttering; "when tomorrow comes" may be more or less wishful thinking than a reality. Because, tomorrow may never come! And if it ever comes, by that time, you may be dead.

I ask Allah subhanahu wata'ala to make my last day and yours, whenever and however it comes, the best day of our journey on this earth, Ameen.

Imam Abdusemih

April 9th, 2009
Digging Your Grave with your Teeth?

Eating is one of the habits that most creatures share day-in-day out. The exception is the case of the angels, according to the authentic Islamic creed. When Adam and his wife were created, they dwelled in the gardens of paradise. Therein, they were allowed to eat everything in the garden with the exception of forbidden fruits from the forbidden tree, from which they were told to stay away. Allah subhanahu wata'aala commands:

[يَاءَادَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنْتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلاَ مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلاَ تَقْرَبَا هَـذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الْظَّـلِمِينَ]

(O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight, of things therein wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the wrongdoers.) Q2:35

Regarding some fruits, Allah instructs, "but NOT come near this tree" that was a profound way of prohibition. Because saying: "don’t eat this fruit or from the fruit of this tree" deems a straightforward prohibition that needs no further explication. Thus, the phrase, "come not near" indicates a serious or higher level of prohibition.   

Indulging in prohibited habits, in eating, drinking and others, includes some level of thinking that usually involves manipulation of Satan, who usually makes people do what they may not do under normal circumstances. Allah subhanahu wata'aala says:

"And when Satan beautify this deeds for them, thus prohibits them from the path"

So, personal corrigibility and the satanic manipulation put enough pressure on a person's mind to the point of given up to his or her sense of reasoning. Thus, one makes a self-destructive decision. And this is why Allah subhanahu wata'aala declares:

[فَأَزَلَّهُمَا الشَّيْطَـنُ عَنْهَا]

(Thus, Shaytan made them slip therefrom) either refers to Paradise, and in this case, it means that Shaytan led Adam and Hawwa' away from it, as `Asim bin Abi An-Najud recited it. It is also possible that this Ayah refers to the forbidden tree. In this case, the Ayah would mean, as Al-Hasan and Qatadah stated, "He tripped them.'' (Shaytan made them slip therefrom). This is the case with Adam and Hawwa's coverings and dwellings, Allah subhanahu wata'aala asserts:

[فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ]

(And got them out from that in which they were) meaning, the clothes, spacious dwelling and comfortable sustenance.

However, there is always a serious consequence for making bad decision, most especially against Allah's subhanahu wata'aala instructions or legislations.

 Ibn Abi Hatim narrated that Ubayy bin Ka`b said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«إِنَّ اللهَ خَلَقَ آدَمَ رَجُلًا طُوَالًا كَثِيرَ شَعْرِ الرَّأْسِ كَأَنَّهُ نَخْلَةٌ سَحُوقٌ، فَلَمَّا ذَاقَ الشَّجَرَةَ سَقَطَ عَنْهُ لِبَاسُهُ فَأَوَّلُ مَا بَدَا مِنْهُ عَوْرَتُهُ، فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إلى عَوْرتِه جَعَلَ يَشْتَدُّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ فَأَخَذَتْ شَعْرَهُ شَجَرَةٌ فَنَازَعَهَا، فَنَادَاهُ الرَّحْمنُ: يَا آدَمُ مِنِّي تَفِرُّ؟ فَلَمَّا سَمِعَ كَلامَ الرَّحْمنِ قَالَ: يَا رَبِّ لَا ولَكِنِ اسْتِحْيَاء»

(Allah created Adam tall, with thick hair, just as a date tree with full branches. When Adam ate from the forbidden tree, his cover fell off, and the first thing that appeared was his private area. When he saw his private area, he ran about in Paradise and his hair got caught in a tree. He tried to free himself and Ar-Rahman called him, 'O Adam! Are you running away from Me' When Adam heard the words of Ar-Rahman (Allah), he said, 'No, O my Lord! But I am shy.)

Therefore, Adam along with his wife returns to Allah repenting:

[قَالاَ رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَـسِرِينَ ]

They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.'') (7:23) as Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Abu Al-`Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Khalid bin Ma`dan, `Ata' Al-Khurasani and `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam have stated. As-Suddi said that Ibn `Abbas commented on,

[فَتَلَقَّى ءَادَمُ مِن رَّبِّهِ كَلِمَاتٍ]

(Then Adam received from his Lord Words.) Adam said, `O Lord! Did You not create me with Your Own Hands' He said, `Yes.' He said, `And blow life into me' He said, `Yes.' He said, `And when I sneezed, You said, `May Allah grant you His mercy.' Does not Your mercy precede Your anger' He was told, `Yes.' Adam said, `And You destined me to commit this evil act' He was told, `Yes.' He said, `If I repent, will You send me back to Paradise' Allah said, `Yes.''' Similar is reported from Al-`Awfi, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Ma`bad, and Ibn `Abbas. Al-Hakim recorded this Hadith in his Mustadrak from Ibn Jubayr, who narrated it from Ibn `Abbas. Al-Hakim said, "Its chain is authentic and they (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.''

Allah's statement,

[إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ]

(Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful) (2:37) means that Allah forgives whoever regrets his error and returns to Him in repentance.

Once upon a time, this statement was made by a man who is an expert in human behavior and the importance of good eating habit: "Americans are digging their graves with their mouth."

In conclusion, eating, smoking or consuming what is harmful or dangerous to one's health and/or the environment. This ought to be avoided, especially for a Muslim; in order to ensure good health, longevity and most importantly the pleasure of Allah subhanahu wata'aala in this life and in the Hereafter. So dear readers, I say as it was said: "do not dig your grave with your teeth."

Imam 'Abdusemih A. Tades

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March 11th, 2009
Leveling the Playing Field

One of the most controversial debates in the U.S. today and specifically, in Criminal Justice is the death penalty debate, and the question is, how just is the Justice System? And the debate got more supporters among those who are against the death penalty; when the DNA was used to free many who were on the death roll. Another issue that may come closer is the controversy surrounding Abortion Rights and Racial Equality in the United States. But after the election of President Barack H. Obama to the presidency in 2008, perhaps the remaining most divisive issue is the "Right to Live" issue.

Nevertheless, Islam has dealt with the issue of Justice, and specifically Criminal Justice in a very broad and fundamental way, from the time of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It was from that epoch that the playing field was leveled for Muslims and Non-Muslim. The Islamic solution; thus, struck a blow to the archaic way of injustice and self aggrandizement upon which the pre- Islamic society thrived, in Arabia and many parts of the world.

For instance, there were many upper echelon tribes or clans among Arabs and non-Arabs, the like of Aws, Khasraj, Al Makhsum and Al Quraysh, the tribe or clan that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him belongs. A noble woman from Al Makhsum tribe who stole got convicted of the crime. Many of the ignoble people in Mecca pled on her behalf for a special treatment, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, refused and the due punishment was upheld against her. Thereupon, Prophet Muhammad, peace be up on him, proclaimed; that, "if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad is found guilty of similar crime, the punishment would have been upheld against her in a similar way."

By this authentic narration, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him leveled the playing field for every member of Islamic society.

Professor Angela J. Davis, in her groundbreaking book: Arbitrary Justice: The Power of American Prosecutor, writes, "Inscribed on the walls of the United States Department of Justice are the lofty words: "The United States wins its point whenever justice is done its citizens in the courts." Yet what happens when prosecutors, the most powerful officials in the criminal justice system, seek convictions instead of justice? Why are cases involving educated, well-to-do victims often prosecuted more vigorously than those involving poor, uneducated victims? Why do wealthy defendants frequently enjoy more lenient plea bargains than the disadvantaged?"

In conclusion, in our Muslim community in this city and for the Muslims globally, we ought to remember that anytime the yardstick is lowered in favor of some individuals at the expense of justice and or when the playing field is leveled for unjustly, the result is usually catastrophic. Hence, we ought to rescue ourselves before a catastrophe befalls the oppressors and oppressed, and most especially, when we are questioned before Allah, The Almighty; on the Day of Judgment.

Imam 'AbduSemih Tadese