This poem was sent in by one of our readers, dedicated to her late mother (may Allah grant her & her family highest levels of Jannah and barakah in this world)

Dearest Mom in a Million

You have provided for us all your life
Hardly had the chance for being a wife

Dad passes on and left you with us four
A dear Father was there no more

You taught us right from wrong & reminded us of our Imaan
Today, alhamdullilaa we can all recite the Quraan

The difficult role of Mother & Father you played
School & madrassah fees were always paid

You were blessed by the grace of the Almighty Allah
Never failed to display appreciation on your musallah

You cooked, baked & cleaned with all your pride
Your feelings of loneliness you always tried to hide

You so diligently saved for each wedding reception
How beautiful they were with utmost perfection

We know you loved us with all your heart
Never thought the day would come that you would part

How I admire you with all your sabr
May Allah grant you a wide & nur filled qabr

Remember what you never had on this dunyaa
Almighty Allah will provide for you in aakhira

Oh Allah, grant our beloved parents a high place in Jannah
A beautiful place they well deserve Inshallah

We will love & miss you forever

Your lonely hearted daughter

By Nazeema Ryklief

After 88years of oppression, on Friday, the 27^th Rajab (2 October 1187), Allah SWT allowed the Muslims and Salaah-Udeen to reclaim Jerusalem. Every dervish, Fakir and learned man joined Salah-Udeen and voices were raised in praise of The Almighty. The hills and valleys echoed with proclamations of His unity and power.

The liberation of Jerusalem came at the hands of a Kurd from Tikrit, in Iraq. As usual, the Arabs were unable to lead. They had become experts in division and tribalism. Legacies the prophet Muhammad SAW had explicitly abrogated in favour of an Islamic identity and the building of the Islamic brotherhood. Muslims the world over are now indoctrinated to favour nationalism over an Islamic identity. And it is for this reason that Muslims are unable to remove the stranglehold that corrupt Arab leaders have on the Muslim populace. Racism is rife in these countries. Perhaps worse than in many non-Muslim countries.

Sadly, the two countries most closely linked to Salaah-Udeen, Palestine and the prophet Muhammad SAW are today the most pathetic examples of  Islamic unity and trust (Tawwakul) in the Almighty. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are examples of what Islam and Muslims are not supposed to be

Egypt has the glory of claiming that it is totally Sunni because of the efforts and dedication of Salaah-Udeen, Saudi Arabia is prosperous and wealthy (albeit mostly for its ruling class and monarchy) because of the prophet’s barakah, yet both have chosen to squander these gifts in favour of power which they believe can only be guaranteed by selling their souls and the freedom of their people to the U.S and Israel. For without doubt, if your dependence lies with and in the US, it is by automatic association implied that your trust and alliance lies with Israel, which basically controls the US.

So claiming that Saudi Arabia has no ties with Israel and that they have been active in proposing the Saudi-Arab initiative for peace in Palestine and are trying to do something- actually amounts to nothing. Saudi Arabia and Egypt today are instrumental in the suppression and oppression of the Palestinian people. And as usual, they are unable to lead the Muslims to unity and victory.

So why do Muslims keep asking the same stale questions about the Arab league? They know full well that the Arabs are incapable- actually, the Arabs are impotent.

It is up to Muslims in the west to engage their governments and fellow citizens. It is up to them to reach the citizens of Muslim Majority countries and initiate in them a revolutionary change of perceptions and identity.

For without a doubt, western democracies have more ethical values in terms of justice, freedom and human rights than all of the Arab countries combined. And because western Muslims have access to these freedoms and justices from non-Muslim countries, they are the ones who can make a difference.

And it is for this reason that many visionary scholars have always advocated the need for Muslims to become role players in their relative countries- in politics, health care, social welfare and most significantly in the media. Without the ability to challenge injustices using the media and cyberspace, and the tools of government and influence within the world’s populations, Muslims might as well prepare for total onslaught. Muslims are 1.5 billion, and Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The Jews are only 14 million, of which approximately 7 million are in Israel. Judaism is only the 12^th largest religion in the world. And not all Jews are Zionists!

Muslims have the numbers, the wealth and the friends to turn things around, why can’t they?

Because it is important for the scholars in countries like South Africa, India and Pakistan to correct their own injustices first- the kind of injustices that have made women subservient to oppression and abuse, the kind of injustices that have propagated the poor educational development of Muslims by continuously bedevilling secular education and technological progress, the kinds of injustices that have preached lengthy sermons but provided little practise and much hypocrisy from the those that preach. The kinds of injustices that have made the scholars in these countries like the Saudi and Egyptian regimes- because many are incapable of earning a livelihood for themselves. As a result they are dependent on corrupt wealth and power, becoming the typical ‘ya baas’, and have thus had little success in uniting and strengthening the Muslims. The kinds of injustices that prevent Muslim citizens from engaging and participating in their countries on all levels yet the same scholars cry foul with the government or expect government help when things go wrong. Double standards and confused teachings that have harmed the Muslims the world over- injustices perpetuated by the scholars.

Islamic training and education has become mediocre and there are no evaluation standards. To build scholars of calibre and integrity, Muslims need standards of testing and learning in the Madrassahs that can hold candle to the best of the world’s institutions. But this takes work; it demands physical and mental effort, stresses vigilance on those who claim to hold knowledge of the religion and the ability to sanction those who are not qualified.  Do our scholars have that potential or political will? And do we, the Muslim followers have the intelligence and integrity to question these shortcomings and demand improvement?

Allah has clearly said that He will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves- Muslims can change, but they need to be led, not brainwashed. Can the scholars provide such leadership?

By: Quraysha Ismail Sooliman (Freelance Journalist and Political Science Honour’s Student, UP)

This little contribution comes from Hafiz Raakin Hossain.

Backbiting
By Hafiz Raakin Hossain

Islam emphasizes on the rights of creation. There are two types of rights: One of the Creator and another of the Creation. The rights of Allah are forgiven if one repents, but the rights of the creation require asking forgiveness from the person who he has wronged. Backbiting is one of the many actions that go against the rights of the creation. It is when one person speaks ill of another, even if it is true.

“Backbiting is worse than unlawful intercourse.” (Bayhaqi) This Hadith has a series of meanings. One is that when backbiting, you do not realize the consequences as much as you do when you commit unlawful intercourse. Thus, there are more chances that you turn back to Allah and repent for your previous misdeeds, as opposed to for backbiting. When backbiting, your sub-conscious mind comes up with as many ill thoughts of a specific person and whether it is truth or lie, it comes out of your lips. Silence can take you a long way, as said in the Hadith: “Saying what is good is better than silence, and silence is better than saying what is bad.” (Bayhaqi) One’s tongue alone can lead a person to the flames of Jahannam, and it is essential and important for every believer to become aware of the consequences of evil and useless speech.

Backbiting is such a great of a sin, that it is said that we should not even hear it, let alone speak it. A virtue of silence is that the one who conceals a fault of another, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment.

Useless talk is not a sin, but rather, it is a waste of precious time. However, even if it is not a sin, it can lead to one. We should be aware of what we speak. There was a Shaykh who used to stop after every sentence he spoke, especially in lectures. One of his students was asked, “Why does your teacher seem to hesitate when he speaks?” The student replied, “My teacher prefers to think before he speaks, so he does not regret what he says.” How rare this quality is in this time and age. Whatever comes to our mind, immediately goes to our tongue.

When saying salaams, one says “May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.” This is two things: a promise and a dua. It is first a dua for the well being of the other person, and also a promise that one will never think or speak bad about that person. Whenever we greet each other, we should acknowledge this fact, and therefore, you will find it easy to keep away from ill thoughts that may very likely lead to backbiting.
Another form, a more severe one, is gossip. Gossip is worse than backbiting, as it is may continue for hours, no end. Gossip is when one person hears a secret from another, and then spreads it around town. It is very much like a match set on a forest. One match, coming from the trunks of the trees, can create such a disaster that it destroys the whole forest. Our Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhe Wasallam, said, “Gatherings are to be kept in confidence.” When a person hears or sees something which he knows or even has the slightest doubt that the other might have offense to, it is best to forget about it, pretending nothing had happened. There are exceptions to cases such as murder and robbery where one is allowed to divulge such secrets.

May Allah protect us from the evils of backbiting and gossip and make us one of those who Allah will conceal his faults on the day of judgment. Aameen.

This short contribution comes from Hafiz Raakin Hossain

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Jealousy/Envy (Hasad)
By Hafiz Raakin Hossain

Hasad (jealousy) is the desire for the elimination of another’s well being. The base of envy lies in pride (takabbur). One who is proud and arrogant will want to be viewed as the best of people, thus having ill feelings to those who are in a better condition than he. Allah’s Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhe Wasallam) said that “Envy devours good deeds as fire devours wood.” (Abu Dawud) Envy affects all aspects of one life; his religion, worldly affairs, and sometimes even his health. Hasad is a disease of the heart. Like the diseases that attack the physical body, the spiritual diseases leave a negative impact on other spiritual organs causing pride, malice, hatred, love of the world, and the fear of death.

According to Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, a person has three stages/types of Hasad:

1. The Natural Human Quality- Here man is not at fault or sin. He is only acting to how he is expected to act as a creation of Allah and among the Insan.

2. The second degree is to act according to the desires of envy. This is usually caused by the whispers of Shaitan and the pokes from one’s inner self (nafs).

3. The last degree, is of the best among all of the three mentioned above. It is to act the opposite of the demands of envy. In this type, the creation is rewarded and Insha’allah will be given a high status in the eyes of Allah. According to some scholars, Allah grants high status in the eyes of people as well.

Allah’s messenger, in two different narrations, said, “A (true) Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand other believers remain safe.” (Bukhari/Muslim)
And “a true believer is he whom people trust with their lives and possessions. (Tirmidhi) From the former Hadith, it is derived that a Muslim can trust his brother or sister with his secrets with the hope that he will not divulge it under any circumstances.

In the latter Hadith, it is said that a Mu’min (believer) can trust another with even their lives. From the mentioned Ahadith, this would require a tremendous amount of humbleness. As is narrated, a bigger shaitan than Iblis himself is one’s own nafs. Every creation has a desire for some worldly possession, whether it be for the sake of Allah or not. If that desire grows even the slightest, it can lead to jealousy and pride. Diseases can grow without our being aware of that fact. Ever so often, it is recommended that we look into our hearts and ask ourselves what we truly desire for our Muslim brothers and sisters not only in one’s own community, but on the global scale.

“Say: “I seek refuge with the Rabb of the dawn from the evil of that He has created, and from the evil of darkness when it overspreads…” (Surah Falaq: Verses 1-3) From the above Qur’aanic Ayaat, we are warned of the evils of mankind. There will always be a person who envies another till the last day arrives. In this Surah, Allah also mentions that jealosy can lead to ‘Ayn, also known as Nazr (Evil Eye). Surah Falaq and Surah Nas, total of eleven ayaat, are prescribed for those touched by the evil eye. The Prophet Musa (Alayhe Salaam) was told to tell the Pharoah, “I have taken refuge with my Rabb and your Rabb against every arrogant person who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning.” With these Ayaat and revalations, the Prophets from the past had firm conviction that it is the one Allah that can save us from the evils and harms of jealousy. All the world’s forces cannot even come close to matching Allah’s infinite power, as He is the King of Kings, Ruler of Rulers, and the most Powerful of the Powerful.

The strongest potion to ward off the harms and evils of jealousy is humbleness and calmness. As said by our Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhe Wasallam), “Calmness is from Allah, and hastiness is from Shaitan.” We should approach the obstacles in our daily life with a calm and cool mind. Hasty decisions which are not with Mushwara (consultation) will never have Barakah (blessing). When seeing a fellow Muslim, we should always greet him with peace. And if one sees another whom he envies, he should especially stand up and greet him. Through this way, Insha’Allah, the jealousy will be removed from your heart.

May Allah Ta’ala make it easy for us to implement the advice mentioned and protect us from the evils and harms of jealousy. May Allah also make it easy for us to have firm conviction in His words and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhe Wallam). Ameen!

Takabbur (Pride)
By: Hafiz Raakin Hossain

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate

Pride is to consider oneself better than another. It has been called Ummul-Amraadh, or the root of all sicknesses of the heart. The roots to this fatal disease are malice, jealousy, envy, and arrogance and it is only the prophets and pious predecessors that can detect it. Some scholars have gone as far as to claim it is the mother and roots of all the other diseases of the hearts. Our pious teacher, Hakim ul Ummah, Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Alayhi Rahmah) says that pride consists of two main ingredients: feeling of superiority and contempt for others. In a Hadith it is related that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam said:

“A believer is simple and noble and a transgressor is deceitful and ignoble.” (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawood)

This Hadith compares and contrasts two different types of personalities; one of a believer and one of a transgressor. The first part of the Hadith speaks mainly about how a believer is simple in not only his outer appearance, but also his words and actions. He does not look for faults in his brother, nor does he care for wealth, health, name, or fame. However, the latter part of the Hadith discusses how a transgressor will not only oppress others, but will also be oppressed himself. This personality only cares for his own needs and slacks with the needs of his neighbors, family, or friends. It is related in Muslim that even if a person has a grain of pride in his heart, he will not enter paradise. As stated in the Holy Quran, “Surely, He (Allah) does not love the proud.” (16:23)

Pride can be classified as many things. It is when you try to elongate your prayers in hope to be seen by others, or when you scoff at someone lower in rank than you. The best example, given by one of my teachers was during a fundraising event. One type is when you stand up and donate large sums of money in hope to be seen as a person of great wealth and generosity. Another type of pride is when you privately give the money sum to the collector, as you do not want to be seen donating. That, too, is pride.
The remedies and prescriptions for pride are simple, yet require divine guidance from the One Allah alone. Hidaya is given and taken by Allah and is not in books or stores but rather, it is in the power of Du’aa, Qur’an, and Hadith. One particular Hadith, related by Bayhaqi, also stated in the Zad Al-Talibin, states: “The one who initiates Salaam is free from pride.” This Hadith clearly states that the one who outstretches his hand for salaams first is free from any kibr (pride). Salaam means “peace” and it is a promise from one creation to another. When the promise of Salaam is given, it interpetates that you shall never say, think, or have any ill feelings towards that person. Another remedy of Pride is to contemplate the bounties, favors, and greatness of Allah. That will humble yourself before the creation. Another way is to always compliment others, and try your utmost to hide another’s fault. It is related by our Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam, that one who hides the fault of a brother, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment. Surely, it is Allah who conceals and Allah who reveals! He is the All-Knower and the All-Seer.

This is a reader contribution.

Anger
By: Raakin Hossain

“A strong man is not one who defeats another in physical combat. Verily, a strong man is he who controls himself at the time of anger.” (Bukhari/Muslim)

To mankind there are two devils. One is, of course, the Shaitan. To avoid his whispers, one would seek refuge in Allah from the Shaitan by the recitation of: audhoo billahi minashaytaanir Rajeem. However, there is a devil more powerful and persuading than the Shaitan. That is the lower/inner self. This lower self is embedded within each creature, dictating us towards our desires. To suppress these evil forces, one has to learn to control and obey.

Anger is natural to the human being, and anger arousement is not a sin. On the other hand, Allah has also endowed us with willpower. If we are unable to do so, it would be considered opposing the rights of human nature. As Insaan, however, it is within our scope to succumb. The become angry is involuntary, but to advocate or activate it’s symptoms is artificial; just as refraining from it is unnatural.
By Islamic law, one is not permitted to rule in or out any verdict in the state of anger. In any political case, one should be in the best of positions and states. Anger will lead to biasness and unfairness, which leads to falsehood and corruption. For non-political cases, such as the household, the angering of the family is considered to be the cause of the anger of Allah. Rasaulullah (Sallallahu Alayhe Wasallam) said that “the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the father, and the displeasure of Allah is in the displeasure of the pleasure.” (Tirmidhi) It is also said that to avoid Allah’s wrath, one should succumb and suppress his anger.

A common refutation to the cause and effects of anger are the Ahadith related to the Prophet’s actions during the time of anger. However, the anger of the Prophet was not in relation to self-offense. His anger was due to ignorance of Allah’s being. Besides, anger is as equal to our limbs and flesh, an inmate from birth. If it is not guided to something useful, anger can destroy, disrupt, or possess a person’s life, wealth, and possessions. One of the leading deaths in the world is murder, homicide, suicide, and hate crimes. The roots of these felonies are anger. How many times have we heard of a person sentenced to a life-time prison due to a rash or harsh act?

Our scholars say that anger has four reasons. It is either protecting one’s livelihood, guarding one’s dignity, anger caused by ignorance, or jealousy. When a poor person has his wealth usurped or an unfair share of his earnings, it would be natural for him to become angry. When one reaches a certain status, whether it be in social or business-related, dignity can be of equivalent importance as his wealth and family. The third reason was ignorance. For this, our scholars give an example of a scholar and him viewing someone abusing the rights of a book. Because of the scholar’s vast wisdom, his respect for books and other sources of knowledge is greater than the one who has not studied as much. Lastly, jealousy: a man’s pride and desire for another’s mal-being. These four reasons, for the most part, cover all aspects of anger.
Just as an ordinary action in life can only be perfected through practice, the exercise of guarding ones self from these diseases fall under the same category. If one constantly opposes the effects of anger, the anger will soon relinquish itself from that person. Soon after, controlling one’s anger will become a relatively simple task.

Allah states that for every disease and every difficult situation comes an ease and cure. This also applies to the spiritual embodiment. The common remedial process for anger is, when standing, to sit down, or when sitting, to lay down. Another process is to drink cool liquid, preferably water, and to perform Wudhu. The scholars say that reading cools the flames of anger. If all fails, then to keep out of presence from the one or object that has angered you.

The reduction of anger, its remedies, causes, and effects vary. Sometimes one’s face will become red, or one will perform a strange act. If one can oppose the rights of anger, then one will be blessed with peace and dignity. Anger stirs frustration, jealousy, and pride. Anger in itself is no crime, but acting upon its symptoms is. The Prophet has showed us how to cleanse ourselves both inwards and outwards. If we follow his practices, Insha’Allah we will be guided to the Siratul Mustaqim.