17 Aug 2011
Non-Muslim expats learning more about Islam during Ramadan
JEDDAH: Ramadan is a special month, and it is a very joyful time for Muslims who fast and celebrate this month. But how do non-Muslims living in the Kingdom feel about Ramadan? To find out, Arab News spoke to several non-Muslims, who said they saw Ramadan as a beautiful month and a good chance for them to learn about Islam firsthand.
Raju Phillips, a non-Muslim expatriate who works in a construction company, said that he was going to read an English translation of the Holy Qur’an. “It is a very good chance to learn about Islam.
Especially since I get some hours off work, because timings change in Ramadan,” he said.
Jedish Nair, who is also a non-Muslim expatriate, said that he was very amazed by Ramadan, and tries to learn more about Islam.
“In my municipality in India there are no Muslims, so I never even knew about Ramadan until I came to Saudi Arabia and saw Muslims fasting. They fast with such perfection! I don’t eat or drink anything during lunchtime, just to get a little of it. My Muslim friends invited me to iftar parties, which were very nice,” said Nair.
Special education consultant K.R. Jayachandran said that in Ramadan he listened to Muslim preachers who appeared on television.
“Ramadan for me and my family has been a very good experience. I see it as a good opportunity to learn about Islam. There are many Islamic speakers on television in Ramadan; I always listen to them after Maghreb prayers,” he said.
Mubeen Pervas said that he invited his non-Muslims friends to iftar parties, as he liked to share with them his happiness, and also help them become better informed about Islam.
“There are many misconceptions about Islam among non-Muslims. I try to clear these whenever I can. When I have iftar parties, I invite my non-Muslim friends to share with them my joy in this month.
And I also explain to them why Muslims fast, and how fasting helps us to show compassion toward the poor,” said Pervas.
Especially since I get some hours off work, because timings change in Ramadan,” he said.
Jedish Nair, who is also a non-Muslim expatriate, said that he was very amazed by Ramadan, and tries to learn more about Islam.
“In my municipality in India there are no Muslims, so I never even knew about Ramadan until I came to Saudi Arabia and saw Muslims fasting. They fast with such perfection! I don’t eat or drink anything during lunchtime, just to get a little of it. My Muslim friends invited me to iftar parties, which were very nice,” said Nair.
Special education consultant K.R. Jayachandran said that in Ramadan he listened to Muslim preachers who appeared on television.
“Ramadan for me and my family has been a very good experience. I see it as a good opportunity to learn about Islam. There are many Islamic speakers on television in Ramadan; I always listen to them after Maghreb prayers,” he said.
Mubeen Pervas said that he invited his non-Muslims friends to iftar parties, as he liked to share with them his happiness, and also help them become better informed about Islam.
“There are many misconceptions about Islam among non-Muslims. I try to clear these whenever I can. When I have iftar parties, I invite my non-Muslim friends to share with them my joy in this month.
And I also explain to them why Muslims fast, and how fasting helps us to show compassion toward the poor,” said Pervas.
The Shahada
The words that are spoken when one becomes a Muslim, are few but so significant. With the utterance of these words, a person acknowledges Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of all, and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). With these words, which come from the heart, a person steps from disbelief and ignorance to knowledge, light and guidance. A person can only reach this state by the Mercy and Guidance of Allah the Almighty.
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah
and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Prophet
These are the words that a person says to enter the fold of Islam. The Shahadah, or declaration of faith, is a covenant that the person makes with Allah: that he/she will continue to obey Allah, and walk in the footsteps of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). It is the first step to complete obedience to the Lord of all.
From the time of making Shahadah, the person is treated and respected like a Muslim by all Muslims, even if he/she was previously an enemy of Islam. There are many examples of this in the history of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The bond of faith is much stronger than the bond of blood. When a person becomes a Muslim they enter the community of Muslims, regardless of their race or background. A feeling of love and harmony abides between people who sincerely seek to practice Islam according to the Qu'ran and Sunnah. Such people are in a race to do good deeds and be those with whom Allah is pleased.
The significance of the Shahadah is further highlighted, when we ponder on the fact that we repeat it every time we pray. How many of us, really think about it during prayer? It becomes a usual thing and maybe sometimes we say the words without contemplating their meaning.
When we say there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, it means that we disdain obedience and servitude to anyone or anything except Allah. It means that we fear no one and nothing except Allah: that our greatest feeling of love and gratitude are kept for Allah, because we know that He is the real Provider of all we have. It means that we do not seek the pleasure or acceptance of anyone or anything except Allah. This means that the Muslim becomes strong and independent. The ridicule, scorn, sneers and insults of people bear no importance. The Muslim remains calm and secure in times of panic because they know that there is no help except from Allah. In times of grief and distress, the Muslim remains steadfast and courageous, knowing that calamity can only occur with the permission of Allah and that He, in His Mercy has promised not to bear a sincere soul, with more than it can bear.
When we say that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah, we acknowledge his right to be respected, obeyed and revered. We follow in his footsteps, knowing that he was the best of creation and hope to achieve Paradise and be close to him and the other prophets, Inshaa Allah (God Willing).
Truly the Shahadah is not an empty phrase, it is not just a few words spoken but is coupled with sincerity of intention and determination to struggle, strive and sacrifice along the straight path.
«"The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam"» (Qur'an 3:19) «"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire)"» (Qur'an 3:85)
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah
and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Prophet
These are the words that a person says to enter the fold of Islam. The Shahadah, or declaration of faith, is a covenant that the person makes with Allah: that he/she will continue to obey Allah, and walk in the footsteps of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). It is the first step to complete obedience to the Lord of all.
From the time of making Shahadah, the person is treated and respected like a Muslim by all Muslims, even if he/she was previously an enemy of Islam. There are many examples of this in the history of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The bond of faith is much stronger than the bond of blood. When a person becomes a Muslim they enter the community of Muslims, regardless of their race or background. A feeling of love and harmony abides between people who sincerely seek to practice Islam according to the Qu'ran and Sunnah. Such people are in a race to do good deeds and be those with whom Allah is pleased.
The significance of the Shahadah is further highlighted, when we ponder on the fact that we repeat it every time we pray. How many of us, really think about it during prayer? It becomes a usual thing and maybe sometimes we say the words without contemplating their meaning.
When we say there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, it means that we disdain obedience and servitude to anyone or anything except Allah. It means that we fear no one and nothing except Allah: that our greatest feeling of love and gratitude are kept for Allah, because we know that He is the real Provider of all we have. It means that we do not seek the pleasure or acceptance of anyone or anything except Allah. This means that the Muslim becomes strong and independent. The ridicule, scorn, sneers and insults of people bear no importance. The Muslim remains calm and secure in times of panic because they know that there is no help except from Allah. In times of grief and distress, the Muslim remains steadfast and courageous, knowing that calamity can only occur with the permission of Allah and that He, in His Mercy has promised not to bear a sincere soul, with more than it can bear.
When we say that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah, we acknowledge his right to be respected, obeyed and revered. We follow in his footsteps, knowing that he was the best of creation and hope to achieve Paradise and be close to him and the other prophets, Inshaa Allah (God Willing).
Truly the Shahadah is not an empty phrase, it is not just a few words spoken but is coupled with sincerity of intention and determination to struggle, strive and sacrifice along the straight path.
«"The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam"» (Qur'an 3:19) «"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire)"» (Qur'an 3:85)
The Great Virtue Of Ramadan
All praise is due to Allah Who made the succession of day and night a lesson for those who reflect. I thank him for his bountiful blessings and I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. I equally testify that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household and companions, and on those who are the people of righteousness and piety.
Dear brothers, fear Allah as He should be feared, for whoever fears Him earns his protection and he who follows his desires is doomed. It should be known that physical and spiritual felicity can only be attained by subjecting ones heart and body to the worship of Allah and that it is through worshipping Allah in complete sincerity that this mundane world can be of no importance.
Dear brothers, it is a manifestation of Allah’s mercy on His slaves that He ordained fasting for them in order to purify them from excessive tastes and to cleanse their hearts from lustful things. These days, Muslims all over the world are receiving the month of Ramadan; leader of all months; the month of forgiveness, merits and gifts; the month that gladdens the hearts of righteous people. No wonder that a pious man said in his death bed giving a reason for his weeping:
“I am only weeping for the fact that people will continue to be fasting and performing prayers after my death while I will no longer be in a position to do likewise.”
Ramadan is the month that contains the leader of all nights; a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever spends the night in prayers with faith and hoping for Allah’s reward will have all his past sins forgiven. The Prophet PBUH said:
““When the month of Ramadan enters, gates of Paradise are opened, gates of Hell are closed and devils are chained.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim). ”
Dear brothers, whoever wants eternal prosperity should endeavor to worship Allah and do good deeds sincerely. For, good deeds without sincere intention are of no use. Also, it is a glory for a believer to wake up in the night and perform prayers, for the best prayer after the obligatory ones are the prayers performed in the night. In fact, righteous people do compete with each other to make use of its darkness for doing acts of worship that bring them closer to Allah and they love this world only because of its nights. Aboo Sulaymaan Ad-Daaraanee said:
“By Allah! If not because of waking up in the night and performing prayers, I would not have loved this world; for, the night is precious because of its darkness and performing the prayers during the night is one of the characteristics of righteous people.”
Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:
“Nobody abandons night prayers except that it is regarded as a punishment for a sin he has committed.”
You should also endeavor to supplicate to Allah during the nights of this noble month because, supplication is the link between man and his Lord; it is an effortlessly clear profit and easy booty; it prevents calamities and brings forth Allah’s treasures and bounties. By supplicating to Allah during the night, He answers by granting the request generously, for His Hands never get tired of giving.
Dear Muslims, the Qur’an is Allah’s message to His servants and a light for the mankind. There is no way to Allah’s pleasure except through it. It is revealed in the best of all months. The best way you can spend your time during this month is to recite the Qur’an as frequently as possible. Read it, reflect on its meaning and work by its injunctions. This is because the Qur’an contains admonitions and lessons that increase one’s humility and humbleness.
As regards charity, the Prophet PBUH was the most generous of all people and his generosity manifested most during the month of Ramadaan. Whenever he gave, he gave in plenty as if he had no fear of poverty. He was never asked anything except that he gave it unless if he did not have it.
Charity, dear brothers, has its positive effects on the giver. It yields blessings to the giver's wealth and children, prevents calamities and brings forth bliss. Ramadan is a month of charity. Spend out of your wealth for the poor and needy and be aware that avarice and stinginess does not keep the wealth for eternity just as charity does not decrease it. Ibnul-Qayyim said:
“Nothing brings Allah’s blessings and prevents His punishment than obeying Him, moving closer to Him through acts of worship and being kind to His creatures.”
Therefore, spend in charity, for charity elevates one’s rank in front of Allah and know that, man is going to stay under the shade of his charity on the Day of Resurrection.
Dear brothers, make good preparation for this honorable month because it is a transient visitor. Receive it with a sincere repentance and spend your time during the month in acts of obedience to your Lord.
Further, try to perform ‘Umrah (smaller pilgrimage) during Ramadan, for an ‘Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to a Hajj (pilgrimage) performed with the Messenger of Allah . Also, provide food for fasting Muslims for whoever does that gets an equivalent of their reward without causing any deduction to the reward of the fasting Muslims.
I‘tikaaf (seclusion in a mosque for the purpose of worshipping Allah alone) is also a Sunnah (way of the prophet PBUH) that should be practiced during the last ten days of Ramadan. Ibn Shihaab said:
“It is a strange thing that Muslims should abandon I‘tikaaf while the Messenger of Allah never skipped it right from the time he entered Madinah until his death.”
Use this noble month to join the ties of kinship (by keeping good relations with your kith and kin). Also repent sincerely to Allah as long as the door of repentance is still open. Be cautious of an undesirable end because then leaving this world is actually painful.
Dear brothers, fear Allah as He should be feared, for whoever fears Him earns his protection and he who follows his desires is doomed. It should be known that physical and spiritual felicity can only be attained by subjecting ones heart and body to the worship of Allah and that it is through worshipping Allah in complete sincerity that this mundane world can be of no importance.
Dear brothers, it is a manifestation of Allah’s mercy on His slaves that He ordained fasting for them in order to purify them from excessive tastes and to cleanse their hearts from lustful things. These days, Muslims all over the world are receiving the month of Ramadan; leader of all months; the month of forgiveness, merits and gifts; the month that gladdens the hearts of righteous people. No wonder that a pious man said in his death bed giving a reason for his weeping:
“I am only weeping for the fact that people will continue to be fasting and performing prayers after my death while I will no longer be in a position to do likewise.”
Ramadan is the month that contains the leader of all nights; a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever spends the night in prayers with faith and hoping for Allah’s reward will have all his past sins forgiven. The Prophet PBUH said:
““When the month of Ramadan enters, gates of Paradise are opened, gates of Hell are closed and devils are chained.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim). ”
Dear brothers, whoever wants eternal prosperity should endeavor to worship Allah and do good deeds sincerely. For, good deeds without sincere intention are of no use. Also, it is a glory for a believer to wake up in the night and perform prayers, for the best prayer after the obligatory ones are the prayers performed in the night. In fact, righteous people do compete with each other to make use of its darkness for doing acts of worship that bring them closer to Allah and they love this world only because of its nights. Aboo Sulaymaan Ad-Daaraanee said:
“By Allah! If not because of waking up in the night and performing prayers, I would not have loved this world; for, the night is precious because of its darkness and performing the prayers during the night is one of the characteristics of righteous people.”
Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:
“Nobody abandons night prayers except that it is regarded as a punishment for a sin he has committed.”
You should also endeavor to supplicate to Allah during the nights of this noble month because, supplication is the link between man and his Lord; it is an effortlessly clear profit and easy booty; it prevents calamities and brings forth Allah’s treasures and bounties. By supplicating to Allah during the night, He answers by granting the request generously, for His Hands never get tired of giving.
Dear Muslims, the Qur’an is Allah’s message to His servants and a light for the mankind. There is no way to Allah’s pleasure except through it. It is revealed in the best of all months. The best way you can spend your time during this month is to recite the Qur’an as frequently as possible. Read it, reflect on its meaning and work by its injunctions. This is because the Qur’an contains admonitions and lessons that increase one’s humility and humbleness.
As regards charity, the Prophet PBUH was the most generous of all people and his generosity manifested most during the month of Ramadaan. Whenever he gave, he gave in plenty as if he had no fear of poverty. He was never asked anything except that he gave it unless if he did not have it.
Charity, dear brothers, has its positive effects on the giver. It yields blessings to the giver's wealth and children, prevents calamities and brings forth bliss. Ramadan is a month of charity. Spend out of your wealth for the poor and needy and be aware that avarice and stinginess does not keep the wealth for eternity just as charity does not decrease it. Ibnul-Qayyim said:
“Nothing brings Allah’s blessings and prevents His punishment than obeying Him, moving closer to Him through acts of worship and being kind to His creatures.”
Therefore, spend in charity, for charity elevates one’s rank in front of Allah and know that, man is going to stay under the shade of his charity on the Day of Resurrection.
Dear brothers, make good preparation for this honorable month because it is a transient visitor. Receive it with a sincere repentance and spend your time during the month in acts of obedience to your Lord.
Further, try to perform ‘Umrah (smaller pilgrimage) during Ramadan, for an ‘Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to a Hajj (pilgrimage) performed with the Messenger of Allah . Also, provide food for fasting Muslims for whoever does that gets an equivalent of their reward without causing any deduction to the reward of the fasting Muslims.
I‘tikaaf (seclusion in a mosque for the purpose of worshipping Allah alone) is also a Sunnah (way of the prophet PBUH) that should be practiced during the last ten days of Ramadan. Ibn Shihaab said:
“It is a strange thing that Muslims should abandon I‘tikaaf while the Messenger of Allah never skipped it right from the time he entered Madinah until his death.”
Use this noble month to join the ties of kinship (by keeping good relations with your kith and kin). Also repent sincerely to Allah as long as the door of repentance is still open. Be cautious of an undesirable end because then leaving this world is actually painful.
The Meaning Of Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan, the Muslims holy month, was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don’t have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then?
The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.
Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab -two full months before Ramadan- the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: “"O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)." ”
During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan," said the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi (Mujaddad Alif Thani). Ramadan offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.
“"Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," ”said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “"Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." ”As other hadiths (saying of the Prophet) tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.
Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy.
One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him), warned us: “"There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep." ”
Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salat (prayers), and extra Tarawih Salat (congregational evening prayers in Ramadan), they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salat, Tilawa (recitation of Qur’an), Dhikr (remembrance of God) etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah (Muslim nation) throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: "I have seen with my own eyes such ulema (scholars) who used to finish recitation of the entire Qur’an everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit…Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of Ibada (worship) and devotion of our elders recorded by history."
This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange -even misplaced- to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term Ibada (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salat, Tilawa and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shariah (Islamic law) and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing Ibada when he seeks Halal (permissible) income to discharge his responsibility as a bread-winner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct Ibada, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect Ibada -worldly acts that become Ibada through proper intention and observation of Shariah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of Ibada to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really Ibada or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct Ibada comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.
Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatory Salat (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes every so many hours throughout the day, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.
This spirit is captured in I’tikaf, a unique Ibada associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I’tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Through direct Ibada we "charge our batteries"; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.
The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.
Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab -two full months before Ramadan- the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: “"O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)." ”
During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan," said the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi (Mujaddad Alif Thani). Ramadan offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.
“"Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," ”said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “"Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." ”As other hadiths (saying of the Prophet) tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.
Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy.
One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him), warned us: “"There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep." ”
Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salat (prayers), and extra Tarawih Salat (congregational evening prayers in Ramadan), they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salat, Tilawa (recitation of Qur’an), Dhikr (remembrance of God) etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah (Muslim nation) throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: "I have seen with my own eyes such ulema (scholars) who used to finish recitation of the entire Qur’an everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit…Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of Ibada (worship) and devotion of our elders recorded by history."
This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange -even misplaced- to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term Ibada (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salat, Tilawa and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shariah (Islamic law) and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing Ibada when he seeks Halal (permissible) income to discharge his responsibility as a bread-winner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct Ibada, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect Ibada -worldly acts that become Ibada through proper intention and observation of Shariah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of Ibada to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really Ibada or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct Ibada comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.
Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatory Salat (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes every so many hours throughout the day, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.
This spirit is captured in I’tikaf, a unique Ibada associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I’tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Through direct Ibada we "charge our batteries"; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.
The Pillars Of Islam
Shahadah
The first pillar of Islam is that a Muslim believes and declares his faith by saying the Shahadah (lit. 'witness'), also known as the Kalimah:
La ilaha ila Allah; Muhammadur-rasul Allah. 'There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.'
This declaration contains two parts. The first part refers to God Almighty, the Creator of everything, the Lord of the Worlds; the second part refers to the Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh) a prophet and a human being, who received the revelation through the Archangel Gabriel, and taught it to mankind.
By sincerely uttering the Shahadah the Muslim acknowledges Allah as the sole Creator of all, and the Supreme Authority over everything and everyone in the universe. Consequently the Muslim closes his/her heart and mind to loyalty, devotion and obedience to, trust in, reliance on, and worship of anything or anyone other than Allah. This rejection is not confined merely to pagan gods and goddesses of wood and stone and created by human hands and imaginations. This rejection must extend to all other conceptions, superstitions, ideologies, ways of life, and authority figures that claim supreme devotion, loyalty, trust, love, obedience or worship. This entails, for example, the rejection of belief in such common things as astrology, palm reading, good luck charms, fortune-telling and psychic readings, in addition to praying at shrines or graves of "saints", asking the dead souls to intercede for them with Allah. There are no intercessors in Islam, nor any class of clergy as such; a Muslim prays directly and exclusively to Allah.
Belief in the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) entails belief in the guidance brought by him and contained in his Sunnah (traditions of his sayings and actions), and demands of the Muslim the intention to follow his guidance faithfully. Muhammad (pbuh) was also a human being, a man with feelings and emotions, who ate, drank and slept, and was born and died, like other men. He had a pure and upright nature, extraordinary righteousness, and an unwavering faith in Allah and commitment to Islam, but he was not divine. Muslims do not pray to him, not even as an intercessor, and Muslims abhor the terms "Mohamedan" and "Mohamedanism".
Salah (Prayer)
Prayer (Salah), in the sense of worship, is the second pillar of Islam. Prayer is obligatory and must be performed five times a day. These five times are dawn (Fajr), immediately after noon (Dhuhr), mid-afternoon ('Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and early night (Isha'). Ritual cleanliness and ablution are required before prayer, as are clean clothes and location, and the removal of shoes. One may pray individually or communally, at home, outside, virtually in any clean place, as well as in a mosque, though the latter is preferred. Special is the Friday noon prayer, called Jum'ah. It too, is obligatory and is to be done in a mosque, in congregation. It is accompanied by a sermon (Khutbah), and it replaces the normal Dhuhr prayer.
There is no hierarchical clerical authority in Islam, no priests or ministers. Prayers are led by any learned person who knows the Qur'an and is chosen by the congregation. He (or she, if the congregation is all women) is called the imam. There is also no minimum number of congregates required to hold communal prayers. Prayer consists of verses from the Qur'an and other prayers, accompanied by various bodily postures - standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting. They are said in Arabic, the language of the revelation, though personal supplications (Du'ah) can be offered in one's own language. Worshippers face the Qiblah, the direction of the Ka'bah in the city of Makkah.
The significance of prayer lies in one's maintaining a continuous link to God five times a day, which helps the worshipper avoid misdeeds if he/she performs the prayers sincerely. In addition it promotes discipline, God-consciousness and placing one's trust in Allah alone, and the importance of striving for the Hereafter. When performed in congregation it also provides a strong sense of community, equality and brotherhood/sisterhood.
Sawm (Fasting)
The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting. Allah prescribes daily fasting for all able, adult Muslims during the whole of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new moon. Exempted from the fast are the very old and the insane. On the physical side, fasting is from first light of dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. On the moral, behavioral side, one must abstain from lying, malicious gossip, quarreling and trivial nonsense.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant, or nursing are permitted to break the fast, but must make up an equal number of days later in the year. If physically unable to do so, they must feed a needy person for each day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly pleasures and comforts, even for a short time, the fasting person gains true sympathy for those who go hungry regularly, and achieves growth in his spiritual life, learning discipline, self-restraint, patience and flexibility.
In addition to the fast proper, one is encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. In addition, special prayers, called Tarawih, are held in the mosque every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz') is recited, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an has been completed. These are done in remembrance of the fact that the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was begun during Ramadan.
During the last ten days - though the exact day is never known and may not even be the same every year - occurs the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr). To spend that night in worship is equivalent to a thousand months of worship, i.e. Allah's reward for it is very great.
On the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted, a special celebration is made, called 'Id al-Fitr. A quantity of staple food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-Fitr), everyone has bathed and put on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.
There are other fast days throughout the year. Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, Mondays and Thursdays, and the ninth and tenth, or tenth and eleventh of Muharram, the first month of the year. The tenth day, called Ashurah, is also a fast day for the Jews (Yom Kippur), and Allah commanded the Muslims to fast two days to distinguish themselves from the People of the Book.
While fasting per se is encouraged, constant fasting, as well as monasticism, celibacy, and otherwise retreating from the real world, are condemned in Islam. Fasting on the two festival days, 'Id al-Fitr and 'Id al-Adha, the feast of the Hajj, is strictly forbidden.
Zakah
The third pillar of Islam is the alms-tax (Zakah). It is a tax on wealth, payable on various categories of property, notably savings and investments, produce, inventory of goods, salable crops and cattle, and precious metals, and is to be used for the various categories of distribution specified by Islamic law. It is also an act of purification through sharing what one has with others.
The rationale behind this is that Muslims believe that everything belongs to God, and wealth is held by man as a trust. This trust must be discharged, moreover, as instructed by God, as that portion of our wealth legally belongs to other people and must be given to them. If we refuse and hoard this wealth, it is considered impure and unclean. If, for example one were to use that wealth for charity or to finance one's pilgrimage to Makkah, those acts would also be impure, invalid, and of course unrewarded. Allah says: «"Of their wealth, take alms so you may purify and sanctify them."» [9:103]
The word Zakah means purification and growth. Our possessions are purified by setting aside that portion of it for those in need. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakah individually.
For most purposes this involves the payment each year of 2.5% of one's capital, provided that this capital reaches a certain minimum amount that which is not consumed by its owner. A generous person can pay more than this amount, though it is treated and rewarded as voluntary charity (Sadaqah). This amount of money is provided to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and can be used in many useful projects for the welfare of the community.
Historically the pillar of Zakah became mandatory on Muslims form the second year after the Hijrah, 622 C.E. It is mentioned more than thirty times in the Qur'an, usually in the same breath as Salah. So important is this pillar that one is not considered a part of the Islamic brotherhood if one ignores this obligation.
Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam is to make a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in one's lifetime. This pillar is obligatory for every Muslim, male or female, provided that he/she is physically and financially able to do so. Prerequisites for performing the Hajj are to be a Muslim, to be free, to be an adult or mature enough, to be of sound mind, and to have the ability to afford the journey and maintain one's dependents back home for the duration. The reward for the Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.
The Hajj is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands of the believer great sacrifice. On this unique occasion, nearly two million Muslims from all over the globe meet one another in a given year. Regardless of the season, pilgrims wear special clothes (Ihram) - two, very simple, unsewn white garments - which strips away all distinctions of wealth, status, class and culture; all stand together and equal before Allah (God).
The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Abraham who built the Ka'bah, are observed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage). These rites include circumambulating the Ka'bah (Tawwaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, as Hajjar (Abraham's wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called 'Id al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.
The first pillar of Islam is that a Muslim believes and declares his faith by saying the Shahadah (lit. 'witness'), also known as the Kalimah:
La ilaha ila Allah; Muhammadur-rasul Allah. 'There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.'
This declaration contains two parts. The first part refers to God Almighty, the Creator of everything, the Lord of the Worlds; the second part refers to the Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh) a prophet and a human being, who received the revelation through the Archangel Gabriel, and taught it to mankind.
By sincerely uttering the Shahadah the Muslim acknowledges Allah as the sole Creator of all, and the Supreme Authority over everything and everyone in the universe. Consequently the Muslim closes his/her heart and mind to loyalty, devotion and obedience to, trust in, reliance on, and worship of anything or anyone other than Allah. This rejection is not confined merely to pagan gods and goddesses of wood and stone and created by human hands and imaginations. This rejection must extend to all other conceptions, superstitions, ideologies, ways of life, and authority figures that claim supreme devotion, loyalty, trust, love, obedience or worship. This entails, for example, the rejection of belief in such common things as astrology, palm reading, good luck charms, fortune-telling and psychic readings, in addition to praying at shrines or graves of "saints", asking the dead souls to intercede for them with Allah. There are no intercessors in Islam, nor any class of clergy as such; a Muslim prays directly and exclusively to Allah.
Belief in the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) entails belief in the guidance brought by him and contained in his Sunnah (traditions of his sayings and actions), and demands of the Muslim the intention to follow his guidance faithfully. Muhammad (pbuh) was also a human being, a man with feelings and emotions, who ate, drank and slept, and was born and died, like other men. He had a pure and upright nature, extraordinary righteousness, and an unwavering faith in Allah and commitment to Islam, but he was not divine. Muslims do not pray to him, not even as an intercessor, and Muslims abhor the terms "Mohamedan" and "Mohamedanism".
Salah (Prayer)
Prayer (Salah), in the sense of worship, is the second pillar of Islam. Prayer is obligatory and must be performed five times a day. These five times are dawn (Fajr), immediately after noon (Dhuhr), mid-afternoon ('Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and early night (Isha'). Ritual cleanliness and ablution are required before prayer, as are clean clothes and location, and the removal of shoes. One may pray individually or communally, at home, outside, virtually in any clean place, as well as in a mosque, though the latter is preferred. Special is the Friday noon prayer, called Jum'ah. It too, is obligatory and is to be done in a mosque, in congregation. It is accompanied by a sermon (Khutbah), and it replaces the normal Dhuhr prayer.
There is no hierarchical clerical authority in Islam, no priests or ministers. Prayers are led by any learned person who knows the Qur'an and is chosen by the congregation. He (or she, if the congregation is all women) is called the imam. There is also no minimum number of congregates required to hold communal prayers. Prayer consists of verses from the Qur'an and other prayers, accompanied by various bodily postures - standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting. They are said in Arabic, the language of the revelation, though personal supplications (Du'ah) can be offered in one's own language. Worshippers face the Qiblah, the direction of the Ka'bah in the city of Makkah.
The significance of prayer lies in one's maintaining a continuous link to God five times a day, which helps the worshipper avoid misdeeds if he/she performs the prayers sincerely. In addition it promotes discipline, God-consciousness and placing one's trust in Allah alone, and the importance of striving for the Hereafter. When performed in congregation it also provides a strong sense of community, equality and brotherhood/sisterhood.
Sawm (Fasting)
The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting. Allah prescribes daily fasting for all able, adult Muslims during the whole of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new moon. Exempted from the fast are the very old and the insane. On the physical side, fasting is from first light of dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. On the moral, behavioral side, one must abstain from lying, malicious gossip, quarreling and trivial nonsense.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant, or nursing are permitted to break the fast, but must make up an equal number of days later in the year. If physically unable to do so, they must feed a needy person for each day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly pleasures and comforts, even for a short time, the fasting person gains true sympathy for those who go hungry regularly, and achieves growth in his spiritual life, learning discipline, self-restraint, patience and flexibility.
In addition to the fast proper, one is encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. In addition, special prayers, called Tarawih, are held in the mosque every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz') is recited, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an has been completed. These are done in remembrance of the fact that the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was begun during Ramadan.
During the last ten days - though the exact day is never known and may not even be the same every year - occurs the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr). To spend that night in worship is equivalent to a thousand months of worship, i.e. Allah's reward for it is very great.
On the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted, a special celebration is made, called 'Id al-Fitr. A quantity of staple food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-Fitr), everyone has bathed and put on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.
There are other fast days throughout the year. Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, Mondays and Thursdays, and the ninth and tenth, or tenth and eleventh of Muharram, the first month of the year. The tenth day, called Ashurah, is also a fast day for the Jews (Yom Kippur), and Allah commanded the Muslims to fast two days to distinguish themselves from the People of the Book.
While fasting per se is encouraged, constant fasting, as well as monasticism, celibacy, and otherwise retreating from the real world, are condemned in Islam. Fasting on the two festival days, 'Id al-Fitr and 'Id al-Adha, the feast of the Hajj, is strictly forbidden.
Zakah
The third pillar of Islam is the alms-tax (Zakah). It is a tax on wealth, payable on various categories of property, notably savings and investments, produce, inventory of goods, salable crops and cattle, and precious metals, and is to be used for the various categories of distribution specified by Islamic law. It is also an act of purification through sharing what one has with others.
The rationale behind this is that Muslims believe that everything belongs to God, and wealth is held by man as a trust. This trust must be discharged, moreover, as instructed by God, as that portion of our wealth legally belongs to other people and must be given to them. If we refuse and hoard this wealth, it is considered impure and unclean. If, for example one were to use that wealth for charity or to finance one's pilgrimage to Makkah, those acts would also be impure, invalid, and of course unrewarded. Allah says: «"Of their wealth, take alms so you may purify and sanctify them."» [9:103]
The word Zakah means purification and growth. Our possessions are purified by setting aside that portion of it for those in need. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakah individually.
For most purposes this involves the payment each year of 2.5% of one's capital, provided that this capital reaches a certain minimum amount that which is not consumed by its owner. A generous person can pay more than this amount, though it is treated and rewarded as voluntary charity (Sadaqah). This amount of money is provided to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and can be used in many useful projects for the welfare of the community.
Historically the pillar of Zakah became mandatory on Muslims form the second year after the Hijrah, 622 C.E. It is mentioned more than thirty times in the Qur'an, usually in the same breath as Salah. So important is this pillar that one is not considered a part of the Islamic brotherhood if one ignores this obligation.
Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam is to make a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in one's lifetime. This pillar is obligatory for every Muslim, male or female, provided that he/she is physically and financially able to do so. Prerequisites for performing the Hajj are to be a Muslim, to be free, to be an adult or mature enough, to be of sound mind, and to have the ability to afford the journey and maintain one's dependents back home for the duration. The reward for the Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.
The Hajj is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands of the believer great sacrifice. On this unique occasion, nearly two million Muslims from all over the globe meet one another in a given year. Regardless of the season, pilgrims wear special clothes (Ihram) - two, very simple, unsewn white garments - which strips away all distinctions of wealth, status, class and culture; all stand together and equal before Allah (God).
The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Abraham who built the Ka'bah, are observed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage). These rites include circumambulating the Ka'bah (Tawwaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, as Hajjar (Abraham's wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called 'Id al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.
Definition Of Islam
The word ISLAM has a two-fold meaning: peace, and submission to God. This submission requires a fully conscious and willing effort to submit to the one Almighty God. One must consciously and conscientiously give oneself to the service of Allah. This means to act on what Allah enjoins all of us to do (in the Qur'an) and what His beloved Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged us to do in his Sunnah (his lifestyle and sayings personifying the Qur'an).
Once we humble ourselves, rid ourselves of our egoism and submit totally to Allah, and to Him exclusively, in faith and in action, we will surely feel peace in our hearts. Establishing peace in our hearts will bring about peace in our external conduct as well.
Islam is careful to remind us that it not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam. The Muslim must practice the five pillars of the religion: the declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophet hood of Muhammad (pbuh), prayer, fasting the month of Ramadan, alms-tax, and the pilgrimage to Makkah; and believe in the six articles of faith: belief in God, the Holy Books, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment and God's decree, whether for good or ill.
There are other injunctions and commandments which concern virtually all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. These include such matters as diet, clothing, personal hygiene, interpersonal relations, business ethics, responsibilities towards parents, spouse and children, marriage, divorce and inheritance, civil and criminal law, fighting in defense of Islam, relations with non-Muslims, and so much more.
Once we humble ourselves, rid ourselves of our egoism and submit totally to Allah, and to Him exclusively, in faith and in action, we will surely feel peace in our hearts. Establishing peace in our hearts will bring about peace in our external conduct as well.
Islam is careful to remind us that it not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam. The Muslim must practice the five pillars of the religion: the declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophet hood of Muhammad (pbuh), prayer, fasting the month of Ramadan, alms-tax, and the pilgrimage to Makkah; and believe in the six articles of faith: belief in God, the Holy Books, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment and God's decree, whether for good or ill.
There are other injunctions and commandments which concern virtually all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. These include such matters as diet, clothing, personal hygiene, interpersonal relations, business ethics, responsibilities towards parents, spouse and children, marriage, divorce and inheritance, civil and criminal law, fighting in defense of Islam, relations with non-Muslims, and so much more.
15 Aug 2011
13 Aug 2011
Adabu na tabia njema
Mwenyezi Mungu ametufunza adabu za namna nyingi ili ziwe pambo letu Waislam zikitupamba katika matendo yetu, maneno yetu, na pia zikitupamba ndani ya nafsi zetu.
Mapambo ya ndani ya nafsi ni Tabia njema. Na Adabu, ni yale maneno na matendo mema yanayozidhihirisha.
Neno Adabu, asili yake linatokana na neno ‘Maaduba’, na maana yake ni kualikwa chakula au kuitwa. Na neno ‘Adabu’, limetoholewa kutoka katika neno hilo ‘Maaduba’, kwa sababu watu ‘Wanaitwa’ katika kuzifuata tabia njema na katika kuwa na khuluka njema.
Khuluka njema ni msingi madhubuti wa Umma. Ni kuendelea kwa Umma. Ni tumaini la Umma. Ni uhai wa Umma.
Umma ukirudishwa nyuma kwa sababu zozote zile za kilimwengu kisha ukapoteza tabia zake njema na khuluqa zake, si rahisi tena kunyanyuka. Lakini Umma hata ukirudi nyuma namna gani, ikiwa bado umeshikamana na khuluqa njema, basi tumaini la kunyanyuka tena linabaki. Na hii ni kwa sababu Umma wowote ukiacha tabia zake njema na kujifanya kama karagosi kwa kuonyesha kila fani ya kuiga, na jeuri na utovu wa adabu, basi tamaa ya kunyanyuka tena inapotea.
Mshairi alisema:
“Hakika ya umma wowote ule ukitaka kubaki, basi lazima wawe na tabia njema. Tabia njema zao zikitoweka, basi na wao watatoweka.”
Umma wa Kiislamu ni Umma uliolelewa kwa Adabu na Tabia njema tokea Mtume wetu Muhammad (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) alipoanza kuwalingania watu katika dini hii tukufu.
Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) alikuwa akisema:
بُعِثْتُ لأتمِّمَ مَكَارِمَ الأَخْلاَقِ
“Kwa hakika nimeletwa kuja kukamilisha (kufundisha) tabia njema”.
Huyu ni Mtume wetu mtukufu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) ambaye Mola wake alimsifia na kumwambia:
وإنك لعلى خلق عظيم
“Na bila shaka una tabia njema kabisa”
Al Qalam – 4
Muislamu anatakiwa awe mwenye adabu na mwenye heshima akiwaheshimu wakubwa wake na wadodo wake.
Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
<ليس منا من لم يرحم صغيرنا، ويعرف شرف كبيرنا>
Hayupo pamoja nasi asiyewahurumia wadogo wetu na asiyeijuwa heshima ya wakubwa wetu.
Attirmidhy na Abu Daud
Na katika riwaya nyingine, Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema kumuambia Ummu Salamah (Radhiya Llahu anha):
يا أم سلمة ذهب حسن الخلق بخير الدنيا والآخرة
Ewe Ummu Salamah, Tabia njema imechukuwa kheri zote za dunia na akhera.
Attabarani
Muislamu asiyekuwa na adabu anaudhuru Uislamu badala ya kuupa nguvu. Mamilioni ya watu waliingia katika dini hii tukufu kwa kuvutiwa na Adabu na Tabia njema za Masahaba (Radhiya Llahu anhum) waliozifungua nchi zao hizo, pamoja na kuvutiwa na Adabu na Tabia njema za wale waliokuja baada yao.
Mataifa makubwa kama vile Indonesia kwa mfano, mamilioni ya watu wake waliingia katika dini hii kutokana na tabia njema za wafanya biashara wa Kiislam waliokwenda huko. Walikuwa wakiuona uaminifu wao, ukweli wao, ucha Mungu wao. Ilikuwa mara tu unapofika wakati wa Swala, walikuwa wakiwaona namna gani wafanya biashara hao wakiacha kazi zao na kuelekea mwahali maalum kwa ajili ya kufanya Ibada zao.
Imam Malik anasema:
“Umma huu hauwezi kutengenea isipokuwa kwa kufuata mwenendo wa wenzao waliowatangulia”.
- Kuwatii wazee wawili
Mwenyezi Mungu ametuamrisha tuwatii na kuwafanyia wema wazee wetu, na akazifanya haki za wazee - baba na mama - kuwa katika daraja la pili baada ya haki Zake Subhaanahu wa Taala. Mwenyezi Mungu amewajaalia wazee kuwa ni sababu ya kuwepo kwetu hapa duniani, na kwa ajili hiyo wakapata tabu sana juu yetu.
Hasa Mama, aliyembeba mwanawe tumboni miezi tisa, akamzaa, kisha akahangaika naye na kutaabika naye, tabu juu ya tabu. Tabu ya kubeba, tabu ya kuzaa, tabu ya kulea, kunyonyesha pamoja na kukesha na kuhangaika naye kila mtoto anapolia au kuugua.
Kwa ajili hiyo Mwenyezi Mungu Ametuamrisha kuwakirimu wazee wetu wawili hao, kuwatumikia kuwainamishia bawa la unyenyekevu, pamoja na kuwaombea dua ili Mwenyezi Mungu awarehemu kama walivyotulea huku wakiturehemu tulipokuwa watoto.
Mwenyezi Mungu Anasema:
وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلاَهُمَا فَلاَ تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّ وَلاَ تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلاً كَرِيمًا 23 وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا 24
“Na Mola wako Mlezi ameamrisha kuwa; Msimuabudu yeyote ila Yeye tu, na wazazi wawili muwatendee wema. Mmoja wao akifikia uzee, naye yuko kwako, au wote wawili, basi usimwambie hata: Ah! Wala usiwakemee. Na sema nao kwa msemo wa hishima.
Na uwainamishie bawa la unyenyekevu kwa kuwaonea huruma. Na useme: Mola wanguMlezi! Warehemu kama walivyo nilea utotoni.”
Al israa- Bani Israil 23-24
Na Anasema:
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَى وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ
“Na tumemuusia mtu kwa wazazi wake wawili. Mama yake ameichukua mimba yake kwa udhaifu juu ya udhaifu, na kumwachisha ziwa baada ya miaka miwili. (Tumemuusia):Nishukuru Mimi na wazazi wako. Na kwangu Mimi ndiyo marudio.”
Luqman 14
Mafundisho ya Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) yanakubaliana na mafundisho ya Qurani.
Alipoulizwa juu ya matendo anayoyapenda zaidi Mwenyezi Mungu kupita yote, Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) alisema:
Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) alisema:
"الصلاة على وقتها ثم بر الوالدين ثم الجهاد في سبيل اللّه"
"Swala ndani ya wakati wake, kisha kuwafanyia wema wazee wawili kisha jihadi katika njia ya Mwenyezi Mungu."
Fathi l Bari (Sharhi ya Sahihul Bukhari)
Aliiweka amali hii ya kuwafanyia wema wazee wawili kuwa ni ya pili ikiitangulia hata Jihadi katika njia ya Mwenyezi Mungu.
Na alipokuwa akizitaja amali ovu, akaitaja amali ya kuwaasi wazee wawili kuwa ni ya pili baada kumshirikisha Mwenyezi Mungu. Akasema:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: (ألا أنبئكم بأكبر الكبائر). قلنا: بلى يا رسول الله، قال: (الإشراك بالله، وعقوق الوالدين - وكان متكئاً فجلس فقال - ألا وقول الزور، وشهادة الزور، ألا وقول الزور، وشهادة الزور). فما زال يقولها، حتى قلت: لا يسكت.
Amesema Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam):
“Nikuambieni ni amali zipi zilizo ovu kupita zote?”
Tukasema:
“Tuambie ewe Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu”
Akasema:
“Kumshirikisha Mwenyezi Mungu na kuwaasi wazee wawili,”
Alikuwa ameegemea, akakaa vizuri, kisha akasema:
“Na kusema uongo, na kutoa ushahidi wa uongo…”
Akawa anayakariri maneno hayo mpaka tukasema (nyoyoni);
“Yareti angenyamaza”
Bukhari na Muslim
Pakitokea mgongano baina ya haki ya Mwenyezi Mungu na haki ya wazee, kwa mfano mzee awe ni mshirikina akimuamrisha mwanawe naye awe kama yeye katika ushirikina huo, au katika kumuasi Mwenyezi Mungu kwa jambo lolote lile, basi hapo haijuzu kumtii mzee, kwa sababu haki ya Mwenyezi Mungu ni kubwa zaidi na tukufu zaidi. Lakini wakati huo huo kuasi au kumshirikisha Mwenyezi Mungu kwao, kusikuzuwie kuwatendea mema na kusikufanye ukawa unawapiga pande.
Mwenyezi Mungu anasema:
وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلى أَن تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
“Na pindi wakikushikilia kunishirikisha na ambayo huna ilimu nayo, basi usiwat'ii. Lakini kaa nao kwa wema duniani, nawe ishike njia ya anayeelekea kwangu. Kisha marejeo yenu ni kwangu Mimi, na Mimi nitakuambieni mliyokuwa mkiyatenda.”
Luqman -15
Mwenyezi Mungu Ametutahadharisha juu ya hatari ya kuwapiga pande ndugu wa Nasaba Akasema:
أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالاً كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاء وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءلُونَ بِهِ وَالأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا
“Enyi watu! Mcheni Mola wenu Mlezi aliyekuumbeni kutokana na nafsi moja, na akamuumba mkewe kutoka nafsi ile ile. Na akaeneza kutokana na wawili hao wanaume na wanawake wengi. Na tahadharini na Mwenyezi Mungu ambaye kwaye mnaombana, na jamaa zenu. Hakika Mwenyezi Mungu ni Mwenye kuwaangalieni.”
Annisaa - 1
Hapa Mwenyezi Mungu anatutahadharisha tusije tukamuasi, na pia anatutahadharisha juu ya Jamaa zetu, tusije tukawapiga pande na kuachana nao.
Mwenyezi Mungu pia ametutaka tushikamane na kuendeana nao.
Mwenyezi Mungu anasema:
وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ لاَ تَعْبُدُونَ إِلاَّ اللّهَ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَاناً وَذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَقُولُواْ لِلنَّاسِ حُسْناً وَأَقِيمُواْ الصَّلاَةَ وَآتُواْ الزَّكَاةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً مِّنكُمْ وَأَنتُم مِّعْرِضُونَ
“Na tulipofunga agano na Wana wa Israili: Hamtamuabudu yeyote ila Mwenyezi Mungu; na muwafanyie wema wazazi na jamaa na mayatima na masikini, na semeni na watu kwa wema,na shikeni Swala, na toeni Zaka. Kisha mkageuka isipo kuwa wachache tu katika nyinyi; na nyinyi (pia) mnapuuza.”
Al Baqarah - 83
Na Akasema:
وَأُوْلُواْ الأَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلَى بِبَعْضٍ
“Na ndugu wa nasaba wanastahikiana wenyewe kwa wenyewe”
Al Anfal – 75
Na Akasema:
فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَى حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ وَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
“Basi mpe jamaa haki yake na masikini na msafiri (aliyeharibikiwa). Hayo ni bora kwa wale wanaotaka radhi ya Mwenyezi Mungu; na hao ndio watakaofuzu”.
Ar Rum – 38
(Neno ‘Rahim’ maana yake ni ‘undugu wa nasaba’)
Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Mwenyezi Mungu amelitoa (au amelitohoa) jina la ‘Rahim’ kutoka katika jina lake ‘Al Rahiym’, kisha akasema:
“Atakayekuunga nitamuunga na atakayekukata nitamkata”.
Na hii inamaanisha kuwa Mwenyezi Mungu atamkata (kwa kutomrehemu) yule atakayeukata uhusiano na jamaa zake, na atawaunga (kwa kuwarehemu) wale watakaouendeleza uhusiano huo.
Mtu anaweza kuona kuwa; katika kutembeleana kwa ajili ya kuunganisha uhusiano na ndugu wa nasaba pesa nyingi zinatumika na wakati mwingi unapotea. Lakini Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) ametufundisha kinyume na hivyo.
Katika hadithi ilisiyomuliwa na Anas bin Malik (Radhiya Llahu anhu), Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Anayependa atandaziwe riziki (aongezewe riziki yake), basi aendeleze uhusiano wake na ndugu zake wa nasaba (jamaa zake alohusiana nao)”.
Bukhari
Na katika Hadith al Qudusiy, Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Mwenyezi Mungu ameiambia Rahim; ‘Je utaridhika iwapo nitamuunga atakayekuunga na nitamkata atakayekukata?”
Rahim ikasema:
“Ndiyo”
Mwenyezi Mungu Akasema:
“Basi hiyo ni haki yako”
Bukhari
Kuuendeleza uhusiano huu kunakuwa kwa kupendana, kunasihiana, kufanyiana wema na uadilifu, kurudishiana haki zilizopotea, kuwasaidia wale wenye shida kati yao, kujua hali zao, kusameheana katika makosa yanayotokea baina yao mara kwa mara, kuombeana dua, na kwa ujumla kujaribu kuwafanyia kila la kheri na kuwaepusha na kila shari kwa uwezo wote.
Iwapo katika ndugu, yupo au wapo wasiopenda kurudisha uhusiano na ndugu kwa sababu ndugu yake au jamaa yake huyo anapindukia mipaka katika kumuasi Mwenyezi Mungu, na baada ya kujaribu kila njia katika kunasihi kwa kutumia njia mbali mbali za hekima kujaribu kumweka sawa ndugu huyo bila mafanikio, basi hapana ubaya kuepukana na mtu au watu wa aina hiyo, wakati huo huo tukiendelea kuwaombea dua, huenda Mwenyezi Mungu akawahidi na kuwaongoza katika haki.
وَاعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَلاَ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالاً فَخُورًا
“Muabuduni Mwenyezi Mungu wala msimshirikishe na chochote. Na wafanyieni wema wazazi wawili na jamaa na mayatima na masikini na jirani wa karibu na jirani wa mbali, na rafiki wa ubavuni na mpita njia, na walio milikiwa na mikono yenu ya kulia. Hakika Mwenyezi Mungu hawapendi wenye kiburi wanao jifakhiri”.
Annisaa – 36
Na katika hadithi iliyotolewa na Bukhari, Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Jibril alikuwa akiendelea kuniusia juu ya Jirani, hata nilidhania atapewa haki ya kunirithi”
Kumfanyia wema jirani, ni kwa kutokumuudhi au kumkera.
Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Wallahi si Muislam Wallahi si Muislam”,
Wakamuuliza:
“Nani huyo ewe Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu?”
Akasema:
“Ambaye jirani yake haiepuki shari yake”
Katika wema pia, ni kumfanyia jirani ihsani kiasi cha uwezo wako kwa kumsaidia pale anapohitajia msaada wao, kwa kumjulia hali yake, kumpelekea zawadi, yote hayo kiasi cha uwezo.
يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلْ مَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالأَقْرَبِينَ وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا تَفْعَلُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ
“Wanakuuliza watoe nini? Sema: Kheri mnayo itoa ni kwa ajili ya wazazi na jamaa na mayatima na masikini na wasafiri. Na kheri yoyote mnayo ifanya Mwenyezi Mungu anaijua”.
Al Baqarah - 215
Na akasema:
وَإِذَا حَضَرَ الْقِسْمَةَ أُوْلُواْ الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينُ فَارْزُقُوهُم مِّنْهُ وَقُولُواْ لَهُمْ قَوْلاً مَّعْرُوفًا
“Na wakati wa kugawanya wakihudhuria jamaa na mayatima na masikini, wapeni katika hayo mali ya urithi, na semeni nao maneno mema”.
An Nisaa - 8
Na akasema:
فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَى حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ وَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
“Basi mpe jamaa haki yake, na masikini, na msafiri. Hayo ni kheri kwa watakao radhi ya Mwenyezi Mungu. Na hao ndio wenye kufanikiwa”.
Ar Rum - 38
Na katika hadithi, Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Mwenye kujishughulisha kuwasaidia Vizuka na Masikini ni mfano wa anayepigana Jihadi katika njia ya Mwenyezi Mungu, au mfano wa mwenye kufunga nyakati za mchana na kuswali nyakati za usiku”.
Bukhari
Na katika hadithi nyingine Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu (Swalla Llahu alayhi wa sallam) amesema:
“Mimi na mwenye kumlea yatima tutakuwa (pamoja) Peponi kama hivi.” Akaashiria kwa kidole cha shahada na cha kati.
Bukhari
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