Noor -I-Islam

Islam

2013

ISLAM

- I - He {ALLAH} is with you, wherever you are

NOOR SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER AhmadiyahAnjuman Isha’at [Lahore] , Canada

Many reports by different companions of the Prophet, peace on him, speak of their initial feelings toward him, stating that they adopted a hostile attitude toward him before they even met him. They also say how such feelings evaporated on meeting him, and how their hate was replaced by a far more genuine feeling of love. When we examine such reports, we find that the Prophet, peace on him, did not do anything of personal nature to bring about such a change. Invariably, he would simply speak naturally, with genuine feeling, stating his mission clearly and truthfully, without mincing words. People would always recognize his truthfulness and his honesty. This is what attracted people to him, and they would soon realize that the message he advocated was the message of the truth.

An unnamed man from Baladawiyyah narrates the story of his grandfather’s first meeting with the Prophet, peace on him, as he himself reported it. He states that he went to Madinah where he stopped at the valley, which he did not name. Most probably it was either Bathan or Al Aqeeq, which were the nearest valleys where market days were held. “I saw two men negotiating the sale of a single female goat. The buyer said to the seller: ‘Be good to me in this transaction.’ I thought to myself that this was probably the Hashemite man who has led people astray. As I looked at him I saw a handsome man with a broad forehead, small nose and this eyebrows, and from just below his neck down to his navel stretched a thin black line of hair. He was wearing two old garments. As he approached us he greeted us saying, ‘Assalamo Alaikum’, and we replied. He then spoke to the buyer who said to him: ‘Messenger of God! Tell him to make me a good transaction.’

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“He stretched his hand as if in apology, and said: ‘you own your property. I hope to meet God on the Day of Resurrection and none of you having a claim against me that I might have wronged him with anything in his money, in himself or his honor. And that I would not have taken anything from anyone except in accordance with what is right. May God bless anyone who is easy in his buying and selling, easy in taking and giving, easy in settling his debts and in demanding settlement.’ He then left, and I thought that I needed to make sure of the man because his words were good. I followed him and called him by his name, Muhammad. He turned with all his body (which was his habit), and asked what did I want. I asked him: ‘Are you the one who led people astray, caused them to perish and turned them away from what their forefathers worshipped?’ He said: ‘That is God.’ I asked him about his message, and he said: ‘I call on God’s servants to turn to God.’ When I asked him what he said, he answered: ‘Declare that you believe that there is no deity other than God, and that I am God’s Messenger. You should believe in what God has revealed to me, and disbelieve in Al-Lat and Al-Uzza (the main two idols the Arabs worshipped), attend regularly to your prayer and pay your Zakah.’ I asked him what was Zakah and he said: ‘That the rich among us should give our poor.’ I said to him: ‘This is a fine message that you advocate.’

“’There was no living person on the face of the earth more hateful to me than him, but now he was dearer to me than my children, my father and all people. I said to him: ‘Now I know.’ He said to me: ‘Then you know.’ As I answered in the affirmative, he said: ‘Would you bear witness that there is no deity other than God, and that I am God’s Messenger, and would you believe in what has been revealed to me?’ I said: ‘Yes.’

“I then said: ‘Messenger of God! I frequent a water spring, which attracts many people, and I will call on them to believe in what you said to me. I hope that they will follow you.’ He said: ‘Yes, do.’ All people who used to frequent that water spring, men and women, accepted Islam. The Prophet, peace on him, then wiped his head.”

We note that the man started with an extremely negative view of the Prophet, peace on him, and Islam. He had a good look at the Prophet, peace on him, and noted that his outfit was that of a poor person. The Prophet’s talk, however, was impressive as he expressed his strong hope that he would never take anything from anyone except in accordance with what was right. He was not offended when it was put to him that he caused trouble among his people by advocating a message that aimed to change their religion. He put the principles of Islam clearly and called on people to accept it. This is the way to win people’s hearts and minds.

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The Prophet, peace on him, always visited those who were ill, to inquire after their health. But he also took the opportunity to invite them to believe. He did so knowing that an ill person accepts more readily believing that only God grants recovery. Anas ibn Malik reports that the Prophet, peace on him, visited a man from the Najjar clan of the Ansar who was ill. The Prophet, peace on him, said to him: “Maternal uncle! Say: “There is no deity other than God.’” The man asked him whether he was a paternal or maternal uncle, and the Prophet, peace on him, confirmed that he was a maternal uncle. This is due to the fact that the Prophet was related to that clan through his mother. The Prophet, peace on him, again told him to declare his belief in the One God. The man asked him whether it was good for him to do so, and the Prophet, peace on him, confirmed that. We are not told whether the man believed or not, but we know that the Prophet, peace on him, took the opportunity of the visit to call on him to become a Muslim.

He did the same with a Jewish youth that used to serve him. When the youth fell ill, the Prophet, peace on him, went to visit him and sat close to him, near his head. He then said to him: ‘Accept the faith of Islam.’ The youth looked at his father who was present and his father said to him: ‘Obey Abu Al Qasim.’ The boy did that and declared that he was a Muslim. When the Prophet, peace on him, left, he praised God for having saved the youth from hell. This authentic Hadith related by Ahmad, shows that the Prophet, peace on him, did not seek to do things in a roundabout way. He spoke to the youth in front of his father. The father realized that the Prophet, peace on him, only wanted what was good for his son, and he told him to obey God’s Messenger.

Not only so, but the Prophet, peace on him, did his best to make people who were hostile to Islam accept his message. Ahmad relates to Hadith, which mentions that, the Prophet, peace on him, said to a man: “Become a Muslim and you will be safe.” The man said: “I find myself unwilling to do so.” The Prophet, peace on him, said: “Even though you are unwilling.” Here we see the Prophet, peace on him, undeterred from advocating his message even though his interlocutor clearly says that he does not want to respond. But we should say that the Prophet, peace on him, did not threaten the man when he said to him that he would be safe if he became a Muslim. He only meant that he would be safe from God’s punishment in the Hereafter. He also said to him that even if he were reluctant at the beginning, by accepting Islam even verbally, he would be in a better position to judge it clearly.

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IMAM MALIK

a great scholar of Hadith

Abu Tariq Hijazi Imam Malik was oneof the most Jafar Al Sadiq, the descendant of the Holy respected scholars of Fiqh also known as Prophet, peace on him. ‘Imam Darul Hijrah’. His great grandfather

OURHISTORY Abi Aamer, who was from Yemen, embraced He served and protected the science Islam in 02AH and migrated to Madinah. He of Hadith for over 70 years in Madinah and participated in all the battles alongside the expired at the age of 87. He was so attached Holy Prophet, peace on him, except the Battle of to the city of the Holy Prophet that he Badr. Malik was born near Madinah in 93AH. performed Haj only once and never went He received his education in Madinah and outside the city. His jurisprudence was later contacted about 900 scholars for collecting developed into the Maliki School of Hadiths. He acquired a great amount of Thought, which was promoted in Morocco, knowledge from the desciples of the Ageria and Spain. Imam Malik compiled Al- companions of the Prophet, peace on him. He Muwatta in the course of 40 years, having mastered the science of Hadith at the age of started with 10,000 narrations until he 17 and began to issue Farwa after 70 reduced them to their present number. scholars confirmed his eligibility for the Imam Bukhari said that the most authentic purpose. He collected over 100,000 Hadiths chain of transmission of Hadith is called written by his hand. Silsalat Al Zahabi (Golden Chain), which has only three links – “Malik from Nafi from Ibn Imam Abu Hanifa met Imam Malik Umar and then from the Holy Prophet.” and recognized his shcolarship. Imam Shafie was a desciple of Imam Malik. There are 80 narrations with this chain in this book, Imam Shafie regarded Al- Imam Malik was the first to compile Muwatta as the most authentic book on an authentic book of Hadith named “Al- earth after the Holy Qur’an. Imam Malik was Mawatta.” It contained 1,720 Hadiths. The very strong in defending Shariah and did not book was approved by 70 scholars and thus care for the likings of the ruling class. called Muwatta (The Approved). Many commentaries have been written on the Madinah governor during Abbasid book. Imam Shafie, who was one of Malik’s Caliphate arrested and flogged him publicly students for nine years, said: “Imam Malik is for issuing a Farwa against ruling Caliph like a star among scholars.” Imam Malik Mansur. When the caliph came to know memorized the Qur’an in his youth and about it, he dismissed the governor and studied under famous scholars like Hisham apologized to Imam Malik. He also sent ibn Urwah, Ibn Shihab Al Zuhri and Imam 3,000 dinars and invited Imam Malik to live

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in Baghdad but he refused the offer saying companions of the Prophet, peace on him, that he preferred to live in the city of the themselves held opposing views on Holy Prophet, peace on him. subsidiary issues.”

Imam Malik also issued a Fatwa Imam Malik’s daughter Fatima had against the will of Caliph Haroon Rashid for memorized Al-Muwatta. Imam Malik fell ill th which he was severely punished. But once, and died on 14 of Rabiul Awwal 179AH. when the caliph came to Madinah he asked Emir of Madinah Abdul Aziz ibn Muhammad him to teach Hadith to his princes. But Imam ibn Ibraheem led his funeral prayers. He was replied that the wealth of knowledge does buried in Jannatul Baqee. not go to the doors of others. Haroon Rashid was wise enough, he came with his princes It is reported that the Holy Prophet to the gathering of Imam Malik and had said: “Very soon will people beat the attended his lecture like others. Haroon flanks of camels in search of knowledge, and Rashid had suggested that Imam Malik’s they shall find no one more knowledgeable book, Al-Muwatta, should be put in the Holy than the knowledgeable scholar of Ka’aba and all Muslims be told to follow it in Madinah.” (Sunan Al Thirmidhi) Scholars consider that all matters of jurisprudence. But Imam Malik the scholar referred to was Malik ibn Anas refused, saying “Refrain from this as the (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all)

{Omayyad Mosque – Damascus}

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Prophet Muhammad Things That Made (Peace and blessings of Allah on him} the Prophet

We have mentioned at many ocasions that the Prophet, peace on him, never go angry for anything personal. Angry No matter what unbelievers said about him, leveling any false accusations aginst him, he would always control himself, showing no sign of overreaction. Indeed, he kept his cool in all situations. However, if some violation of the limits God has ordered to be observed occurred, the Prophet, peace on him, could be very angry, and his anger showed in his face.

The contrast between the two situations is clear. If the matter were personal, he would tolerate it without difficulty. His self-control ensured that he would never overreact. He was certain that even his worst enemies realized that he always told the truth. But he could not tolerate that what God has ordered should be deliberately violated. His anger in such situations was visible, but he still expressed himself in decent language, never allowing himself to utter a word that was unworthy of a messenger delivering God’s message to mankind. We have several reports of situations that made him angry, and we will look at these.

Zayed Ibn Thabit reports: “The Prophet, peace on him, chose a place where he went out at night to pray. Some men saw him doing that and they prayed with him. They came every night to do that. One night, the Prophet, peace on him, did not come out to join them. They started to make some noises, like little coughs, and then they raised their voices, and even threw pebbles at his door. He came out to them angry and said: “Look you people! You continued doing what you did until I thought it might be made obligatory for you. Pray in your own home, becuase the best prayer a person can offer is that he offers at home, except for obligatory prayers.” [Al Bukhari, Abu Dawood, Al Nisaee]

What angered the Prophet, peace on him, in this incident is that his companions tried every means to get him to come out to lead them in night prayer, which is not an obligatory one. Some of them resorted to impolite means, first raising their voices and then throwing some pebbles at his door. We need to remember that some of the Prophet’s companions were uncultivated Bedouins who lacked polite manners, until Islam gave them the best manners people could have. They were insisting on doing a voluntary worship in a particular way. This is wrong becuase it imposes a duty where there is none. Hence, the Prophet, peace on him, told them that he feared that this night prayer would become obligatory to them. And if it were made obligatory, it would have applied to all generations of Muslims. Thus, their action would have committed them and others to more than what God wished to assign to them as worship duty.

The Prophet, peace on him, also told them to pray at home, saying that this is the best prayer, except for obligatory prayer that is much better offered with the congregation in the mosque. Offering voluntary prayer at home is better for several reasons. The first is that prayer gives light to the place where it is offered. If obligatory prayer is offered at the mosque with the congregation, then the proper [email protected] Page 6

way to ensure that the light of prayer and worship spreads in our homes is to offer then Sunnah and voluntary prayer at home.

Another very important reason is that when voluntary prayer is offered at home, it is more sincere. This is not to say that when offered in the mosque it is not sincere, but there is certainly no element of show off when we offer voluntary prayer in the privacy of our own homes. We may mention here the incident when one person testified to the fine character of another person in front of Omar, the second caliph. Omar asked him the basis of his knowledge, mentioning three ways of knowing a person well. These are being his next-door neighbor, traveling with him or having regular financial dealings. When the man answered in the negative to all three, Omar said to him: “Perhaps you are speaking highly of him because you might have seen him in the mosque reading the Qur’an?” When the man answered this question in the affirmative, Omar said to him: “You may go now. You do not really know the man.” So, it is easy to gain a reputation of piety when one offers voluntary worship in the mosque. Hence, the Prophet, peace on him, tells us that the best such prayer is that which is offered at home. A further reason is that one provides a good example for one’s children and other family members to follow. It will encourage them to offer voluntary prayers, which strengthens their faith and increases their reward.

The Prophet, peace on him, might get angry at something said or done by one of his companions, which suggests the violation of God’s law. Zayd Ibn Khalid reports: “A man asked the Prophet, peace on him, about what one might find in the street, without knowing its owner. What to do with it. The Prophet, peace on him, said to him” ‘Publicize it for a year, and then made sure to know its description and spend it. Should its owner come up, give it back to him.’ The man said: ‘What about a lost sheep?’ The Prophet, peace on him, said: ‘It belongs to you, your brother or the wolf.’ The man further asked: ‘What about a lost camel?’ The Prophet’s face was reddened with anger at this question, then he said to the man: ‘What do you want with it? It has its own hoofs and drink until its owner finds it.’” [al Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Al Tirmithi, Ibn Majah]

The Hadith gives details of the rulings concerning lost articles or animals and what to do with them. However, it tells us that the Prophet, peace on him, was angry when asked about a lost camel. There is a good reason for his anger. The first thing the Hadith tells is that if one picks up a lost article, he should publicize the fact for a year, so that if the owner come back looking for it, he would know where to find it. After a year the person who found it may sell it and spend its price, either using the price himself or giving it to charity, but he continues to be responsible for it. If the owner turns up after a year, the one who found it must give him the price he sold it for, unless he had given it away to charity and the owner agrees to his action. If he does not agree, he has to refund it to him. He will certainly earn the reward of his charity.

If it is a sheep or a similar animal that cannot defend itself, or is bound to fall prey to beasts, then one can slaughter it for food, or look after it, or sell it. If the owner turns up, he compensates him or give it back. But if it is a camel or a similar animal, such as a horse, then there is little danger that it [email protected] Page 7

would come to much harm. It should be left alone until its owner finds it. The Prophet’s anger was due to the implied suggestion in the question that the one who finds a camel could do with it what is done with a sheep. This is an attitude of a person keen on taking an easy gain. The Prophet, peace on him, points out to the man that a lost camel is unlikely to harm it or to be in an danger. It can tolerate being without water for a long time. It is better left alone.

Holy Prophet Muhammad {Peace and Blessings of Allah on him}

In the Eyes of Non- Muslim Scholars

MS (KHI), PhD, DIHom (UK), MPH (MI USA)

Unfortunately, the last few years have seen honest, forgiving and just husband, father, a steady attack on the character of our Holy grandfather, friend, legislator, army general,

Prophet Muhammad, peace on him. These attacks administrator and ruler. are emanating from media, clergy, columnists and others. False and baseless accusations have been leveled for which no proof has ever been provided. Shameless Let us look at some of the comments: cartoons have been published, insulting articles written and derogatory “Head of the state as well as the presentations made. This slanderous and church, he {Muhammad} was a despicable campaign is being justified in the Caesar and Pope without the Pope name of freedom of speech and expression! Pretensions, and Caesar without a standing army, without a body The people who are guilty of this gross guard, without a palace, without a indecency, have not even bothered to fixed revenue. examine as to what many outstanding and If ever a man had the right to rule by renowned European, American and other a right divine, it was Muhammad for (religious and non-religious) scholars have said he had all the power without the about the Holy Prophet, peace on him. It must be instruments and without its noted that several of these people are not supports.” [An American Protestant Episcopal Bishop, Reverend Benjamin Bosworth favorably disposed toward Holy Prophet, Smith (1784-1884), ‘In Mohammed and Mohammedanism’, 1996, Atlantic peace on him, or Islam. They are biased and Publishers and Distributors, Pvt. Ltd.] prejudiced yet they had to admit that the Holy Prophet, peace on him, was an exemplary “I find in his character such diverse person. He was a loving, kind, and manifold qualities impossible to compassionate, thoughtful, considerate, find in another man whose biography [email protected] Page 8

has been preserved by history. He is a solving its problems in a way that king having a whole country under would bring much needed peace and his control, but never claiming happiness. mastery even on his own self, ever I have studied him – the man and in taking pride in his being the serf of my opinion is far from being anti- God.” Christ. He must be called the savior of [American Astrophysicist, Dr. Michael H. Hart (b. 1932), in The 100, A Humanity. Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, 1978, Hart Publishing I have prophesied about the faith of Company, New York] Mohammed that it would be

acceptable to Europe tomorrow as it “If the object of religion be the is beginning to be acceptable to the inculcation of morals, the diminution Europe of today.” of evil, the promotion of human [Irish play writer/Literary Critic and Co-Founder of London School of Economics, happiness, the expansion of human George Barnard Shaw, 1856-1950, in ‘The Genuine Islam’, 1936, London] intellect, if the performance of good works will avail in the great day “He was the most faithful protector when mankind shall be summoned to of those he protected, the sweetest its final reckoning it is neither and most agreeable in conversation. irreverent nor unreasonable to admit Those who saw him were suddenly that Muhammad was indeed an filled with reverence; those who Apostle of God.” came near him loved him; they who [Famous historian/author, Samuel P. Scott (1830-1919), in History of Moorish described him would say, ‘I have Empire in Europe, 1904, Lippincott, London] never seen like his either before or after.’ He was of great taciturnity, “I became more than ever convinced but when he spoke it was with that it was not the sword that won a emphasis and deliberation, and no place for Islam in those days in the one could forget what he said.” scheme of life. It was the rigid [British Orientalist and Archeologist, Stanley Lane Poole, 1854-1931, in ‘Table simplicity, the utter self-effacement Talk of the Prophet’, Republished 2002, Fredonia Books] of the prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges to his friends and “Mohammed brought an end to idol followers, the intrepidity, his worship. He preached monotheism fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and infinite mercy of God, human and his own mission, these, and not brotherhood, care of orphans, the sword carried everything before emancipation of slaves, forbidding of them and surmounted every wine – No religion achieved as much trouble.” success as Islam did.” [Indian leader/freedom fighter, Mohandas K. (Mahatma) Gandhi, 1869-1948, [Scottish Orientalist and Colonial Administrator, Sir William Muir, 1819-1905, in ‘Young India’, quoted in ‘The Light, Lahore’, September 16, 1924] in ‘Life of Mahomet’, 1878, London]

“I believe if a man like him were to “Like almost every major prophet assume the dictatorship of the before him, Muhammad fought shy of modern world, he would succeed in serving as the transmitter of God’s [email protected] Page 9

word, sensing his own inadequacy. Mohammed an imposter raises more But the angel commanded ‘Read.’ So problems than it solves. Moreover, far as we know, Muhammad was none of the great figures of history is unable to read or write, but he began so poorly appreciated in the West as to dictate those inspired words Mohammed.” which soon revolutionized a large [Scottish Historian/Professor, William Montgomery Watt, 1909-2006, in segment of the earth, There is One ‘Mohammed at Mecca’, 1953, Oxford] God.” [Famous American author of more than 40 works, James A. Michener, 1907- “How one man single-handedly, could 1997, in ‘Islam, the Misunderstood Religion’, in Reader’s Digest 9U.S. Edition, weld warring tribes and Bedouins May 1955] into a most powerful civilized nation in less than two decades? The word of “It is impossible for anyone who Mohammed is a voice direct from studies the life and character of the nature’s own heart-all else is wind in great prophet of Arabia, who knows comparison. The lies that we have how he taught and how he lived, to heaped around this man are feel anything but reverence for that disgraceful to ourselves only.” mighty prophet, one of the great [British Historian, Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881, in ‘Heroes and Heroes messengers of the Supreme. And Worship’, 1993, University of California Press] although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be The question is why the extremists do not familiar to many, yet I myself feel desist from spreading false propaganda

whenever I re-read them, a new way against the Holy Prophet, peace on him. The of admiration, a new sense of answer in my mind is that it is first and reverence for that mighty Arabian foremost based on lack of knowledge. It is teacher.” also the outcome of some people being [British writer, orator, women’s rights activist, Annie Besant, 1847-1933, in ‘Mohammed’, 1932, Madras, India] extremely bigoted with little tolerance of the beliefs of others. They have never “He was decisive and wholehearted in attempted to find the truth. I am sure that if everything he did ... He inspired such they only studied the life of the Holy confidence that he was known as Al- Prophet, peace on him, in an unbiased way, they Ameen, the reliable one.” will change their opinion about his noble [British author, teacher, commentator, Karen Armstrong, b. 1944, in and glorious character. Indeed he was an ‘Muhammad: A prophet of our Time’, 2006, Harper Collins, New York] excellent exemplar and was sent by God as a mercy for the universe. “His readiness to undergo

persecutions for his beliefs, the high In the end, let me say what happened when moral character of the men who the Holy Prophet, peace on him, sent letters to believed in him and looked up to him some Heads of States including Heraclius as a leader and the greatness of his ultimate achievement-all argue his [610-641 AD], the Emperor of the Byzantine fundamental integrity. To suppose Empire inviting him and others to Islam. [email protected] Page 10

Upon reading the letter, Heraclius said: “I Arabia. If I were to go there, I would was certain that a prophet was coming, but embrace Islam and wash the Prophet’s feet I did not know that he would be born in with my own hands.” [Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol 1, Book 1, Number 6] {Editor’s note: “The author is a former Associate Adjunct Professor, University of Calgary Medical School, Calgary, Alberta-Canada. He is currently on the faculty of Benedictine University-Lisle, Chicago, IL. USA”}

Treasures Narrated by Abu Musa, Razi Allah Anhu: “While we were with Allah’s Prophet, peace on him, in Of a Holy Battle, we never went up a hill or reached its peak or went down a valley Paradise but RAISED our voices with Takbir.

Allah’s Messenger, peace on him, came close to us and said, “O people! Don’t exert yourselves, for you do not call a deaf or an absent one, but you call the

ALL-LISTENER, the ALL-SEER.” The Messenger, peace on him, then said: “O ‘Abdullah bin Qais!’ Shall I teach you a sentence which is from the TREASURES OF PARADISE? (It is): LA HAULA WALA QUWATA ILLA BILLAH.” (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).

Shalimar Gardens Lahore – Pakistan

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MY TASTE

SUMMER Siddiqa Sadiq - Montreal

I visited home, Calgary – Canada, the second last weekend in August. It was rather a spontaneous trip and I had a few interesting moments I want to share with our readers.

Arriving in Calgary, I found out an old family friend had passed away. Uncle Ubaid was one of the softest spoken people one can meet. His Salaat-al-Janazah was the first I’d ever attended. It was at the Islamic Centre of Calgary and we arrived a little late to catch the last half of the Jumah Khutbah. The Khutbah was particularly aimed at parents raising children in Canada. The imam spoke about parents who either don’t invest enough in religious education of their children and those who give up way too early. He made reference to those who (might) say that even Prophet Nuh had a son who was not convinced by his father, then “who are we compared to the Prophet?” The imam’s defense for this was “Prophet Nuh never gave up”. Come to think of it, that’s so true. We give up or even give in, way too early. We all need to build strength and as a parent I pray for all of us to have the blessings of Allah as we bring forth a new generation.

As the prayers ended, we all approached the family to express our condolences. My heart sank as I hugged the widow. However, what shocked and offended me was that ... When asked if the body was still at the mosque, we were told by his niece that even his wife wasn’t allowed to see his face. She had to do quite the struggle to be allowed to view the face, of her husband she’d been married to for over 45 years. When dared the question as to “why not”, I was very audaciously told that it was due to the fact that he was no longer her ‘Mahram’.

I felt her pain sting me; to deal with such ignorance at such a delicate time was deemed rather unnecessary. Standing there in the house of Allah, I felt fortunate and blessed to be one of the extremely few Ahmadies present at the time.

I felt this was a case of even a higher ignorance than what one lady had displayed before the prayers had started. A lady there had walked out of the prayer hall declaring it as “Haram” for women to pray Salaat-al-Janazah. Better yet, she had said she knew this because she had performed Umrah and this was taught to her during her stay in Makkah.

Although, no one to hold an authority to propagate Islam, I do hold the authority as a Muslim to clear ignorant claims regarding my religion. People, in general, form judgments, which is understandable as it is one of the traits of us wonderful creations of the Almighty. People who make acclamations using the name of the Almighty, is not understandable and not tolerated.

I don’t necessarily believe in walking up to random individuals and converting them to follow the ‘Siraat al Mustaqeem’, but i do have full belief in speaking up against ignorance and [email protected] Page 12

unawareness of Islam. That should be, and has been, our fundamental responsibility towards our Deen. We hold our silence so many times (let’s admit it) because when it comes to it and it’s time to say something we don’t want to be that “dull religious person”.

For instance, the “nazar boncuk”, the blue eye, which the Turkish believe protects against the evil eye, has become hugely common in the recent years. It’s sad to see the amount of Muslims who guard it, hand it, keep it, wear it, or simply believe in it. It is however more pathetic to see people from our belief and Jama’at also use it. I even know someone first hand, who has a ‘Tasbeeh’ with each bead as a blue evil eye charm. If that’s not ironic, I don’t know what else you can call it. But it is at such time, our belief is tested upon us. It doesn’t make me a better Muslim by simply not using something creating shirk but by recognizing shirk and putting awareness of the danger of committing shirk.

4:48 Surely Allah forgives not that a partner should be set up with Him, and forgives all besides that to whom He pleases. And whoever sets up a partner with Allah, he devises indeed a great sin.

4:36 And serve Allah, and associate naught with Him,

There simply is no room for shirk and not only that, but it is the biggest and only unforgiveable sin one can commit. I pray for all of us, may Allah help us fight off the biggest evil, shirk, and keep us in His guidance (Ameen). May Allah help us keep our children on the right path (Ameen). May Allah give us the awareness to spot ignorance and then provide us the wisdom to steer away from it (Ameen).

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