January 2018 Monthly Magazine No. 316 ISSN 1019 - 0767

Palangan Village, Kurdistan, Iran Jan. 2018 No. 316

Dear Readers,

Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s salutations be upon him and his purified household) opposed jahiliyyah most bravely and to the Jan. 2018 last moment of his blessed life and likewise presented Islam to the Monthly Magazine world of humanity, the very pure Islam which trained the greatest No. 316 man human history has ever witnessed; namely Imam Ali (AS), the ISSN 1019-0767 Lion of Allah, the commander of the believers and the defender of the oppressed. Of course, just as every supporter of justice and truth in this world has enemies and just as every just movement faces Managing Director: opposition and obstructionism at the hands of the oppressors and Muhammad Hussein Ahmadi their ignorant, slavish agents, the Holy Prophet(PBUH) of Islam and his truthful followers faced many hardships and had to struggle hard Editor- in- Chief: in order to spread Allah’s teachings. Authentic sources of Islamic his- Mina Salimi tory are replete with the amazing accounts of the selfless endeav- ours of these men of God for the fulfillment of His cause, including the heroic battle of Imam Hussein(AS) in Karbala. Certainly, we as Editorial Board: Muslims, both Shi’a and Sunni, need to know and remember that Nayyereh Towhidi, Shiva jahiliyyah is not at an end now and rather it has taken new forms; the Mirhassani, Zahra lbrahimi, modern jahiliyyah in the form of misguiding idols made and present- jahiliyyah Roya Salimi, Morteza Afradian, ed by the enemies of Allah. In fact, the modern can rightly be considered more dangerous than the old one, namely than the Fatemeh Khaza'ii jahiliyyah in the pre-Islamic period when idol-worship and all other immoral acts were widespread and when justice was unknown to Public Relations & Executive Manager: many. The modern jahiliyyah is to be regarded as more dangerous Maryam Hamzelou than the old one because it’s advocates and patrons are equipped with the deadliest weapons of mass murder and destruction on one hand and with means of evil propagation, including the porno and Art Director & Printing Expert: misinforming media on the other. As we see, oppression, aggression Karnic Advertising Agency and corruption has today reached unprecedented levels and so, if Fatemeh Ghasemi we desire to be rated by Allah among the true (and not just nomi- Zahra Ghasemi nal) followers of His Messengers (AS), we need to stand up for the www.Karnic.co truth and for justice, starting with the purification of our own selves, because without a purified soul, one cannot be expected to bea trustworthy torch-bearer of Divine guidance. Here, it is quite worth- Magazine of ITF, while to narrate a very enlightening advice given by Imam Khomeini P. O. Box: 14155-3899, Tehran, (ra) - the righteous offspring of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “One Islamic Republic of Iran, should first purify her/his own self and then endeavour to purify her/ Tel: +9821-88934301 his society.” Obviously, by ‘society’ in this reviving guideline, the late Imam Khomeini (ra) was not referring just to one’s surroundings or Fax: +9821-88902725 country, rather, being a true follower of Allah’s most exalted Messen- Website: http://www.itfjournals.com ger - Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Imam desired the purification Website: alhodagroup.ir and thus the salvation of the whole world of humanity, as he once Email: Info@ alhodagroup.ir said: “We are looking forward to the day when all machine-guns are [email protected] replaced with pens.”

Translated by: Nayyereh Towhidi Below, your attention is in- vited to certain points empha- sized by the esteemed leader in relation to marriage: Those who accept heavy Mahr (In Islam, a Mahr is a mandatory payment, in the form of money or possessions paid or prom- ised to pay by the groom, or by groom’s father, to the bride at the time of marriage, that legal- ly becomes her property(, for their wives are indeed harming the society by so doing, since such is the Mahr of Jahiliyyah (the period of the prevalence of wrong unIslamic customs), and abolished by the Holy Prophet(PBUH) of Islam. The 6 Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khame- Khamenei remarked: “There proper Mahr is Mahrusunnah, nei – the esteemed leader of are certain wrong ideas and which the Holy Prophet(P- No. 316 the Islamic Revolution, has on wrong customs regarding mar- BUH) proposed, thus making Jan. 2018 various occasions pointed out riage which form obstacles in marriage easy while the heavy a number of problems faced the way of the marriage of the Mahr discourages the young by the youth regarding mar- young people. These wrong people regarding marriage, as riage. The esteemed leader ideas and customs should be we see the number of single believes that cultural barriers removed and to my mind it is boys and girls is increasing. which form considerable parts chiefly you – the youth who We should follow the exam- of the problems in connec- can and should make the ef- ple of our Prophet (PBUH) tion with the marriage of the forts towards removing those who himself was from an elite, young people should be re- improper customs and atti- well-known family of Quraish moved through the joint efforts tudes, because you are young, and though he was himself the of the authorities, families and spirited and energetic, and head and leader of the society, the young boys and girls who have suggested the removal made a small amount of money need guidance in this regard. of certain useless and/or trou- (Mahrusunnah) as the Mahr of In a meeting with university blesome habits and customs his revered daughter – Her Ho- students, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali so far.” liness, Fatima(SA) - the great- est lady in both worlds, for her Mahr, and also that if a mar- marriage with the noblest man, riage is mingled with insincer- the Commander of believers, ity, dishonesty, disloyalty and Imam Ali(AS). This is what our A big Mahr has given happi- the like, no amount of Mahr youth should know and follow. ness to no one. Those who will be of any benefit to it; in imagine that their daughters In fact, the less the amount of will enjoy a happy marital life fact if the man is ill-bred and Mahr, the better, since it will with a big Mahr are wrong. oppressive, he will manage to It has been proved that a be closer to the nature of mar- marriage coupled with mutual trample upon Mahr too….. So riage. affection, sincerity, honesty it is by no means advisable and proper behaviour by both 7 As a matter of fact, marriage the husband and wife will go to make Mahr a large sum of is not dealing, it is not buying on happily even with the least money, because it is contrary Mahr, and also that if a mar- and selling, it is not renting and riage is mingled with insincer- to the Sunnah of the Holy the like. Rather, marriage is the ity, dishonesty, disloyalty and Prophet of Islam and infallible life of two human beings. As the like, no amount of Mahr Imams. I do not mean to say will be of any benefit to it; in for Mahr, though there should fact if the man is ill-bred and that it is Haram or that invali- be some Mahr in marriage as oppressive, he will manage to dates the marriage. Rather, trample upon Mahr too….. per the teachings of our Holy I mean to emphasize the in- Prophet (PBUH), the Mahr conformity of such unwise, un- should be a small amount reasonable practices with the and easy to pay by all. Some imagine that a heavy Mahr, (a Mahr of big amount of money), helps the preservation of the marriage bonds. This imag- ination is a wrong thought, because it has been proved that no amount of Mahr can keep a married life going on in case either the husband or the wife are God forbid!, ill-bred or wayward. Deciding a large sum of money as Mahr maybe (wrongfully) a means of pride and show off for the family of the bride or even for the fam- ily of the groom, but the fact is that such inclinations are far from Islam. A big Mahr has given happiness to no one. No. 316 Those who imagine that their Jan. 2018 daughters will enjoy a happy marital life with a big Mahr are wrong. It has been proved that a marriage coupled with mutu- al affection, sincerity, honesty and proper behaviour by both the husband and wife will go on happily even with the least to do the same, who may feel deprived or humiliated before the others for not having ac- cess to such luxuries. I advise all to never borrow money for such things and to content themselves with necessary things for a simple life. This is the right thing to do; marriage is a blessed event and should not be turned into a bitter one. If we see today families hav- ing got in trouble because of the expenses and ceremo- nies and extravagant wedding receptions for their sons and truly Islamic ones and to stress they are rich enough and if not, daughters, and/or we see that such extravagant prac- they resort to borrowing mon- many young people living in tices displease Allah and His ey, thus overburdening them- celibacy, which is discouraged Messenger (PBUH), more so selves with heavy debts in or- by Islam, it is mostly because under the present conditions der to give a luxurious dowry to of such wrong inclinations and when our society is in urgent their daughter for her marriage wastefulness. The fact is that need of proper conducts and and imagine that by so doing, too much luxury is harmful avoidance of extravagance. they are contributing to their for the society. This does not As for the dowry (furniture daughter’s happiness in her mean that people should be and other things brought to marital life, while the fact is that deprived of all luxuries. But it the husband’s house follow- such luxuries and unneeded means that unlimited, unrea- ing marriage), it should be items will be of no use for the sonable attachment to luxuries stressed that the simple, in- couple’s life and will also cause acts like harmful medicine or expensive dowry given by the problems, such as resentment poisonous food to the body 8 Holy Prophet (PBUH) of Islam by the others who are not able of the society. Of course, I am to his beloved daughter - Her in agreement with spending No. 316 Holiness Fatima (SA) should some money on wedding cer- Jan. 2018 be regarded as the model emonies, for things such as dowry by all, and I do believe sweets served to the guests, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) just as most people in the past The fact is that too has set this model so the peo- much luxury is harmful used to do for making wedding ple will know how to base their for the society. This ceremonies pleasant, but the does not mean that lives and conducts and to be people should be de- spending should be kept within saved from problems result- prived of all luxuries. reasonable limits. In the past, ing from wrong attitudes and But it means that un- wedding ceremonies were limited, unreasonable extravagance. Unfortunately, attachment to luxuries much more simple and much we observe that some families acts like harmful med- less expensive than they are icine or poisonous trouble themselves a lot re- food to the body of the today and yet those very sim- garding the provision of dowry society. ple ceremonies had their many for their daughters; they spend blessings without putting fi- too much money and often buy nancial and other pressures unnecessary luxury items if upon any. Unfortunately, today 9

some fami- lies imagine that they have to hold the wedding ceremonies of their daugh- ters and/or sons in expensive hotels, and think that it will be a sign of honouring the bride. having sim- This also is wrong and harms ple ceremo- both their families and the so- nies will benefit ciety in various ways; many all, especially the young girls and boys whose young people. Never for- families are not rich enough get that honour is to be gained to afford such luxuries may in honesty, sincerity, high-spir- feel hurt and disappointed. It itedness, proper conduct and is forbidden by Islam to be so piety, not through showing off life with Imam Ali(AS). extravagant and luxury-con- and exhibiting costly clothings, In fact, a sweet wedding is not scious as to leave negative, ornaments, furniture and the the wedding for which lots of harmful effects upon the emo- like. If honour was to be found money is spent; rather a sweet tion of the other people. I dis- in such things as having a big wedding is a wedding which approve of any wastefulness, Mahr, a luxurious dowry, a has sincerity in itself. With sin- in particular since in many cas- big wedding ceremony, costly cerity, the wedding becomes No. 316 es it involves the acquisition of clothings and jewellery, Allah sweet and pleasant, no matter Jan. 2018 haram money by the wasteful. would certainly have given how little money is spent on Of course, I do approve of cel- them to Her Holiness Fatima(- that. With piety true honour is ebrating weddings and making SA) most of all, since Allah has achieved. It is also a pity that merry on such occasions, but Himself honoured her most. while wedding ceremonies can I disapprove of Israf (waste- As we know, that most hon- be very rewarding (as per the fulness), in anything, be it in ourable lady had a very simple religion), some people make shopping, reception, and so wedding ceremony and a very it sinful through extravagance on. Spending within limits and simple, yet most fruitful marital and other haram acts. Fatemeh Khazaii

Islam urges both men and women to base their status of women to a very high relations and contact upon Divine teachings and level, so much so that accord- values and on this sound basis to cooperate with ing to the teachings of Prophet each other for the fulfillment of beneficial goals. Muhammad (PBUH) and his “God commands justice, kindness and giving Infallible successors, a man’s (their due) to near relatives, while He forbids the behaviour towards women be- sexual misconduct, debauchery and insolence. came the criterion for judging 10 He so instructs you(all) so that you may draw at- his nobility and virtuousness. tention to it.” The Holy Qur’an, al-Nahl, 90 In a well-known Hadith, the No. 316 Jan. 2018 And regarding the unavoidable contact be- Holy Prophet(PBUH) of Islam tween men and women in the society, the be- has been quoted as saying, lievers are advised thus: “Tell believers to avert “The noble hold women in rev- their glances and to guard their private parts; erence, and the mean in con- that is chaster for them. God is informed about tempt.” As inferred from this anything they may produce.” The Holy Qur’an, Hadith, just mean and impious al-Nur, 30 men degrade and look down As we see chastity has been highly valued and upon women and behave to- strongly commanded by Allah. The advantages wards them in disrespectful of following this Divine teaching as well as fol- ways, including through un- lowing all other Divine teachings are no doubt chaste gazes and lustful con- innumerable. Here, we content ourselves with duct. In fact, while allowing just pointing out the fact that being chaste and and even encouraging proper, behaving in a chaste manner protect the soci- fruitful cooperation between ety’s security and raises the spiritual level of both men and women in the soci- men and women. And in fact, Islam raised the ety, Islam has prohibited any unhealthy behaviour such as We can infer from this verse, did not hesitate to approach talking to the non-Mahram among other things that as per the two girls to ask them about unnecessarily and/or with the Divine commands, while wom- their problem and to help them aim of getting pleasure. In the en are permitted to go into the like a man, without any inde- Holy Qur’an, Chapter 28 we society for necessary tasks cent intention. He did not act are informed about the proper and works, they should as far indifferently towards the wom- and indeed praiseworthy con- as possible, keep a distance en and thereby set another duct of Prophet Musa(AS) to- between themselves and the lesson for the pious men to wards the daughters of Proph- men. follow. et Shoaib (AS): “When he As a God- conscious, com- After finishing with watering 11 approached the water of Mid- mitted man, Prophet Musa the flocks for the two girls, ian, he found a company of (AS), though himself tired, Prophet Musa (AS) went to a people watering (their flocks) hungry and thirsty at the time, shady place to rest and did not there and found two women continue his contact with the besides them, holding theirs two girls. This also teaches us off at a distance. He said, that unnecessary talking to the “What’s the matter with you?” non-Mahram is to be avoid- They both said, “We may not ed, and that one (whether a draw any water until the herds- man or a woman) should help man move on. Our father is an God’s servants just for God elderly gentleman.” So he did In a well-known and not for any selfish motives the watering for them. Then he Hadith, the Holy Pprophet(PBUH) of such as showing off or sexual went off to [rest in] the shade, Islam has been quot- instincts. and said: “My Lord, I am poor ed as saying, “The Being exhausted after hav- noble hold women in enough to accept anything reverence, and the ing travelled a long distance, You may grant me.” One of mean in contempt.” Prophet Musa (AS) prayed the girls came up to him, walk- to Allah for His help and Al- ing bashfully. She said; “My lah soon sent His help, as father invites you, in order to He Himself promised His reward you with some [sort of] believing servants in the Holy payment since you have done Qur’an : “You who believe, the watering for us.” When he if you support God (God’s came up to him, he told him cause), He will support you the stories. He said, “Do not fear, you have escaped from wrongdoing folk.” The Holy Qur’an; Al-Qisas, 23-25 Certain very illuminating les- sons can indeed be learnt No. 316 from those Qur’anic verses Jan. 2018 regarding the proper manners of behaviour in the society by both men and women. The daughters of Prophet Shoaib (AS) had to water their flocks, yet they refused to go near the non-Mahram males and in- stead, waited for them to leave. and steady your footsteps.” from university, starts working The Holy Qur’an; Muham- hard in a company and yet is mad, 7. fired just a day after she tells As we read in the same her boss that she has decided chapter of the Holy Qur’an, to stop being his mistress! Re- Allah’s help reached Proph- ally which one is humane and et Musa(AS) through those Of course, to those praiseworthy and which one selfish, immoral two daughters who narrated men who desire all, is inhumane and detestable? the account of the watering including women to Of course, to those selfish, and noble behaviour of Musa be slaves to them and immoral men who desire all, who are devoid of true (AS) to their father - another human characteris- including women to be slaves Divine Messenger - Prophet tics, the irreligious, to them and who are devoid carefree and wayward Shoaib (AS), and through that conducts are desir- of true human characteristics, Prophet who received Proph- able and certainly that the irreligious, carefree and is why they promote et Musa(AS) most respectfully secularism and an- wayward conducts are desir- and also married one of his two ti-God trends. able and certainly that is why noble daughters to him. Sure, they promote secularism and Prophet Musa (AS), was total- anti-God trends. Yet, to any ly reliant on God and on none person of sound mind, and else, and thus was blessed pure heart, the manners and with ceaseless help from God ways of true men of God, in- throughout his blessed life. manly, humane behaviour cluding Prophet Musa (AS) There are certainly many with the way irreligious, sec- are the best, the most proper more lessons in these Divine ular and Westernized men ones and necessary to be fol- words and no doubt, through behave towards women; re- lowed and propagated. using one’s mind and reason, garding just a number of sto- Indeed, it seems that the one can learn much more ries and novels published in slavery and slave-holding sys- from them. However here, we the West suffices to give one tems of the past have given would like to draw the atten- a clear view in this regard, for their place to new, much more tion of our readers to a com- example the story of a young complicated and much more 12 parison: Just compare such girl who following graduation oppressive forms and systems at the hands of the Western No. 316 powers and the Westernized. Jan. 2018 This of course does not mean that all people in the West are living immoral lives. Rather it means that what the Western and secular media present and propagate as values and ideals are no more than tools for enslaving all, in particular the women who suffer the dis- grace of free-sex in the name of freedom; in fact the dis- graceful effects of that immor- al system are numerous, the feeling of being cheapened by the women included. By: Ahmad Barari (Mihanparast) 13

The lovely city of Tabriz, is as a gate, It’s nice name recalls it’s ancient roots and weight. Tabriz will shine like a star over dear Iran, Overflowing with greatness and nobility in Iran. This city has had great men of courage and power, Great men who defended their land and gained honour. Tabriz is the cradle to the greatest poets and poetesses, Poet like Shahriyar and poetess like Parvin. Carpets woven in Tabriz are world-famous, Sweets cooked in Tabriz are sweet to every taste. Foods made in Tabriz, are delicious to all, No guest has ever forgotten the taste of it’s meatball1. The Grand Bazaar of Tabriz is matchless in the world, It’s El-Gölü 2 revives the heart and the soul. My dear Iran is to me like evergreen Paradise, And my dear Tabriz is a celestial garden for the wise.

1. Kofteh Tabrizi, big and very delicious meatballs 2. El-Gölü, is the name of a large park in Tabriz, Iran. It has a square artificial lake surrounded by side walk in four sides, as you see in the picture. There is also a building in the middle of the lake, with traditional architecture of Iranian Azerbaijan.

No. 316 Jan. 2018 By: Zaynab Eskandari

As inferred from the Holy acts honourably will receive male, act in such a way as to Qur’an, happy life, or the life the reviving Divine guidance help create peace, tranquil- of purity and true happiness needed in this world’s life ity, security and welfare for can be attained by both men and will also be rewarded the others, thus making the and women equally. In chap- most generously by Allah. human society blessed with ter al-Nahl, verse 97 of the According to this Qur’anic humane values, including Holy Qur’an we read: “We teaching, the only criteria love, sympathy and cooper- shall let anyone who acts in this regard are faith and ation for the happiness of all. honorably, whether it is a good deeds and there are Certainly, such conduct re- man or a woman, provided no conditions, whether re- sults in wiping out or at least he is a believer, live a hap- lated to gender, age, social reducing the negative fac- py life and reward them with status and the like for attain- tors in the society, including their earnings for the finest ing such a desirable life. No arrogance, oppression, and deeds they have been do- doubt, true faith and belief waywardness, which fac- ing.” Thus, the one who is in God and in His teach- tors are behind many evils a believer (Mu’min), whether ings and commands make a and human sufferings. And a man or a woman and who person, whether male or fe- as inferred from the Qur’an-

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No. 316 Jan. 2018 ic words, men and women, though different in physical abilities, are equal before Allah and the only criterion regarding each one’s de- gree of closeness to Allah is their faith and piety. The above verse also reveals the fact that contrary to what the enemies of Islam and/ 15 or some ignorant persons claim, Islam is not for men and against women, rather Islam is as much for women as it is for men. Concerning the interpreta- tions presented by commen- tators about ‘Hayat Tayy- ibah’ mentioned in this verse of the Holy Qur’an, it should be said that some have re- garded that as meaning ‘fe- licitous life’ gained through Halal ways - earning ones living through religiously le- others. Unfortunately, due to gitimate ways and avoiding the prevalence of the irreli- illegal sex and all other for- giousness and individualism bidden acts, while some oth- advocated by the seculars ers believe it means being in some societies, the con- cept of happiness is misun- contented and satisfied with No doubt, true faith what Allah has given one. and belief in God and derstood in particular by the in His teachings and youth and that is why there is Still there are other commen- commands make a tators who hold that ‘Hayat person, whether male so much depression and the Tayyibah’ refers to worship or female, act in such related ailments in today’s a way as to help cre- combined with earning ones ate peace, tranquility, human societies. Under means of living through Ha- security and welfare such conditions, the knowl- for the others. lal ways and some others edgeable are duty-bound to believe that it means obedi- spread Divine teachings and ence to Allah. thus revive the deprived Hayat Tayy- souls. We should always re- No. 316 Obviously, ‘ Jan. 2018 ibah’ can mean all of these member that the Holy Qur’an and certain others which de- contains the healing for all note purity, piety, avoidance ury, as some imagine, rath- ailments, as our Prophet of all evils and doing all good er a true happy life is a life (PBUH) has said. which attract Allah’s pleas- of obedience to our loving ure. Thus, we conclude that Creator, and of being heed- happiness in life does not ful of one’s duties towards mean living in plenty and lux- ourselves and towards the Shirazi Baked Saffron Polow with Spinach By: Najmieh Batmanglij

Shiraz on the lowlands of the Zagros Moun- chopped tains, is famous for its poets and this rice 2 teaspoons salt dish. 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper Servings 6: Special utensils Preparation time: 25 minutes See-through Pyrex baking dish or equiva- Cooking time: 2 hours lent (9 by 13 by 2 inches deep) 2/3 cup melted butter, ghee or vegetable oil 1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a wok or 2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced deep a skillet over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed onion and fry for 15 minutes, until golden 1 tablespoon ground cumin brown. Add garlic and cumin, and stir-fry for ¼ tablespoon ground cinnamon one minute. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg spinach, cover and cook for 5 minutes until 1 pound fresh baby spinach, washed and spinach is wilted. Add the prunes and pine coarsely chopped nuts. Set aside and allow to cool. 1 ½ cups pitted prunes 2. Pick over and wash the rice per the Gi- 1 cup toasted pine nuts lani Smothered Rice master recipe (refer to 3 cups long-grain white basmati rice the previous issue). In 3 eggs a large nonstick pot 2 cups plain yoghurt bring 8 cups of ½ Cup plain milk water and 2 ½ teaspoon ground saffron, tablespoons threads dissolved in 2 tablespoons salt to a boil. hot water Add the rice ¼ cup candied orange peel, to the pot and boil 16 briskly for 6 minutes. No. 316 Once the Jan. 2018 rice rises to the top, it is done. Drain the rice and rinse with 3 cups cold wa- ter. Set aside. 3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 4. Combine the eggs, yogurt, milk, saffron water, candied or- ange peel, 2 tablespoons salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute. 5. Add half the cooked rice to the yoghurt mixture and gently Shirazi Baked Saffron Polow with Spinach

Our Staff Writer mix with a wooden spoon. 6. Pour ¼ cup of the butter into a 9-by-13-by-2 inch bak- ing dish, making sure you spread it to cover the bot- 17 tom of the sides of the dish. Add the yogurt rice mixture, then spread the spinach mix- ture over the rice and top the spinach with the rest of the rice. Pack the rice down firmly with the palms of your hands. Drizzle the remaining butter over the rice. Cover with buttered aluminum foil or a lid. 7. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours, until the crust Imam Ali(AS): “Try to find honest, faithful and trustworthy turns golden brown. friends for yourselves, for otherwise you will have to make 8. Remove the baking dish friends with bad, dishonest people.” This Hadith is sufficient from the oven and allow for every person of sound mind to realize the importance of to cool, still covered, on a having good people for friends. As we know, this world’s life damp surface for 15 minutes has it’s problems for everybody, for dealing with them one to loosen the crust. ( This needs the benevolent help, support and consultation of wor- stage is very important; do thy friends. The ability to find good friends should be imparted not uncover until the dish has to children by parents, since this way they will be better able cooled. If you uncover too to choose reliable, properly raised persons as friends in their early, the rice will not unmold future lives, and how to protect the ties of friendship in proper clearly.) ways and for proper purposes. Parts of the article which is 9. Remove the lid and loos- written by Joanne Barker , may hopefully be of benefit to con- en the edges with a rubber cerned parents. spatula (make sure you go all Where you stand in relation to your child’s friendships is the way to the bottom). Hold one of the more awkward questions of parenthood. There’s a serving platter tightly over no doubt that friendship is a critical childhood passage. Kids No. 316 Jan. 2018 the baking dishes, and invert learn how to share, compromise, and work through misunder- the two together, unmolding standings with their friends. Yet the ups and downs of friend- the entire mound onto the ships can be hard for parents to watch. How do you know platter. The rice will emerge when your child needs you, and when you need to back off? as a golden-crusted cake, Here are seven tips from experts in child development: to be garnished with edible flowers and herbs, and then 1. Teach Friendship Skills serve. Kids want to play with kids who can have fun without taking over and bossing everyone around. Seeing you reach out to friends is your child’s first les- son in how to do that. You can teach empathy by having your children help you do things like bringing food to a sick neigh- bor, or making a birthday card for a grandparent, suggests Newman, who is author of The Case for the Only Child: Your Essential Guide. Children’s experience at home tends to extend out into the wider world.

2. Tune in to Your Child’s Friendship Style Involving your child and forc- ing your child are two different things. You could unknowingly limit your child if you assume he relates to friends the same way you do. Let your child show you what kind of social interactions work best for him. If your child loves group situa- tions, great. But if groups up- 4. Help Your Child Work 5. Let Your Child Choose set your child, see if he does through Friendship Troubles Friends That Fit better playing with one or two Misunderstandings are Friendships can expand your children at a time. common to friendships. Your child’s view of the world. That child may need help working might mean, for instance, that 3. Open Your Home to Your through emotions from time he hangs out with a child from 18 Child’s Friends to time. In a study of 267 kids a family whose religion is differ- If your child is young, invite between 9 and 11 years old, ent from your own. Unless your No. 316 her friends over for a play date. the way a child perceived his child is in danger, it is a good Jan. 2018 Be sure to have a couple of friends’ behavior determined idea to give your children room activities in mind. Activities whether he got angry, sad, or to make their own friends. If you might include a box of dress- felt OK about the situation. feel a friendship is putting your up clothes or a plan to make Kids who felt angry were child at risk, however, step in. cookies, depending on your more likely to want to end the You may talk with the school to child’s interests. Even when friendship. This is not to say find out more about your child’s your child is old enough to plan you should step in and work friend. You may share your her own activities, encourage everything out for your child. concerns with your child and her to have friends over. Make You might, however, point tell him you need to be around your home a welcoming place out that there are two sides any time he is together with this for your child’s’ friends. This to every story. Or you could friend. Or you may tell him not to can make things easier as she, say, “Why don’t you wait a spend time with that kid, period. and her friendships, mature. It day or two and invite your Just be aware that ultimatums will also give you the chance to friend back over?” suggests are hard to enforce, so say this get to know your child’s friends. Newman. only if you really mean it. line into bullying. It is normal If we share our feelings with for very young children to oc- the wrongdoers whose actions casionally hit or shove each are worthless and based on other. You can help your child corruption, then we are follow- understand how her words ing the same ways and stan- or actions might hurt another dards as they are doing, and child’s feelings. Let your child we will end up being as corrupt know that in your family, peo- as they are, and then we are in ple do not treat others like that. a big trouble. Instead of mak- Nor do they let themselves be ing friends with the misguided 19 treated badly by others. Of ones we should befriend the course, it is difficult to know righteous, yet treat the rest in how and when to intervene. a gracious and just manner. You might want to first talk to Staying at sufficient distance is your child and ask how he is necessary; yet treating every- feeling, just be careful what body in a noble and kind man- words you use. If your child ner is required. was hit or threatened, howev- Allah, the Exalted says in the er, it is fine to contact the oth- Holy Qur’an: “On a day when er child’s parents. Be nice and the sky will split open along try to get them on your side. with its clouds, and the angels Together, you may be able to will be sent right on down. True help the children resolve their control will belong to the Mercy differences and remain friends. giving on that day. It will be a harsh day for disbelievers, a 7. Offer Alternatives to Pop- day when the wrongdoer will ularity gnaw away at his hands. He Not being part of the popular will say: “It’s too bad for me! crowd can feel like rejection on If I had only taken a pathway a grand scale. Starting around alongside the Messenger!” Make your home a age 9 or 10, kids become sen- Surah al-Furqan, 25:27-29) welcoming place for your child’s’ friends. sitive to what others think of It is wise to choose modera- This can make things them. Unfortunately, you can- tion in dealing with friends. Ex- easier as she, and her friendships, mature. It not change your child’s pop- cessive love and confidence will also give you the ularity status. You can, how- in friends are unacceptable; chance to get to know your child’s friends. ever, listen to her concerns since it happens that a friend and talk about your childhood may change into an enemy misadventures. A good group and use the secrets that he of friends can make problems had shown, as weapons. Al- No. 316 like teasing and not being “in” lah, the Exalted says in the Jan. 2018 less painful. As a parent, help- Holy Qur’an: “And cooperate ing your child make friends, in righteousness and piety, but 6. Keep an Eye Out for without trying too hard is a dif- do not cooperate in sin and Teasing or Bullying ficult balancing act, and well aggression.” Surah al-Maeda, Teasing is often a part of child- worth the effort. 5:2) hood play, but as kids grow up Good friends are those who May, Allah guide all of us , it can become more harmful. share with their companions through the right way. Teasing can easily cross the both happiness and sadness. Now, let’s turn to very bene- ficial facts; Allah our Gracious Creator has, in certain verses of His last Book - The Holy Qur’an expressed His Love for His servants who are pa- Morteza Afradian tient, pious, just, benevolent and charitable. Also in the According to our Divine- and become durable. Natu- Holy Qur’an, reference has ly-guided teachers - The Ah- rally, human beings desire to been made to certain servants lul-Bait (As), we should show be loved by the others and (of Allah) whom Allah loves affection and express our so the expression of love to- and who love Allah. (Chap- love through words and ac- wards them will create love in ter 5 verse 54). Therefore, it tions to the one(s) whom we their hearts, thus making that is best for us to try our best love; our family members, fruitful feeling a mutual one to win Allah’s love through relatives, friends, sisters in and so adding to the warmth following His commands and faith and brothers in faith, so and pleasantness of the envi- teachings. This way, we will these good feelings will grow ronment. also win the love of our be- loved Prophet (PBUH) and his purified Household who, though are apparently no lon- ger among us, are for sure, seeing us and are no doubt informed about our actions and who will pray to Allah for His increased blessings upon us if we prove our love for them through being good and true followers of them. Regarding the desirable ef- 20 fects and indeed necessity of showing affection towards No. 316 those whom we love, there Jan. 2018 are certain Ahadith from the Infallible, including: “Any of you who loves his friend or a brother-in-faith should let him know of that.” Prophet Mu- hammad (PBUH) Also, this Divine guideline includes the family relations, even more emphatically. In numerous Ahadith, we have been taught to show love and respect towards all our relatives, most particularly towards our parents, spouse and children. There is a Had- ith from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in which a very del- icate emotional factor has been cited: “A man’s saying ‘I love you’ to his wife never leaves her heart.” Have you ever heard a more meaning- ful and impressive guideline for men in their relations to- wards their wives? Likewise 21 showing affection and care towards one’s children has been recommended by our Divinely-guided leaders re- peatedly. In a Hadith, we are told that “Each kiss one gives to her/his child draws Allah’s need for pure love remained Mercy.” These teachings all unsatisfied and I felt thirsty for make us realize the fact that that. This feeling pushed me Allah, Himself Most Compas- towards corruption, which I in- sionate and Most Merciful, Regarding the wardly hated. I turned to the desirable effects and loves His servants to express indeed necessity of boy who kept showing love compassion and mercy to- showing affection for me because I wanted to wards each other, particularly towards those whom satisfy my thirst for love, while we love, there are towards their family members certain Ahadith from in fact he was a deceitful fox who certainly need to receive the Infallible, includ- and left me alone after getting ing: “Any of you who love and affection for their loves his friend or a what he wanted with me.....” spiritual and emotional happi- brother-in-faith should According to the psycholo- let him know of that.” ness. Prophet Muhammad gist, had that young girl been Unfortunately, some par- (PBUH) in a family with a warm and ents, due to lack of proper friendly enough atmosphere, knowledge or due to being she wouldn’t have suffered too preoccupied with oth- such a pitiable fate, since, as er matters neglect the fact she has herself admitted, she that their children need to be hated corrupt conduct and shown love and attention by fore her committing suicide. was inwardly desirous of the their parents much more than In that letter, the unfortunate healthy reviving love of her they need rich foods, bicycles, girl had complained about her mother. brand new computers and the mother’s behaviour thus:” My The above story is just mother did a lot for me to be- No. 316 like. Recently a psychologist, one case among possibly Jan. 2018 interviewed about the caus- come a successful student. many cases of the misfor- es behind the misconduct of But she never knew that it tunes, deviations and suffer- some teenagers and juve- was her love which I needed ings caused by lack of un- nile delinquency, referred to most and in fact she was not derstanding, cold behaviour, this very negligence on the a friend to me. She did not and indifference towards the part of some parents and as know how much I yearned most significant aspects of an example cited the letter for her affection and thus de- human spirit, i.e. the desire written by a young girl be- prived me of the same. My and indeed the need to feel loved, wanted, and cared for. It is indeed a pity that some If a child, a teenager or even of us are neglectful of such an adult sees that in the illuminating models, and family, there is no one are instead attracted by who wants to listen materialism. to her/him and to Also as wives, care about her/his some of us may emotions, a feel- forget about very ing of loneliness, significant duties despair and help- of making our- lessness will nat- selves look as urally overcome good as possible her/him forcing when our husband her/him to look for is at home. We love and sympathy sometimes wear our elsewhere. The di- best when going to a sastrous consequenc- wedding ceremony or es of such conditions are, even to visit friends, but as we see, many, including wear worst at home and in abnormal, harmful behaviour the presence of our husband, of the youngsters and also thus making him imagine that separation of spouses. he, as a husband is not im- As parents, and spouses portant to us. unfortunately, some of us of- In fact, a woman might love ten forget about the emotion- her husband very much and al needs of our children and As parents, and spous- yet unintentionally behave in es unfortunately, some other family members and of us often forget about such a way as to make him just focus on their material the emotional needs think that he is not loved by of our children and wants, while by so doing, we other family members his wife. In this regard, too, we are depriving them of what and just focus on their have numerous Divine teach- 22 material wants, while they need most and indeed by so doing, we are ings, including the Ahadith in deserve most. These and in- depriving them of what which women have been or- No. 316 deed all other psychological they need most and dered to do their best to look Jan. 2018 indeed deserve most. facts have been explained for good and desirable for their us by Allah’s Messenger(P- husbands( inside the home BUH) and by his Infallible environment) and to try to be successors centuries ago, but sexually and also emotionally regretfully we seldom try to satisfying to their husbands. learn and follow such life-giv- the alleys of Medina and his According to Divine teaching, ing instructions. refusal to stop the playing (to these are among the duties In authentic accounts, we attend his own work) without of wives towards their hus- read about the astonishing- gaining the permission of the bands. Now let’s cite a had- ly praiseworthy and kind be- children as well as his affec- ith from Prophet Muhammad haviour of Prophet Muham- tionate behaviour towards (PBUH) for more illumination: mad (PBUH) towards not only his wives in Islamic history “The greater one’s faith, the his own children, but towards are just some examples of more he/she shows affection the children of the others, his showing love and care to- for his/her spouse.” playing with the children in wards children and women. 23

Compiled by: Sahar Haghdoost

According to historians, di- sagacious policies caused a mous for Islamic architecture, vine religions have always sizable number of Armenians it has one of the most fasci- gained their due respect in from Armenia and Azerbaijan nating Christian churches in Iran. Christians too have to transfer and settle in Isfah- the Middle East, i.e., the Ar- been living freely in Iran since an and other regions of Iran. menian cathedral. When the the pre-Islamic era. The his- A place called Jolfa was built Armenian populations migrat- tory of Iranian Christians at the banks of Zayande-rud ed to live in Isfahan by the in- No. 316 bears testimony to this fact. River in Isfahan and became vitation of Safavid king, Ab- Jan. 2018 The Church of Holy Mary is the residence of these mi- bas I, Persian architects were also considered as one of the grating people. Meanwhile, ordered to build churches for oldest churches in the world. after a short lapse of time, the new inhabitants. Many old churches in Iran are some Armenians moved to They inevitably borrowed said to have been built since the northern province of Gilan elements from mosque ar- the early days of Christianity. and some resided in Shiraz in chitecture yet built notewor- During the reign of Shah southern end of the country. thy churches. After the death Abbas, the Safavid king, his Although Isfahan is world fa- of Shah Abbas the 1st, his Historical Churches of Jolfa jan’s Jolfa town. Generally, each church has a large hall for congregational prayers, it’s for most parts is raised like a dais, adorned with the pictures or images of religious figures and it also serves as an altar. Hence, candles are lighted and the church mass is conducted by the priest. On the foreground is the praying congregation which faces the platform where the priest is leading the rites in the church.While the mass is being said, the people stand, kneel, or sit depending on what the rites require. The structure of churches in Iran follows more or less the pat- tern of Iranian architecture, or they are a mixture of Iranian and non-Iranian designs.

Church of Holy Mary The Church of Holy Mary in Orumieh is considered one of the most ancient churches in the world. The church is said to have been in this city short- 24 ly after the departure of Je- sus. In the Assyrian language No. 316 the Church is called “Mart Jan. 2018 Maryam” or “Holy Virgin”. Some historians consider successor, Shah Abbas the tistic significance. Azerbaijan this church as the second old- 2nd, also paid close attention is host to the oldest churches est church after the Church of to the welfare of the Arme- in Iran. Among the most sig- Bethlehem in Palestine. The nians and more churches nificant are the Tatavous (St. square-shaped church build- were erected in Jolfa. The Tatavous Cathedral), which is ing is highly firm and simple. influx of many Europeans also called the Ghara Kelissa The thick bases of the church during the reign of the Qajar (the black monastery). This are made of stone and mor- led to the flourishing of oth- is located at the Siahchesh- tar. The interior of the church er churches, in addition to meh (Ghara-Eini) border area includes a worship hall, an those that were constructed south of Makou. There is also altar, some rooms and ves- previously. A number of these the church known as Saint tibules. As in the past, vari- edifices have lasted and ac- Stepanous, which stands 24 ous aromatic and wild plants quired architectural and ar- kilometers south of Azerbai- ornament the interior of the St. Stepanous Church

25

church. No icons or drawing ful garden and the fragrance recorded that the church was of saints can be seen in the of flowers and blossoms per- originally built in the 9th cen- church, for members of the meated the air. tury AD, but repeated earth- Eastern Church do not be- quake in Azerbaijan com- lieve in their use. St. Stepanous Church pletely eroded the previous A Chinese princess who vis- This is an old church locat- structure. They church was ited the church in 642 A.D. ed in an intersection, west of rebuilt during the rule of Shah contributed to its reconstruc- Marand –Jolfa highway and Abbas the second. tion. Her name was then en- east of Khoy-Jolfa road in graved on a stone installed on North-West Iran. Also hav- Historical Churches of the church wall. The famous ing a pyramidal dome, it is, Jolfa – Isfahan Italian traveler, Marco Polo, is nevertheless, quite beauti- The most important his- another visitor of the Church ful and far more pleasant to torical church in Iran is the of Holy Mary who has de- behold than the Saint Tat- old cathedral, commonly re- No. 316 Jan. 2018 scribed the church in his trav- avous Church. The general ferred to as the Vank (which elogue. In 1903, the prom- structure mostly resembles means cathedral in Armenian inent American Orientalist Armenian and Georgian ar- language). This large build- Professor Abraham Jackson, chitecture and the inside of ing was constructed during visited and photographed the the building is adorned with the reign of Shah Abbas the church. Based on some ac- beautiful paintings by Hona- first and completely reflects counts, the church was in the tanian , a renowned Arme- Iranian architecture. It has a past surrounded by a beauti- nian scholar and historian, double-layer brick dome that The Armenian Church in Shiraz This building has survived from the Qajar period and is surrounded by charming gar- dens.

Saint Tatavous Church, Tehran This Edifice is located at the Chale Meidan district, one of the oldest districts in Tehran. It stands south of the Seyyed Esmail Mausoleum, at the beginning of the northern part of the so-called Armenians’ Street. The oldest church of Tehran was built during the reign of the Qajar King, Fa- thalishah. The building has a dome-shaped roof and four alcoves, an altar and a spe- cial chair reserved for the Armenian religious leader or is very much similar to those ceiling at several cells flank- prelate.The vestibule leading built by the Safavids. The in- ing the two sides of the build- to the church contains the terior of the church is deco- ing. The ceiling is decorated graves of prominent non-Ira- rated with glorious and beau- with original paintings from nian Christians who have tiful paintings and miniature Safavid era and the adjoining died in Iran. works that represented bibli- cells are adorned with niches Meanwhile, in Bushehr, cal traditions and the image and arches and plaster mold- there is a church from the of angels and apostles, all ing, also in the Safavid style. Qajar period that is a good 26 of which have been execut- This is considered a historical a specimen of Iranian archi- ed in a mixture of the Iranian monument at Shiraz and defi- tecture. All the windows are No. 316 modeled after old Iranian Jan. 2018 and Italian styles. This ceiling nitely worth a visit. and walls are coated with ties buildings and the coloured from Safavid epoch. Saint Simmons Church in panes are purely Iranian art Shiraz work. The Armenian Church in This is another relatively im- There are also many oth- Shiraz portant, but not so old church er churches in Ourumieh, in In the eastern section of in Shiraz. The large hall is hamlets surrounding Aras- Ghaani Avenue, in a District completely done in Iranian baran, Ardebil, Maragheh, called “Sare Jouye Arama- style while the roof is Roman. Naqadeh, Qazvin, Hamedan, neh’, an interesting building Small barrel-shaped vaults, Khyzestan, Chaharmahal, has survived from the era of many Iranian art work and Arak, in the Vanak village Shah Abbas the second. It’s stained glass window panes north of Tehran. principal structure stands in adorn the church. Mean- the midst of a garden-like while, another church called compound and consists of the Glory of Christ, stands at a prayer hall with a lofty flat Ghalat, 34 km from Shiraz. By: Abolfazl Roohi Translated by: Mina Salimi 27

Undoubtedly, human beings, the Holy Qur’an which contains “Anything from townsfolk consciously or even uncon- all teaching needed by human which God has assigned to sciously follow role-models beings: His messenger belongs to God in their individual lives as well “He holds the keys to the Un- and the Messenger, as well as as in their social relations and seen; only He knows them! He near relatives, orphans, the contact with the others. These knows whatever exists on land needy and the wayfarer, so that models, if good, can lead one and at the sea; no leaf drops in it will not be traded around towards well-being and exalta- down unless He knows it, nor merely among the rich men tion, and of course wrong mod- any seeds [lies] in the darkness you have. Accept anything the els push one towards deviation of the earth, nor any tender Messenger may give you, and and wrong-doing. For sure, all [shoot] nor any withered [stalk] keep away from anything he of us desire good and salvation, unless it is [written down] in a withholds from you. Heed God so it is best for us to look for clear Book.” The Holy Qur’an; [Along]: God is stern with pun- the best models of behaviour. al-Anam, 59 ishment.” The Holy Qur’an;al- And really, is there a better Besides, in the Holy Qur’an, Hashr, 7 No. 316 role-model for a human being Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) “…. obey God and obey the Jan. 2018 than the best of human beings has been introduced as a good Messenger so you may find – Allah’s last and most perfect role-model: mercy!” The Holy Qur’an; Al-i Messenger, Prophet Muham- “ In God’s Messenger you Imran mad (PBUH)? Certainly not. No have a fine model for someone In the above verse of the Holy one can rightfully claim to have who looks forward to [meeting] Qur’an, we are obviously ad- found a better model. Prophet God and the Last Day, and vised to be obedient to Allah Muhammad (PBUH) has been mentions God frequently.” The and His Messenger(PBUH) in the receiver and propagator of Holy Qur’an; al-Ahzab, 21 order to receive Allah’s Mercy. has been commissioned with. If you obey him, you will be guided; the messenger has only announced things clearly.” The Holy Qur’an; al-Nur, 54 And so we can conclude that following the ways of those who are away from Allah’s Messen- ger’s guidance is void and use- less: “You who believe, obey God and obey the Messenger and do not leave your actions useless.” The Holy Qur’an; Mu- hammad, 33 As we know, before Islam, the Arabs had been afflicted with improper thoughts, manners and superstitions. According to many historians before the Bi’ that of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the people of Arabia had no unified harmonious cul- ture and civilization and were Likewise, the Holy Qur’an, en a pathway alongside the entangled in wrong manners introduces Allah’s Messen- Messenger!” The Holy Qur’an; and attitudes, so much so that ger(PBUH) as the one whose al-Furqan, 27 they would commit murder and teachings should be followed These are certainly all due many other heinous crimes in connection with disputes to the fact that all the words recklessly, and also according and problems. In verse 59 of and actions of Allah’s Mes- to historians, Prophet Muham- Chapter 4 of the Holy Qur’an senger(PBUH) have been in- mad (PBUH) brought a new 28 we read: “ You who believe, spired by Allah and in perfect religion with valuable rules and obey God and obey His Mes- conformity with His Will: “We decrees, thereby correcting No. 316 senger and those from among have sent messengers before them, educating them and cre- Jan. 2018 you who hold command. If you you, some of whom We have ating unity among them, mak- should quarrel over anything, told you about, while We have ing a civilized, strong and hon- refer it to God and the Messen- not told you about others. No ourable nation, whereas in the ger, if you believe in God and messenger may bring any sign jahiliyyah period, wrong con- the Last Day; that will be better, unless it is with God’s permis- ducts such as plundering and and finer in the long run.” The sion. Once God’s command killing the others had become Holy Qur’an; al-Nisa, 59 comes, [matters] will be decid- so common among the Arabs So, those who neglect these ed correctly, and that is where that in a poem an Arab poet of Qur’anic advice will meet with the quibblers will lose out!” The those days had said: “Our job remorse. Read this verse of Holy Qur’an; al-Ghafir, 78 is to attack, to kill and to plun- the Holy Qur’an as a proof for And to follow him is the safest der and if we find no one oth- this claim: “...a day when the way to salvation: “Say: ‘Obey er than our brother to kill and wrongdoer will gnaw away at God and obey the Messenger.’ plunder, we will kill and plunder his hands. He will say: “It’s too If you should turn away, he is our brother.” Such ugly attitude bad for me! If I had only tak- responsible only for what he is said to have even become a fun for many Arabs before Is- ter 18 we are told about the lam. Also, rivalries over water intense compassion of Proph- resources and grazing lands et Muhammad (PBUH) thus: often due to their backward cul- “Perhaps you will fret yourself The modesty and ture ended in lots of bloodshed tenderness of Prophet to death checking up on them, among them. Muhammad (PBUH) worrying lest they will not be- towards the peo- So, the Holy Prophet of Islam ple have also been lieve this report.” The Holy has been greatly successful in emphasized in the Qur’an; al-Kahf, 6 Holy Qur’an: “However changing that dark atmosphere since mercy from God The modesty and tenderness into an illuminous one, through does exist, you have of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 29 educating the people and com- been easy on them. If towards the people have also you had been harsh municating Allah’s commands and cruel-hearted, they been emphasized in the Holy to them, and this amazing would have dispersed Qur’an: “However since mercy from around you. success was not limited within from God does exist, you have Arabia, rather it’s rays illuminat- been easy on them. If you had ed not only neighbour lands, been harsh and cruel-hearted, but also faraway lands, since, they would have dispersed as Allah has Himself declared from around you. Pardon them, in the Holy Qur’an, Prophet by them. God has promised seek forgiveness for them, and Muhammad (PBUH) is as Di- forgiveness and a splendid fee consult with them on the mat- vine Mercy for the whole world. to any of those who believe and ter. Yet once you have reached Now let’s turn to certain mor- perform honourable deeds.” a decision, then rely on God; al and behavioral specifica- And also in verse 128 of God loves those who are reli- tions of Prophet Muhammad Chapter 9 we are informed: “A ant.” The Holy Qur’an; al-i Im- (PBUH) which have certainly Messenger has come to you ran, 159 contributed towards the ful- from among yourselves; he “You have been [formed] with fillment of his Divine Mission: takes it seriously how you have tremendous character…” The Kindness towards the believ- come to grief, is anxious about Holy Qur’an; al- Qalam, 4 ers and friends. In verse 29 of you, compassionate, merciful Chapter 48, we read: “ Muham- towards believers.” The Holy To be continued on the next mad is God’s Messenger while Qur’an; al-Tawbah, 128 issue. those who are with him should Likewise, in verse 6 of Chap- be strict with disbelievers, mer- ciful among themselves. You will see them bowing down, kneeling, craving bounty and approval from God. Their sign [shows] on their faces from the trace of bowing down on their No. 316 knees [in worship]. Such is Jan. 2018 their description in the Torah, while their description in the Gospel is like a field crop which puts forth its shoots so it swells up, till it grows thick enough to stand straight on its stalk in the way farmers admire, so that disbelievers are exasperated with him. Therefore, it is clear that when the Holy Prophet The Leader’s View of (PBUH) decided to migrate to Medina, he was still hold- the Holy Prophet (PBUH) ing certain things in trust. And these things did not belong to Muslims: they belonged to the unbelievers and those who were hostile to him.

Patience of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was so patient that he was not disturbed by the kind of things that made other people impa- tient. Sometimes the enemies of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Mecca used to treat him in a way that when Abi Talib [Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) uncle] heard about one case of such treatment, he got so angry that he drew his sword, went to those who had treated the Prophet (PBUH) with disre- spect and treated them in the same way. He said that he The Holy Prophet of Islam had something which was would behead anybody who 30 (PBUH) used to instill Islamic very valuable to them, they protested. But the Holy Proph- values into the general atmo- used to give it to the Holy et (PBUH) had tolerated that No. 316 treatment with patience. In Jan. 2018 sphere of his society in order Prophet (PBUH) to hold it in to completely institutionalize trust, and they were sure that another case, Abu Jahl insult- Islamic values and ethics in he would return it to them ed the Holy Prophet (PBUH) society and to instill them into undamaged. Even after the in a very bad way, but the Holy the souls, beliefs and life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) start- Prophet (PBUH) exercised the people. ed calling people to Islam patience and remained silent. and hostilities were aroused Somebody went to Hamza Trustworthiness of the against him, the enemies of and told him that his nephew Prophet of Islam (PBUH) Islam still used to leave their had been mistreated. Hamza The Holy Prophet (PBUH) valuable belongings with the lost patience and went to Abu was so trustworthy that he Holy Prophet (PBUH). When Jahl. He banged his bow so was known as Muhammad the Holy Prophet (PBUH) hard on Abu Jahl’s head that al-Amin [Muhammad the migrated to Medina, he left blood gushed out from his Trustworthy] in the jahiliyyah the Commander of the Faith- head. Sometimes some peo- pre-Islamic society. Whenev- ful (AS) in Mecca in order to ple used to go to the mosque er the people of his society return what people had left where the Prophet (PBUH) was and would stretch out their feet, and they used to tell the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to cut their nails. But the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to tol- erate their insolence with pa- tience. Honesty of the Holy Proph- et (PBUH) The Holy Prophet (PBUH) 31 was a virtuous man. He used to engage in trade in the era of jahiliyyah. He used to go to Shaam [Syria] and Yemen. He had business partners in trade caravans. One of his business partners during the his sorrows when he was would never slander a per- pre-Islamic era of jahiliyyah with other people. He looked son. He was kind to children would later on say that the cheerful when he was among and women. He behaved ex- Holy Prophet (PBUH) had other people. He used to greet tremely well towards the weak been one of his best busi- everybody. Whenever some- people of his society. He used ness partners. He was not body upset him, his sadness to joke with his companions, stubborn. He was not hostile. would become clear on his and he used to race horses He would never impose his face, but he would never start with them. responsibilities on his busi- complaining. He would not al- ness partner. He would never low anybody to curse or slan- The Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) treat his customers badly. He der other people. He would eating and dressing habits would neither overcharge his never curse anybody, and he The Holy Prophet (PBUH) customers, nor would he lie to used to sit on a carpet made of them. He was an honest man. straw. His pillow was a leath- It was his honesty that made er bag filled with palm leaves. Khadijah fall in love with him. His main meals were barley Khadijah was the most prom- bread and dates. It has been inent lady in Mecca, and she narrated that he would never was a distinguished person in eat wheat bread – or different terms of her wealth and lin- types of food – three days in He used to spend a a row. Ayesha [Holy Proph- eage. major portion of his nights in prayer, sup- et’s wife] said that sometimes plication and solemn the Prophet’s (PBUH) fam- The Holy Prophet’s worship. He used to ily would not cook anything No. 316 (PBUH) attitude towards worship God and pray Jan. 2018 other people for His mercy. in the kitchen for one month. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) Sometimes he would ride an used to behave well towards unsaddled horse. There was a other people. He was always time when other people used cheerful when he was with to ride saddled horses and other people. He used to re- show off, but the Holy Prophet veal his sorrows when he (PBUH) would use a donkey was alone. He did not show on many occasions. He was humble. He used to repair his shoes with his own hands.

The Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) worship The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to prolong his worship so much that his feet would blister because of standing up for too long. He used to spend a major portion of his nights in prayer, supplication and solemn wor- ship. He used to worship God and pray for His mercy. Apart from the month of Ramadan, he used to fast every other day in that hot weather during Rajab, Sha’ban and other months of the year. “That Allah may forgive your community their past faults and those to follow and complete His favor to you and keep you on a right way.” [The Holy Qur’an, 48: 2] His companions were sur- prised why he would ask God to forgive him, so they would tice such wise, firm and com- Holy Prophet (PBUH) did tell him, “O Messenger of God, prehensive strategies that he not. The Jews broke their you have not committed any will be astonished. The Holy promise, but he did not. sins. What is all this prayer and Prophet (PBUH) was the per- He was also secretive. When 32 worship for?” The Holy Proph- son who enforced the laws, he led his army towards Mec- et (PBUH) would tell them, and he would not let anybody ca, nobody found out where No. 316 “Should I not be a thankful ser- Jan. 2018 violate the laws. He him- the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was vant for all these blessings He self was subject to the same going. He mobilized the en- has bestowed on me.” laws, and Qur’anic verses tire army and ordered them clearly show this point. The to follow him. They asked him The Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Holy Prophet (PBUH) used where they were going, and government to act according to the laws he told them that everything The Holy Prophet (PBUH) that other people had to ob- would become clear later was just and wise. If some- serve, and he would not al- on. Nobody realized that he body studies the time the low any violations of the laws. was moving towards Mecca. Prophet (PBUH) entered Me- He would always keep his Quraysh did not know that dina – about the tribal con- promise, and this was anoth- the Holy Prophet (PBUH) flicts, the attempts to attract er characteristic of the Holy was moving towards Mecca the enemies from Mecca out Prophet (PBUH) as the lead- until he got close to the city. into the desert, the repeated er of his society. He never When he was among a group blows, the fight against the broke a promise. Quraysh of people, it was not clear that warring enemies – he will no- broke their promise, but the he was the Prophet of Islam and the leader of those peo- et (PBUH) passed away. The ple. He had excellent skill for important point is that the managing social and military Holy Prophet (PBUH) tolerat- affairs, and he used to direct- ed him. People like Abdullah ly supervise everything. Of ibn Ubayy were enemies who course it was a small society: did not pose a serious threat it was just Medina and the to the early Islamic govern- surrounding areas. Later on ment and the Muslim com- Mecca and a couple of other munity. However, the Holy communities were added to Prophet (PBUH) was very 33 this small society. He was se- strict with the enemies who rious about anything related posed a serious danger to to the people, and he acted the Islamic society. The Holy with discipline. He managed Prophet (PBUH) who was so to promote management and kind and forgiving ordered accountability in that primitive his men to kill hundreds of society. traitors from the Bani Quray- za tribe and to force out Bani The attitude of the Holy Nazir and Bani Qaynuqa. Prophet (PBUH) towards The Holy Prophet (PBUH) the enemies of Islam also captured the Khaybar Not all enemies were the citadel. This was because same to the Holy Prophet these enemies were danger- (PBUH). This is one of the ous. When the Holy Prophet important points about the life (PBUH) captured Mecca, he of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). treated them kindly, but they Some enemies were ex- responded with treachery. tremely hostile, but if the Holy They stabbed the Muslims in Prophet (PBUH) believed that the back. They designed plots they were unlikely to pose any and threatened the Muslims. serious threats, he would not The Holy Prophet (PBUH) take it hard on them. There tolerated Abdullah ibn Ubayy. When the Holy Prophet were certain other enemies – He tolerated the Jewish peo- (PBUH) captured Mecca, he treated them such as Abdullah ibn Ubayy – ple in Medina. He tolerated kindly, but they respond- who were dangerous, and the the members of Quraysh who ed with treachery. They stabbed the Muslims in Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to had taken refuge in Medina the back. They designed watch them closely. Abdullah or were harmless. When he plots and threatened the Muslims. The Holy ibn Ubayy was a real hypo- captured Mecca, he was kind Prophet (PBUH) tolerat- crite who would sometimes to people like Abu Sufyan ed Abdullah ibn Ubayy. design plots against the Holy and other prominent figures No. 316 He tolerated the Jewish Jan. 2018 people in Medina. He Prophet (PBUH). But the Holy of Quraysh because they did tolerated the members Prophet (PBUH) did not do not pose any dangers. But he of Quraysh who had taken refuge in Medina anything to harm him. He only used to vigorously suppress or were harmless. kept him under surveillance. dangerous and untrustworthy Abdullah ibn Ubayy was enemies. alive until the end of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) life, and he Source: khamenei.ir died shortly before the Proph- I am a Muslim Q: woman living in a non-Muslim so- ciety. I want to know about the Islamic rule on wearing per- fume (outside home) by a woman. Is it pro- hibited by Islam? Noira, Canada

Dear Noira. A: According to Islamic teachings, women should not wear perfumes when going out and it is prohibited by Islam. Likewise Is- lam urges women to make-up and per- fume and scent themselves at home and for their hus- to a dangerous snake which suffered the consequences. bands day and night. can kill or fatally injure the In particular, in the family being exposed to them. So, environment such undesir- I am father of two. I to avoid it’s harm, the wise able times can cause ruin- Q:often get angry but person tries to keep it off ous harms, including the later I regret it. Is there any with all his/her strength. Of break-up of families which, 34 way for me to overcome my course, at first it might seem as we see today, is not anger? Moneeb, Malaysia very hard for most to control an uncommon phenome- No. 316 Jan. 2018 their anger and not to give non. If an spouse resorts Dear Moneeb. Proph- vent to it, but as a result of to abusive language and/ A: et Muhammad(P- ceaseless remembrance of or slander when angry, he/ BUH) advises us: “ A strong God and the teachings of she can expect even worse champion is the one who His Messengers, it will be- reactions, while if one acts upon getting very angry and come easy for one to exer- wisely and repels the evil feeling hot and trembling cise self-control in the face of anger through patience, with anger, manages to sup- of irritating, unpleasant be- tolerance and forgiveness, press his anger.” Also Imam haviours and instead try to he/she will soon experience Ali(AS) recommends: “ The find the most advisable re- the desirable effects of his/ strongest of people is the sponse. her proper reaction, and of one who overcomes his an- All of us can properly re- course Divine rewards in the ger through his tolerance.” member certain times in Hereafter. our lives when due to un- In fact, anger may be com- controlled anger; we have pared to a ferocious wolf or behaved unwisely and then Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet (peace be upon 35 him) said: None is more patient than Allah against the harmful saying. He hears from the people they ascribe children to Him, yet He gives them health and (supplies them with) provision.” Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 78, Hadith 126

Don’t let people pull you into their storms. Pull them into your peace. unknown

Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses. Alphonse Karr (1808 – 1890); French critic, journal- ist, and novelist

“Be bad, but at least don’t be a liar, a deceiver!” Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer

The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cru- elty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. Martin Luther King, American most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement

No. 316 Jan. 2018 Do not Violate the Rights of the Others Arman Alimohammadi

In Islam, the expression “The we see lots of illumination in Rights of the Others” embrac- the Holy Qur’an; The Holy es a whole range of rights in- Qur’an admonishes the believ- cluding the rights of the others ers to avoid gossip, backbiting, regarding their honour, their making fun of each other and prestige, their life, their secu- also suspicion among them- rity, their safety, their property, selves. In Chapter 49, Verse their rights to be given the true 11 of the Holy Qur’an, the be- information about what con- lievers are advised thus: “You cerns them and certain other who believe, do not let one [set rights. Certainly, if in any envi- of] people make fun of anoth- ronment, people observe each er set; perhaps they are bet- other’s rights, many blessings ter than they are. Nor let any will embrace them, includ- women [mistreat other] wom- ing the sense of trust among en; perhaps they are even bet- them and likewise, the society ter than they are themselves. where the rights of the others Nor should you criticize one is neglected, becomes a hell of another, nor insult one another mistrust and so misbehaviour. by using nicknames; it is bad This rule can most obviously to use a dirty name instead of 36 be applied to the family envi- one you can believe in. Those ronment; If a married couple who do not turn away from it observe each other’s and the are wrongdoers.” No. 316 Jan. 2018 others’ rights carefully and as In this regard, the Infallible per Divine teachings (not the have presented many valu- seventh Infallible Imam has way rights are defined in to- able teachings. Imam al-Baqir strongly advised the believers day’s Western societies, en- (AS) – the fifth Infallible Imam to avoid talking about the faults couraging the couples to des- of the Shi’a Muslims has been of the other believers before ert each other just over trivial quoted: “By Allah! A believer’s the people, which faults the matters), the family units will sanctity is greater than that people do not know about. Ac- be safe and happy centers of of Ka’bah.” Just a moment cording to His Holiness, Imam life, prosperity and salvation, of thinking about these Di- al-Kazim (AS) and the other since among other blessings, vine words suffices to make Infallibles, this (forbidden) act the sense of trust and conse- one guard against harming falls within range of backbit- quently profound love will de- the reputation of the other be- ing which has been regarded velop between couple. And will lievers through saying about as a severe sin in the Holy also serve as a very beneficial them what we are forbidden Qur’an. Spying on each other model for their children. to, including through backbit- in a community of believers Regarding people’s rights, ing. Imam al-Kazim(AS), the has also been forbidden as To undersell and all other ways of cheating is another example of violating the rights 37 of the others, and strongly forbidden by Allah in the Holy Qur’an. Chapter 83, Verses 1-3 of the Holy Qur’an explains this Divine prohibition in quite clear, understandable terms: “It will be too bad for cheats who insist on receiving every- thing when they have people measure something out for them; yet whenever they mea- sure or weigh things for others, they give (them) less than their due.” Here it should be em- phasized that in accordance with the teachings of the In- fallible and authentic Qur’anic commentaries, this prohibition and the warning (about pun- ishment by Allah) does not in- clude just cheating in selling goods, rather that covers all services and dealings such as per Divine commands. Yet, it working as employees, factory should be noted that whenev- workers, drivers, house ser- er there is the danger of the vants, and … and so, if a civil plots by the hypocrites and the servant does not fulfill his/her other enemies of God against duties at work quite carefully the Muslims and against the and conscientiously he/she The Holy Qur’an should consider him/herself No. 316 Islamic rule, the believers are admonishes the Jan. 2018 duty-bound to be cautious and believers to avoid as a cheat promised severe gossip, backbit- punishment by Allah. on the look-out for any hyp- ing, making fun ocritical move and also to in- of each other and Wastefulness and extrava- also suspicion gance (Israf) should also be form each other of the deceit- among them- ful words and intrigues of the selves. certainly regarded and avoid- hypocritical men and women ed as cases of violation of the which may be found in any rights of the others. The Holy “… Muslim community. Qur’an addresses us thus: sixth Infallible Imam has been quoted regarding the interpre- tation of this Verse that anyone who uses things for purpos- es disapproved by Allah is a ‘Mobzer’ meaning squanderer, and anyone who uses things in benevolent ways is ‘Moqtasid’ meaning moderate, a capable manager of life’s financial as well as moral affairs. As for observing the others’ rights in the family, it should be emphasized that such rights are many and extensive, em- bracing affection, respect, care, education, guidance and …. Another very important right, is your family’s right upon you to be protected against any illegitimately earned livelihood: You have no right to trample upon the rights of the others (through underselling, cheat- ing, overselling and the like) in order to gain more money for your family, because that very who when they spend, give illegitimately earned money neither too lavishly, nor yet will ruin the happiness in your hold back, and keep to a hap- family, pushing them, (in par- 38 py medium;… .” (25: 67) ticular your offsprings) towards It has been quoted from wrong-doing, as the Infallible No. 316 Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) have warned us: “ Haram (ille- Jan. 2018 in connection with the inter- In a hadith from gitimately earned) money will pretation of the above verse Prophet Muham- show it’s evil in the offsprings.” mad (PBUH), we that anything one consumes are advised to, As inferred from this Hadith, or uses unnecessarily and/ “Do good to the if the food one buys for his/her others’ children if or improperly is Israf (waste- you desire your family is earned through haram fulness) and likewise Imam own children to ways, that food will have ruin- receive the same Ali(AS) has regarded any more (goodness, be- ous effects upon the spirit of than enough consumption as nevolence) from those who consume it pushing Israf. In the Holy Qur’an also the others.” them towards immorality, stupid we read: “Render your close behaviour and waywardness. relative his due, as well as the Likewise, the one who through pauper and the wayfarer. Yet slander and lying, hinders the do not squander extravagant- employment of the others in ly.” (17: 26) his/her workplace so that jobs Imam as-Sadiq(AS) – the would be vacant for his/her own relatives cannot expect to enjoy a happy family life (nor of course a good Hereafter), since Allah has Himself warned the people, in His Book and through His Messengers (AS) that to do wrong to the others will result in His anger which may afflict one’s whole family. In just the same vein, be- 39 ing honest and benevolent towards the others pleases Allah greatly, drawing His last- ing blessings (in both worlds) upon the honest and benev- olent persons and their family members. In a hadith from Prophet Mu- hammad (PBUH), we are ad- vised to, “Do good to the others’ children if you desire your own children to receive the same (goodness, benevolence) from the others.” In another Had- ith, we are also informed that among the blessings granted by Allah upon an honest up- right person is that his depen- dents will enjoy peace of mind and tranquility. Thus, we can conclude that the hoarders, the overchargers, the cheats, the sellers and dealers of al- coholic drinks and narcotics and those who sell unwhole- some and even worse, poison- ous food as well as of course the usurers, the bribers, the bribee, the gamblers, those No. 316 who make misguiding films or Jan. 2018 write misguiding books and of course those engaged in mak- ing or selling atomic or chemi- cal weapons should expect to find their families going astray and feeling miserable. May Allah guide us all towards His pleasure!