Showing posts with label History of Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History of Islam. Show all posts
Companions Begin Communicating the Message
The companions chosen by our Prophet (pbuh) also took with them a letter to the rulers of the areas they were sent to. The companions, who had an excellent knowledge of the languages of the areas to which they were dispatched, acted in the light of our Prophet’s (pbuh) advice and soon won people’s love and respect with the moral virtues they exhibited and their rational, wide and sincere communication. One of our Prophet’s (pbuh) pieces of advice on this subject that all Muslims must scrupulously abide by is: “Make matters easy, not difficult. Impart glad tidings and do not inspire hatred. Act as one, do not fall out among yourselves. Treat people with kindness and do not resort to violence.” (Muslim, 3263)
Islamic Origins of Modern Science
Fourteen centuries ago, God sent down the Qur'an as a guide to all humanity.
At the time the Arab society was in a state of complete degeneration, chaos and ignorance. They were a barbarous people who worshipped idols of their own making, believed warfare and bloodshed to be virtuous and were even capable of killing their own children. They had little interest in intellectual matters, let alone a scientific outlook to the natural world.
However, through Islam they learned humanity and civilization. Not only the Arabs but all the communities which accepted Islam escaped the darkness of the age of ignorance and were illuminated by the divine wisdom of the Qur'an. Amongst the faculties the Qur'an brought to humanity was scientific thinking.
At the time the Arab society was in a state of complete degeneration, chaos and ignorance. They were a barbarous people who worshipped idols of their own making, believed warfare and bloodshed to be virtuous and were even capable of killing their own children. They had little interest in intellectual matters, let alone a scientific outlook to the natural world.
However, through Islam they learned humanity and civilization. Not only the Arabs but all the communities which accepted Islam escaped the darkness of the age of ignorance and were illuminated by the divine wisdom of the Qur'an. Amongst the faculties the Qur'an brought to humanity was scientific thinking.
Islam Born in Mecca Spread Across the World
How Did the Islam Born in Mecca Spread Across the World?
Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expended enormous energy on preaching the Islamic moral values taught him by Allah until the very end of his life. By Allah’s leave, this message initiated through such sincere endeavors on the part of our Prophet (PBUH) spread across a very wide region in a short space of time by means of his honesty, determination and moral virtues. This message, which continued after the death of our Prophet (PBUH) was a means whereby millions of people came to have faith; in this way, people learned true love, peace and justice, based on the moral precepts of the Holy Qur’an.
The Prophet Muhammad (saas), whom Allah tells us in the Holy Qur’an He sent as a “Mercy to the Worlds,” abided by Islamic moral values with the utmost joy and enthusiasm right up to the end of his life, a life which constituted a role model for others. This message, single-handedly initiated by our Prophet (PBUH), soon spread, by Allah’s leave, over a wide area. And it continued after him, again through the efforts of sincere believers. According to the latest research, this joyous rise of Islam, regarded as the most rapidly spreading faith in the world, will cause Islam Allah’?n izni ile to rule over the whole world with the coming of the Prophet Isa (pbuh) and the Mahdi in the end times.
Ever since the first days of its revelation, Islam spread at enormous speed by means of the determination and sincerity displayed by our Prophet (PBUH). The determination and justice of the Muslims of that time who adopted our Prophet (PBUH) as a role model was highly influential in many Arab tribes’ turning to Islam. The moral values of the Holy Qur’an brought about positive changes in the lives of the people of the region and replaced the chaos, injustice and blood feuds of the age of ignorance with peace and security. An order based on the true love, respect, compassion and justice of Holy Qur’anic moral precepts was established for the first time uzun süre sonra among the people of the region.
Following the death of our Prophet (PBUH) on 8 June 632 (Gregorian), Islam continued to rise at a great speed, spreading within a few decades to Mesopotamia in the north, Africa in the west and as far as India in the east. Local people, who until shortly before had lived unaware of religious moral values became rulers of a world empire thanks to the reason, awareness and elevated culture bestowed on them by Islamic moral values. This Islamic State, the like of whose rapid rise had rarely been equaled, established a far more powerful administration than other regimes by spreading over a wider extent than the ancient Roman Empire. At the heart of this matchless development of Islam lies the fact it was made possible by the superior virtues, intelligence, foresight, determination and sincere endeavors of our Prophet (saas), by the will of Allah.
Our Prophet (saas) began communicating his message immediately after the Hegira. His method was to employ companions to call on the rulers of neighboring countries to adopt Islamic moral precepts. Our Prophet (PBUH) who acted on our Lord’s command on this subject in the finest possible manner, used wisdom and gentle advice to invite others to adopt Islamic moral precepts by way of these emissaries:
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Surat An-Nahl, 125)
Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expended enormous energy on preaching the Islamic moral values taught him by Allah until the very end of his life. By Allah’s leave, this message initiated through such sincere endeavors on the part of our Prophet (PBUH) spread across a very wide region in a short space of time by means of his honesty, determination and moral virtues. This message, which continued after the death of our Prophet (PBUH) was a means whereby millions of people came to have faith; in this way, people learned true love, peace and justice, based on the moral precepts of the Holy Qur’an.
The Prophet Muhammad (saas), whom Allah tells us in the Holy Qur’an He sent as a “Mercy to the Worlds,” abided by Islamic moral values with the utmost joy and enthusiasm right up to the end of his life, a life which constituted a role model for others. This message, single-handedly initiated by our Prophet (PBUH), soon spread, by Allah’s leave, over a wide area. And it continued after him, again through the efforts of sincere believers. According to the latest research, this joyous rise of Islam, regarded as the most rapidly spreading faith in the world, will cause Islam Allah’?n izni ile to rule over the whole world with the coming of the Prophet Isa (pbuh) and the Mahdi in the end times.
Ever since the first days of its revelation, Islam spread at enormous speed by means of the determination and sincerity displayed by our Prophet (PBUH). The determination and justice of the Muslims of that time who adopted our Prophet (PBUH) as a role model was highly influential in many Arab tribes’ turning to Islam. The moral values of the Holy Qur’an brought about positive changes in the lives of the people of the region and replaced the chaos, injustice and blood feuds of the age of ignorance with peace and security. An order based on the true love, respect, compassion and justice of Holy Qur’anic moral precepts was established for the first time uzun süre sonra among the people of the region.
Following the death of our Prophet (PBUH) on 8 June 632 (Gregorian), Islam continued to rise at a great speed, spreading within a few decades to Mesopotamia in the north, Africa in the west and as far as India in the east. Local people, who until shortly before had lived unaware of religious moral values became rulers of a world empire thanks to the reason, awareness and elevated culture bestowed on them by Islamic moral values. This Islamic State, the like of whose rapid rise had rarely been equaled, established a far more powerful administration than other regimes by spreading over a wider extent than the ancient Roman Empire. At the heart of this matchless development of Islam lies the fact it was made possible by the superior virtues, intelligence, foresight, determination and sincere endeavors of our Prophet (saas), by the will of Allah.
Our Prophet (saas) began communicating his message immediately after the Hegira. His method was to employ companions to call on the rulers of neighboring countries to adopt Islamic moral precepts. Our Prophet (PBUH) who acted on our Lord’s command on this subject in the finest possible manner, used wisdom and gentle advice to invite others to adopt Islamic moral precepts by way of these emissaries:
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Surat An-Nahl, 125)
History of Islam
The Rightly guided Caliphs
Upon the death of the Prophet, Abu Bakr, the friend of the Prophet and the first adult male to embrace Islam, became caliph. Abu Bakr ruled for two years to be succeeded by 'Umar who was caliph for a decade and during whose rule Islam spread extensively east and west conquering the Persian empire, Syria and Egypt. It was 'Umar who marched on foot at the end of the Muslim army into Jerusalem and ordered the protection of Christian sites. 'Umar also established the first public treasury and a sophisticated financial administration. He established many of the basic practices of Islamic government.
'Umar was succeeded by 'Uthman who ruled for some twelve years during which time the Islamic expansion continued. He is also known as the caliph who had the definitive text of the Noble Quran copied and sent to the four corners of the Islamic world. He was in turn succeeded by 'Ali who is known to this day for his eloquent sermons and letters, and also for his bravery. With his death the rule of the "rightly guided" caliphs, who hold a special place of respect in the hearts of Muslims, came to an end.
The Caliphate
Umayyad
The Umayyad caliphate established in 661 was to last for about a century. During this time Damascus became the capital of an Islamic world which stretched from the western borders of China to southern France. Not only did the Islamic conquests continue during this period through North Africa to Spain and France in the West and to Sind, Central Asia and Transoxiana in the East, but the basic social and legal institutions of the newly founded Islamic world were established.
Abbasids
The Abbasids, who succeeded the Umayyads, shifted the capital to Baghdad which soon developed into an incomparable center of learning and culture as well as the administrative and political heart of a vast world.
They ruled for over 500 years but gradually their power waned and they remained only symbolic rulers bestowing legitimacy upon various sultans and princes who wielded actual military power. The Abbasid caliphate was finally abolished when Hulagu, the Mongol ruler, captured Baghdad in 1258, destroying much of the city including its incomparable libraries.
While the Abbasids ruled in Baghdad, a number of powerful dynasties such as the Fatimids, Ayyubids and Mamluks held power in Egypt, Syria and Palestine. The most important event in this area as far as the relation between Islam and the Western world was concerned was the series of Crusades declared by the Pope and espoused by various European kings. The purpose, although political, was outwardly to recapture the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem for Christianity. Although there was at the beginning some success and local European rule was set up in parts of Syria and Palestine, Muslims finally prevailed and in 1187 Saladin, the great Muslim leader, recaptured Jerusalem and defeated the Crusaders.
Upon the death of the Prophet, Abu Bakr, the friend of the Prophet and the first adult male to embrace Islam, became caliph. Abu Bakr ruled for two years to be succeeded by 'Umar who was caliph for a decade and during whose rule Islam spread extensively east and west conquering the Persian empire, Syria and Egypt. It was 'Umar who marched on foot at the end of the Muslim army into Jerusalem and ordered the protection of Christian sites. 'Umar also established the first public treasury and a sophisticated financial administration. He established many of the basic practices of Islamic government.
'Umar was succeeded by 'Uthman who ruled for some twelve years during which time the Islamic expansion continued. He is also known as the caliph who had the definitive text of the Noble Quran copied and sent to the four corners of the Islamic world. He was in turn succeeded by 'Ali who is known to this day for his eloquent sermons and letters, and also for his bravery. With his death the rule of the "rightly guided" caliphs, who hold a special place of respect in the hearts of Muslims, came to an end.
The Caliphate
Umayyad
The Umayyad caliphate established in 661 was to last for about a century. During this time Damascus became the capital of an Islamic world which stretched from the western borders of China to southern France. Not only did the Islamic conquests continue during this period through North Africa to Spain and France in the West and to Sind, Central Asia and Transoxiana in the East, but the basic social and legal institutions of the newly founded Islamic world were established.
Abbasids
The Abbasids, who succeeded the Umayyads, shifted the capital to Baghdad which soon developed into an incomparable center of learning and culture as well as the administrative and political heart of a vast world.
They ruled for over 500 years but gradually their power waned and they remained only symbolic rulers bestowing legitimacy upon various sultans and princes who wielded actual military power. The Abbasid caliphate was finally abolished when Hulagu, the Mongol ruler, captured Baghdad in 1258, destroying much of the city including its incomparable libraries.
While the Abbasids ruled in Baghdad, a number of powerful dynasties such as the Fatimids, Ayyubids and Mamluks held power in Egypt, Syria and Palestine. The most important event in this area as far as the relation between Islam and the Western world was concerned was the series of Crusades declared by the Pope and espoused by various European kings. The purpose, although political, was outwardly to recapture the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem for Christianity. Although there was at the beginning some success and local European rule was set up in parts of Syria and Palestine, Muslims finally prevailed and in 1187 Saladin, the great Muslim leader, recaptured Jerusalem and defeated the Crusaders.
Islam in North Africa and Spain
When the Abbasids captured Damascus, one of the Umayyad princes escaped and made the long journey from there to Spain to found Umayyad rule there, thus beginning the golden age of Islam in Spain. Cordoba was established as the capital and soon became Europe's greatest city not only in population but from the point of view of its cultural and intellectual life. The Umayyads ruled over two centuries until they weakened and were replaced by local rulers.
Meanwhile in North Africa, various local dynasties held sway until two powerful Berber dynasties succeeded in uniting much of North Africa and also Spain in the 12th and 13th centuries. After them this area was ruled once again by local dynasties such as the Sharifids of Morocco who still rule in that country. As for Spain itself, Muslim power continued to wane until the last Muslim dynasty was defeated in Granada in 1492 thus bringing nearly eight hundred years of Muslim rule in Spain to an end.
Meanwhile in North Africa, various local dynasties held sway until two powerful Berber dynasties succeeded in uniting much of North Africa and also Spain in the 12th and 13th centuries. After them this area was ruled once again by local dynasties such as the Sharifids of Morocco who still rule in that country. As for Spain itself, Muslim power continued to wane until the last Muslim dynasty was defeated in Granada in 1492 thus bringing nearly eight hundred years of Muslim rule in Spain to an end.
After the Mangol Invasion - History of Islam
The Mongols devastated the eastern lands of Islam and ruled from the Sinai Desert to India for a century. But they soon converted to Islam and became known as the Il-Khanids. They were in turn succeeded by Timur and his descendents who made Samarqand their capital and ruled from 1369 to 1500. The sudden rise of Timur delayed the formation and expansion of the Ottoman empire but soon the Ottomans became the dominant power in the Islamic world.
Ottoman Empire
From humble origins the Turks rose to dominate over the whole of Anatolia and even parts of Europe. In 1453 Mehmet the Conqueror captured Constantinople and put an end to the Byzantine empire. The Ottomans conquered much of eastem Europe and nearly the whole of the Arab world, only Morocco and Mauritania in the West and Yemen, Hadramaut and parts of the Arabian peninsula remaining beyond their control. They reached their zenith of power with Suleyman the Magnificent whose armies reached Hungary and Austria. From the 17th century onward with the rise of Westem European powers and later Russia, the power of the Ottomans began to wane. But they nevertheless remained a force to be reckoned with until the First World War when they were defeated by the Westem nations. Soon thereafter Kamal Ataturk gained power in Turkey and abolished the six centuries of rule of the Ottomans in 1924.
Persia
While the Ottomans were concerned mostly with the westem front of their empire, to the east in Persia a new dynasty called the Safavids came to power in 1502. The Safavids established a powerful state of their own which flourished for over two centuries and became known for the flowering of the arts. Their capital, Isfahan, became one of the most beautiful cities with its blue tiled mosques and exquisite houses. The Afghan invasion of 1736 put an end to Safavid rule and prepared the independence of Afghanistan which occured fommally in the 19th century. Persia itself fell into tummoil until Nader Shah, the last Oriental conqueror, reunited the country and even conquered India. But the rule of the dynasty established by him was short-lived. The Zand dynasty soon took over to be overthrown by the Qajars in 1779 who made Tehran their capital and ruled until 1921 when they were in turn replaced by the Pahlavis.
India
As for India, Islam entered into the land east of the Indus River peacefully. Gradually Muslims gained political power beginning in the early 13th century. But this period which marked the expansion of both Islam and Islamic culture came to an end with the conquest of much of India in 1526 by Babur, one of the Timurid princes. He established the powerful Mogul empire which produced such famous rulers as Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan and which lasted, despite the gradual rise of British power in India, until 1857 when it was officially abolished.
Ottoman Empire
From humble origins the Turks rose to dominate over the whole of Anatolia and even parts of Europe. In 1453 Mehmet the Conqueror captured Constantinople and put an end to the Byzantine empire. The Ottomans conquered much of eastem Europe and nearly the whole of the Arab world, only Morocco and Mauritania in the West and Yemen, Hadramaut and parts of the Arabian peninsula remaining beyond their control. They reached their zenith of power with Suleyman the Magnificent whose armies reached Hungary and Austria. From the 17th century onward with the rise of Westem European powers and later Russia, the power of the Ottomans began to wane. But they nevertheless remained a force to be reckoned with until the First World War when they were defeated by the Westem nations. Soon thereafter Kamal Ataturk gained power in Turkey and abolished the six centuries of rule of the Ottomans in 1924.
Persia
While the Ottomans were concerned mostly with the westem front of their empire, to the east in Persia a new dynasty called the Safavids came to power in 1502. The Safavids established a powerful state of their own which flourished for over two centuries and became known for the flowering of the arts. Their capital, Isfahan, became one of the most beautiful cities with its blue tiled mosques and exquisite houses. The Afghan invasion of 1736 put an end to Safavid rule and prepared the independence of Afghanistan which occured fommally in the 19th century. Persia itself fell into tummoil until Nader Shah, the last Oriental conqueror, reunited the country and even conquered India. But the rule of the dynasty established by him was short-lived. The Zand dynasty soon took over to be overthrown by the Qajars in 1779 who made Tehran their capital and ruled until 1921 when they were in turn replaced by the Pahlavis.
India
As for India, Islam entered into the land east of the Indus River peacefully. Gradually Muslims gained political power beginning in the early 13th century. But this period which marked the expansion of both Islam and Islamic culture came to an end with the conquest of much of India in 1526 by Babur, one of the Timurid princes. He established the powerful Mogul empire which produced such famous rulers as Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan and which lasted, despite the gradual rise of British power in India, until 1857 when it was officially abolished.
Islam in Malaysia and Indonesia
Farther east in the Malay world, Islam began to spread in the 12th century in northem Sumatra and soon Muslim kingdoms were establishd in Java, Sumatra and mainland Malaysia. Despite the colonization of the Malay world, Islam spread in that area covering present day Indonesia, Malaysia, the southern Phililppines and southern Thailand, and is still continuing in islands farther east.
Africa
As far as Africa is concemed, Islam entered into East Africa at the very beginning of the Islamic period but remained confined to the coast for some time, only the Sudan and Somaliland becoming gradually both Arabized and Islamized. West Africa felt the presence of Islam through North African traders who travelled with their camel caravans south of the Sahara. By the 14th century there were already Muslim sultanates in such areas as Mali, and Timbuctu in West Africa and Harar in East Africa had become seats of Islamic leaming.
Gradually Islam penetrated both inland and southward. There also appeared major charismatic figures who inspired intense resistance against European domination. The process of the Islamization of Africa did not cease during the colonial period and continues even today with the result that most Africans are now Muslims carrying on a tradition which has had practically as long a history in certain areas of sub-Saharan Africa as Islam itself.
Africa
As far as Africa is concemed, Islam entered into East Africa at the very beginning of the Islamic period but remained confined to the coast for some time, only the Sudan and Somaliland becoming gradually both Arabized and Islamized. West Africa felt the presence of Islam through North African traders who travelled with their camel caravans south of the Sahara. By the 14th century there were already Muslim sultanates in such areas as Mali, and Timbuctu in West Africa and Harar in East Africa had become seats of Islamic leaming.
Gradually Islam penetrated both inland and southward. There also appeared major charismatic figures who inspired intense resistance against European domination. The process of the Islamization of Africa did not cease during the colonial period and continues even today with the result that most Africans are now Muslims carrying on a tradition which has had practically as long a history in certain areas of sub-Saharan Africa as Islam itself.
Islam in the United States - History of Islam
It is almost impossible to generalize about American Muslims: converts, immigrants, factory workers, doctors; all are making their own contribution to America's future. This complex community is unified by a common faith, underpinned by a countrywide network of a thousand mosques.
Muslims were early arrivals in North America. By the eighteenth century there were many thousands of them, working as slaves on plantations. These early communities, cut off from their heritage and families, inevitably lost their Islamic identity as time went by. Today many Afro-American Muslims play an important role in the Islamic community.
The nineteenth century, however, saw the beginnings of an influx of Arab Muslims, most of whom settled in the major industrial centers where they worshipped in hired rooms. The early twentieth century witnessed the arrival of several hundred thousand Muslims from Eastem Europe: the first Albanian mosque was opened in Maine in 1915; others soon followed, and a group of Polish Muslims opened a mosque in Brooklyn in 1928.
In 1947 the Washington Islamic Center was founded during the term of President Truman, and several nationwide organizations were set up in the fifties. The same period saw the establishment of other communities whose lives were in many ways modelled after Islam. More recently, numerous members of these groups have entered the fold of Muslim orthodoxy. Today there are about five million Muslims in America.
Muslims were early arrivals in North America. By the eighteenth century there were many thousands of them, working as slaves on plantations. These early communities, cut off from their heritage and families, inevitably lost their Islamic identity as time went by. Today many Afro-American Muslims play an important role in the Islamic community.
The nineteenth century, however, saw the beginnings of an influx of Arab Muslims, most of whom settled in the major industrial centers where they worshipped in hired rooms. The early twentieth century witnessed the arrival of several hundred thousand Muslims from Eastem Europe: the first Albanian mosque was opened in Maine in 1915; others soon followed, and a group of Polish Muslims opened a mosque in Brooklyn in 1928.
In 1947 the Washington Islamic Center was founded during the term of President Truman, and several nationwide organizations were set up in the fifties. The same period saw the establishment of other communities whose lives were in many ways modelled after Islam. More recently, numerous members of these groups have entered the fold of Muslim orthodoxy. Today there are about five million Muslims in America.
Arab - Islamic History
It was only after the Second World War and the dismemberment of the British, French, Dutch and Spanish empires that the rest of the Islamic world gained its independence. In the Arab world, Syria and Lebanon became independent at the end of the war as did Libya and the shaykdoms around the Gulf and the Arabian Sea by the 1960's. The North African countries of Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria had to fight a difficult and, in the case of Algeria, long and protracted war to gain their freedom which did not come until a decade later for Tunisia and Morocco and two decades later for Algeria. Only Palestine did not become independent but was partitioned in 1948 with the establishment of the state of Israel.
Islam in an India
In India Muslims participated in the freedom movement against British rule along with Hindus and when independence finally came in 1947, they were able to create their own homeland, Pakistan, which came into being for the sake of Islam and became the most populated Muslim state although many Muslims remained in India. In 1971, however, the two parts of the state broke up, East Pakistan becoming Bengladesh.
Far East
Farther east still, the Indonesians finally gained their independence from the Dutch and the Malays theirs from Britain. At first Singapore was part of Malaysia but it separated in 1963 to become an independent state. Small colonies still persisted in the area and continued to seek their independence, the kingdom of Brunei becoming independent as recently as 1984.
Far East
Farther east still, the Indonesians finally gained their independence from the Dutch and the Malays theirs from Britain. At first Singapore was part of Malaysia but it separated in 1963 to become an independent state. Small colonies still persisted in the area and continued to seek their independence, the kingdom of Brunei becoming independent as recently as 1984.
History of Islam - Africa
In Africa also major countries with large or majority Muslim populations such as Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania began to gain their independence in the 1950's and 1960's with the result that by the end of the decade of the 60's most parts of the Islamic world were formed into independent national states. There were, however, exceptions. The Muslim states in the Soviet Union failed to gain their autonomy or independence. The same holds true for Sinkiang (called Eastem Turkestan by Muslim geographers) while in Eritrea and the southern Philippines Muslim independence movements still continue.
National States - History of Islam
While the world of Islam has entered into the modern world in the form of national states, continuous attempts are made to create closer cooperation within the Islamic world as a whole and to bring about greater unity. This is seen not only in the meetings of the Muslim heads of state and the establishment of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries) with its own secretariat, but also in the creation of institutions dealing with the whole of the Islamic world. Among the most important of these is the Muslim World League (Rabitat al-alam al-Islami ) with its headquarters in Makkah. Saudi Arabia has in fact played a pivotal role in the creation and maintenance of such organizations.
Revival and Reassertation of Islam - History of Islam
Muslims did not wish to gain only their political independence. They also wished to assert their own religious and cultural identity. From the 18th century onward Muslim reformers appeared upon the scene who sought to reassert the teachings of Islam and to reform society on the basis of Islamic teachings. One of the first among this group was Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab, who hailed from the Arabian peninsula and died there in 1792. This reformer was supported by Muhammad ibn al-Sa'ud, the founder of the first Saudi state. With this support Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab was able to spread his teachings not only in Arabia but even beyond its borders to other Islamic lands where his reforms continue to wield influence to this day.
In the 19th century lslamic assertion took several different forms ranging from the Mahdi movement of the Sudan and the Sanusiyyah in North Africa which fought wars against European colonizers, to educational movements such as that of Aligarh in India aiming to reeducate Muslims. In Egypt which, because of al-Azhar University, remains to this day central to Islamic learning, a number of reformers appear, each addressing some aspect of Islamic thought. Some were concerned more with law, others economics, and yet others the challenges posed by Western civilization with its powerful science and technology. These included Jamal al-Din al-Afghani who hailed originally from Persia but settled in Cairo and who was the great champion of Pan-Islamism, that is the movement to unite the Islamic world politically as well as religiously. His student, Muhammad 'Abduh, who became the rector of al-Azhar. was also very influential in Islamic theology and thought. Also of considerable influence was his Syrian student, Rashid Rida, who held a position closer to that of 'Abd al-Wahhab and stood for the strict application of the Shari'ah. Among the most famous of these thinkers is Muhammad Iqbal, the outstanding poet and philosopher who is considered as the father of Pakistan.
In the 19th century lslamic assertion took several different forms ranging from the Mahdi movement of the Sudan and the Sanusiyyah in North Africa which fought wars against European colonizers, to educational movements such as that of Aligarh in India aiming to reeducate Muslims. In Egypt which, because of al-Azhar University, remains to this day central to Islamic learning, a number of reformers appear, each addressing some aspect of Islamic thought. Some were concerned more with law, others economics, and yet others the challenges posed by Western civilization with its powerful science and technology. These included Jamal al-Din al-Afghani who hailed originally from Persia but settled in Cairo and who was the great champion of Pan-Islamism, that is the movement to unite the Islamic world politically as well as religiously. His student, Muhammad 'Abduh, who became the rector of al-Azhar. was also very influential in Islamic theology and thought. Also of considerable influence was his Syrian student, Rashid Rida, who held a position closer to that of 'Abd al-Wahhab and stood for the strict application of the Shari'ah. Among the most famous of these thinkers is Muhammad Iqbal, the outstanding poet and philosopher who is considered as the father of Pakistan.
WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?
Question:
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book ’Islam at the cross road’ (Page 8):
’History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.’
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, ’Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?’
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, ’Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?’
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book ’Heroes and Hero worship’, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: ’The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.’
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
’Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error’
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
’Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious.’
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, ’People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born’
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book ’Islam at the cross road’ (Page 8):
’History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.’
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, ’Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?’
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, ’Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?’
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book ’Heroes and Hero worship’, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: ’The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.’
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
’Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error’
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
’Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious.’
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, ’People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born’
WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?
Question:
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book ’Islam at the cross road’ (Page 8):
’History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.’
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, ’Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?’
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, ’Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?’
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book ’Heroes and Hero worship’, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: ’The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.’
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
’Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error’
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
’Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious.’
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, ’People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born’
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book ’Islam at the cross road’ (Page 8):
’History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.’
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, ’Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?’
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, ’Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?’
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book ’Heroes and Hero worship’, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: ’The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.’
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
’Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error’
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
’Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious.’
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, ’People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born’
Muslims-monitors of the world
Allah SWT has honored us {the ummat of MUHAMMAD SAW} by calling us the BEST UMMAT and it is mentioned in Qur'an :,
(Al-Imran:110) Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.
(Al-An'Am:165) It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lordis quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
It never ceases to amaze me how, even though Allah calls Muslims as the "best of peoples", evolved for mankind" (3:110) and has appointed humans as "his agents , inheritors of the earth (6:165), we are often negligent when it comes to caring for this Earth that is our home and that of our children and their children as well.
Allah SWT clearly explains us our duty that we are the monitors of the world. It's a duty given to us by OUR CREATOR for instance , in a school, every pupil knows the rules to abide but still a monitor is appointed to keep a check on them and if the students do any mischief in spite of monitor being there then the monitor is to be blamed. If the monitor done their duty well , then the students will behave well and thus discipline will be maintained in the school. In the same way, if people in this world are going astray and up to mischief , we Muslims are to be blamed as we are not doing our duty and rather following the masses who are on the wrong path.
It is our duty to tell people they are wrong when we know they are wrong and advising them to stop doing it. I have ever heard a saying "The best of you is the one most useful to others. It's the least thing we can do to do good thing, be helpfull. Being Muslim is not just about attending Halaqas and coming to gatherings but social justice, harmony are amongst it. It's not 'volunteer work' for Muslims, it's caring, guardianship for the creation of Allah who Allah made us a Khalifah of. Islam is and has been a socially conscious, useful, and egalitarian way of life, we believe we are only as good as the poorest,weakest amongst us. ALLAH connects Taqwa,Iman, Ihsan and all other "religious concepts" to practical humanitarian work. Pray for others because what you wish for Allah to grant another person is what Allah will grant you " don't rely on your own dua's for yourself, pray for others so that they may pray for you. Make action points from everything we learn, e.g. what can we do put a book we just read into practice. And don't take 'lack of knowledge' as an excuse for not doing something, but instead use it as an opportunity to learn, that is practical useful knowledge that becomes wisdom, instead of just data, facts, and tidbits.
ALLAH SWT doesn't need us to make Islam flourish, rather its an honor that we have been given such a task by which we can be the best ummah.If we don't do our duty with which Allah has sent us. ALLAH says that HE will raise other people in our place and they wont be like us. It's high time that we first correct ourselves then convey the message of our LORD to the world. It's the duty and responsibility of each and every Muslim to fulfill this task, i.e to enjoin good and forbid wrong. We will be questioned about it on the day of Judgment and will be answerable before our Lord. By doing our task we can make this world devoid of all mischief ,thus establish peace on earth
(Al-Imran:110) Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.
(Al-An'Am:165) It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lordis quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
It never ceases to amaze me how, even though Allah calls Muslims as the "best of peoples", evolved for mankind" (3:110) and has appointed humans as "his agents , inheritors of the earth (6:165), we are often negligent when it comes to caring for this Earth that is our home and that of our children and their children as well.
Allah SWT clearly explains us our duty that we are the monitors of the world. It's a duty given to us by OUR CREATOR for instance , in a school, every pupil knows the rules to abide but still a monitor is appointed to keep a check on them and if the students do any mischief in spite of monitor being there then the monitor is to be blamed. If the monitor done their duty well , then the students will behave well and thus discipline will be maintained in the school. In the same way, if people in this world are going astray and up to mischief , we Muslims are to be blamed as we are not doing our duty and rather following the masses who are on the wrong path.
It is our duty to tell people they are wrong when we know they are wrong and advising them to stop doing it. I have ever heard a saying "The best of you is the one most useful to others. It's the least thing we can do to do good thing, be helpfull. Being Muslim is not just about attending Halaqas and coming to gatherings but social justice, harmony are amongst it. It's not 'volunteer work' for Muslims, it's caring, guardianship for the creation of Allah who Allah made us a Khalifah of. Islam is and has been a socially conscious, useful, and egalitarian way of life, we believe we are only as good as the poorest,weakest amongst us. ALLAH connects Taqwa,Iman, Ihsan and all other "religious concepts" to practical humanitarian work. Pray for others because what you wish for Allah to grant another person is what Allah will grant you " don't rely on your own dua's for yourself, pray for others so that they may pray for you. Make action points from everything we learn, e.g. what can we do put a book we just read into practice. And don't take 'lack of knowledge' as an excuse for not doing something, but instead use it as an opportunity to learn, that is practical useful knowledge that becomes wisdom, instead of just data, facts, and tidbits.
ALLAH SWT doesn't need us to make Islam flourish, rather its an honor that we have been given such a task by which we can be the best ummah.If we don't do our duty with which Allah has sent us. ALLAH says that HE will raise other people in our place and they wont be like us. It's high time that we first correct ourselves then convey the message of our LORD to the world. It's the duty and responsibility of each and every Muslim to fulfill this task, i.e to enjoin good and forbid wrong. We will be questioned about it on the day of Judgment and will be answerable before our Lord. By doing our task we can make this world devoid of all mischief ,thus establish peace on earth
Rights In Islam
Table Of Contents
The Rights Of Husband
The Rights of Parents
The wet-nurse
The Rights of Muslims
Rights of the Neighbour
Rights of the Travelling Companion
Rights of the Weak and Old
Rights of Human beings
Rights of Animals
The Virtues and Rights of Marriage
Glossary
Rights Of Husband
Allah Ta‘âlâ has given great rights to the husband and has attached a lot of virtue to him. Pleasing the husband and keeping him happy is a great act of ‘ibâdah and displeasing him or keeping him unhappy is a major sin.
1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "The woman who offers her five times salât, fasts in the month of Ramadân, protects her honour and respect, and obeys her husband has the choice of entering jannah from whichever door she wishes to enter from." This means that from the eight doors of jannah she can enter through whichever door she wishes without even having to knock on that door.
2. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "The woman who passes away in such a state that her husband is pleased with her will enter jannah."
3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "Were I to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded the woman to prostrate to her husband. If the husband orders his wife to carry the boulders of one mountain to the next mountain, and the boulders of the next mountain to a third mountain, she will have to do this."
4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "When the husband calls his wife, she should go immediately to him even if she is busy at her stove." In other words, no matter how important a task she may be busy with, she should leave it and go to him.
5. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "When a man calls his wife to engage in sexual intercourse with him and she does not go and because of this he sleeps away angrily, the angels continue cursing this woman till the morning."
6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "When a woman troubles or displeases her husband in this world, the hûr of jannah that has been set aside for him says : "May Allah curse you! Do not trouble him. He is your guest for a few days. Soon he will leave you and come to me."
7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "There are three types of people whose salât is not accepted, nor is any other good act of theirs accepted. One is a slave who runs away from his master. The second is a woman whose husband is displeased with her. The third is a person who is in a state of intoxication."
8. A person asked : "Who is the best woman?" Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied : "The best woman is one who pleases her husband when he looks at her, when he asks her to do something she obeys him, and she does not do anything that may displease him with regard to his wealth and honour."
One of the rights of the husband is that the wife should not keep any optional fasts nor offer any optional salât in his presence without his permission. Among the rights of the husband is that she should not remain in an untidy, dishevelled state. Instead, she should always remain clean and beautiful for her husband. In fact, if she remains untidy and dishevelled despite her husband ordering her to remain clean, he has the right of beating her (lightly) in order that she may obey him. Another right of the husband is that she should not leave the house without his permission irrespective of whether it be the house of a friend, relative or anyone else.
The Rights of Parents
1. You should not cause them any harm even if they commit any excesses.
2. Respect and honour them in your speech and dealings with them.
3. Obey them in permissible acts.
4. If they are in need of money, assist them even if they are kâfirs.
5. The following rights are due to parents after their death :
(a) Continue making du‘âs of forgiveness and mercy for them. Continue sending rewards to them in the form of optional acts of worship and charity on their behalf.
(b) Meet their friends and relatives in a friendly way and also assist them wherever possible.
(c) If you have the finances, fulfil their unpaid debts and the permissible bequests that they have made.
(d) When they pass away, abstain from crying and wailing aloud or else their souls will be troubled.
6. According to the Sharî‘ah, the rights of the paternal and maternal grandparents are similar to those of the parents and they should be regarded as such.
7. Similarly, the rights of the maternal and paternal uncles and aunts are similar to those of the parents. This has been deduced from certain ‘Ahâdîth. (Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "The maternal aunt has the status of one’s mother." - Tirmidhî)
The wet-nurse
Meet her with respect. If she is in need of money and you are able to help her, then help her.
The Step-mother
Since she is an associate of your father, and we have been commanded to be kind and friendly to our parents' associates, the step-mother, therefore, also has certain rights over you as mentioned previously.
The elder brother
In the light of the Hadith, the elder brother is similar to one's father. From this we can deduce that the younger brother is similar to one's children. Based on this, they will have rights similar to those of parents and children. The elder sister and the younger sister should also be treated in the same manner.
Relatives
If any of your blood relatives is in need and is unable to earn, help him out with his expenses according to your financial position. Go and meet them occasionally. Do not cut-off relations with them. In fact, even if they cause you harm, it will be best for you to exercise patience.
The In-laws
In the Quran, Allah Ta'âlâ has mentioned the in-laws together with one's lineage. We learn from this that the father-in-law, mother-in-law, wife's brother, sister's husband, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, the previous children of the wife, the previous children of the husband - all of these have certain rights. Therefore, you have to be more considerate to them as opposed to others.
The Rights of Muslims
1. Overlook the faults of a Muslim.
2. When he cries, have mercy on him.
3. Conceal his shortcomings.
4. Accept his excuses.
5. Remove his difficulties.
6. Always be good to him.
7. Gaining his love is an accomplishment.
8. Fulfil his promises.
9. When he falls ill, visit him.
10. When he passes away, make du‘â for him.
11. Accept his invitation.
12. Accept his gifts.
13. When he shows kindness to you, show kindness to him in return.
14. Be grateful for his favours upon you.
15. Help and assist him at the time of need.
16. Safeguard his family and children.
17. Assist him in his work.
18. Listen to his advice.
19. Accept his intercession.
20. Do not make him feel despondent over his ambitions.
21. When he sneezes and says "Alhamdulillâh", say "Yarhamukallah" in reply.
22. If you find a lost item of his, return it to him.
23. Reply to his greeting.
24. When you converse with him, speak with humility and in a good manner.
25. Be kind and friendly to him.
26. When he takes an oath with regard to you, confident that you will fulfil it, then you must fulfil it. (For example, Zayd takes an oath that ‘Amr never goes to the bazaar and he is confident that ‘Amr will fulfil this oath of his, then ‘Amr must ensure that he does not act contrary to it.)
27. If anyone oppresses him, go to his assistance. If he oppresses someone, prevent him.
28. Be friendly to him and do not antagonize him.
29. Do not disgrace him.
30. Whatever you like for yourself, like for him as well.
31. When you meet him, make salâm to him. If a man shakes the hand of a man, and a woman shakes the hand of a woman, it will be even better.
32. If a quarrel takes place between the two of you, do not cut-off speaking to him for more than three days.
33. Do not have evil thoughts of him.
34. Do not be jealous of him nor should you hate him.
35. Direct him towards good deeds and stop him from evil deeds.
36. Have mercy on the young and respect the elderly.
37. If there is a conflict between two Muslims, try and reconcile them.
38. Do not speak ill of him.
39. Do not cause him any loss; neither in his wealth nor in his honour.
40. If he is sitting, do not make him get up and take his place.
Rights of the Neighbour
1. Deal with him in a nice and friendly manner.
2. Protect the honour of his wife and children.
3. Occasionally you should send gifts to his house. Especially if he is poor. In such a case you should definitely send some food to him.
4. Do not cause him any harm. Do not quarrel with him over trivial matters.
Rights of the Travelling Companion
1. Just as a person has a neighbour at home, he also has a neighbour when travelling. That is, a travelling companion with whom you embark on a journey or coincidentally joins you during the course of the journey. The rights of such a person are similar to those of a neighbour.
2. His rights can be summed up as follows : give preference to his comfort over your own comfort. Some people display a lot of selfishness with regard to other travellers when travelling by train or other modes of public transportation. This is a very evil habit.
Rights of the Weak and Old
Those people who are in need, such as orphans, widows, the weak, the poor, the sick, the cripple, travellers, beggars, etc. have additional rights. They are :
1. You should help them financially.
2. You should undertake their tasks with your own hands and legs.
3. You should console and comfort them.
4. You should not refuse to fulfil their needs and wants.
Rights of Human beings
1. Do not cause financial or physical harm to innocent people.
2. Do not argue with anyone without any valid Shar'î reason.
3. If you find someone in problem, in poverty, or sick, help him, feed him, treat his sickness.
4. When meting out punishment, do not transgress the limits in the different methods of punishment that have been laid down in the Sharî‘ah.
Rights of Animals
1. Do not encage an animal which you will not be taking any benefit from. Removing nestlings from their nests, causing harm to their parents, etc. is a sign of extreme mercilessness.
2. An animal that is suitable for consumption should not be killed merely for amusement.
3. You should make proper arrangements with regard to food, drink, providing rest, and taking care for the animal that you utilise for your work. Do not impose any work on it that is beyond its capacity, nor should you beat it more than necessary.
4. The animal that is to be slaughtered or killed on account of it being harmful should be slaughtered or killed quickly. Do not cause it any agitation. Do not take its life after having starved it.
Additional points
If there is any shortcoming in fulfilling the rights of a person, fulfil that which can be fulfilled or else, ask for forgiveness. For example, you are still owing someone some money or you cheated someone, etc. (In such a case you should try and pay the debt, but if you cannot do so, then seek forgiveness from the person). As for the right which can only be forgiven, seek forgiveness for it, e.g. you spoke ill of a person or beat him (In such a case, it is obvious that you cannot pay him anything. Instead, you will have to seek his forgiveness).
If, due to some reason, you cannot fulfil their rights nor can you seek their forgiveness, then you should continue making du‘â for these people. It is possible that on the day of judgement Allah Ta'âlâ will try and influence them to forgive you. However, later if you are in a position to fulfil their rights or seek their forgiveness, then do not hesitate in doing so.
As for the rights that are due to you and there is a hope of their being fulfilled, then be lenient when asking for them. As for those where there is no hope of their being fulfilled or, they are such that they cannot be fulfilled, such as ghîbah, then although there is the hope of your receiving rewards in return for them on the day of judgement, however, more reward has been mentioned with regard to forgiving them in this world. It will be much better if you forgive them completely or absolve them completely. This is especially when the person earnestly seeks forgiveness from you.
The Virtues and Rights of Marriage
1. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that this world has been created to be utilised and that of all the things that are utilised in this world, there is nothing better than a pious woman. In other words, if a person is fortunate enough to get a pious wife, it will be a great blessing. It is also a mercy from Allah Ta'âlâ that she is actually a comfort for the husband and a means for his success in this world and in the hereafter. A person enjoys comfort from such a woman for his worldly needs and she also assists him in fulfilling his religious duties.
2. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "Marriage is my way and my sunnah." "The one who does not act upon my sunnah is not of me." That is, there is no relationship between him and me. This is actually a warning and a threat to the one who does not practice on the sunnah and a mention of Rasûlullâh's sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam anger on such a person. It is therefore necessary to be extremely cautious in this regard. Furthermore, how can a Muslim bear to have Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam displeased with him for even a moment. May Allah Ta'âlâ grant us death before that day comes when a Muslim is able to bear the displeasure of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "Marry so that I can be proud (of your numbers) on the day of judgement over the other nations." In other words, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam likes his ’ummah to be in large numbers and more than the other nations. If this happens, his ’ummah will be carrying out more good deeds, and in so doing he will receive more rewards and gain closer proximity to Allah Ta'âlâ. This is because whoever from his ’ummah does good deeds, does so through his teachings. Therefore, the more people who act on his teachings, the more reward he will receive for conveying those teachings. We also learn from this that whenever and however possible, we should undertake to carry out those tasks and actions that will take us closer to Allah Ta'âlâ, and that we should not display any laziness in this regard.
It is mentioned in a Hadîth that on the day of judgement the people will be standing in 120 lines. Out of these, 40 lines of people will be from the other nations while 80 lines of people will be from the ’ummah of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Glory be to Allah! How beloved Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is to Him.
The one who is able to (fulfil the rights of a wife) should marry. As for the one who does not have sufficient wealth (to fulfil the rights of a wife), he should fast. That is, he should fast so that there will be a decrease in his desires. Fasting is actually a means of curbing his desires. If a person does not have a very dire need for women, and instead has an average need, and he is able to pay for her basic necessities, then nikâh is sunnat-e-mu’akkadah for such a person. As for the person who has a very urgent need, nikâh will be fard upon him. This is because there is a fear that he will commit adultery and thereby get the sin of committing a harâm act. If a person has a very urgent need but is financially incapable of maintaining a wife, then such a person must fast abundantly. Later, when he has sufficient funds to maintain a wife, he must get married.
3. It is mentioned in a Hadith that children are the flowers of jannah. This means that the amount of joy and happiness one will experience on seeing the flowers of paradise, that same amount of joy and happiness is experienced when he looks at his children. And we know fully well that children can only be obtained through marriage.
4. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that when the status of a person is increased in jannah, he asks out of wonder : "How did I receive all this?" (That is, "How did I receive such a high status when I hadn't carried out so many good deeds to deserve such a status?") It will be said to this person that this high status is on account of your children asking for forgiveness on your behalf. In other words, your children had asked for forgiveness on your behalf. In return for that, you have been accorded this status.
5. It is mentioned that the child who is born out of a miscarriage (i.e. it is born before the due date) will "fight"(wrangle) with its Creator when its parents are entered into jahannam. In other words, this child will go to extremes in interceding on behalf of its parents and will ask Allah Ta'âlâ to remove its parents from jahannam. Through His bounty, Allah Ta'ala will accept the intercession of this child and He will be soft and lenient towards it. It will be said to this child : "O siqt (which means, miscarried foetus) who is quarrelling with its Lord! Enter your parents into jannah." So this child will draw its parents out of jahannam with its navel cord and enter both of them into jannah. We learn from this, that children of this sort, who are actually a by-product of marriage, will also be of help in the hereafter.
6. It is mentioned in a Hadith that when the husband and wife look at each other (with love), Allah Ta'âlâ looks at both of them with mercy.
7. It is mentioned in a Hadith that Allah Ta'âlâ has taken it upon Himself (i.e. out of His mercy, He as taken the responsibility) of helping the person who gets married in order to attain purity from that which Allah has made harâm. In other words, the person who marries in order to save himself from adultery with the intention of obeying Allah Ta'âlâ, Allah will help and assist him in his expenses and other affairs.
8. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that two rak‘ats of salât performed by a married person is better than 82 rak‘ats performed by an unmarried person. In another Hadith, 70 rak‘ats have been mentioned instead of 82 rak‘ats. It is possible that this means that 70 rak‘ats are written in favour of the person who fulfils the necessary rights of his wife and family, and that 82 rak‘ats are in favour of the person who apart from fulfilling their necessary rights, serves them more with his life, wealth and good habits.
9. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that it is a major sin for a person to be neglectful with regard to those whom he is responsible for (and to have shortcomings in fulfilling their needs).
10. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "I have not left behind any test and tribulation on men more harmful than women." In other words, of all the things that are harmful for men, women are the most harmful. This is because, out of his love for a woman, a man loses all his senses, so much so that he does not even take the commands and orders of Allah Ta'âlâ into consideration. Therefore, a person must not fall in love with a woman in such a way that he has to act contrary to the Sharî‘ah. For example, her demands for her food and clothing are more than what the husband can afford. In such circumstances, never accept any bribes in order to supplement your present income. Instead, give her from the halâl earnings which Allah Ta'âlâ has blessed you with. You should continue teaching your womenfolk and inculcate respect and good manners in them. Do not allow them to become impudent and disrespectful. The intellect of women is deficient, it is therefore incumbent to take special measures in reforming them.
11. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should not propose to a girl when your fellow Muslim brother has already proposed to her until he gets married or gives up this proposal. In other words, when a person has sent a proposal to a particular family and there is a likelihood of their replying in the affirmative, another person should not send a proposal to that same family. However, if they reject this first person, or he himself changes his mind, or they are not too happy with him and are still hesitant in giving a reply, it will be permissible for another person to send a proposal for the same girl.
The same rule applies to the transactions of buying and selling. That is, if a person is busy buying or selling something, then as long as they do not separate or abandon the transaction, another person should not enter into their transaction and should not offer a price above or below that which has been already offered when there is an indication that they are about to come to an agreement. Understand this well, and know that a kâfir is also included in this rule.
12. It is mentioned in a Hadith that a woman is either married because of her Dîn, her wealth or her beauty. Choose the one with Dîn, may your hands become dusty. In other words, a man may prefer a woman who is religiously inclined. While another may prefer one who is wealthy. While yet another may prefer one who is beautiful. However, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says that one should choose a religiously inclined woman and that it is preferable to marry such a woman. However, if the circumstances are such that a woman is very pious but at the same time she is so ugly that one's nature does not find her acceptable and there is a fear that if he marries such a woman there will be no mutual understanding between them, and that he will be neglectful in fulfilling her rights, then in such a case he should not marry such a woman. "May your hands become dusty" is an Arabic mode of expression which is used on different occasions. In this context, it is meant to create a yearning and a desire for a pious woman.
13. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the best wife is one whose mahr is very simple. That is, it is very easy for the man to fulfil her mahr. These days, there is the habit of specifying a very high mahr. People should abstain from this.
14. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should look for a good place for your sperms because a woman gives birth to children that resemble her brothers and sisters. In other words, marry a woman who comes from a pious and noble family because the children generally resemble the maternal relations. Although the father also has some influence over the child's resemblance, we learn from this Hadîth that the mother's influence is greater. If the wife is from a disreputable and irreligious family, the children who will be born will be similar to that family. But if this is not so, then the children who will be born will be pious and religious.
15. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the greatest right that a woman has to fulfil is to her husband, and that the greatest right that he has to fulfil is to his mother. In other words, after the rights of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam the woman has a very great right to fulfil to her husband, so much so that the husband's rights supersede the rights of her parents. As for the man, after the rights of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the greatest right that he has to fulfil is to his mother. We learn from this that the right of the mother supersedes that of the father.
16. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that if anyone of you wishes to engage in sexual intercourse with his wife, he should recite the following du‘â :
The virtue of this du‘â is that if a child is conceived through this intercourse, shaytân will not be able to harm this child in any way.
17. There is a lengthy Hadîth in which Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed ‘Abdur Rahmân bin ‘Auf radiyallâhu ‘anhu asking him to have a walîmah even if it is with one sheep. In other words, even if you possess very little, you should spend. It is preferable to have the walîmah after engaging in sexual intercourse with one's bride. However, many ‘ulamâ have permitted it immediately after the nikâh as well. It is mustahab to have a walîmah.
Glossary
Explanation of Islamic Terms
‘Âlim : One who has attained a considerable amount of Islamic knowledge. He could also be referred to as an Islamic scholar.
Barakah : Literally means "blessings". It refers to the experiencing of abundance in things which are apparently insignificant or little, both in value and amount.
Bid'ah : Literally means "innovation". In Islam it refers to introducing new things into religion which have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah, and in addition to this, to regard these new things as acts of ‘ibâdah. A bid'ah is a major sin in Islam.
Du‘â ul-maghfirah : Supplicating to Allah Ta'âlâ and asking Him for His forgiveness.
’Îlâ’ : Annulment of a marriage after the husband's sworn testimony to have refrained from sexual intercourse with his wife for a period of at least four months. For further details, refer to the chapter on ’îlâ’.
Fard : Literally means "compulsory". In Islam it refers to those acts and things which are compulsory on a Muslim. Abandoning or abstaining from a fard act is a major sin. Rejecting a fard act amounts to kufr.
Fatwâ : A formal legal opinion or verdict in Islamic law.
Ghayr mahram : Refers to all those persons with whom marriage is permissible. Based on this, it is incumbent to observe purdah with all ghayr mahrams.
Ghîbah : Slander or backbiting.
Hayd : Monthly periods or menstruation experienced by a woman.
Hajj : Literally means "pilgrimage". In Islam it refers to the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.
Halâl : That which is lawful or permissible in Islam.
Harâm : That which is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.
Hûr : Refers to the large-eyed women of jannah, promised to the believers.
‘Ibâdah : Literally means "worship". In Islam it refers to all those acts of worship which one renders to Allah Ta'âlâ.
‘Iddah : A period of waiting during which a woman may not remarry after being widowed or divorced. For further details, refer to the chapter on ‘iddah.
Ihrâm : Two pieces of unstitched cloth donned by the person performing hajj or ‘umrah.
Jahannam : Hell.
Jamâ'ah : A group, party, community.
Jannah : Paradise.
Kâfir : Literally means "a disbeliever". In Islam it refers to one who rejects Allah and does not believe in Muhammad sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam as the final messenger of Allah.
Kaffârah : Literally means "penance, atonement, expiation". In Islamic law it refers to redemption from the omission of certain religious duties by a material donation or a ritual act. For further details, refer to the chapter on kaffârah.
Khula' : Divorce at the instance of the wife who must pay a compensation. For further details, refer to the chapter on khula'.
Kuffâr : Plural of kâfir.
Li'ân : Sworn allegation of adultery committed by either husband or wife. For further details, refer to the chapter on li'ân.
Madrasah : Literally means "a school". Also used to refer to a religious school.
Maghrib : Literally means "evening or sunset". Also refers to the time of sunset and the salât that is offered thereafter.
Mahr : Dower or bridal money.
Mahram : Refers to the person with whom marriage is not permissible and with whom strict purdah is not incumbent.
Mahrul mithl : The dower or bridal money that is equal to or similar than that which was given to a girl's paternal grandmothers. For further details, refer to the chapter on mahrul mithl.
Masâ'il : Plural of mas'ala.
Mas'ala : Literally means "an issue, problem or question". In Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to a rule or regulation.
Mustahab : Literally means "preferable or desirable". Refers to that act which was carried out by Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam or the Sahâbah occasionally. Carrying out these actions entails reward and leaving them out does not entail punishment.
Nafl : Optional.
Nadhr : A vow or solemn pledge.
Nifâs : Refers to the flowing of blood after child-birth.
Nikâh : Marriage.
Purdah : An Urdu word meaning "seclusion". It is an equivalent of the Arabic word "hijâb". Refers to the seclusion of women from strangers. There are different stages of purdah, the highest of which is that the woman should not come out of her home except for a valid Islamic reason.
Qadâ’ : Literally means "carrying out or fulfilling". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to fulfilling or completing those duties that one may have missed out due to some reason or the other.
Qadiani : A heretical sect which regards Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani as a prophet of Allah. Qadianis are regarded as disbelievers.
Qiblah : The direction in which one faces when offering salât.
Qurbâni : Literally means "sacrifice". In Islam it refers to the sacrificing of animals solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'âlâ on the day of ‘îd ul-ad'hâ and the two days following it.
Rahmah : Mercy.
Ramadân : The ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is regarded as the most sacred month.
Salâm : Literally means "peace".
Sharî‘ah : The Islamic Law.
Shaytân : Satan or the devil.
Shî‘ah : A heretical sect found primarily in Iran.
Sunnat-e-
Mu'akkadah : Refers to those actions which Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam carried out continuously. It is a sin to leave out such a sunnah without any valid excuse.
Sunni : Refers to those who belong to the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamâ'ah. This term is generally used as an opposite to Shî‘ah.
Surmah : Antimony. A black powdery substance that is applied to the eyes. It is sunnah to apply surmah.
Talâq : Divorce.
Talâq-e-
kinâyah : A divorce that is issued in vague terms without clearly uttering the words of talâq.
Talâq-e-sarîh : A divorce that is issued in clear terms without leaving any vagueness or doubt.
Talâqul bâ'in : A divorce which causes the annulment of the marriage. If a person wishes to retain his wife to whom he had issued a talâqul bâ'in, he will have to remarry her, i.e. their nikâh will have to be re-performed.
Talâqul
mughallazah : A divorce which not only causes the annulment of the marriage, but if the couple wish to remarry, the woman will have to marry another person first, when he divorces her or passes away, only then can she remarry her first husband.
Talâqur raj'î : A revocable divorce.
For further details with regard to all the above forms of talâq, refer to the relevant chapters.
‘Ulamâ : Plural of ‘âlim.
’Ummah : Literally means "community or nation". Here it refers to the Muslim community and nation.
Wâjib : Literally means "obligatory". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to that act which has not been established by an absolute proof. Leaving out a wajib without any valid reason makes one a fâsiq and entails punishment.
Wali : In the context of marriage or divorce, it refers to the legal guardian of a minor.
Walîmah : Refers to the feast that is organized after a marriage. It usually takes place after the bride and bride groom have spent a night together.
Wudû’ : Literally means "purity or cleanliness". In Islamic terminology it refers to the act of washing oneself before offering salât.
Zihâr : Likening one's wife to one's mother. It is a form of divorce. For further details, refer to the chapter on zihâr.
The Rights Of Husband
The Rights of Parents
The wet-nurse
The Rights of Muslims
Rights of the Neighbour
Rights of the Travelling Companion
Rights of the Weak and Old
Rights of Human beings
Rights of Animals
The Virtues and Rights of Marriage
Glossary
Rights Of Husband
Allah Ta‘âlâ has given great rights to the husband and has attached a lot of virtue to him. Pleasing the husband and keeping him happy is a great act of ‘ibâdah and displeasing him or keeping him unhappy is a major sin.
1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "The woman who offers her five times salât, fasts in the month of Ramadân, protects her honour and respect, and obeys her husband has the choice of entering jannah from whichever door she wishes to enter from." This means that from the eight doors of jannah she can enter through whichever door she wishes without even having to knock on that door.
2. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "The woman who passes away in such a state that her husband is pleased with her will enter jannah."
3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "Were I to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded the woman to prostrate to her husband. If the husband orders his wife to carry the boulders of one mountain to the next mountain, and the boulders of the next mountain to a third mountain, she will have to do this."
4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "When the husband calls his wife, she should go immediately to him even if she is busy at her stove." In other words, no matter how important a task she may be busy with, she should leave it and go to him.
5. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "When a man calls his wife to engage in sexual intercourse with him and she does not go and because of this he sleeps away angrily, the angels continue cursing this woman till the morning."
6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "When a woman troubles or displeases her husband in this world, the hûr of jannah that has been set aside for him says : "May Allah curse you! Do not trouble him. He is your guest for a few days. Soon he will leave you and come to me."
7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "There are three types of people whose salât is not accepted, nor is any other good act of theirs accepted. One is a slave who runs away from his master. The second is a woman whose husband is displeased with her. The third is a person who is in a state of intoxication."
8. A person asked : "Who is the best woman?" Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied : "The best woman is one who pleases her husband when he looks at her, when he asks her to do something she obeys him, and she does not do anything that may displease him with regard to his wealth and honour."
One of the rights of the husband is that the wife should not keep any optional fasts nor offer any optional salât in his presence without his permission. Among the rights of the husband is that she should not remain in an untidy, dishevelled state. Instead, she should always remain clean and beautiful for her husband. In fact, if she remains untidy and dishevelled despite her husband ordering her to remain clean, he has the right of beating her (lightly) in order that she may obey him. Another right of the husband is that she should not leave the house without his permission irrespective of whether it be the house of a friend, relative or anyone else.
The Rights of Parents
1. You should not cause them any harm even if they commit any excesses.
2. Respect and honour them in your speech and dealings with them.
3. Obey them in permissible acts.
4. If they are in need of money, assist them even if they are kâfirs.
5. The following rights are due to parents after their death :
(a) Continue making du‘âs of forgiveness and mercy for them. Continue sending rewards to them in the form of optional acts of worship and charity on their behalf.
(b) Meet their friends and relatives in a friendly way and also assist them wherever possible.
(c) If you have the finances, fulfil their unpaid debts and the permissible bequests that they have made.
(d) When they pass away, abstain from crying and wailing aloud or else their souls will be troubled.
6. According to the Sharî‘ah, the rights of the paternal and maternal grandparents are similar to those of the parents and they should be regarded as such.
7. Similarly, the rights of the maternal and paternal uncles and aunts are similar to those of the parents. This has been deduced from certain ‘Ahâdîth. (Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "The maternal aunt has the status of one’s mother." - Tirmidhî)
The wet-nurse
Meet her with respect. If she is in need of money and you are able to help her, then help her.
The Step-mother
Since she is an associate of your father, and we have been commanded to be kind and friendly to our parents' associates, the step-mother, therefore, also has certain rights over you as mentioned previously.
The elder brother
In the light of the Hadith, the elder brother is similar to one's father. From this we can deduce that the younger brother is similar to one's children. Based on this, they will have rights similar to those of parents and children. The elder sister and the younger sister should also be treated in the same manner.
Relatives
If any of your blood relatives is in need and is unable to earn, help him out with his expenses according to your financial position. Go and meet them occasionally. Do not cut-off relations with them. In fact, even if they cause you harm, it will be best for you to exercise patience.
The In-laws
In the Quran, Allah Ta'âlâ has mentioned the in-laws together with one's lineage. We learn from this that the father-in-law, mother-in-law, wife's brother, sister's husband, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, the previous children of the wife, the previous children of the husband - all of these have certain rights. Therefore, you have to be more considerate to them as opposed to others.
The Rights of Muslims
1. Overlook the faults of a Muslim.
2. When he cries, have mercy on him.
3. Conceal his shortcomings.
4. Accept his excuses.
5. Remove his difficulties.
6. Always be good to him.
7. Gaining his love is an accomplishment.
8. Fulfil his promises.
9. When he falls ill, visit him.
10. When he passes away, make du‘â for him.
11. Accept his invitation.
12. Accept his gifts.
13. When he shows kindness to you, show kindness to him in return.
14. Be grateful for his favours upon you.
15. Help and assist him at the time of need.
16. Safeguard his family and children.
17. Assist him in his work.
18. Listen to his advice.
19. Accept his intercession.
20. Do not make him feel despondent over his ambitions.
21. When he sneezes and says "Alhamdulillâh", say "Yarhamukallah" in reply.
22. If you find a lost item of his, return it to him.
23. Reply to his greeting.
24. When you converse with him, speak with humility and in a good manner.
25. Be kind and friendly to him.
26. When he takes an oath with regard to you, confident that you will fulfil it, then you must fulfil it. (For example, Zayd takes an oath that ‘Amr never goes to the bazaar and he is confident that ‘Amr will fulfil this oath of his, then ‘Amr must ensure that he does not act contrary to it.)
27. If anyone oppresses him, go to his assistance. If he oppresses someone, prevent him.
28. Be friendly to him and do not antagonize him.
29. Do not disgrace him.
30. Whatever you like for yourself, like for him as well.
31. When you meet him, make salâm to him. If a man shakes the hand of a man, and a woman shakes the hand of a woman, it will be even better.
32. If a quarrel takes place between the two of you, do not cut-off speaking to him for more than three days.
33. Do not have evil thoughts of him.
34. Do not be jealous of him nor should you hate him.
35. Direct him towards good deeds and stop him from evil deeds.
36. Have mercy on the young and respect the elderly.
37. If there is a conflict between two Muslims, try and reconcile them.
38. Do not speak ill of him.
39. Do not cause him any loss; neither in his wealth nor in his honour.
40. If he is sitting, do not make him get up and take his place.
Rights of the Neighbour
1. Deal with him in a nice and friendly manner.
2. Protect the honour of his wife and children.
3. Occasionally you should send gifts to his house. Especially if he is poor. In such a case you should definitely send some food to him.
4. Do not cause him any harm. Do not quarrel with him over trivial matters.
Rights of the Travelling Companion
1. Just as a person has a neighbour at home, he also has a neighbour when travelling. That is, a travelling companion with whom you embark on a journey or coincidentally joins you during the course of the journey. The rights of such a person are similar to those of a neighbour.
2. His rights can be summed up as follows : give preference to his comfort over your own comfort. Some people display a lot of selfishness with regard to other travellers when travelling by train or other modes of public transportation. This is a very evil habit.
Rights of the Weak and Old
Those people who are in need, such as orphans, widows, the weak, the poor, the sick, the cripple, travellers, beggars, etc. have additional rights. They are :
1. You should help them financially.
2. You should undertake their tasks with your own hands and legs.
3. You should console and comfort them.
4. You should not refuse to fulfil their needs and wants.
Rights of Human beings
1. Do not cause financial or physical harm to innocent people.
2. Do not argue with anyone without any valid Shar'î reason.
3. If you find someone in problem, in poverty, or sick, help him, feed him, treat his sickness.
4. When meting out punishment, do not transgress the limits in the different methods of punishment that have been laid down in the Sharî‘ah.
Rights of Animals
1. Do not encage an animal which you will not be taking any benefit from. Removing nestlings from their nests, causing harm to their parents, etc. is a sign of extreme mercilessness.
2. An animal that is suitable for consumption should not be killed merely for amusement.
3. You should make proper arrangements with regard to food, drink, providing rest, and taking care for the animal that you utilise for your work. Do not impose any work on it that is beyond its capacity, nor should you beat it more than necessary.
4. The animal that is to be slaughtered or killed on account of it being harmful should be slaughtered or killed quickly. Do not cause it any agitation. Do not take its life after having starved it.
Additional points
If there is any shortcoming in fulfilling the rights of a person, fulfil that which can be fulfilled or else, ask for forgiveness. For example, you are still owing someone some money or you cheated someone, etc. (In such a case you should try and pay the debt, but if you cannot do so, then seek forgiveness from the person). As for the right which can only be forgiven, seek forgiveness for it, e.g. you spoke ill of a person or beat him (In such a case, it is obvious that you cannot pay him anything. Instead, you will have to seek his forgiveness).
If, due to some reason, you cannot fulfil their rights nor can you seek their forgiveness, then you should continue making du‘â for these people. It is possible that on the day of judgement Allah Ta'âlâ will try and influence them to forgive you. However, later if you are in a position to fulfil their rights or seek their forgiveness, then do not hesitate in doing so.
As for the rights that are due to you and there is a hope of their being fulfilled, then be lenient when asking for them. As for those where there is no hope of their being fulfilled or, they are such that they cannot be fulfilled, such as ghîbah, then although there is the hope of your receiving rewards in return for them on the day of judgement, however, more reward has been mentioned with regard to forgiving them in this world. It will be much better if you forgive them completely or absolve them completely. This is especially when the person earnestly seeks forgiveness from you.
The Virtues and Rights of Marriage
1. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that this world has been created to be utilised and that of all the things that are utilised in this world, there is nothing better than a pious woman. In other words, if a person is fortunate enough to get a pious wife, it will be a great blessing. It is also a mercy from Allah Ta'âlâ that she is actually a comfort for the husband and a means for his success in this world and in the hereafter. A person enjoys comfort from such a woman for his worldly needs and she also assists him in fulfilling his religious duties.
2. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "Marriage is my way and my sunnah." "The one who does not act upon my sunnah is not of me." That is, there is no relationship between him and me. This is actually a warning and a threat to the one who does not practice on the sunnah and a mention of Rasûlullâh's sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam anger on such a person. It is therefore necessary to be extremely cautious in this regard. Furthermore, how can a Muslim bear to have Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam displeased with him for even a moment. May Allah Ta'âlâ grant us death before that day comes when a Muslim is able to bear the displeasure of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "Marry so that I can be proud (of your numbers) on the day of judgement over the other nations." In other words, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam likes his ’ummah to be in large numbers and more than the other nations. If this happens, his ’ummah will be carrying out more good deeds, and in so doing he will receive more rewards and gain closer proximity to Allah Ta'âlâ. This is because whoever from his ’ummah does good deeds, does so through his teachings. Therefore, the more people who act on his teachings, the more reward he will receive for conveying those teachings. We also learn from this that whenever and however possible, we should undertake to carry out those tasks and actions that will take us closer to Allah Ta'âlâ, and that we should not display any laziness in this regard.
It is mentioned in a Hadîth that on the day of judgement the people will be standing in 120 lines. Out of these, 40 lines of people will be from the other nations while 80 lines of people will be from the ’ummah of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Glory be to Allah! How beloved Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is to Him.
The one who is able to (fulfil the rights of a wife) should marry. As for the one who does not have sufficient wealth (to fulfil the rights of a wife), he should fast. That is, he should fast so that there will be a decrease in his desires. Fasting is actually a means of curbing his desires. If a person does not have a very dire need for women, and instead has an average need, and he is able to pay for her basic necessities, then nikâh is sunnat-e-mu’akkadah for such a person. As for the person who has a very urgent need, nikâh will be fard upon him. This is because there is a fear that he will commit adultery and thereby get the sin of committing a harâm act. If a person has a very urgent need but is financially incapable of maintaining a wife, then such a person must fast abundantly. Later, when he has sufficient funds to maintain a wife, he must get married.
3. It is mentioned in a Hadith that children are the flowers of jannah. This means that the amount of joy and happiness one will experience on seeing the flowers of paradise, that same amount of joy and happiness is experienced when he looks at his children. And we know fully well that children can only be obtained through marriage.
4. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that when the status of a person is increased in jannah, he asks out of wonder : "How did I receive all this?" (That is, "How did I receive such a high status when I hadn't carried out so many good deeds to deserve such a status?") It will be said to this person that this high status is on account of your children asking for forgiveness on your behalf. In other words, your children had asked for forgiveness on your behalf. In return for that, you have been accorded this status.
5. It is mentioned that the child who is born out of a miscarriage (i.e. it is born before the due date) will "fight"(wrangle) with its Creator when its parents are entered into jahannam. In other words, this child will go to extremes in interceding on behalf of its parents and will ask Allah Ta'âlâ to remove its parents from jahannam. Through His bounty, Allah Ta'ala will accept the intercession of this child and He will be soft and lenient towards it. It will be said to this child : "O siqt (which means, miscarried foetus) who is quarrelling with its Lord! Enter your parents into jannah." So this child will draw its parents out of jahannam with its navel cord and enter both of them into jannah. We learn from this, that children of this sort, who are actually a by-product of marriage, will also be of help in the hereafter.
6. It is mentioned in a Hadith that when the husband and wife look at each other (with love), Allah Ta'âlâ looks at both of them with mercy.
7. It is mentioned in a Hadith that Allah Ta'âlâ has taken it upon Himself (i.e. out of His mercy, He as taken the responsibility) of helping the person who gets married in order to attain purity from that which Allah has made harâm. In other words, the person who marries in order to save himself from adultery with the intention of obeying Allah Ta'âlâ, Allah will help and assist him in his expenses and other affairs.
8. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that two rak‘ats of salât performed by a married person is better than 82 rak‘ats performed by an unmarried person. In another Hadith, 70 rak‘ats have been mentioned instead of 82 rak‘ats. It is possible that this means that 70 rak‘ats are written in favour of the person who fulfils the necessary rights of his wife and family, and that 82 rak‘ats are in favour of the person who apart from fulfilling their necessary rights, serves them more with his life, wealth and good habits.
9. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that it is a major sin for a person to be neglectful with regard to those whom he is responsible for (and to have shortcomings in fulfilling their needs).
10. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said : "I have not left behind any test and tribulation on men more harmful than women." In other words, of all the things that are harmful for men, women are the most harmful. This is because, out of his love for a woman, a man loses all his senses, so much so that he does not even take the commands and orders of Allah Ta'âlâ into consideration. Therefore, a person must not fall in love with a woman in such a way that he has to act contrary to the Sharî‘ah. For example, her demands for her food and clothing are more than what the husband can afford. In such circumstances, never accept any bribes in order to supplement your present income. Instead, give her from the halâl earnings which Allah Ta'âlâ has blessed you with. You should continue teaching your womenfolk and inculcate respect and good manners in them. Do not allow them to become impudent and disrespectful. The intellect of women is deficient, it is therefore incumbent to take special measures in reforming them.
11. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should not propose to a girl when your fellow Muslim brother has already proposed to her until he gets married or gives up this proposal. In other words, when a person has sent a proposal to a particular family and there is a likelihood of their replying in the affirmative, another person should not send a proposal to that same family. However, if they reject this first person, or he himself changes his mind, or they are not too happy with him and are still hesitant in giving a reply, it will be permissible for another person to send a proposal for the same girl.
The same rule applies to the transactions of buying and selling. That is, if a person is busy buying or selling something, then as long as they do not separate or abandon the transaction, another person should not enter into their transaction and should not offer a price above or below that which has been already offered when there is an indication that they are about to come to an agreement. Understand this well, and know that a kâfir is also included in this rule.
12. It is mentioned in a Hadith that a woman is either married because of her Dîn, her wealth or her beauty. Choose the one with Dîn, may your hands become dusty. In other words, a man may prefer a woman who is religiously inclined. While another may prefer one who is wealthy. While yet another may prefer one who is beautiful. However, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says that one should choose a religiously inclined woman and that it is preferable to marry such a woman. However, if the circumstances are such that a woman is very pious but at the same time she is so ugly that one's nature does not find her acceptable and there is a fear that if he marries such a woman there will be no mutual understanding between them, and that he will be neglectful in fulfilling her rights, then in such a case he should not marry such a woman. "May your hands become dusty" is an Arabic mode of expression which is used on different occasions. In this context, it is meant to create a yearning and a desire for a pious woman.
13. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the best wife is one whose mahr is very simple. That is, it is very easy for the man to fulfil her mahr. These days, there is the habit of specifying a very high mahr. People should abstain from this.
14. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should look for a good place for your sperms because a woman gives birth to children that resemble her brothers and sisters. In other words, marry a woman who comes from a pious and noble family because the children generally resemble the maternal relations. Although the father also has some influence over the child's resemblance, we learn from this Hadîth that the mother's influence is greater. If the wife is from a disreputable and irreligious family, the children who will be born will be similar to that family. But if this is not so, then the children who will be born will be pious and religious.
15. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the greatest right that a woman has to fulfil is to her husband, and that the greatest right that he has to fulfil is to his mother. In other words, after the rights of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam the woman has a very great right to fulfil to her husband, so much so that the husband's rights supersede the rights of her parents. As for the man, after the rights of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the greatest right that he has to fulfil is to his mother. We learn from this that the right of the mother supersedes that of the father.
16. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that if anyone of you wishes to engage in sexual intercourse with his wife, he should recite the following du‘â :
The virtue of this du‘â is that if a child is conceived through this intercourse, shaytân will not be able to harm this child in any way.
17. There is a lengthy Hadîth in which Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed ‘Abdur Rahmân bin ‘Auf radiyallâhu ‘anhu asking him to have a walîmah even if it is with one sheep. In other words, even if you possess very little, you should spend. It is preferable to have the walîmah after engaging in sexual intercourse with one's bride. However, many ‘ulamâ have permitted it immediately after the nikâh as well. It is mustahab to have a walîmah.
Glossary
Explanation of Islamic Terms
‘Âlim : One who has attained a considerable amount of Islamic knowledge. He could also be referred to as an Islamic scholar.
Barakah : Literally means "blessings". It refers to the experiencing of abundance in things which are apparently insignificant or little, both in value and amount.
Bid'ah : Literally means "innovation". In Islam it refers to introducing new things into religion which have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah, and in addition to this, to regard these new things as acts of ‘ibâdah. A bid'ah is a major sin in Islam.
Du‘â ul-maghfirah : Supplicating to Allah Ta'âlâ and asking Him for His forgiveness.
’Îlâ’ : Annulment of a marriage after the husband's sworn testimony to have refrained from sexual intercourse with his wife for a period of at least four months. For further details, refer to the chapter on ’îlâ’.
Fard : Literally means "compulsory". In Islam it refers to those acts and things which are compulsory on a Muslim. Abandoning or abstaining from a fard act is a major sin. Rejecting a fard act amounts to kufr.
Fatwâ : A formal legal opinion or verdict in Islamic law.
Ghayr mahram : Refers to all those persons with whom marriage is permissible. Based on this, it is incumbent to observe purdah with all ghayr mahrams.
Ghîbah : Slander or backbiting.
Hayd : Monthly periods or menstruation experienced by a woman.
Hajj : Literally means "pilgrimage". In Islam it refers to the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.
Halâl : That which is lawful or permissible in Islam.
Harâm : That which is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.
Hûr : Refers to the large-eyed women of jannah, promised to the believers.
‘Ibâdah : Literally means "worship". In Islam it refers to all those acts of worship which one renders to Allah Ta'âlâ.
‘Iddah : A period of waiting during which a woman may not remarry after being widowed or divorced. For further details, refer to the chapter on ‘iddah.
Ihrâm : Two pieces of unstitched cloth donned by the person performing hajj or ‘umrah.
Jahannam : Hell.
Jamâ'ah : A group, party, community.
Jannah : Paradise.
Kâfir : Literally means "a disbeliever". In Islam it refers to one who rejects Allah and does not believe in Muhammad sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam as the final messenger of Allah.
Kaffârah : Literally means "penance, atonement, expiation". In Islamic law it refers to redemption from the omission of certain religious duties by a material donation or a ritual act. For further details, refer to the chapter on kaffârah.
Khula' : Divorce at the instance of the wife who must pay a compensation. For further details, refer to the chapter on khula'.
Kuffâr : Plural of kâfir.
Li'ân : Sworn allegation of adultery committed by either husband or wife. For further details, refer to the chapter on li'ân.
Madrasah : Literally means "a school". Also used to refer to a religious school.
Maghrib : Literally means "evening or sunset". Also refers to the time of sunset and the salât that is offered thereafter.
Mahr : Dower or bridal money.
Mahram : Refers to the person with whom marriage is not permissible and with whom strict purdah is not incumbent.
Mahrul mithl : The dower or bridal money that is equal to or similar than that which was given to a girl's paternal grandmothers. For further details, refer to the chapter on mahrul mithl.
Masâ'il : Plural of mas'ala.
Mas'ala : Literally means "an issue, problem or question". In Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to a rule or regulation.
Mustahab : Literally means "preferable or desirable". Refers to that act which was carried out by Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam or the Sahâbah occasionally. Carrying out these actions entails reward and leaving them out does not entail punishment.
Nafl : Optional.
Nadhr : A vow or solemn pledge.
Nifâs : Refers to the flowing of blood after child-birth.
Nikâh : Marriage.
Purdah : An Urdu word meaning "seclusion". It is an equivalent of the Arabic word "hijâb". Refers to the seclusion of women from strangers. There are different stages of purdah, the highest of which is that the woman should not come out of her home except for a valid Islamic reason.
Qadâ’ : Literally means "carrying out or fulfilling". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to fulfilling or completing those duties that one may have missed out due to some reason or the other.
Qadiani : A heretical sect which regards Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani as a prophet of Allah. Qadianis are regarded as disbelievers.
Qiblah : The direction in which one faces when offering salât.
Qurbâni : Literally means "sacrifice". In Islam it refers to the sacrificing of animals solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'âlâ on the day of ‘îd ul-ad'hâ and the two days following it.
Rahmah : Mercy.
Ramadân : The ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is regarded as the most sacred month.
Salâm : Literally means "peace".
Sharî‘ah : The Islamic Law.
Shaytân : Satan or the devil.
Shî‘ah : A heretical sect found primarily in Iran.
Sunnat-e-
Mu'akkadah : Refers to those actions which Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam carried out continuously. It is a sin to leave out such a sunnah without any valid excuse.
Sunni : Refers to those who belong to the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamâ'ah. This term is generally used as an opposite to Shî‘ah.
Surmah : Antimony. A black powdery substance that is applied to the eyes. It is sunnah to apply surmah.
Talâq : Divorce.
Talâq-e-
kinâyah : A divorce that is issued in vague terms without clearly uttering the words of talâq.
Talâq-e-sarîh : A divorce that is issued in clear terms without leaving any vagueness or doubt.
Talâqul bâ'in : A divorce which causes the annulment of the marriage. If a person wishes to retain his wife to whom he had issued a talâqul bâ'in, he will have to remarry her, i.e. their nikâh will have to be re-performed.
Talâqul
mughallazah : A divorce which not only causes the annulment of the marriage, but if the couple wish to remarry, the woman will have to marry another person first, when he divorces her or passes away, only then can she remarry her first husband.
Talâqur raj'î : A revocable divorce.
For further details with regard to all the above forms of talâq, refer to the relevant chapters.
‘Ulamâ : Plural of ‘âlim.
’Ummah : Literally means "community or nation". Here it refers to the Muslim community and nation.
Wâjib : Literally means "obligatory". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to that act which has not been established by an absolute proof. Leaving out a wajib without any valid reason makes one a fâsiq and entails punishment.
Wali : In the context of marriage or divorce, it refers to the legal guardian of a minor.
Walîmah : Refers to the feast that is organized after a marriage. It usually takes place after the bride and bride groom have spent a night together.
Wudû’ : Literally means "purity or cleanliness". In Islamic terminology it refers to the act of washing oneself before offering salât.
Zihâr : Likening one's wife to one's mother. It is a form of divorce. For further details, refer to the chapter on zihâr.
What does Islam say about war?
Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defence, in defence of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause. The Quran says:
'Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.' ({2.190::qs2.190})
'If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things.' ({8.61::qs8.61})
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term jihad literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other jihad is the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.
'Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.' ({2.190::qs2.190})
'If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things.' ({8.61::qs8.61})
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term jihad literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other jihad is the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.
Tribute to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Every year we, Muslims, celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the hope to reflect upon the various challenges which face us as Muslims and the rest of our human family. Such celebrations are truly wonderful and the least we can do to honor such great personality as Prophet Muhammad; a man who had change the course of history forever; a man who had embodied all the attributes of the Supreme Creator of our universe. He taught us how to bring out our humanity above the superficiality of our egoistic self; how to rise above our various human imperfections and to transform them into elements of change and a new hope and a better future.; he asked us to embrace humanity with all of its hidden potentials, the good and the bad, and showed us how to transform the evil traits and inclinations within ourselves and to look at them as mere inevitable realities of what make us human and to utilize them as means to acknowledge our limitations as human beings and hence the need for a positive change in our character.
He took our hands towards the Hands of God in search for hope and tranquility within ourselves. He took the hands of those who wrong themselves and in despair of God’s mercy and who feel stranded at the shore of His Compassion, and he tells them that “do not despair from God’s Mercy and that God forgives all sins-quran”
He introduced a new definition of humanity; a humanity which transcends beyond our race, colors , and our limited ethnic values which divides us into many polarized entities and groups. He restored the dignity of slaves and gave them back their humanity and he restored the sacred status of women and gave it its rightful station in society and he told us that Paradise is honored and humbled to be under the feet of mothers.
He rejuvenated the traditions and teaching of all great prophets of humanity. He gave a different meaning to religion and gave its true definition in respect to life and had given wings to the spirit of religion to free itself from the iron bars of Mosques, churches…; he taught that if you want to feel the breeze of God’s mercy you can feel it through bringing smile to the orphans, to bring hope to the oppressed, to feed the hungry or to honor your parents. He introduced a comprehensive plan of leading a prosperous life from as small as how to brush your teeth and up to how to become righteous leader; and how to embrace all of humanity.
His wisdom was unique and unprecedented in respect to the ocean of wisdom which was already there. Such introduced wisdom pierced the hearts of the most primitive man of the Arabian desert and demolished the arrogance of the most elites of Arabia and the world. His divine wisdom has become a fundamental intellectual principles of all worldly institutions. They are an integral part of the higher intellectual aspect of millions of Muslims and non Muslims. Even those who are considered his cons they stand in salute to his great contributions to the advancements of our human civilizations.
Unfortunately there has been many attempts to distort the beautiful image of Prophet Muhammad which is mostly attributed to the many negative behaviors of Muslims throughout history. Despite all the negative propaganda against Prophet Muhammad which is caused by various reasons, Muslims and non Muslims, however it can not dim the light of Muhammad to shine upon the hearts of those who see the world through their universal eyes, the eyes of the heart; those who look at humanity as colorless and sacred and look at their fellow man as a miracle of the absolute Reality which is unfolding before their eyes and not as mere competition to their existence.
Prophet Muhammad has redefined the notion of leadership when he said “kullukum ra’in wa kullukummas’aoolun ‘an ra’yyatih-everyone is a Shepperd and is responsible for his herd or subjects” He showed us that leadership is not about ruling over the people’s minds and limbs rather is about ruling over the inner core of man; to shift our focus towards the aspect of righteousness vested within us. And he showed that only through this aspect of man, a meaningful leadership is realized.
He also has laid out a great social system through which he offered ways to embraced our mishaps and mistakes as means to draw near towards God, through repentance and seeking forgiveness , and to strive towards expiation of these mishaps and evil conducts through doing righteous actions towards our fellow man and hence he provided a viable social system through which we are enabled to improve our relationship with others and to serve better those whom we are suppose to serve. He brought an awareness of new dimension to man’s reality in respect to his world and his essential relationship to humanity.
He made us aware that we are an important creatures of God and that God is not mere ruthless avenger and destroyer rather he reminded us that God is the most merciful and that His mercy is encompassed all things when he said “God ’s mercy has encompassed everything-Quran”
Furthermore, I would like to point out here that in essence we are engaged in continuous celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s legacy in every given moment of our lives and not necessarily limited to the exact of his day of birth. Honoring our Prophet begins at the inner level of ourselves. We try to emulate his examples of conducts in our dealings with our selves and others on daily basis; our treatment of spouses , children and neighbors. Our desire to establish a healthy bridge of communications with others who share with us humanity. In fact there is no single moment that I could think of in our lives that which prophet Muhammad is not at the center of it.
All humanity are indebted to prophet Muhammad’s knowledge and wisdom which has given our human civilizations the right push to be worthy of itself.
God help us all
He took our hands towards the Hands of God in search for hope and tranquility within ourselves. He took the hands of those who wrong themselves and in despair of God’s mercy and who feel stranded at the shore of His Compassion, and he tells them that “do not despair from God’s Mercy and that God forgives all sins-quran”
He introduced a new definition of humanity; a humanity which transcends beyond our race, colors , and our limited ethnic values which divides us into many polarized entities and groups. He restored the dignity of slaves and gave them back their humanity and he restored the sacred status of women and gave it its rightful station in society and he told us that Paradise is honored and humbled to be under the feet of mothers.
He rejuvenated the traditions and teaching of all great prophets of humanity. He gave a different meaning to religion and gave its true definition in respect to life and had given wings to the spirit of religion to free itself from the iron bars of Mosques, churches…; he taught that if you want to feel the breeze of God’s mercy you can feel it through bringing smile to the orphans, to bring hope to the oppressed, to feed the hungry or to honor your parents. He introduced a comprehensive plan of leading a prosperous life from as small as how to brush your teeth and up to how to become righteous leader; and how to embrace all of humanity.
His wisdom was unique and unprecedented in respect to the ocean of wisdom which was already there. Such introduced wisdom pierced the hearts of the most primitive man of the Arabian desert and demolished the arrogance of the most elites of Arabia and the world. His divine wisdom has become a fundamental intellectual principles of all worldly institutions. They are an integral part of the higher intellectual aspect of millions of Muslims and non Muslims. Even those who are considered his cons they stand in salute to his great contributions to the advancements of our human civilizations.
Unfortunately there has been many attempts to distort the beautiful image of Prophet Muhammad which is mostly attributed to the many negative behaviors of Muslims throughout history. Despite all the negative propaganda against Prophet Muhammad which is caused by various reasons, Muslims and non Muslims, however it can not dim the light of Muhammad to shine upon the hearts of those who see the world through their universal eyes, the eyes of the heart; those who look at humanity as colorless and sacred and look at their fellow man as a miracle of the absolute Reality which is unfolding before their eyes and not as mere competition to their existence.
Prophet Muhammad has redefined the notion of leadership when he said “kullukum ra’in wa kullukummas’aoolun ‘an ra’yyatih-everyone is a Shepperd and is responsible for his herd or subjects” He showed us that leadership is not about ruling over the people’s minds and limbs rather is about ruling over the inner core of man; to shift our focus towards the aspect of righteousness vested within us. And he showed that only through this aspect of man, a meaningful leadership is realized.
He also has laid out a great social system through which he offered ways to embraced our mishaps and mistakes as means to draw near towards God, through repentance and seeking forgiveness , and to strive towards expiation of these mishaps and evil conducts through doing righteous actions towards our fellow man and hence he provided a viable social system through which we are enabled to improve our relationship with others and to serve better those whom we are suppose to serve. He brought an awareness of new dimension to man’s reality in respect to his world and his essential relationship to humanity.
He made us aware that we are an important creatures of God and that God is not mere ruthless avenger and destroyer rather he reminded us that God is the most merciful and that His mercy is encompassed all things when he said “God ’s mercy has encompassed everything-Quran”
Furthermore, I would like to point out here that in essence we are engaged in continuous celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s legacy in every given moment of our lives and not necessarily limited to the exact of his day of birth. Honoring our Prophet begins at the inner level of ourselves. We try to emulate his examples of conducts in our dealings with our selves and others on daily basis; our treatment of spouses , children and neighbors. Our desire to establish a healthy bridge of communications with others who share with us humanity. In fact there is no single moment that I could think of in our lives that which prophet Muhammad is not at the center of it.
All humanity are indebted to prophet Muhammad’s knowledge and wisdom which has given our human civilizations the right push to be worthy of itself.
God help us all
TEARS OF PHROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)
> >Suddenly, there was a person who said salaam
> >
> >
> >
> >"May I come in?" he asked.
> >
> >
> >
> >But Fatimah did not allow him to enter the room.
> >
> >
> >
> >"I'm sorry, my father is ill," said Fatimah, and turned back and closed the
> >door.
> >
> >
> >
> >She went back to her father who had opened his eyes and he asked Fatimah,
> >"Who was he, my daughter?"
> >
> >
> >
> >"I don't know, my father. It's the first time I'm seeing him," Fatimah said
> >gently.
> >
> >
> >
> >Then, Rasulullah (SAW) looked at his daughter with a trembled look, as if
> >he wanted to reminisce about every part of his daughter's face.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Know one thing! He is who erases the temporary pleasure; he is who
> >separates the companionship in
> >the world. He is the angel of death," said Rasulullah (SAW).
> >
> >
> >
> >Fatimah bore the bomb of her cry.
> >
> >
> >
> >The death angel came toward him, but Rasulullah (SAW) asked why Jibril did
> >not come along with him.
> >
> >
> >
> >Then, Jibril was called. Jibril was ready in the sky to welcome the soul of
> >Habibullah and the leader of the earth.
> >
> >
> >
> >"O Jibril, explain to me about my rights in front of ALLAH?" Rasulullah
> >(SAW) asked with a weak voice.
> >
> >
> >
> >"The doors of the sky have opened; the angels are waiting for your soul."
> >
> >
> >
> >"All jannats are open widely waiting for you," Jibril said. But, in fact,
> >all that did not make Rasulullah (SAW) relieved. His eyes were still full
> >of worry.
> >
> >
> >
> >"You are not happy to hear this news?" asked Jibril.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Tell me
> >about the destiny of my people in the future?"
> >
> >
> >
> >"Don't worry, o Rasul ALLAH. I heard ALLAH told me: 'I make jannat haram
> >for everyone, except the people of Muhammad" Jibril said.
> >
> >
> >
> >It became closer and closer, the time for Malaekat Izrail to do his work.
> >Slowly, Rasulullah's (SAW) soul was pulled. It seemed that the body of
> >Rasulullah (SAW) was full of sweat; the nerves of his neck became tight.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Jibril, how pain this sakaratul maut is!"
> >
> >
> >
> >Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan slowly. Fatimah closed her eyes, Ali sat
> >beside her bow deeply and Jibril turned his face back.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back o Jibril?"
> >
> >Rasulullah (SAW) asked to the Deliverer of Wahyu.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Who is the one who could see the Habibullah in his sakaratul maut,"
> >Jibril said.
> >
> >
> >
> >Not for a while, Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan because of unbearable
> >pain.
> >
> >
> >
> >"O ALLAH, how greatest is this sakaratul maut. Give me all these pains,
> >don't to my people."
> >
> >
> >
> >The body of Rasulullah (SAW) became cold, his feet and chest did not move
> >anymore.
> >
> >
> >
> >His lips vibrated as if he wanted to say something, Ali took his ear close
> >to Rasulullah (SAW).
> >
> >
> >
> >"Uushiikum bis shalati, wa maa malakat aimanuku? take care the shalat and
> >take care the weak people among you."
> >
> >
> >
> >Outside the room, there were cries shouted each other, sahabat held each
> >other. Fatimah closed her face with her hands and, again, Ali took his ear
> >close to Rasulullah's (SAW) mouth which became bluish.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Ummatii, ummatii, ummatii?" ? "My people, my people, my
> >people."
> >
> >
> >
> >And the life of the noble man ended.
> >
> >
> >
> >Could we love each other like him? Allahumma sholli 'ala Muhammad wa baarik
> >wa salim 'alaihi.
> >
> >
> >
> >How deep is Rasulullah's (SAW) love to us.
Related Site: Life of Muhammad (PBUH)
> >
> >
> >
> >"May I come in?" he asked.
> >
> >
> >
> >But Fatimah did not allow him to enter the room.
> >
> >
> >
> >"I'm sorry, my father is ill," said Fatimah, and turned back and closed the
> >door.
> >
> >
> >
> >She went back to her father who had opened his eyes and he asked Fatimah,
> >"Who was he, my daughter?"
> >
> >
> >
> >"I don't know, my father. It's the first time I'm seeing him," Fatimah said
> >gently.
> >
> >
> >
> >Then, Rasulullah (SAW) looked at his daughter with a trembled look, as if
> >he wanted to reminisce about every part of his daughter's face.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Know one thing! He is who erases the temporary pleasure; he is who
> >separates the companionship in
> >the world. He is the angel of death," said Rasulullah (SAW).
> >
> >
> >
> >Fatimah bore the bomb of her cry.
> >
> >
> >
> >The death angel came toward him, but Rasulullah (SAW) asked why Jibril did
> >not come along with him.
> >
> >
> >
> >Then, Jibril was called. Jibril was ready in the sky to welcome the soul of
> >Habibullah and the leader of the earth.
> >
> >
> >
> >"O Jibril, explain to me about my rights in front of ALLAH?" Rasulullah
> >(SAW) asked with a weak voice.
> >
> >
> >
> >"The doors of the sky have opened; the angels are waiting for your soul."
> >
> >
> >
> >"All jannats are open widely waiting for you," Jibril said. But, in fact,
> >all that did not make Rasulullah (SAW) relieved. His eyes were still full
> >of worry.
> >
> >
> >
> >"You are not happy to hear this news?" asked Jibril.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Tell me
> >about the destiny of my people in the future?"
> >
> >
> >
> >"Don't worry, o Rasul ALLAH. I heard ALLAH told me: 'I make jannat haram
> >for everyone, except the people of Muhammad" Jibril said.
> >
> >
> >
> >It became closer and closer, the time for Malaekat Izrail to do his work.
> >Slowly, Rasulullah's (SAW) soul was pulled. It seemed that the body of
> >Rasulullah (SAW) was full of sweat; the nerves of his neck became tight.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Jibril, how pain this sakaratul maut is!"
> >
> >
> >
> >Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan slowly. Fatimah closed her eyes, Ali sat
> >beside her bow deeply and Jibril turned his face back.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back o Jibril?"
> >
> >Rasulullah (SAW) asked to the Deliverer of Wahyu.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Who is the one who could see the Habibullah in his sakaratul maut,"
> >Jibril said.
> >
> >
> >
> >Not for a while, Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan because of unbearable
> >pain.
> >
> >
> >
> >"O ALLAH, how greatest is this sakaratul maut. Give me all these pains,
> >don't to my people."
> >
> >
> >
> >The body of Rasulullah (SAW) became cold, his feet and chest did not move
> >anymore.
> >
> >
> >
> >His lips vibrated as if he wanted to say something, Ali took his ear close
> >to Rasulullah (SAW).
> >
> >
> >
> >"Uushiikum bis shalati, wa maa malakat aimanuku? take care the shalat and
> >take care the weak people among you."
> >
> >
> >
> >Outside the room, there were cries shouted each other, sahabat held each
> >other. Fatimah closed her face with her hands and, again, Ali took his ear
> >close to Rasulullah's (SAW) mouth which became bluish.
> >
> >
> >
> >"Ummatii, ummatii, ummatii?" ? "My people, my people, my
> >people."
> >
> >
> >
> >And the life of the noble man ended.
> >
> >
> >
> >Could we love each other like him? Allahumma sholli 'ala Muhammad wa baarik
> >wa salim 'alaihi.
> >
> >
> >
> >How deep is Rasulullah's (SAW) love to us.
Related Site: Life of Muhammad (PBUH)
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