If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!
--Rudyard Kipling
Thursday, June 14, 2007
[IF]
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Engineering In Hell
Summary
Rest of your post
An engineer dies and reports to the pearly gates. St. Peter checks
his dossier and says, "Ah, you're an engineer -- you're in the wrong
place."
So, the engineer reports to the gates of hell and is let in. Pretty
soon, the engineer gets dissatisfied with the level of comfort in
hell, and starts designing and building improvements. After awhile,
they've got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and the
engineer is a pretty popular guy.
One day, God calls Satan up on the telephone and says with a sneer,
"So, how's it going down there in hell?"
Satan replies, "Hey, things are going great. We've got air
conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there's no telling
what this engineer is going to come up with next."
God replies, "What??? You've got an engineer? That's a mistake -- he
should never have gotten down there; send him up here."
Satan says, "No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I'm
keeping him."
God says, "Send him back up here or I'll sue."
Satan laughs uproariously and answers, "Yeah, right. And just where
are YOU going to get a lawyer?"
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
With reference to your query on Jinn and Shaytaan
With reference to your query <<< “is there any tangible proof for the existence of Jinns and Syaitan.” >>> it should be noted that the world of the jinn is the world of the unseen, and we do not know anything about it except that which Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has told us in His Book, the Qur`aan or on the lips of His Messenger sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam. Based on this, we cannot say anything about them except that which has been narrated in the texts of Islam; anything other than that is hidden from us. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And follow not (O man, i.e., say not, or do not, or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allaah)” [al-Israa' 17:36]
It should also be noted that what information Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has given us about the jinn and other creatures are for our benefit, and what He Ta`aala has concealed from us we do not need to know. If knowing that was essential for us, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala would have told us. Hence we should not concern ourselves with such matters or look for tangible proof/mysteries of the jinn which can only be known through Revelation.
Below are some information pertaining to the matter of your query:
1. A brief summary about the Jinn and the Shaytaan, and their respective nature and characteristics, excerpted from the book`Aalim al-Jinn wa`l-Shayateen written by Dr.`Umar Sulaymaan al-Ashqar. If you wish to have more information, on this topic, you can purchase this book (in English) entitled “The World of the Jinn and Devils in the Light of the Qur`aan and Sunnah” published as Vol. 3 of the Islamic Creed Series by the International Islamic Publishing House, Riyadh , Saudi Arabia .
2. Some further information on the Shaytaan's existence from (Imaam al-Shawkaani' s tafseer) by Shaykh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (Islam Q&A)
Allaah is the Best of protectors and we ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala to protect us and forgive us our sins and to bless us with beneficial knowledge and guide us to do righteous deeds. Aameen
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Our Role Today is the Same as Messangers of
Many of us wonder today: What is our role as Muslims in this non-Islamic society? Asking this question is a good thing in itself because it indicates the beginning of the awareness in the mind of the Muslims, after a long absence.
This is an important and a dangerous question because it searches for an answer for a fundamental and a vital issue in our lives; if the correct answer is not found, then we will end up with the wrong one which may threaten our future and the future of Islam in America .
There is a good chance that the wrong answer will be found because of many factors:
The ignorance of many Muslims in the reality of Islam and its role in saving humanity.
The lack of awareness of the reality of this age, the status of the Muslim Ummah, the events that occur on the world level, the conspiracies of the enemies to put down and destroy Islam and end its role in the world or give it a marginal role by redefining Islam with a new fake definition.
The defeated mentality is dominant among many Muslims today. This came as a result of defeat and the absolute astonishment at what the non-Muslims have as civilization, technologies, and even culture.
The vain desires, the love of this worldly life and the hatred of death, by undervaluing the hereafter, influenced the minds and personality of many Muslims.
The many misguiding and forced solutions presented to Muslims by their enemies who work very hard in a deceiving manner to tell us what is our role today in this society. These enemies forced the wrong and false answers onto us deceivingly in many ways. They also removed the correct original answers and attacked it by describing it and the people who believe and carry this answer with the worst descriptions. This is so that the Muslim will get away from them and hate the correct answer instead of adopting it and working to establish it. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-Anfaal, (Verse 30), what can be translated as, "They were plotting and Allaah too was planning, and Allaah is the Best of the planners."
What makes things more complicated and the vision more erroneous is that some loyal sincere Muslims fell into the trap that the enemies of Islam have set up and skillfully designed. These sincere Muslims with their followers and those whom they influence took the wrong way that was defined for them. These Muslims became the fuel and the workers in a conspiracy that they did not plan and will not benefit from either in the short term or the long term. Furthermore, if someone pointed out their mistakes, that they are adopting, they would find justification for the errors in the religious texts that justifies their position. This is done without deep investigation and verification until we become like the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said in a trial that makes the intellectuals confused.
What is our role in this age and in this society as Muslims?
To answer this question, first of all, we do not need to devise a new role. This is because our role had already been defined to us by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala a long time ago. Many great messengers played that role, and achieved many reforms and saved the humanity throughout the course of history.
All we need today is to rediscover and explore this role and know its characteristics by removing the ruins and debris away from it until we can clear its beautiful picture, and then to adopt it and behave according to it. If we do that, then we will save ourselves and the entire humanity with the help of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala like the messengers do.
All of us know and believe that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala the One who created the creations did not leave people without guidance; on the contrary, he devised to all humanity a complete and comprehensive system of life. Which was carried by the messengers from one generation to the next. This role of the messengers had never changed or altered with the differences of age or place that they were sent in from Noah`alayhissalaam until the Prophet Mohammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam; the seal of all Prophets and messengers.
Today, Muslims are in fact the followers and true inheritors of those messengers and are the extension of truthfulness. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has sealed the messages and the messengers with the Prophet Mohammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam and made their role to be played by the messengers' heirs who are the Muslims till the Day of Judgment.
This role has not changed with time nor has it changed with place; its phases, goals and ends have remained unchanged. What have changed are its means and tools that may differ according to time and place.
Now, I will present the role of the messengers and their tasks so that we know our role in this life.
First, is conveying the message in the clearest way
The messengers are the ambassadors of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala to his servants and the carriers of his revelations. Their first task is to deliver and convey this trust, which they carried to the servants of Allaah. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-Maa`idah, (Verse 67), what can be translated as, "O’ Messenger (Mohammad)! Proclaim (the message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message."
Conveying the message needs courage and not to fear the people. This is needed because the person will deliver to them what is completely different and conflicts with their Aqeedah, their status, and desires that they have lived with for a long time. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-Ahzab, (Verse 39), what can be translated as, "Those who convey the Message of Allaah and fear Him, and fear none except Allaah…"
Conveying the message should be done by reciting the verses that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has revealed no more or less. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says, commanding the Prophet Mohammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, in Soorat Al-Ankaboot, (Verse 45), what can be translated as, "Recite (O Mohammad) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur`aan)…" Allaah also says in another verse, (151), Soorat Al-Baqarah, what can be translated as, "Similarly We have sent among you a Messenger (Mohammad) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses the (Qur`aan)…" So, if the revelation is not a divine text that is to be recited meaning the Prophet’s tradition (Sunnah), then conveying the message is by clarifying the commands and the prohibitions and the meanings and the knowledge that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala had revealed no more no less.
From conveying the message the messenger should clarify and explain clearly the meaning and goals of the revelation that Allaah had sent down to His servants. This is because he, the messenger sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, knows better than anyone else about what Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala means from His Revelation.
In this context, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat An-Nahl, (Verse 44), what can be translated as, "… And We have also sent down unto you (O’ Mohammad) the reminder and the advice (the Qur`aan) that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them…" The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam may clarify the meaning of the revelation by his saying, doing, or consent. From here came the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam to clarify many Qur`aanic verses.
If it happens that the people turned away from the messengers' call, the messengers can not do anything except to convey the message. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-`Imraan, (Verse 20), what can be translated as, "…But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message…" Allaah also says to the people in Soorat Al-Maa`idah, (Verse 92), what can be translated as "...Then if you (people) turn away, you should know that it is Our Messenger’s duty to convey (the message) in the clearest way.", and in another verse, He Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala also says to His Prophet Mohammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam in Soorat As-Shoora, (Verse 48), what can be translated as, "But if they turn away (O Mohammad)…We have not sent you as a hafeez (protector) over them. Your duty is to convey the message…"
So the first task and role of the great messengers is conveying the message in the clearest way to the people. And this is our first task in our role today and it should not be changed or altered.
Next week with the help of Allaah we will learn more about our tasks so that we will better know our true role as Muslims today.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
No matter what
Whether the day is gray or
whether it is sunny,
you can make a difference.
If others support you or
if they conspire to stand in your way,
you can make a difference.
If you have plenty of resources available to you or
if you have very few,
you can make a difference.
If momentum is on your side or if it is not,
you can make a difference.
You can wait and hope for things to go your way.
Or you can get busy and
make it happen.
You can complain that life has been terribly unfair.
Or you can move ahead anyway and achieve what you intend,
no matter what the obstacles may be.
You can plead with others to give you a break.
Or you can go ahead and
forge your own path to success.
Wherever you may be,
whatever may have happened,
you can make a positive difference.
Live with commitment,
decide to move forward no matter what,
and you will.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Tongue and Teeth
The Tongue The tongue: a mere piece of meat with no bones in it.but like a work-horse, it carries you forward–it speeds you to Paradise , or dumps you into Hell. Take control of it, or it takes control of you.
So how do you steer this beast? Read on!
Pick your teeth! Backbiting: one of the greatest sins, yet something we fall into, time after time, often without realizing. You chat away with your friends, you mention somebody else, and suddenly, the horse is out of control.
Our societies revolve around shows like “Friends” and “Sienfeld”, shows based on lying, backbiting and cheating. But look to the best generation instead: when one of the companions spoke badly about someone who wasn't there, the Prophet, the Prophet said to him: "Pick your teeth!" The companion said "but I haven't eaten anything!" The Prophet said "You have eaten the flesh of your dead brother!"
As Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala tells us in the Qur'aan: "Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” [Hujuraat, verse 12]. The number three combo, a double McRotty, extra putrified, with a side order of squirmy white maggots? “No, you would hate it." But they deserve it!Ok, back up a second. Is it still backbiting if it's true? What if it's only half true?Or what if they deserved it? They're just mean, vicious little creatures who ruined your entire day with their attitude, their demands, or something else--and you just had to tell somebody!
Well, the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam made it clear for us: "backbiting is to say something about someone they wouldn't like said about them. [...] If what bad you said about them is true, then you have backbitten them, and if it is false, then you have slandered them!" [Saheeh Muslim]
”So what,” you might say, “it's not a big deal. Everybody does it!”
On the night of Miraaj (the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam's ascension to heaven), he passed by some people with metal hooks in their hands who clawed at their faces and their necks with them. When he inquired about them, Jibreel said, 'These are the people who eat the flesh of human beings and disgrace them.'" [Aboo Dawood].
So don't worry about “everybody” yet. Worry about yourself first!
Just teasing! Maybe we think it's funny to trash-talk someone to their face. Maybe their clothes smell like curry, or maybe their beard needs a weed-whacker, or maybe niqaab actually makes them look better!
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala warns us about this type of rudeness directly in the Qur'aan, when He says in soorah Hujuraat verse 11 (the interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe, let not some a party of you laugh at others, it may be the (latter) are better than you (former). Nor abuse each other, nor be sarcastic to each other by using offensive nicknames ... And whosoever does not repent (from these things), then such are the wrong-doers."
Besides, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala made us the way we are. Humans have no control over their height, their flappy ears, or their pug-noses. What's more, one of the characteristics of munafiquwn (hypocrites) is that they mocked the believers. So when your tongue insists on remembering other people's shortcomings, remember your own shortcomings to keep it in line.
You know, it's cool to swear ...If you listen to some of your friends (or maybe yourself!) speak one day—you may notice, nearly every other sentence contains swear words. Maybe you think it's cool to swear, to copy the idols of TV and the cinema. Is it really “cool” to swear? The Hellfire is far from being cool--people will wish they were cool then, rather than being cool in this world! Remember: an angel writes down every single word you say, and one day, you will have to answer for all of it.
Sometimes you're so angry with someone, the only way to express yourself is to swear at them or hit them. The solution?
Be strong. Our Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: the strong man is not the one with the best Kung-Fu, but the one who controls himself in a fit of rage. [Muslim]
It's ok to feel angry. But learn to channel it properly. If someone angers you or swears at you, step back. Take deep breaths. Walk away, if you have to. Make woodhu with icy-cold water and go pray.
When you feel better, then respond in a better way, as Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says: "Repel evil with what is better. Then he who was your worst enemy will become your best friend!" [Fussilat verse 34]
Moi? I never said that! How often do we say "I was only kidding" or “just joking”? We treat the biggest lies like the smallest flies, gnats to be waved away until we get caught out. By then, it won't matter, right?
Wrong! The angel on your left shoulder is scribbling, scribbling, writing everything you say and do against yourself. Even if you're the only person on the Earth who knows, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala the All-Seeing and All-Knowing is watching you.
One of the companions of the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam asked, straight-up: “Can a Muslim be a liar?” He said “No! A Muslim can never be a liar!” [Malik's Muwatta]
He also said: "Truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise [...] lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. And a person may keep telling lies until he is recorded as a liar." [Saheeh Bukhaari]
One lie leads to ten. Ten lead to 100. More and more and more lies, until you're caught in a web that not even you can remember the truth about. Save yourself now! Don't be recorded a liar in your eternal biography!
But it's only words!You're just flapping your gums, right? What -- you don't mean any of it! What does it matter?
Remember: people enter into Islam through words (the shahadah), and leave Islam through words (of disbelief). The power of words seals marriage between two unrelated people, or shatters their relationship forever in. All through words.
So if you think you won't be held accountable for your words, think again: the Messenger of Allaah sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam told us that people will be flung face-down into the Hellfire, only on account to what they said! [Tirmidhi]
I must be doomed!"I lie, backbite, and swear all the time. I must be going to Hell!" A one-way ticket to a place where they serve you boiling water and devils-heads for sustainance. You're doomed, right?
No! Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala tells us in the Qur'aan: "O my servants who have wronged themselves, never despair of the mercy of Allaah, for truly He forgives all sins. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful." [Az-Zumar, verse 53]
If you repent and turn back to Allaah, and promise not to commit the sin again, never ever, for as long as you live, and mean it, then He will forgive you. And whose mercy is greater than Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's?
Make amends! If you've backbitten someone, go and tell the person, apologize sincerely, and ask them to forgive you. (If they say “no”, don't worry about it—you've done what you can.)
But, if you think that might worsen the situation, then turn sincerely to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and beg for His forgiveness. Then to make up for what you said--go and speak good of the person behind their back.
Key to ParadiseIf you control your tongue and speak good, Paradise can be yours, there to abide forever.
The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever can guarantee me two things I can guarantee them Paradise : what lies between his two jaw-bones (his tongue) and what lies between his two legs." [Bukhaari]
Even more amazing, he sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: whoever prevents sending gossip against his brother, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala puts down a right upon Himself to relieve that person from the Hellfire.
So remember next time you feel like spouting at or about someone: if you remain patient, Paradise can be yours. All it takes is willpower and practice!
A Shovelful of Good DeedsYour tongue can be a shovel. You now know all the ways to shovel the bad stuff, and get yourself in deep, deep doo. But how can you use it shovel up piles and mountains of good deeds for yourself?
Dhikr: Keep your tongue soaked in the rememberence of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Whether a five-minute walk down the street or an hour-long drive, remember Allaah, and glorify Him (tasbeeh—SubhaanAlla ah, Alhamdulillaah, and Allaahu Akbar). Remember His Names and Attributes—the Most Merciful, the Just, the All-Knowing.
Defend and Explain Islam: When Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala tests us, as He promised He will, be ready to step up to the challenge. Often, you can unlock people’s misconceptions with just a five-minute explaination on what Islam is really about.
Naseehah: Give people you know sincere, heart-felt advice. (Make sure you do so in a gentle way--“yes, I really think your clothes smell like curry” won't work too well.) Think it through before you say it, and make sure it sounds soft, not harsh. That makes it easier for them to accept.
One Tongue to Rule them AllFinally, if you remember anything, remember this one statement. It will ensure the protection of your tongue, bi idhnillah!
Are you ready for it?
Here it is: the Messenger of Allaah sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last day, let him either speak good or keep silent!" [agreed upon]
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Dhikr For Students
What deed is better than giving gold and silver? According to our beloved Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, it is dhikr, which means remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
Dhikr is a form of worship that in importance comes only after the ritual Prayer (salaah) and reading Qur`aan. While salaah has to be performed at certain times and under certain conditions of purity, dhikr can be made any time, in any place. It can be done by repeating certain formulas to extol and praise Allaah, or it can be just thoughts of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in one's heart and mind.
Students are greatly blessed in that they have many excellent opportunities every day to perform dhikr. In school all day long students are being given knowledge by their teachers. I am specifically referring to academic courses such as math, physics, social studies, history, languages, and all others rather than religious courses; although this can apply in religious courses also.
Consider what happens now in those academic courses. The teacher tells the students many true facts every day, or the students read new facts from books, and the students remember some number of those facts; but, seldom is Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala mentioned, and I would guess that seldom is Allaah remembered. This is not the way it should be. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala should be remembered always.
I would like to suggest a programme of dhikr that would take very little time, be of great spiritual benefit to students, help ensure a close personal relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, and probably even help students learn the academic subjects better. If this dhikr would do all that how could any Muslim student not want to at least try this method.
To understand the purpose of this dhikr you must first know that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has given us two important sources of revelation, the Qur`aan and His Physical Creation. We are told we must 'read' each of these two sources in a balance if we are to correctly understand the right way of life (Deen) in Islam, which Allaah has given us.
There are many ways to learn the knowledge of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's Physical Creation. For students one of the best sources of knowledge of Allaah's Physical Creation is the knowledge being taught in the various academic courses at school. All true knowledge is Islamic knowledge. For example, even the simple fact that 2+2=4 is Islamic knowledge. Allaah has made His Physical Creation such that for us to succeed and progress in the world He has created for us it is necessary to know such simple truths.
So, how does this relate to dhikr? Every time you hear some new fact about Allaah's Physical Creation this provides an ideal opportunity to remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. You could use being given each new bit of information as a cue to remember Allaah. Of course it will be very hard in the beginning to always remember Allaah, so at first you should try to use hearing new bits of information as cues to remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala as often as possible.
Be sure not to get too upset with yourself if you sometimes forget to remember Allaah each time you are given some new bit of information, but always try to tell yourself in your mind what a wonderful thing you have done when you do remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. If you do this you will find yourself remembering Allaah more and more often, and you will feel happier and happier that you are remembering Allaah.
What kind of things should we say in our thoughts when we remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in this kind of dhikr? In the example above about 2+2=4, you could say such things as, "Thank you Allaah for letting me know that 2+2=4" or "Oh Allaah, it is wonderful how you have made numbers and math so we can count and measure". You could say these things or even better you can think of other things on your own to say, to tell Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala how much you appreciate Him and His Creation.
If you were in a physics class and it was explained to you how levers work you might remember Allaah by saying such things as, "Oh Allaah, I am so thankful that you make hard work easier for us by giving us levers", or "Wow, levers are so cool, thank you Allaah for this knowledge."
If you were studying a foreign language and you are learning new words in that language you might say, "It is wonderful, Allaah, how You have allowed people so many different ways to say the same thing", or "I love all the different people and languages that You have placed on the Earth, Allaah".
As you can easily see there are a huge number of things you will be taught in your classes that can serve as cues for you to remember Allaah, each of these is dhikr; and, the kinds of things you could say in remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in these situations are virtually unlimited. In the things you say in remembrance of Allaah it is usually best to give thanks, to show caring, to feel excited, and to be specific about how the knowledge you have learned is connected to Allaah's Plan for all His Creation.
The reasons for doing this kind of dhikr are many and they are very important. In today's world we so often take the knowledge we are taught in school for granted. We usually don't consider the knowledge we learn in academic subjects to be part of our spiritual obligation to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. We often consider this objective knowledge of Allaah's Physical Creation that we learn in academic courses to be separate from the knowledge of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala we learn in religious courses. In truth, there is no separation between these two kinds of knowledge.
For us to truly understand the Islam which Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala gave us as the right way of life, we must come to see that everything is from Allaah, there is nothing in life but that which Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has Created. Alhamdulillaah. We must come to love the knowledge we are given in academic courses as much as we love the knowledge we get from our religious courses; both sources of knowledge bring us closer to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
When we live our lives in today's busy world it is very easy to forget that everything we do is part of our relationship with Allaah. Constant remembrance of Allaah is the ideal, but few of us ever achieve that high spiritual level. This dhikr for students provides a simple, easy way to increase your remembrance of Allaah, and therefore to improve your relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
When knowledge is offered in academic courses it is easy to ignore the knowledge or forget it, since many times we are given this knowledge without being told how this knowledge will be valuable to us throughout our lives. If knowledge is not linked with something very important we often don't care very much about it; what could be more important than acknowledging the link of all true knowledge to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala?
By discussing in our minds the knowledge we have just learned when we do this form of dhikr we are also giving special attention to that knowledge so that it is more likely we will remember it in the future. Any new knowledge you think about after you first learn it will be more firmly fixed in memory. Also as we come to see the connections between knowledge from the different academic areas we will better understand how knowing the truths of Allaah's Physical Creation can aid us to become better Muslims in every way.
Another important benefit from this student dhikr, which has so many valuable benefits, is that students remembering Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in this way will come to view their teachers in a different, more positive manner. Unfortunately, in schools today students sometimes see teachers as adults who are trying to force useless knowledge down their throats. When teachers are instead seen as well meaning, caring adults who are trying to help students better understand the Islam which Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala gave us as the right way of life, and who are attempting to give us knowledge that will result in a closer personal relationship with Allaah, students will almost certainly develop a greater love and respect for their teachers.
When students and teachers love and respect each other everything improves in the classroom environment. Everyone is happier, everyone works harder, everyone works more efficiently, and everyone learns more. Allaah Almighty has made it very clear through revelation how much he values education and the gaining of knowledge. To gain knowledge is one of our primary responsibilities as Muslims. How then could we rightly do anything but learn as much as possible of the knowledge so generously offered during our student years?
Isn't it wonderful that as we fulfill our responsibility to gain knowledge of Allaah's Physical Creation during our years in school that we can at the same time perform dhikr so that we increase our ability to benefit from that knowledge and become ever closer in our personal relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala?
Remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala through our student years can be the means for us to grow into Muslims of excellent character, who can make right the many wrongs in today's world, who can eventually live in a fully and truly Islamic world, and who on Judgment Day will have a very good chance of being granted entry into Paradise.
Alhamdulillaah!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sunnas of sleep
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah
Imam Ahmad reported that Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) passed by a man who was lying on his stomach, so he poked him with his leg and said, ‘This is a posture that Allah the Mighty and Majestic does not like.’” It was also reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, and there are many other hadiths in the major collections that support this.
Because of this, it is mentioned in Imam al-Barkawi’s manual on the path of taqwa, al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya:
“And it is disliked to lie on one’s stomach without an excuse..”
Imam al-Khadimi added in his commentary:
“Sleeping on one’s back is the sleep of the prophets, who contemplate the creation of the heavens and earth [f: when without a roof on their heads]; sleep on the right side is the sleep of scholars and worshippers; sleep on the left is the sleep of kings to digest food; and sleeping on one’s face is the sleep of devils and the unbelievers.” ( al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya fi Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya, 4: 177)
In the Fatawa al-Hindiyya, a brilliant collection of relied upon positions within the Hanafi school, gathered by a committee of scholars commissioned by the righteous Moghul emperor, Aurangzeb, it is stated that,
“It is recommended to take advantage of the afternoon nap (qaylula), for the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “Take afternoon naps, for the devils do not take afternoon naps,” as mentioned in al-Ghayathiyya… It is recommended for one to sleep in a state of ritual purity, and to lie on one’s right side, facing the qibla for a while [f: at least, and then, if it is difficult to fall asleep on one’s right] then one may sleep on one’s left side [f: without it being considered sub-optimal], as mentioned in al-Sirajiyya.
It is disliked to sleep early in the morning, and between maghrib and isha [f: because it would normally lead to one missing isha in congregation, otherwise, it is not disliked though still better not to do]. It has been mentioned in some works that no sleep was more beloved to Sayyiduna Ali (Allah be pleased with him) than sleep [right] after isha before the last of the night. One’s sleep should be on a bed that is mid-way between being soft and hard [f: as this prevents excessively deep sleep that could make one miss prayer or tahajjud, while being reasonably comfortable]. One should take one’s right hand as a pillow under one’s cheek. One should bring to mind that one will be [similarly] placed in the grave, lying on one’s side, alone with nothing but one’s works… If one is full and fears stomach pain, it is not wrong to place a pillow under one’s stomach and to sleep on it.
One should make remembrance of Allah (dhikr) when going to sleep, saying the tahlil (‘la ilaha illa Allah’), tahmid (‘alhamdu lillah’) and tasbih (‘subhan Allah’) [f: after having recited the specific Prophetic invocations recommended before sleep] until sleep overcomes one, for the sleeper is resurrected according to how he fell asleep and the one who dies according to the state he died in.
One should get up before fajr, for the earth complains to Allah from the ghusl of the adulterer, and from blood unlawfully spilled on it, and from sleep after fajr time [comes in].
One should wake up making remembrance of Allah [f: the best of which are the specific Prophetic invocations], and with a firm resolve to have taqwa from that which Allah has prohibited, and determined not to wrong any of Allah’s servants, as mentioned in al-Ghara’ib. "[ al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5: 376]
Among the sunnas of waking are:
1. To say ‘La Ilaha illa Allah’, then ‘Alhamdulillah’ three times, then Alhamdulillahi alladhi ahyana ba`da ma amatana wa ilayhi an-nushur (All praise is to Allah who gave us life after death, and to Him is the final return). [Bukhari, Abu Dawud, and others]
2. It is good to rub the face and eyes with both hands, to get rid of the effects of sleep, as mentioned in Shama’il al-Tirmidhi
3. It is recommended to brush one’s teeth, ideally using a tooth-stick (miswak), because of hadiths to this effect in Ahmad’s Musnad in in Abu Dawud’s Sunan.
And all good, in this world and the next, may be found in following the way of the Beloved of Allah (upon him be the best of blessings and most perfect of peace). And all success is from Allah.
Wassalam.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
Unable to stay awake after completing the Fajr prayer? Struggling to barely make it through the day?
Do you find yourself nodding off at your desk during idle moments at work? Are midday meetings becoming your favorite naptimes?
The hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives leaves little time for rest. While college students are perhaps among the most sleep-deprived, more and more people are failing to get enough sleep. And for Muslims, living in a society that does not revolve around prayer timings poses an additional challenge.
Despite it being such a crucial part of our 24-hour day, we pay little attention to this often taken-for-granted activity. How many of us have seriously contemplated questions such as, "How much sleep do I need?" "What can I do who about insomnia?" "Can I really catch up on sleep?"
Believe it or not, there is actually an organization called the National Sleep Foundation (http://www.sleepfoundation.org/) that is dedicated to "improving the quality of life for the millions of Americans who suffer from sleep disorders, and to the prevention of catastrophic accidents related to sleep deprivation or sleep disorders."
Sleep has been mentioned by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in Sura An-Naba (78), verse 9, "And We have appointed your sleep for repose." And indeed, Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam) himself emphasized that our bodies have a right over us. The carefully recorded biographies of the Prophet inform us that he spent most of the day in service to his community and most of his night in prayer to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. It is said that the Prophet slept very little during the night, but encouraged a short nap between the Dhuhr and 'Asr prayers. One wonders how it was possible for the Prophet to function with such little sleep; however, having had prophethood bestowed upon him, he was commanded by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala to prepare and train himself for that tremendous mission.
Stage 1 Muscles relax, irregular, rapid brain wavesStage 2 Larger waves, bursts of electrical activityStage 3 Large, slow waves (delta)Stage 4 Continuation of large, slow waves (delta)Stage 5 1 hour or later, REM - rapid eye movement (brain waves as active as if one were awake. Dreams occur.Stage 6 Recurring REM cycles until one awakens 75% Non-REM sleep, 25% REM (dreaming)
In today's society, people devote little effort to monitoring their sleep patterns. Indeed, most of us do not know what actually happens during sleep (refer to diagram). We do know, however, that if we do not get enough sleep, we can feel irritable and drowsy. Consider a typical summer day when daylight hours are long, and nights are short. In North America , the beginning time for Fajr prayer can be as early as 4:30 am while the time for 'Isha prayer can be as late as 10 pm. By the time we wrap up the day and go to bed, it may be after midnight - technically, the next day. Waking up for Fajr prayer under these circumstances can be a struggle, to say the least.
And then, what does one do after completing the prayer? This can actually be the real dilemma. Consider this scenario: if you complete Fajr prayer at 5 am, yet you do not have to prepare for work (which starts at 9 am) until 7:30, what do you do during those 2-1/2 hours? Chances are you haven't had enough sleep so you'd like to return to bed; however, you feel uneasy, recalling that the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam frowned on the habit of sleeping after the Fajr prayer.
Try, though, as we may to follow the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam's Sunnah, for many of us, those extra hours of sleep in the morning have become a source of revitalization. If you are fortunate enough to be able to fall asleep again, you may feel more rested and ready to take on a full day of work. If, however, it takes you a half hour or more to fall back to sleep, you may actually find yourself awakening later feeling groggy.
This scenario is just one of many, and addresses the individual who doesn't make it to bed until late but still wakes for prayer. What about the individual who does not wake for prayer? The fact is that many of us, for a combination of reasons, rarely get a good night's sleep.
We will now discuss the dangers of sleep deprivation, recommendations for sleep management, and the wisdom behind the habits of the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam. Scientists have conducted various studies on sleep patterns in which the most common finding is that not getting enough sleep is a threat to both our physical and mental health. A typical work day lasts approximately 9 hours. Adding another hour or so for commuting time means the average person requires at least 10 hours a day of alertness, notwithstanding family responsibilities and extra-curricular activities after work. A working mom may find it necessary to stay awake continuously for 18 hours or more, making it impossible for her to get more than 5-6 hours of sleep every night. And we're assuming that her sleep is not disrupted by stress or any other physical ailments. As this cycle repeats itself over the duration of the workweek, it is not uncommon for many people to suffer from sleep deprivation. Many Muslims experience increased bouts of sleep deprivation during the month of Ramadhaan. Waking up an hour before the Fajr prayer, eating suhoor, staying awake through the day until iftaar, praying the Taraweeh prayers, and repeating this cycle for an entire month can cause shock to a body that is unprepared. Are You Sleep Deprived? Do you want to know if you are sleep-deprived? One simple test is to see how fast you are able to fall asleep. Spouses of people who are sleep-deprived report that they fall asleep almost immediately after their heads touch the pillow. They often cannot sit still during prolonged meetings else they risk falling asleep. And often, the irony is that they are sleep deprived because of intense periods of activity without breaks or pauses. As mentioned above, sleep deprivation poses risks for both physical and mental health. For example, research has shown that two out of three road accidents in the U.S. may be linked to drivers who are sleep-deprived. Slower reactions combined with an inability to think clearly often puts sleep-deprived drivers at a higher risk for road rage and, even worse, of missing important cues such as slowed traffic or unsafe road conditions.
Recent studies in the West have also reported that starting schools later in the morning may help reduce discipline problems while increasing academic performance. This finding sits at odds with the traditional notion in the Islamic culture which emphasizes rising early for Fajr prayer, and memorizing Qur`aan, for example, in the early hours of the morning.
Sleep and Teenagers
Sleep deprivation is not uncommon among teenagers as well. Ever wonder why teenagers enjoy slumber parties so much… during which they comfortably stay awake all hours of the night and sleep in until the Dhuhr prayer? Over the past few years, various studies have indicated that adolescents, in their prime years of development, need more sleep than they are getting. Some scientists have based this finding on the possibility that teenagers have internal clocks that prompt them to stay awake late at night and sleep later in the morning (Washington Post, 10/19/00). Recent studies in the West have also reported that starting schools later in the morning may help reduce discipline problems while increasing academic performance. This finding sits at odds with the traditional notion in the Islamic culture which emphasizes rising early for Fajr prayer, and memorizing Qur`aan, for example, in the early hours of the morning. Perhaps one explanation could be that in Islamic cultures, typically very little activity takes place between the 'Isha and Fajr prayers. A household that abides by this tradition is likely to produce youth who are more alert and effective in the early mornings. On the other hand, non-Islamic lifestyles socialize the youth to stay awake for hours on end after the 'Isha prayer. In this lifestyle, the night comes to life - ceasing to be a time for rest. Sleep and University Students University students are perhaps among the most vulnerable to sleep disruption and deprivation. Muslim students try especially hard to juggle strenuous schoolwork, Islamic study circles, and extracurricular and social activities. We asked two seniors and a first year student at Georgetown University about their own sleeping habits. The three students averaged approximately five-and-a-half hours of sleep per night. Admittedly, senior Shaheen Kazi added that her six to seven hours of sleep a night are reduced drastically during peak exam times. As vice-president of the campus Muslim Student Association, and coordinator of the Muslim Housing Co-op, Kazi has to maintain a delicate balance between excelling academically while fulfilling her obligations to the Georgetown Muslim community. But exactly how do such students make it through the day with such little sleep? Rehenuma Asmi, a first-year student majoring in Arabic and pre-medicine says she does not usually have to take a nap during the day. Kazi and her roommate, senior Nadia Chaudhri indicate that they take power naps (20-30 minutes) during the day. Prophet Muhammad's Sleep Patterns The Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam was known to sleep very little. There are several authentic reports regarding his sleeping habits. During the early period of revelation, he was commanded to spend most of the night or some part of the night in prayer. After the initial years of revelation, the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam continued the night prayers in the last third of the night. He would stop, and rest lying on his right side until his companion and the caller to prayer, Bilal, came to wake him for the Fajr prayer. He did not sleep after Fajr prayer, but we learn from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam that he recommended a nap between Dhuhr and 'Asr prayer. Indeed, the reader is invited to further explore the blessed habits of the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam in the various books of seerah and throughout the books of Hadeeth. Overall, we would all agree that our bodies deserve their share of rest. As Muslims, we are reminded by Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam that our bodies have a right over us. We must monitor our daily activities to ensure that we are getting enough sleep. Most of all, our sleep patterns should not make us miss either Fajr or 'Isha, as they mark the beginning and the end of our days. So make sure that from time to time, you ask yourself, "Am I getting enough sleep?" Editor's Note: There are several sleep disorders (like insomnia, parasomnia, or hypersomnia for example) and the reader is invited to visit the American Sleep Disorders Association at http://www.asda.com/ to learn more about them.
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Youth's Role in Supporting Islam
First: Refining and Renewing One’s Faith in the Oneness of Allaah
Almighty Allaah is the Lord and Sustainer of the universe; everything occurs by His Command, and to Him belongs all creation and decisions. "Every day He exerciseth (universal) power" [Ar-Rahman, 29] Therefore, every Muslim must renew his faith, confidence, and reliance on his Lord, for He is more careful to preserve His religion and His believing servants than anyone else is. "Lo! Allaah defendeth those who believe] [Al-Hajj: 38] The Muslim should also affirm his absolute faith in divine decree, and in the fact that nothing occurs except by the Will and Predestination of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, whether it be important or insignificant. "No calamity befalleth save by Allaah's leave" [At-Taghabun, 64:11] "Lo! We have created everything by measure: [Al-Qamar 54:49] "Say: Naught befalleth us save that which Allaah hath decreed for us. He is our protecting helper. In Allaah let believers put their trust!" [At-Tawbah: 51]
Second: Repentance. Asking Allaah’s Forgiveness and Glorifying Him
"And had he not been one of those who glorify (Allaah); He would have tarried in its belly till the day when they are raised" [As-Saffat, 143-144] Al`Abbas and `Ali (radhiallaahu anhum) said, “No calamity occurs except because of a wrongdoing, and no relief after a calamity comes except through repentance.”
Third: Worship and Doing Good
Muslim reported in his collection, Saheeh Muslim, Book of Al-Fitan (Afflications) that Ma`qil Ibn Yasar narrated that the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “Worship during the period of widespread turmoil is like an immigration to me (i.e. in reward).” This hadeeth highlights two important aspects: The true Muslim should occupy himself with fruitful matters such as the performance of prayer, remembering Allaah often, invoking Allaah fervently, fasting, giving in charity, being keen to call on Allaah, and so on. Such matters are far better for the Muslim than being engaged in meaningless talk and fruitless discussions, which are not likely to lead to anything useful, but rather occupy the mind and worry the soul. It is essential to regain the peace of one’s soul through those tranquilizing doses of obeying and remembering Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, so that one may think and behave correctly.
Fourth: Patience
There is no faith without patience. Therefore, we, as Muslims, should never tire of advising one another to be patient, as patience is the cure of many chronic problems. (Hastiness is from Shaytaan and deliberateness is from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.) Patience and deliberateness make him consider his decisions carefully and see to his affairs with understanding and correct vision, which prevent him from acting haphazardly or aimlessly. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim reported that the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “The strong person is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong person is the one who controls himself while in anger.” In another narration of the same hadeeth, it is reported that he sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “The strong person is the one who defeats his anger.” This represents the highest form of courage and is a feature of human perfection.
Fifth: Abandonment of Dispute and Dissension
The Almighty says, "…and dispute not one with another lest ye falter and your strength departs from you; but be steadfast! Lo! Allaah is with the steadfast" [Al-Anfal, 8:46]
Dispute causes failure, weakness, and dispersal of efforts, and may cause some people to become preoccupied with themselves rather than with their enemies. Almighty Allaah has criticized the People of the Book before us, as well as whoever follows in their footsteps from this nation, because of the disagreements and disputes rampant among them. Allaah says, "Ye think of them as a whole whereas their hearts are divers. That is because they are a folk who have no sense" [Al-Hashr, 59:14]The true Muslim does his best to reconcile the different sects that make up the Muslim community.
Sixth: Optimism
The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam used to like a good omen. Anas radhiallaahu anhu said, “The Prophet was the best and the bravest amongst the people. Once the people of Madeenah were terrified at night, so they went in the direction of the sound (that terrified them). The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam met them (on his way back) after he had found out the truth. He was riding an unsaddled horse belonging to Aboo Talhah and a sword was slung around his neck, and he was saying, ‘Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!’” Thus, the feelings of weakness and inability engulfing the hearts of a significant number of Muslims need urgent attention. Although we all agree on the gravity of the events and their serious consequences, we should bear in mind the established facts which prove that this nation shall continue to exist until the end of time. For example, the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam invoked Allaah Almighty not to make his nation entirely perish by famine. This invocation was accepted by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Thus, this nation withstood the test of time and survived all disasters and calamities; it may fall ill but will never die. For these reasons, we wonder at the panic overwhelming some people. Where is the steadfastness of the true believers? Where is the firmness of determined Muslims? This nation suffered from greater calamities but it never surrendered or gave in. Rather it held on and set great examples of patience and endurance. One should not forget what happened to the Muslims during the days of the Tatar invasion which conquered all the Islamic countries and demolished the capital of the Muslim nation. Anyone who tries to perceive those events and imagine living during that epoch will surely feel that the Last Day has come, that Islam has perished, and that its nation has vanished from existence. However, that did not happen at all. After two centuries only the Muslims conquered Constantinople and reached Vienna . Thus, O people of Islam! Receive glad tidings and have whatever hopes you wish to have. Your nation will never die by a deathblow.Nevertheless, the legal optimism in Islam is that positive, active, and productive kind which buoys up and motivates one’s spirits. Unfortunately, a group of people resorted to expecting miracles, waiting for the supernatural, and such false dependence which neglects the causes and waits for marvels. We know for sure that miracles ended with the end of the messengers and that we are living in the realm of reality where we should make use of all available means, depending and putting our confidence in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. During hardship, the right attitude is to be steadfast, patient, and to deal with events from the viewpoint of the firm content believer, without any feeling of inability or false dependence. Muslims should approach ongoing events with a realistic perception, accounting profit and loss, and preserving interests, and minimizing evils. Also, it should be far from weakness and recklessness. The laws enforced by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in the universe are applicable even to prophets; the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam and the Muslims triumphed in the Battle of Badr, but were defeated in Uhud. They concluded a peace treaty in Hudaybiyah, conquered Mecca and turned away in Hunain. Also we should not be hasty or impatient. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says: "…but there is an appointed term from which they will find no escape.a" [Al-Kahf: 58]
Seventh: The establishment of Muslim brotherhood in its noblest form
This should be reflected on one's feelings, words, and actions. The following are the features of brotherhood: Being loyal to the believers and not helping the disbelievers against them. The judgment concerning helping disbelievers against the Muslims is as clear as day. It is explained in various verses in the Qur`aan, like for example, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's saying, "O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allaah guideth not wrongdoing folk" [Al-Maa'idah: 51] The Almighty also says, "O ye who believe! Choose not My enemy and your enemy for friends" [Al-Mumtahanah: 1] Allaah Almighty says, "He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them" [Al-Maa’idah: 51]Therefore, Muslims are required to establish brotherhood among them and help one another. The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam says, “A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor lets him down nor looks down upon him. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honor.” Furthermore, in the Farewell Sermon, he sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “Verily! Your blood, property and honor are sacred to one another (i.e. Muslims) like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this city of yours.” Thus, our support and affiliation to our Muslim brethren should not be temporary or momentary. Unfortunately, our sense of responsibility to our brethren never awakens except in times of crises, when we hurry to help them and then go back to our sleep after the crisis has subsided. Among the aspects of this brotherhood is hurrying to relieve the victims of catastrophes, such as children, old people, women, and the homeless. Muslims are supposed to be the first to help their brothers in faith, not the Red Cross Organization, the International Food Program, or any eastern or western country. We know that millions of Afghani people originally live in camps in Pakistan . With the new circumstances, the number of refugees has increased. Their conditions are catastrophic as regards health, food, and livelihood. Every Muslim should be very cautious not to fall into the snares represented in the stupor of shock or excessive enthusiasm. What we need most in many affairs of our lives is balance and having a base of established facts; we should not let actions and reactions make us lose our required balance. Furthermore, we do not need to exert much effort to realize that many of our mistakes have resulted from a deviation in perception away from the required balance and moderation. Feelings can be provoked and stirred, but actions should be done in accordance with the guidance of the Qur`aan and the Sunnah as well as the objectives of Islam, taking into consideration the potential advantages and disadvantages which cannot be realized except through consulting prominent pious scholars who do not flatter the public or pursue their personal interests. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says, "… whereas if they had referred it to the messenger and such of them as are in authority, those among them who are able to think out the matter would have known it" [An-Nisaa’: 83]Thus, the best advice to be given concerning ongoing events is to restrain feelings lest they result in some erroneous judgments, which may cause harm for the Muslims and their interests. Because of their strong passion and their strong liability to be swayed, the youth are especially advised to have insight when handling matters and dealing with grave events that entail serious consequences. Neither should agitation lead us to rashness nor should zeal lead us to recklessness. Youthful enthusiasm can be an active productive energy if directed to the right way. So every youth should not make his enthusiasm a tank of fuel that can be inflamed by any mischievous person. The important thing is not to give vent to one's feelings, but rather to realize interests and prevent evils. In fact, Muslim nations cannot endure more hardship and unrest; therefore, it is our duty to act in a responsible disciplined way in such hard circumstances until the hardship is eased and the nation is relieved. Indeed, the call to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala flourishes in the atmosphere of tranquility and stability. That was why Az-Zuhri said after the Al-Hudaybiyah peace treaty, “People trusted each other, so anyone who was convinced with Islam embraced it. Thus, the people who embraced Islam after the peace treaty and before the Conquest of Makkah were many times more than those who embraced Islam before that. The Messenger of Allaah sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam came to conclude the peace treaty accompanied by about one hundred and fourteen men, then he came to conquer Makkah accompanied by more than ten thousand, though the span of time between the two events was short.”We ask Allaah Almighty to ordain for this nation an age of guidance where the people who obey Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala are honored while the people who disobey Him are debased. We ask Him to strengthen Islam, grant Muslims victory, unite them on the truth, and protect them from disasters and calamities. Aameen.
