Our Masajid are Empty

Bismillah ir Rahman nir Raheem

Assalamalaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh 

A couple of years ago, the fundraising started for a masjid in our city. Thousands and thousands of dollars were contributed, may Allah reward all those that participitated in building his home. Then started the construction. And a while later was the opening and we moved from the cramped, stuffy school house that was the original "masjid" to this huge masjid, double stories mashaa’Allah with an elevator and tons of space which is a huge blessing from Allah.

 For some reason it seems that more people came when it was still a school house but now that the work is done, its like you wipe our hands off, pat yourself on the shoulder, your work to building it is done and now you leave. You have done your part here. For most of us, because we’re usually broke college students or teenagers, we didn’t play as active of a role as our parents did. They were the ones who donated the money and we just came and sat there as the shaykh was yelling at the top of his lungs, right?

 But I think many of us fail to realize that at this age, our relationship with the masjid might not be monetary, it might not be huge sums of donations, but we have much more important role, we have a much more important status- we are the carriers of this home when our elders leave. We, the youth, we the young and the active, our age gives us a lot of benefit and potential- sounds cliché, but after all the elders pass away, we are the carriers, we are future, it may be our kids that will be coming here. But without us having a connection with this masjid, without us having a relationship with Allah’s home, there may not even be a future to the masajids across the nation. And I’m not just talking about this masjid, it’s every masjid here in town. Its not just attendance at this masjid, its any one of the masajid across the nation. 

When we have a negative view of the masjid, how are we expected to be the torch bearers? When parents and their children are leaving cause of gossip and backbiting and drama with this person or that person, how can we expect a future? How is that possible?

The masjid’s originial role was a focal point, a central place in everyone’s life but that role has disappeared. But now, we’d choose the mall over the masjid any day right? Most of us would go to the movies rather than come to the masjid Friday night to hear a halaqa? Most of us would rather be anywhere but the masjid. But Why is it like this? What’s the cause?

Discussion Question: What are some reaons that you guys think that the role of the masjid is pretty much disappearing?

We have an extremely negative view of the masjid. We have this view that if we have a problem, or we need to talk, the first place to not go is the masjid. So I’m going try to present a story right now. Today, if one of us got into a fight or something, if we got into a fight, or we were going through something, some kind of hardship, just got into an argument with our parents, what to you normally do? Most of us would probably go grab some ice cream, post a status on facebook, sleep, but the masjid would be the last place we’d think of going right?

Well hear this, subhanAllah it’s pretty awesome. Ali ibn Talib and Fatima (may Allah have mercy on them), the daughter of Rasulullah, salla Allahu alayhi waslam, and her husband got into a fight. And apparently this was like a full fledged marital fight where they were screaming and everything at each other. And Ali, radiallahuanh, got angry and he left the house and where do you think he went? He went to the masjid. So he went to the masjid and laid down and just slept. He didn’t start praying or anything he just laid down and slept. Talk about seeking comfort in the masjid. And Rasulullah, salla Allahu alayhi wasalam came later and they talked about this and there was a counseling session that took place right there at the masjid. But today, the masjid would be the last place many of us would think of coming to seek refuge. But truth is, this place holds a lot of Baraka, a lot of blessing. Angels surround the masjids, it is quiet here for the most part, and it’s a good place to calm your mind- its a good place for reflection. 

Back then, The masjid used to play a lot of roles but today, we’ve seen a lot of those roles disappear because we haven’t taken part in helping it play those roles.

Just some cool facts about the different roles that there used to be:

-the masjid served as the central focal point of prayer, but we all knew this

-it served as the focal point of education, the main point of decisions was decided at the masjid.

-the masjid served as a resting place for non-Muslims. Some of us may think that non-muslims aren’t allowed blah blah blah, but back then, a caravan came with a group of Christians, and they rested at the masjid.

-the masjid served as a clinic, where people who had cysts, and glaucomas came and got treatment. A little part of the masjid was portioned off for the clinic. And even today, to follow that example there is a masjid on the West Coast, where they provide free check ups and treatment at the masjid all week to Muslims and on Fridays, they open it up to non-Muslims too and about 75 non muslims come every Friday and in exchange they just give five mintues of their time in which they are told about Islam. Dawah by Action!

-the masjid was the place where a drunken guy came to sober up. Yeah, a drunken guy had come to the masjid to sober up.

PART II.

All these roles that the masjid served is amazing. But today the masjid is here only when we need it. We come to Allah’s home only when we need it. We come to Allah only when we need him.

And from this, we’re gonna branch on to the second part of our talk: coming to Allah only by necessity.

This situation is best understood by presenting an analogy that is relevant to all of us. Many of us are students, and you know when you have that one classmate who like never comes to class and then everytime the test comes around they call you up asking for help. They may never talk to you but all of a sudden when they need something, they talk to you. In this situation, you can't help but feel frustrated or used. This person only talks to you when they need you. 

Now this isn’t a human that you’re using, this is Allah, your creator, the one who sustains you, and yet you only come to him when you need him, yet he isn’t in need of us but still feeds us, still wakes us up after sleep, still keeps our hearts beating. SubhanAllah, there is something wrong, so so wrong with that. Allah does not NEED to do anything for us, He subhana wa ta'ala sustains us and provides us with his mercy regardless. But we, the ones who need Allah the most, the ones who need his mercy the most, the one whose entire purpose of existence is to remain close to our Rab, when we as the poorest of creation only come to him by necessity, we are only creating a deep pit for our own selves.

Another reason for this dilemma, is the lack of care, simply and plainly put. A lack of connection with Allah leads to a lack of connection with the masjid. When you start to not care about your salah, or dua', or any act of worship, why would you care about coming to the masjid? It wouldn't seem important to you. And everywhere you look, this lack of care has spread. Look around you, people are like in a trance, living life without purpose. You do this, and that and that then repeat. This is due to lack of reflection, when you realize you have a purpose, you start to care. When you start to care that there will be a day when you will be accounted for everything, when you start to care that you will have to face your Rab, slowly you will start to care more about things, surely you'll feel the need to attach yourselves to things and places that Allah loves.

"[Such niches are] in mosques which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings" [24:36]

And All good belongs to Allah, creator of the heavens and the Earth. 

The Promise of Allah

The Promise of Allah By: Omar Sulieman

You can spend days talking about all the awesome things that will be granted to the people of jannah, but what have I done to deserve Jannah? Have you done anything that would stop you from getting to jannah?

To keep this dream alive in us and our actions, we have to think of jannah and never lose sight of the goal. When you’re thinking of Allah, you will find your way.

Goal-Doubt=REALITY

Quran Speaks

Quran Speaks: A Message for Humanity By: Nouman Ali Khan

Why do people do shirk?  (Surah Yunus)

People who practice shirk, don’t own up to what they do and don’t want to be responsible. Instead of facing your lord, you can just blame it on someone else, you don’t have to realize the reality that one day you will be accounted for what you have done. This is false “Shafa’a” which is creating connections or intermediaries with God, you don’t have to worry about getting in trouble or doing any good because you will not be accountable for it. As Muslims we know that one day we have to answer to Allah and we will have true “Shafa’a” because Muhammad will be able to intermediate for us, and this is a job ordained by Allah.

What is the Quran?

The Quran is heart penetrating advice. Shirk is the worse disease of the heart that someone can get. The Quran is medicine for the heart and guidance from Muhammad (sws) is to make sure we won’t get sick again. So we need to stop talking about the Quran, talk Quran. 

Discovering Your Role

Discovering your Role By: Omar Suleiman

There are three things human beings incline towards:

1)       Belief in Allah

2)       Adil, justice

3)       Compassion

When you are born you have an inclination towards all of these things, we are born with them. Naturally we want a God, we want justice and we want to show compassion.

There was a two year old Chinese girl who got hit by two vans, there were 18 bystanders and they did nothing, minutes later her mother comes to scrape her off the streets.

This is a decay of humanity, not having compassion is not human, and this is a sign of the day of judgment, people will begin to lose their inclination to justice, compassion and Allah. What does this have to do with your role? First, every human being is born with good and second, we all have the ability to do good things. Everything has something good in it, even shaitan because he strengthens the heart of a believer. Allah does not want us to be super stars and everyone is not going to be a sheikh or an imam, Allah wants us to be good Muslims, the Muslims we were born to be and within our capability. This will get you into Jannah. And a man came to the Prophet (sws) and asked him, what is the secret, like how do I get into Jannah, the Prophet (sws) answered (not exact word but in my summary): 1) give sadaqah (the man persisted, what if I am poor?) 2) enjoin what good and forbid what’s evil (he persisted, what if I am not a big shot and have the mean to do so) 3) teach the ignorant the truth (he persisted, what if I am ignorant) 4) stand with the oppressed (the man persisted, what if I am the one oppressed) 5) Don’t harm people.

The moral of this story is that there is always something for us to do, there is never a time when we can’t do anything we are always capable of doing something. 

Dua of Ibrahim

Dua of Ibrahim By: Muhammad Yunus 

“Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, true In Faith, and He joined not gods with Allah.” 16:120

"Our Lord! make us not a (test and) trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us, Our Lord! for Thou art the Exalted In Might, the Wise." there was indeed In them an excellent example for you to follow,- for those whose hope is In Allah and In the Last Day. but if any turn away, truly Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 60:5-6

"O My Lord! bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous; "Grant me honourable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest (generations);"Make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss; "Forgive My father, for that He is among those astray; "And let me not be In disgrace on the Day when (men) will be raised up;- "The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, "But only He (will prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart;” 26:83-89

Acceptance of Prayers

Acceptance of Prayers By Allah Almighty By: Omar Suleiman

There are three things to think about when making our Duas and Allah accepting them:

1)      The answer can sometimes be “no”. We ask Allah to answer us on our terms but when you make dua you want Allah to answer you on the best terms. If Allah does not grant you something here than he will avert you from some harm that was greater or give it to you in the akhira.

2)       Allah is not unjust. Imagine there being two kids, one who was very obident and followed all of his parent orders and the other who disobeyed them. Now if they both asked for a present, who deserves it more? Allah will not give you something you have not worked for but reject others who have. And this is really important to understand. People always ask, “Where is the help of Allah?” but what are you doing in order for Allah to give you this help.

3)       If you want Allah to accept your dua, you have to trust in that dua

4)       Do what Allah says, Allah loves those who obey him.

Dua and putting your trust in Allah come, hand-in-hand, you need the one to have the other, there are three levels of trusting Allah:

1)       There is trusting Allah like you trust a wakil to be your business agent. You are constantly on top of him.

2)       Trusting Allah like a child trust his mother, Allah our ultimate source of comfort. We always run back to Allah.

3)       Trusting Allah the way a dead body trusts its washer, it has no choice. 

"I seek refuge in you, from you”

“I thought about asking Allah why he lets certain things happen in the world, but I was too scared he would ask me the same thing”

Moderation: Islam

MODERATION: ISLAM

The Balanced Nation: A Universal Responsibility By: Hafiz Tauqeer Shah

A great Persian once asked a poor Arab, “Why would uncivilized Muslim Arabian come to the biggest super power?”

All the Arab said was “I am here to help you”

Allah sent us so we can liberate human beings from their slavery to other human beings and bring them closer to their Lord. Allah wants us to take them from their narrowness of this world and to its spaciousness.

“Thus, have we made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and we appointed the Qibla to which Thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the Faith). indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. and never would Allah make your Faith of no effect. for Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.” 2:143

“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.” 3:110

There is No Such Thing as a Stinky Muslim

Assalamalikum
Bismillah wa Alhamdulillah

In Islam, the importance of cleanliness is heavily stressed. Take a look at Salah. Before every prayer, we are commanded to purify ourselves through wudu, wash up and then face Allah as we stand for Salah.
Allah tells us in Surah Baqarah that, "...Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." [2:222]
The Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wasalam also told us in a Muslim Hadith (2:0432) that "Cleanliness is half of faith...".  So there really should not be such a thing as a 'stinky' Muslim. We all have an obligation to be clean and stay as much as we can.  


Our Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi waslam, did not just tell us that cleanliness is half our deen but also gave more detail as in what we need to do to stay clean, subhanAllah. Our beloved, salla Allahu alayhi wasalam, told us that “Five things are part of the fitrah: shaving the pubic hair, circumcision, trimming the moustache, plucking the armpit hairs, and cutting the nails” [Bukhari, Muslim]
So we as Muslims must do these five things that have been commanded.
1) Shaving of the Pubic Hair- Removing the hair from the private parts is extremely important for two reasons. First off, because the Prophet commanded it and it is a part of maintaining cleanliness as a Muslim and two, because it is also scientifically unhealthy and unsafe to let hair just grow in this area. As you can see, subhanAllah, everything that is commanded is logical and makes sense and we don't exactly need science to proof but Alhamdulillah, it reaffirms to us how Allah's law is the best for us. Scientifically speaking, areas such as the privates and arm pits are dark areas- meaning they are usually covered. We don't walk around with them exposed, astaghfarullah. Thus these areas which become moist and are dark, become an ideal place for bacteria to accumulate. Thus with pubic hair kept unshaven, it creates a more ideal environment for bacteria to grow which can lead to many conditions and infections including yeast infections, especially in women. 
2) Circumcision- This is an obligation for men according to the majority consensus of Muslim scholars. It involves removal of the foreskin from glans, which is the covering on the male reproductive organ. It is routinely done in hospitals in the US, usually during the first ten days of birth. About 65% of newborn boys that are born are circumcised here in the US. Circumcision also prevents against infections that can complicate as time passes on. 
3) Trimming of the mustache- This generally applies to men too because women don't exactly grow mustaches like men do. Trimming of the mustache was recommended so that the hair does not cover the mouth or the lips. 
4) Removal of Armpit hairs- This again is similar to the removal of pubic hair because when the armpit's location without removing the hair can become an ideal place for bacteria to start to accumulate and can lead to infections. Sweat accumulates here and then mixed in with hair can create that warm, moist environment that bacterium love. Thus, this hair must be removed through whichever method is easiest. 
5) Cutting of the nails- Long nails can trap alot of bacteria, dirt, and grime. Thus nails must be kept short to keep this area clean as well. Long nails that are dirty is unhygeinic. 


**Our Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi waslam, not only told us about what we should do to stay clean but also gave a maximum number of days in which these must be done. In a Saheeh Muslim hadith, our Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wasalam, tells us that all these things must be done every forty days. So keep that in mind. Usually, hair growth can be an indication that it is time to shave. For women, you can use your monthly menses cycle to keep tabs on when you need to cut your nails and shave you pubic/privates hairs. 


Along with this, there are three modes of purification: 
Allah subhana wa ta'ala tells us in the Quran that: "O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful." [5:6]


So, three types of purification:
A. Wudu (the ablution)
B. Ghusl (the full bath)
C. Tayammum 


Wudu
This is something we do everyday before we pray our daily prayers. Most of us are already familiar with the steps of wudu but here they are in a nutshell
1. Make the intention and start with Bismillah
2. Wash your hands
3. Rinse your mouth three times
4. Wash your nose three times
5. Wash your face three times
6. Wash your arms three times- right first and then left from the fingers all the way to the elbows.
7. Wipe over the hair and clean the ears.
8. Wash the feet three times, right first and then left, thoroughly. 
*It was related by Nu'aim Al-Mujmir:"Once I went up the roof of the mosque along with Abu Huraira (RA): He performed ablution and said, "I heard the Prophet (S) saying, 'On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun from the traces of ablution and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (by performing ablution in the most perfect manner.'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 138) So inshaa'Allah may all our faces radiate on that Day from our wudu :) 


Ghusl
This is the full bath that is taken after Janabaa (sexual relations), menses, or postpartum bleeding.
Here are the steps of Ghusl: 

1.       Form the intention in the heart to purify oneself from major impurity: Janaabah (impurity following sexual discharge), menses or Nifaas (postpartum bleeding).

2.       Say Bismillah and wash the hands three times. Then, wash any dirt away from the private parts.

3.       Then do wudoo’ as for prayer, a complete wudoo’.

4.       Then pour water over the head three times, and rub the hair so that the water reaches the roots of the hair.

5.       Then wash the body, making sure that the water reaches all parts. Start with the right side of the body, then the left while rubbing it with the hands so that the water reaches the entire body. 

Tayammum 

This is a method to purify when one does not have water. It is done with dirt or leaves and such. This is not like normal wudu, so you do not have to put the dirt into your mouth or nose, all that is need is to clean the hands and the face with it. 

Allah send down the prescription for this in the case where no water is necessary in Surah Maidah, Ayah 6, "But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favor on you that you may be thankful.; ( 5:6)

So here you have it. The three means of purification along with the natural ways to stay clean and hygienic, inshaa'Allah. 

All good is from Allah and any mistakes are from ourselves. 

Jazakallahkhair! 

The Bare Minimum

Assalamalaikum

Bismillah wa Alhamdulillah

Discussion Question: What do you consider as the bare minimum? What does this mean? Why do think sticking to the bare minimum so common in our times? 

Introduction: Dilemma of the Youth Today- Sticking to the Bare minimum

 There is a trend that is taking place among our community of doing only what is necessary to get by. We are used to instant results from commercial on TV where taking pills for a week will make us shed our desired weight between two weeks. We are used to getting things done quick, fast, doing little, not working hard but still expecting awesome results. For this reason, today we see Muslims across the world that love to stick to 'the bare minimum'. That just praying fard salah will be okay with out any intention of doing more. That learning 5 Surahs is enough for the rest of their life. That going to Jummah once a week is a sufficient routine, that just doing enough to get you by is enough to get to Jannah. We forget our examples of the past, of the people that went out and beyond their capabilities to get a place in Jannah. By doing the bare minimum, we not only do ourselves injustice but we are cheating outselves, we risk out chances of getting into Jannah.

-The Scales on Yawm ul Akhirah

The reason why sticking to the bare minimum is risky is because of our scales. Every time we do something good, no matter how small it is written as something good that will be on ours scales as something good. However, when we sin, which is something we all do, because none of us are perfect, that sin weighs on our bad side. When you stick to the bare minimum, doing just enough to get by, but still we as humans keep sinning, then at the end of the day, your good and your bad may cancel out. If you just stick to the minimum but still make mistakes, you are left with nothing. Thus, you have to go far and beyond, do more do more and do more so that we can get more and more good deeds that will weigh heavier than our bad and maybe even cancel some of our bad deeds out.
Another reason why sticking to the bare minimum is dangerous is because we are never guarenteed whether our good deeds are accepted or not. We may never know if our salah has been accepted because we might have made a mistake and didn't remember or we might have mispronounced something and forgot and thus doing more and doing extra makes up a little bit for the mistakes that you may make along the way. 

-Racing towards good Deeds like a Tortoise, not a Hare.

Instead of doing just enough, instead of getting by with a 70, we need to change our aims. We need to aim for an A and then work towards an A. One important thing when thinking and planning to do extra deeds is to start slow but consistently. For example, if you want to start praying the extra sunnah of any type of nafl' prayer, start with a small number of rak'ahs and the increase. Don't be like the hare who went too fast and ended up losing the race. Stick to small but consistent steps. Our beloved salla Allahu alayhi waslam, also told us that the best of deeds are those that are done consistently. 

The Prophet, salla Allahu Alayhi waslam, was guarenteed Jannah but still did Istighfar, he still prayed extra rakahs, he still stood up in the night and prayer to Allah. Even though he already had a secure place in Jannah, he always did more. And when asked why? He replied that should he not be a grateful slave? If the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi waslam, who was guarenteed Jannah still did more, what does that say about us? We should definitely be striving to do more and constantly keep improving to follow his footsteps in shaa' Allah. 

‘Let’s try to stop looking for loop holes, to get the most ‘liberal’ way out or to choose the ‘easiest’ path that is the most convenient to our desires. Let’s stop sticking with minimum here, avoiding anything that is extra. In order to cultivate and grow your iman, you constantly have to keep striving for more, constantly keep struggling to better yourself. At the end of the day if your bad equals your good, the cup remains empty, so stock up on the good, and keep stocking every day. Remember, Firdaws is for those that strive the hardest, so keep struggling.”

‘Oh mankind, indeed you are ever toiling towards your lord, painfully toiling…
But you shall meet Him’ (84:6)

Dawah Rejuvenation

In the Quran, Allah talks about how these people will spend their lives to disprove Islam, Allah says that people will make up things about the prophets, Allah talks about how they can see perfectly but they are blind, they have a veil over them, Allah talks about these people who will deny him, people who will be ungrateful, people who will take Jesus as their God, people who will deny the day of judgement. 

These people have eyes, but can not see and ears but can not hear….even if you gave them biggest sign, even if you showed them the angels, they would not believe…they will not listen and continue in their disbelief. 

I have always believed this BUT today changed everything. Do you know when you see something crazy like a girl with super pink hair, you have to look twice to make sure you are seeing the right thing. I always read in the Quran about these people, I have encountered some of these people, I did work at Jim’s lol, but today during an “agstafiruallah debate” I realized fully the state of this blindness is, and it is not just a sheer scarf over these people’s eyes, get a black wool blanket and place over these people eyes. Today was my second glance. 

The shiekhs are right, this guy was playing on my words, switching the topic and every time I told him to stop, he would laugh. He was playing a game, while I truly was trying to inform, forgetting the inevitable wool blanket. You come in with a good intention and leave flustered and red, I looked like a tomato. 

Honestly,I think I am going to retire on the debated and stick to my original dawah, spreading the word’s of Allah through coolio slips, and cards, and just trying my best to live by the prophet, mega mega mega super super nice :) :) :) inshallah :) 

and maybe have an intellectual discussion one-on-one…..maybe ;)

"Summer Fling vs. Soul Mate"

Summer Fling vs. Soul-Mate

What is a summer fling?

            A summer fling is an instant satisfactory limited gift for our need for love. A summer fling is temporary and primarily based on attraction more than capability.  

Examples?

-middle school boyfriend

-the guy from the summer camp

-the “religious” guy from the conference

-your high school soul mate

What are the main connections between all of these?

They are temporary, not soul mate potential and based primarily on looks.  

Good vs. Evil

Although we are making this temporary life partner sound horrible and makes you question, who would want temporary happiness?  BUT there is a reason why people do it, there is some presumed “good” in it. Every human being wants to be loved, and yearns for love and when we get it, we become intoxicated. A heart that is in love is intoxicated. We are blind and engulfed in happiness. Everything is amazing. This is the nly good from these relationships, happiness but it is a blind and temporary happiness.

Now on to the evil…

Do you really think you are going to marry someone you met in middle school? Or even high school? You are only 13, 14, 15 years old, the chances are slim. And do you think Allah will bless a relationship that began from haram?

If we look back at the first relationship between man a woman, their relationship was not founded on just a simple attraction, take the good only and as soon as something bad happens, you just leave and move on-which is pretty much the essence of what a summer fling is. Marriage, this concept of ‘soul mates’ is much more beautiful, much more modest that what it is has become in the light of movies today.

The first love in humanity was between a husband and wife. The first relationship of Adam and Eve was described by Allah to be one in which tranquility was found amongst one another.  Allah does not describe a relationship as something that is superficial, something based on looks, something that is just for ‘fun’ and temporary. Allah describes marriage with the word ‘zawj.’

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” [30:21]

Marriage is something whose purpose is to find tranquility with one another- with rahma. Gender relations are only through this bond, only through this relationship and every other means becomes ‘haram’.

To some people, it seems so weird to get married and THEN fall in love when everyone and everything around you tells you that love comes first and then marriage. But the biggest benefit is accepting the good and bad. In a summer fling, its all good and fun. You are intoxicated by attraction, it consumes you in a way. All you think about is the good of that person and as soon as some kind of commitment or responsibility comes along, people leave each other. You see it all the time. Whether its through cheating or whether its through a random baby that comes around. You probably have seen teen mom in which the guy leaves or most guys leave as soon as a baby comes into the picture. Reason being? Responsibility.

When you get married, when you find a soul mate, it’s a stable bond that automatically comes with responsibility. You don’t know every little thing about the person, so it keeps building and you grow and learn together. There is responsibility involved, the mahr, the obligations of each spouse on the other.

If you take a glimpe at the Prophet’s relationship with Aisha, salla Allahu alayhi waslam, you’ll realize the light, fun relationship and bond they had. If you look at his relationship with his first wife, Khadija, you’ll notice the level of trust and the relationship of a best friend.

So would you rather choose something temporary, that ends really quick with people hurt or would you rather choose something that will actually last, living in rahma, mercy, and compassion amongst one another. 

Avoiding Temptations

Temptations are all around us, we live in a society that is marked by these temptations.

Discussion: So what are some common, everyday temptations that we face whether it be at school or home or our jobs?

§  Wealth

§  Shopping

§  Laziness

§  Opposite gender

§  Music

§  TV

All these temptations that we have just discussed are absolutely prevalent in our daily lives.  First we’re going to briefly generalize all these temptations that we just listed into several categories according to the what the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved, salla Allahu alayhi waslam. And then we will spend most of out time speaking about relevant and practical ways in dealing with these everyday temptations.

Definition of Fitnah:

§  Fitnah in Arabic language in its origin refers to the cleaning and purification process that gold and silver is put through. The process of heating it and processing it. Just like this purification process separates the pure from the impure, the good from the bad, that’s how fitnah is.

§ Fitnah is treated like it is something bad but in reality it isn’t. It is up to you; fitnah can either be the best thing that happened to you or the worst thing. It could either be your doom and destruction or cause you to come out from the side, amazing and purified like the gold and silver does after its been purified.

Types of Fitnah: (Surah Kahf)

§  Surah Kahf talks about four main, four big fitnahs and for each one Allah provides us the solution

§  First one: Fitnah of Iman- how to really stay Muslim. This is definitely targeted for us, going to public school or college. Keeping iman can be a constant struggle. It’s a challenge these days and so Allah presents the story of the youth early on in Surah Kahf. ‘They were youth that believed in their lord and we increased them in guidance” Allah took care of them and just like that Allah will also take care of us. So the solution? 1, have your priorities straight. Make preserving your iman your number 1 priority. When that is set in stone, just like the youth mentioned in Surah Kahf, Allah will take care of you but make that your priority. 2, Allah tells us in Surah Kahf, how there is a huge discussion of the number of youth that were present, there was a group of them, they became each other support system so number 2, find good company. Find someone who has the same concern for them, who when you find yourself slipping you can go talk to them and then help you do a self-check, who you are comfortable enough to tell each other, look look look, maybe you shouldn’t have done that or this would have been a better way. But you need a support system; find a support system even if is just one person, we all naturally need companionship; it is an innate desire that we all have. So you might not always be with the cool people if you want to keep your iman, you might not always be part of that big possy .

-So make iman your priority. These youth went to the cave cause they had to to protect their iman. They did what they needed to to protect themselves, keeping iman at the top. And Allah tells us that ‘we took care of them’ and I want you to see this, this is epic, blew me away because Allah’s mercy is just subhanAllah.

-One in the story in Surah Kahf, there is a dog. A dog randomly just joined along with them, a big old mean dog, protection provided by Allah.

-They go to cave, called Al-Kahf. In the Arabic language, there are two types of names for caves, there is 1) a ghar, ghar e-Hira, the cave that the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi waslam would used to go to right? It was a huge cave. This kahf is more of an opening, its not very deep inside, its has a huge entrance, not very deep. So these youth were not protected really, they were just in an opening where Allah put them to sleep and listen to this, in Surah kahf it tells us they were asleep for 309 years.

-And heres the amazing part, look what Allah does to them. ‘Allah tells us, they were sleeping when the sun would rise, Allah would command the sun to kinda move away a little bit so it would burn them for hours and hours’ For these youth, Allah moved the sun a little bit to protect these youth. He moved the sun a tad bit for them so it would avoid them.

-And not just this, but you know how if you lie somewhere for too long, you get bedsores. And these youth were asleep for 309 years and if they had stayed in the same place they definitely would have got their body damaged. So look what Allah did for them, to protect their body from damage, every morning and evening we would flip them over. Allah is saying we did it, we turned them over. The dog was also preserved, but he arranged him to the way where he sat there just like a guard dog would right at the front of the cave.

-Not just this, but Allah says if you were to see them you would think they were awake while they were asleep. They were asleep but to an outsider it would seem like they were awak and Allah says, that if you had looked at them, you would have been terrified. You would have gotten scared and ran. Look at the way Allah took care of them when they made iman their priority.

§  The second fitnah was the fitnah of wealth, of money. The story of the guy with the two gardens is mentioned in Surah Kahf. This guy that has these two gardens, is being by another guy to appreciate the blessing to be grateful to believe in Allah but he kept denying, he was arrogant cause of his wealth and then overnight, everything that they guy had, was wiped out. So how do we survive through the test of wealth? Solution provided is simple: 1, realize the reality of material things and wealth. ‘give to them the example of this world that rains down from the sky, it mixes with the ground, and it becomes scattered dust’. For a while the flowers grow or something will grow but eventually it becomes garbage and the wind blows it away. That is the reality of the world. Its flashy, sweet at first but it ends. 2, you’ve got money, awesome, but balance it with the akhirah. Invest into something that will last: good deeds. You have money? Put it into something that will last like charity, building a masjid, money you can do a lot with: use it.

§  Third fitnah: story of Musa alayhisalam and Khidhr, his teacher. It is the fitnah of knowledge. This can be one of the most problematic. A lot of the people that are more active and knowledge, their lack of character become a way to push people away. When the guy or girl that does know a lot that pray etc but then acts like a jerk, it pushes people away. Solution: humility. Humble yourself. Find a teacher or mentor that you constantly seek advice from, constantly be taught, realize that no matter how knowledge you have, there is always more to learn. Your knowledge is a blessing, if your smart it is because Allah made you smart. Don’t start calling yourself awesome, your 4.0 GPA is a blessing from Allah who put that potential in you who made your brain in the first place. So Be grateful, be humble. In the story of Musa and Khidhr, Khidhr is his mentor; he’s constantly keeping him in check. He’s constantly telling Musa to be quiet; but Musa sticks with it.

§  Fourth fitnah: fitnah of power. This is depicted in the story of Dhul Qarnaiyn towards the end of Surah Kahf. You will be held responsible for your flock. The word in Arabic for responsibility literally means ‘you will be held accountable’. We are all responsible for our flock. Solution: mingle with the people. Talk with them. Don’t over use your power as an older sibling to be mean and harsh and brutal to your younger ones. Don’t use the power as being a parent to be cruel and harsh to your children and likewise with children to parents. Power can be a fitnah; use it in moderation and in a way that brings about benefit.

Practical Steps in Dealing with Fitnah:

§  Niyyah and the right mindset to avoid the temptation. This goes for everything. If you want to change something, start with setting the proper niyyah even if you keep failing in the beginning. Only if you set your mind to avoid it, only if you make the niyyah and ask Allah to help you will your path be eased.

§  Making Iman your priority: Remember the story of the youth in Surah Kahf; they had their iman as their priority and look at how Allah helped them.

§  If you want to stay away from fitnah, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Prophet Yusuf, alayhisalam was being approached by Zulaikha as Allah tells us in Surah Yusuf. Zulaiqa wanted to ‘do the deed’, Prophet Yusuf was one of the most handsome people to have lived and she too was pretty. She had bolted all the doors, not like today where it is just a small lock, she had literally BOLTED the doors. There was no one watching, they were all alone but Prophet Yusuf, alayhisalam feared Allah so naturally he was temped. What he do? He first asked Allah for help and then RAN towards the bolted doors. If a door is bolted, what do you expect? To crash into it, right? But watch what happens. Prophet Yusuf, alayhisalam is running towards the bolted doors and the doors SWING OPEN for him. These bolted doors just fly open subhanAllah. So when you are faced with some kind of fitnah, do not just sit there and expect the fitnah to magically disappear; DO SOMETHING about it. You make the effort and watch the way Allah will help you inshaa’Allah.

§  Keeping the following three attributes of Allah in mind: All-Knowing, All-seeing, All-hearing. No matter where you, if you are about to engage in something haram or are on the verge of falling into temptation remember that if no one is watching, Allah is still the All-Seeing, All-Hearing, and the All-knowing.

§  Stay away from the place of fitnah. For example, if guys are a fitnah for you and you are you know constantly struggling to stay away from talking to them or getting into relationships that you know are not permissible and say one of them is facebook chat. Say that Bob always messages you like late at night and now you really are trying to avoid this, well a really awesome way would maybe be 1, not getting on facebook chat, or 2, deleting Bob. So you see, staying away from the fitnah, you keep away from what is causing the fitnah. Another example could be maybe wealth let’s say and you know that every time you go to the mall, you psycho splurge, well keep away from it and maybe go to the mall less frequently.

§  Purify yourselves 5 times a day: The importance of this cannot be stressed enough, I think we all by now get the point but how many of us actually implement it. You want to avoid temptation, you want to avoid fitnah? Start with the most vital connection with your creator: salah. If you are still struggling to pray Fajr or would like a call just to make sure you get up, right now we can do a buddy system calling where you know if you want a wake up call, give us your number or pair up with someone and inshaa’Allah we can get this going. Salah is key, and any beginning starts here. [Tell story about the guy who used to drink]

§  Attach yourself to the Quran: The Quran if full of lessons, full of reminders and is a the perfect way to feel Allah speaking directly to you. The more you will get to learn about your deen, about Allah, about Prophets, the harder it will be to choose temptation over the beauty of Islam.

§  Employ Istighfar: Continuously ask Allah for forgiveness for your sins. We are all sinners and as Ibn Taymiyyah said ‘Every son of Adam is a sinner and the best of sinners are those who repent’. We may say we won’t engage in such and such but we may fall into it. We as humans are weak but don’t let a fall ruin the climb uphill. Get back up on your feet and constantly employ istighfar. It is more important to get rid of the stain on your robe then to keep adding to the robe while the giant stain is still there. So ask for forgiveness, constantly keep purifying yourself.

**Much of the information was extracted from Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda’s talk on the Four types of Fitan (Trials) by Quran Weekly. Check out their Youtube page, inshaa’Allah!  

And to Allah belong all things good and pure. 

Shariah Law

Islamic Shariah Law: Core Concepts and Definition 

via lecture By: Abdool Rahman Khan

Shariah is an embodiment of all laws, beliefs, ordinance and regulations from Allah; a combonation os Allah’s laws that is vital to human life given to us in the 23 year period of revelation of the Quran. If someone says that it is “just laws”, it is so much MORE than that! They are not penal laws or laws that were sent down to punish people, they are laws which impact every aspect of human life. If you read the preamble of the constitution, minus the last sentence, this is the goal of shariah, “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity…” Every religion was sent its on shariah, the Christians were sent the “kha- nun” and the Jews were sent the “halaqa” or “bet-deen”.  Shariah is not some new phenomenon and not just a set of rules, it is truth from Allah.

Shariah vs. Fiqh

Shariah is from Allah whereas fiqh is scholarly interpretations of laws. Shairah is inclusive, meaning that you can wake up in the morning and be obliged to follow the rules given to us by Allah but you cannot become a master of fiqh overnight. Shariah is how to live our life and fiqh is the implementation of these laws. Shairah is complete and will never change but fiqh is never complete it changes from generation to generation, the sheikh even said when he was younger there were teachers of fiqh who said that the microphone was haram because it was not the voice of the person but the voice of shaitan coming from the microphone, but we all know that today, sheikhs would not be able to address their congregations without the use of the microphone.

Limitations with Shariah debates

1.      -You can change what people think but you can’t change the way they feel, so you can be telling the truth and honestly winning the debate but the person can still go away from the conversation thinking “sheery-ah” is evil. Sometimes these debates are a waste of time when it comes to changing the beliefs of a person or trying to eradicate the ignorance amongst them.

2.       -We cannot mock other beliefs where as Christians can say whatever they want about Muhammad or Islam.

3.       -When we are debating these people we are focused on their agenda and there for we are defending ourselves but not really telling people about the beauty of Islam and the basic of our religion. One thing is for certain, Muslims do not need to defend themselves.

Objective of Shariah Law: From the Quranic Perspective

via lecture By: Nouman Ali Khan

Before thinking about the objective of Shariah Law, we need to think about ourselves for a second and the way in which we treat our religion. As Muslims, we cannot compromise with our Islam. Remember when the Prophet (sws) came the people they wanted him to compromise his religion and they will compromise but Muhammad (sws) would never compromise and should not either; so it is either this way or the highway. And yes, we can be polite but we should never compromise. Some Muslims today are caring more about what people think rather than what Allah thinks, it is about the people first and Allah second, when in reality Allah comes first in all of our matters. What does Allah want? It is in Surah Nisa, Allah mentions what he wants, Allah wants us to follow what he has ordained for us, and not to burden us but to lighten our burden. The objective of shariah is for us to learn forgiveness. An easy way to get forgiveness is to obey Allah. Allah also mentions those before us. Think about it, who are the people Allah mentions the most in Quran? The Children of Israel, who were the 1^st given shariah, and every religion, is given their own laws and it is our duty to follow them.  

The summary of shariah is to follow the laws established by Allah and give zakat, all laws serve Allah and humanity. Shariah fulfills the traditions from Ibrahim. 

If Allah says to do something, shut-up and DO IT!

JUSTICE IN ISLAM

Justice: A Quranic Requisite for Society

via lecture by: Mohammad Yunus

Justice in the Quran:

“Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and Liberality kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He you, that ye may receive admonition.” 16:90

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, As witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. for Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” 5:8

It is a commandment from Allah to be just, and do justice on yourself and others. Allah is most just and the ultimate dispenser of justice. The goal of Muhammad (sws) was justice,

“We sent aforetime Our apostles with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the balance (of right and wrong), that men may stand forth In justice; and we sent down iron, In which is (material for) mighty war, As well As many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His apostles: for Allah is full of strength, Exalted In might (and able to enforce His Will).” 57:25

This is the job for the Ummah, and a leader who is just will be one of the people under the shade of Allah.

7 Principles of Justice in Islam

“Haqq al din”: respect for religion

“Haqq al nafs/haya”: respect of human person

“Haqq al nafl”: respect human family

“Haqq al mal”: right of private property

“Haqq al hurriyah”: respect of self-determination (khalifa, shura, ijma)

“Haqq al kirama”: respect human dignity

“Haqq al Ilm”: respect of knowledge, thought, press.

Justice is the CORE of Islam and there are two types of justices, social and judicial, both are equally important.  

Judicial justice is established in case of disputes and social justice is expanding rights among people. There are three foundations of social justice:

1)     1)  Freedom of conscience

2)      2) Complete human equality

3)     3)  Take care of each other

 “Say: "It is not In My power to cause you harm, or to bring you to right conduct." 72:21

Justice is an obligation amongst us and the principles of justice should be our guide on all matters no matter who the person is; muslims, non-muslim, boy, girl, friends, foes, etc. This is obligatory at all levels of society.

“Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the faith), and stand steadfast As Thou art commanded, nor follow Thou their vain desires; but say: "I believe In the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is Our Lord and your Lord: for us (Is the responsibility for) Our deeds, and for you for your deeds. there is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) final Goal.” 42:15

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, As witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. for Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” 5:8 

“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who Fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.” 60:8

“The word of Thy Lord doth find its fulfilment In truth and In justice: none can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all.” 6:115

MODERATION:ISLAM

The Balanced Nation: A Universal Responsibility 

via lecture by: Hafiz Tauqeer Shah

A great Persian once asked a poor Arab, “Why would uncivilized Muslim Arabian come to the biggest super power?”

All the Arab said was “I am here to help you”

Allah sent us so we can liberate human beings from their slavery to other human beings and bring them closer to their Lord. Allah wants us to take them from their narrowness of this world and to its spaciousness.

“Thus, have we made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and we appointed the Qibla to which Thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the Faith). indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. and never would Allah make your Faith of no effect. for Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.” 2:143

“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.” 3:110