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ALAL-HADIYAH Vol. 1, Issue 3
A HAADI PRESS RELEASE
Purpose of Marriage
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Living with Al-Gafoor Wa Al-Wadood 10
From the Caliphate to the Contemporary Nation-States 12
Three precious girls, One Deadly Disease
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ALAL-HADIYAH Team Editor-in-chief & Layout &Graphic Designer Fathimah Zainulabideen Co-Editor Turner Schafer Writers* Shaykh Muhammed Hussein Turner Schafer Asma Saloom Nabeel Kamboh Rayees Shamsuddin Maryam Labib Asfia Khan Fathimah Zainulabideen
Contents Editor’s Note 3
Message from Our Ameer 4 Words of Advice from Shaykh Muhammed Hussein
Purpose of Marriage 5 Extracts from LOVE Tips by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni 7
HEAR THE ECHOES EVERY FRIDAY
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About Shaykh AbdulBary Yahya
Living with Al-Gafoor Wa Al-Wadood 10 Islamic Political Thought 12 From the Caliphate to the Contemporary Nation-States
Etiquettes of Student of Knowledge 15 Special Feature
Front Cover Design Haneen Hammad Advertising Representative Yasser Bafakyh Printers Valley Business Center * All submissions are welcome.
Interview with Shaykh Waleed Basyouni 16
Raising the Bar– Aiming High 18 Catch these quotes Fiqh Of Love 20 Youth Corner
Misconceptions About Islam 22 True Story Three Precious Girls, One Deadly Disease 24 Islamic Temple of San Francisco 26 POEM
Ask about ALAL-HADIYAH Subscription
My Young Child 28 From our Blooming Flowers- Beautiful Message & Nature 29
Announcements & Events 31
Xw|àÉÜËá aÉàx TáátÄtÅâ TÄt|~âÅ jt et{ÅtàâÄÄt{| jt UtÜt~tàâ{â WxtÜ extwxÜ? Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen! Yet another issue! And with each time, I hope that we are able to bring you something better and richer– A Magazine that you can look forward to reading, insha Allah. We ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala that AL-HADIYAH continues to solidify as time passes.
After having worked on the whole magazine– the editing, the layout, the designing– I sit here not able to decide what to write. I could write a little about what this issue contains, or I could write about something about our upcoming AlMaghrib Seminar, or I could write about AL-HADIYAH’s next issue because I hope to make it extra special– it going to be our final issue of the year, the one in between Ramadan and Hajj. But, alas! My mind is revolving around a nice elderly woman I met today at the Masjid. A Woman who suffers from the trials of her only son who is supposed to be her caretaker in her old age; instead abuses her. May Allah protect us all from such trials and ease her affairs for her. May Allah grant Hidayah to the son...Aameen... A Woman who was born into a noble and well-to-do but, her fate turned 180˚. She reminded me of one of the female scholars we had learnt about during “Torch Bearers” with Shaykh Waleed Basyouni (which also happens to be my first AlMaghrib class) A little about this Torch Bearer: Zumurrud Khatoon bint Jawlee was born into a royal family– she was daughter of a king, sister to the king, wife of two husbands, mother of two kings and grandmother of a king. She was a Queen. Known for her beauty and intelligence, her courage and her knowledge, she was loved by her people. Yet, she suffered at the hands of her sons and later on her own husband. It was her courage and wisdom that helped her through it all, and her stance that she would earn her own bread (towards the end of her life). This woman also reminded me of the ayah in Surah Al-Kahf: Wealth and Children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for reward and better for hope. (Ayah 46) Perhaps, the context here is different. This ayah is more implacable when wealth and children are the “Zeenah”- adornment. But all the same, they are a trial for us. Allah tests by beautifying our lives to see if we are grateful to Him, if we pay its due rights etc. But Allah Azza Wajal also tests us by constricting our Blessings (to bring into sync with what I am talking about–lack of wealth or with no/special/disobedient children) As she spoke about her current situation where she is living in hiding from her son under the protection of Police and State, she quoted an ayah which is also a Dua’. She said that she keeps making that Dua’- the Dua’ of the People of the Cave when they were hiding from the oppressors: ًاFَH َرJَKMِ ْOْ َأQِO JَRَS ْءUVWًَ َوهZَ[ْ\] َر َ KُF_S QِO JَRِ` ءَاaَR_bَر "Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance." (Surah Al-Kahf: 10) Alhamdulillah, we do not treat our parents this way. But how much good do we do for them? Are we still in that receiving mentality where we want to call our parents to come live with us only when we need them? Or do we invite them to live with us just so that we can do good for them? Let us set aside sometime for them, whether we are near or away from them– along with taking care of our kids and spouses, engaging ourselves in Da’wah and activism, social services etc. I just wanted to leave you (of course it is to myself first) with this thought to ponder upon. Islam is the Middle Path, and disciplines us to lead this balanced way of life where we can incorporate all our responsibilities and duties. Please forgive me for this random note, and I pray that some benefit comes off it insha Allah. May Allah bless us all and accept our little efforts.
Ytà{|Åt{ mt|ÇâÄtu|wxxÇ PS: You may contact me if you wish to help the sister mentioned here.
FROM THE AMEER’S DESK
Message from Our Ameer BISMILLAHI WASSALATHU WASSALAMU 'ALAA RASOOLILLAH Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu Alhamdulillah, we are left with less than two months before Ramadan 1431. When we look back at the events at Qabeelat Haadi since last Ramadan, we have come a long way. We started with Divine Link: Fiqh Of Salah with Shaykh Yaser Birjas after Ramadan 1430, followed by Fiqh Of Love: Love and Marriage in Islam by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni early this year. Now, by the Grace of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala, we are having our first Tafseer Double-Weekend-Seminar on Surah Al-Kahf: ECHOES OF A CAVE taught by Shaykh AbdulBary Yahya. This is my first class as the Ameer of Qabeelat Haadi and Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed me with the opportunity of serving you in facilitating this amazing class by an inspirational and dynamic scholar. I should say, as the Lead of the local Chapter of an Islamic Educational Organization, it has been a humbling experience so far. I am so amazed by the zeal of my fellow brothers and sisters who volunteer for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala alone. May Allah increase all of us in our sincerity and increase us in our Taqwa. With the help from Allah, we as Muslims have tremendous potential to grow and become a role model community in every aspect of the religion. People flock from different parts of the world to come and work in the Silicon Valley for various benefits. We have the caliber to raise the bar when it comes to Da’wah and activism, and work towards becoming the best and strongest Muslim Community in the US, as well. However this requires dedication, hard work and a vision to benefit the community and humanity at large, following the Prophetic Guidance and Principles and establishing a strong foundation of Truth, Unity and Perseverance. So I call upon all the readers, in our humble effort to institutionalize the way we learn, educate and practice our Deen, in a way that is pleasing to Allah Azza Wajal. We have much work to do and reach out to the larger Bay Area Community, by lending a platform to come and seek beneficial knowledge and guidance as prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah with relevance to our times. Qabeelat Haadi tries to bring classes that address the relevant needs of the Muslim community here, and also bring the most qualified and dynamic Instructors who are known and respected worldwide. We would love to hear from you, how we can improve in this effort and also your sincere suggestions for the functioning of Qabeelat Haadi. This year we have accomplished quite a few projects by the Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. We had the opportunity to help out and organizing a six week lecture series with MCA as our sponsor, on the Torch Bearers Part I, which covered the lives of some of the greatest Sahabah, followed by a half day seminar on Fiqh Of Taharah by Shaykh Abdulbary. MCA Da’wah Committee has been a very good supporter of Qabeelat Haadi and has facilitated all our events with the utmost co-operation. We also took Shaykh AbdulBary to other communities in the Bay Area in one exciting Road Trip. We have started conducting regular Halaqaat on Tafseer Juz Amma for the sisters and monthly lectures like the Fiqh of Adhkaar Series. We are working on participating with Charity Organizations. This year, we will be taking part in the “Oakland Humanitarian Day” by organizing a “New Clothes Drive” insha Allah. I am also pleased to say that this is our 3rd Issue of Al Hadiyah Magazine and has truly been an amazing effort by our student body to give back to the community, a small taste of what we are learning here, at Al Maghrib Institute. Finally, I ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala to bless us in knowledge that is beneficial and guide us on the Straight Path. We seek refuge in Him from the Shaytan and all other evil. May Allah make us among the true Torch Bearers of Islam and enter us into Jannatul Firdaws. Aameen. Jazakum Allahu Khayran Wassalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu
Yasser Bafakyh 4
AL-HADIYAH MAGAZINE VOL.1, ISSUE 3
NASEEHA – LIFE SCIENCES
Purpose Of Marriage By Shaykh Muhammed Hussein Translated by Maryam Labib and Asma Saloom Continued from “Words to Advise, not Shame” Vol 1, tween your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who Issue 2 reflect.” (Surah al Ra'd, 61) First: Why do we marry? Unfortunately, many people do not understand why they get married. Most women, Muslim or non-Muslim, are thinking about the white gown, the gifts, and the parties, and they do not understand what comes after that. The most surprising thing is that some men start to want these things, especially Muslim men. They do not understand the reality of marriage in the pure Islamic Shari’ah. Therefore, I will focus on five reasons for marriage.
So the successful marriage bond is built upon compassion and mercy. 2. Seeking righteous progeny From the saying of the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam:
"Marry ‘al wulood al wudood,’ for I shall outnumber the previous nations through you on the Day of Resurrection." (Recorded by Abu Dawood, Al-Nasa’i, and Ibn Hib1. Searching/looking/seeking for love and mercy. ban) . "Al wulood" is the woman who bears many children, and "Al Humans have been created as emotional creatures, need- wudood" is a woman who shows love to her husband. ing to fulfill this emotion. Otherwise, that person will go Also according to his saying, Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam: astray from the straight path. “If the son of Adam dies, his actions are ceased except They need to have belief in Allah as their God, Islam as three: A continuous charity, knowledge which benefits oththeir religion, and Muhammad Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam ers, or a righteous son supplicating for him” -- meaning, as a Prophet and Messenger. This is the most important either a righteous son or daughter who makes Dua’ for the deceased and asks for mercy and forgiveness for them. thing that humans need: belief, with love. Therefore, it is necessary for parents to concern them"None of you will truly believe until I am more beloved to selves with raising their children with a righteous upbringhim than his own self, his family, his wealth, and all of man- ing. kind." The Most High says: "Oh you who believe! Save your“Say: "If you love Allah, then follow me: Allah will love you selves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and and forgive your sins for you; for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most stones." (Surah al Tahreem, 6) Merciful." The purpose of marriage is not simply the production of So the love of Allah is expressed through Tawheed, with children. Rather, it necessitates teaching them and guiding the absence of Shirk, and the love of the Prophet Salla Al- them to them to the straight path, away from the people of lahu alaihi wasallam is expressed by following him and hell-fire. avoiding innovations, and likewise for the love for all of the Prophets, the Saliheen, the Sahaba, and all those And this is one of the biggest responsibilities placed upon who follow their steps with Ihsaan until the Day of Judg- the parents. ment. 3. Happiness After this, humans are in need of love of a different type: the special love between men and women that blooms in Yes, if each person, male or female, makes a sound choice marriage, which Allah describes as a solemn covenant (he means of their spouse), it is certain that true happiness will follow. (meethaqan ghaleetha). Allah Most High says: “And among His Signs is that He The Messenger of Allah, Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, created for you mates from yourselves, that you may dwell said: in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy be-
NASEEHA – LIFE SCIENCES “Three things bring the son of Adam happiness: a good wife, a good home , and a good means of transport. And three things cause the son of Adam misery: a bad wife, a bad home , and a bad means of transport.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad with a saheeh sanad, on the authority of Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas.
wife to do something, she obeys him. Unfortunately, many Muslim women cannot tolerate this issue, and this is from the weakness of their Emaan, because it is not possible for one to choose to take only what one wants within the Deen and leave what one wants to leave.
Allah criticized Bani Israel for doing this in His Book, and 4. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi said: wasallam “...is it only a part of the Book that you believe in, and you reject the rest? There is no reward for those of you who do According to Saheeh Al-Bukhari, on the authority of Anas this except disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Judgbin Malik Radiya Allahu anh, “A group of three men came ment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty, to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the for Allah is not unmindful of what you do.” (Surah al Prophet worshipped (Allah). When they were informed Baqarah, 85) about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we compared to the Prophet, as his past The shame that our Ummah is experiencing right now is and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them because we believe in part of the Book and deny parts. The said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." obedience that I speak about here is not blind. Rather, it is The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not related to the obedience of Allah and His Messenger, Salla break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the Allahu alaihi wasallam. If a husband orders his wife with women and will not marry forever." Allah's Apostle came to something contrary to the commands of Allah and His Mesthem and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and- senger, it is necessary for her to disobey him and follow so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more Allah’s commands. afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow For Women: my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my folThe husband should possess good character and religion. lowers)." This is a precious advice to the parents and to the girls who Not from the Ummah at all! Whoever wanders away from are preparing for marriage. The man who has good characthe way of the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam is in ter and religion is the only one who will protect his wife’s rights. great loss. “Deem not the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allah does know those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: then let those beware who withstand the Messenger's order, lest some trial befall them, or a grievous Penalty be inflicted on them.” (Surah An-Noor, 63)
The man with religion and good character will not treat her unfairly even when he gets angry. He will not leave her without a good reason. He will not hurt her or be a reason for fitnah in his family. He will always remember the Prophet’s saying, Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam: “The best among you is he who is the best to his family. And I am the best of all of you to my family." (Saheeh, Ibn Majah)
Who will you choose? It is necessary for the guardian to choose wisely for his daughter, and not to marry her to an oppressor or a person who does not pray or one who mistreats his parents or one Firstly, if he looks at her, she pleases him. That does not who uses alcohol or drugs. By doing so, he would endanmean with make-up or things that will change the creation ger her religion and expose himself to Allah’s anger. of Allah. Of course not! By Allah, what this means is the emotional satisfaction and the mental compatibility between Here I am reminded of a beautiful example from the pious them. This is especially true when it comes to issues re- predecessors on how to choose a husband for one’s garding the Hereafter, in understanding the reality of this daughter. Sa’eed ibn Musayyib was one of the scholars of Duniya -- that it is merely temporary -- and in opposing the the Tabi’een – he was one of the best of them, and the enemies of Allah and loving the Awliyaa’ of Allah and the greatest of them in knowledge and fiqh. He had a daughter who was amongst the best of women in her character, and Saliheen. the most knowledgeable of the Quran and Sunnah. The Allah says: “And a believing slave woman is better than a Khaleefah, Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, asked for her hand for disbelieving woman, even though she may allure his son Al-Waleed ibn Abdul Malik. Sa’eed ibn Musayyib refused him, and he married her off to one of his poorest you.”(Surah al Baqarah, 221) students, whose name was Katheer ibn Abi Wada’ah. He Secondly, her obedience. When a husband commands his sent him 5,000 dirhams and told him to spend it on his wife. For Men:
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AL-HADIYAH MAGAZINE VOL.1, ISSUE 3
NASEEHA – LIFE SCIENCES In the morning, Katheer wanted to go attend a circle of knowledge with Sa’eed ibn Musayyib. The bride told him, “Sit down, I will teach you the knowledge of Sa’eed ibn Musayyib.” So he sat, and this righteous wife taught him. Look at how Sa’eed ibn Musayyib preferred this poor, pious man over the rich and powerful one.
The man said, “I cannot forgive you. The land is not mine. So go to my landlord and ask him, as this is his property.” Thaabit asked, ”Where is he?” The man said, “There is a walking distance of a night and a day between you and him.”
So a righteous woman is obedient to her Lord, to her Prophet, and to her husband, as long as the husband is righteous and obeys Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. According to the Prophet’s saying, Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam: “May Allah have mercy on a woman who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes her husband to pray; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” And this is to perfom 2 Raka’at in the middle of the night.
Thaabit said, “I will go to him no matter what, because the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam said that any flesh that has grown from non-halal means, then Hellfire is more deserving of it.”
It is necessary for the righteous woman to consult people of Taqwa before she gets married. In Saheeh Muslim, it is recorded: Fatimah bint Qais, Radiya Allahu anha, from Quraish came to the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam asking for his advice about whom she should marry: Mu’awiyah or Abu Jahm? The Prophet Sallal Allahu alaihi wasallam said, “Mu’awiyah is a poor man, with no money, and Abu Jahm does not put down his stick (beats women), so marry Usamah ibn Zaid.”
Thaabit said, “Make whatever condition you wish.” So the landlord of the orchard said: “Marry my daughter, but she is deaf, blind, mute, and paralyzed.”
He walked until he reached the owner of the orchard and told him the story. The landlord said: “By Allah, I will not forgive you except on one condition.”
Thaabit said, “I accept her hand, and I will seek the reward with my Lord as I am serving her.” The marriage contract was completed.
When he approached her for the first time, he gave her his salaam, and he found her replying to it. And she stood, and Although Usamah ibn Zaid was the slave of the Prophet shook his hand. He found her to be amongst the most Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam, the Prophet pointed him out to beautiful women. Fatimah and she accepted him, and she rejected Mu’awiShe told him: “I am blind, as I do not look at Haram. I am yah and Abu Jahm both, Radiya Allahu anhuma. Thaabit ibn Ibrahim is another one of the great examples. deaf, as I do not listen to anything that does not please AlHe walked by a garden one day and he was starving after lah. I am mute, because my tongue does not say anything an extremely long trip. A fruit fell on the ground and he ate Haram. I am paralyzed, because my legs will not take me half of it. Then he remembered that it was not Halal for him as it was not his right to take it. So he entered the orchard, to anything that angers Allah.” So they married, and the hoping to find the owner and ask for his forgiveness. He result of this marriage was Imam Abu Haneefah Rahimahu found a man there and said: “I ate half of this apple, so for- Allah. give me for what I ate and take the other half.”
Extracts from “Love & Marriage Tips” from Shaykh Waleed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Great relationships don’t just happen, they are created. If you think you are too good for your spouse, think again! One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is your focused attention. Marriage isn’t 50-50. It is 100-100 Generosity of spirit is the foundation of a great relationship. There is no greater eloquence than the silence of real listening. One of the greatest questions you can ask to your spouse, “How may I best love you?” Marriage never outgrows Romance. It is possible to love and hate someone at the same time; there is no perfect love. Arguments can not be avoided, but destructive ones can. Your opinion is not necessarily the truth. Resisting the temptation to prove your point will win you a lot of points. Forgiveness is not a one time event, it is a process. It is better to focus on what you can do to make things right, than on what your spouse did to make it wrong. If you think Marriage Counseling is expensive, try Divorce.
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UPCOMING SEMINAR
Surah Kahf is a very special Surah for every Muslimbe it the new Muslim or a born Muslim who is just starting to learn their Deen. It was prescribed for the Muslims to recite this Surah either during the night or day of Jumu’ah. The night of Jumu’ah starts from sunset on Thursday, and the day of Jumu’ah ends at sunset. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever reads Surah Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the clouds of the sky, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays.’”
unto a nearer way of truth than this." The story of Musa (alaihissalaam) and Khidr: The story of Musa and Al-Khidr teaches us a lesson that is to be pondered over and over and helps us through every trial. Just as Musa Alaihi Salaam wondered, one might question the individual incidents of the fish, the ship being sunk, the child being killed and the wall being built by Al-Khidr without recompense. Then the story unfolds to explain the meaning of each incident. The lesson being that everything that happens has a wisdom behind it which will bring out a greater good and that there is no absolute evil. Subhana Allah, Allah is the Most Wise; how can we ever be displeased with His Decree?
From the merits of Surah Kahf reported in Saheeh 18:78 (Khidr) said: "This is the parting between me Muslim it is a protection from the Dajjaal. and you, I will tell you the interpretation of (those) things over which you were unable to hold patience. Narrated from Abu’l-Dardaa’ that the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam said: “Whoever memorizes ten The story of the two gardens: aayaat from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjaal” – i.e., from his Fitnah. 18:40 "It may be that my Lord will give me something Muslim said: “Shu’bah said, ‘from the end of al-Kahf.’ better than your garden, and will send on it Husban Hammaam said, ‘from the beginning of Al-Kahf. (torment, bolt) from the sky, then it will be a barren slippery earth.” The believer’s heart is strengthened through the messages of Surah Kahf. A Makkan surah when the This instills in the Muslim that the home in the HereafMuslims were still being oppressed going through the ter is the real worth. This wordly life is nothing to difficulties of establishing their deen, the message of boast about or be arrogant about, it is merely tempobeing pleased with the decree of Allah, and having rary and without faith, Quran and Sunnah it has no tawakkul in the trials of life are instilled. value. The new Muslim learns the word “Insha Allah”. 18:23–24 And never say of anything, "I shall do such and such thing tomorrow." Except (with the saying), "INSHA ALLAH!" And remember your Lord when you forget and say: "It may be that my Lord guides me
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57:27 Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.
AL-HADIYAH MAGAZINE VOL 1, ISSUE 3
UPCOMING SEMINAR But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers - evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers - good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. Who is Gog and Magog? Are they the Mongolians? Who is Dhul Qarnain? Was he Alexander the Great? How many people were in the cave? Have we taken the time to learn the Tafseer so we can speak with knowledge? 18:22 (Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; and (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth, - guessing at the unseen; (yet others) say they were seven, and the dog being the eighth. Say (O Muhammad) "My Lord knows best their number; none knows them but a few." So debate not (about their number) except with the
clear proof (which We have revealed to you). And consult not any of them (people of the Scripture Jews and Christians) about (the affair of) the people of the Cave. Indeed learning the Tafseer is binding upon us, through the Tafseer of Quran we learn the correct conduct which is pleasing to Allah. Reading Tafseer Ibn Kathir or any other Tafseer with the limited resources we have, just begins to scratch the surface of the meaning and deriving out the benefits. And that is why, when we see an opportunity to learn Qur’an and its Tafseer from a scholar who has mastered the subject from numerous authentic resources, we need to seize it insha Allah! ECHOES OF A CAVE will be brought to us INSHA ALLAH! Join me in this quest INSHA ALLAH! You don’t want to sleep on this one!
"Look at the state of the Ummah, someone like me who should be giving karate lessons, is teaching you about Islam" -AbdulBary Yahya AbdulBary Yahya was born in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and very soon thereafter immigrated to the U.S. with his family. As the Quarter Back of his high school football team AbdulBary had dreams of being a pro foot ball player, but gave it up to pursue Islamic Knowledge at the University of Madinah. Upon graduation from the Islamic University of Madinah's College of Shariah, AbdulBary decided to go to Cambodia and later became a teacher and director of the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society. The school was popular in the community such that nonMuslim Cambodians would make their children Muslim in order to attend the school. He was also the director of the Umm al-Qura Charity Organization in He presently resides in Seattle, WA with his family, and is an instructor with AlMaghrib Institute. He is curVietnam. rently the Imam of Masjid Jaamiul Muslimeen in SeatAbdulBary's hobbies include eating Vietnamese food, tle, WA. He also holds the positions of President of watching his two sons act like Khateebs and sharing the Cham Refugee Community and Vice-President of the Islamic Center of Washington State. heart softening stories with others.
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TARBIYYAH
Living With Al-Gafoor Wa Al-Wadood By Fathimah Zainulabideen Few months back, Alhamdulillah Allah blessed me with the
opportunity to attend "Touched By An Angel" taught by Shaykh Shpendim in Long Beach , LA. It was a seminar on Tafseer Juz Amma. The class, on the whole was amazing; with Shaykh’s wisdom and eloquence in teaching us, for the first time ever, I felt I couldn’t take notes. I just wanted to listen. Perhaps, my favorite segment of the sessions was when Shaykh explained to us- "Dhul Gafooru Wal Wadood" (Surah Al Burooj: 14). Undoubtedly, this could have been so because it is among the Most Beautiful names and attributes of Allah. If one reflected upon them, his heart would ache due to the inability to hold the depth, vastness and enormity of their meanings. SubhanAllah. In order to understand a little bit about the context of the above ayah: Surah Al Burooj was revealed to the disbelievers in Makkah, who were oppressing the believers. In its tafseer, we find the story of the tyrannical king and the pious boy (a little about the Fir’awn’s rule and oppression) in comparison with the Quraysh in Makkah and the followers of Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam. The pious young boy with his strong grounding in Tawheed was able to challenge the king who claimed to be the Lord, the one worthy of being worshipped. Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala speaks about the severity of His Punishment and He is the One who begins it and continues it. And indeed, that is the fate they deserve. Yet, somewhere in the middle of the Surah we find the perfect balance that if they repented from their sin of oppressing, Allah is the Most Forgiving and The Most Loving. (Dhul Gafooru Wal Wadood)
In all the ayaat, we notice that Al-Gafoor (The Most Forgiving) and Al-Wadood (The Most Loving) is coupled with Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful). Allah’s Attribute of His supreme Love for His creation (mankind) and His ability to forgive the worst sins is related to His Attribute of being The Most Merciful. Imagine this: Allah is Al-‘Aleem (The Knower) of all that we do and think even in our subconscious minds. And yet, out of His Mercy, He forgives when we err; loves us and never stops showering His Blessings and bounties upon us. The enemies of Allah, His Deen and His Prophets oppressed the believers. We even know of tyrannical rulers murdering our prophets mercilessly, and the wrath and curse of Allah is upon them. Allah reminds the Quraysh of these stories and in spite of their crimes and disbelief calls them to repentance and promises them Forgiveness as He Subhanahu wa ta’ala is "Al-Gafoor Wal Wadood". SubhanAllah, we know of the stories of some of the companions how they were enemies and oppressed the believers and yet, Allah forgave them once they came to Islam and they were blessed with Hidayah. Indeed, the Most Beautiful Attributes belong to Allah, Our Lord –The Most Merciful, The Most Forgiving and The Most Loving. And this is His Teaching. And He sent to us the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihiwassalam, of Mercy, Compassion and Love. Our Prophet came with this message, an icon of Mercy. The crux of Islam is not to fight the enemies, or to establish the law of punishing the adulterator or the thief. These were laid out in our shariah to maintain justice, harmony and goodness in society and to protect our religion, which is from the Mercy of Our Lord.
In order to illustrate an amazing fact, I have quoted below Have you heard the story of the woman who committed adulayaat from the Qur’an where "Al-Gafoor" and "Al-Wadood" is tery and wanted to be purified from her sin? She became mentioned. pregnant from illegal sexual intercourse and goes to the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwassalam seeking purification through Al-Gafoor: The Most Forgiving (Al-Gafoor comes from the punishment. Did the Prophet immediately order for the execuArabic root (Gha-Fa-Ra) meaning protect, cover over, hide, tion of the law? No! He sent her back asking her to deliver the shield, helmet, forgive, pardon, to ask for protection/ baby and come back. The woman, may Allah be pleased with forgiveness.) her, came back months later. Her conscience and guilt didn’t ...But, whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] allow herself to let go of it. Once again, baby in her arms, she nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him.Indeed, asked to be purified. The Prophet alayhi wassalatuwassalam Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.(Al-Baqarah: 173) asked her to go back asking her to breastfeed the baby. A few years later, the woman comes back and pleads again. Perhaps Allah will put, between you and those to whom you This time, Rasoolullah ordered for her to be stoned to death. have been enemies among them, affection. And Allah is com- When some people spoke of her sin in an ill manner, the petent, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (Mumtahinah: 7) Prophet said (as reported in Saheeh Muslim and Sunan Abi Dawood): "She has repented such a repentance that, were it Al-Wadood: The Most Loving (Al-Wadud comes from the to be divided among seventy of Madina’s residents it would Arabic root (Waw-Dal-Dal) meaning to love, wish for, desire, cover them. Have you seen a better repentance than her givbe fond of, will, long.) ing away herself for Allah." And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and The Most Loving. (Hud: 90) In the Qur’an and Sunnah, in many places we are encouraged to forgive and forget. Of these, the following is what I find the
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TARBIYYAH most striking; the one that I remind myself to remember when the whispers of the devil bother me: And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give to their kinsmen, the poor, and those who left their homes for Allah's cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Surah An-Nur: 22 This ayah was revealed concerning Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq Radiya Allahu anh, when he swore that he would not help Mistah bin Uthathah after he said what he said about `A'ishah, as we have already seen in the Hadith. When Allah revealed the innocence of the Mother of the believers, `A'ishah, and the believers were happy and content with the outcome of this incident, and those believers who had talked about the matter repented, and the prescribed punishment had been carried out upon those on whom it was carried out, then Allah started to soften the heart of As-Siddiq towards his relative Mistah bin Uthathah. Mistah was the cousin of As-Siddiq, the son of his maternal aunt, and he was a poor man with no wealth except whatever Abu Bakr spent on him. He was one of those who had migrated for the sake of Allah. He had invented the lies and the slander, but then Allah accepted his repentance from that and the prescribed punishment was carried out on him. AsSiddiq was known for his generosity and he did favors to his relatives and strangers alike. When this Ayah was revealed:
those who repented and also commanded As-Siddeeq to forgive the man who he had been taking care of and yet hurt him and his daughter. (And perhaps, what hurt Abu Bakr Radiya Allahu anh the most was not because the slander was against his daughter, but the fact that she was the wife of Our Prophet he loved like no one else did.) Abu Bakr Radiya Allahu anh not only forgave him, he also spent for him all his life.
you keep digging up the past and ranting over it.
Living with Al-Gafoor Wal Wadood:
It’s a natural inclination that man loves things and people that are beautiful. Not just the outward beauty, but beauty in mannerisms and the way one carries himself, talks etc. We tend to love confident people. We love knowledgeable people. Where we need to put effort to love is the common man, about whom we may not think too great of a person- a person who may not be knowledgeable, beautiful, rich etc in our eyes but he could be in an elevated position in the eyes of Allah. For sure, this possible reason requires that we love and respect him. We might not actually look down upon people, but our attitude might be having elements that don’t express "love" to them.
At a society/ community level: You meet this person for the first time in the masjid. The first conversation didn’t go too well. Maybe he advised you about your dress code or about your children making noise in the masjid. Do you make an impression about this new brother/ sister just based on this first encounter? Would you like to be good friends with Forgive and forget, Love and love him/her? more! One of your very close friends forgot to Once we sincerely repent for a sin, Allah invite you for an occasion in his family. removes it from our record as though it The reasons could be many: probably, never took place. If Allah, The Best he thought he had already invited you. Judge, The Best Witness forgives and What would you do? Would you go to the forgets sins as big as mountains, then party if he called you up in the last minwhat about us? We do not know what is ute and invited you? Of course, it is natuin the hearts of others. We are com- ral that you would feel hurt inside, but pletely unaware of the status Allah has would you allow that hurt feelings to get for each one of us. Would it be right to the better of your relationship? hold grudges against someone who could possibly be in very high ranks in In general, what factors determine the Sight of Our Lord Azza Wajal? your "love" for people?
At home: No, I am not going to give the example of a husband who reminds his wife after 10-20 years about the first ever Biryani she made and it was burnt. I am talking about the time when your spouse really hurt your feelings. For example: your wife left her home to visit her friends or family without seeking your permission. True, it is a mistake she committed. But you know it’s better for you to forgive her, and so you did. But here’s the catch: (Do you not love that Allah should forgive You should never bring it up again. you), which shows that the reward fits the action, and that `if you forgive others, In this regard, men are better. So here’s you will be forgiven,' then As-Siddiq said, an example for you, the wife. Do you "Of course, by Allah, we love -- O our bring up your husband's faults and misLord -- that You should forgive us.'' Then takes whenever you have a fight or arguhe resumed his spending on Mistah and ment and he tells you: Why do you keep said, "By Allah I will never stop spending bringing all this up? I don’t do it anymore! on him.'' This was to counteract what he had said previously, "By Allah I will never What about with your children? Your son has fallen in love with a girl, and does not spend on him.'' (Tafsir Ibn Kathir) want to marry the girl you have chosen This is the most beloved people around for him. Would you support your son and our Prophet we are talking about, and actually be happy with his decision? Or our beloved Ummathul Mu’mineen facing would you disown him and say things the trial of false accusations. And even like, "He has hurt me and so Allah will though as much as Allah SWT hates the never be happy with him"- ok, maybe sin of slandering, yet HE SWT forgave that’s an extreme position– but would
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To conclude, we must not forget to remember as we walk on this path of quest for knowledge that our akhlaq and adab that is born out of a self-purifying soul is a very important aspect that will earn the pleasure of Allah. It is our duty as Muslims to learn these names of Allah and even more important that we internalize them. Only then do we obtain Allah’s forgiveness and love. Living with these attributes creates a strong bond in our household and our communities.
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ISLAMIC POLITICAL THOUGHT
FROM THE CALIPHATE TO THE CONTEMPORARY NATION STATES By Nabeel Kamboh sibility of the Khalifah to be Wakeel or a representative of the Ummah and legislating accordance to the Quran example of a leader for the Muslim Ummah. He led a and the Sunnah. nation that conquered super powers and united the warring tribes around the Arabian Peninsula and cre- In his inaugural speech he said the following: ated a brotherhood between people from all parts of “Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers passed the world. before him…” “I have been given charge over you while I am not the Upon his death Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam, the best of you. If I do well, support me, and If I err, Prophet did not leave a successor, and he left it to the straighten me…. Obey me so long as I obey Allah and Ummah to decide who would be the most suitable His Messenger- but if I disobey God and His Messen“successor” to lead the Muslims in expanding the re- ger, you have no obligation to obey me!” – At-Tabari ligion of Islam and making the law of Allah above all other laws. Abu Bakr Radiya Allahu anh viewed the position of Khalifah as a trustee to Allah and His Messenger to The term Khalifah or Caliph as referred to in the Quran uphold the laws of Islam and carry the commandments is used in different ways. Each of which gives the re- of the Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam sponsibility of the individual to be accountable to a to spread the religion to all of mankind. This underhigher authority. standing of the word “Caliph” was predominant beThe Qur'an has mentioned three kinds of Khalifahs: tween the Khulafa Ar-Rashidoon (or the rightly guided Caliphs). They led the Ummah as leaders who would be Khalifahs, who are Prophets such as Adam and David. corrected and engaged by their people; who upheld the About Adam, Allah says in the Qur'an: " Indeed, I will laws of Shariah and used the process of Ijtihad by the make upon the earth a successive authority. " (2:30); guidance of the Quran and Sunnah. and about David He says: " O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge be- Shortly after the demise of Ali ibn Talib Radiya Allahu tween the people in truth and do not follow [your own] anh the leadership took a different turn in history. The Caliphate went from leadership by Bay’ah to leadership desire " (38:26). by appointment. Prophets who are the Khalifahs of another and a greater Prophet such as the Israelite Prophets who all Based on the hadeeth: were the Khalifahs of Moses. About them the Qur'an Ibn 'Umar Radiya Allahu anh narrated: Allah's Messays: " Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was senger (Prophet Mohammad) said, "This matter guidance and light. The Prophets who submitted [to (khilafah) will remain with Quraysh even if only two of them were still existing." (Sahih al-Bukhari: Volume 9, Allah] judged by it for the Jews:" (5:44). Book 89, Number 254) Non-Prophet Khalifahs of a Prophet, with or without temporal powers, such as godly people learned in the The Umayyad Dynasty led the Ummah from Caliphate Law. Their mission is to protect and preserve the law to Kingship, where they appointed kings over their from being tampered with “as did the rabbis and schol- people based on the Umayyah lineage to ensure that ars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scrip- the ruler of the Ummah remained among the Quraysh. The Umayyad rulers viewed the Caliphate as a right by ture of Allah “ (5:44). inheritance; the Ummah was not involved in selecting When Abu Bakr Radiya Allahu anh was appointed as the next ruler or engaging in the decisions of the the Khalifah of the Muslim Ummah, he saw the respon- Kings. After a few generations the Umayyad rulers be-
The Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam was the best
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ISLAMIC POLITICAL THOUGHT came dictators and oppressed the Ummah, in turn the Ummah turned to the scholars. The scholars upheld the practices of the Salaf and made rulings impartial to the Kingdom ship.
word on affairs of the Muslim Ummah. The Caliphate in the Shi’i belief was limited to 12 Imams who were from Ahl-ul-bayt (from the house of the Prophet), also of Quraysh descent.
The Umayyad dynasty continued from 675 – 724 CE (30 They founded this belief based on the hadeeth: The – 106 AH). Prophet said: "The Religion (Islam) will continue until the Hour (Day of Resurrection), having Twelve Caliphs As Islam spread from Asia to Europe (Spain) the Um- for you, all of them will be from Quraysh." (Sahih Musmah wanted more from their Khalifah, they viewed the lim, Al-Bukhari and others) role of a Khalifah as a position that is more diverse than an inheritance from the Quraysh. This led to re- As the role of the Ulema increased in spiritual affairs, volts and the ousting of the Umayyad kingdom ship. the leaders started to become figureheads rather than The Abbasid ruler ship (also a Kingdom) took the dif- respected Khalifahs who would lead the Ummah in ferent regions of the Muslim world by force. Instead of spreading Islam throughout the world. During the time focusing on expanding the Muslim command across of the Khulafa Ar-Rashidoon, religion, Jihad and leadthe globe, they focused on maintaining their territories ership were all part of the Islamic duties of every ruler, and strengthening their governing regions. Ensuring where in contrast to this period, only the role of leaderthat revolt would not be able to take place they op- ship was left for the Khalifah. The Ulema effectively pressed any opposition and put in place governors se- said to the rulers “Keep the power to yourself and lected through family ties throughout the controlled leave for us the authority of Islam”. The characteristics regions. of the state at this juncture were no more than defense The Ummah again turned to the scholars who took a and taxation. stance based on sound principles which many a times opposed the wishes of the controlling party. Scholars This system also had its faults, too much authority was like Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i and Ahmad given to the Islamic institutions so much so that the ibn Hanbal Rahimahum Allahu became dominant lead- law of the institution was the only rule- if two instituers in schools of thought. The scholars and the King- tions differed, then one was considered deviant. This dom were at opposition on many issues; this led to lead to a division in the Madhahib and the advent of the persecution of the scholars when they would not con- 4 main Madhahib that is prevalent today (Hanafi, form to the opinion of the kingdom. Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali). During the invasion of the Mongols, a new era rose in the role of the Caliphate. The Abbasid dynasty lasted from 750 – 1258 CE (132 – Due to the division of the Kingdom from its authorita640 AH). tive spiritual institutions, the Mongols were able to penetrate the Muslim empire and inflict a massive loss This movement by the Ummah helped develope the to the Islamic empire. The regional states were not institutions of Islamic studies also known as schools united and did not have the influence over the people of thought to flourish. It helped separate the role of the to wage a Jihad against the invading Mongol empire. Khalifah from the role of Islamic principals. The Khalifah became nothing more than a figurehead whereas Ibn Taymiyya rose as a scholar during this period to try the school of thought became the guiding principals to to create a compromise between the ruling states and reach success with Allah. the Islamic institutions by trying to Islamize the political sphere. He believed that the example set by the This movement caused a bitter rivalry between the rul- Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam and ing kingdom and the people, at the same time another the rightly guided Khulafa’ was the precedence that movement by Asian region of the Islamic empire led to needed to be set for an Islamic political system. This would give back some authority to the leaders as long a new definition of the word Caliph. as they conformed to the teachings of the Quran and The rise of the Fatimid Empire in Egypt helped the Shi’i the Sunnah (as was the example by Abu Bakr Radiya belief to become influential in the region. The Shi’i be- Allahu anh). Once the governing body had more aulieved that the Caliph was a spiritual position entrusted thority in aspects of Jihad and loyalty to an Ameer, the by Allah to his appointed Imams. The Imam would be a institutions would be mainly used for issues of Fiqh. successor in spirituality of the Prophet Salla Allahu According to Ibn Taymiyya the Sharia’ goes beyond alaihi wasallam selected by Allah and who had the final Fiqh rules, not against the concept of Ijtihad. As for
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ISLAMIC POLITICAL THOUGHT politics the Sharia’ is equal to justice, which was the responsibility of the political system. This philosophy helped form the political system that we saw in the early period of present day Saudi Arabia. Finally the Ottoman Empire bureaucratized the rule and incorporated the Ulema into the state, this move helped them regain the Caliphate and lead the Ummah to reclaim parts of the Islamic empire that were lost due to the separation of states. Modern weapons and technology in gunpowder helped the Ottoman Empire expand their control over the Fatimid Empire and privatized states. This empire lasted until the 1920s CE.
lamic constitutions. Our scholars need to have a vehicle to express their views and/or concerns to the spiritual figurehead. This movement would allow the respected local Ulema whom the people trust to convey their needs to the state. The private Islamic institutions and scholars have the respect of the people, if the state only appoints state sponsored scholars or institution, the community would lose respect for them fearing the control of state based influences in religious decisions. The Muslim states need to facilitate the communication between the state Islamic agencies and the private institutions. Such movements have emerged in last 50 years in the form of Sharia’ boards and International Islamic Fiqh councils. The key to our success will be to build a unity between the recommendations and conclusions of these boards and councils and the private institutions.
Recent reform movements have adopted the philosophy of Ibn Taymiyya in trying to reform the role of the Caliphate, this movement helped form regions in the Middle East such The Muslim Ummah has come a long way in the last cenas Yemen and Saudi Arabia. tury since the fall of the Ottoman empire, we have taken Today, as an Ummah, we need to analyze the Islamic his- steps in the right direction to create boards and councils tory, take the lessons from the past and formulate a phi- that meet on a yearly basis to come to common goals to losophy that will bring harmony and mutual cooperation unite the Ummah. The next century will be focused on perbetween the role of the state and the Ulema. One possible fecting the process and Insha Allah giving back some of the solution would be to establish more authority with the lead- authority to state level agencies in harmony with local instiers of nation states along with religious figures who have tutions. influence over them. Most of the Islamic states currently have scholars or religious institutions that are appointed by A brief summary of a seminar presented by Dr Ovaimir the state. These figureheads are responsible to provide Anjum on “From the Caliphate to the Contemporary spiritual guidance to the states’ decisions in the form of Is- nation States” conducted at MCA, Santa Clara in April.
Etiquettes of Student of Knowledge TAKEN FROM THE NOTES OF “LIGHT OF GUIDANCE*” WHICH WAS TAUGHT BY SHAYKH YASIR QADHI
And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character. [Al Qalam or Noon: 4]
And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah's) Forgiveness for them … [Aal Imran: 159]
“They used to learn manners just as they used to learn knowledge” – Muhammad ibn Sireen (d 110 AH) – famous student of Abu Hurairah. (They refers to the sahabah) “We are more in need of a little bit of good manners than we are to a lot of knowledge” – Mukhallad ibn al Hussayn [one of the scholars of Hadeeth] to Abdullah ibn al Mubarak.[shaykh of shaykh of Bukhari] (This was said in 2nd century AH. What then in the 15th century AH)
ADAB AND AKHLAQ “Good manners is almost two-thirds of knowledge” – Ibn al Respect and honor: For it is the teacher who taught him what he did not know. Mubarak “He is not of us who does not have respect for elders or mercy for youngsters or shows rights due to the Sincerity: First most important etiquette – Ikhlaas – to be Ulema” (Hadeeth). In the battle of Uhud, the companions sincere for the sake of Allah. With knowledge comes fame who knew the Quran more were buried first. The Quran raises the people in status – One who understands and and recognition – diseases that destroy sincerity. acts upon it has more respect. Studying is an act of worship: It has to be done for the sake of Allah. “Do not study knowledge to compete with Proper etiquette in front of him: Imam Shafi was a stuscholars or to argue with the ignorant people or to beautify dent of Imam Malik. He says that while he was sitting in gatherings. [not for the sake of telling and teaching them, front of Imam Malik, he would be careful while flipping but to be famous or to want people to think he knows] Who- pages so as not to disturb Imam Malik. Ar-Rabiah, a student of Imam Shafi would not even raise a glass of water ever does so, let him fear the fire” (Ibn Majah) and drink in front of his teacher. According to a Hadeeth Qudsi that has been reported in Saheeh Muslim and others, the first people to be thrown To love him, make du’a for him due to the benefit that you obtained from him. into hellfire are : the martyr – he only did it to show bravery not for the sake Waki ibn Jarrah said “If I heard even one hadeeth from a of Allah ‘Aalim (scholar) – when Allah asks him, he said I person, I will be a servant for him as long as he lived” preached. Allah said you lied, you did it to be called To sit properly in front of the Shaykh, control laughter, shaykh or famous person Rich man who gave his money in charity (not for Allah, but boredom: This is respecting knowledge for the sake of people) To be patient with the faults of the teacher. Remember Niyyah should be for the sake of Allah while correcting oth- they are not infalliable, and are human beings just like you. So need to be patient. You need to see what type of misers, if you know it is correct. take he is making – whether personal mistake or a mistake Purifying one’s heart from jealousy, hatred of others: If that affects everyone. you start doubting the intentions of others, then your intention is not good (that you are not sincere). You want to be Manners with his fellow students like that person for the sake of the people. To love them with a special love. Leaving sins To avoid feeling jealousy or enmity towards them: And Feel importance of knowledge, appreciate its weight, wish not for the things in which Allah has made some of seriousness and sanctity you to excel others. [An Nisaa: 32] Manners of the student with himself
Good studying habits: Study with the right people, right Imam Shafi’ said “I would love it when the knowledge I books, right timings. The best time to study is after Fajr. Be taught was spread without it being attributed to me” realistic – Give at least 25 mins. Do something small and To always think the best of them and avoid evil tangible. Good companions: Surround yourself with people who To help them out in their studies and lives. encourage and push you to excel in seeking knowledge. To make du’a for them (in reality du’a for yourself): You Manners with his teacher are wiping away any jealousy by doing this. This is like making du’a for yourself. Allah sends angels who says Choosing the right teacher: Ibn Sireen said that this aameen and says “May you be given the same”. knowledge that you are learning is your religion. Be careful who you take your religion from. * LIGHT OF GUIDANCE IS A DOUBLE WEEKEND SEMINAR When the person directs you towards Allah and His Mes- ON “FUNDAMENTALS OF TAWHEED” senger, it is a good sign. If he asks you to blindly follow, then it is not a good sign
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Interviewed and Transcribed by Turner Alhamdulillah I had the opportunity to do a short interview
Salaam Alaikum Wa Rahamtullahi Wa Barakatuhu
with Shaykh Waleed Basyouni on February 21st 2010 dur- Q. What is the status on the new Aqeedah class that you ing the 2nd weekend of Fiqh of Love presented by AlMagh- and Yasir Qadhi are putting together? rib Institute. Subhanallah I feel embarrassed with this interview for a few reasons. First, I asked the Shaykh a “what A. Me and Shaykh Yasir Qadhi are Insha Allah planning to if” question and we know as Muslims we shouldn’t ask have this class, it’s a double weekend seminar which is these types of questions but because of my nerves and Aqeedah IV which comes after Rays of Faith where he maybe a lack of being prepared the question came out will mostly be covering topics of Emaan, Kufr, Shirk, wrong. Also I don’t think I did justice to the interview and Takfeer and I will be covering Sunnah and Bid’ah, who got the most benefit out of the Shaykh. I could have if I are the innovators and all the rules related to those would have been more prepared. In hopes that some people in the Dunya and the Akhirah. It’s very interestbenefit can come out of it Al Hadiyah Magazine offers it to ing and it is one of the most important topics in our you, the reader. Aqeedah. I think he [YQ] is almost finished with his preparation for the binder and I have already done my part as well. We just need to edit it and put it together. Hopefully insha Allah we will launch this course by the end of this year because Shaykh Yasir has to finish his thesis for his PhD. and that will be his focus in the next four or five months and then we will launch it by the end of the year Insha Allah. Q. Do you know what your main topic at this year’s (2010) Ilmsummit will be? A. Yes I know and I’m very excited about it actually. We will have a very detailed discussion about the concept of Bid’ah and when this will be called innovations in religion because a lot of people say about so many things that this is an innovation, this is a Bid’ah and it’s not in reality a Bid’ah and on the other hand a lot of people say no this is not Bid’ah, this is just Sunnah Hasanah. This is allowed this is permissible, this is a good Bid’ah and we will come to know all these details. The other issue also is who is the person who deserves that title and what does that mean and how can we deal with a person that practices innovation especially in the west here in America; so I’m very excited about this and Insha Allah it will be a very unique course. That’s one, the other topic that I will be covering will be a continuation from last year, last year I talked about the Fiqh of Adhkar, this year I will be talking about the Fiqh of Dua’, all the Fiqh rules related to Dua’; inside the Salah outside the Salah and so on. These are the main two topics I will be covering at this year’s Ilm Summit.
A few things I noticed Masha Allah of the Shaykh that doesn’t come through in the text was that he was very professional and spoke clearly into the mic. The other thing masha Allah was the excitement in his voice when I asked him questions about teaching and speaking about the religion in general. It reminds me of a quote Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo used in his book “How to Approach and Understand the Quran” -pg. 43- “when the Roman soldiers were observing the Sahabi: “During the night it seems that they do not belong to this world and have no other business than to pray, and during the day, when one sees them mounted on their horses, one feels that they have been doing nothing else all their lives. They are great archers and great lancers, yet they are so devoutly religious and Q. How do you think the Ummah would have handled 9/11 remember God so much and so often that one can hardly if the scholars such Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Shaykh Uthaymeen, Shaykh Albani… they passed away right before that, what hear talk about anything else in their company.”” leadership would they have given to the Ummah after that
SPECIAL FEATURE which would have been of benefit. A. First of all we always say Alhamdulillah. We should always be content with Allah Subhana wa ta’ala’s decree and we shouldn’t say what if this didn’t happen or what if this happened but if the question is not meant to object on Allah Subhana wa ta ‘ala’s decree which I see clearly that is not the purpose of the question but the purpose of the question is to see the guidance, what we can benefit from that. I would say something but when the fitnah happened; this terrible act that took place on 9/11 and the killing of the innocent people that took place in New York and Pennsylvania and Washington. No doubt Shaykh Ibn Baaz and Shaykh Uthaymeen Rahimahullah talked and spoke very cleary about such acts that they were haram. Like Shaykh Ibn Baaz for example has a Fatwah that he issued in the 1970’s to forbid such things like hijacking airplanes and stuff like that, in the late 70’s. So I think even if they were alive, I don’t think when people reach that level when they become so extreme in their views that they become militant extremist, they really don’t care about Ibn Baaz or Shaykh Uthaymeen unfortunately. I have seen this myself, groups like this even accusing Ibn Baaz and Uthaymeen as being Kafir or sold out scholars. It would be very beneficial for the young du’aat, for the young Da’ees, the young student of knowledge who sometimes got caught in the middle of debates after this incident took place- what is permissible and what is not permissible when it comes to these issues. For example, we saw the young du’aat got very confused when the situations happened in Iraq or in Afghanistan and Somalia and so many areas. What is the proper reaction that the Muslim Ummah should take? No doubt that these great scholars like Ibn Baaz and Shaykh Uthaymeen Rahimahullah -they have the experience, they have the wisdom and before that they have the knowledge that put things in perspective and their guidance is well needed and because these individuals along with other scholars- they have built a reputation over years of interacting with the Muslim activist all over the world... they have a creditability in the Muslim Ummah. That’s why I think the masses respect their opinion and the student of knowledge as well, but after their death you say Alhamdulillah there is barakah and there are great scholars now but not in the same level and the same influence they had before. So yes, Ibn Baaz and Uthaymeen passed away Rahimahullah but I think their methodology is still alive and I think all of us as students of knowledge should explore it and explain it to people and not only them but they followed the footsteps of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and the companions Radiya Allahu Anhum and basically guided by the Quran and Sunnah and I think that is what we really need. To be guided and motivated by what Allah and His Messenger Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said and seeing this and putting it in the right perspective. Not motivated by politics or anger, frustration
or hate which motivates us, I think that is the wrong motivation and so many of these statements and Fatawah taking the extreme position are motivated by such things. Q. What is your favorite outdoor activity both individually and with your family? A. Individually my favorite outdoor activity will be scuba diving, and for me and my family the outdoor activity we enjoy the most is travelling, we travel a lot together, going to Umrah and around to different states. Q. What is your favorite Surah? A. Surah Insaan. I just love it and I ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta‘ala to make us amongst al Jannah. It’s a very detailed description of al Jannah. Q. Your favorite book besides the Quran? A. My favorite book besides Quran that I like to read a lot… I really have a special place in my heart for the books written by Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. No doubt one of these favorite books that I really love a lot and I don’t get tired or reading it is Al Aqeedah Al Wasatiyyah by Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullah. Q. Your favorite Sahabah male and female? A. My favorite companion will be ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood Radiya Allahu Anhu. When it comes to female companions no doubt, when it comes to Ilm and knowledge and participating in the community, it would be ‘Aisha Radiya Allahu Anha. The Mother of the believers, my mother ‘Aisha Radiya Allahu Anha. Jazaka Allah Khayr. Any good from this interview is from Allah and we thank the Shaykh and his family for their time and dedication to the Deen. May Allah reward them. Any mistakes or confusion in the interview are from the cursed Shaytan and my lack of transcribing ability. May Allah protect us and guide us to the straight path. Shaykh Waleed Basyouni is a member of the North American Imam Federation (NAIF), Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America (AMJA)-Fatwa and Research Committee, Director of Texas Dawah Convention, and Advisor to numerous Islamic Societies/ Organizations around the US. He graduated with a Bachelors in Islamic Sciences from Al-Imam Muhammad University, KSA; did his Masters in Islamic Theology, World Religions and Modern Religious Sects from Al-Imam Muhammad University; and acquired a Doctorate in Theology. He is also an instructor at the American Open University in Alexandria, VA and serves as, the Imam of Clear Lake Islamic Center, Houston, TX. He has Ijaazahs in reciting the Holy Quran and in several books of Hadeeth, awarded by various scholars. He studied under great scholars time such as Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Abdul-Razzaq Afify and others.
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ADAPTATION FROM ARABIC SOURCES
It was narrated by Sunan Ibn Maajah from the hadeeth of
Anas ibn Maalik Radiya Allahu anh, who said: “The Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam said, ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.’ [Al-Albani deemed it Saheeh] What is meant by knowledge, here is knowledge of the sharee’ah (Islamic jurisprudence). Once Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan Radiya Allahu anh gave a sermon in which he said, "I heard Allah's Messenger saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him very knowledgeable in the Deen." (Related by Bukhari and Muslim) Knowledge is a blessing from Allah, and the most blessed knowledge is that of the religion that Allah has sent us. The problem is that our Ummah faces a lack of knowledge. Or more accurately, we have a lack of enthusiasm for ‘ilm (knowledge). Most of us attend the weekly lectures and Halaqaat that go on at the Masjid, but few realize that that isn’t where we stop. Many of us memorize Quran, take Tajweed classes on Fridays, and Alhamdulillah, that’s great. But we have to realize that there is more to Islam than Quran and Tajweed. There is more to Ilm than an hour of class once a week. A person who memorizes the Quran is treated like a scholar, with the word “Haafidh” added to his name wherever he goes. A student who travels to a Muslim country for a year is an Imam. We have forgotten the hardships endured by the Salaf and those after them when they traveled for knowledge. But there is a way to return that zeal to the Ummah, to nurture that love for knowledge in every person, be he 9 or 90. We can go back to times when students of knowledge memorized thousands of ahadeeth, never quenching their thirst for more. And we don’t need to look far, for our predecessors have stored treasures in their Seerah. One of the greatest examples to look to is Al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Ibrahim AlHarbi, a scholar of his time said: I saw Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and it is as though Allah has given him the knowledge of all
mankind before him and all mankind after him.” Al-Imam Ahmad used to be so pre-occupied with gaining knowledge and preserving it, that he often forgot basic things like sleeping and eating. Abu Ishaq Al-Jawzaani said: Ahmad ibn Hanbal was leading his student, Abdur-Razzaq in prayer, and he made a mistake. Abdul-Razzaq was very concerned and asked about that and was told that Ahmad ibn Hanbal hadn’t eaten anything for 3 days.” Ibn Al-Makwy Al-Qurtubi, one of the greatest Ulema in Andalus, was a dedicated student and teacher who lived for knowledge. It is narrated that his friend came to visit him once for the sake of Allah. When he arrived there, he found his door wide open and could tell he was home. He sat down by the doorstep and called for him loudly until he finally came to the door, all the while looking at a book. He did not see his friend until he walked into him. He immediately said Salaam, apologized, and explained that he had been trying to find the answer to one problem and couldn’t focus on anything else till he found the answer. Another great example in striving for knowledge for the sake of Allah is Al-Imam al-Qurtubi, the author of the famous tafseer. Like Ibn Al-Makwy, he also was from Andalus, but he was not satisfied with his location and set out to seek Al-Imam Ahmad. His son narrated that he told him about his experience when he was traveling to Al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Al Imam Al-Qurtubi said: I left my home in Qurtuba (Cordoba, Spain) seeking Ahmad ibn Hanbal. When I had gone a long way and was nearing him, I received the news that he was being tested by the government, and wasn’t allowed to teach or leave his home. I was very saddened by this, but continued anyway, resided in Baghdad, and got a room at a hotel. I immediately went to the Masjid, seeking a Majlis to benefit from. I sat in a pious group and liked what the speaker was saying. I asked about him and was told that he was Yahya ibn Mu’een ( a well-known scholar). So I stood up and intro-
Raising the Bar– Bar– Aiming high By Maryam Labib
ADAPTATION FROM ARABIC SOURCES duced myself and asked him some questions that I wanted the answer to. Finally, I said: “I have one goal that I hope you will help me achieve, to find Ahmad ibn Hanbal.” He was very surprised and said, “People like us are not worthy of finding Ahmad ibn Hanbal,” so I exited the Masjid and kept asking until I was able to locate his home. I knocked on his door, and he opened it, so I said: Oh Abu Abdullah, a strange man, without a home here, and I’ve never been here, and I am a seeker of ahadeeth, and a follower of the Sunnah, and my destination was (to learn from) you.” He looked around, making sure no one was near, and let me in. “Where are you from?” I replied, “The far west, from Andalus.” He said, “Your location is far, but I am being tested with what might have reached you.” I said: “Yes, it has reached me, but there is none here that knows me, so if you will allow me, I can come every day without anyone seeing me, and if you teach me one hadeeth every day, it will be enough for me.” So he agreed, with the condition that I do not mix with anyone and do not begin to teach others what I know.
Allah, Allah blesses him wherever he sets foot. He raises from his status, and loves him, and in turn causes the world to love him. Abu Umamah relates that the Prophet said, "A learned one is as much above an (ordinary) worshiper as I am above the least of you; and he added: Allah, His angels and all those in the heavens and in the earth, even the ants in their holes and the fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct people in beneficent knowledge." (Related by Tirmidhi) His son also narrated that: Al-Imam al-Qurtubi continued to travel to Egypt, and Syria, and Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. He made two such trips, the first one was 14 years and the second one was twenty years. Abu Hurayrah Radiya Allahu anh relates that the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam said, "For him who embarks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the way to Paradise." (Related by Muslim) Al-Imam Al-Qurtubi traveled on foot only, and whenever he left Andalus, he would not ride anything till he returned! What an amazing love for discomfort for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala! Nowadays, we sometimes consider the Masjid too far for daily Salawaat, while these Ulema would travel for years on foot for ahadeeth that we now could find on the internet. To have that amount of patience is a blessing from Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala that I hope will return, insha Allah.
So every day, I used to take a cane in my hand, and wrap my head in a turban, and hide my papers and ink in my sleeve and near his house, I would shout “Al-Ajr!” and he would quietly let me in, lock the door and teach me 3 or more ahadeeth, and kept doing this every day, until the man who had grounded him died, and there came after him One important thing about seeking knowledge is to begin a ruler who followed Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jama’ah. from a young age. Abu Bakr Al-A’yun, a seeker of knowlSoon, all the years that I had been patient in paid off, for edge, said: “We would go to the doorstep of Al-Bukhari to whenever I neared a gathering, a space would be made for write ahadeeth from him, and there wasn’t a single hair on me immediately, and he would tell all his friends my story, his face. We asked him his age, and he said, “Seventeen and we would recite to each other ahadeeth and correct years.” each other. And one time, I got an illness that Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala later cured me from, and he noticed my Another amazing benefit of hearing, writing, and reporting absence, and asked about me. When he learned of my ill- is gaining an amazing memory. Al-Imam Ahmad told his ness, he got up immediately to visit me and brought all who son, “Take any book you want from the books of Waki’ for was with him to the small house I had rented. I was lying on hadeeth. If you want, you can tell me the words and I will bed, my covers beneath me, my clothes stuck to me, and tell you the chain of narrators, or if you want you can tell my head was surrounded by books. Suddenly, I felt the me the narrators, and I will tell you the text.” Allah Subwhole hotel shake, and I heard voices saying, “That is the hanahu wa ta’ala says in Surah Taha: "And say: My Lord Imam of the Muslimeen!” The landlord rushed to me increase me in knowledge." quickly, unable to believe himself, and informed me of my guest. And Ahmad ibn Hanbal entered the room, followed But the greatest benefit of all that one can get from ilm is by so many people that my room could not contain them the Taqwa of Allah (SWT). "It is only those who have and they spilled into the surrounding rooms, all of them knowledge among His servants that fear Allah.” (Surah holding a paper and pen. He said to me, “Abu Abdurrah- Fatir: 28) If you want to achieve that close relationship with man, be glad of the reward of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. Allah, learn more about His religion. And our last words are The days of health have no sickness and the days of sick- “All praises are due to Allah.” ness have no health. May Allah cure you, and soothe you with his curing Right Hand.” I saw every person write down Source: Salahh Al-Ummah fi Uloww Al-Himmah the words he said. When he had gone, the hotel owners treated me with kindness and respect. They did my clothes, Note: A rough translation is “Correcting the ummah by changed my bed, and covers. They treated me better than raising its Himmah, which is the equivalent of energy, my family would have had I been home, all because of the productivity, zeal and determination. visit of a righteous man.” When a person leaves his family and home for the sake of
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CATCH THESE QUOTES this love for of y n a t a id th love once sa xcept for the im y y a e Q dship Ibn Alses har u a c d rl wo Allah
Al- Istikh aarah pra yer shou you from ld not sto consulta p tion.
“Companionship is the best part of marriage.”- Sh. Waleed Basyouni
“Love is like a tree. It starts small, with very fragile roots. But if you start taking care of it, giving it water, weeding it and putting it in the sun. Then what happens? The roots grow deeper and the tree grows bigger and stronger.” The nature of Adam and Eve's relationship was a marital one; they were not dating as boyfriend and girlfriend. This is a very clear belief in Islam.
Shaykh Wa you thin leed said, “Wo men are k. Wom simpler en are who ca than looking res, som f o e her. Wo men rea one who really r someone lly need apprecia tion, Att Vitamin ention, a A – App tes nd Assu reciarance.”
Seven words for a long relationship: “Yes dear I’m sorry it’s my fault”
many prob s, ip sh n o ti Rela RN In Marital l on it, LEA el w d t n o d but lems arise N TO MOVE O
The real person is exposed inside the house. The nessed that he w Prophet (saw) ha as not just as go d 11 people who od as he was out witside, but even be tter at home. Marriage and love are When in an argu not as terrible as some ment, make your point and once may make you believe that the other pe you see rson understands it, move on!! Do and are definitely not as digging at it and n' t keep making it worse. perfect as the rest want you to believe; but they are special.
The best solution for two people in love is marriage.
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When you love someone, it appears in your words and your actions. You are always talking about the person, you always want to be near the person, etc. In the same manner, if you love Allah and His Messenger, your love for them will also appear in your words and your actions.
AL-HADIYAH VOL.1, ISSUE 3
FROM FIQH OF LOVE Happines s comes from within. One of th e greatest gifts you can give to your spouse is your own happines s.
Only interact with your fiancé for the purpose of knowing him/ her. Save the lovey dovey talk for after marriage. n do to make ca u yo at h w on tter to focus e did to make us o sp r It is much be ou y hat rather than w things right g. things wron
Even in the greatest marriages, they wonder if they married the right person.
There is no greater eloquence than the silence of real listening.
It is easy to have principles in life but it is very hard to live up to these principles.“To live your life for the sake of Allah is much harder than dying for the sake of Allah.” One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is your attention.
Al-Hasa n bin Ali was ask daughte e r whom should I d: “If I have a He repli marry he ed r to” has T aq , “Marry her to wa (fear) the one . of Allah. will hon who or, and If he lov if e will not s he he does abuse h n’t like her he er.”
Having a they ke child that p ra e be forg p making du ys for you a a'a for f iven. yo ur c ter yo ur dea omfort th in the g is a great b rave a lessing nd for as your s ins to
Trust takes years to establish but only moments to destroy.
Generosity is a foundation of great relationships.
Islam h as balanc ed the rights of the husba nd and wife.
The b this est th n o ti c a n a 's in , it dun st a feeling ya i g you Love isnt ju sa c righ an eve ur caring. to show yo teo r us s get in p ou se. Haraam will take away the beauty of Halal
AL-HADIYAH VOL.1, ISSUE 3
Obeying your parents when it comes to marriage is not only for woman, but the rule applies for men as well. You are marrying into the entire family. A Package deal.
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YOUTH CORNER
By Maryam Labib
Living in America is hard. Living in America as a Muslim is
harder. It doesn’t seem that the stereotypes that Americans believe about Muslims are getting any less popular. Sometimes, it is alarming how ignorant a question is and at other times, it is shocking that they would know this much about Islam. I will try to tackle the 5 top misconceptions that Americans have about Islam, and how we can possibly respond in a helpful way. #1: Muslim women have oppressive husbands.
First of all, this is probably the most popular belief in America. It is believed by many Americans that the number one proof for this oppression is the hijab/niqab that Muslim women wear. They feel that practices in Muslim countries such as polygamy and not dating are enforced by male relatives who seek to limit a woman’s actions and take away her liberty. There are many examples for this. Last month, my family went along with some other families to the beach in Santa Cruz, and the women decided to go take a walk near the beach. Subhana Allah, the sight of Muslim women covered modestly contrasting with all the bikinis around them continues to amaze Americans. My mom told that after walking for like 20 minutes, they noticed an elderly woman running toward them. She runs up, holding out her hand, and in it is a shell from the sand, and turns to my mom and says, “Here! This is for the children.” Then she pauses a little and says, “If your husbands allow it.” It was really surprising that an old lady would have such conviction about it. They told her that she must be watching the wrong media. And she said, “No, I know. I read a lot.”
The solution in this case is probably to act like the last thing on your mind is oppression. Smile, speak out, don’t be shy. But don’t forget to act like a Muslim. There is a fine line between being a practising Muslim and trying to prove that a stereo-type is inaccurate. For example, don’t prove that hijab is completely your choice, by taking it off. Or talking to boys to show all the Americans that your male relatives don’t oppress you. It’s important to put Islam first, and Da’wah second. When someone from the other gender extends their hand, don’t go ahead and shake it to make them feel comfortable. If we master this wisdom, insha Allah, He will reward us in this dunya and in the akhirah. #2: All Muslims are Arabs Get it straight: Not all Muslims are Arabs! In fact, only 18% of Muslims are from Arab countries. The greatest number of Muslims are in Indonesia (CAIR). And especially in America, the highest percentage of Muslims is actually African Americans. If you wear a hijab or a garment that identifies you with Islam, I would be very surprised if no one ever told you to go back to your own country. My math teacher at Granada was telling me that she went to the mall with her son, who was about four years old at the time. She began to talk to him in Arabic, because that’s what he understood, and this old lady heard them and she got really mad. Furious! She started a whole speech about how this is America, and if you want to come live here, you have speak English only. Don’t speak Arabic in public, be loyal, blah, blah, blah.
This was all because a woman in a Hijab spoke in a foreign A man in college stopped me once to ask if I was married language. In college, my two friends and I take all our yet. When I replied that I wasn’t, he said, “I don’t get it. Why classes together. When all three of us in our Hijab are would you wear that if your husband isn’t making you?” seen, any question I get about where we are from is some-
YOUTH CORNER thing like this, “Oh, so are you all from Saudi Arabia?” When we tell them no, they go like, “Oh, so you are from Iran?” When we tell them no, they get lost. They don’t know there are other countries with Muslims in them. Are we from Iraq? Taliban? Then they really lose it: Russia? Moscow? I don’t know why nobody is ever able to figure out that we are each from a different country. Why can’t they just accept us as American. An American with a scarf is still an American.
whole lot more bad words. The point is that some Americans freak out when they see us.
My funniest/saddest experience ever was when I was at Santa Clara City Library, pushing my baby sister in a stroller. A guy with tattoos, a drunk expression, and a backwards baseball cap comes up and says in the most natural way, as though talking about the weather, “Got a bomb in there?” Sort of like, “Got Milk?” It was very scary and my mom asked if he had a bomb, and he was like, “No way! We should realize that it’s our duty to get the truth out I’m not Mozzlem!” there. Maybe we could wear shirts that go like, “Believe me, I’m American”. We could save them the questions by I tried to calm down a frantic American once, and I told posting our family tree on our backpacks or something. The them that there are about 7 million Muslims in the United two best places for Da’wah are malls and schools. Aren’t States, and that if we all were terrorists, then America would not be as we know it. This is a good reminder to peothose where the weirdest questions come from? ple who, shall we say, get carried away. Remember to #3: Muslims can’t speak English keep a smile on your face and ease people’s anxiety so that they ask instead of just staring and wondering about This may seem silly, but it seriously is a problem. Mariam things. Baqai, who is 13 years old, was asked, “Do you speak Muslim?” That’s like the store cashier who thought that not #5: Hijab = Bald only do I not speak English, but that I can’t count money. "H-e-r-e-s your cha-nge. 1- 2- 3- 4-5 dollars and 1-2-3-4, Ya Allah! This one’s the worst. I was in third grade, at the cents.” She was very surprised when I started to talk in Recreation Center, with a blue hijab, and two Asian friends wanted to know if I had any hair. English. Sana Ansari says, “My Friend Hafsa is often asked at school, “What’s that rag on your head?" or "Are you bald under there?”I bet she is tempted to reply by saying nope, just a bad hair day. She really answers by saying it’s part of her religion and she cannot take it off. Then people ask if it’s okay in her religion to go swimming. “Of course", she We are here in this country to be kind and good neighbors says. to the people who have accepted us into their society. Sometimes, I see a brother or sister who has a hard time Maryam Rahim, a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, had a funny expressing themselves in English, because they just came experience. “My Tae Kwon Do teachers never ask anything from another country. But sometimes, 5 or 10 years later, at all without there being an awkward silence between. He they still have the same accent. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) will ask, “Why do you wear it?”Sometimes, he is scared for sent all His Messengers to a nation that they spoke the lan- me. Sometimes I wrap around several layers and a layer guage of. It is often out of laziness and because masha falls on my face and he immediately asks whether I can Allah, our community is full of other immigrants that some breathe and see or if it is too hot.” of us may feel it is unnecessary to learn English. And once you do, insha Allah, now you can do Da’wah in two lan- Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala says, “Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue guages perfectly. with them in ways that are best and most gra#4: Muslims are terrorists cious." (16:125) I think one thing we can learn from this, is to prevent speaking in another language if there are non-Muslims around you. I always forget and alienate my classmates, and it’s a bad habit. Also, if you are an immigrant and you feel that your English is not perfect, perfect it.
All thanks to FOX News and CNN, the world still thinks we are terrorists. 12-year old Sana Ansari, “Once, my fifth grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher was coming out of Kinko's (the printer place). And when she was walking towards her car, two women leaned out of their car and pointed at my teacher screaming, “Terrorists!” Like seriously, this is America, not a battlefield.14-year old Maryam Rahim had a similar experience, “Once I was walking and someone beeped their car and screamed, “Terrorist!” Someone said a similar thing to me, but it had a
"Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity (bliss)" (3:104) The Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Sahih Muslim] Let us be this nation, this band of people. Choose your words carefully, use hikmah, and spread the Noor (light) of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala!
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INSPIRATIONAL
True Story
THREE PRECIOUS GIRLS, ONE DEADLY DISEASE By Fathimah Zainulabideen How often do we complain about our children?
How much do we worry about them? “My girl does not eat anything.” “My son is never interested in writing and anything that has to do with books.” “My kids never listen to me”. “I wish she was tougher and showed more interest in sports.”
roundings. Blood work, urine tests, and more- the daughters along with their baby sister Zahra(then 1 year old) was diagnosed with MPS. “To find out what was wrong with my girls, broke my heart”, Tayyaba said to their local Urbanite Newspaper.
This is a story of my dear sister in Islam (who I met online) and her family. I met her a few months ago and ever since, there is not a day I don’t think about her. Her trials in this life, how she accepts them with a smile and strength continue to inspire me. I ask Allah to make her victorious in both the worlds and increase her in taqwa, strength and all goodness. May Allah bless her and her family with the best...aameen. Sanfilippo syndrome Ammar (MPS) is a progressive Sr Tayyaba and Br Zarrar are blessed with 5 children disorder; however, the masha Allah, and 4 of them are children with special physi- rate at which the children deteriorate varies from one indical needs. All the kids need constant care and attention. Sr. vidual to another. The change seen in children with SanTayyaba suffered three miscarriages before the couple filippo syndrome occurs most often very gradually, but the were blessed with their first daughter, Abeerah, five years disorder tends to have three main stages: after they got married, and she became the apple of their eyes and a little princess. A year later, their second daugh- In stage 1, it is noticed that the child starts to lag behind ter, Khansa were born. Soon after their first son, Bilal and and develops difficult behavior. In stage 2, the child may then Zahra and finally the cute little Ammar who gets away become extremely active, restless, and often have very with all the mischief he does. difficult behavior. Some children have sleep disturbances. Many like to chew on their hands, clothes, or other accessiWhen Abeerah was around 3, she started showing signs of ble items. Language and understanding will gradually beunder development physically, mentally and soon her mo- come lost. Some children never become toilet trained and tor skills also started to deteriorate. Autism was determined those who do will eventually lose the ability. In stage 3, the first. Some of the symptoms were banging her head on the child will begin to slow down. They have more difficulty walls, clapping out of control, and trouble hearing and when walking or running and fall often, eventually losing sleeping. As the situation started sinking in to the parents’ the ability to walk altogether. hearts and when all seemed ok, one day they got a call from school that their second daughter Khansa was no Right now the Beg girls are in stage 3. They have had more speaking and had taken to detachment from her sur- many surgeries so far including dental because of their problems with chewing. The family goes through about 32 diapers a day because along with losing the ability to have bladder control, uncontrollable diarrhea is also common in MPS. They wear leg braces, cannot speak, and cannot interact with anyone, including each other. When in pain, common reactions are crying and banging their heads on the wall. Abeerah’s condition is currently unpredictable and she often suffers from severe seizures. The current life expectancy for children with Sanfilippo syndrome is 11 to 14 years. There is no cure for MPS at the present. Seeing the kids suffer so much, and knowing that they will die soon creates a sense of heaviness and ache in the chest. But, it is the strong emaan and courage of the parents that guide them to stay patient. Tayyaba firmly be-
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AL-HADIYAH MAGAZINE VOL1, ISSUE 3
INSPIRATIONAL medication. But Tayyaba says, “But he is true blessing to me. I could not go any where without him pushing 4 wheel chairs. And I have someone actually call me ‘MOM’. Do you know how wonderful that is. Alhamdulillah.” Someone once told Tayyaba that when the daughters die, it would be easier for her. With tears running down her face, she told, "How can anyone say that? It will be so much harder for me to lose my children." Her husband works seven days a week to support their family because insurance does not pay for all of the bills. They have four wheelchairs that cost $2,500 each and they don’t even have money to build a ramp for them. One denAbeerah, Khansa and Zahra tal surgery alone cost $19,000. This does not include medical equipment, food supply for their strict, soy diet, oxygen lieves that Allah knows what is best for her, and she prays tanks, pain medication and diapers. The bills will get worse that her daughters will be her gate to Jannah. May Allah as the girls get sicker. bless the family with the highest levels in Jannah, aameen. Life for Tayyaba and Zarrar has changed in every way She often ponders upon ayaat in the Quran, of patience since the day their children were diagnosed. and perseverance, and of Allah’s Ultimate Knowledge. “Allah burdens not except what one can bear” (Al- "Friends and family leave you. My house has become my Baqarah). She never complains, she just states the facts of whole world. I do not know what vacation means anymore. her life. She also attends Al-Maghrib Seminars and enjoys Eating a simple meal on the table is not possible as well as learning the Deen, stitching clothes for her daughters and having a whole family together at the dinner table. Life Calligraphy. (Even though, she says, she has no time these turns to 24 hours, seven days a week without a break. I can't even take five minutes to shower without having days with little Ammar) knocking on the door. I am not invited to parties or wedAmmar, her youngest son is diagnosed with autism. And dings anymore. You get to learn who your true friends are. Tayyaba says, that he is the most difficult to manage. He hardly sleeps well (one of the symptoms) and is extremely Tayyaba’s message to all parents: "Please be thankful for destructive. His mother has to make sure that he doesn’t everything Allah has given to you. Do not complain about your children. Children are a blessing, no matter how they get near his sisters, as he could harm them. are. Do not stare and whisper in ears when you see a child Bilal, their only unaffected child (may Allah protect him) is with special needs, rather go and talk to them, they are the helper around the house. We can only imagine how his people just like you. Please support families with special life must be. But Sr Tayyaba manages to spend time with needs children. Just a smile can make a big difference in him and organize programs and activities for him. Recently, their struggling lives." Bilal took part in a Science Exhibit and he had a wonderful project to his credit, masha Allah. And he is the helper It breaks Tayyaba’s heart to know that the girls, because of around the house, their dementia, have no idea who she is. When she gets caring for his siblings. them up in the morning, they smile at her, happy that someone is getting them, "but they would smile for anyone Two years ago, he picking them up," she said. "It’s so hard to look at my bawas diagnosed with bies and know that they have no idea who I am." ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Abeerah is 13 now, Khansa 12, Bilal 10, Zahra 9 and AmDisorder). His symp- mar 6. toms are mainly behavioral issues, hy- To find out more about the Beg kids, visit peractivity, bad tem- www.helpourgirls.com. perament and getting into trouble at school Please support this family in anyway you can. They have a very often. He sees a small online business for Islamic Clothing to aid them with Bilal and therapist on a regular their bills and medications, Ammar basis and is under www.modestystyles.com
AL-HADIYAH MAGAZINE VOL1, ISSUE 3
25
HISTORY
Islamic Temple of San Fransisco By Turner Schafer
Spending 5 years living in the upper tenderloin district of San Francisco I would probably be amazed at what I didn’t see if I knew what was lying in every crack and around every corner, from the sidewalk to the highest building peak from present day to a forgotten past. Most of my time was spent avoiding the harsh conditions that now plague the area; going outside only to walk in haste to work, Masjid Tawhid on Polk and Sutter street or the local Halal butcher shop on Jones and Geary. There is a shallow but rich history that the common people learn through observation or from locals over time. Such as that the San Francisco 49 mile scenic route passes by Grace Cathedral at the top of Nob hill; there the cable cars pass by where poet Maya Angelo once worked as the first African American female cable car operator, and if you stand on the right corner there are views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge; the neighborhood is congested with old Victorians turned apartment buildings. If only the walls could speak we could hear the voices and learn the deeper past. There was one building spotted but it remained a mystery to me because no one I asked really knew anything about it so naturally I made up a story for myself; Alhamdulillah it wasn’t a religious matter because was I ever wrong… Recently while doing my routine E-bay window shopping I came across a listing for an “Islam Temple of San Francisco June 1922” stamp. My first reaction is do I really want to spend $7.50 plus $1.25 shipping on a pretty cool piece of history? Well no, but I will save the picture to “my pictures”. My second reaction, Subhana Allah was there a Masjid in San Francisco in 1922? I remember an elderly brother talking about his conversion 50 or so years ago at an Eid event at the MCA following last year’s Ramadan. Did his story tie in or ever cross paths with this “Islam Temple of San Francisco”? My first stop along the google search “Islam Temple San Francisco 1922” super highway displayed a headline with an address of 650 Geary St. Memories popped up and mysteries swirled. I recognize that address. I had passed it by many times on the way to and from the butcher shop on the corner of Geary and Jones street. Sometimes noticing it and sometimes not; placed in the back of my mind since no one in the community really knew the history of this building that is covered in etchings of La IlahaIlla Allah. Now transformed into a performing arts theatre it somehow
sits camouflaged in the hustle and bustle of downtown San Francisco with its etchings and dome. Was this San Francisco’s first Masjid? Who founded it? What is the history? Thomas Patterson Ross came to the San Francisco bay area at the age of 12 in 1885. In 1890 he began working as a draftsman for architect John Gash. Ross is an architect of regional significance to the San Francisco Bay Area. Ross designed over 200 buildings during his career. In 1919, Ross received local publicity for his design of the Islam Temple of the San Francisco Shriners at 650 Geary (presently named the Alcazar Theater). Although a Shriner himself, his request to put his name on the cornerstone of the building had been declined. Sometime after the building was completed, a visiting scholar from the East detected, chiseled in Arabic script in the marble above the entry door, the following passage: “Great is Allah and Great is Ross
HISTORY the Architect.” Although the Shriners threatened to file suit, no legal action ensued. Ok so what does that all mean? I guess I’ll click on this “Shriners” link and see where it takes me… The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Sufis ???), commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in 1870 is an appendant body to Freemasonry, (duh!) based in the United States. The organization is best-known for the Shriners Hospitals for Children they administer the red fezzes that members wear. The building, San Francisco’s Historical Landmark #195, is today the location of the Alcazar Theater. It was built in 1917 at a cost of $150,000 as the Islam Temple. The Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board referred to its style as Moorish Byzantine Eclectic, a style inspired by Oriental and Persian architecture. Shriners have long been recognized as the men wearing the fez, a hat they chose along with the architecture style as part of their Arabic theme. Some sources indicated that Ross, also a Shriner, was inspired by the Moorish palace of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Despite its theme, the Shrine is in no way connected to Islam. It is a men's fraternity rather than a religion or religious group. Its only religious requirement is indirect: all Shriners must be Masons, and petitioners to Freemasonry must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. To further minimize confusion with religion, the use of the word "Temple" to describe Shriners' buildings has been replaced by "Shrine Center," although individual local chapters are still called "Temples." Until 2000, before being eligible for membership in the Shrine, a person had to complete either the Scottish Rite or York Rite degrees of Masonry, but now any Master Mason can join. The Shriners’ fraternal order continued to use the Geary Street building for meetings and other lodge functions until 1970, when it became the 500-seat Alcazar Theater. The name recalls a beloved historic theater on O'Farrell Street that burned in 1906. A new Alcazar had been built on that site, but was demolished in 1963 to create a parking lot. The Alcazar Theater closed in 1984 but reopened in 1992 after undergoing rehabilitation. The garage we see today was not a later addition but part of the original design. The Shriners often included commercial space in their buildings to help pay for the building and their other charitable projects. So there you have it a mystery solved. Anticlimactic or a gem for the history books…?
27
POEM
My Young Child By Asfia Khan Aspirations of a child that bloom in tiny eyes, Imaginations that take flight in the vast blue skies; Realities, you’re unaware of, such blissful times. Oh! My young one, enjoy. Enjoy this glory while your sun shines. The fire that burns within, let not it die The passion that drives you, let not it expire Your fervor and obsession, to make a positive change Keep it strong always, even when your world in locked up in chain Don’t waste an opportunity, they seldom come back Forward is your path, rearward not your track The moment is now, the time is ripe Make your mark, before you’re universe snipe Soon the worldly shackles may bind your imagination Soon the practicalities may sow seeds of inhibitions Soon may come the time, when your dreams die; your passion finishes Act! Act now, my dear so that you accomplish all your wishes. We’ve been sent with a purpose, a purpose unique to us all Some realize it easily while others experience many fall Don’t be dishearten if, on the onset, you can’t find your calling Your perseverance will yield fruits that are far more rewarding. Be steadfast in your endeavors, be firm in your belief Remember, it is one sediment at a time that forms the beautiful coral reef You are just one, but one is sufficient To start a good thing, you don’t need the continent. Your goodness will double; your efforts will succeed, All this shall happen, if your heart is pure and free form greed. One step at a time, one milestone a day That’s the secret to achieve your purpose without dismay. Love your fellow humans, love your elders Kindness is your passport to cross many borders. Take lessons from civilizations, which existed before There a world full of knowledge, if only you’d explore. All this and more, I give you as a gift Use the advices wisely, for, from them you’ll benefit I pray for you, my love, that The Almighty envelopes you from harm So my young one, go and put to good use your mind and arm.
POEM There is no word as beautiful as Allah, No example as beautiful as Rasoolullah (SAWS), No lesson as beautiful as Islam, No song as melodious as Adhaan, No charity as meaningful as Zakaat, No encyclopedia as perfect as Quran, No prayer as perfect as Salah, No diet as perfect as Fasting, No journey as perfect as Hajj
Beautiful Message
Courtesy: 6th Grade Students of Sunday Islamic School, Fremont (SISF) The birds whistle softly.
Tweet, tweet, tweet. Lions roar, The king of the jungle. These are all magnificent creations of Allah (SWT). We say Subhana Allah!!! Owls hoot, Woodpeckers peck. Elephants blow their trumpets. These are all magnificent creations of Allah (SWT). We say Subhana Allah!!!
Nature - In the words of Sana Ansari (6th Grade)
Steep Mountains, Great big bodies of water, All scattered around Earth. Wood out of tree trunks, Paper out of leaves. These are all magnificent creations of Allah (SWT). We say Subhana Allah!!! A very busy ecosystem, Beavers making a dam. This is nature. Wonderful creations of Allah (SWT). We say Subhana Allah!!!
“Whoever memorizes ten aayaat from the beginning of Surah AlKahf will be protected from the Dajjaal� (Saheeh Muslim)
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