Islamic Focus Issue 123

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Ask a Muslim if he or she is a Satanist and the answer will be an emphatic and indignant no. But the reality is that Satan’s hand is being increasingly seen behind the sins that are overwhelming the community. Here’s a brief look at Satan’s handiwork: 1. Fear of Poverty Satan threatens you with poverty… (Quran 2:268) People resort to increasingly vicious and inhumane crimes in order to stave off the fear of having no money.

Armed robbery, prostitution and embezzlement have their root in this tool of Satan.

In the pursuit of money, western multi nationals virtually resort to slave labour to produce name brands sold for high profits. What else but Satanism can drive

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Issue 123

Igniting the Spirit of Islam Aug 2015

the beatings, sexual abuse, child labour and noxious living conditions that labourers are forced to endure?

2. Immorality [Satan] commands you only what is evil and immoral...

(Quran 2:169) Immorality is the new drug of our times. People are pushing the boundaries in exploring new and ever more depraved acts of sexual fulfillment. Attaining the new highs of pleasure has become a veritable cult and religion: “Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire…”

(Quran 45:23) In the insatiable thirst for quenching the Satanist lust, an estimated 8 million women are living in abject enslavement as sex tools.

Going even deeper into Satan’s cesspool is the fact that

2 million children are exploited every year in the global commercial sex trade.

3. Intoxicants ...intoxicants, gambling ... are filth from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. (Quran 5:90) Alcohol kills more teenagers than all other drugs combined. It is a factor in the three leading causes of death among 15- to 24-year -olds: accidents, homicides and suicides. 40% of violent crimes occur under the influence of alcohol.

Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the blazing fire.

(Quran 35:6) Scan the QR code with your cellphone to go to our website: www.islamicfocus.co.za

WORLD NEWS

TURKEY - Turkish ground forces crossed into Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish militants for the first time since a ceasefire with the PKK two years ago. Turkish warplanes also launched a wave of air strikes on bases of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) in northern Iraq. Turks staged rallies across Turkey after 14 police officers were killed in a PKK bomb attack. The bombing came a day after another militant attack on the Turkish military killed 16 soldiers. (BBC, 9 Sep 2015) BURMA - Campaigning in Burma's first general election since a civilian government was introduced in 2011 gets under way but the party of prodemocracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD, has caused a stir by failing to select any Muslim candidates. Islam is the second largest religion in Myanmar but Muslims suffer abuse and discrimination by the Buddhists. (BBC, 8 Sep 2015) MIDDLE EAST - A large dust storm has hit western parts of the Middle East, putting dozens of people in hospital and leading to public health warnings. The storm hits parts of Syria halting fighting. Parts of Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey and Cyprus were also affected. 2 people died and 80 people were taken to hospital with respiratory problems in Lebanon, and 10 people have been taken to hospital in Cyprus with breathing difficulties. (BBC, 9 Sep 2015) YEMEN - 22 people, majority of them Indian nationals, are reported to have been killed in air strike conducted by Saudi-led Arab coalition in al-Hodeidah port. The attack was targeting fuel and arms smugglers in the area controlled by Shia Houthi rebels.

More than 20 coalition air strikes targeted Houthi

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positions on the coastal road linking al-Hodeidah with Taiz city. 12 Houthi rebels were killed in the air strikes in the province of Marib. The coalition began its military offensive against the Houthis in March after the Shia rebels took control of the impoverished country, forcing President Mansour Hadi to flee to neighbouring Saudi Arabia. After Hadi loyalists recaptured Yemen's second city Aden in July, the coalition began a ground operation which has seen rebels pushed back from five southern provinces, although they still control Sanaa and much of the north and centre. 50 soldiers from the Arab coalition were killed last week during fighting with rebels. (AJ, 8 Sep 2015) INDIA - For centuries India's social structure was built around a rigid Hindu caste system. Garbage pickers already live in hell from the day they're born.

If you're born into a lower caste you suffer the worst type of slavery. Dalits have traditionally done jobs considered ritually impure, like garbage collection, street sweeping, the cremation of dead bodies and the disposal of human waste. With Dalits continuing to face prejudice and discrimination within their own communities, some try to find social acceptance by converting to Islam. (AJ, 4 Sep 2015) TAJIKISTAN - Tajikistan security forces killed 13 fighters allegedly linked to recently banned opposition party the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT). The rebels, allegedly led by former deputy Defence Minister Abulhalim Nazarzoda, refused to surrender after police and troops pursued them in a remote mountain area. (AJ, 6 Sep 2015)

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Ways to respond to natural catastrophes which can cause us to become better Muslims:

Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz rahimahullah asked rulers of the provinces to send him the names of all those blind, crippled, or with a chronic illness that prevented them from establishing salah. They sent him their names. He, in turn, ordered that every blind man should have an employee to guide and look after him, and that every two chronically ill persons - those with special needs - be attended by a servant to serve and care for them. (Ibn Al-Jawzi)

1. Repentance Turn to Allah Ta’ala in repentance because open disobedience to Allah Ta’ala is one of the reasons for calamities like earthquakes.

The same course was taken by caliph AlWaleed ibn Abdul-Malik. In 707 CE, he ordered the establishment of a foundation specialized in looking after them. Doctors and servants, paid fixed wages, were employed in this foundation. He granted a regular allowance to persons with special needs, and made them sufficient enough to not beg others. In addition, he appointed employees to serve all those who were disabled, crippled, or blind.

(Ibn Kathir, At-Tabari) The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam left Ibn Umm Maktoum radhiallahu anhu twice as his representative in Madinah to lead the prayer, though he was blind. (Ahmad) He was also appointed as a Muazzin of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. (Muslim) When Muslims would go on their expeditions, they used to leave those among them who were chronically ill, submit the keys of their doors to them, saying, "We have made it lawful for you to partake of our houses' food".

(Ar-Razi)

(Corruption and) Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (Allah Ta’ala) may give them a taste of some of their deeds in order that they may turn back (from evil).

(Quran 30:41) These incidents are, as it were, ‘wakeup’ alarm calls from Allah Ta’ala so that we may mend our ways.

2. Pray for the afflicted The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam has commanded us to support and help the victims of calamities, whether Muslim or not.

3. Donate generously For people far from the afflicted region, the next best thing is to help and support victims financially.

Truly Sadaqah (charity) extinguishes the Wrath of Allah Ta’ala and saves from an evil death. (Tirmidhi) All creatures are the dependants of Allah Ta’ala. The most beloved to Allah Ta’ala from all creation is he who treats His (Allah Ta’ala’s) dependants the best. (Bayhaqi) Adapted from article by Moulana Saleem Dhorat

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SOCIAL / HADITH

Islam set the trend for dealing equitably with people who have special needs.

SUNNAH / SOCIAL

Enthusiasm within limits The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, “Verily everything has an enthusiasm and every enthusiasm has its limits. Whoever does so properly and moderately will have hope for success, but whoever earns fingers of accusation will not be deemed worthy.” (Tirmidhi) Enthusiasm for the Sunnah "For every action there is a period of enthusiasm/activity, and for every period of enthusiasm there is a period of rest/inactivity. So he whose period of inactivity is in accordance with my Sunnah then he is rightly guided, but he whose period of inactivity accords with other than this, then he is destroyed." (Musnad Ahmad 6725) Faith is the root of enthusiasm When the army reached Mada'in, Umar radhiallahu anhu consulted Salman radhiallahu anhu whether to attack or not, and he replied: "Give me until tomorrow and l will answer your question”. The next morning Salman radhiallahu anhu said to him: "Attack with the blessings of Allah, as I wandered amongst the soldiers last night, and l found them all either bowing or prostrating to Allah, and by this you will overcome your enemy".

Levels of enthusiasm Enthusiasm needs to be in accordance with the goal: In seeking sustenance the Quran says: walk.

For Juma prayer the Quran says: proceed (faster pace than walking).

In seeking Paradise the Quran says: race.

In seeking Allah Ta’ala the Quran says: flee towards.

This game which has acquired a status of awe among kids has elements of divination and necromancy.

Divination Anything that resembles divination or seeking guidance through omens, signs and rituals is prohibited in Islam.

“Taking omens is polytheism; taking omens is polytheism.” The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said it 3 times. [Abu Dawood] The trend of normalizing the occult through movies, books and games is a worrying sign of the groundwork being laid for the appearance of Dajjal, who will use occult-like powers to snatch people away from Islam.

“Whoever teller and lieved in sallallahu Dawood]

approaches an oracle or fortunebelieves in what he says, has disbewhat was revealed to Muhammad alaihi wa sallam.” [Ahmad and Abu

Necromancy There is no place in Islam for rituals that purport to connect with the spirits of the dead.

Necromancy is black magic that is contrary to Islam. It is a practice to invoke or control the spirits of the dead. This is neither permissible nor possible. It is not possible for a living person to control the souls of the dead. What the necromancer does involves jinn and devils that come in the form of certain souls and impersonate dead people.

Muslims need to shun superstition and anything connected with the occult.

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From various Ulama

www.shafiifiqh.com Q: I am an Imam and when I read something in salah from the middle of a surah I read bismillah aloud and someone told me it is wrong. As followers of the Shafi Madhab we know that bismillah is part of every surah. The man said that if I start a surah then only must I read bismillah audibly.

A: In his hashiyah on Ghurar 1/308, Ibn Qasim cited from both Asnawi and Zarkashi that it is recommended for one reciting the Quran to also recite the bismillah even if starting from somewhere within the surah. The detail of this being in or out of the prayer was not raised in the citation, the evidence is general. In Tuhfat al-Muhtaj 2/33, Ibn Hajar’s passage, in which he discusses this point, is similarly general.

Even those commentating on Ibn Hajar have observed that these passages imply that there is no difference between one in or outside of the prayer; both may recite the bismillah. They point out that the author of Nihayat alMuhtaj, Shams al-Din alRamli, considered this to be the case only for one outside of the prayer. Some commentators on these works

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indicate to Ramli’s opinion being preferred to them.

Both ways have a basis in the Shafi school.

Answered by Shaykh Yaqub Abdurrahman

Q: Where I reside the majority of people follow Shafi fiqh. But they say women are not allowed to make itikaf in Ramadan at the masjid, but are only allowed to do itikaf in their homes. What is the Shafi view?

A: According to the reliedupon opinion in the Shafi Madhhab, a woman may not perform ritual seclusion (i’tikaf) at home, in fact it is invalid. The mosque is the place of i’tikaf, and a woman’s home is not a mosque. Furthermore, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam’s wives would perform seclusion in the mosque. If i’tikaf at home was valid, then they would have practiced on that. (Tuhfat alMuhtaj 3/466 & Nihayat alMuhtaj 3/217) Answered by Shaykh Yaqub Abdurrahman

Q: Are photos, videos, statues, drawings permissible?

A: Statues, paintings, and drawings of creatures that possess a spirit, namely hu-

mans and animals, are strictly prohibited and considered an enormity. This prohibition also extends to images of things that do not exist in real life, like the winged horse in the hadith of Aisha radhiallahu anha.

The exception to this prohibition is girls’ dolls, and according to the Shafi jurist, alBujayrami, boys’ toys are also permitted. Additionally, if the image is missing something without which it cannot survive like the head or the entire lower body, it is permissible.

As for photographs, there is disagreement amongst contemporary Shafi scholars regarding their permissibility.

The jurists of Tarim and Hadhramaut are overwhelmingly of the opinion that photographs are permitted.

In addition, according to imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, even permissible images prevent the Angels of mercy from entering the premises, while imam al-Ramli is of the opinion that they don't. Both of these opinions are relied upon in the shafi madhhab.

Allah knows best.

Answered by Shaykh Omar Mohsin

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SHAFI Q & A

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

HANAFI Q & A From various Ulama

www.askimam.org | www.askmufti.co.za | www.daruliftaa.net Q: Can females use hair removing creams to remove armpit and pubic hair?

A: It is permissible for females to use hair removing cream to remove underarm and pubic hair.

Checked by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Can we give bank interest monies to Muslim poor to pay their hospital bills for example?

A: Interest accrued from a bank may be disposed of by giving it to a poor and needy Muslim. The recipient of the interest money may use the money as he/she wishes.

This may include paying his/ her hospital medical bills.

Checked by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Can an Imam's salary be given from zakaat money or not?

A: An Imam provides a service for which he is entitled to a remuneration according to his employment contract.

Zakat funds have to be disposed of independently and separately to the poor and needy. Accordingly, zakat cannot be used as wages to pay the Imam. The Imam may be assisted with zakat funds if he is a legitimate recipient of zakat. However, he will still be entitled to his remuneration according to his employment contract. Zakat cannot be given to him to offset wages due to him.

There is a building for sale. The building is made up of a few shops. There are some general retailers which I have no issue with. There is a bottle store on site which I know is not acceptable and the agent has advised me that he can request the terms of the sale be that this store moves out.

There is also an undertaker as a tenant as well as a some company providing financial services which include interest dealings. Please advise if we can have these as tenants.

A: A Muslim should always be conscious of halal income and distance himself as much as possible from alcohol, interest and other nonShari’ah compliant sources of income.

Ideally, we advise against having a bottle store or bank/a company dealing with interest as tenants. However in view of the practical difficulties of Muslim minorities in non-Muslim countries, our senior Ulama have issued the fatwa on the opinion of Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah permitting leasing out one’s property to a bottle store and a bank.

However leasing out to an avenue that is completely immoral, for example a casino, is prohibited.

Checked by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: My question is regarding who is acceptable to have as a tenant.

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Refer to the fatwa from Mufti Zafar Ahmed Usmani rahimahullah in Imdaadul Ahkaam (3/534-535). Accordingly

and in view of the fatawa in reference, there is a leeway to continue with the tenants you refer to in your query.

Checked by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Can a person bequeath 33% of his entire estate to the wife of one of his sons?

A: A bequest of one third may be made only after burial expenses and paying of debts. Accordingly, it is not permissible to bequeath 33 % of the entire property before burial expenses and before paying the debts.

It is permissible to make a bequest for a daughter in laws as she is not an heir.

However you indicate that you have other sons and daughters in law. We advise you to consider the negative consequences of making a bequest in favour of one daughter in law to the exclusion of others. Undue favouritism could lead to animosity and disunity.

Checked by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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nizing Muslim achievements

Once Sauda radhiallahu anha came to visit A’isha while Hafsah radhiallahu anhuma was there. She arrived well dressed with a Yemeni shawl and matching scarf. Hafsah said to A’isha radhiallahu anhuma, “Oh Ummul Mu’mineen, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam is due to arrive when this lady is shining here between us.”

“I am going to spoil her adornment for her,” said Hafsah radhiallahu anha in a joking way.

Sauda radhiallahu anha who could not hear that well asked what they were talking about.

“Oh Saudah, the one eyed one (Dajjal) has appeared!” said Hafsah radhiallahu anha.

“Really!” Saudah radhiallahu anha cried out in alarm. “Where shall I hide?” Hafsah radhiallahu anha said, “You will have to go to the tent!” The tent was made of palm leaves and was a hiding place for the people. However it was filled with cobwebs and dirt.

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The Prophet sallallahu alaihu wa sallam arrived and seeing his wives, A’isha and Hafsa radhiallahu anhuma laughing so much, asked, ‘What is all the laughter about?’ He had to repeat the question before they pointed to the tent, since they were laughing so much they couldn’t speak.

“What is the matter oh Saudah?” the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam asked. She said that Dajjaal had arrived so the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam clarified, ‘He has not appeared but is still to appear.’ The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam helped her out and dusted her clothes of the dirt and cobwebs.

(Abu Ya’la via Jamiat.org.za)

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INTERNET / LIGHT-HEARTED

Enrich your web experience. Not all content on all sites Islamic-compliant. Consult Ulama

CURRENT / ENVIRONMENT

Media attention has been focused on how some European countries are accepting limited numbers of Syrian refugees. Little has been said about how neighbouring Muslim countries have been accommodating millions of Syrian refugees for several years. Here’s a glimpse: Number of Syrian Refugees: Turkey 1,8 million Lebanon 1,2 million Jordan 630,000 Iraq 250,000 Egypt 133,000 Financial Aid: Countries like Saudi, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman have contributed close to 50 billion rands in refugee aid.

Shia Plot: Further points to note are that many of the migrants heading to Europe are relatively well off, paying smugglers to get to Europe.

The spotlight on them is distracting attention from the forced displacement of Sunni Muslims

by Iranian and other Shias in Syria. This is part of the campaign to increase the percentage of Shia in a predominantly Sunni country.

The real causes of the Syrian conflict: the proxy war being fought between America and Iran/Russia needs to be addressed. European countries taking in refugees only complements the plan to empty Syria of its inhabitants.

This is similar to what was done in Iraq recently and also Iran in the 16th century to forcibly make it Shia.

Caretakers The world is sweet and verdant, and verily Allah has made you stewards in it, and He sees how you acquit yourselves. (Muslim) Our species, though selected to be a caretaker on the earth, has been the cause of devastation. This current rate of climate change cannot be sustained, and the earth’s fine equilibrium may soon be lost. Excessive pollution from fossil fuels threatens to destroy the gifts bestowed on us by Allah; gifts such as a functioning climate, healthy air to breathe, regular seasons, and living oceans.

Perfect equilibrium He raised the heaven and established the balance. So that you would not transgress the balance. Give just weight – do not skimp in the balance. He laid out the earth for all living creatures. (Quran 55:7-10) The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam: protected the rights of all living beings prohibited killing living beings for sport guided his companions to conserve water forbade the senseless destruction of crops Established inviolable zones around Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah, within which native plants may not be cut and wild animals may not be hunted Established protected areas (himas) for the conservation and sustainable use of rangelands Lived a frugal life, free of excess and waste Renewed and recycled his meagre possessions by repairing or giving them away Ate simple, healthy food, in balance.

Adapted from: islamicclimatedeclaration.org

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3 tips to help use time wisely: 1. Know where you time is going: If you want to fix your time-leak you need to find out where the problem is. The easiest way to do this is to sit down with a pen and paper and map out your day. Now that you have a vague idea of where your time is spent it’s time to get more specific. You need to write down exactly where your time goes.

“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” (Bukhari 8:421) 2. Set goals: What is your ultimate goal? As Muslims everything we do if we do it for the sake of Allah Ta’ala it counts as worship for us. Write down your goal and post it where you can see it. When you start to get distracted look at your goal and remind yourself to focus.

3. Start and end your day with a plan: Take 20 to 30 minutes every morning to write down what you need to do for the day. Prioritize your list. By making a list of everything you need to get done first thing in the morning, you get your brain on track.

One of the five things that the Hadith encourages us to appreciate is our free time before we become busy. (Tirmidhi)

With the globalization of industry, the western colonial greed for money has been transferred to modern industry.

"And do not deprive people of their due and do not commit abuse on earth, spreading corruption." (Quran, 26:183) The clothing industry is a classic case of mass exploitation from the production of raw materials to the manufacture of brand name items.

1. Raw Material 14 countries where cotton is produced use child labour. Child workers in the cottonseed industry are often in a state of debt bondage and work at least nine hours a day. Pesticides used during production cause health problems.

2. Fabric Garment workers in countries like Bangladesh are among the millions in developing countries who labor in wretched conditions to produce the material for the name brand items.

3. Clothes These clothing are manufactured in sweat shops where workers are paid extremely low wages for long hours in unsafe working conditions, that cause mental and physical strain.

This is abuse and exploitation.

At the end, an item manufactured cheaply with slave labour is sold at staggering profit because the marketing says its fashionable.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Simplicity of dress is one of the signs of faith.” (Abu Dawud)

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HISTORY / SOCIAL

“By time, Indeed mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Quran 103:1-3)

VIRTUES / THOUGHT PROVOKING

Some of the benefits of reciting Surah Yaseen, the 36th chapter of the Holy Quran: 1. Needs fulfilled “Whoever recites Yaseen in the morning, his work for that entire day will be made easy and whoever recites in at the end of the day, his tasks till the next morning will be made easy.” (Sunan Darimi 2:549) 2. Heart of the Quran Surah Yasin has been labelled as the heart of the Quran in more than one Hadith: Sunan Tirmidhi 2887; Musnad Ahmad 5:26 3. Forgiveness of sins “Surah Yasin is the heart of the Quran. When anyone who intends the hereafter recites it Allah will forgive him. Recite it upon your deceased.” (Sunan Abi Dawud) 4. Safety in both worlds Surah Yaseen is named in the Torah as “Mun’imah” in other words: "Giver of good things." This is because it benefits the reader in this world and the next. Surah Yaseen also takes away the dread of the next life. (Hashiya of Tafsir Jalalalayn, pg 368) 5. Status of martyr If anyone recites Surah Yaseen every night and then dies, he will die as a shaheed (a martyr).

6. Ease in death "Over no person who is about to die and Surah Yaseen is read upon them but Allah Ta’ala lightens the difficulties of death for him." (Qurtubi)

A construction supervisor from the 16th floor of a building was calling a worker who was on the ground floor. Because of noise the worker did not hear his call.

To draw attention, the supervisor threw a 50 rand note in front of the worker. He picked up the note, put it in his pocket and continued to work. Again to draw attention the supervisor threw 200 rand note and the worker did the same. Now the supervisor picked a small stone and threw on the worker.

The stone hit the worker. This time the worker looked up and the supervisor communicated with him.

This story is the same as our life.

Allah Ta'ala wants to communicate with us but we are too busy doing our worldly jobs. Then, He gives us small gifts and big gifts too. We just keep them without looking where we got them from.

We are the same. Just keeping the gifts without thanking Allah Ta'ala or connecting ourselves with Him. We just say we are lucky or talented.

And when we are hit with a small stone which we call problems, only then will we look up and communicate with Him. Begin communicating with Allah Ta’ala before death ends the opportunity.

Allah Ta'ala gives, gives and forgives while we get, get and forget.

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The Arabic above reads: Radhiallahu anhu which means “May Allah be pleased with him.” We say this after every Sahaba’s name.

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FINAL FOCUS

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Once upon a time in a village a man appeared who announced that he would buy monkeys for $10. The villagers knew the jungle held countless monkeys. The man bought 2,000.

As the supply diminished, they become difficult to catch, and villagers returned to their farms. The man announced that he would pay $20. The villagers renewed their efforts and caught 1,000 more monkeys.

The supply quickly diminished, but before they returned to their farms the man increased his offer to $40 each. Monkeys became so rare that it was difficult to even see a monkey let alone catch it. But they caught 500.

The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $100! However, since he had to go to the city on some business his assistant would now buy for him. The man departed.

Then the assistant told the villagers, “Look at all these monkeys the man has in that big cage. I will sell them to you at $50 each.

When the man comes back you can sell the monkey’s back to him for $100.” The villagers queued up with all their savings to buy the monkeys. The assistant took their money.

They never saw either the man or his assistant again.

They now owned 3,500 monkeys. They were paid $60,000 to catch them, and bought them back for $175,000.

This is the capitalist system of the stock market. Many are bankrupted and a few become millionaires in this monkey business.

73 DURBAN ROAD KORSTEN PH. 041 451 3060 Islamic Focus

ISSN 2223 - 1110 (Print) | ISSN 2223 - 1129 (Online)

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