How to Achieve Inner Peace Permanently?

 

Allah (Azza wajal) describes in the ayah that I recited before [quoting Quran in Arabic]. Right? It’s a beautiful answer. Allah (Azza wajal) is saying which of the two sides deserves peace more?

In other words, there is such a thing as people finding peace once in a while in other than Islam. But who deserves consistent, constant, lifelong peace?

These are people who truly came to believe and did not violate the rights of their faith by doing bad things, by doing the wrong thing.

Now, I tell you, Buddhists can tell you that they sit and some of them can sit for like for hours in meditation in one position and don’t move. And you look at them: ah, this guy is really peaceful. He’s really like, he’s calmed down. And he finds a lot of peace in it.

And people do yoga and find peace in that too, right? And people sit in a sauna and find peace. Some people listen to classical music and they find peace. So, if you want to talk about somebody finding peace, they say, I find peace in different things.

Somebody likes to sit at the beach and just look at the ocean waves, and they find peace. But that is just the calmness of emotions, temporarily. What we’re talking about when we say peace is actually number one [Arabic]: it’s the opposite of fear.

Your concerns, your grievances, your negative emotions aren’t just taken away for a little while. You have a constant source of putting those things in perspective. For a lot of practices of peace, you know what people do?

They like to forget their reality. It’s very important to know in other than faith, other than Allah, people like to forget their reality. So, a lot of people find peace when they get drunk. You know why? Because when they’re drunk, they can’t think. So, they forget about their problems.

A lot of people find peace when they take drugs. Because when they take drugs, their mind is gone. So, they don’t have to worry about their problems. A lot of people find peace only by playing video games or watching movies.

Because when they’re playing the video game and watching the movie, they’re not thinking about their own life. So, it’s happy time. So, as soon as it ends, they’re like oh, I don’t want to face reality again, put the next movie on and I’ll put the next one on and put this video game on.

And they keep, you know, cycling these things because their own reality they can’t face. The difference with us is our faith, iman, if you really have it, you don’t have to run from reality. You can face reality and still be at peace.

You see all other options, all other avenues of finding peace, they want you to get away from life, you know? And what do people do when they want to find peace, they take a vacation. They go away from everything. They know there’s hardly a vacation.

What do we do when we need to find peace? We go into jumah. We go towards people and pray to Allah together. That’s what we do, right? So, we face reality and this is the beauty of our faith. Some peace you will find but nothing like Allah will give you inside of this deen. - aboutislam.net

Can You Combine Shawwal Fasting and Missed Days?

 

There are two rulings on having two intentions in Shawwal fasting. According to a number of scholars and jurists, you can have the double intention of making up for the lost days as well as seeking the extra rewards for observing the recommended Shawwal fasting.

However, this view is not shared by others; they are of the view that one should first make up for the missed fasts, then, if the month of Shawwal still remains, observe the recommended fasts.

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: www.askthescholar.com

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Should Fasting Six Days of Shawwal Be Consecutive?

 

It is certainly wrong to suggest that one must rest for three days to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, since Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated only one day. The six days of Shawwal fast can, therefore, begin right after Eid, i.e., on the second day of Shawwal.

As a matter of fact, that is the position of many scholars. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, and then follows it up by (fasting) six days of Shawwal, it is as though he has fasted the whole year.” (Muslim)

However, there are other scholars who do not consider it absolutely necessary to begin the optional fasting of six days of Shawwal immediately after Eid Al-Fitr. According to them, one may fast any of the six days of Shawwal. Neither do they consider it necessary for a person to fast the six days consecutively.

So long as one has fasted six days, either consecutively or separately, he has fulfilled the requirement and he will receive the same rewards.

Both of the above cited views have been transmitted from reliable authorities of Fiqh. It is, therefore, simply a matter of interpretation. Since there is nothing in the sources explicitly stating that it must be done immediately after Eid or that it must be done consecutively, it must be judged as being flexible.

We must recognize the fact that taysir (ease and latitude) is integral to the nature of the Shari`ah, and, therefore, we are not supposed to make something rigid unless it has already been made so.

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: Excerpted with slight modifications from: www.islam.ca

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Establishing Prayer… Even in Eid?

 

What is really your concern here is that Muslims pray even in the midst of celebration, or “fun”!

To many people, especially in the West, the word “fun” evokes, for instance, the colorful images of the world’s biggest and grandest carnival in Rio de Janeiro or the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. They may also think of the wild revelries and partying they have during other festivals and fiestas throughout the world.

But, it is obvious that to people of another culture, fun and entertainment may have different connotations.

In fact, the concept of fun varies from culture to culture; and it is no wonder that people of one culture feel some sort of “culture shock”, when they confront people of another culture, having fun in a different way. Non-Muslims can understand the Muslim culture, only if they have some idea of the Muslim worldview.

The Muslim Worldview

Islam teaches that God has given us guidance through His books and prophets. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last of the prophets and the Quran is the final revelation and last testament of divine guidance.

Muslims are required to order all aspects of their life, in accordance with divine guidance, as well as the example of the Prophet.

For the Muslim, no aspect of his life is exempt from this existential understanding of the role of religion in daily life. His whole life is directed towards God, and he cannot do anything without taking into consideration whether God will approve of it or not.

The famous Christian theologian and a leading figure in contemporary moral Philosophy Paul Tillich defined religion as the Ultimate Concern of Man. A Muslim believes firmly in that. That is to say, all other human concerns should be subordinated to religion. This means that a Muslim cannot separate various aspects of his day-to-day life from religion; and celebration is no exception.

If happiness is the provision of the soul, how can it be exercised against its innate nature? Who would know that very innate nature and its striving for peace and satisfaction… better than the Creator of the soul, body and world?

The Muslim fast itself may be viewed by others as a little too harsh. But we can see that the fast referred to by Jesus in the Gospels must have been as “severe” as the Muslim fast (Matthew 6:16–18).

As Islam declares itself to be the latest and the most finalized form of the same message and religion taught by all prophets, including Jesus (peace be upon him), this is not surprising.

God commands that after a month of rigorous fast, the believers can rejoice and celebrate. But mind you, we should never ever forget God and His blessings.

This is because the core of a Muslim’s life is devotion to God and eagerness to obey and show gratitude to Him.

For this reason, the core of the Eid celebration is prayer! All the festivities on the occasion are subordinated to the grateful remembrance of God…

Celebrate… in Moderation

This brings to the fore an important aspect of it all; the celebration of Muslims cannot go out of control. It is marked by decorum and restraint. Muslims can follow other models in celebration, only in defiance of the above principle.

This is because Islam strongly disapproves of people letting themselves go, as it were. Drinking, dancing, or pop music festivals are not relevant to the essence of Islamic socio-logic… or homo-logic either. Intoxication or wild enjoyment of any kind is just not the way of enjoying life a Muslim would pursue.

In fact, we can see a similar strain in the Jewish Pesach or Passover, and the Christian Easter, where the general tenor is religious.

Even in countries like Spain, where they make the most of the holy season (Semana Santa) with torch-lit processions and extravagant religious ceremonies, you cannot miss the religious atmosphere.

As for the Muslim, he should constantly remember God throughout his sober life. Since this is impossible, his duty is to strive at his level best to maintain a steady consciousness of God.

The salah or the five ritual Prayers a day are meant to keep the remembrance of God. The exact Qur’anic command is not just ‘pray’, but ‘establish prayer’, which suggests, among other things, that no human activity is exempt from the remembrance of God.

A God-Conscious Life

Now, what is the purpose of it all?

For one thing, a person who remembers God constantly is safe from error, from any sort of moral lapse. This is because the remembrance of God makes him strive to do the good and avoid the evil. This brings him the double blessing of the hereafter, along with that of the here-and-now.

All activities of a Muslim, therefore are bound to be God-directed; and a Muslim should like to spend every moment of his life in prayer, if possible. That is due to the fact that he believes that this life is transient and his real destination is the eternal abode in the hereafter.

So, fun time is also prayer time, though it may sound… funny!

- aboutislam.net

About Professor Shahul Hameed

Professor Shahul Hameed is an Islamic consultant. He also held the position of the President of the Kerala Islamic Mission, Calicut, India. He is the author of three books on Islam published in the Malayalam language. His books are on comparative religion, the status of women, and science and human values.

`Eid Al-Fitr: A Day of Joy and Thanksgiving

 

`Eid Al-Fitr is the day of thanksgiving and joy. It marks the end of the month of fasting, and it is when we feel happy and give thanks to Allah that He enabled us to obey His commands. We all fasted during the month of Ramadan, and by the end of the month, we realize that Allah’s commands are good for us; they aim at our well-being.

Allah does not want to put any burden on us; He gave us the rules of fasting for our own benefit. Fasting has many benefits for individuals and for communities. It has spiritual, moral, and physical benefits.

Significance of `Eid al-Fitr

`Eid Al-Fitr has a deep significance. Its spirit is marked by distinguished values and virtues:

• Thanksgiving and expressing gratitude to Allah
• Experiencing joy and rejoice
• Maintaining ties of kinship
• Taking care of the poor and the needy

Thanksgiving and Expressing Gratitude

`Eid Al-Fitr is a day that marks the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan. It is a festival that signifies the completion of an act of duty and devotion. It teaches us that real happiness results from performing one’s duty and making sacrifices for a noble objective.

We should thank Almighty Allah, for He guided us to fasting in Ramadan, to doing good deeds, and to reciting the Qur’an. We should thank Him, for He is the One Who gave us the money we paid for zakat al-fitr and other charities. Allah says in the Qur’an,

{And (He desires) that you should complete the prescribed period and that you should glorify Allah for having guided you and that you may give thanks.} (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Joy and Rejoice

`Eid is our joy; it is our feast. The month of Ramadan is a test from Almighty Allah. At the end of the month, we experience a great sense of achievement and closeness to Allah. It is the joy of spiritual fulfillment.

The day of `Eid Al-Fitr is time for celebration. On that day, we should not indulge in insulting or abusing others, as this may detract from the achievements of the month of Ramadan. `Eid Al-Fitr is a day of decent happiness and joy.

Almighty Allah says,

{Say, “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy — therein let them rejoice. It is better than what they hoard.} (Yunus 10:58)

Abu Hurairah reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Those who fast will have two times at which they will feel happy: When they break their fast, they feel happy for breaking the fast, and when they meet their Lord, they will be happy because of their fast” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

However, in celebrating `Eid Al-Fitr, we should enjoy our time by sticking to what is permissible and avoiding what is unlawful.

Maintaining Ties of Kinship

`Eid Al-Fitr is a day when Muslims become more keen on visiting their relatives and friends. In the process, they exchange greetings and maintain ties of kinship. We should all visit our relatives or at least call them. Muslim brothers and sisters should greet one another by saying “Happy `Eid” or “May Allah accept your good deeds and ours.”

The Prophet said,

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain good relations with his or her kindred” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Taking Care of the Poor and the Needy

Although Almighty Allah commanded us to take care of the needy, the poor, and the orphans throughout the year, taking care of them during `Eid Al-Fitr and `Eid Al-Adha is given greater emphasis. Allah and His Prophet instructed us to fulfill the needs of the poor and the needy in both `Eids, so that they would not be in need of begging.

This is the spirit of `Eid Al-Fitr, so let’s always keep this spirit among us. Let’s strengthen our bonds with our Creator and with one another. Let’s be more united and more and more committed to righteousness as individuals, families, and communities.

Finally, here are some tips that can help us all keep the spirit of `Eid Al-Fitr:

• Before you finish your i`tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque), greet all your brothers and sisters, saying “Happy `Eid” or “May Allah accept your good deeds and ours.”
• Visit all your relatives and close friends, and call those who are living far away.
• Take care of your family and your kids, and let them feel the happiness of `Eid.
• Take part in `Eid celebrations to see your Muslim brothers and sisters.
• Make du`aa’ for your Muslim brothers and sisters everywhere.
• Try to celebrate the `Eid through permissible practices and keep away from unlawful ones.

May Allah accept our good deeds and grant us His forgiveness and mercy.

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. Wael Shehab

Dr. Wael Shehab has a PhD in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University. He is currently the Imam of the Downtown Toronto Masjid in Canada.

The Hand That Gives: Etiquette of Zakat and Sadaqa

 

The Quran and hadith offer Prophetic guidance regarding the disbursal of our charity and zakat in person, not by proxy.

This enables us to better understand the people we’re helping, know how the money is being put to use, and offer more than just cash.

It’s important to have conversations with those we’re aiming to help, for us to learn more about their condition.

What They Really Need

When we speak with those in need of our support, we learn about their lives and struggles.

Through, a two-minute conversation with a stranger, I often uncovered other less superficial ways to assist.

Perhaps they’re having a hard time with some paperwork or documentation.

Maybe they need a ride to an important health or court appointment.

Perhaps they need a new pair of glasses, bedding, diapers, or clothes for their child, or any other item that is within our budget and means to give.

I was once homeless for a short stretch. When I finally moved into my new apartment with the help of a local homelessness relocation program, I owned next to nothing.

I brought with me a laptop, a few suitcases of personal items, and an inflatable air mattress.

I moved in the winter, so it was crucial that I get some type of home put together for my children and I fast.

However, not a single soul stepped forward to offer me cash.

Instead, they followed Quranic guidance and offered me dishes, cutlery, bedding, used clothing, children’s books, toys, and even some pantry staples.

These ready-to-use items were perfect. I was unable to drive around town and hunt down affordable items.

I had too many other pressing issues like prenatal, and court appointments, demanding my time.

In that moment, their charity was in their gifted belongings, which I accepted with humbled gratitude.

I also have a friend who is a beautician and a hairstylist. She’s trained in more than one discipline and also on various continents.

A Real-Life Story

She’s also known for hardship – which makes her very attuned to others in need.

Recently, she set out to offer free haircuts on weekends to homeless men and women in a downtown park.

Her aim was only to make their lives a little cleaner, fresher, and easier by offering what she could of herself and her expertise to these men and women in need.

However, what she soon discovered, after talking to them throughout their haircuts, is that they needed much more than just one-time grooming.

They needed socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, Tylenol, and other toiletries.

She used social media and word of mouth to reach out to others in her circle. She pooled her personal resources along with donations from family and friends.

Together, they put together dozens of well-stocked kits.

When she went back the next time for her usual weekend haircut, she came bearing simple gifts: gifts that were both appropriate and well received.

She took the time to get to know those she was aiming to help.

She learned the depth of their struggles and all the other ways that she, and her friends, could give.

What the Prophet (Pbuh) Did

What she did was guided by her faith, because we have a very similar example from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Our Prophet did not condone or encourage beggary as a routine source of income.

However, we are not, as Muslims, supposed to be harsh with beggars either.

As Muslims, our aim is to gently discourage begging and assist others in becoming self-sufficient instead.

In one narration, a man approached Prophet Muhammad begging for money. Prophet Mohammed asked the beggar to instead bring him the belongings that he kept at home.

The man brought back a cloth and a cup. Next the Prophet Mohammed auctioned off the belongings amongst his companions and earned two durham (more than double what the items were probably worth).

He told the man to keep half of the money for his home and family expenses and spend the other half on an axe head.

When the man returned, Prophet Muhammad fashioned the axe head to the handle himself.

He told the man to go cut wood with the axe to sell at the local market and not come back for two weeks.

The man did as he was told. When he returned later, he had earned 10 durhams, and used the money to buy a new blanket and food.

He was also well on his way to earning halal income and achieving financial independence. [Hadith source: Sunan Abu Dawud 1641]

This story teaches a valuable lesson. Except for the rare cases where people are in severe poverty, severe debt, or are too sick or injured to work, we all need a hand up instead of a handout.

When we’re stuck in poverty, it becomes very difficult to see the way out.

Researchers have even observed that poverty changes us in fundamental ways that make it next to impossible to think clearly, resulting in a circular cycle of defeats.

Those outside that spiral can offer valuable advice in the form of guidance, training, and volunteered time – directing the needy out of their poverty and problems.

Prophet Muhammad made a proud man out of a beggar.

He showed him how to cut wood and earn halal stable income for his family expenses instead of begging hand to mouth every day.

As you set out to give for charity and zakat, consider making an extra effort to get to know those you’re helping on a personal level.

Reach out to families directly. Get to know their stories.

Connect them with other people and services. Get them job training, pro-bono legal, medical, and dental work, or just listen to their stories.

Perhaps a listening ear is all they really want and need.

Often, we prefer to hand over a few bucks and look the other way, thinking we’ve done enough.

Instead, the best help is often a hard lift up over the wall of defeat.

***

- aboutislam.net

About Janet Kozak

Janet Kozak is a content strategist who helps businesses grow their brand with creative copywriting and content marketing. When she’s not writing and designing, you can find her indulging in masala fries or elbow deep in scraps of paper creating her one-of-a-kind art collages. Meet Janet and get ready to grow your business at http://janetkozak.com/

Can You Rinse Your Mouth during Ramadan?

 

Rinsing mouth and nose during wudu (ablution) is either classified as a Sunnah act of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), according to Imams Abu Hanifah, Malik, and Ash-Shafi`i, or as an obligation, according to Imam Ahmad who considers it to be a part of washing the face.

In both cases, one should not abandon rinsing them when making wudu whether fasting or not.

It is noteworthy that a fasting person should not exaggerate in doing it. Here, we recall the Prophetic Hadith that reads, “When you rinse your nose, overdo it except if you are observing fasting.” (Abu Dawud) 

Accordingly, if one rinses his mouth or nose in wudu while fasting and some water goes down his throat without intending or overdoing it, his fast remains valid.

This is similar to the case when dust from the roadway or a fly enters the throat, which is regarded as a mistake, for which this nation will not be held accountable, even if some scholars differ regarding them.

Also, rinsing the mouth for other aims than wudu will not invalidate one’s fasting as long as none of the water goes down the throat.

Allah Almighty knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti

The late member of the North American Fiqh Council