FRIDAY – THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK

 

Friday is a very important day for Muslims.  It is more significant and more beneficial than any other day of the week.  It is the day that Muslims gather together to pray in congregation. Directly before the prayer they listen to a lecture designed to empower them with valuable knowledge about God, and the religion of Islam.  It is a blessed day that has been designated as such by God, Almighty; no other day of the week shares its virtues. 

A believer’s entire life is one of worship; even celebrations are conducted as worship.  While there is no special place or special time to worship God, there are moments, days, or times that God has made more superior; Friday is one of those times. 

From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, we learn that “The best day in the sight of God is Friday, the day of congregation”.[1]  Congregational prayers (obligatory for men) are one of the most strongly emphasized duties in Islam.  It is a time when Muslims come together to worship One God, and  find strength and comfort by standing shoulder to shoulder and reaffirming their faith and devotion to Him.

“O you who believe! When the call to prayer is proclaimed on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave aside business.  That is best for you if you but knew.” (Quran 62:9)

In many predominantly Muslim countries Friday is a weekly holiday, sometimes combined with either Thursday or Saturday.  However there is no mandatory closing of businesses except during the time of the congregational prayer.  In western countries many Muslims try to take their lunch break during the time for prayer, usually in the very early afternoon.

Prophet Muhammad told his followers  that “The five daily prayers, and from one Friday prayer till the next, serves as an expiation for whatever sins have been committed between them, provided one does not commit any major sin.”[2]

It is important that a Muslim not neglect Friday Prayer due to work, study, or other worldly matters.  Believers should make attending this prayer a priority since ignoring it three times  in a row, with no valid reason, will cause a believer to stray from the straight  path.

While it is only men who are obliged to attend the Friday congregational prayer there are also many recommended acts that can be performed by men, women or children during this day.  These acts include, taking a bath and wearing clean clothes, saying numerous supplications to God, sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, and reading Chapter 18 of the Quran, which is entitled ‘The Cave’.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “There is no day more virtuous than Friday.  In it there is an hour in which no one will pray to God except that God will hear his prayer”.[3]

"Friday consists of twelve hours, one of which is the hour where supplications are granted for believers.  This hour is sought during the last hour after Asr (the third prayer in the day).[4]"

"Whoever recites ‘The Cave’ on Friday, God will give him a light to the next Friday."[5]

"The best day on which the sun rises is Friday.  It is the day Adam was created.  It is the day when Adam entered the Heavenly Gardens, the day when he was expelled from it and also the day he died.  Friday is the day on which the Day of Resurrection will take place.”[6]

Friday is also the day on which one of the greatest verses in the Quran was revealed. 

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)

A story from the life of the second Caliph Omar, illustrates the significance of Friday.   A learned person from among the Jews said to Omar Ibn Al Khattab “In the Quran you people read a certain verse; if that verse had been revealed to us, we would have celebrated that day annually.” Omar asked, “Which verse is that?”  The man replied, “This day, I have perfected your religion for you’.  Omar then said, “Verily I remember the day and the place where this verse was revealed.   It was already a double celebration for us.  Firstly it was Friday-a day of Eid (celebration) for all Muslims and secondly, it was the day of Arafat – the most important day of the Hajj.” Omar further stated that this verse was revealed after Asr (afternoon prayer) while Prophet Muhammad was sitting on his camel.

Friday is a special day; the congregational prayer performed on this day holds special significance in the life of a Muslim.  This is well noted and discussed by Islamic scholars both past and present.  Thirteenth century Islamic scholar Ibn Taymiyyah said: “The most excellent day of the week is Friday according to the consensus of scholars” [7]  and his student Ibnul -Qayyim mentions 32 special characteristics of Friday in his book Zad Al- Ma’ad.   Prophet Muhammad said “Verily, this is the Eid day (day of celebration) that God has prescribed for the Muslims”[8].  Believers would be wise to take advantage of the blessings God sends down to His slaves on Friday.  This is a day of congregation, a day of celebration and a day of contemplation and supplication. - islamreligion.com

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Bayhaqi, authenticated by Sheikh Al Albani. 

[2]Saheeh Muslim

[3]At Tirmidhi

[4]Abu Dawood,.  An Nasei

[5]Bayhaqi

[6]Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood, An Nasei & At Tirmidhi.

[7]Majmu’ah Fatawa

[8]Ibn Majah, authenticated by Sh Al Albani.

Consumption of what is unlawful corrupts the hearts

Consumption of what is unlawful corrupts the hearts and prevents supplications from being answered

There is clearly a strong relationship between the soundness or corruption of a person’s heart and his food and earnings. A person’s heart becomes corrupt when he earns what is prohibited and dares to eat of it. The Prophet  said in this regard: “Indeed, what is lawful is evident, and what is unlawful is evident, and between the two are matters which are doubtful and unknown to many people.” Then he  followed this with: “Beware! In the body there is [a piece of] flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Behold, this [piece of flesh] is the heart.” [Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim]

The heart is like a king and the limbs are its subjects. They are good when the king is good and corrupt when the king is corrupt.

Al-Munawi  stated that the Prophet  spoke about the heart after illustrating what was lawful and unlawful to indicate that consuming what is lawful lightens and reforms the heart, while doubtful things harden it.

A warning against eating the unlawful

The Islamic Sharee‘ah (religious law) forbids its followers from consuming what is unlawful, whether it is other people's money or rights, or foods that Allah, the Almighty has declared prohibited. Allah, the Almighty Says (what means): {And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]} [Quran 2:188]

Commenting on this verse, ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas  and his father, said, “This is regarding a person who is indebted with something, but there is no evidence to prove that he is. When the creditor claims his right, this person refrains from repaying it, and sues the claimer although he knows that it is not his right and that he is sinful - and thus he consumes what is unlawful.”

Qatadah  said, “O son of Adam, know that the judgment of a judge does not permit you what is unlawful. A judge passes a verdict according to his observation and the testimonies of witnesses, and he is a human and thus liable to make mistakes. Know that anyone who has been favored with an invalid verdict will never have his case finished. Allah, the Almighty will judge between him and the other party on the Day of Resurrection, giving the latter a verdict far better than the former had in this worldly life.”

Unjustly devouring the orphans' property

There are various forms of consuming what is unlawful, the worst evil of which is devouring orphans' property unjustly. This is strictly prohibited in the Quran; Allah, the Almighty Says (what means): {And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgment, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant.} [Quran 4:6]

In his commentary on this verse, Shaykh As-Sa‘di  said, “The verse prohibits consuming the property of orphans while they are young, when they can neither take it from one nor prevent him from consuming it. One can devour it while they are still young, before they are grown and can take it or prevent him from consuming it. Many guardians who do not fear Allah and have no mercy upon or love for the children in their custody do this. They find the opportunity, which they seize, and thereby hasten to commit what Allah, the Almighty has prohibited. Therefore, Allah, the Almighty forbids this act specifically.”

Moreoever, this verse is followed by severe warning to those who devour the property of orphans unjustly. Allah, the Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze} [Quran 4:10]

The Prophet  was the most concerned with the well-being of his Ummah (nation) and with warding off evil from it. Therefore, he warned Muslims against consuming the unlawful, including the property of orphans. He  said: “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” One of which is: “Devouring the property of orphans.” [Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim]

Consuming Riba [interest/usuary]

Another form of prohibition which many people consider trivial and dare to indulge in is the consumption of Riba. Allah, the Almighty Says (what means): {But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden Riba} [Quran 2:275]

In forbidding the consumption of Riba and warning against its consequences, Allah, the Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of Riba, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your capital - [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.} [Quran 2:278-279]

Who could bear a war against Allah the Almighty?

Additionally, Allah, the Almighty explains in the Quran that Riba is ultimately going to be destroyed. Allah, the Almighty Says (what means): {Allah destroys Riba and gives increase for charity} [Quran 2:276]

Moreover, the Prophet  counted the consumption of Riba as one of the seven deadly sins.

There are many other forms of consuming what is unlawful, including: theft, bribery, gambling, usurpation, fraud and deception, taking booty before it is distributed, and excessive overcharging or undercharging when selling or buying. We are not going to discuss in detail each of these, however our intention is to warn generally against consuming what is unlawful.

Supplications and the consumption of the unlawful

A person’s means of living, whether lawful or unlawful, has a direct impact on whether his supplications are answered. If a person investigates his sources of income for the sake of eating what is lawful, his supplication will be closer to being accepted and more likely to be answered. If the person dares to eat what is unlawful, he thereby causes his supplication not to be answered by Allah, the Almighty.

In this regard the Prophet  said, “Indeed, Allah is Good and He therefore accepts only what is good. Allah commanded the believers as He commanded the messengers by Saying (what means):
• “O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing.” [Quran 23:51]

• “O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” [Quran 2:172]

He then made mention of: “a person who travels widely, his hair disheveled and covered with dust. He lifts his hand towards the sky [and thus makes supplication saying]: “O Lord! O Lord!” But his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are [of] unlawful [means] and his nourishment is unlawful. How could his supplication, then, be accepted?" [Imam Muslim]

Imam Ibn Katheer  said, “Eating from what is lawful is a cause for supplication and other acts of worship to be accepted, and eating from what is unlawful prevents the acceptance of supplication and other acts of worship.”

Ibn Rajab  said, “Eating, drinking, or wearing what is unlawful prevents supplication and other acts of worship from being accepted.”

Consuming what is unlawful does indeed prevent supplication and other acts of worship from being accepted. Ibn ‘Abbas  and his father, said, “Allah, the Almighty does not accept the prayers of a person whose belly contains something unlawful.”

Ibn Rajab  said, “If [one’s] nourishment is unlawful, how can [his] deeds be acceptable?”
Wahb Ibn Al-Ward  said, “Even if you worship Allah endlessly, nothing will help you until you scrutinize whether what is in your belly is lawful or not.”

In sum, a Muslim should be sure that this worldly life is not his end, and that he will be reckoned in the Hereafter for any unlawful thing he earns. In the Hereafter, accounts will not consist of money; rather they will consist of good and evil deeds.

Therefore, everyone should fear Allah, and seek lawful sources for your living expenses and savings, and make sure that your consuption is not unlawful as mentioned in the Quran; {And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly...} [Quran 2:188] 

May Allah, the Almighty guide all of us to do so, and keep all Muslims and us away from everything evil and unlawful. - islamweb.net

THE KABA – THE SACRED HOUSE OF GOD

 

The Kaba[1]  is the sacred House of God situated in the middle of the Holy mosque in the city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.  The black cube shaped box is familiar to people of all faiths due to the images that come out of Saudi Arabia every year at pilgrimage time.  Usually when people see these images, their attention is focused on the black box being circled by hundreds if not thousands of worshippers.  This box is the Kaba.

“God has made the Kaba, the Sacred House, an asylum of security, Hajj, and 'Umrah (pilgrimage) for mankind...” (Quran 5:97)

The Kaba is the holiest site in Islam, and it is the qibla, the direction Muslims face when praying.  It is called the Kaba because of its shape; cube in the Arabic language is ka’b.  Sometimes the Kaba is called Al Bait Al Atiq, or the emancipated house, Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said that this name was used due to the fact that God has protected the Kaba from coming under the control of tyrants.[2]

The Kaba is made from granite taken from the hills near Mecca, and stands 15 meters (49 feet) high, the sides measure 10.5 m (34') by 12 m (39').  Today the Kaba is covered by a black silk cloth decorated with gold-embroidered calligraphy known as the kiswah.

On the southwest side of the Kaba is a semi-circular wall, this represents the border, or al hatim.  Entrance to the Kaba is gained through a door, 2.13 metres of the ground, on the north-eastern wall.  Inside, the floor is made from marble and the walls are clad with marble up to the halfway point between the floor and the ceiling.

Amongst the traditions of Prophet Muhammad we learn that his beloved wife Aisha asked about the wall and the door. She says, “I asked the Messenger of God about the wall and whether it was part of the House [the Kaba]. He said, ‘Yes.’ I asked, ‘So why is it not incorporated into the House?’ He said, ‘Your people ran out of money.’  I asked, ‘What about the door? Why is it high up?’ He said, ‘Your people did that so they could let in whomever they wanted and keep out whomever they wanted. If it were not for the fact that your people are still new [in Islam] and too close to their time of ignorance , I would incorporate the wall into the House and bring the door down to ground level.’”[3]

Verses from the Quran are written on tablets inset in the marble and the upper part of the interior wall is clad with green cloth decorated with gold embroided verses.  Lamps hang from a cross beam; there is also a small table for incense burners.  Caretakers perfume the marble cladding with scented oil, the same oil used to anoint the Black Stone outside.

The Black Stone, an ancient sacred stone, is embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaba, one and a half meters above the ground.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said , “The black stone came down from paradise and it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black”[4]

The scholars of Islam have differed on who built the Kaba. Some say that it was built by the angels.  Others say the father of humankind, Adam built the Kaba but over many centuries it fell into disrepair and was lost in the mists of time, to be rebuilt  by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael.  All agree that the Kaba was either built or rebuilt by Prophet Abraham.

“And (remember) when Abraham and (his son) Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House (the Kaba at Mecca), (saying), ‘Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower’” (Quran 2:127)

Since then the kaba has been rebuilt several times.  By the Amalekites, the tribe of Jurham, Qusayy ibn Kilaab, the tribe of Quraish and several times after the advent of Islam.  Shortly before prophet Muhammad’s mission began the Kaba was built from stones, without mortar and it was not much higher than the height of a man, people had stolen treasure from the Kaba so the Quraish decided to rebuild it and add a roof.

Each tribe collected building materials and worked cooperatively until it came time to replace the black stone. Because of the prestige involved with placing the stone arguments broke out. Abu Umaiyah ibn al Mughirah one of the most senior men said, “O Quraish come to an agreement over that which you are disputing. Let the first man who enters through the gate decide the matter for you”.

The first man, was Muhammad, at that time known as al amin (the trustworthy one).  He suggested that they carry the black stone to its place in a cloak, each tribe holding an edge so that the prestige was distributed equally. The black stone reached the Kaba in this manner and Muhammad then placed the stone in its place The Kaba consists of four corners.  Finally, it is important to understand that Muslims do not worship the kaba or its surroundings.  It is simply the qibla, the direction in which Muslims face to pray,  therefore it serves as a focal point. - islamreligion,com

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Adapted from, Mubarakpuri, S. 2002, History of Makkah.  Darussalam, Riyadh.  &  (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/saudi-arabia/mecca-kaba)

[2]At Tirmidhi

[3]Saheeh Muslim

[4]Ibid

The Well-Protected Roof – A Miracle of the Quran

 

In the Qur'an, Allah Almighty calls our attention to a very important attribute of the sky: "We made the sky a preserved and protected roof, yet still they turn away from Our signs." [21:32]

This attribute of the sky has been proved by scientific research carried out in the 20th century: The atmosphere surrounding the Earth serves crucial functions for the continuity of life. While destroying many meteors - big and small - as they approach the Earth, it prevents them from falling to Earth and harming living things.

In addition, the atmosphere filters the light rays coming from space that are harmful to living things. The most striking feature of this function of the atmosphere is that it lets only harmless and useful rays-visible light, near ultraviolet light and radio waves pass through. All of this radiation is vital for life. Near ultraviolet rays, which are only partially let in by the atmosphere, are very important for the photosynthesis of plants and for the survival of all living things. The majority of the intense ultraviolet rays emitted from the Sun are filtered out by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Only a limited and essential part of the ultraviolet spectrum reaches the Earth.

The protective function of the atmosphere does not end here. The atmosphere also protects the Earth from the freezing cold of the space, which is approximately -2700C (-4540F).

It is not only the atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful effects. In addition to the atmosphere, the Van-Allen Belt - the layer caused by the magnetic field of the Earth - also serves as a shield against the harmful radiation that threatens our planet. This radiation, which is constantly emitted by the Sun and other stars, is deadly to living things. If the Van-Allen belt did not exist, the massive outbursts of energy called solar flares that frequently occur in the Sun would destroy all life on Earth.

On the importance of the Van-Allen Belt, Dr. Hugh Ross says:

"In fact, the Earth has the highest density of any of the planets in our Solar System. This large nickel-iron core is responsible for our large magnetic field. This magnetic field produces the Van-Allen radiation shield, which protects the Earth from radiation bombardment. If this shield were not present, life would not be possible on Earth. The only other rocky planet to have any magnetic field is Mercury—but its field strength is 100 times less than the Earth's. Even Venus, our sister planet, has no magnetic field. The Van-Allen radiation shield is a design unique to the Earth. (The Incredible Design of the Earth and our Solar System)

The energy transmitted in just one of these bursts detected in recent years was calculated to be equivalent to 100 billion atomic bombs, each akin to one dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II. Fifty-eight hours after the burst, it was observed that the magnetic needles of compasses displayed unusual movement and 250 kilometers (155 miles) above the Earth's atmosphere, the temperature suddenly increased to 25,000C (45,320F).

In short, a perfect system is at work high above the Earth. It surrounds our world and protects it against external threats. Centuries ago, Allah Almighty informed us in the Qur'an of the world’s atmosphere functioning as a protective shield.

The sky made a dome

"[He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So do not attribute to Allah equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him]." [Quran 2:22]

Here, the sky is described as "as-Samaa’ binaa’." As well as the meaning of "dome" or "ceiling," this also describes a kind of tent-like covering used by the Bedouin. By describing the sky as a tent-like structure, the Quran is emphasizing that it is a form of protection against external elements.

Even if we are generally unaware of it, a large number of meteors fall to the Earth, as they do to the other planets. The reason why these make enormous craters on other planets but do no do harm on Earth is that the atmosphere puts up considerable resistance to a falling meteor. The meteor is unable to withstand this for long and loses much of its mass from combustion due to friction. This danger, which might otherwise cause terrible disasters, is thus prevented by the atmosphere. Besides the verses regarding the protective properties of the atmosphere cited above, attention is also drawn to the special creation in the following verse:

"Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is on the earth and the ships which run through the sea by His command? And He restrains the sky from falling upon the earth, unless by His permission. Indeed Allah, to the people, is Kind and Merciful." [Quran 22:65]

The protective property of the atmosphere protects the Earth from space, in other words, from external elements. With the word "dome," referring to the sky in the above verse, attention is drawn to this aspect of the sky, which could not possibly have been known at the time of our Prophet . The fact that this information was imparted 1,400 years ago in the Quran, when there were no spacecraft or giant telescopes, shows that the Quran is the revelation of our Lord, the Omniscient.

The sky that returns

The verse 11 of at-Tariq (Chapter 86) refers to the "returning" function of the sky: "By the sky which returns.” [Quran 86:11]

The word "raj'" interpreted as "return" in Quran translations has meanings of "sending back" or "returning." As is known, the atmosphere surrounding the Earth consists of many layers. Each layer serves an important purpose for the benefit of life on Earth. Research has revealed that these layers have the function of turning the materials or rays they are exposed to back into space or back down to the Earth. Now let us examine, employing a few fitting examples, this "returning" function of the layers encircling the Earth.

The troposphere, 13 to 15 kilometers (8 to 9.3 miles) above the Earth, enables water vapor rising from the surface of the Earth to be condensed and turned back as rain. The ozone layer, the lower layer of stratosphere at an altitude of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), reflects harmful radiation and ultraviolet light coming from space and turns both back into space.

The ionosphere reflects radio waves broadcast from the Earth back down to different parts of the world just like a passive communications satellite. Thus, it makes wireless communication, radio, and television broadcasting possible over long distances. The magnetosphere layer turns the harmful radioactive particles emitted by the Sun and other stars back into space before they reach the Earth.

The fact that this property of the atmosphere's layers, that was only demonstrated in the recent past was announced centuries ago in the Quran, once again confirms that the Quran is Allah's Word. - islamweb.net

Can Shawwal Fasting be Combined with Missed Ramadan Fasts?

 

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.

Editor’s note: This fatwa is from Ask the Scholar’s archive and was originally published at an earlier date.

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

CONCESSIONS IN WORSHIP IN ISLAM

 

Concession in Worship.jpgThe creed of Islam is more than a religion; it is a way of life.  There are no aspects of our daily lives that Islam does not cover.  The Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, teach us how to live our best life.  Most importantly we are taught how to worship God, through the five Pillars of Islam and in all of our actions.  Thus it could appear, to those who have only scratched the surface of the Islamic creed, that Islam is a religion of rules and regulations, do this, and do that.  However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Islam is designed for everybody, those whose physical and mental faculties are in peak condition, and those who find some aspects of life difficult.  In fact, those who cannot cope in this hustle and bustle find Islam to be stress-free.  The guidelines of Islam, the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, are designed to give comfort and to make life easy.  This is because Islamic laws are designed to benefit humankind, and Prophet Muhammad, and all he represents and teaches, is a mercy for humankind.

"…God intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…" (Quran 2:185)

Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to be easy on themselves and on the newly converted believers.  He said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way."[1]  And, "Treat the people with ease and don’t be hard on them; give them glad tidings and don’t fill them with aversion.’’   

God wants us to worship Him and follow His guidelines, but He does not want us to be overburdened.  He wants the path to Paradise to be easy, and to this end there is a principle in Islam that says difficulty warrants ease.   This means that if someone is in difficulty the laws of Islam grant a concession.  Concessions are usually given in circumstances involving injury, illness, old age, and travel.

Concessions in Ablution & Prayer

An excellent example of the way in which God grants concessions to aid the believer can be seen in the prayer of the sick.  When a sick person is not able to pray standing, then he may pray sitting.  If he is unable to pray sitting, then he may pray while lying on his side.  If he is unable to pray while on his side, he may lie on his back and perform the prayer.  These concessions make it clear that God does not burden any person beyond their capacity.

Every Muslim must perform ablution before prayer.   God grants concessions to those who are ill or injured in this case too.   If the person is unable to use water, or fears for his safety or recovery if he does use it, he is allowed to use clean earth to perform a dry ablution by striking the earth with both hands and then wiping the face and hands.

Difficulty caused by sickness or injury is one of the valid excuses that make it permissible to join prayers.  If a person is sick or injured it is permissible for him to join lunchtime and afternoon, and evening and night-time prayers at the time of the earlier or later prayer, depending on what is easiest for him.  It should be understood however that the prayers should be offered in full because shortening prayers is a concession for the traveler. 

Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said, "The reason for shortening prayers is (for) travel only, and it is not permitted when one is not traveling.  As for joining prayers when one has an excuse or a need (sickness or injury), if he needs to, he may join them when traveling short or long distances, and he may join them when it is raining and the like, or when he is sick and the like, or for other reasons.  The aim behind this is to spare the Muslim nation (believers) from hardship.’[2]

Anas ibn Malik said, "We went out with the Prophet from Madinah to Makkah, and he offered his prayers with two units every time until we returned to Madinah."[3]

Concessions when Fasting

Muslims are obligated to fast during the month of Ramadan.  It is one of the five pillars of Islam, yet, when the person is elderly or infirm, or another genuine reason exists, such as a chronic illness, the Muslim is exempt from fasting.  They do not have to make up for missed days but are required to feed a poor person for each day of Ramadan.  The person who is ill during the time of fasting but expects to recover is allowed to either not fast or break their fast; they are however required to make up any fasting days missed.

"…But if any of you are ill or on a journey, the same number (of days you miss) should be made up from other days.  And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have to feed a poor person as compensation…" (Quran 2:184)

The traveler is also allowed to refrain from fasting or to break their fast if they are traveling the distance required for shortening the prayer.  However, they must make up the missed days.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women are allowed to break their fast if they are concerned for themselves, their infants, or their unborn babies.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women must make up for the missed days when their circumstances or conditions change. 

Concessions in Hajj (Major Pilgrimage)

The Hajj is incumbent on every mature, sane, and financially able Muslim.  Only those who have the necessary provisions and the means are obligated to perform it.  Thus, the very poor and needy are exempt.  In addition to this, there are other concessions to make sure the pillars of Islam are not difficult, and all problems are eradicated. 

"Pilgrimage is a duty men owe to God—those who can afford the journey" (Quran 3:97)

If the pilgrim is old, infirm, or unable to walk but otherwise healthy, he is able to use a form of transportation such as a wheelchair.  In the time of the Prophet Muhammad, it was not unusual to see people circle the Kabah on the back of a donkey.

One of the Hajj rituals is to remain at Muzdalifah overnight and proceed to Mina to throw pebbles just after sunrise.  However, God grants a concession to the old, the weak, and the women and children, allowing them to throw the pebbles during the night.   

This is by no means a complete list of the concessions God allows in order to ease the difficulties of the believers.  These examples are provided in order to demonstrate that even in the obligatory Pillars of Islam God desires that the believers feel comfort and ease.  - islamreligion.com

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Saheeh Al-Bukhari.

[2]Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (22/293).

[3]Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim.

A Happy Ending is All That Matters

 

Life is fraught with endless challenges, dangers and opportunities. It signifies a perpetual struggle between many protagonists and forces, at the center of which stands man as an honorable and capable creation.

Man’s involvements in life’s proceedings vary. At times, he is actively involved in their unfolding, influencing them, and at other times, he remains passive and submissive, being influenced by them.

Life is a roller-coaster of emotions and experiences. We never know what is going to happen next. Virtually nothing is predictable. Nothing is controllable either, including the feelings, thoughts and insinuations that resonate in the deepest and dimmest recesses of our selves.

Since man is created weak, of haste, endowed with little knowledge, and with a great many other physical, intellectual and spiritual inadequacies — as revealed by his Creator, Almighty God – he, especially if detached from a divine help and guidance, will typically feel indecisive, doubtful, insecure and vulnerable, while grappling with life’s multi-tiered physical and metaphysical realities, and while trying to cope with life’s challenges and innate anxieties. He will find the world as cold and unforgiving, and as overwhelmingly perilous and unfair.

Man will always feel that life should be more meaningful and purposeful. It should be fairer and friendlier, especially towards him as its microcosm and the epicenter of its vicissitudes.

Man will constantly dream of happy endings to his affairs, working towards their realization, for he knows that such a thing will offset the adversities he had to face along the way. He will dream that as one of life’s main protagonists, he will eventually become capable of overcoming all the perils and successfully complete his existential purpose and mission. Man’s enduring feeling of happiness and satisfaction will thereby be sought, making it man’s raison d’être.

However, it is a spiritual principle that man on his own cannot fulfill his ontological purpose; nor can he achieve that which he incessantly craves for: happiness.

Man is a creation, so, for him there is no way forward towards happiness except under the guardianship and guidance of his Creator and Master.

Man should come to know with certainty “that there is no fleeing from Allah and no refuge but to Himself” (Quran 9:118). That is why God to man is his best Ally, Protector and Sustainer. He alone is Sufficient for man, and He is the best Disposer of affairs for him.

In other words, man will not attain happiness, nor will his life-story have a happy ending, unless certain premises are fulfilled. Some of those premises, or propositions, are as follows.

Man must live his life, not according to his own will, but according to the will of his Creator and the Creator of the whole universe. He needs to love life and give to it abundantly, if he wanted to be loved by life and be given in abundance.

He needs to go all out, making others happy, if he wanted to be made happy. He needs to be patient, grateful, pragmatic and creative. He needs to find his calling and purpose in life. He needs to “find” himself and, as such, forge caring and responsible relationships with others whom he also had to “find”.

That is, a happy process, or a life course, leads to a happy ending. He who truly wants a happy ending, and works for it, will inevitably get it.

How a person lives, that is how he dies (ends). If he lives by the sword, he dies by the sword. The Holy Quran repeatedly reminds us of that code. It tell us, for instance, that such people as adopt falsehood, deception, mischief and oppression as a way of life, will not be in the end successful, neither in this world nor in the Hereafter. The two patterns of existence are incompatible.

The only ones who will be successful are those who adopt a life of heavenly goodness, virtue and devotion. As a rule, a person reaps what he sows.

A sage is said to have advised his apprentice to transform both his life and his personality into a “flower”, which, in turn, will attract only such beautiful creatures as butterflies and bees. “Do not become “filth”, or “junk”, for it attracts only flies, cockroaches and other harmful bugs”, warned the sage.

The ultimate destiny of the two above-mentioned types of lifestyle and their proponents is easily perceptible. As a “flower”, the former will be admitted into and will become part of the Garden of Paradise (Jannah), where he will live happily ever after, while the latter will be admitted into and will become part of the “filth” of Hellfire (Jahannam), whose fuel will be (evil) men and stones (2:24), where he will live unhappily and dejectedly ever after.

That said, a rebellious man who rejects God, as the embodiment and source of all truth, is torn between the corollaries of his actions and his insatiable quest for ultimate happiness that entails happy endings to his life affairs.

Thus, in nearly all of his creative productions in various cultural and civilizational aspects, explicit or implicit happy ending components feature prominently. The absence of such components would denote the hollowness, incongruity and even absurdity of those aspects of culture and civilization. Such men try to compensate in this world for that which they are set to miss in both worlds.

For that reason – for example — do virtually all movies, dramas, novels, storybooks, songs, art themes, educational programs, media exploits, and other general development designs and schemes contain the spirit of the happy ending proclivity. Such is only a sensible, likable and acceptable way for things and occurrences to be. The reverse is unacceptable and unreasonable a proposition.

If there is no true happiness in the real life, no problem, it will be concocted and made up aplenty in a virtual world. If people are not really happy, no problem, they will be asked, and taught, to pretend to feel that way. Happiness is on everyone’s lips, but a very few truly experience and know it.

The life of a modern man, by and large, is about false happiness fueled by chasing false and embroidered dreams. The life in its entirety is paradoxical and makes no sense; but who cares? What matters is that fiction and people’s illusory “lives” make perfect sense.

It is not an issue at all that ignorant, corrupt and outright evil persons rule today’s world. Nobody loses sleep over it. However, if such a type of people start ruling our fictional and fantasy worlds, only then will that become an issue.

Nor is it a problem that good and innocent guys suffer most in the world today. But if they fail and suffer defeat in our illusory and make-believe worlds, only then will that become a problem. Who cares about reality, so long as fiction makes sense, entertains us, and gives us a dose of gratification!

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About Dr. Spahic Omer

Dr. Spahic Omer, an award-winning author, is an Associate Professor at the Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He studied in Bosnia, Egypt and Malaysia. In the year 2000, he obtained his PhD from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur in the field of Islamic history and civilization. His research interests cover Islamic history, culture and civilization, as well as the history and theory of Islamic built environment. He can be reached at: spahico@yahoo.com.

- aboutislam.net