Five Before Five

 

Is it just me or does the time seem to be passing more quickly lately.  One minute it is 2010 the next we are in the final half of 2012.  No matter how badly we want the time to slow down it just moves forward, one second, one minute, and one hour at a time.  Days go by and it feels like minutes.  Before the day’s work even starts it is night time.  God mentions this phenomenon in various places throughout the Quran.

They will say: “We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.” (Quran 23:113)

…A speaker from among them said, “How long have you stayed (here)?” They said, “We have stayed (perhaps) a day or part of a day.” They said, “Your Lord (alone) knows best how long you have stayed (here)…  (Quran 18:19)

Time passes swiftly, and when we stand before God on the Day of Judgement it will seem as if we have lived, dreamed and hoped for less than a day.  It will seem as if we have worshipped our Creator for only the briefest of time and in only the most lackadaisical way.  We know that many of us will beg God for more time, time to correct our actions and time to worship in a better way.

Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with God), he says: “My Lord! send me back, (Quran 23:99)

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, reiterated this for us. Time will not slow down and we cannot go back to fix the mistakes we make therefore he advised us to take advantage of five, before five.

“Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; your health, before you fall sick; your wealth, before you become poor; your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death.”[1]

We are advised to take advantage of what time we have.  When we are young we take our youth and energy for granted. We feel as if we have all the time in the world, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.  But tomorrow creeps up on us slowly and one of the first things we lose is our youth.  A grey hair appears, there is a niggling pain in our back, or our shoulder or a knee.  As old age approaches people find it harder to fulfil even their obligatory acts of worship.  When it is impossible to bend our knees and put our head on the ground in submission, we want only to be able to go back and pray one extra prayer, fast one extra day the way we did when we were young and full of energy.  The young must take advantage of their youth before old age strips it away. Boundless energy should be used to help others, and to collect as many rewards as possible.

A believer must also take advantage of health before being overcome by sickness, with or without old age. Even young people are affected by ill health and injuries that make it impossible to worship in the way that they would like. Both God and Prophet Muhammad have emphasised the benefits and rewards that come from a believer experiencing pain and suffering. However when a person suffers ill health, he realises just how fragile human beings are. Prophet Muhammad reminds us that we do not know when our health will be taken from us. One day we have all our strength and mental faculties, the next we might be relying on others for even the simplest things.

Wealth is another blessing that comes to us from God.  A believer should give as much as possible in charity while there is still something to give.  We tend to think of charity as money but it is not confined to monetary matters. We give with our hands, our time, our knowledge and our money.  We even give with our smile. However, we should use our monetary wealth to worship and please God before it is taken from us. We have no way of knowing when God will see fit to remove our wealth from us. People are rich one day and homeless the next.  We must spend our wealth for the sake of God before we do not have the means to do so.  And this will not go unrewarded.

The likeness of those who spend their money for God’s sake, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn), it grows seven ears, every single ear has a hundred grains, and God multiplies (increases the reward) for whom He wills, and God is All-Sufficient for His creatures needs, All Knower. (Quran 2:261)

Free time is another great blessing from God that each of us possesses, regardless of how busy we think we are. Spending this time wisely means not wasting it in fruitless activities that have no benefit.  Even the simplest of acts can become worthwhile by simply doing them for the sake of God. If we free ourselves from fruitless time wasting activities it is possible the time to increase our religious deeds.  When a person chooses wisely, worldly deeds can also be done for the sake of God.  Remember that time moves inexorably forward.  Do it today because you may not have a tomorrow.  Use your free time wisely today before life is filled with worldly obligations that contain no benefit whatsoever unless you live every moment to please God.

The final thing we have been advised to take advantage of is, life before death overtakes us. Every morning we should thank God for another day. Each day is a chance to do well; to spend in charity, to worship longer, harder, or in a better way.  It is a chance to spread good cheer, smile, and pay that extra dollar or two in charity. It is a chance to perform countless random acts of kindness.  We have become relaxed about the reality of death.  At some point, perhaps in a matter of hours, minutes, or even seconds, our life will be taken away from us.  Prophet Muhammad advises us to take advantage of the time we have.  Do what you can now, not tomorrow, for tomorrow may never come.

This reminder from the Prophet Muhammad deals with responsibility, wisdom, foresight and time management, but it is not the only time he reminded us of the importance of being aware of our blessings and using them to our own advantage.  We are constantly reminded, throughout the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet, that time is fleeting and that every little thing we do is able to become a source of great reward.  Prophet Muhammad also said, “Three things follow the deceased [to his grave], two of them return and one remains with him. His family, wealth and deeds follow him, while his family and wealth return, his deeds remain with him.”[2] - islamreligion.com

Footnotes:

[1]Al Hakim

[2]Saheeh Al-Bukhari

You Can Get Continuous Reward Even After Passing Away… Here Is How

 

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

“When a man dies, his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and righteous offspring who will pray for him.” (Muslim)

Commenting on this hadith, Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said,

“The scholars said, the meaning of this hadith is that the deeds of the deceased come to an end as soon as he or she dies, and the renewal of reward ceases for him or her, except in these three cases because he or she is the cause of them:

• his or her offspring is counted among his or her earnings,
• the knowledge that he or she leaves behind through teaching or writing,
• ongoing charity, i.e., a waqf (Islamic endowment).”

The narration below adds further details:

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Among the acts and good deeds that will reach a believer after his death are:

knowledge which he learned and then spread;

a righteous son whom he leaves behind;

a copy of the Qur’an that he leaves as a legacy;

a mosque that he built;

a house that he built for wayfarers;

a canal that he dug;

or charity that he gave during his lifetime when he was in good health.

These deeds will reach him after his death.” (Ibn Majah — authenticated by Al-Albani)

Planning for the Journey

As a matter of fact, anyone who has ever been on an out-of-town journey would testify to the pre-travel stress and jitters. One aspect of the preparations is to make sure that the packing is done properly and that the travel arrangements are adequately made.

Another aspect of planning a journey, however, is to ensure that everything the traveler leaves behind, from his or her belongings, to his or her family, to his or her house, is well-protected and cared for, until he or she returns.

This analogy can be appropriately applied to the life of  believers. Not only do they prepare for their journeys to the hereafter, which begins with their deaths, but they also ensure that what they leave behind in the world is also beneficial for them after they has gone. In the Qur’an Almighty Allah says,

{What is with you passes away and what is with Allah is enduring.} (An-Nahl 16: 96)

It was narrated that a sheep was slaughtered at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and given in charity, except for its thigh.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked ‘A’ishah, “What is left of it?”

She said, “Nothing is left except the thigh.” He said, “All of it will remain except its thigh.”  (At-Tirmidhi) 

Continuous Reward After Death

Consequently, a Muslim must not just persist in doing good deeds while alive but should also pursue projects that will reap benefits for him or her after death. The following are some examples of these deeds:

Constantly Remembering Death

One of the best ways to actively do good deeds and leave behind avenues that will continue to benefit after death is to remember death itself, often and consistently.

Investing Money in Welfare Projects

Whether it’s a hospital, school, mosque, domestic shelter, or a welfare organization that generally helps the needy, Muslims should invest some money in it in order to ensure that the rewards for charity will keep coming even after they have died, when the money they invested continues to benefit others in different ways.

Spreading Beneficial Knowledge

Educate another person or teach others a skill; contribute in starting a regular Islamic class. The more students you have, the farther your trail of good deeds will extend after you have left this world.

{Surely We give life to the dead, and We write down what they have sent before and their footprints, and We have recorded everything in a clear writing.} (Ya-Sin 36:12)

All it takes is an hour once a week to start teaching others what you know. The point is — just start! Helpingly, here are some practical endeavors:

Sponsor the printing and distribution of the Qur’an or Islamic books.

Record and distribute Islamic classes and lectures; videos or audios of Islamic lectures can be recorded on various formats and spread physically among people or uploaded on the worldwide web.

Write articles and books; e-books now make it easier for writers to get published.

Build and maintain an Islamic website, or write Islamic content for other websites: If you are tech-savvy, you can start your own Islamic website!

Else, small articles can be easily self-published on the Internet by registering to write on websites.

Start and maintain an Islamic blog; many sites now allow individuals to upload their personal content for the world to see.

Even, if you write something just once a month, after several years, you may have accumulated a vast pool of content for others to read. Be it personal reflections on the Qur’an, tips, and advice on acting upon Islam, or general musings.

Getting Married and Bearing Children

Muslims should be very concerned about instilling high Islamic values in their children. All the more so because they know that if their children grow up to be righteous, they’ll benefit them even after death.

Therefore, a Muslim tries his or her best to marry a pious person and to start and raise a family according to the Islamic values. They are upright and firm in keeping the influence of Satan out of their homes.

Trees and Water-sources for Travelers

Planting trees and other vegetation, particularly that which yields produce such as fruit, vegetables, or grains, which provides shade to the passersby and oxygen to the environment, is a great ongoing act of charity. Having wells dug, or water coolers installed on wayfarers’ paths is also the most excellent charity.

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“There is none among Muslims who plants a tree or sows a seed, and then a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, but it is regarded as a charitable gift from him.” (Al-Bukhari) 

Leave no Dues Unpaid

The Muslim also worries about whether he or she owes anyone any debts at the time of death — this is because when they die, their debts will still have to be repaid. Consequently, the pious Muslim makes up qada’ fasts of yesteryears (makes up missed days), gives qada’ zakah (makes up unpaid zakah) of assets that he was heedless of in the past, and makes sure he lives as debt-free as possible.

Since Muslims constantly think about, and prepare for, their death — they ensure their transition from this world is as smooth as possible, and when they return to their Lord, they have no dues — either that of His, or of people — left to be repaid.

Using all available resources, tools, and technologies to benefit others, to facilitate the growth and spread of Islamic knowledge, and to help alleviate the misery and suffering of those who are less fortunate enables Muslims to prepare for their exit from the transient life of this world in such a way, that even after they’ll be gone, the “ripple effects” of their fruitful actions will be still felt by the succeeding generations.

- aboutislam.net

About Sadaf Farooqi

Sadaf Farooqi is an author, blogger and freelance writer based in Karachi, Pakistan. To date, Sadaf has authored over 300 original articles, most of which can be accessed on her blog, "Sadaf's Space" (sadaffarooqi.wordpress.com). She has recently started self-publishing her past articles as non-fiction Islamic books, which are available on Amazon and Kindle (www.amazon.com/author/sadaffarooqi)

The chosen religion

 

Allah the All-Mighty Says (what means): "This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Quran 5:3]

This was one of the last verses revealed chronologically to Prophet Muhammad  (may Allah exalt his mention), marking the completion of the Quran and the perfection of Islam. Islam is complete and perfect and is not thereafter susceptible to addition or abrogation. Being eternal and universal, the Islamic Law, which was made by God (Allah) Himself, Who knows what is best for us under all circumstances, is resilient and adjustable to the changing conditions of time and place.

The perfection of Islam is manifest in the fact that God (Allah) has made it reign supreme and prevail over other religions. Allah’s favor upon the Muslims is manifest in the fact that He granted them true guidance, support and honor in this world and in the Hereafter. He has also chosen for them Islam as their religion because it is the Truth, and it is for this reason that He will not accept any other religion but Islam.

The Quran says (what means): "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the losers.” [Quran 3:85].

Islam gives its followers happiness in this world and eternal bliss in the life to come. Islam simply means total submission to the Will of Allah. Therefore, it is the same in essence, whether given to Nooh (Noah), Ibraaheem (Abraham), Moosaa (Moses), 'Eesaa (Jesus), may Allah exalt their mention, or to Muhammad . For the message it calls to is the same, and the source of unity is the revelation from Allah (which means): "He has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He enjoined on Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, and which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus: namely that you should remain steadfast in religion and be not divided therein.” [Quran 42:13]

After the corruption of the older Scriptures, the Quran came with a twofold purpose -- to confirm the true and original message of Islam, and to stand as a witness to it, by confirming the truth and rejecting the falsehood, which over time came into the older Scriptures. Muslims are required to believe in the revealed Scriptures and to make no distinction between any of them, or the Messengers who brought them, may Allah exalt their mention, because they all come from the One True God.

The Quran says (what means): "Say (O Muhammad to the Jews and Christians): 'We believe in Allah and that which has been sent to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and to Al-Asbat, (the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob) and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Quran 2:136]

These Scriptures have not been retained in their original form, due to the human omissions and additions that have crept into them. The Quran is the only Divine Scripture, which has stood the test of time without any change, because it is the Truth from God (Allah), and the Truth never fades or diminishes. The Quran says (what means): "That which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) of the Book (i.e., the Quran) is the Truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it.” [Quran 35:31]

The Truth contained in the Quran will never be compromised because Allah has taken upon Himself the responsibility of preserving it, as stated in the Quran (which means): "Verily We have sent the Reminder (i.e., the Quran), and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).” [Quran 15:9]

And also (what means): "Verily, it is an honorable well-fortified book of exalted power (because it is Allah's Speech, and He has protected it from corruption). No falsehood can approach it from before or after it: it is sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise.” [Quran 41:41-42]

The revealed Scriptures before the advent of Prophet Muhammad  such as the Torah and the Injeel, were written long after the demise of the Prophets to whom they were revealed. The entire Quran, on the contrary, was completely written in the lifetime of the Prophet  on pieces of palm trees, parchments and bones. Besides, tens of thousands of the Prophet's Companions committed it to memory while it was being revealed.

The Quran is still memorized and read in its original language

(Arabic) and taught to millions of people around the world. In fact, with every succeeding generation of Muslims, the number of those who have committed the entire Quran to memory has increased. There is no other book, religious or otherwise, which has been given this unparalleled care in recorded history.

The care with which the unadulterated teachings of Islam have been authentically recorded and preserved throughout the ages, is a clear evidence of the universality of the message of Islam and the finality of the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad . The Quran is now available in its original form without change of any kind. The perfect preservation of the Quran signifies the preservation of Islam.

That is why Allah Says in the Quran (what means): "Verily the only acceptable religion to Allah is Islam." [Quran 3:19]

Oneness of the Lord

Islam calls to the belief that the Creator of the universe is One and Unique without any partners. His nature is so sublime that it is far beyond our limited conceptions. He is not a mere abstract of philosophy. All the creatures testify to His Existence, and none is comparable to Him. The unity of design and the fundamental facts of creation and existence of the universe proclaim His Oneness.

He is Eternal, without beginning or end, the Absolute, Who is not limited by time or place or circumstance. He is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Planner of the whole universe. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. He has the most Beautiful Names and the Loftiest Attributes. His Knowledge extends to everything seen and unseen, present and future, near and far. His Grace and Mercy are unbounded. He is the All Mighty, the All Wise.

The Quran says (what means): "Say: 'He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none equal or comparable to Him.” [Quran 112:1-4]

And also (what means): "There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” [Quran 42:11]

And also (what means): "He is the First (nothing is before Him), the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High (nothing is above Him) and Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He has full knowledge of all things.” [Quran 57:3]

And also (what means): "He is Allah, besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He is Allah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above what they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Quran 59:23-24]

And also (what means): "And they attribute falsely without knowledge sons and daughters to Him. Be He Glorified! (For He is) above what they attribute to Him! He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a son when He has no wife? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of everything. Such is Allah, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone). And He has the power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle, Well-Aware.” [Quran 6:100-103]

Tawheed, or monotheism, constitutes the essence of the teachings of Islam. It signifies that there is One Supreme Lord of the universe. He is Omnipotent and the Sustainer of the world and humankind. Unity pervades the whole universe. All of Allah's creatures testify to His Oneness. This can be seen in their complete submission to His Will.

The perpetual succession of day and night in the most orderly manner; the fixed course of the sun and the moon; the mighty stars; the ceaseless alternation of the seasons -- the functioning of the whole universe including its most subtle elements in a most precise and systematic manner tell us about the Wisdom, Power, Greatness and Divine skill of this Great Creator, Who is Allah. - islamweb.net

Is Divorce in Absentia Valid in Islam?

 

Divorce is the most hateful thing in the sight of Allah, but He has allowed it in the case of absolute need. If that is the case, then you can divorce your wife whether she is present or absent. You can convey to her your decision of divorce by writing and it is good to have two witnesses sign that.

However, it is not right that you divorce her three times. It is a bid`ah (innovation) and most reprehensible to pronounce divorce three times in one setting. You may divorce her only one time and once the `iddah is finished, she will be no more your wife. During the `iddah, after one or two divorces, you will have a right to cancel your divorce. After the third divorce, the husband is not allowed to take back his wife unless she is married to someone else and divorced from the second husband. The `iddah is three menstrual cycles or in case of pregnancy, until she delivers the baby.”

Responding to your question, Dr. `Abdul-Fattah Edris, Professor of Usul Al-Fiqh, at Al-Azhar University, stated,

The husband is not obliged to tell his wife before divorcing her and it is not necessarily for the wife to be present during the divorce. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) deserted his wives for some time (about a month) without telling them.

Moreover, divorce can be applied through any considerable secure means; a written message, a phone call, an email, etc., as long as it is verified it is from the husband in person.

Allah Almighty knows best.'

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi

Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi is the Chairman of the Fiqh Council of North America

Is It Permissible for a Husband to Take Wife’s Salary?

 

Women are independent with respect to their wealth, character, belief, and so on. On marriage, both spouses are to preserve their rights to independence.

Yet, there are mutual rights (and duties) that they both are to observe in their marital life. Allah Almighty says, “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.” (Al-Baqarah 2:228)

The degree that men have over their wives, according to this verse, has to do with their responsibility of maintaining their families and their capacity of making and carrying out the final decisions with regard to the family after joint consultation with all family members, especially the wife.

In fact, consultation is a fundamental principle in Islam. Allah Almighty describes the true believers saying: “Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation.” (Ash-Shura 42:38)

The wives’ right to the entire ownership of their mahr (dower), which is given to them by their husbands, indicates their financial independence. It is not lawful for a man to take the mahr, or a part of it, back from his wife except in two cases: if the wife remits it voluntarily, or if she gives it back to him in return for divorce from him.

About the first case, Almighty Allah says: “And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.” (An-Nisa’ 4:4)

And about the second He Almighty says: “And it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them, unless both fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah; then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby.” (Al-Baqarah 2:229)

As it is the case with mahr, the wife has full ownership of her other sources of wealth such as her salary. It is not lawful for the husband to take part or all of his wife’s salary unless she gives it to him voluntarily. Should a husband coerce his wife, physically or verbally, to give him part or all of her salary, this would be regarded as a kind of ghasb (taking by force), which is not lawful in Islam. To expiate for taking something by force, one has to give back what one has taken in this way. The marriage contract does not entitle a man to force his wife to do something against her will or change a belief at any rate.

As for salaries and how to spend them, one should remember to avoid extravagance. Islam prevents extravagance, but at the same time, it allows enjoyment of the lawful pleasures of this world.

In other words, Muslims may enjoy the lawful pleasures of this life, but they are to do so in a moderate manner. Almighty Allah, describing His true servants, says: “O children of Adam! attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer, and eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant.” (Al-A`raf 6:31)

- aboutislam.net

For Women: Why Don’t We Stop Judging Each Other?

I spent many days dreaming of little laughs from freshly powdered babies; babies that would be a perfect blend of my blue eyes and my husband’s wavy, brown hair. That was in 2002 and I was still enamored with being a new bride.

I had hopes of starting a big family. I also had dreams of finishing my degree and having a career.

But during those first years of settling into my marriage and my life as a new Muslim, I stayed at home, cooked, cleaned, and studied Islam.

As a new Muslim, I didn’t hang out at the mosque much. I didn’t understand what real community was about, nor did I feel comfortable there.

I was often asked intrusive questions about when I was going to have kids. When I did go, I answered the procreation questions politely and hopefully- when Allah wills.

That was if the ambitious sisters who had kid(s), ran households, held down jobs, and/or were getting advanced degrees weren’t asking me, “What do you do all day? Your little apartment must be spotless!”

The condescension that dripped from their remarks couldn’t be missed. I felt as if I were nothing, as if my efforts were so pithy that I didn’t matter.

Why don’t we stop judging each other?

After a few years, I went back to school and began working. My husband and I still hoped and prayed that we would soon conceive and provide a loving home to as many children as Allah willed.

And people continued the tired line of questioning. “When will you have children???” I answered cheerfully (trying to hide my frustration and deep sadness) – when Allah wills.

With the ambitious sisters off my back now that I was “being more productive”, I began to receive patronizing remarks from the stay at home sisters, to the tune of: “It seems selfish to me when people don’t have children” or “Devoting your life to your family is so fulfilling” were statements that passive-aggressively peppered conversations.

I felt as if I was a failure at being a woman for not being able to conceive. I was made to feel as if being a part of the world outside of my home made me dirty.

Then my life changed drastically. A young mother in the Islamic community fell very ill. She was alone, incapable of caring for her daughter, and needing a Muslim family to care for the four year old.

So a mutual friend asked my husband and I if we would be foster parents to the child until her mother was well again.

My husband and I very hesitantly agreed. And the questions about when my husband and I would have our own child intensified. I answered, exhausted- when Allah wills.

But now that I was a wife, foster mom, student, and an employee; the criticism about my life choices also intensified. I felt as if I couldn’t do anything right.

My husband and I decided to enroll our foster daughter in the local Islamic school when it came time for her to attend kindergarten. And all eyes were on me.

If I put a fruit roll up (a sweet, dried fruit snack) along with healthy foods in my foster daughter’s packed lunch, it had to be because I didn’t care about her health or nutrition.

If she acted out in class, it had to be because I wasn’t a good disciplinarian and needed to spend more time at home with her.

Every move I made seemed to be the wrong one … to someone. And, as had been the case all along, each group had their religious verdict to back them up in their judgment of me.

From a lazy housewife to a selfish career woman

If I was a housewife, some would think I was lazy and not doing enough to help the community. If I was a student and career woman, others would suspect that I was selfish and wanted to mix with men in a haram way.

If I cared for a child, worked, and studied; still others would see everything I did as inadequate, saying I should be home caring for my family.

There were many, many amazing sisters who helped me out and had my back, but the minority, the judgmental voices, seemed glaringly loud. And I found myself judging others as a way to lash out in frustration.

I was doing the very thing others had done to me and so the cycle of condescension, judgment, and rejection continued.

Then I had a realization that changed my life and the way that I live it. I realized that some people only criticize others out of a desire to be validated.

We all want to be validated. So we look to others who have made the same life choices as we have.

And those who have different paths, we see them as a threat to our validation.

So we cling to people of the same background, career, etc. and criticize those who aren’t like us.

It is all too common, and happens among men and women, and peoples of all faiths.

But we all have different paths to take. Where in the Quran or sunnah does it specify that everyone should fit into a certain mold?

Where do we read Allah (SWT) telling women that they cannot work? Where does the messenger (PBUH) say that we are obligated to have children? Where in the Quran does it say a women shouldn’t seek knowledge?

Women in Islam

Looking at our Islamic history, I realized that there was an array of celebrated women who played many different roles in society.

Aisha was an educator, childless, but mother to all. Khadija was a business women and mother, the first believer. Assiyah was a foster mother to Musa (AS) and a housewife. Bilqis was a wise and powerful ruler.

So who was I to look down on others for taking a path other than the one I was on? Those people I looked down on, only needed Allah’s approval and validation. That was all I needed too. And seeking it from others was so tiresome and even impossible.

I made a conscious decision to stop the cycle of rejection. And I decided to start a validation revolution in my own life and hoped that it would spread to other women.

My path to a validation revolution took many steps. First, I made sure to remind myself to purify my intentions, to do things only to gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Then, I stopped letting negative thoughts take over my internal narrative. I stopped letting negative people have any impact on me.

I studied Islam and learned that my fore-mothers in broke barriers in all fields of study, were housewives, religious scholars, warriors, stay-at-home moms, career women, and so much more.

And finally, I started encouraging myself and my sisters. I tried to say only positive things about mine and my sisters’ endeavors.

I stopped judging other women by my own personal standards. And I started to realize that everyone is doing the best they can for their own situation.

As Muslim women, we have enough people—both inside and outside of the ummah—trying to tell us what to do and what is “best for us”.

We have to start a validation revolution and it must begin from within. We should seek validation only from Allah and be supportive for each other rather than critical of each other.

- aboutislam.net

About Theresa Corbin

Theresa Corbin is the author of The Islamic, Adult Coloring Book and co-author of The New Muslim’s Field Guide. Corbin is a French-creole American and Muslimah who converted in 2001. She holds a BA in English Lit and is a writer, editor, and graphic artist who focuses on themes of conversion to Islam, Islamophobia, women's issues, and bridging gaps between peoples of different faiths and cultures. She is a regular contributor for AboutIslam.net and Al Jumuah magazine. Her work has also been featured on CNN and Washington Post, among other publications. Visit her blog, islamwich, where she discusses the intersection of culture and religion.

“To Him We Belong and Unto Him We Shall Return”

 

Have you ever tried to understand the deep meaning of this phrase?

“To Him we belong, and unto Him We shall return”.

Today we will discuss this phrase on a whole new level.

Generally, we recite this zikr when we hear news of someone’s demise.

But if we ponder, these are just beautiful words that give warmth and a sense of security throughout ones life.

These words will not just only give you happiness , but also will reduce your anxiety and fears.

Let us talk about the first part that says “To Allah we belong”

The word “belong” has different meaning, for example “to be attached or bound by birth’’

Allah (SWT) is assuring us that we belong to Him. Belonging to someone who is Al-Ra-uuf (The kind), Al-Wali (The Protecting Friend), Al-Lateef (The Gentle), Al-Ghafur (The Forgiving), Ar-Rahim (The Merciful). Al-Wadud (The Affectionate Loving), makes one’s soul the luckiest.

This sense of belonging gives unlimited ways to feel nourished and secure.

A constant reminder of this phrase will help you feel at peace.

How does this psychologically calm you? Belonging to someone means you are loved, attached to, and looked after by someone. Someone who is claiming to get your back.

It gives you confidence that you will never be alone as you belong to the divine Allah Almighty, Allah Hu Akbar

Your brain will keep sending you the message that there is someone who is guarding you, protecting you, and will shield you when required.

Allah (SWT) is telling us it’s His responsibility that He will look after our needs and will provide us sustenance.

His name is Al-Razzaq (the provider), verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit’- (3: 37) one’s anxiety and worries naturally flee in times of difficulty if one has faith that there is an Almighty who will get him out of trouble or will never never let him fall.

His mind will be at peace all the time by thinking it’s not him who is dealing directly with his own matters rather it is Allah (SWT) who does that instead.

The following mentioned hadith Qudsi will make you fall in love more with Allah (SWT): Allah says:

He who is hostile to a friend of Mine, I will declare war against.

My slave approaches Me with nothing more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him, and My slave keeps drawing nearer to Me with voluntary works until I love him.

And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he seizes, and his foot with which he walks.

If he asks Me, I will surely give to him, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him”.(Bukhari)

Now if we see the deeper meaning of the second part that is ‘Unto Him we shall return”.

The Prophet (SAW) has beautifully described traveling as a matter of discomfort.

He said:

“Traveling is a portion of punishment” – (Bukhari)

Since a traveler stays away from his home and comfort, he intends to return home as soon as possible.

When we keep reminding ourselves of returning to our Lord, it will give us God-consciousness.

His servants will tend to fall less into sins and will be aware of their wrongdoings.

When in the back of our mind we will be having a thought of returning, we shall automatically focus more to do good deeds to gain the pleasures of Allah.

Another interesting aspect of this phrase is, when we are away from our homes we become homesick.

Allah (SWT) is giving us again a sense of relaxation and assurance that we will return to our eternal abode in Jannah a place where we will reside forever without having any affliction.

Umar R.A, said: The Prophet took me by the shoulder and said:

“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.”

Ibn Umar added:

“When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.” (Bukhari)

So, keep your Imaan high, by reciting this Zikr to feel the love and protection of Allah (SWT) now and always.

- aboutislam.net

The Meaning, Pillars And Spreading of Islam

 

The word Islam has an Arabic root that means, To accept peace, complete submission, surrender, and obedience.

The religion of Islam is defined as ”the complete and total submission to no other person than Allah (SWT)”.

This is the beauty of Islam: following one creator gives the follower strength, removes ambiguity, and increases their obedience.

Characteristics of Islam

Islam, which means submission to Allah, is the only true religion in the world. Islam has different characteristics, which makes it a unique, eternal, complete, and the true path of life.

Although Islam, which is completely indigenous and natural, is helping the followers in every aspect.

These properties are mentioned in the Qur’an and hadiths. The important and basic characteristics of Islam are summarised in the figure.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said Islam has been built on five pillars which are;

1. Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
2. Establishing the Salah (Namaz, Prayer)
3. Paying the Zakat (Obligatory charity)
4. Performing the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House of Kaaba
5. Fasting in Ramadan.” (Bukhari)

The Spreading of Islam

Religion has a fundamental role in societal, political, financial, and international relationships.

Its role is also important, even in these modern and industrialised periods.

It is the blessing of Almighty Allah that created us Muslims and gave us the true, natural, and complete code of life.

In the world today, there are more than 4000 religions, faiths, and denominations. The top five dominant religions are Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.
 
Currently, Islam is considered the world’s fastest-growing religion. The reasons behind the fast spreading of Islam are its truthfulness, completion, solution to every problem, natural versatility, freedom from race and region, and love.

Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with 1.8 billion followers. The major reason for its attractiveness is that it is the gift of Allah, the Creator, the Mighty, and the Lord of the Universe.

In the Qur’an, it is mentioned that Allah says to His messenger and last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W);

‘Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the rightly guided.

(Surah Al-Qasas; 56).

It’s clearly shown that accepting Islam is nothing more than the mercy and blessing of Allah. Being a Muslim, it is our prime responsibility to understand and learn Islam, and once we know more about our true religion, we definitely will follow it better and convey the message to others as well.

Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide meaningful and easy-to-understand materials to the followers (Muslims), and hence they will know more and will help in the preaching of Islam.

In conclusion, Islam is the true religion of the world and the only divine religion to follow. The basics of Islam are solid concepts and are like a building with five key pillars.

To sustain the building of Islam, it is mandatory to keep its pillars constant. Besides these basic pillars, other properties like universality, truthfulness, humanity, rights of others, and comprehensive nature are the main characteristics of the religion of Islam.

The followers of Islam are called Muslims, and their number is increasing rapidly.

May Allah keep us true followers of Islam.

- aboutislam.net

How Long Can Wife Stand Her Husband’s Absence? Umar Asks

 

Once Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was patrolling the streets of Madinah. He heard a woman reading some poetry. She was saying with a sad tone:

‘Had it not been for my faith in Allah, my bed that I sleep on would have been shaken with some illicit act.’

Umar learned that this woman missed her husband who was out of town on a jihad mission.

Care for Women Needs

Umar was concerned about the predicament of this lady and other women going through the same experience.

So, he went to his daughter, Hafsah, and asked her: ‘How long can a wife stand that her husband is away from her?’

Hafsa was embarrassed by the blunt question; but Umar explained that he wanted the info to issue a decree in the interest of Muslims.

So, she answered that the period is about 4 months.

Based on that, Umar commanded that soldiers should not exceed 4 months on duty. He also ordered that this lady’s husband to come home.

Source: aboutislam.net