Lying to secure a job

Question

I have a wife and two children. Recently, I was laid off from work. In order to get another job, I had to lie about my citizenship status. The work that I do is lawful, but the the fact I had to lie to get this job has bothered me a lot. I would like to know your ruling about this.

Answer

The means that you used to secure this position (lying about some matters) is unlawful even if it does not affect the work itself. It is unlawful simply because lying is unlawful. 

A person once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Can a believer be a coward?” 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “Yes”. 

The person then asked: “Can he be stingy?” 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “Yes”. 

He then asked: “Can he be a liar?” 

To this the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “No.” [Sunan al-Bayhaqî with a good chain of transmission] 

You have committed a sin for which you should ask Allah to forgive you. You should repent from it and resolve not to do it again. 

Therefore, you have to inform your employer of all the facts and maybe they will accept your excuse. If you fear some harm or abuse from them if you inform them, then you simply have to resign. 

Always keep in mind that Allah, the one who created you, will not neglect you. The provision that Allah has decreed for you in this life will reach you. You must strive to attain it, seeking it through lawful means. 

Allah says: “And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out and He provides for him from (sources) he never could expect." 

May Allah help you and give you success.

-islamtoday.net

Optimal Ways of Attaining Inner Tranquility and Serenity

This life is not our eternal dwelling but a short-lived and ephemeral abode. A person is destined to face sundry pains, suffering, hardships and sorrows in this transient life, as there are many reasons that lead to boredom, dullness, irritation and anxiety. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):{We have certainly created man into hardship.} [Quran 90:4]

Indeed, everyone faces suffering and hardships in their lives. Misery and adversities are inherently characteristic of this ephemeral life. However, what distinguishes people in this regard is the way they handle their suffering and hardship and the methods and strategies they employ to deal with the reasons for their dullness, irritation, and anxiety.

Despite all the available conveniences, luxuries, and amenities that we enjoy today, and although we possess all that we need in order to relish a comfortable life and worldly bliss, boredom and anxiety is still growing among people! This should drive all those who seek happiness to start looking for the real reasons that help one attain happiness, inner tranquility and serenity, peace of mind, stability, and to find ways to eradicate all traces of boredom and anxiety.

Undoubtedly, among the best methods of gaining inner tranquility and serenity and helping one to endure hardships and calamities are:

1- Sincere faith and righteous deeds: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.} [Quran 16:97]

2- Adapting one's heart and preparing oneself mentally to endure unfavorable situations, adversities and calamities makes it easy for one to face them. It also lessens and diminishes their intensity and severity, and helps one to move on and endure whatever happens to him. On the other hand, if one expects only good and favorable results in all his worldly affairs, this feeling can actually incur many crises and hardships.

3- One should give up all illusions and phobias, as giving in to them is one of the greatest reasons for feelings of embitterment in this life. Indeed, one of the well-known phobias that many people experience is the fear of the future and of the unknown. People tend to occupy themselves with anticipating their future and are neck-deep in their plans and concerns, instead of living in the present. Accordingly, this results in missing the opportunity to rectify one's present because of the concerns and fears for a tomorrow that he may not even live through. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {... And more appropriate for them [would have been]* Obedience and good words. And when the matter [of fighting] was determined, if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them.} [Quran 47:20-21]

One should not give in to such illusions and phobias; instead, one should put his trust in Allah, the Exalted, turning only to Him. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers.}[Quran 5:23]

4- One should not give too much weight to troubles, exaggerate one's problems and make a mountain out of a molehill, since this creates unnecessary anxiety and confusion. This is also the reason behind absentmindedness and distraction, causing one to be lost and engrossed in endless problems that crop up one after the other, creating a vicious cycle.

5- One should bear in mind that hardships and calamities, no matter how long they last, will soon come to an end – they are ephemeral, like life itself. No one maintains the same living conditions all through; change is a norm in this life. Indeed, such conviction makes one full of hope and helps one to endure adversities and tribulations. Patience helps one to overcome any difficulty and is the best of all blessings.

6- One should remember Allah The Almighty all the time. -islamweb.net

Belief in the divine scriptures

The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is the Divine Book - the miracle revealed to Muhammad  from Allah.

As Muslims, we say: “There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.” The Quran is a book that could not have been compiled by any human being, nor could it have been revealed by anyone but Allah. Therefore, anyone who alleges that Muhammad  produced the Quran is attributing divinity to him, refusing to acknowledge him as a Prophet and is virtually describing him as ‘God’. Allah states in the Quran (what means): "And you did not recite before it [i.e., the Quran] any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Then [i.e., otherwise] the falsifiers would have had cause for doubt." [Quran 29:48]

 Muhammad  was unlettered. He never went to school and could not read or write; in fact, there was no school in his town at that time. Furthermore, the country he was born in had not known much of civilisation or progress. How, then, could such a person produce a work like the Holy Quran? He came from a village surrounded by dark mountains and the wilderness of the desert – a remote place, unheard of at that time. No one in that village had any knowledge of the philosophy of Greece and Rome, or of the literature of India and Persia. It was a village, devoid of any academic tradition and activity. There was no one there with even a minimum level of education and knowledge.

The Holy Quran excels in both its literary values and its unique treatment of law. It contains an entire legal system which is perfect in every detail. As for the theology therein, and the knowledge of the unseen, it gives information which is not known to anyone - information which the human intellect is unable to perceive. It reveals laws and phenomena on the subject of nature which were previously unknown, and not only during the time of the Prophet  - some of these laws were discovered thirteen hundred years later, while others still remain undiscovered.

 The Holy Quran challenges all humanity. Humanity and jinn are asked to produce ten chapters, or at least one, like the chapters of the Holy Quran, but they failed to produce even one chapter, as Allah Almighty Says (what means): "Or do they say: 'He [i.e., Muhammad] invented it.?' Say: 'Then bring ten chapters like it that have been invented and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.'"[Quran 11:13]

There are more facts and information that still remain undiscovered, yet are written about in the Holy Quran. Every now and then scholars extract new information from it, and contribute to human knowledge in general and to the better understanding of Islam in particular.

Faith in other revealed books 

Muslims believe in the Holy Quran and all the other revealed Books mentioned in it. These are: the Scrolls (of Ibraaheem may Allah exalt his mention), the Psalms (revealed to Prophet Daawood may Allah exalt his mention), the Torah (revealed to Moosa may Allah exalt his mention) and the Gospel (revealed to 'Eesaa may Allah exalt his mention).

The Holy Quran was revealed to confirm the true and original message, as well as to expose the distortions made to the earlier messages; Allah Says (what means): “And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book [i.e., the Quran] in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. …”  [Quran 5:48]

We therefore believe in the other revealed books where they tie in with what is said in the Holy Quran but reject all that is contrary to it.

1- The Scrolls of Ibraaheem

Allah informs us about what is mentioned in the Scrolls of Ibraaheem and is repeated in the Scrolls of Moosaa may Allah exalt his mention; Allah, the Most Exalted, Says (what means): “That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.”[Quran 53:38]

The Quran refers to the Scrolls of Ibraaheem may Allah exalt his mention in the verse (which means): "But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting. Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, the scriptures of Ibraaheem and Moosaa.”[Quran 87:16-18]

2- The Psalms  (Zaboor)

Allah Says (what means): “…And to Daawood We gave the book [of Psalms].” [Quran 4:163]

 It was mentioned in the Psalms that the righteous will inherit the earth. Allah Almighty Says in the Holy Quran (what means): “And We have already written in the book [of Psalms] after the [previous] mention [i.e., the Torah] that the righteous will inherit the earth.” [Quran 21:105]

 The earth in this verse may perhaps mean Paradise, as is understood from another verse (which means): "And they will say: 'Praise to Allah, who has fulfilled for us His promise and made us inherit the earth [so] we may settle in Paradise wherever we will. And excellent is the reward of [righteous] workers.'” [Quran 39:74]

3- The Torah

The Torah is also a book revealed by Allah. It contained guidance for people as well as Divine commandments; Allah Says (what means): “But how is it that they come to you for judgement while they have the Torah, in which is the judgement of Allah?...” [Quran 5:43]     

He Almighty also Says (what means): “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.”[Quran 5:44]

And among the Divine commandments it contained were, as Allah informs us in the Quran (what means): “And We ordained for them therein [i.e., in that Torah]: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution …”[Quran 5:45]

 The Torah also contained glad tidings about the coming of our Prophet Muhammad . Allah Says (what means): "Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e., mentioned] in what they have of the Torah…" [Quran: 7:157]

The Torah described the believers, as Allah gave reference in the Quran Saying (what means): “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark [i.e., sign] is on their faces [i.e., foreheads] from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah...” [Quran 48:29]

4- The Injeel (Gospel)

Regarding the Injeel, Allah Says (what means): “…And We gave him [i.e., 'Eesaa Son of Maryam] the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah…” [Quran 5:46]

Allah also confirms that the Injeel contained Divine Laws by Saying (what means): “And let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein.” [Quran 5:47]

We are also informed that the Injeel comprises the amended laws of the Torah; Allah Says (what means): “And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you…" [Quran 3:50]

The Injeel, like the Torah, conveyed glad tidings of the advent of Muhammad  and a description of the believers. Thus, we believe in all the books that the Almighty has revealed and we respect all the prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, and believe that the only one of all Divine Books that remained preserved in its original form is the Quran. -islamweb.net

Laughing at another's misfortune

Question

Someone claims that if a person laughs at a fault or misfortune of another person – for example a disability – then the person who laughs will have the same misfortune befall him as a punishment. Is this true?

Answer

We do not know of any evidence to support the claim that the person who laughs at another person's misfortune will in turn be beset with precisely the same misfortune. 

This is a claim claim that gives a prediction regarding a person's future fate, which is a matter of the unseen. Therefore, such a claim can only be established with direct evidence from the Qur'ân and authentic Sunnah. 

It is certainly sinful to laugh at another's misfortune. Allah says:

“O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor defame each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.” [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 11]

When we see the misfortune of another, we should supplicate on that person's behalf. 

We should also thank Allah for showing favor to us, and we should say privately to Allah when we see someone else's misfortune: "Praise be to Allah who has spared me from what He afflicted you with, and who has blessed me with better than many of those whom He has created." 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) tells us that anyone who says this supplication upon seeing the misfortune of another will be spared from that misfortune. [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (3431) an authenticated by al-Albânî in al-Silsilah al-Sahîhah (602)] 

And Allah knows best.

-islamtoday.net

CHAPTER 4, AN NISA (THE WOMEN) (PART 1 OF 3)

Introduction

This chapter is named for the many references throughout the chapter to women.  It is 176 verses long and was revealed in Medina.  When the Muslims migrated to Medina they were no longer a persecuted minority.  Medina became an established Muslim community with Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, as its leader.   Laws were being introduced to the fledgling community with regard to women, marriage, commerce, finance, international relations, property and inheritance.  There were also tensions between the Muslim community and some of the People of the Book and all these themes and subjects are covered. 

Verses 1 – 10 Instructions

Fear God who created all of humankind from one soul (Adam).   Fear God, in whose name you request favours and demand rights.  Beware of severing ties with those to whom you are related.  Give the orphans in your care their rights.  Do not marry the orphan girls to take their property and possessions.  God has allowed you to marry up to four women that are legally available to you.  However if you feel you cannot treat all your wives justly then marry only one.  When you marry make sure to give the bridal gift agreed upon, however if your wife consents to give up some of what is owed to her you may accept that with a clear conscience.  Do not trust your property to those not equipped to look after it.  If you are in charge of someone else’s property, return it to them when they come of age.  Be fair when you return the property because God will ask you to account for every little thing.  For men and for women is an obligatory share of what their parents and close relatives leave.  Be kind and provide something to other relatives, orphans and the needy if they are present when the inheritance is distributed.  The executors and guardians must be just.  Those who take property unjustly will be burned in the Hellfire.

Verses 11- 14 Inheritance

God’s instructions concerning the inheritance of your children are that the males share will be equal to that of two females.  If there are two daughters their share is two thirds of the estate.  If there is only one daughter her share is half.  If there are children then the parents get one sixth of the estate each; if there are no children and the parents are the only heirs then one third goes to the mother.  Debts take precedence over a bequest and bequests may not be given to those who inherit by law.  A man inherit half of his wife’s estate if they have no children but if they have a child he inherits a fourth.  Wives will inherit a fourth of their husband’s estate if they have no children but if they do they will inherit an eighth.  If there are no parents or children a single sibling inherits a sixth of the estate but if there is more than one sibling they share a third.  These are the rules set by God and those who obey Him and Prophet Muhammad will be admitted to gardens under which rivers flow, but those who disobey will abide in the Fire.

Verses 15 – 33 About women

If women are guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse there must be four witnesses against them.  Their punishment is to be confined to their houses for life.  This was until further directives were to be revealed.  Punish men and women who are guilty of this offense but when they repent leave them alone.  Accepted repentance is only for those who sin in ignorance or carelessness and then repent; repentance is accepted until the soul reaches the throat at the time of death.  There is no repentance for those who persist in their sins and repent only when faced with certain death or for those who die as disbelievers.  They will have a painful punishment.

For those who believe, a deceased man’s relatives have no rights of marriage or otherwise over his widow.  Treat your wives fairly and do not try to take back the bridal gift you gave them.  Treat them kindly even if you dislike something about them. If you want to replace one wife with another do not take back anything you have given them even if it was a large amount.  Do not marry women who have been married to your fathers.

These are the women prohibited to you in marriage; your mothers, daughters, and sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's and sister’s daughters, the women who nursed you and your sisters through nursing plus your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters.   Also prohibited to you are the wives of your sons and marrying two sisters simultaneously.  All married women are prohibited to you (except slaves) but all other women are lawful for you to marry.  If you do not have the means to marry free believing women, you are allowed to marry slaves who are believers.  Give them their bridal gift and treat them justly and fairly.  If the slave you marry commits adultery, her punishment should be half that of a free unmarried woman.  God makes it easy for you to see the difference between what is lawful and what is unlawful.   He wants to lighten your burden and turn to you in mercy. 

Do not consume one another’s wealth under false pretences and do not kill each other.  Avoid the great sins and the minor misdeeds will be wiped out.  Do not covet what God has given to others but instead ask God for some of His bounty.  Men and women will be rewarded according to their deeds.  Follow the inheritance laws correctly.

Verses 34 – 42 Serve God

Men are in charge of women and righteous women are obedient to their husband.  If a wife is disobedient she must be admonished, left to sleep alone and as a final resort you are permitted to strike her without leaving marks or causing injury.   If they obey you have no right to punish them.   If there is fear that a marriage might break down then get help with arbitration from both families.  If the couple wish to remain together then God will find a way for that to happen. 

Serve God; do not associate anything with Him.  Be good to your parents and relatives, the needy, and the neighbours both near and far, your companions, travellers in need and slaves.  God does not love those who are arrogant, boastful, and stingy or who encourage others to be stingy.  God also does not like those who spend their money to show off, or those who do not believe in the Last Day and those who choose Satan as their companion.  Believing in God and the Last Day, and spending in charity would not have harmed them.  God does not harm anyone.  Good deeds are increased.  Witnesses will come and those who disbelieved and disobeyed will wish they had not because nothing is hidden from God.  -islamreligion.com

Relations between sexes before marriage

Question

I'm a 16 year old, Muslim girl and I have question. Can I have a relationship with a guy before I get married?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

It is forbidden for any Muslim woman to establish any relationship with a non-Mahram (marriageable) man even if he promises to marry her. The promise and agreement for marriage do not render permissible what Allah has forbidden, like staying alone with her, looking at her and the like, unless he has actually conducted the marriage contract with her.

It may be that there is a promise and an agreement for marriage but in the end, the marriage may not take place. Indeed, a happy marriage is the one which begins with the obedience of Allah and not that which begins with disobeying Him.

Finally, you should know that it is lawful for a man who proposes to marry a woman to look at her once or twice in order to get to know her and to ensure his desire to marry her. But he remains a non-Mahram  to her like all other marriageable men until he conducts the marriage contract with her.

To conclude, it should be noted that it is dangerous to be lenient in such matters, as it is the woman who will be the great loser in this regard.

Allah Knows best.

-islamweb.net

Overcoming bad habits

Question

How does a person kick a bad habit that he has had for years?

Answer

When a person recognizes his personal shortcomings and bad habits and has the intention to change them, then that person has taken the first step towards making a positive change in his life. 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Verily forbearance is achieved by putting it into practice.” [al-Tabarânî in al-Awsat and al-Bayhaqî in Shu`ab al-Imân] 

This means that a person can change his bad habits and manners into good ones. 

This can be achieved by taking the following steps:

1. To ask Allah sincerely and frequently to help you. 

2. To remember the bad habits upon doing the bad deed. For example, when you are angry, remember the bad habit of raising your voice, and when eating, remember the prohibition of eating with the left hand, and so forth. 

3. Sometimes you may forget your endeavors and lapse into your old bad habits. So do not be despair, but try again. Allah will surely help you. 

4. You might wish to speak with others who used to suffer from the same bad habits and benefit from their experiences. They can tell you how they managed to overcome their problems. 

5. I advise you to read books and listen to recorded lectures that discuss the problem you are trying to overcome. This often proves helpful.

Allah says: “O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Indeed Allah is with those who are patient.” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 153]

And Allah knows best.

-islamtoday.net