The beginning of a New Islamic Year!!

The beginning of a New Islamic Year


This month marks the beginning of a new Islamic year, which was initiated after the Hijrah, or emigration, of Prophet Muhammad and which marked the formation of the first Muslim nation within an independent Islamic territory under the rule of Muslims.

The Muslims had no formal annual calendar until the caliphate of ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab . In the third or fourth year of his caliphate, ‘Umar received a message from Abu Moosa Al-Ash’ari who suggested that their future correspondence be confirmed with the appropriate date.

Therefore, ‘Umar gathered some of the surviving companions of the Prophet and consulted them on this matter. Some of them suggested adopting the Persian Calendar; others proposed adopting the Roman Calendar; others still proposed that the Muslims should form their own calendar and that it should start from the birth of the Prophet ; another group agreed but thought that the new Islamic Calendar should start from the day on which the Prophet embarked upon his mission; another group believed that this new Islamic Calendar should begin from the emigration of the Prophet while a final group believed that it should start from his death.

After a discussion, they all agreed unanimously to adopt that the Islamic Calendar should start from when the Prophet emigrated from Makkah to Madeenah and that the first month of this new Calendar be that of Muharram. This is because Muharram is a sacred month and because it follows Thul-Hijjah which is the month in which the Muslims perform Hajj, or the pilgrimage, which is the last of the five pillars of Islam that was enjoined upon the Muslims.

Muharram also follows the month in which the Ansaar (the Madeenan supporters of the Prophet ) pledged allegiance to the Prophet which was prior to his migration to Madeenah. This pledge of allegiance was one of the introductory acts of the emigration itself and therefore Muharram was deemed the most suitable month to start the Islamic Calendar by the companions of the Prophet .

It is truly saddening that some Muslims have chosen to use the Gregorian Calendar instead of the Hijri calendar. The Gregorian calendar has no relation with Islam and although it has been in existence for longer than that of the Hijri Calendar, that is no excuse for the Muslims to adopt it. It is well known that the companions of the Prophet would hate that any Muslim would use the Roman or Persian Calendar.

We have just ushered in the new Hijri year. Allaah Says (what means): “Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year) so was it ordained by Allaah on the day when he created the Heaven and the Earth; of them four are Sacred - that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein...” [Quran 9: 36]

These are the months that Allaah has appointed for the whole of mankind. He, The Most Exalted, also Says (what means): “They ask you [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say ‘They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj (Pilgrimage].” [Quran: 189]

Therefore, we know that these months, based on the lunar calendar, were appointed for all of mankind and not just for the Arabs. This is due to the fact that the lunar months can very easily be detected and calculated by the sighting of the crescent-moon, which marks the end of the month and the beginning of a new one.
We are in the new Hijri year. It is not from the Sunnah to celebrate it or to congratulate one another on its advent. For the Muslims, the passage of years does not constitute a real cause of happiness; rather, what counts is the amount of time spent in obedience to Allaah during these years. The years that have passed will be considered as successful if they were spent in obedience to Allaah, and miserable if they were spent in disobedience of Allaah. Therefore, the most evil person is he who has lived a long life and has committed evil deeds throughout.

It is a must that we receive our days, months and years while in obedience to Allaah. We must bring ourselves to account, redeem ourselves from our bad deeds and duly perform our responsibilities towards our wives, children and relatives.

The advent of every new year is marked by many Muslims with sincere resolutions and plans to improve and become closer to their Lord, but the days and hours slip away while the people’s conditions remain the same, the inevitable result of such failures will be loss and disgrace in this world and the next. Therefore, we must invest our time in obedience to Allaah and make sure that our spiritual condition is improving from year to year; for the more time runs away from us, the closer we are drawing to our graves.

The improvements in our worldly lives do us absolutely no good if our spiritual lives are not improving at the same time. No one can attain honor and dignity without submitting to the Lord of the Worlds. Safety, tranquility and welfare cannot be attained except by adopting the methodology of the Messengers of Allaah, may Allaah exalt their mention. Be very clear that if any of you see welfare and pleasure accompanied with sins and deviation, then this is definitely a mere respite that has been given by Allaah ahead of a total ruin. Thus, we must all stand firm in the obedience of Allaah in order to protect ourselves from His punishment. Allaah, The Almighty Says (what means): “...And turn to Allaah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” [Quran 24: 31]

Allaah has also favored certain months, days and nights more than others. The number of months is twelve, as decreed by Allaah when He created the heavens and the earth. Among these twelve are four sacred months, Thul-Qa’dah, Thul-Hijjah, and Muharram, which are successive and the month of Rajab that comes between Jumaada Al-Aakhirah and Sha’baan. The best day which the sun rises on is Friday and the night of Al-Qadr is more virtuous than a thousand months. Therefore, we must all esteem that which Allaah has magnified.

Muslim scholars maintain that the rewards for good deeds are multiplied in times and places which are favored by Allaah, and vice versa for bad deeds. The proof of this is from Allaah’s Saying (which means): “They ask you concerning the sacred month - about fighting therein. Say, ‘Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allaah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah] and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allaah. And fitnah [Polytheism and Disbelief] is worse than killing’. And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” [Quran 2: 217]

Muslims should not wrong themselves during the Sacred Months. They should stay well within the limits defined by Allaah, fulfill all His obligations, shun all His prohibitions and fulfill the rights of the people.

By Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-’Uthaimeen

Islamic Morality And Today’s World!!

Islamic Morality And Today’s World


Abu Abdillaah


;Alhamdulillah, and salaat and salaam upon Rasoolillah Muhammad and upon his family and followers until the end of time, ameen.

In case you hadn’t noticed, we live in very dangerous times. No doubt there are many areas where this statement applies. The proliferation of wars, civil strife, economic sanction, takeovers and forced expulsion, genocide, natural disaster, environmental pollution, political oppression, street crime, you name it. At this time however, we would like to offer a few words on a dangerous situation regarding one of the most fundamental aspects of human behavior that if abused can lead to an insidious form of genocide. Namely, the destruction of people through immoral sexual relationships.

This is a vast topic indeed, so we will not in any way attempt to give it a full treatment. We hope now only to make several points by looking at what the situation is today and how Islam and Muslims are viewed with regards to it. We pray that we will be able to academically deal with the Islamic morale code in detail in the future, in shaa Allah. It can neither be denied that any given society may undergo trends nor that these trends usually have an underlying cause or source and they don’t just suddenly “turn up” but rather develop over time.

In the west in particular, sexual relationships are generally viewed as the private preference of each individual. No one has the right to determine with whom, or how one conducts one’s sex life. What occurs between consenting adults, no matter what sex or how many, is usually condoned. We believe that these beliefs and principles (along with others) have chiefly contributed to the following realities of today's world.

The Current Reality

Premarital sex between heterosexuals is considered quite acceptable, normal, well within the bounds of morality, and indeed desirable. It has been this way for a long time and could honestly be said to be part of the "American Way". Dating begins at a very young age and every socially well-adjusted youngster is expected to have several girlfriends and boyfriends by a certain age. Couples are expected to live together and getting married has long ceased to be considered as a major aim in life. Those who grow up in the West are weaned on sex in both subtle and not so subtle ways. It is quickly learned through T.V. shows, commercials, movies, advertisements, songs, you name it, that being sexy is a desired goal and aim in life.

Even comic books abound with superheroes and heroines with fantastically well-proportioned bodies and they lead sexually active private lives where little is left to the imagination. Animated cartoon characters from Betty Boop to Jessica Rabbit make the message crystal clear about what makes a female desirable. The top selling video and computer games feature female characters with sexy bodies whose biggest audiences are adolescent boys and young men. Females are intensely focused on being sexually attractive and are conditioned to be so from the time they get their first Barbie. This is what makes the fashion, cosmetic and entertainment industries thrive.

Countless young girls admire and aspire to be 'superstar' beauty queens, models, singers, or actresses. There is a phenomenal proliferation of ‘fan’ or entertainment magazines that feature the hottest entertainment stars who are known precisely for their sex appeal. Romance novels (some affectionately termed "bodice rippers") are the number one sellers among young women around the world and have made many a writer rich even before they have sold the film rights. The most popular "rap artists" regularly feature sexually explicit 'lyrics' in their 'songs' that would disgust some of the crooners of love songs in the 'old days' (the 70's & 80's). The highest rated T.V. talk shows are those that commonly feature people who expose their most intimate and outlandish sexual behavior.

Fashion, health, and women's magazines must feature tips on how to be a sexual master of all things. An ideal of being a sexual "tigress" in bed is constantly reinforced. Nevertheless, while promiscuous men are often termed as 'studs' practically complementing their masculine virility, such women are most often derided as 'bimbos' or 'sluts'.

In Middle Eastern Muslim countries, including areas where most of the native women cover their entire bodies (face, hands…everything), newsstands and bookstores are filled with magazines with covers featuring the faces of gorgeous Arab (dare we say Muslim) women in the latest fashions, not to mention what is within the pages.

In the U.S. alone, pornography of all types and levels is a multi-billion dollar industry having increased in leaps and bounds within just the last decade. The amount of sexual activity that the average person, including children, may view on prime time national television is farabove that which one may have had to search for less than a decade or two ago. Sexual innuendo or titillating banter is ever present in situation comedies and other dramas and films. Daytime soap operas make their ratings on the number of affairs the characters are having and how sexually bold the beautiful, young and restless co-stars are on screen.

Cable television is full of sexually explicit programming that can be seen at nearly all times. Video stores are stocked with plenty of films that anyone can rent to view in their own home what they were too embarrassed to go to the theater to see, or just missed the first time around, or who want to see their favorites over and over again. The latest compact disks are easily available, as are satellite dish transmissions of the same fare in the seemingly staunchest Islamic countries. Indeed, satellite broadcasts based in the heart of the Muslim world feature music videos, films, models and everything else from Hollywood to 'Bollywood' that sends a clear message that being desirable, attractive and sexy is of paramount importance.

Despite these realities, the entertainers and their producers, advertisers, writers and the like will claim that they don't adversely affect the habits of people at all. They insist that they don’t negatively influence society in any way. At the very same time most of them will say that one of the most gratifying rewards of their professions is the effect they have upon people!

The Destructive Consequences

After all that liberation, a woman's worth is still tied to her level of physical beauty which is still considered her greatest asset and one to be exploited in the worst way. Males are increasingly judged in this way but not to the degree as are females. Even the modern ‘super-woman power-executive’ who is supposed to be respected for her intellect and authority still wears a mid-thigh skirt. She expects... no demands, to be viewed as absolutely equal to her male counterpart, yet does she really believe that when dressed this way her worth is not at all being judged based on her looks by even the unemployed vagrant she passes by on the way to work? Indeed, it is commonplace, normal and in no way embarassing for a woman to wear the tightest and most revealing clothing in public and walk virtually nude at public beaches and swimming pools.

People are not at all embarassed or inhibited with public displays of sexual passion. It is not at all uncommon for couples to have intercourse in classic "make-out" spots like dark theaters, the beach, parks, their cars, and in one well-reported incident, on a commuter train in full view of the public who were more upset at the couple smoking afterwards than they were by their brazen display!

Prostitution in all its forms is increasingly open and given a "blind eye" by law enforcement who have their hands full with "real" crimes. It is even legal in some countries despite what would seem the relative easy availability of sex otherwise. There are places that are world famous for their open markets of female, male and child prostitutes. Legal statutes forbidding sex between minors, or certain other sexual practices are often not applied until and unless a formal complaint is brought against one party by another and may then even be found to be so outdated that they are wiped out completely. Adultery and fornication are no longer viewed as the deadly crimes and sins they really are and are in fact commonplace. Married men are expected to have several mistresses in some places.

It is the odd parent who does not expect their child to become sexually active at some point long before getting married or even before getting out of junior high school! Indeed, it is the odd person who values virginity until marriage even in these times of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are being handed out for free in several public school systems. A heavy price is being paid in unwanted unmarried teenage pregnancies, 'fatherless' children and resultant economic, health and psychological problems.

Homosexuality has now become accepted by a large number of people particularly in the West as well as in other circles that are "westernized". An indication of this changed attitude is the fact that homosexuals are no longer portrayed as they sterotypically were in past Hollywood films and television as ‘flaming faggots’ who were silly, lisping, cowardly weaklings or sexually promiscuous. That is and was considered offensive by homosexuals and is now ‘politically incorrect’ among the ‘mainstream’ heterosexual populace. Recent portrayals are now often of the homosexual as sensitive, level-headed and responsible members of society.

Perhaps it could be accurately stated that homosexuality is accepted by a majority of Americans and Europeans even if they personally do not practice it. Accepted in so much as no one will report or condemn or discriminate against a homosexual in most areas unless they are flagrantly offensive in their mannerisms and behavior. This in no way implies that there aren't many people who still find homosexuality abhorrent and even react violently to it. However, it is considered absolutely politically incorrect in 'mainstream' circles to imply that homosexuals are any less moral and have any less right to practice what they practice than any heterosexual.

Even worse are reports in recent years that it has been statistically proven that a staggeringly high percentage of American females have been and can expect to be not only harassed but sexually assaulted in their lifetimes - even by family members! Violent sexual crimes are no longer shocking and rapists are given relatively light sentences if convicted. Child sexual abuse and "date rape" is a major problem and who knows how many incidences go unreported? "Stalking" is another type of crime that an amazingly high number of women have experienced and more can expect. Even wealthy and powerful men face being sexually assaulted or threatened (see Steven Spielberg).

Every man, no matter how rich or powerful faces a high risk of being accused of being a perpetrator of sexual harassment or even assault (see Clarence Thomas and Bill Clinton). Literally millions of people, especially women, are victims each year of sexually related disasters from rape and assault to divorces and crimes of passion, and from sexually transmitted diseases to psychological and emotional disorders.

Refusal To Face The Need For Change

Even in the face of this staggering toll in human suffering and degradation, the disbelievers and doubters in Islam still incredulously ask: You Muslims say that Islam wants women to be all covered up?! They can't wear whatever they please shouldn't go out perfumed?! The opposite sex shouldn't even shake hands with those who are not their close relatives or spouses nor should an unrelated man and a woman be in a room alone together even if they are engaged?! You're not supposed to go out on dates? You shouldn't listen to music, especially the romantic, sexy, and sexually explicit songs!? No swimming or visiting the public beaches in the summer?!

Not even the same sex should see each other in scanty, skin-tight, or see-through clothing or even shower together at the gym?! You're against co-educational institutions?! You're supposed to lower your gaze when the opposite sex comes along and if you must speak to them it should be in a no-nonsense tone?! You really place great value on chastity, modesty and virginit until marriage?! You encourage that men be jealous for and protective of their wives?! Premarital sex is a punishable crime and adultery is a capital offense?! No sex unless you are married to your partner?! You can marry up to four women?!!!

They call the genuine, devout, practicing Muslims extremists (equating them with terrorists in the mind of the average person), yet they don't (or refuse to) recognize the ugly realities described earlier as outrageous and extreme! They label Muslims fundamentalists, but they don’t admit that the present situation calls for a major and fundamental revision of their principles! They say we are strange but we don't mind. As the Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:

Islam began as something strange and it will again become something strange. Therefore, may Allah bless the strangers!

SPENDING FOR ALLAH!!

Spending for Alláh Arshad Gamiet/Royal Holloway College/Univ. of London /UK. 24 September 1999. A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem. Al hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alameen. Was salaatu was salaamu ‘alaa ashrafil mursaleen. Sayidinaa wa nabi’na wamoulanaa Muhammadin wa’ala aalihee wa sahbihee wasallim. My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, Our khutbah today is about Spending, in the way of Alláh. There are many Muslims, who believe that Alláh expects nothing more from them, than to go through the daily, weekly and yearly rituals, without stretching themselves and making sacrifices for the sake of their communities and for others in distress. These Muslims seem to think, that their salaat, their fasting and Hajj alone will earn the pleasure of Alláh and secure their place in paradise. Some of them even become so outwardly pious and self-righteous, that their main pleasure is to debate the finer details of some minor issue, quoting Quran and Hadíth at length. It is, as if their concern for these tiny technicalities will somehow make up for their lack of involvement with the real pressing problems of the day. These people are what we might call, formal Muslims, because they are more concerned about the form, than with the substance, of Islam. Can they be right? Is this attitude enough? Will Alláh accept us as mere formal Muslims? Can we really attain the goal of truly righteous Believers by only observing our prayers in a narrow, formal way, and caring for little else? In Sura Al Baqara, 2:v177 we read, "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward East or West. But it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers. To spend of your substance out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and to practice regular charity. To fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth the Allah-fearing. " In one beautiful, sweeping and inspiring verse, we are told precisely, what "righteousness" really means. The truly righteous Muslim, is not one who simply faces east or west in ritual prayer. It is one who whose whole life has been dedicated to the service of Alláh, and of all Alláh’ s creatures. A true believer’s heart is full of fear and reverence and respect for his Lord. These are the qualities of Al Muttaqee, one whose heart is full of taqwa. Brothers and Sisters, we must believe sincerely in all that Alláh teaches us through his Books and Messengers. And then, just as important, we must carry out those beliefs. We must translate them into Action. Without action, our beliefs have no meaning. Doing our duties to Alláh, therefore, cannot be separated from doing our duties to our fellow human beings. For this reason, we find that in no less than 18 places The Holy Qur’án uses the expression: "..aqeemus salaata, wa aatuz zakaat" "Establish the prayer, and practice regular charity." The one is a duty we owe to Alláh, the other is a duty we owe to our fellow human beings. It is as though the two compliment each other. Prayer without active charity would be an empty ritual, and charity that is not done in the name of Alláh would would have the wrong motive, and therefore be unworthy. We must "spend out of our substance, out of Love for Him…" and for that reason alone. Not for any other reason, … not to massage our vanity, nor to impress other people. Spending on Zakaat, Fitra and Sadaqa should be motivated purely by our deep sense of gratitude and Love for Alláh. We must constantly remind ourselves, that no matter how learned or wealthy or successful we might become, we entered this world with nothing, and we will leave it, with nothing except a record of our deeds. By spending in the way of Alláh, out of love for him, we are simply following the natural order of things, just as the fruit trees and blossoms in our garden, spend their lovely fragrance and delicious fruits freely on us. There is no other reason for their existence, but to glorify Alláh, and to serve His creatures. It is the same with man. There is no other reason for our existence, but to glorify Alláh, and to be of service to His creation. [pause] What about those who deliberately refuse to spend their wealth, their time, their talents and skills, in a way that pleases Alláh? They range from the frugal, cautious with money types to those who are downright selfish, stingy, miserly, niggardly. What has the Qur'án to say about them? In the last verse of Sura Muhammad [47:38] we are warned that selfishness, niggardliness, is the work of shaytaan: "Behold you are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the way of Allah: but among you are some that are niggardly. Any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. Allah is free of all wants and it is you that are needy. If you turn back (from the Path) He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you! " Clearly, Alláh does not love those who are selfish. Selfishness betrays a lack of trust, a lack of faith in Alláh’s mercy. Selfish people justify themselves by saying they are merely protecting themselves from hardship and need. Is Alláh not the best of protectors? But their selfishness harms their own souls. Until they learn to trust Alláh, they will not be able to build strong faith, Imán. Their lack of faith makes them easy prey for Shaytán, as we see in Sura al Baqara, v268: "The Evil One threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties and Allah cares for all and He knows all things." Kahlil Gibran wrote:: "Is not the fear of thirst, when your own well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?" Brothers and sisters, let us beware of Shaytán and his many ways of undermining our iman . If we try hard with sincerity, Alláh will strengthen the faith in our hearts, so we do not let the fear of poverty prevent us from spending in Alláh’s way. We are promised in Sura Al-Imrán v92: "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, truly, Allah knows it well." And, in another beautiful metaphoric verse, we are asked in Sura Al-Baqara v245: "Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah that gives (you) poverty or plenty and to Him shall be your return." This metaphor is repeated no less than 6 times in The Holy Qur’án . Again, we are promised in Sura Al Baqara v277: Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day in secret and in public have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed. Second Khutbah: Sub’ hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, In the world of mathematics, you can add, subtract, divide and multiply in precise quantities. You cannot increase what you have, by dividing it or giving it away. That’s mathematics. But, in the spiritual world, things work differently. In the spiritual world, the more you give of what you value, the richer you become, the more you prosper. Whether you give of your wealth, or your time, or your love, your care and wisdom, you can never impoverish yourself by giving generously. Dear brothers and sisters, let us take care not to mix the rules of mathematics with the rules of Imán. When a young couple have their first child, they are so full of love and affection, that they may well ask, how could they possibly have enough love left for another child? And yet, when Alláh gives them a second child, they find that their capacity for love has doubled. If Alláh gave them 10 children, they would find that their capacity for love would increase tenfold. The same applies to spending in the way of Alláh. When we give generously out of the good things, which Alláh has provided for us, we increase our true wealth, our stock of good deeds, we don’t decrease it. This truth is beautifully described in Sura Al Baqara, v 262: "Allatheena yunfiqúna amwálahum, fee sabeelillaahi, thumma laa yoot bi’oona maaa, anfaqoo man-naw waláaa athaLahum ajruhum ‘inda rab bihim, walá ghowfun ‘alayhim, waláhum yah-zanún." "The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases; and Allah cares for all and He knows all things." Dear Brothers and Sisters, when the opportunity comes for us to spend in the way of Alláh, let us remember this verse. "Fee Sabeelillaah" "spending in the way of Alláh," belongs to the world of the heart and the spirit, not to the world of mathematics. Let us pray to Alláh, that he should remove from our hearts, the fear of poverty and the selfishness that prevents us from giving freely of the bounties, which He has entrusted to us. May Alláh strengthen our hearts, so that we not only pay the minimum for Zakát, fitra’ and sadaqa. But, let us really want to spend as much as we can, on good causes. Better still, let us even seek out opportunities to spend our money, our time, our education, our experience of life, for the benefit of others who are less fortunate than we are. O Alláh, help us to cleanse our hearts and remove every unworthy motive, so that every time we spend out of Your bounty, we are driven purely out of love and gratitude to You. O Alláh, please accept all our efforts to purify ourselves and our families and our possessions. Ameen! Aqeemus salaah!

BEWARE OF CULTURAL IMPERIALISM!!

Beware of Cultural Imperialism Arshad Gamiet One of the most pervasive forms of misguidance is our human tendency to assume that a dominant culture is somehow superior to all other cultures. Just because the Western nations have economic and military muscle, we should not assume that they are also superior, morally, ethically and spiritually. This is a serious mistake. Many influential people in Muslim countries think that they should aspire to the dominant culture, and accept all its terms of reference. They believe that to be ‘modern’ you have to turn your back on your own heritage, to reject or at least hide your own religion in the garden shed. This inferiority complex, they think, is a sign of ‘education’ and ‘progress.’ Part of this problem is that people wrongly confuse their own tribal and national culture with Islam. In reality, Islam and Culture, and I mean tribal, ethnic and national culture, are quite separate and distinct ideas. I covered this topic in my previous khutbah. Islam is a way of living, away of being, ordained by Allah. It is a set of universal principles. Islam never changes. Culture is what people accept as normal behaviour from time to time and place to place. It’s always susceptible to change, depending on widely accepted norms in society. Sometimes, culture can be destructive when it becomes a vehicle of oppression for other people. Oppression and enslavement take many forms. There is open political oppression, when governments restrict the human rights of citizens, free speech and free movement. Sometimes oppression can be economic, where the rich exploit the poor. Quite often oppressive governments use military force not to defend their country from enemies outside, but to defend their interests against their own people. These are obvious and open forms of oppression. But there are also hidden forms of oppression, more dangerous because we hardly notice them. Cultural imperialism is a good example. It is unintentional when people naively think their own culture is inferior, and they must copy the dominant culture. But it can also be deliberate, when it involves the psychological manipulation of people’s wants and desires, enslaving their hopes and ideals. Cultural imperialism undermines a people’s self-confidence and self-image. The subtle, insidious nature of cultural imperialism easily traps the unwary. Language is one of the powerful ways in which one culture can assert its dominance over others For example, in South Africa the Afrikaans dictionary used to tell us that a ‘gentleman’ in English is a ‘witman’ or ‘white man’ in Afrikaans, the language of Dutch settlers. The English/Afrikaans dictionaries also addressed other races in a demeaning manner that would not apply to white people. In this country we are referred to as ‘ethnic minorities’ but no-one talks of the ‘ethnic majority.’ I prefer to use neutral terms like ‘the Asian community, the host community, the Afro-Carribean community and so on. Similarly, I don’t even like the term, ‘non-Muslim.’ It has a negative connotation. I prefer to say, ‘our friends and neighbours in the wider society.’ It’s much more friendly and inclusive. Islam is friendly and inclusive. When we read the papers or watch the news, we should be aware of the use and misuse of language. Be critical. Separate hard facts from opinions. Carefully examine the hidden assumptions. Don’t just blindly accept someone else’s framework of debate. Question the terms of reference. Does it make sense? Is it fair and reasonable? If you feel even the slightest twinge of discomfort, you can be sure that something is amiss. Don’t ignore your instinct, your intuition. Don’t let someone make up your mind for you. Don’t let others set your emotional agenda. If you’re not careful, someone else will decide when you should laugh, when you should cry and become angry. Before you know it, you may stop thinking like a Muslim, and you’ll simply have become another little brown Englishman or Englishwoman. Deliberately or naively, cultural imperialism turns people from the colonies into mirror-images of their masters: They become little brown Englishmen, and little brown Europeans. They pose no threat to the status quo, in fact they help to keep things as they are. They reinforce the false notion of superiority of one human being over another, one cultural system over others. Sadly, many Muslim countries are politically independent but culturally enslaved. Their elites uncritically accept western norms of behaviour. They espouse western notions of “freedom,” “democracy,” ”progress” and being “civilized” without questioning the underlying assumptions these ideas are based on. Forty years ago in South Africa, Steve Biko started the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, His views overturned the white/non-white, positive/negative, normal/abnormal paradigm and mindset. Biko’s life and tragic death was eloquently told in Richard Attenborough’s film, Cry Freedom. “Black” he said, is a more positive description than “non-white.” Muslims need to understand these hidden cultural assumptions and we must interrogate their validity. Don’t let others frame the debate on their terms. We must re-examine these assumptions where they are based on false notions of superiority. We must re-define the norms, where they are misguided, unfair or unjust. For example, the hijab/headscarf is not a sign of domination or oppression of women. It’s simply a dress code. It promotes modesty. Women should not be seen as sexual objects. The headscarf confers dignity on our women. Some Muslim regimes enforce it, some want to ban it, but among Muslims in the west, it’s clearly a matter of personal choice. Many sisters will tell you that it helps them define who they are. We don’t have to apologise for it. It’s not a sign of backwardness or enslavement. The real backwardness is in the assumption that western culture is somehow superior. The economic, political and military power of the West has also brought a certain cultural arrogance. This arrogance presents a world viewed through distorted lenses. Empires and their cultures rise and fall, just as day alternates with night and the seasons follow each other in succession. This is Allah’s Decree. In His Noble Book, He reminds us: “Qulil-laah humma maalikal mulki tu’til mulka man-tashaa’u watanzi-ul mulka mim-man-tashaa’, Wa tu’izzu man-tashaa’ watuzillu man-tashaa’ Biyadikal khair. Innaka ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer! [Sura Al-‘Imraan 3:27] “Say: ‘O Allah, Sovereign of all dominion, You grant dominion to whom You will and take dominion away from whom You will. You exalt whom You will and abase whom You will. In Your hand is all that is good. You are able to do all things”. (Al-Imran, Verse 26)…” But to solve the real problem of cultural imperialism, and of Muslims’ misplaced inferiority complex, we have to turn again to the Holy Quran. Where else?! “O Mankind, I have created you from a single pair of a male and a female, then I made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know [and respect] one another, not that you should despise one another. Truly the best of you are those most inclined to good conduct, and Allah has full knowledge and is aware of all things.” [Sura Al-Hujuraa 49:13] We need to articulate the Islamic world view and celebrate the Islamic ethos. We have to reassure our neighbours in the wider community that they have nothing to fear from a resurgent Islamic awareness. This is a natural and healthy process, when people regain self-respect and self confidence. In modern street parlance, we should be saying, ‘Islam is cool, man! Islamophobia is so, yesterday! Come on, for once, just step outside yourself; step outside your Eurocentric mindset, for once, step outside your misplaced sense of cultural superiority. You have nothing to lose but your prejudices.’ Let’s change the wrong perceptions, the fear and hatred of Islam. Through our personal example, we must show our friends and neighbours in the wider community that living Islam is a mercy and a blessing to all. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Those who promote violent political agendas, both inside and outside our faith communities, are the dangerous ones. Militant jihadis and far-right white supremacists are desperate people, who misuse Islam to try to clothe their political ambitions with a measure of respectability. We Muslims who live in the ‘West’ have a huge responsibility to our neighbours in the wider society, to our children and to future generations. We must show by a clear, practical example, that Islam offers an alternative, sustainable way of living. We must try to be role models for others: We should educate ourselves with the essence of our faith, so that we can deal with the challenges of modern living, and be totally at peace spiritually, morally, and intellectually. We can reduce the impact of cultural imperialism by taking a few simple steps. Change the channel or better still, switch off the TV. Don’t constantly expose yourself or your children to programmes that condone immoral attitudes. In school, college or the work environment attitudes towards drugs, alcohol, male-female relationships and same-sex relationships are very different to ours. Smile, be courteous and say why we differ. Treat others with respect and they will respect you. Don’t be rude or confrontational. On the other hand, don’t court popularity or seek approval for yourself by adopting values that will displease Allah. Islam shows us where to draw a line in the sand, but always with dignity and grace. Explain that Islamic values protect society as a whole, and some aspects of western culture lead to abuses of all kinds, from drugs and alcohol to the innocence of children and dignity of womanhood. Western liberties and excess has left a trail of broken families and a crumbling society. Islam offers a healthier alternative, placing the society’s wellbeing above the whims and caprices of individuals. Say this in a courteous and pleasant manner. The way to resist the domination of one culture over another is to return to the true Islamic idea of unity in diversity. Human beings are one species, a unity, within the diversity of many cultures, languages and ethnicities. Allah’s divine Unity [Tawheed] is the unifying principle that connects all the diversity of His creation. We were created from the union of Adam and Eve, then multiplied through countless tribes and nations, diverse, colourful, yet equal in our status as human beings, custodians and trustees of Allah’s creation. This is an awesome responsibility. We Muslims are people of the middle way, the Ummatan wasatan. We ought to shun all kinds of extremes. We can be British, Pakistani, white, black, Asian, but essentially we are all equal human beings. We must never become obsessive with national or cultural pride. That’s losing the plot. Islam is not exclusive. It’s inclusive. We must be warm, welcoming and we must enable others to feel comfortable and secure in our presence. Prophet Muhammad said in a well known hadith, “A Muslim is one from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are safe. A Mu’min [true Believer] is one in whom all humanity will find safety of their lives and property.” When we consider the rising levels of fear, suspicion and Islamophobia today, we have to ask, how much are we ourselves a part of the problem? How far have we fallen short of our noble Prophet’s standards? Some of us still judge one another by wealth, by nationality, by race and social status. This is pre-Islamic behaviour, Jahiliyyah. Yet Allah and His Prophet constantly remind us that our only acceptable ranking is in our piety, in our loving awareness of Allah, expressed through our thoughts, words and actions. This is the only way we can measure superiority or inferiority among people: good actions driven by gratitude and love for Allah. We have to live in a constant state of love, fear and hope, loving Allah because He clearly loves us, fearing His displeasure and being ever hopeful of His Mercy. This is the real meaning of taqwa. I sincerely pray that Allah will help you and me, and all our loved ones, to become real people of taqwa, al-muttaqeen. Ameen. Then and only then, can we begin to free ourselves from psychological domination and cultural imperialism.

Hajj and Unity of Mankind!!

Hajj and Unity of Mankind

By Prof. Shahul Hameed


Islam, which literally means peace and submission, is the religion of the universe. In Allah’s universe, everything is assigned a proper place: The sun, moon, stars, and all the celestial bodies follow laws that Almighty Allah has determined for them, and they never go out of their ordained course. Everything in the world, from the tiniest electrons to the gigantic galaxies, follows its own laws. The laws followed by the phenomena of the world are perfectly evident in our world, where humanity’s birth, growth, and life are regulated by biological laws. All bodily organs, from small tissues to the heart and brain, are governed by the laws prescribed for them:

Allah Almighty says in His Holy Qur’an:

(He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again?) (Az-Zumar 39:5)

In his book "Towards Understanding Islam", Abul A`la Mawdudi says:

As we humans can to a great extent deduce the set of laws which control the phenomena of the universe, we call them ‘natural laws’ even though it is Allah Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, who established them; and hence, it is His Law that is followed by every thing in the universe. That is the reason we call Islam the religion of the universe; because, Islam is nothing other than obedience to God, Who is the Lord of the universe. From this angle, everything in existence is Muslim – air, water, heat, stones, trees, and animals – as they all obey the Creator by submitting to His laws. Even unbelievers and atheists are Muslim as far as their bodily existence is concerned, for each part of their bodies follows the course Almighty Allah established for it, from birth until death and dissolution.

Islam teaches that Almighty Allah, nature, and humanity are not remote, alien to, or opposed to each other. Almighty Allah makes Himself known to humanity through nature and humanity itself: and nature and humanity are two books (of creation) that make Him known. Islam is the name of the code according to which nature functions in perfect obedience and by which humanity is required, but not forced, to live by using its free will.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:

(O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).) (Al-Hujurat 49:13)

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), is reported to have declared in his farewell address at Arafah: “O humankind! Your Lord is one Lord, and you have one father. All of you are from Adam, and Adam is from dust. The noblest of you is the most God-fearing. No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, no non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab, no black person has any superiority over a white person, and no white person has any superiority over a black person – superiority is only through piety.” (At-Tirmidhi)

That is to say, the unity of mankind – just like the unity of nature – is a concept of Islam derived from the Unity of the Creator, Who is the Source of all existence. As Allah is one, all humans are created by the One God and are basically equal.

For the above reason, to a Muslim, social status and racial superiority are meaningless as the equality and brotherhood of humanity is basic to the living faith of Islam. Islam is Allah’s Religion – in the sense that it was Allah who inspired all His prophets to preach to their people, the same religion of submission to the will of the Creator. Hence it is only reasonable to believe that Allah does not confine His religion or favors to any particular nation, race, or age. For this reason, there cannot be any contradiction or fundamental differences between elements in the religion of Allah. When understood properly, it affords no chance to any one to feel any sense of ‘supremacy’ or presumed exclusivity. Moreover, when imparted to humans, it instills into their consciousness a clear concept and a sound basis of human brotherhood. As the Muslim believes in the Oneness of Allah, the oneness of mankind, and the oneness of religion, he believes in all the messengers and revelations of God without discrimination.

Of all the rites of Islam, Hajj is most particularly significant to the concept of unity in that it brings nations and tribes together from distant lands before their Creator. Hajj strengthens the foundation of brotherhood among people and societies as nothing else can in such a spectacular manner.

This annual pilgrimage of Muslims unifies them as one brotherhood in the worship of Almighty Allah, the One Creator and Sustainer of the whole universe. Almighty Allah says in His Holy Qur’an:

(Surely this nation of yours is one nation, and I am your Lord, so worship Me) (Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:92)

The essential unity of humanity is the constant theme upon which the whole edifice of Islam stands; and Muslims never disagree on this unifying idea. History can never call to mind a more superb call than this divine call for unity that was given through Allah’s Book and through Prophet Ibrahim at first, and finally through Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them both).

On the decisive day at Arafah, the declaration of the unity of humanity was given to mankind by Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). That was a defining moment in the history of humanity as that call dealt a death blow to injustice and discrimination on the basis of color, caste, race or language. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had announced: “The Hajj is Arafah”. Henceforth, millions of Muslims of every hue and stature from the far corners of the world flock to Arafah on the same ninth day of Dhul Hijjah every year to stand in prayer. To this day, the Day of Arafah is celebrated and honored as a day of human unity; a great day for the worship of the one and only God of the universe.

On this blessed day of all days, Muslims respond to the call of Allah given through His prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all):

(The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings: In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.) (Aal `Imran 3:96,97)

(And proclaim unto mankind the pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine.) (Al-Hajj 22:27)

The sense of unity and brotherhood Islam instills into its adherents is unparalleled in the history of mankind, as vouchsafed by the great historian Arnold Toynbee in "Civilisation on Trial",

The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue.

And H.A.R Gibb in "Whither Islam",

No other society has such a record of success in uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity and endeavor so many and so varied races of mankind. The great Muslim communities of Africa, India and Indonesia, perhaps also the small community in Japan, show that Islam still has the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of the East and West is to be replaced by co-operation, the mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition.

Hajj is a Season of Da‘wah (Islamic Propagation)!!

Hajj is a Season of Da‘wah (Islamic Propagation)


Da‘wah is one of the greatest righteous deeds since it has great benefits and interest for both the Daa‘iyah (caller to Allaah) and the people whom he is calling to Allaah - the society, the nation and all of mankind. Allaah The Exalted praises those who call people to Him as He Says (what means): {And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allaah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.”} [Quran 41:33]

Hajj is a golden opportunity and a distinguished season in which Muslims can call each other to Allaah The Exalted, and enlighten each other about Islam. Millions of pilgrims are mobilized from all over the world during this virtuous season. All share the same aim which is worshiping Allaah The Almighty duly. They are in great need of someone who would guide them to righteous deeds, Ihsaan [Worshiping Allaah as if seeing Him], and all that is good both in this life and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, Da‘wah during Hajj time is an act of Sunnah; the Prophet, , would call people to Islam during Hajj, and he dispatched a number of his Companions for this very purpose. In the Farewell Hajj, the Prophet, , gave Muslims a comprehensive piece of advice, clarified everything for them and fulfilled his due duty, which was the duty of conveying a clear notification. Muslim scholars and sincere callers to Allaah have followed in the Prophet’s footsteps in making full use of such a great and virtuous season. They seized this great opportunity to awaken the hearts and open the eyes of people to see the essence of Islam, display the true Islam, warning Muslims against the perils of Shirk (associating partners with Allaah) and advise that they recognize the stains of religious innovations and evil doings.

What further asserts the importance of Da‘wah in Hajj is what follows:

1- The great number of Muslims who are performing Hajj, which is ever increasing.

2- The spread of religious ignorance among Muslims nowadays and the general ignorance of the beliefs and rulings of Islam. Add to this the spread of certain types of Shirk, religious innovations, and myths among many pilgrims.

3- Some of pilgrims may belong to a relatively rich class and high
social status; this will render them more likely to be capable of influencing their people and families when they call them to Allaah The Exalted after they return home.

4- The readiness and psychological willingness of the pilgrims to listen, learn and accept during this blessed season in which hearts are open to guidance and ears are eager to listen.

5- The easy and efficient movement between the camps of pilgrims, which helps in spreading the call to Allaah among them.

Da‘wah during such a blessed season of this great Muslim gathering is not the job of government officials working in the field of Da‘wah alone, such as Khateebs (orators), Imaams, and callers to Allaah The Exalted – although they play the main role - it is rather the role of all Muslims. Every Muslim should shoulder this great responsibility, each according to his capabilities, while taking into account the circumstances, conditions and appropriate methods of Da‘wah.

Da‘wah in Hajj starts before the arrival of pilgrims at the Holy places, and even before they leave their countries. In fact, the phases of Da‘wah in Hajj can be identified as follows:

1- Before their arrival at the Holy sites:
This can be done through coordination with the Da‘wah authorities, Islamic centers and organizations. A number of callers to Allaah in various countries could be assigned to accompany the pilgrims from their countries on the way to Hajj so as to teach them and enlighten them on performing Hajj.

2- Da‘wah in airports, land stations and seaports:
This could be done through serving pilgrims, meeting their needs, welcoming them hospitably, facilitating their required arrival procedures, and making use of the time they spend in these ports by educating them on Hajj and various religious matters and providing them with Da‘wah-related kits.

3- Practicing Da‘wah with pilgrims while they are moving between the Holy sites so as not to let such times be wasted.
This is the role of those who are organizing Hajj journeys. They should choose qualified efficient people to serve the pilgrims, whether drivers or others, to offer advice and good instruction to the pilgrims.

Bus drivers should receive special training sessions before the Hajj season to help them be better callers to Allaah and represent the true image of Islam.

4- Da‘wah in camps and accommodations:
Pilgrims spend long intervals of time in their camps or accommodation. As ready as pilgrims are to listen and learn more about Islam, special programs should be organized to make use of that time duly.

Add to that the role played by hotel workers. They should also be at the due level of awareness, responsibility, and commitment so as to fulfill their role well and leave a good impression on the pilgrims.

5- Da‘wah in mosques:
Da‘wah should be conducted in mosques, at the top of which comes Al-Masjid Al-Haraam [the Sacred Mosque in Makkah] and the Prophet's Mosque [Al-Masjid An-Nabawi]. Mosques are crowded with worshipers during the season of Hajj, and some of them have perhaps never had a previous opportunity to go to a mosque. The season of Hajj is a golden opportunity to advise such people, enjoin them to do good, call them to Allaah, and guide them to the right path.

6- Da‘wah in markets:
During the Hajj season markets are crowded with people, pilgrims and others. Markets are the places that most likely involve religious negligence. Moreover, Satan and his helpers do their best to drive people into markets to be inattentive and unmindful of duly adhering to the provisions of Allaah The Almighty. Therefore, Da‘wah in markets is very significant and effective. It is appropriate here to offer our thanks to the men of the Hisbah Organization who are in charge of enjoining good and forbidding evil (in Saudi Arabia), for their great efforts.

Using explanatory signs and posters that welcome pilgrims and bid them farewell signed by Da‘wah organizations, and benefiting from modern technologies in this respect is another means of Da‘wah that should be given sufficient attention. Another means is printing books and brochures that clarify the fundamentals of Islam in an easy and clear manner, as well as distributing copies in several languages of pilgrim’s guides which include the contact details of important Islamic advocacy and service organizations. The guide should also list the phone numbers of bilingual callers to Islam, specifying the language each of them speaks.

Furthermore, it is important to give due care to field work by appointing field callers to Allaah, both male and female, who can speak different languages and possess the needed skills and art of offering advice and request that they walk about by car or on foot among the camps and accommodations of pilgrims to call them to Allaah with wisdom and good instruction.

Another means of Da‘wah during Hajj is the establishment of religious advocacy offices in the camps and accommodations of pilgrims as well as at the Mawaaqeet (specified places from where pilgrims are required to assume Ihraam). It is important to dedicate some of these offices for female pilgrims as well as for males.

It is also very important to have local instructive and communicative television channels that broadcast in different languages in the Holy sites through which scholars and callers to Islam may teach, advise, and educate the pilgrims about all that is of benefit to them in this life and in the Hereafter.

This was a brief account of Da‘wah in Hajj and some of its means. We beseech Allaah The Almighty to guide Muslims who have gone astray, enlighten the ignorant among them, and accept their acts of worship.