Answers to questions you may encounter during dawah

Bismillah,

Assalamu alaikum,

There is nothing in this world where Islamic guidance can not apply.

Dr. Bilal Philips has a video series called 'Contemporary Issues' on halaltube.com


Homosexuality? See the explanation here

Apostasy? See the explanation here

Test-tube babies ? Sexchange operations? Organ donation? See the explanation here

Euthanasia/Mercy Killing ? See the explanation here

Capital Punishment/Criminal Justice? See the explanation here

Terrorism? See the explanation here

Interest free Islamic Banking? See the explanation here

Marriage to a Non-Muslim? See the explanation here

Music, Art, Photography? See the explanation here

InshaAllah I hope you find these videos as helpful as I have.

Objectives, pretty simple?

Bismillah,

The following was taken from the Appendix of an older copy of 'The Prophet's prayer described' with a few slight modifications. I wanted to share it as it has general principles that we as Muslims should try to attain to. All the evidences presented are from the Quran and authentic hadith.

Our Objectives

1. A return to the sublime Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet(sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam) and to comprehend them both according to the understanding and way of the Pious Predecessors (as-salafus-saalih) –may Allaah be pleased with them all- acting upon the saying of our Lord – The Majestic.

“If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the Guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in hell, what an evil refuge !” (an-Nisa 4 :115)

And the first to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. (At-Tawbah 9:100)

and His – (The One free of Imperfections) saying:

“So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path..” (al-Baqara 2:137)

and the sayings of the Messenger (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Najih al-Irbad bin Sariyah, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said:

The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, delivered an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. We said, "O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this were a farewell sermon, so advise us." He said, "I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if a slave is made a ruler over you. He among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So for you is to observe my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-principled and rightly-guided Rashidite Caliphs, holding on to them with your molar teeth. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every invented matter is an innovation and every innovation(bid'ah) is a going astray.”

[Abu Dawud & Al-Tirmidhi, who says it is an authentic hadith

and

Abdullah reported: It was asked from Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) who amongst the people were the best. He said: (People) of my generation, then those next to them, then those next to them…, [Sahih Muslim]

2. To purify everything related to the life of the Muslims from Shirk in its various forms – and to warn them against the wicked innovations (Bid’ah) in the creed (Aqeedah) and acts of worship (Ibaadah) and false ideas introduced from outside, and to cleanse the Sunnah of the weak and fabricated narrations which have tarnished the pure nature of Islaam, and have been a cause of prevention of the progress of the Muslims, in realization of the responsibility due to knowledge and due to the saying of the noble Messenger: (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

“This knowledge will be carried by the trustworthy ones of every generation – they will expel from it the alterations made by those going beyond bounds, and the false claims of the liars, and the false interpretations of the ignorant.”

(Saheeh – reported by Ibn’ Adiyy, Ibn, Asaakir, Aboo Nua’im and al-Khateeb)

and in obedience to the order of Allaah – The Mighty and Majestic:


“..Help you one another in righteousness and piety, but help you not one another in sin and enmity.” (al-Maa’idah 5:2)

3. To educate and cultivate the Muslims upon their true Deen, and calling them to act according to its rulings, and to cultivate in themselves its morality and manners – which will ensure Allaah’s pleasure and result in their welfare and honour – being in agreement with the Qur’aanic description of the group who are saved from ruin

“…And (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of patience and constancy.” (al-Asr 103:3)

and due to His order:

“On the contrary (He would say): “Be you people of wisdom and knowledge for you have taught the Book and you have studied it earnestly.” (Aal-Imraan :79)

4. To revive true Islamic thought in the light of the Book and the Sunnah and upon the way of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) of this Ummah, and to remove the stagnated blind following of Madh-habs (schools of thought) and blind adherence to parties – which has overcome the minds of many Muslims and distracted them from clear and pure Islamic brotherhood/sisterhood – as demanded by the order of Allaah – The Majestic and Most High:

“And hold fast all together, by the rope of Allah, and be ye not divided among yourselves…” (Aal-Imraan 3:103)

and the saying of the Prophet (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

“Be worshippers of Allaah(and) brothers !” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

5. To provide practical Islamic solutions for the present day problems and to strive for returning to a true Islamic way of life upon the way of the Prophet (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam) – and to bring about a society guided by the Revelation, and for Allaah’s laws to be applied upon the earth – beginning this process with correction (tasfiyah) and education and cultivation (tarbiyah) – as Allaah, the Most High says:

“And instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and purify them” (al-Baqarah 2:129)

whilst remembering the saying of our Lord – the One free of all imperfections – to His Prophet (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

“…And whether we show thee (in this life) some part of what We promise them, or We take thy soul (to Our mercy before that), - (in any case) it is to us that they shall (all) return.”(Ghaafir 40:77)

and realizing the Sharee’ah principle: “He who seeks to hasten to bring something about before its appointed time – is punished by being deprived of its achievement.”

6. To cordially invite all those who have not yet been blessed with that true Knowledge and Guidance of Islam which is the perfect final revealed Message of Allaah to His Creation, so that they may realize the peace and contentment of this life and the eternal bliss of the Hereafter.

This is our call- and we call all of the Muslims to assist us in shouldering this responsibility which will awaken and uplift them, and to spread the perpetual message of Islaam to all corners of the earth – in sincere brotherhood/sisterhood and love, having full confidence in Allaah’s aid and that He will indeed establish and grant authority to His righteous servants:

“…But honour belongs to Allaah and His Messenger, and to the Believers...” (al-Munaafiqoon 63:8)

“It is He who has sent His Messenger with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth. That He makes it prevail over all religion, even though the pagans may detest (it).” (as-Saff 61:9).

MashaAllah, very straightforward and to the point, and most importantly with daleel(evidence) from Qur'an and Sunnah. InshaAllah we as Muslims can accomplish these objectives, and I remind myself first before anyone else.

A New Leaf

After reading a very inspiring blogpost I decided to turn over a new leaf. I have deleted all unrelated males from my facebook friends list, and have decided to try to do some good deeds and dawah each and every day , no matter how small, InshaAllah.

I have been giving dawah to my co-workers , showing them dvds, sending them website links, sharing books and pamphlets, but I have gotten complacent. I think its a lack of patience on my end, it just seems incomprehensible to me how someone exposed to the facts of Islam could not just accept it. I use the word facts because persons who have been exposed to the media propoganda and lies as representation of Islam would be less inclined to do so. Then again, propaganda seems to make people want to know more and do their own research, well at least the open minded people anyway.

So I have decided to step up the dawah. I have classified my coworkers based on their personalities, understanding and knowledge so far.

The Agnostic - believes in God, but does not believe there is just one right religion. Also believes in Darwins theory of evolution, watches a lot of news and associates cultural practices with Islam, however is keen to ask about things pertaining to the religion as seen on tv or in the news. Has a strong personality and you have to have the facts straight up to deal with the questions. Willing to learn more about Islam.

The Preacher - Masters in theology (Christian Theology of course), filled with blind faith that the Bible is THE word of God, believes the Nicean council was inspired by God to make the changes to Christianity that they did, believes that unless we all accept Jesus (alaihi salaam) as the Son of God, and as God ,we will not be saved. Unwilling to discuss anything to the contrary, no matter how much logic is shown, but will listen when similarities between the Bible and Quran are discussed. Sometimes asks for the Islamic standpoint on various issues for comparison to the Christian standpoint and is more often than not, pleasantly surprised. 'Really????, you believe that tooooo?' :)

The Searcher - Searching for the truth, finding it, but pondering the ramifications of openly accepting it. Accepts that Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wa salam) is the Messenger of God, Accepts that Jesus (alaihi salaam) was also just a Messenger of God, Accepts that the Quran is the Word of God...But unwilling to accept Islam..Yet. Has read extensively, found the flaws in the bible, discounts the trinity, but wonders if it is actually necessary to declare faith in Islam. Seems the most promising of the group so far InshaAllah and only time will tell.

The Researcher - Bordering on agnosticism, willing to hear all sides of the religious viewpoints. Acknowledges the errors in the bible, acknowledges the truth in the Quran, especially when shown the scientific facts. Unwilling to accept the 'rules' of Islam, has the mentality of , 'I cant follow so many rules, I just want to live life, I will find out the truth when I am dead'. Usually likes to find the facts by themself and will watch and read dawah material on Islam. Learns best by audio and video. Usually speaks up when someone says something negative about Islam and refutes them with some truthful facts Alhamdullilah. Second most promising of the group.

The Silent One - Her attitude is 'We can just follow what we feel is the truth from the bible and disregard the rest' . Will watch the videos and take the literature (not sure if she reads it though), but staunchly believes Christianity is the only way. Usually makes no comment on religious issues.

The method of dawah to each of them has to be different. I just want them to know all the facts and make an informed decision. I am not trying to convert them, that is not my job, only Allah can lead people to accept Islam. So instead of giving up on them as I was doing, or giving them all the same info at the same time, I will try a new individual approach based on their characteristics InshaAllah. May Allah (subhana wa ta ala) open their hearts and minds to the truth , Ameen.

Super Hero

For a long time I've been obsessed with Super Heroes, Superman, Spiderman, Batman, you name it, I was a fan. I think their unrealistic abilities to right the wrongs and protect the innocent from injustice is what did it for me. Those factors plus their human-ness (although Superman is Kryptonian) made me think twice about judging people at face-value, you never know what hidden potential (or evil) a person has underneath their unassuming demeanor.

A lot of people have been trying to figure me out lately. I have been trying to figure ME out, so I don't blame them. I am not perfect, no one is, and I have never claimed to be. Islam is perfect, Muslims are not, and more and more over the past few months I have come to the' shocking realization' that some of us Muslims are even less than that.

Over the last few months I have seen and heard cases among Muslims of spousal abuse, child abuse, fraud, drug abuse and things that made my head spin and my heart ache. If my faith had not already been shaken to the core and revived, I may have had a relapse. I have been treated unfairly by friends who I was only helping for the sake of Allah, and although I try not to take things personally, I am only human afterall, not Super like Kal-El (Clark Kent) of the TV show 'Smallville'.

I'm aware of my obsession in activities in my life, one day during self defense class, the instructor was recalling incidents where she had to go help women against their abusive spouses. She said that if she had more people like her , she could really do a lot for Jamaica. In my mind, I pictured a JJL (Jamaican Justice League) of women in superhero costumes kicking criminal butt at night and protecting the weak and helpless. She only meant that she could have more classes teaching people how to defend themselves against attackers. Her Motto 'Preserving Life By Any Means Necessary', sounds like a Super Hero code of conduct to me :)

I realize that I have thought of marriage as 'someone saving me' , saving me from myself? saving me from loneliness? saving me from what? Maybe NOT being married is saving me from heartache? abuse? abandonment? . I used to say things like, when I'm married I'll do this, or I'll do that or the other. Wakeup call !!!!......married people are NOT all happy and living in a perfect little bubble, naively I expected it of Muslims, but its not always what it should be. Why should I wait to do all these things that I want to do ?, travel the world, start my own business and other things, why wait? I think I'll try to save me.

So now I am no longer looking for a Superhero-Super husband-Super bestfriend-Super Dad of my Super future kids and I am not trying to be Super Anything, I just have to try my best to be a good Muslim, knowing that I may fall along the way, but the getting back up, dusting myself off, making taubah (repentance), and trying to be better again, knowing that ALLAH (Subhana wa ta'ala) will forgive me once I am sincere, thats Super !.


An-Nawawi’s Hadith No.42

On the authority of Anas (Radhiallahu anhu), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah(Sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) say:

Allah the Almighty has said: “O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.”

Related by at-Tirmidhi, who stated that it was a Hasan (fair) and Sahih (sound) Hadith.

War-Cry ?

Last weekend we got a flier in the mailbox. An event called War Cry scheduled for today (March 21), arranged by some Christian groups. Their aim according to the flier was to take back the country from the criminal and immoral elements. A good cause? yes definitely. Good execution, definitly NOT. For example, in the road march which followed, there were no banners or placards stating their anti-crime message.

Let me give some background on this little island, we are a Christian country, we have the largest number of churches per square mile than anywhere else in the world. We also have one of the largest crime and murder rates in the world.

During Easter (The Christian holidays), we have Jamaica Carnival (Bacchanal), loud music, half naked people parading and gyrating to this music in a series of build up events culminating in the actual carnival. The carnival involves trucks with lots of loud music (some questionable lyrics, promoting all sorts of promiscuity etc, but that can take up another post), and of course the carnival revellers in glittery bikinis and tight shorts. The Christian community has always condemned the events but have never been able to stop it.

This War-Cry seems to be a pre-emptive response to the upcoming carnival and with all good intentions they have gone wrong. It seems like an 'if you can't beat them, join them' mentality. I am writing this while the music is pounding at my head, since they are just now passing my neighbourhood. The music sounds the same like a carnival or dancehall show, just different lyrics, I mean I heard them mention 'Jesus Christ' and 'war cry' a couple of times but the music itself is overpowering their message. I mean why do they have to imitate the people they are 'condemning'? What do they hope to accomplish? They are apparently trying to get the young people involved by enticing them with music and revelry, but imitation is only a form of flattery. This group, however, unlike their carnival counterparts, was uniformly dressed in modest tee shirt and jeans.

The next point is, what's with the name War-Cry? couldnt they have called it Peace-Cry? That seems more fitting . Imagine if us Muslims staged a march called War-Cry? I'm sure the police, the army and maybe even the CIA would be down on us trying to shut it down.

Christianity started out by trying to cater to the masses by changing the laws of Jesus and Moses to suit the pagan Romans and Greeks of the time, bringing in the concept of 'Son of God' and the 'Trinity' so it wouldnt seem quite so different than what they were used to with their many gods and sons of gods. It continues to pander to popular thought and behaviours to get people on their bandwagon. Come on people this is not a popularity contest. Truth is plain from falsehood and no amount of innovating and pandering will make a lie become the truth.

Like I said I am not condemning their intentions, and well-meaning Christians will say, that at least they are doing something, and ask what the Muslim community is doing in protest of crime and immorality. I am not making any excuses because I do think we need to be doing something, but right now we are less than 1% of the population. I think our best action is to do dawah and let people know that there is an alternative, remembering that the best dawah is our own actions and how we treat other people. Thats all for now, the war-criers have moved on and its quiet again.