Dan’s thinking box….

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.
Peace and blessings be upon the last prophet of God, Muhammad.
And Peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

It is that day of the year again that commemorates the birth of the noblest of men in his time into this world. Cartoonists make cruel caricatures of him, wise men regard him as a great man, while over a billion people bear witness that he is a prophet and a messenger of God. He was born in the year 570 CE among the Arabs.

His mission was to be the prophet of God sent to the whole world. He started his prophethood at the age of forty and ended at the age of sixty-three when he left this world and met his Creator. During the short period of only TWENTY-THREE YEARS of his prophethood, what he accomplished would’ve been seen as an impossibility if it hadn’t happened. He turned the Arabian peninsula, full of people who were of the worst of mankind, completely

1) from paganism and idolatry to submission and worshipping of the one true God,
2) from tribal quarrels and wars to national solidarity and cohesion,
3) from drunkenness and debauchery to sobriety and piety,
4) from lawlessness and anarchy to disciplined living,
5) and from utter bankruptcy to the highest standards of moral excellence.

His teachings and examples exist and are practiced up until today. Who in the human history has ever done such a thing besides the prophets of God? There is no wonder how he is ranked as the most influential person in history by Michael H. Hart, the author of "The 100: A Ranking of the most Influential Persons in History". His name is Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib (peace and blessings be upon him).

Now that we know his name, let’s look at some of his life in this world. These hadiths are taken only from the authentic compilation of hadiths done by either Imam Bukhari or Imam Muslim. How did Muhammad (pbuh), the prophet of God, and the leader of a nation live his life, luxurious or humble and modest? Umar, one of his companion, used to visit the prophet often. Once, Muhammad got up after lying on a mat made of palm tree leaves and there were marks of the mat imprinted on his side. Umar wept saying that he, of all men, should be living comfortably, but the prophet replied that they would be satisfied to enjoy the life in the Hereafter (Sahih Bukhari 1)

"Allah’s Apostle smiled while he was lying on a mat made of palm tree leaves with nothing between him and the mat. Underneath his head there was a leather pillow stuffed with palm fibres, and leaves of a saut tree were piled at his feet, and above his head hung a few water skins. On seeing the marks of the mat imprinted on his side, I wept. He said, ‘Why are you weeping?’ I replied, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Caesar and Khosrau are leading the life (i.e. luxurious life) while you, Allah’s Apostle though you are, are living in destitute.’ The Prophet then replied, ‘Won’t you be satisfied that they enjoy this world and we the Hereafter?’" (Sahih Bukhari 1)

Glory be to God who sent this beautiful and grateful creation to the world who did not care much about this temporary world. This man would even go for days without any food (sahih Bukhari 2).

"Narrated Jabir

"We were digging (the trench) on the day of (Al-Khandaq ( i.e. Trench)) and we came across a big solid rock. We went to the Prophet and said, "Here is a rock appearing across the trench." He said, "I am coming down." Then he got up, and a stone was tied to his belly for we had not eaten anything for three days. So the Prophet took the spade and struck the big solid rock and it became like sand. I said, "O Allah’s Apostle! Allow me to go home." (When the Prophet allowed me) I said to my wife, "I saw the Prophet in a state that I cannot treat lightly. Have you got something (for him) to eat?" She replied, "I have barley and a she-goat." So I slaughtered the she-kid and she ground the barley; then we put the meat in the earthenware cooking pot…"" (Sahih Bukhari)

How could a man with power of a leader of a country not even have his daily meal, so much so that he had to tie up a stone to his belly? O Lord of the Worlds, bless this man whom you sent to us and place him at the highest place closest to you.

Now let’s see some of his manners. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a self-less person and was quick to give people what he had. Once a woman made him a Burda (a cloth). He took it and wore it, but when someone asked for the Burda, he agreed to give it to him without hesitation (Sahih Bukhari 3).

"I heard Sahl bin Sad saying, "A woman brought a Burda (i.e. a square piece of cloth having edging). I asked, ‘Do you know what a Burda is?’ They replied in the affirmative and said, "It is a cloth sheet with woven margins." Sahl went on, "She addressed the Prophet and said, ‘I have woven it with my hands for you to wear.’ The Prophet took it as he was in need of it, and came to us wearing it as a waist sheet. One of us said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Give it to me to wear.’ The Prophet agreed to give it to him. The Prophet sat with the people for a while and then returned (home), wrapped that waist sheet and sent it to him. The people said to that man, ‘You haven’t done well by asking him for it when you know that he never turns down anybody’s request.’ The man replied, ‘By Allah, I have not asked him for it except to use it as my shroud when I die.’ "Sahl added; "Later it (i.e. that sheet) was his shroud." (Sahih Bukhari)

Even though Muhammad (pbuh) needed the Burda, nevertheless, he still gave it to other people if they asked for it. He was said to be one of the most generous person in his lifetime (Sahih Bukhari 4 & 5)

"Narrated Ibn Abbas
Allah’s Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when the Angel Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur’an. Allah’s Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds)."(Sahih Bukhari 4)

"Narrated Anas
The Prophet was the best, the bravest and the most generous of all the people." (Sahih Bukhari 5)

He even paid the debt of the muslims who had died when he was blessed with wealth (Sahih Bukhari 6).

"Narrated Abu Huraira
Whenever a dead man in debt was brought to Allah’s Apostle he would ask, "Has he left anything to repay his debt?" If he was informed that he had left something to repay his debts, he would offer his funeral prayer, otherwise he would tell the Muslims to offer their friend’s funeral prayer. When Allah made the Prophet wealthy through conquests, he said, "I am more rightful than other believers to be the guardian of the believers, so if a Muslim dies while in debt, I am responsible for the repayment of his debt, and whoever leaves wealth (after his death) it will belong to his heirs." (Sahih Bukhari)

How many people would ever do that kind of thing prophet Muhammad did? O the Merciful, surely You weren’t lying when You said:

"[O Muhammad] We have not sent you but as a blessing for all the worlds. " (Surah 21:107)

It is ironic that a lot of people in this world view Muhammad (pbuh) as someone who was mean to women, when a lot of hadiths state otherwise. One narration reports that a group of Quraishi women were talking to the prophet and asking him for more financial support, and some would even raise their voice above the prophet’s himself. It was only when Umar entered to see the prophet that the women screen themselves and kept quiet (Sahih Bukhari 7).

"Narrated Sad bin Abi Waqqas

Once Umar asked the leave to see Allah’s Apostle in whose company there were some Quraishi women who were talking to him and asking him for more financial support raising their voices. When ‘Umar asked permission to enter the women got up (quickly) hurrying to screen themselves. When Allah’s Apostle admitted ‘Umar, Allah’s Apostle was smiling, ‘Umar asked, "O Allah’s Apostle! May Allah keep you gay always." Allah’s Apostle said, "I am astonished at these women who were with me. As soon as they heard your voice, they hastened to screen themselves." ‘Umar said, "O Allah’s Apostle! You have more right to be feared by them." Then he addressed (those women) saying, "O enemies of your own souls! Do you fear me and not Allah’s Apostle?" They replied. "Yes, for you are a fearful and fierce man as compared with Allah’s Apostle." On that Allah’s Apostle said (to ‘Umar), "By Him in Whose Hands my life is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours."" (Sahih Bukhari 7)

In another narration, Muhammad (pbuh) advised to treat women nicely as they are created from a rib which is a fragile part (Sahih Bukhari 8).

"Narrated Abu Huraira
Allah ’s Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for a women is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain curved. So treat women nicely." (Sahih Bukhari

Even though Muhammad (pbuh) was a strict person regarding religion and God’s rules, he was also a shy person and if he doesn’t like something even though it’s not haram, he wouldn’t tell them about it, but his expression shows (Sahih Bukhari 9).

"Narrated Abu Said Al Khudri
The Prophet was more shy than a virgin in her separate room. And if he saw a thing which he disliked, we would recognize that (feeling) in his face." (Sahih Bukhari 9)

Prophet Muhammad, though someone of high degree, was very humble. He did what other people would do and wore what other people would wear and mixed with everyone without distinguishing himself from others. If a stranger wanted to see him, he wouldn’t be able to point out which one is Muhammad (Sahih Bukhari 10)

"Narrated Anas bin Malik
While we were sitting with the Prophet in the mosque, a man came riding on a camel. He made his camel kneel down in the mosque, tied its foreleg and then said: "Who amongst you is Muhammad?" At that time the Prophet was sitting amongst us (his companions) leaning on his arm. We replied, "This white man reclining on his arm." The man then addressed him, "O Son of ‘Abdul Muttalib." (Sahih Bukhari 10)

The prophet was also sensitive towards people and had a soft heart. Once, when leading a prayer, he wanted to prolong it but when he heard a baby cried, he shortened it, knowing that the mother would be worried (Sahih Bukhari 11). He would also shorten a prayer if there were old and weak people standing along in prayer (Sahih Bukhari 12).

"Narrated Abdullah bin Abi Qatada
My father said, "The Prophet said, ‘When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, as I dislike to trouble the child’s mother.’" (Sahih Bukhari 11)

"O People! Verily there are among you those who chase people away! If you lead people in prayer, shorten the prayer. There are old and weak people and those with special needs behind you in prayer." (Sahih Bukhari 12)

When the prophet visited his grandchild at his deathbed, he shed some tears while looking at his grandchild (Sahih Bukhari 13).

"Narrated Abu Uthman
The child was placed on his lap while his breath was irregular. Tears flowed from the eyes of the Prophet. Sa’d said to him, "What is this, O Allah’s Apostle?" He said, "This is Mercy which Allah has embedded in the hearts of whomever He wished of His slaves. And Allah does not bestow His Mercy, except on the merciful among His slaves." (Sahih Bukhari 13).

So, there it is, a look at some aspects of the life of a great prophet of God, Muhammad (pbuh). Some people insist on looking at him as a cruel tyrant and a heartless terrorist based on the fact that he led wars, but they never considered the reason WHY he was involved in wars in the first place and they never considered his life besides getting involved in wars. Had one studied him as a whole, one would come up with a conclusion that he happens to be one of the most honorable and best men in history.

O God, the Merciful, the Gracious, the King, the Bestower of Goodness, grant peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family as you granted peace and blessings upon the prophet Abraham and his family. For you are the Praised, the Glorious. Amen.

HAPPY CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PEACE AND BLESSINGS OF GOD BE UPON HIM)!

God, be my witness that I have conveyed your message. Forgive my wrongness and guide me to the straight path. Amen.

What’s good is from God, and what’s bad is caused by my own ignorance. Do correct me if i’m wrong. Jazakallahukhayran.

HOLLA! B-)

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.
Peace and blessings be upon the last prophet of God, Muhammad.
And peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

It is evident that the main theme of Islam is the oneness (tawheed) of God. Keep in mind that in the beginning for about 13 years, Prophet Muhammad didn’t preach anything except the oneness of God. He spent 13 years of his life talking ONLY about the oneness of God, no laws like the hudud laws were introduced during that time. This is to show how important it is to really grasp the belief of the oneness of God.

Most humand minds have been trained and conditioned to believe that the worst human enemy is rape or murder. But even when one commits these sinful acts, they will still be able to get out of Hell if he didn’t ask for forgiveness for these acts. Prophet Muhammad once said:

"There remains in Hell-fire only those whom the Quran has confined and who must be there for eternity. There shall come out of Hell-fire he who has said: There is no god but God and who has in his heart goodness weighing a barley-corn; then there shall come out of Hell-fire he who has said: There is no god but God and who has in his heart goodness weighing a grain of wheat; then there shall come out of Hell-fire he who has said: There is no god but God and who has in his heart goodness weighing an atom. " (Hadith Qudsi)

From the hadith, we can see that no matter how bad a person was during his life, whether he committed adultery, murder, rape, theft, robbery, or etc or all of them together in that case and die without asking for forgiveness from God, he will still get out of Hell Fire after being punished for the sins he did, provided that he professes that there is no god but the one true God. This is how important tawheed or the oneness of God is.

Moreover, God has said in the Quran:

"God does not forgive that you make shirk with Him but he forgives everything other than that to whomever he chooses.” (Surah 4:48)

Here, we see that, in reality, shirk (associating partners with God) is humans’ worst enemy and the worst crime a human can ever commit. It is the ONLY unforgivable sin to God. This means that no matter how good a person is, whether he always gives out charity, always speaks very politely, never hurt a single soul, always helps the needy, never steals, speaks honestly, etc etc, if he does not testify that there is no god but the one true God, all these good acts will not be accepted by God for God says in the Quran:

"And certainly, it has been revealed to you and to those before you: Surely if you associate (with God), your work would certainly come to naught and you would certainly be of the losers." (Surah 39:65)

People might say that it is cruel of God for throwing good people into the Hell Fire. However if we reason with ourselves, it becomes clear and very reasonable of God to do this. Imagine that you’re an owner of a shop and you hire people, let’s say two persons, to work at your shop.

One person is considered to be a good worker because he keeps coming to work early, is nice to the customers, keeps the shop clean, would even do an overtime, etc etc. However, the money that he got for selling stuff from the shop is not banked into your shop’s account, but into some other shop’s account.

Another person is considered a bad worker because he keeps coming late to work, has never smiled to customers, has never paid attention to cleanliness, always goes home earlier than he’s supposed to, etc etc. However, whatever money he got for selling stuff from the shop is banked into your shop’s account.

So, at the end of the month, when you check your bill and everything, you find out that all the profit you get is from the supposedly ‘bad’ worker and none from the supposedly ‘good’ worker. So, will you pay the salary to the supposedly ‘good’ worker or the ‘bad’ one? Of course you’d give to the ‘bad’ one because even though he comes late and everything, you (the owner) still gets some profit for the stuff he sold. As for the ‘good’ one, even though he comes early, cleans the shop and everything, but you get nothing from the stuff he sold.

So, now that we know that oneness of God is really really really important, what does oneness of God mean? What is tawheed? Surah 112 explains what tawheed is all about. It says:

"Say: He is God, The One. God, ‘As-Samad’ (The Eternal, The Absolute, The Uncaused Cause, The Self Sufficient, The Ultimate Source). He does not beget, nor is he begotten. And there is none like unto Him" (Surah 112:1-4)

So, based on the surah above, tawheed is professing that there is only one true God, that he is ‘As-Samad’ (The Eternal, The Absolute, The Uncaused Cause, The Self Sufficient, The Ultimate), that he does not beget nor is he begotten, and that there is nothing that’s like Him. If anyone worships something that does not fit into these description, then you are an idolater and someone who commits shirk or associating with God. And know that shirk is the worst and unforgivable crime anyone can ever commit.

So, O Mankind, hold fast to the tawheed and aqeedah that God our Lord is one and that we worship nothing but Him so that we become successful. Let not ourselves fall into shirk or associating God with his creations, may it be an idol, a man, a woman, a rock, or even your ego for these have no power to neither benefit your nor harm you or even themselves. I end this article with quotes from the Quran:

Say: This is my Way: I call on God with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to God!- and I am not of the Mushrikin (one who associates partners with God) (Surah 12:108)

And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): There is no god except Me (God), so worship Me. (Surah 21:25)

God has promised such of you that believe and do good work that He will surely make them to succeed (the present rulers) in the earth even as He caused those who were before them to succeed (others); and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He hath approved for them, and will give them in exchange safety after their fear (provided that) They worship Me. They ascribe no thing as partner unto Me. Those who disbelieve henceforth, they are the miscreants. (Surah 24:55)

God, be my witness that I have conveyed your message. Forgive my wrongness and guide me to the straight path. Amen.

What’s good is from God, and what’s bad is caused by my own ignorance. Do correct me if i’m wrong. Jazakallahukhayran.

HOLLER!

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.
Peace and blessings be upon the last prophet of God, Muhammad.
And peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

A few days ago, I was discussing Islam with my beloved aunt which, in my opinion, is one of the best Muslim woman there is. So, as a muslim, i would like to share with all of you a story that we should ponder and reflect on.

I asked my aunt, seeing that she’s a woman and has more understanding about women,

"why wouldn’t Muslim women wear the compulsory head cover?" She said that, according to the non-muslims and some muslim women, the wearing of the head cover violates the human rights. Then she asked me,

"how can we answer to these people?" I, having very little knowledge about this, said,

"well, since the human rights as we know are rights made by men and the commands in the Quran are from God, the Quran should supersede the man-made human rights". She agreed but she wasn’t satisfied with my answer, so she said,

"Ok, sure. That’s one of the ways to answer the Muslim women. But, non-muslims don’t regard the Quran as the word of God, so we cannot use that argument to justify our answer. These women say that this is our body, and it is our right to wear anything we like. It’s not like we’re harming anyone."

It struck me silent. Then she said,

"Physically, of course they’re not harming anyone. But emotionally, they do harm everyone, especially the men. I mean, if we look at reality, if a woman with legs exposed or belly button exposed, there will definitely be men who get distracted by the exposed parts of women. There will even be people who would wolf-whistle at the women and some would say, ‘nice legs!’. This can also be seen as an invitation to crimes such as rape or sexual harassment. First you get distracted, then you’d feel like looking, then you feel like touching. Even though touching is very rare, but even looking long with your eyes is sometimes considered as raping. They’re undressing the women with their eyes! Do you agree with me that you get at least distracted by women who expose parts of their body?"

Aww the trick question. What should I answer? Even though the answer is yes, but if i say yes then i would be labeled as pervert or something. But this is reality. So i had to answer yes but just to make it sound better, i said, "hmm.. i dunno. sorta, kinda, maybe…". However, in my mind, i do agree with what she said.

Then after having said that, she went back to the question of head covering and human rights. She gave me a great example of an accepted human right violation; the helmet. She asked me, "why does everyone accept the man-made law that requires every motorcyclist to wear a helmet, which sometimes makes them look silly, while on the road when it clearly violates the human right that allows a person to wear anything they like as long as they don’t harm other people? Is it harmful to other motorcyclist if a person wears a helmet or not? This is a clear violation of human rights, but society accepts this. Why would society accept this man-made law and reject the God-decreed law?"

So, Muslim brothers and sisters, let us reflect on our rational thinking. Is it rational to accept a man-made law but reject a similar law created by GOD!? I urge the Muslim women start thinking. God has always told you to think and think and think, so let us take heed and think! After we think, let us do what else God commands, and that is the head cover.

I invite the Muslim women to fear God and please wear the head cover and cover your aurat. May God bless us all. And please spread this as a muslim and for God’s sake. And please don’t cite my name unless you’re questioned. This is because people hate forwarded msg.

God, be my witness that I have conveyed your message. Forgive my wrongness and guide me to the straight path. Amen.

What’s good is from God, and what’s bad is caused by my own ignorance. Do correct me if i’m wrong. Jazakallahukhayran.

HOLLER!

In Islam, there’s an answer for every question. And the logic of the islamic answer supersedes all logic thinkable by humans. God’s logic in His Revelation (The Quran) is felt phenomenal, because we’ve never thought of that logic before it’s revealed. Its logic is so amazing that we feel so proud with Islam because of that logic and we feel really lucky to be the followers of Islam.

Let us talk about issues that arise about the HUDUD LAW in Islam; that is the answer to those who really want the HUDUD LAW to be practised but are quick to punish, and the answer to those who reject the HUDUD LAW in the first place without knowing what it is.

May we Muslims find the best and the right way to implement the Islamic laws in our lives. May with that way, we are saved in this temporary life and the eternal next life. And may the non-Muslims also respect us for being able to see the goodness and the truth of the Islamic Law.

God the Exalted, although has commanded the Hudud Laws, but He makes it look like the laws aren’t really for punishing, but they’re just to scare people and to put fear into people. This can be seen by the strict conditions and requirements in order for the hudud law to be implemented. The conditions are so strict that one can say that it’s almost impossible to execute the laws. Ok now, note the word ALMOST, not REALLY impossible. To prove and to see this clearly, let’s take an example of a crime punishable in Hudud Law; adultery.

God says which means:
"The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with A HUNDRED STRIPES: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by God, if ye believe in God and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment." (Surah 24:2)

Ok wow! That seams rather harsh and scary isn’t it? But how easy is it to catch the adulterer and then punish them? Based on the conditions set for the law to be implemented, it’s really really rare for it to happen. Let’s see what the conditions are:

1) The judge must be just and pious

2) There must 4 just men witnesses. These witnesses then should not be looking or peeking to witness the adultery, and the witnesses should not team up or plan with each other to witness the adultery. In addition to that, these witnesses must not be fasiq. Testimony from these types of people is also rejected:

    i) those who have been punished for qazaf (making false testimony), whether the punishment was carried out or not. Anymore testimony from these people will not be accepted even though they have repented.

    ii) those who apostatize
    iii) the blind
    iv) the mute
3) The witnesses must see the action of adultery with their very own eyes. I mean the adultery itself, like watching a sword into its case. If it’s just seeing a couple in one blanket, or kissing or cuddling or being alone in dark, the testimony is rejected.

With those conditions, is it really easy to catch an adulterer for punishment? Islam makes it compulsory for 4 witnesses, if there are only 3, then the hudud punishment cannot be executed. And even if there ARE four or more witnesses, is it easy to find pious witnesses who witness the action of adultery exactly? It is really NOT easy to really witness "the sword into the case" as it is usually done covered and in hidden places. And if their testimonies are rejected, the case would either be canceled or they will be flogged with 80 stripes for slandering and for false statement. Who would dare to be witnesses just for fun or just to get at somebody?

So, the bottom line is that, cases regarding adultery are hard to find and punished. Historically, there have been so few people that were punished for adultery. And most of them were those who realized their wrong conduct, repented, surrendered and confessed their crime. These were good people but they accidentally went overboard, then repented and surrendered to authority to be punished in this life so that they won’t be punished in the next. So, those who are punished by the Hudud Laws are either really really really good muslims or just really really really stupid people because you would virtually have to commit adultery out in the open with people coming and going all the time  for you to be punished according to Hudud Laws.

So, to those who say that the Hudud Laws cannot be used and impossible to be implemented, you are insulting the laws from the Quran, the Word of God. Repent! And to those who support the Hudud Laws but are quick to punish, remember that the Hudud Laws are not only meant for punishing, but it’s also meant to teach.

So anyway, the point is that the Hudud Laws can and should be implemented in Malaysia. Even though it will be a rare thing to find a crime punishable by the Hudud Laws, but there’s always a possibility to find a case like this. And let’s not forget, this the laws are commands that come direct from God in al-Quran. Not just some man-made laws.

In conclusion, muslim brothers and sisters, fear God and let us establish our God’s Laws in this country. I fear that we will be asked in our next life about this, and how would we answer him? That we thought His laws were useless in the 20th centuries onward? Remember my muslim brothers and sisters, it was He who made our way of life (Islam), and it was also He who created us based on that way of life. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

What’s good is from God, and what’s bad is caused by my own ignorance. If anything is wrong, I ask God to guide me to the correct path, and I ask anyone of the readers to correct me and payfully, I am guided to the correct path. Jazakallahukhairan.

HOLLER!

A
convesation for Muslim sisters:

"I’m so
tired."

"Tired
of what?"

"Of all
these people judging me."

"Who
judged you?"

"Like
that woman, every time I sit with her, she tells me to wear hijab."

"Oh,
hijab and music! The mother of all topics!"

"Yeah!
I listen to music without hijab…haha!"

"Maybe
she was just giving you advice."

"I
don’t need her advice. I know my religion. Can`t she mind her own
business?"

"Maybe
you misunderstood. She was just being nice."

"Keeping
out of my business, that would be nice…"

"But
it’s her duty to encourage you do to good."

"Trust
me. That was no encouragement. And what do you mean `good` ?"

"Well,
wearing hijab, that would be a good thing to do."

"Says
who?"

"It’s
in the Qur’an, isn’t it?"

"Yes.
She did quote me something."

"She
said Surah Nur, and other places of the Qur’an."

"Yes,
but it’s not a big sin anyway. Helping people and praying is more
important."

"True.
But big things start with small things."

"That’s
a good point, but what you wear is not important. What’s important
is to have a good healthy heart."

"What
you wear is not important?"

"That’s
what I said."

"Then
why do you spend an hour every morning fixing up?"

"What
do you mean?"

"You
spend money on cosmetics, not to mention all the time you spend on
fixing your hair and
low-carb dieting."

"So?"

"So,
your appearance IS important."

"No. I
said wearing hijab is not an important thing in religion."

"If
it’s not an important thing in religion, why is it mentioned in the Holy
Qur’an?"

"You
know I can’t follow all that’s in Qur’an."

"You
mean God tells you something to do, you disobey and then it’s OK?"

"Yes.
God is forgiving."

"God
is forgiving to those who repent and do not repeat their mistakes."

"Says
who?"

"Says
the same book that tells you to cover."

"But I
don’t like hijab, it limits my freedom."

"But
the lotions, lipsticks, mascara and other cosmetics set you free?!
What`s your definition of
freedom anyway?"

"Freedom
is in doing whatever you like to do."

"No.
Freedom is in doing the right thing, not in doing whatever we wish to do."

"Look!
I’ve seen so many people who don’t wear hijab and are nice people, and so many
who wear hijab and are bad people."

"So
what? There are people who are nice to you but are alcoholic. Should we all be
alcoholics? You made a stupid point."

"I
don’t want to be an extremist or a fanatic. I’m OK the way I am without
hijab."

"Then
you are a secular fanatic. An extremist in disobeying God."

"You
don’t get it, if I wear hijab, who would marry me?!"

"So
all these people with hijab never get married?!"

"Okay!
What if I get married and my husband doesn’t like it? And wants me to remove
it?"

"What
if your husband wants you to go out with him on a bank robbery?!"

"That’s
irrelevant, bank robbery is a crime."

"Disobeying
your Creator is not a crime?"

"But
then who would hire me?"

"A
company that respects people for who they are."

"Not
after 9-11"

"Yes.
After 9-11. Don’t you know about Hanan who just got into med school?
And the other one, what was
her name, the girl who always wore a white hijab…ummm…"

"Yasmeen?"

"Yes.
Yasmeen. She just finished her MBA and is now interning for GE."

"Why do
you reduce religion to a piece of cloth anyway?"

"Why
do you reduce womanhood to high heals and lipstick colors?"

"You
didn’t answer my question."

"In
fact, I did. Hijab is not just a piece of cloth. It is obeying God in a
difficult environment. It is courage, faith in action, and true womanhood.
But your short sleeves,
tight pants…"

"That’s
called `fashion`, you live in a cave or
something? First of all, hijab was founded by men who wanted to control
women."

"Really?
I did not know men could control women by hijab."

"Yes.
That’s what it is."

"What
about the women who fight their husbands to wear hijab? And women in France who
are forced to remove their hijab by men? What do you say about that?"

"Well,
that’s different."

"What
difference? The woman who asked you to wear hijab…she was a woman, right?"

"Right,
but…"

"But
fashions that are designed and promoted by male-dominated corporations, set you
free? Men have no control on exposing women and using them as a commodity?!
Give me a break!"

"Wait,
let me finish, I was saying…"

"Saying
what? You think that men control women by hijab?"

"Yes."

"Specifically
how?"

"By
telling women how and what to wear, dummy!"

"Doesn’t
TV, magazines and movies tell you what to wear, and how to be
`attractive’?"

"Of
course, it’s fashion."

"Isn’t
that control? Pressuring you to wear what they want you to wear?"

[Silence]

"Not
just controlling you, but also controlling the market."

"What
do you mean?"

"I
mean, you are told to look skinny and anorexic like that woman on the cover of
the magazine, by men who design those magazines and sell those products."

"I
don’t get it. What does hijab have to do with products."

"It
has everything to do with that. Don’t you see? Hijab is a threat to
consumerism, women who spend billions of dollars to look skinny and live by
standards of fashion designed by men…and then here is Islam, saying trash all that
nonsense and focus on your soul, not on your looks, and do not worry what men
think of your looks."

"Like I
don’t have to buy hijab? Isn’t hijab a product?"

"Yes,
it is. It is a product that sets you free from male-dominated
consumerism."

"Stop
lecturing me! I WILL NOT
WEAR HIJAB!
It is awkward, outdated, and totally not suitable for this society …
Moreover, I am only 20 and too young to wear hijab!"

"Fine.
Say that to your Lord, when you face Him on Judgment Day."

"Fine."

"Fine."

[Silence]

"Shut
up and I don’t want to hear more about hijab niqab schmijab Punjab!"

[Silence]

She
stared at the mirror, tired of arguing with herself all this time.

Successful
enough, she managed to shut the voices in her head, with her own opinions
triumphant in victory on the matter, and a final modern decision accepted by
the society - but rejected by the Faith:

"Yes!" - to curls on the
hair - "No!"
- to hijab!

"And
he (/she) is indeed a failure who corrupts it [the soul]!"
[Holy Quran 91:10]

Subhana’Allah!!!

"Nay!
You prefer the life of this world; While the hereafter is better and more
lasting."
[Holy Quran: 87:16-17]

"You are the best community (Ummah)
raised up for (the benefit of) humanity; enjoining what is right and forbidding
what is wrong and believing in Allah."
[Holy Quran: 3:110]

Author: A.Q. Alidost

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful

Peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

I have made this article in relation to the concept of God being everywhere. Be aware that this does not concern people of faiths other than Islamic faith. However, everyone is welcome to read and understand Islam.

Last few weeks, a servant of God mentioned about God being everywhere because we think in our heart that God is everywhere. Yesterday, a lecturer of mine said that the  greeting or the salam a Muslim gives to another Muslim is actually a greeting to God IN the heart of a person. I even asked my mom where God is, and she said that God is everywhere. So, is this true? Can God, the Omnipotent, be omnipresent too? Is God present in every atom of things?

The answer is of course, NO!

If you still insist on saying that God exists everywhere in every atom, is God in the bathroom too? in the toilet bowl? in the garbage dump? in excrement? Highly Exalted is He above having to be in such places.

In a hadith, or the saying of the Prophet, a woman was tested by the Prophet by asking where God is. The woman pointed up and the Prophet said, you passed the test.

This shows that God is not among his creation. God is neither on earth, in earth, nor is he on the heavens or in the heavens. He is above the heavens and the earth. In fact, he was the one who CREATED the heavens and the earth.

You see, a very important surah in Quran means this:

"and there is nothing that could be compared with Him" (Al-Ikhlas Verse 4)

Now, with that verse, we can say that if God is among his creation, then that means God is being compared with the creation.

So, God is NOT everywhere, but God’s love is everywhere, God’s sight is everywhere, and God’s knowledge is everywhere but NOT in the same way we see, know, or love.

To conclude this, I just want to say that God or Allah is the One who has no place that contains Him.

I hope I did not go astray by making this article. I testify that there is no god but the ONE TRUE GOD and that Muhammad is the messenger of God. If anything I said is wrong, please please correct me. Jazakallahukhayran

In the name of God, The Gracious, The Merciful.
Praise be to God, peace and blessings be upon the prophet of God.
Also, peace be upon those follow true guidance.

As usual, I am writing this in response to a lecturer’s remark that touches Islam and its teaching. So, what happened was that I was asked by this lecturer (whose name will NOT be revealed) if I would further studies and get a PHd on this course. Before I got to answer the question, he interfered and said, "Don’t say Insha-Allah. Say YES, SIR!".  I was a bit stunned by his remark. Nevertheless, I managed to crack a smile and just be silent. So, what happened here? Has he misunderstood Islam or did he try to insult Islam? As a muslim, we should always think positive of a person (Unless, of course, it is clear that he’s guilty of charge). So, I told myself that he doesn’t understand Islam very well, that’s all. But then, another question stems from this positive thinking of this lecturer: Who’s at fault for his misunderstanding? Is it because he’s never learned Islam, or have Malaysian Muslims contributed to this misunderstanding? So, I decided to go with the second one because, if I choose the first, then I would have nothing to write about.

Ladies and gentlemen (especially brothers and sisters in Islam), the phrase "Insha-Allah" is an Arabic phrase which means "if God wills". This phrase is important for every Muslim. It MUST be used by all Muslims to express a condition of whether or not one can do something by depending fully on the will of God. This signifies our role as Muslims to surrender and submit completely to God; a total submission to God. God says in the holy book of Quran which means:

"Never say of anything "I will certainly do it tomorrow". Without adding: "If Allah wills!"…" - Surah Al-Kahf (23-24)

According to this verse, the phrase insha-Allah is not only recommended, but it is COMPULSORY or WAJIB for a Muslim to say insha-Allah after promising to do something. Without saying this, it can mean that we are arrogant and think we are self-sufficient (we don’t need God to fulfill the promise) and that we can see the future when the promise is fulfilled. All these thoughts are wrong and are against the teaching of Islam as we ARE NOT self-sufficient and we CANNOT see the future.

Now, let’s talk about the Malaysian Muslims’ way of using the phrase Insha-Allah. According to a research, Muslims use Insha-Allah when they do not want to make a commitment to doing something. This usually happens when they don’t want to do something that someone has requested them to do. Insha-Allah is also used as a euphemism of saying NO. Since they feel awkward saying NO directly, they use Insha-Allah instead. Now, this is not a correct way of using the phrase Insha-Allah. In fact, I personally think it’s wrong as this is an abuse of the command of God.

This is why non-muslims don’t want Muslims to say insha-Allah when promising; because it doesn’t give a sense of commitment. And how did he get this notion? From the muslims themselves. Actually, when we say "insha-Allah", we are promising to do our BEST to fulfill a commitment. If, on the other hand, something happens that prevents us from fulfilling the promise, despite our best laid plans, then it means God doesn’t will you to do it.

so, in conclusion there are two points that I meant to make it clear. First, whenever we promise to do something, that promise should come along with the saying "Insha-Allah". Second, when saying "insha-Allah", it means we ARE promising to fulfill what we promise and we MUST try our best to fulfill it. Before I end this article, I would like to share with you a hadith of the last Prophet of God, Muhammad (SAW):

————————————————————————————————

When Allah’s Messenger (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) declared Allah’s Oneness and proclaimed to be the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) and revelation of Divine Message. The disbeliveers of Makkah sent some men to Jewish rabbis in al-Medina and said: "Ask them (the rabbis) about Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam), and describe him to them, and tell them what he is saying.

They are the people of the first Book, and they have more knowledge of the Prophets than we do.’ So they set out for al-Medina, they asked the Jewish rabbis about the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam). They described him to them and told them some of his teachings.

The rabbis said: ‘Ask him about three things which we will tell you to ask, if he answers them then he is a Prophet who has been sent (by Allah); if he does not, then he is saying things that are not true, in which case how you will deal with him will be up to you. Ask him about some young men in ancient times, what was their story? For there is a strange and wondrous tale. Ask him about a man who traveled a great deal and reached the east and the west of the earth. What was his story? And ask him about he Ruh (soul or spirit) what is it?

If he tells you about these things, then he is a Prophet, so follow him, but if he does not tell you, then he is a man who is making things up, so deal with him as you see fit.’ So, the men came back to Makkah and said: ‘O people! We have come to you with a decisive solution which will put an end to the problem between you and Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam). The Jewish rabbis told us to ask him about some matters,’ and they told them what they were. Then they came to the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) and said: ‘O Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) tell us,’ and they asked him about the things they had been told to ask.

The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: "I will tell you tomorrow about what you have asked me." But he (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) did not say, ‘If Allah Wills.’

Allah Messenger (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) never spoke anything except with revelation. So, he waited for the revelation from Allah but fifteen days passed away without any revelation concerning those matter which the disbelievers asked, neither did Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) come to him. The people of Makkah started to doubt him and said: ‘Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) promised to tell us the next day and now fifteen days have gone by and he has not told us anything in response to the questions we asked.’

The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) felt sad because of the delay in revelation and was grieved by what the people of Makkah were saying about him.

Then Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) came with the revelation of Soorah al-Kahf, which contained answers to the questions and also the above mentioned verse explaining the correct etiquette when determining to do something in the future.

I once discussed religion with several non-muslims before. When I asked them if they knew Allah, most of them had the same or similar answer; "it’s your god right?" This statement is clear and evident that people do not really know who or what Allah is. I think that even the non-arab Muslims do not really know Allah. They just think that Allah is a name of Islamic God or the Muslims only. However this is somewhat incorrect. This is why insults on Islam is made on the word Allah. They say Allah is this and Allah is that. But they don’t really understand what the word Allah is.

The word Allah is actually a term in Arabic, not a name of God. It comes from the root "ilah". When the word is in its root, it can be transformed into having gender and being plural. When the article "the" is placed in front of the root "ilah", it becomes "Al-lah". When it’s in this form, it cannot be made plural nor can it have any gender. The word Allah is the perfect word to describe God.

So you see, Allah is not a name but instead a term for God. Allah is an Arabic term for the word God in English. English lacks the capacity to describe God because the word ‘God’ in English can be made plural; Gods, or be made into having gender; Goddess. This is why Muslims prefer to use ‘Allah’ instead of God. So, when you think of making fun of Islam by using the word Allah, remember that Allah is not a name, but a term that when you translate to your language, it means God, The God, The singular and genderless God.