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No Child is a Write-Off

No Child is a Write-Off

“No child should be left behind.” – Words often spoken but rarely come to fruition. The following is an article by Uwais Adamjee that reflects the sad reality of many of our students. Often swept under the rug, issues like these rarely ever are addressed, and solutions are never found. Many of society’s problems can be solved if this advice is applied, along with some determination and tawakkul.

At the beginning of 2018, a new child enrolled at a Madrasah. He seemed to be very disturbed. What was really surprising about this boy was his violent behaviour. No child could pass him without being punched, slapped or kicked. The other children in his class were terrified of him.

By the third day, four children left the Madrasah and the Apa (female teacher) was now going crazy in her class. No one could control this boy. He was extremely disturbed and his behaviour was beyond anyone’s control.

By the fourth day, the Apa was ready to hand in her resignation saying,

“Either he remains in the class or I remain. The way things are going, it seems that all the children in the class will leave. Some drastic action has to be taken immediately.”

The poor Apa could not be blamed for this, since most others in a similar situation would have probably done the same.

The principal phoned his mother and asked her if she could come in immediately. When she arrived half an hour later, her son’s behaviour at the Madrasah was spelt out to her. She burst into tears saying,

“I don’t know what to do with him anymore. The school principal expelled him last week. His father has a terrible temper and beats me up at home. He sees his dad behaving in this manner. What you are seeing him doing is an imitation of what he sees his father doing.”

“I’m sorry, we won’t be able to keep him in the Madrasah,” said the principal. “He is going to chase all the students away from here.”

A senior Apa at the Madrasah happened to overhear this conversation. She came forward and said softly,

“How can we send a child away from our Madrasah when he came here to learn the knowledge of Dīn? How will we answer to Allah Ta’ala for this? Let me take him in my class and I will try my best to work with him.”

The next day she took the little boy into her class and made dua to Allah Ta’ala to help her with this child. The first thing the Apa did was contact the mother. She said to her, “We are going to fight this battle together, and we are going to win Insha Allah. But we have to do this together. Are you prepared?” The mother assured her co-operation. The Apa then gave her the following guidelines:

  1. “Firstly,” said the Apa, “I want you to wake up every night at the time of Tahajjud and make dua for your son. Remember, the duas of a mother are readily accepted. I will also wake up at the time of Tahajjud and make dua for him.”
  2. “Secondly, I am going to give you a book. It is written by a great Alim, Hadrat Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya (RA). The name of the book is Fadaail-e-Aamaal. Every night, sit with your son and read to him the Aḥādīth contained in this book. This book contains valuable advice. Reading the Ḥadīth of Rasūlullāh ﷺ in your home will bring about great peace and barakah (blessing) in your home and in your life. Try to practice on whatever you read.”
  3. “Thirdly, I am going to give you a CD of Hadrat Mawlana Yunus Patel (RA). The CD contains Hadhrat Mawlana’s dhikr. Play the CD at home every night and sit with your son on the muṣallā (prayer mat). With full concentration, make the dhikr of Allah Ta’ala in your home.”
  4. “Fourthly, I want you to take him to an educational psychologist for an assessment. Due to his unsteady childhood, he may need some medical help as well.”

With the above advice from the Apa, the little boy’s mother undertook the arduous journey with her son to try and rectify the situation. Every night after Ishā Ṣalāh, they sat together reading the advice from Fadaail-e-Amaal and making dhikr of Allah Ta’ala. At the time of Tahajjud, she would awake from her bed and make special dua for her son. Can we imagine the effect of this dua? The dua of a mother and that too, at the time of Tahajjud.

It is six months since that day and the young boy is a completely different child. He sits quietly in his class and learns his sabaq (lesson) every day. He adores his Apa and has all the time in the world for her. His mother says that when he comes home, the only thing he speaks about is “My Apa told me this and my Apa told me that.” He does not speak at all about school or the sports he plays at school. The thing he really enjoys in life is his time at the madrasah.

On the last day of the madrasah term, his Apa bought burgers for all the children in her class as a treat for them. One child commented, “Apa you only bought us a burger. Where is the coke?” The little boy was very upset with this statement. He immediately retorted,

“That’s being ungrateful. You should at least say JazakAllah to Apa for buying us a burger.”

This is the power of a Maktab Apa. Outwardly it may seem that she has only 15 children in front of her whom she can make an effort on, but in reality, she has 15 families before her. She can make that difference in the homes of all these children. That is why our elders tell us that when we sit in the classroom, make niyyah (intention) for the Hidāyah (guidance) of the entire mankind. Who knows that through one child, Allah Ta’ala will cause the winds of Hidāyah to blow on the entire mankind.

In this instance, the Apa managed to introduce ta’līm and dhikr in the home of that child and also got the mother to wake up for Tahajjud daily.

No child is a Write-off. We cannot chase any child away. As a teacher, You can make that difference in the life of that child.

May Allah Ta’ala inspire us all to be an inspiration for our students in the classroom and guide us to be a true reflection of our beloved Messenger ﷺ.

 

By Uwais Adamjee, South Africa

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Stop Bad Habits
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“Plain talk bad manners”

This is a common Caribbean slang that can be considered an oxymoron. “Plain talk” is not a bad thing, provided it’s done in the right way. For Trinidadians however, the culture of plain talk bad manners often goes way beyond the bounds of Islamic social etiquette. In Islam, your character is an identifying trait that makes you stand out from others. More importantly, it is a measure of the goodness of a person.

The Prophet ﷺ, said, “Nothing is heavier upon the scale of a believer on the Day of Resurrection than his good character. Verily, Allah hates the vulgar and obscene.” (Tirmidhī)

Trini culture is vulgar. There’s no denying that this has been an issue for generations, especially with the dawn of the new age of nudity, alcohol, liming, partying and gyrating in the streets for Carnival. No solution has yet been produced for this problem, though attempts have been made. “Prime Minister Patrick Manning is to engage with the inter-religious organisation to come up with suggestions to at least curb what they consider vulgar aspects of the masquerade.” – BBC Caribbean, 2006.

As ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (RA) has famously said: “Take account of yourselves before you are brought to account (on the Day of Judgment).” Every person should engage in deep self-reflection in every aspect of their lives. Their beliefs, their family life, their social life, and their livelihood should be under constant improvement. A Muslim is never stagnant.

While most Muslims make a conscious effort to stay away from open vulgarity, how many of us indulge in other aspects of Trini culture with little thought for how this affects us as Muslims? Do we recognize our inability to maintain social Islamic manners and etiquette?

Many of the common behaviours of Trinbagonians are not becoming of a dignified society, and certainly do not conform with what our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ outlined for us as acceptable behaviour. While it is impossible to address all of the issues, a few pertinent ones will be highlighted as food for thought.

“Nobody cyah tell meh what to do!”
-Said Ramesh, while being directed by a police officer.

We as a Trinbagonian society have little respect for authority and far less for the laws of the land. Mixed in with shamelessness and a general lack of accountability, this is the recipe for a lawless society. The quality of arrogance – believing that no one is above you – is catastrophic and its destruction is devastating. This evil trait might be commonplace in Trinbagonian culture but is rooted in the volatile trait of kibr (pride) which was the sin of Shayṭān. Furthermore, being subject to criticism is something an arrogant person hates. They are dismayed by the idea of damage to their prestige. When told that they have made an error, rather than solving the problem, they focus on absolving themselves of any blame. The plight of such people is highlighted in the Qur’ān: “Enter the gates of hell to abide in it eternally, evil is the final destination of the arrogant.” (39:72)

“Doh study he. He too dotish!”
-Said Marlon, after being asked about putting his garbage in the neighbour’s yard.

It is a norm in Trinidad that when we disagree with someone’s actions, we very quickly turn to ‘character assassination’. Rather than weighing out the pros and cons of a certain action, logic goes out the window and we start attacking the person themselves. We bring up unrelated things they have done in the past to undermine the person’s character, believing that by making ourselves look better, we will be perceived as being right. The problem often goes unsolved. Going around needlessly destroying peoples’ character and advertising their faults is detrimental to society and completely against Islamic etiquette.

“Whoever conceals the (hidden) fault of his Muslim brother, Allah (SWT) will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever exposes the fault of his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his faults, until He shames him, due to it, in his (own) house.” (Ibn Majah)

“Yuh get so fat since last time ah see yuh!”
-Said Aminah, after inserting herself into a conversation.
While there is something to be said for speaking plainly, this is plainly insulting. Derogatory comments casually disguised as friendly small talk are the norm in T&T. It is not acceptable to make unconstructive negative comments toward people. “Long time I eh see yuh. You does only call me when you need something.” These types of thoughtless remarks can leave a person in emotional upheaval for days and some of us will never know the damaging impact of our actions. If one intends to correct someone, there is an etiquette to be followed in reforming people. Being “boldfaced” does not fall within those bounds. Instead, the words of the Prophet ﷺ should be taken into account, “Let the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good or remain silent.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī)

“Ah jus dey relaxing.”
-Said Mark, after relaxing for the entire year.
Trinidad and Tobago has been named the happiest Caribbean country. Whether this is due to genuine happiness, or a complete lack of work ethic remains to be seen. From prioritising partying and drinking to skiving off work on rainy days, Trinbagonians’ poor work ethics have reached crisis proportions. Educators and sociologists have suggested that part of the problem has to do with the home and society. Islam as a whole pushes Muslims towards a disciplined and productive lifestyle. Islam promotes focus, purpose and ambition, and no Muslim should be stagnant in their deen, their livelihood or any other aspect of their lives.

The solution:
Studies show that a culture shock is the only way to create full societal reform. There are, however, progressive ways to start improving moral and ethical codes, and it starts with you. Below are four simple and effective ways to create the change needed in society:

The Prophet ﷺ left behind a comprehensive code of behaviour that all Muslims should make effort to learn about. Through training and implementation of the Prophetic advice, we as a society need to continuously improve ourselves.

We need to incorporate self-introspection and sincere du’ā for Allah to rectify our affairs. A simple du’ā by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
اللَّهُمَّ وَاهْدِنِي لأَحْسَنِ الأخْلَاقِ، لا يَهْدِي لأَحْسَنِهَا إلَّا أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا، لا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا إلَّا أَنْتَ
خرجه مسلم في الصحيح
Allahumma ahdinī li-aḥsani ‘l-akhlāqi, lā yahdī li aḥsanihā illā anta. Waṣrif `annī sayyi’ahā, lā yaṣrifu `annī sayyi’ahā illā anta.
O Allah guide me to the best of characters for none can guide to it other than You, and deliver me from the worst of characters for none can deliver me from it other than You.

A highly effective propellent of culture change is creating a positive environment. Our environment and the people who surround us have a powerful impact on the way we behave. We must ensure that we keep ourselves in the company of righteous and well-mannered people.

Lastly, we must adopt the practice of tazkiyyah. Constant purification of our hearts and nafs is fundamental in the relationship of a Muslim with his Lord.

By following this advice, we can truly transform ourselves, add weight to our scales, and leave behind a legacy worth remembering.

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We Used to Be Activists

We used to be activists!

The Prophet ﷺ was an activist. He changed the system. A system that in jahiliyyah saw the weak – including women, foreigners, those without rights – oppressed. It saw the leaders do whatever they wanted with impunity. There was no one to stop them from taking another’s wealth, property, and family. The Prophet ﷺ strived against injustice. He enjoined the good and forbade the evil (al-amr bi al-ma`ruf wa an-nahy `an al-munkar). No wonder, those in power hated him and those who were weak loved him. Ask yourself, “Do the weak love us today like they loved him ﷺ yesterday?” Do the weak even know us as they knew him ﷺ?

The four successors to our Prophet ﷺ were also activists. The reign of Sayyiduna `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) saw him preoccupied with the condition of people. Did the people have food to eat and resources to live? If not, Sayyiduna `Umar went out himself to make a difference. He encouraged his governors to adopt piety and concern for people. He kept them in check. If he noted they were too comfortable in their power, he called them back home. Where is our concern for people? Are we checking our officials? Do we call them back (unelect them) and speak up against them when they become too comfortable in power? Or is this mere dinner-party talk?

The salaf al-saliheen too were activists after the four successors. Sufyan al-Thawri once came across the khalifah of the time during Hajj. He said to Sufyan, “O Sufyan, how can I help you?” “Fear Allah, for you have filled the earth with injustice,” Sufyan boomed. “You have reached your position on the backs of those who fought and died before you. Now, their descendants die of hunger. So fear Allah, and give them their rights,” he continued. “Sayyiduna `Umar performed Hajj, and he spent a little over ten dirhams. I see so much wealth here with you that even a mountain could not hold it!” came the final deafening statement. The khalifah lowered his head in acknowledgement—even rulers at that time had humility. Do our officials hear us as they heard our predecessors? We have become a muted voice. We left the iman of actions and words and adopted the weakest kind.

The great Shafi`i scholar, Imam Nawawi, wrote:

The act of encouraging good and forbidding wrong has mostly been abandoned for a long time. Only small token actions are left from it…When vile people become many, then both righteous and irreligious people will suffer. If they are not taken away at the hands of the oppressor, then perhaps Allah will include them in His Punishment instead

فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

“So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet’s order of a fitnah striking them or a painful punishment.”

We can be activists. There are too few of us that have taken on this responsibility and followed in the footsteps of those before us. Here are a couple steps to get started:

  1. Pick a cause. Whether it’s fighting against gun violence or for social equality, pick a cause that excites you and ignites your passion. It’s the collective passion of motivated individuals that leads to success.
  2. Find an organization. There are numerous organizations, both Muslim and non-Muslim, that act in accordance with Islamic values. Working alongside non-Muslims, leading them or fighting on behalf of them will do far more to change the negative perceptions of Islam than anything else. Ask others who are active in your field of interest. Research organizations online, and then, take it offline. Often times, online activities give us a good feeling and then, don’t translate to any real change.

We need to all get involved in community activism as an Islamic obligation so we aren’t pointing fingers at one another when we are asked about it by Allah. Let the people of every class and background know Muslims stand for the weak, for the oppressed, and for the good. We ask Allah for tawfiq and one another for du`ah.

by Shaykh Dr. Mateen Khan (Trenton, New Jersey)

 

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DO’s and DON’TS of Nasiha

Adīnun Naṣīḥa. A common phrase for some, others not so much. “A part of religion is giving good (Islamic) advice.” (Recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī) According to the Cambridge dictionary, advice is an opinion that someone offers about what to do or how to act in a particular situation.

It is an essential part of Islam to give good advice to your fellow Muslims, where applicable. The immediate question that comes to mind is: who would give bad advice? Only the most treacherous of characters would genuinely try to lead an unsuspecting person awry. Whether out of jealousy, ill will, or just an attempt to lift themselves up by bringing someone else down, we can all agree that we do not want to be that person. Read more

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Qurbani 2022

AssalamuAlykum, we hope that you are well and in the best of Iman. We are now in the blessed days of Hajj, wherein we remember the oneness of Allah and the obedience of His close friend, Sayyiduna Ibrahim ‘alayhis-salaam.
These days will eventually culminate in the great act of Qurbani (or Udhiyyah) when the believers sacrifice animals to Allah from after the Eid prayer (10th Dhul Hijjah) up until the last days of tashreeq. 

Read more here

We know especially this year there are many people who are unable to easily afford to do Qurbaani/ Udhiyyah locally. For some, it is difficult to fulfil on their own locally and they would like a service that provides everything. Hence the reason we have made this service easy for you..

This year we have:
1) Malawi, Africa $450 – We will distribute them to the poor and needy there. (will be accepted till the day before Eid).
2) Local Sheep ranges from $1700-$4000ttd – You can get the full service. That includes: Slaughtering, cut-up & distributed or you can distribute yourself, details at the bottom

We will slaughter all animals under the supervision of scholars. Thereafter, we will distribute the meat to poor families & charities accordingly.

NOTES
– A small animal counts as 1 share per person.
– Please provide a name when donating your Qurbani.
– Personal details, including a contact number, should be provided.
– Prices have been rounded up. If there is any surplus money we will also be used for charitable purposes.

Let us adhere to the traditions of this noble religion in the coming days. Let us follow the Sunnah of our father, Ibrahim ‘alayhis-salaam, for whom nothing was dearer than to please Allah.

Click me

We do recommend if you can afford to do your Qurbani locally, you can also book below. Commemoration of the day of Eid is important, and you can distribute it to your family, friends and the needy.

To book your local animals

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Becoming an Eco-Muslim

Quite naturally, the Quran and Sunnah has directed us towards being eco-conscious, enjoining good practices and adopting better habits with regard to the environment. All of creation was fashioned in the service of mankind. Subsequently, mankind was made the custodians and the protectors of the earth. With this responsibility, as any other, we are accountable for the welfare of all creations. Unfortunately, the common trend of destruction to the environment, the plants, the animals and the planet at large is utter disregard to the sovereign role appointed by Allah Ta’ala.

“It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth….” [2:29] “(Remember) when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to create a deputy on the earth!” They said, “Will You create there one who will spread disorder on the earth and cause bloodshed” [2:30]

Just as we are responsible for our families and subordinates, so to, the environment around us also falls under that reign of responsibility. This earth ‘our home’ which we reside in, requires protection, in order for there to be sustained growth of life, failure to do this will negatively affect the many generations to come.

And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. [6:165]

In Maariful Quran, Mufti Shafi Usmani writes concerning this [And it is He who made you vice-regents of the earth and raised some of you in ranks over some others]. Here, the word: خَلَائِفَ (khala’if) is the plural form of khalifah which means vicegerent or deputy. The essence of the verse is:
It is Allah Ta`ala who has let you inhabit places occupied by people before you. There is no home, no land which you call your private property today, and believe to be so, which was not, only yesterday, under the ownership of other human beings like you. Allah Ta`ala has, by removing them, made you sit in their place.  

In all situations, the natural consequences in this life may be a reward or punishment from Allah. All good is from Allah, and all evil and mischief is allowed by Allah to show the results of the misuse of the free will. If humans disobey Allah’s law, He only lets them witness a small portion of these negative consequences, and He is patient before punishing them more severely, to give people a chance to turn back to, and obey Him.

“Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His Pardon).” [30:41]

Animals are under our protection

Within the Seerah (history of the Messenger of Allah peace and blessing be upon him) and his teachings, there are clear directives in showing kindness and welfare to animals and vegetation.

Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah,(ﷺ) said, “If someone kills so much as a sparrow or anything larger without a just cause, then Allah the Exalted will ask him about it on the Day of Resurrection.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?” The Prophet said, “A just cause is that you slaughter it for food, but you should not cut off its head and throw it aside.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i)

Harmful effects of Pollution

This culture of responsibility, care and concern for animals was taught to the Sahabah. This is evident in the statement of Umar ibn al –Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him):

Dawud ibn Ali reported: Umar ibn Al-Khattab, (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “If a lost sheep under my care were to die on the banks of the Euphrates, I would expect Allah the Exalted to question me about it on the Day of Resurrection.” Hilyat al-Awliya  137

Bounties of Allah

Allah has referred to the many nations of the past, example the Bani Israeel, highlighting the extent of their ungratefulness to the great bounties of Allah. Quite frightfully, our Ummah has been given much more wealth, luxuries, food, etc. and we are also ungrateful for these favours. Nothing in nature has been created in vain (ma khalaqta hadha baatilan), or in jest (la‘ibin), but everything in truth (bil-haqq) and in perfection (ahsana/atqana kulla shay’).

If that is the reality of nature, then why do we find so many destructive behaviours and mindless actions within our culture? We have people littering, filling up the landfills, using single use plastics without recycling them, etc. further destroying the planet day by day. Aren’t we supposed to imitate the Divine attributes of Allah Ta’ala as mentioned in Hadith (natakhallaqu bi khuluqillah) and adorn the qualities of Allah (that we are able to)?

Wastage of food, Islamic rulings

One of the most direct, blame-worthy actions that one can do, is waste good, pure, cooked food without any concern or regard for the many starving people who are desperately in need of the same food.

Allah says: “O children of Adam! Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer. And eat and drink and be not extravagant. surely He does not love the extravagant.” [7:31]

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger(ﷺ) said, “When one of you eats, he must lick his fingers (after finishing), for he does not know in which of them lies blessing.” (Sahih al Muslim, Jami Tirmidhi)

Sayyidina Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When one of you eats his meal and a morsel falls down, he must pick it up and remove the doubtful portion and eat the rest. He must not leave it for the devil.”  (Jami Tirmidhi)

Wasting Water

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr that:

The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) passed by Sa’d (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was performing ablution, and he said: “What is this extravagance?” He said: “Can there be any extravagance in ablution?” He said: “Yes, even if you are on the bank of a flowing river.”

Wasting Wealth

Sha’bi reported that the scribe of al-Mughira b. Shu’ba said:

Mu’awiya wrote to Mughira: Write for me something which you heard from Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ); and he wrote: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “Verily Allah disapproves three things for you: Irrelevant talk, wasting of wealth and persistent questioning.” (Muslim)

Planting Trees and paper

Narrated `Asim: I said to Anas, “Did Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) make Madinah a sanctuary?” He replied, “Yes, Madinah is a sanctuary from such-and-such place to such-and-such place. It is forbidden to cut its trees, and whoever innovates a heresy in it or commits a sin therein, will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.” Then Musa bin Anas told me that Anas added, “…..or gives refuge to such a heretic or a sinner…”

Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.” (Adabul Mufrad)

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “Never does a Muslim plant trees or cultivate land and birds or a man or a beast eat out of them, but that is a charity on his behalf.” (Muslim)

Become eco-friendly: Its part of Islam

When responsibility is given by Allah in any realm of life, it has the potential of bringing a lot of reward once it is carried out justly. Or this same responsibility, can bring questioning and punishment if we are negligent with it.

We can make a difference by changing basic practices in our daily life and making an effort to start today. Progress is not achieved by waiting for someone else to make a change. Change starts with us!

Below are some resources that can benefit you:
1) Video clips that can be sent to you through email. You can download them and share on social media. We hope that you can help us spread the message far and wide.
2) Posters which contain information on the importance of wastage and recycling, which can be printed and used. 

Please leave us a comment below, and may Allah unite us all in goodness and in Jannah…Ameen.

Your brother in Islam, Abraar Alli

10 Green AhadithDownload
Bin locationsDownload
Throw your waste in the right place – Here is a list of places you can dispose of your itemsDownload

Change starts with you!

Are you innocent?

Tell us your thoughts

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What to do at the Time of Natural Catastrophes

By: Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

Everyone is aware of the devastation that natural disasters bring with them. Many lose their lives, hundreds of thousands lose relatives, entire communities are wiped out and countless buildings and properties are destroyed. Thousands, even millions are left homeless, having lost everything they once owned, living under open skies with nothing to eat and cover themselves with. Even after the calamity has subsided, the death toll continues to increase with the spread of disease.

 

When calamities strike, we often think about our roles and responsibilities, as human beings and as Muslims. It is unfortunate that for most of us, it takes such calamities to make us reflect on the Power and lofty Attributes of Allāh ta’ālā. Rather than expressing shallow sorrow and a momentary shock, there are a few points that we need to reflect and act upon, so that events like these can cause us to become better Muslims for the rest of our lives:

1. Allāh ta’ālā is the Hākim (The Supreme Ruler) and the Hakīm (The Most Wise)

First of all, one has to reaffirm in one’s mind and heart that whatever happens, whether good or bad in appearance, is according to the Wish of Allāh ta’ālā. Allāh ta’ālā is Hākim i.e. He has Power over everything. Every single particle in the whole universe is under His Control. The turning of the leaf in the air while it is falling from the tree, to the up turning and shaking of the earth itself, as in the case of an earthquake, everything is in His Absolute Control. The commands, wishes and controls of everyone else are subjugated to His Command and Governance. The varied circumstances that one observes or experiences in one’s life are also in His total Control.

There are many incidents and events in a person’s life, during which one hopes for a positive outcome through worldly means e.g. when a relative is seriously ill we can hope for recovery by consulting a specialist, along with our belief that only that will happen which Allāh ta’ālā has ordained. Nevertheless we take the help of worldly means to satisfy ourselves and try to rectify the situation to the best of our ability.

However, when faced with natural disasters like storms, earthquakes and floods, there is no hope of any worldly means which we can employ to circumvent, overcome or prevent re-occurrence of such situations. Such natural disasters are entirely in the Control of Almighty Allāh and we are forced to acknowledge that. Indeed as Muslims we should never have disregarded and ignored the Absolute Power of Allāh ta’ālā and it should have been reflected upon in our day to day actions and deeds.

However, it is comforting to know that Allāh ta’ālā is not only the Hākim (The Supreme Ruler) but He is also the Hakīm (The Most Wise). Allāh’s ta’ālā Governance of the universe is unlike that of worldly rulers. His Control and Governance is full of Supreme Wisdom and Divine Justice. Hence even in natural disasters, there is the hidden Wisdom of the Almighty, which may not be apparent to our physical eyes.

2. Turn Towards Allāh ta’ālā in Repentance

Every person, during such times should turn towards Allāh ta’ālā with humbleness, faith and genuine repentance. According to the Sharī’ah, common and open disobedience of Allāh ta’ālā is one of the many reasons for the cause of calamities like earthquakes. When the land is overloaded with the disobedience of Allāh ta’ālā, earthquakes from beneath and violent storms from above are commonplace. There are various scientific explanations as to why natural disasters occur, however the underlying facts point towards ‘how’ they happen and not ‘why’ they happen. The answer to ‘why’ and ‘when’ and even to ‘how’, in reality, remains with Allāh ta’ālā. An answer to ‘why’ has been revealed in the Qur’ān:

(Corruption and) Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (Allāh) may give them a taste of some of their deeds in order that they may turn back (from evil). (30:41)

Incidents like these are, as it were, ‘wake up’ calls from Allāh ta’ālā. Allāh ta’ālā in His Infinite Mercy is jolting us through such incidents, so that we may mend our ways and reflect on our transgressions and as a result rectify ourselves before it is too late. Allāh ta’ālā has revealed to his beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, that as long as this Ummah continues to repent for their wrong-doings, He will not punish them through calamities. Incidents like these should not be viewed with some momentary sympathy or investigated out of curiosity, but treated strictly as a reminder to wake up and reflect on our lives of disobedience. The way Allāh has the Power to cause calamities in any part of the world, He also has the Power to cause a catastrophe here, in this very city, in the very vicinity of our homes.

Hence it is absolutely essential for Muslims, not just from the affected regions, but from all over the world, to turn towards Allāh ta’ālā. They must direct all their attention towards Him and reflect on their lives to find out where the Commands of Allāh ta’ālā are being violated, then sincerely repent and resolve to adorn their future lives with taqwā, abstain from the disobedience of Allāh ta’ālā, and observe His Commands.

3. Pray for the Afflicted

Our beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam has commanded us to support and help the victims of calamities, whether they be Muslims or otherwise. The best and the most valuable support and help is to make du’ā i.e. sincere prayers for the wellbeing of the victims. Du’ā is a very powerful and potent means, which is available to each and every one of us, the one with worldly resources as well as the one without. Hence one should sincerely pray for the well being of the victims. One should pray that Allāh ta’ālā gives them strength, patience and comfort and that He protects and guides them through these critical times and provides rapid recovery from their physical, mental and spiritual wounds. Only Allāh ta’ālā has the ability to provide the things asked for in the above prayers. No amount of worldly means will provide for the loss that has been suffered by the victims.

It is difficult to comprehend or empathise with the situation of the victims. Scores of them have death hovering over their heads while their dead family members lie beside them. Thousands of dead bodies are piled up like logs unable to receive a proper burial. Thousands of people have lost their sons and daughters and thousands of young children have become orphans. Only prayers will help those people. So take out some time from listening to the news, reading newspaper reports and chatting about the events and bow down to Allāh ta’ālā, and pray sincerely and earnestly (after making repentance) for the victims of the calamity. The victims certainly deserve our prayers, to say the least. It is their right over the entire Muslim community.

It is also worth mentioning that it will be a gross transgression for anyone to forget their own deeds and start judging the victims, claiming their misdeeds to be the reason for the calamity. We are in no position to do that. Besides, this will be tantamount to trying to guess the ‘Hikmah’ (Wisdom) of Allāh! Therefore we should refrain from uttering such words.

4. Donate Generously

For people far from the afflicted region, the next best thing that they can do to help and support is to provide financial and material help. The victims have lost everything, their homes and the shelter above their heads, their entire belongings and their livelihoods. There is an immediate need to provide shelter (as a protection from the cold nights), food and clothing. There is also a dire need to provide them with medication and other medical accessories and supply them with clean water and sanitation.

Alhamdulillāh, Allāh ta’ālā has given us abundantly, more than we need. We do not have to sacrifice our daily food or clothing in order to donate towards the cause. I request all my brothers and sisters to reflect upon the material blessings that Allāh ta’ālā has bestowed upon us, despite our not being deserving of them, and donate generously for the victims of this calamity. There are people out there, among the victims, who, until yesterday, were the patrons of or contributors towards charities themselves, and had donated profusely. Now, having lost everything, they are in need of charity themselves. Allāh ta’ālā will inshā’allāh look favourably upon our generosity and remove future calamities awaiting to befall us. The Prophet s has mentioned:

Truly sadaqah extinguishes the Wrath of Allāh and saves from an evil death. (At-Tirmidhī)

So, as human beings, and more so as Muslims, we should not let this suffering continue without providing help and support according to our individual capabilities. Do not wait for your zakāh to become due to make a donation. The need of the situation demands that we donate everything that is in our possession, even if that means undergoing hardships ourselves. However, since Allāh ta’ālā has blessed us with adequate wealth we know that we can donate sufficiently without having to undergo such troubles. We should spend abundantly and generously, as generously as Allāh ta’ālā has provided for us. Remember, whatever we will spend, we will do so from that which Allāh ta’ālā has given us. It is His Money we will be spending to relieve His Creation. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

All creatures are the dependants of Allāh. The most beloved to Allāh from all Creation is he who treats His dependants the best. (Al-Bayhaqī)

Therefore give as much as you can. This is not a time to wait for someone to come and knock at your door. Go out looking for reliable organizations and charities with correct channels, so that your money reaches the genuine victims and fulfills their needs.

May Allāh ta’ālā give us the guidance to learn a lesson from such calamities and grant us the resolve to change our lives for the better. May Allāh ta’ālā also give us the tawfīq to pray for the victims and to donate generously. Āmīn.

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What to do at the Time of Natural Catastrophes?

by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Everyone is aware of the devastation that natural disasters bring with them. Many lose their lives, hundreds of thousands lose relatives, entire communities are wiped out and countless buildings and properties are destroyed. Thousands, even millions are left homeless, having lost everything they once owned, living under open skies with nothing to eat and cover themselves with. Even after the calamity has subsided, the death toll continues to increase with the spread of disease. Read more

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, Islamic Tarbiyah: An education perspective

Tarbiyah of our children

By: Ummu Abdir Rahman
Al-Ihsaan Institute

Tarbiyah is the art of training our human natures appropriately at various levels and in different situations to help in the complete growth of a person’s disposition. In this article we will discuss tarbiyah of our children from an educational perspective.

The following are some practices, which if adopted, would instill a proper routine and method of assisting our children in their school work as well as Maktab and madrasa learning In-sha-Allah.

  1. For the sake of Allah – Teach your children that everything they do should be done for the pleasure and love of Allah Subhaana wa Ta’ala, in such a way they would not develop of seeking pride over their actions. Rather, their love would grow towards doing actions for Allah’s acceptance, charity, good deeds and humility. This is a discipline which many adults lack. Therefore to have your child grow up with the mind-set and values of seeking Allah’s pleasure in everything, is a foundation every parent would want for the success of their children.

back to school

  1. Set an example: speaking properly –Children are likely to imitate the parents in their behaviour whether that behaviour is unhealthy, damaging or decent, uprigh
    t and well-behaved. The minds of children are like sponges, in that they absorb quickly and plentiful. One important aspect to give attention to is that of speaking properly,
    with proper grammar and etiquette. If this is implemented from an early age then it makes it easy for your child to adopt grammar skills as well as to display proper mannerism.
  1. Encourage Reading – Make it a house rule to spend some time reading together whether it is Ta’leem, reading from a book of hadith, learning duas, surah, learning about the stories of the Prophets or Sahabah etc. In this way your child will learn that:
    1. Reading is important and should be encouraged.
    2. Family time is something to cherish and make an effort towards.
    3. The topic being read is important and to be practiced upon.
    4. There are many lessons that can be learnt from different situations.
    5. Books are a respectable source of knowledge which we learn from.
  1. Parents should be involved – When parents keep a positive interest in their child’s schooling, we find the child grasping the many concepts and subjects being taught at school better. Subsequently, they excel at learning. Parents being involved means helping with homework, revision, supervision as well as spending quality time with them. It is particularly important to spend some time doing revision of the day’s lessons to reiterate the concepts learnt, for a better understanding and memorization.
  1. Proper Time Management – children need predictability, structure and guidelines, as these give them a sense of security and order in the world. By having a routine and time for different things the child would understand that the world is not to be lived in an unruly manner, but there are guidelines and directions to be followed.
    1. Bedtime – Setting and following a bedtime routine allows sufficient time for the child to rest and rejuvenate for the events of the next day. Without a proper bedtime, we find that children tend to become sleepy and lethargic during the school day. So much so, that learning becomes decelerated and attending school becomes laborious and exhausting for the child.
    2. Morning Routine – So too, in having a morning routine, the child understands that there is a certain order and time for things to be accomplished. Thus creating a manner of discipline from an early age. The school day is scheduled by order and allotted times, therefore the concept would not be foreign to the child, but instead, they would be already accustomed to organisation and orderliness.
  1. Extra-Curricular Activities – Get your children involved in after school programs or even weekend programs such as Maktab, exercise, reading club, outdoor sports etc. so that their time is not spent doing unproductive things like watching television or playing video games. Encourage them to become active, thereby working their brains as well as their bodies. This will help them to lead a healthier lifestyle whilst using the favours they have received from Allah Ta’ala beneficially. In that way, they will be able to focus and concentrate better at school and for learning on a whole.

These are just a few guidelines to assist us in making the Tarbiyah of our children a bit easier, whilst executing our duties as parents and eventually reap utmost reward from our Creator In-sha-Allah. May Allah Subhaana wa Ta’ala give us the ability and the guidance to fulfil the rights of our children upon them. Ameen….

 

 

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, , A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE BELOVED PROPHET ﷺ

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE BELOVED PROPHET ﷺ

By: Mufti Hanif Patel

MORNING

Prophet Muhammad (peace and salutations be upon him) would wake up after his dawn nap at the call to prayer by Bilal RA. He would use the siwak (miswak), say his supplication, perform ablution and offer two rakats of sunnah of Fajr prayer. He would then lie down on his right side for a short while. When the people had gathered<!--more-->, Bilal RA would stand close to the Prophets house and inform him. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) would enter the mosque, Bilal RA would call the iqamah and the companions would assemble in rows and would be led in prayer by the Prophet.

The Prophet PBUH would then observe his Fajr prayer with the congregation followed by remembering Allah and supplicating to Him. The Prophet would then sit cross-legged facing his companions in the mosque until sunrise. He would sometimes ask his companions to narrate to him if any of them had a dream. He would hear the dream and provide his interpretation. Sometimes, he would relate his own vision and himself provide the interpretation. The companions would occasionally narrate tales of pre-Islamic period, recite encomiums and couplets and, with due regard, share humour. The prophet would listen to his companions and smile with them.

Thereafter, the Prophet PBUH would offer Ishraq prayer. Often at this time he used to distribute the booty as well as stipends to the people. Thereafter the meeting would be dispersed and the Prophet would proceed to the apartment of that wife whose day it was. The Prophet would then go on his morning round to visit his wives. When the sun sufficiently went up, the prophet would observe Dhuha prayer. After that, he would return to the Masjid and sit with his companions settling personal matters, deciding disputes and imparting religious education. This time was known by everyone to come and visit the Prophet if they had any queries or required anything from him. The people would bring to him their new born babies or a new harvest for him to pray upon. The Prophet would receive delegations and greet them and enquire of their conditions. He would occasionally pay visits to his daughter and grandsons, or some of his relatives and companions, or he would engage himself in the service of his family and completed his own chores such as repairing his shoes, milking the animals and helping in the home. At noon, he would have his nap prior to Zuhr prayer (to allow his body to rest and be active and ready for night prayers). He sometimes took meals twice a day and mostly only once a day which was before this siesta. He would eat with a group of his companions sharing from a single big dish. However, on Fridays, he and his companions would only take a nap after Friday prayers followed by meal.

NOON

After waking up and observing the Zuhr prayer in the congregation, the Prophet PBUH would generally address his congregation if something had happened. He would return home (which was adjacent to the masjid) to observe the voluntary prayer. He would then once again sit with his companions and attend to their needs. It is also now that the Prophet would visit the markets of Madinah Tayyibah, attend to some business, look into the dealings of shopkeepers, examine their merchandise, inspect their weighing and measuring tools and, if during the visit any individual required his help, he attended to their needs.

AFTERNOON

After observing Asr prayer in the congregation, the Prophet PBUH would make his evening round, visiting the apartments of each of his wives, enquiring their welfare, and staying with each of them for a short while. This he did so regularly so that every one of them realised how much he valued each of them, time and punctuality. The Prophet would spend this time to relax with his family.

EVENING

After having observed Maghrib prayer early in congregation, the Prophet PBUH would go to that wife`s apartment whose turn it was for him to pass the night by and he would stay there and observe sunnah and awwabin prayers. Mostly, all the wives came over there; as also other ladies of Madinah Tayyibah gathered there for at this time the Prophet would impart religious teachings to the women. In short, this was the madrasah for the women where they used to have lessons in religion from the Prophet. Here the women used to put forward their cases, difficulties and complaints and he would solve them. The Prophet would sometimes eat his dinner at this time. However, at times, there would be nothing but dates and water and months would pass and no food would be cooked in any of the houses of Prophet. Thereafter the Prophet would go to the mosque for Isha prayer.

NIGHT

After observing Isha prayer with congregation, the Prophet PBUH would return to the apartment where he had to pass that night and he would lie down on his bed. He would sometimes go to visit some of his companions discussing the affairs of the community. However, he would return early and sleep until midnight. He always slept on his right side and generally placed his right hand under his cheek, facing towards the qiblah. He kept a siwak (miswak) at the head of the bed which he would use before going to sleep and on waking up. While going to sleep, he would recite specific chapters from the Quran and blow on the hands and wipe them from head to foot. . He would perform ablution, use siwak and slept until midnight. Upon waking up, he used to mildly rub the face and eyes with hands, supplicate to Allah, apply the siwak, perform ablution and observe Tahajjud prayer. He would spend about one-third of his night in praying, supplicating, reciting and in prostrating. The Prophet would then wake his wife and they would observe the witr prayer. Thereafter he would take rest and lay down when only one-sixth of the night remained. The call to prayer for Fajr would then wake up the Prophet from his dawn nap. This was his daily routine. ﷺ

courtesy: askourimam.com

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