I came to visit you!

Source & Courtesy : A truly amazing and heart warming narration I had come across on a blog – Ameen’s Poetic Justice.

 

I came to visit you!

I needed to get away. And while the people around me were debating and engaged in a heated conversation, I slid away from their gathering and into my car. I was on a well paved road heading north when I questioned myself; where am I heading? I did not know. I pulled over to take some time to reflect and that was when I’d recalled the memories of my late friend. Then and there, I remembered him. He was a companion of mine whom, I was present and I witnessed the day his body was lowered into the cold earth, and soon afterwards, I was given the unpleasing duty of throwing dirt onto his casket. On that day, it was cold, the wind was blowing with rage and the women, who had been advised not to come to the graveyard, disobyed such orders and I found them standing not from his resting place. I remembered I had asked Allah not to hold my friend accountable for their actions, and as his body escaped their vision, the women of close relation to him, screamed with sorrow from the distance. Upon recalling the emotions I felt on that very day, I felt a need to revisit his grave. I drove for another 20-30 minutes heading further north, and as I approached the graveyard, I grew nervous. My nerves became feelings of sadness and my sadness transformed into shyness. I had grown shy because its been so long since I’ve visited my friend, and I remember the day I buried him, I was among the last of the people to walk away from his grave. I remember on that day, I was thinking to myself, how can we leave him alone? Wont he feel lonely? Wont he ask about his family and his close companions? I didn’t want to leave him alone and with sadness and tears in my eyes, I walked away from his grave.

When I had approached the graveyard which held the souls of many Muslims, mixed emotions overtook me. I was hesistent to walk up to my companion’s grave and give him my salaams. I was shy because, once upon a time, I did not want to leave him alone and here I was, a couple of years later, returning to give him my salaams and make du’aa for him? That just didn’t seem right. True companionship, according to my definiton, are those who love you in death as they loved you during your life, who respect your honour when you have passed on, as they guarded your honour when you stood next to them, and who visit your grave as they visited you at your home; I did not believe I had fulfilled those rights and I felt I had let my companion down. But that was the past, and this was the present and I was committed to making things right; I shook off such negative thoughts and proceed forward with my intention to visit my late friend.

When I reached the graveyard and pulled into the road which led to his resting place, I found many souls where buried there. I parked my car on the side of some graves, slowly withdrew myself from the vehicle, and as I looked around, I noticed I was alone. The sight of many graves, and the quietness of the souls which dwell therein, left me speechless. I stood still and the cold wind blew into my face the realities of life after death. I tried to comprehend what life would be like in the grave but my imagination failed me. The grave: a place of loneliness?  That was when I’d recalled the words of one Muslim woman who said, “why am I dying (ie, eager) to live, when I’m living to die?”, and I knew this Muslim woman from my days of attending school with her and I had never heard her speak truer words then those.

I started to walk towards my companion’s grave and I remembered the day when his body was lowered into the ground; an Imaam was present on that day and after the body of my friend was established firmly beneath the ground, the Imaam took it upon himself to recite some verses from Surah Baqarah. Not only did the Imaam’s recitation of the Second Chapter from the Noble Quran change my view of that Surah, but I returned to the very spot which I stood on the day he recited those verses and after lowering my head, due to shame and sadness, I gave my salaams to my friend and extended my greetings to those who laid around him. The wind blew west, and the temperature was dropping as Maghrib approached and I stood over my companion’s grave in complete silence. I started wondering about his current state and how he was doing? It’s been two years since he had entered life in the grave and I could not help myself but to feel sadness for him. I recalled all those beautiful moments we shared with each other, our conversations, and everything we shared had faded with his lost. At that moment, standing over his grave, I came to the conclusion that many folks feel sorrow for the lost of their loved ones but not because they worry about the situation of the deceased after life but rather, their sadness is a result of “I miss so and so”. It’s like the feeling of one lover who has been separated from their love and with each day that passes, their strength of love for that particular person reminds their soul of their feeling of “missing”. And I have felt such feelings of “missing” for others but as I stood, I honestly felt, I wasn’t missing my friend (although I do care about him); I felt sadness for him because I didn’t know what became of him. I didn’t know if he was being punished or if he was spared the torment of the grave. In other words, I felt for his situation and I wasn’t thinking about my selfish soul. I wasn’t thinking, “Why did I loose him?”; more like, “my Lord, please, have mercy on his soul”.

After some time, I decided to speak. And I knew very well that my friend could not hear my words but my soul begged from within to be given a stage in which it could declare some inner thoughts. I looked towards the sky and I felt Maghrib was quickly approaching so I started by stating, “I don’t have much time, and I know you can not hear me, but my soul needs an opportunity to state some words”. I continued, “I cant imagine life under the ground, and I’m certain that you would love an opportunity to come back to the world in order to add to your scrolls of good deeds but I want you to know, I miss you and I love you. And soon my friend, I shall join you. Soon, I will embark upon the same path which you have experienced and I hope one day, perhaps in the gardens of paradise, I shall see your face again. Many people continue to miss you but a few of those folks sorrow is established on the foundation of uncertainty for you. While some are “missing” you, I want you to know, my feelings for you are based upon the uncertainty of where your deeds have led you to? If I was informed from above the heavens that you are in a state of peace and you shall enter paradise, I would not feel sad for you; in fact, I would rejoice for your successful mission of the worldly life. But I have no confirmation from above of heavens therefore, my heart seeks the answers to what has become of your situation. Just know, even if the people of the earth forget about you, I wont. I’ve mentioned your name and your impact on my life in my future book to my children and I assure you, they will know your story as my heart remembers your story. And although I cant promise that Allah will preserve my book and thereby, many folks from future generations will know about you, I can promise that your words of wisdom will remain within me forever. And know, I will ask about you on the Day I meet my Lord and I hope you will be of those shaded under the shade of our Lord’s Throne. I must go now because the prayer is upon me but before I depart, I ask Allah, our Lord, the Lord of the Unseen and the One with All-Power to spare you from the punishment of the grave and the Fire. I ask Allah to reward you according to the best of your deeds, and to forgive you for your shortcomings.”

And just before I turned around to walk away, I recited a verse of poetry which I had written in his remembrance, “and those who don’t fear death because death is the result of living life.”

- Written by Brother Ameen

Picture Perfect : Prayers

May Allah grant us all the ability to be steadfast with our prayers (salaah). Ameen!

  

Photo Courtesy : http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyindya2020/

Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : ABU LAHAB

Abu Lahab was a disbeliever from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He was known for his arrogance and insolence.

The Quran informs us that he and his wife were repaid with Hell for their evildoings in this world. They will be greatly humiliated with the punishments they receive.

The carrying of wood, is a job too mean for those fond of boasting of their wealth and possessions. Also seen as demeaning by them was the wearing a fibre cord around the necks. Yet, Allah humiliated them in a way they could not foresee. Their future condition, set as an example to later generations, is related in a surah of the Quran as follows:

“Ruin to the hands of Abu Lahab and ruin to him! His wealth has not helped him nor anything he has earned. He will burn in a Flaming Fire. And so will his wife, the firewood-carrier, with a rope of twisted fibre round her neck.” (Surah Al Masad 111:1-5)

 

Extract from : The Arrogance of Satan, by Harun Yahya

 

Also Read:

THE ARROGANCE OF SATAN
Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : PHARAOH
Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : QARUN & HAMAN
Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : THE PROPHET IBRAHIM’S FATHER
Surah Al Masad

Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : THE PROPHET IBRAHIM’S FATHER

The Prophet Ibrahim’s father possessed the attributes common to disbelieving nations. He was one of those who grew arrogant towards Allah, and was entrenched in hostility towards the Messenger. Having to be taught the morality of religion from his own son hurt the pride of this arrogant man. With gracious words and gentleness did the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) communicate Allah’s religion to his father and sought ways to prevent him from worshipping idols. Despite the Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s best efforts, his father clung to his ignorant ways. He turned from the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) merely because he had faith in Allah, threatening him even with stoning:

“Mention Ibrahim in the Book. He was a true man and a Prophet. Remember when he said to his father, “Father, why do you worship what can neither hear nor see and is not of any use to you at all? Father, knowledge which never reached you has come to me, so follow me and I will guide you to the right path. Father, do not worship Satan. Satan was disobedient to the All-Merciful. Father, I am afraid that a punishment from the All-Merciful will afflict you, and turn you into a comrade of Satan.” He said, “Do you forsake my gods, Ibrahim? If you do not stop, I will stone you. Keep away from me for a good long time.”" (Surah Maryam 19:41-46)

These threats did not daunt Ibrahim (AS); he showed loyalty to Allah, disobeying his father and his people who denied his prophethood, and ultimately leaving them. This exemplary conduct of Ibrahim (AS) is related in the Quran as follows:

“Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the idolaters.” (Surah Al Nahl 16:120)

“Then We revealed to you: “Follow the religion of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the idolaters.”" (Surah Al Nahl 16:123)

 

Extract from : The Arrogance of Satan, by Harun Yahya

Also Read:
THE ARROGANCE OF SATAN
Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : PHARAOH
Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : QARUN & HAMAN
The Struggles of Prophet Ibrahim (alaihis salaam)

Picture Perfect : First Verse of the Quran

 

 

Photo Courtesy : http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyindya2020/

Picture Perfect : No Racism in Islam

 

Photo Courtesy : http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyindya2020/

A System Planned in its Every Detail

Breathing, eating, walking, etc, are very natural human functions. But most people do not think how these basic actions take place. For example, when you eat a fruit, you do not think how it will be made useful to your body. The only thing on your mind is eating a healthy meal; at the same time, your body is involved in extremely detailed processes unimaginable to you in order to make this meal a health-giving thing.

The digestive system where these detailed processes take place starts to function as soon as a piece of food is taken into the mouth. Being involved in the system right at the outset, the saliva wets the food and helps it to be ground by the teeth and slide down the oesophagus.

The oesophagus helps the food be transported to the stomach where a perfect balance is at work. Here, the food is digested by the hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. This acid is so strong that it has the capacity to dissolve not only the food but also the stomach walls. Of course, such a flaw is not permitted in this perfect system. A secretion called mucus which is secreted during digestion covers all the walls of the stomach and provides a perfect protection against the destructive effect of the hydrochloric acid. Thus the stomach is prevented from destroying itself.

The point that deserves attention here is that evolution can by no means explain the system briefly summarised earlier. Evolution maintains that today’s complex organisms have evolved from primitive beings by the gradual accumulation of small structural changes. However, as stated clearly, the system in the stomach could in no way have been formed step by step. The absence of even one factor would bring about the death of the organism.

When food is received into the stomach, the gastric juices acquire the ability to break down food as a result of a series of chemical changes.

Now, imagine a living being in the so-called evolutionary process in whose body such a planned chemical transformation is not possible. This living being, unable to acquire this ability, would not be able to digest the food it ate and would starve to death with an undigested mass of food in its stomach.

In addition, during the secretion of this dissolving acid, the stomach walls simultaneously have to produce the secretion called mucus. Otherwise, the acid in the stomach would destroy the stomach. Therefore, in order for life to continue, the stomach must secrete both fluids (acid and mucus) at the same time. This shows that not a step-by-step coincidental evolution but a conscious creation with all its systems must, in effect, have been at work.

What all this shows is that the human body resembles a huge factory made up of many small machines that work together in perfect harmony. Just as all factories have a designer, an engineer and a planner, the human body has an “Exalted Creator”.

Why Bomb Afghanistan?

Why Bomb Afghanistan?

Source : A forwarded email from a friend (Not sure of the level of authenticity)

 

Every story has a beginning and every idea generated from somewhere… An email from a friend stating the conversation between Ex-President of America and Powell and other high levels in the former government… thinking of on whom to rage war with…, how they came to the decision that Afghanistan was most worthy of getting bombed after the September 11 attacks on US soil.

It all started in a private room, away from the presence of any individual that may be known to leak such private conversations (although, if I’m about to provide it to you, it obviously found its way out of that “secret room” located on the third floor of the White House).

It all started when President Bush asked to see the Director of the FBI shortly after the attacks while former Secretary of State, Colin Powell was standing to the side of the president.

 

Bush : Who are these terrorists?
FBI Chief : Saudis, at least they hold Saudi passports
Bush : What can we do about that?
Powell : Saudi Arabia can not be bombed, they supply us with oil
Bush :That terrorist Mohammad Atta, is an Egyptian, may be we can bomb Egypt
Powell : No Mr. President, Egypt is our ally, they made peace with Israel
Bush : But he was trained in Germany, those Germans hate us, don’t they?
Powell : Germany lost the war, they are no longer against the allies, besides they no longer like wars, and they are busy making Mercedes Benz, they need our market.
Bush :Where did Mohammed Atta learn flying planes?
FBI Chief : Florida, Sir
Bush : S—, I can’t bomb Florida, Brother Jeb Bush is there, he can get hurt
FBI Chief : We have reports that the Mafia may be behind this attack, Sir.
Bush : If we define all Pizza Parlors as legitimate strike targets, that would be unpopular with Italian Americans and Catholics, besides, Rudolph Giuliani is well liked for his heroism.
FBI Chief : We have a claim by the Japanese Red Brigade, Sir
Bush : Japan has surrendered to us in WWII, they are not in military confrontation with us anymore, and economically speaking, Japan and Germany are still a threat, d—.
FBI Chief : Mr. President, we also have reports of Anti Globalization suspects
Bush : These are good looking, clean-shaven white boys, no one will accept that they are terrorists.
Powel : How about blaming it on Iraq, Sir?
Bush : That is too boring, I want to do something original.
Powell : How about blaming it on the CIA, they trained Osama Bin Ladin.
Bush : My dad was their chief I can’t incriminate my own Dad, are you crazy?
Powell : My last guess would be the Mossad of Israel; you see Sharon is under fire and he needs to divert international scrutiny to Terrorism, he may have pulled this one to get off the hook while he finishes his domestic fall Home cleaning.
Bush : Blaming congress is far easier than blaming Sharon, any more ideas?
Powell : Then let the FBI and the CIA investigate this issue some more and when credible evidence emerges, let us handle it in the international courts of law like we did with the TWA Libyan hijackers case.
Bush : Remember next election is only three years away
Powel : So what should we do Mr. President?
Bush : I think we should strike somewhere very soon, I want to look like a hero during thanksgiving, so Americans can watch the censored evening news to enjoy their turkey and their tax money at work going after the bad boys.
Powell : How should we rationalize such a move Mr. President?
Bush : A War against terrorism
Powell : That is too broad Mr. President; we need a more accurate objective, Sir?
Bush : Destroying Bin Laden hideouts in Afghanistan, with high tech laser guided CNN camera carrying missiles.
Powell : The Russians lost 100,000 soldiers in Afghanistan Sir, in ten years.
Bush : Then let us form a Coalition of Nations against terrorism; we legitimize it as an international effort like my dad did it in the Gulf War, I am sure the British will follow us, they owe us one for the Falklands, later, we can drag Europeans along, we’ve liberated them in WWII after all, we can count on their support. In addition, we will persuade A-rabs and even I-ranians who hate Taliban Sunnis, you see this is the best strategy, and to make it decisive , we tell everybody, to choose either Freedom or Terrorism.
Powell : Fine with me Mr. President, if that is what you want.
Powell : Talking to himself (I am going to write a book about this, a practical objective indeed)

Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : QARUN & HAMAN

QARUN

“Qarun was one of the people of Musa but he lorded it over them. We gave him treasures, the keys alone to which were a heavy weight for a party of strong men. Thereupon his people said to him, “Do not gloat. Allah does not love people who gloat.”" (Surah Al Qasas 28:76)

As the above-quoted verse maintains, the treasures and status Qarun possessed in Egypt made him grow arrogant and insolent towards his people. To test him, Allah granted him an enormous fortune, and as is the case with all arrogant people, he was spoilt by them. He forgot that all possessions belong to Allah, and that He can take them back any time He wishes, and failed to recognise that these were granted to him as a test. Due to his arrogance, he thought that they were all given to him because he had “knowledge” and possessed superior qualities:

“He said, “I have only been given it because of knowledge I have.” Did he not know that before him Allah had destroyed generations with far greater strength than his and far more possessions? The evildoers will not be questioned about their sins.” (Surah Al Qasas 28:78)

This is the deviant outlook of the arrogant. Although it is Allah Who has given man whatever he has, the arrogant boast of their possessions and do not feel grateful to Allah or ask forgiveness from Him. They do not bother themselves with thinking, even for a second, that they could lose all these gifts in an instant. However, as we are to understand from this verse, many people, who were wealthier or more powerful than Qarun, perished on account of their arrogance. Like those of the past, Qarun received his punishment in this world. If he had been as powerful as he assumed himself to be, he would have been able to rescue himself. Yet, neither his status, nor his possessions, nor the people who admired him, nor the knowledge for which he boasted, could save him from Allah’ s punishment:

“We caused the earth to swallow up both him and his house. There was no group to come to his aid, besides Allah, and he was not someone who is helped. Those who had longed to take his place the day before woke up saying, “Allah expands the provision of any of His servants He wills or restricts it. If Allah had not shown great kindness to us, we would have been swallowed up as well. Ah! Truly the disbelievers are not successful.”" (Surah Al Qasas 28:81-82)

HAMAN

As we are to understand from the Quran, “Haman” is one of the men closest to Pharaoh, and who obeyed him and acted in compliance with his methodology. Being insolent and rebellious, he sided with Pharaoh and remained a loyal supporter to him. When Musa (AS) came to his people to communicate Allah’ s message, Haman was there to oppose him along with Pharaoh:

“We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said, “A lying magician.” When he brought them the truth from Us they said, “Slaughter the sons of those who believe with him but let their women live.” The stratagems of the disbelievers are nothing but errors.” (Surah Ghafir 40:23-25)

Pharaoh’s immoral conduct towards Musa (AS) was similarly adopted by Haman. Furthermore, he shared Pharaoh’s errant reasoning and complied with all his wishes. As the verse below maintains, Pharaoh asked Haman to build a tower to see Allah (Surely Allah is beyond this):

“Pharaoh said, “Council, I do not know of any other god for you apart from Me. Haman, kindle a fire for me over the clay and build me a lofty tower so that perhaps I may be able to climb up to Musa’s god! I consider him a blatant liar.”" (Surah Al Qasas 28:38)

However, Haman, who, out of conceit, was insistent on refusing to submit to Allah and His messenger, met the same end as Satan and Pharaoh. He tasted the inevitable end slated for the arrogant:

“And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman — Musa came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us. We seized each one of them for their wrong actions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of stones; some of them were seized by the Great Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged themselves.” (Surah Al ‘Ankabut 29:39-40)

 

Extract from : The Arrogance of Satan, by Harun Yahya

Also Read:
THE ARROGANCE OF SATAN
Honourable in Allah’s Sight : Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS)
Example Of Arrogance In The Quran : PHARAOH

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) : A Pioneer of the Environment

Prophet Muhammed (SAW) : A Pioneer of the Environment

By  Francesca De Chatel
Anthropologist of Islamic Culture, The Netherlands

 

“There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it is regarded as having given a charitable gift (for which there is great recompense).” (Al-Bukhari, III:513)

The idea of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a pioneer of environmentalism will initially strike many as strange: indeed, the term “environment” and related concepts like “ecology”, “environmental awareness” and “sustainability”, are modern-day inventions, terms that were formulated in the face of the growing concerns about the contemporary state of the natural world around us.

And yet a closer reading of the hadith, the body of work that recounts significant events in the Prophet’s life, reveals that he was a staunch advocate of environmental protection. One could say he was an “environmentalist avant la lettre”, a pioneer in the domain of conservation, sustainable development and resource management, and one who constantly sought to maintain a harmonious balance between man and nature. From all accounts of his life and deeds, we read that the Prophet had a profound respect for fauna and flora, as well as an almost visceral connection to the four elements, earth, water, fire and air.

He was a strong proponent of the sustainable use and cultivation of land and water, proper treatment of animals, plants and birds, and the equal rights of users. In this context the modernity of the Prophet’s view of the environment and the concepts he introduced to his followers is particularly striking; certain passages of the hadith could easily be mistaken for discussions about contemporary environmental issues.

 

Three Principles

The Prophet’s environmental philosophy is first of all holistic: it assumes a fundamental link and interdependency between all natural elements and bases its teachings on the premise that if man abuses or exhausts one element, the natural world as a whole will suffer direct consequences. This belief is nowhere formulated in one concise phrase; it is rather an underlying principle that forms the foundation of all the Prophet’s actions and words, a life philosophy that defined him as a person.

The three most important principles of the Prophet’s philosophy of nature are based on the Quranic teachings and the concepts of tawhid (unity), khalifa (stewardship) and amana (trust).

Tawhid, the oneness of God, is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. It recognizes the fact that there is one absolute Creator and that man is responsible to Him for all his actions:

“To God belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth, for God encompasses everything.” (Surah Al Nisa’ 4:126)

The Prophet acknowledges that God’s knowledge and power covers everything. Therefore abusing one of his creations, whether it is a living being or a natural resource, is a sin. The Prophet considered all of God’s creations to be equal before God and he believed animals, but also land, forests and watercourses should have rights.

The concepts of khalifa, stewardship, and amana, trust, emerge from the principle of tawhid. The Quran explains that mankind holds a privileged position among God’s creations on earth: he is chosen as khalifa, “vice-regent” and carries the responsibility of caring for God’s earthly creations. Each individual is given this task and privilege in the form of God’s trust. But the Quran repeatedly warns believers against arrogance: they are no better than other creatures.

“No creature is there on earth nor a bird flying with its wings but they are nations like you;” (Surah Al Anam 6:38)
“Surely the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of man; but most people know not.”  (Surah Ghafir 40:57)

The Prophet believed that the universe and the creations in it – animals, plants, water, land – were not created for mankind. Man is allowed to use the resources but he can never own them. Thus while Islam allows land ownership, it has limitations: an owner can, for example, only own land if he uses it; once he ceases to use it, he has to part with his possession.

The Prophet recognized man’s responsibility to God but always maintained humility. Thus he said: “When doomsday comes, if someone has a palm shoot in his hand, he should plant it,” suggesting that even when all hope is lost for mankind, one should sustain nature’s growth. He believed that nature remains a good in itself, even if man does not benefit from it.

Similarly, the Prophet incited believers to share the earth’s resources. He said: “Muslims share alike in three things – water, herbage and fire,” and he considered it a sin to withhold water from the thirsty.

“No one can refuse surplus water without sinning against Allah and against man.” (Mishkat al Masabih)

The Prophet’s attitude towards sustainable use of land, conservation of water and the treatment of animals is a further illustration of the humility of his environmental philosophy.

 

Sustainable Use of Land 

“The earth has been created for me as a mosque and as a means of purification.” (Al-Bukhari I:331)

With these words the Prophet emphasizes the sacred nature of earth or soil, not only as a pure entity but also as a purifying agent. This reverence towards soil is also demonstrated in the ritual of tayammum, or “dry wudu” which permits the use of dust in the performance of ritual purification before prayer when water is not available.

The Prophet saw earth as subservient to man, but recognised that it should not be overexploited or abused, and that it had rights, like the trees and wildlife living on it. In order to protect land, forests and wildlife, the Prophet created inviolable zones known as hima and haram, in which resources were to be left untouched. Both are still in use today: haram areas are often drawn up around wells and water sources to protect the groundwater table from over-pumping. Hima applies particularly to wildlife and forestry and usually designates an area of land where grazing and woodcutting are restricted, or where certain animal species are protected.

The Prophet not only encouraged the sustainable use of fertile lands, he also told his followers of the benefits of making unused land productive: planting a tree, sowing a seed and irrigating dry land were all regarded as charitable deeds. “Whoever brings dead land to life, that is, cultivates wasteland, for him is a reward therein.”  Thus any person who irrigates a plot of “dead”, or desert land becomes its rightful owner.

 

Conservation of Water

In the harsh desert environment where the Prophet lived, water was synonymous to life. Water was a gift from God, the source of all life on earth as is testified in the Quran:

“We made from water every living thing” (Surah Al Anbiya 21:30)

The Quran constantly reminds believers that they are but the guardians of God’s creation on earth and that they should never take this creation for granted:

“Consider the water which you drink. Was it you that brought it down from the rain cloud or We? If We had pleased, We could make it bitter” (Surah Al Waqi’ah 56:68-70)

Saving water and safeguarding its purity were two important issues for the Prophet: we have seen that his concern about the sustainable use of water led to the creation of haram zones in the vicinity of water sources. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) advocated thriftiness: even if water was abundant; he warned that wudu’ should not be performed more than three times in a row before each prayer; the Prophet himself (peace and blessings be upon him) washed each part only two or three times without ever going beyond three, even if water supplies were abundant. The theologian Al-Bukhari added:

“The men of science disapprove of exaggeration and also of exceeding the number of ablutions of the Prophet.”

The Prophet also warned against water pollution by forbidding urination in stagnant water.

 

The Treatment of Animals

“If anyone wrongfully kills even a sparrow, let alone anything greater, he will face God’s interrogation.” (Mishkat al Masabih)

These words reflect the great reverence, respect and love that the Prophet always showed towards animals. He believed that as part of God’s creation, animals should be treated with dignity, and the hadith contains a large collection of traditions, admonitions and stories about his relationship to animals. It shows that he had particular consideration for horses and camels: to him they were valiant companions during journey and battle, and he found great solace and wisdom in their presence as the following tradition reveals: “In the forehead of horses are tied up welfare and bliss until the Day of Resurrection.”

Even in the slaughter of animals, the Prophet showed great gentleness and sensitivity. While he did not practice vegetarianism, the hadiths clearly show that the Prophet was extremely sensitive to the suffering of animals, almost as though he shared their pain viscerally. Thus he recommends using sharp knives and a good method so that the animal can die a quick death with as little pain as possible. He also warned against slaughtering an animal in the presence of other animals, or letting the animal witness the sharpening of blades: to him that was equal to “slaughtering the animal twice” and he emphatically condemned such practices as “abominable”.

 

Conclusion

It is impossible to do justice to the full scope and significance of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) environmental philosophy in this short article. His holistic view of nature and his understanding of man’s place within the natural world pioneered environmental awareness within the Muslim community.

Sadly, the harmony that the Prophet advocated between man and his environment has today all too often been lost. As we face the effects of pollution and overexploitation, desertification and water scarcity in some parts of the world and floods and violent storms elsewhere, it is perhaps time for the world community as a whole, Muslims, Christians and Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, atheists and agnostics, to take a leaf out of the Prophet’s book and address the current environmental crisis seriously and wisely.

Relive the Journey

An Annual Islamic Conference dedicated to the love of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Journey of Faith Conference is a collaborative effort of Toronto Muslim communities that aims to emphasize the love of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a means of understanding Islam through the divine revelations and prophetic traditions.

I’m passing on EXCITING news about an upcoming conference that will be held in Toronto, Canada, this July, insha’Allah. It is going to be HUGE with guest lists of one of the most gifted scholars we have in the world today! Those in the Greater Toronto Area, I hope you all come out in full swing and take advantage of this once in a lifetime event! For more updates on the event, check the Journey Of Faith website.

Trailer of The 2nd Annual Islamic Conference – 2009

1st Annual Journey Of Faith Conference was Held in 2008

The first edition was held last year, July 12 & 12 of 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, Toronto, Canada. It was a journey that uplifted the spirit and transformed the future of many. It was the biggest conference of the year with the most captivating speakers of our time for a Journey of Faith: Bilal Philips, Said Rageah, Yahya Ibrahim, AbdulBary Yahya, Abdul Rahim Green, Tawfique Chowdhury, Abu Usamah adh-Dhahabi and many more…! Check Out last year’s Trailer.

Trailer of THE 1st Annual Islamic Conference – 2008

‘Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner.’ (Surah Al Fath 48:8)

Courtesy of: http://www.journeyconference.com/

Surah Al Zalzalah – THE EARTHQUAKE

Surah Al Zalzalah – THE EARTHQUAKE
Holy Quran, CHAPTER – 99,  (The Shaking)
(Revealed at Makkah : 8 Verses)

 

Surah Al Zalzalah is the 99th Chapter of the Holy Quran and was revealed in the holy city of Makkah. The Arabic word “zalzalah” means “Earthquake.” This word occurs in the very first verse, and hints at the severe shaking which was destined to bring about a transformation first in Arabia, and later on in the whole world. This shows the conneciton with the last chapter, which speaks of a transformation being brought about in the world by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is one of the earliest revelations.

1) When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion,
2) And the earth throws up her burdens (from within),
3) And man cries (distressed): ‘What is the matter with her?’-
4) On that Day will she declare her tidings:
5) For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration.
6) On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done).
7) Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it!
8) And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it.

The first verse speaks of a violent shaking of the earth. Zalzalah means originally to put into a state of commotion or agitation. That such a shaking would take place at the Resurrection cannot be denied. That it took place in the Prophet’s lifetime is a fact. This was the shaking which brought about that wonderful transformation in Arabia, and then in the whole world. The second verse speaks of the earth as bringing forth her burdens. This has been taken as signifying both the bringing forth of the dead and the yielding of her hidden treasures. How the earth is bringing forth her hidden treasures of mineral wealth shows the wonderful knowledge of the future disclosed in the Quran. That these are the preliminaries of a great transformation is the one theme of these early revelations. The transformation brought about in the Prophet’s life time was in fact the first stage in the greater transformation to be brought about in the whole world later on. The mighty worldconflicts of our day and the unimaginable treasures brought forth in these days are in fact portents of what must follow, the spiritual awakening to be brought about in the world.

Verses 3–5 indicate that, at the happenings referred to in the first two verses, man will wonder and cry out, what has befallen the earth? (That day) when the earth is shaken, the earth will relate her chronicles and inform about the good and evil that were done on its surface, because Allah gives her leave to talk.

In the next verses, Allah says that on the day when the earth speaks (mankind will issue forth in scattered groups) a group will go to Paradise, these are the believers, and a group will go to hell, and these are the disbelievers (to be shown their deeds) what they have done of good or evil when they were in the life of the world. Allah revealed this verse about a group of people who thought that they are not rewarded for any small goodness they do nor punished for any small evil they commit, and so Allah urged them to do acts of goodness even if they are small and warned them against acts of evil even if they are small acts. Whoever does an atom’s weight good, will see it then in his register and then will be happy with it; it is also said: the believer sees his works in the Hereafter while the disbeliever sees his works in the life of the world, and whoever does an atom’s weight ill, will see it then written in his register and will displease him; and it is also said: the believer sees it in the life of the world while the disbeliever sees it in the Hereafter’.

In the translation by Ibn Khatir:  [99:7-8] – Said Muqatil: “These two verses were revealed about two men. One of them deemed it unworthy to give beggars one date, a small piece of bread or one walnut, saying to himself: ‘Such things are nothing. We only get rewarded when we give away something that we love’. The other man used to belittle minor sins such as small lies, backbiting and looking at that which is unlawful, saying to himself: ‘No onus is on me because of engaging in this, for Allah threatens with hellfire only those who commit enormities’. And so Allah, exalted is He, revealed these two verses, encouraging people to perform even small acts of goodness, for they add up in the final run, and cautioning them against even small sins, for they add up in the final run.”

 

BURDENS OF THE EARTH

The second verse of the surah is interesting in that it refers to the burdens of the earth. Years have gone by and men have failed to understand what those burdens might be. The widely accepted interpretation was that the surah referred to the earthquake that was going to take place at the end of the world when the dead would be resurrected and treasures hidden underground would rise to the surface. No one could have guessed that the ground beneath was formed of dense and heavy matter that would rise to the surface. References to earthquakes in the Quran contribute to our better appreciation of them. Let us not forget that people believed at the time that the earth rested on the horns of an ox or on a fish whose tail, when it moved, produced earthquakes. The fact that the Quran made no reference to such false beliefs is another indication of its miraculous character.

The more we know about the contents of the Quran and about the universe, the more we appreciate Allah’s artistry and the perfection of His religion.

Say: “Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only men of understanding take heed.” (Surah Al Zumar 39:9)

THE DELICATE BALANCE ON EARTH

“He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again—do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted!” (The Holy Quran, Surah Al Mulk 67:3-4)

“He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs. He does not have a son and He has no partner in the Kingdom. He created everything and determined it most exactly.” (The Holy Quran, Surah Al Furqan 25:2)

Materialist philosophy emerged with the claim that all the systems in nature and the universe were like machines that functioned on their own, that the flawless order and balance within them were the work of chance. However, today, the false nature of materialism and of Darwinism, its so-called scientific foundation, has been scientifically demonstrated.

The scientific discoveries of the 20th century that followed swiftly, one after the other, in the fields of astrophysics and biology have proved that life and the universe were created. As the theses of Darwinism collapsed, the Big Bang theory has shown that the universe was created from nothing.

Discoveries have revealed that there is a great design and fine-tuning in the material world and this has categorically demonstrated the groundless nature of the claims of materialism.

Considering the conditions necessary for life, we see that only the Earth meets these particular conditions. For an environment suitable for life, there are innumerable conditions taking place simultaneously and unceasingly all around us. There are some hundred billion galaxies, each with-on average-a hundred billion stars. In all the galaxies, there are perhaps as many planets as stars.¹  In the face of such overpowering numbers, one can better comprehend the significance of the formation of such an exceptional environment on the Earth. When compared to other planets, it is evident that in all its aspects the earth is specially designed for human life. Built on delicate balances, life prevails in every spot of this planet, from the atmosphere to the depths of the earth. Exploring only a few of the millions of these delicate balances would be sufficient to show that the world we live in is specially designed for us.

From the force of the Big Bang explosion to the physical values of atoms, from the levels of the four basic forces to the chemical processes in the stars, from the type of light emitted by the Sun to the level of viscosity of water, from the distance of the Moon to the Earth to the level of gases in the atmosphere, from the Earth’s distance from the Sun to its angle of tilt to its orbit, and from the speed at which the Earth revolves around its own axis to the functions of the oceans and mountains on the Earth: every single detail is ideally suited to our lives. Today, the world of science describes these features by means of the concepts of the “Anthropic Principle” and “Fine-Tuning.” These concepts summarise the way that the universe is not an aimless, uncontrolled, chance collection of matter but that it has a purpose directed towards human life and has been designed with the greatest precision.

Attention is drawn in the above verses to the measure and harmony in Allah’s creation. The word “taqdeer,” meaning “to design, measure, create by measuring,” is employed in Quranic verses such as ‘Surah Al Furqan 25:2′. The word “tibaaq,” meaning “in harmony,” is used in ‘Surah Al Mulk 67:3′ and ‘Surah Nuh 71:15′. Furthermore, Allah also reveals in ‘Surah Al Mulk’ with the word “tafaawut,” meaning “disagreement, violation, non-conformity, disorder, opposite,” that those who seek disharmony will fail to find it.

The term “fine-tuning,” which began to be used towards the end of the 20th century, represents this truth revealed in the verses. Over the last quarter-century or so, a great many scientists, intellectuals and writers have shown that the universe is not a collection of coincidences. On the contrary, it has an extraordinary design and order ideally suited to human life in its every detail. Many features in the universe clearly show that the universe has been specially designed to support life. The physicist Dr. Karl Giberson expresses this fact thus:

In the 1960s, some physicists observed that our universe appears to have been fine-tuned for the existence of human life. ²

 

One of the most important balances in our planet is revealed in the atmosphere that surrounds us. The atmosphere of the earth holds the most appropriate gasses in the most appropriate ratio needed for the survival not only of human beings, but also of all the living beings on the earth.

The 77% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% carbon dioxide as well as other gasses readily available in the atmosphere represent the ideal figures necessary for the survival of living beings. Oxygen, a gas that is vital for living beings, helps food to be burned and converted into energy in our bodies.

If the oxygen quantity in the atmosphere were greater than 21%, the cells in our body would soon start to suffer great damages. The vegetation and hydrocarbon molecules needed for life would also be destroyed. If this quantity were less, then this would cause difficulties in our respiration, and the food we eat would not be converted into energy. Therefore, the 21% oxygen in the atmosphere is the most ideal quantity determined for life.

No less than oxygen, other gasses like nitrogen and carbon dioxide are also arranged in the ideal quantity for the needs of living beings and the continuity of life. The amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere has the ideal ratio to balance the harmful and burning effects of oxygen. This ratio represents the most appropriate value required for photosynthesis, which is essential for life’s energy supply on the earth. Moreover, the amount of carbon dioxide has the most appropriate value that is needed to maintain the stability of the surface temperature of the earth and to prevent heat loss especially at night time. This gas, comprising 1% of the atmosphere, covers the earth like a quilt and prevents the loss of heat to space. If this amount were greater, the temperature of the earth would increase excessively, causing climatic instability and posing a serious threat against living beings.

These proportions remain constant thanks to a perfect system. The vegetation covering the earth converts carbon dioxide to oxygen, producing 190 billion tons of oxygen every day. The proportion of other gasses is always kept constant on the earth by the help of interconnected complex systems. Life is thus sustained.

In addition to the establishment of the ideal gas mixture required for life on the earth, the mechanisms needed to preserve and maintain this order are created alongside with it. Any break in the balance, though instantaneous, or any change in the ratios even for a very short time period, would mean the total destruction of life. Yet, this does not happen. The formation of these gasses in the atmosphere just in the amount people need, and the constant preservation of these ratios indicate a planned creation.
At the same time, the earth has the ideal size in terms of magnitude to possess an atmosphere. If the mass of the earth were a little less, then its gravitational force would be insufficient and the atmosphere would be dispersed in space. If its mass were a little greater, then the gravitational force would be too much and the earth would absorb all gasses in the atmosphere. There is an incredibly high number of conditions required for the formation of an atmosphere such as the one our world currently has and all of these conditions should exist altogether to be able to talk of life.

The creation of these delicate proportions and balances in the sky is mentioned in the 7th verse of Surah Al Rahman:

“He erected heaven and established the balance.” (Surah Al Rahman 55:7)

The majority of people spend their lives without being aware of the delicate balances and subtle adjustments in the gas composition of the atmosphere, the distance of the world to the sun or the movements of planets. They are ignorant of the great significance of these balances and adjustments to their own lives. However, even a minor deviation in any one of these arrangements would create very severe problems regarding the existence and survival of humankind.

There are many other balances established on earth for the continuity of life:

For instance, if the surface gravity were stronger than its current value, the atmosphere would retain too much ammonia and methane gasses, which would mean the end of life. If it were weaker, the planet’s atmosphere would lose too much water, and life on earth would be impossible.

The thickness of the earth’s crust constitutes another one of the delicate balances in the earth. If the earth’s crust were thicker, too much oxygen would be transferred from the atmosphere to the crust and this would have severe effects on human life.

If the opposite were true, that is, if the earth’s crust were thinner, volcanic and tectonic activity would be too great to permit life on earth.

Another crucial balance for human life is the ozone level in the atmosphere. If it were greater than its current value, the surface temperatures would be too low. If it were less, surface temperatures would be too high, and there would be too much ultraviolet radiation at the surface.

The Speed of the Big Bang Explosion:

The balances established with the Big Bang, the instantaneous formation of the universe, are one of the proofs that the universe did not come into being by chance. According to the well-known Adelaide University professor of mathematical physics Paul Davies, if the rate of expansion that took place following the Big Bang had been just one in a billion billion parts different (1/1018), the universe could not have come into being. ³

The Four Forces:

All physical motion in the universe comes about thanks to the interaction and equilibrium of the four forces recognised by modern physics: gravity, electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force and weak nuclear force. These forces possess extraordinarily different values to one another. ⁴

The Distances between Celestial Bodies:

The distribution of celestial bodies in space and the enormous spaces between them are essential to the existence of life on Earth. The distances between celestial bodies have been set out in a calculation compatible with a great many powerful universal forces in such a way as to support life on Earth. ⁵

The Earth’s Distance from the Sun:

• If this were any greater, the planet would grow very cold, the water cycle in the atmosphere would be affected, and the planet would enter an ice-age.
• If the Earth were any closer to the Sun, plants would burn up, the water cycle in the Earth’s atmosphere would be irreparably damaged, and life would become impossible.

The Speed at which the Earth Revolves:

• If this were any slower, the temperature difference between day and night would grow enormously.
• If it were any faster, then atmospheric winds would reach enormous speeds, and cyclones and storms would make life impossible.

The Earth’s Magnetic Field:

• If this were any more powerful, very strong electromagnetic storms would arise.
• If it were any weaker, then the Earth would lose its protection against the harmful particles given off by the Sun and known as solar winds.

Both situations would make life impossible.

The Albedo Effect (The Fraction of Light Reflected by the Earth):

• If this were any greater, an ice-age would rapidly result.
• If it were any less, the greenhouse effect would lead to excessive warming. The Earth would first be flooded with the melting of the glaciers, and would then burn up.

Seismic Activity (Earthquakes):

• If this were any greater, there would be constant upheaval for living things.
• If it were any less, the nutrients at the sea bottom would fail to spread into the water. This would have a damaging effect on life in the seas and oceans and all living things on Earth.

The Earth’s Angle of Tilt:

The Earth has a 23 degree angle of inclination to its orbit. It is this inclination that gives rise to the seasons. If this angle were any greater or any less than it is now, the temperature difference between the seasons would reach extreme dimensions, with unbearably hot summers and bitterly cold winters.

The Size of the Sun:

A smaller star than the Sun would mean the Earth would freeze and a larger star would lead to its burning up.

The Attraction between the Earth and the Moon:

• If this were any greater, the powerful attraction of the Moon would have extremely serious effects on atmospheric conditions, the speed at which the Earth revolves around its own axis and on the ocean tides.
• If it were any less, this would lead to extreme climate changes.

The Distance between the Earth and the Moon:

• If they were just a little closer, the Moon would crash into the Earth.
• If they were any further, the Moon would become lost in space.
• If they were even a little closer, the Moon’s effect on the Earth’s tides would reach dangerous dimensions. Ocean waves would inundate low-lying areas. The friction emerging as a result of this would raise the temperature of the oceans and the sensitive temperature balance essential to life on Earth would disappear.
• If they were even a little further away, the tides would decrease, leading the oceans to be less mobile. Immobile water would endanger life in the seas, and the level of the oxygen we breathe would be endangered. ⁶

The Temperature of the Earth and Carbon-Based Life:

The existence of carbon, the basis of all life, depends on the temperature remaining within specific limits. Carbon is an essential substance for organic molecules such as amino-acid, nucleic acid and protein: These constitute the basis of life. For that reason, life can only be carbon-based. Given this, the existing temperature needs to be no lower than -20 degrees and no higher than 1200 Celsius (2480 F). These are just the temperature limits on Earth.

These are just a few of the exceedingly sensitive balances which are essential for life on Earth to have emerged and to survive. Yet even these are sufficient to definitively reveal that the Earth and the universe could not have come into being as the result of a number of consecutive coincidences. The concepts of “fine-tuning” and the “anthropic principle” that began to be employed in the 20th century are further evidence of Allah’s creation. The harmony and proportion therein were described with magnificent accuracy fourteen centuries ago in the Quran.

In fact, the absence of even a single of these balances would set the end to life on earth. However, Allah has created the universe with infinite wisdom and power and designed the earth specially for human life. Despite this fact, the majority of people lead their lives in total ignorance of these events. In the Quran, Allah reminds people of His blessings in the 13th verse of Surah Fatir:

“Allah) makes night merge into day and day merge into night, and He has made the sun and moon subservient, each one running until a specified time. That is Allah, your Lord. The Kingdom is His. Those you call on besides Him have no power over even the smallest speck.” (Surah Fatir 35:13)

It is sufficient to look at millions of dead planets in space in order to understand that the delicate balances required for life on earth is not a result of random coincidences. The conditions essential for life are too complicated to have been formed ‘on their own’ and at random, and these conditions are specially created for life alone.

These balances we have briefly described so far are only a few of the millions of intricate, interrelated balances and orders established so that people can live in peace and safety on the earth.

Examining only a part of the balances and harmony on the earth is enough to comprehend the superior being of Allah and grasp the existence of a planned creation in every detail of the universe. It is no doubt impossible for a person or any other living being to build such an enormous balance and order. Nor are the components of this order such as atoms, elements, molecules, and gasses capable of establishing an order based on such intricate and extremely delicate calculations and measurements, and such fine tunings. This is because activities like planning, ordering, arranging, calculating, and proportioning can only be realized by beings that possess wisdom, knowledge and power. The Exalted Being Who orders, plans and balances the entire universe to be fit for life of human beings on a planet like earth and Who sustains it with dramatically delicate measures and balances is Allah, Who has Infinite Wisdom, Knowledge and Power.

In the Quran, it is stated that those people who are able to realize these facts are only ‘people with intelligence’ :

“In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are Signs for people with intelligence: those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth:  “Our Lord, You have not created this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.”" (Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:190-191)

 

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

1- Carl Sagan, Cosmos, (Avenel, NJ: Wings Books: April 1983), 5-7.
2- Karl Giberson, “The Anthropic Principle,” Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 9 (1997). (emphasis added)
3- Paul Davies, Superforce: The Search for a Grand Unified Theory of Nature, 1984, 184.
4- Michael Denton, Nature’s Destiny: How the Laws of Biology Reveal Purpose in the Universe, (New York: The Free Press, 1998), 12-13.
5- Michael Denton, Nature’s Destiny: How the Laws of Biology Reveal Purpose in the Universe, (New York: The Free Press, 1998), 11.
6- “The Elemental Forces of the Universe;” www.pathlights.com/ce_encyclopedia/01-ma10.htm#Elemental Forces Jun 30, 2005

Extracted from : Articles by Harun Yahya

Picture Perfect : Allah will Guard the Quran from Corruption

 

Photo Courtesy : http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyindya2020/

Friday Khutbah (Sermons) : Chastity

Friday Khutbah (Sermons) : Chastity

- by Imam Al-Haramain Husayn ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Aal Sheikh
from the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Rabee’uth Thaanee 22, 1422 (July 13, 2001)

The Transcript:

 

All praise is due to Allah. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allah. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! The religion of Islam was revealed complete in order to perfect Allah’s blessings on mankind, and guarantee the highest form of grace and kindness. It orders that conditions be improved, and that people be generous. It warns against useless and time-wasting speech and actions. It brought all that can beautify the slave of Allah, and decorate him, and all that can distance him from anything that may defile him and disgrace him.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“Allah is generous and gracious, and he loves the generous, gracious people, and He loves the ones who strive to better the state of affairs and He hates useless and time-wasting speech and actions.” (At-Tabarani)

One of Islam’s greatest goals is to establish the abstention from what is forbidden, create virtuousness, purity and to implant good-doing and charity in the community, and the distancing from vice and indecency. And from here Islam has been careful to distance people from their animalistic desires and Satanic manners.

Allah says,

“And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them of His Bounty.” (Surah Al Nur 24:33)

Allah also says,

“But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Surah Al Nur 24:60)

Ibn Abbaas narrated in his account of Abu Sufyan and Caesar,

“Abu Sufyan said, ‘And he (Muhammad (SAW)) orders us to worship Allah without associating any partners with Him and forbids us from worshipping that which our forefathers worshipped, and he orders us to perform prayers, give charity, be chaste, keep our promises, and to return trusts to their rightful owners.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

At-Tirmidhi relates that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“The first three to enter paradise were shown to me: A martyr, a chaste person, and a slave who perfected his worship of Allah and remained faithful to his master.”

The chastity of Islam is what restrains the human behaviour from deteriorating into the following of despicable desires. It looks after one’s interests, curbs one’s desires and prevents one from slipping into error and lack of discipline. This chastity finds expression in human decency and there appears in it purity, and human virtue.

This chastity is related to the achievement of manhood and authority. At the time one’s spirit is strengthened by performing good deeds, good personal manners, good habits, leaving behind the filth and immorality, tolerating its observance in keeping up good habits, and leaving the degrading and despicable.

Islam concentrates on the foundation of chastity to protect honour and majesty. At that time the human will remain strong-willed, and courageous. So don’t yield to your desire, and don’t obey it.

Brothers in Islam! If we talk about these above-mentioned descriptions in Islam, they are self-evident for the intelligent open-minded person. They glorify the good things of this religion and have raised its learning to a dignified position. One may look in different countries of the world which we know today. Chastity has been lost, and it is darkened by shamelessness and immorality, and no one shows any respect, people have rough manners, and disgraceful practices, knowing no honour or chivalry, and bearing no characteristic of courtliness or kindness. Freedom to follow desires, legalisation of transient things of the world, and a loss of humility and decency, no disgust from immoral or unlawful deeds. What do you think brought about this dissoluteness? What caused these manners which left chastity behind and destroyed purity and humility? It was brought about by immorality whose damaging effects know no limit and result in various pains, hurts and sorrows, and destructive conditions.

O slaves of Allah! The Shariah was revealed in order to bring about chastity, purity and the spreading of humility and virtue on the individual level as well as on the level of society. It’s definitive orders came specifically to the Faithful Muslims, and to the Muslims generally to guard their chastity.

Guarding chastity from immorality is one thing that can purify the soul, bring peace to nations, and maintain security.

Allah says,

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts. That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts.” (Surah Al Nur 24:30)

Allah praised those who guard their chastity, and made that a sign of supreme success. Allah says,

“Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers in all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay the Zakat. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts.).” (Surah Al Mu’minun 23:1)

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“Whoever guarantees for me (that) what is between his legs and what is between his two beards (i.e. between the left and right sides of his beards: meaning his mouth)[i.e. will perform no act of indiscretion]. I guarantee for him paradise.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said,

“If a woman prays five times daily, and fasts her month (of Ramadan), and guards her chastity, and obeys her husband, it will be said to her, ‘Enter Paradise by any door you like.’”

Fellow Muslims! The greatest thing that destroys this guard of chastity is fornication, so it is one of the biggest sins and greatest transgressions. Ibn Al-Qayyim said,

“In His book, Allah specifically labelled the association of partners with Him, fornication and homosexuality, with impurity and filth… and no sin is worse for the heart and religion than those two great sins – fornication and homosexuality – and for them is a characteristic in distancing the heart from Allah. If the heart acknowledged them, it is distanced from Allah.”

And Allah warned against fornication and described its awful description and it’s result of utter destruction, He says,

“And those who invoke not any other god along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse – and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide there in disgrace. Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds…” (Surah Al Furqan 25:68)

Allah also says,

“And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a transgression of Allah’s limits, and an evil way.” (Surah Al Isra’ 17:32)

Fellow Muslims! Fornication is incompatible with the characteristics of the faithful believer and repulsive to the pious and the God-fearing. Allah says,

“The adulterer marries not but an adulteress or a Mushrikah (polytheist woman) and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer or a Mushrik (polytheist man). Such a thing is forbidden to the believers.” (Surah Al Nur 24:3)

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“When the fornicator is committing fornication, he is not a believer.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

And Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said,

“If a slave of Allah commits fornication, his faith leaves him through his head and when he turns away from her, his faith returns again.” (Abu Dawood)

O slaves of Allah! Fornication is usually associated with the performance of other acts of disobedience to Allah and it guarantees all forms of harm. By way of fornication, mortal diseases become prevalent in the community, and different kinds of afflictions and trials appear, and the good god-fearing family is non-existent, blessings become scarce, not to mention the estrangement and enmity between human beings, the spread of multifarious diseases.

O slaves of Allah! Listen, then, to the light of the Prophet Muhammad’s revelation; it speaks about these evil effects and warns against these dangers and evils. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“My nation will remain well as long as there is not a prevalence of children born out of wedlock, and if there is such a prevalence they will be on the point of receiving Allah’s punishment.” (Ahmad)

And the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“If there is a prevalence of fornication and usury in a nation, they have legitimised for themselves the punishment (of Allah).”

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said,

“(Allah’s) covenant is never broken in a nation but there spreads amongst them killing, and there never appears immorality in a nation until it is announced to me except there spreads among them plague and diseases that were not known in past generations…” (Ibn Majah, Al-Hakim, Adh-Dhahabee)

Fellow Muslims! Remember that fornication is but a few moments pleasure which people are driven to by their base whims and desires, and its perpetrator shall be punished. It is a short-lived pleasure, yet it’s long term effects are evil. Fornicators are swift to laughter, but remain disgraced and dishonoured, and Allah is angry with them.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said during part of a longer narration,

“Whenever the Prophet finished the (morning) prayer, he would face us and ask, “Who amongst you had a dream last night?” So if anyone had seen a dream he would narrate it. The Prophet would say: “Ma sha’a-llah” (An Arabic maxim meaning literally, ‘What Allah wished,’ and it indicates a good omen.) One day, he asked us whether anyone of us had seen a dream. We replied in the negative. The Prophet said, “But I had seen (a dream) last night that two men came to me, caught hold of my hands, and took me to the Sacred Land (Jerusalem). There, I saw a person sitting and another standing with an iron hook in his hand pushing it inside the mouth of the former till it reached the jaw-bone, and then tore off one side of his cheek, and then did the same with the other side; in the mean-time the first side of his cheek became normal again and then he repeated the same operation again. I said, ‘What is this?’ They told me to proceed on and we went on till we came to a man Lying flat on his back, and another man standing at his head carrying a stone or a piece of rock, and crushing the head of the Lying man, with that stone. Whenever he struck him, the stone rolled away. The man went to pick it up and by the time he returned to him, the crushed head had returned to its normal state and the man came back and struck him again (and so on). I said, ‘Who is this?’ They told me to proceed on; so we proceeded on and passed by a hole like an oven; with a narrow top and wide bottom, and the fire was kindling underneath that hole. Whenever the fire-flame went up, the people were lifted up to such an extent that they about to get out of it, and whenever the fire got quieter, the people went down into it, and there were naked men and women in it. I said, ‘Who is this?’ They told me to proceed on. So we proceeded on till we reached a river of blood and a man was in it, and another man was standing at its bank with stones in front of him, facing the man standing in the river. Whenever the man in the river wanted to come out, the other one threw a stone in his mouth and caused him to retreat to his original position; and so whenever he wanted to come out the other would throw a stone in his mouth, and he would retreat to his original position. I asked, ‘What is this?’ They told me to proceed on and we did so till we reached a well-flourished green garden having a huge tree and near its root was sitting an old man with some children. (I saw) Another man near the tree with fire in front of him and he was kindling it up. Then they (i.e. my two companions) made me climb up the tree and made me enter a house, better than which I have ever seen. In it were some old men and young men, women and children. Then they took me out of this house and made me climb up the tree and made me enter another house that was better and superior (to the first) containing old and young people. I said to them (i.e. my two companions), ‘You have made me ramble all the night. Tell me all about that I have seen.’ They said, ‘Yes. As for the one whose cheek you saw being torn away, he was a liar and he used to tell lies, and the people would report those lies on his authority till they spread all over the world. So, he will be punished like that till the Day of Resurrection. The one whose head you saw being crushed is the one whom Allah had given the knowledge of Quran (i.e. knowing it by heart) but he used to sleep at night (i.e. he did not recite it then) and did not use to act upon it (i.e. upon its orders etc.) by day; and so this punishment will go on till the Day of Resurrection. And those you saw in the hole (like oven) were adulterers (those men and women who commit illegal sexual intercourse). And those you saw in the river of blood were those dealing in Riba (usury). And the old man who was sitting at the base of the tree was Abraham and the little children around him were the offspring of the people. And the one who was kindling the fire was Malik, the gate-keeper of the Hell-fire. And the first house in which you have gone was the house of the common believers, and the second house was of the martyrs. I am Gabriel and this is Michael. Raise your head.’ I raised my head and saw a thing like a cloud over me. They said, ‘That is your place.’ I said, ‘Let me enter my place.’ They said, ‘You still have some life which you have not yet completed, and when you complete (that remaining portion of your life) you will then enter your place.’”” (Narrated Samura bin Jundab:  Sahih Bukhari Book #23, Hadith #468)

So fear Allah, O slaves of Allah, and stick to His orders, and stop at His limits, and you will prevail, you will win and be happy.

Brothers in Islam! If the way of straightpath is not easy for a Muslim, and it is not easy in today’s world, and if the ways of immorality are widespread and multifarious, then the faithful Muslim urgently needs to remember that The Creator can always see Him and pursues a revival of fear of Allah. And Muslims can be reminded by the Prophet Muhammad’s words,

“Allah will shade seven in His shade on the day when there will be no shade but His shade… (and one of them was)… a man who is approached by a beautiful woman, and he said, ‘I fear Allah.’”

So see, O you who have reached a respectable advanced age, it is the time of the youths and it is filled with sin and wrongdoing, remember the greatness of the affair and the result of a bad end to life and the life after death. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“On the day of Judgement, there are three groups of people whom Allah will not speak to, nor make them flourish, nor will He look at them, and for them is a painful torment: an old man who commits fornication, a king who is a liar, and a poor people who are arrogant” (Muslim)