Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Religious Symbols
Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) Sura 22: Verse 32

"This is [to be bourne in mind]. Anyone who honours the symbols set up by God [shows evidence of ] God-consciousness in people's hearts."

A link is established here between the sacrifice offered by pilgrims and the way hearts are made conscious of God. The whole purpose of all pilgrimage rituals is to enhance believers' God-fearing sense. All these rituals are symbols confirming submission to God, the Lord of the Ka'bah, the Sacred House, as also obeying Him in all situations. They may also involve reminders of old events, from the time of Abraham and later generations, but these are reminders of complete submission to God, obeying His rules and looking up to Him for guidance. Such is the mark of the Muslim community evern since its earliest days. Hence, these symbols are to be treated on an equal footing with prayer.

Compiled From:
""In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 12, pp. 130, 131

From Issue: 557 [Read original issue]

Understanding The Prophet's Life

The Framework

At-Tirmidhi transmitted from al-Harith al-Awar: "I went by the mosque and found the people there delving into hadiths. I went to Ali and told him. He said, 'Are they really doing that?' 'Yes,' I said. He said, 'As for me, I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "It will become a trial." I asked, "What is the way out of it, Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "The Book of Allah contains news of what was before you, reports about what will come after you, and judgement of what is among you. It is a Decisive Word and is not a joke. If any tyrant abandons it, Allah Almighty will crush him. If anyone seeks guidance from other than it, Allah Almighty will misguide him. It is the firm rope of Allah. It is the Wise Reminder and it is the Straight Path. It is that which sects cannot make deviate and which cannot be disordered by tongues. Scholars can never have their fill of it and it does not wear out by repetition. Its wonders do not end. When the jinn heard it, it made them say, 'We have heard a most amazing Recitation. It leads to right guidance, so we believe in it.' (72:1) Whoever utters it is truthful. Whoever acts by it is rewarded. Whoever judges by it is just. Whoever calls to it is guided to a Straight Path.' Take it for yourself, Awar.'"

A religious judgement cannot be made on the basis of one hadith separate from others. One hadith must be added to other hadiths and then the combined hadiths compared with what the Quran indicates. The Quran is the framework within which hadiths are acted upon and it must not be overstepped. Anyone who claims that the Sunna overrules the Book or can abrogate any of its rulings is deluded.

Compiled From:
"The Sunna of the Prophet" - Muhammad al-Ghazali

From Issue: 961 [Read original issue]

Cool Tips!

A Quick Checklist Of Ramadan

• Make a resolve to win the maximum favour of Allah: perform extra voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), make frequent Du'a and increase remembrance (Dhikr).
• Try to recite some Quran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan! Study theQuranic Tafseer (commentary) every morning.
• Invite a person you are not very close with to your home for Iftar, at least once a week. You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
• Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
• Give gifts on 'Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
• Commit to an Islamic study circles to enhance your Islamic knowledge and practice. Plan to complete reading a book on Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life in these 30 days.
• Donate generously to the masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need. "This is a month of sharing!"
• Share Ramadan and its teachings of love & patience with your neighbours. Learn how at http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/
• Initiate a project to promote or revive a ‘forgotten’ social cause in the Muslim and non-Muslim community: fight against racism, AIDS, drugs, cancer, smoking…etc.
• Did you know, our society, which constitutes only 20% of world’s population, actually consumes 80% of world’s resources! Volunteer at food bank or Anti-Poverty campaign, while fasting!
• Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of 'the night better than a 1000 months', Laylatul-Qadr.
• Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: It is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.
• Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the fast! Abandon foul language forever.
• Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything evil. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with passion and sympathy.
• Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the I'tikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Compiled From:
"Ramadan: A Time for Revival or Survival?" - Young Muslims Publication [Download and distribute]

From Issue: 592 [Read original issue]