The latest issue haunting the Muslim world is the derogatory movie made against the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The protest and the fire in the heart of Muslims across the world had not ceased, that a French magazine came up with the caricature of Prophet (PBUH) resulting in adding insult to injury. The only reason because of why Western world could come up with against all this derogation and hurting of billion Muslims is the Freedom of Speech.
Freedom of speech is to say what a person wants regardless of any insight to the consequences. The lines below give a detail of the concept of freedom of speech in West and their contradictions, along with the sayings of Islam on freedom of speech in light of holy Quran learning and Sunnah.
West And Its Contradictions:
Every where the modern countries of West are found speaking freedom of speech, however, firstly their lie contradiction in their saying and doing, and secondly, as per say there cannot be such a concept of freedom of speech.
Contradictions:
Some of the major contradictions in the Western world pertaining to the slogan of freedom of speech are:
In Europe certain social and legal limits are imposed on publication of Semitic cartoons, and as per law the person doing so is liable to be prosecuted legally. Moreover, in some of the European countries the law restricts everyone not to say that Hitler was the killer of Jews. On the other hand, when it comes to the movie and sketches against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the hypocritical Europe calls it freedom of speech.
In UK there exists Official Secrets Act, which binds all the workers of UK intelligence agencies to sign a paper which restricts their freedom of speech in matters of national security.
In United States also the CIA officials are bound to keep everything secret as per law. The law initiated when CIA officials started writing memoirs. Thus the hypocrisy of United States pertaining to freedom of speech.
As a matter of fact, no matter how liberal the West is, they have never been able to establish a true definition of freedom of speech. Would calling prostitution good, pornography a healthy thing be considered freedom of speech? The answer is that it is very subjective and the West could never define freedom of speech, neither can it allow someone to speak against its opinions. Therefore, the Western Freedom of Speech slogan is fallible; hence it needs not to be followed.
Islamic Point Of View:
The Islamic point of view about the freedom of speech is quite clear; there is no ‘freedom of speech’ slogan in Islam. Rather Islam has given us Quran and Sunnah as the boundaries, staying within which a Muslim can say or debate about anything. Therefore, there is no need to follow the Western slogan of freedom of speech. Allah Almighty says in Quran:
“We have set you on a plain way of commandment so follow it, and not the desires of those who have no knowledge.” (Quran 45:18)
Therefore, Holy Quran reading gives guidance to Muslim about anything they want to say about anything. In lights of Quran Muslims can decide whether the speech about a particular person or topic is to be made or not.
It is not that Islam does not allow proclamation of opinion freely; rather it is allowed but within the boundaries set by Quran and Sunnah. Some examples that show the Islamic freedom of opinion and respect to the feelings of others are given below:
Harun al-Rahid would give financial incentives to those who would learn, teach and debate about issues of deen for the purpose of clear understanding.
Prophet (PBUH) said: “The master of martyrs is Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib and a man who stood up to an oppressive ruler, ordered hi (to do good) and forbade him (from doing evil) and was killed by him.” Thus Muslims have freedom of expressing their opinion when it is against an oppressor abusing his authority or anything happening against Islam.
When it comes to tolerating non-Muslims, Prophet (PBUH) clearly said: “Whoever hurts a non-Muslim citizen of an Islamic state hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys Allah”. (Bukhari) The hadith clearly shows the value preached to Muslims in respecting and securing the non-Muslim citizens, their beliefs and lives both.
In short, a Muslim of today’s world does not need to follow the Western hypocritical slogan of freedom of speech. Rather a Muslim needs to follow the instructions of Quran and the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH) which in reality are what they preach on contrary to Western slogan. Therefore, a Muslim must always speak and express opinion in guidance of Quran and Sunnah and not follow the hollow charm of West.
Month of Shaban is one of the most sacred month in the Islamic Calender. The last Messenger Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) termed it as “MY MONTH” and during this month he used to fast a lot more. 15th night of Shabaan is known as the Shab-e-Baraat, it is next to Lailatul Qadr. By reciting Quran online, you will get to know more about the significance of Shab-e-Baraat in the religion Islam. This night of mid Shaban is also known as Laylatul Baraah. In the Arab countries, it is known as Laylatun Nisfe min Sha’ban, while in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Iran, it is known as Shab-e-Baraat. Some other names of Shab-e-Baraat are Lailatul Biraat and Lailatul Dua.
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) once said about the significance of this Holy Month:”People are not aware of the excellence of the month of Shabaan, the month that comes between the months of Rajab and Ramadaan. In this month, the action of the people are presented (to ALLAH).I wish my actions to be presented whilst I am fasting.”
Month of Shaban is perhaps the blessed month in the Islamic Calendar. This month brings lots of chances for earning the reward and a person can seek the pleasure and blessings of Almighty Allah. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) also used to pray and worship a lot in this month. This night starts from the Maghrib Salaah Azan. The record book (AMAL NAMA) of a person contains all the deeds of a person in the past year are closed and preserved till the day of resurrection. Various Angels at this particular night were assigned deaths, charge of births and they were given the instructions by Almighty Allah to perform various duties like recording the names of people who will die in the coming year.
On this night, doors of forgiveness and mercy are opened, and those who are grieved over repent for all their sins and also seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah. A good Quran Tutor will certainly help in better understanding of the significance of Lailatul Qadr.
About the night of Shab-e Qadar, Abu Bakar once said:”On the night of Shabaan, ALLAH spreads HIS mercy on the earth and pardons all the sinners except the Polytheist,the Hypocrites and those who harbour ill-feeling towards their brethren.”
After the night of Sunset, it is better to recite “La Hawla walaa Quwwata illa Billahil-aliyil Azeem” 40 times, alongwith Durood Shareef. You must read 6 rakaat Nafl prayer(2+2+2) after the Magrib prayer. After every two rakaats, always read Surah Yaseen one time. Offering these prayers will bless your day and you will live a prosperous life in all your life after the Isha or Magrib prayer. Read 2 rakaahs of Nafil then Surah Yasin and dua Nisfu with the proper intention.
Read 12 rakaat nafl prayers in each rakaat after Esha to Surah Fatiha. All these worships are about praising Almighty Allah, so that he has no partner, and for him is the kingdom, and for him is the praise. He has complete control over life and death.
The proof of Shab-e-Baraat can also be well understood from the following verse of Holy Quran:
“Surely, We have sent it (the Holy Qur’an) down in a blessed night. Surely, We are the Warner. In this (night) judgment is given on all matters of wisdom (separately) by Our Command.” (Sura ad-Dukhan, 44:3-5)
There are several occasions that are deemed as a blessing and gift from Allah Almighty other than Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adhaa in Islamic societies all around the world, and one such revered occasion is Isra or Me’raj that occurs on 27th of Islamic month of Rajab (the 7th month according to Islamic calendar). This year, Isra/Me’raj will fall on 17th of 2012.
Isra or Me’raj, according to Islamic theology, concerns establishment and acknowledgement of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) miraculous journey from Mecca through Jerusalem and his eventual ascension to Heavens before the all mighty all powerful Allah (SWT).
Isra, Me’raj and Qur’an
Some people refer to this revered event as a fabrication because of its details that do not concede with common human intellect. In fact, the ascension of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Heavens is the truest of events as there are narrations of it in a source as authentic and eternal as Holy Qur’an:
“Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allaah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him] Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) to Al‑Masjid Al‑Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Seer”[al-Isra’ 17:1]
In fact, that is why learning Qur’an is seen as a religious obligation on Muslims ever since its revelation, as it contains knowledge and information on everything that people might ever need. Today, one can even recite and read holy Quran online, getting high quality assistance needed to do so while sitting within the comforts of their own homes.
Explanation
Fact of the matter is that Isra/Me’raj is not described in detail in Qur’an. The details come to us from hadith and other authentic Islamic traditions that explain this miraculous journey in fine details. According to those details, this journey comprised of two parts:
Isra – First part of the journey
Islamic scholars are of the view that this miraculous journey comprised of two parts; the first one referred as Isra that involves Muhammad’s (PBUH) visit to Jerusalem in company of Archangel Gabriel (may peace be upon him) where he prayed with all the Prophets including Adam, Jesus, Moses, and others. Gabriel presented Muhammad (PBUH) with Burraq, a special kind of ride bestowed to them by Allah Almighty that travelled lightening fast to enable them complete this multidimensional journey merely in a matter of one night.
Burraq
According to Islamic traditions, Burraq was a ride specially sent from heavens for Muhammad (PBUH) to help him travel at lightening speeds. Many scholars also believe it resembled a horse, which by the way, should not matter, because the point lies in its lightening fast speed rather than its size, shape, or nature.
Me’raj – Second part of the journey
Islamic theology states that Me’raj constitutes the latter half of this revered journey when Muhammad was ascended to Heavens where he practically witnessed hell and heaven by wish and will of Allah Almighty. The word Me’raj equates to “ladder” in Arabic that is also expressive of the nature of this journey. Different levels and intensities of hell and heaven were shown to Muhammad (PBH) during this phase of journey as well.
Incumbency of daily prayers
It is also through Me’raj that Muslims were granted the gift of 5 daily prayers by Allah Almighty. As a matter of fact, Allah initially awarded 50 prayers a day to Muhammad (PBUH), which was later on reduced to 5 times a day. This is another great significance of Me’raj.
How Muslims honor Isra/Me’raj
Muslims commemorate this gracious event by praying to Allah Almighty and praising Muhammad (PBUH). They try to pray as much as possible this day to appease Allah (SWT). Muslims try to recite as much of Qur’an this day as possible. As stated earlier, one can also perform Quran recitationto express their love, respect, and gratitude to The One Who deserves all praise and worship, i.e. Allah Almighty.
Conclusion
This revered occasion bestows Muslims with great opportunity of not only thanking Allah Almighty and His beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but it also serves as a reminder to them about the power and might of Allah (SWT) Who is capable of showing us anything He wants. May Allah Almighty bestow us with all the blessings this Isra/Me’raj and set our direction right.
The word Islam literally translates into peace and this is what Islam is all about. It begins with the quest of finding inner peace and tranquility, by acknowledging the greatness of one and only Allah Almighty, so that a person can be relieved from any fear or apprehensions. The same inner peace is then expected to be emanated outwards to the immediate surrounding a person is part of, so that the whole society (initially) and the whole world (ultimately) can bear the fruits of such a high living.
The true spirit of Islam
This is the truest spirit of Islam, which very unfortunately, all the way from its inception, has been attacked and misinterpreted by people who assume their interests to be at stake because of a just and peaceful society. It is very important to realize that one cannot be on accord with peace without respecting others around them.
Religious tolerance and respect in Islam
In fact, Islam is a religion that insists its followers to respect people from all religions and live with peace and harmony among each other, as also evident from the following verse:
Ash-Shura [42:13] The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah–that which We have sent by inspiration to thee–and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).
Yet another undesired and unfortunate Quran Burning incident in Afghanistan
Now, don’t you think it is cruelly unfair to treat such a religion with despise and biasness, as evident from the latest incident of Quran burning (yet again!) in Afghanistan on 20th February, 2012. The irony of this unfortunate (and undesirable) incident is that the anti-Islamic doctrine of media is portraying Afghan Muslims to be rebellious and war-loving creatures who are waged into significant protests against such a lowly incident.
The truth is that media is brainwashing people on a global scale to portray Islam as a religion of unrest and uproar. In fact, it entails a rational mind to learn all aspects of an issue, which is not possible without knowing about the true teachings of Islam. Luckily, this has become quite convenient in recent times. One can learn Quran online as well and see how Islam deems all humans, let alone Muslims, as evident from verses like these:
Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in God’s sight is that one of you who best performs his duty. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)
Conclusion
This is the real stance of Islam; considering the differences between people as a matter of choice and opinion rather than taking it as a matter of dispute and biasness. Not only Islam heralds the message of peace, but it also talks about justice and forgiveness. Don’t you think it is absolutely unfair to treat a religion badly that talks of justice and equal treatment, but still prefers a treatment of forgiveness to even those who play rogue with you? That is why, it is suggested to consult a Quran Tutor who can introduce you to true teachings of Islam, such as:
Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law). (17:33)
May Allah help us all to be able to accept and tolerate each other above all biasness and differences!
At the time of Prophet, Arabian Peninsula was a region where various faiths were present. They were Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, Polytheists and are not affiliated with any religion. When a person looks to the life of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), he can draw many examples from his life where he has demonstrated tolerance to people who have faith. Online Quran Recitation will tell you more about Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and the tolerance towards some other religions.
In order to judge and understand the tolerance, one must look into period where Islam was a formal state with specific laws that are laid down by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in accordance with the tenets of religion. Therefore, dealings of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and his mercy can be described in the following verse of Holy Quran:
“To you be your religion, to me be mine.”
If you want to judge and understand the tolerance, get Holy Quran online tutoring or understand the meaning of Quranic verses and look into the period in which Islam is a formal state, and it was presented by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in accordance with the tenets of religion. Although there are many examples of tolerance that were shown by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in his early stays in Mecca.
The best example of tolerance was shown by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to some of the other religions and it might constitute itself, known as Saheefah by the early historians. When the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) migrated to Medina, his role as a religious leader ended and he was now the political leader of state that is governed by percepts of Islam. Because of this reason, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) developed a constitution which showed the responsibilities of all the parties residing in Medina and their duties and obligations towards each other and the restrictions were placed on it.
All the parties have to obey what is mentioned here, while any breach of article was regarded as act of treachery. First article of constitution was that all inhabitants of Medina, Muslims and the one who entered the pact from Christians, Jews, and idolaters, were all one nation. All the citizens were considered as the member of society regardless of the race, religion, or the ancestry.
Each tribe had their enemies and alliances outside and within Medina. Prophet gathered all these tribes under the governance of one system which held the pacts of alliances that existed between various individual tribes. All of the tribes had to act in a single unit with regard to the individual alliances. Any attack on other religion or the tribe was considered attack on the state and on the Muslims as well.
People who are practicing other religion in the Muslim society were given a protective status: As the Holy Prophet said:
“Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell fragrance of Paradise.”(Saheeh Muslim)
In an article, it is stated: “the Jews have their religion and the Muslims have theirs.”
There are many articles that might be discussed, but the emphasis will be made on the articles that state, “If any dispute or controversy likely to cause trouble should arise, it must be referred to God and His Messenger.”
As the 12th Rabbi ul Awwal has been celebrated around the Muslim Ummah; however, there are many who believe that the celebration is mistaken. The reason for the disagreement is that the exact date of birth of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) is irresolute and therefore the celebrations are contradictory.
Here is a detailed note on the disagreements of the Ullemah regarding the celebrations of the 12th Rabbi ul Awwal, birthday of Muhammad (P.B.U.H).
Should Muslims Celebrate The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)?
After reciting and understanding Quran, does not indicate any such incident or celebrations and the disagreement about the birth of the Holy Prophet and so the controversies arise. It is believed by many that the birth took place in the “Year of the Elephant,” but may disagree.
Controversies relating to the birth date, day, month and year:
Muhammad Husain Haykal writes in the biography of Muhammad (May peace be upon him), “Historians have also differed concerning the month of Muhammad’s birth although the majority of them agree that it was Rabi` al Awwal, the third month of the lunar year. It has also been claimed that he was born in Muharram, in Safar, in Rajab, or in Ramadan.”
At another place he indicates that “others claim that he was born a few days, months, or years, after “the Year of the Elephant.”
Hence, not only the day or the month, but also the year of birth is a contradictory matter.
Celebration of the day by the Sahaba and the Arabs:
Another pressing matter is that the intensity of the celebrations that take place in Pakistan is not similar to that of the Arabs. Arabs have great memorization skills and a matter of this high regard to be overlooked or forgotten is unlikely.
Arabs are known for their feat of memorization and know hundreds of verses by heart. If the birthday of the Holy Prophet were such an important festive matter, they would not have missed it for the world.
Furthermore, neither there is any real proof in the history that the day was celebrated among the Sahaba, the companions of Rasool Allah (SAW), nor there is any narration, which states that Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encouraged his followers to celebrate the day with Darood recitation or to hold milads and make it a day of worship.
The question again arise that so we love Prophet Muhammad more than his own closest companions, who scarified their lives and their families for him, or the people today who are ignorant of the teaching so Islam. You should read Quran online to know instant solutions in the light of Quran and Sunnah, to such complex matters
Conclusion:
Muslims love Prophet with all their heart and show their love and affection in the form of milads, recitations of holy verses and through Darood recitals. However, the processions that are taken out on the 12th of Rabi ul Awwal are often considered as Bidah (innovation) in Islam.
Today, it has become a Muslim culture, instead of symbol of blessing and rewards and people indulge themselves in transgressions that are more sinful.
Rasool Allah (saw) himself said: “Whoever has performed a deed which is not in the religion from its inception is rejected (not acceptable to Allah) “. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Celebrating in an event of happiness to express joy is quite human. That is why we find almost all religions and cultures of the world with such celebrations, allowing their followers to express and emanate their auspiciousness regarding any particular event. Same is the case with Muslims. Muslim Ummah celebrates a few occasions every year globally, marking their joy and gratefulness to Allah Almighty for endowing them with such blessings.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH)
Out of all Islamic months, Rabi-Ul-Awwal holds the honor of being the month when humanity was endowed with the most valuable of all gifts from Almighty Allah, i.e. the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This happened more than 1400 years ago when humanity was passing through darkest of its periods. Ever since then, the fate of humanity in general and the fate of followers of Muhammad (PBUH) in particular, had been miraculously turned towards positivity, as emanated from the great teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In fact, Allah Almighty reveals to us in the Holy Scripture of Qur’anthat:
“We have sent him (Muhammad saw) as a source of mercy for the A’alimeen (humans, jinns and all else that exists),” (Surah 21.Al- Anbiya: Verse 107).
Linguistic experts are of opinion that the word “Milad” is a derivative of “viladat”, meaning birth. It means “Milad” as a word is used to signify the time and place of a particular birth. The whole word as it is mentioned here “Eid Milad-Un-Nabi (PBUH)” signifies of celebration and joy for Muslims in particular and the whole world in general, for getting blessed with the biggest honor from Allah Almighty to them in form of last of the prophets, Muhammad (PBUH).
Milad in relation to Quran
Quran, the Holy Scripture according to which Muslims are to live their lives, also contains content that suggests praising and celebrating the day when prophets (PBUT) of Allah Almighty are born. The following verse of Quran reveals the same as in case of Hazrat Yahya (A.S):
“The peace is on Him the day when he was born and the day when he will die and the day when he will be raised alive.” (Sura Al-Maryam, Verse 15)
This verse mentioned here is in connection with the complete Milad of Allah’s Prophet, Hazrat Yahya (A.S) as mentioned in great detail in the concurrent verses and chapter. Similarly, another narration also exhibits expressions of joy and celebration in relation to the birth of Hazrat Isa (A.S) (or Jesus), also in the same chapter of Qur’an:
“And the same peace on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I would be raised alive.”
(Holy Quran, Sura Al Maryam, Verse 33)
Comprehensive Quran Learningleads us to conclusion that Milad of a prophet is deemed as a praiseworthy event by Allah Almighty Himself. Based upon such inferences, it is quite logical to conclude that Eid Milad-Un-Nabi (celebrated on 12th of Rabbi-al-Awwal) should be an exceptional day of celebration for the followers of Allah (SW)’s last prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Eid Milad-Ul-Nabi (PBUH) in relation to Hadith
Hadith (descriptive narrations from Prophet PBUH) comes second to Quran for every Muslim to take heed from. There are many ahadith that signify the importance of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, such as:
The one who rejoices on the birth day of the Holy Prophet would not be severely punished and it is hoped that a Muslim who celebrate the Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him), will not be punished in hell. Imam Bukhari Rahmatullah Alaih narrates that Abu Lahab would be punished lightly in the hell on Monday. Because he rejoiced and freed his handmaid indicating by his finger, when the Prophet of Allah Almighty (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) took birth. So as a reward of happiness on Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) he would be given water by his finger. (Saheehul Bukhari Vol. 2, Page 764)
Conclusion
For Muslims, having true faith is incomplete unless they love and respect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than anything else, as evident from the following hadhith as well:
“None of you becomes a believer until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents and all mankind.” (as reported by Bukhari and Muslim)
That alone should serve a reason more than enough to express your joy and happiness for the greatest of gifts from Allah Almighty to humanity as true Muslims; so make the most of it this year as well.
Islam given special importance to Moral conduct, it is a way of behaving well with others by showing your nice word and kind manners. When a person asked about the moral conduct, Imam as-Sadiq answered:
“It is to become modest, speak honorable, and meet your brother cheerfully.”
Most of the individuals put effort on their looks and their personality. But the main aim of a person should be to look for the good Moral Conduct. Moral conduct is the base of all the virtues. Ahl-ul-Bayt used varieties of methods for the glorification of moral conduct:
Holy Prophet said:” The best amongst you are the most well-mannered and generous ones who go on intimate terms with people and people go on intimate terms with them, and whose places of residence are frequently trodden on by guests.”
It is also said that “You should be respected, if you want to be lenient and you might be severe, if you want to be disrespected.”
There were many messengers sent by Allah to people but first he developed moral conduct in them, which is a symbol of the virtues of prophet and also the representation of their personalities.
Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) was a perfect example of the moral conduct, as well as other high moral standards. Because of his ideal moralities, he was able to seize the hearts, and deserved the worthily praise of Allah. There are many lessons of Moral Conduct mentioned in the Holy Quran text.
Imam Ali described the moralities of Holy Prophet and said:
“He was the most generous, the bravest, the most truthful and the most faithful, and in terms of temper, the most lenient and in terms of association, the most honorable. Anyone seeing him for the very first time is filled with awe, and any one associating with loves him. I have never seen his like before and after him”.
Prophet Muhammad is a great picture of moral conduct; from Learning Quran you can see the story with Koreish. It can be seen that all the people there were against him and showed various sorts of bitterness that made him travel to his hometown. When Allah made him victorious against all these people, the people of Koreish knew that Muhammad will take his revenge. But the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said nothing to them, he said: “What do you think I am going to do with you? Only the good, for you are the noble brother and son of a noble brother,’ they answered. The Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) said, “ I will repeat the same wording of my brother Joseph the prophet:(Today, you are not condemned.) Go, you are released.”
Once Imams AL-Hassan and AL-Hussein noticed that an old man was performing the ablution incorrectly. They avoided pointing him out directly, instead they made him the arbiter who should rule most accurate ablution.
Similarly, a dispute once occurred between Mohammad ibn al-Hanafiyya and al-Hussein who conveyed a message to his brother: “ So then, brother! Your and my father is the same. You are not preferred to me and I am not preferred to you in this point. Regarding your mother Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, if my mother possesses gold that is filling the earth, she will never reach the standing of your mother. If you read this message, you may visit me so that I will please you. You are surely worthier of virtue than I am. Peace and Allah’s grace and blessings be upon you.”
World has gotten to know so much about “Taliban”, especially after the horrific tragedy referred as 9/11 that served to perish the lives of more than 3000 innocent human beings in the United States of America. Ever since then, world media highlights any news about “Taliban”, a regime that operated in war-torn country of Afghanistan at the time United States of America in particular and the world in general was awestruck with the tragedy of 9/11.
III-intentioned Western Media – Portraying Taliban’s View About Female Education As That Of Islam’s
It is very unfortunate that western media is portraying the atrocities committed by Taliban as that of Islam, making it look like; perhaps Islam is responsible of all the absurdities committed by Taliban and their allies, particularly banning of education for women. Every now and then, media reports highlight torching a school (targeting girls’ educational institutions in particular), or bombing it, or harassing or terrifying school going girls in some other way; unfortunately again, all in the name of Islam, in a stark contrast to the actual teachings of Islam.
Islamic Concept Of Education
In fact, Islam is a religion that flourished because of knowledge; knowledge about oneness of Allah Almighty, and seeking knowledge of everything Allah wants humans to know.
The following verse from Holy Quran textserves as a proof enough about the significance of knowledge and learning in Islam
“Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge Alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful.” Al Zumar, 39:9.
Does it seem logical to you that a religion whose Scripture literally serves to encourage people to become knowledgeable, can ask its followers to ban education for women. This assumption goes as absurd as it can be. In fact, it questions the ranks of those who lack in knowledge as compared to the ones who acquire knowledge and apply it to reach the conclusion that there is no might, but Allah (SWT). Knowing about true teachings of Islam is not possible with detailed Quran education, which is why it is held mandatory for every Muslim irrespective of their gender.
Islam’s Viewpoint Regarding Education Of Females
Islam is a religion of logic and reason. Do you think a society as stubborn as Pagan Arabs could have been forcefully converted to a new religion with teachings totally different from what they had been practicing for centuries? It was made possible simply because of educating those people. It is a fact that females constitute the very basis of any society and discouraging them from education is like disregarding the future of your next generations.
The following hadith shall serve as one of the best examples of how significant Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) deemed the education of females:
Manumission of Slaves [46:723] Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ashari: The Prophet said, “He who has a slave-girl and teaches her good manners and improves her education and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward; and any slave who observes Allah’s right and his master’s right will get a double reward.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith not only informs us about Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) view about female education, but also indicate the fact that how he (PBUH) encouraged eradicating the practice of slave keeping that was so dominant in those times.
Conclusion
The fact is that males and females both serve their part in completion of humanity and keeping one half of humanity deprived of the blessings of knowledge is an unjust act, which would be far from Islamic teachings, since Islam does not promote any prejudice against group of humans. So, those sharing the viewpoint of Taliban shall reconsider their standing in perspective of true Islamic teachings.
Islam is a religion much more than mere religious teachings and principles. It is in fact a complete code of life that not only teaches people about religious obligations, but offers them a complete set of instructions to live their lives accordingly.
Importance Of Cleanliness In Islam
Among all other things it teaches, comes cleanliness and hygiene. Allah Almighty is the cleanest of clean and purest of the pure, also evident from His direct words on different places in the book of Quran, such as:
At-Taubah [9:108] Never stand you therein. Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray). In it are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allâh loves those who make themselves clean and pure (i.e. who clean their private parts with dust [which has the cleansing properties of soap] and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature].
This verse is a proof more than enough how particular Allah Almighty and Islam is about cleanliness and purification. Not only it hints that Allah likes clean and pure people, but it also states how to do that in significant detail.
Physical As Well As Spiritual Consequences Of Not Maintaining Cleanliness
Unluckily, Muslims as followers of the true religion of God have strayed greatly from the true teachings of Allah Almighty and His religion. Just have a look at the situation of cleanliness in most of the Islamic countries of the world and you will immediately realize them lacking greatly as compared to majority of the western societies where cleanliness is their top most priority.
Dengue Fever
This unfortunate negligence from Quran teaching not only inflicts spiritual deterioration to Muslims, but also results in many illnesses and diseases. One current example is of “Dengue fever”, an infection that is wracking havoc currently in Pakistan. Among other reasons, one of the major reasons for its outbreak is lack of cleanliness in the surroundings.
Dengue fever is basically an infectious disease for which Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible. There are four different types of dengue viruses that can be spread through this mosquito. It is also referred as “break-bone fever”, because sometimes it inflicts pain so severe in your joints and bones that it gives the feeling that bones are being crushed and broken.
Symptoms Of Dengue Fever
Constantly high fever (up to 104°F to 105°F)
Severe headaches
Constant fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Severe pain in joints and bones
Conventional Treatment Of Dengue Fever
Medical experts communicate that there exists no specific treatment of Dengue Fever as yet, but only the treatment of symptoms, in addition to preventive measures to assure Dengue does not break out like an epidemic, for which nothing proves more effective other than keeping yourself and your surroundings clean.
Treatment Of Dengue Fever From Holy Quran
Though contemporary medical science fails to provide any significant cure from this dangerous (even lethal) fever, resorting teaching of Quran does offer us relief from such an ailment.
These verses from Holy Quran, when read in the order described here, are considered to be read once, and it is advised to read them 11 times a day.
The “Durood Shareef” mentioned above needs to be read before and after 11 time recitation of the verses
All the family members are advised to read through these verses in one combine sitting, blowing it on their bodies and water which should be given to patients for drinking. In addition, you should sprinkle this water all through your home
This whole process comprising of recitation of verses from Holy Quran in the way mentioned here would serve you as the best cure to this outrageous Dengue Fever by the grace of God Almighty. Try it yourself and also refer it to others for helping people suffering from such a disease.
