Teachings from Al Quran

Assalamu Alaikum, Ramadan Mubarak

If you are reading this, it means that you have received the Blessings of this wonderful and miraculous month of Ramadan. It means that you have been blessed with life and all its accompanying bounties and favors. I hope and pray that you have been able to recognize these, appreciate them and did not forget to be thankful to the Giver, Almighty Allah SWT. Sometimes we don’t recognize Allah’s Gifts because of how they are delivered and packaged.

During this month, we honor God’s last message, Al Quran, whose revelation began in this month, I will like to present some of its beautiful and simple but powerful teachings, In Shah Allah.

2:21 O ye people! Worship (uʿ'budū) (1) your Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that you may become righteous (tattaqūna) (2).

(1) uʿ'budū The triliteral root ʿayn bā dāl (ع ب د) occurs 275 times in the Quran, in six derived forms.

uʿ'budū comes from the root ‘Abada. Meaning: To serve, worship, adore, submit, be devoted, be submissive.

(2) tattaqūna: The triliteral root wāw qāf yā (و ق ي) occurs 258 times in the Quran, in eight derived forms.

tattaqūna Comes from the root word Waqaya, Meaning: Protect, serve, guard against wrong doing, be secure, observing ones duties and responsibilities to Allah SWT, God consciousness.

In this verse Allah SWT instructs us to (1) submit to His Laws, be devoted to Him and to serve Him. We have no choice in the matter of His laws, the laws of nature. We have to be aware of them, respect them and take the necessary precautions from them under certain circumstances. We also have to recognize their purpose in the Grand Plan, sometimes not recognizable in the short term. To serve Him is to serve his creation, be helpful, kind, merciful, without any expectation of reward.

As a result of our (1) worshipping Him, we will have (2)a sense of security and we will have the desire to do the right things always, to the best of our ability. We will act in a proper manner with our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, communities and we will be able to cope with calamities in our lives because of our God consciousness..

If we implement the teachings contained in this single line from God’s Message to mankind, Al Quran, “what a wonderful world this will be”.

I hope that In Shah Allah we will be able to heed the advice of this verse and may the Holy month of Ramadan assist us developing our faith so that it will be easy to implement.

Freedom in Egypt

Congratulations to the people of Egypt. What a marvelous and momentous achievement. Egypt has shown the world what human determination and sincerity of purpose can achieve. They have illustrated that the voice and will of man, when united, can defeat and bring down any regime or dictator.

Now the really hard task is ahead. The task of steering the country on a course of unity, stability, political integrity and fair and honest governance. All of these are extremely difficult conditions to institute especially after thirty years of being under the dominance of a corrupt and dictatorial regime and leader.

This is such a unique achievement. One that sprung up out of a yearning by a people to control their destiny against all odds. A movement that blossomed without leadership, organization, financial input or strategic planning. Never in the history of the world has the destiny of such a large population been changed without the use of force by ordinary citizens, in such a short period and with such little loss of lives, property or infrastructure.

What is significantly beautiful about this event is that it was brought about predominantly by Muslims. It was a change brought about by Muslims and their minority fellow Christians and those of other faiths acting in accordance with their faith, “Islam”. They have shown the world that Muslims, acting in accordance with the true teachings and principles of Islam can overcome any force of suppression, dishonesty, corruption, injustice and liberticide, without the shedding of blood, taking of innocent lives, destruction of infrastructure or harming human beings, without forcing people to become involved nor instilling fear.

This is how Muslims, who wish to follow the principles of Islam, have to behave. Without formal organization, they took it upon themselves to look after each other, maintain peace, ensure security, repair, cleanup, look after the ailing and injured, all with the thought of Almighty God and continuously acclaiming the Greatness and benevolence of Almighty God (Allah O Akbar). It was such a beautiful sight of great significance, how in the midst of their struggle and apparent disruptive and chaotic atmosphere, the crowd all stopped all activities to attend to their prayers, their remembrance and awareness of Almighty God . This was in fact an example for the world to follow, especially those who are looking for change for the better.

Parents

A Message to those of us who are fortunate to be still young.

Life is change. We begin the journey of life as an embryo and go through changes throughout life. We go from being a baby to a toddler, to a teenager, adult then to old age, if we survive that long. During that time our personality, habits, demeanor, behavior, likes and dislikes go through constant changes. Understanding, remembering and appreciating this fact help us cope with those in our lives with love, patience and understanding. This along with our religious beliefs, our family customs, if we heed them, should equip us to effectively cope with the transitions of lives of those we love and care for.

I refer to Parents. Thank Allah SWT, (Almighty God) for those have the opportunity to live to the age where they are experiencing a second childhood. Having lived long, they have earned the right to enjoy life in the capacity of Grandparent, parent, parent in law, widow/widower and child. Having earned this right, those whom they cared for in their better years, now have a responsibility to them. This is a responsibility demanded by Allah SWT (Almighty God) and if we are Muslims, then we have been commanded to carry out these responsibilities with patience, compassion, understanding and love.

What are their rights?

A home, Care and assistance, Compassion, understanding, patience, Companionship.

To make mistakes, to be forgetful, miserable, untidy, stubborn, funny, sad, right, wrong, unreasonable, happy, and gloomy.

In other words their rights are the same as yours from birth, when they had to care for and cope with you, when they afforded you your rights with love, understanding and patience, without a second thought.

This is the inevitable cycle of life, hence the saying “once a man, twice a child”. This is the natural course of life, the human cycle in the “Master Plan”.

Quotations from Al Quran on Parents:

(31:14): And We have enjoined upon men care for parents. Your mother carried you, becoming in weaker and weaker, and weaned you for two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is your final destination.

(2:83): And when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, With the command, "Do not worship any but Allah ; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people wisely and establish prayer and give charity." Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you refused.

(2:180): Prescribed for you when death approaches any one of you if you leaves wealth you should make] a bequest for your parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable – this is a duty upon the righteous.

(2:215): They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend it is good to spend for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever good you do - indeed, Allah Knows"

(29:8): And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate any with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

(46:15): And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning for a period s of thirty months. He grows until he reaches maturity and reaches the age of forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of those who submit to you, Muslim."

(71:28): My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction."

017.023: Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.

I hope and pray that those of us who are children will heed and put into practice this and guidance advice and those of us who are parents instill these values in our children, In Shah Allah.. If we did this we will certainly enjoy the benefits and our community and world will become a more peaceful and enjoyable place.

Kamruz Hosein

The Islamic Theosophical Society

1/21/11

Relationships in Islam

Relationships

Religion is about relationships. All Religions were meant to guide its adherents to coexist in peace and harmony. Whenever its interpretation or understanding causes disharmony, strained relationships, enmity, disruptive divisions, family and community disruption and enmity, then that interpretation or understanding is wrong

As Muslims our primary guide, book of laws, directions and guidance is Al Quran. Our example is the Noble Prophet and servant of Allah, SWT, Muhammad. Our religion or way of life, named by Allah SWT is Islam, Peace. As Muslims we have to be able to coexist with all people in peace and harmony. This can only be achieved by acting in accordance with the wisdom of Al Quran and heeding the principles exemplified by the Noble Prophet and servant of Allah, SWT, Muhammad.

This is what Allah say about what is righteousness, for which we all have to strive:

2:177 It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- (1)to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and (2) the Angels, and(3) the Book, and (4) the Messengers; to (5)*spend of your substance, out of love for Him, (5-1)for your kin, (5-2)for orphans, (5-3)for the needy, (5-4)for the wayfarer, (5-5)for those who ask, and (5-6)for the ransom of slaves; (6)to be steadfast in prayer, and (7)practice regular charity; (8)to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and (9)to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God conscious..

1 to 4 are the intangibles. 5 is the first tangible act to be performed under the banner of righteousness. It is looking after your “l-qur'bā” - near relatives. This is a command from Allah SWT.

*Utilize that which you have been blessed with or placed in your possession by Allah SWT for sharing with others. For we are the conduit Allah uses to distribute His Bounties and Favours.

These are some of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad that demonstrates how we are to deal with others.

He would not deny courtesy even to wicked persons. It is stated that a person came to his house and asked permission for admission. The prophet (pbuh) remarked that he was not a good person but might be admitted. When he came in and while he remained in the house, he was shown full courtesy. When he left Aiysha (ra) said, “You did not think well of this man, but you treated him so well." The prophet (pbuh) replied, "He is a bad person in the sight of Allah who does not behave courteously and people shun his company because of his bad manners." (Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari)

Hind, son of Khadija from her former husband, describe the Prophet (peace be upon him) as "Kind of heart, loving and sweet-tempered. He never liked to displease or offend anyone. He expressed appreciation, even for very small favors. He took whatever food was placed before him, without making any adverse remarks. He never got angry for anything concerning his own person, nor did he think of taking revenge or humiliating anybody, but if anyone opposed what was just and right, he used to get angry and pursued the right cause with all his might." I [Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] forbade that a sword which has " It is not allowable for a man to keep apart from his brother for more than three days, they should not turn away from each other" (Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself with his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to achieve perfection and receive the good tidings with which you will be rewarded; and gain strength by praying in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of the nights." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol 1).

It is not allowable for a man to keep apart from his brother for more than three days, nor should he turn away when they meet. The better of the two is the one who is first to give greetings. (Bukhari, Muslim).

No one can claim to be Muslim if they do not show mercy, compassion, love and understanding to others regardless of their faith or belief system. All judgment is with Allah SWT alone. We are to live our lives in such a manner that others will respect, admire, honour and love Allah SWT and the Noble Prophet and servant of Allah, SWT, Muhammad. Should we do otherwise and display ourselves as Muslims, we will be doing a great injustice to Allah SWT and the Noble Prophet and servant of Allah, SWT, Muhammad.

However we chose to live our personal lives should not affect our relationship with others, which is of prime importance, required of us by Allah SWT.

If we chose to adopt standards of other traditions or chose lifestyles of others, when it is convenient to do so, we are free to do so as long as we don’t try to impose such manners (or lack of it) on others.

Some of us choose to adopt ancient lifestyles, when convenient, making believe that this what God prescribed. We choose to live in self inflicted ignorance adopting unsanitary conditions, looking unkempt, acting unmannerly and disruptive and looking down on others who instead, choose to adopt true Islamic standards of ethics, hygiene, behavior and conduct. If we look into these aspects of our Prophet’s life we will find that he was way ahead of his time. In fact his way of life was more in sync with ours than with those practiced during his time. His standards of ethics at home and in the society, behavior, conduct, dress, tidiness,, courtesy, manners, hygiene and respect was of a significantly higher standard thann those that existed in his society then. His mission was to introduce new standards. These are the standards followed by those who choose to live their lives in accordance with his principles and the guidance of Al Quran.

We should never forget the advice given in Muhammad UWBP’s last sermon viz.:

“Let reason be your guide” and

“……May the ones who hear my message last understand it better those present……”

These are some of the things that a Muslim cannot do:

1. Turn away a hungry person.

2. Refuse to shelter someone in need.

3. Refuse a traveler accommodation if we have the means.

4. Refuse to give one who asks, if we can afford it.

5. Be unjust.

The above is unconditional and has nothing to do with religious persuasions.

The above are lessons and instructions from Al Quran and the life of Muhammad, messenger and servant of Allah SWT., not an opinion or viewpoint. Therefore as Muslims we have to adhere to them. By observing this guidance we become better people in the eyes of Allah SWT and all we associate with, In Shah Allah.

A Muslim is a Muslim's brother; he does not wrong him or abandons him. If anyone cares for his brother's need, God will care for his need; if anyone removes his brother's anxiety, God will remove from him one of the anxieties of the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone conceals a Muslim's secret, God will conceal his secret on the Day of Resurrection. (Bukhari, Muslim).

With the hope that we can all develop better relationship with our fellow men and in particular our relatives and those close to us, for this, in reality, brings us closer to Allah SWT., In Shah Allah.

Kamruz Hosein

The Islamic Theosophical Society.

1/21/11

911 – Burning the Quran

“The pen is mightier than the sword”. “The spoken word can cause wounds that run deep”.

The success of failure of Jone’s 911 – burning the Quran, attention getting stunt, lies completely in the hands of the Press and Media. This is a tool that can and will be used by Taliban and other hate and anti-Islamic groups throughout the world, as a reason to further engage in heinous, inhuman, anti-Islamic acts. Very simple is the solution. If the press and media stop reporting this event, it would immediately lose its efficacy and purpose. The success or failure of this stunt lies completely in the hands of the media and press. The safety of our troops and communities can be achieved if only those two mediums put aside the quest for profit and sensationalism for once in the name of peace, sanity and safety. This Jones and his diabolical stunt only got to this point because of reporting. Reporters have a responsibility to its audience, the nation and the safety of the community and world at large. I know that we have freedom of speech. But that freedom must be and should, be used for good and not for destruction. We are supposed to be intelligent and we certainly know before what emotion or reaction a story can and will evoke. This is one time where the press and media is in the driving seat, totally, and can create havoc or bring us back to the road of peace and understanding. I hope and pray that good sense and intentions prevail. May we be granted the intelligence, maturity, desire for peace and judgment to do what is necessary end this fiasco before it’s too late.

Kamruz Hosein

The Islamic Theosophical Society.

Why do we fast

Sura 2 - Al-Baqara (MADINA) : Verse 183
O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may observe taqwa.

This is the verse that tells us why we fast.

We don't fast to lose weight, to become healthier, to cure diseases, to cleanse the system. At least not according to Almighty Allah in his message. Some may experience these results, but the reason for fasting is so that you may observe تَتَّقُونَ , tataqun.

Tataqun is observing your duties and obligations to Allah SWT, being aware of the Divine ordinances and observing them.

What are these duties:

In the words of our noble Prophet Muhammad SAW in his Ramadan message:

"Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind towards your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard. Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your the wrongs yo have committed and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times".

Fasting is the only act that one does only for that sake of Allah SWT. It is the only form of worship that is witnessed only by Allah SWT.

As a result of the Taqwa observed during this month, there is a miraculous transformation taking place in the world. No other event in the world, including, World Cup Soccer, comes close to achieving this grip and transformation for so long, on so many lives, over 1.2 billion, There is no other event or observance that involves so many people in so many parts of the world. There is no other faith or circumstance that causes such change, sacrifice, awareness of Almighty God, devotion, social harmony, exodus to places of worship, sharing, abstinence and display of true brotherhood.

This is in fact an annual miracle. And Al Hamdulillah, we are part of it and contribute to making it a reality.

We should therefore take advantage of the power and nature of this month to try and correct the misconceptions of Islam and Muslims. Let our voices and actions shout out to the world the Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood of Humanity that is Islam.Let our friends, neighbors, co-workers and everyone else know who we are and what are our principles. If we do this in the right way, we would have succeeded in a great Dawa.

May we have a successful Ramadan 1432 (2010) and may we have the desire and ability to fulfill our duties and obligations in this powerful and gracious month, In Shah Allah.

Let us rejoice in the knowledge that the fast that we have fasted for Allah SWT will be accepted, as are all good done for the sake of Allah SWT..

Ramadan & Eid 2010

In Shah Allah the new moon that heralds the month of Shawwal will be born on Wednesday 8th. September 2010 at 10.30am GMT or 1.30pm Mecca time. The first of Shawwal will therefore be on Thursday 9th. September 2010, the day of Eid Ul Fitr. This is in accordance with the instruction contained in Al Quran and in accordance with the instruction of the Noble Prophet Muhammad SAW. This may not coincide with the guidelines given to the dwellers of the dessert 1430 years ago, whose method of determining the measurement was limited. This is what is stated in Sahih Al Bukhari: The book of Saum, CH9 #191: " Narrated Ibn Umar; The Prophet SAW said "We are an illiterate nation, we do not know how to measure, The months are like this and this" He indicated using his fingers 29 and 30. I hope that by now we would have evolved to being a literate nation That knows the science of measurement. We have two options, either act in accordance with the knowledge afforded us by Allah SWT, or act as if we are lacking in the relevant knowledge.

May we be rightly guided and may we be blessed with knowledge and the ability and desire to apply it.

Jazahkallah Khairan

Kamruz Hosein

The Islamic Theosophical Society