Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
"A Good Wife Is Worth More Than Gold"
Today's walk of hope ...
"Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgement between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present at his home during that month should spend it in fasting...and glorify him in that he has guided you perchance ye shall be grateful." Holy Qur'an 2:185
Ramadan has an effect on my life like no other experience. It is in this month the I feel empowered to take back control of my desires, thoughts and deeds. It is in this month that clarity pierces the fog of worldly distractions and our total focus is placed on service to Allah.
One of the traditions which we practice is the reading of the entire Qur'an. While it seems like a rather large book it is in fact smaller than the New Testament of the Christian Bible, and no matter how many times I have read the Qur'an, each time I gets something new and timely which stands out reaching me in very deep and personal ways. Allah talks to us all as individuals, whether we are Muslim or non-Muslim, and while each Ramadan yields unexpected blessings, for me this year the blessings came early!
This Ramadan which began in my area on August the 11th, began with a wonderful occurrence: my wife took her Shahadda (testament of faith) and took it upon herself to fast with me! Saying I was impressed would be an understatement.
Now, this wasn't her first experience of the Ramadan fast. Over the last couple of years she has observed my fasting, learning the purpose of why Muslims fast, what we go through in relation to the challenges of hunger and restraint, as well as the peace and tranquility which fasting brings upon the fasting person.
This year however was different. Without suggestions from myself or anyone else Allah put it upon her heart to take part in the fast, and even more importantly: to take her Shahadda, which for Muslims is an open declaration of faith that marks ones entry into the deen (religion) of Islam. Praise be to Allah!
As faith in Islam is totally a personal choice Muslims do not generally evangelize or seek to convert people in the traditional sense. In other words we don't walk around with our religion on our shoulder. Instead we seek to spread the message of Islam through our character, actions and way of life, as the Qur'an says:
"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks."
Holy Qur'an 2:256
Therefore I never took it upon myself to ever try and "convert" my wife, as I consider "faith" and "religion" to be personal choices. Evidently however she's been watching me. More significantly she took time to sit listen and read the book itself and this truly impressed me, as most people today prefer to have their religious beliefs regurgitated by preachers, rather than do their on research.
Through her own study of the Qur'an and religion of Islam she came to the point of embracing the faith without suggestions from myself other than my personal practice of living as a Muslim (which isn't a model example). So when I asked her 'why' she simply responded: "I believe the Qur'an is the truth".
Hence the first step toward Allah. As the Qur'an stands as the final and ultimate example of God's guidance to humanity its verses range from "basic and fundamental" to symbolic and even mystical, but one thing that stands out is the veracity and purity of its most urgent message. The Qur'an speaks to the heart and soul of any who take time to listen with an open mind.
So on the first morning we awoke together took our morning meal, and for the first time in 21/2 years made our prayers, bowing down before Allah together making this a truly blessed month. As the old saying goes, "a family that prays together, stays together" and it is rare to find someone willing to walk the same path. Someone that stands beside you as a help, not a hindrance and in this I am thankful for a good woman in my life.
The Prophet (pbuh) once said: "A good wife is worth more than gold", and in this case I have received a gift that is priceless.
So each morning we awake in the for the Suhur meal, prayers and reading of the Qur'an. As we read the Qur'an we discuss various aspect of Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as we have done over the past couple of years, and each day as our understanding of each other grows, so does the love and respect.
As the days of Ramadan progress the Qur'an provides new insights to each of us. Insights which help us to be better individuals, spouses and servants to Allah. As the struggle becomes more intense and difficult Allah instills in us a deeper appreciation for one another, and the unique experience of taking pleasure in finding a path to peace in this life and the hereafter. For this I am grateful.
Reading through the Qur'an together with Nancy was probably the most valuable experience that I have ever shared with any woman I have ever known in my life. Each reading provides us with unique opportunities to discuss not only the reasons behind our fasting but behind many of the things Muslims do.
Last year my wife described to me how impressed she was about the clear and concise way that the Qur'an relates to us in clear and vivid language the message of Tawhid: Oneness of God. As well as the responsibilities of the believer to pray, feed the poor, restrain from shameful deeds, and exhibit the goodness which is inherent in us all.
While I will not attempt to guess at what the decisive point was I will simply say that more people need to read this book as it contains answers to many of the spiritual, emotional and social ailments to which our best doctors, philosophers and politicians haven't a clue. No one can present a more beautiful and convincing argument than the Qur'an itself. As Allah says:
"With Allah is the argument that wins through", and in Nancy's case it was very words of the Qur'an did eventually win her over. I find it an amazing phenomena that if one sits and listens to the recital of the Qur'an they find that it is a message very difficult to reject. It is a sober message that declares the oneness of God in clear concise and beautiful language. It is a message which reaches to the depths of the very soul challenging our preconceptions of what Islam is, and who Muslims are.
Too many people attempt to define Islam by watching the 9 o'clock news or listening to religious leaders who have never bothered to look into the book for themselves and make a living feeding their congregations regurgitated false messages of hate and intolerance carelessly gleaned from the internet or anti-Islamic propaganda. To her credit she sought out the truth on her own as "one day in the life of Islam is better than an entire lifetime of unbelief".
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ramadan: Love, Sacrifice and Allah's Good Pleasure
Today's walk of hope ... In keeping with the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Ramadan officially begins with the sighting of the new moon.
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (raa): Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "The month can be 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not observe fast until you see the crescent , and if the sky is overcast then complete as 30 days."
[Sahih Bukhari Chpt 7 #928]
In the above hadith Prophet Muhammad set the standard by which we begin and end our fast during the month of Ramadan, and it is with great anticipation that Muslims world wide await the sighting of the moon which identifies the commencement of this sacred month wherein we fast for the sake of Allah alone.
As I prepare for the month in my home my thoughts sometimes turn to what I will be giving up: the bad habits, the petty rivalries, and unproductive behaviors. For it is in this time that our thoughts focus on one thing: glorifying Allah. One thing I know about fasting during the month of Ramadan is that if you truly fast, you won't end the month the same way you went in: the experience will change you, bringing you closer to Allah, and the company of believers, therefore Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, giving and sharing for all Muslims.
It is a time that we examine our faith, seeking Allah's forgiveness. A time that we look for the areas where we have allowed our practice of Islam to become weak and lax in carrying out our religious duties to Allah. Thus as we go into the month we must consider the sacrifices we are willing to make for Allah in the area of completing our obligations and leaving off those things which are most destructive to the mind body and soul of the Muslim.
Thus Ramadan is a physical, mental and spiritual experience which reaches deep within the person and challenges our clinging to habits of fear, laziness, contempt, greed, quarreling, and pride. It reminds us of what it feels like to go hungry, to be humble, and to submit our will to Allah. For example the Prophet (pbuh) once stated:
Narrated by Abu Hurraira (raa): The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whoever does not give up lying speech (false statements) and acting on those lies and evil actions etc., Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting)
[Sahih Bukhari 3:127 --O.B.]
Thus Ramadan becomes more than a time of not eating during the day. By leaving off our basic desires of food, drink and sex we are left with one thing: ourselves. Our own nature and characters which become magnified in the intensity of the struggles while fasting. It is within the heat of this struggle that Allah and his messenger test the mettle of the believers and challenge us to increase our faith by leaving off those things which take us out of our Muslim character.
Narrated Abu Huraira (raa): the Prophet said: "All the deeds of Adam's sons are for them, except fasting which is for me, and I will give the reward for it. There are two pleasures for the person observing fast, one at the time of Iftar, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting". [Sahih Bukhari: 3:128-O.B.]
So it is solely for the pleasure of Allah that we fast. Fasting while an obligation for Muslims allows us to give to Allah who needs nothing from us. It is a total act of faith and devotion that defines the basic principle of the Islamic life:
"Say: Truly my prayer, and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death , are all for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds; No partner hath He: this I am commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His Will."
[Holy Qur'an 6:162]
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (raa): Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "The month can be 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not observe fast until you see the crescent , and if the sky is overcast then complete as 30 days."
[Sahih Bukhari Chpt 7 #928]
In the above hadith Prophet Muhammad set the standard by which we begin and end our fast during the month of Ramadan, and it is with great anticipation that Muslims world wide await the sighting of the moon which identifies the commencement of this sacred month wherein we fast for the sake of Allah alone.
As I prepare for the month in my home my thoughts sometimes turn to what I will be giving up: the bad habits, the petty rivalries, and unproductive behaviors. For it is in this time that our thoughts focus on one thing: glorifying Allah. One thing I know about fasting during the month of Ramadan is that if you truly fast, you won't end the month the same way you went in: the experience will change you, bringing you closer to Allah, and the company of believers, therefore Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, giving and sharing for all Muslims.
It is a time that we examine our faith, seeking Allah's forgiveness. A time that we look for the areas where we have allowed our practice of Islam to become weak and lax in carrying out our religious duties to Allah. Thus as we go into the month we must consider the sacrifices we are willing to make for Allah in the area of completing our obligations and leaving off those things which are most destructive to the mind body and soul of the Muslim.
Thus Ramadan is a physical, mental and spiritual experience which reaches deep within the person and challenges our clinging to habits of fear, laziness, contempt, greed, quarreling, and pride. It reminds us of what it feels like to go hungry, to be humble, and to submit our will to Allah. For example the Prophet (pbuh) once stated:
Narrated by Abu Hurraira (raa): The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whoever does not give up lying speech (false statements) and acting on those lies and evil actions etc., Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting)
[Sahih Bukhari 3:127 --O.B.]
Thus Ramadan becomes more than a time of not eating during the day. By leaving off our basic desires of food, drink and sex we are left with one thing: ourselves. Our own nature and characters which become magnified in the intensity of the struggles while fasting. It is within the heat of this struggle that Allah and his messenger test the mettle of the believers and challenge us to increase our faith by leaving off those things which take us out of our Muslim character.
Narrated Abu Huraira (raa): the Prophet said: "All the deeds of Adam's sons are for them, except fasting which is for me, and I will give the reward for it. There are two pleasures for the person observing fast, one at the time of Iftar, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting". [Sahih Bukhari: 3:128-O.B.]
So it is solely for the pleasure of Allah that we fast. Fasting while an obligation for Muslims allows us to give to Allah who needs nothing from us. It is a total act of faith and devotion that defines the basic principle of the Islamic life:
"Say: Truly my prayer, and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death , are all for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds; No partner hath He: this I am commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His Will."
[Holy Qur'an 6:162]
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Gates of Paradise Opened During the Month of Ramadan
Today's walk of hope ...
Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (pbuh)said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." [3:123-O.B.]
Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (pbuh)said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." [3:123-O.B.]
The Superiority of As-Saum (the fasting): Sahih Al Bukhari
Today's walk of hope ...
Chpt 31 #919. Narrated Abu Huraira (RAA):
"Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, Saum (fasting) is a shield from the Hell-fire."
"So, the person observing fast should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, 'I am fasting'.
The Prophet (pbuh) added,"By Him in whose hand my soul is, the smell coming out of the mouth of a person observing fast is better with Allah (swt) than the smell of musk."
Allah says about the fasting person: 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward the fasting person for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times." [3:118-O.B.]
Chpt 31 #919. Narrated Abu Huraira (RAA):
"Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, Saum (fasting) is a shield from the Hell-fire."
"So, the person observing fast should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, 'I am fasting'.
The Prophet (pbuh) added,"By Him in whose hand my soul is, the smell coming out of the mouth of a person observing fast is better with Allah (swt) than the smell of musk."
Allah says about the fasting person: 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward the fasting person for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times." [3:118-O.B.]
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