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Part 4

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Answer:

In the third hadith found in Imam Bukhari’s Sahih we find the following narration from Aiesha (Allah be pleased with her): “The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah’s Messenger was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family.”

Ibn Hajar (Allah have mercy on him) commented on this hadith saying that the word used for “Worship Allah alone,” (yatahanath) is actually a synonym for the word Yathanaf. This word literally means to be on the way of Ibrahim (Allah bless him and give him peace). In other words, the Prophet (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was worshipping Allah on the last remnants of the true Abrahamic faith that was left amongst his people.

We ask Allah to lighten our hearts and make us from those who drink from the Prophet’s hands–Allah bless him and give him peace.

http://www.themodernreligion.com/basic/history/OLD_PICS_quran.htm

Question:

I have a question regarding the Qur’an. I don’t know Arabic and I heard from Imam Suhaib Webb that barakah (spiritual grace) is in understanding what is in the Qur’an. I want to ask you the following:

Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Answer:

Wa`alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

It is true that the Qur’an is a message of guidance for humanity. Therefore, in order to benefit from this, we ought to try our best to understand it and act accordingly. Because the Qur’an is Allah’s own words, reading the Qur’an by itself constitutes a deeply rewarding spiritual experience. Therefore, no Muslim should be slack in learning to read the Qur’an properly.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following:

There is no contradiction between reciting the Qur’an and seeking to understand its meaning. Muslims who do not understand Arabic should still try to read the Qur’an in Arabic as best as they can, for after all, no matter how excellent a translation might be, it can never replace the original; every genuine translator of the Qur’an will attest to this fact.

It is true that the Qur’an is a message of guidance for humanity, and therefore, in order to benefit from this, we ought to try our best to understand it and act accordingly. This is why Allah repeatedly enjoins on us to read and reflect on the message: [Will they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein many contradictions] (An-Nisaa’ 4:82) and [Will they not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on their hearts?] (Muhammad 47:24).

[(This is) a Book that We have sent down to you, full of blessing, that they may reflect upon its signs, and that men of understanding may remember] (Saad 38:29).

Reading translations of the Qur’an in order to understand the message, however, should not be done at the expense of reciting it in Arabic. Because the Qur’an is Allah’s own words, reading it by yourself constitutes a deeply rewarding spiritual experience.

The Qur’an is not meant simply to be comprehended intellectually. Mind you, we can never claim to comprehend its meanings in entirety, no matter how learned we are. Rather, we ought to respond to it spiritually as well. Thus, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that when the Qur’an is being recited, angels descend and divine mercy flows.

This is also the reason why both the Qur’an and the Prophetic hadiths are replete with exhortations about reciting the Qur’an; this is apart from the many verses and hadiths enjoining us to reflect on its message. Allah says, [Those who recite the Book of Allah, and establish the prayer, and spend of that which We have bestowed on them secretly and openly, they look forward to imperishable gain, that He will pay them their wages and increase them of His grace. Lo! He is Forgiving, Responsive] (Fatir 35:29-30).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Those who recite the Qur’an beautifully are like the noble scribes (angels); but as for those who are struggling to read it with hardship will merit double rewards” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Therefore, no Muslim should be slack in learning to read the Qur’an properly. It may be hard to begin with, but with enough willpower and trust in Allah, the task will be easy. Allah helps those who help themselves. Until you are able to read the Qur’an properly, you should at least condition yourself to listening to a recording of the Qur’an.

Try to find a copy of an excellent recording by a reputed reciter, such as Shaikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad (may Allah have mercy on him) and start listening to it every day at least for a few minutes while you try your best to understand the message through a good translation, such as that of the late Muhammad Asad (may Allah have mercy on him).

I am sure that once you are exposed to a beautiful recitation of the Qur’an, you will never be bored. You will feel as if you were directly communing with Allah; it is an experience that you can never describe in words.

We must never forget that humans are not merely bodies or minds; rather, they are above all spirits dwelling in the bodies. Language of the spirit is not the same as the language of the intellect. That is why Muslims all over the world are moved by beautiful recitations of the Qur’an in spite of the fact that the vast majority of them do not understand a word of what they are hearing.

Regarding what your mother and grandmother said, I do not know of any evidence in the sources endorsing such a statement. Perhaps they are basing themselves on the following verse: [But whosoever turns away from My remembrance, assuredly he will have a life of narrowness, and on the Resurrection Day We shall raise him up blind] (Taha 20:124).

May Allah illuminate our hearts with the Qur’an, and may He bless us to recite it during the day and night, and may it serve as our guide to Paradise in the next world. Ameen.

Question:

What is the limit to which children should respect their parents? My parents have destroyed my life. They have made me a schizophrenic and have tried to kill me. However, Allah saved me. They are of loose morals and are of bad character. I have been subjected to a lifetime of torture due to which I have become a schizophrenic. When I survived their attempt on my life they left me to die. But my brother supported me and is still supporting me. My father hates me and my mother says she could not remarry because I was born. Both my parents loved someone else before their parents forced them to marry each other.

Answer:

Indeed, it is with great concern and worry that I received your question.

The answer will cover the following:

1. The importance of parents and the rights of children upon them

2. The importance of excellence towards one’s parents, it limits and scope.

The Importance of Parents in the life of a child:

Allah Most High gives us many lessons and examples from stories that are found in His book. That is why the great Sufi and Knower of Allah Junayd (May Allah have mercy upon him) said, “Stories are a soldier form the soldiers of Allah. With them Allah strengthens the hearts of His friends and chosen ones.”

Thus:

If one feels alone and isolated from friends, family or co-workers, let him reflect on the loneliness of Yusuf in the ditch.

If one feels the heat of tests, trials and challenges, let him reflect on the fire that engulfed our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

If a believer feels sad and overcome by the anxiety of sins let him reflect on the story of those who Allah forgave at the end of Surat Tawba.

That is why when one of the Companions was asked about getting closer to Allah. He responded, “I know of no better way to get closer to Allah then though His words.” Can you imagine, my dear Muslim, that at this moment, if you make wudu and open the Qur’an, you are holding the words of Allah in your hands? There, in front of you, is the lasting miracle of our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings upon him. And for every letter read the light of faith will rise over the horizon of your heart and fill it with the warm light of Allah’s guidance. For that reason let us spend some time drinking from the endless spring of Qur’anic wisdom:

The Importance of Parenting:

To understand the role and importance parents play in the life of a child reflect on the following verse found in Surat Yusuf where Yusuf (peace be upon him) said:

“O my father! Lo! I saw in a dream eleven planets and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves unto me.”

It is well known that Yusuf had 11 brothers. Thus the stars represented them. However, if the starts represented his siblings, then who or what does the sun and moon represent? Imam Tabari states that the sun represented Yusuf’s father and the Moon his mother. Thus, it can be easily stated that the Son and Moon represent two of the most central parts of our existence, for without them our world would cease to exist. Thus, parents represent, in the life of a child or young adult, those important life sources for children and young adults. It is from the bright light of the husband and its reflection on the mother that the roads of life are illuminated for the child,

The Scholars on The Role of Parents:

Ibn Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, stated: “He who neglects teaching his son or guiding him towards what would avail him, and leaves him uselessly, has done him the biggest insult. ”

The great Proof of Islam Imam Ghazali, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Since the composition of the child’s heart is such that it can accept the influences of both the good and the bad, the righteous and the evil, it is the responsibility of the father and the mother to incline the [heart of the] child either to good or to evil .”

Love and Mercy

Love and mercy towards one’s child is an important part of their lives. The Qur’an paints a beautiful example of this love in the story of the prophet Musa: After setting her son in the basket and observing him float down the river, Musa’s mother was shocked to find her only son in the hands of Pharaoh and his wife. Allah Most High describes the scene in the following verse:

And the heart of the mother of Moses became empty.”

The word used to describe her heart is farigha, which literally means empty. It is usually applied to a vessel or glass that has been emptied. Thus, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Al-Sharqawi of Al-Azhar University states, “The mother of Musa’s heart became free of any concern related to her life. Thus, she was unable to think about anything except her son.” To get a better image of this visualize an empty vessel with only one thing inside it! Thus, Allah Most High employs such a powerful image to illustrate the love and concern a mother should have for her child.

The Rights of Children:

These rights are divided into two:

1. Rights prior to conception
2. Rights after conception

The rights of the child prior to conception consist of the following:

1. Supplication:

Allah Most High gives us many wonderful supplications in the Qur’an pertaining to children and offspring. Allah Most High says:

“My Lord! Bestow upon me of Thy bounty goodly offspring. Lo! Thou art the Hearer of Prayer.”

Ask yourself if you are still young, “Do I make du’a for my children?” One of the great tricks of Shyatan is tell you, “No problem. You’ve got a lot of time before marriage etc.” Another point from this dua is for those of us who are married. What type of children do we ask for? “Oh Allah! Give me the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.” Indeed, notice the simple nature of the expression, “Goodly offspring” and ponder on its implications.

2. The right of choosing a good spouse:

The Scholars have stated that one of the rights of the child is a pious spouse. We find a beautiful supplication for this in the Qur’an. Allah Most High says:

“Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious.”

What to look for?

The Shariah has outlined certain characteristics that one should look for in a spouse. It is authentically reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him said, “Marry a woman for four reasons.” Then the Prophet mentioned the following:

1. Her religion
2. Her beauty
3. Her wealth
4. Her family

Then the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, said, “Marry the possessor of religion. May you be blessed.”

Many People have misunderstood this hadith and its intent. Some have understood that beauty, wealth, and family are not important. However, what the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, implied was that religion should be the first priority. However, if one is able to find a woman with religion and beauty that is good. If one is able to find a woman with religion, beauty, and wealth that is better. Finally, if one is able to find a woman with religion, beauty, wealth and a good family that is the best. And for that reason the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, never married another woman while he was married to our Mother Khadijah, Allah be pleased with her. Because, according to the scale of this hadith, she had all four qualities. Thus, she was a complete woman.

For Our Sisters

Many times our sister feel left out when seeking a husband. However, the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, left clear guidelines for the type of husband one should seek. The Prophet said:

“When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to his request. If you do not do so, there will be temptation on Earth and extensive corruption”

This hadith illustrates the importance of choosing a man with faith. However, many times religious men are seen as being difficult and abusive. Thus the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, said, “Religion and Character”. This is an example of what the scholars refer to as a specific (khass) being taken from the general (’aam). This is done in order to show something’s importance and status. Therefore, character is part of religion; however, the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, mentioned it separately in order to illustrate its importance.

It is sad to see some many running after material qualities in a mate. For some reason we think that with money everything will just fall into place. However, let us reflect on some of those who suffered the greatest punishments by Allah. People such as: Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. Their money brought them nothing except greater anguish and punishment. However, it is a sad reflection of the Western Muslim reality that money and success materially are sought above any thing else.

Once a (rich) man passed by the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, and his Companions. The Prophet inquired: “What do you say about this (man)?” They replied, “If he asks for a lady’s hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes (for someone) his intercession should be accepted; and if he speaks, he should be listened to.” Allah’s Messenger kept silent, and then a man from among the poor Muslims passed by, and the Prophet asked (them) “What do you say about this man?” They replied, “If he asks for a lady’s hand in marriage, he does not deserve to be married, and he intercedes (for someone), his intercession should not be accepted; And if he speaks, he should not be listened to.” The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, said, “This poor man is better than an earth load of the former man.”

Summary
We started this answer by mentioning the importance of parenting and continued by examining the rights of the child. Inshallah, next week we will continue discussing the rights of the child. I ask Allah to bless our questioner, give them strength and light to face these challenges.

And Allah knows best

Question:
Is it permitted to discuss dreams at night? I was told not to. Also, shouldI follow Islamic books on interpretations of dreams.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate

Indeed, discussing dreams is from the Sunna of the Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). There are a number of sound narrations where the Prophet (sa) would ask his companions (May Allah be pleased with them), after the Fajir prayer, if they had any dreams. In another narration the Prophet (sa) equated the righteous dream with a part of Prophet-Hood itself.

However, there are a few points that should be noted:

1. There is an agreement amongst the scholars that dreams cannot be used as proof regarding Islamic Law.

2. The interpretation of dreams and the like is not something that is learned, but is a gift from Allah (The Most High) given to some of His servants.

3. Good dreams should be shared with one’s close and sincere friends. I would personally recommend sharing it with one’s Sheikh or Imam only for the following reasons:

a) You will avoid the jealousy and animosity of others.
b) You will avoid the danger of showing off and falling into showing off.

4. If one has a frightening dream, he should spit on is left side and not inform others of it. This is based on the statement of the Prophet (sa) related by Al-Bukhari:

“The good visions are from Allah and the evil dreams are from Satan. If one sees a dream which one does not like, one should spit on one’s left side and seek the refuge of Allah from Satan; it will not do any harm, and one should not disclose it to anyone, and if one sees a good vision one should feel pleased but should not disclose it to anyone but whom one loves.”

5. Regarding the different books written on dream interpretation there are a few important points that should be noted:
a) Such books represent opinions that might or might not be correct pertaining to the person. Thus, when consulting such works, the opinions expressed should not be accepted say, as a hadith or verse of Qur’an. In others words, such interpretations are not Qat’i (decisive)but mere opinions. They might be right, or they might be wrong.

b) Many of the books written on the subject do not contain sound chains back to the claimed author. For example, the famous work of Ibn Siren is not authentically traced with a sound sanad back to the great Tab’i and scholar Ibn Siren (May Allah’s mercy be upon him). For this reason it might be best to avoid such books and refer one’s dreams directly to a scholar or local person of knowledge.

6) Any advice given regarding dreams and their interpretations must not contradict the Sacred Law. If such advice is given seek clarification from the interpreter. If you are certain that this is advices contradicts the Sacred Law then leave it.

May Allah grant us dreams of the Prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him) and bless us to join him (May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him)

And Allah (The Most High) knows best

Question:
What is your advice for someone struggling to implement the sunna while in college, but worried that this may be bad for da’wa? (For example, wearing a kufi, or keeping a longer beard, or wearing shorter trousers.)

Answer:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

وصلى اللهم علي سيدنا محمد وسلم

I would like to personally give glad tidings to the questioner for being from, insh’Allah, the best of people. Allah Most High says: “And who is better then one who calls to Allah, works acts of righteousness, and says, ‘I’m from amongst those who submit?” In this verse Allah Most High has identified those who invite to Him as being from the most excellent of people. Therefore, it was with great pleasure that I received your question and hope and pray that your concern and love for the call of the Prophets will continue to grow in your heart until it blossoms and spreads in your home, campus and society.

Your question, may Allah have mercy upon you, is one of great importance for Muslims living amongst non-Muslims and it touches on some of the greater points of our Sacred Law. In addition, it brings to light some significant issues that Muslim in non-Muslim lands cannot afford to be ignorant of. Namely, what are the important qualities that a caller to Allah Most High should have? Also, how were these qualities utilized by our beloved Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) , His Companions, their students and the great imams and teachers of this umma? Our focus will be on one of those qualities, and that is the quality of taking things step by step, what is commonly called tadaruuj.

It is sad to see many people unaware of this important principle and many of the problems that our communities face can be traced back to its absence, or its application being used in the wrong way. I remember sitting in a masjid in the States and a visitor coming and inquiring about our noble religion. Suddenly a man said, “You must change your name!” One can only imagine the look on the face of the inquirer? In Other instances, people have asked about our faith and been told, “Islam is not to eat meat from McDonalds!” Again, the look on the questioners face was one of confusion and fear. Many times our new sisters accept Islam and are immediately given the 2 minute scarf training video. Again, although we all agree that the hijab is obligatory (fard), there is a time and place for everything. And perhaps getting to know the new convert, building the bounds of love and becoming aware of that person’s needs and difficulties would be a better way to start.

On the other hand, we see people using this principle in the wrong place and time. For example, “I’m not praying because prayer is in my heart.” Or, “I want to start over and build myself up over time, thus I’m not fasting Ramadan nor paying my zakat.” Some of the more famous ones used on campus are, “Man, I’m not really dating her! I’m given her da’wa.” Or, “We didn’t want to go to the club, however, someone’s gotta spread the message!” Both of the above examples represent a great lack of understanding regarding this important concept.

When we look at the life of the Prophet we find many examples of this taduruuj (step by step) process. One of the great proofs that our scholars use is the following hadith related by our mother A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her) who said that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Do you know that when your people (Quraysh) rebuilt the Ka`ba, they decreased it from its original foundation laid by Abraham?” I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Why don’t you rebuild it on its original foundation laid by Abraham?” He replied, “Were it not for the fact that your people are close to the Pre-Islamic Period of ignorance (i.e. they have recently become Muslims) I would have done so.” (Related by Bukhari and Musilm)

Imam Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) commented on this hadith in his famous explanation of Sahih Muslim by stating that it points us to a number of important rulings: one of them being that if we have the choice between doing something good and something evil, then they should be weighed for their overall effect. Thus, if by doing something good a greater evil will take place, then we should leave that good. The imam states: “The Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) informed us that destroying the Ka’ba and rebuilding it upon the foundations of Ibrahim represented a great benefit. However, conflicting with this benefit was the potential for a harm whose impact would outweigh the benefit of destroying it and re-building it.” The harm that the Prophet was cautious of was that of the new Meccan Muslims who loved the Ka’ba dearly and would be unable to handle it being destroyed in front of them. The imam finishes his statement by pointing out that this does not apply to the obligatory matters. For example, one has an important final and decides that the benefit is in sleeping instead of observing Fajr. Indeed, according to our faith, this does not fall under the concept of tadaruuj, for one must pray.

In light of this important principle I would advise the questioner to do the following:

1. Refer your questions about specifics such as the beard and kufi to qualified imams who, preferably, live in your area or similar environment.

2. Share your concerns with your local MSA and Muslim friends and see if they share your feelings on the issue.

3. Ask a convert about certain societal trends, which might assist you in spreading our noble message.

4. Consider asking a Non-Muslim friend and get their feedback.

5. Pray salat al-istikhara(the prayer of guidance), for it is a medicine which cures every illness.

If after doing some of the above mentioned steps and after consulting qualified scholarship, it becomes clear that leaving a recommended act will prevent a greater harm, than by all means you are highly encouraged to do so. In addition, remember that this was the sunna of the Prophet(may peace and blessings be upon him) and by doing so you are following Him.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that this should by no means give someone the license to leave the recommended acts based on mere whims or desires. Indeed, the sunna of our Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) is a light sent to us by our Lord. The Companions and those after them made great efforts to observer and protect the sunna of the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, I would advise our dear brother to try and observe some of the sunnas at different times and periods. However, if he feels that doing so will create a greater harm, he should talk with a qualified scholar and then, after verifying his feelings with knowledge, leave the recommended, doing so for the sake of Allah, to avoid a greater harm. However if he can observe some of the sunnas, such as wearing a kufi, that would be excellent for the following reasons.

1. By observing the sunna, a brother will share in the struggle of the righteous who came before him.

2. It will enable brothers to further understand the challenges that many of our sisters meet on a daily basis. For brothers, it is easy to simply disappear in society with not trace of Islam. But, for our sisters, they have no choice but to observe the hijab.

3. Finally, if a young man walks into a class-room wearing a black and red football jersey with the word M. Vick on the back. We immediately recognize his team or affiliation. Then what about the Muslim? He belongs to the greatest team, the team of the Prophets! Then, unless there is great harm, he should identify himself with that team and be proud of his affiliation.

I ask Allah Most High to bless this questioner, strengthen his resolve, grant him the light of sound understanding, plant his feet firm, and assist him in the noble job of calling to His lord.

And Allah knows best.

Question:
I want to learn Arabic. How would you recommend that I proceed? What Arabic literature would you recommend for beginners?

Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

As-Salamu Alaykum,

There are a few things that one should do when trying to learn the Arabic language:

1. Understand that this is the language of revelation. Thus, it’s study should be taken very seriously. The signs of this understanding are the following:

1. A checked intention; meaning, constantly observe your inner state. I’ve seen a lot of Western students show off their latest understanding of tamyiz, hal and ‘alam. Beware of this quality because the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, said about this type ofperson, “The Fire! The Fire.”

2. Have a lot of patience. Ibn Malik, Allah have mercy upon him,the great scholar of grammar, began his famous book Alfiya (a thousand line poem on grammar) with the line, “Kalamun Lafdhun Mufidun Kastaqim.”

“Kastaqim.” Means to be firm and upright. He opened his blessed poem with that line to say to the student, “Istaqim upon the learning of this language.” In other words Arabic, if you really want to grasp its secrets, is not hard, but takes time. The Ulema used to say, “The entrance to Arabic is hard and it’s exit is easy.” Thus, don’t try and over-do things. Once a man had studied for 19 years. He said, “I’ve failed to become a scholar.What have I learned?” Finally, he decided to leave being a student of knowledge and went back to his village. He sat on a stone well and noticed the rope that held the bucket had warn its way through the stone well.

Suddenly he realized something and said to himself, “Seeking knowledge is like this rope. It takes time, but with patience and focus, a rope can rub through stone.”

3. A lot of supplication: Allah says, “He (Allah) taught men expression.”

Thus, you must beg Allah to give you this language. Remember that learning this language is a means of improving your servitude to Allah. Thus, implore Allah to give it to you.

4. Learning Arabic has a few components:

1. Grammar (Nahw) , Rhetoric (Balagha) and Morphology (Sarf) (these are the internal organs of the language), however, know, may Allah have mercy on you, that learning these sciences will give you a technical understanding of the language. Especially if you learn from the classical texts (mutun) in the begining. Thus, most teachers advise students to start with more basic books, which are current in content, and then later move on to the mutun.

2. Speaking, writing and expression: This is usually the last thing to come.

But, once one has it, they should praise Allah in abundance because they are expressing themselves in the language of the Qur’an, the language of the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, and the language of Ahl al-Janna.

I would advise our brother to began and communicate with others as often as possible. Although you’ll make mistakes, and we all do, keep trying. Once, I was sitting with a group of Malaysian students from Al-Azhar. The were very strong in the Arabic and I noticed that they only spoke Arabic. I asked on of them, “Mashallah, what is going on with you brothers?” He told me, “We love to make mistakes in Arabic more than speaking our own language correctly.” Thus, you must practice, practice, practice. What you fail to use, will fail you when you need it.

As per your study I would do the following:

1. Leave the classical books until you can understand them and read them with a teacher. The best books I’ve found for learning how to talk are, believe it or not, children’s books. Their language is always great and there are a lot of conversations which will serve as a great assistant for you in the future.

2. Use a common text book that teaches Arabic such as Kitabul Asassi, the University of Medina series and many others.

3. Try to study in a center in an Arab country. It is very important to remember that a language is a culture. Thus, while living in the culture you will learn the expression of the language in its natural state.

4. Work hard

Finally, I would try and memorize some Qur’an and Hadith. Both, and the Qur’an more so, are a means of giving you eloquence (fasaha).

Allah knows best

Question:
I am convert. In my “past life”, I loved to swim. I swam nearly every day. I have been Muslim for five years and haven’t been swimming since converting. I dream about swimming. It is my heart’s desire to swim. Recently, online apparel stores for Muslimas have begun selling “Islamic bathing suits” that incorporate the hijab into a non-cling material when wet. My husband has forbidden me to purchase this garment. He cites that it doesn’t matter how covered I am, other people in the pool/beach will not be appropriately covered so I should not go. I live in a country where people walk down the streets all the time uncovered and I don’t see the difference. I avert my gaze. I would avert my gaze insha’Allah at the pool as well. Please help me understand why I cannot swim. My heart breaks over this.

Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

The issue of working out and keeping fit is one that many of our convert brothers and sisters face. Indeed, for many of our sisters it becomes very difficult when one is forced to leave something as important as exercise and keeping fit. Al-hamdu lillah, Islam places great importance on staying fit and healthy, but many of our brothers and sisters have neglected this. The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, informed us that we will be asked about some things when we stand in front of Allah. One of those questions will be about one’s body and how one looked after it.

I remember when I became Imam a year or so later a brother came to me and said, “Mashallah! Now you’re really an Imam.” I was confused, but then realized that he was referring to my new and improved slope that extended out. In addition, I came upon an incident that happened during the life of Umar, Allah be pleased with him. Once he saw a man who was very fat. He, Umar, said to him, “What is that?” The man responded by saying, “This (his big stomach) is a blessing from Allah.” Umar responded, “No! It is a punishment from Allah.” When the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, described the latter days of his Umma; and he mentioned these people with very negative qualities, he said, “And fatness will appear amongst them.” It was after learning these things that I began to realize that many religious leaders are characterized by being chubby. At that moment, I realized that I must do something. However, as a convert, it was not as easy as before. Thus, I had to look for clubs and centers were I could exercise my body and my faith. I began to realize that this was very difficult. Over time, I concluded that Muslims should open their own health centers. We have schools and places of worship; in addition, we should have health-clubs.

Your question revolves around the following:

1. The rights of the husband and spouse

2. The rights of one’s body

3. The responsibility of the community

1. Your husband’s right upon you is that you obey him in the recommended areas. Thus, for a situation like this, it would be advisable to obey him. Many times we see major fights brewing in families because of arguments that are based on the recommended, not even the obligatory.

2. However, if you are incurring some physical problems due to a lack of exercise and your doctor has advised you to work out. I would suggest the following:

Have a talk with you husband. Prepare a nice dinner and set the mood to soften his heart. Then, try to convince him that not only will working out be good for you. But, insha’Allah, it will be a means for his pleasure as well. Remind him that the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, praised the women of Quraysh for being pretty. If that doesn’t work, ask him to work out with you. Mention to him the statement of Ibn Abbas: “I love to beautify myself for my wife, just as she does for me.” Thus, ask him to work out with you. However, if you are in a situation were your health is at risk, you must find a means to work out with or without his permission. This is because your body has a right upon you and Allah says, “Don’t kill yourselves.”

3. Encourage your local community to look into building a health center. I’m aware that our brothers and sisters in London have recently done this and it is having a great benefit to the community. If that is not a possibility, encourage the sisters to rent a local pool or center just for themselves. What a great way to raise money for the sisters group as well as the masjid.

We Ask Allah to bless our sister and to open the doors of faith for her.

And Allah knows best.

Please also see the following link:

Swimming In Front Of A Non-Mahram Male

http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/qa00004886.aspx

Women swimming

http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/qa00002668.aspx

Wassalam

Question
Gender relation questions are a constant on campus. What are the guidelines and limits for interaction between non-mahrams on campus?

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

The question of gender interaction on campus is one of great importance. Unfortunately, at least in many cases, it has been handled from one or two extremes. I remember visiting an MSA and finding the entire MSA was shut down because, at the first meeting a brother stood up, pointed at the sisters and said, “Why are they here? It is not allowable for you to be here!” On the other side of the coin I’ve heard of MSA’s who conduct their meetings at Starbucks! Thus, while enjoying the latest frappuccino, Fatima and Zaid are sitting together with no respect for our sacred texts and principles. Insha’Allah, it is our hope to answer this question from the perspective of Islamic activism and dawa using a few very important verses from the Book of Allah Most High.

The Responsibility of Islamic Activism

Allah Most High says:

“The believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger.”[1]

Imam Al-Tabari (may Allah be pleased with him) said, commenting on this verse, “They invite humanity toward faith in Allah and His Messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him) and everything that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) was sent with by Allah.” [2] The scholars have said that, because of the wording of this verse, it is clear that the responsibility of dawa and Islamic work falls upon both males and females.[3]

The Scope of Inter-Gender Relations:

In Sura Al-Qasas we find a very interesting example of inter-gender relations found in the story of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him).

Allah Most High says:

“And when he went towards (the land of) Madyan, he said: “It may be that my Lord guides me to the Right Way.” And when he arrived at the water of Madyan he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: “What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man.” So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: “My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!” Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: “Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.”[4]

By taking a quick glance at these verses we can garner a number of lessons related to Islamic work, the personality of the Islamic caller and rules and adab for inter-gender relations:

1. The importance of d’ua. If we look at this story as large structure, we can see that supplication forms its foundation and roof. Thus, Prophet Musa began his actions with a du’a and completed it. For this reason the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Nothing is more honorable (most liked) before Allah Most High than Supplication.”[5]

2. The great mercy and compassion of the Prophets. Prophet Musa felt compassion for the two women and went to assist them. It is important for the Islamic worker have mercy and concern for those around him. For that reason the poet Ahmed Shawqi wrote:

وإذا رحمتَ فأنتَ أمٌ, أو أبٌ هذان في الدنيا هما الرحماء

“And if you (Muhammad) implement mercy, then you are a mother or father. And they, in this life, are the exercisers of extreme mercy.”[6]

3. The importance of obeying and serving one’s parents: Prophet Shu’ayb’s daughters not only served him in his old age, but obeyed him by carrying themselves with great fidelity and morality in his absence. The same can be said for the campus. Many of us live away from our parents on campus and it is important to respect them in their absence by being pious and righteous children. It is sad to see many university students drooling at the opportunity to escape to the campus environment just to disobey their parents. However, the truly righteous slaves of Allah obey their parents even in their absence. Of course, this obedience is in the good and not the evil.

4. It is well known that both of these women were eligible for marriage with Prophet Mosa. In fact, we know that later he married one of them. Thus, these verses are used to prove that interaction between non-marhams is permitted as long as they observe certain adab which will be explained shortly, inshallah.

5. Inter-gender interaction is an exception, not the rule. Meaning that such interaction should take place only under situations which are clear necessities. The proof is the statement, “Our father is a very old man.” Meaning that Musa (peace be upon him) saw them under severe duress and spoke to them in an effort to remove their hardship, and their response was based on the necessity of getting water to drink. Thus, it can be said, that the call to Islam and its propagation fall under such a necessity however, such work must be done observing the following adab.
a. Remember that any encounter involves the eyes, tongue and limbs. However, the most important component for this encounter is the heart. Thus, before any gathering check your heart and make sure that it is with Allah Most High, full of love for Him and in submission to the sunna of the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him). A great du’a to say before such a gathering is the following supplication of the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him):

اللهم مقلب القلوب ثبّت قلبي على دينك

Allahumma muqallibul Qulub thabit qalbi ‘ala deenek.

“O turner of the hearts! Establish my heart upon Your religion.”

b. After one’s heart has submitted and his whims have been crushed, it is logical the rest of his body will follow and this would entail:

· Lowering the gaze as everything has an entrance and one of the entrances to the heart is the glance.

· Avoid speech or actions which could be taken as flirting. I was told by one of my sheikhs that laughing and joking should be avoided between non-mahram couples. For that reason Allah described the daughter of Shu’ayb, when she approached Mosa, “Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly.”

· Avoid being alone as Shaytan will be the third amongst you. Try your best to meet as a group as private meetings amongst a brother and sister who are non-mahram are strictly prohibited. In addition, during group meetings there should be a good amount of distance between brothers and sisters.

· Observe the correct Islamic dress code and remember to ask yourself an important question. “Am I making dawa to myself, or to Allah and the call of His beloved (may peace and blessings be upon him)?”

· There is no better solution than asking. Thus, it is important to refer any specific questions or issues to local scholars as they are your life source for survival in the campus jungle.

I ask Allah to bless our questioner, plant her feet firm upon his obedience and make her a great caller to Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him). I would like to express my gratitude to two of my early Sheikhs, Abu Mustafa of Senegal and Shaykh Abdul Jalil of San-Diego. Most of my humble attempt at an answer came from the questions I asked them while in my university days. May Allah bless them and continue to use them as a source of benefit to the shabab in the West.

Footnotes:

[1]Qur’an 9/71

[2]Tafsir Al-Tabari, surah 9/71

[3]For and excellent Arabic reference on this refer to Sh. Faisal Malwais Darul Mara Fe Al-A’mal Al-Islamiy.”

[4]Qur’ana 28/22-25

[5]Reported by At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim graded it Sahih

[6]Al-Shawqiyat pg. 193