ummtaalib

Homosexual Inclinations Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Abbas radiyallahuma anhu reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “…May Allah’s curse be upon those who do the action of the people of Lut.” [Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) repeated this curse thrice!] [Sahih Ibn Hibban] _____________________________________ Question I am a Muslim male who was very ‘normal’ in my nature until recently. Having watched a movie which explicitly encouraged homosexuality, I now find myself strongly attracted to other males, to the extent that it is extremely difficult to restrain the desire to engage in Haraam. I am overcome with remorse and very ashamed of these feelings and also afraid of giving into my desires, knowing that this is a very major sin. Please help. Reply Respected Brother in Islam, Wa-alaykumus Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuh 1. Thoughts should be ignored, but if these feelings are being entertained, then effort has to be made in diverting the attention. 2. Being ashamed of one’s sins and wanting to keep them concealed is a sign of Imaan. Of course, this does not mean that a Muslim continues secretly indulging in disobedience to Allah Ta’ala and makes no effort of giving it up. 3. Often, the cause of boys / men suddenly feeling inclined and attracted to other men is due to watching some film/movie with such a content (i.e. of homosexuality). Due to the promotion and condoning and encouragement and the effects of such viewing, even an otherwise normal male will begin having such evil thoughts and desires in respect to other men. Others too have written of such experiences, so you are not alone in your anguish. For example: a teacher wrote to me, stating that he was a “normal” Muslim male – who had a complete aversion to homosexuality. However, after viewing just one film on homosexuality, found himself overcome with lust when it came to his male students, and he too was overcome with fear that he must not fall into the sin. He found himself very weak to the demands of his evil desires, but was also making every effort to curb them. And yet prior to viewing this film, he was sickened at the sin. So it was one movie that triggered off such a volatile situation in his personal and spiritual life. …May Allah Ta’ala save all. 4. Make the effort of reading 2 Rakaats of Salaatut Taubah and Salaatul Haajah every day, with sincere dua thereafter that Allah Ta’ala forgive and change your feelings and protect you from the mischief of nafs and shaytaan. 5. Keep reading: ‘Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum - Laa ilaaha illa anta Subhanaka inni kuntu minaz zaalimeen' 6. Continue meditating over the punishment that was meted out to the people of Lut Alayhis Salaam and the Shar’ee punishments for the person engaging in the act; together with the fact that indulgence in the sin is such which draws the curses of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) - and a person under such a curse is deprived altogether of the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala. {May Allah Ta’ala protect us} 7. Try and give Sadaqah in some form, on a daily basis, with the intention that Allah Ta’ala grant complete change in your feelings and protect you. 8. If Zam Zam is available, then drink it with the intention of cure from your evil desires – for Zam Zam is a cure for whatever is intended when drinking it. 9. Also, lower your gaze when it comes to such young boys/handsome men, where you fear there will be some kind of attraction. Don’t be alone with anyone. 10. Keep yourself occupied. Even when retiring to bed, try to just listen to some Zikr or Naath Shareef until you fall off to sleep. 11. Try and sleep in a state of Wudhu, read the Masnoon duas and Ayatul Kursi. 12. These are actually the whisperings, encouragement and deception of shaytaan and nafs. Both are trying to deceive and convince you that this is your nature, so that shaytaan can ruin your worldly life and your Hereafter, and the nafs can get some temporary gratification, not considering consequences – i.e. its own humiliation and disgrace. With effort and striving, you will, Insha-Allah, overcome both of them. 13. At least you feel remorse over your weakness. Consider the effort you are now making to address your weakness and to come out of the sin, as a sign that Allah Ta’ala is with you and He will support and assist you in your efforts to give it up. 14. May Allah Ta’ala grant complete shifa from this sickness, protect you from any Haraam indulgence and purify you of such evil feelings. Was-Salaamu alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu Moulana Yunus Patel (Rahimahullah) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

On one occasion, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) was walking with Ja’far bin Sulaimaan (rahimahullah) in Basrah when they came across a palace being built. The person coordinating the project was a very handsome youngster. Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) turned to Ja’far (rahimahullah) and exclaimed “Do you not see this youngster, his beauty and his ambition for this construction?” (i.e. look at how his ambition is being wasted on the temporary things of this world.) He further exclaimed, “I really have to ask my Rabb to free him (from the clutches of this material world) and (by means of which) perhaps He (i.e. Allah Ta‘ala) will make him from among the youngsters of Jannah.” Thereafter, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) requested Ja’far (rahimahullah) to accompany him to meet this youngster. They thus entered the site and made salaam to the youngster. The young man casually replied to the salaam without realizing that the man standing before him was the great scholar, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah). When those around him informed him that the man before him was Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah), he stood up and asked Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) how he could be of assistance to him. Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) asked him “How much do you intend to spend on this palace?” He replied, “One hundred thousand dirhams (silver coins).” Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) then asked the youngster, “Why don’t you hand this money over to me and I will put it in its rightful place (i.e. I will spend it in the path of Allah Ta‘ala), and (in exchange of that money) I will guarantee for you from the side of Allah Ta‘ala a palace better than this palace, along with its servants and caretakers, domes and pavilions, made from rubies and studded with precious gems. The sand (of the palace) will be saffron, and its cement will be musk. It will be far more spacious than this palace of yours and it will never dilapidate. No hands have touched it and no builder has built it. The Most High (i.e. Allah Ta‘ala) instructed it, ‘Come into existence!’ and it came into existence.” The youngster asked Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) to give him till the next morning to decide. Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) spent the entire night concerned about this youngster. When the last portion of the night came, he engaged himself in excessive du‘aa. The next morning when Maalik bin Dinaar and Ja’far (rahimahumallah) set out, they saw the youngster sitting (and waiting for them). When he saw them, he rushed towards them and asked Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) if the offer of the previous day was still available. Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) asked him if he was willing to give him 100,000 dirhams as per their agreement. He replied in the affirmative and presented the entire amount to Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah). Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) then asked for an inkpot and paper to be brought and thereafter began writing, “In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful. This is the pledge of Maalik bin Dinaar to so and so person (the youngsters name); Indeed I (Maalik bin Dinaar) promise you from the side of Allah Ta‘ala a palace in exchange of your palace with the description I had given (yesterday) and more (than what was mentioned) is Allah’s prerogative. I have purchased for you in exchange of this wealth a palace in Jannah which is far more spacious than an extensive shade, close to (the ‘arsh of) The Highest, The Mighty.” Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) then folded the letter and handed it over to the youngster. They then took the wealth and began distributing it. By the evening all the wealth was spent in the path of Allah Ta‘ala and only a night’s ration remained. Barely forty days later, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) completed his salaah one morning when he saw a letter placed in the mihraab. When Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) picked up the letter and opened it, he found the following written on it without any ink: “This is an absolvent from Allah Ta‘ala for Maalik bin Dinaar; indeed We have granted the youngster the palace which you had promised him and (We have given him) seventy folds more.” Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) was astonished by this. Taking the letter with him, he and his companions set out to the house of the youngster. When they reached the house, they saw that the atmosphere of the house was one of grief and sorrow. When they enquired about the youngster, they were informed that he had passed away the previous night. They then called for the person who had made the ghusl and asked him. “Are you the one who performed the ghusl (of so and so youngster?) He replied in the affirmative. Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) then requested him to inform them about what had happened. The person explained that before the youngster passed away, he gave him a letter and requested that when he passes away, this letter should be placed in between his body and his shroud. Therefore, he abided by his request and buried him with this letter. Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) took out the letter which he had found earlier that day and showed it to the person who had done the ghusl for the youngster. Upon seeing this letter, he exclaimed, “By the one who took his soul, this is the very same letter! I had placed it with my own hands between his shroud and his body.” Hearing this, everyone began weeping profusely. Another youngster who was also present stood up and requested Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah), “Take from me two hundred thousand dirhams and promise me the same thing.” Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) exclaimed, “It is not possible! Whatever happened, has happened and whatever has passed is over. Allah commands whatever He wishes.” Whenever Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) would remember the youngster he would weep and make du‘aa for him. (Kitaabut Tawwaabeen – Ibnu Qudaamah pg. 173) Lessons: 1. The luxuries of this material world are such that they very easily distract a person and make him forget his true purpose in life – worshipping Allah Ta‘ala and building his Aakhirah (Hereafter). Hence, it is extremely necessary for us, especially in our era of materialism and secularism, to keep the Aakhirah before us at all times. When the nature of this temporary world and the reality of the everlasting Aakhirah settles in our hearts, it will become easy for us to worship Allah Ta‘ala and pass our lives in His obedience. 2. Concern for the Deen of fellow Muslims is our duty and responsibility. We should thus endeavour to create an environment of reminding one another of Allah Ta‘ala, the shortness of this life and the eternity of the Aakhirah. We should also encourage one another to carry out good deeds and abstain from evil. Furthermore, we must dedicate time to make du‘aa for those Muslims who have lost the path and are involved in actions which are displeasing to Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, together with advising the person, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) exerted himself in du‘aa on his behalf at the blessed time of tahajjud. UswatulMuslimah

Q. I came across an article claiming: “Hence the basic purpose of iddah is to determine whether a lady is pregnant or not. This is necessary to protect the lineage of the child. Hence in all cases where one is absolutely sure that the divorcee/widow is not pregnant there shall be no iddah. Obviously in such a case there shall be no other restrictions of the iddah as well.” Is this true? A. The article you came across contains a misunderstanding of the principles and objectives of iddah (waiting period). According to Islamic jurisprudence, the purpose of iddah extends beyond just determining whether a woman is pregnant. The iddah serves multiple purposes in Islamic jurisprudence: 1. Ta'abbud (عبادة): It is an act of worship and obedience to Allah's command. 2. Hifz al-ansab (حفظ الأنساب): Protecting lineage, which includes but is not limited to determining pregnancy. 3. Ihtiyat (احتياط): Precaution, as pregnancy may not be immediately apparent. 4. Hidad (حداد): Mourning period for widows. 5. Opportunity for reconciliation in cases of revocable divorce. 6. Psychological and emotional adjustment for the woman. The claim that "in all cases where one is absolutely sure that the divorcee/widow is not pregnant there shall be no iddah" contradicts the consensus (ijma') of Islamic scholars and the clear textual evidence from the Quran and Sunnah. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quran: "And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind - they, [the wives, shall] wait four months and ten [days]." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:234) "Divorced women remain in waiting (Iddah) for three periods …" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:228) These verses do not make an exception for women who are not pregnant. Therefore, it is obligatory to observe the iddah period as prescribed by Islamic law, regardless of the certainty of pregnancy. The iddah period remains obligatory even when pregnancy is ruled out, as it serves multiple purposes beyond determining pregnancy. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Moosa Salie Mufti Taahir Hansa (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Dārul Iftā – Official Fatwā site for Madrasah Urwah bin Az Zubay Here

I somehow missed this...need to listen

I dont really understand how this is done but yes, better to delete

Introduction Living in the West, we are all familiar with the Gregorian calendar, the years, the months, even the dates which are significant to people of other faiths. The real question is, how many of us are familiar with the Islamic Calendar? Can we say that we know the significant dates in Islam or the names of the months? In fact, how many of us know which Islamic month or year we are currently in? We all know when it is Ramadaan and maybe Dhul Hijjah, but what about the other months? Consider the following: A child reaches adulthood in Islam on their 15th Islamic birthday if they haven’t experienced any of the natural signs Our Zakaat is payable once every Islamic Year Our obligatory fasting begins on the 1st of Ramadaan and ends on the 1st of Shawwaal Our obligatory pilgrimage (Hajj) takes places between the 8th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah Bearing the above in mind, as Muslims, it is imperative for us to familiarize ourselves with our Islamic Calendar. The Origin of the Islamic Calendar On one occasion, Abu Musa al-Ashari radiyallahu anhu wrote a letter to Umar radiyallahu anhu, when he was the Ameer ul-Mu’mineen. In the letter, he mentioned that the letters of Umar radiyallahu anhu reach him, but the letters were not dated. Hence, in the 17th year of Hijrah, Umar radiyallahu anhu gathered the Sahabah radiyallahu anhum to discuss how to set a date, in other words, how to fix the Islamic calendar. The first point of discussion was when should the Islamic calendar start, i.e., what should be the first year. Some of the opinions were as follows: From the birth of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam From the time Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam received Prophethood From the time of the Hijrah - Migration to Madinah Munawwarah From the demise of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam Regarding setting the date from the birth of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, Umar radiyallahu anhu didn’t like this opinion as this would resemble the Christians. Regarding setting the date from the demise of Raslullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, Umar radiyallahu anhu didn’t prefer this either, as the passing away of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was a blow to the Ummah. After the discussion, Umar radiyallahu anhu came to the decision that the Islamic calendar should commence from the Hijrah. The reason being that the Hijrah marked the beginning of the rise and honour of Islam. The Sahabah radiyallahu anhum unanimously agreed with his opinion. The First month Now that the first year had been determined i.e. After the Hijrah, which month should be the first in the Islamic calendar? If analogical reasoning was used, the first month should be Rabi ul Awwal as this was the month in which Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam migrated to Madinah Munawwarah. However, the actual intention for migration was made by Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam in the month of Muharram. In the 13th year of Prophethood, the Ansar (from Madinah) had taken the pledge of allegiance with Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. At the end of Dhul Hijjah, the Ansar returned to Madinah Munawwarah after completing Hajj. A few days later, in the month of Muharram, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made the intention to migrate to Madinah Munawwarah and granted permission to the Sahabah t to also migrate. Therefore, it was decided that the first month of the Islamic calendar should be Muharram. This was the opinion of both Uthman radiyallahu anhu and Ali radiyallahu anhu. Other Sahabah radiyallahu anhum suggested that the year should start with the month of Ramadan, however Umar radiyallahu anhu said it should be the month of Muharram, as this is the month in which the pilgrims return from Hajj. The Sahabah radiyallahu anhu unanimously agreed with his opinion. (Source: The Islamic Calendar) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Robbers of Time By Shaykhul-Hadith, Hadrat Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat damat barakatuhum The gift of time is a very precious favour of Allah ta‘ala. It is a favour we can neither store nor stop from passing. This is why we say, ‘Time waits for no one.’ A similitude for time and life is a block of ice melting away, slowly, minute by minute, second by second, breath by breath. Yet one stark difference between the two is that it is possible to put ice back in the freezer, but nothing can freeze our lives. Thus, life is an asset that needs to be utilised now. Upon close observation of our own lives, we will find that there are many activities which rob us of our time. Let us take football as an example; just ponder for a minute, how many people in the world today spend hour after hour of their precious time watching football games? What tangible benefit do we get from just watching football? Seldom do we have a conversation that is void of this topic. Just imagine, during only one season or during a single World Cup campaign, how much of our lives are wasted behind football? How much time do we waste in talking about football, watching football, listening to football commentaries and thinking about football? How much time do we devote to these activities and how much time do we devote to Allah ta‘ala? How much time do we spend pursuing religious or secular knowledge that will benefit us, in helping those who are less fortunate and less privileged than us, in helping the needy and the disabled, or in other ways of making a positive contribution to the communities in which we live? Football is just one example; there are many other robbers of time: engaging in futile conversations and gossip, spending hours on shisha, discussing politics without any practical outcome, etc. Let us all value time and utilise it in something fruitful, for a day is coming when we will be made to stand in the Court of Allah ta‘ala and be questioned about how we spent each and every moment of our lives. Taken from 'Inspirations' (Volume 1) published by Islamic Da'wah Academy © Islamic Da'wah Academy

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The enthusiasm to share whatever beneficial knowledge we come across sometimes results in the oversight of flooding peoples timelines, inboxes, or ears. This leads to “information indigestion.” Do not be too frequent to the extent that the audience or recipients are burdened. This is an established principle of knowledge. Despite the high level of the eagerness that the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) had to learn from Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam), he too would consider this principle. The Method of Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would carefully consider the times in which he would advise us, for fear of us tiring.” (Bukhari) The Practice of the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) The narrator of this Hadith; Sayyiduna Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu’anhu) himself had one set day in the week (a Thursday) in which he would address the public. When he was approached about this he replied: “I do not want to bore you.” [he then cited the Hadith mentioned above]. (Bukhari) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu’anhuma) says, “Advise the people once a week. If you are requested, then agree for up to three times a week. Do not bore the audience… You should only lecture them when they are eager to listen to you.” (Adabul Imla wal Istimla) Note: It should be noted that this applies to when sharing knowledge with general people. As far as dedicated students that are in institutions of learning, they will obviously be lectured with much more frequency. A Repulsive Trend Some people have the habit of forwarding whatever piece of information they come across. This results in a flood of posts crowding people’s inboxes and timelines! One should rather choose that which is most beneficial. Not everyone has the same amount of time to spare! One who occasionally shares such information is actually following the sunnah. If we are doing so with more frequency, then ideally, it should be with the request or permission of the recipients. Further, we should rather allow the recipients to willingly subscribe to our frequent messages/broadcasts/emails etc, instead of forcing it upon them. Another form of Tiring the Audience The above principle applies to lectures as well. Many of our senior ‘Ulama have discouraged lengthy lectures which tire out the audience. Yes, occasionally, when needed, the lecture can be lengthy, but not on a frequent basis. My Beloved Father; Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (Rahimahullah) passionately discouraged the habit of lectures at Walimah functions etc. wherein the actual purpose for gathering is to have a meal. To lecture people on such occasions has several harms, one such being the issue of boring the audience. This is not in keeping with the spirit of the sunnah in sharing knowledge. Al Miftah

Brother CH Is there any chance the other 3 madhaahib rulings can be checked by someone? If they are all correct then we can double check and edit the hanafi ruling and still keep the topic. I like the way its doen with the diffenrences all in one place

Wa'alaykumu salaam warahmatullah I just saw this thread! Sorry been quite inactive of the forums I was so happy to see the chart...though an image or PDF would be better But after bint Aisha's question maybe not a good idea to post it. I dont have time to go through all of it but: @Bint e Aisha First example: Reading the Qur'an (without direct touch) - impermissible in menses and post-natal Second example: Menstrual spotting within the purity period is Considered istiḥāḍah, not menstruation - any coloured spotting during purity will be istihadhah. So its correct but I think the word "menstrual spotting" can cause confusion Third example: After reaching menopause (usually 55 years), any bleeding is considered istiḥāḍah. No bashing inshaa-allaah : ) You are correct. After reaching 55 lunar years age if a woman sees blood which is black or red or another colour which she used to see before menopaye AND it reaches the menstrual minimum then yes, it will be menstruation

What will the people say? Will they approve of it? Will they laugh at it? It seems that such concerns influence our actions –especially our public conduct– more than anything else. Social pressure is a powerful force. It works by appealing to our desire not to be insulted, ridiculed, or criticized. In a righteous society it could also be a force for good, as some people will avoid a bad name more than they would a bad action. But in the real world out there it mostly turns into an evil force, pressuring people into doing things they know are wrong or keeping them from doing what they know are right. The question of right and wrong is changed into a question of acceptable and unacceptable to this evil force. In some cases we recognize it easily. Nearly every parent in the West today seems to be concerned about peer pressure, especially on the teenagers. There is hardly a sin that attracts teenagers — drugs, violence, lewdness, fornication, gangs — that does not have peer pressure as its main or major cause. Countless lives have been turned upside down or totally destroyed by it. But is the teen peer pressure an anomaly in an otherwise healthy society? Obviously not. It attracts our attention because of the scale of destruction it causes but the general trend is not different in other segments of the society. In many cases the same Muslim parents who are genuinely worried about the teen peer pressure, themselves seem to be giving in to the pressures for conformance. Some trade their names for meaningless but more “acceptable” constructions. Some will participate, say, in the office Christmas party, so that they are not discovered. Some admit to being Muslim but an “open- minded” one. (“Actually Islam is a very progressive religion. It allows us to do everything that the society asks us to do. Too bad most Muslims are so ignorant about their own religion.”) The phenomenon is not limited to the Western world either. Unfortunately today most Muslim countries at many times seem to be putting their weight on the side of wrong. There, un-Islamic traditions, innovations (bidaat), and outright evils flourish under social pressures. The most visible symbols of an Islamic life are generally also the favorite targets of this pressure. Thus we see that in many Muslim countries even such a simple act as growing beard (or observing hijab for women) are treated as crimes punishable by public ridicule! (Of course in a country like Egypt, the same act calls for investigation, on pain of torture, by secret agencies. But that is an altogether different story). To go beyond that and challenge any of the established un-Islamic practices qualifies one to be labeled as a fanatic! Actually there is nothing new in all of this. This psychological warfare is as old as the struggle between good and evil! The Qur’an tells us that all the Prophets were insulted and ridiculed by the very people they were trying to save from the eternal punishment. They were called liars and sorcerers; they were ridiculed for being “too pious”; they were laughed at for being “crazy.” The story of Prophet Noah is so telling here. His final act of building the ark was considered proof-positive by his people of him being out of his mind. Building a ship in an area nearly a thousand miles away from the sea! What could be crazier than that! The Qur’an mentions: “And he was building the Ark and every time that the chieftains of his people passed by him, they threw ridicule at him. He said: “If you ridicule us now, we in our turn, can look down on you with ridicule likewise’.” [Surah Hood, 11:38]. They were having a great time, making fun of Prophet Noah. Little did they realize that soon the Flood would wash away all of their ignorant self-assurance. One can imagine their horror when the end finally came, for it must have been in proportion to their delusion till that point. Such is the story of the struggle between Truth and Falsehood. Truth will eventually triumph. But Falsehood has great fun before that, ridiculing the Truth. That is why Truth attracts people with foresight and patience, courage and determination. They have their eyes set on the final outcome. They are not deterred by the flood of insults and false propaganda that they are sure to face. That is why the Qur’an mentions that one of the qualities of the believers whom Allah loves and who love Allah is that “They fear not the blame of any blamer.” [Surah Maida 5:54]. That must be so because we must realize that the most ridiculous thing would be for anyone to leave the Straight Path for fear of being ridiculed by those who are happily rushing on their path to eternal doom. The most laughable act is to trade truth for Falsehood for fear of being laughed at. The craziest deed would be to knowingly disobey Allah for fear of being called crazy! The Qur’an assures us, and history confirms it, that it is not a reasonable goal for a believer that he or she should be able to go through life without ever being subjected to mockery and ridicule. Such expectations produce failure at the first instant, when the rubber meets the road, and apologists personify such failure. Unfortunately, but understandably, in the age of the mega propaganda machine we see too many of them. When their laughter becomes too loud, we should remember that the chieftains of the people of Noah were also laughing at one time. But who had the last laugh? “The guilty used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink at each other in mockery. And when they returned to their own people, they returned jesting. And whenever they saw them they would say: `They have gone astray.’ But they had not been sent as keepers over them. But on this day the Believers will laugh at the Unbelievers.” [Mutaffifeen, 83:29-34]. By Khalid Baig

Political Uncertainty “Corruption has appeared on the land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that Allah may make them taste a part of what they have done, so that they may return (to Allah).” (Surah Rum) As we are all aware the National and Provincial elections are set to be held on Wednesday the 29th of May 2024. It is incumbent upon the Muslim Ummah to turn to Allah Ta’ala for favourable conditions for Islam and the Muslims of this country as well as for its general citizens. We should make fervent dua that the outcome should not affect us as far as practising Islam is concerned. Listed below are some deeds that we can engage in for favourable conditions: • Salaah, Quraan & Zikr • Durood on our Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) • Sadaqah • Abundant Taubah • Dua Suitable Duas to be recited اَللّهُمَّ لَا تُسَلِّطْ عَلَيْنَا مَنْ لَا يَرْحَمُنَا Allahumma laa tusallit alaynaa man laa yarhamunaa “O Allah! Do not grant authority (to a leader) over us who will not have mercy on us.” [Tirmidhi] اَللّهُمَّ آمِنَّا فِيْ اَوْطَانِنَا وَاَصْلِحْ اَئِمَّتَنَا وَوُلَاةَ اُمُوْرِنَا Allahumma aaminnaa fee owtawnina wa aslih a’immatanaa wa wulaata umoorina “O Allah, keep us safe in our country and rectify our leaders and those who run our affairs.” @jamiat.org.za

A man was once sitting at the airport waiting to board his flight, when out of the blue a random stranger approached him. The stranger sat next to him and said, “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was seated nearby and my gaze fell on you. As a specialist who has been treating cancer patients for more than 30 years, I noticed certain distinct markers and signs in you which indicate that you likely have cancer. I am only mentioning this to you as I wish well for you. Please get yourself checked up and treated if necessary. If the cancer is detected early enough, there will be a greater chance of you making a full recovery.” Hearing these words from a total stranger, the man became enraged. He rocketed to his feet, his face growing redder with rage by the second, and burst out, “Who are you to judge me? Why don’t you worry about yourself? All you doctors ever do is find fault in people!” Or did he…? Of course he didn’t! Rather, he gratefully thanked the doctor and booked the earliest appointment at the hospital. Thereafter, when he was diagnosed with cancer and it was successfully treated due to early intervention, he phoned the doctor and thanked him yet again, sending him gifts as well, as he appreciated that the doctor had pointed out the problem in him, assisting him to treat it and save his life. In the same way, just as people have bodies which become sick and require treatment, they also have souls which contract various maladies such as pride, greed, dishonesty, shamelessness, etc. These maladies too require treatment. The difference between the two is that neglecting the illnesses of the body will only lead to death, whereas neglecting to address and remedy the maladies of the soul will lead to misery, suffering and punishment in Jahannam. Therefore, it is absolutely vital for people to regularly refer to and consult with the ‘doctors’ of the soul – the pious, rightly-guided ‘Ulama. If any ‘Aalim – or even a non-‘Aalim for that matter – has to point out our faults in order to correct us, we should realize that he is our well-wisher and only wishes to assist us to reform ourselves so that we will be saved from difficulties in this world and punishment in the Hereafter. If one has humility in his heart, where his ego, pride and arrogance does not prevent him from accepting criticism and correction, then he will indeed go far in life and will insha-Allah be successful in the Hereafter as well. ‘Allaamah Ibnu ‘Aabideen Shaami (rahimahullah) is a renowned Hanafi jurist who was born in Damascus in the year 1198 AH. The book he compiled, Raddul Muhtaar, is so invaluable that it will not be farfetched to say that almost every Hanafi Mufti is in need of it when issuing fatwa. It is mentioned that when ‘Allaamah Shaami (rahimahullah) was a young lad, he would sit in his father’s business premises in order to observe and learn the workings of a business. On one occasion, when he was in his father’s business place, he began to recite the Quraan Majeed audibly. After some time, a person passed by and, on hearing him recite, he rebuked him saying, “It is not correct for you to recite the Quraan Majeed here, since you are reciting it in such a place where the people (coming here to purchase goods) are not listening attentively to your recitation (which is an obligation). Furthermore, your recitation has weaknesses and flaws in it (i.e. the tajweed and pronunciation is incorrect).” On hearing this random stranger publicly rebuke him in this manner, ‘Allaamah Shaami (rahimahullah) was not upset and angry. Rather, on account of his humility and sincerity, he accepted the correction and went out in search of the greatest Qaari in the city. On being informed that the greatest Qaari was Shaikh Sa‘eed Hamawi (rahimahullah), he proceeded to him and commenced studying under him. (Ibnu ‘Aabideen wa Atharuhu fil Fiqhil Islami pg. 276 and Faqeehul Hanafiyyah Muhammad Ameen ‘Aabideen pg. 8) In this manner, ‘Allaamah Shaami (rahimahullah) studied qiraa-ah and the other various sciences of Deeni knowledge, until Allah Ta‘ala blessed him with the high position which we all acknowledge today – where millions of people around the globe benefit from his knowledge and work. The point over which we should reflect is that had ‘Allaamah Shaami (rahimahullah) been overcome by pride, and had he received the criticism and correction negatively, it is likely that instead of correcting his mistakes and improving himself, he would have remained in his father’s shop, conducting trade until the end of his life, and nothing more would have become of him. Hence, the hadeeth mentions that when a person humbles himself, for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala, then Allah Ta‘ala elevates him and blesses him with a lofty position and rank. (Saheeh Muslim) May Allah Ta‘ala bless us with the humility to accept correction, aameen. Uswatul Muslimah