BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem
Allah (SWT)’s guidance from day one came to mankind through His different messengers. From Hazrat Adam (AS) to Hazrat Eesa (AS) everyone’s mission was either limited to a given region, to a given people, or it was meant for a given period of time. That is the reason that no single scripture is available in its original and pure form. Also, no complete record of any prophet or messenger is available. Whatever is available about prophets is neither complete nor authentic, or accurately documented.
This is not a coincidence, but it is Allah’s plan and will to keep only that Book intact, inalterable and safe until eternity, which is total and complete in all respects. In Prophet (SAW)’s person is completed the chain of all prophets. His life with all its minute details and dimensions is safe like the meanings and the words of the Holy Qur’an. Even those hidden aspects of Prophet’s life, which may elude the attention of an average biographer, has not escaped the attention of the scrutinizing pen of meticulously critical zealous historians. Every single word that was ever uttered by Prophet (SAW), his communication, his letters, his smile, his body language, expressions of his face, his emotions of pleasure and pain, his styles, even how much gray hair he had as he grew in age, has been recorded by those exemplary companions who loved him over, above and beyond every thing. In fact his companions can be compared to a video or move camera, which didn’t let any single moment pass without having recorded and saved it for all times to come. These companions became the moving images of leading light throughout the world. There has never been and will never be a person of such a towering importance and magnitude whose life was or will be recorded minute by minute and second by second.
This extraordinary and special arrangement attests that the message of Prophet (SAW) is total, complete and perfect. And the message very rightly attests to this claim in Surah Al-Maa’idah. Allah (SWT) says “ This moment I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you and have chosen for you as Al-Islam your religion.”
The perfection of this comprehensive message encircles all possible aspects of human life. Prophet (SAW)’s multidimensional personality gives guidance in beliefs, worship, inter-personal relations, social etiquettes, ethics, morals, politics, state-craft, foreign relations, good governance, public administration, law and jurisprudence, just a few to mention.
Prophet (SAW) had himself advised his companions to copy and report to others without hesitation all words and actions of his personal, private and social life. Prophet (SAW) led a life not only among those who loved him, but also among his bitter foes. Even his worst enemies did not and could not raise a finger on his up-righteousness, honesty, integrity, magnanimity, generosity and nobility.
Ibn-e-Hishaam in his monumental works tells us that once the kingpins of Quraish were talking about Prophet (SAW). Nazar bin Harith, who was known for his knowledge, wisdom and experience told the assembly of elders, chiefs and leaders that you all know Muhammad (SAW) from his early childhood; he is one of the most trustworthy, honest, and noble person. Now, when there is silver in his hair, you call him a magician, a soothsayer, a poet, or possessed by an evil spirit. I swear by God, I have heard him speak, and he is none of what you think of him.
Islam invites people from all walks of life, from all stratum of society, from all possible diverse backgrounds to follow the perfect and ideal model of Prophet (SAW)’s life. No aspect or dimension of human life is beyond the scope of Prophet (SAW)’s teachings and guidance. Once a Jew sarcastically and tauntingly told a Sahaabi, that your Prophet even teaches the most ordinary and trivial things. The Sahaabi giving him a befitting rebuttal said that yes, our Prophet (SAW) teaches us even the etiquettes of using the bathroom. Since perfection and permanence go hand in hand, Prophet (SAW)’s message is perfect, and absolutely eternal.
Prophet (SAW) first cleared the fog of ‘Shirk” and connected mankind with one and the only Creator. Surah Al-Ikhlaas succinctly mentions “Tawheed” in just a few sentences:
“Say: He is Allah the One and Only; Allah is self-sufficient. He begets not, nor is He begotten; And there is none comparable to Him.” This Surah tells that the relationship between the Creator and the created is permanent and eternal. Prophet (SAW) has given a distinct honor to man that he can’t bow to any one but Allah and no one can look after him and his needs but Allah. Surah Al-Jinn says: “All places of worship are for Allah; so do not invoke any one with Allah.”
Prophet (SAW) destroyed the concept of religious bureaucracy, liberated man from man’s slavery and wiped out the role of the intermediary between Allah and His bondsmen. There is no pope, priest, or Brahmin in Islam. Any practicing believer can lead the prayers, and perform all duties and services as told in Aayah 60 of Surah Al-Momin: “Your Lord has said: “Call to Me that I may answer your call. Surely, those who disdain worshipping Me will enter Hell, disgraced”.
Prophet (SAW) demolished the idols of race, color, language and nationality. On the conquest of Makkah al-Mukarramah, he made the historical declaration “O people of Quraish, Allah has destroyed all complexes of racial superiority. All men are from Adam and Adam is from dust.”
The farewell sermon of Prophet (SAW) marked the culmination point of the Allah’s Din. The address encompasses each and every problem of this world and the Hereafter. It is teaching of Islam in a nutshell. In fact nothing is left uncommunicated. Read it and you will discover that this short address embodies the fountainhead of all philosophy and wisdom that there is. Volumes can be written on each point that Prophet (SAW) covered in this historic address. One point he declared is that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, no white is superior to a black and no black is superior to a white but only on the grounds of piety (Taqwah). This reminds us of Aayah 13 of Surah Al-Hujaraat. Allah (SWT) says: “O men, We created you from a male and a female, and formed you into nations an tribes that you may recognize each other.”
The pre-Islamic world failed to understand that nothing is good or bad by its very nature. People attributed it to 2 gods: god of the good and god of the bad. Prophet (SAW) made it clear that application determines the result. Darkness if devoted to prayers is good, and if the cover of darkness is used to commit crime, it is bad. Fire is a source of comfort, yet its misuse can burn and cause havoc. Quran’s say in Surah As-Shams: “By the soul and Him who perfected it and inspired it with knowledge of what is wrong for it and what is right for it: indeed successful will be the one who keeps it pure, and indeed failure will be the one who corrupts it.”
May Allah (SWT) enable us to acquire knowledge and use all Allah’s given knowledge to achieve success in both the worlds. Aameen!
Friday, May 30, 2003
Friday, May 23, 2003
(Prophet SAW)
BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem
Islam’s proclamation of La Ilaaha Illallaah (there is not god but Allah) is not complete without Muhammad ar Rasulullah (Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger). That means that belief in Tawheed, Oneness of Allah (SWT) also requires us to believe in the last channel of communication between Allah and mankind, which is Allah’s last Prophet (SAW). Embracing Faith in Prophet (SAW) means to accept, obey, and practice all those commandments of Shari’ah, which Allah (SWT) sent through His last Messenger.
Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 21 of Surah Al-Ahzaab “You have indeed, in the life of Rasul Allah, the ‘Best Model’ for him whose hope is in Allah and the Day of the Hereafter, and who engages himself much in the remembrance of Allah.”
For the life of every Muslim, both the words and life style of Prophet (SAW) have been defined as the best sample and ideal model to follow. And following Prophet (SAW) is required, demanded and mandated. We can follow him in letter and spirit only if we are aware of Prophet (SAW)’s status in Allah’s sight. We can follow him only if we seek the blessings of Prophet (SAW)’s pleasure, and his displeasure hurts and agonizes us. We can follow him only if we know what Prophet (SAW) liked and what he disliked, what made him happy and pleased and what made him unhappy and displeased.
The love and attachment, which Sahaabah (Razi Allah-h-Ta’ala Anhuma) had with Prophet (SAW) has no parallel in world history. Allah (SWT) has told us through Sahabaa’s love with Prophet (SAW) how to love His last and great Prophet. The criterion of love with Prophet (SAW) is to see how much we follow that best model, how much we practice Prophet (SAW)’ Sunnah in our life. It is very easy to claim love with Prophet (SAW) in words and statements, it is also easy to express it through spending wealth, but it is very hard to translate that claim into action. This practical expression of love has been demanded from every Muslim, and this expression is the real measure of love.
Sahabaa’s life gives numerous examples of that selfless devotion and deeply ingrained love with Prophet (SAW). Think of that moment of Prophet’s migration to Yathrib later known as Madina. Prophet (SAW) made Sayyidina Ali (RA) to sleep in his bed and reached the house of Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). He told him Allah’s will and the details of migration. Having 20-year’s companionship with him, he spontaneously and impatiently asked a question: “Who will be your companion in this travel of Prophet of Allah? I aspire for that privilege.” Prophet (SAW) replied: “Yes, you will be my companion.” Pleasure of the acceptance of his request filled his eyes with tears. Ummul Momineen Sayyidina Aa’isha Siddiqa (Razi Allahu Anha) said that she realized for the first time in her life that pleasure could also bring tears to the eyes. Having explained the plan of migration, Prophet (SAW) and his loving companion embarked on their journey in the darkness of the night. While on their way, Prophet (SAW) noticed that Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) some times walked ahead of him and some times behind him.
When he was asked by Prophet (SAW) as to why he was changing his positions, Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA), the very personification of utmost love replied: “Ya Rasul Allah, when I suspect that the enemy may come from behind, I want to shield you from the back, and when I fear that the enemy may ambush from the front, I want to be in the fore front to protect you.” This brief statement reflects the true “Ishq” or devotional love of a Sahaabi with Prophet (SAW). Sayyidina Siddique (RA) was putting his life on line so that no harm should be done to the beloved Messenger of Allah.
Before continuing their journey further to Yathrib, Prophet (SAW) and Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) took a break and shelter in a cave. It was a rocky, uneven uphill path leading to the cave of Thawr (Sor). This was difficult and hard. It caused injury and bleeding to the feet of Prophet (SAW). Sayyidina Abu Bakr could not afford to see that sight, so he lifted the Prophet (SW) up on his shoulders till he reached the cave. Endangering his life, he entered the cave, cleaned it, tore apart his garment to block the holes in the cave walls, and came out to escort the Prophet (SAW). He then suddenly recalled that a hole was still left uncovered. He went back in, covered it and then requested Prophet (SAW) to get in.
Imam Malik bin Anas (RA) was madly in love with Madina-tun-Nabi. He did not leave that lovely city even for the sake learning. In Hijrah 160, a famine struck the city and in that year Caliph Abbas Mehdi performed Hajj along with his sons and came to pay his respects to the resting place of Prophet (SAW). Imam Malik drew his attention to the calamity and told him that the inhabitants of the city were the children of Muhajireen and Ansaar. The Caliph gave 25 lakh Dirhams to him, which the Imam got distributed among the poor and the needy. Later the Caliph sent 3,000 Dinars to him through one of his confidents, and requested the Imam to visit Baghdad. Imam bin Malik told Caliph’s messenger that the dinar bags were still sealed to be taken back as he could not part with Madina-tun-Nabi.
These are just but a couple of examples telling us the standard and criterion of love with Prophet (SAW). We need to examine and evaluate our life to see if we are really following that model which Allah (SWT) has defined the best for us. We must see how Prophet (SAW) obeyed Allah’s commands, how did he carry out Allah’s orders? How Prophet (SAW) reacted to pleasure and pain? How he fulfilled his duties, and the regard, which he had for the rights of others upon him? How he treated his family members, elders, youngers, relatives, foes and friends? What was his attitude towards the poor and needy? What he said about extravagance and miserliness or stinginess. His life is an open book for us to read, to draw conclusions, and practice to become a Muslim which Allah (SWT) wants us to be.
One of Prophet (SAW)’s companions, whom he was much pleased with, requested him to pray that he may be with the Prophet in the Hereafter. Prophet (SAW) replied that you should strengthen my supplication with much “ibaadah” and “sajood”, which is prayers and prostration. Prophet (SAW) had strictly forbidden lying and committing backbiting. If we want to do justice with Prophet (SAW) love, we have to hold on to his Sunnah firmly and be steadfast to his practices in all aspects of life. Achieving success in both the worlds lies in following Prophet (SAW). May Allah enable us back our claim with actions and practices that we are Muslims. Aameen!
Islam’s proclamation of La Ilaaha Illallaah (there is not god but Allah) is not complete without Muhammad ar Rasulullah (Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger). That means that belief in Tawheed, Oneness of Allah (SWT) also requires us to believe in the last channel of communication between Allah and mankind, which is Allah’s last Prophet (SAW). Embracing Faith in Prophet (SAW) means to accept, obey, and practice all those commandments of Shari’ah, which Allah (SWT) sent through His last Messenger.
Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 21 of Surah Al-Ahzaab “You have indeed, in the life of Rasul Allah, the ‘Best Model’ for him whose hope is in Allah and the Day of the Hereafter, and who engages himself much in the remembrance of Allah.”
For the life of every Muslim, both the words and life style of Prophet (SAW) have been defined as the best sample and ideal model to follow. And following Prophet (SAW) is required, demanded and mandated. We can follow him in letter and spirit only if we are aware of Prophet (SAW)’s status in Allah’s sight. We can follow him only if we seek the blessings of Prophet (SAW)’s pleasure, and his displeasure hurts and agonizes us. We can follow him only if we know what Prophet (SAW) liked and what he disliked, what made him happy and pleased and what made him unhappy and displeased.
The love and attachment, which Sahaabah (Razi Allah-h-Ta’ala Anhuma) had with Prophet (SAW) has no parallel in world history. Allah (SWT) has told us through Sahabaa’s love with Prophet (SAW) how to love His last and great Prophet. The criterion of love with Prophet (SAW) is to see how much we follow that best model, how much we practice Prophet (SAW)’ Sunnah in our life. It is very easy to claim love with Prophet (SAW) in words and statements, it is also easy to express it through spending wealth, but it is very hard to translate that claim into action. This practical expression of love has been demanded from every Muslim, and this expression is the real measure of love.
Sahabaa’s life gives numerous examples of that selfless devotion and deeply ingrained love with Prophet (SAW). Think of that moment of Prophet’s migration to Yathrib later known as Madina. Prophet (SAW) made Sayyidina Ali (RA) to sleep in his bed and reached the house of Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). He told him Allah’s will and the details of migration. Having 20-year’s companionship with him, he spontaneously and impatiently asked a question: “Who will be your companion in this travel of Prophet of Allah? I aspire for that privilege.” Prophet (SAW) replied: “Yes, you will be my companion.” Pleasure of the acceptance of his request filled his eyes with tears. Ummul Momineen Sayyidina Aa’isha Siddiqa (Razi Allahu Anha) said that she realized for the first time in her life that pleasure could also bring tears to the eyes. Having explained the plan of migration, Prophet (SAW) and his loving companion embarked on their journey in the darkness of the night. While on their way, Prophet (SAW) noticed that Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) some times walked ahead of him and some times behind him.
When he was asked by Prophet (SAW) as to why he was changing his positions, Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA), the very personification of utmost love replied: “Ya Rasul Allah, when I suspect that the enemy may come from behind, I want to shield you from the back, and when I fear that the enemy may ambush from the front, I want to be in the fore front to protect you.” This brief statement reflects the true “Ishq” or devotional love of a Sahaabi with Prophet (SAW). Sayyidina Siddique (RA) was putting his life on line so that no harm should be done to the beloved Messenger of Allah.
Before continuing their journey further to Yathrib, Prophet (SAW) and Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) took a break and shelter in a cave. It was a rocky, uneven uphill path leading to the cave of Thawr (Sor). This was difficult and hard. It caused injury and bleeding to the feet of Prophet (SAW). Sayyidina Abu Bakr could not afford to see that sight, so he lifted the Prophet (SW) up on his shoulders till he reached the cave. Endangering his life, he entered the cave, cleaned it, tore apart his garment to block the holes in the cave walls, and came out to escort the Prophet (SAW). He then suddenly recalled that a hole was still left uncovered. He went back in, covered it and then requested Prophet (SAW) to get in.
Imam Malik bin Anas (RA) was madly in love with Madina-tun-Nabi. He did not leave that lovely city even for the sake learning. In Hijrah 160, a famine struck the city and in that year Caliph Abbas Mehdi performed Hajj along with his sons and came to pay his respects to the resting place of Prophet (SAW). Imam Malik drew his attention to the calamity and told him that the inhabitants of the city were the children of Muhajireen and Ansaar. The Caliph gave 25 lakh Dirhams to him, which the Imam got distributed among the poor and the needy. Later the Caliph sent 3,000 Dinars to him through one of his confidents, and requested the Imam to visit Baghdad. Imam bin Malik told Caliph’s messenger that the dinar bags were still sealed to be taken back as he could not part with Madina-tun-Nabi.
These are just but a couple of examples telling us the standard and criterion of love with Prophet (SAW). We need to examine and evaluate our life to see if we are really following that model which Allah (SWT) has defined the best for us. We must see how Prophet (SAW) obeyed Allah’s commands, how did he carry out Allah’s orders? How Prophet (SAW) reacted to pleasure and pain? How he fulfilled his duties, and the regard, which he had for the rights of others upon him? How he treated his family members, elders, youngers, relatives, foes and friends? What was his attitude towards the poor and needy? What he said about extravagance and miserliness or stinginess. His life is an open book for us to read, to draw conclusions, and practice to become a Muslim which Allah (SWT) wants us to be.
One of Prophet (SAW)’s companions, whom he was much pleased with, requested him to pray that he may be with the Prophet in the Hereafter. Prophet (SAW) replied that you should strengthen my supplication with much “ibaadah” and “sajood”, which is prayers and prostration. Prophet (SAW) had strictly forbidden lying and committing backbiting. If we want to do justice with Prophet (SAW) love, we have to hold on to his Sunnah firmly and be steadfast to his practices in all aspects of life. Achieving success in both the worlds lies in following Prophet (SAW). May Allah enable us back our claim with actions and practices that we are Muslims. Aameen!
Friday, May 9, 2003
Superstitions and Islam
BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem
Superstitions and Islam
Scientific advancement has done wonders: man has landed on the moon, mars is within human reach, depth of oceans have been fathomed, nature is being tamed, animals are being cloned, and man is continuously striving to subject everything of this universe to the microscopic scrutiny of his expanding knowledge and research. But if a man is without Faith and Eeman, even his vast knowledge cannot liberate him from the slavery of superstitions. Things, which have been created to serve man, are being ignorantly considered as masters of his destiny.
Tawheed – Oneness of Allah Subhana-o-Ta’ala is a great honor and a blessing bestowed upon humanity by Islam. Tawheed means that Allah is the Master, the Absolute Controller and Regulator. Nothing has ever happened, can ever happen and will ever happen without the will and knowledge of Allah. His decision is supreme and no one can challenge it. Success destined for someone by Him can never ever suffer a failure, and if He means failure for someone, nothing can turn it into success. Human intrigues, schemes and planning have no value and are meaningless and futile before Allah’s will. No one can interfere in man’s fate; let they be stars, stones, any given number or numerals, specific moments in time, special days or months. Tawheed crushed all such idols of superstitions, and saved man from the worship of falsehood.
Superstition is a slavery, which makes man fear from things, or attaches the hope of help and benefit from things, which have no power to do good or bad to him. You must have seen or heard many examples of superstitious practices. For example, if a black cat crosses your path, or if an owl hoots, both are considered as bad omen. Traveling on a certain day is considered unsafe. One who is devoid of faith in Allah’s Supreme authority and power falls a prey to these superstitions and follies. Surprisingly countries where by and large people are educated, certain numbers are considered bad, and hotels don’t assign that number to rooms.
These superstitions had their followers in the pre-Islamic Arabia too. Before embarking on a journey, people used to set a bird free, and if it flew to the right, it was considered as a good omen, and if it flew to the left, the journey was given up. The owl was considered an evil bird. Its hoot was considered as harbinger of death and destruction. The month of Safar was considered bad and any business initiated in that month was believed to be doomed. Prophet (SAW) rejected these notions of ignorance and said there is no truth in such beliefs.
Arabs also believed that Shiyaateen lived in the woods and deserts and had the power to change their color and deceived travelers. They used to call them “Ghaul”. Prophet (SAW) rejected this idea as mentioned in Fatah-ul-Baari, Volume 10, page 168. Arabs also considered the month of Shawwal as bad and improper for marriages. Prophet (SAW) married Ummul Momineen Hazrat Aa’isha (RA) in the month of Shawwal and she went to his house in the same month. She said that which “Nikah” can be more blessed than mine.
Islam had planted the concept of Tawheed so deep in the hearts that no one could ever believe in such senseless superstitions. Hazrat Zunairah (RA) is a Sahaabiah. When she embraced Islam, she was subjected to such a torture that she lost her eyesight. Non-Muslims said that the loss of sight was due to turning her back to the idols, and saying bad things about gods and goddesses. In our days and time, not to speak of women, even men, both educated and illiterate, could have been influenced, but Hazrat Zunairah (RA) did not flinch even for a split of a second. She had lost “Basaarat”, eyesight, but not “Baseerat”, the Insight and wisdom. She said everything was subject to Allah’s will. Prophet (SAW) was very happy with her staunch faith. He prayed for her and as a result Allah (SWT) restored her eyesight.
Egypt came under the banner of Islam during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). Country’s economy and prosperity depended on the river Nile. According to Egyptian custom a maiden girl was to be sacrificed to the river as and when it dried up. It happened that the Nile dried up after the Muslim conquest. Egyptians told Hazrat Amr-bin-alAas, the then governor of Egypt that the river needed a sacrifice for its revival. Hazrat Amr-bin-alAas informed Sayyidina Umar Farooq (RA), who wrote this on a piece of paper: “Nile, if you flow by the command of Allah, revive and resume, otherwise dry up for ever”, and ordered that his message should be thrown in the river. This was done and the Nile resumed its flow, revived and never did dry since then.
It is said that Taimoor conquered India and when he was trying to cross the river Jamuna, fortunetellers told him not to cross the river as it was an inappropriate time. Taimoor was not a very educated person, but he was a Muslim. He spontaneously rejected the idea and said that being a believers in Tawheed, he did not care for things in superstitions as did the believers in Trinity.
It is sad that even in this progressive era, some Muslims believe in superstitions. According to Islam, no time, day, or month is bad. No bird, or animal or any of its acts is a bad omen. It is better to consult one’s own conscience, provided it alive, and not to go after the astrologers and fortunetellers. Good or bad, luck or bad luck, success or failure, all is the direct result of man’s own thinking, acts and practices. Let us think what a great blessing is Tawheed for us. Belief in it has certainly made us to prostrate to the one and only Allah (SWT), our Creator, Nourisher and Provider, but has liberated us from thousands of other false gods, goddesses, and superstitions.
Iqbal (Rahmatullah Alaih) said:
“This one prostration, which you feel burden-some,
Liberates and rids you from a thousand prostrations.”
Superstitions and Islam
Scientific advancement has done wonders: man has landed on the moon, mars is within human reach, depth of oceans have been fathomed, nature is being tamed, animals are being cloned, and man is continuously striving to subject everything of this universe to the microscopic scrutiny of his expanding knowledge and research. But if a man is without Faith and Eeman, even his vast knowledge cannot liberate him from the slavery of superstitions. Things, which have been created to serve man, are being ignorantly considered as masters of his destiny.
Tawheed – Oneness of Allah Subhana-o-Ta’ala is a great honor and a blessing bestowed upon humanity by Islam. Tawheed means that Allah is the Master, the Absolute Controller and Regulator. Nothing has ever happened, can ever happen and will ever happen without the will and knowledge of Allah. His decision is supreme and no one can challenge it. Success destined for someone by Him can never ever suffer a failure, and if He means failure for someone, nothing can turn it into success. Human intrigues, schemes and planning have no value and are meaningless and futile before Allah’s will. No one can interfere in man’s fate; let they be stars, stones, any given number or numerals, specific moments in time, special days or months. Tawheed crushed all such idols of superstitions, and saved man from the worship of falsehood.
Superstition is a slavery, which makes man fear from things, or attaches the hope of help and benefit from things, which have no power to do good or bad to him. You must have seen or heard many examples of superstitious practices. For example, if a black cat crosses your path, or if an owl hoots, both are considered as bad omen. Traveling on a certain day is considered unsafe. One who is devoid of faith in Allah’s Supreme authority and power falls a prey to these superstitions and follies. Surprisingly countries where by and large people are educated, certain numbers are considered bad, and hotels don’t assign that number to rooms.
These superstitions had their followers in the pre-Islamic Arabia too. Before embarking on a journey, people used to set a bird free, and if it flew to the right, it was considered as a good omen, and if it flew to the left, the journey was given up. The owl was considered an evil bird. Its hoot was considered as harbinger of death and destruction. The month of Safar was considered bad and any business initiated in that month was believed to be doomed. Prophet (SAW) rejected these notions of ignorance and said there is no truth in such beliefs.
Arabs also believed that Shiyaateen lived in the woods and deserts and had the power to change their color and deceived travelers. They used to call them “Ghaul”. Prophet (SAW) rejected this idea as mentioned in Fatah-ul-Baari, Volume 10, page 168. Arabs also considered the month of Shawwal as bad and improper for marriages. Prophet (SAW) married Ummul Momineen Hazrat Aa’isha (RA) in the month of Shawwal and she went to his house in the same month. She said that which “Nikah” can be more blessed than mine.
Islam had planted the concept of Tawheed so deep in the hearts that no one could ever believe in such senseless superstitions. Hazrat Zunairah (RA) is a Sahaabiah. When she embraced Islam, she was subjected to such a torture that she lost her eyesight. Non-Muslims said that the loss of sight was due to turning her back to the idols, and saying bad things about gods and goddesses. In our days and time, not to speak of women, even men, both educated and illiterate, could have been influenced, but Hazrat Zunairah (RA) did not flinch even for a split of a second. She had lost “Basaarat”, eyesight, but not “Baseerat”, the Insight and wisdom. She said everything was subject to Allah’s will. Prophet (SAW) was very happy with her staunch faith. He prayed for her and as a result Allah (SWT) restored her eyesight.
Egypt came under the banner of Islam during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). Country’s economy and prosperity depended on the river Nile. According to Egyptian custom a maiden girl was to be sacrificed to the river as and when it dried up. It happened that the Nile dried up after the Muslim conquest. Egyptians told Hazrat Amr-bin-alAas, the then governor of Egypt that the river needed a sacrifice for its revival. Hazrat Amr-bin-alAas informed Sayyidina Umar Farooq (RA), who wrote this on a piece of paper: “Nile, if you flow by the command of Allah, revive and resume, otherwise dry up for ever”, and ordered that his message should be thrown in the river. This was done and the Nile resumed its flow, revived and never did dry since then.
It is said that Taimoor conquered India and when he was trying to cross the river Jamuna, fortunetellers told him not to cross the river as it was an inappropriate time. Taimoor was not a very educated person, but he was a Muslim. He spontaneously rejected the idea and said that being a believers in Tawheed, he did not care for things in superstitions as did the believers in Trinity.
It is sad that even in this progressive era, some Muslims believe in superstitions. According to Islam, no time, day, or month is bad. No bird, or animal or any of its acts is a bad omen. It is better to consult one’s own conscience, provided it alive, and not to go after the astrologers and fortunetellers. Good or bad, luck or bad luck, success or failure, all is the direct result of man’s own thinking, acts and practices. Let us think what a great blessing is Tawheed for us. Belief in it has certainly made us to prostrate to the one and only Allah (SWT), our Creator, Nourisher and Provider, but has liberated us from thousands of other false gods, goddesses, and superstitions.
Iqbal (Rahmatullah Alaih) said:
“This one prostration, which you feel burden-some,
Liberates and rids you from a thousand prostrations.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)