My Little Breathing Space - I write for the few, not the many. The few that are left out!
If you're given the truth accept it, even from an enemy. If you're given evil reject it, even from a friend – Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood RA
Author:Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
I'm for the truth no matter who tells it. I'm for justice no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being first and foremost and for whoever benefits humanity...
27th November 2013 – Nazir Ahmed Satia (Allah drench him in his mercy)
Parents live forever. People say that when parents die, the world comes to an end. The house looks empty. But I feel that parents live forever and they stay with us. It’s us who forget them. The matter of fact is that a brother has the eyes of the beloved father, a sister has a pretty face like a compassionate mother, a sibling smiles like a dad, or a sister cooks like a mum.
Parents don’t die. They never leave us. They live among us. They live in us. We are the reflections of our parents. Despite their physical absence, they continue to live in us. When you want to remember your parents, when you want to see them, when you want to be with them, simply gather your siblings around you. You will find the mesmerising smile of the mother in one sibling, the soothing voice of the father in another. You will feel your parents very close to you. All around you. Deep inside you. The garden of love that parents cultivate and grow with love, from the time that you are born, with the hard work of their tears and blood; it will continue to bloom, unaffected by the cycles of tough weathers of life. They shelter us in tough times. But there are times, when we forget all their hard work and destroy the paradise that they built, with our selfishness, hatred, and opportunistic attitudes.
Parents don’t die. We put them to death. Love your parents. Love your siblings. Continue to feed the garden that parents cultivated with love and compassion so that it never stops blooming and blossoming. You will make your world a living paradise on Earth. A heaven that only knows love, compassion, care, respect and it has you with your loved ones around you.
Allah forgive our parents and have mercy on them, accept their good deed and grant them Jannah, Ameen
“We can only live in peace and harmony by talking to each other and learning about each other.”
The phenomenon of ‘Interfaith Dialogue’ has gained importance in the world for decades due to many reasons; therefore it is an urgent need of the time to scrutinise it under the lens of Islamic Shariah.
An essential principle that must be understood before understanding the reasoning here is that the concern of scholars when giving a verdict on something is the reality of the nature of that problem at hand; not what it is called. An example is Ginger Beer. It does not matter that it has the word ‘beer’ in its name. If it does not fulfill the conditions of a prohibited drink, then it is permissible. It would be a clear error if someone were to conclude that this drink is prohibited because its name resembles that of a prohibited drink. Similarly, an Islamic bank may call something ‘interest-free’. If the conditions of interest in Islām are fulfilled, then that transaction is prohibited, even if the company has used the term ‘interest-free’. So names and titles should not deceive us into rushing into decisions. This is a well-known fiqh principle agreed upon by the scholars. Similarly, is the word interfaith, before venturing into the topic, it would be better to first see how the concept of ‘Interfaith Dialogue’ is defined by scholars.
The term interfaith dialogue refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different faiths at both the individual and institutional levels.[1] It refers to a meeting of qualified members of different faiths in a formal setting to discuss religious opinions and practices they have in common, usually with the intention of expanding their common ground.[2]
Similarly, there is another term ‘Interreligious dialogue’ which is seen as a challenging process by which adherents of differing religious traditions encounter each other in order to break down the walls of division between themselves.[3]
In this way ‘interfaith dialogue’ is distinct from syncretism or alternative religion. But, this term is actually used by different people in different contexts as per their motives and vested interests. This is the reason that ‘Interfaith dialogue’ is criticised by some religious leaders as a conspiracy designed to merge all religions into one. Certain individuals and communities fear the loss or weakening of their religious identities as a result of engaging in dialogue and interacting with followers of other faiths.[4]
Background of Interfaith Dialogue
Understanding the people of other faiths around you has been a natural process of human life as no human society can live in peace until it behaves tolerantly with his neighbours. However, at some juncture of history, there have been organized efforts to bring different religions closer to each other or even to intermix them. The Emperor Akbar (1542-1605), for example, established Deen-e-Ilahi in Mughal India, a diverse nation with people of various faith backgrounds, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity.[5]
Muslims, throughout their history, have been living with peace, tolerance, and coexistence along with people of other faiths. The Muslim societies have always observed religious pluralism and the people of other faiths have always lived under their rule very peacefully and amicably. Right from the era of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) up to the Ottoman Caliphate and Mughal Empire in India Muslims provide historical examples of generally peaceful coexistence with peoples of different faiths. The Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslim communities enjoyed full rights and lived shoulder-to-shoulder with Muslims.[6]
The wave of religious hatred and intolerance erupted after the Western powers started occupying and colonising the Muslim lands. In order to establish their sovereignty they sowed the seeds of differences among the communities of different faiths and beliefs.[7]
It was the time when the need for interfaith dialogue was felt as the world was made so chaotic by the struggle for powers, domination of materialism, and lack of spirituality. Later after the colonial powers shrank to their holes and much later when the Cold War between the US and the USSR calmed down, Islam again emerged as the first enemy of the West. The situation reached its height on 9/11 when the US was attacked by so-called Muslim terrorists. This state of affairs led many to think that Muslim and Western civilizations were going to clash.
At this juncture in time, the need for interfaith dialogue resurfaced with even greater gravity as this was the only way to avoid civilization clashes and prevent the world from destruction.
Concerns about the Motive of Interfaith Dialogue
Dialogue between individuals and communities of different faiths is a natural phenomenon that takes place at stages of multi-faith communities. The process of dialogue forces people to examine and reconfirm their own religious identity and strengthen their own beliefs while respecting those of others with patience and dignity.
Globalisation and the invention of modern communication facilities have reduced the world to a village and the fastest transportation means provided an opportunity for people to interact with each other as never before. In this scenario, interfaith dialogue can provide a platform to understand and cooperate with each other and move forward peacefully.
The prevalent idea of interfaith dialogue is based upon the following principles: followers of all religions are free to lead lives in accordance with their own beliefs; and the moral values inherent in all religions — especially patience, tolerance, and coexistence – are respected.
And in order to cooperate with the idea, in July 2008, a historic interfaith dialogue conference was inaugurated by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in Madrid, the capital of Spain, with the objective of solving world problems through concord instead of conflict. The conference was attended by religious leaders of different faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism.[8]
However, there are serious concerns about the motives and hidden agenda under the banner of ‘interfaith dialogue’. According to some, this might be a conspiracy of the enemies of Islam to weaken the attachment of Muslims to their religion as they see it as the biggest hurdle in the way of their imperialism expansions. Usually, such dialogues are arranged with so-called Muslim intellectuals who are not firm in their religious knowledge and belief and thus fall prey to the hidden agenda.[9]
These concerns are intensified by the dual policies of the Western powers and the contradictions between their words and deeds. On one side they supervise interfaith dialogue and on the other hand, they attack Islam and Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad and the Quran are blasphemed in their lands and they are not ready to punish the culprits. This has created doubts in Muslim minds that these ‘staged’ interfaith dialogues are not political strategies to serve their own ends.
Islam and Interfaith Dialogue
Nevertheless, the phenomenon of interfaith dialogue, whatever the motive behind may be, cannot be ignored by Muslims. If such dialogues will not be attended by proficient Muslim scholars it might be hijacked by incompetent persons who will consequently cause harm to Islam and Muslims. Therefore, it is the need of the hour for competent Ulama to take the lead and represent the true face of Islam. It is not only requirement of the time which cannot be overlooked; rather it poses great challenge that they have to face boldly.
In order to understand the view of Islamic Shariah about ‘interfaith dialogue’, it is imperative to learn the basic principles in this regard:
(1) Islam is the only Religion Acceptable to Allah: Though all religions of the world claim to be true, it is only Islam that stands as the final and perfect religion established on strong evidence and solid foundations. As Muslims, we must have a firm belief that Islam is the only religion acceptable to Allah and it is the only way of life that can guarantee the success of human beings in this world and their salvation in the hereafter. As the Quran says:
{إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الإِسْلامُ}
“Truly, the (recognised) religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” [3:19]
“Whoever seeks a faith other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” [3:85]
(2) Syncretism or unification of religions is absolutely unacceptable in Islam: The ridiculous theory of Syncretism or unification of religions is unacceptable in Islam for reasons. The foremost among them is that this is unnatural and at no time in the history of mankind have they been adhering to one set of beliefs. It is so destined by Allah that people will never be converted into a single community, as He says:
“Had your Lord willed, He would have made all the people a single community. But, they will continue in their differences.” [11:119]
(3) Coexistence but not Compromise: The interfaith dialogue should be free from any kind of compromise on the part of religious rulings even to minor issues. A tolerance that prevents from speaking the truth or favour un-Islamic thoughts cannot be allowed. The Quran describes that the disbelievers wish Muslims to be flexible, but it is unacceptable:
{ودوا لوتدھن فیدھنون}
“They wish that you become flexible (in your faith) so that they should become flexible.” [68:9]
{ولا تركنوا إلى الذين ظلموا فتمسكم النار} “And do not incline towards the wrongdoers, lest the Fire should catch you.” [11:113]
The chapter al-Kafiroon (109) from the Quran was revealed in response to the proposal of the disbelievers to strike a compromise deal seeking Muslims to worship their Gods and binding them to worship Allah in return, but the Quran very emphatically rejected it and said:
“Say, O disbelievers, I do not worship that which you worship, nor do you worship the One whom I worship. And neither I am going to worship that which you have worshipped, nor will you worship the One whom I worship. For you is your faith, and for me, my faith.” [109:2-6][10]
Common Grounds for Interfaith Dialogue
Dialogue, or peaceful negotiation, is the path prescribed by Islam. The Holy Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) set standards for dialogue with people of other faith. The Quran encouraged Muslims to talk to the Jews and Christian on matters which are common:
“Say, O people of the Book, come to a word common between us and between you, that we worship none but Allah, that we associate nothing with Him and that some of us do not take others as Lords instead of Allah. Then, should they turn back, say, .Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [3:65]
The Prophet Muhammad SAW advocated reconciliation with other religions. In Makkah in 615 CE, he sent Muslims fleeing persecution from the Meccans to find refuge with the Christian king of Abyssinia, current-day Ethiopia, as a signal of mutual trust with Christianity. Later when he migrated to Madinah, he signed a peace treaty with the Jewish tribes and later with the tribes of Makkah in 6th year of Hijra. He also had religious discussions with the Christians of Najran in his holy mosque. He also wrote letters to the rulers in and around Arabia in order to convey the message of Islam.
So, following the footsteps shown by the Quran and Hadith, Muslims can engage themselves in dialogue with the people of other faiths on the issues that form a common ground for them and which may help in promoting peace and enable Muslims to represent Islam to others.
(a) There is no Compulsion in Religion
First of all, Islam rejected forced conversion and gave people the full right to freely choose what they adhere to. Islam regarded freedom of expression as a birthright of human beings and termed force and oppression as unfair and forbidden. The Quran very clearly declares:
“There is no compulsion in Faith. The correct way has become distinct from the erroneous. Now, whoever rejects the Taghut (the Rebel, the Satan) and believes in Allah has a firm grasp on the strongest ring that never breaks. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” [2:257]
(b) Tolerance Towards other Religions
People have differences in belief, religion, culture etc, but while following their religion, they have to have mutual respect for others and discover a common bond between them, which shows them all to be human beings. Islam did not create any ill will and hatred in its followers about other religions and their leaders; rather it pushed forth their love and strengthened their relationship with other religions by various means. Sometimes, it admitted the greatness of the leaders and prophets of other communities saying:
“We did raise a messenger among every people, with the message.” [16:36]
It also forbade Muslims to blaspheme the sacred personalities of other religions saying: “Do not revile those whom they invoke other than Allah, lest they should revile Allah in transgression in ignorance.” [6:109]
The Quran presented a model of high-grade tolerance that it regarded all the prophets and messengers of the Jews and the Christians as true prophets sent down by Allah. The Quran says:
“Surely, We have revealed to you as We have revealed to Noah and to the prophets after him.” [4:163]
And, it regarded the original books believed by the Jews and the Christians as divine revelation from Allah:
“Surely we have sent down the Torah, in which there was guidance and light.” (5:44) “We gave him the Injil (Gospel) having guidance and light therein, and confirming the Torah that was (revealed) before it; guidance and a lesson for the God-fearing.” (5:46)
Thus it extended the hand of friendship towards Judaism and Christianity which were the well-known and prominent religions of the age. As far as other religions and nations are concerned, it declared that there were prophets from Allah to other nations and communities:
“And there was no community without a Warner having passed among them.” (35:24)
Concisely, it secured the honour of the sacred figures of other religions in the eyes of Muslims forever and stopped Muslims absolutely from abusing any religious leader. Thus, it established the foundation of universal brotherhood, sympathy, and tolerance which was extinct before the advent of Islam.
(c) Moral and Ethical Values
The moral and ethical values like justice and fairness, tolerance and patience, and good conduct have been much emphasized by Islam. These values can form a common ground for interfaith dialogue.
Here are some references from the Quran:
Justice and transparency: “But if you judge, judge between them with justice. Surely, Allah loves those who do justice.” (5:42) At another place it says: “Allah does not forbid you as regards those who did not fight you on account of faith, and did not expel you from your homes, that you do good to them, and deal justly with them. Surely Allah loves those who maintain justice.” (60:8)
Fulfilling Promises: “And fulfil the covenant, surely the covenants shall be asked about (on the Day of Reckoning).” (17:34) It asserted: “So, fulfil the treaty with them up to their term, surely Allah loves the God-Fearing.” (9:4)
Good conduct: “Good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with what is best, and you will see that the one you had mutual enmity with him will turn as if he were a close friend.” (41:34)
“Allah does not forbid you as regards those who did not fight you on account of faith, and did not expel you from your homes, that you do good to them, and deal justly with them. Surely Allah loves those who maintain justice.” (60:8)
“The recompense of evil is evil like it. Then the one who forgives and opts for compromise has his reward undertaken by Allah. Surely, He does not like the unjust.” (42:40)
(d) Dialogue as a means of Dawah
Dialogue can be utilized as one of the best means to convey the message of Islam to people of other faiths. Nowadays, non-Muslims have many misconceptions about Islam and Muslims which are caused by their insufficient knowledge of Islam. So this opportunity can be utilized to remove the misconceptions and to transmit the true spirit of Islam to the world. Islam is based on the principle of dawah which is another name for peaceful negotiation. The Quran itself describes how to make this dialogue fruitful:
“Invite (people) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel, and argue with them in the best of manners. Surely, your Lord knows best the one who deviates from His way, and He knows best the ones who are on the right path.” [16:125]
Islam asserts that our conversation with others should be carried out wisely and in the most gracious way. Listening to their objections, the point should be made in such a way that appeals to their minds.
Conclusion & Summary
To sum up, these are the main points which should be kept in mind in order to understand the concept of Islam about interfaith dialogue:
· Islam favours divine revolution by striving for a society in which spiritual, ethical, and human values are cherished. Islam advocates an atmosphere where peace, tolerance, and respect prevail. It wishes to create an atmosphere where disputes are resolved without the use of violence. This is the desired world of Islam and such a world can be established only through peaceful dialogue.
· The phenomenon of interfaith dialogue cannot be ignored and left for incompetent individuals and institutions to misrepresent Islam and Muslims; rather it should be headed by proficient Muslim scholars.
· Interfaith dialogue should be fitted in the framework of Islamic Shariah and no compromise should be made on the part of religious fundamentals and its teachings.
· Through interfaith dialogue, the common grounds of ethical and social values can be explored which help in promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance.
· Interfaith dialogue forums should be used by competent Muslim scholars to represent the true face of Islam and to remove the misconceptions spread against Islam.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interfaith_dialog [2] What is Interfaith Dialogue? http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110315104231AAnMRJV [3] Sandi Fults, What is Interreligious Dialogue? http://globalfaithinaction.org/what-is-interreligious-dialogue [4] Qazi Abdul Qadeer Khamosh, Conspiracy or cure? An Islamic perspective on interfaith dialogue, 27 April 2010 http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=27696 [5] Shaikh Muhammad Ikram, Rood-e-Kausar, p 85-131, New Delhi 2003 [6] For details see Civilization of the Arabs by Gustav Le Bon [7] Maulana Hussain Ahamd Madani, Naqsh-e-Hayat, Deoband [8] Saudi Gazette, 17 July 2008, http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008071712004 [9] Mufti Rasheed Ahmad Balakoti, Monthly Bayyinat, Sep 2008, Jamia Banuria Karachi [10] Muhammad bin Jareer Tabri, Jami’ al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, 22/662
Presented in a seminar on “Shariah Methods of Interfaith Dialogue” dated April 22-24, 2013 at Seminar Hall, Dept of Arabic, University of Delhi, Delhi. The Seminar was Organized by: ISESCO, Rabat, Morocco In Collaboration & Coordination of: Islamic Fiqh Academy (INDIA), New Delhi Dept of Arabic, University of Delhi, Delhi
Whether your Chîldrėn ask you or not, you must tell them that we *L♡VĖ* Palestine because…
*01:* Palestine has been the land of the Prophets, peace be upon them all.
*02:* Prophet Ibrahim عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم first migrated to Palestine.
*03:* Allah Ta’ala saved Prophet Lut عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم from the punishment that had befallen his people in Palestine.
*04:* Prophet Dawood عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم lived in this land and built a masjid here.
*05:* Prophet Sulaiman عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم used to sit in this country and rule over the whole world.
*06:* The famous story of the ant and Sulaiman عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم in the Quran, in which an ant said to the rest of his ants, “O ants, get into your burrows and hide” happened right here in a valley in the city of Ashkelon in this country, which was later named “Wadi al-Naml” – Valley of the Ants”.
*07:* The mihrab/prayer place of Prophet Zakariyya عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم is also in this city of Jerusalem.
*08:* Prophet Musa عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم told his companions about this country and to enter this holy city. He called this city holy because of its being free from shirk and being the land of Prophets.
*09:* Many miracles took place in this city, including the blessed birth of Jesus from the blessed and pure virgin Sayyidina Maryam.
*10:* When his people wanted to kill Prophet Isa عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم
*Âllåh (ﷻ)* took him up to the heavens from Jerusalem.
*11:* After giving birth, when a woman is at the extreme of her physical weakness, Sayyidina Maryam’s shaking of the palm trunk to get dates in such a state is also a divine miracle.
*12:* One of the signs of the Day of Judgement will be the return of Isa to the earth in this city.
*13:* Prophet Isaa عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم will kill the Dajjal at Bab Lud in this land.
*14:* Palestine is the land where everyone will be raised, resurrected and judged.
*15:* It is from this city that Gog and Magog will start fighting and rioting across the earth.
*16:* One of the Quranic stories that happened in this city is the story of Talut and Goliath and Talut’s triumph over Goliath.
*17:* Palestine also has the honour of being the first Qibla of Muslims after the five prayers became obligatory. After the Hijra, Sayyidina Jibreel عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم directed our Prophet *ﷺ* to turn his face from Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem) to the Kaaba (Makkah) during prayer. The mosque in which this incident took place is still called the Qiblatin Mosque.
*18:* The Holy Prophet *صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم* was brought here from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) before he was taken to heavens on the night of Ascension.
*19:* All the Prophets عَــلَيْه السَّـلاَم
prayed here behind our Prophet *ﷺ* Thus, Palestine once again became the land of all the Prophets.
*20:* Sayyidina Abu Dharr *رَضِيَ اللّهُ عَنْهُ* says that I asked the Messenger of *Âllåh (ﷻ)* *صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم* , which was the first mosque built on earth? So he said: Masjid al-Haram (i.e. the Kaaba). I asked which one? (When the mosque was built) he said: Al-Aqsa Mosque (i.e. Bait al-Maqdis). I then asked how much time was there between the two of them? The Prophet *ﷺ* said: “Forty years, and whenever you can, you should pray there”
*21:* After the departure of the Prophet *ﷺ*, Sayyidina Abu Bakr *رَضِيَ اللّهُ عَنْهُ* dealt with the wars of apostasy and false prophets. Despite the dire need of military resources and manpower to deal with these many battlefronts, it is also an unforgettable fact that the army prepared by the Prophet *ﷺ* was still sent by Abubakr *رَضِيَ اللّهُ عَنْهُ* to liberate the land of Palestine.
*22:* In the golden era of Islam, Sayyidina Umar as Khalifah, leaving aside all the other numerous Muslim conquests around the world, solely for the liberation of Palestine, himself went from Madinah and prayed there, highlighting the importance and greatness of this city.
*23:* The re-conquest of this city by Salahudidn Ayyubi on Friday 27th Rajab 583 Hijri on the night of Mi’raj is also a sign of Allah.
24: The name of Jerusalem is also Bait al-Maqdis and Al Quds due to the sanctity and holiness of this city which distinguishes it from all other cities. More than 5000 Companions of the Prophet sacrificed their lives to acquire this city and save it from the oppression and tyranny of the Christian Romans. And that chapter of martyrdom is not closed until this day. This city of Jerusalem is thus also known as the city of martyrs.
I am Israel – written by Professor Norman Finkelstein.
‘I am Israel. I came to a land without a people for a people without a land. Those people who happened to be here, had no right to be here, and my people showed them they had to leave or die, razing 400 Palestinian villages to the ground, erasing their history.
I am Israel. Some of my people committed massacres and later became Prime Ministers to represent me. In 1948, Menachem Begin was in charge of the unit that slaughtered the inhabitants of Deir Yassin, including 100 women and children. In 1953, Ariel Sharon led the slaughter of the inhabitants of Qibya, and in 1982 arranged for our allies to butcher around 2,000 in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila.
I am Israel. Carved in 1948 out of 78% of the land of Palestine, dispossessing its inhabitants and replacing them with Jews from Europe and other parts of the world. While the natives whose families lived on this land for thousands of years are not allowed to return, Jews from all over the world are welcome to instant citizenship.
I am Israel. In 1967, I swallowed the remaining lands of Palestine – East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza – and placed their inhabitants under an oppressive military rule, controlling and humiliating every aspect of their daily lives. Eventually, they should get the message that they are not welcome to stay, and join the millions of Palestinian refugees in the shanty camps of Lebanon and Jordan.
I am Israel. I have the power to control American policy. My American Israel Public Affairs Committee can make or break any politician of its choosing, and as you see, they all compete to please me. All the forces of the world are powerless against me, including the UN as I have the American veto to block any condemnation of my war crimes. As Sharon so eloquently phrased it, “We control America”.
I am Israel. I influence American mainstream media too, and you will always find the news tailored to my favor. I have invested millions of dollars into PR representation, and CNN, New York Times, and others have been doing an excellent job of promoting my propaganda. Look at other international news sources and you will see the difference.
I am Israel. You Palestinians want to negotiate “peace!?” But you are not as smart as me; I will negotiate, but will only let you have your municipalities while I control your borders, your water, your airspace and anything else of importance. While we “negotiate,” I will swallow your hilltops and fill them with settlements, populated by the most extremist of my extremists, armed to the teeth. These settlements will be connected with roads you cannot use, and you will be imprisoned in your little Bantustans between them, surrounded by checkpoints in every direction.
I am Israel. I have the fourth strongest army in the world, possessing nuclear weapons. How dare your children confront my oppression with stones, don’t you know my soldiers won’t hesitate to blow their heads off? In 17 months, I have killed 900 of you and injured 17,000, mostly civilians, and have the mandate to continue since the international community remains silent. Ignore, as I do, the hundreds of Israeli reserve officers who are now refusing to carry out my control over your lands and people; their voices of conscience will not protect you.
I am Israel. You want freedom? I have bullets, tanks, missiles, Apaches and F-16s to obliterate you. I have placed your towns under siege, confiscated your lands, uprooted your trees, demolished your homes, and you still demand freedom? Don’t you get the message? You will never have peace or freedom, because I am Israel.’
– written by Professor Norman Finkelstein.
Please also read ‘The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine’, by Israeli history professor and activist Ilan Pappé .
https://youtu.be/vPndQGImVMc?feature=shared
How Palestine Became Occupied – watch the video above
The world has been lied to for 73 years. The Palestinian people are being destroyed before our eyes, and many of those who have been shouting loudly, ‘Never again’, look away.
Alhumdu Lillah, through the sheer blessing and mercy of Allah SWT, I was honoured to be part of a delegation sent by Human Aid & Advocacy to Afghanistan on Wednesday 26th July 2023. This journey was a fact-finding mission to separate the truth from the lies and to distinguish between Western Media Propaganda and the reality of the new government. I have penned down my thoughts and reflections from the journey.
Afghanistan is the graveyard of empires,
The land of the conquerors (that never conquered),
The land of the occupiers (that never occupied),
The land where angels descended to protect these people.
Yet, if you are patient and mindful of Allah, their schemes will not harm you in the least. Surely Allah is fully aware of what they do.
Afghanistan is a large country, three times the size of the UK, and has a population of 40 million. This is a country that has been at war for the last 30-35 years, against two world superpowers. Afghan people are very brave, and resilient and fear nobody but Allah SWT. One of the reasons they kept fighting the USA is they couldn’t take someone who doesn’t believe in Allāh SWT rule over them. “We would rather die…”
On the first day, we met with Maulvi Amir Khan, every meeting we attended started with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an. One of the questions we asked him was, what are his expectations from the Muslims in the West and particularly British Muslims? Can anyone think of what he requested? Tanks? Weapons? Money? That’s what the media will tell you… He lowered his voice and in a solemn tone he replied with an example, (there were tea cups in front of us), “As you can see the cup in front of you is white tell the world it is white.” That’s all he wanted! I was dumbfounded by the answer… Subhan Allah! They only want people to know the truth about them, the whole truth. In Sha Allah and this is what we intend to do… He further added, what you see here, tell people exactly as it is, the media have destroyed us more than their drones and planes.
Before continuing, one must understand when you live in the West you are constantly bombarded with negative images and comments regarding the Taliban government, the question is why? It’s simply because they want to bring back Shariah in its original and pristine form, they want to implement the Qur’an to the full extent, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. The enemies of Islam can never see this as it means that they would also be under Islamic law.
The best way to destroy all of this is to paint the Taliban with a negative brush, which isn’t something new! Titles and degradation were also faced by the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ was also called a poet, a magician, and a soothsayer, but this didn’t deter him ﷺ from relaying the truth. Today we have the Daily Mail and back then we had Abu Jahl & Co, all eggs of the same basket. This mustn’t weaken us, hold on to your faith.
Our second day, was Friday 28th of July which coincided with Ashoora. About 10% of the population is Shia in Afghanistan and we often get told by the BBC and others that Shia Muslims get attacked by the Taliban often leading to many Shia deaths, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Friday morning we were told that all networks will be down for the duration of the day, which means no WiFi and no mobile coverage. The Taliban government do this on 10th Muharram to prevent any sort of attacks/bombings of which Shias and their masajid are usually the targets.
So if the Taliban didn’t care about Shia Muslims or people of other faiths, why take the network down in the whole of Kabul? Many of you will ask if the Taliban are not bombing the Shia, then who is? There is a large presence of Daaish in Afghanistan and they are usually the perpetrators, but sadly the blame lands on the Taliban. Who is Daaish? Nobody really knows not even the Taliban but they certainly don’t represent Islam.
We prayed Jumuah Salah at the Jaame Masjid Wazir Akbar Khan, we met the Imam, Mawlana Muhammadullah Mohsin he was a young Imam. In our brief chat with Mawlana, we asked him what challenges he faced in Kabul? He replied the youth don’t attend the Masjid nor do they connect with the Ulama. He further added, teenagers, particularly disliked Ulama because of the propaganda of the Americans. Sometimes the occupier leaves, but the people are still mentally occupied. People realise when the occupier leaves who is right and wrong. Just like in India when the British left, but their influence is still there. The good thing is the Afghan people were not influenced as much, as they don’t accept other religions, ideologies, and cultures.
2/3 of Afghanistan’s economy used to come from foreign aid, America has now put sanctions on the country whereby money cannot be transferred to their bank accounts. When we asked the people how they survive? “We are resilient people!”
When America occupied Afghanistan in 2001 they had the whole world with them. It was like the Arabic saying, “When Banu Tameem is angry with you, you will think all of the people will be angry with you.”
When America came they promised Sharia Law in Afghanistan, they said they love Palestine, etc. One of the first things they did was buy tanks? Weapons? Guns? No! They bought the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This caused major rifts between the people, as they didn’t know who was genuine. Local people were offered 1000s of dollars to spy and give information.
We met Shaykh Abdul Matin, an alim, a mawlana, I think the first thing we all picked up was his eloquence. He spoke “Fushaa Arabic”, “Articulate English” and “Tayz Urdu” a master of all languages. He opened the gathering with the following, “Two years ago we cannot imagine a majlis so big, or a gathering like this. Alhumdu Lillah, now we sit together, we are open, we are free, this is the land of all Muslims, not just Afghans.”
He expressed his happiness on meeting us because for 16 years he didn’t speak Arabic, as he didn’t meet anyone, so there was nobody to converse with.
“We thank the brothers who gave their lives for this freedom.”
These brothers had young, beautiful wives, and small, innocent children, but they left all this for the hereafter as they didn’t have an ounce of love for the world. Remember, these soldiers of the Taliban don’t get paid much, they do it for Allah SWT. The Americans do it for money, for dunya. One of the reasons many soldiers suffer PTSD is they realise what they were doing was wrong.
We have forgiven our oppressors, normally after victory people take revenge. But the Prophet ﷺ forgave everyone of the victory of Makkah. We are at the place we are because of our resilience, I remember when the Russian war started in the 90s the Taliban didn’t even have proper meals. We survived on dates, bread, and water, this was our sacrifice and now Allah SWT has opened his doors, Ma Sha Allah!
We also met Abdul Qahhar Balkhi, originally from New Zealand so he spoke English, some quotes from his speech:
“Our pain is one our prosperity is one.”
“We are the supporters of every single nation oppressed.”
“The wounds of the Ummah are one… This dates back to Andalus.”
“We will not allow them to harm others using our territory.”
“We don’t hand over Muslims to others except if we have a treaty… we will follow Islam completely.”
We follow Islam and negotiate as long as, my religious, cultural beliefs, and national interests don’t clash and conflict with these.”
India violates all international law in Kashmir and so does Israel, nobody bats an eyelid.
A question was posed by our delegates, “Why does it seem other Islamic countries are not as successful, in Syria, Gaza etc?
i) Our land is mountainous and surviving in Afghanistan is difficult, other countries are easier to occupy as the land is flat and climate is not difficult
ii) all credit is thanks to our Ameerul-Mumineen. He created unity among all Afghans, he implemented Shariah, He had pure intentions
iii) the problem with the Arab countries is, although their countries are not occupied their mind are occupied. They have sold themselves to the West and completely bow down to America
iv) all our instructions and guidance are under the supervision of ulama, following true ulama is important. We have seen others follow fake shaykhs/pseudo Sufis so they have not been successful. The major factor we have is pious ulama which has led to our unity and success.
Women in Education
“In order to understand a community you must mix with them.”
One must understand for 1400 years Afghan women didn’t leave the house, there was nothing for women because that was the culture.
King Zahir Shah in 1930s started social reforms for women’s education and liberation which was about 100 years ago.
Since 2021, Amirul Mumineen has given orders to open a women’s Madrasah (for Islamic knowledge) other sciences will be taught too. Education is available for boys and girls Year 1 – Year 6. Just in the last two years, we have seen a 22% increase in girls attending madrasah. And girls’ schools are now established in provinces where there were no schools before.
One of our delegates objected saying, we have heard you do not allow women to study medicine.
“This is not true, as medicine was always allowed, we need female doctors.”
Further, he added, “Girls’ education has always been there, however, we disagree with mixed schools, we provide segregated education. As for secular education, we will provide it under our methodology, not the Western methodology.”
Alhumdu Lillah, our delegation visited a girls’ madrasah and widows vocational and educational centre. We saw women and children roaming in the parks, despite the press saying “Taliban bans women from parks!”
Allamah Iqbal mentions the importance of Afghanistan by calling it as the heart of Asia in a poem. The following is the poem and its translation:
درنهاد ما تب وتاب از دل است خاک رابيداري وخواب ازدل است
تن زمرگ دل ديگر گون مي شود در مسا ما تش عرق خون مي شود
ازفساد دل بدن هيچ است هيچ ده بردل بندوجز بر دل مپيچ
آسيا يک پيکر آب وگل است ملّت افغان در آن پيکر دل است
از فساد او فساد آسيا درگشاد او گشا د آسيا
تا دل آزاد است آزاد است تن ورنه کاهي در رهي باد است تن
همچوتن پا بند آين است دل مرده ازکين زنده ازدين است دل
قوّت دين از مقام وحدت است وحدت ار مشهود گردد ملّت است
Asia is a body of water and clay,
Of which the Afghan nation forms the heart,
The whole of Asia is corrupt,
If the heart is corrupt,
Its decline is the decline of Asia;
Its rise is the rise of Asia,
The body is free only as long as the heart is free,
The heart dies with hatred but lives with faith.
Muhammad Iqbal RH (1877-1938) was a scholar of the Quran, a philosopher, a politician and a poet par excellence.
Saturday 29th July 2023
Today, we went to the Ministry of Justice and we met Mawlana Abdul Hakim, he told us in the war against America, many people, including Ulama said, there is no chance you will win against them… but help came from Allah SWT and all credit is due to him. A few weeks before the fath (victory), Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani Saheb told us, we are shameful we didn’t help you. But soon you will get victory, within 2-3 weeks we took over the country, Alhumdu Lillah!
Banu Israeel were blessed with many blessings but they showed ungratefulness “kufraan”, so Allah SWT took it away. This is one of the reasons few people get the victory because of their ungratefulness.
“We need to show people, show the world, the mercy of Islam and the justice of Islam.” – Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad
وعن النعمان بن بشير رضي الله عنهما قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ” مثل المؤمنين في توادهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم، مثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضو تداعى له سائر الجسد بالسهر والحمى” ((متفق عليه))
Nu’man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
We then met Muhammad Agah Hakeem, “In 20 years of war we suffered financially, nobody was helping us everyone cut off from us, but Allah SWT helped us! Allah SWT assisted us because He has promised us in the Holy Qur’an if you obey me I will help you. So Allah SWT fulfilled His promise.
The Americans were shocked, “We torture you, give you pain, insult you, but you don’t flinch.” But the Islamic Emirate was not cheap, we gave our lives, our limbs, our blood, and our time, we thank our shuhadaa.
Dear youth, I would like to mention at this point, value your time and value your youth by doing something for Islam. Become closer to Allah SWT and spend time in the masjid praying Salah, reading Qur’an and gaining knowledge.
We asked about Baghram prison, “We used to pray Salah looking at the sun, we were not allowed to congregate for Jumuah, and we were not allowed medicine unless we were extremely ill/dying.”
What helped you in jail and what motivated you? “The cause you are in jail for, the deen, Allah SWT, the Emirate, is what motivates you.”
There were many difficulties with spirituality in prison, the food was bitter and there was a lot of noise and banging. Every single movement was monitored and with a slight noise or movement, the guards would come and strip the prisoners. Baghram was similar to Guantanamo, with one toilet to 100+ prisoners and one of the worst things was the toilets had no door and walls, just cages… Modesty is part of faith.
In Baghram the Americans tortured us then the Afghans tortured us with pipes, electric shock, and bottles up the back passage. They would often say, “Bring your god to help you.” The fans would blow cold air in winter and hot air in summer, they often put blindfolds on us and headphones and then took us for interrogation.
We also spoke about the sad plight of Aafia Siddiqui (Allah hasten her release), they were very sad they could not help her and mentioned her sister had been granted a visit to see her.
You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah. Had the People of the Book believed, it would have been better for them. Some of them are faithful, but most are rebellious (3:110).
Sunday 30th July 2023
We met Mawlana Khaleel Saheb who runs the “Ministry of Amr Bilmaroof and Nahee Anil Munkar” (enjoining good and forbidding evil).
He started the gathering by telling us about the work they do in this unique ministry (previously Saudi Arabia also had such a ministry, which recently closed down). He mentioned that over 4 million people were drug addicts for the last twenty years. We are now helping these people with rehabilitation services and getting them into employment so they can stand on their own two feet. Many are hafidhul Quran and alims, we send them to the madrasah to teach, we want to make people productive and work for their country.
مَنْ غَشَّ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي
He who deceives is not of me (is not my follower)
(Saheeh Muslim).
In the markets there was a lot of deception, for example, there was gold of a less grade selling for a higher price. So the Taliban turned the gold to liquid and sold it for the correct rates and now export to other countries. It is now wedding season, previously weddings had music, dancing, free-mixing, no hijab, and alcohol. When we received complaints, we spoke to the hotel owners and they were saying it is not our responsibility. We reminded them it is a collective responsibility. Hence we called all hotel/restaurant owners and requested they make the rules, so they did. Now, they have no alcohol, no music, segregated events, and all weddings following shariah. We had 150 wedding halls, now 188 so numbers have increased which shows people like the new rulings.
In the previous twenty years, we saw men force relationships with women, brothers were taking the rights of sisters in inheritance. If a man killed another, they would go to the killer’s family and say give me your sister because you killed our brother! In mahr/dowry, the bride was not getting the money, her father or brother would steal it. We stopped all this injustice, Alhumdu Lillah!
To be continued….
وعن النعمان بن بشير رضي الله عنهما قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ” مثل المؤمنين في توادهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم، مثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضو تداعى له سائر الجسد بالسهر والحمى” ((متفق عليه))
Sufyan bin ‘Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something of Islam which I will not ask anyone else about it.” He (ﷺ) said, “Say, ‘I believe in Allah’ and then be steadfast”.
[Muslim].
This is the Dua we make for our brothers, Allah has given them victory, now stay steadfast.
Ismail ibn Nazir Satia (one who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
Short and Beneficial Advice for Students Sitting Exams
By Shaykhul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat dāmat barakātuhum
1. Work hard to achieve the highest possible grades. You will not be able to reach great heights without putting effort into your studies.
2. Manage your time appropriately by making a timetable and a revision plan. Adequate time should be allocated for exam preparation and also for resting and eating, as the mind is not able to function efficiently without sufficient rest and food.
3. Whilst acknowledging that your efforts and preparations alone cannot guarantee success without the Help of Allāh ta‘ālā, turn to Him with utmost humility. Make du‘ā yourself and request your parents, the ‘Ulamā and pious to make du‘ā for you too.
4. Repent and abstain from every disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā. This is the most important advice as any sort of disobedience will incur the Displeasure of Allāh ta‘ālā and close the doors of His Help.
5. Recite Sūrah Yāsīn in the morning of the exam. It has been narrated that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Whoever recites Sūrah Yāsīn in the morning, his needs will be fulfilled.’ (Sunanud-Dārimī)
6. Perform two raka‘āt of salāh before leaving for the exam. Allāh ta‘ālā says, ‘Seek help with salāh and patience.’ (2:45)
7. Give sadaqah (charity) according to your capacity, even it is as little as 10p, 20p or 50p.
8. Whenever the examinations make you worry, recite the following:
O The Most-Merciful of the merciful! O the Ever-Living! O the Sustainer (of all)! Only through Your Mercy do I seek help. Allāh is sufficient for us and He is the best one in Whom to trust.
9. Begin the exam paper with bismillāh and salāt ‘alan-Nabī. If you get stuck on any question during the exam, then before giving more thought to the question, recite two or three times a short formula of salāt ‘alan-Nabī such as sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam or Allāhumma salli ‘alāMuhammad. Salāt ‘alan-Nabī creates ease and provides a solution for every problem.
10. Show gratitude to Allāh ta‘ālā for whatever you were able to write by performing two raka’āt after the exam.
11. If the exam does not go as well as you desired, then do not become despondent. Remain content with the Decree of Allāh ta‘ālā regarding your exam results and remember that He is the Most-Wise. Inshā’allāh, your efforts along with your obedience to Allāh ta‘ālā will, sooner or later, bring success.
I pray that Allāh grant all the students barakah in their studies, success in their examinations and make them true ambassadors of Islam. Āmīn.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Do good all the time, and seek to be recipients of the ‘outpouring’ of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah showers down these (special) ‘outpourings’ of His mercy to whomsoever He wills from His slaves.” (Tabrani)
Allah’s mercy is constant throughout the entire year. But there are special periods and times in which Allah is even more generous to me and you, in which one can achieve his proximity, gain his pleasure, earn his forgiveness and be blessed with Jannah and be saved from the fire of hell.
This is the special period, this entire month of Ramadan is filled with the extreme generosity, forgiveness and love of Allah.
I pray to the Almighty Allah that he blesses the entire ummah with his forgiveness, Ameen. But, before continuing it is time to self reflect and evaluate how this special time of Ramadan has been spent.
Self Reflection
Let us all self reflect and contemplate over the past 20 days of this blessed month of Ramadan. We must all ask ourselves “have I fulfilled the rights of the nights and the days of Ramadhan? Have I reaped as much reward as possible? Have I made changes, new resolutions and intentions to make my spiritual life better?” You may have made mistakes and lacked in your journey but do not despair.
All is not lost
We may be feeling a sense of regret that Ramadan is passing by and we have not taken advantage this month. Some of us may also be feeling “it’s too late now.”
Do not lose hope in the mercy of the Almighty Allah, all is not lost and I would like to remind you that this feeling of regret and remorse is most definitely a strong sign of our Imaan.
Embrace this feeling of regret and let us do something that will boost our Imaan and change our lives for the better. Mistakes may have occurred along the way but it is never too late.
Grab this opportunity and make it special
Ten days and ten nights, the clock is ticking. Grab this opportunity and take each day as it comes making them better than the last. These are the special nights in which one will be rewarded with a thousand months of worship.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When it is the first night of the month of Ramadan, the devils and the rebellious jinn are tied up; the doors of Hell-fire are closed, and none of its doors are opened. The doors of Paradise are opened, and none of its doors are closed. A caller calls out: ‘O seeker of good, come forward! O seeker of evil, stop!’ And every night, Allah frees slaves from the Hell-fire.” (Tirmidhi)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Seek out Laylat Al- Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten (days) of Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “indeed there are more Angels on the earth on that night (Laylat Al-Qadr) than the number of pebbles (on the earth).” (Ibn Khuzaymah)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever stands in prayer at night in the night of decree (Laylat Al-Qadr) with Imaan and hoping for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)
Do little but be consistent
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” (Ibn Majah)
The messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” (Bukhari)
We must always seek the help of the Almighty Allah and make dua to him to bless us with the strength and the willpower to worship him and gain his proximity and closeness.
Along with dua, we must also take action and devise a timetable for ourselves for the remaining 10 nights of this blessed month of Ramadan. Insha Allah with the help of the Almighty Allah you WILL be able to complete your targets for the last 10 days with ease.
Below is a suggested timetable:
Perform all 5 salah on time with jamaat
Recite one Juz (if not one Juz any amount regularly)
Give charity e.g. £1 Sadaqah
Istigfaar and Durood Shareef (x100)
Perform 2 rakaats of Nafil Salah/Tahajjud
Educate yourself by reading 1 Hadeeth a day
Fix a specific time just for dua (me time with Allah)
Before the month of Ramadan comes to an end we must all seek the forgiveness of Allah. Hence, I would like to advise everyone to learn the following dua and turn to the Almighty Allah in abundance with this dua
O Allah, You are the Ever-Pardoning, the Generous; You love to pardon so pardon me. (Tirmidhi)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “…May his nose be soiled in dust! (i.e. may he be humiliated) – the man upon whom Ramadan enters, and then ends before he is forgiven!” (Tirmidhi)
Spend these last ten days as though they are the final ten days of your life, make it such that Eid day is the day you meet your Lord.
By Shaykhul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat dāmat barakātuhum
Recently, I was approached by a concerned brother who had been facing some difficult times with regards to his provision and sustenance. This is something that many of us face at some time in our lives. Naturally, when we are in this situation, we begin to panic and look for ways out. Some bear the situation remaining within the laws of Sharī’ah and with patience make it through, whilst others fail in this test from Allāh ta’ālā and take to prohibited means to try to solve their problems.
So, when the brother asked the question, I pondered for a while and the following advice, all based on the Qur’ān and hadīth, came to mind:
1. At such difficult times it is paramount to adopt taqwā, which is to stay away from each and every sin. Remember, what is thought of to be a tough financial situation will differ from person to person, but in these circumstances, it is necessary that we stay compliant with the Commands of Allāh ta’ālā. Both the dos and don’ts commanded by Allāh ta’ālā have to be adopted. Salāh, Sawm, Zakāh, Hajj, and all farā’id must be performed. Similarly, we must refrain from all sinful activities. In return for this adoption of taqwā, Allāh ta’ālā has promised that He will see to our needs:
Whoever adopts taqwā, Allāh brings forth a way out for him and provides him (with what he needs) from where he does not even imagine. And whoever places his trust in Allāh, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allāh is to accomplish His purpose. (65:2)
If the people of the towns believed and adopted taqwā, We would have opened for them blessings from the heavens and the earth, but they disbelieved. So, We seized them because of what they used to earn for themselves. (7:96)
2. A second point to keep in mind is to make istighfār (seek forgiveness) abundantly. A person should look towards his own misdeeds and take them to be the reason for finding himself in the predicament he is in. He should turn to Allāh ta’ālā and repent. Sometimes, such circumstances are caused by Allāh ta’ālā in order to make His servant turn towards Him. Such is the Mercy of Allāh ta’ālā!
Pray to your Lord for your forgiveness. Indeed, He is Very-Forgiving; and He will cause the heavens to rain upon you in abundance, and will help you with riches and children, and will cause gardens to grow for you, and cause rivers to flow for you. (71:10-12)
O my people, seek forgiveness from your Lord, then turn to Him in repentance, and He will release the heavens pouring upon you, and will add strength to your strength, and do not turn away like sinners. (11:52)
The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said:
He who holds firm to seeking forgiveness, Allāh will make an exit for him from every tight situation, will grant him relief from every trouble and will provide for him from where he does not even imagine. (Abū Dāwūd, Ibn Mājah, Ahmad)
3. Another point is to ensure that we keep our transactions free from sin. For this, we must consult the ‘Ulamā, learn from them in regards to what is halāl and what is harām and act accordingly. Any transaction which is contrary to the teachings of Allāh ta’ālā and His Messenger sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam will be devoid of barakah (blessings); therefore, no matter how great the profit or benefit seems, it will soon disappear. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:
The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return the goods until they part. And if both parties spoke the truth and described the goods accurately, then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be lost. (Al-Bukhārī)
Similarly, the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam also says:
Taking (false) oaths improve the sales, but it eradicates the blessings. (Al-Bukhārī)
4. Nowadays, many people look for wazā’if (the recitation of certain verse(s), name(s) of Allāh ta’ālā etc. a certain number of times to fulfil a particular need) to solve their problems. Whereas, within the boundaries of Sharī’ah, this is permissible, there can be no better solutions than those shown by the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam regarding whom Allāh ta’ālā says:
He does not speak out of (his own) desire. It is but revelation revealed (to him). (53:3-4)
• In a hadīth the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam mentions that whoever recites the following 100 times between subh sādiq and Fajr salāh, wealth shall come to him unwillingly and humbled. (Ihyā)
Pure is Allāh and for Him is praise. Pure is Allāh, the Great. I seek forgiveness from Allāh.
• In another hadīth, the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam passed by a person who was dishevelled and worried, at which the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam told him to recite the following words through which his worry and poverty would go away. The words were:
I place my trust in the Ever Living who is not to die, Praise belongs to Allāh who has neither had a son, nor is there any partner to Him in His kingdom, nor is anyone (needed) to protect Him from (any) weakness. And proclaim His greatness, an open proclamation. (Abū Ya’lā, Ibnus-Sunnī)
5. Read Sūrah Al-Wāqi’ah every night:
Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu visited Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd radhiyallāhu ‘anhu during the last stages of the latter’s life. Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu asked him, “What is your illness?” Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd radhiyallāhu ‘anhu replied, “My sins.” He then asked him, “Is there anything you desire?” Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd radhiyallāhu ‘anhu replied, “The Mercy of my Rabb.” Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu then asked if he would like him to re-issue the allowance that was allocated for him during his life that he had refused. When he declined, Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu said, “Let it be for your daughters for after your death.” Upon this, Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd radhiyallāhu ‘anhu asked, “Do you fear poverty upon my daughters after my death? I have instructed them to recite Sūrah Al-Wāqi’ah every night; for I have heard the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam say, ‘Whoever recites Sūrah Al-Wāqi’ah every night shall never be afflicted with poverty.'” (Al-Qurtubī)
6. Imām At-Tabarānī rahimahullāh has quoted a hadīth in which the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said:
Washing hands, before and after food, safeguards against poverty.
7. We should constantly make du’ā to Allāh ta’ālā, for in du’ā lies the solution to all our problems. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said:
Indeed, du’ā is of benefit for those things that have descended and (also) for those things that have not yet descended. O servants of Allāh, hold fast to du’ā. (At-Tirmidhī)
One important point to ponder here is that to be afflicted with financial difficulties is not an everlasting problem, for tomorrow we may be relieved; either our problem may ease or we may not live for long. Why then do we have so much concern for this temporary issue? If a solution is guaranteed, we will be prepared to do anything. On the other hand, the life hereafter is inevitable and definite, but we do not have the same concern. How surprising it is that for something inevitable, we have no concern, yet that which is uncertain occupies our hearts and minds all the time. Surely, we have set our priorities incorrectly!
Helping, caring and hospitality were some of the great characteristics of our Prophet SAW and the Sahaba RA. Merely having the opportunity to help our Muslim brothers and sisters is something we should be extremely grateful for. It is the poor and needy people who have given the likes of me and you the opportunity to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam and at the same time, the chance to bring the sunnahs of our Nabi SAW into our lives. Likewise, going out for the purpose of aid work gives one the opportunity to express deep gratitude for everything Allah SWT has blessed us with.
Going out to Bangladesh and the Rohingya camps had always been my desire. After following the Rohingya situation so closely back in 2017, and also hearing about the plight of our Rohingyan Muslims first hand few years prior to that created a deep pain in my heart. Since then, I constantly felt a tug inside to go out there, see the situation firsthand, and truly try to envision the suffering these people have been through and are still going through. These are our Muslim brothers and sisters; not only do we have this mighty connection with them but also the fact that they too are South Asians so are culturally very similar to us and would have lived a life very similar to our families back home.
*Cox’s Bazar – Rohingyan Camps*
The plight and situation of our Rohingyan Muslims in the camps is something very hard to describe. The whole area is a world of its own, a whole world away from ours. There’s throngs and throngs of people everywhere you look, homes, if you can call them homes, so close to each other in proximity that you can actually feel the body heat emanating from the home next door – this camp is one of the most crowded and compact places in the world. No home in the camp is made out of bricks or concrete and no home is bigger than two rooms. No home has its own toilet facilities and no home has a direct water supply. Most homes have more than six people in there so you can imagine the intense heat during the hot and humid summer nights. The heat inside the homes felt more than the heat outside and it was only 30 degrees when we went. We have to remember that this place was a jungle before, it’s all a hilly area with every house on a hill – once off the main street you are walking through narrow alleyways and small bamboo bridges.
The attitude of the people was all about gratitude, happy to be in a safe place, and trying to live life the best they can whilst trying to get as much support from charities as they can. Local people describe the Rohingyans as hard-working people and from what we saw, over the last few years they have helped build some kind of infrastructure to make the place a bit more livable.
As the midday heat made us sweat and swelter despite being in the shade, our Rohingyan brothers and sisters waited in the heat to pick up their food parcel, a parcel worth so little to us but so much to them. As 1000s gathered, the parcels started to diminish faster and faster and the atmosphere started to become more intense and of desperation; unfortunately, due to our safety the local Bangladeshi people told us to move onto our next project. We moved but the desperation is still there and the plight is dire.
As the day went by and we moved from camp to camp and project to project, we saw the different needs of the people, people who have now been here for over 5 years. Education and particularly an Islamic education is a desperate requirement. Why is this required and why now? There are hundreds of non-Muslim charities working in these camps, they are infiltrating their ideas and ideologies into the minds of these vulnerable people and especially children. A lot of children have not seen anything better; they notice that they are being delivered their education from non-Muslims, food, shelter and medical services all from non-Muslims. It starts off with a cross on a plastic bag and a ‘Hi!’ instead of ‘Assalamu Alaykum and the chasm between them and Islam slowly gets bigger and bigger. Locals have mentioned that when the Rohingyans first came all the children used to say Assalamu alaykum to one another really loudly but now that’s a distant memory with most of them saying ‘Hi’ and ‘Hello’. It seems innocent and minute on the surface but there is a deeper and more sinister agenda behind it. They are adapting to the ways of the people who are looking after them.
The Rohingyans have the same requirements as us: the need for medical services, the need for proper doctor’s surgeries, hospitals and equipment. At one of the medical surgeries where the main basic services were provided, the Doctor mentioned that a lot of these people require mental health services due to the severe trauma they have been through. We tend to focus on physical health and the need to provide for that but the desperation for mental health support is equally important.
As the day went on we saw that many charities around the world are doing some fantastic work, showing care and love to the people and the local Al-Imdaad team on the ground was exceptional in providing everything from A-Z so that all the different projects can be delivered on time and in the right manner. They worked with constant smiles on their faces, and with an unmatchable dedication and commitment. At a number of different stages they wanted to show us every single house that was donated, but unfortunately due to the heat, location of the houses, and time constraints this was not possible. A lot of the team have now moved into the camp area to be closer to the people and their work. May Allah SWT accept all their efforts. Ameen.
*Bashan Char Island*
Our trip to see our Muslim brothers and sisters continued the next day to Bashan Char island, an island 4 hours from the mainland and an island that only came into existence in the last 20 years due to silt deposits. This is an island that most human rights and environmental groups have said is not safe to live on. Despite this, the Bangladesh government’s desire to move the Rohingyans to this island was a firm one and in 2020 people started to get shipped to this island. Upon first viewing, we noticed that the island is well constructed, the roads, the homes, primary healthcare centres, a small hospital, and plenty of open space. I would go as far as to say the conditions are a million times better than the camps. Millions and millions of pounds have been spent on the island and it makes you question…why? Is it for the goodness and wellness of the Rohingyans or is it to get rid of the Rohingyans? Everything was really well organised, the place looks aesthetically symmetrical and everything has been well thought through…the cynic in me thinks a bit too well thought through at times. Each house was bricked on the outside, but on the inside bricked only three-quarters of the way up with the top quarter covered in barbed wired, which made the room look like an animal pen. Not only this, but everything can be heard by the neighbours on each of the sides resulting in zero privacy. I can’t tell you if this was done deliberately or just to save on cost, but i can say it will have a psychological impact on the people – it’s about making them feel inferior.
What is the catch to this island and what are the steps going forward? The island allows the government to have 100% control over the Rohingyans and the catch is it is impossible for them to leave the island. Even we had to travel via a navy ship to the island. Going forward and after speaking to the Rohingyans there, the number one desire is to earn a living for themselves, they don’t want to be dependent on the government and aid. However, this is only possible if Bangladesh allows it. Interestingly, we were told they are looking into this.
The Rohingyans still have a longing and hope to go back to Myanmar one day but for now, this is home and this is where they want to make a living.
This trip has been full of eye-openers, from the camps to the island, we saw our Muslim brothers and sisters suffering 5 years on after being driven out of their homeland. No person should have to live in them conditions, no person should have to survive and be controlled by others, and no person should be desperate for basic necessities in life.
The most important thing we can do is make dua for these people, that Allah SWT makes it easy for them and makes it safe for them to return to their home country. Remember, these are our Muslim brothers and sisters who have suffered so much and are still suffering today. I’d like to conclude with a hadith of the Prophet SAW: “A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim who does not oppress him nor hand him over, and whosoever is after the need of his brother, Allah will be after his need, and whosoever relieves a Muslim from the plight of distress, Allah relieves him from one of the plights of distress of The Day of Resurrection, and who enshrouds a Muslim, Allah will cover him on The Day of Judgement.”
I pray Allah makes us from those who are able to relieve the plight of others. Ameen.
