Human Rights in Islam (1/2)

All fundamental human rights are found in Islam. Man is honored by Allah and has the right to be respected and not to infringe his privacy.

By Sheikh `Abdullah Bin Bayyah

In the Qur’an, there are various clear and strong texts that have delineated the fundamentals of human rights. However, the first declaration that can be called so is the magnificent speech delivered by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in the Farewell Pilgrimage before about 120 thousands of his companions who gathered in `Arafat. In this speech, he laid the foundations of what can be called human rights. He declared the inviolability of bloods, properties, and honors and asked Allah and the people to bear witness to that. In this context, he has strongly forbidden inner fighting saying “Never shall you return after me [like] disbelievers striking the necks of one another.” He also recommended well treatment for women.

The essence of human rights can be summarized in two principles:

– Honoring, which is an established maxim for every human being just for being a human being. Almighty Allah said,

Yet very truly, We have so honored the Children of Adam: for We have carried them through the land and the sea. And We have provided them with all that is wholesome [in life]. And We have so favored them above most of what We have created with [such immense] favor. (Al-Israa’ 17:70)

– Equality, upon which Islam laid strong emphasis, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O people! Your Lord is one and your father is one. Neither an Arab has a merit over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab over an Arab nor a white person over a black one. You all belong to Adam and Adam was from dust.” (Ahmad)

From these two principles begin all rights. Women have been given equal rights to those of men in terms of human honor- though this may vary for other functional reasons- and in terms of all forms of freedom. Man is originally free. This was best expressed in the words of `Umar, the Commander of the Believer “When have you enslaved people whereas they were born free?!”

Europeans had to wait for 1000 years later until Jan Jack Rousseau declared in his book “The Social Contract” that man is born free. But freedom of the individual in Islam should not bring harm to the society. Equilibrium between the individual and the society is the most critical issue in the principle of freedom. Freedom is guaranteed as long as it does not contravene the general system as in the cases of reviling the religion, cursing people, or making transgressions against their bloods or properties. However, there may be difference of opinion over determining the general system and its ethical dimensions as will be explained.

Islam is the religion of solidarity in the sense that it not only enjoins you to refrain from harming others but also enjoins you, as a religious and juridical duty, to prevent people from causing harm to each other and to do your best to aid people, save their lives, protect their properties, and defend their honor. If you do not do so, you will become sinful; and a case can be filed against you in courts demanding compensation from you because you did not save a person from fire, prevent a blind person from falling in an abyss, etc. This is called the right of aid and support.

Then what is with you that you do not fight in the path of Allah and for the [utterly] helpless. (An-Nisaa’ 4:75)

In short, all fundamental human rights are found in Islam. Man is honored by Allah and has the right to be respected and not to infringe his privacy.

Nor shall you spy [on each other]. Nor shall you backbite one another.(Al-Hujurat 49:12)

O you who believe! You shall not enter houses, other than your own houses, until you take [welcome] permission and great their people with peace. (An-Nur 24:27)

However, this is not confined to Muslims but extends to peoples from other religions as well. Al-Bayhaqy in his Sunan reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbad from entering the houses of the People of the Scripture without their permission and from eating their fruits unless they give it out of themselves.

Islam secured for man that he should not be addressed in a way he dislikes. Almighty Allah said,

O you who believe! Men shall not scoff at other men. For those [whom they scoff at] may be better than them. Nor shall women [scoff] at other women. For those [whom they scoff at] may be better than them. Nor shall you slander each other. Nor shall you revile each other by [way of abhorrent] nicknames.” (Al-Hujurat 49:11)

And that he shall not be punished for someone else’s crime

For no sin-laden soul shall carry the [sinful] load of another. (Al-Israa’17:15)

Man is innocent until the opposite proves true and should not be punished retroactively.

Islam guaranteed for man the right of ownership and to make use of the things that are not possessed by anybody such as earth, seas, rivers, wild animal, and fish.

People are partners in water, fire, grass. It is not permissible to transgress the possessions of others. If one dies and leaves something, it goes to his heir. People share natural resources with justice and kindness. Selling, leasing, loaning, borrowing, trading, and giving gifts are lawful means of earning to the exclusion of unlawful means such as theft, usurpation, usury, deception and gambling.

The poor and the weak have rights in the society and thus it is not permissible to leave any of them exposed to danger. These rights guaranteed by both the Shari`ah and the judicial authority.

Islam has also guaranteed for the traveler that the resident people should guide him, give him to eat, and give him out of the Zakah (obligatory charity) if he needs because he is a wayfarer.

It has guaranteed the parents’ right and has enjoined children – by the judiciary power- to spend on them if they are poor; and so is the case with close relatives.

These rights are many and hence they have made the Muslim community cohesive, harmonious, and consolidated. Islam has enjoined those in authority among Muslims to establish the fundamental human rights and has given them in return for this duty the right of obeying them. Almighty Allah says,

O you who believe! You shall obey Allah. And you shall obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. (An-Nisaa’ 4:59)

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Source: Taken with modifications from Binbayyah.net

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Human Rights in Islam (2/2)

The article presents the elements of human rights in light of Islam as shown by the Glorious Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

Part 1

By Sheikh `Abdullah Bin Bayyah

We can summarize the basic principles of human rights in Islam in the following points:

1. Establishing the state on the idea of shura(consultation) starting with the choice of the ruler and paying homage to him to continue ruling under the obligation of abiding by shari`ah rulings.
2. Enforcing the principle of legitimacy through the state executive authority and the judicial authority to protect the rights from all sorts of aggression or transgression and hence to prevent assault, taking captives and revenge.
3. Declaring the principle of equality between people, abolishing the system of classes and the habit of boasting with lineage and families, and establishing honor on the basis of piety alone; that is, on the basis of true faith accompanied by righteous work.
4. Establishing general freedoms on top of which come the sacredness of souls, honor, and properties along with housing, freedom of religion and opinion, freedom of work, and freedom of education as an obligatory right. It is a duty upon the society and the individuals to cooperate to preserve these rights.
5. Freedom of ownership accompanied by the obligation of social justice achieved through the imposition of zakah (obligatory charity) and other duties on the properties of the rich for the sake of the underprivileged and the needy through the system of maintenance.
6. Freedom of making contracts and the obligation of fulfilling them and the freedom of trading and transacting accompanied by the restriction of preventing usury, ghabn(unfair pricing), monopolization, gharar(hazardous sale of uncertainty), and coercion and the exclusion of wills and the obligations of inheritance.
7. Fair treatment of women by giving them the right of inheritance, ownership, and discretion together with the basics of honor and equality in rights and duties and establishing marriage on cordiality and mercy.
8. Regulating penalties and distinguishing between the public right or the right of Almighty Allah and the personal right and distinguishing between legal penalties prescribed by the shari`ah and other penalties that are not prescribed but left for the discretion of the judge known as ta`zirin addition to regulating the conditions of the crime of murdering and deliberate injuries and determining blood money and compensations.
9. Setting the foundation of international law of relations exhorting peace and brotherhood and the obligation of fulfilling covenants disallowing aggressive war and allowing defensive war for the sake of repelling aggression against religion, home, and holy places, preserving the freedom of religion, and helping the wronged person even if he is non-Muslim.
10. Freedom of expression known as enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. This freedom is bound by the dictates of responsibility, for Islam considers the consequences of deeds and words. Thus, there is no freedom of speech to curse others or to disseminate harmful values in the society- it is responsible freedom.
11. The right of the poor and the weak in economic protection. Almighty Allah says,

Thus they feed with food- despite their own desire for it- the indigent, and the orphan, and the captive [of war]. (Al-Insan 76:8)

Moreover, in their wealth was a rightful share [of charity] for the beggar and the destitute. (Adh-Dhariyat 51:19)

2. The right of people in fairness and justice. Almighty Allah says,

O you who believe! Be ever upright for [the sake of] Allah, bearing witness [to truth] with [impartial] justice. Therefore, let not detestation [for some people] induce you to be unfair. [Rather,] be fair! For to do so is, indeed, closer to the fear of Allah. Therefore, fear Allah! Indeed, Allah is all-aware of all that you do. (Al-Ma’idah 5:8)

And whenever you judge between people, you shall judge with justice.(An-Nisaa’ 4:58)

3. The right of people on each other to cooperate and have mutual assistance. Almighty Allah says,

Rather, you shall help one another to virtuousness and to the fear of Allah. But you shall not help one another to sin and to aggression. (Al-Ma’idah 5:2)

Others’ right of justice was not known before Islam. Islam was the first to acknowledge these rights regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or religion.

4. The right to refuse prohibited things; that is, the right not to be forced to commit things prohibited by the shari`ah. The noble Messenger said, “No created being should be obeyed in disobedience of the Creator.” Almighty Allah said,

He said: The promise of My covenant shall not extend to the wrongdoers. (Al-Baqarah 2:124)

By virtue of this, no ruler can enact the lawfulness of something prohibited or detrimental to people’s interests. The juristic rule is that “the ruler’s management of the subjects is bound by serving their interest.”  Similarly, it is not for a powerful state or nation, even if it is a Muslim one, to impose things that cause harm to the interests of small countries.

5. Protecting properties. Almighty Allah says,

Moreover, you shall not consume one another’s wealth by false means, nor proffer any of it to [bribe] those in authority, in order to sinfully consume a portion of people’s wealth- while you know [it is wrong].”  (Al-Baqarah 2:188)

6. Preserving human dignity and honor. Almighty Allah says,

O you who believe! Men shall not scoff at other men. For those [whom they scoff at] may be better than them. Nor shall women [scoff] at other women. For those [whom they scoff at] may be better than them. Nor shall you slander each other. Nor shall you revile each other by [way of abhorrent] nicknames. Woeful is the ungodly name after attaining faith. (Al-Hujurat 49:11]

7. Protecting private life. Almighty Allah says,

O you who believe! You shall not enter homes, other than your own homes, until you take [welcome] permission and greet their people with peace. That is best for you- so that you may become mindful [of the benefit of Allah’s commandments]. But if you do not find anyone therein, then do not enter them until permission is given to you. Moreover, if it is said to you: Turn back! then turn back [and do not persist]. That is purer for you.  (An-Nur 24:27-28)

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Source: Taken with modifications from Binbayyah.net

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Importance of Arabic Language in Islam

Just as the Qur’an came to us in Arabic, the Sunnah of our Prophet (peace be upon him) came to us in Arabic as well.

By Sheikh Ahmad Al-Rashid

There can be no doubt that learning the Arabic language should be one of the top priorities. Indeed, it should be seen as one of the basic necessities for a person who wishes to studyIslam. Likewise, the teaching of Arabic is equally a priority for those who wish to impart Islamic knowledge to others. This is especially the case when the student is young.

The only reason of this is that the Arabic language is the language of our religion. TheQur’an was revealed in Arabic. Allah says:

Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.(Al-Zukhruf 43:3)

Just as the Qur’an came to us in Arabic, the Sunnah of our Prophet (peace be upon him) came to us in Arabic as well. Both of these sources are Arabic in their wording, in their idioms, and in their meanings. Because of this, the people of knowledge have concurred that proper understanding of the sacred texts can only be realized in accordance with the dictates of the Arabic language as understood by the Arabs at the time the revelation took place.

If the person who wishes to seek Islamic knowledge is not a native speaker of Arabic, he needs to learn the language and acquire a solid understanding of it. This will enable him to understand the meanings being indicated by the Qur’an and Sunnah with respect to Islamic Law. Once he is equipped with this ability, he will be able to carry out what the Qur’an and Sunnah command of him and shun what these two sources prohibit him.

However, it must be admitted that acquiring an intimate and in-depth knowledge of Arabic is not a small task. It is difficult for a native speaker of Arabic, not to mention those who are not Arabic native speaker. A student who wishes to become fully proficient in Arabic should take into account the study of Arabic, as experience has shown, can take a considerable amount of time.

In consideration of this fact, the best approach for a non-Arabic speaking student is to pursue the study of the Arabic language in conjunction with the study of other Islamic disciplines in his own language. While developing his ability to understand the Arabic language, he can seek knowledge from the Qur’an and Sunnah and from the books written by scholars in theology, Qur’an commentary, hadith studies, Islamic Law, and various other fields that are available in a language he understands. These books might either be written in his native language or be translations of Arabic works.

If a student employs such an approach, he will benefit greatly, with the help of Allah. After some time, he will see that he has accumulated a body of knowledge that is not at all insignificant. When he reaches the desired level in his Arabic proficiency, he will be able to build upon the knowledge that he has already acquired by referring directly to the original Arabic source works. With such a background, this will not present any difficulty for him.

A student should try to benefit from the experience of many non-Arabic Muslim communities around the world whose educators have developed tried and true methods and syllabi to teach their people Arabic and the most important matters of their faith in their local languages. It may be possible for students and educators to acquire these programs through various charitable and educational organizations.

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Source: www.en.islamtoday.net

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The Civilized Family System

If the family is the basis of the society, and the basis of the family is the division of labor between husband and wife, and the upbringing of children is the most important function of the family, then such a society is indeed civilized.

Islam provides a family system under which human values and morals develop and grow

In the Islamic system of life, this kind of a family provides the environment under which human values and morals develop and grow in the new generation; these values and morals cannot exist apart from the family unit.

If, on the other hand, free sexual relationship and illegitimate children become the basis of a society, and if the relationship between man and woman is based on lust, passion and impulse, and the division of work is not based on family responsibility and natural gifts; if the role of women is merely to be attractive, sexy and flirtatious; if women are freed from their basic responsibility of bringing up children; if, on her own or under social demand, she prefers to become a hostess or a stewardess in a hotel or ship or air company, thus using her ability for material productivity rather than the training of human beings, because material production is considered to be more important, more valuable and more honorable than the development of human character.

Then such a civilization is ‘backward’ from the human point of view, or “Jahili” (ignorant of morals) in Islamic terminology.

The family system and the relationship between the sexes determine the whole character of a society and whether it is backward or civilized, ignorant or Islamic. Those societies which give ascendance to physical desires and animalistic morals cannot be considered civilized, no matter how much progress they may make in science or technology. This is the only measure, which does not err in guarding true human progress.
In many modern societies, the meaning of ‘morality’ is limited to such an extent that all those aspects, which distinguish man from animal, are considered beyond its sphere. In these societies, illegitimate sexual relationships even homosexuality, are not considered immoral. The meaning of ethics is limited to economic affairs or sometimes to political affairs, which fall into the category of ‘government interests’ which are largely immoral and unjust.

Among these un-Islamic societies, writers and journalists advise both married and unmarried people that free sexual relationships are not immoral. However, it is immoral if a boy uses his partner, or a girl uses her partner, for sex, while feeling no love in his or her heart. It is bad if a wife continues to guard her chastity while her love for her husband has vanished; it is admirable if she finds another lover…

From the point of view of ‘human’ progress, all such societies are not civilized but are backward.

The line of human progress goes upward from animal desires toward higher values. To control the animal desires, a progressive society lays down the foundation of a family system in which human desires find satisfaction, as well as providing for the future generation to be brought up in such a manner that it will continue the human civilization, in which human characteristics flower to their full bloom.

Obviously a society which intends to control the animal characteristics, while providing full opportunities for the development and perfection of human characteristics, requires strong safeguards for the peace and stability of the family, so that it may perform its basic task free from the influences of impulsive passions.

On the other hand, if in a society immoral teachings and poisonous suggestions are rampant, and sexual activity is considered outside the sphere of morality, then in that society the humanity of man can hardly find a place to develop.

Thus, only Islamic values and morals, Islamic teachings and safeguards, are worthy of mankind, and form this unchanging and true measure of human progress, Islam is the real civilization and Islamic society is truly civilized.

By Sayyid Qutb

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The Fitrah We All Are Born in

How come if the child were left alone, it would grow up a Muslim by nature? What does this state of fitrah mean?

By Dr. Bilal Philips

Just as the child’s body submits to the physical laws which God has put in nature, its soul also submits naturally to the fact that God is its Lord and Creator.

When a child is born, it has with it a natural belief in God. This natural belief is called in Arabic the fitrah (pure nature).(1) If the child were left alone, it would grow up aware of God in His oneness, but all children are affected by the pressures of their environment whether directly or indirectly.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) reported that God said: “I created My servants in the right religion but the devils made them go astray.” (Muslim)

The Prophet also said:

”Each child is born in a state of ‘fitrah’ (pure nature), but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian. It is like the way an animal gives birth to a normal offspring.  Have you noticed any (young animal) born mutilated before you mutilate them?” ( Muslim and Al-Bukhari)

So, just as the child’s body submits to the physical laws which God has put in nature, its soul also submits naturally to the fact that God is its Lord and Creator. But its parents try to make it follow their own way and the child is not strong enough in the early stages of its life to resist or oppose its parents. The religion which the child follows at this stage is one of custom and upbringing and God does not hold it to account or punish it for this religion.

When the child matures in youth and clear proofs of the falsehood of his religion are brought to him, the adult must now follow the religion of knowledge and reason. (2)

At this point the devils try their best to encourage him to stay as he is or to go further astray.  Evils are made pleasing to him and he must now live in the midst of a struggle between his Fitrah and his desires in order to find the right road.  If he chooses hisfitrah, God will help him overcome his desires even though it may take most of his life to escape, for many people enter Islam in their old age although most tend to do so before that.

Because of all these powerful forces fighting against the fitrah God chose certain righteous men and revealed to them clearly the right path in life. These men whom we call prophets were sent to help our fitrah defeat its enemies. All the truths and good practices present in societies around the world today came from their teachings, and if it were not for their teachings, there would be no peace or safety in the world at all. For example, the laws of most Western countries are based on the ’Ten Commandments‘ of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) like ’You shall not steal‘ and ’You shall not kill‘ etc., even though they claim to be ’secular‘ governments, free from the influence of religion.

Thus, it is man’s duty to follow the way of the prophets since it is the only way which is truly in harmony with his nature. He should also be very careful not to do things simply because his parents and their parents did it, especially if knowledge reaches him that these practices are wrong. If he does not follow the truth, he will be like those misguided people about whom God says in the Qur’an:

If they are told to follow what God has revealed, they say: ‘No, we will continue to follow what we found our foreparents doing!’ Even though their foreparents did not comprehend anything nor were they rightly guided. ( Al-Baqarah 2:170)

God forbids us from obeying our parents if what they want us to do is against the way of the prophets. He said, in the Qur’an:

We advise man to be good to his parents, but if they try to make you do in My name what you know to be false, do not obey them. (Al-`Ankabut 29:8)

Born Muslim

Those who are fortunate to be born in Muslim families must be aware that all such ’Muslims’ are not automatically guaranteed paradise, because the Prophet warned that a large part of the Muslim nation would follow the Jews and Christians so closely that if they entered the den of a lizard, Muslims would climb in after them as well. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

He also said that before the Last Day some people would actually worship idols. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Today, there are Muslims all around the world praying to the dead, building tombs andmasjids (mosques) over graves and even performing rites of worship around them. There are even some who claim to be Muslim and worship Ali as God. (3)  Some have turned the Qur’an into a good luck charm which they hang on chains around their necks, in their cars or on key chains etc. Therefore, those born into such a Muslim world who blindly follow whatever their parents did or believed, have to stop and think whether they are simply a Muslim by chance or a Muslim by choice, whether Islam is what their parents, tribe, country, or nation did or does, or what the Qur’an teaches and what the Prophet and his companions did.

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Source: islamreligion.com

Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips is a contemporary Islamic scholar, teacher, speaker, and author.

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Footnotes:

(1) Al-`Aqeedah At-Tahawiyyah, (8th ed.1984) p.245.

(2) Al-`Aqeedah At-Tahawiyyah, (5th ed.: 1972).  p.273.

(3) The Nusayris of Syria and the Druzes of Palestine and Lebanon.

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Kindness to People

The E-Da`wah Committee presents this video which shows the position of Islam regarding kindness to people.

Kindness to people is a character of Prophets and pious people. The Qur’an reported the story of the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) who helped two women when they came to water their flock. He went on and watered their flock. (Al-Qasas 28:24)

Also, Allah commands us to do good to others. Almgity Allah says,

“And do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land.” (Al-Qasas 28:77)

“Surely Allah enjoins the doing of justice and the doing of good (to others)” (Al-Nahl 16:90)

“Do good, for God loves those who do good.” (Qur’an 2:195)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah has decreed kindness in all things.” (Muslim) So, one should extend kindness to all people, even non-Muslims.

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Unveiling the Truth: Women’s Education in Islam

Some people claim that Islam does not encourage women to be educated. This is a biased, unfounded allegation against Islam. Indeed, there is no religion or doctrine on earth that encourages man to seek knowledge as much as Islam. Islam strongly encourages humans, both men and women, to acquire knowledge in all fields of life, as well as to research and reach the facts.

Islam defines knowledge to be the correct way to know Allah, the Almighty, have belief in Him, and surrender to His Shari`ah. Were not the first verses revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) a strong declaration of this fact? The first verses that were revealed to the Prophet are those in which Allah addressed His Messenger saying,

Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous, Who taught by the pen, Taught man that which he knew not. (Al-`Alaq 96: 1-5)

This is a command to recite in the Name of the Creator who created humans, both men and women, from a clinging substance. This refers to the fact that the creation of Allah (glory be to Him) is the field for humans to seek knowledge, and that this will guide them to the way of Allah. Researching what Allah created is the closest and best way for the seekers of knowledge and the pursuers of the truth, wherever they may be and in whichever scientific field they may be engaged.

The revelation began with a command to read, because reading is the most important means of consolidating knowledge and continuing with it. Reading comes after writing, which is why Allah displayed His favor upon His Slaves since He taught humans to write with the pen which is the greatest tool of writing. This means that Allah, the Almighty, has taught all humans, male and female.

This call with which Allah invites humans to seek knowledge and establish sciences, since the very beginning of Islam, is the greatest evidence that Islam equally urges man and woman to pursue knowledge, ponder on the creation of Allah and use the two correlated means of knowledge; namely, reading and writing.

Knowledge is the way to know Allah, have faith in Him and know the rulings of the religious obligations for both men and women. It is a must for every Muslim man and woman to learn all that guides him or her to know the teachings and ordinances of their religion that each of them has to abide by, because each man and woman will be individually reckoned for their acts before Allah, the Almighty.

Humans, both men and women, are tried in this life. Each one is fully responsible for his actions as long as he or she is competent, and as long as he or she possesses reason, will and ability.

Since humans are responsible for their actions, they are obligated to acquire all that will enable them to distinguish between truth and falsehood, goodness and evil, benefit and harm, and to know the boundaries of his responsibility before Allah, the Almighty.

A look at the reality of life shows us how important it is for a woman to be upright, knowledgeable, and well-mannered, for the benefit of her family, children and husband. The woman’s uprightness is more important for the family than the man’s uprightness, because the woman plays an effective role in the formation of manners, principles and habits in young children more than the man. Thus, it is safe to say that the extent of a woman’s uprightness or corruption determines the extent of the uprightness or corruption of the society.

Allah, the Almighty, has endowed woman with flowing sentiment, a lenient disposition and an ability to be involved and take part in the life of children in accordance with their mentality and nature. This makes her acquire the children’s love and confidence, so they imitate her behavior and all that she says or does.

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Source:www.islamstory.com.

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Family Comes First, Islam Says

What about our household relations? How do we deal with the very people we spend most of our time with? How much are we connected to each other? How much do we care for and respect each other?

Just look at your own family relations and you’ll learn what kind of person you are.

What did it mean when God put family first telling His Prophet?

And warn (O Muhammad) your closest kindred, and be kind and humble to the believers who follow you. (Ash-Shu`ara’ 26:214, 215)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave a lot of concern and priority to his own family to make sure they get the message of Islam.

He said: “The best of you are the best to their families, and I am the best to my family”. (At-Tirmidhi)

So, how should a Muslim deal with their family members? How did the Prophet cared for his own family? What kind of family members are we supposed to be?

Nouman Ali Khan answers here…

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The Meaning of Life

Questions of the source of the universe and the creation of the whole being are what this thrilling video tries to answer.

Since 0+0 equals nothing, the startling world we live in must not have come from nothing. There is a Powerful Creator behind, logically.

That Creator, ask yourself, who is he?

What is the meaning of life?

Is he a man? But, creation is beyond humans’ capabilities.

Is he Jesus? What is the evidence?

Is it through the Big Bang? Right, who did make it bang?

Enjoy watching this interesting video to get the answer of this question in an exciting and fascinating way.

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Parents: Your Door to Paradise

Parents: Your Door to Paradise

In light of Surat Al-Israa’ Sheikh Yasir Qadhi spotlights a very important topic tackled in the surah; the status of parents in Islam.

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. (Al-Isra’ 17:23)

What does Islam tell about parents; where does Islam, according to this verse, place parents? How accordingly should we act towards them, why?

Besides, how could we practically work on and strengthen our relations with ourparents, the parents of our relatives and friends, and all the elderly in our neighborhoods and communities? How could we show love and kindness for them for the sake of our love, respect and gratitude for our own parents?

Listen to the interestingly distinctive and emotional talk by Sheikh Yasir …

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What Does Islam Give Women?

The women who chose to wear hijab view it as a right, not a burden.

By Aisha Stacey

Fourteen hundred years ago Islam gave women rights; rights that could not have been imagined by European counterparts. Bold words!

It’s the words that have been spoken repeatedly, especially in the last two or three decades by Muslim converts, and Islamic writers, academics and educators across the globe.

Women’s rights, responsibilities, and choices have been the subject of books, articles, essays, and lectures. Sadly however, convincing the world that Muslim women are not oppressed by Islam is a message that is just not getting through.  Media headlines scream oppression and the words Muslim, women, and oppression seem to have become inextricably linked.

No matter what Muslim women do or say to try to convince the world otherwise, words like hijab (veil), burqa, polygamy, and Shari`ah (Islamic Law) seem to do little but convince people that Islam oppresses women. Even educated, articulate women fulfilling the modest conditions of hijab can do little to dispel the myths.

Women who conduct themselves with decorum and grace and function effortlessly in the modern world have their achievements and successes celebrated. However, if a woman wears a scarf that covers her hair or puts her religion above worldly pursuits she is immediately labeled oppressed.

One wonders if this is the case for women of other religious persuasions. Are modest religious women of all faiths labeled oppressed? Alternatively, is it just Islam?

The most visible sign of a Muslim woman’s faith is the headscarf or hijab; it is also the garment that leads people to believe that Islam oppresses women. Although Islamic scholars unanimously agree that modest dress and head coverings are obligatory inIslam, for the majority of Muslim women around the world, to cover, or not to cover, is a freely made choice.

The women who chose to wear hijab view it as a right, not a burden and many describe wearing hijab as liberation from the need to conform to unrealistic stereotypes and images dictated by the media.

What exactly do Muslim women say about themselves in relation to the issue of oppression? In 2005, a World Gallup Organization Poll, entitled ‘What women Want’:

‘Listening to the voices of Muslim Woman, revealed that the majority of women polled, in predominantly Muslim countries resented lack of unity among Muslim nations, violent extremism, and political and economic corruption. The headscarf or hijab, or any garment covering the face and body, often depicted as a tool of oppression was not even mentioned.’

The report concluded that ’…most women in the Muslim world are well aware that they have the same capabilities and deserve the same fundamental rights as men.  Majorities of females in each of the eight countries surveyed said they believe women are able to make their own voting decisions, to work at any job for which they are qualified, and even to serve in the highest levels of government.’

Islam raised the level of women, they were no longer chattels being passed from father to husband. They became equal to men, with rights and responsibilities that take into account the nature of humankind. Unfortunately across the globe, Muslim women are victims of cultural aberrations that have no place in Islam. Powerful individuals and groups claim to be Muslim yet fail to practice the true principles of Islam.

Whenever the media reveals unconscionable stories about honour killings, genital mutilation, forced marriage, the punishment of rape victims, women being confined to their homes or women being denied education they are revealing a tale of men and women who are ignorant about the status of women in Islam.

O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the bridal money you have given them. And live with them honourably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and God brings a great deal of good through it. (An-Nisaa’ 4:19)

The religion of Islam demands that women be treated with respect, honour, and justice. It condemns oppression of any kind. In Islam women, like men, are commanded to believe in God and to worship Him. Women are equal to men in terms of reward in the Hereafter.

And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer in the Oneness of God, such will enter paradise; and not the least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date stone, will be done to them. (An-Nisaa’ 4:124)

Women in Islam have the right to own property, to control their own money to buy and sell, and to give gifts and charity. It is not permissible for anyone to take a woman’s wealth without her consent. Islam gave women formal rights of inheritance.  Women in Islam have the right to an education; seeking and acquiring knowledge is an obligation on all Muslims, male or female.

Muslim women have the right to accept or refuse marriage proposals as they see fit, and married women are completely free from the obligation of supporting and maintaining the family. Working married women are free to contribute to the household expenses, or not, as they see fit. Women have the right to seek divorce if it becomes necessary.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission.” The people asked: “O God’s messenger!  How can we know her permission?” He said: “Her silence (indicates her permission).” (Al-Bukhari)

A women was given by her father gave her in marriage when she was a matron and she disliked that marriage. So she went to God’s Messenger and he declared that marriage invalid. (Al-Bukhari)

The religion of Islam declares that women are worthy human beings deserving of respect, and the right to be free from oppression. Women have the right to a decent life, without facing aggression or abuse of any kind. They have the right to pursue a life that is pleasing to them within Islamic boundaries. Nobody has the right to force women to be less then they want to be. The true teachings of Islam, declare that women should be held in a position of high regard.

Sadly, it is true that some Muslim women are oppressed, but across the globe, some women are treated badly by some men, of all religious persuasions and ethnicities. It is possible to say that such and such a government oppresses women, or that Muslim men in such and such a country think it is acceptable to beat women, however, it is not correct to say that Islam oppresses women.

If women were given their God given rights, as set out in the religion of Islam, the global oppression of women could be trampled into oblivion.

Prophet Muhammad said: “None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully.” (At-Tirmidhi)

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Source: islamreligion.com

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