Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Selling halal mortgages is like telling porkies with interest argues Dr. Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
Selling halal mortgages is like telling porkies with interest
argues Dr. Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
argues Dr. Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
Please Note: This article was first published in Q-News
There must have been a sigh of relief when the announcement was made that the chancellor had amended the rules on stamp duty to facilitate Islamic financing models for Muslims wanting to purchase their homes. On closer inspection, however, the offering by Muslim and non-Muslim high street banks appears to be more a case of mis-selling to a gullible and desperate Muslim public.
In ayah 257 of Surah al-Baqarah, the beginning of the Qur'anic rulings outlawing usurious interest dealings, Allah tells us about "those who consume interest" that "they say interest is like trade, yet Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest". True to colour the purveyors of "Islamic" mortgages defend their practice by comparing the selling of financial instruments with the halal meat trade. Amanah Finance, the off-shoot of HSBC (Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation - the old British colonial bank - so maybe a little scepticism isn't ill-founded) uses this analogy in its frequently asked question leaflet. I shall stay with this rather limp analogy for a while to explain why I think they are selling what I shall term "halal porkage" instead.
HSBC Amanah Finance, like any other company venturing onto the new and promising (for them) halal finance market, has its own Shariah Advisory Board. The presence of scholars naïve or eager enough to lend their name to an operation which might be technically correct, but morally no less outrageous, does not in itself make a product halal. Consider the halal pork chop, accompanied by a scholarly certificate testifying that the animal has been dispatched properly without stunning in accordance with the Islamic rites of slaughter - would you eat it?
My charge against these Shariah Board members lending their good name to an exploitation of the unsuspecting Muslim is the same as the one Allah makes against the Israelites in ayah 46 of Surah al-Nisa': they "displace words from their right places", that is, adjusting the text of the law such that the forbidden becomes lawful on a technicality, similar to the practice of swapping the days of the holy months mentioned in ayah 37 of Surah al-Taubah.
Let me flesh out this argument: The aforementioned leaflet states that Amanah Home Finance uses "a payment scheme that is competitive with conventional mortgages" and postulates that "it is certainly halal to use the prevailing interest rate as a benchmark" for the varying rent payments charged to its customers. It further explains that the key criterion for the acceptability of the scheme is "that the transaction be compliant with Islamic law, regardless of the price of the good or how that price is determined." It then compares this to a Muslim butcher in a non-Muslim country pricing his product according to what the market will support and that in spite of the price for his meat not being arrived at independently, the meat he sells is still halal. We all are familiar with paying higher prices at halal butchers for the privilege of getting the meat mandated by our religion.
On first glance this might look like a sound argument, but in reality it is like comparing apples with pears. The comparison would be appropriate if I compared the meat the butcher sells with the house the bank finances: A pub bought through Ijarah finance would be equally as haram as a house bought through a conventional mortgage would be halal as such. But we are not comparing products; we are doctoring with the method: The halal finance scheme is about as convincing as the argument used by Muslim slaughterhouses in Denmark, that stunning does not render an animal unlawful provided it is followed by ritual slaughter. This reducing of the requirements to a ritual without regard for their intended objectives does, of course, let people of the hook and removes the difficulties of availability. But if my halal butcher sells me pre-stunned meat - effectively haram meat with a halal label - why should I pay him a premium for the ingenuity of successfully cheating me? Likewise, why reward the cleverness of the Islamic finance houses and pay for their Shariah Boards, if the same product is available round the corner cheaper and without pretensions?
Undoubtedly the Muslim who opts for the "Islamic" finance scheme gets a worse deal. With a conventional mortgage the bank lends you the money to buy your home and secures the loan against the property. The property is strictly speaking yours, but if you default on the loan they can repossess and force a sale to get their money back. Whatever is left after this unfortunate process remains yours to keep. With the Ijarah financing method employed by HSBC Amanah the assets remain the property of the bank until paid off in full. They then lease it back to you, and should you default, arguably you are left with nothing, for you have neither a capital asset in your name, nor the protection of a tenant, as this is a fixed term lease.
Ijarah is, of course, a valid non-usurious instrument known in Islamic fiqh, but the house buying scheme on offer deviates from its proper application in a number of ways. A proper Islamic home financing scheme would work like this: Either the financing company or individual buys the property for your benefit and charges you a fixed price including a mark-up due to the fact that you enjoy the benefit of the property already before having paid for it in full; in this case your payments will not fluctuate and certainly not be pegged to prevailing interest rates. Or the property is rented back to you at a market rent plus a sum to buy back the house over the agreed period of time; in this case as your shares in the house increase, your rental obligations decrease, so that the property gradually moves into your possession. Amanah, on the other hand, want their cake and eat it.
Yet, there is an even more important fundamental principle involved. I take issue with HSBC's claim that "there is no particular reason why a house financed in this method should be any more or less expensive than a house financed by a conventional mortgage." Allah says in ayah 185 of Surah al-Baqarah that he wants ease for us, not hardship, and it is an accepted principle of fiqh that trade dealings between Muslims must be equitable and not exploitative or extortionate. Allah did not prohibit interest because He intended job security for Shariah Advisors, but because it is taking advantage of the need of a fellow human. Instead of helping him to escape the trap of poverty and debt it makes him dependent, and by accepting payments in instalments or at a later date the lender makes a handsome profit of almost double the purchase price. It follows that if interest is immoral, any other way of extracting the same penalty from the helpless borrower must be equally immoral, no matter what you might call it. Interest by any other name still smells the same. In other words, it is unthinkable that a halal financing model would cost the borrower as much or even more than one where he is exploited through the added interest payments. To claim otherwise means making a mockery of the Qur'anic prohibition of interest and of Islam.
The teachings of the prophet Muhammad, peace be with him, were not concerned with balance sheets, margins and profitability. They had the welfare of humanity in mind. For a sound halal financing enterprise the aim must be to provide ways for Muslims to secure a roof over their heads without being exploited. With HSBC the aim seems to be to aggressively groom a hitherto closed market. From the outset, the intention or niyah is all wrong. But more than that. This is the slippery slope to the destruction of the spirit of Islam, replacing it with a commercialised remnant of ritual practices. In the 16th Century Calvin's reformation redefined usury for the Christian Church, and centuries later Christian belief for most people has degenerated into a folkloristic collection of myths. Let the usurers get away with tempering with Islam, and maybe we, too, will soon be preoccupied with the "ordination" of gay Imams.
Maybe I am painting a bleak picture. Maybe this is only a passing phase of confusion. But we must be on our guard. For Muslims feeling unable to resist the temptation to get a mortgage, often for very genuine reasons, I can only offer this advice: get the cheapest deal going and pay it off as quickly as you can. Don't pay extra for some slick banking advertisement offering to smooth your conscience.
In ayah 257 of Surah al-Baqarah, the beginning of the Qur'anic rulings outlawing usurious interest dealings, Allah tells us about "those who consume interest" that "they say interest is like trade, yet Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest". True to colour the purveyors of "Islamic" mortgages defend their practice by comparing the selling of financial instruments with the halal meat trade. Amanah Finance, the off-shoot of HSBC (Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation - the old British colonial bank - so maybe a little scepticism isn't ill-founded) uses this analogy in its frequently asked question leaflet. I shall stay with this rather limp analogy for a while to explain why I think they are selling what I shall term "halal porkage" instead.
HSBC Amanah Finance, like any other company venturing onto the new and promising (for them) halal finance market, has its own Shariah Advisory Board. The presence of scholars naïve or eager enough to lend their name to an operation which might be technically correct, but morally no less outrageous, does not in itself make a product halal. Consider the halal pork chop, accompanied by a scholarly certificate testifying that the animal has been dispatched properly without stunning in accordance with the Islamic rites of slaughter - would you eat it?
My charge against these Shariah Board members lending their good name to an exploitation of the unsuspecting Muslim is the same as the one Allah makes against the Israelites in ayah 46 of Surah al-Nisa': they "displace words from their right places", that is, adjusting the text of the law such that the forbidden becomes lawful on a technicality, similar to the practice of swapping the days of the holy months mentioned in ayah 37 of Surah al-Taubah.
Let me flesh out this argument: The aforementioned leaflet states that Amanah Home Finance uses "a payment scheme that is competitive with conventional mortgages" and postulates that "it is certainly halal to use the prevailing interest rate as a benchmark" for the varying rent payments charged to its customers. It further explains that the key criterion for the acceptability of the scheme is "that the transaction be compliant with Islamic law, regardless of the price of the good or how that price is determined." It then compares this to a Muslim butcher in a non-Muslim country pricing his product according to what the market will support and that in spite of the price for his meat not being arrived at independently, the meat he sells is still halal. We all are familiar with paying higher prices at halal butchers for the privilege of getting the meat mandated by our religion.
On first glance this might look like a sound argument, but in reality it is like comparing apples with pears. The comparison would be appropriate if I compared the meat the butcher sells with the house the bank finances: A pub bought through Ijarah finance would be equally as haram as a house bought through a conventional mortgage would be halal as such. But we are not comparing products; we are doctoring with the method: The halal finance scheme is about as convincing as the argument used by Muslim slaughterhouses in Denmark, that stunning does not render an animal unlawful provided it is followed by ritual slaughter. This reducing of the requirements to a ritual without regard for their intended objectives does, of course, let people of the hook and removes the difficulties of availability. But if my halal butcher sells me pre-stunned meat - effectively haram meat with a halal label - why should I pay him a premium for the ingenuity of successfully cheating me? Likewise, why reward the cleverness of the Islamic finance houses and pay for their Shariah Boards, if the same product is available round the corner cheaper and without pretensions?
Undoubtedly the Muslim who opts for the "Islamic" finance scheme gets a worse deal. With a conventional mortgage the bank lends you the money to buy your home and secures the loan against the property. The property is strictly speaking yours, but if you default on the loan they can repossess and force a sale to get their money back. Whatever is left after this unfortunate process remains yours to keep. With the Ijarah financing method employed by HSBC Amanah the assets remain the property of the bank until paid off in full. They then lease it back to you, and should you default, arguably you are left with nothing, for you have neither a capital asset in your name, nor the protection of a tenant, as this is a fixed term lease.
Ijarah is, of course, a valid non-usurious instrument known in Islamic fiqh, but the house buying scheme on offer deviates from its proper application in a number of ways. A proper Islamic home financing scheme would work like this: Either the financing company or individual buys the property for your benefit and charges you a fixed price including a mark-up due to the fact that you enjoy the benefit of the property already before having paid for it in full; in this case your payments will not fluctuate and certainly not be pegged to prevailing interest rates. Or the property is rented back to you at a market rent plus a sum to buy back the house over the agreed period of time; in this case as your shares in the house increase, your rental obligations decrease, so that the property gradually moves into your possession. Amanah, on the other hand, want their cake and eat it.
Yet, there is an even more important fundamental principle involved. I take issue with HSBC's claim that "there is no particular reason why a house financed in this method should be any more or less expensive than a house financed by a conventional mortgage." Allah says in ayah 185 of Surah al-Baqarah that he wants ease for us, not hardship, and it is an accepted principle of fiqh that trade dealings between Muslims must be equitable and not exploitative or extortionate. Allah did not prohibit interest because He intended job security for Shariah Advisors, but because it is taking advantage of the need of a fellow human. Instead of helping him to escape the trap of poverty and debt it makes him dependent, and by accepting payments in instalments or at a later date the lender makes a handsome profit of almost double the purchase price. It follows that if interest is immoral, any other way of extracting the same penalty from the helpless borrower must be equally immoral, no matter what you might call it. Interest by any other name still smells the same. In other words, it is unthinkable that a halal financing model would cost the borrower as much or even more than one where he is exploited through the added interest payments. To claim otherwise means making a mockery of the Qur'anic prohibition of interest and of Islam.
The teachings of the prophet Muhammad, peace be with him, were not concerned with balance sheets, margins and profitability. They had the welfare of humanity in mind. For a sound halal financing enterprise the aim must be to provide ways for Muslims to secure a roof over their heads without being exploited. With HSBC the aim seems to be to aggressively groom a hitherto closed market. From the outset, the intention or niyah is all wrong. But more than that. This is the slippery slope to the destruction of the spirit of Islam, replacing it with a commercialised remnant of ritual practices. In the 16th Century Calvin's reformation redefined usury for the Christian Church, and centuries later Christian belief for most people has degenerated into a folkloristic collection of myths. Let the usurers get away with tempering with Islam, and maybe we, too, will soon be preoccupied with the "ordination" of gay Imams.
Maybe I am painting a bleak picture. Maybe this is only a passing phase of confusion. But we must be on our guard. For Muslims feeling unable to resist the temptation to get a mortgage, often for very genuine reasons, I can only offer this advice: get the cheapest deal going and pay it off as quickly as you can. Don't pay extra for some slick banking advertisement offering to smooth your conscience.
| Author: Dr. Sahib Mustaqim Bleher |
| Date Published: Oct 2004 (First Published in Q-News) |
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 1, 2015
MUST WATCH! "Synagogue of Satan" (Full) by Andrew Carrington Hitchcock 1...
Friday, December 12, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Widows are protected in Islam from their in-laws, but are forced and not protected in the Bible
Widows are protected in Islam from their in-laws, but are forced and not protected in the Bible's NT and OT:
In this article, we will see how Islam protects the widows from the mistreatment of her in-laws, while the Bible forces her to be under their control and mercy.
In Islam:
Narrated Ibn Abbas: "Regarding the Divine Verse: "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 back part of the (Mahr) dower you have given them." (4:19) (Before this revelation) if a man died, his relatives used to have the right to inherit his wife, and one of them could marry her if he would, or they would give her in marriage if they wished, or, if they wished, they would not give her in marriage at all, and they would be more entitled to dispose her, than her own relatives. So the above Verse was revealed in this connection. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)), Volume 6, Book 60, Number 103)"
So as we clearly see, Islam in Noble Verse 4:19, clearly prevents the in-laws from trying to control and abuse the widows. Before Islam, widows were basically enslaved to their in-laws. They had no control over any of their inheritance, and they were in many times married off to their former husband's brothers or relatives. Islam came and ended all of that, and lifted the status of women and gave them liberty and rights.
In the Bible's NT and OT:
The Bible has absolutely no regard for women what so ever! I have challenged before Jews and Christians to give me one Biblical verse that praises women in the article: Polygamy is allowed in both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. Let us look at what the Bible says about widows:
"If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband's brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. (From the NIV Bible, Deuteronomy 25:5)"
It would be nice for the widow to marry her husband's brother, especially if they had a good relationship. But what if they couldn't stand each others? Why does she have to be forced to marry him and be under her husband's family's control and mercy?
Let's not forget about how bad mother in-laws can be, especially toward the wives. The Bible clearly forces the widowed wives, who lived with or near their husbands' families, to continue living under the control and mercy of their in-laws even after their husbands' deaths. It is clear that there is no liberty and freedom of choice granted to women.
The reason why I said "who lived with or near their husbands' families" is because Matthew 22:24-28 in the New Testament doesn't specify that the brothers must be living in one single home together. Being near each others in one town is good enough to force the widow to marry her brother in law.
And by the way, Jesus in Matthew 22:24-32 didn't really answer the question. Let us look at the verses to and analyze what Jesus said:
Matthew 22
24. "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him.
25. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother.
26. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh.
27. Finally, the woman died.
28. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"
29. Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
30. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
31. But about the resurrection of the dead--have you not read what God said to you,
32. `I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."
Humans will not be like Angels in Heaven. According to the Bible itself, Adam was created from dust in Heaven, and GOD Almighty created woman, Eve, for Adam to be his physical mate. So in Heaven, we will not be spirits and angels. We will have earthly-similar bodies, and we will have the feelings and pleasures that we currently have here on earth. This means that we will have sex in Paradise as we do here on earth, and also enjoy seeing, breathing, hearing and sensing good things. GOD Almighty intended for Adam and Eve to have a relationship which included a sexual one in Heaven, long before they were kicked out of it.
The Jews' question was wrong because in Heaven there is no forced marriage. People are free to do what ever they wish and please. But Jesus' answer also wasn't accurate and precise either! Taking his answer in the literal sense will clearly reveal inconsistent and wrong information when comparing it to the Old Testament. Jesus failed to elaborate on our physical life and bodies in Heaven. He never talked about it in the New Testament. He should've addressed it in Matthew 22:24-32. This is another reason why Jesus can not be the Creator of the Universe, because he wasn't even perfect with his words. GOD Almighty is Perfect. Jesus was not perfect, and it was GOD Almighty's Holy Wisdom and Intention to not make Jesus perfect. As Allah Almighty said in the Noble Quran:
"The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was. (The Noble Quran, 3:59)"
"O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in God and His apostles. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for God is one God: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs. (The Noble Quran, 4:171)"
"Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary: because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses. (The Noble Quran, 5:78)"
"And behold! God will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God'?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. (The Noble Quran, 5:116)"
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
In this article, we will see how Islam protects the widows from the mistreatment of her in-laws, while the Bible forces her to be under their control and mercy.
In Islam:
Narrated Ibn Abbas: "Regarding the Divine Verse: "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 back part of the (Mahr) dower you have given them." (4:19) (Before this revelation) if a man died, his relatives used to have the right to inherit his wife, and one of them could marry her if he would, or they would give her in marriage if they wished, or, if they wished, they would not give her in marriage at all, and they would be more entitled to dispose her, than her own relatives. So the above Verse was revealed in this connection. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)), Volume 6, Book 60, Number 103)"
So as we clearly see, Islam in Noble Verse 4:19, clearly prevents the in-laws from trying to control and abuse the widows. Before Islam, widows were basically enslaved to their in-laws. They had no control over any of their inheritance, and they were in many times married off to their former husband's brothers or relatives. Islam came and ended all of that, and lifted the status of women and gave them liberty and rights.
In the Bible's NT and OT:
The Bible has absolutely no regard for women what so ever! I have challenged before Jews and Christians to give me one Biblical verse that praises women in the article: Polygamy is allowed in both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. Let us look at what the Bible says about widows:
"If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband's brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. (From the NIV Bible, Deuteronomy 25:5)"
It would be nice for the widow to marry her husband's brother, especially if they had a good relationship. But what if they couldn't stand each others? Why does she have to be forced to marry him and be under her husband's family's control and mercy?
Let's not forget about how bad mother in-laws can be, especially toward the wives. The Bible clearly forces the widowed wives, who lived with or near their husbands' families, to continue living under the control and mercy of their in-laws even after their husbands' deaths. It is clear that there is no liberty and freedom of choice granted to women.
The reason why I said "who lived with or near their husbands' families" is because Matthew 22:24-28 in the New Testament doesn't specify that the brothers must be living in one single home together. Being near each others in one town is good enough to force the widow to marry her brother in law.
And by the way, Jesus in Matthew 22:24-32 didn't really answer the question. Let us look at the verses to and analyze what Jesus said:
Matthew 22
24. "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him.
25. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother.
26. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh.
27. Finally, the woman died.
28. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"
29. Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
30. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
31. But about the resurrection of the dead--have you not read what God said to you,
32. `I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."
Humans will not be like Angels in Heaven. According to the Bible itself, Adam was created from dust in Heaven, and GOD Almighty created woman, Eve, for Adam to be his physical mate. So in Heaven, we will not be spirits and angels. We will have earthly-similar bodies, and we will have the feelings and pleasures that we currently have here on earth. This means that we will have sex in Paradise as we do here on earth, and also enjoy seeing, breathing, hearing and sensing good things. GOD Almighty intended for Adam and Eve to have a relationship which included a sexual one in Heaven, long before they were kicked out of it.
The Jews' question was wrong because in Heaven there is no forced marriage. People are free to do what ever they wish and please. But Jesus' answer also wasn't accurate and precise either! Taking his answer in the literal sense will clearly reveal inconsistent and wrong information when comparing it to the Old Testament. Jesus failed to elaborate on our physical life and bodies in Heaven. He never talked about it in the New Testament. He should've addressed it in Matthew 22:24-32. This is another reason why Jesus can not be the Creator of the Universe, because he wasn't even perfect with his words. GOD Almighty is Perfect. Jesus was not perfect, and it was GOD Almighty's Holy Wisdom and Intention to not make Jesus perfect. As Allah Almighty said in the Noble Quran:
"The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was. (The Noble Quran, 3:59)"
"O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in God and His apostles. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for God is one God: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs. (The Noble Quran, 4:171)"
"Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary: because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses. (The Noble Quran, 5:78)"
"And behold! God will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God'?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. (The Noble Quran, 5:116)"
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 28, 2014
SOMALILAND: IN THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR BROTHER MOHAMED AHMED H ARWO
IN THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR BROTHER MOHAMED AHMED H ARWO
BY NAJAT AHMED H ARWO
"Who, when afflicted with calamity say: "Truly To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."" [The Qur'an; Chapter 2 (Al Baqarah - The Cow) : Verse 156]
"Who, when afflicted with calamity say: "Truly To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."" [The Qur'an; Chapter 2 (Al Baqarah - The Cow) : Verse 156]
I cannot go to reflect on our loss without addressing the pain and the sorrow of my beloved father, after all it is that which triggered me to write this memoir.To him Mohammed was everything, not only a son but a friend, a colleague and above all a manager of his affairs.
My dear father,
As you may know, I am not the writer nor the talker, I am more of the reflector, and therefore I require time to allow myself to respond to my own emotions. It has just been over two weeks since our beloved Mahammed has left this world and I can only manage to gather my thoughts together.
I have read every single word that you have written regarding the death of our beloved Mahammed , and I was overcome with emotions. Your ability to report the exact facts at the most traumatic time is impeccable.
The death of my only brother and your only son has left a whole in my heart, and on most days I feel as if someone has cut off my limp. As he was my everything, my shoulder to lean on, my adviser, my best friend, my guardian, my protector, my role model, my councillor, and my motivator. In all the roles he played as a son, brother, husband, father, nephew, friend, cousin and grandchild he played them ever so perfectly. He filled all our lives with love, kindness and generosity. I was always in awe of his ability to handle life's predicaments with grace, humility and most importantly with enthusiasm, always putting a positive spin on things. Mahammed always ensured to give everyone the time and attention they needed, was never too busy for anyone. In my entire life, I can not think of one memory that sees him in a negative light. Always the peace maker, the joker, the humanitarian, never the fighter.
I feel that there are hardly any words in any language that can truly describe my beloved brothers character. Word used would just seem like an exaggeration or even false!! But the truth is he was simply a rare gift, a blessing that was bestowed upon us by Allah. Mahammed's time on this earth might have been short but was very propitious. He was only 36 yet his accomplishments in life can be comparable to a retired 70 year old man. In his evanescent life he has achieved more than most adults can attain in their lifetime.
My dear brother always joked that it was not only you and mum who raised me, that he was also a big part of my upbringing. It is ever so surreal that I am the teacher in the family yet I always saw him as the original eccentric educator. Mahammed taught me valid lessons everyday in The School of Life. I still can hear his voice saying "Najat when was the last time you spoke to aunt or uncle so and so, go and make that call now". Constantly reminding me that life gets us all busy "But sis, you must always make the effort and give time to those you love the most, especially family, young and old. It only requires you to spend a few extra minutes each day to reconnect and make someone's day, month, year or lifetime. What a little sacrifice for such a pleasurable reward ". Who would have thought such wisdom would come from such a young man!! But he was always wiser than his years, born with such a traditional and loving soul.
Even in his death he is still teaching us lessons on good citizenship, humbleness, sincerity and mostly humanity. The amount of people that turned up to his funeral was so overwhelming. What a sight it was, to see people travel from all corners of the UK and rest of world just to pay him and us respect. The mosque was so full, that people were praying outside, Masha Allah what a beautiful sight it was. He had made an impact to every one that he met, all saying how amazing he was, and all agreeing that he was the ideal son. It was so touching to see how family members stated that "Mahammed was one in a million, unique, loving, giving and generous. No other can replace him nor can he be compared to". He was everyone's best friend, but those friends that he loved, cried as if they lost a brother too. They felt our pain and turned to my dear mother in her darkest hour and uttered weepingly "Mahammed was our brother and therefore you are our mother, whatever you need, call us just like you called for Mahammed. We are all your sons". That alone was a testimony to his character.
Mahammed was so loved, and nobody loved him more than you and mum. To lose a child is painful enough, but to lose such a rare and extraordinary treasure is unbearable. As parents we constantly feel that we could always do more for our children, guilt ridden, never satisfied with our efforts. However my dear father, you should not feel guilty over anything. Your son knew that you truly loved him and that is all that matters. He did not become the honourable gentlemen that he was without your help. If you feel proud of us , then you and mum should feel proud of yourselves first. We are not products of magic, we became the adults we are because of all the good qualities that you both instilled in us. Mohammed had your entrepreneurial skills, your wisdom and knowledge. He had mum's heart, kindness and faith, and both of your senses of humour and strength. Can't you see my dear father?? that without the combination of both yours and mum's character and love, we would have amounted to nothing, living a life with no sense of direction. Mahammed and I always felt blessed to have two amazing parents, and thank Allah everyday for choosing us to be part of your lives. We deeply love you both. Rest at ease my dear father as you have nothing to apologise for.
I know that there is a slight emptiness and loneliness that has take over our hearts, especially for my dear mother. She has lost her soul mate and best friend. It was such a joy to witness their relationship, two peas in a pod, we constantly used to tease them, wherever mum was Mahammed would be there too. He always used to put your needs before his own.
What an inspiration my brother was. Let us keep his dreams alive and remember his positive view of the world, his laughter and smile, his advice and wisdom. Let us all aim to be better human beings, better communicators and make our presence in this world actually count. Allah has only blessed me with one brother, but he simply was the best. I am so proud to be your sister my dear Mahammed, I truly wished that you knew how many people loved you, and how you impacted their lives. Some people even admitted that they loved you more than their own children lol. I promise I will look after your heart, your life, your wife Fathiya Noor, and your beloved son Ahmed-Ameer. I will do my utmost to raise my children, especially my son Maahir to have your exceptional and commendable qualities. If he turns out to be just 10% of the man that you became then I will be satisfied.
May Allah the almighty grant you paradise, the highest level of all, Janatal Fardoos. Ameen.
Najat Ahmed Hassan Arwo.
As you may know, I am not the writer nor the talker, I am more of the reflector, and therefore I require time to allow myself to respond to my own emotions. It has just been over two weeks since our beloved Mahammed has left this world and I can only manage to gather my thoughts together.
I have read every single word that you have written regarding the death of our beloved Mahammed , and I was overcome with emotions. Your ability to report the exact facts at the most traumatic time is impeccable.
I feel that there are hardly any words in any language that can truly describe my beloved brothers character. Word used would just seem like an exaggeration or even false!! But the truth is he was simply a rare gift, a blessing that was bestowed upon us by Allah. Mahammed's time on this earth might have been short but was very propitious. He was only 36 yet his accomplishments in life can be comparable to a retired 70 year old man. In his evanescent life he has achieved more than most adults can attain in their lifetime.
My dear brother always joked that it was not only you and mum who raised me, that he was also a big part of my upbringing. It is ever so surreal that I am the teacher in the family yet I always saw him as the original eccentric educator. Mahammed taught me valid lessons everyday in The School of Life. I still can hear his voice saying "Najat when was the last time you spoke to aunt or uncle so and so, go and make that call now". Constantly reminding me that life gets us all busy "But sis, you must always make the effort and give time to those you love the most, especially family, young and old. It only requires you to spend a few extra minutes each day to reconnect and make someone's day, month, year or lifetime. What a little sacrifice for such a pleasurable reward ". Who would have thought such wisdom would come from such a young man!! But he was always wiser than his years, born with such a traditional and loving soul.
Mahammed was so loved, and nobody loved him more than you and mum. To lose a child is painful enough, but to lose such a rare and extraordinary treasure is unbearable. As parents we constantly feel that we could always do more for our children, guilt ridden, never satisfied with our efforts. However my dear father, you should not feel guilty over anything. Your son knew that you truly loved him and that is all that matters. He did not become the honourable gentlemen that he was without your help. If you feel proud of us , then you and mum should feel proud of yourselves first. We are not products of magic, we became the adults we are because of all the good qualities that you both instilled in us. Mohammed had your entrepreneurial skills, your wisdom and knowledge. He had mum's heart, kindness and faith, and both of your senses of humour and strength. Can't you see my dear father?? that without the combination of both yours and mum's character and love, we would have amounted to nothing, living a life with no sense of direction. Mahammed and I always felt blessed to have two amazing parents, and thank Allah everyday for choosing us to be part of your lives. We deeply love you both. Rest at ease my dear father as you have nothing to apologise for.
I know that there is a slight emptiness and loneliness that has take over our hearts, especially for my dear mother. She has lost her soul mate and best friend. It was such a joy to witness their relationship, two peas in a pod, we constantly used to tease them, wherever mum was Mahammed would be there too. He always used to put your needs before his own.
What an inspiration my brother was. Let us keep his dreams alive and remember his positive view of the world, his laughter and smile, his advice and wisdom. Let us all aim to be better human beings, better communicators and make our presence in this world actually count. Allah has only blessed me with one brother, but he simply was the best. I am so proud to be your sister my dear Mahammed, I truly wished that you knew how many people loved you, and how you impacted their lives. Some people even admitted that they loved you more than their own children lol. I promise I will look after your heart, your life, your wife Fathiya Noor, and your beloved son Ahmed-Ameer. I will do my utmost to raise my children, especially my son Maahir to have your exceptional and commendable qualities. If he turns out to be just 10% of the man that you became then I will be satisfied.
May Allah the almighty grant you paradise, the highest level of all, Janatal Fardoos. Ameen.
Najat Ahmed Hassan Arwo.
http://samotalis.blogspot.com/
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A TRIBUTE TO MY SON MOHAMED AHMED HASSAN ARWO
A TRIBUTE TO MY SON MOHAMED AHMED HASSAN ARWO
A TRIBUTE TO MY SON MOHAMMED AHMED H ARWO AND PARENT'S TESTIMONY
"Who, when afflicted with calamity say: "Truly To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."" [The Qur'an; Chapter 2 (Al Baqarah - The Cow) : Verse 156]
Our destiny is prearranged. I would like to share with you my poignant experience of an episode of our life that waits us all. For five days I learned more about life journey than my entire life, the death of my son Mohammed and the process I went through till we put him in his last room on the world and first hereafter. It is a tribute to dear son and a lesson to us all.
Our destiny is prearranged. I would like to share with you my poignant experience of an episode of our life that waits us all. For five days I learned more about life journey than my entire life, the death of my son Mohammed and the process I went through till we put him in his last room on the world and first hereafter. It is a tribute to dear son and a lesson to us all.
Death respects no age, no gender, and no strength. We saw daily young dying, old surviving, strong dying and weak surviving. We witness fragile patients that survive on comma for decades. All these testimony and yet deep in our mind we think it is the old that dies. Every one of us will taste death at preset time by no one else but by our creator. That time can be sooner or later by the will of Allah.
I buried my beloved son MOHAMED yesterday, a young man at the best epoch of human life, man with entrepreneurial talent always thinking of building empires without neglecting his duty towards Allah and to us. He needed my input which I grossly failed. I regret utmost and it will remain a painful reminder in my life .It was just before Ramadan when finally we agreed to put the foundation of that empire in Hargeysa, a business empire under his leadership and my guidance. We were so happy so optimistic so looking forward that I was counting days. Alas just after Hajj he hinted he has light health problem. He was so strong physically and spiritually. He hid all his pain without whispering to the ears of those close to him. None of us knew the seriousness of his case. He endured all that pain all alone to save us from worry. I knew him for he never let us know anything that can worry us. Allah will be kind to my son as he was kind to us. That is what Allah promised and his promise is done before it is said.
On Sunday afternoon, I spent an hour with his body in mortuary reading Quran and offering Du’a. Each time I touched his body and see his face it was as though he was telling me " father don't worry I am in better hands, hands of Angels of heaven." Alhamdulilaa”
Our destiny is in Allah’s hands. I was not busy, not sick, not occupied, and no financial problem, yet I couldn’t move towards my beloved son, my only son. I regret very much and ask myself why and why yet I know I cannot take a step without Allah’s willing. It is hard to excuse myself from this gross irresponsibility. Astaqfurulla, Allah forgive me, I know my destiny is in your hands.
I was so unlucky that I arrived a day late to see him alive but Allah gave me a way to communicate with him. I sensed he was listening and I promised to him to uphold his dreams Insha Allah. I promised to him more, that I will not share with you but ask you to help me by offering prayer so Allah help me make it a reality.
Monday Duhur prayer I went with group of elders to pray in a Pakistani mosque in Grangetown where my home is located. After prayer I was surprised to hear the imam calling us to pray for the deceased. “Let us offer Du’as to the deceased young man Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Arwo" tears come to my eyes. He offered the best of Du’as and no one moved" then after Sunna prayer all came towards me giving me a hug and offering condolences. I was touched with their kindness and solidarity.
Tuesday morning and the washing ritual. The washing cermony was done in Aljalalia Mosque, in Grangetown, Cardiff. I washed him with my hands with the help of my close family and under the direction of Sheekh Omar, and Salama Funeral Services. I was delighted to be there to see his youthful body never changed glowing with freshness. Thank Allah he was so clean, so neat, so stunning, no trace of anything but shining body with nice smell. It was as though he was bathed before us. Deep in my heart I thanked Allah for this is a sign of Ehlu Jannah. The body of the deceased shows signs of hell or heaven. My son’s body was that of whom Allah promised for better life in Heaven.
After washing session finished I looked at him, not scaring but rather with exhilarating gesture I realized how his body is gleaming and how he grew a full dark beautiful beard. It looked trimmed and recently combed. A beard he never had but last days of his life. The nice smell of his body was sensational. I hold his right hand and every part was as alive, bending, not stiff but nearly moving. . I entangled my fingers with him and offered a special Du’a.
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| Mohamed with me and my daughter in Jubail,Saudi Arabia |
Immediately family females members, led by his mother and sister came in. It was really a testing time. Thank Allah our worry never materialized. I never saw and never heard a pack of women under this circumstances as strong as they were, withholding all their feelings and clearly stating Du’a one after another, no cry at all, no chest beating, no hair tearing, just offering Du’as. His mother Amal a strong Muslim with mountains of Iman and courage of lion, told him what he has to say at the grave, when Angels question him about his beliefs and asked Allah to forgive him for all that he has done for her and for me. She recited Quran and Du’as. It was the Du’as of his Aunt Hayat Omar Arteh, that touched my heart " Alhamdulilaa you are beautiful you are clean you are so sweet, you are Ehlu Janno, all signs are here Thank Allah” she continuously said without hesitation.
Then came the real test, the most touching. My daughter Najat kissed him and whispered into his ears “My brother you were all to me. You were my brother, my protector my guardian, you always advise me. I ask Allah to forgive you and to reward you Jannatul Fardaws for all the good deeds you have done and your love to us. You died young but accomplished great, Allah loves you” The courage of my daughter is beyond belief. I was shaking not with fear but with admiration. Thank Allah who gave me such strong family, thank Allah for giving me Amal as wife and Najat as a daughter.
Then they kissed him and concluded with Du'as that we men couldn't offer. We were standing motionlessly, holding open hands towards heaven repeating Amen after them and in whispering voice.
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| Mohamed with his son Ahmed |
We moved towards Al-Nur mosque for prayer. In front of the mosque I was met by my people of Cardiff. They are my people for they all love us as family. They are not just family but really good family, sharing with us the hard and the soft .My fellow Somalis and good number of other Muslims lined up to hug me and to offer condolences one by one. Masjidu-Nur of Butetown was crammed downstairs and upstairs. Women were given a special area where they were literally compressed like sardines in a box. After Duhur prayer Sh. Mohammed led Jinaza prayer. Tears filled my eyes but my heart was so cool and my mind told me my son is in the hands of his creator and he will be in better life than his short life here. I offered the Du’a wih parental tone and in my special words, as the rest of the congregation did. Then again I was attacked with love and solidarity, they offered condolences tears in their eyes and some cannot hold their sorry and openly cried.
We took the last episode of Mohamed's life, a trip to the Ely Cemetery. The ground was covered with my fellow Somalis and my fellow Muslims. Thank Allah for the number of attendants. Cars filled all open spaces and people covered all the grass area. They came from all over the world . From Holland, from Canada , from Saudi Arabia, from all UK of course large number came from our next door cities, Bristol and Newport. Many of them cried openly. I learned nothing is better than true friendship when I saw my son’s friends crying openly. I learned men cry not of fear but of love and sorry.
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| Mohammed with his grandfather Omer Arteh and his late grandmother Shukri Jirde. |
The grave itself is located at a corner and under a tree. A location anyone with choice would have chosen. Allah has chosen for my son MOHAMMED.
May Allah bless his soul and make his grave a room from heaven. May Allah bestow his mercy and reward him Jannatul Fardaws for his loyalty to Allah and to his parents. I pray Allah to forgive me for all I haven't done for him. He gave me all his love while I did gave him a little of mine. Making his parents happy and satisfied was his utmost priority. It is painful to see ones child die before him but I am happy for all good deeds he have done in his short life. He never used his hand and tongue to harm any creature . To him they were tools to support, help and praise everyone. His heart was so huge he never found difficulty to entertain entire humanity with love and joy. I am proud to have Mohamed as my son. He departed us physically but he rests in my heart and mind for ever. He gave his entire life to serve us, never feel tired to execute our endless demands. He was a tower of help, mountain of support and river of love. Allah took my son for better life Insha Allah. His loyalty to Allah and to us will be rewarded with Allah's love.
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| Ahmed Arwo with his grandsoin Ahmed |
Mohamed left in this world a son, named after me, Ahmed and a lovely wife who changed his life during this short period they were together. She made him happy, forward looking for better life. I noticed all these changes from the day they get married. My daughter-in-law Fathiya Sh Ibrahim I pray Allah to compensate your loss with better future and happy life in this world and forgiveness and Jannatul Fardaws hereafter.
Please do offer Du'a for him and for us.
My tribute in Somali:
http://samotalis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/xus-iyo-xusuusta-inankeyga-maxamed.htmlMy tribute in Somali:
2- http://samotalis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/xus-iyo-xusuusta-inankeyga-maxamed_18.html
Please do offer Du'a for him and for us.
Father Tel: 07903744256 (UK)
Mother Amal Tel: 02920344085 (UK)
Mother Amal Tel: 02920344085 (UK)
Ahmed Hassan Arwo
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| Mohamed Ahmed Arwo with Abdiwahab Ismail Raja, me and uncle Abdihakim, |
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| Mohamed in white thob with uncles and first cousins |
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| Mohamed behind in black suit with uncles and first cousins |
p://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 29, 2014
A realistic Ramadan plan
A realistic Ramadan plan
by Amira Murphy
Source: islamicity.com
By: Amira Murphy
Source: http://www.islamicity.com/
It usually hits me around the 10th night of Ramadan, when the first third of the month, the days of Mercy, have passed. The month is not nearly over, but I find myself looking back and feeling under-accomplished.
The Ramadan “Plan” that I had written up during Sha’ban was a hefty one, detailing every action, every thought and prayer that I have to perform and think and reflect upon to reach the status of the Ideal Muslimah that I have formulated. And I have 30 days to do it… perfectly. Needless to say, after about 10 days of Ramadan, I have fallen short on my (too stringent) plan and I am feeling disappointment and regret.
Whether or not you make too big plans for Ramadan or the first days of it zoom past before you realize it, many of us experience a sort of mid-Ramadan blues. The mid-Ramadan lull is visually obvious in the waning lines at taraweeh prayers. During the first week of Ramadan, pity the person who leaves their house five minutes later than planned. Not only will they have to park in the nether regions of the lot/field/gravel pit, when they finally reach the place of prayer, they will be banished to the basement/babysitting room when they get inside.
SubhanAllah, the lines are so tight, that only prophetic prescribed brotherly love can give the patience necessary to endure so many people in such a small space.
As we reach the middle of Ramadan, however, the parking lot becomes less foreboding as iftar parties become more frequent and last later into the night. We may be struck with a false confidence that Ramadan is long-lasting. Thus we become casual with a short-staying guest that should be held in highest esteem.
It is not until the last 10 days of Ramadan that the severity of this loss strikes us. But by this time, our rush of good works to complete the month are just that, rushed and sloppy, not fortified with the practice of the 20 previous days.
This year, I do not want any regrets during Ramadan. In my (more feasible) plan, I have included “interventions” designed to quell my mid-Ramadan blues and allow me to experience a fulfilling and spiritually uplifting Ramadan.
1. MAKE DU’A
When we meet with other Muslims on this night, we joyously say, “Ramadan Kareem!” This literally means Ramadan is generous. Not only is this a succinct supplication for the retrieving end of the greeting that the blessedness of Ramadan fill their days, it is also a reminder to the believer that Ramadan is a time of limitless rewards that are free to anyone who will work toward them. The first step to not becoming overwhelmed and regretful during Ramadan is to submit to the One who is in control. Too often do we attribute levels of power and control to our selves. Of course, we are bound to be utterly disappointed! A daily Ramadan practice should be reflecting on our relationship with Allah, subhanhu wa ta’ala, as our Creator and Master, the One who answers the sincere du ‘a of the fasting. Our recurring du ‘a should be for Allah’s help and acceptance of our deeds during Ramadan.
2. RENEW YOUR INTENTIONS EVERY NIGHT
Umar ibn Al-Khattab relates that: “I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, saying, ‘Verily, actions are by their intentions, and for every person is what he intended” (Muslim). At the end of the night, before we sleep, we should take a moment to mentally prepare our intentions for the next day. This reflection between your soul and its Creator will help clarify and set straight the acts of worship you wish to perform and for Whom, in fact, you are performing them. Insha’Allah, you will begin the next day fresh and with purpose.
3. REFRAIN FROM WHAT IS DISTRACTING YOU
Many of us living in the West find it difficult to change our schedules entirely during Ramadan. Work, school, and other commitments will not be put on hold for a month. There are, however, habits and activities that we consider part of our daily lives that, if left completely, would add to the health of our Ramadan experience. For many of us, we successfully keep these temptations at bay for the first week or so of Ramadan. But we get too casual as the month goes on and slowly these distractions sneak back into our days like they never left. Television, music, and unchecked internet and computer usage can easily be highlighted as main distractions during Ramadan, and they can drain away our limited, blessed time. I once heard that it takes 30 days to form a new habit, or to get rid of a bad one. We should make the intention to utilize Ramadan to purify us from our useless and horrendous habits.
4. FORM ENDURING, EVER LASTING DEEDS
Ramadan should serve as a platform for us to establish practices and behaviors that we will then carry with us throughout our days and months. If we intend to make these changes in our lives permanent, it will be less discouraging than if we feel as though the days on which these acts of good will be accepted are limited. Allah tells us that it was the month of Ramadan during which the Quran was first sent down “as a guidance for all people, having in it clear proofs of divine guidance and the criterion for right and wrong” (Surah al-Baqarah: 2:185). Though initially sent down during Ramadan, the guidance, as with the Quran itself, is meant to be sought after and reflected upon everyday. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, would review the Quran with the Angel Gabriel during Ramadan, but it was definitely not left during the months in between. Ramadan is the time to reenergize and reestablish our good deeds and character to sustain us for an entire year, until we need Ramadan once more.
5. BE CONSISTENT WITH SMALL DEEDS
The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: “Convey from me, even if one ayah (verse), for it may be that the one being informed will comprehend better than the one listening (at present)” (Bukhari). It is the steady trickling of a stream that over time will produce large crevices in the hard rocks of the earth. The power of small, consistent deeds has an accumulating power over time, improving the condition of our souls while keeping us motivated. Small acts, like donating a dollar every night at the masjid or consistently praying two or four rak ‘at of the Sunnah of Duha at midmorning will weigh heavy in our Book of Deeds on the Day of Judgment. Allah says, “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good shall see it (Surah Al-Zalzalah, 99:7).” Whatever you do, Allah knows about it. And this is the most reassuring feeling.
6. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT
When feeling discouraged or disappointed in our worship, it is important to build up confidence by focusing on the acts of ‘ibadah that come naturally to us. These are deeds that you find yourself looking forward to and, importantly, the ones that you can complete and repeat everyday. For some of us, giving charity is easy and brings us close to Allah. May Allah make those who give charity indiscreetly among the ones shaded by His Throne on the Day of Judgment. For others, the taraweeh prayer is just the beginning of their long night vigil. If you can stand long hours in the night with just you and your Master, you should focus on perfecting this act of worship. From the hadith and stories from the Salaf, we know that the Companions had particular acts of worship in which they would excel. Khalid ibn Walid knew few surahs of the Quran by heart, but was the leader in jihad. The more wealthy Companions would give massive amounts of charity while the less wealthy were comforted knowing that any little they gave with their wealth or bodies would weigh just as much in their scales.
7. MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
I have a friend who would struggle with Fajr prayer. If she had missed it, she would find herself increasingly distressed throughout the day and she would miss other prayers in hopes that the next day, she could start all over. Admittedly, there was no logical argument for her actions. She was driven by an emotional letdown that whispered in her heart and caused her to justify these feelings. I believe that this may be common among Muslims, a sort of spiritual procrastination that reflects a level of low iman and that will have both short-term and long-term detriment for a believing soul. The way that acts of worship, particularly that of salah, are distributed throughout the day should be proof to us that regardless of how disappointing and how spiritually unmotivated we may feel, there is an opportunity to lift ourselves up and make the rest of our day count. If we feel as though our last prayer was less than worthy, we have the next fard and countless nawafil that we can perform to bring ourselves back to make the rest of the day count. This is especially important during Ramadan where we find that the days of the month go by so quickly.
8. ASK FOR ALLAH’S FORGIVENESS AND MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS
It may be a misconception for some that istaghfar, or asking the forgiveness of Allah, is to be done only after one has sinned. In fact, seeking Allah’s pardon for shortcomings even after good deeds is the way of the righteous. The constant seeking of forgiveness helps keep us constantly mindful of Allah and our status as His slaves. Along with this, it is inevitable that we have some shortcomings or mistakes in our acts of worship or in something that we say or do. Throughout our days and at day’s end, and during Ramadan and all through the year, we will not feel as regretful or discouraged if we do our best and make a habit of asking Allah’s forgiveness for our shortcomings.
As with anything that you wish to accomplish, make your goals for Ramadan challenging, but within reach. I make lofty goals, fall far when I cannot complete them, and it takes me longer to get back up.
But not this year, insha’Allah. The end of Ramadan is truly a Sign from Allah. We are bound to feel some degree of sadness then, for the blessed days have ended, and we never know if we will be able to benefit from them the next year. But the day of Eid Al-Fitr is a jubilant one. We have fulfilled a commandment of Allah and share good tidings with those in need with Zakat Al-Fitr and with our family.
It is a sign that despite feeling some degree of regret for not doing as much as we could have during this blessed month, we are grateful for the Mercy of Al-Basit for extending to us the opportunity to benefit from this month and its relief from sin and Hellfire. May Allah accept our deeds and our fasting during this month and make it our best Ramadan ever.Ameen.
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
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