Friday, January 31, 2014

THE STATUS OF THE LEGITIMATE HIJAB IN ISLAM.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, Who says in His glorious book: {يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَى ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ ذَلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ} [الأعراف: 26] O’ children of Adam we have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves and as adornment and the raiment of righteousness that is better. Such are among the signs of Allah, that they may remember. (Q7:26) We praise Him, the Glorified, the High. We also thank him, we seek his help and forgiveness. We equally seek His refuge against the evil of ourselves and the evil of our handiwork. Surely, whomever Allah guides, such is the guided, whomever He (Allah) misleads is led astray, there is no guidance for him. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah the One without equal or partner. I also bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His servant and messenger who said: “The woman is a nude” O! Allah shower your mercy on him (SAW), his household and the generality of companions and those who tread his sunnah (way of life) and practice till the Day of Judgement. Oh worshippers of Allah, I admonish you and myself to fear Allah the most high according to His words: in Q3:102: " يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ ( آل عمران : 102 ) O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that he has ordered and by abstaining by all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. (Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always), and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah. Brethren in Islam and faith, this is the fifth gathering in the month of Rabiul-Awwal in which the best of Allah’s creatures, Muhammad son of Abdullah (SAW) was born. Since the beginning of this month, we have been discussing the birth of the greatest personality in existence. It is the personality of Muhammad (SAW) whom Allah (specially) selected and sent as mercy to the worlds. Today, we are participating with our brothers in the Islamic world, in reviving one of the religious rites which the last of the prophets and the leader of the messengers, Muhammad, the chosen brought. What is this rite? It is the Muslim woman code of dressing. Thus, today’s topic of discourse centres on the legal status of hijaab in Islam. Definition of Hijab, Literally and Technically The linguistic meaning of hijab: the subject matter ‘hajaba’ in Arabic language has two meanings: barrier and prevention. Almanaawee said that hujb literally means prevention (i.e. preventing an occurrence). Hijab is every barrier against pursuit and prevention of arriving (at something). It is said that it (hijab) is a barrier to prevent seeing or viewing (something) – (Almanaawee) Hijab technically according to the Islamic law with evidences from the Quran and sunnah, hijab is restricted to two meanings. The first, it means staying at home of woman. This is to cover herself away from the sight of men and mixing with them. The second meaning is her garment which is made of her free outer gown and the head cover – (see Hirasatul Fadeelah by Bakr Abdullah Abu Zaid pg 29) As for the evidence on the first meaning, it is established in Q33:53 thus: " ... وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ...(الأحزاب :53) “… And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition…” (33:53) It is clear that hijab in the verse above means the staying at home of women. The verse itself is a proof on hijab as an apparel, even though it is used inclusively because the verse is the evidence of all scholars that the Hijab of staying at home and covering the face is compulsory for the wives of the Prophet (pbuh). (see Kashful hijab and shubuhaat atheerat haulal hijab wa niqaab by Naafi’ Ahmad Al-Juuharee) Jilbaab: is the outer flowing gown worn by women over their dress, used majorly when they go out of their homes. Jilbaab: is also the covering robe or gown covering (the woman) from the head to the foot. I have said that the ‘khumr’ (head cover) is used in the house and Jilbaab (flowing outer garment) is used when outside. On this understanding, I have explained the two verses on hijaab: First, ({وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ} [النور: 31]) “and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests” (24”:31) And the second, (يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ) “to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments.” To draw their cloak all over their bodies (Q33:59) – [Jalbaabul mar’at Muslimah by Sheikh Al-Albaanee] Are verses of hijaab specially directed to the prophet (pbuh)’s wives? To perfectly answer this question, we need to understand verse 59 of chapter 33 which Dr Wahbah Zuhailiy titled: Verse of the women Jilbaab to cover nudeness. Therefore this study will be in the light of the Quranic exegesis of At-tafseer Al-muneer: Verse of the women Jilbaab to cover nudeness يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:59) Cause of Revelation of the verse Aisha (R.A) narrated that Sauda (the wife of the Prophet) went out to answer the call of nature after it was made obligatory (for all the Muslims ladies) to observe the veil. She was a fat huge lady, and everybody who knew her before could recognize her. So 'Umar bin Al-Khattab saw her and said, "O Sauda! By Allah, you cannot hide yourself from us, so think of a way by which you should not be recognized on going out. Sauda returned while Allah's Apostle was in my house taking his supper and a bone covered with meat was in his hand. She entered and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I went out to answer the call of nature and 'Umar said to me so-and-so." Then Allah inspired him (the Prophet) and when the state of inspiration was over and the bone was still in his hand as he had not put in down, he said (to Sauda), "You (women) have been allowed to go out for your needs." Ibn Sa’d narrated in At-tabaqaat from Abu Malik: He said: The wives of the Prophet (pbuh) do go out at night to answer the call of nature, but some hypocrites do disturb to molest them, and they complained about this. The hypocrites said: “We do such act (of molestation) to the slaves” thus the verse was revealed: يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. …” (33:59) The connection between verses 58 and 59 After explaining that those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin, Allah ordered believers to desert places of ambiguity and suspicion which could subject them to harm or molestation, by putting on the Jilbaab (Hijab, veil) aside from the practice of the day of ignorance when women do go out naked and got followed by adulterers. The interpretation of the verse: يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:59) Allah requested His Messenger, peace be upon him to order the believing women, especially his wives and daughters to allow the cloth drag down and use to cover themselves when they go out of their homes, so that they can be distinguished from slaves. Jilbaab is the garment worn above the muffler. There are several narrations reported on the description of the garment. - Ibn Abbas said: God commanded the believing women to cover their faces from above their heads leaving out just an eye when they go out of their homes. - Ibn Jarir narrated that Muhammad bin Sirin said: I asked Ubaida As-Salmaaniy about the words of Allah: يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ “to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments.” And in response, he covered his face and head, and left his left eye uncovered. - Abdul Razzaq and Ibn Abi Hatim related that Umm Salamah said: When this verse was revealed: يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ “to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments.” The Ansar women came out (en masse) as if crows of tranquility perched on their heads, they wore black garments. It is intended in this verse that the garment prescribed be an addition to the mandatory cloth needed to cover one’s nudeness. It represents an exemplary culture which protects women from accusation and suspicion and from the harms of evildoers. The Islamic dress for women is the garment that covers all the flesh, which does not show what is beneath it. However when the woman is in her home with her husband, she can wear whatever she wants. Allah says: (ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا) “That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:59) Casting the outer garment over the person gives advantage of being known as freeborn against being slaves or prostitutes and they will not be molested by corrupt persons. وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا “And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” Allah is forgiving for their earlier negligence in applying the covering, and for anyone who implements the order but was found wanting one way or the other unintentionally concerning the covering, widely merciful towards His slaves and have guided them to this marvelous culture. Majority of scholars agree that the full garment described above is not mandatory for slaves in order to reduce the hardship and facilitate their task of services to their masters. Abu Hayyan said: The statement: (وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ) “and the women of the believers” includes freeborn women and slaves, and that sedition is usually more from slaves due to their frequent involvement in much activities as against freeborn. Therefore, any exception for slaves from among other women requires a clear proof. Jurisprudence of life: The verse points to the following: 1 – An order to cover all the body with cloths that will not describe her body details except when with the husband, she can wear what she wants because he alone has the authority to enjoy with her. The wives of the Prophet peace be upon him and his daughters were among those instructed. Qataadah said: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him left nine wives after his demise; five of Quraish: Aisha, Hafsah, Umm Habiba, Saodah, and Umm Salamah, and three from the rest of the Arabs: Maymunah, Zainab bint Jahsh, and Juwairiyyah and one from Harun tribe: Sofiyyah. The Prophet had both male and female children. Male children include: Qasim, Abdullah, Tayyib, all from Khadijah. His daughters were: Fatimah (wife of Ali), Zainab (married to the son of Abu-l-‘Aas, her maternal uncle), Ruqayah (wife of Uthman), and Umm Kulthum (wife of Uthman) all being the daughters of Khadijah (R.A). It would be understood from this arrangement that the dawah can never grow except when the caller starts from himself and family, thus the command to adorn hijab started with the wives and daughters of the Prophet (pbuh) It is noted that the call does not bear fruit unless began calling in himself and his family , so he started up the veil by women of the Prophet peace be upon him and his daughters . 2- The image of adorning the Jilbaab: A woman will cover all her body except an eye for seeing, as said by Ibn Abbaas and Ubaidah As-Salmaaniy. Qataadah and Ibn Abbaas in another narration said that she wears it above the forehead tightly fixed and drawn across the nose, covering the chest area and the face even if the two eyes are exposed. Al-hassan Al-basriy said: It should cover half of the face. 3- The freeborn are instructed to cover themselves to distinguish them from slaves, when they are recognized and distinguished, they will not face any form of molestation and to ward off lustful advances. 4- Allah says: “And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” as a sign of kindness for earlier sins of neglecting Jalbaab before this legislation. 5- Ibn Sa’d mentioned in Al-tabaqaat Al-kuburah that Ahmad Isa- a prominent Faqih of Shafi’ school made a deduction from this verse that the practice of scholars and leaders in changing cloths and headgear is good because it distinguish them from others, even though the salaf did not do it. The verse is also used to explain the obligation of covering the face, body and hair when going out or before non-muhram, as explained by scholars like Ibn Jaoziy, At-tabari, Ibn kathir, Abi hibaan, Abu Su’uud amd Jasaas Ariraazi. Conditions of Muslim women’s Jilbaab as outlined by Sheikh Nasrudeen Al-baaniy in “The Jilbaabul of the woman in the Qur’an and Sunnah”: 1- It should cover the entire body except those places excluded 2 - It should not be an adornment in itself 3 – It should be compact and thick not transparent 4 - is to be loose and expanse not tightly which will now describes the body shape. 5 - It should not be scented with perfumes 6 - It should not resemble men's clothing 7 – It should not look like the dress of kaafir (unbelievers) 8 - It should not be a celebrity dress for fame. SECOND KHUTBAH Praise be unto Allah who says in the glorious Qur’an thus: They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.( 33 ) It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it. (10:32-33) Praise be unto Him over His immense favour on us beyond measure and comprehension. The best of peace and blessings be showered upon Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) raised as mercy to the universe, his household, companions and those who follow them in righteousness till the day of recompense. Dear worshippers of Allah, I will like to inform you that tomorrow- Saturday, February 1st, 2014 is World Hijab Day to which every Islamic association and organization is a partaker. It is worthwhile to participate accordingly with respect to your ability. History of the World Hijab Day The event that occasioned the World Hijab Day was the killing of a an Egyptian Muslim sister in Hijab- MARWA EL-SHERBINI in Germany in 2009 by ALEX WIENS. The sad event took place in a court in Dresden city in Germany where this murder stabbed this believing soul till death in the presence of the husband who was equally stabbed repeatedly. In the course of the incidence, police officer came and opened fire mistakenly on the husband. The murder was arrested and sentenced to death. But what was the sin of the slain woman? Apparently she committed no offence other than wearing a Hijab. It was said that she came as a witness against this murder on a matter of verbal abuse. The Muslim world thereafter made that day of her murder The World Hijab Day- 1st February annually. Oh Allah descend peace; flowing with continuous tranquility and security upon Nigeria and all other Muslim nations. O Allah accept the worship of the pilgrims of hajj and Umrah, and grant us all Your pleasure, And the last of our call will be, "Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!"

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

MY BLESSED COUNTRY (NIGERIA) WHAT WENT WRONG? @ 52

Nigeria my blessed country, a country full of green leaves and flowers, a country blessed with lots of natural resources a country full of arena of green surroundings: Nigeria the most populated country among the Africa continent the home of fertilization and beauty. Nigeria became independent on 1st of October, 1960. It has been ruled with lots of bad leaders and rulers; it had been ruled with lots of injustice and blood shedding. Nigeria our beloved country, the country of hospitality the country full of ancients and interesting things. What went wrong? Now our leaders has ruined the country., it is now made of blood and cries of the people in 1963 – 1966 his excellence Nnamdi Azikwe ruled Nigeria after gaining independence from the British it has one of the best regime in 1960 – 1906 Nigeria had a good prime minister who ruled well but due to his cabinet people who wanted him to rule badly and he didn’t so he was coupled up and killed in January 1975 –July 1976. Another good regime was led General Muritala Muhammad who was killed by Bunka Simka Dimka Now the fuel has risen there have been fuel subsidy from #65 to #141 until the masses begged the president he reduced it to 97. When the Kerosine and diesed prices increased nothing was done. Yet you see the president growing healthier and looking good while we the masses are suffering. if our president himself remembered when he was not putting on shoe to school. Then he would reason and stop the useless rules he is laying for us. Example of a family of 8 depending on #5000 in a month how will they survive? Food, money has risen and all other things yet you see Jonathan eating #1 million naira food per meal where is the food going to? What is he eating? We , Nigerians let us stand up and continue to fight for our right. Do not lose hope lets be hopeful that better learders will soon emerge. Look at the Egypt’s protest, let’s continue our struggle and let’s fight corruption so as to make Nigeria greatJonathan don’t punish the masses rather punish the Cabals.

Monday, January 27, 2014

VISIT OF LOVE

Rākib returned from school very late. He was really worn out. He managed to eat something. He laid in his bed and switched on the fan. He had no doubt that he would soon sleep off to replenish his lost energy. Alas! It was a different story. His eyes were as alert as of one who had slept for a whole day. He rose suddenly and dashed for his book shelves and scattered the books. It was obvious he was looking for an important document. He brought out a medium sized envelope containing a love card, love letter and a photograph of the sender. He picked the flowery card and read the content aloud. To My Love, I’m yours forever. My love for you is boundless. You are the man of my Dream. I love you from the depth of my soul. Your Only Love, Rākibah. Rākib sighed and smiled. He kept the card aside as if it were something fragile. He opened the letter and read through: My dearest Rākib, “Our love is a divine design. My beauty and your handsomeness are natural elegance. I’m short of words to describe my love for you. One thing I know is that I can’t love any other person like you. Allah is my witness that I’m honest with you. I hope you will reciprocate this gesture. Do always remember me in your supplications. I’m for you, what about you?” Your Love, Rākibah Were he to explain the effect of these lines on him, he would definitely be short of words. He felt fulfilled and reassured of the future love. Poor Rākib! He forgot to obey Allah by lowering his gaze. He differentiated between Rākibah in person and her photograph. He simply looked on, admiring her innocent, gentle, loving, comforting, attractive, convincing and true smile. He thought of something but could not express it. He could no longer hide his feelings. He solemnly expressed: “I wish you are here Rākibah! I would have shown you how truly I love you. My mind is pensive. I have seen. I have read. Oh! I’m in love. I need you now.” He slept off, lost in his own thoughts. If not for the sweet dream he had, the night would have been a nightmare for him. He woke up much later, though at an unusual time. A strong feeling dawned on him that he was heading for the avoidable. He said: “I must, at least visit Rākibah today. She is staying alone after all and more importantly Islām is not against visitation.” As soon as this thought became settled in his mind. His mood changed instantly. He became relieved and overjoyed with this opportunity of paying her a lovely visit. The day started and he was not in any way feeling hungry. So there was not any need to prepare breakfast. He left for school promptly. His lecture ended at exactly 1.00 pm. Rather than his usual habit of tarrying and subsequent missing of the Zuhr prayers in congregation, he got to the mosque before the call to prayer. He said his prayers and set out on his planned visit. When he got to Rākibah’s residence, her movement chart indicated that she had gone to the market. He waited patiently. Some minutes later, he saw her coming. On sighting him from some distance, she halted in amazement and then resumed her walk. On getting to him, she greeted him. He replied almost immediately with a sense of fulfillment. Rākibah: Youuuu! (She said amazingly) Rākib: So, don’t you want to see me? Rākibah: I have not said so and I don’t mean that. How are things? I miss you sooo much! Rākib: Thanks and I’m sorry! Rākibah, I tried to come before now but for my busy schedule. Please don’t be angry…and I really missed you too. I’m here now for you to see me and to see you. Rākibah: Oh, that is kind of you. That’s lovely and thanks so much. May Allah reward you abundantly. Actually I’ve been preoccupied with some assignments too and alhamdulillah, I’m through…can’t you even help me to carry one of these items? Rākib: I’m sorry. Bring this one. It’s a bit heavy. Is this how you carry it all the time? Rākibah: Yes! Since this place is not motorable and I don’t personally like boarding bikes. (They got to the door; Rākibah dropped the items to open the door). Rākib: Where do I drop this? Rākibah: By that table. Thanks so much. What do I offer you now? Rākib: Don’t bother. I’ve already achieved my aim of coming and I think I should be going so that… Rākibah: So that what? That is a joke, isn’t it? Why do you have to go? Is it because of our being alone? I wonder why you have come in the first instance! I think we may have to part peacefully… Rākib: What informs that? Rākibah: You informed it. Is it a crime to be attached? If it is, then I will rather detach myself. Sincerely, I must tell you my mind. All this while, you have not been showing deep and warmly concern like others to their fiancés. Letter, you will not write! Mails, you will not send! Cards, you will not send! You don’t even call these days. Gifts you will not give! Where then is the love and concern? I think love is not a one-way traffic. Thank God it’s not too late… Rākib: Relax! Rākibah! Why are you talking to me like this? These are things you could have observed for long. I have always thought that the going is well, unknown to me that you have catalogue of things against me. If you feel you are no more interested in the relationship, I think it’s not too late to quit. But I know that I sincerely love you. I do these things so that we’ll not become so close as to fall into sin. I know my nature, which of course you may not know. That is the situation. Rākibah: That is the situation indeed, but I understand it. Do you want to say that you understand the Qur’ān more than brother Ghawth? Yet he rarely fails to visit his “Hajia” on weekly basis. You know his fiancé is my close friend and we discuss a lot. Anytime he visits her, they have nice time, sharing ideas and eating together. What I know is if people are not married, they should have ‘fun’! But I’m not aware there is any provision in the Islamic law that they cannot exchange pleasantries and ideas. Anyway that is how I feel. But I’m sorry if you feel offended. I do not mean to torture our love. I only want us to be closer. Rākib: It’s okay. In shāllah, I’ll see what I can do to improve our relationship. Rākibah: Please, I want to make a request. Rākib: What is it? Rākibah: Let me prepare something for you to eat. Rākib: So far as it will not be more than thirty minutes. Rākibah: I promise. In no time, she prepared a delicious meal – fried egg, bread and tea - for him. They engaged, meanwhile, in some general talk. Rākib thanked her and was about to leave when she held him by the two palms and said, “Please, give me a kiss”. Rākib was shocked and sensed what was likely to happen. Before he could organize himself, Rākibah had planted a hot kiss on his cheek. Rākib could not believe what had happened. He pushed her away and dashed out of the room. That night Rākibah was not at ease. She could not fathom what led her into such obscenity. She lacked the courage to speak to Rākib on phone. She felt highly remorseful. She was sleepless. She later sent him a text message stating that she was really sorry for what happened and that it was infatuation. He did not reply her and went on to delete it instantly. Rākib made up his mind to forget about her. He could not imagine what could have remained of his morality if he had fallen for her antics on the way. He remembered that he was the one that went to visit her at her residence. He shrugged saying, “it’s still good, and at least, I have been able to know what sort of a person she is.” A week later, he met her on the way home. His response to her Tasleem was wry. He just passed by her without even uttering a word. Rākibah could not help but burst into tears, thus creating an incomprehensible scenario before the onlookers. She later confided in one of her confidants. On her behalf, she met Rākib. He responded bluntly that, “if Allah (SWT) wills, we may still be together.”

THE MUSLIMS AS A ROLE MODEL IN THE SOCIETY

Muslims are the people that believe in Allah [S.W.T] as the only God and believe in prophet Muhammad [S.A.W] as His messenger. They are the ones that have Islam as their only religion and Qur’an as their only book and they belief in six articles of faith. Muslims are also the ones that beliefs that one day, everyone will be resurrected on how he or she spent his/her life. A role model is a person that people p look up to and follow his/her footsteps. Muslims are the role model of the society because they are the one that adheres to the truth; they are embodiment of good characters and virtues. Real Muslims who follows the injunctions of the Sunnah and the holy book are not corrupt leaders, they are not thieves and they have great mission and vision in life. Muslims are the ones that fulfill their promises, they follow the Quran and Sunnah .They consult the knowledgeable ones when they are not clear of something. Muslims do not lose hope in hard times because they believe that everything is a test from Allah(S.W.T).Muslims serves as role models because they are optimistic even if the eye of the storm and they also believe in Allah (S.W.T) the lord of universe, there is none like him as said in Ayatu-kursiyy and whosoever believe sincerely in Allah (S.W.T) would have no cause to regret rather they would have no cause to regret rather they would succeed in this world and the hereafter. Muslims are brave ,optimistic and patriotic. They remember Allah at all times because of the prophet’s saying; Fear Allah wherever you are. . Muslims are also role models because they are the ones that are morally sound ,imaginative ,fair to all concerned ,emotionally mature, they are obedient to both young ones and adult ,they do not spend lavishly, they are creative, they make things on their own , they are not dependant on anybody. They depend on Allah alon Muslims are also role models because they are studious, they are organized i.e they have plan and focus in life .Muslims are expressive , they express themselves though in good manners with speech and writing for others to know what they feel, and to convince others with the truth. Muslims are also energetic and mentally keen but they use their energy to fight in the cause of Allah. They fight on a just course. Muslims are decisive , they make the correct and right decisions to do things that meaningful, they are also initiative in the correct way and manner. Muslims are highly spiritual , they do not get carried away by worldly gains or affairs . They pray to Allah fervently to grant them Al-jannah firdaus because there is far more better than this life. They keep saying “Rabbana atina fi dunya asanata wa fil aakhirati aasanata wa kina adhaba naar. They also use to pray to Allah to save them from the punishment of the grave and hell fire because the punishment therein are very severe .Muslims believe that everything in life will vanish and only Allah will remain. Muslims are instruction minded and are reliable. They can be relied on for information’s and they assist people whenever the need arises. Muslims are not arrogant, they correct their mistakes and fault when detected and ask Allah for forgiveness. Muslims are also the scientists of today they are found in areas of academic pursuit they are the first class citizens of a country they are the historians and business-managers of today they do not collect bribes and they do not embezzle the country money. Muslims are the ones that avoid the disruption of a country. Muslims are also the responsible ones, that is why they are assigned with the responsibility to discharge duties. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Islam is the total submission to infinite will of Allah (SWT) the absolute. It is to worship Him and to obey all his commandments without reluctance. Islam entails each and every aspect of life from religious to societal, spiritual, and moral it describes in exact words how a believer should his/her life. A muslim therefore is anyone who follows and obeys the rule of Allah and act in accordance to his prescribed way of life. A muslim is a person of high and distinguished moral characters, excellent academic performances and supreme spiritual prowess. A Muslim, by all means is a person of high esteem both within his immediate surroundings and the society at large. A person wielding such magnificent characters is to be regarded as their reformer and role model of the society. A role model can be defined as an experienced person who gives advice to those who are less experienced. He or she is a person whose behavior is a good example for others to follow. Such honour and prestige of being a role model can only be given to a person of good conduct and an amazing personality. A muslim is also the definition of a role-model because he/she possesses every qualities required from a role model. A muslim as the role model in the society would mean perfection in the society. There would be peace, indiscipline would be rare or at low pedestal, morals would become life styles. We may want to judge from a spiritual angle, but we cannot be precise that the society would become an Islamic one were only believers dwell. Nevertheless, there are more transforming activities that would occur if a muslim was the role-model in the society. Everyone would want to copy him/her in his/her exact behaviour, leaning no room for double about him. We may want to think that the being a role model, always being watched and looked upon for advice might be a lot of pressure. But not for the muslim. This knowledge of Islamic principle and his belief in Allah, the only God is certainly enough for him to cope. This emulation of the prophet (SAW) and his rightly guided caliphs makes his interactions with the society easy. We can only but imagine the serene that a great many of our youths prefer musicians, actors and Rebels over genuine scholars who are worthy of such honour of being role-models. The muslim as role model in the society, would bring an end to social vices, moral decadence, academic failure, spiritual weakness. It would mean the beginning of enliven new era of excellence. We can only hope that one day, perhaps the dignified personality of a Muslim would become the sole role-model in the society. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ‘’Indeed, in the messenger of Allah (Muhammad S.A.W), you have a good model to follow, for him who hopes for the meeting with Allah and the last day, and remembers Allah much”. (q 33 : 21). The verse above shows the importance of a model in the life of a man most especially the Muslim and that is why Allah gave us a model, the Prophet (S.A.W) as guidance. Firstly, it is necessary to understand the in-depth meaning of the two keywords in the topic: “Muslim” and “Role model”. So who is a MUSLIM? A Muslim is a spiritual name gotten from Islam, it means one who practice Islam and Islam is gotten from SALAM, Salam means PEACE, Islam means the religion of peace. A Muslim is a person who believes in almighty Allah as the only God that He begets not nor was He begotten, as his creator and Alpha and Omega of heavens and earth. The second word, “Model” is a special word. It deals with heart to heart relationship, relationship of passion, love and respect. It deals with willing decision by someone to choose a person as someone he wishes to be like. A model is a person who has gone through the same experience the someone is going through and the former aspires to be like the latter. Also, according to Longman dictionary of contemporary English, it is defined as: “to try to be like someone because you admire him”. A model is a person who has the power to influnce your belief and changes your thought. The Prophet (S.A.W) is a typical example of a Muslim who is a model. During the Prophet’s da’wah in Makkah, most people who accepted Islam did not accept it because they listened and understood the message of the Prophet; rather they were touched by his noble behaviour and his divine speech. He was indeed a legend and a man of honour. Such should be the life of a Muslim as a role model. A Muslim should be a model in everywhere he finds himself. He should be able to change people, invite them to Islam with his behaviour. Da’wah is an important part of Islam, and it is not necessarily by taking, begging or going house-to-house to call people but the most essential thing is ones’ behaviour. He should be able to influence people with his behaviour. People will learn more about Islam because real Islam is already proved in his behaviour and that is why Allah said in Qur’an 2:44 that “You command people with good and you are not doing it yourselves and unto you was revealed the Book, don’t you have thinking.” A Model-Muslim should be brave, bold and courageous. A Muslim should read his book and face his studies so as to acquire knowledge that will enhance his personality and belief that with sincerity and true faith in Allah, everything can be accomplished. He should be humble, respect everyone both the young and old. A Muslim should persevere as a role model and also be patient so that he can gain paradise most especially in the world of today where Muslims are seen as terrorists as the Prophet faced more challenges during his lifetime yet he persevered and was patient. The above were the qualities of the prophet and the qualities of the Muslim as a model. The scientists who are not Muslims admitted online that the most influential man that has ever lived is Muhammad (S.A.W), our Prophet and model. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- History will always be the best answer any challenges that face a Muslim. Not only just history but the history of the Prophets of Allah who with all their hearts worship Allah and with what Allah had given them. Therefore, for anyone to be a role model you must choose from one of them or best of them all. Thus Allah says: “Indeed in the messenger of Allah Muhammad (S.A.W) you have a good example to follow, for him who hopes for (the meeting with) Allah and the last day and remember Allah much” (33:21). To hit the nail on the head, the personnel who thinks he is a role model must have the detailed features in his personality. First, the person must know who a role model is. The role model who is a Muslim must have the faith in Allah and have what people admire in a person and they try to copy. A Muslim who claims to be a role model and does not know this can never be the rightful person to be called a Muslim role model. Second, the Muslim must be a knowledgeable person. The Prophet (S.A.W) is the most knowledgeable of all mankind who ever lived yet he was amongst the unlettered the world ever recorded. A Muslim as a role model must be able to vaunt of an unbeatable knowledge of what is going on around the whole wide world. Third, a Muslim role model should an erudite teacher. The role model should be able to boast of knowledge then disseminate that knowledge to the people. He must not be rapacious in nature with his knowledge. Note that being successful is wonderful but being significant is even better. To live in the heart of the people is to never die. The Muslim scholar, JalaluddinAr-Rumi said: “After our death, do not search for us in the tombs of the graveyards of the world, but search for us in the hearts of the people we have inspired.” Therefore, before a Muslim can claim to be a role model, he must have taught people and inspire them positively. Moreover, He should call people to good and turn them away from evil. He brings people from the depth of darkness into light. It takes tremendous courage to be “YOU-NIQUE”. The Prophet was unique among the Arabian people; he stood out among all odds and with his inculpable character brought people from mendacity to veracity. Allah says in Qur’an 62:2 “It is He who has sent amongst the unlettered, a Messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His signs, to purify them and to instruct them in the Book and Wisdom, although they had been, before a manifest error.” In addition, this is the issue of a role model and a mentor. The plenary role model has things that people emulate in him and a mentor advice and guide people on how to achieve greater heights in life. He must combine the two characters before you can become an ideal Muslim role model. In conclusion, it is an overstatement to say emphatically that no Muslim can be a role model except the Prophet (S.A.W) is his/her role model. All in all, a Muslim as a role model must be able to make people desire his company at any time of his absence, he must be able to guide, teach and instruct people on the right way of doing things and paramount, he must have faith in Allah and follow Muhammad (S.A.W). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The muslim as arole model in the society After my deep thought about the muslim world, I realised we have thrown away our moral value in a bid to be “civilized.” We have sold our Islamic heritage in the quest of being c modernised,we on a daily basis , are gradually moving near “shirk” thinking we are getting westernised. A role model is a person you admire to copy . A role model should be a person you are trying to emulate his character. Muslims are meant to be role model to the society in a positive way . we should try to imbibe the behaviour of noble prophet Muhammad (SAW) ,we should not tread the path of immorality but that of morality, modesty and all virtues. In the world today, we Muslims must stand up and uphold the tenet of Islam because the world is coming to an end gradually and immorality are becoming the order of the day. The female folks have thrown away the modesty bestowed on them by Almighty Allah. In Qur’an 24 verse 31 Allah says: “That they should draw their veils over their bosoms”. But now we have all sorts of hijabs, those that barely cover the neck ,those that exposes the bosom and all of that. The women now have taken to wearing of men clothes claiming that it is the latest trend and ‘fashion’. Whereas, fashion is defined by Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English as “something that is popular or thought to be good at a particular time. At this particular time the vogue of a woman are armlesstops , back straps, spaghettitops and so on are what we call ‘fashion clothes’ that turn young men to fornicators clothes that turn married men to adulterers . Thistrend have destroyed many happy homes, have made many women being chased out of their matrimonial homes, have made many children out of wedlock, disillusioning their future .Allah says in Qur’an 33 verse 59 “ Oh prophet ! tell thy wives and daughters , and the believing women , that they should cast their garments over their persons (when out of door); that is most convenient , that they should be known (as such) ; and not molested. And Allah is oft-forgiving, most merciful.” The men have taken to act like women all in the name of ‘latest fashion.’ They now wear earring like women, plait their hair in a way even women cannot imagine, they wear tattered clothes and call it style . As muslims, our duty is to stand up against the abnormalities that have beclouded the world and cure this ill stricken epidemic disease that people call.“fashion”. We muslimshave to concave the stupidity and menace of world. The musilms should not be the ones propagating evil, instead, we should be conquerors and not the conquered. As Muslims, we have our lives to live. Nobody will surely live it for us. We must always remember we are Muslims before any other thing-work, family etc. therefore we have to be Vanguards of Islam because our lives are pertinent to our hereafter. We have to be ambassadors of Islam. As role models of Islam, we have to seriously be cautioned from imitating other people outside our faith “ISLAM”. This is because of the difference in value orientation. If we do what others do without first asking what implication it has on Islam, we may unconsciously be sinning against our creator. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every society is comprised of people of varying culture, religion, belief and values. The one person that should stand out and be a role-model to others is a Muslim. A Muslim is one who adheres strictly to the total submission to the will of Allah in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah. Also, a role model is that person who people admire and willing to follow in his doings, behaviour which are in conformity with the principles of Al-Islaam. It is well known that the Muslim individual is the practical model of Islaam in all it various aspects - ideology, worship and characters. The society of today is a confirmation of the prophet’s (SAW) prophecy. There are too many vices in the society today. The laws of the society are manmade laws, indecent dressing is the order of the day, uncultured and uncensored movies and music are on display for all, dishonesty, deception, and exploitations among others are rampant. Every individual desires goodness but not all have the capacity to be good. Just like there are models of evil deeds so also there have to be models for goodness. The only model is a Muslim. The Muslim model is well grounded in the laws of Allah with which he lives. He has uncommon moral behaviours like honesty, truthfulness, kindness, mercy, fairness and justice which are obvious in his character. It is desirable to have the model Muslim in whatever position we can think of in the society, be it in the family as a father, mother, husband, wife, son or a daughter or places in the society as teacher, student, Doctor worker or trader, or his place in the organization as the leader. There is one general fundamental character the Muslim role model possesses which is Aqeedah (faith in Allah). The faith in the oneness of Allah (SWT) is pure and devoid of any form of evil. He is the one known for drawing himself closer to Allah through supererogatory prayers like Tahajjud, fasting and constant remembrance of Allah always. He avoids gambling and transaction in Riba. He acquires wealth through lawful means in Islamic economic system. He spends and endeavours to consume foods, wear clothes and purchase products of Islamic countries. A Muslim role model pays zakat and advance a portion of his wealth for Da’wah. He refrains from committing minor sins as well as major sins. He avoids everything ambiguous (Shubuhaat) so that he will not fall into Haaram. He is constant in doing tawbah and istigfaar. He devotes an hour every night before he sleeps for self-evaluation as regards the good or bad things he has done (during the day) and he is conscious of his time at all situations. The collective work aimed at realizing the goals and fundamentals of Islaam are also his concern. It is pertinent that the Muslim role model in an organization is convinced about the necessity of work towards establishing Islamic states. One of the most emphasized of all the prophet teachings is being good to people “A person is not a believer who fill his stomach while his neighbour is hungry” The best of neighbours in the sight of Allah is the best towards his or her neighbour. “And help one another to do what is right and good, do not help one another towards sin and aggression (Q5:2). The duty of the Muslims role model is to work for the common good not only with fellow Muslim but all those in society with whom they share a common goal. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The present society in which we find ourselves is in a state of complete dilemma. Our youth are no more what they should be. Most people in the society have got nobody to guide them on how to go about their lives and this has gone a long way in demoralizing the society. To be cured of this odious ailment, very versatile vicegerents are needed to reform or make people follow their footsteps so as to make the society an enjoyable and trouble-free one. The society needs emotionally mature people to serve as role-models to others, but a role-model is someone whose behaviours and attitudes, people try to copy because they admire them and see sense in their ways of life and this role model should be a Muslim. A muslim is someone whose religion, beliefs and behaviours is that of the blessed religion of Islam. A muslim being a role-model in the society should have all the qualities required of him. He should be a role model that has the best of characters and enjoins good and for bids evil as described by Allah in the Quran “You muslims are real followers of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), are the best of people eve raised up for mankind, you enjoin all that has been ordained by Islam and forbid all that has been forbiden.” A muslim that wants to be a role model should take after the glorious prophet Muhammad (SAW) as in him are the best of characters as said by Allah in the Qur’an “And verity, you (O Muhammad (SAW) are on an extoled (standard of ) characters” A muslim as a role model must be morally sound in the sense that he should not be a person that has any default in any moral aspect of life, in terms of behaviours and discipline. He should try to relate with people with patience peace and perseverance y being a gracious great guide so as to make people see reason in making him their role model. He should also be organized in the sense that he does things according to protocols so as to be emulated by others. He must also be a sanguine seasoned scholar so that he would be able to assist people in time of religious or educational need. This feature qualifies him at being a role-model. He should be emotionally mature in sense, thatis he can control his emotions both sad and depressed so that he too would be able to influence others positively and make them see reasons in making him their mentor. He must also be merciful to both young and old as the prophet (SAW) said? “He is not one of us, he who does not respect the elders and show mercy to the young ones” In conclusion, all the above qualities surely, would make a muslim the number one role- model and in the society and everybody would aspire be like this muslim, the society would be at it’s very best and would be an enjoyable one for .   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Islam is the total submission to infinte will of Allah (SWT) the absolute. It is to worship Him and to obey all his commandments without reluctance. Islam entails each and every aspect of life from religious to societal, spiritual, and moral it describes in exact words how a believer should his/her life. A muslim therefore is anyone who follows and obeys the rule of Allah and act in accordance to his prescribed way of life. A muslim is a person of high and distinguished moral characters, excellent academic performances and supreme spiritual prowess. A muslim, by all means is a person of high esteem both within his immaditecourrandings at the society at larges. A person wielding such magnificent characters is to be regarded as their reformer and role model of the society. A role model can be defined as an experienced person who gives advice to those who are less experienced. He or she is a person whose behavior is a good example for others to follow. Such honour and prestige of being a role model can only be given to a person of good conduct and an amazing personality. A muslim is also the definition of a role-model because he/she possesses aule qualities required from a role model. A muslim as the role model in the society would mean perfection in the society. There would be peace, indiscipline would be sare, morals would become life styles. We may want to judge from a spiritual angle, but we cannot be precise that the society would become an Islamic one were only believers dwell. Nevertheless, there are more transforming activities that would occur if a muslim was the role-model in the society. Everyone would want to copy himllor in his/her exact behavour, leaning no room for double about him. We may want to think that the being a role model, always being watched and looked upon for advice might be a lot of pressure. But not for the muslim. This knowledge of Islamic principle and his belief in Allah, the only God is certainly enough for him to cope. This emulation of the prophet (SAW) and his rightly guided caliphs makes his interactions with the society easy. We can only but imagine the severe that a great many of our youths prefer musicians, actors and Rebels over gerinme scholars who are worthy of such homor of being role-models. The muslims as role model in the society, would bing an end to social vices, moral decadence, academic failure, spiritual weakness. It would mean the beginning of enhive new era of excellence. We can only hope that one day, perhaps the dignitied personality of a Muslim would become the sole role-model in the society -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is a society? Who is a Muslim? And who is a role model? A Muslim is a person that believes in Allah, Prophet, Angels, His books, the Last day, and destiny. He is also a person that performs Hajj and pay Zakat. A role model is a person whose behaviour and attitude is worthy enough for people to emulate. A society is a particular place in where people live together and share common goal. It can also be defined as a group of people who come together for a particular purpose. For a Muslim to be a role model in the society, some responsibilities are expected of him. They are; Must be knowledgeable, and have good behaviours. First, the Muslim as a role model in the society must have a good dealings with Allah, with Messenger and finally with the society. He (the muslim as a role model in the society) should have good manners with Allah the most High, and he portrays good character. From good character with Allah, he must listen to Allah’s word, acts according to it and stays away from Allah ‘s prohibitions. He is expected to fast in the month of Ramadan, giving the zakah. The Muslim as a role model in the society is not expected to have good character with Allah alone only, as well as the good character with the messenger of Allah. He is expected to act to the sunnah and follow his deeds and his statements. The muslim as a role model in the society in the society should also fill his hearts with his love and the love of learning about his noble characteristics. The next set of people that the muslim as a role model in the society to have good characters with is the society. He should always work with the people in the society with goodness. A role model in the society should exhibit happiness and glee when some blessing and goodness happens to the people in the society. He should refrain from harming the people in the society. Rather he should show them mercy and kindness. Second, the muslim as a role model in the society must be knowledgeable. He should know that seeking knowledge is compulsory. He should teach the people in the society what he knows. The prophet (SAW) said: “seeking knowledge is compulsory on both muslim male and female”. The prophet also said: “Seek knowledge from cradle to grave” Muslim as a role model in the society should also advise the people in the society, about the words of Allah, that is the Qur’an, the words of the prophet, that his the hadiths. And also, the muslim as a role model in the society should know that he should teach his people the society the sunnah of the prophet, his good deeds etc. All these factors are very important for a muslim as a role model in the society to have in other to guide his people in the right path. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A role model is a person whose character and behaviour are worthy of emulation. A muslim is a person who believe in Allah follow all the commandments of Allah and the tradition of the people. He is the only person that is worthy of emulation. A muslim who is worth emulating will possess the qualities like truthfulness honesty, sincerity, good disposition to others, always ready to help others. All in all a true muslimmust be ready to defend Islam It was said in a saying that the Muslims are the vicegerent of God (Allah) in the world. Going by this sayings, it is naturally believed that a muslim is a role model to the society, to the world. The prophet (PRUH) is an example of a muslim who is a role model to the World. Allah said in Q33 Vs 21 that Prophet Muhammad is the best person in this world we can emulate and this prophet was a muslim. His life was full of simplicity and piety. He did not trap riches andmisuse power. He used to eat simple food and wear simple dress. He was very patient and he persevered a lot. When he was an orphan at a tender age, he exercised patience. At the age of 40, when he was called to prophethood, he faced many persecutions from the Arabs but he exercised patience. He also possess wisdom to know when to exercise patience and wait for the right moment or when to take bold steps or actions. When the Quraysh were rebuilding the Ka’abah, they could not agree on who should have the honour of replacing the black stone in ka’abah’s wall. They decided that whoever at that time comes in would decide for them, luckily, it was Muhammad. The kind nature of the prophet made him dear to young and old, men and women, rich and poor. To the extent that while on salat, if he hears the voice of any child crying he will shorten the prayer so that the parent will be able to comfort his/her child. It was reported by one of the companions of the prophet (PBUH) Anas that the prophet (pbuh) did not abuse or scold him for one, ever since he had been living with him. The prophet was known for his honesty and truthfulness Onwing to this honest character, he was nicknamed the trustworthy (Al-Amin). He understood that justice without fear or favour is the foundation of successful administration. Non-Muslim Historians wrote books and commented on prophet Muhammad’s courage. He was called “the greatest man who ever lived” The prophet’s nature was to love all creatures and to show mercy to all. The Quran says “we sent you not to them but as a mercy to all mankinds” The prophet with his modelled manners, he was very modest, always doing good and smiled always. He even said in one of his saying that “A smile in the face of your brother is a charity” Prophet Muhammad was recognized during his life time as a perfect model for others to emulate. His characters was so perfect that it shines out in every setting. The deeds and the words of the prophet (pbuh) show that he was fully guided and inspired by God as a model of human goodness, such is the character of a muslim worthy of emulation in the society. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The world today is full of corruption. Today all institutions, establishments, organizations, schools, banks etc. are full of corruption except those ones which are established based on taqwallah. The world without Muslims is nothing to write home about. The only solution to the vices and corruption in the society today is Islam and Muslims. Allah SWT said in Qur’an 5 verse 3. ‘ … This Day have I perfected your Religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam As your religion…’ This shows that Allah has perfected for the Muslims pure religion (Islam) and has completed all His favours upon us and He Allah has chosen for the Muslims Islam as our religion. Muslims are role models anywhere in the world. There is no discovery on earth that will not pass through the Muslims. A lot of scientific facts are discovered by Muslims. Muslim scientist like Al khawarizm, who wrote a book called Al-Jabir Walmuqabalah for algebraic work. IbnHaytham discovered and developed camera which is widely in use today. Al-Khazinisl Al- Birooni determined density by the use of aerometer. IbnSinna wrote a book titled ‘Canon’ which treated embryology and so on. The earlier Muslims have made a meaningful contribution to the discipline of Mathematics which is the major determinant of success today. Muslims will always be role models to the society because they live according to the Divine Manual and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Muslims today should also let Qur’an be their guide if they want to be role models to the universe as Allah describe them in Qur’an thus ‘You [true believers In Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; You Enjoin Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and All that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and All that Islâm has forbidden), and You believe In Allâh’(3:110) Muslims are models because they have the zeal to always do good and do things to satisfy their Lord, despite the economic and societal condition. It is now a thing of the past that Muslims are role models in the society. Since the society has turned the wrong side, people now appoint wrong people as leaders. This has ended them regretting their actions. If Muslims who fear Allah and live according to the laid down rules of their Lord are chosen as leaders, people will once again experience good governance as seen in the Companions of the Prophet and the early scholars of Islam. A society bereaved of Islam and the Muslims is like a weak boat on the Atlantic Ocean. You can wonder what would happen. Muslims are role models because they have come to life to make wonders for people to see and emulate. Muslims are good example for people in all spheres of life. In terms of dressing they are modest; in dealing with people they are honest, truthful and transparent. Muslims believe that whatever they do will either count for them or against them on the Day of Resurrection. This is why Muslims must and will always be models in the society. Muslims, no matter the conditions they find themselves will always abstain from corruption. For they know the repercussion. This is why Muslims must and will always be models in the society. In the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (SAW) a lot of morals have been stated to guide Muslims, to be models for people in the society. There is subime example in the Muslims in their efforts to curb corruption.

CHARACTERS OF THE PROPHET (PBUH)

Praise be to Allah that elevated the Prophet with noble characters, and He says: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern”. We praise Him, seek His forgiveness and repent unto Him. We seek refuge in Him from the evil of our souls and actions. Whom Allah guides, none can mislead, whomever He misleads, none can guide aright. I testify there is no god but Allah alone, and I testify that Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant and messenger, his beloved and chosen one among his creation, with noble character. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household, companions and whoever follows them till the day of recompense. Having said that, Dear Muslims, I enjoin you and I to fear Allah in accordance with the verse: " وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا (2) وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ..."(الطلاق : 2-3). " O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]." (3: 102) . Allah says: Today being the fourth sermon in the month of Rabi’ul- Awwal of the birth of the holy prophet (pbuh), our topic is CHARACTERS OF THE PROPHET (PBUH). Today the world is passionate need of a saviour that would salvage mankind from materialistic oppression, social injustice and moral decadence leading to misery, violation of rights, in the form of torture, rape, extortion, bloodshed, etc devoid of any known standard. There is none that can save from this reality except the divine revelation, and the guidance of the messenger of Allah- Muhammad, the seal of Prophets. Allah described the Prophet with the best character thus: " وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ "( القلم :4) “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (68:4) The most conspicuous of the Prophet’s personality is the morals, a feat which cannot be matched by any of the great personalities of this world. The legacy found in a day activities of the Prophet will surpass that of any person in human history. The Prophet said: “I have been sent to perfect good morals”. These characters are embodied in the holy qur’an as described by ‘Aisha (R.A): “His character is the Qur’an” His Character at home: He (pbuh) related excellently with his family; wives, housemaids, and the neighbours. The Qur’an described him thus: " لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا " (الأحزاب :21). “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” (33:21) Al- Aswad (R.A) narrated: “I asked 'Aisha what did the Prophet use to do at home. She replied. "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer." (Bukhari) ‘Urwah said: “I asked ‘Aishah (R.A) what did the Prophet use to do when he is alone or unoccupied? She replied: “He sew his cloth, mend his sandals, and do what a man does at home” (Ahmad) His character with the maids and servers Anas bin Malik may Allah be pleased with him , said : I served the Messenger of Allah - peace be upon him – for ten years; and he never said repugnant things to me nor queried me why have you done this? Or Why didn’t you do this? (Agreed upon) His character with children: Anas may Allah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet - peace be upon him – used to visit the Ansar, and greet their children and rub their heads. (Nasaai, approved by Al-baaniy). His attending to women’s need: Anas bn Malik narrated that a woman had an issue (on her mind) and she said: “O messenger of Allah, I have an issue” The Apostle (pbuh) said: “O mother of so and so! Choose the path you wish I will join you.” And he stayed with her discussing with her until she had the issue resolved.” (Abu Dawud & Ahmad) His generosity: Musa b. Anas reported on the authority of his father: It never happened that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked anything for the sake of Islam and he did not give that. There came to him a person and he gave him a large flock (of sheep and goats) and he went back to his people and said: My people, embrace Islam, for Muhammad gives so much charity as if he has no fear of want. (Muslim) His large heartedness and tolerance: Anas b. Malik reported: I was walking with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he had put on a mantle of Najran with a thick border. A bedouin met him and pulled the mantle so violently that I saw this violent pulling leaving marks of the border of the mantle on the skin of the neck of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). And he (the bedouin) said: Muhammad, issue command that I should be given out of the wealth of Allah which is at your disposal. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) turned his attention to him and smiled, and then ordered for him a gift (provision). His pardon and amnesty while in full authority: After the battle of Uhud when people got scattered, … the Prophet was not yet recovered from the aftermath of the effect, a man came to him and grabbed his sword which was hung hitherto and said: “Who will save you from me today? The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah! Allah!!. The sword fell from him and the Prophet took it and said: “Who will save you from me today? Swiftly he began to praise the Prophet (pbuh): “You are the trustworthy one, you are the honest one, the clement one … the Prophet said to him: “You are freed” and he turned away from him. As he walked away, he looked back till he reached his people. He said to them: “I came from the best of mankind on earth- i.e: the messenger of Allah. It was said that this man- called Da’thur and his tribe later embraced Islam, check Riyadh-Saliheen by Imam Nawawi. His kindness to non-Muslims- Jews, Christians and Polytheists The Prophet had an offensive Jewish neighbor who used to dump his garbage at the Prophet’s house frontage. He related with him in kindness and not with vengeance. He will pack the rubbish and dump it far away without argument with the Jew. One day the offensive seized, the Prophet guessed perhaps this Jewish neighbor is sick, we must pay him a visit and sympathise with him. The Jew was amazed at his visit despite his offensive advances when he was healthy. He could not hold his acceptance of Islam and professing: “I testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger. Narrated Anas: A young Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet and he became sick. So the Prophet went to visit him. He sat near his head and asked him to embrace Islam. The boy looked at his father, who was sitting there; the latter told him to obey Abu-l-Qasim and the boy embraced Islam. The Prophet came out saying: "Praises be to Allah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire." (Bukhari) His kindness permeates the ranks of the idolaters so much that Allah admonished him to be cautious and not overburden himself thus: "... فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَاتٍ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ ( فاطر : 8 ) “So do not let yourself perish over them in regret.” (35:8) despite their harmful advances towards him. SECOND KHUTBAH All praises are due to Allah, Who says: " مِنْ أَجْلِ ذَلِكَ كَتَبْنَا عَلَى بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَلَقَدْ جَاءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ ثُمَّ إِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِنْهُمْ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فِي الْأَرْضِ لَمُسْرِفُونَ ( المائدة :32 ) “Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.” (5:38). I testify there is no god but Allah alone, and that Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant and messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household, companions and whoever follows them till the day of recompense. Rampant indiscriminate killings is one of the signs of the last hour mentioned by the Prophet: Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The world would not come to an end until a day would come to the people on which the murderer would not know as to why he has killed and the slain would not know as to why he has been murdered. It would be said: Why would It happen? To which he replied: It would be because of general massacre and bloodshed. And the slaughterers and the slain would be in Fire. (Muslim) The predicted carnage began with the murder of Uthman bn Affaan (R.A), conflicts and battle happen arbitrarily without any reason, thousands lost their lives. The emergence of sophisticated weapons today became an active catalyst aiding indiscriminate killings. Without doubt the activities of Boko Haram in the northern states of Nigeria are manifestation of the general massacre reveal as one of the minor signs of the last hour. Only Allah (swt) is all-aware of those behind the Boko haram devilish francshise. The Daily Sun of Wednesday, 21st January, 2014 reported devastating bomb blasts and bloodshed in Benue and Borno States. Such headline is a commonplace these days in connection with the cynical manipulations of the dreaded sect Oh Allah descend peace; flowing with continuous tranquility and security upon Nigeria and all other Muslim nations. O Allah accept the worship of the pilgrims of hajj and Umrah, and grant us all Your pleasure, And the last of our call will be, "Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!"

Thursday, January 23, 2014

A good deed always has repercussion

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn’t look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was those chills which only fear can put in you. He said, “I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.” Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, “And think of me.” He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn’t erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: “You don’t owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do, do not let this chain of love end with you.” Under the napkin were four more $100 bills. Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard… She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything’s going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”

Monday, January 13, 2014

THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

Praise be to Allah, the lord of the worlds, the sustainer of the heavens and earth, the disposer of the affairs of all creation who honoured man with the best prophet. I praise and thank Him for His grace and honour and beseech Him for more. I testify there is no god but Allah alone, the compassionate, the merciful, the generous, the Perpetual Forgiver. I testify that our leader- Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant and messenger, his beloved and chosen one among his creation, the leader of the children of Adam. He is the leader of the messengers, the seal of prophets, the mercy offered to the universe, the illuminating lamp. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household, companions and whoever follows them till the day of recompense. Having said that, Dear Muslims, I enjoin you and I to adorn the fear of Allah and obedience to the sunnah- ways of the Prophet. Allah commanded these, without confinement to time or season or occasion. Allah says: { لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيراً } (الأحزاب:21). " There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. " (33: 21) . Allah says: Sheikh Yusuf Qardawi mentioned in one of his Friday sermons in Rabiul-Awwal that anytime the month of Rabiul- Awwal sets in people remembers the anniversary of the birth of the greatest being- Prophet Muhammad … people are of different disposition towards the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet (pbuh). Our disposition to the birthday anniversary is not like the attitude of the ignorant persons, not the placement of embellishments, or the hanging of decorative banners, or distribution of sweets, rather our commemoration is that to remember the Prophet, live in his remembrance, remember his history, message, …” The Personality of the Prophet The talk about the Prophet (pbuh) gives a beautiful feeling, it creates an atmosphere of sweet-scentedness for the hearts to taste. The commissioning of the Prophet (pbuh) took humanity from darkness to light, from loss to guidance, and from grief to tranquility. The perfect model for humanity We are under constrains to enlist in details the personality of the Prophet (pbuh) except the excerpt. The Prophet (pbuh) was a leader, a king, a merchant, an admonisher, a giver of glad tiding, a judge, a governor, an orator, an arbiter, a reformer, a refuge of the orphans, a protector of the slaves, a liberator of women, a faithful husband, an affectionate father, a generous neighbour, a devoted worshipper, an ascetic. The Prophet combined all these qualities in every field of humanity in balanced proportion. An illustration of the reality of an orphan The state of an orphan depicts the zenith of weakness and loss of solution. The Prophet began his life as an orphan, the father died when his pregnancy was just two month old and the mother gave up the ghost when he attained age six. He tasted the bitterness in detachment from fatherly and motherly affection. Allah says: ({الم يجدك يتيما فئاوى }( الضحى 6)) “Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?” (93:6) From the state of orphan, he was thrown in to the life of an oppressed refugee in the household of Abu Talib. He weathered the storm of challenges of life and survived as an everlasting model for humanity in all stages of life. The level of barbarism, relegation, behavioural savageness that ravaged the Arab world was purified by this great personality with outstanding efficiency, resourcefulness, ability turning them to vanguards of beneficial civilization, culture and education. He further strengthen the link of brotherhood after the hitherto discordant segregation, and conflicting tribalism. He purified them from the corrosive ideologies and repugnant attitudes. He spread lofty characters and his adversaries testified to his honesty and truthfulness. The Prophet (pbuh) commenced his life as a feeble, unpopular orphan who rose to become a force to be reckoned with, whose empire dominated the last fourteen centuries. Judging by the love of his millions of followers till today, the mention of his name ignites a domineering passion in the hearts of his faithfuls worldwide. The unlettered Prophet Despite being an illiterate, he was able to teach the world most complex realities and knowledge which credibility is eternal. He possessed an oratory prowess that could sense men to tears. He possessed the military intelligence to organize, discharge and detail an army without any attendance at the military academy. It is a rare possibility to find talented men with superior ability to preach and make eloquence speech. Descartes was considered a skilled orator among the rarest varieties in the world. Hitler bare his view in his book "Mein Kampf” thus: "It is rare to have the author of theories as a great leader.” But a social or political motivator who possesses those qualities is most likely to gain support for his candidacy as a leader. He is always a better leader. Leadership means the ability to move the masses. Ability to be eloquent and provide ideas has no relationship with being a leader." But, he added: "The combination of the qualities of postulation of theories and organization and leadership in one person is a phenomenon of very rare occurrence in this world. And there lies the greatness" ... The world witnessed this rare phenomenon embodied in one person who lived on earth and that is the prophet of Islam. Carlyle Thomas said in his book "Heroes and Hero worship": "He (Muhammad) was a poor man, who toiled severely, unable to support his dependants, he did not attach importance to what the riffraff and the common people run after. As I see it, he was not a bad person, he was not given to lust of any kind, otherwise, the Bedouin Arabs who were engaged in bloody fight would not have accorded him respect, and submitted to his obedience within twenty-three years, while they were closely in relationship with always, all this reverence! "They were men, brutal, who sporadically get engaged in fierce conflicts and all kinds of violence. No man could control them without possessing the moral value and courage. Or did he not stand openly in their midst, they faced him, addressed him, without a barrier between him and them, he was not surrounded by any religious secret or ambiguity. He was seen patching his clothes and sandal, he was fighting, making consults and issuing orders while in their midst. Without doubt, they must have realized his kind of man among men. Acronyms apart, there has been no emperor obeyed as this man who patched his dress himself. And I surely find in his twenty-three years of engagement critical and difficult experiments which necessarily require some sort of true heroism." What Bosworth Smith said was even more amazing: “He was a leader of a nation and a group who believe in same ideology. He combined rulership, position of Caesar and the pope altogether. But his papacy was without the pride and deception of the pope, a Caesar without a corps or men, without a working army, or personal guard, and without a police force, or an established wage. If there is any man who deserves to be called a just divine leader, that man is Muhammad, he had every power without having a support or protector, his personal life agrees with his general life. Muhammad: the Virtuous, the modest, the ascetic, the humble: After the conquest of Makkah, an area of about one million square miles was at its disposal. The Prophet humility drove him to personally repair his sandals, mend his woolen dress, milk the sheep, sweep the house, make the fire, and take up the domestic chore which ordinarily is destined for the maids. In his last days, the city of where he was staying had become richer; gold and silver were in abundance. In spite of the economic prosperity witnessed in the city in those days, many weeks were spent without the making of fire for food in the house of the king of the Arabian Peninsula (Muhammad). His meal was limited to dates and water. His family went to bed hungry many nights successively because there was just no food to eat. Muhammad did not sleep on a soft mattress but his mattress was mats made of raffia. After a long hard day, he spent most of the night in prayer, bursting into tears before his Creator, beseeching Him for strength to carry out his duties. When he died, he had only a few dirhams, of which his debt was paid and the rest was given to some poor people who came to his house asking for charity. When he died, the dress he wore had many patches, and his house which also beamed light to the world was dark because there was no oil in the lamp. Firmness on principle till death, and preference for the eternal gains: The Prophet was firm and steadfast despite the changing tides. He was the same in time of victory or defeat, in strength or trials, and in hour of convenience or hardship. The French historian Lamartine says in his book: "The history of Turkey," the second volume p 276 and 277: “If the greatness of the goal, but little means and resources, and amazing results. These are the three criteria of human genius. Who dare compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad? Most famous men made weapons, formulate laws, postulate theories and establish empires alone. They did not establish - if we consider that they found a little - more than material powers or authorities which, most times collapse before their one eyes. As for this man, Muhammad peace be upon him, he did not motivate and affect the armies, legislations, empires, peoples and dynasties, but he motivated and influenced millions of men, beyond that, he displaced idols, altars and false gods, he influenced the religions, changed the thoughts, ideologies, and minds. Based on the book each character became a law, he (peace be upon him) founded a spiritual nationality (or religious nationality) where he blended together in harmony peoples of every tongue and race The idea of oneness of God he proclaimed and advocated amidst boring theological theories was in itself a miracle, such that at the pronouncement of this ideology, it destroyed all the old superstitious beliefs. His prayers and supplications, and his metaphysical speeches or communion with God, his death, success and victory after his death, all of these never attest to that he was an impostor claiming prophecy, rather they testify to a firm belief which endowed him the strength to revive and reform aqeedah- ideology. This ideology has two twofold: Oneness of God and that nothing is like God. The first part establishes “What is for God” (the names and attributes of God) and second part denounces “What is not of God” A Sage, a preacher, an apostle, a legislator, a fighter, a master of ideas, a reformer of reasonable beliefs, with a religion without statues or images, and the founder of a spiritual or religious empire. This is Muhammad, peace be upon him. According to all measures that can be used to measure human greatness, it is justifiable to ask: “Is there any man greater than he (Peace be upon him)?" Islamic judgement on Mawlid Nabiyy celebration All scholars agree that Mawlid Nabiyy celebration is an innovation which was not known by the Prophet (pbuh) or the companions, or those after them, they disagree over the issue before and now into three categories: 1- Those who view it as a good innovation. 2- Those who dislike it and categorize it among the forbidden innovations referred to in the hadith: “Beware of every new things, for every new things are innovation, and every innovation is path to loss”. He never did or ordered it, the companions and those after them never did it, and none of the glorious centuries. In the practice is an imitation of the Christians who celebrate Christmas. The Prophet warned against imitating them: “Whoever imitates a people is of them”. There is even disagreement over his birthday how then can such act of worship be subjected to ambiguity without clear declaration. Also that the celebration entails some great sins in which men of desires thrive and enjoy through drum, music, free mixing between the sexes, and so on. 3- Those who align with its permissibility of Mawlid and defined some guiding conditions: 1 – The celebration should be on a single day 2 – To be free from time wasting, prayer neglect and wasteful spending 3 – It should be devoid of freely mixing between the two sexes. 4 – The Praises of the messenger should not contain flattery and excesses SECOND KHUTBAH All praises are due to Allah who says: " اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ (1) خَلَقَ الْإِنْسانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ (2) اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ (3) الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ(4)عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسانَ ما لَمْ يَعْلَمْ (5) “ Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]. (30:41). We praise and thank Him, believe and depend on Him. I testify there is no god but Allah alone and I testify that our leader- Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant and messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household, companions and whoever follows them till the day of recompense. Sheikh Wahbah Zuhailiy said in the commentary to this verse thus: “The emergence of corruption is the cause of destruction and doom in the world, and punishment in the hereafter. The punishment of this world for those sins perpetrated by men on land and sea could be lack of rain, high cost of living, frequent wars, strife and unrest. It may be a propeller to repentance, and an incentive to return to God and righteousness on obedience, and avoidance of sins and evil. Brothers in faith, it is no secret to any sane person that corruption has appeared evident all over the world as mentioned in the afore-mentioned verse, however corruption in our country Nigeria seems most evident and gigantic. On the first page of The Nation Newspaper of Saturday, 4th January 2014, there is a pathetic story which could make one cry for this nation especially those whose thinks and fear consequences of trials. What is the news? The news’ detail is on page 5, that there are baby factories in the south-eastern states of Nigeria, where teenagers of ages between 13-19 years were arrested. At least 2500 teenagers have been rescued from ‘baby factories’ across the South-East states in the past 1 year, most of them were pregnant and would sell their babies after childbirth. Abia and Imo states had the highest number of teenagers involved in the infamous trade. In Abia and Imo states, about 1,800 pregnant teenagers and babies were rescued from ‘baby factories’ in the last 12 months with the help of the police from detention and slavery. Allah says: "وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةً لَا تُصِيبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْكُمْ خَاصَّةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ( الأنفال :25) . “And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.” (8: 25) Oh Allah descend peace; flowing with continuous tranquility and security upon Nigeria and all other Muslim nations. O Allah accept the worship of the pilgrims of hajj and Umrah, and grant us all Your pleasure, And the last of our call will be, "Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!"

Monday, January 6, 2014

THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD IN SOCIETAL REFORMATION

Praise be to Allah, who unite the hearts of the believing men and women and made them brothers. Allah removes the grudges of their hearts to become companions on earth and associates in the hereafter. I praise and thank Him, repent and seek His forgiveness, and ask for His help. I testify there is no god but Allah alone- a testimony which earns one closeness and pleasure of Allah. I testify that our leader- Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant and messenger. O Allah shower peace and blessings on him, his household, companions and whoever follow them in speech, action, justice, goodness till the day of recompense. Having said that, Worshipers of Allah, I enjoin you and myself to fear Allah, through taqwa, Allah saves from all hardship, provide from all angles and grants one honour. Allah says: وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا (2) وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ..." (الطلاق : 2- 3 ) " And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect." ( 65: 2-3) . Allah says: "... إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ..." ( الحجرات : 13 ). Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. (49:13) Brothers in faith, this is the second sermon on Islamic brotherhood as established by the messenger (pbuh) in Madinah. Having discussed last the general understanding of brotherhood, we shall today focus on the role of Islamic brotherhood in societal reformation. Conditions of Islamic brotherhood 1- The brotherhood should be sincerely for Allah- the exalted. Allah says: " أَلَا لِلَّهِ الدِّينُ الْخَالِصُ ... " (الزّمر :3 ) Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. (39:3) " وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ ..." (البيِّنة : 5) And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, (98: 5) The Prophet said: “Verily, actions shall be according to the intention and for every person is what he intends” 2- The brotherhood should be associated with faith and taqwa. Allah says: " الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ" ( الزُّخرف :67). “Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous” (43: 67) The Prophet said: “Do not be in company of anyone except of a believer, and none should eat of your food except a pious one” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi) If brotherhood is as described, it becomes well entrenched than the mountains and more solid than a towering structure. 3- It should be committed to the Islamic approach: Brotherhood cannot be except when the brothers submit to Islamic law. The Prophet said: “…and two persons who are mutually in love for Allah’s sake, they meet for the sake, and they dispersed on that”. 4 – The brotherhood should be based on advice for Allah: It is essential that brotherhood is based on advice on good behaviour, calling brothers to repent at instance of shortcomings. The Prophet said: "Religion is nasihah." We said: "To whom?" The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said: "To Allah and His Book, and His messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk." (Narrated by Muslim. 5 – It should be founded on mutual cooperation in good and bad times: The act of joining or sharing in the joy and sorrow of others is a valuable Islamic attribute which is more demanding among brothers. The Prophet - peace be upon him - said: "None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself " Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim. He (pbuh) also said: "The similitude of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, is like a single body, if any part complains, the rest of the body summon one another to share in its insomnia and fever" Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim. Practical ways to deepen the spirit of brotherhood among the believers : Brothers in faith, in order to deepen the spirit of brotherhood among the believers which will lead to a purpose society the following processes are recommended: 1 – When a brother loves another brother, he should be able to tell him with passion and honesty that: “I love you for Allah’s sake”. The Prophet said: "If a person loves another, he should inform him that he loves him" Narrated by Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi. 2 – A brother should request his brother to pray for him in his absence when he leaves him. Umar (R.A) sought the Prophet’s permission to perform Umrah and he was granted. The Prophet then said: “My brother, do not forget us in your prayer” (Dawood and Tirmidhi). 3 – Smiling when you meet him: "Do not belittle any act of goodness, even if it is to meet your brother with a welcoming face" narrated by Muslim from Abu Dhar (R.A) 4 – Beginning with handshake: Exchanging handshake whereby the palms are well pressed together with the feeling of love and passion. The Messenger of Allah - peace be upon him – said: "When two Muslims meet, and they exchange handshake, their sins of both are forgiven before thay separate.” Narrated by Abu Dawood from Bara may Allah be pleased with him . 5 - Call him with names he loves most. E.g: “O father of so and so” 6 – Pay him frequent visits and ask after him. The Prophet - peace be upon him - said : " Allah said: My love is guaranteed for those who love one another for My sake, and those who sit together for My sake and those who generously give among themselves for My sake”. 7 - Congratulate him on joyous occasions. The Prophet said - peace be upon him - said: “Whoever meet his brother with what he loves in order to make him happy, Allah –the exalted will make him happy on the day of Resurrection." 8 - To share in his grief and sympathize with him. 9 – To show concern to attend to his needs. The Prophet - peace be upon him - " said: “Allah is at the help of a servant so long as the servant helps his brother " (At-tabarani). 10 – Presentation of gifts during occasions in a way that makes him feel loved and appreciated. The Prophet said: “Exchange gifts among yourselves, you will love one another” (At-tabarani) . 11 – To make space for him at gatherings. 12 - Praying for him in his absence. Abu Darda narrated that the Prophet - peace be upon him - said: "The Muslim’s prayer for his brother behind his back is answered. By his head is an Angel who is commissioned (for carrying supplication to his Lord). Every time he prays for his brother with good, the Angel says: “Ameen, and same is for you.”." Abu Darda - may Allah be pleased with him – used to say: “I do pray for seventy of my brothers in my Sujuud (prostration) position mentioning their names.” Honourable brothers and sisters, we shall conclude this sermon with an important hadith to confirm the value of Islamic brotherhood and the tools that can make it a reality among members of the Muslim community. In addition to the provisions of many benefits in this noble Islamic heritage, and how to protect it from all forms of defects or inefficiencies so as not to become mere talks played around by people or unachieveable imaginations. Imam al-Nawawi commented in the book "Al-Adhkar" about this hadith thus: “What a great benefit! Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Don't be envious of one another, and don't raise prices of goods to bid him out and don't nurse aversion or enmity and don't enter into a transaction when the others have entered into that transaction and be as fellow-brothers and servants of Allah. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor lie against him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable (forbidden) for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honour. SECOND KHUTBAH All praises are due to Allah who says: " اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ (1) خَلَقَ الْإِنْسانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ (2) اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ (3) الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ(4)عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسانَ ما لَمْ يَعْلَمْ (5) “ Recite in the name of your Lord who created -( 2 ) Created man from a clinging substance.( 3 ) Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -( 4 ) Who taught by the pen -( 5 ) Taught man that which he knew not. (96:1-5). We praise and thank Him, believe and depend on Him. I testify there is no god but Allah alone and I testify that our leader- Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant and messenger who said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim” (Ibn Majah, Tabaraani, Bazaar, Al-baaniy classified it as sound). Lessons derivable from the above- mentioned verses as stated by Dr Wahbah Zuhailiy in At-Tafseerul- Muneer include: 1- Elucidating the ability and greatness of Allah as the Creator. He created man from the clinging rigid clot of blood. These were the first revealed verses and the first grace of Allah on humanity. 2 - Allah ordered the Prophet peace be upon him to read the Qur’an in the name of his Lord who created, and taught man what he knew not. 3 – Allah commanded learning how to read and write because both are tools for gaining religious knowledge and revelation, and proof for oral knowledge among people, and the basis of the progress of science, arts and cultures, and the growth of civilization and urbanization. 4 – The favour of God on man is knowledge. It moves man from darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Through knowledge, Adam excelled over the angels. Knowledge could be either with thought and mind, or verbally or in writing. Qatada said: The Pen is a great grace from Allah, otherwise the religion would not stand and life would not be of good. The virtues of writing are numerous. Allah refers to the pen and praises Himself as the most honourable and generous thus: “and your Lord is the most Generous -( 4 ) Who taught by the pen”. Meaning: He taught men through the pen or that He taught man to write with the pen. After recounting His favour on man in his creation, balanced proportion, open and secret, Allah described Himself with honour thus: يا أَيُّهَا الْإِنْسانُ، ما غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ الْكَرِيمِ الَّذِي خَلَقَكَ، فَسَوَّاكَ فَعَدَلَكَ [الانفطار 82/ 6- 7] “O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous,( 7 ) Who created you, proportioned you, and balanced you? (82: 6-7) The Prophet said: “The first thing that God created was the pen, He said to it: “write” and it wrote all what will be till the Day of Resurrection. That is with Him in the book of remembrance above His throne”. The illiteracy of the Prophet- peace be upon him- and his being taught by Allah is a miracle affirmed among the unlettered Arabs. Brothers, despite the lofty status knowledge occupies, the Nigeria nation has failed to recognize this virtue for knowledge, students and scholars. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, said it will call for strike if the university management does not meet their demands after the long nationwide strike of the national body of ASUU. Moreover, the Examination Board for West Africa (WAEC) has announced the results of the November-December, GCE, 2013 exams which shows that most participants failed except 29% who scaled through! ! ! Oh Allah descend peace; flowing with continuous tranquility and security upon Nigeria and all other Muslim nations. O Allah accept the worship of the pilgrims of hajj and Umrah, and grant us all Your pleasure, And the last of our call will be, "Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!"

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