Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Muslimah Berjilbab
"Hai Nabi katakanlah kepada istri-istrimu, anak-anak perempuanmu dan istri-istri orang mu'min: 'Hendaklah mereka mengulurkan jilbabnya ke seluruh tubuh mereka.' Yang demikian itu supaya mereka lebih mudah untuk dikenal, karena itu mereka tidak diganggu. Dan Allah Maha Pengampun lagi Maha Penyayang." (QS. Al-Ahzab: 59).
Bagaimana Bercinta Cara Islam?
www.iLuvislam.com
oleh: umairzulkefli*
Islam adalah agama yang syumul. Sebuah agama yang lengkap. Islam tidak mungkin menyekat fitrah manusia yang sememangnya ingin menyayangi dan ingin disayangi. Untuk apa Allah menciptakan manusia berfitrah seperti sedia ada jika manusia akan diperintahkan untuk membunuh fitrahnya itu? Ajaran Islam telah diturunkan oleh Allah untuk memasang bingkai agar kemahuan manusia itu dapat disalurkan dengan cara yang terbaik. Selain itu, Islam menutup rapat jalan kemaksiatan dan membuka seluas-luasnya jalan menuju ketaatan serta memberi dorongan kuat ke arah perlaksanaanya. Rasulullah s.a.w. pernah mengecam salah seorang sahabat yang bertekad untuk tidak bernikah. Ini merupakan salah satu bukti bahawa Islam mengakui fitrah manusia yang ingin mengasihi dan dikasihi atau mencintai dan dicintai.
Percintaan dalam Islam hanyalah selepas termetrainya sebuah ikatan pernikahan antara dua insan, iaitu setelah bergelar suami isteri. Islam telah menggariskan panduan dalam menuju ke arah gerbang perkahwinan ini. Ustaz Hassan Din telah memberikan pendapatnya mengenai hal ini dalam Al-Kulliyah di TV3 pada 28 Julai 2006, iaitu pada hari Jumaat. Tajuk perbincangan Al-Kulliyah ketika itu agak menarik ; iaitu "Jodoh".
Masyarakat Sudah Lari
Apabila diminta memberikan pendapat beliau, beliau telah mengatakan bahawa cara masyarakat sekarang mengendalikan perihal jodoh telah lari daripada syariat yang sepatutnya.
"Sebenarnya dalam Islam, apabila seseorang lelaki itu telah berkenan dengan seorang wanita dan ingin menjadikan teman hidupnya, sepatutnya lelaki itu berjumpa dengan wali si perempuan tadi untuk menyatakan niatnya untuk masuk meminang. Tetapi masyarakat sekarang silap. Mereka terus berjumpa dengan empunya diri dan terus menyatakan hasrat hatinya. Kemudian mereka bercinta, berjanji, bersumpah setia dan segala-galanya. Sedangkan ibubapa mereka langsung tidak tahu akan hubungan mereka itu. Setelah sekian lama bercinta, apabila ingin melangsungkan perkahwinan, mak dan ayah tidak bersetuju dengan mengeluarkan pelbagai alasan,” terang beliau.
Konsep Meminang
Beliau juga menerangkan konsep peminangan ini. Kata beliau, “Ibu bapa mungkin sudah ada pilihan mereka sendiri. Oleh itu, dengan menyatakan niat kepada ibubapa, mereka akan berjumpa sendiri dengan wali perempuan tadi untuk mengenali keluarga dan calon menantu mereka dengan lebih jelas. Setelah kedua-dua pihak bersetuju, barulah dijalankan upacara peminangan, iaitu kedua-dua insan tadi telah menjadi tunang. Apabila sudah menjadi tunangan orang, adalah HARAM perempaun itu dipinang oleh lelaki lain, seperti yang telah dijelaskan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w. dalam hadis baginda. Dalam masa pertunangan inilah kedua-dua pihak lelaki dan perempuan tadi akan saling mengenali antara satu-sama lain, bagi memastikan adakah ini merupakan pasangan hidupnya yang sebenar. Jika kedua-duanya sudah bersetuju, barulah pernikahan dilangsungkan,” jelas beliau lagi.
"Dalam masa pertunangan inilah kedua-dua pihak lelaki dan perempuan tadi akan saling mengenali antara satu-sama lain, bagi memastikan adakah ini merupakan pasangan hidupnya yang sebenar. Jika kedua-duanya sudah bersetuju, barulah pernikahan dilangsungkan."
Namun begitu, Ustaz Hassan Din menegaskan bahawa bertunang bukan merupakan lesen yang membenarkan kedua-dua pasangan bermesra-mesra seperti suami isteri. Bertunang hanyalah untuk saling mengenali antara satu sama lain dan bukannya untuk bercinta. Pasangan yang telah bertunang tetap tidak boleh keluar berdua-duaan tanpa ditemani oleh ahli keluarga. Selagi belum bernikah, mereka tetap dua insan yang bukan mahram dan masih perlu manjaga batasan-batasan Islam seperti yang telah dibincangkan sebelum ini. Dan jika dalam tempoh pertunangan itu didapati kedua-dua pasangan ini tidak secocok atau tidak serasi, maka pertunangan bolehlah diputuskan secara baik melalui persetujuan kedua-dua belah pihak.
Dan jika dalam tempoh pertunangan itu didapati kedua-dua pasangan ini tidak secocok atau tidak serasi, maka pertunangan bolehlah diputuskan secara baik melalui persetujuan kedua-dua belah pihak.
“Bukankah Nabi SAW sudah mengajar kita, bahawa hati ini tenang dengan kebaikan, dan gelisah terhadap dosa dan kejahatan”, saya menyambung peringatan.
Mintalah fatwa dari hati… di samping hati itu juga pula sentiasa berada dalam nada sedar yang baik terhadap Allah SWT.
Antara hikmah bertunang ialah untuk saling belajar mengenal, insan baru yang bakal menjadi teman seumur hidup. Tetapi proses kenal mengenal itu masih dalam keadaan kedua-duanya adalah pasangan yang belum ada ikatan yang menghalalkan pergaulan. Maka bijak-bijaklah dalam mengatur.
Telefon, email, sms… tanya khabar.
Cuma bersederhanalah.
Bila hati rasa tidak kena, semacam agak berlebihan dan tersasar dari maksud-maksud yang maaruf, belajar tekan brek dan kawal stering. Itu sahaja.
Terutamanya ketika menjelang perkahwinan. Banyak perkara yang harus dibincangkan. Maka berbincanglah… dan kemaskan sistem kawalan diri.
Perigi Cari Timba
Ada pula yang berkata, “Cara ini untuk lelaki bolehlah. Untuk perempuan, tak sesuai. Nanti orang kata, ‘macam perigi mencari timba’, ‘wanita tidak bermaruah’ dan macam-macam lagi.” Sabar dahulu saudari.
Sebenarnya ini merupakan pemikiran songsang yang telah diterapkan dalam masyarakat Melayu kita. Sebetulnya kita berbalik kepada Islam itu sendiri. Bagaimanakah Islam mengajar wanita yang berkeinginan bernikah untuk menyuarakan keinginanya? Mari kita kaji sirah.
Bukankah perkahwinan teragung antara junjungan kita, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. dan Siti Khadijah r.a. dimulakan dengan Siti Khadijah menzahirkan keinginannya? Ketika mengetahui sifat-sifat mulia yang dimiliki oleh Nabi Muhammad s.a.w., beliau merasakan yang dia tidak akan menjumpai sesiapa yang lebih layak untuk dijadikan suaminya melainkan Baginda. Oleh itu Siti Khadijah menyuarakan keinginannya kepada pakciknya, Abbas, agar merisik Muhammad s.a.w. Sesudah pihak Baginda bersetuju, barulah keluarga Nabi menghantar rombongan meminang. Begitulah yang diajarkan dalam sirah??
Jadi, tiada salahnya wanita yang memulakan dahulu. Bukankan itu lebih mulia, menyuarakan keinginan dan kebersediaan untuk mengikuti sunnah baginda Rasulullah s.a.w.? Cuma biarlah caranya sesuai dengan cara masyarakat kita. Jika seorang wanita itu telah mempunyai calon suami yang baik dan soleh, suarakan-lah kepada ibu bapa supaya mereka dapat menghubungi pihak keluarga lelaki tersebut. Biar orang tua yang menguruskan, kita cuma mencadangkan. Kalau kedua-dua pihak setuju, alhamdulillah. Maka pihak lelaki boleh masuk meminang.
Indahnya Cara Islam
Lihat, betapa indahnya Islam mengaturkan perjalanan hidup penganutnya. Cukup teratur dan sitematik. Cara ini dapat mengelakkan daripada berlakunya maksiat dan perkara-perkara lain yang tidak diingini. Dalam masa yang sama, ia menuju kepada pembentukan keluarga bahagia yang diidamkan oleh semua manusia kerana itulah fitrah insani. Insya-Allah jika segalanya dilakukan dengan niat ikhlas kerana Allah dan bukan atas dasar nafsu dan keduniaan semata-mata, Allah akan mempermudah urusan itu.
Untuk mereka yang masih menimba ilmu, tidak perlulah bersusah-susah mencari jodoh sekarang. Jodoh di tangan Allah, pasti bertemu jua dengan taqdirnya. Sekarang kita mempunyai matlamat yang lebih penting iaitu mendapatkan kecemerlangan dalam pelajaran dan menunaikan tanggungjawab kita sebagai muslim. Banyak lagi tanggungjawab yang perlu kita pikul dan bercinta bukanlah sesuatu yang perlu buat masa sekarang. Berusahalah menjadi muslim dan muslimah sejati serta mengamalkan Islam dalam kehidupan kita.
Akan tetapi, bagi mereka yang merasakan diri sudah mampu untuk memikul tanggungjawab berumah tangga, mampu memberi nafkah zahir dan batin, maka bernikahlah. Tiada salahnya bernikah ketika belajar. Itu adalah lebih mulia daripada mereka yang ber’couple’, dan memuaskan nafsu mengikut telunjuk syaitan. Ikutilah cara-cara menuju pernikahan yang telah diterangkan di atas. Sekali lagi ditegaskan, bercinta sebelum berkahwin dan ber’couple’ adalah menghampiri zina dan hukumnya adalah HARAM.
"Jika tepat masa,ketika, keadaan dan SIAPA, cinta adalah kuasa luar biasa yang tiada bandingannya" -Ustaz Pahrol Mohd Juoi, penulis buku "Tentang Cinta"
www.iLuvislam.com
oleh: umairzulkefli*
Islam adalah agama yang syumul. Sebuah agama yang lengkap. Islam tidak mungkin menyekat fitrah manusia yang sememangnya ingin menyayangi dan ingin disayangi. Untuk apa Allah menciptakan manusia berfitrah seperti sedia ada jika manusia akan diperintahkan untuk membunuh fitrahnya itu? Ajaran Islam telah diturunkan oleh Allah untuk memasang bingkai agar kemahuan manusia itu dapat disalurkan dengan cara yang terbaik. Selain itu, Islam menutup rapat jalan kemaksiatan dan membuka seluas-luasnya jalan menuju ketaatan serta memberi dorongan kuat ke arah perlaksanaanya. Rasulullah s.a.w. pernah mengecam salah seorang sahabat yang bertekad untuk tidak bernikah. Ini merupakan salah satu bukti bahawa Islam mengakui fitrah manusia yang ingin mengasihi dan dikasihi atau mencintai dan dicintai.
Percintaan dalam Islam hanyalah selepas termetrainya sebuah ikatan pernikahan antara dua insan, iaitu setelah bergelar suami isteri. Islam telah menggariskan panduan dalam menuju ke arah gerbang perkahwinan ini. Ustaz Hassan Din telah memberikan pendapatnya mengenai hal ini dalam Al-Kulliyah di TV3 pada 28 Julai 2006, iaitu pada hari Jumaat. Tajuk perbincangan Al-Kulliyah ketika itu agak menarik ; iaitu "Jodoh".
Masyarakat Sudah Lari
Apabila diminta memberikan pendapat beliau, beliau telah mengatakan bahawa cara masyarakat sekarang mengendalikan perihal jodoh telah lari daripada syariat yang sepatutnya.
"Sebenarnya dalam Islam, apabila seseorang lelaki itu telah berkenan dengan seorang wanita dan ingin menjadikan teman hidupnya, sepatutnya lelaki itu berjumpa dengan wali si perempuan tadi untuk menyatakan niatnya untuk masuk meminang. Tetapi masyarakat sekarang silap. Mereka terus berjumpa dengan empunya diri dan terus menyatakan hasrat hatinya. Kemudian mereka bercinta, berjanji, bersumpah setia dan segala-galanya. Sedangkan ibubapa mereka langsung tidak tahu akan hubungan mereka itu. Setelah sekian lama bercinta, apabila ingin melangsungkan perkahwinan, mak dan ayah tidak bersetuju dengan mengeluarkan pelbagai alasan,” terang beliau.
Konsep Meminang
Beliau juga menerangkan konsep peminangan ini. Kata beliau, “Ibu bapa mungkin sudah ada pilihan mereka sendiri. Oleh itu, dengan menyatakan niat kepada ibubapa, mereka akan berjumpa sendiri dengan wali perempuan tadi untuk mengenali keluarga dan calon menantu mereka dengan lebih jelas. Setelah kedua-dua pihak bersetuju, barulah dijalankan upacara peminangan, iaitu kedua-dua insan tadi telah menjadi tunang. Apabila sudah menjadi tunangan orang, adalah HARAM perempaun itu dipinang oleh lelaki lain, seperti yang telah dijelaskan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w. dalam hadis baginda. Dalam masa pertunangan inilah kedua-dua pihak lelaki dan perempuan tadi akan saling mengenali antara satu-sama lain, bagi memastikan adakah ini merupakan pasangan hidupnya yang sebenar. Jika kedua-duanya sudah bersetuju, barulah pernikahan dilangsungkan,” jelas beliau lagi.
"Dalam masa pertunangan inilah kedua-dua pihak lelaki dan perempuan tadi akan saling mengenali antara satu-sama lain, bagi memastikan adakah ini merupakan pasangan hidupnya yang sebenar. Jika kedua-duanya sudah bersetuju, barulah pernikahan dilangsungkan."
Namun begitu, Ustaz Hassan Din menegaskan bahawa bertunang bukan merupakan lesen yang membenarkan kedua-dua pasangan bermesra-mesra seperti suami isteri. Bertunang hanyalah untuk saling mengenali antara satu sama lain dan bukannya untuk bercinta. Pasangan yang telah bertunang tetap tidak boleh keluar berdua-duaan tanpa ditemani oleh ahli keluarga. Selagi belum bernikah, mereka tetap dua insan yang bukan mahram dan masih perlu manjaga batasan-batasan Islam seperti yang telah dibincangkan sebelum ini. Dan jika dalam tempoh pertunangan itu didapati kedua-dua pasangan ini tidak secocok atau tidak serasi, maka pertunangan bolehlah diputuskan secara baik melalui persetujuan kedua-dua belah pihak.
Dan jika dalam tempoh pertunangan itu didapati kedua-dua pasangan ini tidak secocok atau tidak serasi, maka pertunangan bolehlah diputuskan secara baik melalui persetujuan kedua-dua belah pihak.
“Bukankah Nabi SAW sudah mengajar kita, bahawa hati ini tenang dengan kebaikan, dan gelisah terhadap dosa dan kejahatan”, saya menyambung peringatan.
Mintalah fatwa dari hati… di samping hati itu juga pula sentiasa berada dalam nada sedar yang baik terhadap Allah SWT.
Antara hikmah bertunang ialah untuk saling belajar mengenal, insan baru yang bakal menjadi teman seumur hidup. Tetapi proses kenal mengenal itu masih dalam keadaan kedua-duanya adalah pasangan yang belum ada ikatan yang menghalalkan pergaulan. Maka bijak-bijaklah dalam mengatur.
Telefon, email, sms… tanya khabar.
Cuma bersederhanalah.
Bila hati rasa tidak kena, semacam agak berlebihan dan tersasar dari maksud-maksud yang maaruf, belajar tekan brek dan kawal stering. Itu sahaja.
Terutamanya ketika menjelang perkahwinan. Banyak perkara yang harus dibincangkan. Maka berbincanglah… dan kemaskan sistem kawalan diri.
Perigi Cari Timba
Ada pula yang berkata, “Cara ini untuk lelaki bolehlah. Untuk perempuan, tak sesuai. Nanti orang kata, ‘macam perigi mencari timba’, ‘wanita tidak bermaruah’ dan macam-macam lagi.” Sabar dahulu saudari.
Sebenarnya ini merupakan pemikiran songsang yang telah diterapkan dalam masyarakat Melayu kita. Sebetulnya kita berbalik kepada Islam itu sendiri. Bagaimanakah Islam mengajar wanita yang berkeinginan bernikah untuk menyuarakan keinginanya? Mari kita kaji sirah.
Bukankah perkahwinan teragung antara junjungan kita, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. dan Siti Khadijah r.a. dimulakan dengan Siti Khadijah menzahirkan keinginannya? Ketika mengetahui sifat-sifat mulia yang dimiliki oleh Nabi Muhammad s.a.w., beliau merasakan yang dia tidak akan menjumpai sesiapa yang lebih layak untuk dijadikan suaminya melainkan Baginda. Oleh itu Siti Khadijah menyuarakan keinginannya kepada pakciknya, Abbas, agar merisik Muhammad s.a.w. Sesudah pihak Baginda bersetuju, barulah keluarga Nabi menghantar rombongan meminang. Begitulah yang diajarkan dalam sirah??
Jadi, tiada salahnya wanita yang memulakan dahulu. Bukankan itu lebih mulia, menyuarakan keinginan dan kebersediaan untuk mengikuti sunnah baginda Rasulullah s.a.w.? Cuma biarlah caranya sesuai dengan cara masyarakat kita. Jika seorang wanita itu telah mempunyai calon suami yang baik dan soleh, suarakan-lah kepada ibu bapa supaya mereka dapat menghubungi pihak keluarga lelaki tersebut. Biar orang tua yang menguruskan, kita cuma mencadangkan. Kalau kedua-dua pihak setuju, alhamdulillah. Maka pihak lelaki boleh masuk meminang.
Indahnya Cara Islam
Lihat, betapa indahnya Islam mengaturkan perjalanan hidup penganutnya. Cukup teratur dan sitematik. Cara ini dapat mengelakkan daripada berlakunya maksiat dan perkara-perkara lain yang tidak diingini. Dalam masa yang sama, ia menuju kepada pembentukan keluarga bahagia yang diidamkan oleh semua manusia kerana itulah fitrah insani. Insya-Allah jika segalanya dilakukan dengan niat ikhlas kerana Allah dan bukan atas dasar nafsu dan keduniaan semata-mata, Allah akan mempermudah urusan itu.
Untuk mereka yang masih menimba ilmu, tidak perlulah bersusah-susah mencari jodoh sekarang. Jodoh di tangan Allah, pasti bertemu jua dengan taqdirnya. Sekarang kita mempunyai matlamat yang lebih penting iaitu mendapatkan kecemerlangan dalam pelajaran dan menunaikan tanggungjawab kita sebagai muslim. Banyak lagi tanggungjawab yang perlu kita pikul dan bercinta bukanlah sesuatu yang perlu buat masa sekarang. Berusahalah menjadi muslim dan muslimah sejati serta mengamalkan Islam dalam kehidupan kita.
Akan tetapi, bagi mereka yang merasakan diri sudah mampu untuk memikul tanggungjawab berumah tangga, mampu memberi nafkah zahir dan batin, maka bernikahlah. Tiada salahnya bernikah ketika belajar. Itu adalah lebih mulia daripada mereka yang ber’couple’, dan memuaskan nafsu mengikut telunjuk syaitan. Ikutilah cara-cara menuju pernikahan yang telah diterangkan di atas. Sekali lagi ditegaskan, bercinta sebelum berkahwin dan ber’couple’ adalah menghampiri zina dan hukumnya adalah HARAM.
"Jika tepat masa,ketika, keadaan dan SIAPA, cinta adalah kuasa luar biasa yang tiada bandingannya" -Ustaz Pahrol Mohd Juoi, penulis buku "Tentang Cinta"
Saya Mestilah Bersifat Seorang Muslim Terhadap Keluarga Saya
Sebenarnya apabila saya telah menganut agama Islam, saya wajib menjadi seorang pendukung risalah ini di dalam kehidupan bahkan saya wajib menjadikan seluruh kehidupan saya mematuhi segala arahan risalah ini.
Maka apabila anutan saya terhadap Islam mewajibkan saya menjadi Muslim di dalam sudut kejiwaan, akidah, ibadah dan akhlak maka kewajipan yang sama juga menuntut saya berusaha menjadikan masyarakat yang saya hidup di dalamnya sebagai masyakat muslim.
Adalah tidak memadai dengan saya menjadi muslim seorang diri sahaja sedangkan orang-orang di sekeliling saya tidak dihiraukan, kerana di antara kesan-kesan dari seruan Islam dan kemesraannya di dalam jiwa manusia (jika ia telah benar-benar beriman) ialah ia merasai tanggungjawabnya terhadap orang lain dengan mengajak dan menasihati mereka dengan Islam serta ghairah mengambil berat ke atas mereka sebagai realisasi dari amaran Rasulullah:
من بات ولم يهتم بأمر المسلمين فليس منهم
Yang bermaksud:
"Barang siapa yang tidur nyenyak dan tidak mengambil peduli urusan umat Islam maka ia bukan dari golongan mereka".
Bertitik tolak dari sinilah menyusulnya satu tanggungjawab ke atas saya, iaitu tanggungjawab menegakkan masyarakat Islam dan tanggungjawab menyampaikan Islam kepada masyarakat.
Langkah pertama dari tanggungjawab ini dan merupakan langkah yang bersifat tabii dalam usaha ini, saya mestilah jadikan rumah-tangga saya sebuah rumah-tangga muslim. Saya mestilah menyampaikan risalah Islam kepada "masyarakat kecil saya" yang terdiri dari ahli-ahli keluarga saya, isteri-isteri saya, anak-anak saya, seterusnya kepada kaum kerabat saya yang dekat dan inilah cara yang dilakukan oleh Rasulullah di permulaan dakwahnya. Firman Allah:
فَلَا تَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُعَذَّبِينَ(213)وَأَنْذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَ(214)وَاخْفِضْ جَنَاحَكَ لِمَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Maksudnya:
Maka janganlah engkau (wahai Muhammad) menyembah tuhan yang lain bersama-sama Allah, akibatnya engkau akan menjadi dari golongan yang dikenakan azab seksa. 214- Dan berilah peringatan serta amaran kepada kaum kerabatmu yang dekat. 215- Dan hendaklah engkau merendah diri kepada pengikut-pengikutmu dari orang-orang yang beriman. (Surah Al-Syu'ara' 26: Ayat 213-215).
Dari penjelasan di atas nyatalah bahawa tanggungjawab seorang muslim selepas tanggungjawab ke atas dirinya sendiri ialah tanggungjawab terhadap ahli keluarganya, rumah-tangganya dan anak-pinaknya. Berdasarkan dalil firman Allah:
يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا قُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَا يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
Maksudnya:
Wahai orang-orang yang beriman! Peliharalah diri kamu dan keluarga kamu dari Neraka yang bahan-bahan bakarannya: Manusia dan batu (berhala); Neraka itu dijaga dan dikawal oleh malaikat-malaikat yang keras kasar (layanannya); mereka tidak menderhaka kepada Allah dalam segala yang diperintahkanNya kepada mereka, dan mereka pula tetap melakukan segala yang diperintahkan. (Surah Al-Tahrim 66: Ayat 6)
4.1- Tanggungjawab Sebelum Berumah-tangga.
Untuk membantu saya menjayakan usaha membina sebuah rumah-tangga yang baik, Islam telah menunjukkan beberapa anasir dan sebab-sebab yang memudahkan tanggungjawab dan pencapaian matlamat pembinaan rumah-tangga saya. Di antaranya ialah:
1-Saya mestlah memastikan perkahwinan saya adalah kerana Allah atau dengan kata lain membina rumah-tangga muslim, untuk melahirkan keturunan yang salih, menjadi keluarga yang mampu menunaikan amanah serta memastikan pelaksanaan hidayah Allah itu secara berterusan sebagaimana firman Allah yang bermaksud:
ذُرِّيَّةً بَعْضُهَا مِنْ بَعْضٍ
"Satu keturunan yang sebahagiannya (turunan) dari yang lain" (Surah Ali-Imran 3: Ayat 34)
2-Saya mestilah menjadikan tujuan perkahwinan saya adalah untuk menjaga pandangan saya, memelihara kemaluan saya serta bertakwa kepada Allah sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
ثلاثة حق على الله عونهم المجاهد في سبيل الله والمكاتب الذي يريد الأداء والناكح الذي يريد العفاف
"Ada tiga golongan yang Allah berhak menolong mereka. Pertama: Orang yang berjihad pada jalan Allah. Kedua: hamba mukatab (yang berjanji untuk menebus diri) yang menunaikan bayaran dan ketiga orang yang berkahwin kerana ingin memelihara dirinya". (Hadis riwayat Al-Tirmizi).
Dan sabdanya lagi yang bermaksud:
من تزوج فقد استكمل نصف دينه فليتق الله في النصف الباقي
"Sesiapa yang berkahwin sesungguhnya ia telah menyempurnakan separuh dari agamanya maka bertakwalah ia pada separuh yang lain".
(Hadis riwayat oleh Al-Tabrani Fil-Ausath)
3-Saya mestilah memilih bakal isteri yang baik kerana dengannyalah saya berkongsi hidup dan menjadi teman dalam perjuangan, sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
تخيروا لنطفكم فإن العرق نزاع وفي رواية دساس وفي رواية فأنكحوا الأكفاء أنكحوا إليهم
"Pilihlah untuk keturunanmu (wanita yang baik) kerana sesungguhnya keturunan itu menjadi pertikaian. Dalam satu riwayat yang lain dikatakan: Keturunan itu menjadi desas-desus". Dalam satu lagi riwayat yang lain disebut: "Hendaklah engkau berkahwin dengan orang sekupu dan kahwinkanlah (anak-anakmu) dengan yang sekupu.
4-Saya mestilah memilih wanita yang baik akhlak dan pegangan agamanya sekalipun ia mungkin tidak punya harta kekayaan dan kecantikan kerana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
لا تزوجوا النساء لحسنهن فعسى حسنهن أن يرديهن ولا تزوجوهن لأموالهن فعسى أموالهن أن تطغيهن ولكن تزوجوهن على الدين ولأمة خرماء خرقاء ذات الدين أفضل
"Janganlah kamu mengahwini wanita kerana kecantikannya kerana bole jadi kecantikan itu akan membinasakannya, janganlah kamu mengahwini mereka kerana kekayaannya, kerana mungkin kekayaan itu merosakkannya tetapi kahwinilah mereka atas dasar pegangan agamanya. Hamba perempuan yang rabik dan hodoh tetapi baik agamanya adalah lebih utama". (Hadis riwayat Ibnu Majah)
5-Saya mestilah berhati-hati supaya tidak menyalahi perintah Allah dalam urusan ini, kerana takut kemurkaan dan seksaan Allah. Kerana mengingati amaran Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
من تزوج امرأة لعزها لم يزده الله إلا ذلا ومن تزوجها لما لها لم يزده الله إلا فقرا ومن تزوجها لحسبها لم يزده الله إلا دناءة ومن تزوج امرأة لم يرد بها إلا أن يغض بصره ويحصن فرجه أو يصل رحمه بارك الله له فيها وبارك لها فيه
"Sesiapa yang mengahwini wanita kerana memandang kepada kemuliaan (kedudukannya) sahaja, Allah tidak akan menambah apa-apa kepadanya melainkan dengan kehinaan, sesiapa yang berkahwin kerana hartanya, Allah tidak akan menambahnya kecuali kefakiran, sesiapa yang berkahwin kerana keturunannya Allah tidak akan menambahnya kecuali kerendahan tetapi sesiapa yang mengahwini wanita kerana menjaga pandangannya dan memelihara kemaluannya (dari perkara haram) atau kerana menghubungkan silaturahim, Allah akan memberkatinya dan isterinya".
Maka apabila anutan saya terhadap Islam mewajibkan saya menjadi Muslim di dalam sudut kejiwaan, akidah, ibadah dan akhlak maka kewajipan yang sama juga menuntut saya berusaha menjadikan masyarakat yang saya hidup di dalamnya sebagai masyakat muslim.
Adalah tidak memadai dengan saya menjadi muslim seorang diri sahaja sedangkan orang-orang di sekeliling saya tidak dihiraukan, kerana di antara kesan-kesan dari seruan Islam dan kemesraannya di dalam jiwa manusia (jika ia telah benar-benar beriman) ialah ia merasai tanggungjawabnya terhadap orang lain dengan mengajak dan menasihati mereka dengan Islam serta ghairah mengambil berat ke atas mereka sebagai realisasi dari amaran Rasulullah:
من بات ولم يهتم بأمر المسلمين فليس منهم
Yang bermaksud:
"Barang siapa yang tidur nyenyak dan tidak mengambil peduli urusan umat Islam maka ia bukan dari golongan mereka".
Bertitik tolak dari sinilah menyusulnya satu tanggungjawab ke atas saya, iaitu tanggungjawab menegakkan masyarakat Islam dan tanggungjawab menyampaikan Islam kepada masyarakat.
Langkah pertama dari tanggungjawab ini dan merupakan langkah yang bersifat tabii dalam usaha ini, saya mestilah jadikan rumah-tangga saya sebuah rumah-tangga muslim. Saya mestilah menyampaikan risalah Islam kepada "masyarakat kecil saya" yang terdiri dari ahli-ahli keluarga saya, isteri-isteri saya, anak-anak saya, seterusnya kepada kaum kerabat saya yang dekat dan inilah cara yang dilakukan oleh Rasulullah di permulaan dakwahnya. Firman Allah:
فَلَا تَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُعَذَّبِينَ(213)وَأَنْذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَ(214)وَاخْفِضْ جَنَاحَكَ لِمَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Maksudnya:
Maka janganlah engkau (wahai Muhammad) menyembah tuhan yang lain bersama-sama Allah, akibatnya engkau akan menjadi dari golongan yang dikenakan azab seksa. 214- Dan berilah peringatan serta amaran kepada kaum kerabatmu yang dekat. 215- Dan hendaklah engkau merendah diri kepada pengikut-pengikutmu dari orang-orang yang beriman. (Surah Al-Syu'ara' 26: Ayat 213-215).
Dari penjelasan di atas nyatalah bahawa tanggungjawab seorang muslim selepas tanggungjawab ke atas dirinya sendiri ialah tanggungjawab terhadap ahli keluarganya, rumah-tangganya dan anak-pinaknya. Berdasarkan dalil firman Allah:
يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا قُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَا يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
Maksudnya:
Wahai orang-orang yang beriman! Peliharalah diri kamu dan keluarga kamu dari Neraka yang bahan-bahan bakarannya: Manusia dan batu (berhala); Neraka itu dijaga dan dikawal oleh malaikat-malaikat yang keras kasar (layanannya); mereka tidak menderhaka kepada Allah dalam segala yang diperintahkanNya kepada mereka, dan mereka pula tetap melakukan segala yang diperintahkan. (Surah Al-Tahrim 66: Ayat 6)
4.1- Tanggungjawab Sebelum Berumah-tangga.
Untuk membantu saya menjayakan usaha membina sebuah rumah-tangga yang baik, Islam telah menunjukkan beberapa anasir dan sebab-sebab yang memudahkan tanggungjawab dan pencapaian matlamat pembinaan rumah-tangga saya. Di antaranya ialah:
1-Saya mestlah memastikan perkahwinan saya adalah kerana Allah atau dengan kata lain membina rumah-tangga muslim, untuk melahirkan keturunan yang salih, menjadi keluarga yang mampu menunaikan amanah serta memastikan pelaksanaan hidayah Allah itu secara berterusan sebagaimana firman Allah yang bermaksud:
ذُرِّيَّةً بَعْضُهَا مِنْ بَعْضٍ
"Satu keturunan yang sebahagiannya (turunan) dari yang lain" (Surah Ali-Imran 3: Ayat 34)
2-Saya mestilah menjadikan tujuan perkahwinan saya adalah untuk menjaga pandangan saya, memelihara kemaluan saya serta bertakwa kepada Allah sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
ثلاثة حق على الله عونهم المجاهد في سبيل الله والمكاتب الذي يريد الأداء والناكح الذي يريد العفاف
"Ada tiga golongan yang Allah berhak menolong mereka. Pertama: Orang yang berjihad pada jalan Allah. Kedua: hamba mukatab (yang berjanji untuk menebus diri) yang menunaikan bayaran dan ketiga orang yang berkahwin kerana ingin memelihara dirinya". (Hadis riwayat Al-Tirmizi).
Dan sabdanya lagi yang bermaksud:
من تزوج فقد استكمل نصف دينه فليتق الله في النصف الباقي
"Sesiapa yang berkahwin sesungguhnya ia telah menyempurnakan separuh dari agamanya maka bertakwalah ia pada separuh yang lain".
(Hadis riwayat oleh Al-Tabrani Fil-Ausath)
3-Saya mestilah memilih bakal isteri yang baik kerana dengannyalah saya berkongsi hidup dan menjadi teman dalam perjuangan, sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
تخيروا لنطفكم فإن العرق نزاع وفي رواية دساس وفي رواية فأنكحوا الأكفاء أنكحوا إليهم
"Pilihlah untuk keturunanmu (wanita yang baik) kerana sesungguhnya keturunan itu menjadi pertikaian. Dalam satu riwayat yang lain dikatakan: Keturunan itu menjadi desas-desus". Dalam satu lagi riwayat yang lain disebut: "Hendaklah engkau berkahwin dengan orang sekupu dan kahwinkanlah (anak-anakmu) dengan yang sekupu.
4-Saya mestilah memilih wanita yang baik akhlak dan pegangan agamanya sekalipun ia mungkin tidak punya harta kekayaan dan kecantikan kerana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
لا تزوجوا النساء لحسنهن فعسى حسنهن أن يرديهن ولا تزوجوهن لأموالهن فعسى أموالهن أن تطغيهن ولكن تزوجوهن على الدين ولأمة خرماء خرقاء ذات الدين أفضل
"Janganlah kamu mengahwini wanita kerana kecantikannya kerana bole jadi kecantikan itu akan membinasakannya, janganlah kamu mengahwini mereka kerana kekayaannya, kerana mungkin kekayaan itu merosakkannya tetapi kahwinilah mereka atas dasar pegangan agamanya. Hamba perempuan yang rabik dan hodoh tetapi baik agamanya adalah lebih utama". (Hadis riwayat Ibnu Majah)
5-Saya mestilah berhati-hati supaya tidak menyalahi perintah Allah dalam urusan ini, kerana takut kemurkaan dan seksaan Allah. Kerana mengingati amaran Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud:
من تزوج امرأة لعزها لم يزده الله إلا ذلا ومن تزوجها لما لها لم يزده الله إلا فقرا ومن تزوجها لحسبها لم يزده الله إلا دناءة ومن تزوج امرأة لم يرد بها إلا أن يغض بصره ويحصن فرجه أو يصل رحمه بارك الله له فيها وبارك لها فيه
"Sesiapa yang mengahwini wanita kerana memandang kepada kemuliaan (kedudukannya) sahaja, Allah tidak akan menambah apa-apa kepadanya melainkan dengan kehinaan, sesiapa yang berkahwin kerana hartanya, Allah tidak akan menambahnya kecuali kefakiran, sesiapa yang berkahwin kerana keturunannya Allah tidak akan menambahnya kecuali kerendahan tetapi sesiapa yang mengahwini wanita kerana menjaga pandangannya dan memelihara kemaluannya (dari perkara haram) atau kerana menghubungkan silaturahim, Allah akan memberkatinya dan isterinya".
Tolerance
Written by Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
Tolerance is a beautiful word in every language and according to every culture. On a personal level, the word is often used to convey the idea of pardoning someone who does something wrong to you, transgresses against you, or differs with you in an inappropriate manner. According to this understanding, it is a great moral value. Its exercise is a moral victory for the spirit of goodness and decency over the spirit of evil that a person might be impelled to give in to.
Tolerance is the basis for the conduct that should govern people's dealings with one another. A person who persistently rejects tolerance is a person who insists upon causing harm, to himself as well as to others.
Religious Tolerance
We often hear the word tolerance used in the context of interactions between different faiths. In this respect, we find that the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever wrongs someone with whom we have a covenant, or renounces him, or burdens him with more than he can bear, or takes anything from him without his cheerful consent – I will be his disputant on the Day of Judgment." [Sunan Abî Dâwûd]
It is a well-known fact of history that members of other faiths – including Jews, Christians, Magians, and Sabians – lived under Islamic rule for many centuries with their honor intact. Their rights and pledges were upheld. This can be compared to the way that King Ferdinand treated the Muslims of Spain when he wrested power from the Muslims who had ruled there for centuries. During the Spanish Inquisition, he expelled or killed the Muslims living under his rule.
The Muslims, throughout their history, did not treat then non-Muslims in that way, though they were in full power over vast expanses of land for over a thousand years. The non-Muslims always lived alongside the Muslims and were free to practice their faith. What theory can be better than what was actually put into practice by Islam for this long stretch of time?
Allah says: "Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah: It is for Him to recompense (for good or ill) each People according to what they have earned." [Sûrah al-Jâthiyah: 14]
The Muslims here are instructed to forgive the polytheists who do not look forward to the meeting with their Lord.
Allah also says: "Then bear with them (O Muhammad) and say: 'Peace'. They will come to know." [Sûrah al-Zukhruf: 89]
"We did not create the heavens, the earth, and all between them, except for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming. So overlook (their faults) with gracious forgiveness." [Sûrah al-Hijr: 85]
"Keep to forgiveness and enjoin kindness, and turn away from those who are ignorant." [Sûrah al-A`râf: 199]
"And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, 'Peace!'" [Sûrah al-Furqân: 63]
The commandments given in these verses of the Qur'ân are decisive. They show us that religious tolerance is an essential principle of Islam. It is a moral value set forth in the Islamic teachings and enjoined upon the Muslims long before the philosophy of tolerance entered into the discourse of modern Western thought.
The Prophet's Conduct
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed tolerance not only towards non-Muslims but also towards the hypocrites whose hypocrisy was blatant and manifest, and whose enmity for Islam was clear. They were an enemy from within the Muslim community. Yet, the Prophet (peace be upon him) pardoned Abû Salûl, one of the leaders of the hypocrites, numerous times. He even visited him when he fell ill. When abû Salûl died, the Prophet (peace be upon him) went down to his grave and dressed him in his own shirt. This was the man who openly abused the Prophet (peace be upon him) by scandalizing his family.
When `Umar saw the Prophet's conduct, he said: "Are you going to pray his funeral prayer for this man when he did all those things?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "O `Umar, I was given a choice and have chosen. (Allah) says: 'Seek forgiveness for them or refrain from doing so. If you beseech their forgiveness seventy times, Allah will never forgive them.' Yet, if I knew that if I were to do so more than seventy times that he would be forgiven, then I would do so." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]
Though permission for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to offer prayers for these known hypocrites was later repealed by the verse: "And never (O Muhammad) pray for one of them who dies, nor stand by his grave." [Sûrah al-Tawbah: 84] – the principle of tolerance embodied in his conduct remains.
Once a man came upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) with his sword raised, ready to strike. He sneered: "Who can stop me from killing you now, Muhammad?" Then the sword fell from his hand.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) picked up the sword, and said: "And now, who can stop me?" However, he did not harm the man. Instead, he then took the man to his Companions and had him swear a covenant neither to fight against the Prophet nor join with those who fight against him. The clemency and tolerance exhibited by the Prophet (peace be upon him) won the man's heart.
Cultivating a Tolerant Heart
If you want to know the true value of tolerance and clemency, think about all the wrongs that you have committed towards others. Think about how desperately you need Allah to pardon you.
Allah says: "Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you?" [Sûrah al-Nûr: 22]
This verse was revealed on the occasion where Abû Bakr swore not to provide for Mustah b. Athâthah due to Mustah's involvement in slandering the Prophet's family.
Muslim scholars and preachers need to promote this great Islamic principle. Tolerance needs to be promoted and put into practice by all members of society, by people in all walks of life. It needs to be inculcated in those who govern and those who are governed. It needs to be addressed in sermons, in the classroom, and in public lectures. Muslim scholars and preachers, in their conduct, should be living examples of tolerance. They need to inculcate this noble trait in those who listen to them.
We need to speak about tolerance with those who share our views and interests as well as with those who disagree with us and criticize us. We need to show tolerance to them.
Each of us needs to learn how to show some clemency to his or her self. Some people are so distraught by the errors that they have made in the past that they carry the burden of their mistakes and never let go of it. They need to learn to let that burden go and put their past mistakes behind them. Likewise, they need to do the same for others. Learn to give, in charity, some of your dignity to those who wrong you. You will find that your heart will grow for it. You will feel happier. You will sigh with relief and not be so stricken by what they say.
Written by Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
Tolerance is a beautiful word in every language and according to every culture. On a personal level, the word is often used to convey the idea of pardoning someone who does something wrong to you, transgresses against you, or differs with you in an inappropriate manner. According to this understanding, it is a great moral value. Its exercise is a moral victory for the spirit of goodness and decency over the spirit of evil that a person might be impelled to give in to.
Tolerance is the basis for the conduct that should govern people's dealings with one another. A person who persistently rejects tolerance is a person who insists upon causing harm, to himself as well as to others.
Religious Tolerance
We often hear the word tolerance used in the context of interactions between different faiths. In this respect, we find that the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever wrongs someone with whom we have a covenant, or renounces him, or burdens him with more than he can bear, or takes anything from him without his cheerful consent – I will be his disputant on the Day of Judgment." [Sunan Abî Dâwûd]
It is a well-known fact of history that members of other faiths – including Jews, Christians, Magians, and Sabians – lived under Islamic rule for many centuries with their honor intact. Their rights and pledges were upheld. This can be compared to the way that King Ferdinand treated the Muslims of Spain when he wrested power from the Muslims who had ruled there for centuries. During the Spanish Inquisition, he expelled or killed the Muslims living under his rule.
The Muslims, throughout their history, did not treat then non-Muslims in that way, though they were in full power over vast expanses of land for over a thousand years. The non-Muslims always lived alongside the Muslims and were free to practice their faith. What theory can be better than what was actually put into practice by Islam for this long stretch of time?
Allah says: "Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah: It is for Him to recompense (for good or ill) each People according to what they have earned." [Sûrah al-Jâthiyah: 14]
The Muslims here are instructed to forgive the polytheists who do not look forward to the meeting with their Lord.
Allah also says: "Then bear with them (O Muhammad) and say: 'Peace'. They will come to know." [Sûrah al-Zukhruf: 89]
"We did not create the heavens, the earth, and all between them, except for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming. So overlook (their faults) with gracious forgiveness." [Sûrah al-Hijr: 85]
"Keep to forgiveness and enjoin kindness, and turn away from those who are ignorant." [Sûrah al-A`râf: 199]
"And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, 'Peace!'" [Sûrah al-Furqân: 63]
The commandments given in these verses of the Qur'ân are decisive. They show us that religious tolerance is an essential principle of Islam. It is a moral value set forth in the Islamic teachings and enjoined upon the Muslims long before the philosophy of tolerance entered into the discourse of modern Western thought.
The Prophet's Conduct
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed tolerance not only towards non-Muslims but also towards the hypocrites whose hypocrisy was blatant and manifest, and whose enmity for Islam was clear. They were an enemy from within the Muslim community. Yet, the Prophet (peace be upon him) pardoned Abû Salûl, one of the leaders of the hypocrites, numerous times. He even visited him when he fell ill. When abû Salûl died, the Prophet (peace be upon him) went down to his grave and dressed him in his own shirt. This was the man who openly abused the Prophet (peace be upon him) by scandalizing his family.
When `Umar saw the Prophet's conduct, he said: "Are you going to pray his funeral prayer for this man when he did all those things?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "O `Umar, I was given a choice and have chosen. (Allah) says: 'Seek forgiveness for them or refrain from doing so. If you beseech their forgiveness seventy times, Allah will never forgive them.' Yet, if I knew that if I were to do so more than seventy times that he would be forgiven, then I would do so." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]
Though permission for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to offer prayers for these known hypocrites was later repealed by the verse: "And never (O Muhammad) pray for one of them who dies, nor stand by his grave." [Sûrah al-Tawbah: 84] – the principle of tolerance embodied in his conduct remains.
Once a man came upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) with his sword raised, ready to strike. He sneered: "Who can stop me from killing you now, Muhammad?" Then the sword fell from his hand.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) picked up the sword, and said: "And now, who can stop me?" However, he did not harm the man. Instead, he then took the man to his Companions and had him swear a covenant neither to fight against the Prophet nor join with those who fight against him. The clemency and tolerance exhibited by the Prophet (peace be upon him) won the man's heart.
Cultivating a Tolerant Heart
If you want to know the true value of tolerance and clemency, think about all the wrongs that you have committed towards others. Think about how desperately you need Allah to pardon you.
Allah says: "Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you?" [Sûrah al-Nûr: 22]
This verse was revealed on the occasion where Abû Bakr swore not to provide for Mustah b. Athâthah due to Mustah's involvement in slandering the Prophet's family.
Muslim scholars and preachers need to promote this great Islamic principle. Tolerance needs to be promoted and put into practice by all members of society, by people in all walks of life. It needs to be inculcated in those who govern and those who are governed. It needs to be addressed in sermons, in the classroom, and in public lectures. Muslim scholars and preachers, in their conduct, should be living examples of tolerance. They need to inculcate this noble trait in those who listen to them.
We need to speak about tolerance with those who share our views and interests as well as with those who disagree with us and criticize us. We need to show tolerance to them.
Each of us needs to learn how to show some clemency to his or her self. Some people are so distraught by the errors that they have made in the past that they carry the burden of their mistakes and never let go of it. They need to learn to let that burden go and put their past mistakes behind them. Likewise, they need to do the same for others. Learn to give, in charity, some of your dignity to those who wrong you. You will find that your heart will grow for it. You will feel happier. You will sigh with relief and not be so stricken by what they say.
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you must to read this!!
how I can increase my faith and purify my heart
Question: Please give me some advice on how I can increase my faith and purify my heart.
Answered by Sheikh `Abd al-Rahmân al-Mujaydil, professor at al-Imâm University in Riyadh
One of the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us as Muslims is that He has established many ways for us to increase and perfect our faith.
Allah says: "Therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) return to his Lord", and says: "Verily this is an Admonition, therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) path to his Lord".
It is also our good fortune that many of the ways by which we can increase our faith which are quite effective yet easy.
Here are but a few examples:
1. You must strive for sincerity in worship. You should keep in mind that every good deed you do must be done for Allah's sake alone. You should not perform virtuous acts to show off to others or to be praised.
2. You should strive to ensure that your worship is in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This will encourage you to learn those teachings from the Qur'ân and Sunnah.
3. You should make sure to pray all of our prayers on time with the other Muslims. You should frequent the mosque.
4. You should give more attention to Allah's book. We should read it carefully, reflecting upon Allah's names and attributions and thinking of the meanings contained therein. Read, for example: "With Him are the keys of the Unseen, the treasures that none know but He. He knows whatever there is on the Earth and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but with His knowledge; there is not a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry but is in a clear record [Sûrah al-An`âm: 59].
Now, if after reading this verse, you reflect upon all that that exists in this world, you will find that it is covered by this verse. This shows us how Allah's knowledge is comprehensive and covers everything in this world. Please read this verse and try to experience the richness of its meaning.
5. You should devote some time to memorizing the Qur'ân by heart with a good intention to do this only for the pleasure of Allah. You will see a positive affect on your faith and an increase in happiness and contentment.
6. Perform all your religious duties in the proper way.
7. Never forget supplication to Allah, as it is the greatest tool that a Muslim can use to fulfill his needs and to seek the benefits of both this world and the next.
8. You should increase your voluntary worship, like voluntary prayers and fasts.
9. It is very important for you to seek out the company of pious people and avoid being alone. Likewise, you should avoid bad company.
10. Do not go to places like cinemas, theaters or clubs, where bad behavior is often exhibited. Also, avoid watching the satellite channels that are merely showcases for fornication.
11. Beware of places where men and women go to meet one another.
12. Read about the lives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions to experience for yourself how the best of generations lived their lives.
13. Try to keep in mind how fleeing our worldly lives are. Think about your future life in the Hereafter where everyone will be eager to enter Paradise.
14. Remember that the angel of death will not ask for permission when he comes to take your soul, so be ready at all times.
..you must to read this!!
how I can increase my faith and purify my heart
Question: Please give me some advice on how I can increase my faith and purify my heart.
Answered by Sheikh `Abd al-Rahmân al-Mujaydil, professor at al-Imâm University in Riyadh
One of the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us as Muslims is that He has established many ways for us to increase and perfect our faith.
Allah says: "Therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) return to his Lord", and says: "Verily this is an Admonition, therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) path to his Lord".
It is also our good fortune that many of the ways by which we can increase our faith which are quite effective yet easy.
Here are but a few examples:
1. You must strive for sincerity in worship. You should keep in mind that every good deed you do must be done for Allah's sake alone. You should not perform virtuous acts to show off to others or to be praised.
2. You should strive to ensure that your worship is in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This will encourage you to learn those teachings from the Qur'ân and Sunnah.
3. You should make sure to pray all of our prayers on time with the other Muslims. You should frequent the mosque.
4. You should give more attention to Allah's book. We should read it carefully, reflecting upon Allah's names and attributions and thinking of the meanings contained therein. Read, for example: "With Him are the keys of the Unseen, the treasures that none know but He. He knows whatever there is on the Earth and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but with His knowledge; there is not a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry but is in a clear record [Sûrah al-An`âm: 59].
Now, if after reading this verse, you reflect upon all that that exists in this world, you will find that it is covered by this verse. This shows us how Allah's knowledge is comprehensive and covers everything in this world. Please read this verse and try to experience the richness of its meaning.
5. You should devote some time to memorizing the Qur'ân by heart with a good intention to do this only for the pleasure of Allah. You will see a positive affect on your faith and an increase in happiness and contentment.
6. Perform all your religious duties in the proper way.
7. Never forget supplication to Allah, as it is the greatest tool that a Muslim can use to fulfill his needs and to seek the benefits of both this world and the next.
8. You should increase your voluntary worship, like voluntary prayers and fasts.
9. It is very important for you to seek out the company of pious people and avoid being alone. Likewise, you should avoid bad company.
10. Do not go to places like cinemas, theaters or clubs, where bad behavior is often exhibited. Also, avoid watching the satellite channels that are merely showcases for fornication.
11. Beware of places where men and women go to meet one another.
12. Read about the lives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions to experience for yourself how the best of generations lived their lives.
13. Try to keep in mind how fleeing our worldly lives are. Think about your future life in the Hereafter where everyone will be eager to enter Paradise.
14. Remember that the angel of death will not ask for permission when he comes to take your soul, so be ready at all times.
Islam - The Religion Of Peace
1. Introduction.
Today, many non-Muslims regard Islam as a religion that promotes violence, terrorism and war. Unfortunately, they rely in their view of Islam on the general media, which is not always accurate in reporting the news. Many media outlets, such as TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, are influenced by their investors or owners who have certain agendas and who want to promote certain values and points of view. Other media outlets are simply after the "big story", in order to make more money and more profits.
Others are simply "followers",
who only gather news from other sources,
re-package it and try to sell it again purely as a business.
In all these cases, the news reporting is not accurate, but is driven by ulterior motives or simply by profits. Only very few media organizations are committed to providing accurate and true information, regardless of financial gain. Therefore, people today should be very careful in what they take from the media.
Before blindly accepting what the TV, radio or newspaper is reporting, one should think critically about what is being reported. Is this being reported accurately, or is it being exaggerated or even completely fabricated? Who are these people reporting the news, and do they have vested interests to report the story in a certain way, or are they completely objective and fair? Critical thinking is very important in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to accepting the media reports about important and controversial issues.
Islam is in fact a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faiths, and it strongly prohibits all forms of violence and aggression against all people regardless of their faith or race.
2. Islam Prohibits Violence and Aggression, and stands for Peace and Justice.
Islam clearly prohibits all kinds and forms of aggression and violence against anyone, except in self-defense. Islam is a practical religion, meant to be implemented in every aspect of our life. Therefore, it realizes the fact that a person who commits aggression and violence against others will not cease these actions unless they are deterred by similar actions taken against them.
Islam also places very high importance on justice, and allows for aggressors and unjust people be punished accordingly, unless they repent before they are brought to justice. At the same time, Islam encourages people to forgive those who have wronged them whenever possible.
Evidence of these ideals can be found in the Holy Qur'an, which is the word of God revealed to the messenger of God, Mohammad peace be upon him. It can also be found in the Hadeeth, the sayings of Mohammad peace be upon him, and in his teachings to Muslims. A few examples of this are shown below from the Holy Qur'an:
"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, and do not transgress; for Allah loveth not transgressors." [Quran 2:190]."But if they cease (fighting you), Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Quran 2:192]."But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is the One that Heareth and Knoweth (all things)." [Quran 8:61]."The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves." [Quran 2:194]." ... and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment." [Quran 5:2]."Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!" [Quran 41:34]."O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do." [Quran 4:135]."God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed." [Quran 16:90]."And if ye do punish them, punish them no worse than they punished you: but if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient." [Quran 16:126].
The first three verses above instruct Muslims to fight those who fight them, and not to commit aggression first, as God does not like transgressors. They also instruct Muslims to stop fighting those who wish to cease fighting them, and to accept peace with the enemy who becomes inclined towards peace.
The fourth verse mentioned above instructs Muslims that if someone transgresses against them, they should respond to them likewise, and it reminds Muslims to fear God and to restrain themselves to this limit.
The fifth verse reminds Muslims not to let hatred of some people for past reasons to lead them to transgress against those people or be hostile towards them. It also instructs us to help each other in good and righteous actions, and not to cooperate in aggression and sin, and it reminds them finally of the strict punishment of God to encourage them to abide by these principles.
The sixth verse reminds us that goodness and evil are never equal, and that we should repel evil with good actions. This means that when someone is unjust to us or commits evil against us, we are encouraged to respond with kind and good actions, so that the hatred between us and that person will evaporate and will become an intimate friendship!
The seventh verse mentioned reminds us to stand up for justice, even if it is against ourselves or our family, and even if it is against those who are rich or powerful, because justice applies to everyone. It also reminds us that God knows everything we do, and so if we act unjustly even in our hearts, God knows what we did and we will be accountable for that.
The eighth verse informs us that God enjoins us to follow justice, and that God forbids us from committing evil, vice and transgression.
The ninth and final verse reminds Muslims that if they are punished, that they may only respond with the same punishment and not to go over this limit. However, they are reminded that forgiveness and patience is the best course of action.
These are the wonderful ideals of Islam:
To pursue peace with everyone including past enemies, except when they fight the Muslims and refuse peace, then Muslims are allowed to fight in self-defense.To ensure that we always apply justice and never transgress against others even if they are our enemies.To repel evil actions with good actions, in order to replace hatred with an intimate friendship.To respond to punishment with the same punishment, but that forgiveness and patience is even better than retaliation.3. Islamic Principle: Living Peacefully with All Nations and Peoples.
The verse mentioned below informs us that we were created and made into various nations and tribes so that we may get to know each other, and not so that we may despise and hate each other. Then we are reminded of the the fact that the best of us in God's eyes are those who are most righteous.
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things)." [Quran 49:13].
This wonderful principle of Islam makes it clear that there is no single people, race, or nation that is better than others. God created us all equal. In God's eyes, the best of us are the most righteous and most kind.
God created mankind as different races and nations although He could have created us all with as one nation, with one language and one religion. However, as stated in the verse mentioned above, God created these different nations and tribes so that we get to know other each other, and not to hate each other because we are different. This tells us that we should celebrate our differences and not hate each other based on them. Islam also teaches us to
realize that no single race or people have supremacy over others,
and that we are judged solely based on our actions.
This verse also teaches us that we should live peacefully with other nations and tribes and we should respect each other and our differences. We should learn to live together and to get to know each other, and to engage in dialogue amongst all nations and treat every human being as being equal.
4. Islamic Principle: There is no Compulsion in Religion
The verse from the Qur'an which states this principle of no compulsion in religion is the following:
"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things." [Quran 2:256].
The holy Qur'an reminds us that there must not be compulsion in religion. It states that the truth stands out clear from error, and that those who reject error and believe in God are the saved ones.
This means that Muslims are not allowed to force people to convert to Islam. Muslims should only seek to make the truth clear to others, and talk to them about Islam, then let them decide for themselves. In fact, most people who study Islam without having made a decision to hate it first come to love its message and convert to Islam after learning about it's values and principles.
Another verse that also states this principle is the following:
"If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge." [Quran 9:6].
This wonderful verse instructs Muslims to grant asylum to non-believers, and make them safe, and allow them to hear the word of Allah. Then they are to be escorted to whatever place they will be safe and secure in. This is because these non-believers simply have no knowledge of Islam, and no knowledge of the word of Allah.
What a wonderful religion Islam is! How can this be compared with the way that Christians spread their religion? They spread it by genocide, mass murder, kidnapping of children and wiping out of entire nations and civilizations! Ask the natives of the Americas, Australia and Africa about it!
5. When are Muslims Permitted to Fight a War?
As stated earlier, Islam is a very practical religion. It is not just about fake ideals that do not work. It is a religion that is meant to be implemented 100% in all actions of the Muslims life, and it is meant to promote peace and justice in the world.
Therefore, Islam does allow Muslims to go to war, as mentioned earlier, in certain circumstances. This includes self-defence, and to remove aggression and injustice that has befallen people and to save them from their oppressors. The verses that tell Muslims to fight those who fight them were mentioned earlier. Below is the verse in the holy Qur'an that allows Muslims to fight against injustice.
"Permission [to fight] is granted to those who are being persecuted, since injustice has befallen them, and God is certainly able to support them [with victory].They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, "Our Lord is God." If it were not for God's supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques - where the name of God is commemorated frequently - would have been destroyed. Absolutely, God supports those who support Him. God is Powerful, Almighty." [Quran 22:39-40].
This verse gives permission to those Muslims who fall under oppressive, unjust rule, and those Muslims who are being persecuted to fight to remove this oppression.
6. Does Islam Permit Killing Civilians?
Even in times of war, the Muslim must respect his adversaries' humanity. Brutal and barbaric atrocities are prohibited in Islam. Islam condemns barbaric killing of any human being. Therefore, Islam does not permit the mutilation of the bodies of the dead enemy soldiers.
Also, Islam prohibits the targeting and killing of all civilians, especially women, children, the elderly, and religious clergy. Enemies, even at time of war, must be treated justly. Prisoners of war have basic human rights, as stated in the Shariah (Islamic Law), and must be provided and cared for and not humiliated in any way.
The following verses touch on some of these issues:
"O Prophet! say to those who are captives in your hands: If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Quran 8:70].And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, (Saying), We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks." [Quran 76:8-9].
In addition, the following were the instructions of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) to Muslims who are forced to fight a war:
"Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not kill old people or religious people,'' and he mentioned priests, nuns and rabbis. And He said, "Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees and do not poison the wells of your enemies."
There are many more sayings and teachings of Prophet Mohammad that instruct Muslims on these issues.
In addition to all this, Islam prohibits oppression, revenge or injustice to the people of the enemy in case of victory against them. Nor must there be control over the sources of the wealth of the nation or people, or even establishment of colonial regimes. Justice and freedom must be established. Tolerance towards cultures and peoples is to be respected at all times.
7. Conclusion:
This is the Islamic point of view on war, peace and justice. We hope that after reading this article, people will have a clear understanding that Islam promotes peace and justice, and stands against aggression and violence.
It is very sad that some people who want to give a wrong impression of Islam, simply select a few words from the Qur'an and distort them and put them in the wrong context, all in order to prove that Islam supports violence. They ignore all the verses we have mentioned in this article.
Therefore, we hope that people will be more careful about what they may hear or read on TV, radio, newspapers, magazines or on the internet. Make sure that you do not blindly believe anything that is being said. Try to get both sides of the story, by listening to all points of view on any issue before coming to a conclusion.
And finally, we greet everyone with the greeting of Islam:
1. Introduction.
Today, many non-Muslims regard Islam as a religion that promotes violence, terrorism and war. Unfortunately, they rely in their view of Islam on the general media, which is not always accurate in reporting the news. Many media outlets, such as TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, are influenced by their investors or owners who have certain agendas and who want to promote certain values and points of view. Other media outlets are simply after the "big story", in order to make more money and more profits.
Others are simply "followers",
who only gather news from other sources,
re-package it and try to sell it again purely as a business.
In all these cases, the news reporting is not accurate, but is driven by ulterior motives or simply by profits. Only very few media organizations are committed to providing accurate and true information, regardless of financial gain. Therefore, people today should be very careful in what they take from the media.
Before blindly accepting what the TV, radio or newspaper is reporting, one should think critically about what is being reported. Is this being reported accurately, or is it being exaggerated or even completely fabricated? Who are these people reporting the news, and do they have vested interests to report the story in a certain way, or are they completely objective and fair? Critical thinking is very important in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to accepting the media reports about important and controversial issues.
Islam is in fact a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faiths, and it strongly prohibits all forms of violence and aggression against all people regardless of their faith or race.
2. Islam Prohibits Violence and Aggression, and stands for Peace and Justice.
Islam clearly prohibits all kinds and forms of aggression and violence against anyone, except in self-defense. Islam is a practical religion, meant to be implemented in every aspect of our life. Therefore, it realizes the fact that a person who commits aggression and violence against others will not cease these actions unless they are deterred by similar actions taken against them.
Islam also places very high importance on justice, and allows for aggressors and unjust people be punished accordingly, unless they repent before they are brought to justice. At the same time, Islam encourages people to forgive those who have wronged them whenever possible.
Evidence of these ideals can be found in the Holy Qur'an, which is the word of God revealed to the messenger of God, Mohammad peace be upon him. It can also be found in the Hadeeth, the sayings of Mohammad peace be upon him, and in his teachings to Muslims. A few examples of this are shown below from the Holy Qur'an:
"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, and do not transgress; for Allah loveth not transgressors." [Quran 2:190]."But if they cease (fighting you), Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Quran 2:192]."But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is the One that Heareth and Knoweth (all things)." [Quran 8:61]."The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves." [Quran 2:194]." ... and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment." [Quran 5:2]."Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!" [Quran 41:34]."O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do." [Quran 4:135]."God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed." [Quran 16:90]."And if ye do punish them, punish them no worse than they punished you: but if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient." [Quran 16:126].
The first three verses above instruct Muslims to fight those who fight them, and not to commit aggression first, as God does not like transgressors. They also instruct Muslims to stop fighting those who wish to cease fighting them, and to accept peace with the enemy who becomes inclined towards peace.
The fourth verse mentioned above instructs Muslims that if someone transgresses against them, they should respond to them likewise, and it reminds Muslims to fear God and to restrain themselves to this limit.
The fifth verse reminds Muslims not to let hatred of some people for past reasons to lead them to transgress against those people or be hostile towards them. It also instructs us to help each other in good and righteous actions, and not to cooperate in aggression and sin, and it reminds them finally of the strict punishment of God to encourage them to abide by these principles.
The sixth verse reminds us that goodness and evil are never equal, and that we should repel evil with good actions. This means that when someone is unjust to us or commits evil against us, we are encouraged to respond with kind and good actions, so that the hatred between us and that person will evaporate and will become an intimate friendship!
The seventh verse mentioned reminds us to stand up for justice, even if it is against ourselves or our family, and even if it is against those who are rich or powerful, because justice applies to everyone. It also reminds us that God knows everything we do, and so if we act unjustly even in our hearts, God knows what we did and we will be accountable for that.
The eighth verse informs us that God enjoins us to follow justice, and that God forbids us from committing evil, vice and transgression.
The ninth and final verse reminds Muslims that if they are punished, that they may only respond with the same punishment and not to go over this limit. However, they are reminded that forgiveness and patience is the best course of action.
These are the wonderful ideals of Islam:
To pursue peace with everyone including past enemies, except when they fight the Muslims and refuse peace, then Muslims are allowed to fight in self-defense.To ensure that we always apply justice and never transgress against others even if they are our enemies.To repel evil actions with good actions, in order to replace hatred with an intimate friendship.To respond to punishment with the same punishment, but that forgiveness and patience is even better than retaliation.3. Islamic Principle: Living Peacefully with All Nations and Peoples.
The verse mentioned below informs us that we were created and made into various nations and tribes so that we may get to know each other, and not so that we may despise and hate each other. Then we are reminded of the the fact that the best of us in God's eyes are those who are most righteous.
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things)." [Quran 49:13].
This wonderful principle of Islam makes it clear that there is no single people, race, or nation that is better than others. God created us all equal. In God's eyes, the best of us are the most righteous and most kind.
God created mankind as different races and nations although He could have created us all with as one nation, with one language and one religion. However, as stated in the verse mentioned above, God created these different nations and tribes so that we get to know other each other, and not to hate each other because we are different. This tells us that we should celebrate our differences and not hate each other based on them. Islam also teaches us to
realize that no single race or people have supremacy over others,
and that we are judged solely based on our actions.
This verse also teaches us that we should live peacefully with other nations and tribes and we should respect each other and our differences. We should learn to live together and to get to know each other, and to engage in dialogue amongst all nations and treat every human being as being equal.
4. Islamic Principle: There is no Compulsion in Religion
The verse from the Qur'an which states this principle of no compulsion in religion is the following:
"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things." [Quran 2:256].
The holy Qur'an reminds us that there must not be compulsion in religion. It states that the truth stands out clear from error, and that those who reject error and believe in God are the saved ones.
This means that Muslims are not allowed to force people to convert to Islam. Muslims should only seek to make the truth clear to others, and talk to them about Islam, then let them decide for themselves. In fact, most people who study Islam without having made a decision to hate it first come to love its message and convert to Islam after learning about it's values and principles.
Another verse that also states this principle is the following:
"If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge." [Quran 9:6].
This wonderful verse instructs Muslims to grant asylum to non-believers, and make them safe, and allow them to hear the word of Allah. Then they are to be escorted to whatever place they will be safe and secure in. This is because these non-believers simply have no knowledge of Islam, and no knowledge of the word of Allah.
What a wonderful religion Islam is! How can this be compared with the way that Christians spread their religion? They spread it by genocide, mass murder, kidnapping of children and wiping out of entire nations and civilizations! Ask the natives of the Americas, Australia and Africa about it!
5. When are Muslims Permitted to Fight a War?
As stated earlier, Islam is a very practical religion. It is not just about fake ideals that do not work. It is a religion that is meant to be implemented 100% in all actions of the Muslims life, and it is meant to promote peace and justice in the world.
Therefore, Islam does allow Muslims to go to war, as mentioned earlier, in certain circumstances. This includes self-defence, and to remove aggression and injustice that has befallen people and to save them from their oppressors. The verses that tell Muslims to fight those who fight them were mentioned earlier. Below is the verse in the holy Qur'an that allows Muslims to fight against injustice.
"Permission [to fight] is granted to those who are being persecuted, since injustice has befallen them, and God is certainly able to support them [with victory].They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, "Our Lord is God." If it were not for God's supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques - where the name of God is commemorated frequently - would have been destroyed. Absolutely, God supports those who support Him. God is Powerful, Almighty." [Quran 22:39-40].
This verse gives permission to those Muslims who fall under oppressive, unjust rule, and those Muslims who are being persecuted to fight to remove this oppression.
6. Does Islam Permit Killing Civilians?
Even in times of war, the Muslim must respect his adversaries' humanity. Brutal and barbaric atrocities are prohibited in Islam. Islam condemns barbaric killing of any human being. Therefore, Islam does not permit the mutilation of the bodies of the dead enemy soldiers.
Also, Islam prohibits the targeting and killing of all civilians, especially women, children, the elderly, and religious clergy. Enemies, even at time of war, must be treated justly. Prisoners of war have basic human rights, as stated in the Shariah (Islamic Law), and must be provided and cared for and not humiliated in any way.
The following verses touch on some of these issues:
"O Prophet! say to those who are captives in your hands: If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Quran 8:70].And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, (Saying), We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks." [Quran 76:8-9].
In addition, the following were the instructions of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) to Muslims who are forced to fight a war:
"Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not kill old people or religious people,'' and he mentioned priests, nuns and rabbis. And He said, "Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees and do not poison the wells of your enemies."
There are many more sayings and teachings of Prophet Mohammad that instruct Muslims on these issues.
In addition to all this, Islam prohibits oppression, revenge or injustice to the people of the enemy in case of victory against them. Nor must there be control over the sources of the wealth of the nation or people, or even establishment of colonial regimes. Justice and freedom must be established. Tolerance towards cultures and peoples is to be respected at all times.
7. Conclusion:
This is the Islamic point of view on war, peace and justice. We hope that after reading this article, people will have a clear understanding that Islam promotes peace and justice, and stands against aggression and violence.
It is very sad that some people who want to give a wrong impression of Islam, simply select a few words from the Qur'an and distort them and put them in the wrong context, all in order to prove that Islam supports violence. They ignore all the verses we have mentioned in this article.
Therefore, we hope that people will be more careful about what they may hear or read on TV, radio, newspapers, magazines or on the internet. Make sure that you do not blindly believe anything that is being said. Try to get both sides of the story, by listening to all points of view on any issue before coming to a conclusion.
And finally, we greet everyone with the greeting of Islam:
What is Islam?
What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent.
Who are Muslims and what do they believe?
There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. No more than 20 percent of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia. Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. God's eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all). One becomes a Muslim by saying, "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God." By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God's messengers.
What is the Quran?
The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The text of the Quran was cross-checked during the life of the Prophet. The 114 chapters of the Quran have remained unchanged through the centuries.
What are the "Five Pillars" of Islam?
The Declaration of Faith - This consists of the two sentence declaration described above.
Prayer - Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood. A learned Muslim chosen by each congregation leads the prayers.
Zakat - One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings. Zakat, or charitable giving, "purifies" wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. This payment is usually two and a half percent of one's capital.
Fasting - Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. The fast is another method of self-purification.
Pilgrimage - A pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically or financially able.
What about the American Muslim community?
There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in America. The Muslim community in America is made up of people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and national origins. There are almost 2,000 mosques, Islamic schools and Islamic centers in America. Muslims are active in all walks of life. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world.
What about Muslim women?
Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education and otherwise take part in community life. Men and women are to be respected equally. The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to both women and men equally. (Men cannot expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or silk, etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does so in spite of Islam, not because of it.
What is Jihad?
"Jihad" does not mean "holy war." Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., - having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression
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