The Sad Story of Turkish Secularism: Do We See Light at the End of the Tunnel?

The Sad Story of Turkish Secularism: Do We See Light
at the End of the Tunnel?



By Dr. Ahmad Shafaat

Secularism won its first and greatest victory in the Muslim world
on Oct. 29, 1923, when in Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk came to power
and systematically proceeded with his program of secularizing that
remarkable Islamic country.

Ataturk began by putting the administration of all religious affairs,
including religious education, under his government's control. Then
in 1924 he ordered the army and the civil servants to wear the European
style hats, instead of the Turkish cap, the fez. A little later,
a law completely banned the fez and obliged all male Turks to wear
hats. On Feb. 17, 1926 the laws of Shariah were replaced by what
was almost a verbatim translation of the Swiss code. On April 9,
1928, a clause in the Turkish Constitution which declared Islam
the country's religion was removed and teaching of Islam in schools
was banned. A decree in 1928 discarded the Arabic script in which
the Turkish language was previously written and imposed the Roman
script. Attempts were also made to remove Arabic and Persian words
from the Turkish language.

In 1935, Friday was replaced by Sunday as the weekly holiday.
The old Turkish titles such as "pasha" were abolished
and family names were introduced as in the West. As part of this
new enlightening tradition, Mustafa Kemal assumed the family name
of Ataturk and became Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, although some people,
who would, I imagine, be considered ignorant and backward by the
Kemalists, still call him Mustafa Kemal Pasha.

After the death of Ataturk the imposition of secularist order
was continued by his successors. But although Ataturk and his followers
were forceful in introducing European dress, day of rest and the
system of family names, they showed only faint and theoretic interest
in another European tradition: democracy and freedom of expression.
Ataturk practically ruled as a dictator and those who succeeded
him ruled under a one party system. Opposition was ruthlessly suppressed.
The justification given by the Kemalists for their un-democratic
ways was the usual excuse of dictatorial regimes: people were not
ready for democracy.

But the Turkish people were ready for democracy. In 1946 the Kemalist
government was obliged to recognize at least one opposition party:
the Democratic Party founded by Celal Bayar, which was defeated
in the first election but came to power in the next.

As Turkey became more genuinely democratic, its Islamic character
was able to assert itself a little more. The national assembly was
soon obliged to discuss the re-introduction of Islamic education
in schools. But the Kemalists were still too strong and Islamic
forces still too disorganized. The discussion in the national assembly
resulted only in the introduction of Islamic education for two years
in primary schools and that outside regular school hours.

Yet even now Turkey is far from being a real democracy. Over and
above the elected politicians there stand the Armed Forces, something
like the Monarchy in Britain. Just as in Britain it is illegal to
insult the Monarch, so in Turkey Article 159 makes it illegal to
make fun of the Turkish Armed Forces. Prohibition of insulting the
Armed Forces is not the only restriction on the democratic freedom
of expression. If any intellectual or journalist criticizes Ataturk,
he or she can be imprisoned for as many as 15 years. A copy of every
book printed has to be sent to special police. Expressing socialist
ideas can result in imprisonment and torture. Women writers could
be gang raped by the police, as happened in the case of Asiye Zaybek.
Women students or professors can be thrown out of university for
covering their heads.

Kemalism was a product of a sickness from which Turkish culture
was suffering at the turn of the century. Due to military defeats
and other factors, the Turkish culture had lost much of its self-respect
and vitality. Kemalism thrived on this condition and tried to cut
Turkey from its roots, of which it was ashamed. But cultures never
flourish by turning against their own roots, except by a free and
healthy process of self criticism. It is therefore not surprising
that despite eighty years of Kemalism, Turkey has not moved forward.
Bribery and other forms of corruption are the order of the day.
Economically, the country's condition is mediocre at best of times
and in technology it is behind many Muslim and Asian countries.

The way for Turkey to move forward was not to impose secularism
on its people, put European hats on their heads, rest on Sundays
and write their letters in Roman script. The way for Turkey and
for every Muslim country to move forward has always been, and will
always remain, to find, out of its Islamic past a vision of the
future and then to move with faith and courage to realize that vision.

The convincing victory of the Justice and Development Party in
last election may provide a glimmer of hope that this may have started.
But before we get our hopes too high let us keep in mind that although
the victorious party was founded by former members of a pro-Islamic
party, it has won its victory only after distancing itself from
its Islamic roots and promising that it will keep Turkey secular.
The pro-Islamic party itself was banned by the Turkish courts. Is
it any wonder that God is not hastening to send his help to us against
the aggression and oppression inflicted on Muslims by Israel, the
USA, and Britain?

Note: This article is copyright to © Dr. Ahmad Shafaat. It
may be reproduced for da'wa purpose without making any changes.

 

 

The Beautiful Month of Ramadan Islamic Articles

 

(All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger)

For the Holy Month of Ramadan you are expected to prepare yourself with adequate knowledge which will help you to understand the true meaning of this special blessed month and thus the opportunity provided in the month of Ramadan is to be availed with full potential.

Fasting an Important Pillar of Islam:

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is of paramount significance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing Prayer, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.(Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Benefits of Fasting In Ramadan:

There is no doubt that there have been clear indications for the blessed month and there are some significant quotes in Holy Quran and other authenticated sources of its importance to which can be understood from Almighty Allah says:

(The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.)(Al-Baqarah 2: 185)

Blessed Month for All:

This blessed month is a great opportunity for blessing, goodness, worship, and obedience of Allah. Yes, for sure this is the month of great rewards and those who worship Allah (SWT) and do good deeds should expect rewards, such rewards that shall overcome the year round bad deeds and wash them with the intention of following and practicing the good deeds for the time to come in which you are determined to be a sincere believer.

 

Concealing the Faults and Weaknesses of Others

Concealing the Faults and Weaknesses of Others

 

Concealing the Faults and Weaknesses of Others

abridged from "Freedom of Expression in Islam" by Kamali

Avoiding harm to others and concealing the weakness of one's fellow human beings is a prominent theme of the moral teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. The message here is conveyed in a variety of forms, context and ideas, all of which are indicative of Islam's emphasis on the honour and dignity of the individual, and of his or her right to privacy safe from the encroachment of others.

Thus according to a hadith:

"If a person conceals the weakness of another in this world, Allah will conceal their weakness in the hereafter" [Al Nawawi, Riyad al Salihin p 135, Hadith no 245; al Ghazali, Kitab Adab p 344]

A variant version of the same message is reported in another hadith, which states:

"Whoever protects the honour of his brother, will have Allah protect his countenance from the fire on the Day of Judgement" [Al Nawawi, Riyad al Salihin p 488, Hadith no 1530]

In yet another hadith we read:

"Do not harm Muslims, and do not revile them, nor pursue their imperfections. For verily, whosoever pursues the imperfections of his brother shall have his own imperfections pursued by Allah" [Sunan of al Tirmidhi, as quoted in Principles of State and Government in Islam, p 85]

Concealing the faults of, and respecting the privacy of others is again the theme of the following hadith:

"The Muslim who helps another when the latter's honour and dignity are under attack, shall be helped by Allah, Glorious and Sublime is He! - at a time when he would wish for Allah's help. But he who forsakes a Muslim whose dignity is under attack, shall have Allah forsake him at a time when he would wish for Allah's help" [Al Ghazali, Ihyaa Ulum al Din; Kitab Adab al Suhbah p 369]

It was reported that one night when Caliph Umar was patrolling Medina, he saw a man and a woman committing adultery. The following day the caliph informed other Companions and asked them whether he should enforce the prescribed penalty (hadd) for zina (fornication) on the basis of his own observations. To this Ali replied that the law of Allah stated clearly that four witnesses were required to prove zina, and that this provision was to be applied equally to the caliph. Other companions are also reported to have concurred with Ali's opinion.

While quoting this report, al Ghazali observes that this is strong evidence that the shariah demands the concealment of sins (satr al fawahish); it also discourages spying on or reporting the private affairs of others. [Kitab al Adab p 345-6]

It is noted that concealment (satr) is recommended only with regard to persons who are not generally known to engage in corrupt and harmful activities. As for those who are notorious, it is recommended that their evil is not concealed and that the matter is reported to the authorities.

Exposing the faults of others by casting aspersions, or spying on them, is particularly reprehensible. Thus according to a hadith, people are warned:

"Beware of suspicion. For suspicion is the most untrue form of speech; and do not spy upon one another and do not revile one another." [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al birr wal silah, Bab al nahy an al tajasus]

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal was once asked about the correct meaning of the following hadith:

"When you hear something form or about your brother, ascribe to it the best interpretation until you can no longer do so"

To this, he replied:

"Find an excuse for him by saying, 'Maybe he said this, or maybe he meant such and such'"

It is further reported in another hadith:

"Whoever is offered an apology from a fellow Muslim should accept it unless he knows that the person apologising is being dishonest" [Mishkat al Tabrizi, Vol III Hadith no 5052]

Commenting on these hadiths, Tuffah has rightly observed that, despite the occurrence of the word brother (akh) therein, they are of general import, and their scope is not confined to Muslims, the reason being that in Islam justice and benevolence (adl wa ihsan) are not confined to Muslims alone. The question of the way people treat fellow citizens in society, their brothers and sisters in humanity, is closely linked with the Quranic concepts of adl and ihsan, and these do not admit if any restriction that would compromise their objective application. [Tuffah, Masadir pp 89-90]

This indeed is the main point of the following Quranic text:

"And let not the hatred of a people harm you into being unjust. Be just, for it is closet to piety (taqwa)" [Surah 5: verse 8]

Furthermore, Hasan, the son of Ali is reported to have said:

"If a man abuses me in one ear and then apologises to me in the other, I shall accept his apology" [Al Maqdisi, al Adab, I p 341]

Thus it is evident that silence takes priority over speech when it comes to exposing the faults and weaknesses of others.

'One should not talk about the defects of others even if one is asked about them. One must try to avoid prying and asking personal questions about the private lives of others" [Al Ghazali, Kitab Adab pp 242-43]

For tolerance and forgiveness are necessary in order to encourage an atmosphere of fraternity in the community.

Now days we as Muslims have to spread the voice to learn quran online and so we could gain the true knowledge and the quran teaching that is give to us by our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and do quran reading. Do we as Muslim ask our self that why we are at the peak of destruction? The answer will be simple that we have left our roots the holy quran we should guide promote Islam from in our homes first and let learn our kids quran  and encourage them in doing quran memorization this should be our first goal for it we can do different stuff like let then participate in different online quran recitation competition to let them read quran from different online quran reciters and along with it we elders should learn quran also and improve our knowledge of quran and Islam and learn holy quran tafseer because to understand and learn quran Arabic and for this now a days there are many online quran tutor available who teach tajweed quran and its translation and tafseer so let us join our hands to be the voice of Islam and let improve the image of it as well and full fill our duty

 

Caution For New Muslims

Caution For New Muslims

 

Caution For New Muslims
Dangers of Excess and Extremism among Muslims
By Imam Ghayth Nur Kashif

Allah says in the Quran, "Thus we have made of you an ummah justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over you. (HQ 2:143) The Prophet (saaw) reportedly said, "Beware of excessiveness in religion before you have perished as a result of such excessiveness in religion. (Reported by Ah-mad). Allah states in the Quran that He, "Intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you in difficulties". (HQ 2:185)

"Religion," the Prophet is reported to have said, "is very easy, and whoever overburdens himself will not be able to continue in that way. Be right (without excessiveness or negligence), near (perfection, and have good timing (in being rewarded for your regular deeds)."(Bukhari) The people of the Book were warned: " O people of the Book, commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of Allah anything but the Truth...." 4:171. He warns the Muslims likewise: " O you who believe! Make not unlawful the good things, which Allah has made law-lawful for you, and commit no excess; for Allah loves not those given to excess. (HQ 5:87) Until recently Muslims in America have been spared much of the tradition-bound and sectarian division that have led to violent oppression- and fratricidal warfare among various Muslim proponents, leading often to mutual slaughter, "In the Name of Allah."

DISTORTIONS OF AHADITH

Allah forbid that they should invoke His Name or the name of the Prophet as "partners" in their mutual disputes and violence. These are "inventions against Allah's Name." Just as the early pagans and their partners acted, making "alluring the slaughter of their children in order to lead them to their own destruction and cause confusion in their religion-gin." Allah warned them that "He will requite them for their invention." (HQ: 5:137-8) Unfortunately this "traditional baggage" has now entered into the ethos of the Islamic growth in America, where we find innocent Muslims being caught up in the negligence and excesses of the worldwide Ummah following them in their schisms, ranging from claims of "sacred" cultural- mores to disputes of the interpretation of the Sunnah (and ahadith) of the Prophet (saaw), to claims of the supremacy of ahadith over the Quran. Allah, Forbid! Then we now have claims of supremacy of one "School of Thought" over the others. And again claims of supremacy of one community over the other in the knowledge of Quran and Sunnah. How are we caught up in this? Allah forbid. We fear that we stand in great danger of going the way of societies before us unless we pause and take heed to Allah^Òs command: "hold fast all together, by the rope which Allah stretches to you, and be not divided among yourselves... (HQ 3:103)

Allah has warned: "And obey and His Messenger; and fall not into disputes, lest you lose heart and your power depart..." (HQ 8:47) Allah warns in another Ayah: "(their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who seek cause of dispute in the Book are in schism, far (from the purpose). (HQ 2:176). As He said of the People of the Book: "there is among them a section who distort the book with their tongues. You think that it is a part of the book, but it is no part of the book, and they say, "This is from Allah, but it is not from Allah. It is they who tell a lie against Allah." (HQ 3:48)

MUSLIMS IN AMERICA.

Should not Muslims in America reflect upon the relevant examples in the Quran? Why should Muslims in America take on the historic and manifest failures of the ummah, following their manifestations of divisions- and disputations over this or that fatwah, this or that purported hadith, in contradistinction of another? Muslim opponents have taken delight in this and have come to mock the Muslims in America and elsewhere for these circus-like conflicts. Should Muslim in America become partisans to these conflicts between proponents of the so-called schools of thought, or to the Sunni/Shii disputes (and more recently, Allah forbid: Sunnah v. Quran conflicts.

When these parties are question about their circus-like tendencies and the exaltation of traditions canonized by their fathers, they retort to reckless slander: charging that the people who question them do not believe in the Sunnah. At the other extreme there are those who reject, out of hand, the Quranically confirmed traditions of the Prophet (saaw) (i.e. where the sayings and actions of the Prophet are underpinned by an overriding principle that has been, beforehand, clearly established in the Quran---an example being Salat.

Thus we should be careful not fall in the trap laid by the evil seducer, Shaitan, himself, who "whispers, then withdraws--then comes later as an arbitrator to settle the disputes with cunning and flowery speech. Let us not be deceived, nor think that we can out-flank Shaitan while indulging in the schisms he sets up. Allah says that Shaitan "and his tribe watches you from a position where you cannot see them..." (7:27)

Cannot we see that these forged disputes are an attempt to move the innocent Muslim away from his commitment to take in the orphan, to feed the poor, to clothe the naked, to feed the homeless, and to build a balanced community? His "religion" has thus become one of criticizing and attacking Muslims with whom he differs, often on insignificant issues. Unfortunately from these individual differences, exploited as such, grows the seeds of sectarianism and shirk, followed by (subversion and rebellion). This is shameful, indeed!

HE HAS NO PARTNERS

Let us beware: Remember those before us who took idols, angels, and even prophets, making them partners with Allah and equal in the Godhead. They began to mention their names at every mention of the Name of Allah. When Allah the One and Only is mentioned the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust and horror; but when (gods) other than He are mentioned behold they are filled with joy! (HQ 39:45) Think of the case of Issa, (saaw) They began by declaring stories (ahadith) written about him, such as the New Testament by Mathew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul) to be Divine, or in fact the Injil (Revelation) itself. Gradually, over time, they began to include Issa as a co-equal with Allah Himself. They have thrown the Injil behind their backs just as they threw the Torah behind their backs. Allah, however, has cleared His Prophet Issa (saaw) of any such charge. May Allah be praised forever! He distinguishes His Revelation from all else. He is One. His Revelation is One. He is Allah. None is like Him. No partners, No associates.

Muslims in America must be aware of the "baggage" of extremism exported to North America as legitimate Sunnah and fiqh. This "baggage" is propagated by zealots (innocent and otherwise) who insistently accuse others of "bid'ah" (innovation in religion), wantonness, unbelief and deviation. They are known to claim piety for themselves, exalt the Sunnah over the Quran and engage others in endless arguments.

HAIR SPLITTING

Imam al Nawawi reported that the Prophet (saaw) repeated three times: "Ruined are the people who indulged in hair-splitting. Thus it is important to identify the mode operandi of these mercenaries because of the harm they bring to the innocent Muslims in America.

We find that they make a grandiose show of their recital of selected ahadith in Arabic; often diaf (weak) or highly contextual in time and circumstance. Their display of their "erudition" is supposed to confirm their "hikma" (wisdom or implied piety) in the Deen (Al-Islam). Yet Sincerity lies in the heart and breast.

They make an impressive show of embellishing their arguments- with Arabic, particularly to the new Muslims who understand little more than As-Salaam-Alaikum and Al-Faatihah. Yes, it IS time for the (balanced) Muslim communities to put a stop to the purveyors of deliberate confusion and disunity.

Please note: In no way does this imply that learning to read and recite the Quran in Arabic is not essential to the deeper understanding and practice of our Deen. IT IS, and Muslims must strive to acquit themselves, especially in the study of Quranic Arabic. No excuse, however, can be given to those whose intent is to obfuscate. (HQ: 3:78)

IT MUST BE DONE?

What then must be done? How may we express our differences? How do we correct a wrong? We take note here of the utter abuse and misapplication of the reported Hadith of the Prophet (saaw) i.e.: to correct a wrong with your hand, your heart or your tongue.

Often lacking adequate knowledge, we tear into others with the belief that our particular perspective or rendering of an issue, ritual, or interpretation of Hadith or Quran is unquestionably right or authentic. This crude approach often masks, or excuses an aggressive, ill-reasoned action or response to something we differ about that has long been in question, even at the highest levels of the scholarly ummah over the centuries. Another over-worked hadith is that the scholar is "worth more than a thousand ignorant worshippers." In most cases it is exalted by those whose scholarship has become the end goal, rather than the means.

SCHOLARSHIP/DIALOGUE

It (scholarship) has become the objective, and not for the pleasure of Allah. Allah is no longer the goal of such pursuers, but sophistic scholarship is! Thus we have fallen into disputes of the so-called "learned": like that of Western Philosophers, i.e.: "How many angels can sit on the head of a pin?"

These "extremes,'" among the literate and the illiterate becomes a perverse "religion". Yet they understand not. Allah knows best: whenever we begin to exalt anything as equal to Him or His Words (Guarded Revelations), then we are truly gravitating toward Shirk. Let us consider the advice found on page 428 of the Encyclopedia of Seerah, (vol. 6)

The author writes: "If there is any difference of opinion, it cannot be on the Truth of the Quran and its Message, which is one and the same for all time. If there is a difference among Muslims, it can only be in their imperfect understanding of the Quran and its Message; but if this difference of opinion is within limits of acceptable interpretations, it is not bad nor evil, nor is it dangerous or injurious to the collective. If however, people go beyond the acceptable limits and start arguing on a political, sectarian, or sophistic basis (for argument sake) then there is no cure for such disputes and wrongdoing.

THE WAY OF THE COMPANIONS

The different opinions of the companions of the Prophets, were of the former (above). This type of difference is called a mercy. But if these differences or details are considered as al-din (compulsory) and made the means of dispute between different sections of people, then even this type of difference becomes condemned.

We have found that it is necessary to establish decorum of dialogue, which disallows distortion of our sacred texts and subsequent sources of knowledge.

Some sources have intimated that there appears to be a "well-financed," several-pronged movement afoot, disguised or cloaked as "defenders of the Sunnah. Among the prongs is said to be a surreptitious attempt to promote a doctrine claiming "two revelations." The argument is that the Book and the Hikma (i.e. Sunnah, so interpreted) are two separate revelations and not simply attributes or names for the Quran. This subtle message could ease this concept of "duality" into the Muslim mainstream and distort the concept of Tawhid, even IF innocently conceived. Noted also are several other prongs that suggest a lattice-like linking of ostensibly disparate groups in a mutually orchestrated promotion of this un-Islamic doctrine.

If we inculcate the Qur'an in our heart, by accepting the Words of Allah, reciting them, and reflecting on them (with minds unencumbered by fatwas, etc.---and acting upon them), Insha'Allah, His light will enter and remove our confused or immature state of mind. Insha'Allah, the Qur'an will become a "filter" for us to access all else, whether it is Serah, hadith, tafseers, etc. It is the denial or shunning of this sacred filter that has caused the conflicts and extreme language.

Tell us, what other filter is independent of man's authentication or methodologies of proofs or evidences designed to confirm a truth? Allah speaks and His words do not have to be "authenticated" by the methodologies, and proofs of man." We suggest that he who denies Allah and/or the WORD (Revelation/Quran) of Allah as the PRIMARY SOURCE of Truth and Knowledge will always be in a state of agitation, haste and frustration. Neither the canonizing of saints and scholars nor that which they authenticate by their preferred methodologies (taqlid and others) justifies their unabashed claims of Truth and Certainty.

According to Ibn Kathir, Allah's Prophet disliked these things: first, unnecessary disputes and arguments, questioning and inquiring without any need, and wastage off wealth. Having grown weak from disputes many Muslims have lost their sense of purpose in bringing glad tidings to the believers and warning the rulers and citizens of the land, both yesterday and today. They are content to rail, and mock, becoming obsessed with simply calling others "Kafir". They exhibit little evidence of dawah, such as feeding the poor, or working collectively with any Muslim community to establish a good life in society. Rather they are bent upon trying to "convert" the converted. They demonstrate a lack of Iman by raising doubts of others. Could this be hypocrisy, in disguise? Could this be subversion, in disguise? Allah Knows.

Muslims are obligated to warn and to argue in the best manner, i.e.: (words, manners, and conduct). Furthermore Muslims are obligated to call for justice, for the release of the slave, for the feeding of the hungry, for the housing of the homeless and for the sharing of wealth., The Muslims must warn against Riba, against arrogance, against mis-education, against waste and lack of economic productivity. Cannot we hear? Cannot we understand? Do we not know that we have Watchers over our souls?

Now days we as Muslims have to spread the voice to learn quran online and so we could gain the true knowledge and the quran teaching that is give to us by our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and do quran reading. Do we as Muslim ask our self that why we are at the peak of destruction? The answer will be simple that we have left our roots the holy quran we should guide promote Islam from in our homes first and let learn our kids quran  and encourage them in doing quran memorization this should be our first goal for it we can do different stuff like let then participate in different online quran recitation competition to let them read quran from different online quran reciters and along with it we elders should learn quran also and improve our knowledge of quran and Islam and learn holy quran tafseer because to understand and learn quran Arabic and for this now a days there are many online quran tutor available who teach tajweed quran and its translation and tafseer so let us join our hands to be the voice of Islam and let improve the image of it as well and full fill our duty

 

Convertitis - or the Case of the Insta-Scholar

Convertitis - or the Case of the Insta-Scholar

 

Convertitis - or the Case of the Insta-Scholar
American convert Saraji Umm Zaid cautions new Muslims about the dangers of extremism and absolutism

What is Convertitis?
Convertitis is a highly contagious disease, which spreads rapidly among converts to Islam, particularly those who are experiencing great amounts of confusion, but who don't think they are. (Also commonly known as The Case of the Insta-Scholar)

The Case of the Insta-Scholar Jane who took her shahada last week.
She was a "regular American" who studied a little about Islam, hemmed and hawed over the dress and dietary codes, decided it was the truth, and accepted it into her life. Many sisters in the community looked forward to helping Jane learn the basics of Islam, such as the salat, the five pillars, the six articles of faith, and so on. Now, this week, we see that Jane has changed her name to "Ai'sha," is wearing full niqaab [black only], buying everything (even potato chips-- which she may stop buying as it is "imitation of the kufar") from the halal market, getting into interfaith debates at her job, using a miswak, telling the other sisters what they "ought to be doing," and what they are "doing wrong," and considering accepting a marriage proposal to be a co-wife.

What Are the Symptoms of Convertitis?
The new Muslim who is suffering from this terrible disease is easily recognisable within the community. You will notice a radical change in appearance, almost immediately: from "regular clothes" to full niqaab or kufi and thobe. Often walking around with a miswak. Starts peppering their language full of Arabic-isms they either don't really know or can't pronounce. Almost immediately, they talk at great length about their "Islamic Identity," and their "Muslim-ness". In every incident, they will see an "Anti-Muslim" bias that didn't exist previously [and probably doesn't exist currently]. They often argue points of Islamic fiqh with anyone and everyone-- from the fellow new shahada to the valedictorian of Al-Ahzar. [of course, they don't know what "fiqh" is...] The most serious symptom is that everything is black and white: what they view as good is truth, and what they don't understand is bad, bid'a, haram, whatever. They view themselves as the sole practitioners of "True Islam," and pass into judgement millions of others. Abdul Hakim Murad explains here, the "serious side" of convertitis:

"The initial and quite understandable response of many new comers is to become an absolutist. Everything going on among pious Muslims is angelic; everything outside the circle of faith is demonic. The appeal of this outlook lies in its simplicity. The newly arranged landscape on which the convert looks is seen in satisfying black and white terms of Them versus Us, good against evil."

Oftentimes, when approached by other Muslims about this behavior, they become defensive. Those suffering from Convertitis will exhibit a marked lack of interest in any lectures, books, programs, etc. having to do with Islamic history, Fiqh, or spirituality, while their interests in things like "The Hijab Debate," and "Muslim vs. Christian" is noticeably high. Most new Muslims, however, soon see through this. Those individuals who adopt Islam because they need an identity will be condemned to wander the sectarian and factional hall of mirrors, constantly looking for the perfect group that will give them their desperately needed sense of specialness and superiority. ...Those who come to Islam seeking an identity will find the multiplicity of traditional Muslim cultures intolerable. People with confused identities are attracted to totalitarian solutions. And today, many young Muslims feel so threatened by the diversity of calls on their allegiance, and by the sheer complexity of modernity, that the only form of Islam they can regard as legitimate is a totalitarian, monolithic one. That there should be four schools of Islamic law is to them unbearable. That Muslim cultures should legitimately differ is a species of blasphemy.

What Are the After Effects of Convertitis?
The after effects of this seriously contagious disease are many: ranging from sudden humility to disillusionment and ultimately, leaving the deen. Some people are able to get right back up again after being knocked off of their high horse, only this time, with the knowledge that they don't know anything. Others are unable to dust themselves off, and are immersed in such a state of confusion that they may end up leaving Islam entirely.

How Can I Protect Myself From Convertitis?
Unfortunately, convertitis is so contagious and widespread that it seems that every shahada suffers from it at one point of another. For some, they recover almost immediately, while others live under the delusion of convertitis for the rest of their lives. If you are a new convert, the best way to protect yourself is to realise that you know nothing, and to remind yourself of this fact every day. All the Islamic knowledge that you initially gain is in English, and is by default, off-base. You are forced to rely on other people's translations, which is also chock full of "opinion." Until you have a working knowledge of classical Arabic and its grammar, you will not be able to even consider becoming a scholar, you will not be eligible to issue Islamic rulings, you will not be eligible to administer shari'a law, nothing. Force yourself to remember that such a state takes years, a lifetime, to achieve. Some people never recover from their initial "Insta Scholarliness." They continue their entire lives like this, devoid of any real soul searching efforts to get "at the truth." They depend so heavily on rule books to govern every part of their lives that the end up missing the essence of Islam, which can not be found in any book. Ultimately, they become convinced of their spiritual superiority, and dismiss all others. These young people, who haunt our mosques and shout at any sign of disagreement are either ignorant of Muslim history, or dismiss it as a giant mistake. For them, the grace and rahma of Allah has for some reason been withheld from all but a tiny fraction of the Ummah. These people are the elect and all in disagreement with them is a blasphemy against God.

Convertitis or the "Insta Scholar" syndrome is a serious one. I'd venture to say that just about everyone experiences it at one point. Unfortunately, for some, they never realise that they know nothing, and walk around thinking they are scholars. This causes great problems, as it not only poses a danger to other new shahadas, but the ceaseless arguing causes great divisions within the Muslim community. For those of you who are currently experiencing said malady [but don't think you are], please remember that any bad knowledge, any false knowledge, and any bid'a that you pass onto another Muslim, you are responsible for that. If you don't want the misguidance of another person to bear on your record, then you take a second, and then a third breath before you tell someone what they "ought to be" doing.

How Do I Handle the Insta-Scholar?
The best way to deal with those suffering from Convertitis is gently. Arguing with the insta Scholar only reinforces in their minds that they are somehow, the sole guardians of the truth. If someone you know is suffering from this terrible disease, steer them away from interfaith debates as often as you can. And make du'a, make du'a, make du'a.

Now days we as Muslims have to spread the voice to learn quran online and so we could gain the true knowledge and the quran teaching that is give to us by our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and do quran reading. Do we as Muslim ask our self that why we are at the peak of destruction? The answer will be simple that we have left our roots the holy quran we should guide promote Islam from in our homes first and let learn our kids quran  and encourage them in doing quran memorization this should be our first goal for it we can do different stuff like let then participate in different online quran recitation competition to let them read quran from different online quran reciters and along with it we elders should learn quran also and improve our knowledge of quran and Islam and learn holy quran tafseer because to understand and learn quran Arabic and for this now a days there are many online quran tutor available who teach tajweed quran and its translation and tafseer so let us join our hands to be the voice of Islam and let improve the image of it as well and full fill our duty

 

Gossip and Its Adverse Effects on the Muslim Community

Gossip and Its Adverse Effects on the Muslim Community

 

Gossip and Its Adverse Effects on the Muslim Community
Anecdotes on the Condemnation of al-Ghibah (gossip/backbiting) from Shaykh Husayan al-Awaaishah

1 - It is reported from al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) that a man said to him: "You have gossiped about me. He (al-Hasan) said: "You have not reached such a position that you can control my Hasanat!" [Translator's Note: The Islamic teaching is that the Hasanat (rewards) of the one who gossips will be awarded to the victim.]

2 - Someone was told: "So-and-so has gossiped about you" - so he sent him a dish of dates, with the message: "I heard that you had given me your Hasanat as a gift, and I want to return the favour; please excuse me for not being able to pay back in full."

3 - It was reported from Ibn Mubarak (may Allah have mercy on him) that he said: "If I were to gossip about anyone, I would gossip about my parents, for they have more right to my Hasanat."

4 - Ghibah is the hospitality of the wrongdoer.

5 - From Amr ibn al-As (radhiallahu `anhu); He passed by a dead mule, and said to some of his companions: "It would be better for a man to eat his fill from the meat of this than from the flesh of his fellow-Muslims." [Sahih al-Targhib at-Tarhib]

6 - A man mentioned something bad about another to his friend. His friend said to him: "Do you go out and fight against the Romans?" He said, "No." His friend asked: "Do you go out and fight against the Turks?" He said, "No." The friend said: "The Romans are safe from you, and the Turks are safe from you, but your Muslim brothers are not safe from you!"

7 - If you are unable to do three things, then you must do three (other) things: if you cannot do good, then stop doing evil; if you cannot benefit people, then do not harm them; if you cannot fast, then do not eat the flesh of the people.

8 - The poet said:

"If a man is wise and fears Allah,
This will keep him too busy to concern himself with the faults of others,
Just as the weak and sick person is concerned with his own pain
To think of the pain of others."

Now days we as Muslims have to spread the voice to learn quran online and so we could gain the true knowledge and the quran teaching that is give to us by our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and do quran reading. Do we as Muslim ask our self that why we are at the peak of destruction? The answer will be simple that we have left our roots the holy quran we should guide promote Islam from in our homes first and let learn our kids quran  and encourage them in doing quran memorization this should be our first goal for it we can do different stuff like let then participate in different online quran recitation competition to let them read quran from different online quran reciters and along with it we elders should learn quran also and improve our knowledge of quran and Islam and learn holy quran tafseer because to understand and learn quran Arabic and for this now a days there are many online quran tutor available who teach tajweed quran and its translation and tafseer so let us join our hands to be the voice of Islam and let improve the image of it as well and full fill our duty

 

Ignore that which does not concern you

A Sign of Excellence in Islam - Ignore that which doesn't concern you

 

Ignore that which does not concern you
A Sign of Excellence in Islam
by Shaykh Nathim Sultan

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:

“A sign of one’s excellence in his Islam, is ignoring what does not concern him.” (Ahmad, Malik & At-Tirmithi)

The Status of this Hadith
Ibn Rajab said, “This Hadith is a basic and an important source of good behavior in Islam.” Mohammad ibn Zayd, a great scholar of the Maliki Mathhab, said, “Four Hadiths comprise a perfect code of conduct. One of them is, ‘Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger should say that which is useful or keep silent.’ Another Hadith is when the Prophet said to the man who sought his advice, ‘Avoid getting angry.’ A third is the Hadith, ‘The believer loves for his (believing) brother what he loves for himself.’ The fourth is the above Hadith.”

A Sign of Excellence in Islam
A sign of one’s excellence in the religion, is his ignoring what does not concern him, including all things said or done. The Muslim should only participate in what concerns him, such as anything that is his property, right, obligation or under his control. To be concerned with something entails preserving and taking care of this thing that one is allowed to be concerned with.

As for the matters that do not concern one, they are in abundance. Usually, when a person tries to interfere in such matters that do not concern him, the tool frequently used for this is the tongue. Muslims are ordered to utter only good words, for Allah said:

“Not a word he (man) utters, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” [50:18]

Many people ignore the fact that in Islam, words are considered actions. Such people care not to preserve their tongues from uttering evil or nonsense. Mu`ath ibn Jabal did not know the importance of discretion in the words one utters, so he asked the Prophet, “Are we going to be held responsible for what we say?” The Prophet answered, “May your mother lose you! What else will lead people to be dragged in the Fire on their faces, but the result of what they utter with their tongues.” [Irwaa’ al-Ghaleel]

An-Nawawi said in his book, “Riyadh as-Saliheen”, “Know that everyone should only talk about what might lead to benefit. When talking and being silent are equal in benefit, then the Sunnah is to be silent. This is because to be talkative will usually lead to uttering evil, even if it starts with seemingly harmless words. One should always be on the safe side, a state that is indeed desired.” When a person utters only good words, he gains respect in his community. Likewise, if he is talkative and nosy, disrespect and a bad reputation are the result.

This Hadith indicates that ignoring what does not concern one, is a sign of his excellence in the religion. Being successful in working the righteous deeds and gaining an increase in the number of good deeds are all results of this better behavior. The number of sins will also decrease if one protects his tongue from uttering evil. Abu Hurayrah said:

“If you improve your Islam, then every good deed you work will increase (and will be multiplied) by ten folds to seven hundred times in reward. On the other hand, each sin is recorded according to its weight, until one meets Allah, the Exalted One.” [Muslim]

Ignoring What Does Not Concern You
The only way to know right from wrong is through the Islamic Shari`ah (Law). What one wishes and desires do not count in this regard. The Prophet has considered the one who ignores what does not concern him to be an excellent Muslim. Therefore, Islam alone must be consulted to define what does or does not concern a Muslim. Because many Muslims do not depend on the Shari`ah to define what they can or cannot participate in, they sometimes abandon their obligations or what they are supposed to do or say, thinking that this is not of their concern. They sometimes defy the rules of the religion by not advising their Muslim brothers, thinking that this also is not of their concern. Or, they indulge in what does not concern them, thinking that this is their concern. To get out of this confusion, one should always consult the Shari`ah to know what he is supposed to do or say.

Benefits from the Hadith
1 -- This Hadith encourages Muslims to use the time in a manner that brings about their benefit in this life and in the Hereafter.
2 -- Muslims should always be concerned with what is beneficial and constructive, and should avoid what does not bring about benefit and what does not preserve the honor.
3 -- This Hadith also encourages Muslims to strive hard to discipline their behavior, and to reject and abandon sins, dishonor and what brings about disrespect.
4 -- This Hadith also ordains avoiding interfering with other people’s affairs, for unwarranted interference with other people’s business causes divisions and hatred among Muslims.

Now days we as Muslims have to spread the voice to learn quran online and so we could gain the true knowledge and the quran teaching that is give to us by our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and do quran reading. Do we as Muslim ask our self that why we are at the peak of destruction? The answer will be simple that we have left our roots the holy quran we should guide promote Islam from in our homes first and let learn our kids quran  and encourage them in doing quran memorization this should be our first goal for it we can do different stuff like let then participate in different online quran recitation competition to let them read quran from different online quran reciters and along with it we elders should learn quran also and improve our knowledge of quran and Islam and learn holy quran tafseer because to understand and learn quran Arabic and for this now a days there are many online quran tutor available who teach tajweed quran and its translation and tafseer so let us join our hands to be the voice of Islam and let improve the image of it as well and full fill our duty