According to Quran & Sunnah
Allah Almighty tells about the source of lying inside the brain of humans, fourteen hundred years ago. Allah tells us how He will deal with the liars, the lying sinful liars, in surah Al Alaq. (chpater 96).
"Allah will grab him by the (naseyah) [frontal lobe of the brain], the lying sinful (naseyah).
How could anyone have imagined 1,400 years ago, the frontal lobe of the brain was the source of lying, agression and transgression? Yet, this is decribed in Quran as the exact location inside of the human mind for these horrible characteristics.
We can say, without doubt that, lying is one of the most evil characteristics, of which all religions and systems of ethics warn against and which man's innate common sense (Fitrah) agrees that it is wrong. Any who possess normal chivalry and sound reason would be obliged to same the same.
Truthfulness is one of the pillars on which the moral survival of the world depends. It is the foundation of praiseworthy characteristics, the foundation of prophethood, the result of taqwah. Were it not for truthfulness, the rulings of all divinely-revealed laws would collapse. Acquiring the characteristic of lying is akin to shedding one's humanity, because speaking is an exclusively human trait.
(Bareeqah Mahmoodiyyah, Muhammad al-Khaadimi, 3/183)
Our purely monotheistic Shari'ah warns against lying in the Quran and Sunnah, and there is consensus that it is haram. The liar will have bad consequences in this world and in the next.
According to Shari'ah, lying is not permitted except in specific cases which do not lead to loss of rights, bloodshed or slander of people’s honor, etc., but which concern saving lives, reconciling between people, or creating love between husband and wife.
There is a never a day or a moment when Shari'ah permits a person to tell lies or to say whatever he wants based on lies. One of the things that have become widespread among the common people is the so called “April Fool’s Day”, where they claim that the first day of the fourth solar month is a day when lying is permitted without being subject to any shari'ah guidelines.
Many bad things may result from this, some of which we will mention below.
The prohibition of lying.
1. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“It is only those who believe not in the Ayah (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, who fabricate falsehood, and it is they who are liars."
[al-Nahl 16:105]
Ibn Kathir said:
“Then Allah tells us that His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is not a fabricator or a liar, because only the most evil of people who do not believe in the signs of Allah, the kafirs and heretics who are known amongst the people for telling lies, tell lies about Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most truthful of people, the most righteous, the most perfect in knowledge, action, faith and certain belief. He was known amongst his people for his truthfulness; none of them doubted that, to such an extent that he was known amongst them as ‘al-Ameen (the trustworthy) Muhammad.’
So, when Heraclius, the ruler of Rome, asked Abu Sufyan about the characteristics of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), one of the things he asked was, ‘Did you ever accuse him of lying before he said what he said?’ He said, ‘No.’ Heraclius said: ‘If he refrained from telling lies about people he would not go and tell lies about Allah’
(Tafseer Ibn Kathir, 2/588)
2. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 33; Muslim, 59)
al-Nawawi said:
“What the commentators and most of the scholars said – which is correct – is that this means that these characteristics are the characteristics of hypocrisy, and the one who has these characteristics resembles the hypocrites in this sense."
The words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), ‘He is a pure hypocrite’ mean that he strongly resembles the hypocrites because of these characteristics.
Some of the scholars said: this is concerning one in whom these characteristics predominate; one in whom these characteristics rarely appear is not included in this. This is the favored view concerning the meaning of this hadeeth. Imam Abu ‘Eesa al-Tirmidhi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated this meaning from the scholars and said: ‘The meaning of this according to the scholars is hypocrisy in one's actions.’”
(Sharh Muslim, 2/46-47)
The most evil kinds of lies are:
1. Lies told about Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
This is the most serious kind of lie, and the one who does this is subject to a severe warning. Some of the scholars said that the one who does this is to be denounced as a kafir.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: ‘Verily, those who invent a lie against Allah will never be successful’”
[Yunus 10:69]
It was narrated that ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Do not tell lies about me. Whoever tells lies about me, let him enter the Fire.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 106).
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever tells lies about me, let him take his place in Hell.”
(narrated by al-Bukhari, 110; Muslim, 3).
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
“… ‘Whoever tells lies about me, let him take his place in Hell’, i.e., let him take his place in Hell where he will abide and settle; it is not like a manzil or camp where he stays for a while and then moves on.”
(Tareeq al-Hijratayn, p. 169)
Lying also includes lies told about or to other people, such as
2. Lying in buying and selling.
It was narrated from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are three to whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection and He will not look at them or praise them, and they will have a painful torment.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) repeated this three times. Abu Dharr said: “May they be doomed and lost, who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “The one who lets his garment hang below his ankles, the one who reminds others of his favors, and the one who disposes of his goods by swearing a false oath.”
(Narrated by Muslim, 106)
It was narrated that Hakim ibn Hizaam (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘The two parties involved in a transaction have the option [of canceling it] until they part. If they are honest and truthful, their transaction will be blessed for them and if they conceal something and tell lies, the blessing of their transaction will be wiped out.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1973; Muslim, 532)
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymeeyah said:
“Allah has enjoined truthfulness and honesty, and He has forbidden lies and concealment with regard to matters which should be known and revealed to people, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in a hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon: ‘The two parties involved in a transaction have the option [of canceling it] until they part. If they are honest and truthful, their transaction will be blessed for them and if they conceal something and tell lies, the blessing of their transaction will be wiped out.’ And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
‘O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety’
[al-Ma'idah 5:8].”
(Minhaj al-Sunnah, 1/16)
3. The prohibition on lying about visions and dreams
This refers to when some of them claim to have seen such and such in a dream, but they are not telling the truth, then in the morning he starts to tell the people something that he did not see.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever tells of a dream that he did not see will be commanded [on the Day of Resurrection] to tie two grains of barley together, but he will never be able to do it. Whoever eavesdrops on people’s conversation when they dislike that – or they try to get away from him - will have molten copper poured in his ears in the Day of Resurrection. And whoever makes an image will be punished and will be told to breathe life into it, and he will not be able to do so.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 6635)
Al-Manawi said:
“ ‘to tie two grains of barley together, but he will never be able to do it’ – because tying one to the other is not possible ordinarily. He will be punished until he does that, and he will never be able to do it. It is as if he is saying that he will be enjoined to do something that he can never do, and is being punished for it. This is a metaphor for continuous punishment… The reason why barley (sha’eer) is mentioned specifically is because dreams are connected to feelings (shu’oor); the words sha’eer (barley) and shu’oor (feelings) come from the same root in Arabic.
The punishment for that is so severe – even though lies when awake may cause more damage, because they may involve testimony that may lead to execution or a hadd punishment – because lying about a dream is a lie about Allah, may He be exalted, for dreams are a part of Prophethood, so they come from Him, and lying about the Creator is worse than lying about created beings.
(Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/99)
4. The prohibition of speaking about everything that one hears
It was narrated that Hafsa ibn ‘Aasim said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘It is sufficient lying for a man to speak of everything that he hears.’”
(Narrated by Muslim, 5)
With regard to the meanings of the hadeeth and reports on this topic, they discourage speaking about everything that one hears. For usually a person will hear both true things and lies, so if he were to speak of everything that he hears, he would be lying, by telling of something that did not happen. We have stated above the view of the people of truth: that lying means telling of something in a manner other than the way it happened. It is not conditional upon it being done deliberately, but its being done deliberately is a condition of it being a sin. And Allah knows best.”
(Sharh Muslim, 1/75)
5. Lying in jest
Some people think that it is permissible to tell lies if it is in jest. This is the excuse that they use for telling lies on April 1st or on other days. This is wrong. There is no basis for this in the pure Shari'ah. Lying is haram. whether the one who does it is joking or is serious.
Lying in jest is haram. just like other kinds of lies.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘I joke, but I speak nothing but the truth.’”
(narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer, 12/391)
This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Haythami in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 8/89, and classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allah have mercy on him) in Saheeh al-Jami, 2494)
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, you joke with us.’ He said, ‘But I only speak the truth.’”
(narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1990)
Abu ‘Eesa said: this is a saheeh hasan hadeeth.
A similar hadeeth was narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Awsat (8/305) and classed as hasan by al-Haythami in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 9/17
‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Laylaa said: the companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that they were traveling with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). A man among them fell asleep and some of them went and took his arrows. When the man woke up, he got alarmed (because his arrows were missing) and the people laughed. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “What are you laughing at?” They said, “Nothing, except that we took the arrows and he got alarmed.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “It is not permissible for a Muslim to frighten another Muslim.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5004; Ahmad, 22555 – this version narrated by Ahmad).
This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jami’, 7658)
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Sa'ib ibn Yazeed from his father from his grandfather that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be
This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jami’, 7658)
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Sa'ib ibn Yazeed from his father from his grandfather that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “None of you should take the belongings of his brother, whether in jest or otherwise. Whoever has taken the stick of his brother, let him return it.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5003; al-Tirmidhi, 2160 in brief)
The hadeeth was classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jami’, 7578
6. Lying when playing with children
We must beware of lying when playing with children, because that will be written down (in the record of deeds of) the one who that. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warned against doing that. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “My mother called me one day when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was sitting in our house. She said, ‘Come here, and I will give you (something).’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘What do you want to give him?’ She said, ‘I will give him a date.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘If you had not given him something, you would have been lying.’”
And it was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever says to a child, ‘Come here and take this,’ then does not give him something, this is counted as a lie.’”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4991)
This hadeeth was classed as hasan by Shaykh al-‘Albaani in Saheeh al-Jami’, 1319.
7. Lying to make people laugh
It was narrated that Mu’aawiyah ibn Haydah said: “I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: ‘Woe to the one who talks to make the people laugh and tells lies, woe to him, woe to him.’”
(narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 235. He said: this is a hasan hadeeth. Also narrated by Abu Dawood, 4990).
The punishment for lying:
The liar is warned of destructive punishment in this world, and humiliating punishment in the Hereafter. These include:
1. Hypocrisy in the heart.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies
[al-Tawbah 9:77]
‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: “You may know the hypocrite by three things: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust.”. He said: “Recite this ayah (interpretation of the meaning):
‘And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): “If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily, give Sadaqah (Zakaah and voluntary charity in Allah's Cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous.”
Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakaah or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.
So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies
[al-Tawbah 9:75-77].”
(Musanaaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 6/125)
2. Guidance to evildoing and to the Fire
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Truthfulness is righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A person will continue to tell the truth until he is written with Allah as one who tells the truth. Lying is evildoing, and evildoing leads to Hell. A person will keep on telling lies until he is written as a liar.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5743; Muslim, 2607)
al-San’aani said:
This hadeeth indicates that whoever continues to speak the truth, it will become a feature of his, and whoever deliberately tells lies and persists in it, it will become a feature of his. This is the same as any other good or evil characteristic, if a person persists in it, it becomes a feature of his.
This hadeeth indicates how serious the matter of telling the truth is, and that it may lead a person to Paradise, and it indicates how ugly lying is and how it may lead a person to Hell. This is in addition to the consequences in this world, for the one who tells the truth will have his words accepted by people, and his testimony will be accepted by judges and he will be liked for what he says, whereas for the liar the opposite will be the case.
Subul al-Salaam, 2/687
3. His testimony will be rejected
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
[The reason why the testimony of the liar is rejected]
The strongest reason why testimonies, Fatwas and reports may be rejected is lying, because it corrupts the very essence of the testimony, Fatwa or report. It is like the testimony of a blind man concerning sighting the new moon, or the testimony of a deaf man concerning having heard the admission of someone. The lying tongue is like some faculty that is no longer working, indeed it is even worse than that, for the most evil thing a man may possess is a lying tongue.
A’laam al-Muwaqqi’een, 1/95
4. Blackening of the face in this world and in the Hereafter
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And on the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied against Allah (i.e. attributed to Him sons, partners) their faces will be black" [al-Zumar 39:60]
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
Hence on the Day of Resurrection Allah will make blackened faces the sign of the one who told lies about Him and His Messenger. Lying has a great effect in blackening the face and covering it with a mask of shame which every truthful person will be able to see. The feature of the liar is clearly visible in the face, and everyone who has the eyes to see can see it. But Allah will bless the truthful person with dignity and respect, so whoever sees him will respect him and love him, and He will give the liar humiliation and shame, so whoever sees him will loathe him and despise him. And Allah is the Source of strength.
A’laam al-Muwaqqi’een, 1/95
5. The liar will have the flesh of his cheeks torn to the back of his head
It was narrated that Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) often used to say to his companions, ‘Has anyone among you seen a dream?’ Then whoever Allah willed would tell of his dream. One day he said to us, ‘Two (angels) came to me last night and woke me up, then they said to me, ‘Let’s go!’… so we set out and came to a man who was lying flat on his back and another man standing over his head with an
iron hook, and behold, he would put the hook in one side of the man's mouth and tear off that side of his face to the back (of the neck) and similarly tear his nose from front to back and his eye from front to back. Then he turned to the other side of the man's face and did just as he had done with the other side. Hardly had he completed this side when the first side was restored to its normal state. Then he went back and did that all over again. I said to my two companions, 'Subhaan Allah! Who are these two persons?' They said to me, ‘Move on, move on!' (Then he said, describing how the two angels explained the things that he had seen): ‘As for the man you came across, the sides of whose mouth, nostrils and eyes were being torn off from front to back, he is the symbol of the man who goes out of his house in the morning and tells so many lies that it spreads all over the world.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5745)
The comments of the Salaf on lying:
1. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: “A man may speak the truth and persist in doing so until there is in his heart not even room for evil the size of a needle. Or a man may tell lies and persist in doing so until there is in his heart not even room for truth the size of a needle.
2. And it was narrated that he said: “It is not correct to tell lies whether in jest or in seriousness,” then ‘Abd-Allaah recited the ayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)”
[al-Tawbah 9:119]
3. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq said: “Beware of lying, for it has nothing to do with faith.”
4. It was narrated that Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas said: “The believer may acquire all sorts of characteristics except treachery and lying.”
5. It was narrated that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “True faith is not achieved until one gives up lying in jest.”
(Musanaaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 5/235, 236)
Permissible kinds of lies
Lying is permissible in three cases: war; reconciling between two disputing parties; and a husband lying to his wife or vice versa for the sake of love and harmony.
It was narrated from Umm Kalthum Bint ‘Uqbah that she heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “He is not a liar who reconciles between people and narrates something good or says something good.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 2546; Muslim, 2605)
It was narrated that Asma’ Bint Yazeed said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘It is not permissible to tell lies except in three (cases): when a man speaks to his wife in a way to please her; lying in war; and lying in order to reconcile between people.’”
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1939)
This hadeeth was classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jami’, 7723
Showing posts with label quran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quran. Show all posts
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The creation of mankind
"O Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13).
There are several principles, which this verse presents:
1. This message is not just for Muslims only because God is addressing all of humanity. While Muslims are one brotherhood, this is part of a larger brotherhood of humanity.
2. God is telling us that He has created us. Therefore He knows the best about us.
3. He says that He created us from one man and one woman meaning then that we are all the same.
4. It also means that all human beings are created through the same process, not in a manner in which some are created with a better mechanism than others.
5. God is the One who made human beings into different groups and people.
6. These differences are not wrong, rather a sign from God ("And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for those who know" [Quran 30:22]).
7. Note that no word equivalent to race is used in this ayah or any other verse of the Quran.
8. Islam, however, limits the purpose of these distinctions to differentiation and knowing each other. This is not meant to be a source of beating each other down with an attitude of ‘my group is better than your group' or false pride as is the case with tribalism, nationalism, colonialism, and racism.
9. The only source of preference or greatness among human beings is not on a national or group level, but it is at the individual level.
10. One individual who is (higher in Taqwa), more conscious of his Creator and is staying away from the bad and doing the good is better, no matter what nation, country or caste he is part of. Individual piety is the only thing that makes a person better and greater than the other one.
11. However, the only criterion of preference, Taqwa, is not measurable by human beings. Indeed God is the One Who knows and is aware of everything so we should leave even this criterion to God to decide instead of human beings judging each other.
These are the deeply embedded ideals of Islam which still bring people to this way of life even though Muslims are not on the best level of Iman today. This is what changed the heart of a racist Malcolm X when he performed Hajj in Makkah. This is the power that brought Muhammad Ali to Islam. This is what still attracts the Untouchables of India towards Islam. This is the theory which convinced noted historian Professor A.J. Toynbee in 1948 to say that: "The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue."
Let's ask ourselves if the Muslim Ummah today, in its individual and collective behavior is striving to adopt and promote these Islamic ideals?
--
"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)[Sahih Muslim]
There are several principles, which this verse presents:
1. This message is not just for Muslims only because God is addressing all of humanity. While Muslims are one brotherhood, this is part of a larger brotherhood of humanity.
2. God is telling us that He has created us. Therefore He knows the best about us.
3. He says that He created us from one man and one woman meaning then that we are all the same.
4. It also means that all human beings are created through the same process, not in a manner in which some are created with a better mechanism than others.
5. God is the One who made human beings into different groups and people.
6. These differences are not wrong, rather a sign from God ("And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for those who know" [Quran 30:22]).
7. Note that no word equivalent to race is used in this ayah or any other verse of the Quran.
8. Islam, however, limits the purpose of these distinctions to differentiation and knowing each other. This is not meant to be a source of beating each other down with an attitude of ‘my group is better than your group' or false pride as is the case with tribalism, nationalism, colonialism, and racism.
9. The only source of preference or greatness among human beings is not on a national or group level, but it is at the individual level.
10. One individual who is (higher in Taqwa), more conscious of his Creator and is staying away from the bad and doing the good is better, no matter what nation, country or caste he is part of. Individual piety is the only thing that makes a person better and greater than the other one.
11. However, the only criterion of preference, Taqwa, is not measurable by human beings. Indeed God is the One Who knows and is aware of everything so we should leave even this criterion to God to decide instead of human beings judging each other.
These are the deeply embedded ideals of Islam which still bring people to this way of life even though Muslims are not on the best level of Iman today. This is what changed the heart of a racist Malcolm X when he performed Hajj in Makkah. This is the power that brought Muhammad Ali to Islam. This is what still attracts the Untouchables of India towards Islam. This is the theory which convinced noted historian Professor A.J. Toynbee in 1948 to say that: "The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue."
Let's ask ourselves if the Muslim Ummah today, in its individual and collective behavior is striving to adopt and promote these Islamic ideals?
--
"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)[Sahih Muslim]
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Health Guidelines from Qur'an And Sunnah
The Qur'an is not a book of medicine or of health sciences, but in it there are hints which lead to guidelines in health and diseases. Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has been sent as an example to mankind so his traditions in matters of health and personal hygiene are also a guide for his followers.
We start our discussion with the following verse: "Everything good that happens to you (O Man) is from God, everything bad that happens to you is from your own actions". (Qur'an 4:79).
The human body can be compared to some degree with a machine created by man. The fascinating tape recorder has many mechanical and electronic parts but life does not come to it till an electrical current is passed through.
Similarly, in the components of the human body there are the anatomic parts and fluids but also the spirit (the soul). As the care of a machine requires keeping it clean, giving it some rest, and passing electricity of proper voltage, and using it carefully and wisely, so are there requirements for the body and of the body as a whole.
Before we come to the physical care of human body, let us talk about the spiritual care. The spiritual care involves the acts of worship. The problem is that Iman (faith) cannot be translated into belief, nor Salaat into prayer, Nor Wudu into washing hands, face and feet nor; Sawm into fasting nor Zakat into charity nor Hajj into pilgrimage to Mecca.
A. Iman:
Belief in God is the first and foremost important need for spiritual stability. Belief in God includes belief in His attributes, His angels, His books, the Day of Judgment, the Heaven and Hell and belief that - all good and bad is within His reach.
Imam Rumi has called faith being superior to prayers. In illness, according to Imam Ghazali, the awareness of God increases and man becomes closer to God by realizing his own weakness.
Without true belief, neither our prayer, nor charity, nor fasting nor pilgrimage will be accepted. The essence of belief is to rid ourselves of all false gods around us, or within us, and to worship no one except God alone.
B. Salat: There are three health aspects of Salat:
I. Wudu: Washing all the exposed areas of the body, hand, feet, face, mouth, nostrils etc. 5 times a day is a healthy preventive procedure. Hand washing is being emphasized more and more in hospitals now in order to prevent the spread of germs. However, non-Muslims did not know that handwashing is so important - it has been ordered in Qur'an (5:7) 1400 years ago. And for complete cleanliness bathing is advised (4:43).
2. Recitation of Qur'an:
This has a healing effect on the body, mind and heart. These healing effects are due to the effect of sound (echo) and the meaning. The letter Alif resounds unto the echoes to heart and the letter YA resounds unto echoes to the pineal gland in the brain.
The movements in Salat are mild, uniform, and involve all muscles and joints. The caloric output is desired to keep the energy balance.
C. Zakat (Charity):
The word itself means purification and growth. Here it is meant to imply the purification of legitimately earned wealth. Many of our crimes are committed with money or for the love of money, and in the love of money one becomes violent in behavior. "And he is violent in his love of wealth" (Qur'an 100:8).
In Islam the ownership of wealth belongs to God. We are the disposers of that trust. Therefore, this concept establishes peace at heart and our behavior in the loss of money or unusual gain. In either way, we thank God.
D. Sawm:
The Islamic fasting: Islamic fasting is prescribed as way training of our mind and body in self-restraints. "O you who believe fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you can learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183).
Therefore, during the period of fast one may not only get rid of nibbling food, coffee, smoking but also of anger and excessive sexual passion. In fact, the fast not only gives rest to the stomach but also stabilizes the secretion of hormones which control our behavior.
E. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah):
The moral is Prophet lbrahim 's submission and absolute surrender to God's will, the opportunity for repentance, and the social and political gathering of the Ummah depicting brotherhood and equality.
However, this can be used for programming and testing us for physical endurance, a requirement for all able men and women. The long walks, the heat, the sun, the thirst, the physical exercise, etc. is to remind us of the Day of Judgment.
We should perform Hajj when we are young and physically well rather than wait for old age. We should keep ourselves in good shape before and after the Hajj. After describing the pillars of faith as a basis for the spiritual health, let us talk about the maintenance of the physical structure in which the spirit resides.
(A) Nutrition:
Allah loves His creations so much that He is concerned even with what we eat and put in our body.
Our muscles, bones, lungs, liver, brain and secretions are made from the raw product we feed it. If we provide the factory with junk raw products, the factory will not produce tough bones, strong muscles, good pump (heart) and clean pipes (vessels). "O mankind: Eat of what is lawful and good on earth" (Qur'an 2: 168).
Forbidden to us are dead meat, blood and flesh of swine (see Qur'an 5:3) and intoxicants (Qur'an 5:91, 92, and 2:219).
The blood and meat of the dead could be full of germs and other harmful elements like antibodies. Pork meat is high in cholesterol, salt and may have worms, and alcohol and other intoxicants that cloud our inhibition and interfere with our normal capacity of judging good and bad.
Therefore, a person under the influence of alcohol may want to take off his dress, engage in unlawful sexual acts, become violent and abusive without even knowing what he is doing. On medical damages due to alcohol, whole books have been written.
The second component in nutrition (after permission of the lawful and probation of the unlawful) is the moderation in the lawful.
Obesity is a major American tragedy, a form of malnutrition, affecting millions of people, of all age. Ninety-nine percent of obesity is due to overeating. Allah advises as to be moderate in quantity. "But waste not by excess for God loves not the wasters" (Qur'an 7:31).
Certain types of food i.e. fruits are especially emphasized in Qur'an (36:57, 43:73, 16:67) "And from the fruits of date palm and grapes you get wholesome drink and nutrition: Behold in this is a sign for those who are wise" (Qur'an 16:67).
Fruits are low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and fiber and sugar is fructose and not sucrose. In a recent study by Dr. Anderson fructose has been shown to cause no rise in blood sugar and even lowers the high blood sugar of diabetics. Honey is fructose.
(B) Cleanliness:
Allah is pure and likes purity. He is clean and likes cleanliness. Therefore, cleanliness of body and mind is stressed in Qur'an (4:43). Miswak (brushing teeth) is not a new invention of last 200 years. This was stressed as part of our daily routine by Prophet Mohammed.
He also advised us on flossing (Takhlil) as is now being advised by all the dentist. In fact, he is known to have said that if it was not a hardship for Muslims, he would have advised using Miswak before each prayer i.e. five times a day.
Cleanliness of our mind is prerequisite for total cleanliness (body and mind).
(C) The Value of exercise in maintaining health
Though we do not find much in Qur'an about specific exercise, recommendation, the Prophet's life was full of recommendations.
He, himself used to walk at a fast pace, even race with his wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her).
Most importantly, he used to work with his hands whether at home, in the kitchen, or with his companions collecting wood for fire, fighting during wars etc.
It is a pity that Muslim men and women have become sedentary and, because of the excessive consumption of starches, obesity has crept into them. We should keep ourselves fit to go for Jihad and feel healthy in peacetime.
The State of disease
Many of the common chronic illnesses (i.e. coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, obesity and depression) also have a common man-made etiology, that is rich food, too much food, too much salt, too much sugar, smoking, stress and alcoholism.
If we give up excessive salt, sugar and cholesterol from our diet, and do not drink and smoke, and stay active, it is possible that the pump (the heart) won't be rusted from inside.
What should a Muslim do when disease is confirmed?
A. Accept it as a will of God as Kaffara (expiation) for his sin, and ask him to remove the affliction. "And if God touches thee with affliction, none can remove it but He: if He touches thee with happiness He has power over all things." (Qur'an 6:17).
B. Many Muslims won't seek early medical attention, contrary to the Prophet's practice and teaching. In Christianity there is a sect believing in faith healing who have let their members die rather than go to the physician.
Usamah Bin Shareek (may Allah be pleased with him) reports: "I was with the Prophet and some Arabs came to him asking "O Messenger of Allah, do we take medicine for any disease." He said, "Yes, O you servants of Allah! Take medicine as Allah has not created a disease without creating a cure except for one. They asked which one, he replied old age'.
C. Increase your knowledge of health and disease, of medications and side effects. This knowledge is not the monopoly of doctors. You can have it and use it in preventing the illness, recognizing it early when symptoms appear, seeking early medical attention, then monitoring the course of the disease, implementing the treatment (i.e. knowledge of diet for diabetics) and recognizing side effects of the medicine.
In summary, our healthy bodies is a gift from God. We are the trustees. We should not misuse it, nor provide wrong raw products for the factory and we should keep superb maintenance of this delicate and sensitive machine, in order to enjoy it. It is the container of our soul.
We start our discussion with the following verse: "Everything good that happens to you (O Man) is from God, everything bad that happens to you is from your own actions". (Qur'an 4:79).
The human body can be compared to some degree with a machine created by man. The fascinating tape recorder has many mechanical and electronic parts but life does not come to it till an electrical current is passed through.
Similarly, in the components of the human body there are the anatomic parts and fluids but also the spirit (the soul). As the care of a machine requires keeping it clean, giving it some rest, and passing electricity of proper voltage, and using it carefully and wisely, so are there requirements for the body and of the body as a whole.
Before we come to the physical care of human body, let us talk about the spiritual care. The spiritual care involves the acts of worship. The problem is that Iman (faith) cannot be translated into belief, nor Salaat into prayer, Nor Wudu into washing hands, face and feet nor; Sawm into fasting nor Zakat into charity nor Hajj into pilgrimage to Mecca.
A. Iman:
Belief in God is the first and foremost important need for spiritual stability. Belief in God includes belief in His attributes, His angels, His books, the Day of Judgment, the Heaven and Hell and belief that - all good and bad is within His reach.
Imam Rumi has called faith being superior to prayers. In illness, according to Imam Ghazali, the awareness of God increases and man becomes closer to God by realizing his own weakness.
Without true belief, neither our prayer, nor charity, nor fasting nor pilgrimage will be accepted. The essence of belief is to rid ourselves of all false gods around us, or within us, and to worship no one except God alone.
B. Salat: There are three health aspects of Salat:
I. Wudu: Washing all the exposed areas of the body, hand, feet, face, mouth, nostrils etc. 5 times a day is a healthy preventive procedure. Hand washing is being emphasized more and more in hospitals now in order to prevent the spread of germs. However, non-Muslims did not know that handwashing is so important - it has been ordered in Qur'an (5:7) 1400 years ago. And for complete cleanliness bathing is advised (4:43).
2. Recitation of Qur'an:
This has a healing effect on the body, mind and heart. These healing effects are due to the effect of sound (echo) and the meaning. The letter Alif resounds unto the echoes to heart and the letter YA resounds unto echoes to the pineal gland in the brain.
The movements in Salat are mild, uniform, and involve all muscles and joints. The caloric output is desired to keep the energy balance.
C. Zakat (Charity):
The word itself means purification and growth. Here it is meant to imply the purification of legitimately earned wealth. Many of our crimes are committed with money or for the love of money, and in the love of money one becomes violent in behavior. "And he is violent in his love of wealth" (Qur'an 100:8).
In Islam the ownership of wealth belongs to God. We are the disposers of that trust. Therefore, this concept establishes peace at heart and our behavior in the loss of money or unusual gain. In either way, we thank God.
D. Sawm:
The Islamic fasting: Islamic fasting is prescribed as way training of our mind and body in self-restraints. "O you who believe fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you can learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183).
Therefore, during the period of fast one may not only get rid of nibbling food, coffee, smoking but also of anger and excessive sexual passion. In fact, the fast not only gives rest to the stomach but also stabilizes the secretion of hormones which control our behavior.
E. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah):
The moral is Prophet lbrahim 's submission and absolute surrender to God's will, the opportunity for repentance, and the social and political gathering of the Ummah depicting brotherhood and equality.
However, this can be used for programming and testing us for physical endurance, a requirement for all able men and women. The long walks, the heat, the sun, the thirst, the physical exercise, etc. is to remind us of the Day of Judgment.
We should perform Hajj when we are young and physically well rather than wait for old age. We should keep ourselves in good shape before and after the Hajj. After describing the pillars of faith as a basis for the spiritual health, let us talk about the maintenance of the physical structure in which the spirit resides.
(A) Nutrition:
Allah loves His creations so much that He is concerned even with what we eat and put in our body.
Our muscles, bones, lungs, liver, brain and secretions are made from the raw product we feed it. If we provide the factory with junk raw products, the factory will not produce tough bones, strong muscles, good pump (heart) and clean pipes (vessels). "O mankind: Eat of what is lawful and good on earth" (Qur'an 2: 168).
Forbidden to us are dead meat, blood and flesh of swine (see Qur'an 5:3) and intoxicants (Qur'an 5:91, 92, and 2:219).
The blood and meat of the dead could be full of germs and other harmful elements like antibodies. Pork meat is high in cholesterol, salt and may have worms, and alcohol and other intoxicants that cloud our inhibition and interfere with our normal capacity of judging good and bad.
Therefore, a person under the influence of alcohol may want to take off his dress, engage in unlawful sexual acts, become violent and abusive without even knowing what he is doing. On medical damages due to alcohol, whole books have been written.
The second component in nutrition (after permission of the lawful and probation of the unlawful) is the moderation in the lawful.
Obesity is a major American tragedy, a form of malnutrition, affecting millions of people, of all age. Ninety-nine percent of obesity is due to overeating. Allah advises as to be moderate in quantity. "But waste not by excess for God loves not the wasters" (Qur'an 7:31).
Certain types of food i.e. fruits are especially emphasized in Qur'an (36:57, 43:73, 16:67) "And from the fruits of date palm and grapes you get wholesome drink and nutrition: Behold in this is a sign for those who are wise" (Qur'an 16:67).
Fruits are low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and fiber and sugar is fructose and not sucrose. In a recent study by Dr. Anderson fructose has been shown to cause no rise in blood sugar and even lowers the high blood sugar of diabetics. Honey is fructose.
(B) Cleanliness:
Allah is pure and likes purity. He is clean and likes cleanliness. Therefore, cleanliness of body and mind is stressed in Qur'an (4:43). Miswak (brushing teeth) is not a new invention of last 200 years. This was stressed as part of our daily routine by Prophet Mohammed.
He also advised us on flossing (Takhlil) as is now being advised by all the dentist. In fact, he is known to have said that if it was not a hardship for Muslims, he would have advised using Miswak before each prayer i.e. five times a day.
Cleanliness of our mind is prerequisite for total cleanliness (body and mind).
(C) The Value of exercise in maintaining health
Though we do not find much in Qur'an about specific exercise, recommendation, the Prophet's life was full of recommendations.
He, himself used to walk at a fast pace, even race with his wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her).
Most importantly, he used to work with his hands whether at home, in the kitchen, or with his companions collecting wood for fire, fighting during wars etc.
It is a pity that Muslim men and women have become sedentary and, because of the excessive consumption of starches, obesity has crept into them. We should keep ourselves fit to go for Jihad and feel healthy in peacetime.
The State of disease
Many of the common chronic illnesses (i.e. coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, obesity and depression) also have a common man-made etiology, that is rich food, too much food, too much salt, too much sugar, smoking, stress and alcoholism.
If we give up excessive salt, sugar and cholesterol from our diet, and do not drink and smoke, and stay active, it is possible that the pump (the heart) won't be rusted from inside.
What should a Muslim do when disease is confirmed?
A. Accept it as a will of God as Kaffara (expiation) for his sin, and ask him to remove the affliction. "And if God touches thee with affliction, none can remove it but He: if He touches thee with happiness He has power over all things." (Qur'an 6:17).
B. Many Muslims won't seek early medical attention, contrary to the Prophet's practice and teaching. In Christianity there is a sect believing in faith healing who have let their members die rather than go to the physician.
Usamah Bin Shareek (may Allah be pleased with him) reports: "I was with the Prophet and some Arabs came to him asking "O Messenger of Allah, do we take medicine for any disease." He said, "Yes, O you servants of Allah! Take medicine as Allah has not created a disease without creating a cure except for one. They asked which one, he replied old age'.
C. Increase your knowledge of health and disease, of medications and side effects. This knowledge is not the monopoly of doctors. You can have it and use it in preventing the illness, recognizing it early when symptoms appear, seeking early medical attention, then monitoring the course of the disease, implementing the treatment (i.e. knowledge of diet for diabetics) and recognizing side effects of the medicine.
In summary, our healthy bodies is a gift from God. We are the trustees. We should not misuse it, nor provide wrong raw products for the factory and we should keep superb maintenance of this delicate and sensitive machine, in order to enjoy it. It is the container of our soul.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thats why I love...
Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the character of Muhammad, peace be upon him, says in 'Young India':
"I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind... I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid ... Read more simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life."
"I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind... I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid ... Read more simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Muslim with 7 years old son commiting suicide
HIS wife was expecting him to buy biryani for lunch after he had fetched their son from school.
TRAGIC: Investigators looking at the father's body. --TNP PICTURES: FRANCIS LEE
Instead, the unexpected happened. Her husband, 35, and their only child, 7, fell to their deaths from the 24th floor of Block 287 in Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 at 1.55pm yesterday.
Witnesses said the boy, Faheem Mohamed Farook, fell first, followed by his father, Mr Mohamed Farook Ali Akbar.
Pooja Punniyamoorthy, 11, was changing out of her school uniform when she saw a figure falling from the upper levels of her housing block.
Moments later, the Primary 5 pupil saw another figure plunging.
Speaking to The New Paper outside her third-floor flat, Pooja said: 'At first, I thought the figures were black plastic bags that were thrown down.
'But I heard loud thuds and when I came out of my flat, I saw two bodies on the concrete ground.'
Mrs Alice Ng, 54, a housewife who lives on the eighth floor of Block 271, which faces Block 287, said: 'I was doing my laundry when I saw policemen talking to the man. The cops appeared to be trying to calm the man down.
'I thought a TV station was filming a show so I returned to my chore. Seconds later, I heard a loud thud and I realised it was a real tragedy.'
Others thought it was an object being thrown down, until they heard loud thuds.
It is believed that Mr Mohd Farook threw his son down before taking his own life.
Family friend Bakar Ismail, 62, who runs a butcher shop in the neighbourhood, told The New Paper that Mr Mohd Farook had taken leave from work yesterday to see his son's form teacher.
Mr Bakar said he heard from the wife that the son's teacher tore his shirt to punish him for quarrelling with a classmate.
He said: 'Her husband wanted to settle the matter with the teacher before going for prayers in the mosque.'
The boy is said to be studying in a government primary school in the area.
The family came here from India in 2000 and became permanent residents, said Mr Bakar.
He added that the wife is a homemaker and Mr Mohd Farook worked in a hospital lab.
'He told his wife not to cook lunch. He would buy biryani after prayers in the mosque.'
No answer
But at 2.30pm, when Mr Mohd Farook did not answer his handphone, she began panicking, said Mr Bakar.
She went round the neighbourhood shops looking for her husband and son. When she saw their bodies at the foot of Block 287, she broke down, said Mr Bakar.
'The police were already there and the bodies were covered with white sheets.
'She wanted to have a closer look at the bodies but the police stopped her.'
Another resident, Mr Mohd Sham, 56, a security officer, said: 'The wife shouted the names of her husband and son as she walked towards the scene.'
A police car then drove her to a station where she spent the rest of the day giving her statement.
The New Paper understands that the dead man's younger brother, who also works in Singapore, gave a police statement yesterday.
At 5.30pm, undertakers arrived to take the bodies away. Mr Bakar said Mr Mohd Farook had told his wife last week that he would transfer all his properties in India to her.
Madam Saminah, 52, a retired teacher who lives on the fifth floor in Block 287, said she heard a woman crying but did not think something was amiss.
She said: 'My daughter heard a thud while she was bathing. She then made her way to the community library.
'After she went downstairs, she called me, saying two persons fell to their deaths.'
The family was known in the neighbourhood.
A barber who asked to be known as Sam said Mr Mohd Farook was a happy-go-lucky man.
Sam, 52, said: 'I last saw him two weeks ago when he asked me to cut his hair.'
A police spokesman told The New Paper that father and son were pronounced dead by paramedics at 2.15pm.
Due to the economical crisis, alot of ppl are facing a lot of stress..with loans to pay and housing expenses and water and electricity expenses, these drive ppl to the edge. As a member of a society and a muslim, we MUST extend help to PPL who are in need of our help. We all have to answer to ALLAH(SWT) one day for all the deeds that we do.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
It takes years to know why Allah prohibits Pork. (proven)
" Forbidden to you for (food) are: dead meat,
blood and the flesh of the swine and that
which hath been invoked the name other than
Allah. " ( Holy Qur'an 5:4 )
Such prohibition is also found in the Bible:
" The pig also because it is a splitter of the
hoof but there is no cud. It is unclean for
you. None of their flesh must you eat and carcass
you must not touch. "
Deuteronomy 14:8 ( Bible)
Islam ( an Arabic word which means submission to the will
of the Almighty God) has laid down the foundation for the best
approach in keeping good health. In the Holy Qur'an (The Last
Testament ) God exhorts the believers to select the best food and
to stay away from any harmful food to maintain good health:
" Let him find out which is the best food
( to be had ) ... Eat of the best foods We
have provided for you . "
( Holy Qur'an 18:19;7:160 )
The main purpose of a True Religion must be to build an ideal
community in this world ; a religion that promotes moral,
political and economic well;social harmony and peace, as well as
good health of its believers or followers.
Health means the physical and mental well-being and freedom
from diseases and pain.There are several passages in the Bible,
articulating that because of sin ( a transgression of the law of
God) God afflicted human beings with maladies (Ps.103:3;Exodus
15:26 and Psalms 107:16-20).Islamic instructions and teachings
espousing health consciousness have scriptural and scientific
support
MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE PROHIBITION
Abstention from eating pork is a measure to safeguard
health.Of all the domestic animals, pig is the most
avaricious, eating anything including human excreta. It is the
cradle of harmful germs and parasites. Its meat is carrier of
diseases to man, thus making it unfit for human consumption.
CHARACTER OF PIG
All types of animals are lawful to be eaten whether those
living on land or in the water except those animals specifically
forbidden in the Holy Writings revealed by the Almighty Creator
and the sayings of the Prophet with clear and well defined
injunctions.
Pig belong to the forbidden animals, and not allowed to be
eaten by the believers. Pig eats almost anything dirty and they
are very lazy animals. It is the most avaricious of all domestic
animals. Amongst all animals, pig is the cradle of harmful germs.
It's meat serves as carrier of diseases to mankind. It is this
very reason that made it unfit for human consumption consumption.
DISEASES CAUSED BY PORK
The following lists show germs or parasites that are found
in pork and some diseases caused by them. Many of these
diseases are contagious while some are proven fatal.This proves
that the more science advances the more Islam is shown correct
as a religion of God.
PARASITIC DISEASES
a) TRICHINELLA SPIRATIS ( Trichina worms )
It is the most dangerous parasite to man ( Rheumatism and
muscular pain). The infected persons shown no symptoms, recover
very slowly some die, some reduced to permanent invalids. No one
is immune from this disease and there is no cure.
b) TAENIA SOLIUM ( Pork tape worm )
The worm causes malnourishment of the person leading
to anemia, diarrhea, extreme depression melancholia and
digestive disturbances. Cysticercosis means that larva enter
the blood stream then settle down in one or more of the vital
organs of the body, for example: brain, liver, lungs or spinal
cord. They grow and encapsulate, inducing pressure to the
system around, resulting in dangerous diseases (diarrhea,
digestive disorder, anemia, chronic invalidation).
c) ROUND WORMS
Examples: Ascaris, which may lead to digestive
disturbances, appendicitis, obstructive jaundice.
d) HOOK WORMS
Examples:Ancylostomiasis, which may lead to
anaemia, oedema, heart failure or retarded growth ( mental and
physical), tuberculosis, diarrhoea and typhoid.
e) SCHITOSOMA JAPONICUM
Bleeding, anemia and other syndromes. If ova are settled in the
brain or spinal cord, paralysis and death may occur.
f) PARAGOMINES WESTERMAINI
Infestation leading to bleeding of the lungs ( endenve haemoptysis)
g) PACIOLEPSIS BUSKI
Digestive disturbances leading to persistent diarrhea;
generalized oedema.
h) CLONORCHIS SINENSIS
chlonorchiasis-obstructive jaundice, liver enlargement.
i) METASTRONGYLUS APRI
Causes bronchitis, abscess of the lungs.
j) GIGANTHORINCHUS GIGAS
Cause anaemia and digestive disorders.
k) BALATITIDIUM COLI
Causes acute dysentery and general weakness.
BACTERIAL DISEASES
1. Tuberculosis
2. Fusiformis necrofurus: causing foot-rot which is very
difficult to heal.
3. Salmonella Cholera suis: causing cholera
4. Paratyphoid
5. Bruceellosis: Acute, sub acute and chronic. It may lead
to permanent disabilities.
6. Swine Erysipelas: causing Erypelas in man.
Viral Diseases
1. Small pox: is was a source of infection to man.
2. Japanese B-encepphalitis: It is the source of infection
3. Influenza, foot mouth disease, gas tro-enteritis of the
new born babies.
Protozoal Diseases :
Toxo plasma goundii- It is a very dangerous disease.
A new born baby of an infected woman may die within few days or weeks after delivery. But if he survives, he may develop blindness or deafness.In adult chronic exhaustive fever with enlarged liver and spleen may occur. Pneumonia, or
celebro- spinal meninggitis which may lead to death or madness.
The patient may become blind and deaf too.
Fats In Pigs:
Pork contains more fats than other meats.
Therefore, people who are fond of pork are more obese than
others. Cholesterol is higher in their blood thus making them
more prone to asthereosclerosis cardiovascular accidents and
sudden death.
Other Diseases :
Flesh of the pork is hard to digest and may lead to chronic digestive disturbances. Pimples, boils, cysts are common in pork eaters. These are some of the parasites and diseases found in pork and/ or the skin of pigs and certainly there are many more. There is still no means of killing these
parasites, in the tissues, neither has anyone found a method of
expelling them, even produced any specific treatment for the
diseases.
BIBLICAL ASPECT OF THE PROHIBITION
Old Testament
The Jews and the different christian sects and denominations
believe in the Old Testament. Adherents of other religions
alleged that the prohibition was already superseded by the New
Testament.This cogent argumentation is inconclusive. No one can
specifically point out that Jesus Christ (PBUH) lifted the
prohibition. On the contrary, he upheld it he declared:
" Think not that I have come to abolish the law
and the prophets: I have come not to abolish
them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17 RSV)
Jesus Christ (PBUH) was obviously referring to the existing
Law of his time , the Mosaic Law !- in which the Law prohibiting
pig as article of food is mentioned. ( Leviticus 11:7-11)
" As for any beast that is a splitter of the hoof
but is not a former of the cleft and not a chewer
of the cud, they are unclean for you. Everyone
touching them will be unclean. "
Leviticus 11:26
In addition, the book of Prophet Isaiah said:
" Who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret
places who eats swine's flesh and broth of
abominable things is in their vessels;... These
are a smoke in my nostrils,a fire that burns
all the day. " ( Isaiah 65:4,5b RSV)
The New Testament
Despite the Biblical injunction prohibiting pork as food,
still people of other religious persuations insist on finding
ways and reasons to justify their consumption of prohibited
animals arguing that said Biblical prohibition was already
superseded in the New Testament when in certainly, no one can
specifically point out that Jesus Christ (PBUH) indeed lifted the
prohibition. On the contrary, Jesus (PBUH) declared:
" Think not that I have come to abolish the law
and the prophets. I have come not to abolish but
to fulfill them. " ( Matthew 5:17 )
The fact is, we will find in Mark 5:1-20 that Jesus (PBUH)
even permitted the foul spirits (evil spirits) possessing a man
to enter into the herb of swine. Since the flesh of pig is
unlawful for the Jews, to eat and since it is considered
unclean, (Leviticus 11:7-8) consequently, the Jews are not to keep
or raise them. This Biblical account states that Jesus (PBUH)
punished the owners of the swine;destroyed their unlawful
livelihood and at the same time showed that pig is the habitat of
unclean spirits.
The only provision in the New Testament alluded to their
argument is in Act 10:10-16. Without reading the whole
context, one would be inclined to interpret it to mean that God
abrogated His previous command found on Deuteronomy 14:3-8. An
alleged apparition of Peter on Acts 10:11-16 is alleged to
supersede Deuteronomy 14:3-8, however, nowhere in the Bible is it
mentioned that Peter actually slaughtered and ate the unclean
animals he saw in his apparition. The correct interpretation of
this apparition was shown to him in Acts 10:25-28. Acts 10:11-16
therefore, carries an allegorical connotation,r eferring
explicitly to the Gentile nations or non-Jewish nations. Peter
was told not to call the Gentiles common and unclean because
God's mercy, blessing and forgiveness also encompasses the Non
Jews and life eternal also awaits the penitent.
In the Bible, Jesus(PBUH) likened to a dog and pig those
people whom after receiving divine teaching failed to profit from
them and abuses them for self-serving purposes:
" Do not give holy to dogs- they will only turn and
attack you. Do not throw your pearls in front of
pigs-they will only trample them underfoot. "
( Matthew 7:6 NEB)
The New Heavens And The New Earth
The book of Isaiah 66:1-24, is an oracle of the new
heavens and the new earth prepared for the believers. Within
the context, God condemns people's practices such as eating the
flesh of pigs, reptiles, and rats.
" Those who sanctify and purify themselves
to go into the gardens, following one in
the midst, eating swine's flesh and the
abomination and mice, shall come to an
end together says the LORD. "
(Isaiah 67:17 RSV)
Therefore, the prohibition on the eating of unclean
animals was not abrogated during t he New Testament times.God
will still punish the transgressors in the fire that will never
quench. This will occur during the new heavens and the new earth.
MUSLIMS FOLLOW THE DIVINE LAW
Last Testament's Verdict On Prohibition Of Pork
Islam means" submission to the will and command of God "
and a person who embraced this religion is called " Muslim "
which means " one who accepts and submits himself to the will of
God.A Muslim is obliged to be clean both spiritually, mentally
and physically. Abstention from eating flesh of swine is one of
the obligation a Muslim must observe to attain purity of the
soul and of the human nature. The believers in Islam, sincerely
believe in the Holy Qur'an as the Word of God, revealed to
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which says:
" Allah has forbidden you only what dies of itself
and blood and the flesh of swine and that over
which any other name than that of Allah has been
invoked; but whoever is driven to (it), not
desiring nor exceeding the limit, then surely
Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. " ( 16:115 )
We should bear in our mind that the abstention from eating
pork by the Muslims is based on hygienic grounds and of the
cultivation of purity of character. Pork is not poisonous as to
kill people right on the spot but latent. It will destroys
slowly. It is certainly not as nourishing as any other meat and
it causes prolonged sufferings. Pondering on the wisdom of this
saying: "Health is wealth " will lead you to better living and
prosperity. The last Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
" There are two blessing which many people lose:
health and the free time for doing good ...The
stronger believer (in health) is more blessed
and more beloved to Allah than the weak
believer. "
blood and the flesh of the swine and that
which hath been invoked the name other than
Allah. " ( Holy Qur'an 5:4 )
Such prohibition is also found in the Bible:
" The pig also because it is a splitter of the
hoof but there is no cud. It is unclean for
you. None of their flesh must you eat and carcass
you must not touch. "
Deuteronomy 14:8 ( Bible)
Islam ( an Arabic word which means submission to the will
of the Almighty God) has laid down the foundation for the best
approach in keeping good health. In the Holy Qur'an (The Last
Testament ) God exhorts the believers to select the best food and
to stay away from any harmful food to maintain good health:
" Let him find out which is the best food
( to be had ) ... Eat of the best foods We
have provided for you . "
( Holy Qur'an 18:19;7:160 )
The main purpose of a True Religion must be to build an ideal
community in this world ; a religion that promotes moral,
political and economic well;social harmony and peace, as well as
good health of its believers or followers.
Health means the physical and mental well-being and freedom
from diseases and pain.There are several passages in the Bible,
articulating that because of sin ( a transgression of the law of
God) God afflicted human beings with maladies (Ps.103:3;Exodus
15:26 and Psalms 107:16-20).Islamic instructions and teachings
espousing health consciousness have scriptural and scientific
support
MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE PROHIBITION
Abstention from eating pork is a measure to safeguard
health.Of all the domestic animals, pig is the most
avaricious, eating anything including human excreta. It is the
cradle of harmful germs and parasites. Its meat is carrier of
diseases to man, thus making it unfit for human consumption.
CHARACTER OF PIG
All types of animals are lawful to be eaten whether those
living on land or in the water except those animals specifically
forbidden in the Holy Writings revealed by the Almighty Creator
and the sayings of the Prophet with clear and well defined
injunctions.
Pig belong to the forbidden animals, and not allowed to be
eaten by the believers. Pig eats almost anything dirty and they
are very lazy animals. It is the most avaricious of all domestic
animals. Amongst all animals, pig is the cradle of harmful germs.
It's meat serves as carrier of diseases to mankind. It is this
very reason that made it unfit for human consumption consumption.
DISEASES CAUSED BY PORK
The following lists show germs or parasites that are found
in pork and some diseases caused by them. Many of these
diseases are contagious while some are proven fatal.This proves
that the more science advances the more Islam is shown correct
as a religion of God.
PARASITIC DISEASES
a) TRICHINELLA SPIRATIS ( Trichina worms )
It is the most dangerous parasite to man ( Rheumatism and
muscular pain). The infected persons shown no symptoms, recover
very slowly some die, some reduced to permanent invalids. No one
is immune from this disease and there is no cure.
b) TAENIA SOLIUM ( Pork tape worm )
The worm causes malnourishment of the person leading
to anemia, diarrhea, extreme depression melancholia and
digestive disturbances. Cysticercosis means that larva enter
the blood stream then settle down in one or more of the vital
organs of the body, for example: brain, liver, lungs or spinal
cord. They grow and encapsulate, inducing pressure to the
system around, resulting in dangerous diseases (diarrhea,
digestive disorder, anemia, chronic invalidation).
c) ROUND WORMS
Examples: Ascaris, which may lead to digestive
disturbances, appendicitis, obstructive jaundice.
d) HOOK WORMS
Examples:Ancylostomiasis, which may lead to
anaemia, oedema, heart failure or retarded growth ( mental and
physical), tuberculosis, diarrhoea and typhoid.
e) SCHITOSOMA JAPONICUM
Bleeding, anemia and other syndromes. If ova are settled in the
brain or spinal cord, paralysis and death may occur.
f) PARAGOMINES WESTERMAINI
Infestation leading to bleeding of the lungs ( endenve haemoptysis)
g) PACIOLEPSIS BUSKI
Digestive disturbances leading to persistent diarrhea;
generalized oedema.
h) CLONORCHIS SINENSIS
chlonorchiasis-obstructive jaundice, liver enlargement.
i) METASTRONGYLUS APRI
Causes bronchitis, abscess of the lungs.
j) GIGANTHORINCHUS GIGAS
Cause anaemia and digestive disorders.
k) BALATITIDIUM COLI
Causes acute dysentery and general weakness.
BACTERIAL DISEASES
1. Tuberculosis
2. Fusiformis necrofurus: causing foot-rot which is very
difficult to heal.
3. Salmonella Cholera suis: causing cholera
4. Paratyphoid
5. Bruceellosis: Acute, sub acute and chronic. It may lead
to permanent disabilities.
6. Swine Erysipelas: causing Erypelas in man.
Viral Diseases
1. Small pox: is was a source of infection to man.
2. Japanese B-encepphalitis: It is the source of infection
3. Influenza, foot mouth disease, gas tro-enteritis of the
new born babies.
Protozoal Diseases :
Toxo plasma goundii- It is a very dangerous disease.
A new born baby of an infected woman may die within few days or weeks after delivery. But if he survives, he may develop blindness or deafness.In adult chronic exhaustive fever with enlarged liver and spleen may occur. Pneumonia, or
celebro- spinal meninggitis which may lead to death or madness.
The patient may become blind and deaf too.
Fats In Pigs:
Pork contains more fats than other meats.
Therefore, people who are fond of pork are more obese than
others. Cholesterol is higher in their blood thus making them
more prone to asthereosclerosis cardiovascular accidents and
sudden death.
Other Diseases :
Flesh of the pork is hard to digest and may lead to chronic digestive disturbances. Pimples, boils, cysts are common in pork eaters. These are some of the parasites and diseases found in pork and/ or the skin of pigs and certainly there are many more. There is still no means of killing these
parasites, in the tissues, neither has anyone found a method of
expelling them, even produced any specific treatment for the
diseases.
BIBLICAL ASPECT OF THE PROHIBITION
Old Testament
The Jews and the different christian sects and denominations
believe in the Old Testament. Adherents of other religions
alleged that the prohibition was already superseded by the New
Testament.This cogent argumentation is inconclusive. No one can
specifically point out that Jesus Christ (PBUH) lifted the
prohibition. On the contrary, he upheld it he declared:
" Think not that I have come to abolish the law
and the prophets: I have come not to abolish
them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17 RSV)
Jesus Christ (PBUH) was obviously referring to the existing
Law of his time , the Mosaic Law !- in which the Law prohibiting
pig as article of food is mentioned. ( Leviticus 11:7-11)
" As for any beast that is a splitter of the hoof
but is not a former of the cleft and not a chewer
of the cud, they are unclean for you. Everyone
touching them will be unclean. "
Leviticus 11:26
In addition, the book of Prophet Isaiah said:
" Who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret
places who eats swine's flesh and broth of
abominable things is in their vessels;... These
are a smoke in my nostrils,a fire that burns
all the day. " ( Isaiah 65:4,5b RSV)
The New Testament
Despite the Biblical injunction prohibiting pork as food,
still people of other religious persuations insist on finding
ways and reasons to justify their consumption of prohibited
animals arguing that said Biblical prohibition was already
superseded in the New Testament when in certainly, no one can
specifically point out that Jesus Christ (PBUH) indeed lifted the
prohibition. On the contrary, Jesus (PBUH) declared:
" Think not that I have come to abolish the law
and the prophets. I have come not to abolish but
to fulfill them. " ( Matthew 5:17 )
The fact is, we will find in Mark 5:1-20 that Jesus (PBUH)
even permitted the foul spirits (evil spirits) possessing a man
to enter into the herb of swine. Since the flesh of pig is
unlawful for the Jews, to eat and since it is considered
unclean, (Leviticus 11:7-8) consequently, the Jews are not to keep
or raise them. This Biblical account states that Jesus (PBUH)
punished the owners of the swine;destroyed their unlawful
livelihood and at the same time showed that pig is the habitat of
unclean spirits.
The only provision in the New Testament alluded to their
argument is in Act 10:10-16. Without reading the whole
context, one would be inclined to interpret it to mean that God
abrogated His previous command found on Deuteronomy 14:3-8. An
alleged apparition of Peter on Acts 10:11-16 is alleged to
supersede Deuteronomy 14:3-8, however, nowhere in the Bible is it
mentioned that Peter actually slaughtered and ate the unclean
animals he saw in his apparition. The correct interpretation of
this apparition was shown to him in Acts 10:25-28. Acts 10:11-16
therefore, carries an allegorical connotation,r eferring
explicitly to the Gentile nations or non-Jewish nations. Peter
was told not to call the Gentiles common and unclean because
God's mercy, blessing and forgiveness also encompasses the Non
Jews and life eternal also awaits the penitent.
In the Bible, Jesus(PBUH) likened to a dog and pig those
people whom after receiving divine teaching failed to profit from
them and abuses them for self-serving purposes:
" Do not give holy to dogs- they will only turn and
attack you. Do not throw your pearls in front of
pigs-they will only trample them underfoot. "
( Matthew 7:6 NEB)
The New Heavens And The New Earth
The book of Isaiah 66:1-24, is an oracle of the new
heavens and the new earth prepared for the believers. Within
the context, God condemns people's practices such as eating the
flesh of pigs, reptiles, and rats.
" Those who sanctify and purify themselves
to go into the gardens, following one in
the midst, eating swine's flesh and the
abomination and mice, shall come to an
end together says the LORD. "
(Isaiah 67:17 RSV)
Therefore, the prohibition on the eating of unclean
animals was not abrogated during t he New Testament times.God
will still punish the transgressors in the fire that will never
quench. This will occur during the new heavens and the new earth.
MUSLIMS FOLLOW THE DIVINE LAW
Last Testament's Verdict On Prohibition Of Pork
Islam means" submission to the will and command of God "
and a person who embraced this religion is called " Muslim "
which means " one who accepts and submits himself to the will of
God.A Muslim is obliged to be clean both spiritually, mentally
and physically. Abstention from eating flesh of swine is one of
the obligation a Muslim must observe to attain purity of the
soul and of the human nature. The believers in Islam, sincerely
believe in the Holy Qur'an as the Word of God, revealed to
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which says:
" Allah has forbidden you only what dies of itself
and blood and the flesh of swine and that over
which any other name than that of Allah has been
invoked; but whoever is driven to (it), not
desiring nor exceeding the limit, then surely
Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. " ( 16:115 )
We should bear in our mind that the abstention from eating
pork by the Muslims is based on hygienic grounds and of the
cultivation of purity of character. Pork is not poisonous as to
kill people right on the spot but latent. It will destroys
slowly. It is certainly not as nourishing as any other meat and
it causes prolonged sufferings. Pondering on the wisdom of this
saying: "Health is wealth " will lead you to better living and
prosperity. The last Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
" There are two blessing which many people lose:
health and the free time for doing good ...The
stronger believer (in health) is more blessed
and more beloved to Allah than the weak
believer. "
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Parental Rights in Islam
The biggest right over us is that of Allah (swt).
Faith and obedience to Him are our first and foremost duties of these responsibilities of domestic life.
Fulfillment of these responsibilities is a social need as part of the religious duties.
After the above responsibilities, it boils down to the family life which parents are entitled to the highest place and foremost rights.
This can be substantiated by going through the following verses from the Koran.
"Your lord, Allah has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents whether one or both of them attain old age in your life. Say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honour and out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say," My lord bestow on both of them Your mercy as the cherished me in my childhood." (17:23-24)
The above verses can be interpreted :
- Parents' rights are next to the rights of Allah (swt) in Islam.
- When parents become old, their temperament is changed. They may become easily irritable and short tempered
due to their age. Children should show considerable patience and magnanimity for their ageing parents.
- Parents should be respected and revered throughout all stages of their ages. Particularly when they are old and become
persistent, nagging and critical. The children should all more submissive and tolerant and should always keep in mind the related
verses from the Koran.
- The children should adopt attitude of humbleness, politeness and obedience for their parents. They should readily carry out the orders of parents and also feel comforted by doing so.
- We should recall those days of infancy when we were totally dependent on our parents. During that period we were weak and in need of help from the parents to survive. During that time, our parents nourished us with love and affection bearing all sorts of hardships.
They felt happy when we were happy and became restless when we were slightly harmed. We as children should always have these memories fresh in mind and pray to Allah(swt) to be merciful and kind to our parents in their old age as they had been considerate and kind to their own children in their hour of needs.
Importance of parents
Once a man questioned Prophet about the rights of parents upon their children.
He replied that " the parents are the Heaven OR Hell for their children." (ibn-e-majah, mishkat)
It can be interpreted that, one clearly understands in the point of view of the hereafter, he can earn an abode in Heaven by keep the parents happy.
On another hand, he can be a deserving person for Hell if he makes them unhappy by his misbehavior.
"The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of father and the displeasure of Allah lies in the displeasure of father." (tirmizi, hakim)
Nobody can get the pleasure of Allah(swt) without pleasing the parents. One who earns the pleasure of the parents pleases Allah(swt). One who displease the parents may not be saved from His wrath. Both the things are interdependent.
"Go back home and serve her as Heaven was under her feet" told by The prophet to a young man who wanted to participate in the war with him when the prophet realize that the young man still has his living mother.
From this hadith, weknow that mothers must be highly respected, treated politeness and submission and served selflessly by those who want to deliverance on the day of judgement.
The 1st hadith mentioned about father, established the importance of obedience of father while the hadith mentioned about mother, established the worth of obedience to mother.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Are you tired of life?
We passed by the void deck of the next block, we saw broken tiles and a big hole and blood on the floor.
Immediately my habibi said someone must have commited suicide.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un [Arabic: انّا للہ و انّا الیہ راجعون ]
Due to the economic recession, there is a rise of people committing suicide. People loses their jobs, creditors asking for debts, banks calling, family expenses, etc. Many times we all cant take it.
To us muslims, we do not commit suicide as we know life after death, the dwelling will be in hell fire.
We also understand, that in life, these are all trials and tribulations we humans go through in order to rise our ranks in the sight of Allah. We turn to Allah for his help, we pray more that in turn increases our iman (faith) in him. All prophets have been through worst situations and even the four imans are also went through alot in their lives in order to attain the greatness.
Has not Allah (swt) says, and it is possible that you hate something and it is for your good? [surah al baqarah, verse 216]
Allah knows best!
Immediately my habibi said someone must have commited suicide.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un [Arabic: انّا للہ و انّا الیہ راجعون ]
Due to the economic recession, there is a rise of people committing suicide. People loses their jobs, creditors asking for debts, banks calling, family expenses, etc. Many times we all cant take it.
To us muslims, we do not commit suicide as we know life after death, the dwelling will be in hell fire.
We also understand, that in life, these are all trials and tribulations we humans go through in order to rise our ranks in the sight of Allah. We turn to Allah for his help, we pray more that in turn increases our iman (faith) in him. All prophets have been through worst situations and even the four imans are also went through alot in their lives in order to attain the greatness.
Has not Allah (swt) says, and it is possible that you hate something and it is for your good? [surah al baqarah, verse 216]
Allah knows best!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wow im amazed how much they "earn"!
AFP - Monday, March 30 SINGAPORE (AFP) - - A Singapore-based church paid one of its leaders more than 500,000 dollars (329,000 US) in its last financial year, a report said Monday.
The New Creation Church, which raised 19 million Singapore dollars in just one day in February for the construction of its new premises, paid one employee between 500,001 and 550,000 dollars in the financial year ended March 31, 2008, the Straits Times said.
It said the church did not confirm if the money was paid to its leader, Senior Pastor Joseph Prince.
But New Creation's honorary secretary, Deacon Matthew Kang, was quoted by the newspaper as saying it was the church's policy to "recognise and reward key contributors... and Senior Pastor Prince is the main pillar of our church's growth and revenue."
Kang also described Prince as "the key man responsible for bringing in about 95 percent of our church's income," and added "he has enriched the church and not the other way around."
Two other employees of the church were paid between 150,001 and 200,000 dollars, but no names were given, the report said.
One of Singapore's fastest growing churches, New Creation had an income of 55.4 million dollars and net assets of 143.36 million dollars in its last financial year, according to its website.
Singapore is a predominantly ethnic Chinese society with deep Buddhist and Taoist traditions, but Christians here are known as devout and relatively affluent.
Wow, there is so much to do with this kind of money. NO wonder rich people who doesnt pay zakat will have to wait 500 years to go to Jannah.
Zakat is the 3rd pillar of Islam. That shows how important for muslims to give charity. ( charity means giving to the poor and needy and the orphans, in islam context).
One of the most important princles of islam is that ALL LIVING things belongs to Allah, and the wealth is held by human beings as safekeeping in this world.
Zakat means purification of wealth and growth. Setting aside a porportion of our earnings for the needy (The poor, The sick, the orphans) will encourage new growth of our earnings .( like working hard for a cause. )
This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah: " The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60).
The obligatory nature of Zakat is established in the Qur'an, the Sunnah (or hadith), and the consensus of the companions and the Muslim scholars. (means no objections or grey area on this). It is compulsory in other words.
Allah(swt) states in Surah at-Taubah verses 34-35: "34:O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah. Announce unto them a most grievous penalty- 35:On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!" (The Holy Qur'an 9:34-35).
The prophet (pbuh) said: "Any owner of gold and silver who does not deliver from them their right, on the Day of Quiyamah (Day of Judgment), (the gold and silver) will be shaped as foils of fire. Then it will be heated in the fire of Hell; (and) then with it he will be ironed on his side, his forehead, and his back" (narrated by Muslim).
It is agreed between Muslims in all the centuries the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency.
When is Zakat Due ?
1. Passage of One Lunar Year:
Zakat is obligatory after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of it's owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).
Based on the total assets and the income that the church has, it means $500k in zakat. Ah, that can really helps the poor. :)
2. Deduction of Debts:
The owner should deduct any amount of money he or she borrowed from others; then check if the rest reaches the necessary nisab, then pays Zakat for it.
ARE WE BLIND TO THEIR NEEDS?
The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'
The religious teachers(ustazes, ustazahs ) in Islam in Singapore are not well paid at all. They are taken granted for that they should be not been paid for the knowledge. HELLO! They are also human beings, they have families to feed.
Im unsure about other countries... If u have any insights on this, please share. :)
The New Creation Church, which raised 19 million Singapore dollars in just one day in February for the construction of its new premises, paid one employee between 500,001 and 550,000 dollars in the financial year ended March 31, 2008, the Straits Times said.
It said the church did not confirm if the money was paid to its leader, Senior Pastor Joseph Prince.
But New Creation's honorary secretary, Deacon Matthew Kang, was quoted by the newspaper as saying it was the church's policy to "recognise and reward key contributors... and Senior Pastor Prince is the main pillar of our church's growth and revenue."
Kang also described Prince as "the key man responsible for bringing in about 95 percent of our church's income," and added "he has enriched the church and not the other way around."
Two other employees of the church were paid between 150,001 and 200,000 dollars, but no names were given, the report said.
One of Singapore's fastest growing churches, New Creation had an income of 55.4 million dollars and net assets of 143.36 million dollars in its last financial year, according to its website.
Singapore is a predominantly ethnic Chinese society with deep Buddhist and Taoist traditions, but Christians here are known as devout and relatively affluent.
Wow, there is so much to do with this kind of money. NO wonder rich people who doesnt pay zakat will have to wait 500 years to go to Jannah.
Zakat is the 3rd pillar of Islam. That shows how important for muslims to give charity. ( charity means giving to the poor and needy and the orphans, in islam context).
One of the most important princles of islam is that ALL LIVING things belongs to Allah, and the wealth is held by human beings as safekeeping in this world.
Zakat means purification of wealth and growth. Setting aside a porportion of our earnings for the needy (The poor, The sick, the orphans) will encourage new growth of our earnings .( like working hard for a cause. )
This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah: " The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60).
The obligatory nature of Zakat is established in the Qur'an, the Sunnah (or hadith), and the consensus of the companions and the Muslim scholars. (means no objections or grey area on this). It is compulsory in other words.
Allah(swt) states in Surah at-Taubah verses 34-35: "34:O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah. Announce unto them a most grievous penalty- 35:On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!" (The Holy Qur'an 9:34-35).
The prophet (pbuh) said: "Any owner of gold and silver who does not deliver from them their right, on the Day of Quiyamah (Day of Judgment), (the gold and silver) will be shaped as foils of fire. Then it will be heated in the fire of Hell; (and) then with it he will be ironed on his side, his forehead, and his back" (narrated by Muslim).
It is agreed between Muslims in all the centuries the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency.
When is Zakat Due ?
1. Passage of One Lunar Year:
Zakat is obligatory after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of it's owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).
Based on the total assets and the income that the church has, it means $500k in zakat. Ah, that can really helps the poor. :)
2. Deduction of Debts:
The owner should deduct any amount of money he or she borrowed from others; then check if the rest reaches the necessary nisab, then pays Zakat for it.
ARE WE BLIND TO THEIR NEEDS?
The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'
The religious teachers(ustazes, ustazahs ) in Islam in Singapore are not well paid at all. They are taken granted for that they should be not been paid for the knowledge. HELLO! They are also human beings, they have families to feed.
Im unsure about other countries... If u have any insights on this, please share. :)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Do you know the Quran?
That is a silly question, isnt it?
When I 1st read the transliteration of The Holy Quran, 6 years ago. I went like this, " har, what is this? Looks so difficult! ", "maybe I just read a few pages and see how".
Well, i did read it. 1st thought I have, hey that sounded like the ROMEO AND JULIET textbook I read when I was in secondary school. Ok I took literature so it should be easy for me. :P
Al fatihah is the 1st surah.
OK SKIP THAT.
NEXT PAGE.....
NEXT PAGE...
NEXT PAGE....
oK I should start reading HER WORLD magazine.
That is what happened to me.
Koran was in my bookshelf and hidden among the books until 2 years back I start reading the Quran again.
The Quran itself is already a miracle. Why did I say that? It is because every time I read the same surah over 3 different occasions, I gain new insights! Amazing what this little book can do! I wonder if I can master the arabic language then ah har, I can recite without problem with understanding!
Quran in plain english text means RECITE, UNDERSTAND AND APPLY.
Everyday, when we do our five prayers, did we make the effort to understand every word we utter or did we understand the meaning of each verse?
Some muslims share that even they pray 5 times a day, they dont gain peace.
But with understanding every letter we utter, we can feel what Allah is saying to us.
Come on, Allah is talking to us with the Quran. Isnt that a sweet thing to recite the Quran?
When I 1st read the transliteration of The Holy Quran, 6 years ago. I went like this, " har, what is this? Looks so difficult! ", "maybe I just read a few pages and see how".
Well, i did read it. 1st thought I have, hey that sounded like the ROMEO AND JULIET textbook I read when I was in secondary school. Ok I took literature so it should be easy for me. :P
Al fatihah is the 1st surah.
OK SKIP THAT.
NEXT PAGE.....
NEXT PAGE...
NEXT PAGE....
oK I should start reading HER WORLD magazine.
That is what happened to me.
Koran was in my bookshelf and hidden among the books until 2 years back I start reading the Quran again.
The Quran itself is already a miracle. Why did I say that? It is because every time I read the same surah over 3 different occasions, I gain new insights! Amazing what this little book can do! I wonder if I can master the arabic language then ah har, I can recite without problem with understanding!
Quran in plain english text means RECITE, UNDERSTAND AND APPLY.
Everyday, when we do our five prayers, did we make the effort to understand every word we utter or did we understand the meaning of each verse?
Some muslims share that even they pray 5 times a day, they dont gain peace.
But with understanding every letter we utter, we can feel what Allah is saying to us.
Come on, Allah is talking to us with the Quran. Isnt that a sweet thing to recite the Quran?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
My bag is gone!!!
have been losing my wallets and my mobile phones since last September...10 times!! i just lost my mobile phone at home 2 weeks ago. Yesterday, I came home after the BCI (2), left my entire bag in my wadrobe. I even took out the book that my religious teacher lent me before I go to bed to read. Ever since I lost my stuffs frequently, I placed a mirror in my wallet to prevent (jinn or toyol) to steal my things. I swear that my bag was in my wadrobe and guess what??!
IT WAS GONE THIS MORNING!!! I COULDNT FIND IT AT ALL!! I searched everywhere in my house but just couldnt find it. I have consulted many friends of mine, all fingers pointed at my maid, but I have confronted her many times also and today she even asked me to call the police as she didnt steal my bag.
This is just unbelievable !! I cant even believe it myself!! If the past stolen wallets and my mobile phones are the works of my maid, no one will be so stupid to take the entire bag!!
I have already done all possible things to stop the theft but this time its too much!
I suspect it is the work of jinn as it is just impossible for my entire bag just disappeared! As a person who is educated will try every possible mean based on science and logic to explain this but how to explain the disappearance of my bag. seriously no idea!!
IT WAS GONE THIS MORNING!!! I COULDNT FIND IT AT ALL!! I searched everywhere in my house but just couldnt find it. I have consulted many friends of mine, all fingers pointed at my maid, but I have confronted her many times also and today she even asked me to call the police as she didnt steal my bag.
This is just unbelievable !! I cant even believe it myself!! If the past stolen wallets and my mobile phones are the works of my maid, no one will be so stupid to take the entire bag!!
I have already done all possible things to stop the theft but this time its too much!
I suspect it is the work of jinn as it is just impossible for my entire bag just disappeared! As a person who is educated will try every possible mean based on science and logic to explain this but how to explain the disappearance of my bag. seriously no idea!!
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