MuslimWatch Sri Lanka

2011-07-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

முஸ்லிம்வோட்ச் அங்கத்தவர்களுக்கான விஷேட வேண்டுகோள்

அன்பின் அங்கத்தவர்களுக்கு,

அஸ்ஸலாமு அழைக்கும்,

அல்லாஹ்வின் மிகப்பெரும் அருளால், இலங்கை முஸ்லிம்களிற்கு மத்தியில் உள்ள மிகப்பெரிய மின்னஞ்சல் குழுவானMuslimWatch இன் ஓர் அங்கத்தவர் என்ற வகையில், இம்மின்னஞ்சல் குழு, இலங்கை முஸ்லிம்களின் சமூக, சமய, கலாச்சார, பொருளாதார விடயங்களை எமக்கு மத்தியில் சுதந்திரமாகக் கலந்திரையாடக்கூடிய ஒரு தளமாக செயற்படுவதை நன்கு அறிவீர்கள். இது உள்நாடு மற்றும் வெளிநாடுகளில் வாழுகின்ற 4,850 இற்கும் அதிகமான இலங்கை முஸ்லிம் சகோதர சகோதரிகளை உள்ளடக்கிய ஒரு பெரிய வலைப்பின்னலாகும். இதன் அங்கத்தவர்கள் அனைவரும் தெரிவுசெய்யப்பட்டு இணைத்துக்கொள்ளப் பட்டுவர்கள். இதில் இஸ்லாமிய நிறுவனங்கள், உலமாக்கள், புத்திஜீவிகள், அரசியல் பிரமுகர்கள் மற்றும் சமூகத்தின் அனைத்துத் துறைகளையும் சேர்ந்தவர்களும் உள்ளடக்கப் பட்டுள்ளனர். எனவே,MuslimWatch இல் பிரசுரமாகும் ஒரு மின்னஞ்சல் எமது சமுகத்தில் பெறுப்பு வாய்ந்த கணிசமான ஒரு பகுதியினருக்கு நேரடியாகவே செல்கின்றது. இதுவே எமது இலக்காகும்.

எனினும் எமது குழுவில் பிரசுரமான சில மின்னஞ்சல்களை எமது சில அங்கத்தவர்கள் ஆர்வத்தின் காரணமாக வேறு நபர்களுக்கு அனுப்பியதன் (Forward) காரணமாக சில அசௌகரியங்கள் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளன. அந்தவகையில், இவ்வாறான விடயங்ககளை தவிர்க்கும் முகமாக நாம் ஒரு முக்கிய வேண்டுகோளை முன்வைக்க விரும்புகிறோம். அதாவது,MuslimWatch இல் பிரசுரமாகும் மின்னஞ்சல்களை எக்காரணம் கொண்டும் இன்னொரு தனிநபருக்கோ, வேறு இணைய குழுக்களுக்கோ (Email Groups), மின்னஞ்சல் பட்டியல்களுக்கோ (Mailing List), இணையத்தலங்களுக்கோ (Websites/ Blogs) அனுப்புவதை (Forward) முற்றாகத் தவிர்ந்து கொள்ளுமாறு மிகவும் தாழ்மையுடன் கேட்டுக் கொள்கிறேன். அத்துடன்MuslimWatch இற்கு நீங்கள் ஒரு புதிய Email அனுப்புவதாயின் அல்லது ஒரு Email ற்கு பதிலளிப்பதாயின் தயவு செய்து அதனை பல ஈமெயில் முகவரிகளுடன் சேர்த்து அனுப்பாமல் Recipient Line (TO) இல் எமது முகவரி (MuslimWatch@yahoogroups.com) யை மாத்திரம் குறிப்பிட்டு அனுப்புமாறும் மிகவும் தாழ்மையுடன் வேண்டிக் கொள்கிறோம்.

இந்த வேண்டுகோள்களை ஓர் அமானிதமாக ஏற்று எமது பணிக்கு உதவுவீர்கள் என மிகவும் உறுதியாக நம்புகிறோம்,

வல்ல நாயன் எமது முயற்சிகளை ஏற்று அருள் புரிவானாக. ஆமீன்.

ஜஸாகல்லாஹு ஹைரன்

வஸ்ஸலாம்

A Genuine Solution for all Communities - Need of the Hour

2011-06-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

By Latheef Farook

Once again talks are underway to deal with minority issues which had turned this paradise island, a proud role model for the third world during independence in 1948, into Asia’s worst killing field.

However, despite all destruction and killings, even today, talks are confined to issues facing the Tamils, ignoring the plight of the Muslims, the third largest community living scattered all over the island. This indicates even today the minority issue is not clearly understood.

The defeat of the LTTE has provided a rare chance to solve the ethnic problem in a peaceful, give-and-take and live-and-let-live atmosphere. Such a move will certainly help remove deep-seated suspicion, enmity and bitterness and bring about unity. The ordinary Tamils are not asking what the LTTE had demanded while the Muslims, who suffered immensely due to the ethnic war and shunned violence, are seeking a dignified peaceful solution to their legitimate grievances.

The minorities seek equal rights and equal opportunities to live in dignity and safety. These are legitimate demands in a country where all communities once lived in peace and harmony until communal politics, both in the south and the north raised its ugly head, leading to the pathetic state where we find ourselves in today. One of the obstacles is hard line politics.

Veteran leftist politician and National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara in the course of his Bakeer Markar Memorial Lecture last year said:

“In the aftermath of the defeat of the LTTE, the majority community is entrusted with a great responsibility to address the grievances of the minorities. There are two groups of people in the majority community. One group which is, the large majority, wanted to settle the minority problem and restore peace and harmony. The other group, though a minority, claims that this country should remain a pure Sinhala Buddhist nation and the minorities should learn to live with this reality”.

A few years ago, there were even suggestions that Tamils should go to South India and the Muslims to Saudi Arabia. Such hard line positions are a recipe for disaster. The people who advocate such ideologies have learnt no lesson from the three decades of war which killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people, cost a staggering Rs 23 trillion, and caused economic destruction, untold misery and sufferings to all alike.

We cannot deny the reality that Sri Lanka is a multi-religious, multiracial, multi-language and multicultural society. However, what’s past is past and whatever happened had happened. The need of the hour is to learn lessons from past mistakes and explore every possible avenue to undo the damage to avoid yet another calamity which the country cannot afford.

Under the circumstances, a comprehensive package genuinely addressing minority grievances will certainly end outside interference in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, restore its dignity and even weaken the pro-LTTE elements of the Tamil diaspora. The delay in coming out with such a package has created opportunities for external elements -- of course there are plenty of them -- to interfere and even preach on good governance. For example India, responsible for much of Sri Lanka’s misery and suffering, is insisting on the implementation of 13th Amendment as if it is a divine document.

In fact, more than the Tamil issue, India is keen on opening the Sri Lankan market for Indian big businesses under its long entrenched policy of political subjugation through economic expansion.

Time and again, Indian leaders from Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to ministers and top government officials have emphasized on the grievances of Tamils.

However they all conveniently ignore the rights of the other minority -- the Muslims. Perhaps this stems from the Indian governments’ policy of ignoring around 160 million dehumanized, terrorized and brutalized Indian Muslims. Indian interference is something which Sri Lanka has brought upon itself.

India and Sri Lanka maintained excellent relations during the time of Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Srima Bandaranaike. Those were the days when Sri Lanka’s voice was highly respected at international level, especially at Third World forums. The two countries peacefully sorted out disputes over Kachchativu and the Indian plantation workers’ citizenship issue. The relationship was so warm that there were even talks that Mrs. Bandaranaike’s proposal to declare the Indian Ocean a Zone of Peace in the early 1970s was an Indian proposal spearheaded by Sri Lanka.

These glowing relations were shattered by late President J.R. Jayewardene whose policies put the two countries at unnecessary loggerheads. To prick Jayewardene’s pride, Mrs. Gandhi, on return to power in 1979, financed, armed and trained Tamil militants.

What happened subsequently is common knowledge. The country was devastated by an unwanted ethnic war which led to a situation where India dictated terms to Sri Lanka, once an independent country. It is worth mentioning that politicians who created the ethnic havoc did not pay the price. Instead some of them flourished while innocent people paid for it with their lives while the country suffered.

In the midst, the Tamil National Alliance spokesman Suresh Premachandran stated the TNA planned to request Russia and China to urge the Sri Lankan government to work out a lasting political solution to the national question. This potentially devastating move may further internationalize the country’s minority issue.

Meanwhile the Muslim community today is not represented by any party or group as the Muslim political leadership has virtually collapsed. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, a by product of communal politics, came with the slogan of unity. However, almost a quarter century later today the SLMC, divided into numerous splinter groups and absorbed individually and collectively by the government, has ended up like the Greek Tragedy. Muslim parliamentarians toe the government’s line and do not wish to take up issues faced by the community. Thus the Muslim community is like a ship without a captain in a stormy sea. Now that almost all Muslim parliamentarians are with the government what is preventing them from getting together and jointly seeking to enter the talks as equal partners?

Meanwhile Premachandran’s statement to the Daily Mirror Tamil online edition that the SLMC can talk to the TNA leadership, rather than participating in the current talks between the government and the TNA, not only is ridiculous but insults the Muslim community. The audacity to make such a remark is shocking. It shows that the TNA’s mindset is no different from that of the LTTE. This is a clear indication why the 13th Amendment cannot be delivered.

The home truth is that the Muslims are a separate ethnic community and memories of the past few decades remain fresh in their minds. It is the duty and obligation of the government to pay heed to the grievances of Muslims whose steadfast refusal to support the LTTE prevented the division of the country. Muslims paid a heavy price with their lives and property. They underwent ethnic cleansing in the North for not siding with LTTE in its effort to divide the country.

Where were the Tamil parliamentarians, civil society and the Tamil community as a whole then? Unfortunately this fact has been conveniently forgotten by all.

The country is missing the golden opportunity to solve the burning minority issue and lay the foundation for a genuinely democratic and liberal society. Isn’t it time that we sort out the minority issue, with a comprehensive solution which will address the problems of all ethnic and religious groups and help develop the nation

http://sundaytimes.lk/110605/Timestwo/t2_06.html

Marriage & Dowry in Islam

2011-01-27T02:42:00.000-08:00

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Assalamu Alaikum

Once again, MuslimWatch is receiving so many replies for the mail titled "Marriage & Dowry in Islam ". Hence, as usual we are compelled to go for an alternate method to post all the mails instead of approving all these mails and fill the inbox of our members. Alhamdulillah, we have come up with a very good solution for this by creating this website (blog).

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Religion of Science & Faith - Daily News Islam Page

2011-01-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

Influence of Islamic civilization in medicine

Prof A Mottaleb Dacca - Bangladesh

The coming of Islam in the sixth century instilled faith and confidence in its followers and gave them a message of brotherhood and a measure of democracy. Within the hundred years of the death of Prophet (PBUH) there spread a Muslim empire from the east coast of Arabian Sea to the east coast of the Atlantic. This developed a culture and civilization which stood as a marvel of the Middle Ages, when the whole world including Europe was plunged into ignorance and held the torch of learning which lighted the world up to 1650.

Islam is considered the religion of Science and on the fundamental faith, the glory of Islamic science and medicine flourished.

In the ancient world, we do not find science being utilized or learnt in Egypt, China and India but just a little knowledge prevalent in Greece while science was absent in Rome. The Muslims had the scientific spirit of inquiry and they may be considered to be the father of modern science.

The main achievement of medieval Muslim medicine and its influence on the European medicine was in the field of systemization, development of pharmacology, establishment of surgery and ophthalmology and building of hospitals.

The rise of Islam, one of the wonders of the world, brought fundamental changes in faith, philosophy, politics, economics, arts and above all science together with everything that is needed for civilized living.

The wisdom of the people educated in previous traditions when embracing Islam fused their formal learning with the Ouranic philosophy. Their contributions went into the general stream of Islamic thoughts and thus an autonomous Islamic culture and science took shape.

On the basis of this knowledge gained from others they made their own research and made several important discoveries. These scientific activities took place all over the Islamic Empire but above all in Baghdad, the capital of Islam, the eye of Iraq, the seat of the Empire, the Centre of beauty, culture and arts.

The Arabs were great travelers, historians and writers (Al-Beruni, Ibn Batuta, etc.) who contributed to the flow of knowledge in the Islamic World.

The attitude of Europe to the Arabs and Islam was of fear and admiration coupled with acknowledgment of superiority. This was altered with the capture of Toledo in 1085, the conquest of Sicily in 1091 and fall of Jerusalem in 1099. These events brought the Western Europe in contact with Islamic Civilization in Muslim Spain and in Palestine.

Thus began the translation of Arabic science into Latin and on the foundation of which the Europe has developed the modern science. Not merely did Islam share with Western Europe many material product and technological discoveries; not merely did it stimulate Europe internationally but it provoked Europe in forming a new image of itself.

Baron-Carra-de-Bany the writer of legacy of Islam concludes by saying that the Muslims really achieved great things in science .They taught the use of Arabic numerals and thus became famous in arithmetic in everyday life. They made Algebra and exact science and laid the foundation of analytical Geometry plans and spherical Trigonometry, which did not exist among the Greek. In Astronomy they made valuable contribution because they had to know the direction of Makkah. It was in fact in the sphere of mathematics and astronomy that fast advances were made.

They also made a considerable contribution in sea fearing and discovered the telescope and mariners compass.

Jabir-Ibne-Haiyan was the most prominent among the chemists, several names for substances and chemical vessels have come into European languages from Jabir Corpus. The Muslims made a substantial contribution in the field of Botany, Zoology & Mineralogy and the best works were in Botany, Logic and Metaphysics. Imam Gazzali (R) and Ibne-Seena, Ibne-bajja, Musa-Ibne-Maymun took top slots in logic, Metaphysics and Theology.

The Romans for the first time established Military Hospital for the treatment of soldiers but it took a complete shape during Islamic civilization. Hospitals were for the first time established in Europe in13th century. The European hospitals were established imitating Hospitals in Baghdad, Cordova and Damascus. There were about 60 hospitals in 1116 A.D. which started during the regime of Caliph Harun-or-Rashid. The Govt. bore all the expenses of treatment and feeding of the poor patients in thehospital. A fabulous hospital was established in Morocco in 13th century, which towered all of them during that time.

The teaching in the hospital was similar as it is today; Medical examinations for Medical students were conducted during Khalifa Moktadir in the year 931.

The dresses of physicians were identified during the Abbasside regime and Ibnul Amig recommended a dress of the physician as such that it does not make the poor jealous and the rich does not dislike it. He recommended the use of white cloth by physicians, which is in use even today.

Ali Ibne Rabban discussed about Physiology in 9th century. He described that brain, heart and liver are the main organs of the human body and described each in detail. He also thought that stomach, gall bladder, spleen and lungs are also necessary for maintenance of the normal physiology of thebody in addition to brain, heart and liver.

Ali Ibne Abbas in 10th century had written his views on the function of the heart and lungs. Ibne-Seena for the first time in Medical history described the theory of bacteria and virus as the cause of the disease.

He described the presence of bilirubin, albumin and serum in the blood and gave a vivid description about ptyalin, Hcl, enzymes in intestines and their role in the process of digestion of food. Nobody for 200 years after him could add anything in addition to his descriptions

Ibnul Khatib in 14th century again postulated that bacteria and virus present in the atmosphere are the cause of certain disease and cited Plague as an example.

Muslim scientists of Spain made a breakthrough in the development of surgery. Abul Kasim of Cordova wrote a book on Surgery for the first time in the 10th century. Al-Razi also wrote a book in surgery in which he described Neuro-surgery, Hernia, Tumour and E.N.T. He recommended the useof goat’s intestine for stitching at the side of operation. Ali Ibn Abbas also wrote a book on surgery.

Ibne Seena wrote in detail about surgery. Abul Kasim for the first time established surgical treatment on scientific basis. His book was the first illustrated book in surgery.

Muslim physicians for the first time used devices of anesthesia for operation on the patients.

Ibn Seena recommended opium, lettuce seed and belladonna for anesthesia. He described application of cold water for the relief of pain. Arab physicians used to treat fractures by using an ointment and this was used by Abul Mansur in 10th century which was developed into plaster of Paris in 19th century in Europe.

Ibne Seena has given an illustrated description in the treatment of fracture. Al-Razi and Abul Kasim described the treatment of difficult diseases like fracture of pelvis, paraplegia & vertebral dislocation in their book.

Ibne Seena described the difference between tumor and cancer, which has remained unchanged even today. “Al-Razi recommended means for the treatment of cancer. Abul Kasim is known to have operated the cancer in the chest.

The operation by the Arabian physician in the peritoneum has remained unchanged even today. Peptic ulcer and intestinal ulcers were described by Ibne Seena, Al-Razi. Arab scientist in SIRAJ performed colostomy for the first time. Arabian physicians also treated hernia, urinary calculus by operations.

In 2the second century Rufus wrote a book on ophthalmology. In 10th century Ibnul Haisum for the first time proved that we can see the object because light from the object comes to the retina. Ali Abbas abd Ibne Seena wrote books on ophthalmology.

They used the term retina and cataract and also described conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, glaucoma, leukemia and night blindness.

Muslim physicians also wrote books on Obstetrics and Gynecology. First description of Caesarean Section is found in Shahanam written by Firdousi about the birth of Persian Hero Rustam.

Al Ahnab Bin Kaies was also born by Cesarean Section. During the Islamic period the female doctors used to treat the Gynecological diseases under the supervision of male surgeons. Cervical polyps and cervical atresia were treated by Arab Gynecologist, which was described by Bahaud-Dowla.

There is no description of Obstetric in Greek Medicine. During the Islamic period Moschion Aetius and Paul described about obstetrics. Abul Kasim, Ibne Seena and Al-Jurgani wrote on obstetrics as a special subject.

Women were mostly engaged in obstetrical work.

The daughter and grand daughter of Avenzoar during 1091 to 1162 were engaged in this profession. Abul Kasim described about the surgery of teeth. Arabian physician in Cordova suggested to apply false teeth from the bull after extraction of sick teeth. Mesu the junior, treated caries teeth by gold cap.

Two Rivers do not mix together

Fourteen centuries ago the Holy Quran spoke about two rivers with different taste and quality of water flow together and yet does not mix. This has been a topic of discussions among scholars for long. However The scholars and researchers came to know of their different nature in 20th century. However the Holy Quran has clearly stated this more than 14 centuries ago.

Two rivers that flow in the same direction demarcating their separate flow

Two rivers flowing in the same direction show their sharp difference of shade

Below shown photos are of the two rivers flowing in southern part near Cape Town, South Africa .These two rivers flow together and finally settle down in the Ocean. .Taste of one river is extremely sweet, whereas, the taste of the other river is extremely bitter. The two never mix. There is nothing in between these rivers which stops them from mixing together. However they do not mix together.

Holy Qur’an states;

55:19 He has let free the two bodies of flowing water , meeting together:

55:20 Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress: 55:22 Out of them come Pearls and Coral:

These are the pictures of the two rivers flowing in the same area but do not mix together.

Prophet Muhammad’s prophesies

* Camels will no longer be used as a means of transport. People will ride on saddles that aren’t saddles (cars?)

* The distance on earth will become short

* Horses will not be used in wars

* Muslims will defeat the Byzantines which will end with the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul?)

* The Jews will gather again in Bilad Canaan-Palestine

* Very tall buildings will be built

* The disappearance of knowledge and the appearance of ignorance, with much killing

* Adultery will become widespread and the drinking of wine will become common

* The number of men will decrease and the number of women will increase until there are 50 women to be looked after by one man

* Islam will become worn out as clothes are until no one will know what fasting, prayer, charity and rituals are

* Allah will send a disease to fornicators that will have no cure (Aids?)

* People will begin to believe in the stars and reject divine decree of destiny

* Men will pass by people’s graves and say: ‘Would that I was in his place’; (large amount of suicidal deaths?

* The Euphrates (Iraq) will uncover a mountain of gold for which people will fight over (the river of Alfurat that lies near Syria and already United States, Britain and their agents are there)

* Two large groups of people will fight one another and there will be many casualties; they will both be following the same religion (world war 111?)

* Earthquakes will increase, time will pass quickly; afflictions will appear; killing will increase; wealth will increase and women will be wearing clothes but not wearing clothes.

Purpose of life - Goal of human beings

A G A Barrie - Toronto - Canada

Each of us have our own individual goals for worldly success. It could be to rise up in our chosen careers, or maybe to leave this world with a legacy. Perhaps, it would be something as simple, yet just as every bit crucial, as to have a roof over our heads and enough food in our bellies. Whatever it may be, we all have goals that differ from one another’s; yet there is one goal that many of ‘us share’. It is to achieve Paradise in the Hereafter. Allah clearly states in the Quran in chapter 9, Surah Taubah, verse 72: “Allah hath promised to believers, men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss.” Allah created human beings with free will and guided them through Messengers and Revelations.

When Allah (S.W.T.) created the world and its belongings, HE had HIS own plan for which HE knows best. We know from the Quran that HE created the world and its belongings in six days. Allah followed this by creating the human being, this was questioned by the angels; again Allah knew what his vision was, and even though the angels could not understand it, they dared not challenge that vision.

Adam was the first human Allah created and HE taught him all the names. When Allah asked the angels to name the things they said they are aware only of what Allah has imparted on them while Adam conveyed them the names. When the angels were told to prostrate, all did except for Iblis, through his arrogance and pride he refused to bow down to one who was made of clay, when he was made of fire.

Allah ordained Adam and his partner to dwell in the garden, Jannat ‘Adn, but they were given clear instruction not to go near the tree. However they were influenced by Shaitan, and acted against the will of Allah. Adam and his partner repented and were pardoned but sent to this world to live as viceroy, with a sole purpose of worshiping Allah and Allah alone, while Iblis too was sent down to be the enemy until the doomsday. Those who are guided have no fear while those who deny Allah’s command and follow the path of Shaitan will be doomed.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated the essentials of achieving goals. The beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) carried out Allah’s mission by explaining the final message and living by it through all phases of his life; so that human beings, who are governed by free will, can follow the right path and be successful. In carrying out the message, the Prophet (PBUH) spent in the beginning of his prophet-hood stressing the importance of the oneness of Allah, and the belief in the unseen and the Hereafter.

The infancy and really old age phase is not as prevalent for obvious reasons. It is during the period of the age of full strength where one is truly immersed in the world around us, and involved in the activities that he/she will be judged on both in this world and the Hereafter. As this world is very temporary the achievements in it are also very superficial even though we can see and measure them. The success in the next world, however, is the true success that we should all try and attain.

This is the purpose of life. Planning and achieving the goals in each phase. In the light of divine direction, one has to strive with great difficulty to be on the right path, as we are not aware of our deeds, livelihood and the final abode. Commencing from the very early stages of our lives, it is mandatory that every one of us follow the commands of Allah and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, if we are to achieve the best in this world and Hereafter.

As demonstrated by Holy Prophet (PBUH.), nothing is impossible to achieve. As individuals we all have to come to our own decision to follow the divine guidance given to us by Allah. As for youths, parents spend and exorbitant amount of time in guiding them and setting milestones for them to follow; but it is the children who have to put in the hard work to attain these goals. Muslim children must have their schedule drawn around the five daily prayers. This is where the foundation for proper Islamic life is created. If the children give priority to the importance of prayers, everything else will fall into place.

The parents and teachers have to underline the importance of prayers so in time the children will be trained to maintain that schedule. Success of reaching their goals and the schedule they keep will be based on performing the prayers on time. Plan around prayers and perform it sincerely, whatever your prayers may consist of.

Once you have the foundation right adulthood is simple, as you are God conscious and will perform all actions to please Allah and Allah alone. If we live to please others, we cannot avoid failing in this world and the next. This is the bottom line to achieve the best in this world and Hereafter; every action should be pleasing Allah. Once again, to achieve the best in this world and Hereafter is to live by Islam, that is pleasing Allah, which is the main purpose of life.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/03/fea22.asp

Surah Qiyamah Chapter 75 with English Translation

2011-01-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

அர்த்தமுள்ள காட்சிகளுடனான உள்ளத்தைத் உழுக்கும் இறைவசனங்கள் - சூறா அல்-கியாமா!!

Purpose of Life & the Goal of Human being

2010-12-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

by Abdul Barrie / agabarrie@rogers.com

Each of us has our own individual goals for worldly success. It could be to rise up in our chosen careers, or maybe to leave this world with a legacy, or perhaps something as simple, yet just as every bit crucial, as to have a roof over our heads and enough food in our bellies. Whatever it may be, we all have goals that differ from one another’s; yet there is one goal that many of us share. It is to achieve the Paradise in the Hereafter.
Through the goals we set in this world and the life we lead, through the relationships we hold with the many we meet and the actions we take, everything we do in this world should relate back to that one goal. Allah clearly states in the Quran in chapter 9, Surah Taubah, verse 72: “Allah hath promised to believers, men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss.”

In this article we will, Insha Allah, analyze the route one should take to understand the purpose of their lives, to achieve the goals of this world and to attain the ultimate goal of the Hereafter. I would like to share my views on achieving goals based on the Quran and Sunnah, quoting applicable verses from the Quran, applicable Hadeeths and referring to my own life experience.

Allah created human beings with free will and guided them through Messengers and Revelations

When Allah (S.W.T.) created the world and its belongings, HE had HIS own plan for which HE knows best. We know from the Quran that HE created the world and its belongings in six days. “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty)” [al-A’raaf 7:54]. Allah followed this by creating the human being, this was questioned by the angels; again Allah knew what his vision was, and even though the angels could not understand it, they dared not challenge that vision. Adam Alihissalaam was the first human Allah created and HE taught him all the names. When Allah asked the angels to name the things they said they are aware only of what Allah has imparted on them while Adam Alihisalam conveyed them the names. “Allah then asked Adam to say those names and he did so,” [Surah 2: verse 33]. When the angels were told to prostrate, all did except for Iblis, through his arrogance and pride he refused to bow down to one who was made of clay, when he was made of fire. Iblis replied, “I am better than him. You have created me from fire, but him You created from clay.” [Surah 7: verse 12]. Allah ordained Adam Alaihissalaam and his partner to dwell in the garden, Jannat ’Adn, but they were given clear instruction not to go near the tree. However they were influenced by Shaitan, and acted against the will of Allah. Adam Alaihissalaam and his partner repented and were pardoned but sent to this world to live as viceroy, with a sole purpose of worshipping Allah and Allah alone, while Iblis too was sent down to be the enemy until the doomsday. “I am going to place a viceroy in the earth, they said: What! Wilt Thou place in it such as shall make mischief in it and shed blood, and we celebrate Thy praise and extol Thy holiness? HE said: Surely I know what you do not know.” [Surah 2, verse 30]. Those who are guided have no fear while those who deny Allah’s command and follow the path of Shaitan will be doomed.

The human beings were given the free will to follow the final message and be guided or reject it and go down the wrong path. Through Allah’s mercy, HE sent Prophet after Prophet to guide the human beings. The final messenger was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the final message to humanity was the Quran.

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) demonstrated the essentials of achieving goals

The beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) carried out Allah’s mission by explaining the final message and living by it through all phases of his life; so that human beings, who are governed by free will, can follow the right path and be successful. In carrying out the message, the Prophet (S.A.W.) spent in the beginning of his prophet-hood stressing the importance of Tawheed, the oneness of Allah, and the belief in the unseen and the Hereafter. Why did the beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) spend so many years in emphasizing the importance of these two critical ideals? Humanity shall only be directed through divine guidance and the will of Allah, and divine guidance can only be sought out when one accepts that there is only one God and no one is worthy of his worship

In his own worldly life, the Prophet Muhammad, proved to be a respected youth, good husband, model father, able businessman, just ruler, great warrior and above all the greatest of all human beings. All this was achieved during various phases of his life.

Various phases of human life

In layman’s terms, we all know that all human beings go through many stages or phases in life. Childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood and old age are the most conventional phases. The following chart, lays out the phases in our lives, age groups and what I believe, from my experiences, the purpose of each phase.

PHASE	AGE GROUP	PURPOSE	WHOSE RESPONSIBLITY
CHILD	0 to 7 YEARS	LEARNING TO LIVE	PARENTS
ADOLESENCE	8 to 18 YEARS	INITIAL EDUCATION	SELF & PARENT
UNDER GRADUATE	19 to 24 YEARS	LEARNING A TRADE	SELF
EMPLOYEMENT	25 ONWARDS	EARNING A LIVING	SELF
PARENT	29 ONWARDS	UPBRINGING A FAMILY	SELF & SPOUSE
GRAND PARENT	60 ONWARDS	SEREVING HUMANITY	SELF & SPOUSE, CHILDREN

The Quran is very clear of the four stages of life that exist for all human beings. The first being the formation of the child in the womb, the second being brought up as an infant, next is growing to the age of full strength and finally being brought back to old age where you know nothing after having known. Refer to Surah 22 Al Hadj verse 5: “O mankind! If you are in doubt about the resurrection, then verily! We have created you from dust then from Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge) then from a clot, then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed, We make it clear to you to show you our power and ability do what We will. And cause whom We will to remain in the womb for an appointed term then We bring you out as infants then give you growth that you may reach age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies young and he who brought back to miserable old age that he knows nothing after having known.”

The Hadeeth #1356 of Chapter 5 of the Book of the beginning of creation confirms that Allah orders an Angel to write his deeds, his livelihood, his date of death and final abode in Hereafter.

The infancy and really old age phase is not as prevalent when it comes to discussing planning and achieving goals for obvious reasons. It is during the period of the age of full strength where one is truly immersed in the world around us, and involved in the activities that he/she will be judged on both in this world and the Hereafter. As this world is very temporary the achievements in it are also very superficial even though we can see and measure them. The success in the next world, however, is the true success that we should all try and attain. But that success will only be known when we meet the Creator. [Surah 6: verse 32] “The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous. Do you not understand?!”

CHART ILLUSTRATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND THE DEEDS

Judging deeds and its rewards and punishments are related to the age. During the younger years the reward for a good deed is much more than the reward received if the same deed were committed at an older age. This correlation is demonstrated by the “S” curve shown above. Punishment for a bad deed done has an opposite relationship. During your younger years, punishment is much less than if the same wrong deed was done when you are older. Reward is indicated above the “S” curve while punishment is shown below the “S” curve, with the deeds plotted against the age. Hence, by analyzing this graph we see that it is during the period of youth that one has to be at their most productive, be concerned about his or her future and be in the path of Allah, if they are to find success in this world and the Hereafter, Insha Allah. This is also confirmed by the Hadeeth that a youth growing up in the path of Allah will have the shade from Allah’s throne when there is no shade available during the day of resurrection. [Sahih Al Bukhari volume 1]

Planning and achieving the goals in each phase

In the light of divine direction, one has to strive with great difficulty to be on the right path, as we are not aware of our deeds, livelihood and the final abode. Commencing from the very early stages of our lives, it is mandatory that every one of us follow the commands of Allah and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, if we are to achieve the best in this world and Hereafter. The second Caliph Umar (R.A.) states that we need to plan our life as if we are going to live forever and when we pray the prescribed prayer, pray as if it will be our last prayer. Here he describes to us how crucial it is to plan and to be ever vigilant to meet the creator, no matter what phase of our life we may be in.

As demonstrated by Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), nothing is impossible to achieve. As individuals we all have to come to our own decision to follow the divine guidance given to us by Allah. As for youths, parents spend and exorbitant amount of time in guiding them and setting milestones for them to follow; but it is the children who have to put in the hard work to attain these goals. Muslim children must have their schedule drawn around the five daily prayers. This is where the foundation for proper Islamic life is created. If the children give priority to the importance of prayers, everything else will fall into place. The parents and teachers have to underline the importance of prayers so in time the children will be trained to maintain that schedule. Success of reaching their goals and the schedule they keep will be based on performing the prayers on time. This is exactly, what Umar (R.A.) meant. Plan around prayers and perform it sincerely, whatever your prayers may consist of. Muslim Schools have no problem as there timetable will be drawn up around the prayer times but children in Non-Muslim schools have an issue. The children should perform their prayers at the lunch break or any time suitable to do so. It is the responsibility of the parents who send their children to Non-Muslim schools to make suitable arrangements for the children to perform their prayers on time. Alhamdulillah, I attended a Muslim school and never had any issues when it came to upholding my prayers but I like to draw an incident which took place in a Non-Muslim school. The student excelled in all subjects and all areas of school. All the awards, whether it was for an academic achievement or non academic feat, were won by this student. The teacher was curious to discover what kind of home-life she had to be such a brilliant and dedicated student. The teacher came home to meet the parents and they explained that every day as a family, they used to read a saying of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and promised each other to practice it. This allowed the student to keep to her schedule and attain whatever she wanted through complete discipline.

As a student at Zahira College in Colombo and being from a middle class family, I was determined to excel in my studies and extracurricular activities, of course all the while, maintaining my Islamic faith. This was possible only through hard work, self discipline, being kind to others and above all help from Allah. I was blessed with a mother who had been praying for my success and always wanted me to be in the path of Allah. Even though I lost my father when I was a six month old baby, I never felt his absence as I was blessed with good uncles who were more than a father to me. They guided me and helped me to achieve whatever I wanted. Fortunately, I also developed an important principle in life which is helping others to achieve what they want and putting others before me. Later in my life I found out that this falls in line with the Hadeeth that the Muslims should hope for others, what would be seen as best for them. With Allah’s blessing, I was admitted to the hostel by then Principal, A.M.A. Azeez, through The Ceylon Muslim Scholarship Fund. I had made up my mind to be the best in my studies and sports. I wanted to be the senior prefect and to win the coveted gold medal, which was awarded to the best all around student, in academics, extra-curricular activities and community leadership. Alhamdulillah, these were my goals and with help of Allah and consistently pushing myself I was able to achieve every one of them. I maintained 100% in mathematics right up to my University entrance class and above 90% in other subjects resulting in admission into the University of Ceylon to study Engineering. Even in university, I maintained the same approach in life. I was proud to be Muslim and never hesitated to help others when needed. I applied myself to my greatest ability and won the hearts of all the lecturers and fellow students. I completed my degree and was appointed an Instructor based on the performance at the final examination. The key to my success was discipline and hard work. I never took anything for granted and never missed asking Allah to help me achieve all my goals, especially between the two sermons on Friday. I continue this practice even today, Alhamdulillah. As a youth, you are in a period of your life at which Allah has bestowed many blessings. You have the greatest potential to set yourself for up success in this period, mainly because Allah has given you the greatest threshold to bear pain and disappointment. You can do things that you will not be able to do, ten, fifteen, twenty years down the road. So prepare your goals now, start planning your strategy to achieve them, always work as hard as you can towards them, and do not be afraid to take a few risks. Lastly, but most importantly always supplicate to Allah for his assistance, leave the rest to him.

Having graduated, I was appointed as an engineer in the Ceylon Government Railways, where I had to deal and interact with non-Muslims. One of my first tasks was to clean up the Coal Grounds which received all contracted materials for Way and Works. The Grounds were famous for bribery and corruption. As a fresh, young engineer I was given the choice, either to join the group and make my money or stand for justice and clean up the corruption. I opted for the latter. This required courage, self discipline, fortitude and help from Allah and of course, the authorities. Alhamdulillah, everything in due time had taken its course, bribery was no longer a conventional practice and the only deals that were made were of the legal kind. I had succeeded with the help of Allah and became the blue eyed engineer, the favourite of the Chief Engineer of Way and Works. This was the beginning of my career and I ended up as a well respected engineer in the Railways. All this came from living by Islamic principles to enjoy the blessings of Allah and standing up for them in the face of adversity. Earning in a halal, legal fashion is one of the important principles of Islamic living. Unless one practices this, the eternal goal of paradise cannot be achieved.

Once you are matured and settled in your career, it is on all of us to move into the next phase, that of starting a family. It is one of the Sunnahs of Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.). The partner must be compatible in all respects, particularly both being religiously inclined. This is the foundation on which the family will be built. Islam should be the focus. Everything else should revolve around it. Marrying and leading a meaningful and peaceful life should be for the sake of Allah. You impart what you’ve learned and practiced as a child and youth to your children. There is no such thing as the world has changed and we have to follow suit. It should be the other way around as the world has changed for the worse and we have to go back to the days of the Prophet. Allah created the human beings to worship HIM and HIM alone. This is widely misunderstood by the Muslims today and they feel it is only the spiritual activities that matter, but this is completely wrong. Worshiping Allah means following HIS commandments twenty four hours a day. Earning in a halal manner is a form of worship.

It is important that you lead an exemplary life. Be the leader at home in all respects. Here again, some of the scholars, interpreted the Hadeeth that a just ruler can be acquainted to a just leader of a family. In other words all of us are qualified to enjoy the shade of Allah when no shade is available in the day of Qiyamah, if you practice justice in dealing with your family, Insha Allah.

The next major hurdle in life is to settle your children. It is very important that the children are brought up under the principles of Islam and they in turn will guide their children. One of the good things you leave in this world is righteous children. In addition to them living right, they will also be involved in praying to Allah for their parents. Hence, if you live by Islam you not only achieve the best in this world but you also pave the way for reward in the Hereafter, Insha Allah.

The last lap of one’s life is the golden age of living on past laurels. It is the benefit you reap in this world, based on your performance and gear yourself to do more for the next world. Proper living when able and practicing what was taught by our beloved Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.) which makes one at ease and continue to enjoy living for the sake of Allah. The chart illustrating the affect of deeds with respect to age clearly shows that a good deed which will earn a handsome reward when young will give us a little reward where as a sin committed at old age will be much more than the same sin committed when young.

This is the final path to salvation. Spend most of your time saving humanity and at the same time enjoying the presence of Allah in all your deeds so that we die in peace and attain Paradise Insha Allah. This is the ultimate goal of all Muslims.

SUMMARY OF WAY OF LIFE

We are Muslims, Alhamdulillah, thus the way of life is all preplanned for us and it is up to us to follow the real way, as prescribed in Islam. As for me, I had tried to practice one of the basic principles in the Islamic way of life. ‘Living for others’. It is not easy to practice this simple way but once you have set your mind to it, the change comes gradually, and the benefits are bountiful. But you must train yourself from early days. May Allah help and guide everyone to acquire this important fundamental and essential quality in life so that one will accomplish, at the end of his tenure, peace of mind. This is a basic requirement to meet the creator, of course after living as a Muslim. One cannot achieve this overnight but has to prepare themselves from inception.

The following are the basic guidelines to preparation at various phases of life, in order to attain this goal and finally achieving the goal of paradise, Insha Allah.

CHILDHOOD

Learn to share.

Help other children when they are in difficulty.

Be kind and cheerful when you are with others.

Be satisfied and do not be a burden to parents

Be proud to be Muslim.

AS A STUDENT

Be consistent in your habits.

Learn to manage your time properly.

Be a good sport and learn to take defeat with class.

Do your school work and help others with pleasure.

Live within your means.

Learn to be humble when you excel.

AT WORK

Be exemplary.

Work more than you have been contracted for.

Do not live on others fault, but solve, as it is yours.

Volunteer to help others and refrain from complaining.

Be pleasant.

AT HOME

Be a leader and set examples, so that others will follow.

Be kind, firm and understanding.

Treat all alike, with no favourites.

Admire achievements and make sure others learn from their faults.

Give the best to your family.

Once you have the basics then you live as per code of Islam. It is important to realize and accept the fact, “Everything you do and everything you think are known to Allah,” and you will not attempt to displease him. You are only a passenger in this journey to meet the Creator. With this concept you act and live to please Allah. How is that possible? Well, we have to have few fundamentals correct:

Earning

This is the most important factor to lead a peaceful life, your earnings should be proper; in Islam it should be halal. Your conscious is the answer to this. Anything you doubt keep away from. Feeding the family and helping others should stem from a properly earned income. If you a re paid to work for 8 hours and you do only for 7 hours, then the salary you get is questionable. In my opinion, this is the baseline before you set your goals, Insha Allah.

Disposal

Having earned properly it is equally important to dispose the earnings in the proper way. This is the difficult part but if you are in the path of pleasing the Creator, it is not difficult at all. Keep for your basic needs and give away the balance, starting from your immediate needy kin. You have to realize that you cannot have everything when your close relatives and the associates around you, do not have the basics. If you practice this, you will find it is indeed a phenomena as all your needs will be met by the help of the Creator and you will achieve peace of mind. Alhamdulillah.

CONCLUSION

Follow the path of Allah, as shown to us by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Fear Allah and Allah alone. Work hard, live in a just manner and we will definitely achieve all our goals in this world and the lauded goal of the hereafter. Insha Allah!

Misuse of Zakat Collected through Mosques

2010-12-25T03:46:00.000-08:00

Zakat is not a mere ritual, but an indispensable competent of Islam which Abubakr (Ral) fought against who rejected it and has been a responsibility of the Islamic State to collect from the right people and distribute it to the right people. In Sri Lanka this is now taken up by some mosques Alhamdulillah. However there seems ample cases of corruption, favoritism , misuse of funds collected in the mosques in the name of Islam. The main reason is even the people who give Zakat seldom question the mosque authorities / trustees of how their Zakat was used and what impact it has made in the people who received it.

It is interesting to note that some mosques who have collected Zakat for 15 years cannot produce 1 beneficiary who has come out of poverty , let alone that he is Zakat payee (I suggest you call and ask few mosques immediately). There is no records of how much Zakat was collected ( the figure varies within the board members) and to whom it was distributed.

Another example is that land is brought through Zakat money to distribute among poor families in a mosque in the hill country. Alhamdulillah its a good decision but until today (after 5 years) the poor are not resettled because non of the poor are willing to stay there as its a remotest part of the village with no access or facilities. on an inside note, the land belong to a close relative of the head of the Zakat committee, who was trying to sell this land for the land 10 years and the Zakat money came as a blessing for him to sell it in a much higher price than he expected!!

There are hundreds of incidents such as these done in the disguise of Islam. it is out duty as this Ummah not only to enjoin what is good BUT ALSO TO FORBID WHAT IS EVIL. Umar (Ral) was questioned by a women in regards to dowry and he changed his opinion and I am sure there are sincere souls among the trustees who will like to be more accountable and transparent to the public about the funds they collect. This is a call to the Silent majority to raise their voice against corruption and ask mosques to be accountable and transparent in collecting and distributing Zakat.

Let me also ask the ulema, intellectuals , activists to device a mechanism to monitor and evaluate the zakat funds of mosques and ensure its not a mere ritual but a dynamic act of worship in a complete way of life ( deen) setting an example other communities as well.

Let me also request if any mosques can claim any success stories to share it with this group please.

Abu Asma

Ramazan Holidays in Muslim Schools

2010-12-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

Assalamu Alaikum,

Can anyone enlighten the forum on how Muslim Schools in Sri Lanka started a vacaiton scheme for Ramadan and what are the pros an cons of this scheme?

Should we continue with this?

HILMI SULAIMAN

himsulaiman@gmail.com

Jamiah Naleemaih Listed in EU Directory

2010-12-22T21:59:00.000-08:00

Jamiah Naleemiah Islamiyyah has been listed in World-wide Directory of Top Academic, Research and Development Higher Education Institutions in the world.

Jamaih Naleemiah Islamiyyah with its Scientific and technical co-operation with Union of Islamic Universities World-over and its co-operation with Leading Internationally recognized Islamic Universities has gained global recognition in the field of Islamic Education.
http://www.university-directory.eu/Sri-Lanka/Naleemiah-Islamic-University.html?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d15607c18863840,0

Naleemiah graduates world-over could easily find their ways to further their post graduate studies in the future without any obstacles.

With governments current moves to open up private universities in Sri Lanka It is heartening to know that the Administration of Jamiah Naleemiah Islamiyyah specially its Director Dr.MAM.Shukry PhD and Deputy Director As-Sheik AC.Agar Mohammad along with other Asst Directors and Deans are very much concerned about reforms that may suit the Modern Higher Educational and Professional standards with necessary safe guards pertaining to Jamiahs own identity vision and mission.

Many friends of mine here and in Arab World complained that those who visited the above World Wide Universitiesâ€™ Directory page found no official website for Jamiah Naleemiah which is a basic identity requirement for International academic institution.

I hope The Administration of would take up this matter seriously and do the need full to design and launch the official World Wide Web at the earliest for which Rabitha has already assured its fullest support and sponsorship.

Masihudeen Inamullah
1979-1986/86-88
Vice President â€“ Rabitha An Naleemiyyeen