Taking Pride in Islaam

[Consider]

Taking Pride in Islaam

Published by the Qur'an and Sunnah Net Group

In the Name of Allaah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Asslaaamu Alaikum wa Ramatullah Wabarkatuh

It is unfortunate that Muslims in many parts of the world are practising a mixture of many un-Islamic practices which find no basis in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.

In the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent there has crept into the practice of Islaam the influences of Hinduism, Bhakthi-movement, idol-worship, degenerated forms of Sufism and so on and so forth.

In many parts of Africa, the remnants of paganism, cult-worship and celebration of pagan festivals and fetish practices are practiced side by side with Islaam.

In some Arab countries and the Maghreb, people have evolved their own peculiar, form of Islaam, which finds no support or sanction in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.

The practices which have been condemned by the Prophet (SAAS) are being upheld by some people, by giving them religious flavor. This type of Islaam is found in all countries where the Muslim dwells.

The Prophet in his final Hajj message:

"O people, I leave behind two things. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah." Hence, the true revival of our Ummah can be achieved by no other means than that which the Messenger of Allaah asked us to do. Allaah has also asked the Prophet to declare that the touchtone of the love of Allaah is the obedience to the Messenger. "Say, if you love Allaah, then follow me , Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." [3:31]


In the face of attacks on Islaam by the disbelievers, some Muslims turn to the defensive with an inner feeling of defeat as they try to show that Islamic values are no different from western ones.

If they are told that the Islamic political system is dictatorial, they respond by trying to show that it is democratic.

If they are told that Islaam is spread with jihad, they respond that Muslims fought only to defend themselves when attacked.

If they are told that there is a problem with the status of women in Islaam, they try to prove that Islaam allows polygamy only under strict conditions, which most men do not fulfill and hence they conclude it is virtually not allowed.

Such apologetic attitudes should be put behind us.

Islaam is a way of life given to us by Allaah, it cannot be put on the same level as other man-made ideologies or corrupted revelations.

Muslims should have enough confidence in themselves to go on the offensive rather than stay on the defensive like an accused person.

When Quraysh accused the Muslims of violating the sanctity of the sacred months on the occasion of the fight between the Muslim brigade of Abdullah ibn Jahsh and the disbelievers, Allaah (swt) revealed:

'They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (these are the 1st, 7th,and 12 months of Islamic calendar). Say: 'Fighting therein is a great transgression but a greater transgression in the Sight of Allaah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allaah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to al-Masjid al-Haram (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and polytheism is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion. If they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds wil lbe lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide there n forever.' [2:217]


This is how the Qur'aan argues with the disbelievers.

The Qur'aan starts attacking them on their greatest crime: their disbelief in Allaah and their association of partners with Him.

One should not present a false interpretation of our religion for he purpose of pleasing the disbelievers.

Some Muslims today try to hide their Islamic identity for fear of being labeled a ' fundamentalist'.

Men are shaving their beard and women are trying to make their hijaab look like the latest fashion.

If presented with food or drink that is haram, they say we are full at the moment, or they say we do not like that particular food.

Only few say that they cannot eat it because it is unlawful in Islaam.

This is not the way the companions of the Prophet (saaw) behaved.

When the companions accepted Islaam, they became proud of it and felt that all other ideologies and ways of the life are inferior to that which has been revealed to them from above the seven heavens.

In the battle between the Muslims and the Persians, Rostom, the leader of the Persian army, asked to negotiate with the Muslims.

Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas, the Muslim leader in that battle, sent a group of companions among which was Rib'e ibn Amer.

The Persian leader prepared a magnificent reception in order to impress those 'Bedouins' and weaken their position.

The Persian asked Rib'e to enter without his arms. He refused and entered with his arms and his horse and tied his horse nest to Rostom.

Rostom asked: " What brings you?' Rib'e said: 'Allaah has sent us to convert mankind from the worship of people to the worship of Allaah and from the narrowness of this life to its wideness and from the oppression of the religions to the justice of Islaam. Allaah has sent us to His religion. Whoever accept it, we accept from Him and whoever refuses, we fight him until we get the promise of Allaah." " And what is His promise?" asked Rostom. " Paradise for those who die and victory for those who survive" answered Rib'e. Rostom said: "Can you delay this matter until we think about it?" Rib'e answered: " Yes. How many days do you need one or two?? Rostom said: "More. Until I write to my people." Rib'e said: " We can't. Our Prophet does not authorize us to delay our enemies more than three days. So make up your mind."!

This companion came from a society which was materially far behind the Persian empire. Nevertheless he had himself the seed of Truth and righteousness that allowed him not to be distracted or impressed with the glamour surrounding the disbelievers.

Civilization starts with the correct belief and faith. The material aspects of civilization will come later on as a by product. On the other hand, the disbelievers, no matter how materially advanced he might be, is an uncivilized person and bears in his sould the germs of his own destruction. This is why you should TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR RELIGION. This is why YOU SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN ISLAAM.

It is the bounden duty of every Muslim to mutually co-operate in the work of Daw'aah, preaching and teaching the faith taught by the Messenger of Allaah.

Those practices (Sunnah) of the Prophet which are lost and have gone out of practice, due to the weakness of the Ummah must be revived, taught and propagated to the world at large.

The work of Dawa'ah in reality begins with the reformation of one's own self and then the message is taken to everyone.

In dawa'ah, one is bound to face obstruction and
encounter difficulties. Such person should excercise the utmost patience, constancy and endurance during hours of trial and tribulation.

The revival of the Sunnah must first be established in one's home, then one's family, friends, society and the Ummah at large.

The work of revival and the practices of the Prophet the Sunnah will automatically bring about the destruction of bi'dah, the devilish innovations which have crept into the lives of Muslims everywhere, due to various influences both within and without.


"Where you to obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allaah's path. They follow nothing but conjectures and they do nothing but lie." [6:116]

"It is not right for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allaah and His Messenger to have any choice about their decision. And whosoever disobey Allaah and His Messenger he has indeed gone astray." [33:36]

[AbuMubarak]

Like a dead goat

Like a dead goat

Jabir bin Abdullah reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) happened to walk through the market coming from the side of 'Aliya and the people were on both his sides.

There he found a dead lamb with very short ears.

He took hold of his ear and said: Who amongst you would like to have this for a dirham? They said: We do not like to have it even for less than that as it is of no use to us.

He said: Do you wish to have it (free of any cost)? They said: By Allah, even if it was alive (we would not have liked to possess that), for there is defect in it as its ear is very short; now it is dead also.

Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: By Allah, this world is more insignificant in the eye of Allah as it (this dead lamb) is in your eye.

Sahih Muslim Book42 , Number7059 .

[AbuMubarak]

:)

[mohabdul]

Where is Our Pride in Islam?
Shariffa Carlo




One of the biggest things that hurts us, that allows us to fall into the trap of the Western mentality when it comes to being a woman is that we have forgotten about a major element of Islam that allows us and strengthens us in being good practicing Muslimahs. I want to talk about pride. But, don't get me wrong. I am not going to say what most people say when they talk about pride. Usually, when this topic is discussed, you will get hadiths and verses which condemn pride. I am here to tell you to have pride. I am going to tell you that pride is good. I am going to tell you, that you need to let your chests expand with pride till they are ready to burst. Confused? Don't be. I don't mean pride as in looking down upon people. Because this pride was forbidden.


Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud:


The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) observed: He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise. A person (amongst his hearers) said: Verily a person loves that his dress should be fine, and his shoes should be fine. He (the Prophet) remarked: Verily, Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Pride is disdaining the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for the people. Sahih Muslim: Book 1, Number 0164.


I don't mean pride in the conceited, hurtful sense. I mean pride as in recognizing and acting like what you are -- the best nation ever raised by Allah.


For Allah says,


"You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah; and if the followers of the Book had believed it would have been better for them; of them (some) are believers and most of them are transgressors." (3:110)


"(And) lo! those who believe and do good works are the best of created beings." (98:7)


We are the highest of creation. We were created in the best stature and will remain so, so long as we do what we must to obey Allah. Allah says,


"Surely We created man of the best stature; Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low; Except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing." (95:4-6)


We, the Muslims, are the best nation created. We are the leaders of this world. The companions of rasool Allah recognized this. They embraced it, and it is for this reason that they were able to defeat the non-believers and conquer so much of the world. they did not cower in the corners, afraid to declare their faith. They did not sit back and allow themselves to be humiliated except when it was a command from Allah and/or His messenger that they do so. They were strong. They were confident, and they wore their pride in their deen like a badge of honor.


An excellent example of this was Abu Dharr al-Ghifari. He accepted Islam at a time when the Muslims were weak and persecuted. Yet, instead of hiding his religion, he announced it for all to know. In his own words,


"...After that I stayed with the Prophet in Makkah and he taught me Islam and taught me to read the Quran. Then he said to me, 'Don't tell anyone in Makkah about your acceptance of Islam. I fear that they will kill you."


"By Him in whose hands is my soul, I shall not leave Makkah until I go to the Sacred Mosque and proclaim the call of Truth in the midst of the Quraysh," vowed Abu Dharr.


The Prophet remained silent. I went to the Mosque. The Quraysh were sitting and talking. I went in their midst and called out at the top of my voice, "O people of Quraysh, I testify that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."


My words had an immediate effect on them. They jumped up and said, 'Get this one who has left his religion.' They pounced on me and began to beat me mercilessly. They clearly meant to kill me. But Abbas ibn Abdulmuttalib, the uncle of the Prophet, recognized me. He bent over and protected me from them.


He told them:


"Woe to you! Would you kill a man from the Ghifar tribe and your caravans must pass through their territory?" They then released me..." (ISL Software).


This companion had so much pride in his religion, that he could do nothing better than to announce it for all to hear, even at the risk of his life. Even though it was an unwise thing to do, and the prophet had disliked the act (he did not forbid it though), this man felt a compulsion to let the people know that he had accepted Islam. This is a sign of true pride. And it was the foolish act, not the pride that the Prophet, May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him, had disapproved. We are supposed to be proud of our religion. We are not supposed to hide it unless we feel fear for our lives, as the Muslims did while they were being persecuted in Makka, but once they had the strength to defend themselves, they announced it far and wide, for all to hear. They did not back down in the face of hardship. They spread the religion. They took the Prophet's announcements to Kings and peasants alike. They were proud of their religion because they knew - without any doubt what so ever - that Islam was and is the truth. They knew that only by accepting Islam could people be saved. They knew that it was through them that this deen would survive and thrive, and they knew if they neglected their duty that Allah would bring a better people for this duty. So, they embraced their duty. That is why they are the best nation from among the Muslims. So, what has happened to us? Where is our pride in Allah and His religion? Where is our desire to do anything it takes to make this religion supreme?


So many of us are so ashamed of our religion that we change ourselves, to blend in. We all know a Samer who has become Sam or a Mohammad who calls himself Mo. We all know the woman who wears a Western Hijab: jeans, a long shirt and the obligatory headpiece. What is wrong with us? We need to look and sound and act like those around us. Why? The kafirs have a saying, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." What does this mean? It means that by imitating someone, you are essentially saying that they are better -- even in that small aspect.


You would never give up the best for the worst. You trade upwards. So, why are we constantly trading downwards and accepting the ways of the kafirs? Unless, we believe that their way is better (MAY ALLAH FORBID US FROM THIS HORRIBLE BELIEF!) Immitation is a sign of defeat. Immitation is a sign of inferiority. Immitation is a sign of no faith in what you have. We are the best nation ever raised. These people should be copying us, not us them. And they know it.


One day, a covered Muslim sister was on the shuttle at the university where she was studying. This young American woman boarded the bus. She was wearing a skirt so short, it left nothing to the imagination. She sat across from the muhajiba sister. The sister looked up and noticed that the American woman was staring at her, and shaking her head. She apparently disapproved of her dress. No matter. If she had not believed that hers was the superior way, she might have felt embarrased or humiliated. But it seemed that she knew, believed and accepted that Islam is the right way, because instead of pulling back, she looked right at the non- Muslim American woman with a look of severe disapproval. She then looked to the woman's exposed legs and tisked while shaking her head. The American woman responded by tugging at the bottom of her skirt, like she was trying to cover her legs more. The American woman felt the shame and humiliation of her exposure. This woman recognized her inferior status and reacted accordingly, because the Muslim woman did not back down or allow the non-Muslim to make her feel inferior. This is the way we should all act.


How many times do Muslim women take off the hijab because of the pressures of society. How many times have you heard: "I can't get a job; I can't handle the stares: I can't cope with the pressures of life in America if I cover." Or worse yet, "We need to blend in to this society." We so not need to blend, and we do not need to compromise. When we do so, we admit defeat. We need to become trail-blazers, leaders, the example for others. Subhana Allah! We are the BEST NATION. Our way is the only way to salvation. Never forget that. The Prophet forbid us from imitating the kafirs. Not only that, in many hadiths, he commanded us to purposely be different. He commanded us to be mukhalifa (The one who does the opposite):


Narrated AbuHurayrah:


The Messenger of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Trim closely the moustache, and grow the beard, be mukhalifa (be not like) the fire-worshippers. Sahih Muslim: Book 2, Number 0501:


Also, the Prophet warned us that in imitating the bad one, we are like them. (I will take only the pertinent part of the hadith):


Narrated Umm Salamah about the evil Amir: The Messenger of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: ... But one who approves of their bad deeds and imitates them is spiritually ruined... Sahih Muslim: Book 19, Number 4569.


This last hadith talks of the bad Muslim. So what does this say about the kafiruun? We are not to imitate the kafir. We are to purposely be differerent. How can we do this? I know one sister who took the idea of being mukhalifa to the extent that on Thanksgiving, a day of feasting and overindulging, she fasted. I know of others who simply refuse to compromise their faith and practices, which is the least we MUST do. At the very least, we should not dress like them, talk like them, celebrate like them or take on their practices. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked why I do not wear a wedding ring. I have to answer, because it is not only not a Muslim custom, it is the custom of the Christians. I have to teach them that: "Since the earliest times, the giving or exchanging of rings cememted any contract. Amongst early christians, the thumb and the first two fingers typified the trinity, and the husband placed the ring on his wife's finger in the treefold holy name. Some authorities believe that the third finger of the left hand was connected by neerve or artery with the heart, hence it was chosen for this purpose." (The State Newspaper- Columbia, South Carolina)


Brothers and sisters, ignorance is not an excuse when we make no efort to learn the truth. We are in a kafir country, it is our duty and obligation to seek this type of knowledge so that we can avoid misguidance. So simply not knowing is not acceptable. The one who does not know how to pray will not be forgiven for it if he made no effort to learn how to pray. We are not held accountable for that which has not reached us yet, but we always have to be making an effort to seek out the knowledge.


Further, for those who say -- "That is not my intention, and deeds are by intentions." I say, your deeds are by intention, but an evil deed can not be cleaned up with a good intention. I can not steal money to give it to the mosque. Stealing is haram, as imitation is haram, and once we recognize that something is haram, we must cease immediately.


Once again, it all goes down to pride. I am proud to be a Muslim. I will not cease saying inshallah because I am talking to a kafir -- let him learn the word -- it might so him some good. I am not going to stop reading my Quran because someone will see me and think me a fanatic. I am not going to change or "mute" my hijab because I want to blend in. I have to be mukhalifa, inshallah.


Let me warn you, if you do not already know. We are Muslims, and even if we forget it, they will not. Prime example: Bosnia. The Bosnians forgot their Islam. They blended in. They would marry each other, entertain together; take each others names, and were "one" with the non-muslims in their society. One Muslim Bosnian brother once told me, " They did not destroy the masjids. The masjids were already dead." The Muslims of Bosnia had forgotten their deen, but the minute the Kafirs had a chance -- they began to exterminate them. They killed not just the good practicing Muslim, but also the one who did not even know how to pray. They remembered. Why do we forget? But let's take this a step further. Recognize that what you do is not only affecting you. When we do things in this society, we set precidents. Not a single Muslim woman who wears hijab has not heard, "...but so and so is a Muslim, and she does not wear like that." Nor has a brother who has a beard not heard, "but so and so is a Muslim, and he shaves." We hurt each other when we abandon a part of our practice. We have to help each other, not be among those who help to oppress us.


Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:


Allah's Apostle said, "A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection . " Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622:


We are Muslims. We have consciously recognized that Allah is the only Lord. We have accepted Muhammad as the final Messenger and Prophet. Our deen is Islam and our constitution is Quraan and Sunnah. We are the saved nation, the only true followers of the one true God. We are the best, and what we do as practicing Muslims is the only way, not just the best way to act and follow. So why must we consistantly follow the non-Muslim? Where is our pride in Islam. when I see a young Muslim man in the latest gangsta fashion, talking like a kafir rapper, I cringe. when I see a young Muslim girl wearing pants instead of jilbab, my heart breaks. When I see a shaved Muslim man or an uncovered Muslim woman, I fear for our future. Our beloved Prophet warned us.


Narrated Abu Said:


The Prophet said, "You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a lizard, you too will go there." We said, "O Allah's Apostle! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?" He replied, "Whom else?" (Meaning, of course, the Jews and the Christians.) Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 56, Number 662:


Ibin Khaldun said that he knew that Al Andalus was going to fall when he saw them imitating the kufar.


I pray that we stop doing this. I pray that Allah gives us the pride we lost. I pray He return to us the sense of superiority that we need to not just practice our deen for ourselves, but to spread it to those who need it. I pray to Allah, the Most Wise, the Most Generous that He make us all proud to be Muslim and proud to be mukhalifa.

[Taleb]

Salamu Alaikum

reading what you had to say makes me realise that in todays world we have countless muslims who do things because they want to be like the kafir as in the west girls and boys drinking getting drunk and much more ... i study in switzerland and i met this girl from PALESTINE who apparently considers drinking alcohol even during ramadan and who recently lost her virginity with her boyfriend who is a non muslim and she basically did it to avoid being the odd one amongst her firend circle who are all non muslims and this is a shame to all muslims as this is what made our religion look really bad and unrespectable and when we go and tell them to behave and live their lives the Islamic way they complain about us forcing Islam into people's heart and being conservative ... and its a tragedy to see that they do this for the basic pleasure of this life here and completely forgeting that we do actually have a life hereafter... i completely understand what you are on about ... but what can be done ... nothing at all i guess

there was this time where i spoke to this indian muslim gal living in kenya and made her stop drinking alcohol in under one night inspite of her being a major alcoholic but what happened after 6 months or so she started all over again and if asked why she answer because one of her friend passed away ...

[Ramlah]

Assalamu Aleikum Warahmatulahi Wabarakatuhu.

I completely agree with everything you both said. The weakest muslims that need the most help are teenagers. Being a teenager is tough. That is when the mind is impressionable. These dayz muslim teens do everything that kaffiirs do. From trying to dress like one to acting and imitating everything they do. I've been in this situation too and Alhamdullilah that Allah guided me on to the straight path and blessed me with knowledge.

I reckon that, the most ppl in need of guidance are the young muslims cuz they are the future of Islam Insha Allah.

Yeah sis/bro, its sad to see how insecure we get of our Hijaab.
The most beautiful creature on earth is a woman but the one that is most beautiful than her is A MUSLIM WOMAN. Cuz she is beautiful both inside (her faith) and outside (guides her chastity).

Thanx sis/bro, for this post, it's a lot to think abt.
Jazaka Allahum Khair.

[Ramlah]

Assalamu Alikum Warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu.

There's this hadith (i don't know word for word), that Allah's Mesenger (SAW) was talking to his companions, he (SAW) said; ''There will come a time when the Muslims will be defeated by the kafiirs, the Companions said, 'Subhanallah, will they be few in numbers?', Allah's Messenger said, 'No they will be great in numbers but Allah will remove the fear that the kafirs' have for Muslims and put the love of this world and the hate for death, in the hearts of the Muslim''.

The Muslim Ummah is too busy with the pleasures of this world to pay close attention to their religion, most of us have taken the bounties that Allah Has bestowed upon us by choosing us above all others and guiding us on the Straight Path.

Again IstagfuruAllah for any errors from my part. I hope my point has come across
Jazaka Allahum Khair.