General
From Issue: 398 [Read full issue]
| Living the Quran |
Al-Araf
(The Heights)
Asceticism often means the negation of art and beauty, it has no necessary sanctity attached to it. The beautiful and good things of life are really meant for, and should be the privilage of those with faith in Allah. If they do not always have them in this life....let us remember that this is a test from Allah. In the life to come they will be purely for the faithful. Islam recognizes the importance of celebrations in people's lives. While expecting the ultimate reward in the Hereafter, a believer is not required to deny himself/herself the opportunity of enjoying in this life. Islam does not expect people to deprive themselves of the lawful pleasures of life. A Muslim should know how to strike a balance between devotional acts of worship and worldly pleasures. Compiled From: |
| Understanding the Prophet's Life |
| Rejoice: Do Not Crush the Joy of Eid
Another manifestation of joy in Eid during the Prophet’s time was the Abyssinians’ show: they gathered at the mosque and played with shields and spears. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) heard them, he looked at them then asked Aishah whether she would like to watch. She replied in the affirmative, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made her stand behind him and her cheek was touching his cheek. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged them saying, “Carry on, Banu Arfadah! Let Jews know that we have a space of relaxation in our religion.” Here we see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) approving and even encouraging such shows of happiness and joy. What makes one wonder is the act of those who overlook this Prophetic guidance and try to destroy this joy and spoil Eid’s cheerful spirit. In fact, some ascetics and worshipers did so in the past out of good intention. This gloomy spirit is echoed today by some sincere people who are used to turning Eids into occasions of lamenting the Ummah’s shortcomings and tragedies, and mourning over the lost glories. Sadness and gloominess will never be the remedy for our tragedies. The remedy needs more than that. It needs reflection and wise thinking, as well as courageous self-criticism and assessment. Rejecting the manifestations of joy, extinguishing every smile and succumbing to sadness and grief have nothing to do with liberating even hand-span of land, satisfying a hungry person, or answering any call for help. The best guidance is that of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who used to seek refuge in Allah from worry and sorrow. He was always an optimistic, smiling man. We need to infuse the Ummah with this hopeful spirit. Eid is a ray that dispels the darks engulfing our souls and the despair strangling our hearts. So let hope find its way into our souls. The life-span of Islam is far longer than ours; its horizons are far wider than our countries; the calamities afflicting us are not unchangeable fate. We should not be hasty and impatient. Allah’s laws in running the universe cannot be altered according to the humans’ whims or wishes. Let’s look at the bright side and appreciate the favours Allah has bestowed on us. A desperate soul overwhelmed by fears and blinded by a gloomy view can never be helpful in rectifying our situation. After all, we should remember that Allah is always there and that He Almighty is the Greatest. Compiled From: |
| Blindspot |
Eid-ul-Fitr Checklist! On the day of Eid, there are some Sunnah acts that we should do, here is what the Prophet used to do on the day of Eid, May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him: 1. Rise early in the morning. Engage in takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) from fajr until the imam comes out for salah. Takbir is recommended for males, females, young and old. 2. Take a full bath. Clean the teeth. 3. Wear the best clothes you have. Appear in the best clean clothes dress that you can afford to, that are reasonable and modest. Wear perfume. 4. Eat something sweet like dates before leaving home. 5. Go to the Eid prayer location very early. (The Prophet used to offer Eid prayer in the central location, that is not to offer it in a mosque of a locality without any legitimate excuse.) 6. The Prophet used to go to the Eid Prayer location by one route and return through another route. He used to go for Eid on foot. He used to chant slowly on the way to the Eid prayer location the following words: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd." (Translation: Allah is the greatest, He is the greatest. There is no god except Allah. He is the greatest. All praises and thanks are for Him.) 7. The Prophet used to give zakatul fitr before the Eid day. But if you have not done so please give now before the Eid. Giving just before Eid is ok but against the spirit and the purpose of it. Ideally, it should be given in advance so that the poor can enjoy their Eid. (This year in America and Canada it is $10 per person.) 8. Meet and greet. Wish every one the joy of Eid and show true signs of Islamic brotherhood by shaking hands and embracing and supplicating: “Taqabal Allahu Minna wa Minkum” (May Allah accept it from us and you). 9. Exchange gifts. It is also considered a good Islamic practice to visit one another and exchange gifts. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Exchange gifts in order to foster love." 10. Show generosity. Remember the true spirit of Eid is reflected in our extreme generosity to the poor and the needy. So, be charitable as best as you can. 11. Seek pardon and acceptance. Make lots of istighfar (asking Allah for forgiveness) and pray that Allah accept our fast, prayers and devotion, and may He grant the Muslim community glory and success. Compiled From: |
