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Crime Wave

Murder, looting, plundering, fraud, corruption … and the seemingly never ending list of misery and torment that has become the order of the day. The prevalence of such conditions have become a way of life. Unless the victims were near and dear, sensational headlines depicting murder and mayhem also do not evoke shock and disbelief. While the crime rate continues to spiral out of control, debates, discussions and conferences abound as to what are the factors leading to this deplorable condition. The debates and discussions will continue but unless the only real solution is not adopted, no difference will occur in the prevailing situation. The question is who has the solution and what is it?

In order to understand the solution, we need to examine the root of the problem. The problem can only be resolved by treating the root cause. Otherwise there may be some temporary symptomatic relief, but over time the problem is bound to get much worse.

To understand the root of the problem and search for the solution, a Mu`min (Believer) will first turn directly to the Qur’aan and Sunnah to see what guidance is to be found therein. In this regard, Allah I declares: “Corruption has appeared on the land and seas due to what (actions) has been perpetrated by man.” This then is the starting point. The crux of this aayah is that in this world of cause and effect, actions of man have a direct effect on the conditions that prevail. Good actions bring down good conditions while evil actions draw down calamities. This is a simple reality as clear as the reality that fire burns and that rain causes the vegetation to grow. Thus if one ignores the reality and places his hand into the fire, the obvious consequence is that he will get burnt. Likewise if we ignore the reality and perpetrate evil actions, the calamities will come.

What are the evil actions which bring down calamities? Rasulullah r has given many details in the Ahaadith, some of which are discussed hereunder:

Salaah

The most important pillar of Islaam after Imaan is Salaah. Punctual and proper performance of Salaah is of fundamental importance. Neglecting to perform it or performing it haphazardly is a serious matter which draws down Allah Ta’ala’s wrath. Rasulullah r is reported to have said that when a person performs his Salaah but does not take due care to perform it correctly, the Salaah is wrapped like a dirty rag and thrown back at him. The Salaah then curses him saying: “May Allah U destroy you as you have destroyed me.”

The general condition of our Salaah is well known. Let alone the aspects of concentration and devotion, even the postures are not fulfilled in the Sunnah manner. Thus if our Salaah will curse us daily, why then will calamities not engulf us. Furthermore, if this is the consequence of performing Salaah haphazardly, the more severe consequences of not performing Salaah at all can well be imagined.

Blatant vice  

Perpetration of vice is always a means of loss and deprivation for the perpetrator. At the least, it snatches away his peace of mind and contentment. Barakah is removed from his life and wealth. As a result, even if he owns all the wealth in the world, his life is still in constant turmoil. This is the least effect in this world on the perpetrator himself. However, when many people openly and blatantly flaunt the commands of Allah Ta’ala and those who have the ability to stop them do nothing to change the situation, the subsequent calamity engulfs the entire community. Hazrath Huzaifa bin Yamaan (R.A) reports that Rasulullah r said: “By the oath of  that Being who controls my life, you must most certainly enjoin the right and forbid the evil, or else Allah will engulf everybody in the punishment. Then you will beseech Him but He will not answer your duas.” (Tirmizi). Hence Hazrath Umar bin Abdul Aziz (R.A) would declare: “It used to be said (by the Sahaba

[R.A]) that Allah Ta’ala will not punish everyone due to the sins of specific people. However, when vices are committed openly, everybody becomes deserving of the punishment” (As Sunnan al Waarida fil Fitan).

Among the serious flagrant violations of Shariah is the shameless and immoral dressing being adopted, especially by Muslim women. It is most tragic that the type of shameless and immoral attire which Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) cursed, is adopted with pride. Parents, grandparents, husbands and brothers also generally condone this open violation or merely turn a blind eye. The Arsh (throne) of Allah Ta’ala must be shuddering on account of the shamelessness being displayed. Such immorality and shamelessness is bound to invite calamities.

Many narrations have highlighted other serious acts which invite the wrath of Allah Ta’ala. Hazrath Ibn Abbas (R.A.) is reported to have said: “When zina becomes rife in a community, excessive deaths will take place. When people cheat in weight and measure they will be afflicted with droughts. When they will break their promises, their enemies will overpower them” (Jami-us Sagheer).

It has also been reported in various Ahadith that when the following acts will be committed, difficulties and problems will descend:

  • Intoxicants will be consumed
  • Parents will be disobeyed
  • Trust property will be regarded as personal property (and misappropriated)
  • Zakaat will be regarded as a tax (i.e. like a burden)
  • Such people will be appointed to public positions who will not be worthy of those positions
  • People will be honoured merely out of fear for the mischief that they can cause

The object of highlighting these issues is that we take heed and save ourselves from becoming involved therein. Otherwise, we will have only ourselves to blame for the severe consequences that come as a result of our evildoings.

May Allah Ta’ala forgive us and save us from His chastisement in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen.

Pop Star Plays in Masjid

An international pop star was allowed to play his music in a musjid. Though he was only given approximately a minute, the pop star got immediately on the act and used his minute to the full. His complete band played along while he sang some lines from his latest release. There was a mixed response from those present. While most of the congregation were enraged, some did not seem too bothered. After all, they also had pop bands playing …on their CELLPHONES.

This is unfortunately the tragic situation in most musjids. Pop bands have played in the houses of Allah. In fact, as unthinkable as it may have been previously, music is often played around the Ka’ba Shareef and right in front of the Rowdah Mubaruk (mausoleum) of Rasulullah r , albeit from a cellphone.

Indeed, we lament the hardships and calamities that constantly befall us. Yet, we directly draw down the wrath of Allah Ta’ala upon ourselves. In a lengthy Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) warned: “If my Ummah becomes involved in fifteen aspects, calamities and hardships will befall them.” Among the fifteen aspects mentioned is when music and musical instruments will become rife in the Ummah. Therefore when even the Musjids – and the Haramain Sharifain – have not been spared from blaring music, what doubt can there be that this is a significant contributing factor in drawing down calamities? It is therefore imperative that for the sake of Allah Ta’ala we switch off all musical tones.

NA’THS

Al-hamdulillah many people have avoided musical ringing tones but have downloaded Qur’anic recitations, na’ths and nazams as ringing tones. While listening to the recitation of the Qur’an or to listen to the praises of Allah Ta’ala and His beloved Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) are very meritorious, using these recitations as ringtones is highly inappropriate for many reasons:

The phone would invariably ring in places where it is not permissible to recite the Qur’an or any na’th, such as in the toilet. Even if one generally takes care to switch off the phone, one is at times likely to forget to do so. Thus one would be responsible of taking the name of Allah Ta’ala in the toilet — an act of gross disrespectf.

When the phone rings one would answer it as soon as one’s hand reaches it. The recitation of the Qur’an or the name of Allah that is being recited will stop immediately. Sometimes, as a result of the sudden stop, the name of Allah Ta’ala or the name of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) which is being recited at that moment will be cut in half. This is also disrespectful.

The most important reason is of the misuse of the Qur’an or the name of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) and reducing it to merely a sound to attract one’s attention to a telephone call! The purpose of listening to the Qur’an being recited is to acquire the reward of ibadah and to increase one’s Imaan. Likewise the purpose of listening to the recitation of na’ths is to imbibe the love of Allah Ta’ala and His beloved Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) into one’s heart. These forms of ibadah should not be reduced to merely a ringing tone.

Therefore one should simply adopt a plain non-musical ringing tone. May Allah Ta’ala save us from actions that draw His wrath and from all forms of disrespect.  Aameen.

Q&A: Working with Female Staff

Question: I have been promoted to a senior position and have to personally supervise thirty female workers. More then half are female. As is the trend nowadays, most dress in a very immodest and provocative manner. They also often conduct them selves flirtatiously. I totally fear for myself. What advice do you have for me in this situation.

Answer:  May Allah I protect you and keep you steadfast on Deen. the concern you have expressed is the fuel that keeps one’s Imaan alive. The lack of concern for the protection and progress of one’s Deen – one’s Ibadah, dealings, chastity, etc. – leads to the paralysis of one’s Imaan.

You have expressed fear for the protection of your chastity due to your work situation. It is for this very reason that Islaam has so greatly emphasised the complete segregation of males and females. Women have been commanded to remain within the home and attend to their primary function of nurturing their children and infusing Deen in their lives. Rasulullah r apportioned all the work outside the home to Sayyidana Ali t and the work pertaining to things inside the home to Sayyida Fathima (R.A.). However in the pursuit of material pleasures and in the name of “gender equality” women have been dragged into the work place to “Work shoulder-to-shoulder” with men.

Thus the “heart-to-heart” relationship of many husbands and wives was scattered – the end result of working “shoulder-to-shoulder” with other people’s spouses. Therefore, the utmost amount caution is imperative in this regard.

As for your present work situation, we have suggestions hereunder. One should nevertheless contact an experienced Aalim and discuss the matter in detail with him for further advise. Some of the steps you should take are the following:

    • Implement a modest uniform for all staff. While the uniform may be far from the shariah requirement of modesty, it will be much better than the shameless attire that is called “fashion”
    • Do not adopt a casual attitude with female staff. Without being rude, talk in a matter-of-fact-manner. It is better to be regarded as “unfriendly” rather then being regarded as being very sweet with other women.

  • Always protect your gaze. Never make eye contact.
  • Never allow any female staff member to be in seclusion with you in your office. You should set up your office in such a manner that such seclusion can never occur.
  • At every possible moment keep your tongue and heart engaged in istighfaar.

If after all these measures you still fear that you will not be able to protect yourself, immediately start looking for another job where you will not be in such a situation. As soon as you find the new job, give up the present one.

May Allah I guide us all to his pleasure. Aameen.

 

Signs of Qiyaamah

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has prophecised many major and minor signs of Qiyamah. Among the minor signs of Qiyamah mentioned by Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in various ahadith are the following:

  • People will greet only those whom they know.
  • Businesses will expand to such an extent that womenfolk will also be introduced into the business.
  • The fitna of the pen will emerge (referring to the evil and deviating literature so common nowadays).
  • People will sever ties with relatives.
  • False evidence will become a common practice.
  • True evidence will be falsified.
  • Interest will be labelled  as “sale” or “profit.”
  • Bribes will be labelled as “gifts” (names of these haraam practices will be changed in an attempt to legalise them).
  • The Musjids will be decorated but the hearts of  people will be devoid of guidance.
  • Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community.
  • There will be an abundance of divorce.
  • There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.
  • People will  indulge in sodomy and lesbianism.
  • There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back-biters and taunters in society.

  (Extracted from Signs of Qiyamah)

 

Helping the Destitute

Abdullah bin Mubaarak (R.A), the Ustaad of Imaam Bukhari (R.A), used to perform haj one year and go for jihad the other year. He relates: Once when it was my year for haj, I took five hundred dinars and left for Makkah. At Kufa I stopped and went to the camel market with the intention of buying a camel. On the other side I saw a dead duck. A woman was sitting there. She picked up the duck and started cleaning it by plucking its feathers. Seeing this I approached her and asked her: “What are you doing dear woman?”

She replied: “Why do you enquire about such things which do not concern you ?” This set me thinking. However I insisted on an answer. Then she said: “Your persistence has forced me to open my heart. I am a lady from among the Sayyids – the family of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam – I have four young daughters whose father passed away. This is now the fourth day that we have not even tasted a thing and in such dire need are we that the eating of dead animals has become permissible. I am taking this dead duck to feed my daughters.”

ANGEL PERFOMING HAJ

Abdullah bin Mubaarak (R.A.) says, her story filled me with sorrow. I told her to stretch fourth her hand and in it I placed the five hundred dinars. She took it and went home. I postponed my intention for haj and returned home. After haj I was so amazed that whenever I met any of the returning hujjaaj and wished them a “haj maqbool” they would wish me the same. Then, when I said anything further, they would remind me about having met me at such and such place. I could not understand this. That night I saw a dream, wherein Rasulullah r said to me: “O son of Mubaarak, there is no need to be astonished. You have assisted a distressed one from among my children, whereupon I begged of Allah to appoint one such angel to perform haj in your form and on your behalf until Qiyaamah and now you have a choice. You may perform haj or you may leave it.” (Rushfa)

Faqihul Ummah: Remembering Past Sins

SUMMARY OF LETTER

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Mufti Saheb

Letter: I often remember my past sins and try to cry but my heart is so hard that I cannot ever cry. Please help me to remedy the situation.

Reply: Merely recalling what sins one committed is not sufficient. Sometimes the recalling of one’s sins become the means of recommitting the sin, without one ever realising that remembering the sin was the means.

Instead, it is necessary to imagine that on the day of reasoning when one’s actions will be displayed before everyone, what a disgrace it will be. Every action that one has committed is recorded in one’s book of deeds. The perpetrator himself will be made to read out his deeds. One should therefore ponder: “Those actions which I committed in secret and regarded it as a great shame if it were exposed in front of people, how will I manage to personally read out those actions to Allah I, the all-knowing? “if one wishes to be saved from this server punishment, one should be concerned about trying to remove those disgraceful actions from one’s book of deeds. The sincere tears of repentance in solitude are the “rubber” that will wipe out the evil deeds. May Allah I grant us such tears that washes away our sins (Maktoobat, Vol. 4 Pg.130)

In short, it is fundamentally important when recalling one’s past actions that it be done in the concept of giving an account of one’s deeds on the day of Qiyamah (Judgement).

(Maktoobaat)