THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOLLOWER OF ISLAM

Source: How to Live as a Muslim ( Hayaatul Muslimeen) by Maulana Ashraf Ali THANAVI

It is essential for Muslims to be distinguished from the followers of other religions and cultures. Muslims should be recognizable from their external appearances. External appearance is among the prominent features of Islam. In such external appearance, the identity of the nation is maintained and Muslims are guarded against assimilation into other non-Muslim cultures. Islam thus stresses the importance of external appearances.

Islam prohibits unnecessary adoption of the ways and appearances of other nations. Certain acts which eliminate a Muslim's identity are not permissible (haraam) even if they are not the special characteristics of other communities. Thus, shaving or cutting the beard, wearing shorts which expose part of the satr, etc., are completely forbidden. If a Muslim along with the adoption of such haraam ways despises or mocks at such Shar'i prohibitions, his act of transgression progresses from sin to kufr. .

Then there are certain things which are not exclusive to any particular community. The adoption of such things will be permissible. If a form of dress is particular with a non-Muslim community, it will be sinful for Muslims to adopt such dress even if the Shar'i requirements in regard to satr concealment are fulfilled by such attire. Another example of prohibited imitation is to eat sitting at tables with knives and forks. This way of eating is the manner of an alien community. Islam has taught its adherents a special way of conduct in eating. Therefore, it will not be permissible to adopt they ways of non-Muslims in this regard even if such ways have no religious undertones. If the ways adopted from the kuffaar are of religious import as well, then it will amount to kufr, e.g. wearing a cross, etc.

Then there are such things which are of neither religious nor cultural import. Such things are of real use and benefit. Even if such things are the inventions of the kuffaar, there will be nothing wrong in adopting them. This applies to inventions of transport, Communications weapons and other items of benefit. However, in such matters, the layman should not determine the permissibility or prohibition of anything. He should obtain the advice and direction of the Ulama who will properly inform him. It is also prohibited to adopt the ways and appearances of such Muslims who happen to be fussaaq and bid'atis. It is also prohibited for men to take on the attire and appearance of women and vice versa. Some Qur'aanic aayat and Ahadith on this subject will now be cited.

1. Allah Ta'ala says:

"Shaitaan said: 'I will teach them to ruin the appearance made by Allah." (Surah Nisaai)

Examples of ruining the appearances bestowed onto us by Allah Ta'ala are shaving the beard, tattooing, women cutting their hair, etc. Different rules apply to the changing of appearances. Certain changes are prohibited as mentioned above. Certain changes pertain to adornment and are waajib (compulsory), e.g. clipping of the mustache, cutting nails, removal of the hairs below the naval and under the arms. Other Changes are permissible, e.g.. for a man to shave his head, to cut the beard after it had exceeded a fist-length, etc. Such permissible ways of adornment are decided on by the Shariah and not by custom. Custom is not on par with Sharaii . Furthermore customs is subject to change with the times and attitudes of people, but not so the Shariah.

2. Allah Ta'ala says:

"Do not incline to the transgressors-for then the Fire will touch you." (Surah rah Hood)

The Qur'aan prohibits Muslims from inclining (or adopting) to the ways, cultures and customs of the Nonbeliever.. Inclining towards them is punishable by the Fire of Jahannum as is stated in the above aayat. It is evident that if one adopts a culture or the ways of a particular people, it will be because of one's pleasure for such ways and customs. The heart having inclined towards the aliens, adopts their ways which it finds pleasing and attractive. But, Islam forbids its followers to incline towards the transgressors and the kuffaar.

3. Syyedna Abdullah Bin Amr Bin A's (radiallahu anhu) narrates that once he had on him two garments which were dyed a saffron colour. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commented:

"These are among the attire of the kuffaar. Do not wear these." (Muslim)Such bright coloured garments are nor permissible for men.

4. Syyedna Rukaanah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"The turban tied on top of a toupee is a differentiating factor between the mushrikeen and us." ( Tirmizi)

Wearing of turbans is common to both Muslims and non-Muslims The Islamic aversion for imitation of non-Muslims is so great that it considered it necessary to create a difference in the wearing of the turban even if such difference was not visibly discern able. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered Muslims who donned the turban to have a toupee on as well. The turban will be tied on top of the toupee.

5. Syyedna Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhu) narrates It that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"Whoever imitates a nation (in its ways and culture) becomes one of them. (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)

If a Muslim adopts the appearance of the kaafir and faasiq, he will be associated with them in the sin.

6. Syyedna Abu Raihaanah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that once Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) prohibited ten things. Among these ten things prohibited was to line garments with silk in the style of the non-Muslims (of that time).( Abou Dawood, Nisaai)

7. Syyedna Ibn Abbass (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"Allah curses those men who adopt the appearances of women and those women who adopt the appearances of men." (Bukhari)

8. Syyedna Ibn Abi Mulaikah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that it was said to Aishah (radiallahu anha) that a certain woman wears shoes which resemble the shoes of men. Syyedna Aishah (radiallahu anha commented:

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has cursed women who imitate men. (Abu Dawood)

Such imitation is greatly in vogue in our day. In such imitation is a double sin. one sin is the imitation of the opposite sex which in itself is prohibited. The Other sin id the imitation of ii- e Kuffaar by adapting their styles and fashions of dress.

9. Syyedna Hajjaj Bin Hassaan (radiallahu anhu) narrates:

'We went to meet Syyedna Anas (the prominent Sahaabi; on this occasion Hajjaj was a little boy). My sister Mugheera told me that at that time I was a little kid and I had two plaits on my head, Syyedna Anas (radiallahu anhu) rubbed his hand over my head, made dua for bark at and said: 'Cut off these plaits because this is the style of the Jews. (Abu Dawood)

10. Aamir Bin Sa'd (radiallahu anhu) narrating from his father says that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"Maintain clean the area in front of your houses and do not imitate the Jews."( Tirmizi)

11. Syyedna Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said.

"Allah curses the woman who adorns the hair (of others by means of adding hair) and the one who desires such adornment of hair, those who tattoo and who are tattooed (Bukhari, Muslim)

Adorning hair by the addition of hairs for women is mentioned in this hadith. If the hair added is human hair such adornment will be haraam in all, cases. If the hair is artificial and has not been made from some haraam or impure substances, it will be permissible for a married woman to resort to such adornment with the permission of her husband and for the sake of her husband. But such adornment will not be permissible for unmarried women because in presenting an artificial appearance with long hair is deception. She will be deceiving others. Tattooing is forbidden in all circumstances.

12. Syyedna Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that once Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had an Arabian cross-bow in his hand. On this occasion Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saw a cross-bow of Persian origin in the hands of a Muslim. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commented:

"Throw it (the Persian bow) away and take one like this (Arabian bow)..." (Ibn Majah

From this command of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) it is apparent that the objects-of use of other nations should not unnecessarily be adopted. This applies to weapons and all other items of use and benefit. If Muslims have their own equivalent, they should make use of their own products and not give preference to the products of the non-Muslims.

13. Huzaifah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"Recite the Qur'aan in Arabic style and tone (i.e. correct and with simplicity) and refrain from the style and tone of the People of the Book (Jews and Christian ... ) ( Baihaqi)

Even in reciting, the ways of other nations and of people who do not follow the Shariah should not be imitated.

14. Abdullah Bin Amr Ibnul A's (radiallahu anhu) narrates that he heard Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam! say:

"A woman who imitates men and a man who imitates women are not of us." (Targheeb)

It is very essential that Muslims adopt Islamic ways and methods in all their affairs? whether worldly or Deeni There is great benefit in Muslims maintaining their Islamic identity in all their affairs and not only in matters pertaining to worship. The Qur'aan and the Hadith emphasize this. Syyedna Abdullah Bin Umar (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: ;

"My Ummah will be split into seventy three sects of which all, save one, will be in the Fire." People inquired: "Which group will be saved (from the Fire)?" Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied: "That group which will be on my path and the path of my Sahaabah." ('Tirmizi)

'Path' in the context of this hadith refers to the Way which has to be followed. Following a way in opposition to it leads to Jahannum. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not restrict his 'Path' to any specific department of the Shariah. This hadith covers both mundane and spiritual matters. Affairs pertaining to our worldly life as well as Deeni life are included in the Path of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sahaabah. What actually constitutes the Path of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This is not a question which everyone can expound on the basis of his opinion. In this matter, the masses have no option other than inquiring from the Ulama who understand these issues. They have to follow the Ulama. Without following the direction given by the Ulama, the Deen of the masses is not safe.

Some things to think about.....

"Take advantage of five before five: You're youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become occupied, and your life before your death."

My comment: We dont't realise what we have until we lose it. For example youth is a key time in our lives to prepare for the aakhirah. A youth who stands firm on the path shown to us by our beloved Nabi (S.A.W) is readying his/her abode in Jannah. A key question on the Day of Reckoning will be, "I gave you youth, what did you do with it?" Think brothers & sisters, what will we say? Will we say that we spent our time watching movies, listening to music, partaking in other haraam activities? Is that what Allah Azza Wa Jal wants to hear? How are we going to face our creator? Or will be the ones who will answer the following: "I spent my time in your ibaadah, bowing down to you in rukooh & sujood, raising my hands in supplication to you, inviting people towards your deen...."

We can see the importance of utlising our time correctly and wisely. We will not keep our youth forever. One day we will grow old or indeed we may not live to see our old age. What then? We must not have the attitude of some, "I'll grow a beard when I am older, start prayin namaaz when I am older, wear hijaab when I am older, become religious when I am older. " We have to do all these things NOW before it is too late.

May Allah (SWT) grant us all the taufeeq to utilise what he has given us to the fullest benefit and gain his pleasure in doing so. Ameen!!!

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"The sin that makes you sad and repentent is more liked by Allah than the good deed which turns you arrogant."Death is the true beginning of life and the end of this passing realm"

My Comment: Ikhlaas-e-Niyaah is just one quality of a true momeen, in that he/she does good deeds solely for the pleasure for Allah Almighty. It is thus very important to check your intention at three different stages when carrying out a good deed.

(1) At the beginning - If your intention is not to please Allah SWT, then correct it.

(2) During the Deed - Check if your intention is still correct. If not then correct it.

(3) At the end - Check one final time if your intention was solely for the pleasure of creator. If not then again you can correct it.

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'The shortest distance between a problem and its solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to Allah can stand up to anything."

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Whatever good I have written is from Allah and whatever bad is from shaitaan. May Allah Azza Wa Jal accept what I have written and put barkaat in it. Ameen!!!

Shukr - Thankfulness

We should be ever grateful and thankful to ALLAH (swt) for everything that we possess including our wealth,health, status, intellectual abilities and life. We should understand and recognise that our very existence and continuing sustenance are dependant on ALLAH (swt). Whatever praise is due , therfore is due to Him alone, for nobody has the power or the resources to give us anything except by his will. His bounties and blessings are countless.

ALLAH(swt) says:

Is, then, He who creates comparable to any that cannot create? Will you not, then, take heed? For should you try to count Allah's blessings, you could never compute them. Allah is, indeed, All forgiving , All compassionate; and Allah knows all that you keep secret as well as all that you bring into the open. {an-Nahl 16:17-19}

Its for this reason that Allah commanded prophet Ibrahim to say:

It is He who has created me; it is He who gives me to eat and drink, and whenever I am sick it is He who heals me; and it is He who makes me die and then will bring me to life. And upon Him, I pin my hope that He would forgive my sins on the Day of Judgement. {ash-shuara 26:77-82}

Whilst reading the book Spiritual discourses I read that we should grow in four habits.

Gratitude for what we have been given
Express gratitude for that which is in conformity with you nature, like a pleasent breeze, on seeing your family safe and healthy, when sitting for a meal, on seeing a child play say:

Alhamdulillahi allahumma lakalhamdu wa laka shukr
Say it all the time everyday.


Show patience when it is unpleasent
When something happens that you do not like, be patient. For instance, when the light goes off, or when its very hot, when you facing hardship, say:

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun
Remember this all the time.


Istighfar on past sins
When you remeber a sin you had committed in the past, ask for ALLAH (swt) to forgive you.
For example a sin you committed yesterday, or you didn't pray your fajr salah (I would have poured a bucket of water over your head!), or you told a lie, say:

Astaghfirullah rabbi min kulli thanbin wa atubu ilayhi.

We should realise that ALLAH (swt) has blessed us with loads. Even though what we may have may seem little compared to others, make it a habit to compare what you have in this dunya to people who do not have as much as you. You will surely realise and see His blessings.

For example those living in this country should thank ALLAH (swt) for never having made us even experience or see such devastation. In my 21 years I've never seen any natural disaster that has threatened my home, family or livelihood. I can't even begin to explain the countless number of blessings that we have been given...

I pray that ALLAH (swt) has mercy on us and protects us from such clamities, so that we may never witness something so disastrous. May he have mercy on all those muslims who have experienced such calamities. May he bless them with even more than what they had before, and may he give them happiness and success. May He ALLAH (swt) make us thankful towards everything that he has blessed us with and everything he will bless us with, may he plant shukr in our hearts the way a seed is planted in soil, for verily this will take us a step closer to our creator. Ameen.
Wassalam.

Source: http://www.mujahidah-an-nafs.blogspot.com/

Youth Gathering @ Islamic Centre Upton Park

Alhumdulillah it is that time of year again. The academic year is almost over, if not already over for some of you university students. I mean how much studying do you actually do. A month off in December/January, a month off in April and a full three/four months off during summer. You work out the maths.

Anyway, have you thought about what you will do with all the free time you will have on your hands? We have the solution. To find out come to the youth gathering organised with the young in mind (but open to all). Note, that this is a male only event.

Venue Islamic Centre Upton Park, Selwyn Road, E13
Date Saturday 25th June 2005
Time 19:30 (after Asr Salaat)

Insha'allah come over and gain immense benefit from the enlightening talk that will take place. Please pass the message to your brothers, relatives and friends. Each person that participates in the gathering through your effort, insha'allh you will get the reward for. We look forward to meeting you. Was'salaam

The Better Alternative

Salaams,

I pray that all the brothers and sisters are well, in the best of health and imaan by the grace of Almighty Allah.

You may be thinking what is meat by the title of this post, "The Better Alternative". Well, this is my very first post on this medium. So let me introduce you to the concept behind this title.

Newham Youth Forum is a vision of some worried and concerned young muslim brothers residing in East London. Many of them have grown up within the confines of Newham. They have experienced first hand what it is like to be a youth in this area. For as long as we can remember there has been no alternatives for the teenagers (especially, children in ethnic minorities) of East London in terms of Youth Clubs, Youth Organisations etc. Therefore these children of ours end up caught up in the many evils prevalent in society at large.

At long last, the worry and concern of these brothers for the future of our children has started to bear its fruits. The formation of Newham Youth Forum has started things rolling for our youth. Alhumdullilah through this organisation children have the 'better alternative' to getting involved in harmful leisure pursuits.

This is only the beginning. We need much more to see the full benefits of such an organisation. I make a plea to all you brothers and sisters reading this to make dua that this youth forum goes from strength to strength.

If you wish to find out more about this project please leave a note.

Jazakallahu Khairan.