An Offensive Film? The Prophetic Action Plan

Sep 14, 2012

In the light of the recent moviethat was spread, insulting the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Islam, and after some Muslims added to the insult and proved their opponents’ accusations, I tend to ask myself a simple yet fundamental question:

  1. What would he have done in a similar situation?
  2. Did he face a similar situation, to begin with?

Of course he did, the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) faced a lot of difficulties and hardships during his life, and defamation and insults. After a quick review of these incidents, we can come up with an action plan of six steps:

Step 1: Take it easy! “They are talking about someone else“

Umm Jameel bint Harb, the wife of Abu Lahab, who is mentioned in the Qur’an (Al-Masad 111:4-5), made up some verses of poetry to defame the Prophet by changing his name to “Mothammam” (i.e. the insulted one) as opposed to “Muhammad” (i.e. the praised one). She said verses like:

We disobey “Mothammam”,
And refuse his matter,
And reject his religion.

Poetry at that time was THE media, these verses were spread everywhere, repeated by kids and by travelers in the deserts, so it had a huge effect. Umm Jameel’s short poem made some companions sad, angry, and helpless, especially in the early days of Islam when they were weak. Here comes the great attitude of the praised one, peace and blessings on him, whom I sacrifice my family and my soul for. He told the companions:

Isn’t it amazing how Allah is protecting me from the Quraish’s insults? They are cursing and swearing at “Mothammam”, and I am “Muhammad”! (Al-Bukhari) 

The first step in answering or reacting to any insult against our Prophet, to any act of burning the Qur’an by a bigot, to any tweet or to any YouTube comment is to take it easy, rationalize the situation, don’t let your anger lead your steps. In a beautiful hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) redefines strength:

The strong is not the one who overcomes people by use of his physical strength; rather he is the one who controls himself while in anger. (Al-Bukhari)

Step 2: Find the “Oprah Winfrey” of your time

After you take it easy, rationalize your steps and prepare a counter attack, using the same resources of the bigots, the same media outlet. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)  used poetry in his long campaign of spreading Islam and answering these insults. Hassan ibn Thabet was one of those poets (media figures) who can be considered the Oprah Winfrey of his time. He was wealthy, his words were heard, and his verses reached many places and knocked many doors in the Arab community that adored poetry. His style was unique in defending Islam and the Prophet, while attacking Quraish (the main tribe in Makkah that was opposing the Muslims and leading the pagans) in their ego; Instead of attacking their beliefs in being idol worshippers (which is something they were proud of), he used to remind them about their lost battles, their weak points in terms of lineage, and other known sources of dishonor. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had many statements and ahadiththat showed gratitude to Hassaan and his poetry:

  • Oh Allah, give him (Hassan ) the support of the holy spirit (Angel Gabriel) (Muslim)
  • Reply on their defamation, because it is tougher on them than arrows (Muslim) 

(Got the hint from the Prophet? Your poetry is more effective than missiles, arrows, and bombing embassies!!)

Whenever I read these ahadith, I envy Hassaan for his role in supporting Islam through his media and art work. I ask myself: where is the Hassaan ibn Thabet of our time? Who is the lucky person who will receive a copy of Hassan’s supplication, through a video, an article, or a well-presented argument?

Step 3: Win the hearts

One of the biggest insults one can get in the early Arabian community was that related to his honor and reputation, insulting or questioning the chastity of one’s wife or daughter. During the incident of Al-Ifk(slander), some Jews and hypocrites spread rumors about `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the beloved wife of the Prophet and the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Let me put that into perspective: some Arabs used to bury their baby daughters alive in order to “protect their honor” even before their daughters get to think about doing anything bad. After 30 days of spreading the rumors, the Qur’an was revealed to show the innocence of `A’ishah and warn those who participated in it. But among these verses of Surat An-Nur, a very special (and a very difficult) command was given to Abu Bakr:

{And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give any sort of help to their relatives, the poor, and those who left their homes for Allah’s Cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.} (An-Nur 24:22) 

What happened is that one of the companions who was carried away in these rumors was Mustah ibn Athathah, who was a close family member to Abu Bakr and used to get financial support from him. After the incident, Abu Bakr made an oath that he will never pay Mustah a penny! But the great Qur’an and the magnificent teachings of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) go beyond reactions and revenges; it aims at winning the hearts, at spreading love and forgiveness especially with those who wronged us! Allah ordered Abu Bakr to break his oath, and forgive Mustah, if he wants the forgiveness of Allah.

Contrary to what the movie and those behind it were trying to promote: Islam IS the religion of forgiveness, love, and mercy, so please don’t help them by showing a different image of this GREAT deen!

Step 4: Don’t support their marketing campaign, for FREE!

The ease of communication through social media outlets (facebook, twitter, etc…) in addition to other video websites (such as youtube) places a huge responsibility on its users, Muslims and non-Muslims. Any post or tweet can reach millions; any movie – regardless of the quality and the value of it – can cause irreversible damages. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is enough lying for a man to speak of everything that he hears.” (Muslim) 

In this regard, PLEASE don’t share anything that comes in hand, don’t post or forward it! While I don’t have statistics in hand, I can confirm that the Muslims are being the best advertisers and promoters for such movies (and for free), simply by either sharing the movie or by reacting offensively to it. Allah describes the slaves of the Most Merciful (`Ibadu Ar-Rahman):

{and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.}(Al-Furqan 25:63)

Step 5: Patience + Taqwa

One of my friends on facebook commented: “I don’t understand why people make such films; why do they feel that they need to attack all that is sacred to others! Why do they enjoy spreading fitnah? What evil motivates such people?”

While I strongly agree with my friend, we have to realize that this sick mentality existed and will always exist. Allah told us in Surat Aal-`Imran:

{You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allah, but if you persevere patiently, and have Taqwa (consciousness about Allah) then that is indeed a matter requiring strong resolve.} (Aal-`Imran 3:186) 

While patience is more of a passive act that requires NOT doing a certain behavior, Taqwa is a proactive term; Taqwa is to react (or even act) while being conscious about Allah; Taqwa is to reply, defend, post, tweet, and even demonstrate, but while being watchful for what you do and being considerate for the consequences of your actions.

Step 6: Don’t Do NOTHING

While we condemn all the acts of violence that are made under the name of Islam and under the excuse of defending the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), I consider that our biggest problem is the silent majority of Muslims who simply do nothing in response to these insults. To those I say: Don’t do NOTHING! Don’t be the passive apologetic Muslim who watches the news, frowns at the mistakes of ignorant Muslims and Non-Muslim haters, and then goes back to their sleepy life without any contribution to the world around them. In the words of Albert Einstein:

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.

The problem is not because we have extremists on both sides (among Muslims, and among non-Muslims); the disaster is that the silent majority on both sides is being passive, it is OUR responsibility to step up, open branches for dialogue and healthy debates, post smart comments online that promote the real image of Islam (Please, no foul language!). You can also start action by SHARING this article and other related pieces with your family and friends, and spread the awareness.  It is about time that we show the world our great deen and at the same time set the clear limit between freedom of speech from one end, and respect for the faith of 1.6 billion human beings on this earth from the other end.

By Dr. Mohannad Hakeem

Reality of and Ruling on Student loans in the United States of America

Reality of and Ruling on Student loans in the United States of America

Sep 7, 2012

The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America,  in its 6th annual conference held in Montreal, Canada, Oct. 2009, and after studying  the papers submitted by  Amja’s members and discussing them in detail,  has  reached the following decisions on Student Loans:

  • University education is one of the most important needs of the time for Muslims living in the United States, and it could be considered one of the necessities on the basis that necessity refers to something the lack of which entailsharm on the Muslim and there is no other alternative to it.
  • Muslim students must expend their strenuous efforts in finding lawful sources to fund their studies, such as grants,financial aid, scholarships, and labor programs of the university.
  • If the student can decrease his study load and work part time to financially support oneself, or take a subsidized loan, he shall do so.
  • If the student cannot do that and needs a subsidized loan, he will be allowed to take the loan on condition that he takes only the amount needed and tries his best to settle his debts in the repayment period to avoid paying the interests.
  • When the subsidized loan (which is interest-free) is not enough, and there is no other way except borrowing in interest, it will be permissible for him to borrow in interest only an amount that obviates his necessity. That is because necessity must be answered proportionately. Borrowing should take place after he has already enrolled in his study, since things which were not tolerable at the beginning can be tolerated later.

The Assembly urges all Muslims to cooperate together in order to fulfill their needs through lawful ways and try their best to guarantee education of their children and provide funding resources which agree with the ruling of the purified Sharee‘ah.

Full document: Status_of_students_loans_in_the_US-_Dr.Main_Alqudah

Le Conseil Musulman de Montréal félicite la première femme Premier ministre du Québec et l’invite à respecter les droits et libertés de tous les Québécois et les Québécoises

Le Conseil Musulman de Montréal félicite la première femme Premier ministre du Québec et l’invite à respecter les droits et libertés de tous les Québécois et les Québécoises

Sep 4, 2012

Montréal, Québec, Le 4 septembre 2012- Le Conseil Musulman de Montréal (CMM) présente ses félicitations aux gagnants des élections provinciales de cette semaine ainsi qu’à tous les membres et les dirigeants des autres partis qui y ont participé, saluant leurs efforts et leur détermination.«La campagne électorale a mis en lumière de nombreux enjeux importants aux yeux de tous les Québécois et les Québécoises et nous espérons que tous les élus se réuniront pour travailler dur pour servir les intérêts de notre peuple et contribuer à l’amélioration de notre province», a déclaré Salam Elmenyawi, président du CMM. «Il est maintenant temps de se retrousser les manches et de mettre un terme aux questions controversées et imaginaires afin de se concentrer sur les vrais enjeux et les problèmes d’importance pour notre province. Nous espérons que le gouvernement agira immédiatement pour éradiquer la corruption, améliorer l’économie, l’éducation et le système de santé, tout en respectant l’égalité de tous les Québécois plutôt que de porter atteinte à leurs droits».

«Nous allons surveiller de près la performance de Mme Marois comme première ministre du Québec et nous l’exhortons à faire preuve d’un véritable leadership dans la gouvernance pour le bien-être de toutes les communautés. Elle fait face à la tâche sérieuse de panser les blessures causées à de nombreux groupes minoritaires lors de la campagne électorale et nous devons oeuvrer pour éliminer le racisme, la haine et la xénophobie, tout en préservant les libertés civiles et l’harmonie sociale. Nous appelons aussi les partis de l’opposition à prendre très au sérieux leur rôle au sein de l’Assemblée nationale, en veillant à l’imputabilité du nouveau Gouvernement, et ce, dans l’intérêt de tous les Québécois.

LE CONSEIL MUSULMAN DE MONTRÉAL MET EN GARDE CONTRE LA HAINE SEMÉE PAR LE PQ

Aug 15, 2012

Montréal, Québec, 15 Août, 2012 – Le Conseil musulman de Montréal (CMM) a exprimé sa préoccupation aujourd’hui face aux récents commentaires de la chef du Parti Québécois Pauline Marois qui a annoncé son intention d’interdire le port du hijab, du kirpan et de la kippa sur les lieux de travail pour les fonctionnaires advenant une victoire de son parti aux prochaines élections provinciales.

“Une telle décision serait absolument en violation des Chartes québécoise et canadienne des droits et libertés et il est même absurde pour la chef du Parti Québécois de mentionner une telle chose», a déclaré Salam Elmenyawi, président du CMM “Au lieu de se concentrer sur les vrais enjeux qui préoccupent les québécois, notamment les problèmes économiques, les soins de santé, l’éducation et la corruption, le PQ a opté pour la diffusion d’idées xénophobes dans une tentative désespérée de reconquérir le pouvoir par la propagation de la haine et de l’islamophobie, par les atteintes aux droits fondamentaux, par la fabrication de crises et par la division de notre société.”

“Nous conseillons fortement à tous les Québécois de prendre une décision éclairée et d’envoyer un message fort lors des élections au PQ, c’est-à-dire que la division sectaire et le ciblage des communautés religieuses ne sont pas acceptables. Le PQ prétend être soucieux de protéger les valeurs du Québec, mais il ne se soucie guère des droits et libertés sur lesquels notre nation a été fondée et ses propos ne sont alimentés que par la propagation du racisme, de la haine et de la discrimination. Il est regrettable de voir que ceux qui veulent être des leaders sont davantage obsédés par la création de la division sociale que par la création de l’harmonie sociale. ”

MCM encourage tous les Québécois ayant le droit de vote de s’assurer qu’ils sont inscrits et d’exercer leur droit démocratique le 4 septembre 2012. Pour plus d’information sur les élections, y compris sur où et quand voter de même que sur les candidats de votre circonscription, veuillez s’il vous plaît visitez http://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca.

Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan

Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan

Aug 8, 2012

By Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah

The last third of Ramadan is the time for the release from Hell-fire, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the Hadith reported by Salman Al-Farisi: “O people, a great and a blessed month is approaching you. In this month there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting during its daytime obligatory and prayers at night commendable during this month. Whosoever will do a voluntary good deed during this month, it is as if he performed an obligatory good deed at another time and whosoever will perform an obligatory good deed, it is as if he performed seventy obligatory good deeds at another time. This is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness and charity. In this month the believer’s provision is enlarged. Anyone who will give food to a fasting person in this month, it will bring forgiveness for his sins, will save him from the hellfire and he shall have his reward without the person who is fed losing any of his reward….The first third of the month of Ramadan is the time for Rahmah (Mercy), the second third is for forgiveness, the third is for the release from Hellfire…”

The duties of the Muslim in this last third of Ramadan are to try his best to perfect his fasting, to avoid any shortcomings or sins that can harm his fasting, to offer more prayers, preferably in congregation, to advance in reading the Qur’an, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and helping others to be more committed to religion, to enter i`tikaf (seclusion) if it is possible for him/her, and to remember that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give extra attention to the last ten days of Ramadan. He could hardly sleep, and his family used also to stay in vigilance with him. The Prophet’s generosity in this month and particularly in the last ten days was compared to a fast wind.

We should not miss to remind you and all Muslims to try to settle disputes. It is the best occasion to forgive one another and forget about all enmities and grudges. We should come out of Ramadan in a better shape, understanding, and moral behavior. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made it clear that “If any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he/she is a real loser.”

How to Seek Laylatul-Qadr?

How to Seek Laylatul-Qadr?

Aug 8, 2012

Adapted from “The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih from works by Muhammad Nasir ud-Deen al-Albani (and other scholars)”
Compiled by Muhammad al-Jibali, © 1997 QSS

Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. If a believing person is zealous to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record, he should strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.

Praying Qiyaam

It is recommended to make a long Qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadeeths, such as the following:

Abu Tharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates:

“We fasted with Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) at all until there were seven (nights of Ramadaan) left. Then he stood with us (that night – in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, ‘Allah’s Messenger! Wouldn’t you pray with us the whole night?’ He replied:

‘Whoever stands in prayer with the imaam until he (the imaam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.’…” [Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi. Their isnad is authentic.]

[Point of benefit: Abu Dawud mentioned: “I heard Ahmad being asked, ‘Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?’ He replied, ‘Pray with the people’ I also heard him say, ‘I would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam) with the imaam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a man prays with the imaam until he concludes, it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night.” [Masaa’il]]

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition “and it is facilitated for him” is recorded by Ahmad from the report of `Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]

Making Supplications

It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A’ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:

“Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.” [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Verified to be authentic by Al-Albani]

Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship

It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah. `A’ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported:

“When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And she said:

“Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights.” [Muslim]