Period Of Youth In Islam

Period Of Youth In Islam

If we examine the life of an average human, we come to realize that life consists of four periods. Childhood: This usually lasts for thirteen to fourteen years. The teenage years which usually lasts for six to eight years depending on when he gets married, (The Period of Youth). The third part of his life is from the time he gets married until his old age, which usually lasts for merely twenty to thirty years, and then lastly his old age whose exact time period cannot be said with certainty, depending on when death takes him.

Now out of these four parts of an average human life, the most crucial stage of his life is the period of youth. The period of youth is a time when a person goes through many changes and experiences; he undergoes and partake many new things which he has never experienced before. The youth begins to feel as though he has control over the whole world, and that he can do whatever he wishes. His desires are increasing day by day becoming attached to the opposite sex, he enjoys lustfully gazing and flirting with them..

Now, this is that period of his life that if he was to control his desires a bit, and sacrifice a few of these devilish desires, he can become a future role-model for Muslims. He can become a leader for his community, and the biggest achievement he can gain is success in the hereafter.

As being admitted into paradise, and being saved from the hell fire, is, in reality truly the greatest success a person can gain. Allah has described this as a ‘great success’ in the Holy Qur’an.

The reason why this period of human life is so important and crucial is because this period of youth is generally what determines the way in which this period of his life is spent. If he spends this period of his life in an Islamic environment, visiting the Masjid for the five daily prayers, associating with the pious people and the true scholars of Islam, sitting in their gatherings, then, it is greatly hoped that he will spend the rest of his life in the same way.

On the other hand, if the youth stays away from the Masjid and doesn’t associate himself with the pious and scholars of Islam, but spends his time visiting the pubs/clubs, associating himself with mischievous people, then it is most likely that the rest of his life will be spent in a similar manner, away from the Masjid and away from Deen, except if Allah wishes otherwise.

Just like everything, life is also a gift from Allah and every aspect of it should be regarded as a gift and a trust from Allah. Allah expects us to spend this youth in His worship and obedience, seeking knowledge of Islam and acting upon it. This in itself is a form of gratefulness.

In a Hadith, the Messenger of Allah said that the feet of the son of Adam will not be able to move until he is questioned regarding four things.

Out of these four questions, one question asked will be regarding how one spent his time as a youth. In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah has said that on the Day of Judgement, there are seven types of people to whom Allah will give shade to. It is stated in Bukhari that on the Day of Judgement there will be no shade except for Allah’s shade. And from amongst these groups, one group will be those youth who spent their youth in the worship of Allah.

The reason being is because a youth has many desires, so whosoever goes against his desires and controls them in this delicate period of youth, and obeys the command of Allah, and tries his best to follow the Islamic Shariah, in such a time of his life when his desires are at their peak, then Allah will give him a great reward.

Once the great Imam Abu Hanifah (rahamtullahe alayhe) was giving advice to his student Imam Abu Yusuf (rahamtullahe alayhe). He said that in your youth you should spend your time in seeking Islamic knowledge, and thereafter seek a job, and when you get enough money then you should get married.

Similarly, a wise man once said that how many old men are there who repent to Allah. How great would it be to see youngsters repenting to Allah.

Therefore, the period of youth is a very delicate and important period in a Muslim’s life. If spent in the right way his time as a youth will benefit not only himself but also others. By visiting the Masjid, attending the gatherings of the scholars of Islam and seeking their advice and knowledge, serving one’s parents and trying to carry out Allah Taa’la’s orders to the best of ability then it is greatly hoped that one will grow up to become a leader of the Muslim community and become the coolness of one’s parents eyes. If wasted by continuously committing sins, disobeying Allah’s commands, then it is possible that on the Day of Judgment Allah will reprimand him regarding this.

So dear youngster! Realize your value and importance for the future fate of the Ummah lies in your hands. May Allah guide and protect us all on the day of Judgement.

Les qualités morales du Prophète : la miséricorde et la compassion

Les qualités morales du Prophète : la miséricorde et la compassion

Eprouver de la compassion vis-à-vis des autres est une qualité morale qu’Allah, exalté soit-Il, aime beaucoup chez Ses serviteurs. Le Prophète () a dit à ce propos :
« Le Miséricordieux ne fait miséricorde qu’à celui qui fait preuve de miséricorde. Faites, donc, miséricorde à ceux qui sont sur terre pour que Celui qui est au ciel vous fasse miséricorde. »(Rapporté par Abou Dawoud et At-Tirmithi et jugé Sahih par Al-Albaani)
Allah, exalté soit-Il, a également décrit les croyants possédant cette qualité en disant (sens du verset): « Muammad est le Messager d’Allah. Et ceux qui sont avec lui sont durs envers les mécréants, miséricordieux entre eux. »(Coran 48/29).
 Allah, Exalté soit-Il,  a doté le Prophète() de cette merveilleuse qualité, et cela se reflétait dans son comportement vis-à-vis de toutes les personnes, pauvres ou riches, proches ou lointaines. Il a ainsi éprouvé de la compassion à l’égard de son fils de sa naissance à sa mort. D’après Anas Ibn Maalik, qu’Allah soit satisfait de lui, le Prophète () a dit un jour : « Cette nuit, Allah m’a accordé un fils et je lui ai donné le nom de mon grand- père, Ibrahim» Puis le Messager d’Allah () fit venir son enfant et le prit dans ses bras, l’embrassa et prononça quelques mots.  Anas ajouta: ‘j’ai vu Ibrahim vivre ses dernières minuteset je tournai la tête vers le Messager d’Allah () et vis ses yeux remplis de larmes et répétait ses mots :
 « Des larmes coulent des yeux et le cœur est rempli de chagrin.  Mais nous ne dirons rien qui ne plaise à notre Seigneur.  Ô Ibrahim!  En vérité, nous sommes très chagrinés par ton départ! » (Mouslim).
Le Prophète  () ressentait de la compassion envers ses petits-fils. Il a été rapporté dans les recueils de Boukhari et Mouslim que le Messager d’Allah () priait en tenant dans ses bras Oumaamah, fille de Zainab (sa propre fille).  Lorsqu’il se prosternait, il la déposait et lorsqu’il se relevait, il la reprenait dans ses bras.
De même, lorsque l’une de ses filles lui a demandé de venir et qu’il a su que son petit-fils était en train de mourir, il mit l’enfant sur ses genoux, plein de compassion envers lui et versa de chaudes larmes. A ce moment, Sa`d, qu’Allah soit satisfait de lui, lui dit : – « Ô messager d’Allah ! Qu’est-ce que je vois ? Pourquoi ces larmes? » Alors, il lui a répondu : – « C’est une miséricorde qu’Allah met dans les cœurs de ses bons serviteurs, en effet, Allah accorde la miséricorde aux miséricordieux. » (Boukhari et Mouslim)
L’une des formes de sa compassion est qu’il allégeait la prière lorsqu’il entendait les pleurs d’un enfant. D’après Abou Qatadah, le Prophète() a dit :
« Parfois, je commence une prière avec l’intention de la prolonger, mais lorsque j’entends les pleurs d’un enfant, je l’écourte pour libérer sa mère car je sais que ses pleurs de son enfant la troublent. » (Boukhari et Mouslim)
C’est également par compassion que le Prophète() avait l’habitude de porter les enfants et de les supporter, donnant ainsi des leçons pratiques très importantes à sa communauté. D’après Aïcha, , un jour, alors que le Prophète () avait un petit garçon sur ses genoux ce dernier urina sur son vêtement et il se contenta de demander de l’eau et la versa sur l’endroit touché par l’urine. (Boukhari)
Toujours selon elle, un bédouin vint voir le Prophète () et lui dit : « Vous embrassez les enfants, quant à nous, nous ne les embrassons jamais ! » Le Prophète lui répondit : « Je ne peux remettre la miséricorde dans votre cœur après qu’Allah l’en ait retiré. » (Boukhari)
Ses nobles Compagnons lui connaissaient cette qualité, et la ressentaient lorsqu’ils s’entretenaient avec lui. Maalik Ibn Al-Houwairith a dit : « J’ai passé 20 nuits avec un groupe de jeune de ma tribu chez le Prophète () qui était très miséricordieux envers nous. Quand il a remarqué notre désir de voir nos familles, il nous a dit : “Retournez chez vous et enseignez à vos familles l’Islam. Une fois venue l’heure de la prière, que l’un d’entre fasse l’appel à la prière et choisissez le plus âgé d’entre vous pour diriger la prière en tant qu’imam.” » (Boukhari)
Un jour, alors que le Prophète() était assis avec ses compagnons dans la mosquée, un bédouin rentra et se mit à uriner quelque part, au sein de cette mosquée; quelques gens se précipitèrent alors sur lui pour l’empêcher (dans une autre version : Les fidèles l’appréhendèrent à l’envi), mais le Prophète () s’écria: “Laissez-le faire, ne l’interrompez pas, versez ensuite un sceau d’eau — ou une jatte d’eau — sur cette urine. Vous n’avez d’autre mission que de rendre toute chose facile et non de rendre les choses pénibles.”
Quand l’homme eût fini d’uriner, le Prophète () donna l’ordre d’apporter une jatte d’eau et la répandit lui-même sur l’endroit souillé.
Dans une autre version de ce hadith: le Prophète (), le convoqua et lui dit : « Les urines et autres souillures n’en conviennent guère aux mosquées, celles-ci sont plutôt faites pour l’invocation d’Allah, les prières et la récitation du Coran. » Le bédouin, pris de stupeur de l’attitude du Prophète (), sa miséricorde et sa tolérance, dit alors : « Ô Allah, soit miséricordieux envers moi et Mohammed et éloigne les autres de Ta miséricorde ! » Le Prophète () réplique en souriant : « Tu restreins là, quelque chose des plus vastes (la miséricorde d’Allah) !» (Boukhari)
Voilà quelques qualités innées chez Prophète () et que les membres de sa communauté devraient imiter.
Qu’Allah nous accorde le succès et nous guide vers le droit chemin.
The Sacred Month of Muharram

The Sacred Month of Muharram

These four months, according to the authentic traditions (Prophetic narrations), are Thul-Qi’dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Noble Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) declared in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah): “One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Thul-Qi’dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.”Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar (Hegira) Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran Says (what means):{Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred…}[Quran 9: 36]

 

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadhaan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that even the pagans of Makkah accepted their sanctity.
The sanctity of these four months was established right from the day Allaah created the universe. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Ibraaheem (Abraham)  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention who observed the sanctity of these months, they also observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.
In Islam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the “sanctified months”. Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which are stated below:

Fasting during the month:

The Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhaan are those of the month of Muharram.”
Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allaah Almighty. The Hadeeth cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the voluntary fasts. It does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

The day of ‘Aashooraa’:

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named ‘Aashooraa’.  According to Ibn ‘Abbaas  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) when he migrated to Madeenah, found that the Jews of Madeenah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which Prophet Moosa (Moses)  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said, “We are worthier of Moosa than you,” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. [Abu Daawood]
It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadhaan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ was made optional. ‘Aa’ishah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  hersaid: “When the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) came to Madeenah, he fasted on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ and directed the people to do likewise. But when the fasts of Ramadhaan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadhaan and the obligatory nature of the fast of ‘Aashooraa’ was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.” [Abu Daawood]
However, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) used to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ even after the fasting in Ramadhaan was made obligatory. Abdullaah Ibn Moosa  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him reports that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) preferred the fast of ‘Aashooraa’ on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of ‘Aashooraa’. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Misconceptions and Innovations:

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to ‘Aashooraa’ that have managed to find their way into the minds of the unlearned, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these:
  • This is the day on which Aadam  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention was created.
  • This is the day when Ibraaheem  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention was born.
  • This is the day when Allaah accepted the repentance of Aadam  may  Allaah  exalt  his  mention.
  • This is the day when Doomsday will take place. Whoever takes a bath on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ will never get ill.
All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit. Some people take it as Sunnah (established recommended practice) to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.
Some other people attribute the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ to the martyrdom of Al-Hussayn  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him. No doubt, the martyrdom of Al-Hussayn  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ was established during the days of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) much earlier than the birth of Al-Hussayn  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him. On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Al-Hussayn  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him that his martyrdom took place on this blessed day.
Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Al-Hussayn was killed in it. It is for this misconception that some people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic Tradition). If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

Lamentations and mourning:

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Al-Hussayn  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him.
As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbalaa’ is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Pre-Islamic ignorance era used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) prevented the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon” (To Allaah We belong, and to Him is our return). A number of authentic narrations are available on the subject. To quote only one of them: “He is not from us who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah (Pre-Islamic ignorance)”. [Al-Bukhaari]
All the prominent jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Al-Hussayn  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Zaynab  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  her not to mourn over his death in this manner. He  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him said, “My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death.” (Al-Kaamil, Ibn Katheer vol. 4 pg. 24)
It is evident from this advice, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).
Cancelled: Dr. Salah As-Sawi is our khateeb on Dec. 9th, 2011

Cancelled: Dr. Salah As-Sawi is our khateeb on Dec. 9th, 2011

NOTICE: The khoutbah was cancelled because of conflict in Dr. As-Sawi’s scheduele. Sorry for the inconvenience and we apology for this issue.

Dr. Salah As-Sawi is our khateeb for the coming Friday (Dec. 9th, 2011). This is great news for our little mosque. Ma Sha2 Allah, Dr. As-Sawi is one of the most prominent scholars in North America. He is coming to give a course on Politics and Sharia.

The khoutba is in Arabic but he will be summarizing (in Sh2 Allah) in English at the end.

The Day of Ashura

The Day of Ashura

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

‘Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. On this day Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fasted in Makkah with Quraish. When He migrated to àl-Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on this day. He continued fasting on that day and ordered the Muslims to fast too. Afterward Allah legislated the fasting during the Month of Ramadan. Then, the fast of ‘Ashura became a supererogatory fast. But it is likable for a Muslim to fast on this day. If one fasts on this day, it is better to fast the 9th of Muharram also to oppose the Jews.

The pieces of evidence for this point are as follow:

  1. Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aisha ( may Allaah be pleased with her) that she said: “The tribe of Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura in the pre-Islamic period, and Allah’s Apostle too, used to fast on that day. When he came to al-Madinah, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast too. Later, when fasting of the Month of Ramadah was prescribed, he (the Prophet) said: “Whoever wishes may fast -‘Ashura- and whoever wishes may leave it” .
  2. Ibn Abbas related : When the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: ‘This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharoah. Moses observed the fast on that day as a sign of gratitude to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I am closer to Moses than them”. So, he observed the fast (on this day) and ordered the Muslim to fast on it“. [al-Bukhari and Muslim].
  3. It is reported in Sahihain (Bukhari and Muslim) from Ibn ‘Abbas, he said: “I never saw the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) seeking to fast on a day more (preferable to him) than this day, (the day of ‘Ashura) or this month, i.e. the month of Ramadan. Imam al-Tirmizi narrated from Abu Qatadah that the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I hope from Allah that the fast on the day of ‘Ashura atones for the sins of the preceding year.” Imam Ahmad narrated that “it atones the sins of two years, past and subsequent year”.
  4. Imam Muslim narrated from Ibn Abbas, he said: “When the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fasted on the day of Ashura and commanded that it should be observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: Messenger of Allah, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When the next year comes, God willing, we would observe fast on the 9th . But the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) died before the advent of the next year“.

This is the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) regarding to ‘Ashura. His Companions and their followers went on this way. They have not distinguished this day by any practice except fasting.

But many acts done by some ignorant Muslims which “deform the face of Islam” have no evidence from Qur’an and Hadith. These acts include celebrating on this day, slapping one’s face, tearing of one’s clothes, using swords and blood-shedding. None of these acts have any authentic relevance to ‘Ashura, but are among the innovations and bad deeds. The enemies of Islam use them to misrepresent Islam .

Allah knows best.