1. religion and spirituality
2. islam

VOLUME 3, ISSUE NO.
9
MAY
2015
SHAHADAH TIMES
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Adorning Oneself
1
3 Day Janaza Training Info
2
Adorning Oneself With The Manners of the Prophet(s)
(Shahadah Times Archives 2013)
By Imam Musa Balde’
My talk to you is about ADORNING ONESELF
am the first to intercede and the first to
WITH THE MANNERS OF THE PROPHET(S).
request forgiveness during the day of
If you and I love the Prophet (SAW) and are
judgment, without pride; I am the first to
loyal to Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (SAW),
open the gulp (door) of paradise and
4
then we must dress ourselves with his
Allah (SWT) will make me to enter
manners. This so important that Allah (SWT)
paradise while the poor of the believers
5
commanded that his Prophet (SAW) this:
will be with me without pride; and I am
“Say, (of Mohammed), If you do Love Allah,
the most honorable person to Allah
6
follow me: Allah will love you and forgive your
(SWT) among the first and the last
sins; for Allah is of forgiving, most merciful.”
without bragging.”
7
[3:31]
Ancient Peoples
8
From this ayah, we see that the love of Allah
salutations
(SWT) for anybody is dependent up that
(Prophet
Reflections
9
person’s love for his Prophet (SAW).
Allah
beginning and at the end of our duahs
Islam To You
12
(SWT) loved Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
for that duah to be readily accepted.
more than any other humans.
Muslims are to make their prayers to
Adorning Oneself (Con’t)
Muslim Women Today
ICA & Wahadah Madrassas
From Our Contributors
Healthy Tips Newscorner
3
As
Muslims,
we
and
to
make
our
greetings
are
onto
him
Muhammad
(SAW)
at
the
Allah (SWT) onto the Prophet (SAW) as
UPCOMING EVENTS
ICA FAMILY NIGHT
ALAMEDA
SATURDAY,
MAY 2, 2015
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Masjid
International
Wahadah and Islamic
Center of Alameda
Offers Free Hot Lunch
Third Saturday of the
Month
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) informed us,
well as their greetings to the Prophet
without bragging, that he was honored over
(SAW) whenever their ears ring. It is also
the
and
highly commanded that Muslims obey
preferred over the others is summarized in
Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (SAW) so
these two hadiths. In one hadith, he says that
they can succeed. To that vain, the
he was honored with six characteristics over
Prophet (SAW) said in a hadith narrated
the other prophets: “I was preferred over the
by Anas that “ …. one of you becomes a
other prophets with six characteristics: I was
believer unless I am dearer to him than
given the best sayings; I was given victory
his
over others due to their fear (from me); the
humanity.” In order for us to become
bounties were made lawful for me; the earth
true
was made for me clean and a place for
Muhammad (SAW) more than the whole
prayer; I was sent to all the creatures; and
humanity, including our parents and
(door) of Prophethood was closed with me.”
children. In another hadith, the Prophet
prophets.
His
being
honored
father,
his
believers,
son
we
and
need
all
to
of
love
(SAW) said everyone will enter paradise
In another hadith, it is reported by Tarmidhi
who follows his teachings except he
that the Prophet (SAW) said: “I am the loving
who refuses. “All my ummat will enter
(person) to Allah (SWT) without bragging; I
jannat except he who refuses and that
am to carry the flag of thanks during the day
person who does not obey me (not
of resurrection while Adam (AS) is under it
follow my sunnah) for that he has
and the rest are behind without being proud; I
refused.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
PAGE 2
Ongoing events
at the ICA:
Month of Rajab
The lexical definition of
Rajab is “to respect.”
It is the seventh month
of the Islamic calendar,
and one of the sacred
months in which they
(Arabs) would refrain
from trading and
fighting.
Ongoing
This month is regarded
as one of the four
Events
atmonths
The ICA
sacred
in Islam
→
in which battles are
prohibited. The preIslamic Arabs also
considered warfare
blasphemous during the
four months.
The month is also a
prelude to the month of
Ramadan, which follows
after the intervening
month of Sha'ban.
When Prophet
Muhammad (SAW)
sighted the moon of
Rajab, he used to pray
to Allah (SAW) in the
following words:
‫م بارك لنا في رجب و‬
ّ ‫الل ّه‬
‫شعبان وبل ّغنا رمضان‬
Allāhumma bārik lanā fī
rajaba wa shaʻbāna wa
balligh-nā ramaḍāna
"O Allah, make the
months of Rajab and
Sha'ban blessed for us,
and let us reach the
month of Ramadan (i.e.
prolong our life up to
Ramadan, so that we
may benefit from its
merits and blessings)."
SHAHADAH TIMES
Weekday Madrassa (Monday – Thursday) – 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Weekend Madrassa (Sunday) 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Family Night - First Saturday of The Month, ICA Community Center
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Family Night – Third Saturday of the Month, Masjid Wahadah, 4820
International Boulevard, Oakland, CA - 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Arabic For Beginners Class (Saturdays) 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Advanced Arabic Class (Saturdays) 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Food 4 The Needy Program - Every Third Saturday of the Month - 12:30
to 1:30 pm -- Masjid International Wahadah
Imam’s Class, Every Saturday, ICA Community Center, Alameda, CA
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Sister’s Deen Class, Every Sunday, ICA Community Center, Alameda, CA
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
PAGE 3
SHAHADAH TIMES
ADORNING ONESELF WITH THE MANNERS OF THE PROPHET (SAW) (Continued)
In the spirit of obeying and following his sunnat, we must put to practice these following thirty-seven basic rules.
1.
Leave all indecencies of ugly words and deeds.
2.
Lower and soften your voice when speaking, especially in public places such as the marketplace, mosques and
social functions, unless you are delivering a speech.
3.
If someone mistreated you, respond with goodness, forgive the offender, do not take him to task, nor retaliate,
nor seek to avoid him.
4.
Leave blaming and reprimanding your servant, colleague, child, student or wife, should they fall short of your
expectations.
5.
Do not neglect your responsibilities and do not transgress someone’s rights in order that you not cause them to
reproach or blame you by saying: “Why did you do that?” “Or why did you not do that?”
6.
Leave laughter except in moderation and let your laughter be mostly smiling.
7.
Do not delay helping the weak, the destitute and women, and walk with them without arrogance nor pride.
8.
Help the household in their chores, whether milking the sheep or cooking food or anything else.
9.
Wear your best clothes, especially for prayer, feasts, and public functions.
10. Do not reject/scorn sitting on the floor to eat and eat whatever food is available and content yourself with little.
11. Work and help those who work for Allah (SWT), even in digging the earth and carrying sand and be happy in so
doing, to show that you are not proud.
12. Do not take pleasure in excessive compliments and exaggerated praise, but let the servant’s proven qualities
speak for him: Truthfulness, kindness, and goodness.
13. Do not speak with arrogance, nor dryness and do not use indecent language even in jest.
14. Neither speak nor do evil.
15. Do not face your brother with anything Makruh (offensive)
16. Always speak peacefully and make your speech sweet.
17. Do not joke excessively and say only the truth.
18. Have mercy on people and animals so that Allah (SWT) will have mercy on you.
19. Beware of greed for money for it is detestable both to Allah (SWT) and to people.
20. Sleep early and wake up early for worship and diligent work.
21. Do not be late at the congregational prayer in the mosque.
22. Beware of anger and its consequences, and if you become angry, seek refuge in Allah (SWT) from Satan the
Accursed.
23. Keep silent, and do not speak much for it is recorded against you.
24. Read the Quran with measure and understanding and listen to it if someone else reads it.
25. Do not refuse perfume and use it always, especially before prayer.
26. Use the Siwak (woodstick), for it is very beneficial especially before prayer.
27. Be courageous and say the truth even to your detriment.
28. Accept advice from every person and beware its rejection.
29. Be fair with your wives, husbands and children and in all that you do.
30. Be patient when people hurt you and forgive them so that Allah (SWT) will forgive you.
31. Love for people what you love for yourself.
32. Greet people frequently upon entering and exiting and meeting them in the marketplace.
PAGE 4
SHAHADAH TIMES
ADORNING ONESELF WITH THE MANNERS OF THE PROPHET (SAW) (Continued)
33. Follow the Sunnah way of greeting which is As-salam Alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu, which is
replaced by subahul khayr, or masaul Khayn, Ahlan wa Sahlan, or marhaban; these can be said after: Salam.
34. Be neat in your appearance and clothing.
35. Dye your white hair yellow or red, but not black, according to the prophet’s (s) order.
36. Hold tight to the Prophet’s (SAW) sunan (Way) so that you will come under his saying: “Of those after you in the
time of hardship, whoever keeps what you are keeping will get the reward of fifty of you.” They said: ‘O
Messenger of Allah (SWT). You mean of them? He said: “I mean of you.”
37. Allah (SWT) grant us to act upon your book and the sunnah of your beloved Prophet (SAW), and grant us love of
him and loyalty to him, and grant us his intercession.
We do indeed need to be close to Allah (SWT), we do need to transcend all the pressures of the society and we need to live in peace and
harmony according to the teaching of Islam. Let us pray that Allah (SWT) guide us to the straight path. Let us ask for Allah’s (SWT)
guidance and forgiveness. We ask Allahu Subahanahu Wa Ta'alah to give us good moral character like our beloved Prophet. Protect us
from the evil that exist within ourselves and from every evil outcome of our misdeeds. We ask Allah (SWT) to make us all upright
Muslims, those who are able to connect with him through following the sunnah of his beloved Messenger Prophet Muhammad Mustafa
(SAW). And may Allah (SWT)give us all Jannatul Fardous....... Ameen... Sincerely, Imam Musa Balde’
OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO
MUSLIM WOMEN TODAY
Contributed By Sister Stacey Saadiq
On April 2-4, I had the wonderful experience of attending “Transformed: Principles of Spiritual Development.” It was an impressive three
day seminar taught by a young woman, Sister Yasmin Mogahed. Studying under a female scholar was a gift in that women’s issues got
addressed more specifically within the presentation. There were three main concepts that we spent time breaking down through
exercises outlined in our workbook. One, we must learn how we mistakenly fill our hearts with dunya, i.e., false attachments. Two, we
must purify our hearts by getting the focus of dunya out of our hearts. Three, we must fill our hearts with love for Allah (SWT).
There was laughter, discussion, and interesting exercises to help us identify our nafs. In the three days of the workshop, we also started
our own personal journey to purifying our hearts. When she finished, the audience was riveted to their seats in anticipation for more. I
returned home feeling like my heart was cleaner, like in my heart, there was something to the effect of a mirror being cleaned. I gained
clarity and let go of some things in my heart that did not serve me. Women, our walk is important. We are often the pinnacle of support
for our households. When our hearts are full of work, worry, routines and responsibilities, there is little room to be awake to Allah (SWT).
Sister Yasmin warned we must focus on the Creator, not the creation. We all may have unique journeys, but we all have the same
purpose; to get closer to Allah (SWT). This walk of getting closer to Allah (SWT) is the walk that heals us and fills the heart. My deen is
growing, my purpose for my salat is deepening and the relationship I am experiencing with God is magnificent.
OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO
WELCOME TO THE ICA AND WAHADAH COMMUNITY
SISTER ADRIANA AND ALL THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO HAVE TAKEN THE SHAHADAH IN THE PAST MONTHS.
OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO
YOUR QUESTIONS, YOUR COMMENTS, CORRECTIONS. Also, we welcome your input to the
Newsletter. Please send any story, poem, hadith, sura, ayat, etc., if you wish. Send to
muslimah@icabayarea.org. Thank you for your continued support of SHAHADAH TIMES.
PAGE 5
SHAHADAH TIMES
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY AT ICA AND WAHADAH
ICA
&
WAHADAH
MADRASSAS
YOUTH & EDUCATION COMMITTEE SPONSORS THIRD ANNUAL COOKING CONTEST APRIL 11, 2015
The Y&E Committee sponsored the Third Annual Cooking Contest Saturday, April 11, 2015. Prizes were taken by Sister Sana and Brother
Abu Bakr for delicious drinks; Sister An-nisaa & Sister Nasira for appetizers; Sister Hijah and Sister Obsuti for desserts and Sister Fariska
for Main Course. I may have missed a category, but if so, thank you and sincere congratulations for your dish!
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (Food 4 The Needy), Saturday, April 18, 2015, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Every third Saturday, Health & Social Services offers a hot lunch to the surrounding community of Masjid International Wahadah.
Participation in this program helps to spread “Islam To You” to the community at large, Insha Allah. Also, Masjid Wahadah (every
third Saturday of the month) celebrates Family Night. It was another successful event enjoyed by all.
MASJID WAHADAH MADRASSA & ICA – MONDAY THRU THURSDAY, 5 TO 7 PM
The Madrassas at Masjid Wahadah and ICA Alameda continue to grow. We have added approximately 15 new students during the
month of April and the students are progressing very, very well. We are humbly asking for help. We need teachers and volunteers.
Please stand up and be counted for the Sake of Allah.
FRIDAY KHUTBAH, MASJID WAHADAH, APRIL 10, 2015
Brother Zakee gave the Khutbah at Masjid Wahadah on Friday, April 10 . One of the comments he made was that “man cannot/should
th
not worship anything that was born.” He goes on to say: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also preferred the name Abd. in reference to
himself saying, "Do not exaggerate your praise of me the way the Christians did with Jesus (AS) the son of Mary, for verily I'm only a
slave, Abd, so refer to me as Abd of Allah (SWT) and His Messenger. “ Allah (SWT) is the Creator (Al Klaliqun) and we are created beings
(mukhallaq). Allah (SWT) tells us in His book, Al-Qur'an Al-Kreem: “I only created the Jinn and Mankind that they worship Me, only.”
Qur'an [51:56].
FRIDAY KHUTBAH, ICA, ALAMEDA, APRIL 3, 2015
Brother Ariff gave the Khutbah in Alameda . He said that when people call the Masjid for information, they ask if it is a Sunni or Sufi
Masjid. Brother Ariff responded: “Brother, this Masjid is ‫ال إله إال هللا محمد رسول هللا‬lā ʾilāhaʾillā-llāh, muḥammadun rasūlu-llāh. La illah
illlah, Muhammadan Rasoolulah! Allah U Akbar! No answer could have been better than that!
TESTING OUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
From the book, “An Explanation of the Last Tenth of the Noble Qur’an” under the section The Testimony (Laa Ilaaha IllAllah: “It has been mentioned in a narration that “Laa Ilaaha ill-Allah” is the key to Paradise. But does everyone who says
it deserve to have the door of Paradise opened for him? Based on evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, the scholars
of Islam have concluded that certain conditions must be fulfilled and certain factors must not be present for this phrase to
serve as the key to Paradise and to benefit the person who utters it. These conditions are as follows: (1) Knowledge; (2)
Certainty (the opposite which is doubt); (3) Acceptance; (4) Compliance; (5) Truthfulness; (6) Love; and (7) Purity of
Intention. Keeping all these conditions in mind, one must adhere to this statement firmly until the last breath.
PAGE 6
SHAHADAH TIMES
“My Mother's Day”, Abdur Rahmaan Umar, Submtted by Sister Zehra Fatima
"I love you, Mom," whispered Yusuf, as he wrapped the soft pashmina shawl around his mother's shoulders. The vibrant peach
contrasted with the dark rings that had grown under her eyes lately, but their
brightness had not faded. Her eyes lit up as she stroked the delicate embroidery
on the edge of the shawl, "And this…Yusuf?"
Yusuf looked at her with the excitement of a young boy unpacking his first
bicycle, "Wait Ma…there's more," he cried, as he removed a burgundy jewlery box.
Presenting it in front of his mother, like they were the crown jewels, he gingerly
lifted the lid to reveal a string of exquisite cultured pearls, delicately strung
together with small black pearls breaking the shimmer of the white pearls.
"Yusuf!" exclaimed his mother, her eyes brimming, "What's all this?"
O Mankind! Reverence Your Guardian Lord Who
created you from a single Person, Created, of like
nature, his Mate and from them twain scattered,
(like seeds), countless men and women; -Reverence Allah (SWT), through Whom Ye
demand your mutual (rights) and (reverence) the
wombs that bore you: for Allah ever watches over
you.” [HQ: 4:1]
Yusuf
stepped back and looked at his mother holding the pearl necklace close to her chest, admiring it, "Mom, you always wanted a pearl
necklace…." "But it must have cost you a small fortune," said Saffiyah, as she held the pearls up to the light, studying the delicate
changes of color as she turned the necklace, "Why now…what's special?" "It's my mother's day!" he beamed. (For it wasn’t a holiday.)
"Er..," began Saffiyah, as she craned her neck to look at the calendar behind her, "But it's not mother's day, not for awhile, yet?"
A
puzzled look settling on her face. "I didn't say it was Mother's day," replied Yusuf, "I said it was MY mother's day. But let me explain…."
"You remember I told you about Nasser who recently moved here from the coast?" Saffiyah nodded in acknowledgement. "Last night I
met him at Sheikh's program and asked him why he always begged sheikh for duas. I just found it strange that he would always insist
that Sheikh make dua for him. He gave me an odd reply – he asked me if my mother was alive, and if I had fifteen minutes. I confirmed
that I had both. We sat at the back of the Masjid and he told me his story."
Yusuf paused to pour some tea, adding a sugar to each cup, handing one to his mother, he continued, "Nasser told me that since his
door of dua (supplication) had closed a long time ago, he had to seek another door for dua. Not understanding, I asked him what he
meant. He was silent for a long time, and I thought perhaps I said something wrong, but he just looked at me and smiled. Wiping a tear
from his eye, he told me that his mother passed away when he was only five years old. bHe said that he could still remember the smell
of her hair after she washed it, but remembered little else."
Yusuf watched his mother sipping her tea and noticed just how wrinkled her hands had become, the gold wedding ring still sat
gracefully on her ring finger. She always took pride in grooming her nails, buffing them to a perfect shine.
"After Nasser's mother passed away, he lived in the care of his aunties. They were good to him and cared for him as one of their own.
They bought him what he needed and he had much of what he needed. Then he told me "You know, Joe, no one can replace the
embrace of a mother. And no one can replace the dua (prayer) of a mother. I lost that dua a long time ago." Then I thought of all the
duas you make for me - how often, when I rush out of the house, you always say, "Yusuf, slow down, Allah Ta'ala be with you!" "Allah
Hafiz." "Yusuf, may Allah Ta'ala make your children the coolness of your eye."
"Ma… I never really cherished those duas until I heard Nasser's story," said Yusuf, dabbing his eye with a tissue, "I never knew that those
were treasures beyond measure. And then it made some sense to me of what the Sheikh said when he quoted Abdulla Ibn 'Abbas (RA),
"If any Muslim obeys Allah (SWT) regarding his parents, Allah (SWT) will open two gates of the Garden for him. If there is only one
parent, then one gate will be opened. If one of them is angry, then Allah (SWT) will not be pleased with him until that parent is pleased
with him."
"And when Nasser told me – 'Joe (as Yusuf was referred to by his friends), you know, I will never be able to call anyone in this world
Mum, and I will never know the embrace of a mother. You still have it, Joe, value it, treasure it,' I realized that what Allah (SWT) had
favored me with was something so special that I couldn't just celebrate it once a year and call it mother's day.
I decided that from now on MY Mother's day will be Every Day! - Yesterday, today and tomorrow will all be mother's day. I can never
repay you, but I know the heart of a mother asks for no repayment. And…if I can do nothing else for my mother's day, then I will at least
thank Allah (SWT) that he allowed my door of dua to be open for one more day." "Forgive me ma….." Yusuf choked, "I need to do so
much more for you…." Saffiyah clasped his hands and stroked his face, "You are a good son, Yusuf, Allah Ta'ala will grant you lots of
goodness in this world and the next."
PAGE 7
SHAHADAH TIMES
HEALTHY TIPS NEWSCORNER
What are Processed Foods?
Processed foods contain all sorts of artificial ingredients. If you look at the ingredients label for a processed packaged food, chances
are that you won't have a clue what some of the ingredients are. Processed foods aren't just microwave meals and other ready meals.
The term 'processed food' applies to any food that has been altered from its natural state in some way,
either for safety reasons or convenience. This means you may be eating more processed food than you realize. Processed
foods aren't necessarily unhealthy, but anything that’s been processed may contain added salt, sugar and fat.
One advantage of cooking food from “scratch” at home is that you know exactly what is going into it, including the amount of added salt
or sugar. However, even homemade food sometimes uses processed ingredients.
What counts as processed food? Most shop-bought foods will have been processed in some way. Examples of common processed
foods include: breakfast cereals, cheese, tinned vegetables, bread, savory snacks, such as crisps , meat products, "convenience foods",
such as microwave meals or ready meals, drinks, such as milk or soft drinks. Food processing techniques include freezing, canning,
baking, drying and pasteurizing products. A Dietitian says: "Not all processed food is a bad choice. Some foods need processing to
make them safe, such as milk, which needs to be pasteurized to remove harmful bacteria. Other foods need processing to make them
suitable for use, such as pressing seeds to make oil. Freezing fruit and vegetables preserves most vitamins, while tinned produce
(choose those without added sugar and salt) can mean convenient storage, cooking and choice to eat all year round, with less waste
and cost than fresh."
What makes some processed foods less healthy?
Ingredients such as salt, sugar and fat are sometimes added to
processed foods to make their flavor more appealing and prolong
their shelf life, or in some cases, to contribute to the food's structure,
such as salt in bread or sugar in cakes. This can lead to people
eating more than the recommended amounts for these additives, as
they may not be aware of how much has been added to the food
they are buying and eating. These foods can also be higher in
calories due to the high amounts of added sugar or fat in them. Furthermore, a diet high in red and processed meat (regularly eating
more than 90g a day) has also been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. Some studies have also shown that eating a large
amount of processed meat may be linked to a higher risk of cancer or heart disease.
What is processed meat? Processed meat refers to meat that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding
preservatives. This includes the unthinkable and uneatable: sausages, bacon, ham, salami and pâtés. The Department of Health
recommends that if you currently eat more than 90g (cooked weight) of red and processed meat a day, that you cut it down to 70g a day.
This is equivalent to a little over two slices of roast lamb or beef, with each about the size of half a slice of bread. However, it's important
to remember that the term "processed" applies to a very broad range of foods, many of which can be eaten as part of a healthy,
balanced diet.
How can I eat processed foods as part of a healthy diet? Reading nutrition labels can help you choose between
processed products and keep a check on the amount of processed foods you're eating that are high in fat, salt and added sugars.
Adding tinned tomatoes to your shopping basket, for example, is a great way to boost your 5 a day. They can also be stored for longer
and cost less than fresh tomatoes – just check the label to make sure there's no added salt or sugar. Most pre-packed foods have a
nutrition label on the back or side of the packaging. This type of label includes information on energy (kJ/kcal), fat, saturates (saturated
fat), carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt. It may also provide additional information on certain nutrients such as fibre. All nutrition
information is provided per 100 grams and sometimes per portion of the food. (Research/Internet)
Let’s eliminate Processed Foods altogether! Right?
PAGE 8
SHAHADAH TIMES
ANCIENT PEOPLES OF THE WORLD
We ask the question: “Why do people of long ago, or even 1000 years ago, or even today, lose faith, have very little faith, or have no faith
at all? Let’s look at the “consequences” of some of the ancients who built great civilizations, but soon lost their faith and rejected truth.
The Holy Quran speaks about them; gone from sight because of their arrogance and lack of faith. Holy Quran: Many were the Ways
of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected truth.
[3:137] So we know from that ayat, that many people have inhabited this planet since its creation, some who still exist and those who
have not a left a trace and still those not mentioned at all. We look at a few of the ancients: The Ad, the Thamud, The Madyan and
briefly the People of the Book!
For the first man, Adam (AS), Allah (SWT) “taught the nature of all things.” [2:31] And in Surah 2, ayat 37: “Then learnt Adam
(AS) from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is oft-returning, Most merciful. We said: “Get ye down
all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows my guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor
shall they grieve. But those who reject Faith and belie our signs, they shall be Companions of the Fire, they shall abide therein.”
Several thousand years later, the Descendants of Adam were still faithful. However, history tells us that the people of Noah
began to think and do evil continuously. They began to worship idols. (The whisperer of evil has slowly whispered and deceived each
generation since then.) But then, Allah (SWT) raised up Noah (AS) from these people. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah (SWT), ye
have no other god but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day!” And so, I think if the People of Noah had continued to
believe and trust in Allah (SWT), maybe things would have turned out differently, unfortunately, the flood overwhelmed
them.
Historical Background of the Ancient Ad People
The ʿAd people, thought to have lived in what is now eastern Yemen and western Oman, running from the Arabian Sea up
into the Dhofar Mountains and to the edge of the Rub' al Khali. The people of 'Ad were tall in stature and were skillful masons.
They had attained a considerable degree of civilization and were proud of their achievements. They considered themselves to be
invincible. (Is this where they went wrong?) They began to worship deities and stars and statutes and indulged in sins and
committed acts of injustice and violence when they had once believed in Allah (SWT). They began to oppress their people. A three
years’ famine visited them, but yet they took no warning. They lost a sense of gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the favors He had bestowed
upon them, giving them an abundance of wealth, cattle, children and gardens. They became transgressors and showed disobedience
to Him. “Now the ‘Ad behaved arrogantly through the land against all truth and reason, and said:
“Who is superior to us in strength?”
(What! Did they not see that Allah (SWT), Who created them, was superior to them in strength?) But they continued to reject our signs!”
[41:15].
But then…..! Allah (SWT) sends his Prophet, Hud, to the Bani* ‘Ad for their reformation. Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt
with the ‘Ad (people); Of the (city of) Iram, with lofty pillars; The like of which were not produced in (all) the land? ….. [89:14]. With all the
blessings that they had received, their arrogance and lack of faith, became their end.
*What does Bani mean? BANI (‫ )بنو‬is Arabic for "the children of" or "descendants of" and appears before the name of a tribal progenitor.
The English counterpart would be "House of", for example the House of Saud. Another example of the usage is the Bani Quraish, the tribe
from which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) came, for which a Quranic Surah is also named.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LAND WHERE THE ‘AD PEOPLE LIVED
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SHAHADAH TIMES
Historical Background of the Ancient Thamud People
The Thamud People, another ancient civilization, were located in the area of Hejaz, Saudi Arabia and existed from the 1st millennium BC
to near the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They were successors to the culture and ancient civilization of the ‘Ad people and
lived before the time of Ibrahim (AS). With the advance of their material civilization, the Thamud people became godless and
arrogant, and were destroyed by an earthquake. And to the Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, "O my people, worship Allah
(SWT); you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah (SWT)
[sent] to you as a sign.” “And remember how He made you inheritors after the ‘Ad people and gave you habitations in the land: ye build
for yourselves palaces and castles in open plains and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits ye have
received from Allah (SWT) and refrain from evil and mischief on the earth.” [7:74]
PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE BUILDINGS CARVED BY THE THAMUD PEOPLE
NOTE: (Prophet Muhammad (SAW), through his teachings and experiences, had taught Muslims to avoid being in these areas simply
because Allah’s (SWT) wrath had fallen on such places. At the same time, during his visits, he also pointed out the lessons that others can
learn from such historical places and events. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Do not pass through the dwelling place of those who wronged
themselves without crying….”)
Materialism, Rejectors of Truth, Lost of Faith and Subjugation, etc., seems to be the beginning of the end of these
civilizations. Do they begin to believe that they are alone in this world?
Historical Background of the Ancient Madyan People
Madyan (Arabic: ‫مدين‬‎) is a geographical place and a people mentioned in the Bible and the Holy Quran. The territory of Madyan (Midian)
lay north to the north-west of Hijaz and to the south of Palestine on the eastern side of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqabah and extended
to a part of the Sinai Peninsula. The Midianites were the descendents of Midian, a son of Prophet Abraham (AS) from his third wife,
Qaturah.
They were great traders. It was Madyanite merchants to whom Joseph was sold into slavery and who took him to Egypt.
Unfortunately the Madyans adopted fraudulent ways, cheating the people through dishonest weights and measures. (Again, a people
who were prosperous and industrious by the Grace of Allah (SWT).
The Prophet, Shu'aib (AS), was sent to reform them of their main evils -- shirk and dishonesty in trade. Prophet Shu’aib (AS) appealed to
them that they should judge good and evil by the standards of righteous and honest people and not by the standards of worldly people
who did not believe in Allah (SWT) and the Hereafter.
Dear Reader: “Does the following response to Prophet Shu’aib’s appeal make any sense“? They (their chiefs) said that their
trade and commerce could never flourish if they applied the principle of truth to that and carried their bargains with honesty. Besides
that, if they did not exploit their geographical position on the crossroads of the most important trade routes, and let the caravan pass on
without molestation and become peaceful citizens, all its political and commercial advantages will come to an end. What? Prophet
Sha’aib’s (AS) response to their arrogance: He could only admonish them as a well-wisher, but it rested with them to accept his advice
or not. They insisted that they had every right to do as they pleased with their goods and possessions. Prophet Shu’aib (AS) told them
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Historical Background of the Ancient Madyan People (Continued)
that Allah (SWT) had bestowed the truth upon them, so he could not be a party to their evil creed and unlawful practices. He reminded
them about the people of Prophet Lot (AS) who were totally destroyed. He stated that Allah (SWT) inflicts punishments on people only
when they transgress all limits and that, too, for the good of mankind. They did not want to listen or understand what he said. They
were eager to kill Prophet Shu'aib (AS), but they desisted from this evil design because they were afraid of his family. He reminded them
that they were accountable to Allah (SWT) and to fear Him. He continued to stress that they should give full measure and weight justly
and stop defrauding the people of their goods, and stop spreading mischief in the land. The residue (after giving full measure) left over
by Allah (SWT) would be the best for them, if they were believers.
But then !!! As regards those who were iniquitous, a dreadful catastrophe/shock overtook them and they lay dying and prostrate in
their homes as if they had never flourished in them. Those who treated Prophet Shu'aib (AS) as an imposter were wiped out, utterly
ruined. Prophet Shu'aib (AS) left the place, saying, "O my people! I conveyed the Messages of my Lord to you and I did my best for you
as your well-wisher. Now, how should I be grieved for the people who reject the Truth!” And when Allah's (SWT) decree came to pass,
Allah (SWT) delivered through His mercy Prophet Shu'aib and those who had believed with him. .
THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
The People of the Book (Arabic: ‫ أهل الكتاب‬‎′Ahl al-Kitāb) are the Jews and the Christians. The term "People of the Book" in the Qur'an refers
to followers of monotheistic Abrahamic religions that are older than Islam.
This includes all Christians, all Children of Israel
(including Jews, Karaites and Samaritans), and the Sabians. Because the People of the Book recognize the God of Abraham, Yahweh
(Hebrew) as the one and only god, as do Muslims, and they practice revealed faiths based on divine ordinances, tolerance
and autonomy is accorded to them in societies governed by sharia (Islamic divine law). The Holy Qur'an is Allah’s (SWT) true, final and
eternal message to humanity.
We are now in the 21st Century, there will be no other prophet to come. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the last and greatest
prophet. It is yet to be seen what will be the result of the rejectors of truth in today’s world!
OoooooooooooooooooooooooOooooooooooooooooooooooooOooooooooooooooooooooooooOooooooooooooooooooooooooO
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON? Commentary By Sister Muslimah
How could the many peoples of the world who are advanced in technology, science and who understand the finest
mysteries of creation, at the same time, become increasingly arrogant and ignorant? Disbelief is running rampant. For
example, climate change. California is experiencing a year long drought; back east, there was snow up to 5 feet or so this past winter. A
few weeks ago, there was a tornado in Illinois which flattened most of the city. What will it take for the “climate disbelievers” to believe
that weather on this planet is changing. Regardless of why the change is occurring, nonetheless, we see it happening. Those who do
not believe that the planet is experiencing extreme climate changes are not unlike the Disbelievers, they won’t believe until ……!!!
There was a program on CNN a few days ago regarding the Alps Mountains, where glaciers are receding and what the stakes are if it
continues. The Disbelievers, who are they? Are they like the Madyan people or the Thamud or the Ad?
OoooooooooooooooooooooooOooooooooooooooooooooooooOooooooooooooooooooooooooOooooooooooooooooooooooooO
The Death of Michael White
We have heard many accounts and saw video of the shooting death of Michael White, an African American man in South Carolina last
month. It was reported that if it hadn’t been for the video that a bystander had taken, no one would now know the truth. Allah (SWT)
says in Surah 2, Ayat 42: And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when ye know what it is.
And … so the innocent bystander, fearing for his life, exposed the lie that was ready to be told as truth if not for his braveness. How
long will the disbelievers of this world think Allah (SWT) does not see or hear what they do?
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SHAHADAH TIMES
FROM OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Reflections By Muhammad Saddiq
In Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (SWT) asks us to be mindful and to seek refuge in Him when enlightenment is given. You have to stop and think
about this for the moment. Before knowledge is granted there is darkness. Silence and an incubation in the things that are unknown.
Then there is a splitting of that darkness which gives way to light. The definition of Falaq is to split/ cleft/ cloven/ cracked, divided
lengthwise, or a longitudinal division and in that also daybreak. In thinking of division lengthwise you can understand how this word
became a meaning of daybreak. Where there is a complete separation between darkness and light.
Before this separation we are in a state of darkness where we are void of knowledge. We wander therein a state in relative peace and
tranquility. However after knowledge is given Allah tells us of the progression of the matter of which He advises us to take refuge in Him
in the first place. Once one is free of the bonds of ignorance he becomes free to create, to grow to learn and have volition about himself
and his destiny. He has the ability to make sense of things and to construct things now that he has knowledge about his world. He is free
to embark upon the sharing of ideas and new concepts in life. He is now a mover, a creator and inventor. This new knowledge is bound
to create new feelings of autonomy and independence and an ultimate forgetting of who gave him this knowledge in the first place.
If we reflect in an historical sense we can
realize that this was the exact history of
the
Enlightenment.
Europe was in the dark ages. They were a
people void of knowledge, generally poor
hygiene and spreading diseases. When
they came into the contact with the
Muslims
enlightenment
from
knowledge. When knowledge began to
grow and proliferate amongst them they
began to invent new and exciting things
and began a culture all of their own. In
their discovery of science they divorced
themselves from the source that is Allah
and became very contented in their
things and their knowledge and through
this they developed a culture of disbelief
sustained by a finite reality that by its
nature is doomed to failure.
The second verse of Surah Al-Falaq
explains this very thing. Where Allah
advises us to seek refuge from the evil of
the created things. Without knowledge
there is no danger from many things in
this world. Life goes on pretty much
uneventful
ignorance.
However when knowledge has become
clear from a state of ignorance then all of
those things in which the nafs does desire
European age
as
of
and
it
does
benefit
in
they
began
to
experience
follows the natural course of the low place of the nafs for its attainment. If no one knows of the things you have in your home then you
are pretty much safe from being invaded. However once what you have is common knowledge then you are free to suffer at their hands
what their lower selves do suggest to them.
Also in the evil of created things there are dangers that did not exist before. The automobile was an excellent invention however it also
opened up the door to car crashes, high speed travel and the ability for family to separate to distant lands. Electricity opened the door to
electrocution and the ability to stay up all night chasing dunya. These are evils that weren't in the human spectrum before their
invention, but now are commonplace items that are well taken for granted and provide for our society a kind of arrogance and a new
state of darkness of the funk of ignorance.
We must when reading the Quran seek to understand the warnings of Allah in detail so that we can increase in understanding. In this
day we have a vast base of knowledge. This knowledge has made many arrogant and many others niggardly and fearful. Prone to
operate in a low place and thus with this knowledge propagate ignorance and miserliness for personal gain. So that there is a seeking
for material created things for the sake of themselves alone. This is a path for destruction as Allah explains in the following Ayat which
we will review at another time.
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SHAHADAH TIMES
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