AsSabiqoon Issue 15

A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#15 Feb 2015

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بسم اهلل والصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل

Where is this Fragrance coming from?

Allah says in the Quran in (Surah Al Qalam, 68 – Ayah 4):وإنك لعلى خلق عظيم

And indeed, you (Muhammad SAW) are of a great moral character.” Insha’Allah, I want you to go back in time! Are you ready…have you put your seat belts on? Actually, Insha‘Allah I want you to fly…and release all the obstacles and barriers that do not let you live to your potential, Subhanal Allah!

We are going to go back over 1400 years back. It is the 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H, we are in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat and about to listen to the last sermon of the most successful “Carrier of the Musk” of all times, The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him), the last Prophet and Messenger sent by Allah Subhana Wa T’Ala (The Most Exalted and The Most High) to humanity. Let me start with undeniable facts of current times. We are witnessing in history an amazing number of people who are choosing Islam as their way of life. Yes! Please note that I did not mention religion, I said 'way of life', that is “deen”. This is what Islam is about…how you conduct yourself as an individual and as a member of a society in order to fulfil the purpose of your creation, which is to worship Allah, Al Ahad, The One and only God and As Samad, The Self Sufficient Master. Who could be a better example and role model than the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, whom Allah Subhana Wa T’Ala referred to in the Qur’an as

وإنك لعلى خلق عظيم(“And indeed, you are of a great moral character”. 68:4).

I could recount to you a number of incidents that would provide evidence to the exalted mention by Allah about the character of the Noble Prophet SAWS, however I decided to share with you his last sermon, which clearly portrays the beautiful character behind his noble personality, Masha Allah (by the will of Allah).

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #15 Feb 2015

This Sermon was delivered on the 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat:"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”

(Reference: See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774)


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What lessons can you take from his last sermon that will help adorn you with the beautiful musk that was carried and spread by the Prophet Muhammad SAWS:

1. Life and property of every Muslim is sacred, hence you have to ensure that you respect this limit and you do not misappropriate anyone’s property nor do you harm or hurt anyone as the life of your sister/brother is sacred and hence there are boundaries to be respected.

2. Fulfil all your trusts by ensuring that you return to the rightful owners whatever is in your trust at the appointed time. This is so applicable in the context of borrowing money, books, anything that is not yours needs to be returned to the rightful owner according to your agreement. You only become entitled to someone else’s property/wealth/goods if that has been given to you by the owner.

3. “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you”! This is simply the rule of balance, of justice, what goes round comes round. So beware! Seek forgiveness of the individual/s whose rights you have surpassed and seeking forgiveness of Allah, Ad- Dayyan, The One Who Recompenses.

4. Avoid “interest” at all costs, whether as a receiver or a giver or as an intermediary. One of the key reasons why poor countries remain poor and why indebted people cannot “stand up” is because of the burden of debt which has increased the “disability” of these countries and people to build their lives independently and constructively.

5. Shaytan, the devil is your enemy! The moment you embrace Islam whole heartedly, he has lost hope of deviating you in major things but no doubt and you witness so many times in your daily lives, he tries to deceive you in small things and through that , Allah (SWT) forbid, he might lead you astray (We seek refuge in Allah (SWT) from the rejected shaytan).

6. Women and men have mutual rights that have to be respected for the proper functioning of the family and the society as a whole. The married women have only been taken into marriage under Allah’s (SWT) Trust and His permission, so it is upon men the responsibility to fulfil this trust in the best manner. Women need to be taken care of by their husbands in appropriate manner and similarly they need to fulfil the rights of their companions without betrayal or rebellious disobedience. Marriages are successful only if they rest on a platform of faith, love and understanding. Marriages are a gift from Allah (SWT) & hence being faithful in marriage is key for the individual’s & the society’s balance.


7. You have been created to worship Allah (SWT):Allah (SWT) says, وما خلقت الجن واإلنس إال ليعبدون "And I created not the Jinns and men except that they may worship Me (Alone)." Adh-Dhaariyaat ( Chapter 51, Verse 56)

i. This worship first means fulfilment of the obligations as commanded by Allah (SWT) and include the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, giving zakat- the yearly charity due a on wealth of a Muslim, perform hajj if you can afford it (Pillars of faith)

ii. In a wider sense, worship means above all accepting Allah (SWT) as your Lord and everything that you will do will be within the boundaries of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (practice and sayings) of the Prophet SAW and you will dedicate all these to the pleasure of Allah, (The Most Glorious, The Most High).

8. Here comes the principle that would resolve so many problems in our families and society>>> no one is superior to anyone except by taqwa>>> that is piety, living a life focused on doing good deeds, avoiding sins and doing all these under three boundaries: love of Allah (SWT), hope in the reward from Allah (SWT) for all good deeds performed and avoidance of sins for fear of punishment from Allah (SWT). All this is only possible by the Light of guidance from Allah (SWT).

Concluding remarks

The key motivator for us to pursue an exemplary behaviour following the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW is the realisation that one day we will have to meet and stand in front of Allah, Al Hasib (The Reckoner, The Account Taker) to answer for all our deeds. So our deeds are our responsibility!Muhammad SAWS has left us a noble example. He SAWS practiced what he preached to the extent that in an authentic narration, Aisha RA said: "... the character of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was the Qur'an." - Sahih MuslimHis (SAWS) message did not end with his last sermon>>> he clearly mentioned that it was every listener’s responsibility to pass on this message, to those who were not present in that blessed gathering, over 1400 years ago. This message has reached us and we praise and thank Allah (SWT) for this gift, the most precious gift of our life!Our responsibility is to continue carrying & spreading this beautiful fragrance of Islam that Allah (SWT) has gifted us through the Prophet SAWS.

May Allah (SWT) make us those who follow the exemplar character & behaviour of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS & we genuinely become the carriers of the most beautiful fragrance which is Islam. Ameen ya Rabb al alameen. Glory be to Allah (SWT), Praise be to Allah (SWT). Peace and Blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon the Prophet SAWS.


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This Issue

Introduction - Where is this fragrance coming from: Pages 2 - 5

Istiwaa (Rise over) - Allah is Above the Throne – From Sahabah and the 4 Madhhabs: Pages 7 - 10

The Real Superstars: Pages 11 - 14

At The Heart of Every Relationship is Allah (SWT): Pages 15 - 19

Home Truths - Parenting ‘Tweens’ and ’Teens’: Pages 20 - 22

Physics: The Existence of Subatomic Particles: Pages 23 - 27

Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 28 - 30

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#15 Feb 2015

New

Istiwaa (Rise over) Allah is Above the Throne From Sahabah and the Four Madhhabs

Sahabah1. In his speech subsequent to the death of the Prophet (SAWS)Abu Bakr

As-Siddique (RA) said: “He who was worshipping Muhammad (SAWS) let him know that Muhammad (SAWS) is dead, and he who was worshipping Allah (SWT) let him know that Allah (SWT) is above the heaven Ever-Living and never dies’” (Bukhari).

2. Imam adh-Dhahabee (RA) narrates from Ibn Abbas (RA), “Before creating the creation, Allah (SWT) was above His (SWT) Throne. Then He (SWT) created the Pen and it wrote everything that would happen up until the Day of Judgement” (Bayhaqi in ‘Asmaa Was-Sifaat).

The Four Madhaahib (Sunni Schools of Legal Jurisprudence)

1. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (RA) was asked, ‘Allah (SWT) is above the seventh heaven, above His (SWT) Throne, distinct from His creation (SWT), and His (SWT) Power and Knowledge are in every place?’ And he (RA) replied, ‘Yes, above the Throne and His (SWT) Knowledge is in every place’ (‘Sharh Usul I’tiqaad Ahlus Sunnah’ of al-Laalikaaee (d.414AH)).

2. Imam Malik (RA) said, “Allah (SWT) is above the heaven, and His (SWT) knowledge is in every place, nothing is hidden from Him (SWT).” (‘Sharh Usul I’tiqaad Ahlus Sunnah’ of al-Laalikaaee (d.414AH)).

3. Abu Haneefah (RA) said, “when asked of his opinion of the one who says, ‘I do not know whether Allah (SWT) is above the heavens or on the

earth.’ – “He has disbelieved, because Allah (SWT) says, “The Most Merciful rose above the Throne,” and His (SWT) Throne is above His (SWT) seven heavens.’ He was then asked, ‘what if he said that Allah (SWT) is above His (SWT) Throne but he does not know whether the Throne is in the heavens or on the earth?’ He said, ‘He has disbelieved, because he has denied that He (SWT) is above the heavens. And whosoever denied that He (SWT) is above the heavens has disbelieved.” (‘Sharh Usul I’tiqaad Ahlus Sunnah’ of al-Laalikaaee (d.414AH), ‘al-Uluww’ of adh- Dhahabee, also ‘Sharh Aqueedah at-Tahaawiyyah’ of ibn Abee al-Izz al-Hanafee).

4. Abu Haneefah (RA) said, “And Allah (SWT) the Exalted is called upon upwards, and not downwards, because downwards is not a quality of Ruboobiyyah (Lordship) and Uloohiyyah (Divinity) in anything” (al-Fiqh ul-Asbat).

5. A woman asked Abu Haneefah (RA), “Where is your Lord whom you worship” So he said,“Verily Allah (SWT) the Exalted is above the sky (fis-samaa`), not in the earth.” So a man said to him, `Have you seen the statement of Allah (SWT) the Exalted, “And He is with you.” (57:4) He said, “He (SWT) is as you are when you write to a man, `Verily I am with you,’ whilst you are absent from him” (al-Asma was-Sifaat).

6. And Abu Nu’aym relates from Ja’far Ibn ‘Abdullah who said, `We were with Malik Ibn Anas, so a man came, so he said, “O Abu ‘Abdullah, “The Most Merciful has ascended above His Throne,” (20:5) How has He (SWT) ascended?’ So anger came over Malik, such that no affair like this had ever caused to come over him. So he looked towards the earth and scratched with his cane in his hand, until he raised his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead, tossed the cane aside, and said, ‘The modality (kayf of it cannot be comprehended by the intellect, and al-istiwaa’ (ascent) is not unknown, and having faith in it is obligatory, and the question concerning it is an innovation. And I think that you are a person of innovation,’ and he commanded him to leave.” Ibn Hajar said in Fathul Baaree (commentary of Sahih al-Bukhari) (13/406- 407) that its

isnaad (chain of narrators) is hasan (good). And it was authenticated by adh-Dhahabee in al-Uluww (p. 103).

Istawaa (Rise over) - Allah is Above the Throne - Proofs from the Scholars Imam adh-Dhahabee – rahimahullah – said, “Whoever you ask, “Where is Allah (SWT)? Then his quick and natural answer will be, above the heavens. There are two points in this Hadeeth, firstly the asking by the Muslim, “Where is Allah (SWT)?” Secondly the answer of the person questioned, “Above the heavens.” Whoever rejects these two points is rejecting the Prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi was-Sallam)” (‘Kitaab al-Uluww’ (p.101)). Imam adh-Dhahabee – rahimahullah – narrates from Abdullah Ibn Umar (radi-Allahu ‘anhu), “Allah (SWT) created four things with His (SWT) hands - the Throne, Pen, Adam and Paradise, then for the rest of the creation He (SWT) said “Be” and it became” (Ibn Jareer in his ‘Tafseer’ (23/185), Daarimee in ‘Radd Alal Mareesee’ (p.90), Baihaaqee in ‘Asmaa Was-Sifaat’ (p.233)). Imam Abu Sa’eed Uthman ad-Daarimee – rahimahullah – says, “Then the Scholars before us and after us all have Ijmaa (consensus), that when we seek help from Allah (SWT) or when we call Him (SWT), we raise and spread our hands towards the sky and our sight is also upwards. We do not call upon him by looking below us in the earth, behind or in front, to the right or the left. We concentrate towards the sky, because everyone knows that Allah (SWT) is above them, and everyone who prays says in prostration, “Praise be to Allah (SWT) the Most High” (‘Radd Alal Jahmiyyah’ (p.20)).

Sufyan ath-Thawree was asked about the verse, “and He is with you wheresoever you are”. He said, ‘His (SWT) Knowledge’ (Bukhari’s, ‘Khalq Af’aal Ebad’). Muhammad bin Yusuf said (one of the teachers of Bukhari), ‘the one who

says that Allah (SWT) is not over His (SWT) Throne is a kaafir. And the one who thinks that Allah (SWT) did not speak to Moses is a kaafir’ (Bukhari’s, ‘Khalq Af’aal Ebaad’). Qatada (the famous student of Ibn ‘Abbas radi Allahu anhu) said about His (SWT) saying, “and He is Allah in the Heaven and in the Earth” – ‘the One Who is worshipped in the heaven and in the earth’” (Bukhari’s, ‘Khalq Af’aal Ebaad’). And Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said:

ماوات فأطلع إلى إله وقال فرعون يا هامان ابن لي صرحا لعلي أبلغ األسباب. أسباب السبيل وما كيد فرعون موسى وإني ألظنه كاذبا وكذلك زين لفرعون سوء عمله وصد عن الس

إال في تباب

“O Hâmân! Build me a tower that I may arrive at the ways, The ways of the heavens, and I may look upon the Ilâh (God) of Mûsa (Moses) but verily, I think him to be a liar.” (40:36-37) Imam Tabarai commented on this by saying, “Fir’awn’s saying that ‘I think him to be a liar’ i.e. he is saying that I think Musa is a liar when he says and claims that his God is above the sky, Who sent him (Musa) to us” (Tafseer Al-Tabari)

In this issue, we bring to you an inspiring and touching story of yet another great sahabiyah who is known for her patience and for her very special du'a - a du'a that was answered in the form of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) becoming her husband.

She (r.a) says: “The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alaihi wassallam) said: ‘There is no Muslim who suffers a calamity and says what Allah has commanded: ‘Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji’oon. Allahumma ujurni fi musibati wukhluf li khayran minha’(Truly! To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me for my calamity and compensate me with something better than that),but Allah will compensate him with something better. (Muslim)

She is none other than Umm Salamah- The Mother of the Believers. Her's is a heartwarming story - one that fills a person with hope in Allah (SWT). One that reaffirms that Allah (SWT) will never leave His (SWT) faithful servants alone and that duas are indeed answered.

Her (RA) real name was Hind. She was the daughter of one of the notables in the Makhzum clan, Abu Umayyah bin 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Makhzum, nicknamed "Zad ar-Rakib" as he was well known for his generosity, particularly to travellers. Her (RA) mother was 'Atikah bint 'Amer bin Rabi'ah bin Malik bin Khazimah.

Umm Salamah (RA) was always amiable and kind to her neighbours, just like her father. Her (RA) first husband was 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul Asad Makhzumi, also known as Abu Salamah. He was the son of the Prophet's (SAWS) paternal aunt, Barrah bint Abdul Muttalib. He too was known for his generosity. He was a brave man, with integrity, tolerance and patience as his additional virtues. He was also the foster brother of the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wasssalam) through the ties of breast-feeding.

Umm Salamah (RA) and her (RA) husband were one of the earliest converts to Islam. When the Quraysh

came to know of their conversion, they brutally persecuted them. However, it didn't weaken their faith in the least; rather they remained steadfast in their new faith. But when matters got worse and the persecution became more intense, the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) advised his companions to migrate to Abyssinia . The Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) knew that the Christian king Najashi would be more tolerant of the new religion. Abu and Umm Salamah (RA) were amongst the first ones to migrate to Abyssinia along with 14 others.

Life in Abyssinia was peaceful for the early muslims. Umm (RA) and Abu Salamah had 4 children Zaynab, Salamah, Umar and Durrah. Umm Salamah (RA) said that even though their life in Abyssinia was one of ease and calm, they yearned to get back to Makkah. They wanted to be back in their own country with familiar people. So, one day when they heard that Umar ibn Al Khattab (RA) had accepted islam and that the conditions of the muslims had changed for the better, the muslims in Abyssinia decided to return to their homes. 'Uthman bin 'Affan (RA) also set out with them, with his family. But upon reaching Makkah, they realised that it was all just a rumour, and things had, in fact, become worse than before -

Muslims were subjected to more torture and persecution. They wanted to return to Abyssinia, but the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) advised the muslims to migrate to Madinah this time, as the people of Madinah had sworn allegiance to muslims and had invited the muslims to come and settle there. What followed is a heartbreaking story. We will let Umm Salamah (RA) narrate what happened when they decided to leave for Makkah.

"When Abu Salamah (my husband) decided to leave for Madinah, he prepared a camel for me, lifted me up onto it and put my son Salamah on my lap. My husband then took the lead and went straight ahead without stopping or

waiting for anything. Before we were out of Makkah, however, some men from my tribe, the Banu Mahkhzum, stopped us and said to my husband: 'Although you may be free to do what you like with yourself, you have no power over your wife. She is our daughter. Do you expect us to allow you to take her away from us?' They then grabbed hold of him and snatched me away from him. Some men from my husband's tribe, the Banu Abdul Asad, saw them taking both me and my child and became hot with rage: 'No, by Allah!' They shouted. 'We shall not abandon the boy. He is our son and we have a rightful claim over him.' So they took him by his arm and pulled him away from me. Suddenly, in the space of a few minutes, I found myself all alone.

My husband headed out towards Madinah by himself; his tribe had snatched away my son from me; and my own tribe had overpowered me and forced me to stay with them. From the day that my husband and my son were parted from me, I went out at noon every day and sat at the spot where this tragedy had occurred. I would remember those terrifying moments and weep until nightfall.”

"I continued like this for a year or so until one day a man from the Banu Umayyah passed by and saw my condition. He went to my tribe and said, 'Why don't you free this woman? You have caused both her husband and her son to betaken away from her.' He went on like this, trying to soften their hearts and appealing to their emotions, until at last they said to me, 'Go and join your husband if you wish.' But how could I join my husband in Madinah, and leave my son, part of my own flesh and blood, in Makkah among the Banu Abdul Asad? How could I remain free from anguish, and my eyes free from tears, if I were to reach the place of hijrah not knowing anything of my little son left behind in Makkah?”

"Some people realised what I was going through and their hearts went out to me. They approached the Banu Abdul Asad on my behalf and persuaded them to return my son. I had no desire to remain in Makkah until I could find someone to

travel with me, for I was afraid that something might happen that would delay me or stop me from reaching my husband. So I immediately prepared my camel, placed my son on my lap, and set out in the direction of Madinah. I just had just reached Tan'im (3 miles from Makkah) when I met 'Uthman ibn Talhah (He was in charge of looking after the Ka'bah, but did not embrace Islam until the Conquest of Makkah). 'Were are you going, Bint Zad ar-Rakib?' he asked. 'I am going to my husband in Madinah.' 'And isn't there anyone going with you?' 'No, by Allah, except Allah and my little boy here.' 'By Allah,' he vowed, 'I will not leave you until you reach Madinah.' “

"He then took the reins of my camel and led us on our way. By Allah, I have never met an Arab more generous and noble than he. Whenever we reached a resting place, he would make my camel kneel down, wait until I had dismounted and then lead the camel to a tree and tether it. Then he would go and rest in the shade of another tree, different from mine. When we had rested, he would get the camel ready again and then lead us on our way. This he did every day until we reached Madinah. When we reached a village near Quba (about two miles from Madinah), belonging to the Banu Amr ibn Awf, he said, 'Your husband is in this village. Enter

it with the blessings of Allah.' Then he turned round and headed back to Makkah.”

Thus after many difficult months of separation, Umm Salamah (RA) and her son were re-united with Abu Salamah.

To be continued…

نحن نقص عليك نبأهم بالحق إنهم فتية آمنوا بربهم وزدناهم هدى. وربطنا على قلوبهم إذ قامواماوات واألرض لن ندعو من دونه إلها لقد قلنا إذا شططا فقالوا ربنا رب الس

"We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they

stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any God other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have

uttered an enormity!" (Al-Kahf 18:13-14)

Relationships are central to the existence of every human being. Allah (SWT) has enjoined some relationships as purely natural, such as those between parents, children, and other immediate and extended family members. Other relationships are based on solemn contracts, such as marriage. Through a marriage contract, a man and a woman who are ordinarily impermissible to each other become permissible to each other. Some relationships are based on familiarity and social ties at the community level. Other relationships are based on business contracts. All of

these relationships are based on the fulfilment of rights & responsibilities. In His (SWT) ultimate wisdom, Allah (SWT) has placed Himself (SWT) at the heart of every relationship. To love Allah (SWT), to know Allah (SWT), & to want to please Allah (SWT) in our daily lives, we must have functional & healthy relationships with our parents, siblings, friends, & community members. We do not have the option to remove either Allah (SWT) or human beings from our lives. The love, mercy, and compassion that characterize our interactions with others are a blessing from Allah (SWT). He (SWT) created us & endowed us with

At The Heart Of Every Relationship Is Allah (SWT)

these sublime qualities. It is only sheer arrogance that would make us attempt to remove Allah (SWT) from any of our relationships. The main reason that Muslims place Allah (SWT) at the heart of every relationship is because these rights and responsibilities emanate from Allah (SWT) and the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). We learn of our rights and responsibilities through Islamic teachings as explicated in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (saws). Fulfilling one's responsibilities requires knowledge of what those responsibilities are. Similarly, one cannot expect to demand one's rights without knowing first what those rights are. Anytime a relationship goes sour, one must stop first to ask what the basis of the relationship is and if in fact the relationship existed for the sake of Allah (SWT). A businessman who

cheats others is wantonly defying the teachings of Islam. At the moment when he cheats another person, he is also allowing his personal greed to override his fear of Allah (SWT). A husband who raises his hands to hurt his wife or their children is defying the teachings of Islam. At the moment of his violent outburst, he is allowing his personal anger to override his fear of Allah (SWT). There can be no moment in which Allah (SWT) is not at the heart of a relationship. It is an unfortunate existence, and indeed a miserable existence, for the one whose personal whims and desires end up placing him or her at the centre of the relationship. Let us consider a day in the life of a young man named Khalid. Khalid sat up in bed, unable to fall asleep. What had started as just a small disagreement with his parents had deteriorated quickly into a shouting match. Khalid hurled the final volley, saying, "I don't care what you or anyone


else says; I don't need you, I don't need anyone; I have Allah (SWT) to help me." Slamming the door to his room shut, Khalid felt sure that he could survive on his own. After all, at the prime of his life as a 15-year-old, why did he need his parents? They just kept getting in his way. Why did he need his brothers and sisters? They never understood him. Why did he need his friends? They never went along with him. As long as he had Allah (SWT), he was set. He was complete. He needed no one else. As he sank into bed for the night and slipped under the warm covers, he felt sure that tomorrow would be different. From tomorrow onwards, he would need no one else, no other relationship except the one he had with Allah (SWT). He tossed and turned but he was restless and unable to bring himself to sleep. Why? These covers are so warm, so comfortable, why can't I get to sleep? The peaceful night was interrupted. He sat up in bed. In the bedroom next door, he could hear his father consoling his mother who was sobbing uncontrollably. The strong-headed Khalid was no more. Only a few hours ago he knew exactly what he wanted to do, where he

wanted to go. He knew he needed no one else except Allah (SWT). But now, hearing his mother crying had confused him. He was unsure of himself. Unsure of what he felt. If he had Allah (SWT), why did anyone else matter? So what if mom or the siblings were sad? So what if his friends and the community looked down on him for his behaviour? He struggled to put himself to sleep that night. Unable to sleep, he turned to talk to Allah (SWT). Picking up the Quran, he thumbed through the pages and came across a few that seemed to be wrinkled, used more often than the others. He could not believe his eyes and as he read the verses out loud, the meaning of the verses seemed to shoot directly to his heart. وقضى ربك أال تعبدوا إال إياه وبالوالدين إحسانا إما يبلغن عندك الكبر أحدهما أو كالهما فال تقل

لهما أف وال تنهرهما وقل لهما قوال كريما.

واخفض لهما جناح الذل من الرحمة وقل رب ارحمهما كما ربياني صغيرا. ربكم أعلم بما في نفوسكم إن تكونوا صالحني فإنه كان لألوابني

غفورا

[Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! Bestow

on them thy mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." Your Lord knoweth best what is in your hearts: If ye do deeds of righteousness, verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence).] (Al-Israa 17:23-25) Here it was, loud and clear. Any people who thought they could have a relationship only with Allah (SWT) and cut off their ties with parents, siblings, and friends were mistaken. Khalid knew that he had hurt his mother and his father with his "I don't care" and "whatever" one-liners. He also knew that he did care and he loved them both dearly. And he was very much aware of the fact that as annoying as his brothers and sisters were, they were his true friends people he could count on to love him no matter what! Khalid read and reread these verses in which Allah (SWT), after decreeing that Muslims worship no one but

Allah (SWT), decreed kindness to parents. The mention of mercy, honour, humility, righteousness, forgiveness, and repentance had a calming effect on Khalid. He wanted nothing more at that moment than to go and tell his parents he was sorry. He wanted to give them their right to advise him, to counsel him, and to assist him through these teenage years. He wanted most of to repent to Allah (SWT) for raising his voice at his parents!

Final Thoughts As we go through life, Allah (SWT) tests us with various challenges, and perhaps the most difficult of these tests are those that involve human relationships. Increasing our awareness of our rights and responsibilities is a very critical component of our lives. Remembering to be conscious of Allah (SWT) helps us to fight any desires that arise out of a purely selfish orientation. We do not live alone or in a vacuum. We are just one of the many actors in this human drama of life and the earth is our stage.


The script has already been written by Allah (SWT), and our goal is to toil on this earth, conscious of our rights and responsibilities towards Allah (SWT) and towards those around us. Our goal should be to please Allah (SWT) through establishing functional and healthy relationships with our family, friends, and community members. Ultimately, we can only achieve true success when Allah (SWT) is at the heart of all of our relationships.

An apt reminder in closing is when Allah (SWT) addresses all of mankind, saying:

يا أيها الناس اتقوا ربكم الذي خلقكم من نفس واحدة وخلق منها زوجها وبث منهما رجاال كثيرا ونساء واتقوا اهلل الذي تساءلون به

واألرحام إن اهلل كان عليكم رقيبا[O mankind, be conscious of your duty to Allah, Who created you from a single soul and from him He created his mate, and from them both, He created many men and women; and

fear Allah through Whom you demand your (mutual rights) and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs; surely Allah is ever an All-watcher over you.] (An-Nisaa' 4:1)

"


Parenting ‘Tweens’ and ’Teens’

Parents and children should never give up on each other — no matter what age or stage they are at. Children standing at the threshold of adulthood may naturally desire some independence and space from their parents. This time period can be frustrating for both the parent and the child; the children may feel they are on a different wavelength, and be overwhelmed by certain thoughts and concepts that they face, and the parents may feel distanced and side-lined.

During this new phase of parenting, it helps to remember that these ‘children’, whether they are aware of it or not, may still be naive, vulnerable and in need of guidance and direction.

How can we, as parents respond effectively?

Connecting our children to faith is one of the best gifts and strengths we can pass on to them. This involves making Allah (swt) the most important factor in our child’s life, and judging ourselves and everything surrounding us, according to the criterion that He (swt) has revealed and taught. Stability and strong character can be derived through this constant connection – especially during times of turbulence and hardship. Lead by example and through imbuing advices from the Quran and Sunnah into every aspect of life.

Be positive Sometimes we may feel the test is simply too much. Some of us may be deficient in our ability to be happy with our fate – although this is a part of complete submission to the will of Allah (swt). Always remember, everything happens for the best, even if we cannot see the wisdom and benefit immediately.

Through tawakkul, trusting Allah (swt), and having hope we can always be full of positivity.

Relate We have to put ourselves in our children’s shoes and try to relate to them. We were all children once so this is actually quite easy if we try. This means taking our emotions and ego out of the picture, and thinking rationally and logically, and supporting each other.

Be willing to discuss everything and open the door to communication. Talking freely and discussing our concerns can make drastic improvements. Without any pressure, children are more likely to open up. When they try to talk, adults must listen carefully and give them undivided attention. Create regular opportunities for communication. By allocating a specific time slot devoted to each child we can reach out to them; a more open comfortable atmosphere encourages the child to confide whenever needed.

Step back Nagging and constant pressure usually pushes people away. Respect and love between parents and children is a

key aspect of Islamic teaching; however children are not possessions. Children belong to Allah (swt), like adults do. They have responsibilities and rights, as adults do. To obey Allah (swt), children must respect parents, but parents must also respect children’s rights as individuals. We shouldn’t believe that we deserve to expect perfection from them. We cannot question the justice and wisdom of Allah (swt) — because ultimately the choice and accountability lies with each individual.

Supplicate Doing du'aa is a very powerful avenue of assistance that many of us neglect. We must ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness and make effort to turn to him for help and guidance. Doing du'aa not only heals us internally by providing us comfort, but through it Allah (swt) may transform our situation and grant us ease and success instantly. Allah (swt) loves for us to ask Him (swt) and He (swt) loves to give and forgive. If our du'aa is not immediately granted we must not despair, because He (swt) may preserve our du'aa and reward us for it in Paradise. He (swt) knows what is best and could grant us better than what we asked for, or an upcoming calamity may be blocked from harming us. Du'aas are always beneficial, Elhamdulillah.

Establish correct intentions View everything in the light of doing things purely for the sake of Allah (swt). Having hope and maintaining a balance

between our love and fear of Allah (swt) can give us fresh perspective to solve problems calmly. Children are a gift and a blessing for us; they can also be an excellent opportunity. If each of us took care of our own children and families this would gradually translate to a change in the condition of our world.

We will be accountable for how well we look after ‘our own flock’. Children can be a joy or adornment of this life

but they may also be a major test. We don’t choose our parents or families. This is a trial for us, and ‘charity begins at home’.

Deep down, most ‘tweens’ and ‘teens’ still have the need to be validated and approved. Parents and children can rescue their relationship and overcome the resentment and frustration easily through staying in touch with each other and by overcoming their own negative emotions. Where there is a will – there is always a way In Sha Allah.

In ancient times a well-known theory by the name of ‘Theory of Atomism’ was widely accepted. This theory was originally proposed by the Greeks, in particular by a man called Democritus, who lived about 23 centuries ago. Democritus and the people that came after him, assumed that the smallest unit of matter was the atom. The Arabs used to believe the same. The Arabic word “dharrah" most commonly meant an atom.

In recent times modern science has discovered that it is possible to split even an atom. That the atom can be split further is a development of the 20th century. 14 centuries ago this concept would have appeared unusual even to an Arab. For him the “dharrah" was the limit beyond which one could not go. The following Quranic verse however, refuses to acknowledge this limit:

اعة قل بلى وقال الذين كفروا ال تأتينا الس وربي لتأتينكم عالم الغيب ال يعزب عنه مثقال

ماوات وال في األرض وال أصغر من ذلك ذرة في السوال أكبر إال في كتاب مبني

“The Unbelievers say, ‘Never to us will come The Hour’: say, ‘Nay! But most surely, By my Lord, it will come Upon you – by Him Who knows the unseen – from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the manifest book’”. [34:3]

A similar message is conveyed in the Qur’an in 10:61.

وما تكون في شأن وما تتلو منه من قرآن وال تعملون من عمل إال كنا عليكم شهودا إذ تفيضون فيه وما يعزب عن ربك من مثقال ذرة في األرضماء وال أصغر من ذلك وال أكبر إال في وال في الس

كتاب مبني

You do not engage in any work, neither do you recite any part of the Quran, nor do you perform any deed without Our being witness over you when you are engaged therein. Not an atom’s weight escapes your Lord in the earth or in the sky, nor [is there] anything smaller than that nor bigger, but it is in a manifest book.

THE PHYSICS OF NATURE IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN

This verse refers to the Omniscience of Allah (SWT), His (SWT) knowledge of all things, hidden or apparent. It then goes further and says that Allah (SWT) is aware of everything, including what is smaller or bigger than the atom. Thus the verse clearly shows that it is possible for something smaller than the atom to exist, a fact discovered only recently by modern science.

GEOGRAPHY - THE WATER CYCLE In 1580, Bernard Palissy was the first man to describe the present day concept of ‘water cycle’. He described how water evaporates from the oceans and cools to form clouds. The clouds move inland where they rise,

condense & fall as rain. This water gathers as lakes and streams and flows back to the ocean in a continuous cycle. In the 7th century B.C., Thales of Miletus believed that surface spray of the oceans was picked up by the wind and carried inland to fall as rain. In earlier times people did not know the source of underground water. They thought the water of the oceans, under the effect of winds, was thrust towards the interior of the continents. They also believed that the water returned by a secret passage, or the Great Abyss. This passage is connected to the oceans and has been called the ‘Tartarus’, since Plato’s time. Even Descartes, a great thinker of the eighteenth century, subscribed to this view. Till the nineteenth century, Aristotle’s theory was prevalent. According to this theory, water was condensed in cool mountain

caverns and formed underground lakes that fed springs. Today, we know that the rainwater that seeps into the cracks of the ground is responsible for this. The water cycle is described by the Quran in the following verses:

ماء ماء فسلكه ألم تر أن اهلل أنزل من الس ينابيع في األرض ثم يخرج به زرعا مختلفا

ألوانه ثم يهيج فتراه مصفرا ثم يجعله حطاما إن في ذلك لذكرى ألولي األلباب

“Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, therewith, produce of various colors.” [Al-Quran 39:21]

ومن آياته يريكم البرق خوفا وطمعا وينزل منماء ماء فيحيي به األرض بعد موتها إن الس

في ذلك آليات لقوم يعقلون

“He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to The earth after it is dead: Verily in that are Signs For those who are wise.” [Al-Quran 30:24]

ماء ماء بقدر فأسكناه في األرض وأنزلنا من السوإنا على ذهاب به لقادرون

“And We send down water from the sky according to (Due) measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease).” [Al-Quran 23:18]

No other text dating back 1400 years ago gives such an accurate description of the water cycle.

WINDS IMPREGNATE THE CLOUDS

ماء ماء وأرسلنا الرياح لواقح فأنزلنا من الس فأسقيناكموه وما أنتم له بخازنني

“And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water (in abundance).” [Al-Quran 15:22]

The Arabic word used here is lawâqih, which is the plural of laqih from laqaha, which means to impregnate or fecundate. In this context, impregnate means that the wind pushes the clouds together increasing the condensation that causes lightning and thus rain. A


similar description is found in the Quran:

اهلل الذي يرسل الرياح فتثير سحابا فيبسطهماء كيف يشاء ويجعله كسفا فترى في الس الودق يخرج من خالله فإذا أصاب به من

يشاء من عباده إذا هم يستبشرون

“It is Allah Who sends the winds, and they raise the clouds: then does He spread them in the sky as He wills, and break them into fragments, until thou seest raindrops issue from the midst thereof: then when He has made them reach such of His servants as He wills, Behold, they do rejoice!” [Al-Quran 30:48]

The Quran’s descriptions are absolutely accurate and agree perfectly with modern data on hydrology. The water cycle is described in several verses of the Glorious Quran, including 3:9, 7:57, 13:17, 25:48- 49, 36:34, 50:9-11, 56:68-70, 67:30 and 86:11.

GEOLOGY - MOUNTAINS ARE LIKE PEGSIn Geology, the phenomenon of ‘folding’ is a recently discovered fact. Folding is responsible for the formation of mountain ranges. The earth’s crust, on which we live, is like a solid shell, while the deeper layers are hot and fluid, and thus inhospitable to any form of life. It is

also known that the stability of the mountains is linked to the phenomenon of folding, for it was the folds that were to provide foundations for the relief that constitute the mountains. Geologists tell us that the radius of the Earth is about 3,750 miles and the crust on which we live is very thin, ranging between 1 to 30 miles. Since the crust is thin, it has a high possibility of shaking. Mountains act like stakes or tent pegs that hold the earth’s crust and give it stability.

The Quran contains exactly such a

description in the following verse:

ألم نجعل األرض مهادا. والجبال أوتادا

“Have We not made The earth as a wide Expanse, And the mountains as pegs?” [Al-Quran 78:6-7]

The word awtad means stakes or pegs (like those used to anchor a tent); they are the deep foundations of geological folds. A book named ‘Earth’ is considered as a basic reference textbook on geology in many universities around the world. One of the authors of this book is Frank Press, who was the President of the Academy of Sciences in the USA for 12 years and was the Science

Advisor to former US President Jimmy Carter. In this book, he illustrates the mountain in a wedge-shape and the mountain itself as a small part of the whole, whose root is deeply entrenched in the ground. According to Dr. Press, the mountains play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth. (*Earth, Press and Siever, p. 435.). The Quran clearly mentions the function of the mountains in preventing the earth from shaking:

وجعلنا في األرض رواسي أن تميد بهموجعلنا فيها فجاجا سبال لعلهم يهتدون

“And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with them.” [Al-Quran 21:31]

The Quranic descriptions are in perfect agreement with modern geological data.

MOUNTAINS FIRMLY FIXED The surface of the earth is broken into many rigid plates that are about 100 km in thickness. These plates float on a partially molten region called asthenosphere. Mountain formations occur at the boundary of the plates. The earth’s crust is 5 km thick below oceans, about 35 km thick below flat continental surfaces and almost 80 km thick below great mountain ranges. These are the strong foundations on which mountains stand. The Quran also speaks about the strong mountain foundations in the following verse:

والجبال أرساها

“And the mountains had He firmly fixed.” [Al-Quran 79:32]

(*A similar message is contained in the Quran in 88:19, 31:10 and 16:15)

To be continued…


Masjid Bani HashimAt Jumeirah Islands, Dubai

Masjid Bani Hashim by the Grace of Allah عز وجل, opened its doors 2nd Ramadan 1434; July 10th, 2013 & is a Non-Profit

Organization. It envisions to offer intensive courses, lectures, workshops, Tafseer elQuran with Taddabur, Tajweed, Seerah of

the Prophet pbuh & major Islamic Studies.

Our MissionMasjid Bani Hashim’s mission is to provide authentic

understanding of Islam based on Qur'an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (صلى اهلل عليه وسلمs). Masjid Bani

Hashim welcomes all and provides a golden opportunity to access Islamic Courses to all seekers of Ilm. Without rushing back home, you can make a stop at Masjid Bani Hashim to nurture your soul,

pray & recite Quran.

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AsSabiqoon Issue 15