Levels of Patience

Bismillah walhamdolilah wasalatu wasalam ‘ala Rasool Allah

Asalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu,

Truly, patience is a characteristic of the Muslim that is required on many levels:

Patience in worshiping Allah

Patience in abstaining from wrong actions

Patience at times of trials

These are the three levels we should constantly be monitoring, for verily it is these levels of patience that will bring us success. Lets use train ourselves to be patient in these three levels.

Patience in worshiping Allah

This essentially means to carry out the commands of Allah regularily with full sincerity to Him and Him Alone and to do so with the correct understanding and methodology shown to us by our beloved sallalahu alayhi wasalam.

و ما أمروا إلا ليعبدوا الله مخلصين له الدين حنفاء و يقيموا الصلاة و يؤتوا الزكاة و ذلك دين القيمة

And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight [surah Bayyina V.5]

Patience in abstaining from Wrong

This can be achieved in two ways: 1) fear the punishment which follows the wrong action 2) feeling of haya (shyness or shame) before Allah for using His blessings in disobeying Him

Now the question to ask is, which one is better?

Truly, both have their place; however the one who resists from the wrong due to the feeling haya in front of the Lord of the heavens and the earth is better. This is because the one who restrains himself out of fear is focused on the punishment and is scared of it, his only concern is saving himself from the punishment. Whereas, the person who restrains himself out of haya is focused on Allah Himself, the main concern is Allah and His Glory and His Majesty. This is why some of our beloved scholars have said:

“Do not look at the size of the sin you are committing. Rather, look at the greatness of the One you are sinning against”

Nonetheless, both levels are accepted and reach the level of eman (faith). However, restraining out of haya reaches the level of ihsan.

Patience at times of Trial

There are many ways one can be patient in regards to trials we face:

Reward – Be certain that your patience will not go in vein. Rather, with every second you walk and deal with patience, inshallah there is reward waiting. We as humans are very selfish, always thinking about the “what’s in it for me?” If you think short-term, you will limit your thinking to this life, and thus may not resort to patience. However, if you think of the long-term, you will expand your thinking to the Hereafter, and thus may resort to patience. And certainly, patience is the best route for the believer.

Expecting a time of ease – Allah has promised that after every difficult comes relief. So be certain that the trial is only a period of time and relief is coming.

Recounting the blessings – When you sit back and ponder about the infinite blessings our Lord has bestowed upon us, our problems don’t seem so bad. You realize, in comparison to the blessings, the trial is like a drop of water out of the ocean.

Recounting previous blessing - When you are able to sit back and ponder about how Allah took care of you and brought you to light from darkness in the past, you will be able to expect the same in the current time.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا اصبروا وصابروا ورابطوا واتقوا الله لعلكم تفلحون

O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful. {Surah ale Imran V.200]

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We ask Allah to accept our worship and our repentance. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

َمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مَخۡرَجً۬ا (٢) وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُ‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسۡبُهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمۡرِهِۦ‌ۚ قَدۡ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدۡرً۬ا

And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, Allah will be sufficient for him.

Remember... Allah, subhana watala, sees everything we do!

Increase your knowledge and your patience will increase, insha'Allah.

اللهم اغفر لوالدي وارحمهما كما ربياني صغيرا

اللهم اجعلنا ممن يسمعون القول ويتــَّبعوون احسنه يارب العالمين

اللهم أجعل عملنا كله خالصا لوجهك

ربنا لا تواخذنا إن نسينا أو أخطأنا ربنا ولا تحمل علينا إصراً كما حملته على الذين من قبلنا

ربنا ولا تحمـِّلنا ما لا طاقة لنا به واعفُ عنا واغفر لنا وارحمنا

أنت مولانا فانصرنا على القوم الكافرين

ربنا ولا تحمـِّلنا ما لا طاقة لنا به واعفُ عنا واغفر لنا وارحمنا

أنت مولانا فانصرنا على القوم الكافرين

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Demonstrations in front of Israeli Embassy in Egypt

Politics 4/8/2011 8:25:00 PM

CAIRO, April 8 (KUNA) -- Tens of people protested in front of the Israeli Embassy in Jiza, calling for Ambassador's departure from Egypt.

The protesters demanded the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador as the "zionist enemy has been launching dozens of air raids and artillery shelling on different sites in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing 10, among them two women and the injury of about 48 others." The protestors affirmed in a statement their strong solidarity with Palestinians until they are free to establish their independant state, with Jerusalem as its capital.

The demonstration is a first of its kind after the January 25 revolution. (end) ez.mao KUNA 082025 Apr 11NNNN

IqraSense.com

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Tawakkul refers to putting your trust in Allah – to believe that He alone can ward off the harms of this world, provide you blessings and sustenance, and to ease your challenges. Tawakkul is also about accepting the results that He decides regardless of how they may turn out to be.

To understand the concept of Tawakkul, consider how tense and worried you get at times about the challenges of this worldly life. Whether it’s you worrying about losing your job or sustenance, or general life problems that you may come to face, Tawakkul is your belief and the attitude that you have about putting your trust in Allah to take care of all your affairs.

Allah (swt ), says:

…And whoever places his trust in Allah, Sufficient is He for him, for Allah will surely accomplish His Purpose: For verily, Allah has appointed for all things a due proportion. (Qur’an 65:3)

The Quran makes it clear that Tawakkul is not an option but rather a requirement. Allah (may He be Exalted) says:

“…and put your trust in Allâh if you are believers indeed. (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 23)

He also says in the Quran:

“….And in Allah let believers put their Trust” [surah Ibrahim 14:11]

Don’t give up on Your Efforts

Tawakkul shouldn’t be mistaken with giving up your efforts thinking that somehow your challenges will get resolved. Rather striving and working with the attitude that Allah will take care of your affairs and will help you in getting through your trials is part of you having the Tawakkul on Allah.

Some scholars have stated that “Tawakkul in reality does not deny actually working and striving for provision, for Allah Almighty has decreed that we should work and it is from His ways that he gives people when they strive. In fact, Allah Almighty ordered us to both depend upon Him and to work, to take the necessary steps needed to achieve our goals, and so the act of striving for our sustenance is an act of physical worship while trusting and depending upon Allah is faith in Him.” (Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts (Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 7, Pages 172-174)

Allah says:

“…So seek provision from Allah and worship Him (alone).” [Al-‘Ankaboot 29: 17]

Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan stated about this verse, “Look for sustenance and do not sit around in the masaajid claiming that you are putting your trust in Allah. Do not sit in your homes and claim that your daily sustenance will come to you.” This is wrong and a true believer doesn’t say such things.”(Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan Haqeeqat-ut-Tawakkul (pg. 15-25))

This obviously applies to not just seeking provisions but in striving to resolve other matters of our lives – just as long we remember and believe that His will is a prerequisite for our matters to get resolved and to accept what He ultimately decrees.

The scholars have also stated that, “other than our efforts that we put in, a Muslim should also combine Tawakkul with other means, whether they are acts of `Ibadah (worship) like Du`a’ (supplication), Salah (Prayer), Sadaqah (voluntary charity) or maintaining the ties of kinship, or other material means which Allah has predestined.” (source : alifta.net Fatwa no. 2798)

Allah (swt ), also says in the Quran:

[There were] those to whom people said: “The people are gathering against you, so fear them.“ But it only increased their faith; they said: “For us Allah is Sufficient and He is the best Disposer of affairs”(Qur’an 3:173)

Benefits of Tawakkul

One of the major benefits of Tawakkul is that it can relieve us from unnecessary anxiety, worry, and resulting depression from the challenges that we may be facing. By believing that all our affairs are in Allah’s hands and we can do only what is in our control, we leave the results to Allah and accept His decree whatever it may be. Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali said, “the fruit of tawakkul is the acceptance of Allah’s decree. Whoever leaves his affairs to Allah and then is accepting of what he is given has truly relied on Allah. Al-Hassan and others among the salaf defined tawakkul as ridhaa (acceptance).” (Jami’ Al-’Uloom wa Al-Hikam : A Commentary on 50 Major Hadith)

Let’s strive to understand the concept of Tawakkul and to make it part of our belief systems. We will notice that things will not only get resolved easier with His help, but Tawakkul will also relieve us from the day to day anxieties and worries associated with the challenges of this life.

….

Narrated under the authority of Abi Horira may Allah Be pleased with him, that he said: The Messenger of Allah blessing and peace be upon him said-if the trust is wasted, then expect the Hour, he said O Messenger of Allah, how it is wasted, he said when matters are assigned to those who are not qualified, then expect the Hour" (reported by Bukhri)

What It Means to Follow the Way of the Companions

Jamaal ud-Deen Zarabozo

The Friday Prayer: Part III

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In numerous places in the Qur'aan, Allaah praises and shows His pleasure for the Companions of the Prophet (Saw) and also for those who follow in their footsteps. For example, Allaah says,

"And the first to embrace Islaam of the Muhaajirun and the Ansaar and also those who followed them exactly (in faith)! Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success". (at-Tawbah, 100)

Furthermore, the following verse of the Qur'aan was first and foremost directed to the Companions of the Prophet (saw);

"You are the best of peoples ever raised for mankind, you enjoin good and forbid evil, and you believe in Allaah" (al-'Imraan, 110)

In addition there are numerous hadith in which the Prophet (saw) told us about the special place and superiority of his Companions, and also of those who came after them. Imraan ibn Hussain narrated that the Prophet (saw) said,

"The best people are my generation, then the people who come after them, then the people who come after them" (al-Bukhaari, and Muslim).

In another very important hadith, the Prophet (Saw) said,

"The tribes of Israel broke up into seventy-two sects. My ummah shall break up into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the Fire except for one: [That group] which follows what I and my Companions are following." (at-Tirmidhi)

The behaviour and actions of the Companions of the Prophet (ra) were witnessed by the Prophet (saw) himself and approved by him. This means that their behaviour was also approved by Allaah as it is an accepted principle that the Prophet (Saw) is not allowed to approve of something which is essentially wrong.

These verses and these hadith - as well as many others - demonstrate to us that the Companions were on the Straight Path. This is, in fact, the only true path as the hadith concerning the dividing into sects demonstrates. Indeed, Allaah makes it clear that the path to Him is only one when He says:

"And verily this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious". (al-Anaam, 153)

Ibn Mas'ud stated that the Prophet (saw) drew a straight line with other lines to the left and right of it. He stated that the straight line was the Straight Path and upon all other lines were Satans calling the people to those paths. Then he recited the above verse from Surah al-Anaam.

Therefore, we should look to the Companions and the others of the first three generations - those who followed in their footsteps and who learned directly from them -- and we should try to emulate them as we know that their lives were pleasing to Allaah.

However, in what matters should we emulate them? In matters of the deen, in matters related to following the Straight Path. And what is the deen? It is one's matters of belief, one's matter of law, one's matter of behaviour and ethics -- all of these form part of the deen and all are essential aspects of the deen.

We should look to the Companions and try to learn from them and be like them. But not just with respect to matters of 'aqeedah or beliefs - as some people today seem to think. It is true that aqeedah or faith is the foundation of life - but there is no such thing as 'aqeedah by itself without it being translated into actions and behaviour.

There are many people nowadays who are stressing that we have to follow the way of the pious forefathers or the salaf in Islaam. They talk, in particular, about matters of 'aqeedah. However, following in their footsteps is not simply a matter of believing some articles of faith and being able to repeat them like a parrot! So many people can rattle off the principles related to the names and attributes of Allaah but that does not necessarily make them true followers of the way of our pious forefathers.

Many times when it comes to behaviour and ethics, the same people who are "calling to the way of the Salaf" seem to forget that we have to follow their example in these areas as well. It does not make any sense - in fact, it is not possible - that we have the same beliefs as our Salaf but our actions are quite to the contrary. This means that we don't have their beliefs at all. If we had their beliefs, they would be represented in our actions. It is inconceivable that we call ourselves followers of those pious people yet our behaviour is not like their behaviour whatsoever. How can we truly call ourselves their followers when we lie, cheat, don't mind to live off of other people, spread false rumours about each other, are not willing to sacrifice for the sake of Allaah, and so forth. Indeed, some who claim to be following those pious individuals are actually the furthest away in their behaviour from the pattern and example that those pious souls set.

In this khutbah - after making the above point and advising us all to follow the way of the Prophet (saw) and his Companions in order to be among the saved sect - I would like to remind us of some of the behaviours and characteristics of those early generations. In this way, we can take a good look at their lives and we can also look at our own lives and behaviour, and truly ask ourselves if we are actually following their example and having their deen which was so pleasing to Allaah.

One of their characteristics that we can note in their speech and action is that they would weight every action according to the scales of the shariah.

We can see clear examples of how Abu Bakr and Umar would not take any action until they were certain that such an action was correct according to the Shariah. We must be cautious and not tread into doubtful matters - which was another one of the beautiful and noble characteristics. Many times we do things without first asking or searching to make sure those things are lawful and pleasing to Allaah. After we actually engage in the act, we may then ask, "Is this act halaal or haraam?" It is one of the characteristics of the Salaf that they would ask this question before acting.

Second, they used to remember and think a lot about death. This remembrance of death would have a strong effect on their actions and their attachment to this world. The Prophet (saw) advised them to remember death often -- the thing that brings an end to the pleasures of this world. They implemented this teaching of the Prophet (saw).

Thabit once said, "Whenever we attended a funeral, we would be crying". We can see from other reports of the same nature that they were not actually crying for the deceased. Instead, they were crying for themselves. They realized that they would also have to face that same day in which their deeds would come to an end. They would think to themselves: Are we prepared for that day when the two angels will come and question us? Are we prepared for that day when our deeds will come to an end and there will be no more opportunity to repent from our sins??

How often do we who claim to be following in their footsteps remember death. Do we every cry when thinking about that day in which our deeds will be sealed and the angels will come to question us? If we are truly following their way, we must remember death often and this remembrance should have a profound effect on us. This is all part of following the way of the Companions.

A third characteristic that we find about them is that they were very forgiving to those who did them wrong in any way. They implemented Allaah's description

"[Those] who repress anger and who pardon men, verily Allaah loves the good-doers" (al-'Imraan, 134)

They would forgive people in hopes that Allaah would forgive them. Recompense comes in a form similar to the deed that is being recompensed. Hence, those who are forgiving to others for the sake of Allaah, Allaah willing, may look forward to Allaah treating them in the same way. How many of us today possess that characteristic? On the other hand, how many of us hold a grudge forever and are never willing to forgive some wrong that may have been done to us many years ago?

Another important characteristic was the great respect that they had for the honour of other Muslims and how they always desired good for their brethren Muslim. The Prophet (saw) explicitly told them,

"Every Muslim is inviolable to another Muslim - his blood, his wealth and his honour"

Abu Bakr once said, "Do not belittle any Muslim for the most insignificant Muslim is great in the eyes of Allaah". 'Umar ibn al-Khattab declared that to save a life of a Muslim was more important to him than all of the lands of Iraaq. In fact, the Prophet (saw) said,

"The killing of a believer is greater in Allaah's sight than the perishing of this world." (an-Nasai, sahih, al-Albaani in Sahih al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, vol.2, p.804, hadith no. 4361)

That has happened to this beautiful characteristic of our Salaf. Do we treat each other with the respect and honour that they used to treat each other? Nowadays it is not uncommon to see Muslims cheating other Muslims. It is not uncommon to see Muslims breaking their promises to other Muslims. Indeed we can even see Muslims killing one another.

In fact, nowadays, it is not uncommon to see Muslims treat, honour and respect non-Muslims in a much better fashion that they treat their own brethren Muslims. As long as we behave in this manner, we cannot possibly claim to be following in the footsteps of our pious predecessors.

Another very important aspect of their lives was their continued performance of the late night prayers, known as the tahajjud prayers. We know the place of those prayers in the Qur'aan. For example, Allaah says:

"Verily, the pious will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs (in Paradise), taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, there were before this doers of good. They used to sleep but little at night (invoking their Lord and praying) and in the hours before dawn, they were found asking (Allaah) for forgiveness" (al-Dhaariyat 15-18)

The Prophet (saw) also said about the late-night prayers

"Stick to the late-night prayers for it [their performance] was the custom of the pious people before you; it is also a means of getting closer to your Lord; it wipes away your evil deeds; and it keeps one from committing sins". (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Al-Haakim and others, sahih, see Sahih al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, vol.2, p. 752, hadith no. 4079)

The performance of this prayer was something very dear to our pious predecessors. They would not be happy when they missed its performance. In addition, they understood the cause of their missing it. al-Hasan al-Basri said, "No one leaves the night prayer except due to a sin that he performed". On another occasion he said, "The late night prayer is only heavy upon a person who is weighed down by sins".

In our desire to be their true followers, we have to revive this sunnah and important practice. In this day and age we find many excuses not to perform this very important act. However, we must struggle and overcome those excuses and do our best to have this characteristic that was so common and so important to those whom we wish to emulate.

One thing that comes out very clearly in the different statements of the Muslims of the early generations is their attitude toward this world. They always put the Hereafter first. They preferred the deeds that would benefit them in the Hereafter over those deeds that would merely benefit them in this world. In fact, this world meant very little to them except as a means of attaining salvation in the Hereafter.

Allaah makes it very clear in the Qur'aan that if someone desires this world, Allaah will give it to him. This is very easy for Allaah and the things of this world are not that important to Allaah, so He will even give its pleasure to the disbelievers. Allaah says in the Qur'aan:

"Whoever wishes for the quick-passing [transitory enjoyment of this world], We readily grant him what We will for whom We will. Then, afterwards we have appointed for him Hell, he will burn therein disgraced and rejected [far from Allaah's Mercy]. And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due it, while he is a believer, then such are the ones who striving shall be appreciated, thanked and rewarded [by Allaah]" (al-Israa 18-19)

A true believer should be "above" this world. His aspirations and goals are not of this world. He should not be spending all of his time just for the sake of this dunya. As I stated, this characteristic was very clear in those people whom Allaah has stated that He is pleased with.

One of those early pious souls, Malik ibn Dinar, once said, "Whoever proposes to this world, it will seek from him his entire religion as its dower and it will not be pleased with anything other than that".

There is no question that chasing after this world is one of the greatest trials that Muslims are afflicted with today. Many who have education or wealth are chasing after more and more wealth. Many of our youth do not know and understand anything except getting the latest clothing, best pair of sneakers and so forth. We have lost that proper balance in our lives between this life and the Hereafer. The proper balance is wherein the Hereafter comes first in our lives and this world is only a stepping stone to Allaah's Forgiveness in the Hereafter. That was the understanding of our Salaf and that is the understanding we must have if we are truly following in their footsteps.

Another aspect that we can see in some of their statements is that they realised that they had never given Allaah even the smallest amount of thanks. In fact, to them, the act of thanking Allaah was yet another blessing that Allaah had guided them to, such that Allaah was once again deserving of thanks for guiding them to thanking Him. The only result is to realise all of the great blessings that Allaah has given you and to realise that all of your praises of Allaah, thankfulness to Allaah, sacrifices for Allaah's sake are actually nothing compared to all that Allaah has so graciously done for you.

Another characteristic we find among them is that they were more concerned with their own shortcomings than with the shortcomings of others. It is reported that 'Umar once said, "May Allaah have mercy on the one who points out my shortcomings". In fact finding the faults of others will not be of much avail to you in the Hereafter. Instead, recognising your own faults and changing them, this will be of great benefit to you in both this life and the Hereafter. We should be very concerned with correcting our own faults. In fact, we should be happy when other people point out our shortcomings so that we may realise them and correct them. This was the way of our pious Forefathers and this must be our way too.

The Salaf would also remain away from sinful people and their gatherings. Indeed, as we find in the example of 'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ud, even if they were invited to a wedding feast, they would leave that feast if they found something forbidden therein. They would stay away from the people of sin and innovations. In this way, their hearts would remain pure and clean. They would not be infected or infiltrated by the doubts and desirs of such evil people. By mixing only with good people and attending only settings in which the forbidden aspects are absent, they were able to increase their faith and keep their faith strong.

Nowadays, we find our situation many times to be quite different. We might take as friends not the pious but the people who commit many sins. We take them as friends for very inconsequential reasons, such as we like their sense of humour or they have the same nationality that we have and so forth. We fail to realise how much harm they may be causing our own religion. We fail to realise that by mixing with them and being in places in which Allaah's law is being transgressed, we are harming ourselves and we are clearly straying from the way and practice of those first generations whom the Prophet (saw) described as the best generations.

There is one final characteristic of our noble forefathers that I would like to mention. However, this is one of the most important of their characteristics. This is the attending the daily prayers in congregation in the masjid. During the time of the Prophet (saw) this was one of the signs that differentiated a true Muslim from a hypocrite. 'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ud once said, "Whoever wishes to meet Allaah tomorrow as a Muslim should guard the prayers whenever he is called to them. The Messenger of Allaah taught us the sunnah of guidance. Part of this sunnah is to perform the prayer in the masaajid in which the call to prayer in given. If you pray in your houses, like those people who stayed behind and prayed in their houses, you have left the sunnah of the Prophet (saw). If you leave the sunnah of your Prophet (saw), you'll be misguided... in our view, no one would no attend the prayers accept for someone who was well known for his hypocrisy" (Muslim).

In our society here, it is sometimes difficult to make it to the prayers. However, we have to do our best. We have to sacrifice for the sake of the prayers. We have to arrange our time in such a way that we can make it to the prayers. If we do so, we will be actually following in the footsteps of the Companions of the Prophet (saw), who were from the best generation ever raised for mankind.

These are just some of the important characteristics of our pious forefathers. When we recognise that their path is the correct path - the path of the Saved Sect - we must realise that we are not simply talking about believing in some doctrines that we can rattle off with our tongues. Instead, we are talking about their deen - and deen encompasses every aspect of our lives. If we are truly their followers, this must be exhibited by our behaviour, our actions, our ethics, our worship and obviously, our beliefs. However, if we drop any of those aspects, then we are not truly following their path, no matter how much we may claim to with our tongues.

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who does not show mercy to people, Allah also does not show mercy to him.” [bukhari]

Commentary: When we want to be mean to somebody or punish them, we are able to give ourselves a hundred justifications for it. This hadith gives us one huge compelling reason to put our anger and meanness aside, and practice forgiveness and gentleness instead. No one can do without Allah's mercy, so don't shut the door of goodness on yourself by being petty with others. It's not worth it!

All praise is due to Allaah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger ®, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as he should be feared, for fear of Allaah brings more blessings and prevents afflictions.

Dear Muslims! Allaah has foreordained the fate of all creatures, written down their impacts and deeds, portioned out between them their livelihood and wealth and created death and life that He may test them which of them is best in deed. Indeed, belief in Allaah's decree and preordainment is one of the pillars of faith. Nothing happens in this universe except by His will.

This life is full of misfortune and sorrow. It is destined to be a place of hardships and trouble. Trials and tribulations are as inevitable in this life as cold and heat. Allaah says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient). [Qur'an 2:155]

Pre-destination is a test by which the truthful ones are distinguished from untruthful ones. Allaah says,

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ

Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested. [Qur'an 29: 2]

The human soul does not become pure except through trials, and it is during tribulations that real men are known. Ibn Jawzee said, "Whoever wants to have everlasting peace and well-being with no affliction does not understand the meaning of Allaah's commandments, nor does he perceive the meaning of submission to Allaah. Every soul (either believing or disbelieving) shall inevitably taste suffering in this world, for this life is based on hardships. Man lives between comfort and suffering. Prophet Aadam, for instance, had the angels prostrated before him and yet was soon after expelled from paradise"

A believer is afflicted with trials in order to refine him, not to punish him.

He is tested in ease as well as in hardship. Allaah says,

"..And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allaah's obedience)." [Qur'an 7: 168]

Brothers in faith! Something undesireable may sometimes have a pleasant result, while something seemingly desirable may turn out to have an unpleasant and abominable result. Do not therefore feel that harmful things cannot come to you through hardship. Allaah says:

وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

"...And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." [Qur'an 2: 216]

Prepare yourself mentally for afflictions before they occur so as to make their occurrence light on you. Do not be worried because of tribulations, for they have their limits, and watch what you utter during your hard times for many a word has ruined its utterer. A resolute Muslim stands firm during hardships, his heart does not change and he does not complain. Console yourself whenever afflicted with a promise of reward from Allaah. Wise people show endurance whenever they are stricken with misfortune so as not to add to their misfortune the malicious joy of their enemies, for whenever your enemies know of your misfortune they are overjoyed.

Brothers in Islaam! Endeavour to keep your misfortunes and pains to yourself, for concealment of afflictions and pains are of the qualities of noble people. Be patient over afflictions, they will soon be removed from you. Those who perished only suffered that because of their impatience while the patient ones are being recompensed with good rewards. Allaah says:

مَا عِندَكُمْ يَنفَدُ ۖ وَمَا عِندَ اللَّهِ بَاقٍ ۗ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّ الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever is with Allah (of good deeds) will remain. And those who are patient, We will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do . [Qur'an 16:96]

http://www.onislam.net/english/shariah/s...ution.html

All praises and thanks are due to Almighty Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our leader and master, Muhammad, the one sent as Mercy to the worlds, and upon all his fellow prophets and messengers, and those who gracefully for them to the Day of Resurrection.

The Interrogational Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) offers congratulations to the people of Egypt on the triumph of their "January 25th" Revolution and on what it has shown to the world of lessons, in respect of unity, fellow feeling, solidarity, altruism, and tolerance, so much so that a youth would keep awake so that his fellow youth can get some sleep, another youth would toil so that his fellow can take some rest, and a third would receive bullets in his chest so as to protect his fellow.

They have all stood as one man, during the days when "bullies" committed crimes, and "robbers" practiced larceny, and at the time of attacks against them by those mounting camels, horses and mules, which resulted in bloodshed, looting and violation of inviolabilities. During all this, Egyptian Muslims and Christians united together, the Mosque and the Church embraced, and the Sheikh and the priest clasped hands. Then, the Muslims offered their congregational prayers in the (Tahrir) Square and Christians too held their masses there. Besides, Sheikh Al-Qaradawi led the Friday great congregation there, which included Muslims and Copts, saying, "I would not commence my sermon with the conventional opening: 'O Muslims'. Rather, I would say, 'O people of Egypt; Muslims and Christians'".

Such cohesion, attachment, solidarity and tolerance made the citizens of the one homeland stand together during the fierce battle against the corrupt and oppressive regime, like the bricks of a wall, enforcing each other. This faith-inspired positive, moral and constructive spirit that we have witnessed and experiences, and have tasted its blessed fruits, is a spirit that constructs and not destructs, unites and not disunites, brings people close and not splits them up, infuses life and not causes death, spreads the culture of love and not of hatred, tolerance and not bigotry, lenience and not violence, compassion and clemency and not cruelty. Where has such benevolence spirit and kind breezes gone, being substituted for virulence and sterile winds that is embodied in the destruction of a church in Helwan; unfortunately at the hands of some Muslims. I would not like to enquire about the reason of committing such an abominable act, since nothing could justify it. Yet, I would ask: Where are the people of wisdom? Where are the people of faith? Where are the preachers of goodness and benevolence among the citizens of this homeland, Muslims and Copts? How could the fruits of this great and exemplary revolution, which has been unprecedented in the entire history of Egypt, be wasted? How could it be easy for the citizens of Egypt, males and females, youth and old, to nip this revolution in the bud through such foolish behaviors, which unwarrantable, unwedded and ever unaccountable!

Islam has taught us that people's religious differences are decreed by Allah's (Exalted be He) Will, and that if He has so willed, he would have made them like angels, all believing in one creed and embracing the same doctrines; "And if your Lord had so willed, He could surely have made mankind one Ummah [nation or community (following one religion only i.e. Islam)], but they will not cease to disagree,- except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy (the follower of truth - Islamic Monotheism) and for that did He create them." (Hud: 118 – 119), meaning for that difference did He create them.

Besides, Islam has determined the bases of coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, even if they be idolatrous, in light of the following verse in Surat Al-Mumtahinah, in which Almighty Allah (Exalted be He) says, "Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity." (8).

Islam has also asserted that it view entire humanity as one family belonging to One Lord, in terms of creation, and belonging to one father and one mother, in terms of lineage; as the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "O mankind, remember that your Lord is One, and that your father is one. Indeed, no Arab has a privilege over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, or a white over a black, nor a black over a white person, except through piety".

Then, the Qur'an assigned specific rulings in relation to the People of the Book, declaring it permissible for the Muslim to share food with them and to marry from among them in the verse that reads, "The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals, etc.) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them. (Lawful to you in marriage) are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before your time" (Al-Ma'idah: 5). So, Islam has made it lawful for the Muslim man to marry a woman from among the People of the Book, to be his mate, to share with him his life and to be the mother of his children. Moreover, Islam has attributed more peculiarity to Christians or Nazarenes, from among the People of the Book, as it says about them, "and you will find the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: 'We are Christians.'" (Al-Ma'idah: 82)

Prophetic commandments regarding the Copts of Egypt:

As for the Copts of Egypt, they have a special status and distinguished rank, since the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised the Muslims to treat them especially well, in a special guidance that is memorized and embraced by all Muslims. For, it was reported from Mother of the Believers, Umm Salamh (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised (the Muslims) upon his death saying, "(Fear) Allah, (fear) Allah, regarding the Copts of Egypt (be good to them), you shall take them over, but they shall be your instrument and supporter in the Way of Allah" (Reported by Al-Tabarani). In another Hadith reported from `Abdullah ibn Yazid and `Amr ibn Urayth, the Prophet (peace be upon him) also said, " … Take good care of them, since they will lend strength to you and will help you prevail over your enemy by the Will of Allah" (Reported by Abu Ya`la), meaning the Copts of Egypt.

The truth of this prophecy of the Prophet (peace be upon him) has been attested to by historical realities, as the Copts of Egypt welcomed the conquering Muslims and got on well with them, though they (Copts) were ruled by their fellow Christians. Then, the Copts entered Allah's Religion in crowds, so much so that some Umayyad rulers imposed Jizyah (poll tax required from non-Muslims living in an Islamic state) on those who embraced Islam among them because they had been entering Islam in large numbers. Then, Egypt because the gate for Islam to all Africa, and its people became supporters in the Way of Allah.

Here, it was reported by Muslim from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "You are going to enter a land where Qirat (money unit) is used. Be extremely good to them as they have with us close ties and kinship". Another narration reads, "You are going to enter Egypt; a land where Qirat is used. So, when you enter it, be good to its people, for they have with us close ties and kinship" or he said "close ties and marriage relationships".

In this regard, scholars stated that "kinship" with them is embodied in the fact that Hajar, mother of Isma`il (Ishmael, peace be upon him) belongs to them, while "marriage relationships" involves reference to Mariyah, mother of Ibrahim, son of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who too belonged to the Copts. All these are indications to the rights due on the Muslims towards the Copts even before they (Copts) embraced Islam.

* * *

Representatives of both the Muslims and the Copts should work to contain this issue, and should carry out a national reconciliation that quenches this fire and turns it into ashes.

Indeed, the IUMS deems it forbidden and clearly denounces the foolish and aggressive crime of destroying the church, knowing that churches are respected and protected in Islam and that Muslims are commanded to fight for the protection of it, as the Qur'an states in the first verse revealed on Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah), "For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down" (Al-Hajj: 40).

I thus deem in such a devilish act vestiges of a conspiracy against the blessed January 25th Revolution, and an attempt to distort its image, believing that it was brewed by tails of the bygone regime, remnants of the falling [NDP] party, and gangs of the dissolved state security apparatus that used to play the card of sectarianism, to stir sedition whenever they wished. And this is proven through many of the documents seized by the revolutionaries and those who attacked [state security headquarters].

Moreover, the IUMS supports all parties that condemned such an act, including Al-Azhar, the Muslim Brotherhood and all other religious groups, as well as writers, journalists and all cultural and political bodies in Egypt. It also endorses the Armed Forces Supreme Council's vow to rebuild the Church in its current location, in the nearest possible time.

On the other hand, representatives of both the Muslims and the Copts should work to contain this issue, and should carry out a national reconciliation that quenches this fire and turns it into ashes, so that people can retrieve the spirit of the Square and the positive aspects of the revolution.

I also appreciate the initiatives of the revolution youth, with many of them visiting polices stations and shaking hands with police officers, raising the claim "Let bygones be bygones", and calling everyone to herald a new epoch in which people mutually recommend each other to right, patience and compassion, and souls are purified of grudges; as then we can build a country on the grounds of love, tolerance and devoutness.

Again, the IUMS offers congratulations to the Egyptians on the success of their pioneering revolution, with its triumphs and wondrous achievement, inviting them to carry out more achievements under the newly selected government presided by `Isam Sharaf. Here, the IUMS calls on the people of Egypt to stand by this government and gently and wisely offer counsel to it. It also calls different parties keeping denominational demonstrations to resume their word, to contribute to the building of our homeland, and to observe patience until the government gradually manages to set everything in due position and to give rights to their due owners. They should not respond to those who unduly call for instigation, and they should know that this revolution has its own enemies who had seized this country in their grip for thirty years, " Who did transgress beyond bounds in the lands (in the disobedience of Allah). And made therein much mischief" (Al-Fajr: 11 – 12). For, such instigators brew conspiracies and concoct intrigues so that Egypt cannot maintain stability or build up efforts in the way for full reform and productivity.

I thus ask Almighty Allah (Exalted be He) to safeguard Egypt against the conspiracies of those plotters, to foil their intrigues and to return their poisoned arrows to their chests. I also invoke Him to help the citizens of Egypt maintain unity in working towards fellow feeling and benevolence, and to guide them to that which is most just and right, so that they cooperate with one another in righteousness and piety, and not in sin and transgression. Moreover, I invoke Allah (Exalted be He) to grant the Armed Forces Supreme Council success in maintaining its role in keeping balance, administering justice and guarding the pledge entrusted to them until Egypt rises again in the desired best manner, leading to that which its citizens desire of wellbeing in worldly and religious affairs, heavenly and earthly blessings, as well as the best in this world and in the Hereafter.

Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

Chairman of the International Union for Muslim Scholars

http://www.youtube.com/RassoulAllaah

http://www.habibtoumi.com/2011/01/19/sey...a-lecture/

January 19, 2011

By Habib Toumi

Seymour Hersh in Doha - Gulf Times

New Yorker journalist Seymour Hersh said that he was disappointed with US President Barack Obama and dissatisfied with the direction of the US foreign policy, charging that it had been hijacked by a cabal of neoconservative crusaders.

“Just when we needed an angry black man, we didn’t get one,” he was quoted as saying on the Bush and Obama eras at a lecture at the Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Doha..

According to the investigative reporter, the inaction of the US administration that promised to change the nation’s outward policies, especially in the Middle East, was a deep shock.

The Obama’s administration has failed to advance from the Bush years in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, tensions with Pakistan and Iran and various other issues related to the region, Hersh said, Qatari daily Gulf Times reports on Tuesday.

The Pulitzer Prize winner, who broke the story of the massacre at My Lai, said that religious tensions affected the US foreign policy and that the prevalence of anti-Islamic sentiment has led to many US army officials to believe they were on some sort of crusade.

Citing several examples of US generals and various other officials, Hersh said that they have set back the concept of religious tolerance by centuries through their actions.

Hersh said he was currently working on a book on what the “Cheney-Bush years” and was keeping a “checklist” of aggressive US policies that remained in place, including torture and “rendition” of terrorist suspects to allied countries, which he alleged was ongoing, Foreign Policy reports on Wednesday.

He also charged that US foreign policy had been hijacked by a cabal of neoconservative “crusaders” in the former vice-president’s office and now in the special operations community.

“What I’m really talking about is how eight or nine neoconservative, radicals if you will, overthrew the American government. Took it over,” he said. “It’s not only that the neocons took it over but how easily they did it – how Congress disappeared, how the press became part of it, how the public acquiesced.”

Hersh then talked about the widespread looting that took place in Baghdad after the fall of Saddam Hussain in 2003. “In the Cheney shop, the attitude was, ‘What’s this? What are they all worried about, the politicians and the press, they’re all worried about some looting? … Don’t they get it? We’re gonna change mosques into cathedrals. And when we get all the oil, nobody’s gonna give a damn.’”

“That’s the attitude,” he said. “We’re gonna change mosques into cathedrals. That’s an attitude that pervades, I’m here to say, a large percentage of the Joint Special Operations Command.”

According to the Foreign Policy report, Hersh alleged that Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who headed Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) before briefly becoming the top US commander in Afghanistan, and his successor, Vice Adm. William McRaven, as well as many within JSOC, “are all members of, or at least supporters of, Knights of Malta.”

“Many of them are members of Opus Dei. They do see what they’re doing — and this is not an atypical attitude among some military — it’s a crusade, literally. They seem themselves as the protectors of the Christians. They’re protecting them from the Muslims [as in] the 13th century. And this is their function.”

“They have little insignias, they coins they pass among each other, which are crusader coins,” he continued. “They have insignia that reflect the whole notion that this is a culture war,” he said, quoted by Foreign Policy.

Torture in Afghanistan, assassination missions in Pakistan, and the continued support of an Israeli regime with questionable intentions are all serious issues that have yet to be significantly addressed by Obama, according to Hersh.

The Israeli shift to the right represented by the new political appointments in their government is a source of concern, he said.

With more hawkish and right-wing Israeli politicians replacing or in the process of replacing outgoing officials, Hersh worries about what the future may hold.

He also expressed concerns about Israel’s lack of willingness to deal with Fatah, even after being offered “the deal of their dreams.”

Hersh said that the US must enter into a dialogue with Mullah Omar if they wish to get out of the country in the foreseeable future.

Arguing that there are no national security concerns related to the US involvement in Afghanistan, he urged Obama to withdraw from the country as soon as possible to avoid any more loss of life in the drawn out conflict.

“There is a way out,” he said, “but we’re not going to take it.”

Hersh also expressed his concerns about developments in Iraq, and said he believed the Iraqis “would rather burn their oil” than see it go to the US.

Recent developments in Tunisia will “scare the hell” out of other leaders in the region and countries experiencing economic distress could well witness similar political action, he said, according to Gulf Times.

The current system has seen many rulers clutching on to power by appeasing the US and providing them with natural resources.

“They know they are allowed to continue their despotic ways because we are here to back them up,” he said, adding that leaders in the region effectively stay in power because “we get what we want.”

Although he said he was “shocked and appalled” at Obama’s apparent lack of desire to change the situation he found thrust upon him when he entered the White House, Hersh did offer one crumb of comfort – albeit a wishful one.

He said that Obama may be bidding for time, ensuring that he wins re-election before “becoming more like the Abraham Lincoln style President we hoped he would be.”

Obama may well be waiting before delivering on the promises he made upon entering the White House, Hersh said. He however admitted his concern. “I’m very sceptical,” he said.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/hers...e-1.748201