11-19-2003, 07:04 PM
as-Salaamu 3alaykum,
I was sitting down with two Ikhwaan (I mean brothers), and we were talking about living in the West. So one of us mentioned that many Muslims who live in the west, start getting affected by the anti-religious atmosphere here, to the point that certain things become difficult to say or do infront of others or to others.
I'll give you some examples.
It is recommended, that if someone loves a brother for Allaah's Sake, that he informs him, as the Prophet taught, Sallallaahu 3alayhi wa 3alaa Aalihee wa Sallam. Think for a second, especially the brothers (cause this seems easier for the sisters), how easy is it for you to say that to another brother? Many of us think we might be accused of being effeminite or not straight. But the reality of it is that the Western culture has affected our hearts and thoughts whether we like it or not.
Another example, it is recommended to cry out of fearing Allaah, and if you are not able to then at least attempt to cry. This is taught to us in the Sunnah. How easy is it for those who grew up in the West to cry? I was listening to this tape by Shaykh Abdullaah as-Sa3d, who is very old, he was talking about the situation in Iraaq. He mentioned that 'our sisters in Iraaq are being searched by the Kaafir men and touched by them'. He started crying on the tape for a minute. This is infront of others! And even greater than that is Aboo Bakr, who would cry during his Salaah while leading others. This was not to show off, of course, but for them their Ikhlaas was so great that they did not recognize the presence of others nor their absence during their worship. Many avoid crying thinking it looks weak or not manly, or care that others will doubt their Ikhlaas. Are we better or Aboo Bakr? Yes crying in secret is a praiseworthy act, and gains the shade of Allaah when the sun is very close. But why the hard hearts of today?
Another example, the Sahaabah were constantly remembering and reminding each other of Allaah and the Last Day. They would focus on reminding each other of Allaah and His Ma'eeyah (Being with us in a manner that befits His Majesty, without being inside and mixed or part of the creation, since He is Above the creation, separate, distinct and independent of it.) And they would remind each other of the closeness of death, the Hour, what possibly awaits them for their good deeds, and what possibly awaits them if they were to commit sins. These two beliefs, Allaah and the Last Day, are so significant, that they are mentioned many times over and over in the Qur'aan and Sunnah alongside each other. These two beliefs were also the major focus for the Companions when in Makkah, since by them it is possible to increase one's patience and perseverance, and increase one's dedication and concentration.
Some people quote the Hadeeth regarding the Sahaabee who came to Aboo Bakr feeling that he had hypocrisy, because when he leaves the Prophet's gathering there isn't as much rememberance of Allaah (or with this meaning), thinking that there were moments for the Sahaabah where they had Ghaflah (forgetfullness or lack of attention to Allaah). The scholars say the Hadeeth indicates a decrease in the degree and amount, not an absence and disappearance. Because in the books of narrations and history, you see them talking to each other and their families, constantly reminding each other of Allaah and the Last Day. Saying to each other, sometimes, let us sit and remind each other of Eemaan. Parting each other with Soorat al-Asr. Constantly mentioning Allaah in their reminders, advices and admonishments.
We living in the West, sometimes live a very dead life. If some of us gain the courage to advise someone in person, they might say to them, such and such is Haraam, or lets to this good deed. But never is the spirit of the deed and purpose given much emphasis. Why don't we say, 'Akhi, Allaah is Watching you. He sees you and I now, and knows what we are doing. Why don't you abondon this sin to gain Allaah's Closeness and Gardens?'.
How many gatherings do we have with our friends and hours pass without Allaah being mentioned except for very very extremely briefly? How many would feel awkward to say to the others in the gathering 'Akhi, lets remember Allaah for a moment, and remember that we could die any moment'.
We live in dead societies, Wallaahi. I heard a tape by Shaykh Abdullaah Azzaam titled Waseeyat ash-Shaheed, where he said that this Akh, named Abdul-Wahhaab al-Ghaamidee (who attained Shahaadah) was asked by his mother 'my son, go ask the scholars, hear what they have to say.' He said to her, Rahimahullaah, 'I have already got a Fatwaa, and am convinced, and I can no longer tolerate these dead societies.'
I was mentioning this to another brother. He said to me, 'Akhi, you know what the strange thing is? That brother is from Saudi Arabia and saying that. So what about us living in the West. Our socities are even more so dead.'
My point, we live in dead societies. We don't want our gatherings and families to be dead too. The best way to keep them alive is with Dhikr and reminding each other with Allaah. Allaah, Jalla Fee 'Ulaa, Says, {For indeed it is by the rememberance of Allaah that the hearts find comfort}, and He Says{Remind them, for indeed reminders benefit the believers.} (~translation of meanings)
I wish that we would regularly remind each other of Allaah and the Last Day in our gatherings. I'm sure our college professors, classmaters, employers and co-workers aren't doing that for us.
We have to all learn that the practice of our brothers is our concern too. We don't have the Western beliefs of 'mind your own business' (I am not referring, of course, to things done in secret. Spying against Muslims is Haraam, Allaah Says {And do not spy} (~translation))
So, lets think for a second, how can we liven up our air with Dhikr and Nasaai'h?
Don't forget that there is a Saheeh Hadeeth that any gathering in which no mention of Allaah is made nor Salaah upon the Prophet, will be regretted by those who were in it on the Day of Judgement.
