Intention / Niyyah

Intention/ Niyyah


A few months ago a friend of mine was talking about the importance of intention. He quoted Imam As-Shafi’i statement on intention and said that it enters into seventy chapters of jurisprudence. I said yes that is in the Shafi’i school and not in the Hanafi School because there are actions that can be done without intention that are valid.


He disagreed with my point and decided to convince me of his point. You see in the Hanafi School there are actions that can be done without intention that are valid because intention is not part of the action. But if one desires reward then intention is important and that is where the following quote fits in. In Al-Shaba wa Al-Nazahir of Ibn Nujaym (may Allah show him mercy) he says, "There is no reward without intention." (p. 17) Reward is about the intention of the action not whether it is valid or not.


A famous example is when a person jumps into a river and all the parts of his body are wet, his ablution is valid in the Hanafi school but not in the Shafi’i school. Also, if a man makes three pronouncements of the word Talaq/Divorce to his wife; the divorce occurs without intention. Alas, he did not accept my point but I wanted to write something about intention because it is a subject which many of us neglect! Note, it is my intention to write something useful about intention and not my intention to insult!


Opening


Many books start with the prophetic narration of intention. The narration is as follows:

Umar narrates that the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Actions are commensurate to their intentions.” (Bukhari 1/1 and Muslim 3/1907)

This is the first narration that Imam Bukhari begins his Authentic/Sahih collection with; the first narration that the Miskat Al-Masabih begins with, Imam Nawawi begins his forty Hadith collection with this narration, as he does the Garden of the Righteous/ Riyad Al-Saliheen. This is something that many scholars see as the starting place of an action, the intention. If we get the intention right then whatever comes after will be sound as well.


In terms of the narration it is singular/ahad and authentic/sahih but later it was mass transmitted by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) in a sermon. The Hanafi School understand this narration as a sole/Ahad transmission. Because it started singular.


Going back to the hadith we see that the sources of actions are the intentions. And intentions are the beginning of the action.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Actions are commensurate by intentions, to every intender is his intention. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and his Messenger then his emigration is truly to Allah and his Messenger. And whoever's emigration is for any worldly gain or for a woman he is to wed, then his migration is just for what he migrated.” (Source as above)

There was a man who wished to marry Umm Qais who migrated so he could marry her as other companions migrated for the sake of Allah (the Exalted). The companions’ intentions were that they migrated for the sake of Allah and the other man’s intention was so he could marry a woman. He did become Muslim and he became known as Muhajir Umm Qais, the emigrate of the mother of Qais. This hadith clearly explains that the action depends on the intention. Or the actions are founded on the intention and this clarifies the reason that an action occurred.


The following hadith explains this further:


Abdullah ibn Umair (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Whoever makes an intention for the sake of the world; Allah, the exalted, brings poverty before him and leaves it desiring it. Whoever makes the afterlife his intention; Allah, the exalted, makes his heart rich and gathers him with what he lost then he leaves with more abstinence from it.” (Ibn Majah)




Definitions of Intention


In Jurisprudence/Fiqh


According to Jurisprudence intention can be defined as determination in the heart to do or not to do something. Or when someone asks you then you reply that you are about to do such and such.


In other actions



Mulla Ali Al-Qari (may Allah be pleased with him) states in his commentary of Miskat Al-Masabih on the prophetic narration of “Actions are commensurate to their intentions.” That intention is, “Islamically, it is directing the heart to action for the sake of Allah.” (Miqat Ul-Mafatiah Vol 1 P.94)

This is about the soundness of the intention. 


Imam Ghazali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Know that intention, wish and aim are various expression of one meaning; it is the condition and state of the heart; which include two issues; knowledge and action.” (Ihya Ulum Ud-Din Vol 4 p.485)

The last quote is something that we are going to explain. The Imam mentions knowledge which is something that is vital for sound action. If there is no knowledge then there is a chance that the action is not valid.



Dictionary definition


The definition according to the English dictionary by Geddes and Grosset is, “Determination to act in a certain way.” (p.269)



Quotes on Intention


“When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice.” Otto von Bismarck (1815 - 1898)


“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” [1855 H. G. Bohn Hand-Book of Proverbs 514]

I do have an issue with the last quotation because this is not true. If you look at the Hadith then we have to change the saying to, “The road to paradise is paved with good intentions.” As even a good intention is rewarded even without a action. Please read on.



Good intentions are rewarded



Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) narrates that Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, Said, “Allah records good and bad deeds." Then he explained, “Whoever is about to do a good deed and does not perform it then Allah records one complete good deed for him. If he is going to do and performs it; Allah records ten to seven hundred good deeds for him or even more. And whoever is about to perform an evil act and does not perform it; Allah records one good deed for him but if he is about to do it and performs it then Allah record one evil deed for him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This is something that the Muslim nation is blessed with. It is blessed because with this narration which states that if we intend a good action, then it is recorded as if we have done it and if we intend to do a wrong action then it is recorded as a good action as long as we do not do it. How merciful Allah is to the Muslim nation that he has blessed us in such way. This also gives us the ability to understand this hadith.


Sohal Ibn Sa’ad narrates that the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “The intention of a believer is better than his action.” (Tabarani and Al-Daylami 3/286)




Sometimes someone's action is not as good as there intention. Partly, because their action fails but the intention remains. It can also mean the action was not done but the intention was present, thus his intention was better than his action.

I remember one speaker talking about this hadith and was encouraging the audience to make as many good intentions as they could, in hope for more reward. The following narration is also something that illustrates this point further.


Narrated from the Jewish folklore is a story of man who passed by a sand dune during a famine. He said to himself, “If only this sand was food I would’ve distributed it amongst the people.” Then Allah, the Exalted, sent revelation to their Prophet to say to him that Allah, the Exalted, has accepted his truthfulness, his good intention and has given him the reward as if it had been food that was distributed as charity. (Ihya Ulum Ud-Din Vol 4 p.483)


Abu Laith As-Samaqandi (may Allah be pleased with him) states in Tanbih Al-Ghafileen (informing the heedless p.276-7) “Many sleepers attain the reward of a person praying and how many a prayers awake is recorded as a sleeper. This is when a man has a habit of getting up in the night, making ablution and then praying until Fajr comes in. He sleeps with that intention and sleep overcomes him until dawn comes then awakes. He is saddened by this (not being able to pray during the night); he is recorded as person praying and attains the reward of a person awake because of his intention. As for the man who does not get up in the night to pray and thinks that dawn has come then gets up, make ablution and goes to the masjid; then he realises it is not dawn and waits for it saying to himself, “If I knew it was not dawn then I would not have left my bed.” And this is how someone is recorded as a sleeper though he is awake.”




Different types of intentions


These are different types of praiseworthy intention:
1. For Allah - this is the intention of the Prophets (upon him peace) - the best
2. For Allah and His Messenger (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him)
3. For paradise - this is permitted but very low

Blameworthy intentions
1. For the world
2. For evil actions
3. For Satan



Warning


Something that needs careful consideration is the following hadith.

Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Every servant will be resurrected upon their intentions.” (Muslim)


We do not want to be resurrected with bad intentions in our hearts nor do we want to be taken by the angel of death when we are doing something evil or about to do something evil, do we? O’Allah, please take our souls whilst we are performing actions of goodness. Ameen.



Final points


We are affirming that intention is important and a good intention can raise someone’s actions to a higher level. Therefore ensuring an increase in their reward. If intentions are good then the outcome almost does not matter. Bad intentions are only recorded as such if they are followed up with evil actions.


Your intention is something that is secret that only if you divulge it will people find out. Sometimes, we have seen people do bad things but the resulting action was something good. We must always know that Allah (Almighty and Majestic) wants good for us and correcting the intention is the first step to sincerity. We pray this has been useful in clarifying some points and that it has helped people and may Allah make our intentions solely for him.


So please note that there is a difference between a man who goes to work because he has to and a man who goes to work with the intention of earning halal wealth for his family. There is a difference between a woman who cooks for her family and a woman who makes the intention that she is cooking for the sake of Allah (the Exalted).

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi's grandmother used to read salawat upon the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) when cooking. Then it became known that her food was a cure because of the salawat.


So the difference, in all these cases, is the intention, if the intention is for the sake of Allah (Mighty and Exalted) an action can reach great heights. You might be sat next to a person doing the same job but because of your intention, your action is much greater but to an onlooker it would appear the same. Yet, one of them has, with Allah (Mighty and Exalted) a lofty reward.



May the praise of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) ring out from every corner of creation and may salutations and peace bestow endlessly onto our master Muhammad (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him).

Our Actions Live Forever

This is a picture of the grave of Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) the third rightly guided khalif - his great work was mass transmitting the copy of the Quran that was gathered in the time of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). He copied it and sent it to all the major cities to make sure we were all reading the same Quran. As some people had incomplete copies of the Quran. So any Muslim who reads the Quran now has to be grateful for Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) for making sure we are reading the same book. This was his amazing action that will live forever and what an action!
Recently, I was walking in a city that I had not visited for about ten years. It was unusual and perhaps expected that just about everything had changed and it felt very strange to be here after all this time.
The streets were the same, the shops had gone and so had some of it features. In many ways this city had become a stranger to me. As I walked past places that I once frequented I was reminded of the things that I used to do.
The thing that struck me the most was how vivid those memories were. Even though I had not thought about that city or any of these places for many years. It was almost as if the actions that I did were suspended somewhere and I was coming back to visit the remains. I really did not like what I was reminded of. I had, by the grace of Allah, given up listening to music and I was all the better for it. But the fact that I used to listen to a certain type of music did not please me, when I was reminded of it.
Then it struck me.
Our actions live with us forever.
Whatever we do in this world comes with us into the next. Whether they are good or bad they will come with us like companions. If they are sins then we won’t be pleased see them! Did you forget what you said something to a person on that day when you lost your temper? Don’t you remember hurting that person who was trying to help you? All those things that we do not think about will be brought forward, good or bad.
If they are good then we will be happy to see them but if they are not then we will be extremely upset to them and then we will try to distance ourselves from them. Our actions will last forever and we will be rewarded forever or we will be punished forever.If you tear a page of one of your books, that page is torn forever and no matter what you do, that page will never be the same. Even if you put tape on it so it does not tear more, that page will never be the same again.
So which would you rather have? Good actions or bad actions? Make your choice because whether we like it or not our actions will live on forever even though we have long since forgotten about them. And like that city that we once frequented it will remind us of what we used to do. I don't know about you but I want to be reminded of good things that I used to do not the bad things.

Examples of how he was like the Quran

Examples of how he (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) was like the Quran

Previously we have spoken about the greatness of the character of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) and we want to comment on the narration of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) when she stated that the Prophet’s (May Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) character was like the Quran. Now we wish to look deeply into this by showing some examples.


One

From Hadith:
In the hadith Gibril (upon him peace) he asked, “Inform me about faith.” He replied, “It is to believe in Allah, his angels, his books, his Messengers, the last day and to believe in the divine decree; the good and the bad.”

From Quran

“Messenger believes in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and the believers; each one believes in God and His angels, and in His Books and His Messengers; we make no division between any one of His Messengers. They say, ’We hear, and obey. Our Lord, grant us Thy forgiveness; unto Thee is the homecoming.” The Heffer 2:285



Two

From Quran
“The people will question thee concerning the Hour. Say: ’The knowledge of it is only with God; what shall make thee know? Haply the Hour is nigh.” The Clans 33:63

From Hadith

Also in the same narration Gibril (upon him peace) he asked, “Inform me about the hour.” He replied, “The questioner does not know more than the questioned.” (Muslim 1/36, Abu Dawood 5/69 4695, Ibn Majah 1/24 and Ahmed 1/51)


Three

From Quran
“O’ Messenger, convey all that has been sent down to you from your Lord. If you do not, then you shall not have conveyed His message (at all). Allah shall protect you from the people. Surely, Allah does not lead the disbelieving people to the right path.” The Table Spread 5:67

From Hadith

After the speech given at the farewell pilgrimage he delivered a speech in which he asked, “Have I given the message?” They said, “Yes.” “O’ Allah, be my witness.” (Bukhari 1623, 1626, 6361, Muslim 98, at-Tirmidhi 1628, 2046, 2085 and Imam Ahmed 19774).



Four

From Hadith and Quran
Abdullah ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man said, “O’ Messenger of Allah, which sin is greatest sin according to Allah?” He replied, “To call an idol other than Allah yet he created you.” He asked, “Then which?” He replied, “To kill your child out of fear of provision.” He asked, “Then which?” He replied, “To commit fornication with your neighbour.” Then Allah send the verse, “Who call not upon another god with God, nor slay the soul God has forbidden except by right, neither fornicate, for whosoever does that shall meet the price.” The Criterion 25:68


Five

From Quran
The Heights 7:158
“Say: ’O mankind, I am the Messenger of God to you all, of Him to whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth. There is no god but He. He gives life, and causes death. Believe then in God, and in His Messenger, the Prophet of the common folk, who believes in God and His words, and follow him; haply so you will be guided.”

From Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I was given five things that no one was given before; I was sent to the red and the black, the Earth was purified place of prostration for me, I was given victory over my enemy through fear over a month’s travelling distance and I can partake in the spoils of war. It was said, ask and it is given and my intercession is concealed from my nation.” Muslim 521 and Ad-Dayrami 2468


Six

From Quran
“Then let them laugh a little: they will weep much, as the reward of what they used to earn.” (Repentance 9:82)

From Hadith

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings) said, “If you knew what I know; you would’ve laughed less and cried much.” Tabarani


Seven

From Quran
“Warn your relatives.” (The Poets 26:214)

From Hadith

Ibn Abbas said that when this was sent down the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings) when onto the mount of Safa and warned his tribe. (Dalial An-Nabuwwa Imam Al-Bayhaqi p.64 Vol 1)



See Previous article on this...
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-was-prophet-peace-and-blessings-of.html

Still want to pray at home?

One of my most shameful moments as a Muslim was when I saw something in Turkey that I will never forget. I was outside Masjid Al-Fath where, close by, the great Ottoman leader Muhammad Al-Fatih is buried.

Then I saw something that will stay with me forever. The call to prayer was being made and there were people entering the Masjid then out of the corner of my eye I saw a man in a wheelchair. Approaching the stone steps there was no lift or any ramp that he could use to allow him to enter the masjid. He had one complete arm and the rest of his limbs where amputated. He was able to move out of the wheelchair using his stumps and onto the floor before the stairs.

These stone steps are about eight or nine inches in height and there were at least forty or maybe even fifty steps. Forty cold stone steps without a rail on either side. This man proceeded to use his stumps and his complete limb to climb up the stairs as best as he could. Within a very short space of time he reached the top and entered the masjid. At the bottom of the stairs there man who put his wheelchair into a place that it would not move.

I was really shocked about this event and it made me want to find him. I went up the same set of stairs but there was no more room. So I entered the masjid from the other entrance and I looked for him but I was unable to find him because of the amount of people there. After the prayer I went to the other entrance but I could not find him. A short while later I saw him go down the stairs as he went up then crawl back into his wheelchair and leave.

I was ashamed to speak to him and what would’ve I have said? When I sit at home and don’t attend the congregational prayers out of laziness. What could I say? Do I have an excuse? He has an excuse to pray at home and I do not have any excuse. Do we know how it feels to have such great trouble in taking one step. Have we ever felt that every step we take is like a mountain?

Even writing this and contemplating is making me ashamed. How lazy I am and how great is this man.

In Arabic the word for man is Rajal which comes from the word Rijal meaning leg. So they say a man is he stands upright on his legs but this man was more of a man than most of us.

Islam and Charles Dickens

Arab/Turkish/Islamic references in the literature of Charles Dickens

Seems a strange title, right? Well, it’s not as strange as the facts that we are about to present. As we all know the truth can be stranger than fiction. And in this case there are strange facts in fiction!


It is my belief that Europe was heavily influenced by writings in Arabic coming from their interaction with the Muslim world. This occurred for centuries much like western literature and movies do now until there was a deliberate move to remove anything that indicated that there was an outside influence. We think that it occurred somewhere in the 19th century or even earlier than that.


Here are the references that we have found:

There are references to the Arabian nights text which is interesting as the first translation was a French one then an English one in the 18th centuries. So what language were they reading it in?


David Copperfield

“Perhaps some Arabian-night magician opened the place for the day...” p.397 Penguin popular classics Chapter 33 Blissful.


A tale of two cities
'If thou be changed into this shape by the will of God,' say the seers to the enchanted, in the wise Arabian stories,108 'then remain so! ...p.317


Great Expectations
“Sketchy airy pictures of himself conducting Clara Barley to the land of the Arabian nights...”
P.230


Little Dorrit

“Brought for forty purses by one of the princes of Arabian Nights..”
P.447 Wordsworth classics


The Old Curiosity Shop
“Do you feel like the Grand Turk?”
p.52

The Ottoman Sultan?

“If this is not a dream. I have woke up, by mistake, in an Arabian Night.”
p.288


A somewhat fazed description of ablution

Oliver Twist
“A Turk turns his face, after washing it well, to the East, when he says his prayers...”
P.208


Hard Times
Nothing at all!


More ramblings

Barnaby Rudge

“And hear her child recommended to peruse the adventures of a Turk and a Mussulman.” P342. Penguins

“Mussulman: Muslim, follower of Islam, natural: One naturally deficient in intellect, a fool or idiot. natural children: Illegitimate children. ...” p.716

“... a fabulous bird of stupendous size that appears several times in The Arabian Nights. round-house: Lock-up or place of detention. runts, fantails...”(ibid)


Selected Short stories

“Abd-al-Kedir (1807-83) an Arab leader noted for his skilful battles against the French...” in note 3 on page 417 referring to page 142.

“A Tobbaco-smokey French man in Algerine wrapper, peaked hood behind, who might be Abd-el-Kedir..”
p.142 Penguin

Amir AbdulQadir who fought the French occupation of Algeria for many years. So he may have gained some notoriety in England because he defeated the French so much!


Christmas books

“The lady makes signs to the tow kings in the tree, who softy descend. It is the setting of the Arabian nights.”
Hurd and Houghton
p.286


Martin Chuzzlewit
“And there was Abudah, the merchant, with the terrible little old woman hobbling out of the box in his bedroom: and there was a mighty talisman – the rare Arabian Nights – with Cassim Babba.”
P. 78 Penguin classics

Baba Qasim?
“Arab Steed.”
p.204

Arabian Steed

Dombey and Son
“It’s an Arabian night: that’s what it is,” said Richard. “I am in Damascus or Grand Cairo.”
P.251 Binglow, brown and Co.


Nicholas Nickleby
Wordsworth Classics
"A silver spoon in a Morocco case.."
P.10
Another evidence of trade.

"Yellow turban..."
P.49
Yellow turbans were worn by the Angels at the Battle of Badr and this again shows proof of trade from either the Arab world or from India.

"He was dressed in a gorgeous morning gown, with a waistcoat and Turkish trousers..."
P.122

Relaxing again!

"Lounging on an ottoma..."
P.229
Where do you think Ottoman style of furniture comes from?!

"Timour the Tartar.."
P.270
A reference to Tamerlane (1336-1405.d).

"Ferocious Turk."
P.491
More bad press!


A Christmas Carol

"Why it's Ali Baba!" "It's dear old honest Ali Baba!"

"And the Sultan's groom turned upside by Genii,"
p.51


Food evidence of trade

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

"A Turkish sweetmeat, sir."
p.27


The influence of Islam runs so deep in the Europe that it takes some digging to find jewels but then again you are not going to find jewels on the ground you are going to find them deep in the ground!

Also note that it is very difficult to gauge a culture. He would not have put references to things that people had no knowledge of. Yes, he would've wrote about things that people had not known but if he gave a cultural reference to something then he would've expected it to be understood. Given that most of his works were published in parts in newspapers the readership must've known something about Islam.

Our way of life and the Niqab

One of the most striking Friday sermon that I ever heard was made by an Imam over eight years ago. It was at a time in which Islam was facing much slander. Every media outlet possible were all talking about these ‘crazy mozlems’ who had the audacity to attack on their soil. This was, of course, referring to the events of 9/11.

Every detail about this religion was being examined and part of the vitriol that some politicians launched against Muslims is that they (Muslims) wanted to change their way of life. It seemed like a strange statement because many Muslims are living the ‘American way of life’ and more comfortable with that than than other ways.

Some politicians used this as part of their war mongering tactics, to incite emotions to go to war. That the Muslims wanted to change the way that Americans live. Statements such as; are these crazie guys trying to change our way of life! How could they when they are on the other side of the world?? So the appropriate action for those ‘sane’ guys was to invade a country and then force the American way of life over them! Hypocrisy anyone? Hypocrisy is a sign of oppression!

Going back to the Khutba he spoke about the above and he rightly pointed out that this was not a new ploy, this was an old one. Perhaps it’s part of the false claims of those who oppose Prophethood make.

This was the claim of the pagans against Islam in its early days; they opposed it as it went against what their forefathers had taught them and they claimed that their religion was being insulted. Religion was a way of life to them and particularly trade. Islam cannot be separated into boxes then neatly filed away as it governs every part of our lives and if we abandon it then we are not using the clear path shown to us.

We live our lives separated from the reality that we are intertwined and inseparable. We all, like it or not, are interdependent on each other and this is not as simple as it seems. No one has the right to force a way of life upon anyone and nor should they yet we have many wrongs in our societies now.

Bill hicks (the famous deceased comedian) once said, “You are free to do as we tell you. You are free to do as we tell you!”

We are not free in these societies because we are influenced by everything around us to make certain lifestyle choices that are in line with our passions. Thus we are being controlled into making decisions based on debasing ourselves as human beings.


So what is our way of life now?

We are not looking up to the heavens we are looking down on the ground! We service our egos and we service our base passions until they we are exhausted then we try again and again. Some of us are really lost. We are controlled by the adverts we see and we buy products that we have no need for constantly ‘bogof –ing’ in the supermarket. We dine without realising the misery that others are in.


Changes

During my short life time I have seen some bizarre changes many have been beneficial and many have been harmful. We have seen a type of person develop who is only interested in what they can take and not in what they can give. In fact do they even know that they can give? Do they know the joys of giving? Do we?

So in this western liberal society, in which women are encouraged to display their wares for all to see, comes the veiled woman. Not just her hair but her face as well! How can this be? This bucks all our trends!

The Niqab is seen as something extremely negative in the west and it has not been portrayed by us, the Muslims, correctly.


Portrayal

We often see women who wear Niqab as oppressed by their men folk. I used to think this was a fallacy but there are some animals who claim they are men who do force their women to cover up. And there are also different types of animals who force their women not to wear the Hijab. Both of these types of men are different types of the same animal and both should be caged up so we don’t have to deal with the damage they cause.


Reasons for wearing the Niqab

Firstly, the decision was something very common for righteous women to cover their faces in the presence of strangers. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was known to cover her face when answering the door. One of the main reasons for this was to dispel tribulation that could occur if a male saw an attractive female. So this was seen as an act done in order to protect women, similar to the Hijab. However the male as always has the responsibility to lower their gaze.

The rulings differ from place to place especially if there is a danger that a woman may be attacked then it would be necessary for her to wear it. It is by no means obligatory, in normal circumstances, but if a woman is in a place where the majority of women are wearing it, then one would be advisable to wear it. So depending on the place the rulings can change, especially if there is danger that a woman could face.

Some scholars say that this Niqab should be avoided in the west because its negativity cannot be overcome.

There are women who feel nervous because they cannot understand why women wear black from head to toe. Black is seen as a colour that does not attract men so that is why black is worn by many. Although again black is associated in the West with death and other negative aspects so there is a clear clash here.

The Niqab was also something women in the Arabian Peninsula used to wear when they travelled from one place to the other. This prevented them from being harassed or even attacked by robbers. Also note that men would also cover their faces when travelling to avoid getting sand into their mouths. And in some cases they would cover their faces in battle.

There are many other reasons why a woman may decide to wear the Niqab and as long as she has decided to do, without any force, then I support their decision. The Niqab is like an extension of the Hijab in many respects and this could be a reason why a woman is wearing it.

I have worked with women who wore the Niqab and they did not seem oppressed by their men in fact them seemed to be similar to those without. They were confident and they communicated clearly.

So if you work with a woman who wears a Niqab then know she is most likely not oppressed but that wearing the Niqab is her choice and that you should not treat her like she is oppressed.



Our problem

In our country that we cannot understand why a woman would decide not to wear revealing clothes and instead chose to cover herself up. This is a sign of decency and should not be seen in a negatively. If we respect the right for some to dress indecently then we should accept the opposite if we claim to be just. Banning the Niqab is a sign that decency means nothing anymore. It is a sign that the rights of other religions mean nothing anymore.

It is a true sign that fascism is alive and well because we all have to fit into a certain box so we can be packaged and sold. To force others into wearing or not wearing certain clothes is a sign that the freedoms of these countries are being eroded. We have a right to worship as we see fit and this includes the right of a woman to wear the Niqab.



See previous article on Hijab
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/hijab-in-modern-context.html

Technology is Man's greatest fallacy

Technology is Man's greatest fallacy

We live in a time where man thinks that technology can save him. All this is means man is progressing. I watch movies on my phone, I can see the people who I am talking about, I use this machine to this and that. One of my friends said have you noticed that all this technology is about "i"? We seem to think that technology is man's yard stick for progress and this is somehow making us better. Technology can help us save lives yet look at the arms industry why are we learning of more ways to kill people?

We sit on machines wondering what to do with them. We move from one machine to another without realising what is going on. Man is alone but cannot communicate because he can speak using his laptop better than he can with his own lips.

Is this progress? Is man progressing? Making great strides thanks to a machine that is made obsolete. As soon as it reaches you there is another piece of rubbish to take its place.

If man is so advanced as a race then why are making bombs to kill other people. All these countries who take pride in their wealth and their advanced societies are the same ones teaching and training others to kill their own.

In this time that people are deceived into lying to their people and themselves in some sort of vain belief that if people follow them then this will vindicate their lies.

We are lost using our machines whilst the machines of war kill innocent people in the name of democracy. Freedom is spelt differently in those lands possessed by foreign invaders it’s spelt free-doom because that’s what it is, doom for free. Except it’s not for free it’s at a cost, the greatest cost, is the loss of human life and the next is their natural resources.

They come to liberate you from your bodies, liberate your families from this earth, and liberate your homes from the ground. Lets us cheer as they blame religion and join in their lies.

Bombs made in factories that people don’t care; exported to military bases all over the world then dropped on the heads of the innocents. It was an accident, it is collateral damage? No, that’s a lie. They massacre innocent people as their natural resources are stolen from them as you set one against the other.

This is mans great progress? Isn’t it? Well to me this is the lie of the last century and this new one that everyone is asleep watching our DVD’s as they kill claiming its for you and me.

They kill to exploit and they kill to mock. We sit here and don’t even question. When will they enter the dock?

Just because you have your iphone means nothing because I can speak and communicate to real people. Don’t cry if they take it away from you.

Technology means nothing even these words mean nothing because I am using this medium to contact you.

Is there another way? Yes there is, get rid of what you don’t need and realise what Orwell wrote, “Freedom is slavery, War is peace and Ignorance is strength.” We are all ignorant and we are happy. We think invasion is freedom and war is setting things right. Who gave us the right?

Wake up people this is the looking glass and you are not going to like what you are going to see just like Alice.

Technology is not going to help you into Paradise, is it?


Sheikh Hmza Yusuf - Planning for Tomorrow
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2010/07/sheikh-hamza-yusuf.html

The Life of this world
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2010/05/life-of-this-worlddunya.html

Taqwa/piety/God consciousness

Taqwa/piety/God consciousness

The word Taqwa comes from the word وقى to mean protect or guard oneself against something. Someone who has Taqwa guards themselves against all types of harm and this shall be explained, in sha Allah.

This word is extremely difficult to translate uniformly. As the context has to be considered before translating and that goes with anything. Several of the following words are common: piety, fear and God conscious. Some prefer not to use translations and use the word as it is. In the translations of the hadith in this article we have used fear or piety. But for all the other sections we will use the word Taqwa to clarify any confusion with the word useage.


Why is Taqwa important?

The following narrations will answer this question.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is fear of Allah and good conduct; and the most common thing which leads people to Hell is the mouth and the private parts.” (At-Tirmidhi)

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings) said, “The majority of those who enter paradise, fear Allah and possess good character.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Attaining this, one of the most praiseworthy of qualities, is a way to paradise and it is weighty on the scales. That is why it is important.


What else is attained?

“The most noble of you is the most pious.” The Private Apartments 49:13

“Allah loves the pious.” The Repentance 9:7

Allah (Almighty and Majestic) loves those who have Taqwa and then you become one of the noblest people. Do you really want anything else?!?!? If Allah (Almighty and Majestic) loves someone then what happens? Then he tells the Angel Jibreal (upon him peace) to announce this to the inhabitants of the Heavens!

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “When Allah loves a servant; he calls Jibreal (upon him peace) and says, “I love so and so; so love him!” Then Jibreal loves him and calls out to the residents of the heavens, “Allah loves so and so; so love him.” Then the residents of the heavens love him and his acceptance his placed on the Earth. If Allah dislikes a servant then he calls Jibreal saying, “I dislike so and so; so dislike him; then Jibreal dislikes him and call out to the residents of the heavens. “Allah dislikes so and so; so dislike him.” They do and then dislike for him is placed on the Earth.” (Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, Bukhari and Malik)

This is the benefit of Taqwa that the residents of paradise know who you are and they accept you. What an amazing blessing for such an action.


Benefits of Taqwa

Are there benefits or are you just trying to make my life difficult! These verse spell this out in great detail for us.

Recourse
"Whoever fears Allah is given recourse."
Al-Talaq 65:2


He has ease

"Whoever fears Allah is given ease in his matter."
Al-Talaq 65:4

His sins are removed
"Whoever fears Allah has his sins removed and is given a great reward."
Al-Talaq 65:7

Are these not benefits for you? When things are difficult you are given a way out. You are given ease in your matters, your sins are forgiven and have a great reward! Is there any more you need?!
 

Definition of Taqwa

Now that we have outlined the reasons and benefits we need to define exactly what it is, in order to put in into practice.

Imam Ghazali gives the following definition for Taqwa, “Removing sin from the Heart and not repeating the like of it.” (Minhaj al-Abideen p.112 Dar al-Ishaat)
تنزيه القلب عن ذنب لم يسبق عنك مثله

Ibn Juzayy said in his dictionary of terms from the introduction to his tafsir:
"Taqwa's meaning is fear, clinging to obedience to Allah and abandoning disobedience to Him. It is the sum of all good."

A person in a state of Taqwa is someone who is always on guard for what could harm his religion. So he lowers his gaze from the prohibitions, he seeks halal food, he make sure that his job is permissible, he is guards his ears from hearing the prohibited, he guards his eyes from prohibitions and he is relentless in performing his acts of worship to the best of his ability.

Sheikh Murabat Al-Hajj once saw a mouse who heard the smallest sound then quickly went back into its hole. He said that is Taqwa. I did not understand this for many years but one day the meaning was given to me. The mouse was on guard against anything that could harm him. So even the smallest noise could mean that something may be on its way to attack it. That is Taqwa to be on guard all the time even against the smallest threat.

A person with Taqwa is like soldier on guard ready for attack but with a detailed action plan.

“If you are patient and fearful then this is a weighty matter.” The family of Imran 186

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him) once said, "Taqwa is not by fasting the day and not by praying the night. And it's not by mixing between the two of them. But Taqwa is leaving what Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has made prohibited and by doing what Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has made obligatory. After one has done this, Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will provide good things for that person."

A man came to the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) and asked, “O’ Prophet of Allah, give me counsel.” So he said, “Be fearful of Allah as it comprises of all goodness.” (Imam Ahmed 3, 82 and 266)

Taqwa is essentially an action of the heart and actions of the heart are by no means easy. They can be difficult and Taqwa is not something that you have one day and not the next. It has to be a permanent state that you have accustomed yourself to.


For all eyes not just some

One of our problems is that we deem it okay to be someone in a one place and someone totally different in another. In front of our parents we are pious, righteous and devout then as soon as we leave the house we are the exact opposite! This is something that we hear and see often. We are one person for our families and we are one person outside the house. This is all born from fear of our parents and not fear of Allah.

I remember being in the masjid with someone at a deen intensive a few years ago. The call for the prayer had gone and I was about to get up. I saw the other person and advised him to join us for the prayer. He said he did not want to pray with us. I was shocked then he said if his Pir (spiritual leader) was here then he would be in the first row. I retorted by saying, “Do you fear your Pir more than Allah?” He said it was good point but still did not pray.

Fear Allah because he knows what you are doing all the time and your family only know what you are doing at home!

Do not think just because my family cannot see me then I can do what I want. Why don’t you wake up and realise that you should be doing what Allah (the Exalted) wants and that is to be aware of all of what you do. Allah (the Exalted) knows what you heart is thinking right now and what you are about to do. So even though no physical person can see you the angels who record your deeds can see you. They are writing down all those disgusting things that we do when no one else can see us. Shouldn’t we have some shame?

The Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “I advise you to fear Allah in your private and public matters.” (Imam Ahmed 21465)

This is one of pillars of the spiritual path of the Shadhali’s which is to have Taqwa of Allah in secret and in public. (Usul Al-Tariqah by Imam Ahmed Zarruq)

The Prophet (May Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Fear Allah wherever you are. Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will blot it out. And deal with people in a good manner.” (At-Tirmidhi 1987 and Ahmed 5/236)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I advise you to be shameful before Allah as you would be shameful before a pious man of your clan.” (Ibn Abu Dunya’s Makarim Al-Khalaq/ Noble Qualities p.81)


Conclusion

Taqwa is not an easy station to acquire it takes time to remove all those things from yourself that are prohibited and then you also have to remove any paths ways to the prohibited. Works of the heart are great because they are just between you and Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and they are not for show. This is not easy but the reward and the blessings of attaining this quality is beyond what we can fully comprehend in this world.

As with everything once you know something you have a responsibility to practice. We cannot allow ourselves to be victims of a world which will swallow us whole and spits us out. We have to be ready to defend anything that could cause a deficiency with our connection to the Creator.

Hatim al-Asamm said, “I have chosen four things to know, and have discarded all the knowledge in the world besides.” He was asked, “What are they?” “One,” he answered, “is this: I know my daily bread is apportioned to me, and will neither be increased nor diminished; consequently I have ceased to seek to argument it. Secondly, I know that I owe Allah a debt which no other person can pay instead of me; therefore I am occupied with paying it. Thirdly, I know that there is one pursing me (i.e. Death) from whom I cannot escape; accordingly I have prepared myself to meet him. Fourthly, I know that Allah is observing me; therefore I am ashamed to do what I ought not.” (Kashaf Al-Mahjub p.13)




We are not pretending to be someone who has Taqwa. If anything we need to try very hard to attain this lofty station even though we do not deserve it by our actions nor our state. We pray that Allah (Almighty and majestic) forgives all the Muslims and gives us this state.

See a door of a Taqwa
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2010/07/door-in-morocco.html

Cursing/Swearing

This is something that can be heard wherever you go on this planet. You can hear on it on most media channels, especially movies and television. Many a time the people doing the swearing are the youth who seem to enjoy swearing as much as they enjoy eating! But have we considered the fact that it may be sinful to swear?

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The Muslim is he whom Muslims are safe from harm of his hand and tongue.” (Al-Bukhari 1/53, Muslim 1/65)

There are different narrations of this hadith which have people instead of Muslim and other has believers. This hadith means any harm that comes from the tongue this could be some of the following: Cursing, swearing, backbiting, slander and tale bearing. Swearing is a major sin it is not a minor sin because like other major sins it affects others as well as yourself.

Saying an offensive word affects the person who you said it, the one who heard it and the one who it was said to. It is not a major thing now that we hear so many people swearing all over the place.

Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “A believer does not falsely claim lineage; does not curse; is not lewd or obscene.” (At-Tirmidhi 1987)

The Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) was asked, "What is Islam?" He replied, "Gentle speech and feeding the poor." Imam Ahmed.

People also seem to think that it is okay to swear in another language and that somehow that does not count! It does count, swearing in any language counts and is counted. We do speak in dialects of the languages of our various peoples and they often contain rude, offensive and insulting language. This is extremely common sight that you may witness someone speaking in English then switching to his mother tongue to let rip on some people who do not understand him, then turn to them smiling! One of my English friends asked me what two people were saying and I told him that it was better off that he did not know. Why? Because they were swearing!

This is the main reason that we do not like the use of some dialects. They are littered with swearing and insulting language and if you want to join in the conversation then you have to join in on the sinning!

You see hearing is not something that you stop; even if you put your fingers in your ears you can still hear what someone says!

It is bad enough to swear at someone but swearing at a Muslim is even worse.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “To insult a Muslim is corruption and to wage war on him is disbelief.” (Bukhari 48, Muslim 64)

The Importance of Action/'Amal

The importance of action in Islam

Faith is a key to paradise but how can one increase their rank in paradise? Its action that makes one rise. This is the important part and the importance of action for a believer. There was a misguided group called murijah who were people who wrongly thought that faith alone was needed for salvation. They were rightly refuted by the Asharis and Maturidis, in their books. Faith needs to be combined with action to achieve salvation. Faith alone may get one into paradise but the journey will be much harder than those who have the requisite action such as five daily prayers. Action without faith has no point because only a believer benefits from their actions in the afterlife. 

We have spoken about the superiority of the character of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was because, in part, of his practice of the commandments and prohibitions of the Quran. Allah (mighty and majestic) gives the greatest testimony to this when He said, “You possess the greatest character.” The Pen 67:4. One should remember that the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings be upon him) is great because Allah (the Exalted) made him great.

Imam Tabari said in Tafsir Al-Bayan, “The Exalted addresses his Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him), “O’ Muhammad you possess excellent etiquette. This is the etiquette that Allah gave him and it is Islam and the sacred law.”

In the Tafsir/commentary of Ibn Kathir report a hadith narrated from Imam Ahmed that Abu Hurayrah states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow on him peace and blessings) said, “I was only sent to complete righteous character.”

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) states that this is the religion of Islam and Hassan Al-Basri states that this means the etiquette of the Quran (Ibn Al-Jawzi's commentary on this verse).

Hassan Al-Basri’s speech is very interesting because it is similar to what Aisha (may Allah be pleased her) said when asked about the character of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessing upon him). “His character was the Quran.”

This is one of the major reasons why the character of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is so great because of his application. Is there a greater testification than from the Lord of the worlds? No, there can never be any greater testification than that of the Creator (Mighty and Exalted).

When we have knowledge we must try to put it into practice. If we try and fail this is the least we can do. Putting knowledge into action is one the greatest means of drawing closer to Allah (Mighty and Majestic) as we are drawing closer by doing something we are recommended to do.

The first book of Imam Ghazali’s revival of religious sciences/Ihya Ulum Al-Deen is the book of knowledge. Our first step is knowledge, sacred knowledge that will help us clarify our religion. It could be said that this is the book that outlines the reason for the religion, practice. Practice also helps preserve the manner and the ways of those who have left us.

The Quran emphasises on action, “Blessed is the reward of the doer.” The Family of Imran 4:136

The doer in the verse is the one who carries out the action. In the Quran there are two places where people are cursed for not doing what they say and there are other places where the doer of the actions are blessed.

“The likeness of those who were charged with the Torah but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of the donkey which carries books (but understands them not).” Al-Jum’ah 62:5

We do not want to be like those who carry knowledge and do not derive any benefit from it. I remember one person who was laughing when he transmitted some religious knowledge, saying that if that person acted upon the knowledge that he was given, he would be rewarded! I look back at this now and realise that this person was content with being a donkey! He passed on knowledge without performing the action himself!

Belief or Action?

Many of us, in this time, place over emphasis on belief. We make claims about who has the correct belief and which system should be followed. The correct belief systems are the recognised schools of Ashari's, Maturdi's and the Athari's. Once we have this clear in our minds we can now emphasis on action. We cannot be people who are deluded into thinking that because they have the right belief that they are safe and that there is no work to be done. We have met many who act like this! We have to be prepared to work hard in all our religious matters.

We cannot merely think that we have the correct belief  and so and so group do not; so I am safe. No, no way! We have to work; day in day out.

Consider these prophetic narrations:

Imam Ahmed narrates from Abdullah ibn Umair ibn Al-'Aas who heard the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, "Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will infer a man from my nation from the heads of creation on the day of judgement. Ninety nine scrolls will be shown to him; each scroll will extent as far as the eyesight. He asks, "Do you reject anything? Has the record of my angels oppressed you?" He replies, "No, Oh Lord." He asks, "Do you have an excuse or good deed?" He went pale and said, "No, Oh Lord." He said, "You have with me one good action and there is no oppression for you today." A card was brought forward with 'I testify that there is no deity except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah' (recorded on it). "Bring it forward." He says, "Oh Lord, this card against all these scrolls?" He states, "You will not be oppressed." The scrolls are placed onto one scale and the card on the other; the scrolls are outweighed by the heaviness of the card. He said, "Nothing can outweigh; what contains 'in the name of Allah; the most merciful; the most compassionate."

This explains to us that belief will save us but do not neglect good actions because you never know!!

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I swear by he whom there is no deity other than him, one of you will perform the actions of the inhabitants of paradise until there is a cubit between him and paradise then what is written manifests; and he perform the actions of the inhabitants of hell until he enters it. One of you will perform the actions of the inhabitants of hell until there is a cubit between will overcome him; then what is written manifests; and he performs the actions of the inhabitants of paradise until he enters it.” (Bukhari 3207, 3332, 6594, 8454; Muslim 2643; Abu Dawood 4808; At-Tirmidhi 2137; Ibn Majah 76; Ahmed 1/382, 430 and 414)

I have often pondered over this hadith and though about its meaning. I used to think that this was aimed at Muslims but this is also aimed at non-Muslims. How? Look at some of the non-Muslims in our time and you can find them doing amazing actions of charity. Some are even doing the actions of the people of paradise but because of their belief they will not enter paradise. I do wish that these people would become Muslim and enter paradise. The flip side of this coin is the person doing the actions of the inhabitants of paradise. You can find some Muslims who doing some wretched actions but because of their belief they will enter paradise.

Suhail ibn Sa'ad (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, "The servant will perform the actions of the residents of the fire but they are part of the residents of Paradise and (others) they will perform the actions of the residents of Paradise and they from the residents of the fire. Actions are only finished once completed." (Bukhari 11/499, Muslim 1/106 without, "Actions are only finished once completed.")

Remember belief places someone into paradise and action raises the person status in it. Also do not be fooled by non-believers doing the good actions because this will not avail them in the afterlife. Their reward is in the world and not in the hereafter. So don’t be distracted as there are many people who are doing the actions of the people of hell but will end up in paradise because of their belief and there are many people doing the actions of the people paradise but will end up in hell.

For myself?

One of my friends once said to me that being religious is something that is done just for oneself. Then you must be your own worst enemy if you are not prepared to do anything that you will benefit from eternally!!

Anyone who wants to please his Lord cannot please him with anything better than that was made obligatory upon one; the five pillars are everyone’s starting point.

When you pray it not only has effect on you but it effects your whole environment and the people who are around you, so praying is not for yourself. Note the highest level of obedience is for Allah (Mighty and Majestic) alone.

Application

If someone, as we have stated, is a person who attends lessons and lectures then they should try to apply the knowledge learnt, as much as they can. So when you are in a situation and you remember something that your teachers have taught you then apply it. This can be difficult at times but you have to apply your knowledge. If you do not then you have missed the whole point of learning - application of knowledge.

It is only through the practice of this religion that a person can see a revival of themselves and then the society that they live in. The greatness of the early companions was because they practiced what they knew even if they knew little. Do you remember the story of the companion who saw the Prophet (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings) with his top button undone and then continued to wear his clothes in a similar fashion until he died?

We can only have sound practice with sound knowledge; so seek knowledge so that your practice can be sound and remember how much your Prophet (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings) used to do.

Don’t rely on your actions

One of the final points that we would like to make about this post is that a person should not rely solely on their actions because this is also foolish. As the hadith explains: Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said I heard the Messenger of Allah (may bestow peace and blessings upon him), "The good deeds of any person will not make him enter paradise." They asked, “Not even you, O’ Messenger of Allah?” He replied, "Not even me, unless Allah bestows His favour and mercy on me." (Bukhari BK70, NO 577)

Our reliance must be on Allah, our hopes must be for Allah. Yes, do the good actions as much as you are able but do not be attached to them and think that you have done enough to enter paradise. We can never do enough for Allah, ever, all the blessings that we receive in any moment is unfathomable.

There is a story of how a man of the previous nations worshiped Allah on a desert island for five hundred years and when he died. Allah told him to enter paradise because of his mercy. The man protested and said, “By my actions.” Then Allah ordered his actions to be weighed and when the blessing of the eye was weighted it was equivalent to five hundred years of worship. Then the man cried out, “By your mercy, by your mercy!”

Bottom line is that we do as much good actions as we can but we rely, ultimately, on Allah's mercy to help us.

Al-Wasti states, "When it comes to act of worship, it is [almost] more fitting to seek forgiveness for them than it is to seek reward." (Subtle Blessings by Ibn Ata Allah trans Nancy Roberts p.198).

We do not claim to be someone who practices knowledge nor am I a person who has good character. We are someone who has much bad character and need to do lots of work to purify himself from many sins. So do not be fooled I need this more than you...

Please see post about Tawakkul/ True reliance on God
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/true-reliance-on-god-allah.html