Do you #know this #book?

The Quran: Unique among Scriptures

The Quran is the most-read book in the world. Revealed by Allah Almighty to Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )  (may Allah exalt his mention) in the 7th century CE, and revered by Muslims as being Allah’s Final Scripture and Testament, its words have been lovingly recited, memorized and implemented by Muslims of every nationality ever since. The faithful are inspired, consoled and often moved to tears by its eloquence and poetic imagery, especially when recited aloud. And yet, the Quran is unique in being the only Scripture that is free of scientific inaccuracies, whose historical authenticity can be verified, and whose text has been so carefully preserved that just one authorized version (in Arabic) exists.

The Quran is also the only holy book that can be memorized in its entirety by people of all ages and intellectual abilities – including non-Arabic speakers – which Muslims consider to be one of its miracles. We invite you to take a few minutes to learn something about a book that is the foundation of the worldview and culture of almost a quarter of the people on this planet.

A scientific Scripture for a scientific age 

One of the most remarkable things about the Quran is that it contains many verses, which accurately describe natural phenomena in various fields such as embryology, meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography. Scientists have found its descriptions to be inexplicably valid for a book dating from the 7th century CE; in fact, many of the processes and functions mentioned in the Quran have been discovered only recently. This fact alone has been the cause of a number of distinguished scientists embracing Islam. It also explains why the conflicts that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages between faith and reason, religion and science, never arose in Islam; the Quran repeatedly encourages people to reflect and use their intelligence, and most Muslim scientists and inventors have also been pious believers. 

Some of the Quran’s ‘scientific’ verses include an accurate description of embryonic development during the first forty days of life; an explanation that the roots of mountains are like pegs which help to anchor and stabilize the earth’s crust; that a natural barrier exists wherever two seas meet (each maintains its own salinity, temperature and density); that waves occur in layers in the depths of the ocean; that the heavens and earth were first joined together before being split apart; and that the heavens emerged from ‘smoke’, i.e. the gases and dust that characterize nebul as as stars are forming. 

The Quran was never meant to be a ‘science textbook’; whether highlighting the wonders of nature or the lessons of history, its verses direct us to reflect on the glory of Allah. However, no other ancient book or Scripture is accurate in this way. Muslims believe that this is one of the Quran’s proofs; one of the things that makes it a credible, ‘living revelation’ for a modern age, and allows it to reveal itself afresh with passing time. 

The Quran and the development of knowledge 

The word ‘Quran’ means ‘recitation’, and the first verse of the Quran revealed by the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was a command to recite as in the verse (which means): ‘Read (or recite)! In the name of your Lord…’ This directive to a man who, like most people of the time, could neither read nor write, marked the beginning of a new age in human communication, learning and development. Whereas earlier Scriptures had been written and passed down by elite circles of priests and scribes – usually long after the death of the Prophet – the preservation of the Quran was a community effort from the beginning, and it was completed during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

The early followers of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) eagerly memorized and recorded each new revelation as it was revealed; by the time he passed away, thousands had memorized the entire Quran by heart. Within two years after the death of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, requested one of the Companions who used to write the revelations for the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) Zayd bin Thaabit, may Allah be pleased with him, to collect all existing copies and fragments of the Quran in one place, in order to compile a standard edition. This manuscript became the basis for the authorized editions that were distributed to each Muslim province during the rule of ‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, the third Caliph. Remarkably, a few of those early manuscripts have been preserved and can still be viewed in museums today. 

A book with a message and a purpose

Like all books, the Quran is a means to convey a message – in this case, a very special message from the Creator to all humanity. The Quran is an ‘Owner’s manual for the human being’. Whoever wonders about the purpose of life and their own existence will find it to be a guide par excellence. Building on prior revelations, this Final Testament confirms the age-old truths of previous Scriptures, but clarifies points of faith where error or confusion have crept into them over the centuries. Those who have read the Bible will find much that is familiar: descriptions of Allah’s creation; stories of the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention; Satan; Angels and the Day of Judgment; moral and ethical guidelines and spiritual practices like prayer and fasting. Yet the Quran is not just a re-hashing of old stories, its perspective is unique and fresh, and its worldview is eminently suited for people of today.

To give one example, according to the Quran, Allah held Aadam (Adam), may Allah exalt his mention, and Eve jointly responsible for eating from the forbidden tree. No special curse was laid on Eve for leading Aadam may Allah exalt his mention, astray, and no ‘original sin’ came into being, to be inherited for all time by innocent children. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention and Eve simply sought His forgiveness and were forgiven, and Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention is respected in Islam as the first Prophet. 

There are other important distinctions between the Quran and the Bible; the Quran asserts that much of the original books of the Bible and other Scriptures have been lost or corrupted over time (whether through warfare, political intrigue, religious schisms or other reasons). One only has to consider the number of different versions of the Bible in use today, the lack of ‘first’ originals, and the late discovery of long-lost Scriptures like the Dead Sea Scrolls to realize that this viewpoint is an objective one.

The Quran rejects the concept of salvation or special privilege based on ethnicity. Allah does not discriminate on the basis of race or color. It also denies the need for the sacrifice of innocent life – animal or human – in order for people to attain salvation. It states that ‘Eesaa (Jesus), may Allah exalt his mention,  was not crucified as claimed, but that Allah saved him from his enemies, as one would expect of Allah’s honored and beloved Messenger, may Allah exalt his mention; his life was meant to be an inspiring example. Spiritual salvation is to be achieved solely through humble repentance, coupled by an attempt to make amends for one’s sins and a sincere intention not to repeat one’s mistakes in the future. There is no official priesthood in Islam, and the Imaam (the person who leads the congregational prayer) is no more than a knowledgeable prayer-leader and brother in faith; one’s sins need only be confessed directly to the Creator. 

The Quran’s main message is to call people to turn to the Source of all being and the Giver of life, and to serve Him with a pure heart, free of idolatry or superstition. In Islam, ‘One God’ means just that: there is no concept of Trinity or anything else to complicate one’s understanding. Like the single nucleus of a cell or an atom, He Alone is the ‘control center’ behind it all- anything else would lead to chaos and confusion. Allah is Unique and without partner; He was not born and did not give birth; He is All Compassionate and Merciful, Almighty and Just, and the only One we need to turn to for guidance and help. Anything that we allow to come between ourselves and our Creator – even our own egos – is an idol. Wealth, fame, physical attraction and all the pleasures of this world will someday fade, and we will not be able to take them with us when we die. Only our faith and good deeds will remain, to light our graves and be a beacon for us on the Day of Judgment.

Islam – A Comprehensive Way of Life

To understand the essence of Islam is to understand the very essence of humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life leading to a balanced way of living. Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.

A spiritual belief that does not deal with social behavior, economic relations and international organizations is as erroneous as the social doctrine that does not consider spiritual belief, morality and behavior. Such social doctrines are abortive attempts, incapable of total human guidance or of achieving any coherence or accord among human beings.

Both the individual and the society are in dire need of a belief that accommodates and directs all their vital activities towards construction and growth. When the individual and society adopt such a belief and apply it to life, humanity can accomplish seemingly miraculous achievements which can only occur when man unites himself with the Eternal Power that channels his personality -potential in the right direction.

History has shown that Islam is unique in its ability to provide guidance for the entire range of human activity. It does not separate spiritual and secular life as unrelated entities.

Islam integrates all domains of human life, just like the different systems in the human body integrate to provide a complete human being. If one system does not work properly, it has got to affect the whole body. Likewise, Islam proposes systems of laws that integrate all parts of human society to bring happiness and peace to all its members. There is no other way or system that urges the active worship of Allah in its general and most comprehensive sense other than Islam. Fox example, Islam teaches that Muslims should fast for a month every year (i.e. Ramadan) in order to acquire piety and self-discipline and to develop awareness of the needs and problems of others who are starving or are in desperate need of food. Such an awareness of the needs of others is not enough on its own. Therefore, Zakah (obligatory charity) is prescribed to be distributed among the segments of society that are in need of individual and communal assistance.

 A very important universal concept in Islam is “Ummah” (Nation). Ummah transcends all limitations implied by the term ‘nation’ by encompassing all people regardless of race, color, or sex. Allah emphasized this great Islamic principle in the verse (which means);

"Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over it [i.e. Scripture] except those who were given it-after the clear proofs came to them-out of jealous animosity among themselves. And Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path." [Quran 2:2 13]

Moreover, Islam has a unique understanding for the concept of Ummah. Ummah is the field for knowledge, ethics, government and positivism. Ummah in Islam is a system in which people integrate, even if they belong to different belief systems. It is a system of universal justice and peace that accommodates everyone who believes in freedom of thinking and in calling people to the truth-whether they are individuals or communities.

Indeed, Ummah in Islam is an apparatus which is more advanced than that developed by the West, the UN., or those apparatuses established by the American-European block merely to bring about a “new world order,” but which in reality often are geared only to maintain Western control over Third World human and material resources.

The Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) proposed a constitution for the city of Madeenah during the first days of his emigration from Makkah. He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) included the rights of both Jews and Christians, thereby safeguarding their freedom and beliefs. History has never known a constitution that represented minorities as this constitution of the Islamic state did. Ummah as an Islamic concept will, Allah willing, bring the advent of universal peace as well as an internal social system. Ummah is the field-ground for civilization to take place. Such an Ummah can be integrated and united, if it derives its doctrines, constitutions, morals, values and the whole perspective of life from the same united source: belief in the only true Allah. This is known as the concept of Tawheed (Monotheism).  

The value systems of Western societies will continue to collapse, since they are built on shifting grounds. The Sunday Times of London, in its September 1994 issue, reported about a revolt by women against the values prevailing in Britain: ‘‘British women seek new morality in its religious affairs” correspondent Lesley Thomas stated.

According to the report, this is not the case of British women who are favoring Islam. “Thousands of British women are becoming Muslims in a trend that baffles feminists and causes concern to Christians.” The report continues that “of the estimated 10,000 British converts to Islam over the past decade, most are single, educated women, doctors, college lecturers and lawyers.” The educated in the west are beginning to see that the “full” life is found only in Islam, the universal religion.

And what about the present day Muslim world? Unfortunately, some “educated” Muslims now pay only “lip-service” to Islam. They think that Islam is a slogan to be raised or a word to be uttered. Islam is the way of life that should be implemented in all spheres of life. These hypocrites have forgottenthat Allah dislikes those who brag about things that they do not practice. When man’s deeds are not commensurate with their words, their conduct is odious in the sight of Allah.

"O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do." [Quran 61:2-3]

May Allah let the Muslim World never forget that Islam provides a complete and comprehensive way of life. Islam creates harmony in the mind, the soul and the body in a marvelous way. The need for Islam emerges from the humanity’s search for a constitution that provides guidance and satisfaction in all spheres of life. It is a code of life that is not limited to partial needs, but rather a way of life that penetrates all barriers to interact with people’s needs in this life and beyond. It is a way of life where there is no discrimination between what is sacred and what is secular.

Islam is unique among the religions and civilizations the world has known. In contrast to the other religions of the world, Islam defines religion itself as the very business of life, the very matter of space-time, the very process of history, and the gift of Allah. Therefore, all these work together to constitute them.

Islam is a divine guidance wherein humans of all nations, colors and tongues feel linked to a Supreme Power and Justice. Its teachings are kept intact and authentic. It is the only way to happiness, dignity, and universal peace. Islam is so unique in its method for solving the problems of humanity. I can say with confidence that the twenty first century will be the century of Islam. The everlasting miracle of Islam, THE QURAN, is a standing challenge to the intellect of all peoples at all times. In Islam’s four abiding principles - equality, tolerance, promotion of science, and solution to the world’s problems - its universality asserts itself. It calls to all mankind, if only mankind will listen.

"Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction." [Quran 4:82]

The greatness of #Islamic #justice

Allah created man to be His servant and to implement His Way on earth. If humans distance themselves from this message, then they distance themselves from God’s injunctions. That is why Islam has prepared its followers to follow this righteous instinct; it is a joy to our spirit to stand and think of the greatness of Islamic justice, how fair Islamic law is to individuals and groups, rulers and the ruled!

Let us shed light on one of Islam’s greatest and brightest symbols of justice, Shurayh Al-Qaadhi (the judge), who narrates: The Caliph `Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, bought a horse from a Bedouin, paid its price and rode off with it. However, after traveling a little distance, the Caliph noticed some kind of defect in the horse, so he returned to the seller, requesting him to take it back since it was defective. The man refused, telling the Caliph that the horse was perfectly healthy when it was sold to him. `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, told the man to choose a judge and the man suggested Shurayh ibn Al-Haarith Al-Kindi whom `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, accepted.

After the judge listened to the Bedouin’s testimony, he turned to `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, asking: “Was the horse normal and healthy when you bought it?” `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, replied: “Yes, it was.” Shurayh then said: “Then keep what you bought or return it as you took it.” ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, looked at Shurayh in admiration saying: “Thus justice should be -- statement, distinguishing words and fair justice… I give you the position of Chief Justice of Koofah in ‘Iraq.”

This is Islamic justice, an ordinary Bedouin taking the Caliph to court, deciding which judge to go to and the Caliph accepting the judge’s decision voluntarily. However, this leader was not an ordinary man, but the one about whom the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: “O Allah! Make Islam victorious by one of the two `Umars (by them becoming Muslim).” 

`Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, did not threaten the Bedouin or misuse his power, neither did he tell the Bedouin that he had exceeded his authority nor that he would get back to him. No, `Umar accepted the judge’s decision with all modesty.

`Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, admitted that the horse was healthy when he took it and he accepted the judgment, making the case an everlasting example of Islamic justice. The judge’s fairness made ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, appoint him as a judge of Koofah. He rewarded the judge for his justice and fairness and did not jail him for ruling against him, as some leaders may have done in present so-called ‘democracies’.

Another example of Shurayh’s justice

‘Ali ibn Abu Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, lost a shield that was dear to him and later found it in the hands of a non-Muslim citizen who was selling it in one of Koofah’s markets. When he saw it, ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “This is my shield that fell off my camel on so and so night at such and such time.” The man answered: “No, this is my shield in my hand.” ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, replied: “No, it is mine since I never sold it or gave it to anyone.”

The man agreed to let a judge decide, which ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, accepted. They went to Shurayh who asked ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, for his side of the story. ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the shield was his and that he had found it with that man; it had fallen off his camel and he had never sold it or given it to anyone. The judge turned to the other man asking his story. The man said that he did not accuse ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, of lying, but the shield was his, as it was in his hands. 

Shurayh turned to ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, saying: “I believe you, but we need the testimony of two witnesses to back your story.” ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said that there was his aide Qanbar and his son Al-Hassan, may Allah be pleased with him, to which the man replied that a son could not testify for the benefit of his father. Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “O Allah, a man who is promised paradise cannot act as a witness! Have you not heard what the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Al-Hassan and Al-Hussayn, may Allah be pleased with them, were the masters of the youths of paradise? Shurayh said: “Yes, I have, but a son cannot bear witness for his father.”

Then ‘Ali turned to the man and said: “Take the shield, as I have no other witnesses.”

The man, who was a non-Muslim, then said: “O ‘Ali, the shield is yours. What a great religion! I can sue ‘Ali and get a judge to pass a decision for my benefit! I declare myself a Muslim.” He told the judge that he was following the army and had seen the shield fall down and picked it up. ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, then told him to keep the shield, and on top of that, he also gave him a horse. Soon after, the man was seen under Ali’s leadership fighting the Khawaarij [Kharijites –are one of the deviant sects, who follow their whims and desires and innovation, and deviated from the path of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa‘ah].

Are these two examples not sufficient for us to follow those great men?

The beauty of Islam as seen by others

American poet, critic and author Colonel Donald S. Rockwell writes: "The simplicity of Islam, the powerful appeal and the compelling atmosphere of its mosques, the earnestness of its faithful followers, the confidence inspiring realization of millions throughout the world who answer the five daily calls to prayer, these factors attracted me from the first. 

But after I had determined to become a follower of Islam, I found many deeper reasons for confirming my decision. The mellow concept of life -- fruit of the combined course of action and contemplation, the wise counsel, the admonitions to charity and mercy of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), (may Allah exalt his mention). 

The broad humanitarianism, the pioneer declaration of women's rights, these and other factors of the teachings of the man of Makkah, were to me among the first obvious evidence of a practical religion so tersely and so aptly epitomized in the cryptic words of Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ): 'Trust in God and tie your camel.' He gave us a religious system of normal action, not blind faith in the protection of an unseen force in spite of our own neglect, but confidence that if we do all things rightly and to the best of our ability, we may trust in what comes as the Will of God... 

When I stood in the inspiring mosques of Istanbul, Damascus, Jerusalem, Cairo, Algiers, Tangier, Fez and other cities, I was conscious of a powerful reaction -- the potent uplift of Islam's simple appeal to the sense of higher things, unaided by elaborate trappings, ornamentation, figures, pictures, music and ceremonial ritual. The mosque is a place of quiet contemplation and self-effacement in the greater reality of the true God. 

The democracy of Islam has always appealed to me. Potentate and pauper have the same rights on the floor of the mosque, on their knees in humble worship. There are no rented pews or special reserved seats.

The Muslim accepts no man as mediator between himself and his God. He goes direct to the invisible source of creation and life -- God -- without reliance on a saving formula of repentance of sins and belief in the power of a teacher to afford him salvation. The universal brotherhood of Islam, regardless of race, politics, color or country, has been brought home to me most keenly many times in my life, and this is another feature which drew me towards the Faith." 

The baseless claim that Islam converted the peoples it had 'conquered by force' has also been refuted by prominent non-Muslims.

Mahatma Gandhi, for instance, writes in Young Indian, 1924:

"I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his absolute trust in God and his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every trouble." 

James A. Michener writes in the Reader's Digest, under the title Islam: The Misunderstood Religion: "No other religion in history spread so rapidly as Islam. The West has widely believed that this surge of religion was made possible by the sword. But no modern scholar accepts that idea, and the Quran is explicit in support of the freedom of conscience." 

Laurence E. Browne writes in The Prospects of Islam: "Incidentally, these well-established facts dispose of the idea so widely fostered in Christian writings about the Muslims, that wherever they went, they forced people to accept Islam at the point of the sword."

De Lay O'Leany also writes in Islam at Crossroads, London, 1923, p. 8: "History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fanatically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." 

It is worth mentioning here that it is absolutely wrong to judge Islam by the deteriorating condition of Muslims and the blatant corruption that pervades the Muslim world. What Islam preaches is one thing, and what so many Muslims nowadays practice is something else. 

The only way whereby we do justice to Islam is to find out about its noble teachings, which are clearly set out at length in the Holy Quran and the Prophetic traditions. The famous popular singer, Cat Stevens, who later embraced Islam once observed: "It will be wrong to judge Islam in the light of the behavior of some bad Muslims who are always shown on the media. 

It is like judging a car as a bad one if the driver is drunk and he bangs it into a wall. Islam guides all human beings in daily life -- in its spiritual, mental and physical dimensions. Nevertheless, we must find the sources of these instructions -- the Quran and the example of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). Then we can see the idea of Islam." 

What is generally said about Islam in the media and in many academic circles can also give a wrong idea about it. As Maurice Bucaille put it: "The totally erroneous statements made about Islam in the West are sometimes the result of ignorance, and sometimes of systematic denigration. 

The most serious of all the untruths told about it are, however, those dealing with facts, for while mistaken opinions are excusable, the presentation of facts running contrary to reality is not. It is disturbing to read blatant untruths in eminently respectable works written by authors who a priori are highly qualified."

[From: A Glimpse at the Beauty of Islam]

Belief in the #Heavenly #Books - I

In the cave of Hiraa’ and away from people, Jibreel (Gabriel) came down to our Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) while he was worshiping Allah The Almighty The One Who Has no partner and said to him: "Recite." Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, "I cannot recite,". Jibreel pressed him hard and repeated the order ‘Recite.’ ‘I cannot recite’ said he trembling and terrified, and once again he pressed him hard and said: ‘Recite.’ Again he answered while shaking and trembling ‘I cannot recite.’ Jibreel held him for the third time then released him and said: {Recite in the name of your Lord who created.} [Quran 96: 1]

Then this situation comes to an end and Jibreel disappears. Muhammad hurries back home, trembling and sweating profusely. He enters upon his wife Khadeejah and says to her: Cover me, cover me. [Al-Bukhari] She covers him with wool covers, and wipes the sweat from his forehead.

The Will of Allah The Almighty has been fulfilled and the seal prophet on earth was chosen to convey the call of Allah The Almighty to His slaves. The verse mentioned above was the first verse that Allah The Almighty revealed to His Messenger from the Noble Quran which is the book that Allah The Almighty chose to be the ever-lasting miracle and clear argument with the seal of the Prophets. This book is not the only book that Allah The Almighty has sent down; rather, there are other books such as Tawraah (Torah) Injeel (Gospel), Zaboor (Psalms), and Suhuf (Scriptures).

The Muslim individual believes in all books that Allah The Almighty revealed to His Prophets and Messengers in much the same way as he believes in the Noble Quran which Allah The Almighty revealed to Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). Allah The Almighty mentioned some of these books in the Noble Quran and did not mention some others. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over the Scripture except those who were given it - after the clear proofs came to them - out of jealous animosity among themselves. And Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed.} [Quran 2: 213]

Amongst the books that Allah The Almighty mentioned in the Noble Quran are:

1. The Scriptures of Ibraaheem (Abraham) and Moosa (Moses), may Allah exalt their mention:

They are the Scriptures that Allah The Almighty sent down to Ibraaheem and Musa, may Allah exalt their mention. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {Or has he not been informed of what was in the scriptures of Moses. And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations]} [Quran 53: 36-37]

• {Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, The scriptures of Abraham and Moses} [Quran 87: 18-19]

Abu Tharr, may Allah be pleased with him, said: I said: O Messenger of Allah! How were the Scriptures of Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention? He said: They were full of examples; O Arrogant tested domineering king! I have not sent you to collect the vain gains of this world, but rather I sent you to respond to the supplication of the wronged person on my behalf for I never reject it even if it is from a disbeliever. Every sane person must – as long as his mind is not absent - take time to invoke his lord, time to bring himself to account, time to contemplate the creation of Allah The Almighty, and time to seek his needs from food and drinking.

Every sane person must not move except for three things: preparing the provision for the appointed time, improving his life and enjoying a lawful pleasure. Also, every sane person must be mindful of his time, must look after his affairs and protect his tongue (from obscene speech). Whoever thinks of his speech as part of his deeds, he will not speak except in what is beneficial for him.

Then I said: O Messenger of Allah! How were the Scriptures of Moosa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention? He said: “They were full of wisdoms: I am amazed at the one who is certain of death and then he feels happy. I am amazed at the one who is certain of Hell and then he laughs. I am amazed at the one who is certain of preordainance and then he exhausts himself. I am amazed at the one who has seen the world and how the fortunes of its people change and then he feels reassured. I am amazed at the one who is certain of Reckoning tomorrow and then he does not work.”

2. Tawraah (Torah)

It is the book that Allah The Almighty revealed to Moosa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention, and ordered the prophets who came after him to establish and fulfill its rulings, for Allah The Almighty sent them and did not send any books with them; rather, He made Tawraah their book and religion. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah ] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah , and they were witnesses thereto.} [Quran 5: 44] Allah The Almighty called he Tawraah “Al-Furqaan” in the Noble Quran.

3. Az-Zaboor (Psalms)

It is one of the heavenly books. Allah The Almighty revealed it to Daawood (David), may Allah exalt his mention. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And to David We gave the book [of Psalms].} [Quran 17: 55] Daawood, may Allah exalt his mention, used to read a great deal in Az-Zaboor which the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) named Quran because of its similarity to the Noble Quran in their miraculousness. He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: “The reciting of the Zaboor (i.e. Psalms) was made easy for Daawood. He used to order that his riding animals be saddled, and would finish reciting the Zaboor before they were saddled. And he would never eat except from the earnings of his manual work.” [Al-Bukhari]

Allah The Almighty sent down in Az-Zaboor precious wisdoms and praises of Him. Allah The Almighty did not reveal in it any rulings of the permissible and prohibited actions for they were enjoined to take their rulings from the Tawraah. 

4. Injeel (Gospel)

Allah The Almighty revealed it to ‘Eesa (Jesus), may Allah exalt his mention. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous.} [Quran 5: 46] 

• {Then We sent following their footsteps Our messengers and followed [them] with Jesus, the son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel} [Quran 57: 27]

Wisdom behind revealing Books

The Muslim individual believes that these books were revealed by Allah The Almighty. They called to At-Tawheed (monotheism) and to associating nothing with Him. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.} [Quran 16: 36]

The Muslim believes that the wisdom behind revealing books is to guide human beings to the straight path of Allah The Almighty, eliminate disagreement and discord from among them, bear for them the glad tidings of the pleasure of Allah The Almighty if they obeyed Him and warn them against His punishment if the disobeyed Him; and that the heavenly books – other than the Noble Quran – have not remained in their original state in which Allah The Almighty sent them down; rather, they were exposed to alteration and distortion and the words of humans have mingled with the Words of Allah The Almighty in them.

Forms of the distortion of the Divinly Revealed Books 

Distortion of the divinely revealed books took different forms. The Noble Quran mentioned some of them such as:

1- Hiding some verses, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much.} [Quran 5: 15] 

2- Misinterpretation of the intended meanings of the verses, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And indeed, there is among them a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. And they say, "This is from Allah," but it is not from Allah. And they speak untruth about Allah while they know.} [Quran 3: 78] 

3- Displacing verses from their original places. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages and say, "We hear and disobey.} [Quran 4: 46]

4- Adding what is not from the Book to it; Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And among them are unlettered ones who do not know the Scripture except in wishful thinking, but they are only assuming. So woe to those who write the "scripture" with their own hands, then say, "This is from Allah ," in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.} [Quran 2: 78-79]

Distortion of the Tawraah (Torah)

Belief in the Tawraah that Allah The Almighty revealed to Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, is one of the main pillars of the religion of Islam. Muslims believe that it included all goodness, called for the worship of Allah Alone and it was a light and guidance. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.} [Quran 5: 44]

However, the Tawraah that was revealed to Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, does not exist anymore in its original state. The claimed Tawraah of nowadays was written by many writers and in different times. It was distorted and altered.

Amongst the material proofs of its distortion is that the Tawraah that is in the hands of Christians is different from the one that is in the hands of Jews. The Noble Quran recorded that distortion and rebuked the Jews for their distortion and alteration of the Tawraah. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Do you covet [the hope, O believers], that they would believe for you while a party of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort the Torah after they had understood it while they were knowing?} [Quran 2: 75]

They had the nerve to distort and alter the Book of Allah The Almighty to hide the truth that it contained and all that can prove the prophethood of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) although they knew him well. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him as they know their own sons. But indeed, a party of them conceal the truth while they know [it].} [Quran 2: 146] Though they knew him well, they did not believe in him and were too arrogant to do so. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages.} [Quran 4: 46]

Amongst the evidences that prove the distortion of the current Tawraah are the descriptions mentioned in it which do not befit the Majesty and Perfection of Allah The Almighty such as: And the LORD God said, Behold, the man has become as one of us, to know good and evil.” [Genesis 3: 22] and “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. [Genesis 6: 6].”

Can these be the Words of Allah The Almighty? Can grief and regret be attributed to Allah The Almighty? In fact, such malicious claims entail that Allah The Almighty did not have knowledge of the results of His actions. No, Allah The Almighty is high above any defect and shortcoming. Allah The Almighty has comprehensive knowledge that encompasses everything. Exalted is He and high above what they say by great sublimity.

Another proof of the distortion of the current Tawraah is what is mentioned in it of describing prophets in a way that negates the infallibility that Allah The Almighty granted them. They mentioned that Ibraaheem (Abraham) is a liar, that Haroon (Aaron) called Banu Israa’eel (Children of Israel) to worship the Calf, and that Sulaymaan (Solomon) worshiped idols to please his wife. Can any human being who has a sound mind say such words; let alone being revealed by Allah The Almighty to guide humans with it?

Belief in the #Heavenly #Books - II

Distortion of the Injeel (Gospel)

The Injeel was also distorted and altered and is not in its original state in which Allah The Almighty revealed it. Christians contintued altering and changing its facts so as to attain their desired worldly gains.

The distortion of the current versions of the Injeel can simply be proved if we know that they are four versions of the Injeel selected from many more versions. Such versions reported the words of Prophet ‘Eesa, may Allah exalt his mention. Their writers are known and their names are written on them. In the library of one of the princes in Paris, a version of the Injeel – Injeel (Gospel) of Barnabas - was found. It differed greatly from the other four selected versions of the Injeel and agreed with the Noble Quran in many beliefs and principles.

After we have known for certain that those books have been distorted, then what is the meaning that the Noble Quran came to confirm in the divine books that preceded it? This simply means that the Noble Quran came to enhance and support the truth which was mentioned in the books that came before it, mainly worshiping Allah The Almighty Alone, believing in His Messengers, believing in the reward, observing rights and justice, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and adhering to noble moral standards. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Say, "O People of the Scripture, you are [standing] on nothing until you uphold [the law of] the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord."} [Quran 5: 68]

Consequently, the Quran is the only way with which we can know the sound divine teachings. It is the book whose fundamental principles are preserved, its teachings are not distorted, and the Ummah received it from the angel who brings down the Revelation to the Messengers - Jibreel, may Allah exalt his mention - who came down to the Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). This preservation was not granted to any book other than the Noble Quran. In fact, the Quran comprises the most sublime principles, methods and systems. It has all that humans need of beliefs, acts of worship, morals, and transactions. It befits all times and places. It is sufficient to create a Muslim individual, a virtuous family and a righteous society. Truthful is the one who speaks with it. Just is the one who passes judgment according to it. Guided to the right path is the one who adheres to its teachings. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. By which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.} [Quran 5: 15-16]

The Previous Divinely Revealed Books Were not Universal

The books that Allah The Almighty revealed, other than the Quran, addressed certain people in certain times and they agreed with the Noble Quran in some rulings and laws. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution.} [Quran 5: 45]

Muslims believe in what is mentioned in these books as long as it does not contradict with the Quran. They also believe that the Noble Quran is the main constitution for all people.

Characteristics of the Noble Quran

The Noble Quran has many characteristics that distinguish it from the books that came before it. Amongst such characteristics are:

• It has all the divine instructions that Allah The Almighty revealed in the Tawraah, the Injeel, and all the teachings that Allah The Almighty revealed.

• It supports the truth which was mentioned in these books regarding worshiping Allah The Almighty Alone, believing in His Messengers, believing in reward, observing and establishing rights, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and adhering to noble moral standards. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method.} [Quran 5: 48]

That is to say, Allah The Almighty revealed the Noble Quran which is truthful in all that is mentioned in it and it confirms the preceding Scriptures that were revealed by Allah The Almighty. It is a witness over them. It explains the distortion and alteration that inflicted them. Then Allah The Almighty ordered His Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) to judge between all people, Muslims and non-Muslims, by what Allah The Almighty has revealed in the Noble Quran and not to follow them in disobeying Allah The Almighty.

• Allah The Almighty prescribed a law for every nation with its rulings and different interactions that befit its nature and inclinations in the best way. The main pillars of creeds are the same in all messages. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein.} [Quran 42: 13] 

Then when Islam came, it abrogated all other laws and methods. It established only one creed and method for all people.

• The original versions of the books that were revealed before the Quran were lost. Nothing remained of them except their translations, unlike the Noble Quran which was preserved as a whole with its Soorahs, verses, words, and letters exactly as Jibreel, may Allah exalt his mention, recited it to the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). In the previous books, the words of humans were mixed with the Words of Allah The Almighty. No one can recognize the words of Allah The Almighty from those of humans. As for the Noble Quran, all of its words are from Allah The Almighty and they were never mixed with the Hadeeths of the Messenger or the speeches of the companions or any other person.

• None of those books can in any way be attributed to the Messenger to whom it was revealed. The Tawraah (Torah) was not written by Moosa (Moses). In fact, it was written many centuries after Moosa. The Noble Quran is the only book that was proved to be decisively attributed to the Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) (even if he did not write it down himself, for he ordered the writers of the revelation to record every verse immediately after it was revealed to him).

• The teachings of the Noble Quran are the Words of Allah The Almighty that can achieve happiness to all humanity. So Allah The Almighty Willed for it to last forever. He preserved and protected it from distortion. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {And indeed, it is a mighty Book Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a [Lord who is] Wise and Praiseworthy.} [Quran 41: 41-42]

• {Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian} [Quran 15: 9]

The wisdom behind that is to make the Quran the argument of Allah The Almighty over people. The Quran is for all worlds and all people. It is not for a specific people unlike the previous heavenly books. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner.} [Quran 34: 28]

• The Quran is the guidance that leads to all that is good. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Alif, Lam, Meem. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah} [Quran 2: 1-2] Allah The Almighty wants His word to spread and reach minds and ears everywhere. This will not be attained except if the Quran is easy to memorize and understand. Nothing in the Quran is difficult for people to understand or fulfill. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?} [Quran 54: 17]

• The Quran is also the miracle of the Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). In fact, if the whole world gathered in order to produce something like what is mentioned in the Quran, they could not produce the like of it for it is as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And indeed, it is a mighty Book. Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a [Lord who is] Wise and Praiseworthy.} [Quran 41: 41-42]

• The Quran is an invitation to every good matter and forbids every vice. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts.} [Quran 10: 57]

• The Quran is a cure for souls. It purifies them from their diseases. It is a remedy from disbelief, misguidance, hatred and envy. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.} [Quran 17: 82]

The covenant of '#Umar

When `Umar Ibnul-Khatab  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him (the second Caliph) entered Jerusalem at the head of a Muslim army in 638CE, he entered the city on foot, as a gesture of humility. There was no bloodshed. On the contrary, those who wanted to leave were allowed to do so with all their possessions and were guaranteed a safe passage. While those who wanted to stay were granted protection for their lives, their property, and their places of worship.

`Umar declined the offer made by Patriarch Sophronius, chief magistrate of the surrendered city, to pray one of the five daily prayers in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, lest in years to come Muslims might try to turn it into a mosque in his memory.

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

This is an assurance of peace and protection given by the servant of Allah Omar, Commander of the Believers to the people of Ilia’ (Jerusalem). He gave them an assurance of protection for their lives, property, churches and crosses as well as the sick and healthy and all its religious community.

Their churches shall not be occupied, demolished nor taken away wholly or in part. None of their crosses nor property shall be seized. They shall not be coerced in their religion nor shall any of them be injured.

The people of Ilia shall pay Jizia tax (head tax on non- Muslims living under the protection of Muslim rule; paid for utilizing the benefits of citizenship and as exemption from military service) as inhabitants of cities do.

He whoever gets out shall be guaranteed safety for his life and property until he reaches his safe haven. He whoever stays shall (also) be safe, in which case he shall pay as much tax as the people of Ilia’ do.

Should any of the people of Ilia wish to move together with their property along with the Romans and to clear out of their churches and crosses, they shall be guaranteed safety for their lives, churches and crosses, until they have reached their safe haven.

He whoever chooses to stay may do so and he shall pay as much tax as the people of Ilia’ do. He whoever wishes to move along with the Roman, may do so, and whoever wishes to return back home to his kinsfolk, may do so.

Nothing shall be taken from them until their crops have been harvested. To the contents of this covenant here are given the Covenant of Allah, the guarantees of His Messenger, the Caliphs and the Believers, provided they (the people of Ilia’) pay their due Jizia tax.

Witnesses hereto are: Khalid Ibnul-Waleed, AbdurRahman Ibn’Auf, Amr Ibnul-`Aas and Mu’awiya Ibn abi-Sufan. Made and executed in the year 15 AH.

The Master of Memorizers: Abu Hurayrah

He is the honorable Companion Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him. Before embracing Islam, he was called ‘Abd Shams (slave of the sun). After he embraced Islam, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) called him ‘Abdur-Rahman (Slave of The Most-Merciful) and gave him the nickname of Abu Hurayrah (the father of a kitten).

There is a humorous reason behind this nickname. ‘Abdur-Rahman, may Allah be pleased with him, was famous for being humane to animals and he had a kitten that he was kind to and he took care of it. It used to accompany him everywhere. Therefore, he was called Abu Hurayrah. The Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) used to address him using this nickname. It was narrated in a Hadeeth that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said to him: “Come here, O Abu Hurayrah!” [Al-Bukhari]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, was born in the tribe of Daws, an Arabian tribe. He reverted to Islam in the year of conquering Khaybar in 7 A.H. After embracing Islam, he used to accompany the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and sit with him for long periods of time learning from him.

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, tried many times to invite his mother to Islam, but she refused.

One day, he invited her to Islam, but she refused and said bad words about the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). Consequently, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, went to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) weeping and said, “O Messenger of Allah, I called my mother to Islam but she turned down my call. I called her today but she said things about you that I hated to hear. Supplicate Allah to Guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah.” The Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, “O Allah! Guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah to the right path.” I left, feeling optimistic because of the supplication of the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

When I came near the door, it was closed from within. My mother heard the sound of my footsteps, and said, “O Abu Hurayrah! Wait! ” I heard the sound of water. She took a bath and put on a dress and was too hasty to put on her head cover, then opened the door and said, “O Abu Hurayrah! I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.” Abu Hurayrah added, “I went back to the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) shedding tears of joy. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Be happy, for Allah has answered your supplication and guided the mother of Abu Hurayrah to the right path.’ The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) praised Allah, and lauded Him, and said good words.

I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Supplicate Allah for me and my mother to be loved by His believing Slaves and for us to love them too.’ The Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, ‘O Allah! Make this slave of Yours and his mother (i.e. Abu Hurayrah and his mother) loved by Your believing slaves and make them love Your believing slaves.’ This supplication has been answered by Allah, The Almighty, so much that any believer who heard about me loved me.” [Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, used to like fighting in the Cause of Allah. He joined the battles, attended sessions of knowledge and accompanied the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). He was the most attached Companion to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). Compared to other Companions, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, memorized the highest number of narrated Ahadeeth from the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). One of the Companions said about him, “Abu Hurayrah narrated a lot of Ahadeeth and the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar did not narrate like him.” He used to reply to this saying, “My brothers among the Ansaar were busy with farming their lands and my brothers among the Muhaajiroon were busy with trading. I used to serve the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) in return for what would fill my stomach. So, I witness any situation if they are absent and memorize if they forget. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, ‘Whoever will spread his upper garment until I finish my speech and then fold it, (i.e. wrap it over his body), he will never forget anything he had heard from me.’ So, I spread the garment which I was wearing, and by Him Who sent Muhammad with the Truth (i.e. Allah), ever since, I have never forgotten whatever I heard from him (the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )).” [Muslim]

He also said, “Had it not been for two revealed verses in the Book of Allah, I would never have narrated anything. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture - those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse. Except for those who repent and correct themselves and make evident [what they concealed]. Those - I will accept their repentance, and I am the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. } [Quran 2:159-160]”

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, had an excellent memory and he was able to quickly memorize and did not forget. Ash-Shafi‘i  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said about him, “He is the person who memorized most of the Hadeeth in his time.” Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said about himself, “No one knows the Ahadeeth of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) more than me except Abdullah ibn ‘Amr, for he used to write them but I did not.”

He liked knowledge and his students used to visit him until there would be no space left in his home. He was highly esteemed for his knowledge. One day, he stretched out his legs and said, “We entered the home of the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) until we filled the home while he was reclining on his side. When he saw us he bent his legs and said, ‘After me, there will be people coming to you seeking knowledge. So, welcome, greet and teach them.’” [Ibn Majah]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, was extremely poor and he used to tie a stone on his stomach due to extreme hunger; he said:

By Allah! I used to lay (asleep) on the ground on my liver (abdomen) because of hunger, and (sometimes) I would bind a stone over my belly because of hunger. One day, I sat by the way where people used to walk. When Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, passed by, I asked him about a verse in the Noble Quran and my only purpose in asking him was that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by and did not do so. Then ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, passed by and I asked him about a verse in the Noble Quran, and my only purpose in asking him was that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by without doing so. Finally, Abul-Qaasim (i.e. the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) passed by and knew from my face (that I was hungry). He said, “O Abu Hurayrah!” I replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” He said to me, “Follow me.” He left and I followed him. Then he entered the house and I asked permission to enter and was admitted. He found milk in a bowl and said, “From where is this milk?” They said, “It has been granted to you by such-and-such man (or by such and such family).” He said, "O Abu Hirr!" I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Go and call the people of Suffah to me.” The people of Suffah were the guests of Islam who had no families, nor money, nor anybody to depend upon, and whenever an object of charity was brought to the Messenger of Allah   sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) he would send it to them and would not take anything from it, and whenever any gift was given to him, he used to send some for them and take some of it for himself. This made me sad, as I hoped to have a little of this milk in order to have strength for the rest of the day. When the people came I gave them some of this milk. I was wondering what would remain of that milk for me, but anyway, I could only obey Allah and His Messenger, so I went to the people of Suffah and called them, and they came and asked for the Prophet's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) permission to enter. They were admitted and took their seats in the house. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, “O Abu-Hirr!” I said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” He said,

“Take it and give it to them." So I took the bowl (of milk) and started giving it to each man who drank his fill and returned it to me until finally the whole group had drunk their fill. I then placed the bowl between the hands of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and there was still milk remaining, so he raised his head, looked at me, smiled and said. "O Abu Hirr!"

I replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “(Only) you and I remain." I said, "You have said the truth, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Sit down and drink." I sat down and drank. He said, "Drink," and I drank. He kept on telling me repeatedly to drink, until I said, "No. By Allah Who Sent you with the truth, I have no space for it (in my stomach).” He said, “Hand it over to me.” When I gave him the bowl, he drank the remaining milk. [Al-Bukhari]

Allah, The Almighty, honored Abu Hurayrah because of his faith and sincerity to Allah and His Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). He married the lady whom he used to work for before he accepted Islam. In this regard, he said, “I was raised as an orphan, I migrated as a poor man and I was a hired worker for Busrah bint Ghazwaan in return for my food. I used to serve them when they camped and walked holding the reins of their riding animals if they moved. All praise is due to Allah Who made religion a means for rectifying and made Abu Hurayrah Imam.”

During the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, was appointed as a ruler of Bahrain. He was also the vice-ruler of Al-Madeenah when Marwaan ibn Al-Hakam was the ruler. However, he used to carry firewood and sell it in the market.

He used to advise people enjoining them to do good and forbidding them from evil. Once, he was passing by the market, and he saw people preoccupied with the worldly life. So, he stood in the middle of the market and shouted, “O people, the inheritance of the Prophet   sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) is being divided while you are here! Why do you not go and take your shares?” They asked him, “Where is that?” He answered, “In the mosque.” The people rushed to the mosque and then returned. He asked them, “Why have you come back?” They said, “O Abu Hurayrah! We entered the mosque and did not see anything that is being divided.” He asked them, “What did you see?” They replied, “We saw some people praying, others reciting the Quran and others studying what is lawful and what is unlawful.” Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “This is the inheritance of Muhammad.”

He did not seek in the worldly life anything but the pleasure of Allah and the love of His Muslim Slaves until his death. When he was dying, he cried of longing for his Lord. When he was asked about the reason for his tears, he said, “because of the little provision and the long journey.” He also said, “O Allah, I like meeting You, so, like meeting me!” He died in 59 A.H. and it was said in 57 A.H. and his age was 78 years. He was buried at Al-Baqee‘ after spreading knowledge throughout the land and narrating more than 5000 Ahadeeth.
 may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him!

Malicious Allegations Against Hijab – IV

The seventh allegation:

Many people quote an argument which indicates ignorance about the proofs behind Hijab (Islamic covering) as well as ignorance about the consensus of the scholars of the different schools of jurisprudence, that it is obligatory to cover the face at times when temptation and corruption are widespread. Undoubtedly, our current age is worthy of this description. This argument is, “The veil (face-cover) is a disputed issue among the scholars.”

This allegation is refuted from several aspects:

1- A true Muslim is required to seek the soundest view in Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) issues and rulings by looking for the strongest argument, abandoning following one's desires and inclinations and seeking the help of Allah The Almighty in order to be guided to the truth. A person who fulfills these requirements will inevitably be guided to the truth and it will be facilitated for him. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {If Allah knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you.} [Quran 8: 70]

The argument “It is a disputed issue” is adopted by many people today in their acts of worship and thereby they got what they wanted and satisfied their desires through a scholar's slip, an ungrounded concession, an irregular opinion or a mistaken understanding, without giving the least importance to the contradiction of all that to the words of the infallible Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who does not speak from his own inclination; rather, through revelation. The Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, prescribed for us a healing medicine whenever the disease of difference in opinion occurs. In a Hadeeth (narration), he said: "Those who live (after me) from among you will witness many differences . You have to follow my Sunnah (tradition) as well as that of the rightly-guided Caliphs."

Allah The Almighty considered consensus an argument that is immune to error. It is unsound to consider the opposite, which is difference in opinion, as being above error in argument as well.

A person who seeks irregular concessions and differences in his religion will end up with imperfect worship and weak faith. He could even lose his religiousness altogether. It was said, "A person who excessively looks for concessions has left the fold of religion."

2- The ascertained and transmitted reality is that the Muslim women remained veiled throughout the different stages of Islamic history. The aforesaid statements of the scholars assert that wearing the Hijab was one of the characteristics of the Muslim women throughout the ages.

Shaykhul-Islam, Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "It was the Sunnah (way) of the believers during the lifetime of the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that a free woman would be concealed from non-Mahram (marriageable) men while a bondmaid would not."

It was narrated on the authority of ‘Aasim Al-Ahwal, may Allah have mercy on him, that he said, “We used to enter upon Hafsah bint Seereen while she had made her cloak as a veil. We would say to her, may Allah be merciful to you, Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment.} [Quran 24: 60] She would reply, “What (part of the verse) comes after that?” We would say, “{But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them.}” She would say, "This asserts wearing the Hijab.”

3- We can summarize the opinions of the scholars of the four schools of jurisprudence regarding the issue of the woman's Hijab as follows: 

They unanimously agree that a woman is required to cover her body as a whole before non-Mahram men -- including both, those who are of the view that the face and hands are a part of the ‘Awrah (part of the body that must be covered), as well as those who are of the view that they are not a part of the ‘Awrah but make it obligatory to cover them in this age, due to the corruption of most people, the weakness of their faith and the lack of piety in their inability to abandon looking at women which is prohibited.

In his book ‘Awdat Al-Hijab (Part One), Shaykh Muhammad Al-Muqaddim, may Allah preserve him, said, "The majority of scholars of the schools of jurisprudence in this age unanimously agree that it is obligatory to cover a woman's face and hands to block the way before corruption and eliminate the reasons for temptation."

Finally:

Having mentioned some of the allegations that the advocates of neglecting Hijab and impermissible exposure of women's adornment raise against Hijab, we give the following advice to the woman who wears the Hijab disapproved by the Sharee‘ah: 

Beware of believing that you wear the Hijab commanded in the Quran and the Sunnah. Do not be deceived that you are better than those who are not adhering to Hijab at all. That is because evil cannot be taken as a role model and there are [various] levels in the Hellfire, some of which are under some others.

Do not be deceived by those who bless your attitude from among those who are after satanic purposes, lustful interests and material benefits, who plan in order to popularize the Sharee‘ah-disapproved Hijab, make it, display it, buy it, and sell it. Such people are similar to the Jews and Christians who disobeyed Allah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and met the command of Allah The Almighty and His Forbiddance by their saying: {we hear and disobey} . In return, Allah The Exalted Said (what means) concerning them: {So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part?} [Quran 2: 85]

Such people are as if they did not receive a revealed Quran. It is as if they did not hear the verses in which Allah The Exalted Says (what means): 

• {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments.} [Quran 33: 59]

• {and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof.} [Quran 24: 31] 

• {And do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance.} [Quran 33: 33]

It is as if these verses were revealed to women other than Muslim women. 

As for the blessed sister who fulfills the command of her Lord, we ask Allah The Almighty to safeguard her and grant her steadfastness. I say to her: Be pleased and rejoice with the glad tidings of the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, for you as well as similar women are patient and persevering for the sake of Allah The Almighty. In a Hadeeth, the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Give glad tidings to the strangers." It was said, "Who are the strangers, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "They are a small group of righteous people among a large evil population. Those who oppose them are more than those who follow them."

In a community where negligence and non-adherence to Hijab prevail, you often hear people who say, "You look strange and abnormal." Be patient and persevering and keep steadfast in the face of temptations. There are just a few days after which you will enjoy the bliss of Paradise and the garments of honor with the mercy of Allah The Almighty. It was narrated on the authority of Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, that he said, "If Satan looks at you and finds you permanently obedient to Allah and he tries time after time to seduce you and you remain steadfast, he gets bored and abandons you. But if you are not steadfast all the time, he will try seducing you [again and again]."

The best thing to conclude with is the last portion of the verse in which Allah The Almighty commands women to wear the Hijab. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.} [Quran 24: 31]

A Call for Harmony and Cordiality Between the Spouses

Marital happiness resembles the honey produced by two bees; the greater their efforts are, the sweeter it will be. There is ‎no doubt that marital happiness is the ‎responsibility of both spouses and this necessitates the existence of ‎love between them.‎

At the same time, we say that the happy house does not only depend on ‎love, but also the spirit of tolerance must be present. Marriage in the sight of Islam means psychological tranquility, spiritual comfort, and heartfelt harmony as well as cooperation between the two spouses to make the permanent journey of life together.

The Quran describes the marital relationship in the most eloquent way saying (what means): {And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.} [Quran 30:21]

This affection and cordiality can solve any problem, and there will be problems between lovers who love each other sincerely, and not just because of personal interests.

This is a call for cordiality and love between the spouses and a call for overlooking faults.

How can we achieve cordiality and harmony between the spouses?

We can achieve cordiality and harmony through the following stages:

- Kind mutual frankness has a magical influence on marital life.

- Ask your wife to sit next to you and embrace her along with giving her looks and touches that express your love and longing for her. Treat your wife kindly and she will do the same to you. Make her feel that you favor her over yourself and that you are keen on making her happy and maintain her health. Let her know that you sacrifice for her sake when she is sick, for example.

- Play with your wife and joke with her to arouse her feelings and emotions towards you. Learn from the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) who said: “It is better to marry a virgin who plays with you and you play with her.” [Al-Bukhari]

- Even ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who was an example of seriousness and prudence said, “One should be like a boy among his family [i.e. in terms of cordiality and kindness], but when he deals with the people, he should be a man.”

- The wife should receive her husband heartily after adorning herself and applying good perfume.

- Look at the faults of your husband with the eyes of a lover, because this will make you see his mistakes as trivial faults.

- Be quiet when your husband gets angry and later speak with him about what he did and rebuke him cordially.

- I advise the husband to always be calm and avoid anger, because anger causes hatred. If you have wronged your wife, apologize to her, and never spend a night while you are angry with her or with her shedding tears. Always remember that what made you angry is only a trivial matter that does not deserve to disturb your marital life. Seek refuge with Allah The Almighty from the accursed devil and try to be calm. Always bear in mind that the bonds of love between you and your wife are too pure to be blemished by a temporary outrage.

- Dear wife, keep yourself busy with satisfying your husband to receive what pleases you. A Bedouin woman said to her daughter, “Be his bondmaid, and he will be your slave.”

Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Any woman who dies while her husband is pleased with her will enter Paradise.” [At-Tirmithi]

- Always call him “My darling” and tell him that you love him, because this is not for lovers but rather for spouses.

- If you are a working woman, do not allow the problems of work disturb the relationship between you and your husband. Leave all the problems associated with your work in your workplace and return home without any concerns.

- Dear husband, if you dislike anything in your wife, remember her good qualities to get rid of any bad feelings towards her. Remember the Hadeeth in which the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: “A believer should not hate a believing woman (i.e., his wife); if he dislikes one of her characteristics he would be pleased with another.” 

So, try to overlook the negative aspects in the personality of your wife and remember that she has many other good aspects to make up for this negative aspect.

- Make your wife feel that she is safe and you will never let her down or abandon her.

- Deal with your wife’s behavior and mistakes with forbearance and away from any hostile behavior.

- Do not insult your wife because insults would be deeply engraved in your wife’s heart and mind. The most dangerous abuses that may not be forgiven by your wife are to lose your temper and beat her or curse her family or raise doubts about her chastity.

- “You are a wonderful woman, but….” Avoid this style of praise, because your wife will forget everything and only remember the “but”.

Here, we want to pose the following question: Do harmony and cordiality between the spouses affect the life of the family members?

To answer this question, we should mention the importance of cordiality and harmony in the life of the family:

- Harmony strengthens the relationship between the man and woman and increases the husband’s wish to get close to his wife.

- Harmony and cordiality refreshes the marital life and renews the love of the spouses every day.

- It increases the husband’s respect for the family of his wife and vice versa.

- Harmony and cordiality spread tranquility in the house.

- Harmony makes both spouses realize their roles in the true sense of the word as a husband and a father for the man and as a wife and a mother for the woman.

- Harmony and cordiality renew the faith-boosting environment in the home, refine the souls and strengthen the relationship with Allah The Almighty.

- Harmony and cordiality improve the relationship between the spouses and their friends and relatives.

- Harmony and cordiality enable the parents to treat the problems of the children wisely and calmly away from hostility and anger.

- Harmony and cordiality improve the psychological stability of the children and their relationship with and attachment to their parents. In this way, they will seek help and support from their parents when they face any problem.

- Harmony and cordiality decrease the amount of disagreements with the children and achieve mutual understanding between children and parents. Likewise, the children’s educational achievements will improve.

May Allah The Almighty provide all Muslim families with the harmony to lead happy lives.