THE GREAT AND MATCHLESS LEADER IN HUMAN HISTORY

 

THE GREAT AND MATCHLESS LEADER IN HUMAN HISTORY

 

The one unique, complete, and matchless person in all shades of life is Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). He is the leader who has enhanced this garden of the world with fresh roses of quotes, with a deeply immersed soul of morals, with a strong character of ethics, with the fragrance of kindness, with the glory of respect, with the beauty of patience, with colors of relations and with the noble act of sacrifice. He (Peace be Upon Him) is incomparable in all spheres of life. His (Peace be Upon Him) personality is elegant and matchless in both enormous fields of life, first is practical, social, cultural, and political- second spiritual, moral, and religious.

He (Peace be Upon Him) is supreme in every walk of life either as a husband or a leader of a state or a friend or a human or a preacher or a teacher or a neighbor. He (Peace be Upon Him) truthful example in all aspects of life and his splendid actions and merits are very helpful for a purely natural human lifestyle. He (Peace be Upon Him) is unprecedented and exceptional in the global record of great personalities. There are no fables about his life history and Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Quran;

 

لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِي رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٞ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأٓخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرٗا

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (Al-Quran 33:21)

 

Being Muslims we believe that our honorable Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is superior to all Prophets (Ambiya and Rusul) and he has stated:

“I am the chief of all the descendants of Adam (Tirmidhi, vol. 5, Hadith: 3159).”

 

The companions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) described him and said:

"We haven't seen anybody like him before him or after him." ( Sahih Bukhari)

 

Words fall less of defining the incomparable and matchless personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). No one can complete the description of his beauty because if his beauty will reveal in its entirety, we will not be able to bear the radiance of his incomparable personality. The Jibrail, an archangel who acts as an intermediary between Allah Almighty and humans and as a bearer of revelation to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) declared Holy Prophet Muhammed's (Peace be Upon Him) personality:

"I have combed the east and west of the earth, but I have not found anyone as eminent as Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)." (A Tradition related by Baihaqi, Tibarani, and Asaker).

 

We know that there are many revolutionists in the world and we have seen many great contributors or leaders to the world civilization. For example, when we appraise the qualities of any person we do so by scanning or conforming to the accomplishments and victories of such person. So, to understand the distinctive character of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) one needs to evaluate the significance of his achievements and contributions by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).  The outstanding characteristics and extraordinary virtues of Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) make him the best role model for all mankind.

 

 

 

THE SEVEN TYPES OF PEOPLE UNDER THE SHADE OF ALLAH ALMIGHTY

 

THE SEVEN TYPES OF PEOPLE UNDER THE SHADE OF ALLAH ALMIGHTY

The Day of Judgment is called Yawm ad-Din in the first surah of the Noble Quran. It is the day when Allah Almighty will decide how people will live their afterlife. When no one has the free will to make their own decisions and when people will be judged by Allah Almighty for their choices. On that day, Allah Almighty the Superior and the Glorious would turn up the Heavens, and then He would set them on His right hand and say; I am the Lord; where are the haughty and where are the proud (today)? He would fold the earth and then place it on his left hand and say; I am the Lord; where are the haughty and where are the proud (today)? (Sahih Muslim 2788 a)

The major heat source of the world is Sun and today it is about 93,000,000 miles away from planet earth yet heat waves that we face from time to time can be quite unbearable while some climates are almost uninhabitable. With that in mind, read over the following lines of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him);

 

"The sun will be brought close to mankind on the Day of Judgment until its distance from them will be one mile". Then the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said "Because of this, people will become submerged in sweat, the severity of which will depend on their deeds. Some will be submerged up to their ankles, others up to their knees, others up to their waists while others will be submerged to their jaws." The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) then pointed to his mouth. (Narrated by Muslim- Al-Miqdad).

These harrowing scenes of discomfort, the enigmatic happenings that successively affect one after another from all around you in unprecedented levels of heat are horrible for Muslims. Only the selected group of blessed Muslims will be escorted to live in the shade which Allah Almighty has provided for them on this hard day. These are seven types of people that will be under the shelter of Allah Almighty from the scorching heat of the day of Judgment. (Riyadh-us-Saliheen, Hadith 376).

These are;

1. A just ruler

2. A young man who passed his youth in the worship and service of Allah Almighty

3. One whose heart is attached to the mosque

4. Two people who love each other for the sake of Allah Almighty

5. A man who is invited to sin but declines, saying 'I fear Allah Almighty"

6. One who spends his charity in secret, without making a show

7. One who remembers Allah Almighty in solitude so that his eyes overflow with tears.

 

After reading the aforementioned lines, if you have a question about the kind of shade as there will be no mountains, trees, buildings, or objects then how people will get shade? For this Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) answered that;

"Allah Almighty will shade them within the shade of His Throne." (Narrated by Sa'eed Ibn Mansoor in his 'Sunan')

 

How many blessings of Allah Almighty we have that such a Hadith has been narrated for us and Islam provided us such opportunities and set very concise categories for our understanding. Allah Almighty first described the hardships of the Day of Resurrection and then provided us detailed deeds to enjoy His blessings on the day of Judgment. No doubt, Allah Almighty is the Exalted and the Glorious.

 

NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE LIGHT OF ISLAM

 

NATURAL DISASTERS AND ISLAM

What are the causes of Natural Disasters in light of the Glorious Quran? What type of lessons we can learn from Natural disasters?

Natural disasters are natural events caused by natural forces of the earth, including floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, and snowstorms. Natural calamities and disasters have been affecting different portions of the earth throughout the earth's history. Science created different fields of study relevant to natural disasters, including hydrology, seismology, geology, and meteorology. According to science, the first notable disaster on earth was the Lisbon Earthquake of the year 1755, but 1400 years ago in the scriptural foundation of Islam (the Glorious Quran), Allah Almighty mentioned several natural disasters and their reasons. So, the need of the hour is to seek knowledge and guidance from the Glorious Quran and Hadith about every simple or complex matter.

According to the Holy Quran and Hadith, we can say that;

1. Natural disasters are warnings from Allah Almighty to sinners

Allah Almighty does not need the worship of any creature. He commands us to worship Him for our benefit. It is not difficult for Allah Almighty to destroy the whole earth, but He always warns the sinners through natural disasters on different portions of the earth. In the Glorious Quran, Allah Almighty mentioned that;

And if Allah Almighty were to punish men for that which they earned, He would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth, but He gives them respite to an appointed term, and when their term comes, then verily, Allah is Ever All-Seer of His slaves. (Surah Al-Fatir: 45)

 

    2. Natural disasters are punishment for disbelievers or who cross Allah Almighty's limits

It has been proved from the history of natural disasters in the Holy Quran that immoral acts can cause Allah Almighty's punishment in the temporary life of the earth. For example;

 

وَمَآ أَصَٰبَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٖ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِيكُمۡ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن كَثِيرٖ

And whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. (Ash-Shura:30)

 

       3.  Natural disasters are  test for Believers

Allah Almighty mentioned in the Glorious Quran that this life is the test for human beings. This life cannot be a paradise for a reason. It cannot easy always for a reason. Unfortunately, some of us forget the meaning of life and start complaining to Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty made this life temporary and neither of its good things is eternal nor the bad things are forever. These are the part of our test and those who will pass the test will get good life hereafter.

Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran;

كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةٗۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ

"Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as a trial, and to Us, you will be returned" (Surah Al-Anbiya: 35).

 

Examples from human history

Warning and punishment for Pharaoh

Pharaoh was insubordinate to Allah Almighty and refused the signs brought by Prophet Musa (A.S). He was warned by Allah Almighty from time to time but he did not improve himself. As a result, he was finally grabbed by Allah Almighty and drowned.

 

Punishment for The Tribe of Prophet Noah (A.S)

The Tribe of Prophet Noah (A.S) refused his message and practiced polytheism. As a result, they drowned in the flood.

Allah Almighty mentioned it in Surah Al-Qamar from verse 9 to 16;

9. The people of Noah denied before them, and they denied Our servant and said, "A madman," and he was repelled. 10. So he invoked his Lord, "Indeed, I am overpowered, so help." 11. Then We opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down. 12. And caused the earth to burst with springs, and the waters met for a matter already predestined. 13. And We carried him on a [construction of] planks and nails, 14. Sailing under Our observation as reward for he who had been denied  16. And how [severe] were My punishment and warning.

Therefore, Muslims have to be strong and careful about their actions. If people around them are facing any Natural disaster, it can be a kind of test for them. They should help them. Sometimes Allah Almighty gives us answers when we forget Him and start believing on ourselves more than Him.  It can be one of the side effects of our heedlessness to Allah Almighty’s limits that we tell ourselves we are so powerful and can do anything. Although it is correct humanity have been blessed with great abilities to modify the world, Satan (the biggest enemy of man) can use this to mislead and deceive people into thinking they are not in need of anyone or anything, even Allah Almighty. Disasters remind us in an instant that this idea is foolish and only leads people down a dark path. No dear reader, we are not all-powerful, only Allah Almighty is All- Powerful. We are the creation of The All-Powerful and are His slaves. When we live our lives with this understanding, we are humble in our power and use the gifts we are given from Him to make the world a better place, not to destroy it.

 

 

 

 

 

GENDER EQUALITY IN ISLAM

 

GENDER EQUALITY IN ISLAM

Does Islam subjugates Women? On what basis Islam distinguishes between Men and Women?

Unfortunately, some Muslim cultures and practices may indeed lead us to the conclusion that in Islam women are oppressed and deprived of their basic human rights. However, if you will examine objectively, the primary sources of evidence in Islam, namely the Glorious Quran and the Hadith, you will find that it has not only guaranteed the fundamental human rights for women but also it secured those rights.

In the Glorious Quran Allah Almighty mentioned that men and women are spiritually equal.

 

وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ مِن ذَكَرٍ أَوۡ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٞ

 فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يَدۡخُلُونَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُظۡلَمُونَ

 نَقِيرٗا

“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.”  (Surah An-Nisa: 124)

 

A few years ago, discussion about the rights of women began to emerge in the western context but in Islam, from 1400 years ago women's rights are defined. Men and women are equal in the sight of Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty is the master and all are His creation, He does not distinguish between a male and a female based on gender but on biologically and physically. In fact from an Islamic paradigm, Allah Almighty does not distinguish between human beings based on their color or race but rather He looks at their hearts and their actions. And this is beautifully exemplified in the Glorious Quran in many of its verses. For example;

  

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fast women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 35)

 

In this particular verse, Allah Almighty clearly shows that in His sight, men and women are equal in terms of their spirituality, conduct, moral ethics, or actions. Men and women are equal in Islam but based on the makeup of their creation by Allah Almighty, they are different physiologically, psychologically, and biologically. Depending upon their makeup Allah Almighty set rules for them. For example, men and women are at times allotted different rights and cultural expectations. The Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) states that;

"A man is expected to be the "guardian of [his] family," whereas a woman is expected to be the "guardian of her husband's home and his children."(Sahih Bukhari 9:89:252)

 

The Western people or non-Muslims who speak against Islam and say, Islam, subjugates women because of not giving them equal rights in Olympics, sports, forces, and inheritance. Let's take a brief review of their behavior with women. What are they doing with women? In their Olympics and sports, why do women and men have separate teams? Why they don't make one team of boys and another of girls and set a match between them? Why do they prefer to show girls over boys in their ads? I have answers to these questions. They do because they are well known for the difference in physical power and beauty attraction between men and women. While on the other side, they evaluate the intelligence of men and women together in exams because they know that men and women are equal in intelligence. The western world knows but they don't want to admit it and they are subjugating the women.

 

However, in many fields of life men and women stand together but in some fields, Islam separates them. Depending upon this Allah Almighty set rules for them like women have to give birth to children and if Allah Almighty orders the women to go on Jihad, it would be a very tough practice for them. So, Islam favors women in many situations but does not subjugate them. In Islam, women have the rights of marriage, education, economics, property, vote, and business under sacred law or Sharia. Men are stronger than women and Allah Almighty created men for the protection of their women. In the Glorious Quran Allah Almighty mentioned;

 

ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ

"Men are in charge of women." (Surah An-Nisa: 34)

 

Therefore Islam behaves equally to men and women but not identically. It can be more understandable through this example if two players got the same number of gold medals in last decade. Now by the progress, they stand on the same point but they both were appeared in every annual match and played against one another, but maybe player A lost the first one and player B won, and in the next match, player B lost and player A won. So, in some matches player A won, and in some matches player B won but now they have the same points of progress and their success is equal but not identical.

Why is the share given to Men in Islam regarding inheritance is double than that given to women?

 

Why does son receives  double the  share  of a daughter?

It is often stated in modern times that Islam oppress women by giving them half of their inheritance than that of men. Being Muslims we have a strong belief in ALLAH Almighty’s immutable features and this belief keeps such objections from affecting our thoughts and heart. The Glorious Quran says;

"ALLAH Almighty is no oppressor for His slaves." (Surah Al-Hajj: 10)

 

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَظۡلِمُ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٖۖ

Indeed! ALLAH Almighty is not unjust even as much as an atom’s weight (Surah An-Nisa: 40)

 

Muslim believes that ALLAH Almighty is a just judge and He does not do any kind of injustice to humans or any of His creatures. The statements of the Quran give us a firm conviction in ALLAH Almighty’s decisions. Therefore, such arguments or complaints by Non-Muslims cannot not shake our belief but rather calls for a critical analysis of inheritance law description by the Glorious Quran.

 

The distinction in inheritance is not because of the Gender of the heir but of a Logical Reason

First, understand the amount of inheritance according to the level of relationship to the dead. Regardless of gender in heir, the closer the kinship to the deceased, the more a person will get in inheritance. For example, an deceased woman's daughter receives half of the inheritance while the husband of an deceased woman only receives 1/4 (one-fourth). This is because of the level of closed relationship with deceased woman. But when we talk about the distinction of inheritance between siblings, it comes to half for daughters by father. The logic behind this difference is;

Financial Responsibility

The male is responsible for the financial service of his wife, whereas, for his married sister's financial maintenance, her husband or son is responsible. So, the woman gets favor in every practical purpose of life even though she is not responsible to spend her inheritance's money on household expenditures, and is hers to spend as she pleases. In Islam, it is the man who bears the financial burden before a woman is married the father and brother and after she is married it is the husband and son who look after her lodging, clothing, and all financial aspects. In the religion of Islam men treat women like "The Queen" who has no worries of financial difficulty. 

To make it more considerable, I would like to add an example and your mind will understand it correctly. For instance, a father died and after giving the inheritance part to all the deserving relatives of the deceased father. The property of 60,000 PKR left.  This portion is for daughter and son, as the deceased father had one daughter and one son so, the son will get double 40,000 PKR than the daughter who will get 20,000 PKR. Is it injustice? No, because the son has the financial burden of his family and he is going to spend 90% of it on his family, while the daughter is just like the princess and she has no financial burden and the 20,000 PKR is only for her. Therefore every Commandment of ALLAH Almighty has wisdom and logic behind it and we must analyze them and learn good acts from Islam. 

The most specific share division of Inheritance from the Glorious Quran;

“Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females? But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two-thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.” (Surah An-Nisa: 11)

 

“And for you is half of what your wives leave if they have no child. But if they have a child, for you is one-fourth of what they leave, after any bequest they [may have] made or debt. And for the wives is one-fourth if you leave no child. But if you leave a child, then for them is an eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you [may have] made or debt. And if a man or woman leaves neither ascendants nor descendants but has a brother or a sister, then for each one of them is a sixth. But if they are more than two, they share a third, after any bequest which was made or debt, as long as there is no detriment [caused]. [This is] an ordinance from Allah, and Allah is Knowing and Forbearing.” (Surah An-Nisa: 12

 

There are several verses of the Glorious Quran that give instructions on inheritance on several bases and in some cases, women get an equal share to men. For example;

·         If the deceased person leaves a mother, a father, and a son's son

·         If the deceased person leaves a blood brother and sister

·         If the deceased person leaves blood brothers, sisters, or full sisters

·         If the deceased person leaves a maternal grandmother, a father, and a son's son

·         If the deceased person leaves a husband, a mother, two blood sisters (A half sister having the same mother but a different father), and a full brother

 

There are also some cases where women get more than men in inheritance. For example;

·         If the deceased person leaves a husband and one daughter

·         If the deceased person leaves a husband and two daughters

·         If the deceased person leaves a daughter and maternal uncle

 

Some other verses are also for inheritance distribution. For example, in;

·         Surah Al- Baqarah Verse: 180

·         Surah Al-Baqarah Verse: 240

·         Surah An-Nisa Verse: 19

·         Surah An-Nisa Verse: 33

·         Surah An-Nisa Verse: 79

 

 

 

 

WOMEN AS MOTHER, WIFE, AND DAUGHTER IN ISLAM

 

WOMEN AS MOTHER, WIFE, AND DAUGHTER IN ISLAM

 

Before Islam women were extremely mistreated. Newborn female babies were buried alive. They were sold just like other commodities. In this age of Darkness Islam was the first monotheistic religion to introduce the rights of women. It is the only religion that led the world to woman's rights.

The honor of Mother in Islam

The word "Mother" is not only the synonym of Love but also a relationship that is referred by Allah Almighty to discuss His love for a human. He says "I love my men more than 70 mothers." It raised the status of a woman as the mother to the greatest level and in Islam serving a mother is not only an act of generosity but is also rewarded in heaven. It is also mentioned in the Glorious Quran to behave well with our parents.

 

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنًاۚ إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَك

 ٱلۡكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا

 فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفّٖ وَلَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوۡلٗا كَرِيمٗ

"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them (so much as), "uff", and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." (QS. Al-Isra: 23).

Also in Hadith Book it is mentioned;

Once, a companion sought Prophet (SAW)'s permission to participate in the Jihaad. Prophet (PBUH) asked if his mother was still living. Getting the answer in the affirmative, Prophet (PBUH) advised him to look after and attend to his mother as Paradise is close to her feet. [Ibne Majah, Nisai]

 

The honor of Daughter in Islam

Allah Almighty announced the gift of heaven for every father who raises his daughters according to the rules of Islam, fulfills their basic needs, and hands them over to marry legally.

In Hadith it is mentioned;

"Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood - he and I will come (together) on the Day of Resurrection - and he interlaced his fingers (meaning in Paradise)." (Reported by Muslim).

 

So the position of daughters in Islam is great and also a kind of encouragement for them. As neither of Prophet Muhammad's (Peace be Upon Him) sons survived but he did not mourn at them. Instead, the love of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) for his daughter Fatima(R.A) reflects the love for daughters in Islam. As Islam does not give preference to sons over beautiful daughters. For the haters of the daughter, it's mentioned in Quran;

 

"If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good." (An-Nisa' 4:19)

 

The honor of Wife in Islam

A wife in Islam is also never to be put down or taken for granted and she has permission to balance her duties and goals without disappointing her husband. In English wife can be called a "housewife" but in Arabic, she is called as "Rabbaitul Bait" or the "Queen of the house". So this is a brief description of the honor of a woman in Islam. It is stated in Islam:

 

"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them, and He had put love and mercy between you; Verily, in that are signs for people who reflect."

 

The marriage is not only for a physical or emotional purpose but it is a sign from ALLAH Almighty. It is the mutual relationship between woman and man based on divine guidance. Islam gives the right of kind treatment to the wife. As Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said;

 

"The most perfect believers are the best in conduct. And the best of you are those who are best to their wives."

ALLAH Almighty stated in His glorious book that He created mates and tranquility, love and mercy between them. Islam gives the absolute right to a woman over Mahr/alimony. Islam also gives the charge to the husband as a guardian to his wife who can support his wife as a senior partner in life.

 

ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖ وَبِمَآ أَنفَقُواْ مِنۡ أَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡۚ

 فَٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ قَٰنِتَٰتٌ حَٰفِظَٰتٞ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ ٱللَّهُۚ وَٱلَّٰتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهۡجُرُوهُنَّ

 فِي ٱلۡمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضۡرِبُوهُنَّۖ فَإِنۡ أَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُواْ عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيلًاۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيّٗا كَبِيرٗا

"Husbands should take care of their wives with [the bounties] Allah has given to some more than others and with what they spend out of their own money. Righteous wives are devout and guard what Allah would have them guard in their husbands' absence." (Surah An-Nisa: 34).

 

To conclude all aforementioned things about Honor of Women in Islam, I would to create a question and that is how women should get benefit from this honor and maintains it for lifelong?

Many Muslims and non-Muslims argues about the restrictions for women in Islam, but Islam or its Creator cannot make mistakes. So, the rights that Islam gives to women are supreme and no doubt it gives the greatest honor to women being as Mother, daughter, sister or wife but in return women have great responsibility of nation, house, husband, and children.

"The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said: 'Women are the (equal) sisters of men'. Women make up half of society and they are responsible for the nurturing, guidance and reformation of the subsequent generations of men and women. It is the female who imbues principles and faith into the souls of the nation."

“It is the requirement of this age. The whole world is facing a lot of crises and being Muslim women, we can help them out through performing our duties under the rules of Islam as mother, daughter and wife.”

The honor of Women in Islam

 

THE HONOR OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

I would like to do a quick analysis of the time before the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). So before Islam in the Arab peninsula when girls were born and someone come and tell the father that a female child was born to his wife. His face used to go dark with shame and anger and then he used to contemplate how do I get rid of myself of this Museebat. Then some Arabs didn't do that but many of them would go and dig a hole and bury the female child alive. Other than Arabia, in the subcontinent of India women had another kind of challenge. There traditionally all the men used to marry younger girls and then naturally as men died first and yet girl remained alive, the religion and culture required the young girl would be burnt with  corpse of her husband. Then they make firewood and the young girl had to sit on top of it. And then they used to lit the fire. Besides this, in Europe people didn't consider women human, and then later the catholic church said women are human but defected. They said the woman is inevitably evil like her mother eve who took the man out of the favor of Allah Almighty and make him eat from a forbidden tree. So, this was the situation of women before Islam and in this climate, Islam came. Allah Almighty honored the world with Islam. One of the first revelations of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) was about;

 

وَإِذَا ٱلۡمَوۡءُۥدَةُ سُئِلَتۡ

And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked

بِأَيِّ ذَنۢبٖ قُتِلَتۡ

For what sin she was killed? ( Surah At-Takwir)

 

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) established  this act is Haram in Islam. Even, in these days Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) was finding survival difficulties of his own life but He was preaching emancipation of womankind. Islam called the news of female birth glad tidings.

وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِٱلۡأُنثَىٰ ظَلَّ وَجۡهُهُۥ مُسۡوَدّٗا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٞ

And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. (Surah An-Nahl)

There is even one chapter in the Glorious Quran devoted to women and named "An-Nisa" which means women. In old times women did not get any part of inheritances when their relatives died. So Allah Almighty revealed a verse about inheritance, giving the just of it to women. Then in the end mentioned both sexes, male and female as well, have the right to inherit what is left by a late relative.

Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females? But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two-thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. (Surah An-Nisa: 11)

 

In Islam, the rank of a mother is more dignified or glorified, even before that of a father. This is witnessed in one of the Prophet Muhammad's (Peace be Upon Him) hadith that follows:

An apostle asked the Prophet PBUH: "O Messenger of Allah Almighty, among all mankind who is it that I am much obliged to glorify?" The Prophet answered, "Your mother." "And then who else?" again the man asked. "Your mother," again the Prophet answered. "And then who else?" the man ask for the third time. "Your mother still answered the Prophet. "And then who else?" asked the man for the fourth time. "Your father," at last the Prophet said.

Subhanallah (Glory be to God). Women are ranked in such great and noble positions as they are mentioned by three times in a row by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). So do you see that initially women were very downtrodden but Islam lifted them up. So the rank of Women in Islam is extremely high that not any other Religion can compete with it. But you know, the greatest ranks or positions also have greatest responsibilities. If you are a girl, Islam makes you so much more important, but what responsibilities it is giving to you?

 

 

Muslim by Coincidence or Muslim by Choice

 

Muslim by Coincidence or Muslim by Choice

Have you ever thought of why a Muslim person was born into a Muslim family and a Non-Muslim one into a non-Muslim family? Is it the fault of humans born into a particular family? Have I been special for Allah Almighty that he make me Muslim since my birth? Do the people who are Muslims by birth have pure faith? 

Many times people ask these types of questions whenever they see a great number of people who opt for Islam by their choice and practice it more competitively.

I observed some of my Muslim Srilankan friends who are living in a non-Muslim country but practicing Islam in a far superior manner than us who are Muslims by birth and living in Muslim country. You also observed that people from non-Islamic religious systems converted to Islam and become good Muslim than the customary ones. What's the reason behind it?

In Glorious Quran Allah Almighty says;

 

وَإِذۡ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَنِيٓ ءَادَمَ مِن ظُهُورِهِمۡ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمۡ 

وَأَشۡهَدَهُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ أَلَسۡتُ بِرَبِّكُمۡۖ قَالُواْ 

بَلَىٰ شَهِدۡنَآۚ أَن تَقُولُواْ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنۡ هَٰذَا غَٰفِلِينَ

 And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam -  from their loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes, we have testified." [This] -  lest you should say on the day of Resurrection, "Indeed, we were of this unaware." (Surah Al-A'raf: 172)

 

 

 This verse significantly illustrates the fact devotion of humans to Allah as the primary covenant and then messages escorted by all the Prophets of Allah Almighty as secondary covenant meant to revive the primary covenant.

In Hadith book;

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, "No child is born but that he is upon instinct. His parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian. As an animal delivers a child with limbs intact, do you detect any flaw?” Then, Abu Huraira recited the verse, “The nature of Allah upon which he has set people. (Sahih Bukhari: 1292)

 

Every human being is equally vulnerable to whether or not they revert to Islam. Allah Almighty is Just for everyone, He do not  prefer anyone to born in Muslim family. Here I used the word "revert" not "convert" because the word converted to Islam is wrong because every child is born a Muslim and when he comes back to Islam he is reverted to Islam or his instinct. Some people get influenced by their parents and remained Jewish or Christian. But some find the right path and came back to Islam irrespective of the influence of their parents.

 

Idealizing this journey as individuals, through our research, putting Allah Almighty as our foremost noteworthiness in life enables us to identify the energized Aqeedah (Faith) of the first covenant, the one instinct in us.  Quran is the most refined guidance as final truth till the day of Judgment for the whole of Mankind. Finding the virtuous path and journeying from non-Muslim to Muslim is to truly find Allah. It is to coordinate oneself to the frequency of Aqeedah (faith) and to realize the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) instructions as our eventual Salvation.

 

Another thing, people born into a Muslim family, they all will not go to heaven and people born into a non-Muslim family, they all will not go to hell. Saying only the Kalima Tayibah can not ensure heaven for Muslims. The requirements of heaven are given in glorious Quran.

إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ لَفِي خُسۡر(2)

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ(3)

 

Indeed, mankind is at a loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

 

These two verses explain four minimum requirement of Heaven.

First: “Except such as have Faith”

Second: “And do righteous deeds”

Third: “And recommend one another to the Truth”

Fourth: “And recommend one another to patience”

 

Therefore, being born into a Muslim or non-Muslim family doesn't matter. Everyone is Muslim by birth. The need is to find the righteous path by them. The people who are Muslims by coincidence or by birth, they also have to discover Allah Almighty and the purpose of their lives to become the Muslims by choice.

 

Answer this question.

Are you a Muslim by Coincidence or a Muslim by Choice?