Ten Tips To Be A Sucessful Muslim Husband

Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said, “the best amongst you are the ones who are best to their wives.” So dear Muslim brother! Your obligations towards your wife are not limited to earning money and supporting her financially. A wife needs love from her husband, and emotional support too!

10 Tips on How to Be a Successful Husband

Note: Additions in brackets are notes from a sister.

Prepared by Muhammad Alshareef, reprinted from Islamway.com.

1) Dress Up

Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good. When was the last time us men went shopping for designer pajamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.

(Dress up for your wife when you are at home also. Some brothers only dress up when they go out and that is not a good practice. A husband should dress up for his wife when they are at home. it makes a wife feel special.)

2) Sweet Names

Use the cutest names for your wife. Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) had nicknames for his wives, ones that they loved. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings.

(Remember, you are your wife’s only boyfriend, and her only best friend. She does not go out seeking boyfriends and she shares a halal relationship with you. Love her unconditionally for the sake of Allah. And express your love to her. A woman likes to be told that she is loved. Call her from your work to make sure she is doing fine. I have seen my dad calling my mother several times a day, just to make sure she has been eating well. And my husband calls me at least twice from work to make sure I am doing well. These things are very important in a relationship.)

3) Reward Her Actions

Don’t treat her like a fly. We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it ‘bugs’ us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day – which brings no attention from the husband – until she does something to ‘bug’ him. Don’t treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that.

(Whenever there is a fight or argument, just remember all the things she does for you. she cooks for you, she takes care of your home, she takes care of your children and the most important thing is that she guards her modesty. So do not upset her if she is upset with you. Hold her and tell her that you love her. Only your love can repel her anger. Communicate with her and discuss with her if there are any misunderstandings.)

4) Remain Silent

If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives (رضالله عنهنّ). It’s a technique that few Muslim men have mastered.

(Do not criticize her all the time. Trust her and trust her decisions. If she is doing something that you don’t like, or that goes against the teachings of Islam, then do advice her gently.)

5) Smile!

Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) would kiss his wife before leaving for Salah, even if he was fasting.

(Do let your wife know that you are very happy and blessed to have her. A wife always wonder how her husband feels about her. She may have some insecurity about you, so make her feel secure. Always give her a hug whenever you come back from work. appreciate her and thank her for taking care of everything whole day. If you are not too tired, go out for star gazing for an hour or so.)

6) Acknowledge Her

Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgment she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don’t let that be; thank her!

(Write thank you notes for her and place those notes in her books, her purse, her socks, and anything else that belongs to her. You can use your own creativity to thank her. You can thank her by writing something on a mirror with her lipstick, so that she can read it when she wakes up in the morning. You can also thank her by arranging a candlelight dinner AT HOME, you be the cook and let her rest. So far I have learned that a nice romantic dinner at home is much better than going out for dinner. This way a couple saves themselves from many fitnahs. You can thank her by writing her letters and emails. Remember, in Islam, everyday is special. So celebrate wife’s day with her, and do it very often without having a particular date. She will always wonder when the wife’s day is going to be.

You can also give her a certificate of appreciation, or a Best Wife Award on wife’s day. Do everything by yourself that day and let her rest, this way you will also know how difficult it could be to do household chores. Thank her by building a webpage for her, write a note there and a poem and then ask her to visit your webpage. Thank her by recording a voice message on a cd for your wife. She will love it!

Thank her by giving her a gift, and a gift does not have to be expensive. Be creative! You do not have to give her Roses, you can give her a leaf too! (My husband gave me a leaf once, instead of roses, and I was very happy and surprised, and I appreciated his creativity). So remember, thoughtful and creative gifts makes a wife feel secure and happy. Thank her by ordering a halal pizza for her, ask the restaurant to cut it in a heart shape and have it delivered with a personalized note. Thank her by thanking her in a family gathering. A woman likes it when her husband gives her attention.

If you visit her parents or your parents, hold her hands and tell your parents how happy you are after marriage. Give your wife an Islamic book as a gift after praying Tahajjud. Use your imagination and think about unique gifts. Remember, she does not need a diamond, she needs your sincerity and your heart, so always give her the gifts that are thoughtful. Whenever you do something to make her happy, observe her facial expressions and ask yourself about how you feel when you become her happiness.)

7) Ten Blessings From Allah

Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don’t have to play a guessing game–ask her and work on repeating those things in your life.

(Also ask her to write down the things you did that she did not like, or the things you did that made her unhappy. Try to not do those things in future. If she falls ill, let her lay down, and read different surahs from Qur’an while placing your hand on her forehead. When I got sick, my husband recited Qur’an for me, it really helped a lot mashaAllah. Remember, a wife needs her husband the most when she is not feeling well. Take good care of her because a healthy wife makes a healthy family. Do not expect too much from her when she is sick.)

Validate her Feelings

Don’t belittle her desires. Comfort her. Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah (رضالله عنها) was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her, and brought her the camel.

(If there is a time of sadness, give her your shoulder to cry on. Hold her and tell her that everything will be fine. Alhamdulillah, my husband and my dad are amongst those Muslim husbands who would even have tears in their eyes if their wives are sad. Remember, a woman does not like to cry alone in a corner. She needs someone to hold her when she is sad, so never let her feel lonely. Remind her the verses from Qur’an that talks about Patience and Piety.)

9) Have Fun!

Be humorous and play games with your wife. Look at how Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) would race his wife Aisha (رضالله عنها) in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that?

(A sense of humor plays a very important role in a marital relationship. Most women wish to have a husband who has a good sense of humor. Tell her decent and modest jokes that make her happy. A wife appreciates it very much if her husband makes her smile. You can play various games at home. Play with crayons, or have a pillow fight. Or hide different notes in your bedroom and ask her to find it. Think of different games you can both play. Let her win sometimes!

Adopt interesting hobbies, such as reading, cooking together and gardening (grow a surprise rose plant in your garden, when you have the first rose blooming, take her to the garden and show it to her. Newspaper and Sports Issue! Men like to watch sports, or read newspaper. Most Pakistani wives consider newspaper as their co-wives. So be very careful. If you are watching sports, turn the TV off if your wife comes around. Give her attention. Do not spend too much time reading newspaper, and do not read newspaper on the breakfast table, rather have an Islamic discussion. If you want to get her to like newspaper, then try to find something that interests her. Such as, try to find a news about Hijab. Or try to find a news about Muslim women for her.)

10) Be The Best

Always remember the words of Allah’s Messenger (صلي الله عليه وسلم): “The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family.” Try to be the best! In conclusion: Never forget to make Dua to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) to make your marriage successful. And Allah ta’ala knows best!

(And once again: your wife is your best friend, and your girlfriend. Share everything with her. Remember she is your garment and you are her garment, so hide her faults and mistakes. Learn to forgive her. Also communicate a lot with her family. It really makes a difference if husband communicates with his in laws. It helps both husband’s and wife’s family to share a beautiful relationship. Respect her parents and show your love to her family. This will inspire her to love and respect your family. If her family is not muslim, do dawah to them in a beautiful way.)

Spend lots of time praying to Allah swt. Do fast often even if it is not Ramadan. Fasting brings patience and taqwah. Lead her in the prayer. There is nothing better than praying together. Remember Allah, so that Allah remembers you.

May Allah bless us and guide us all. Ameen!

References

Alshareef, Muhammad. “[10 Tips] How to Be a Successful Husband.” IslamWay. 24 Apr. 2007 <http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=103>.

My Sister El Kawthar posted this first at: http://elkawthar.wordpress.com/ten-tips-towards-being-a-successful-husband/

Also check out her other posts in both Dutch and English!

When You Are In Over Your Heads My Sisters….Learn To Say No

As a gender, in general, I believe women are very selfless and giving. This can and does become a serious weakness for us. For me. We are taught to “grin and bear it.” Not to complain. We are emotional. We are caregivers and want to help everyone no matter the detriment that it can cause if we are not careful. But that is the point. We have to be careful. We have to be strong and learn to say one little word, “no.” Women, in general, have a hard time uttering this two letter word. The way it usually happens is the pursuer (husband, boss, friend, collegue, etc) will ask us to do some sort of favor. We know that we have too much on our plate already but after a full on session of sob stories and guilt trips we cave in and end up adding it to our list.

As Muslim women, we have to be doubly careful of this. You see, not only do we have our schedules but our life should be scheduled around worship and devotion to Allah (swt) (not the other way around). So, once we pile obligations, trusts, and responsibliies up we automatically deduct the time that we would have spent in rememberance of Allah. Our prayers become rushed and squeezed in here and there. No longer do we sit after salat and make dhikr. Because, really, we don’t have time for that. We no longer read the Qur’an because it takes up too much time, or if we do read the Qur’an we read it to get it over with and don’t ponder what we have read which results in us coming away with little to no benefit whatsoever.

Even those of us who look like we have it all together may not. Even those of us who play Islamic lectures day and night and post up islamic information may not have the time to actually sit and listen and ponder or read what we are posting, playing, etc. Those of us that volunteer with Islamic organizations may have had admirable intentions when we began but then it becomes just another trust that we feel responsible for. Afterall, if we don’t do it, who will?

As a result, we suffer, our relationship with Allah suffers, our children suffer, our marriages suffer. We may or may not be asked about what we volunteered to do on the Day of Judgement. We may or may not be asked about how sucessful we were in our vocations. But for certain we will be asked about our prayers. Did we complete them perfectly? Or were we too busy? Did we concentrate on the words letting them penetrate our heart? Or did we stand up half asleep and go through the motions to mark it off the list for the day? We will be asked about our obligations to Allah. Did we take our time to fulfill them? We will be asked about our children. Did we give them their rights or were we so caught up in other things that we neglected to teach them and bring them up on the Qur’an and Sunnah? Were we good wives, did we give our husband’s their rights, did we give our parents their rights?

Sadly, many of us on that day will probably be in a state of shame and regret. We will beg and plead to go back to this time and vow that we will say “no” to the things that we can’t add to our hectic schedules. We would probably wish that we had lived simpler lives and concentrated on our obligations and fullfilling them perfectly while volunteering and spreading daw’ah as we are capable…..not to the point that obligations are neglected or half performed out of laziness and tiredness. But it will be too late by then. We won’t have a second chance that day.

That’s why we must evaluate ourselves now as Umar ibn Khattab once said:

“Judge yourselves before you are judged, evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated and be ready for the greatest investigation (the Day of Judgement)”

As long as we have a breath left, we are capable of making changes in our lives. We are capable of saying “no” to overworking ourselves, neglecting our relationship with Allah (SWT), and allowing things to pile up in our lives unnecessarily. Allah has given us all this ability to choose, free will. It’s up to us to learn to balance our lives and use them to strive for Paradise. To struggle For the ability to be able to stand up before Allah (SWT), Our Creator, on the Day of Judgement, knowing that we made every effort to fulfill all our obligations perfectly with love, hope and fear for His Sake alone. That is the ultimate goal. How many of us will reach it?

On Muslim Converts Changing Names And Why I Did Not Change Mine

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

On the Day of Resurrection you will be called by your names and by your father’s names, so give yourselves good names. (Bukhari)

It is a common practice for Muslim converts to change their name upon converting to Islam. Some do this legally thus changing all their paperwork (social security, id cards, licenses, passport, etc). While others choose to do so more informally. For example, a sister named Kate may be known to the women at the masjid as Amirah while for all business and formal purposes she will use her birth name,Kate.

I have known women converts who have taken both routes. For some, changing the name is important because their birth name had a bad meaning. It is known from hadiths that the Prophet (saw) would change people’s names if they had bad meanings. For example:

Imam al-Bukhari mentioned that Sa`id ibn al-Musayyib said that when his grandfather came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the Prophet asked him about his name. He said, “Hazn” (meaning Hard). The Prophet said, “You are Sahl. (meaning soft, easy).” The man said, “I do not want to change the name that my father gave me.” His grandson Sa`id used to regret and say afterwards that they kept on experiencing the hardness in their family. (Reported by al-Bukhari)

While other Muslim converts may change their name because they feel that they want a name that more reflects their personality or what they would like their personality to become. Such as Aminah (the trustworthy, truthful) or Amatullah (the female servant of Allah). 

Most Muslims undergo many lifestyle changes once converting to Islam. Much of their pre-Islamic life will be changed or altered. They are opening a new chapter of their lives and what better way to signify this than changing your name to fit your new identity?

Still others may read a biography of the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), a story of a great Prophet in the Qur’an, or a story of the many great women in Islam. A Muslim may be so impressed and touched by the story they read that it prompts them to change their name and use that particular person as a namesake and a example of what they would hope to be.

Many Muslims and Non Muslims are a little surprised when they hear my name. When I converted to Islam, I wrestled with the idea of changing my name. On the one hand, I felt that it would be a good way to start my new life. I knew that my name did not have a bad meaning. So, that wasn’t an issue for me. I perused books of Muslim baby names thinking one would just pop out at me or I would find one with a particularly good meaning. One day, I came across a name that had the exact same meaning as my given name…..only my name is western and that name was Arabic. This really made me think. What is it about the name that sounds Arabic but has the exact meaning of my name that makes it so superior? Is it the language?  I understand when people name themselves and their children after specific people in our history (ie. Muhammad, Umar, Maryam, Khadijah, Fatimah, Aisha). But as for the other names, I don’t think it makes a difference what language or country the name is associated with as long as the meaning is good. I read the biographies of the companions and the great women in the Qur’an and I marvel at their excellence and devotion. I am very impressed by them all, Mash’Allah. I try to take their examples and apply them to my life. Though, that doesn’t extend to my name. To me, my given name is enough and it has a very positive meaning.  I like my name and I like my identity as a Muslim with a western name. It has been an ice breaker when giving da’wah because most all non muslims want to hear how I became a Muslim after hearing my name and reaching the conclusion that I converted. So, I feel, keeping my name was the right choice, for me.

On the internet, obviously, I use a pseudo name because I am not comfortable displaying my name on the internet. Old fashioned? Probably.

Basically, changing names is a very personal choice that every Muslim should make for themselves. New converts should not feel pressured to change their names. Yet, they should be supported if they choose to do so. For many it may cause friction in the family. If you suddenly inform your mother that, from now on, you are to be known to her as Amirah rather than Kate, you can  probably expect a reaction.  So, like every major change, converts should remember to inform those around them in the best manner and with  patience.

**This is of course talking about first names as Muslims do not change their surnames( last names, family names). As Allah tells us clearly in the Qur’an to be known by the names of our fathers: “Call them by (the names of) their father’s, that is more just in the sight of Allah…” (Al-Ahzab 33:5)

You Might Not Like What You See….

I would wager that the title of this blog will apply to  most people both Muslims and Non Muslims.  As human beings we have an inordinate need to please ingrained in us from a young age. We all want to the be the best at what we do. We want to excell and be pointed to as a model or perfect example of the correct way. However, many of us take this to one of two extremes. Either we deny that we care and go into a rebellious stage or we admit to ourselves that we do care and set out in life killing ourselves to be the best.

I have also noticed that people of the second category tend to take constructive criticism horribly. They may lash out and point out YOUR faults if you try to advise them or they may come up with “conspiracy theories” as to why anyone would dare to say something to them when they are clearly in the wrong.  They expect everyone to sweep their faults under the rug and remain silent as they continually commit wrong actions. Whereas, they are the first to point out anyone else’s wrong actions. In fact, most people of the second category take great pleasure in pointing out the faults of others. Perhaps, it makes them feel as if they are better, they are succeeding in their quest to be the best.

 On the other hand, the rebellious group just acts as if they could care less. Did I bring home a paycheck this week? Ummm…… Did I make my five daily prayers…..<shrug> I don’t remember. And so on…..

Both types of behavior are destructive. As Muslims, we should know better than to fall into either category, but Alas! we are humans and most of us do fall into one of the two categories mentioned here.

Not only do we compete as to who has the biggest house, the most intelligent children, or the nicest vehicle. We also make our religion a competition.  We compare which of us  have a greater following, which of us can speak the best, which of us can read Quran with the most beautiful voice, which of us get the most positive comments, which of us has the most viewers on our blogs (hence the need to put how many views we have on the front page) and so on.

 Don’t get me wrong, competing to do good deeds is good. Encouraging each other and motivating each other to fulfill our obligations and even try to do the voluntary actions is a very noble cause.

Sadly, though, our competition today is not like this. Our competition is a popularity contest. And I wonder sometimes if it is even for the sake of Allah (SWT) or if it is just to show each other up and appear to be the most pious. I wonder if it isn’t feeding some type of “me syndrome” the need to be the center of attention, the sort of teacher’s pet thing we deal with in elementary school or the desire to be in the “in crowd.” We take this competition to disgustingly low levels of slander, backbiting, and smear campaigns. We stop at nothing to drag the other people’s names through the mud so that we may come out on top, the shining example of piety and grace.

That’s something to think about. Something that I have been thinking about for several days now.  I think we all need to take the time to look inside ourselves and examine what we find, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of it.  For me this time has been after the fajr (pre dawn) prayer. The house is quiet, peaceful, serene, and I have time to sort through my muddled thoughts and evaluate myself and my situation.  With the daily distractions around us, it is easy to jump to conclusions and assumptions. However, when it is just you and your Creator with all the worldly distractions gone, you may be surprised how you view things. I know I was surprised, shocked, and even terrified by what I saw when I sat down and really evaluated my life. I found that I had been in the wrong far too often….. Insh’Allah I will definatley be making changes. Will you?

Daily Evaluation

Personal Daily Evaluation

It is suggested to our brothers and sisters whether beginners, illustrious workers, or responsible leaders, that they should have a daily period put aside for self-evaluation and examination. We should realise that all of us are going to be accountable for our deeds on the Day of Judgement. It is therefore wise that we continuously assess ourselves in this world and make amends before that final judgement by Allah when we will not be given an opportunity to make up for our misdeeds.The prophet said:

‘Everyone starts his day and is a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or bringing about its ruin.’ (Muslim).

‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, in one of his famous sayings said

“Judge yourselves before you are judged, evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated and be ready for the greatest investigation (the Day of Judgement)”

1. Did I offer my five daily Salat on time?
Guard stricly your Salat or Prayer, especially the middle prayer; and stand before Allah submissively (al-Baqarah 2.238).
The Prayer most loved by Allah is Prayer performed on time (Muslim).

2. Am I satisfied with the quality of my Salat?
If a man performs two units of prayer without the distraction of any worldly thoughts, all his previous sins will be forgiven (Bukhari)
When you stand for Prayer perform your Prayer as if were your last (Ahmad).

3. How many verses of the Qur’an did I memorise?
Indeed the one who memorises nothing of the Qur’an is similar to a deserted house (Timidhi)

4. What steps did I take to bring my family closer to Islam?
O you who believe! Save yourself and your family from a fire whose fuel is men and stones (66:6).

5. How many Salat did I offer in congregation?
A prayer with congregation is twenty-seven times superior to one performed individually. (Bukhari)

6. What part of the Qur’an did I read with understanding?
Do they not seek to understand the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up by them? (47:24)

7. What did I do to fulfil my duty as a da’iyah (caller to Islam)?
Encourage one another in truth, and encourage one another in patience(al-Asr 103)

Who is better in speech than one who calls to God, acts righteously and says: I am of those who surrenter [unto Him]. (al Fusilat 41:33]

8. Have I treated my parents with love and respect and have I given due consideration to all their needs?
Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you are to be kind to Parents whether on or both of them attain old age during your lifetime, say no to them a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say: My Lord: bestow on them your mercy even as they cherished me in childhood (17:23-24)

9. Did I safeguard my tongue from useless speech?
The faith of a man cannot be straight unless his heart becomes straight and his heart cannot be straight unless his tongue becomes straight. (Ahmad)

10. Did I commend others for the good things they may have done? Kind works and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants and He is Most Forbearing (2:263)

11. Did I take an interest in my health (diet, exercises, etc)?
Health for one who fears Allah is better than wealth (Hadith)

12 Have I been just in all my dealings?
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to Allah even against yourself, or your kith and kin and whether they be rich or poor, for Allah can best protect both. (al-Nisa 4:135)

13. Did I backbite or slander anyone?
None of you should tell me anything about anyone, for I like to meet [anyone] of you with a clean heart. (Abu Dawud).

14. What acts of sadaqah did I perform?
There are 360 joints in the body and for each joint you must give a sadaqah (thanks or charity). (Bukhari)

15. Was I safeguard my eyes from the evil influences of Shaitan?
A gaze is a poisoned arrow from Satan. Whoever abstains from it in fear of God shall receive from Him an increase in faith, the sweetness of which he will feel in his heart. (Musnad of ibn Hanbal)

16. What have I read to improve my understanding of Islam?
(Al-Fatir 35:28)

17. Did I save a portion of my wealth?
Make not your hand be chained to your neck nor open it with a complete opening, lest you become blameworthy and destitute. (al-Isra 17:29)

18. Did I fulfil all my promises?
And fulfil your promise. Verily you will be answerable for your promises (al-Isra 17:34)

19. Did I make tawbah (seek Allah’s forgiveness)?
Allah will continue to hold out His hand at night so that he who sinned during the day might repent, and to hold out His hand during the day so that he who sinned at night might repent till the sun shoud rise from the West. (Muslim)

20. Did I implement what I read and said?
O you who believer! Why do you say that which you do not do? Grievously hateful is it in the sight of God that you should say what you do not do. (al-Saif 6x-243)

21. Did I perform my work with proficiency?
Verily Allah loves that when anyone of you does a job, he should perfect it.
(al-Bayhaqi)

22. Did I reflect on my accountability to Allah on the Day of Judgement?
And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned and none shall be dealt with unjustly (al-Baqarah 2:281)

That day we seal your mouths and hand speak out and feet bear witness, to all that they did. (Ya-Sin 36:65)

23. Am I satisfied with the way I spent the day?
Wise is the one who continually assesses himself and performs good deeds for the life after death. Foolish is the one who follows his desires and entertains very high hopes from Allah. (Timidhi).

‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, in one of his famous sayings said “Judge yourselves before you are judged, evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated and be ready for the greatest investigation (the Day of Judgement)”

“The World is three days: As for yesterday, it has vanished, along with all that was in it. As for tomorrow, you may never see it. As for today, it is yours, so work in it.” (Hassan al-Basri)

Source: www.islamactive.net

Lying….

It’s just a “little white lie”…..So what if you exaggerate a little on your resume, you lead someone to believe that you make a little more money than you actually earn, or maybe you omit something that you should tell a potential spouse during the nikah (wedding) arrangements. These are all considered by many to be insignificant little lies.  However, little lies can and do add up and accumulate. Then, when the truth is revealed, it all comes crashing down destroying friendships, ripping apart families, and ruining careers…..and all that is just in THIS WORLD! Let’s not forget that lying is a sin and a sign of hypocrisy in Islam (and most other religions as well).

So, why is it so hard to tell the truth? Why do we feel compelled to lie? I guess we could chalk that up to human nature. We all want to please others and be pleased. Sometimes the truth hurts. Some people have such low self esteem that they think they need to lie to build themselves up and impress others. When, in actuality, the old adage of “be yourself” really is the best way to be! So cliche, I know. But…..it’s true!

So, anyway, I found this article written by Shaykh Ibrahim Dremali (a regular lecturer at www.sunnahfollowers.net) and thought that I would pass it on.

Al Khadhib-Lying

Written by Dr. Ibrahim Dremali

Sunday, 09 July 2006

Lying, where it is not allowed (and there are only a few exceptions where it is allowed) is a heinous sin and puts one in grave danger of corruption, hypocrisy and even kufr.  It is a “slippery slope” to all manner of corruption and a character flaw from which it is difficult to return.  Fellow Muslims, search within yourself and rid yourself of all forms of lying, deception and falsehood.  Make sure that truthfulness is victorious over falsehood in your heart at all times.  Allah does not guide one who is a liar.  Allah said: {Wa qaala rajulun mu’minun min aali fir’auna yaktumu imaanahu a taqtuloona rajulan an yaqoola rabiyya Allah wa qad jaa’akum bil-bayyinaati min rabbikum?  Wa in yaku kaadhiban fa ‘alaihi kadhibuhu wa in yakun saadiqan yusibkum ba’dhu alladhiy ya’idukum inna Allaha laa yahdiy man huwa musrifun kadh-dhaabun.} {And a believing man from Pharaoh’s people who had been hiding his belief said: Will you kill a man simply because he says my Lord is Allah, though he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord?  If he is lying, his lie is upon him but if he is telling the truth, you will be afflicted by some of what he is warning you about.  Verily, Allah does not guide one who is given to excess and lying.}  Ghaafir:28 One of the worst forms of lying in which a Muslim can engage is to be phony about his/her Islam.  Al-Hassan Al-Basri, an early taabi’i, was a famous waa’idh (preacher) who could bring large numbers of people to tears in moments.  No one doubted his piety buy himself.  He used to go to his home every night after doing whatever good Allah knows for Islam and tremble in fear that his actions may not measure up to his words.  He did this in true contemplation and understanding of Allah’s statement: {Yaa ayyuhaa alladhina aamanoo lima taquloona maa laa taf’aloona? (2)  Kabura maqtan ‘inda Allahi an taqooloo maa laa taf’aloona. (3)} {O, you who believe, why do you say that which you do not do? (2) It is very hateful to Allah that you would say that which you do not do.}  As-Saff:2-3 The worst forms of lying is to tell lies (or speak without knowledge) about Allah, His Messenger and His Message (Islam).  The source of this knowledge is Allah (via the Qur’an) and His Messenger (via the athentic hadith).  There is no other route to this knowledge and the knowledge was sent by Allah is is being preserved by Allah.  Al-hamdu lillahi!  The knowledge is there for the seeking until yaumil Qiyaama.  The previous nations did not get this.  There were put in charge of preserving their messages and they lost them all.  Allah himself took charge of preserving the message of Islam – even if that was actually carried out by human means.  Allah said: {Al-Haqqu min rabbika fa laa takun min al-mumtareena (60) Fa man haajjaka feehi min ba’di maa jaa’aka min al-‘ilm fa qul ta’aalau nad’u abnaa’anaa wa abnaa’akum wa nisaa’anaa wa nisaa’akum wa anfusanaa wa anfusakum thumma nabtahil fa naj’al la’nata Allahi ‘alaa al-kaadhibeena. (61)} {The truth is from your Lord so do not be among those who doubt. (60) Then, if anyone disputes with you about it after that knowledge which has come to you, simply say to them:  Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves and let us make a solemn prayer and invoke Allah’s curse upon whoever is lying. (61)}  Aal ‘Imraan:60-61 This includes lying about Allah’s laws (the shari’a) and speaking about what is halal and what is haram without authentic knowledge from Allah and/or from His Messenger (sas).  Allah said: {Wa laa taquloo limaa tasifu alsinatukum al-kadhiba hadhaa halaalun wa hadhaa haraamun li taftaroo ‘alaa Allahi al-kadhiba inna alladhina yaftaroona ‘alaa Allahi al-kadhiba laa yuflihoon.} {Do not say about that which your lying tongues describe that this is lawful and that is not lawful, that you may forge a lie upon Allah.  Verily, those who forge lies upon Allah never succeed.}  An-Nahl:116 {Qul inna alladhina yaftaroona ‘alaa Allahi al-kadhiba laa yuflihoona (69) Mataa’un fiy ad-dunyaa thumma ilainaa marji’uhum thumma nudheeqahum al-‘adhaaba ash-shadeeda bi maa kaanoo yakfuroon. (70)} {Say, verily those who forge lies upon Allah never succeed. (69) Some provision in this world but unto Us is their return and then we will make them taste the severe punishment for the kufr which they used to commit. (70)}  Yunus:69-70 In addition to lying about Allah being one of the greatest sins and a cause of punishment in the hereafter, in the above verses, we see that: Material gain is one of the motives for which people commit it. People who commit this will never succeed. They may get “goods” (mataa’) in this life, but will only eventually return to Allah and be serverely punished. What they did was kufr. Lying about Allah’s creation is also a major sin and a source of many kinds of corruption, division and strife. “Inna min a’dham al-firaa an yud’aa ar-rajulu ilaa ghairi abeehi, au yuriya ‘ainahu maa lam tara, au yaqoola ‘alaa rasooli Allahi maa lam yaqul.” “The most heinous of forgeries as for a man to be ascribed to other than his true father, to claim that his eye saw what it did not see and to attribute to Allah’s Messenger (sas) something which he did not say.” Al-Bukhari Adh-dhann “Iyaakum wa adh-dhanni fa inna adh-dhanna akdhaba al-hadeeth.” “Stay away from assumption, for assumption is the most lying of all discourse.”  Muslim & Al-Bukhari transmitting everything you hear “Kafaa bil-mar’i kadhiban an yuhadditha bi kulli maa sami’a.” “A person will be filled with lies simply by narrating everything he hears.”  Muslim Lying leads to further corruption and even hell-fire “Inna as-sidqa yahdiy ilaa al-birri wa inna al-birra yahdiy ilaa al-jannati.  Wa inna ar-rajula la yasduqu hattaa yuktaba ‘inda Allahi siddeeqan.  Wa inna al-kadhiba yaydiy ilaa al-fujoori wa inna al-fujoora yahdiy ilaa an-naari. Wa inna ar-rajula la yakdhibu hattaa yuktaba ‘inda Allahi kadh-dhaaban.” “Truthfulness guide to righteousness and righteousness guides to Paradise.  Verily, a man will be truthful until he is recorded with Allah as ever-believing.  And lying guides to moral corruption and moral corruption guides to the fire.  Verily, a man will continue to lie until he is recorded with Allah as a complete liar.”  Muslim & Al-Bukhari A munaafiq is one whose apparent external reality is Islam, belief, practice of Islam, etc. but whose inner reality is disbelief and eveil intent toward Islam and the Muslims.  It is NOT simply “hypocrisy” (which covers many things which are not “nifaq”) and that is a very inadequate and misleading of the term.  The character flaw possessed by a munaafiq is called “nifaaq”. Nifaaq negates Islam even if one is “practicing” in the apparent “Aayatu al-munaafiqi thalaathun wa in sallaa wa saama wa za’ama annahu Muslim:  idhaa haddatha kadhiba, wa idhaa wa’ada akhlafa wa idhaa ‘tumina khaan.” “The signs of a munaafiq are three – even if he prays, fasts and claims/believes he is a Muslim:  when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise and when he is entrusted he betrays the trust.”  Muslim & Al-Bukhari These hadith clearly tell us that lying or truthfulness are character traits.  They are habit-forming, are “slippery slopes” and are not something that any human can turn on and off at will.  One who is a liar to people will also be a liar to Allah and vice versa.  That is why a Muslim must take utmost precaution and steps against ANY form of lying, deception or falsehood whether with/about Allah or with/about people. Malik ibn Deenaar said:  “As-sidqu wa al-kadhibu ya’tarikaani fiy al-qalbi hattaa yukhrija ahaduhumaa saahibahu.”  “Truthfulness and lying are in combat in the heart until one of them expels the other.” Lying is one of the weaknesses of the nafs and one of the wrong things to which it becomes attracted. Luqman is reported to have said to his son:  “Yaa bunayya iyaaka wa al-kadhibi fa innahu shahiyyun ka lahmi al-‘usfoori ‘ammaa qaleelun yaqlaaho saahibuhu.”  “Dear son, beware of lying for it is surely attractive like the meat of a quail which its owner is just about to pluck off and eat.” It is never beneficial, even if it appears to be so in the short run. Ash-Sha’biy said:  “Iyaaka wa al-kadhiba haitha taraa annahu yanfa’uka fa huwa yadhurruka.”  “Beware of lying.  Whenever you think it will benefit you, it only harms you.”

www.dremali.com

Also check out these posts from Javeria’s blog!

Living without lying – why we lie?
http://javeria.wordpress.com/2006/12/07/living-without-lying-why-we-lie

Living without lying – why we should not lie
http://javeria.wordpress.com/2007/02/05/living-without-lying-2/

Noggin To Broadcast 24/7

I recently read on the Noggin website (which my three year old frequents) that Noggin will begin broadcasting 24 hours a day beginning on December 31st.

I’m quite dissappointed in this decision. One of the things that has impressed me about Noggin is the fact that it only broadcasts from 6am-6pm. Thus, parents who like to park their kids in front of the tv only have the ability to do so for 12 hours vs. allowing them to sit there all night as well. Oh, of course, the parent’s can flip over to sprout or some other 24 hour cartoon network once 6pm rolls around. However, Noggin ending at 6pm meant that Noggin was not going to support that lifestyle. It promoted (to a degree) spending evenings with the kids.

My real issue here is probably not the fact that we have 24 hour cartoon channels for preschoolers. My issue is not even that we have television programs that essentially wake up with the children and put them to bed (yes, Sprout has a good night show to get kids ready for bed).

My issue goes back to the lifestyle we are promoting and God forbid, living. I seriously hope and pray that parents are not utilizing a 24 hour cartoon network for their children.

Many studies have proven that children need human interaction. Sitting in front of the tv all day (and now all night) does not provide this. It is no wonder that this generation of children have alarming obesity rates and social problems.

Hopping down off my soapbox now….

Attention All Muslim Converts!!!!!!!

Open Letters, Open Hearts
Personal Letters from Muslims to Family, Friends and Others
 
Working Title: Open Letters, Open Hearts
Narrative Author/Editor: Christine (Amina) Benlafquih
Publisher: An-Najm Publishers, London , UK
Deadline for Submissions: January 31, 2008 (see Guidelines below)
 
 
About the Book
 
The anthology-style Open Letters, Open Hearts will feature heartfelt letters written by Muslims who appeal to their family, friends and others to open their hearts and minds to the message of Islam.
 
Most of us have been touched and inspired by an emotional piece of writing. Something as simple as a greeting card or as lengthy as a novel can successfully evoke emotion in a reader. Whether raw and direct, or gentle and persuasive, the power of the written word can not be denied. 
 
Muslims worldwide are invited to use this power and compose open letters which address the people and unique circumstances in their own lives from an Islamic perspective.  Whether differences need to be solved, religious issues explained, or concern expressed about someone’s harmful life choices, a letter allows the writer to convey sincerity and present Islamic values and teachings in a positive, relevant light.
 
Although Muslims naturally wish for others to recognize the truth of Islam, one of the main objectives of Open Letter, Open Hearts is to appeal to the emotional ties that connect us to family, friends and humanity in general. It is hoped that people of all faiths will find common ground with Muslims through the personal stories and situations revealed in the letters. Inshaa’ Allah, this connection will help open the door to better understanding of Muslims and Islam’s true teachings. 
 
The Open Letters, Open Hearts project was born of the editor’s desire to meet her personal da’wah obligation and help her non-Muslim family better understand her decision to embrace Islam.  All Muslims have a religious duty to give da’wah (invite others to Islam through teaching or example of good actions).  However, many Muslims are uncomfortable doing so, either due to inhibition or because family and friends aren’t open to such discussion.
 
Da’wah is not only directed at non-Muslims. Born-Muslims often find themselves dealing with family and friends who either don’t practice the religion at all, or neglect certain aspects of it.
 
Submitting an open letter to the anthology – and inshaa`Allah directly to the person(s) to whom it is addressed – offers a positive step towards meeting our da’wah obligation.
 
 
Submission Guidelines
 
– Please limit your letter to 1200 words or less.
 
– Submissions must be in English.  Proofread your letter carefully for spelling and grammar. Poorly written submissions will not be considered.
 
– You may submit more than one Open Letter, but each letter must be submitted separately.
 
– Letters may be written to an individual or a group (i.e. an entire family, colleagues, neighbors, etc.).
 
– Although general content to promote understanding of Islam is acceptable, letters which address very unique, personal situations are most likely to be selected.  For example, a revert to Islam may feel the need to explain his reversion to an angry family member. A born Muslim might want to clarify to her mother why some of her “Islamic” cultural practices are actually not compatible with the true teachings of Islam. Another writer might address a friend’s alcohol or gambling addiction. 
 
– Open Letters of a political nature or letters which address a vast group of people (i.e. letters addressed to the West, all Americans, world leaders, etc.) will be considered only if the content and message will outlive today’s current events.
 
– Whatever the letter’s theme, the content must contain relevant and correct Islamic perspective or teaching. Passages from the Holy Qur’an and Ahadeeth should be referenced.
 
– Write from the heart. Letters with a strong emotional component are highly desired.  References to personal events and family history will help evoke memories and stir emotion in all readers.
 
– The tone of the letters should be kind, informative and non-judgmental. Hateful or inflammatory language will immediately disqualify a submission.
 
– Any topic is welcome, as long as the writer successfully relates it to Islam. Possible topics include:
 
– Culture versus religion
– Comparison of Christianity and Islam
– Explanation of conversion/reversio n
– Incompatibility of the Trinity with Islam
– Infinite Mercy of God
– Women in Islam
– Islamic appearance and dress
– Comparison of the Torah, the Bible, and the Qu’ran
– Current events and terrorism
– Tawheed and the belief in One God
– Islam’s views of Jesus and Maryam, peace be upon them
– Harmful lifestyle choices and practices
– Polygany
– Concept of submission to Allah
– Non-Muslim and Islamic holidays
– Rights of parents and children
– Tenets of Islam
– Commonalities and differences between Christianity and Islam
– Shirk and the association of others with Allah
 
 
How to Submit
 
Submissions must be made electronically by email to OpenLetters.OpenHearts@yahoo.com.  Please write “Submission” in the subject line.  
 
Include only one submission per email.
 
Use double spacing and select a 12 pt. Roman font (such as Times New Roman).
 
Save your document as a Word file (.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) and attach it to the email.  (Please do not copy and paste your submission into the body of the email.)
 
Include the following information on the first page of your submission.  Copy and paste the header directly into your document.
 
Your name
Nationality
Email address
City/State/Country of Residence
Introduction
 
The introduction should be a sentence or short paragraph which offers background to your letter. An example might be: I am an American Muslim convert of 14 years writing a letter to my brother, who is considering converting to Judaism.
 
 
Privacy and Anonymity
 
Your privacy and that of your family and friends is important. If your letter is selected, you will be asked what name you would like to be published under (real name, first name, kunya or pseudonym).  Names, localities, and other details which help identify the addressee(s) will be changed when needed to protect their privacy.
 
 
Payment
 
As this is a da’wah project to promote better understanding of Islam and Muslims, the publisher, editor and contributors will receive no monetary compensation. Writers of letters selected for publication will receive two copies of the printed anthology.
 
 
About the Narrative Author/Editor
 
Christine (Amina) Benlafquih is a freelance writer and the current publications officer of the Islamic Writers Alliance.  A former publications and public relations director, she accepted Islam in 1993. She lives in Morocco with her husband and six children.
 
 
Contact Information
 
If you need more information, please contact the editor at OpenLetters.OpenHearts@ yahoo.com

Busy

All of my regular blog readers know that I am usually very diligent in posting and commenting.  However, I have been flat out busy lately. As my children get older it seems that I have less and less time for myself and thus less time for the blog world. Alhamdullilah, though! Kids are only young once.

We were on a schedule here daily with lessons in the morning and I found my time online later in the mornings on through afternoon.  Anyone with children knows that as they change so do the schedules. We have been taking more outings lately and attending playgroups and such. Alhamdullilah, we’ve met many nice people and it is an excellent opportunity to dispell some of the myths and misconceptions about Islam and particularly women in Islam. Unfortunatley, at the end of the day, the last thing I feel like doing is going online. Instead, I want to rest and sleep. haha. I must be getting old…

Well, just thought I would give a little update. 

Halloween: Harmless or Haram? An Islamic Perspective

Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across
North America paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to
door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with
ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them
to create “Jack-O-Lanterns.” Unfortunately, among the millions of North
Americans indulging in this custom, many are also Muslims. This article
will shed some light on the significance and origins of Hallow’een, and
why Muslims should not participate in it.

Origins of the Hallow’een Festival

The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain is
considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what
is now Hallow’een. Samhain was the New Year’s day of the pagan Celts. It
was also the Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls
of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the “land
of the dead”. Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with
Samhain continue to be practiced today on the 31st of October. Most
notable of these customs are the practice of leaving offerings of food
and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revelers, and the lighting
of bonfires. Elements of this festival were incorporated into the
Christian festival of All Hallow’s Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night
preceding All Saint’s (Hallows’) Day. It is the glossing of the name
Hallow- Even that has given us the name of Hallow’een. Until recent
times in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the
dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their
midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these
malevolent spirits.

By the 19th century, witches’ pranks were replaced by children’s tricks.
The spirits of Samhain, once believed to be wild and powerful, were now
recognized as being evil. Devout Christians began rejecting this
festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, goddesses, and
other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were diabolical
deceptions. The spiritual forces that people experienced during this
festival were indeed real, but they were manifestations of the devil who
misled people toward the worship of false idols. Thus, they rejected the
customs associated with Hallow’een, including all representations of
ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons – symbols of the dead – and of the
devil and other malevolent and evil creatures. It must also be noted
that, to this day, many Satan-worshippers consider the evening of
October 31st to be their most sacred. And many devout Christians today
continue to distance themselves from this pagan festival.

The Islamic Perspective

Iman (faith) is the foundation of Islamic society, and tauheed (the
belief in the existence and Oneness of Allah) is the essence of this
faith and the very core of Islam. The safeguarding of this iman, and of
this pure tauheed, is the primary objective of all Islamic teachings and
legislation. In order to keep the Muslim society purified of all traces
of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and remnants of error, a
continuous war must be waged against all customs and practises which
originate from societies’ ignorance of divine guidance, and in the
errors of idol worship.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) issued a stern warning: “Whoever
imitates a nation is one of them!” (Abu Da’oud). Muslims should heed
this warning and refrain from copying or imitating the kufar in their
celebrations. Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims to follow the
religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, and especially of the
idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil. The Prophet (s.a.s.)
said: “By Him in Whose hands is my life, you are ordered to enjoin good
and forbid evil, or else Allah will certainly afflict you with torments.
Thereafter, even your du’a (supplications) will not be accepted.”
(Tirmidhi). From an Islamic standpoint, Hallow’een is one of the worst
celebrations because of its origins and history. It is HARAM
(forbidden), even if there may be some seemingly good or harmless
elements in those practises, as evidenced by a statement from the
Prophet (s.a.s.) “Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance,
even if the people regard it as something good” (ad-Daarimee.). Although
it may be argued that the celebration of Hallow’een today has nothing to
do with devil-worship, it is still forbidden for Muslims to participate
in it. If Muslims begin to take part in such customs, it is a sure sign
of weak iman and that we have either forgotten, or outrightly rejected
the mission of our Prophet (s.a.s.) who came to cleanse us from
jahiliyyah customs, superstitions and false practises.

Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behaviour and customs of the
non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies. Behaviour-imitation will
affect the attitude of a Muslim and may create a feeling of sympathy
towards the indecent modes of life. Islam seeks to cleanse the Muslim of
all immoral conducts and habits, and thus paving the way for the Qur’an
and Sunnah to be the correct and pure source for original Islamic
thought and behaviour. A Muslim should be a model for others in faith
and practice, behaviour and moral character, and not a blind imitator
dependant on other nations and cultures.

Even if one decides to go along with the outward practises of Hallow’een
without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background
of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan
festival. Undoubtedly, even after hearing the Truth, some Muslims will
still participate in Hallow’een, send their kids “trick-or-treating,”
and they will try to justify it by saying they are doing it merely to
make their children happy. But what is the duty of Muslim parents? Is it
to follow the wishes of their children without question, or to mould
them within the correct Islamic framework as outlined in the Qur’an and
Sunnah? Is it not the responsibility of Muslim parents to impart correct
Islamic training and instruction to their children? How can this duty be
performed if, instead of instructing the children in Islam, parents
allow and encourage their children to be taught the way of the
unbelievers? Allah exposes these types of people in the Qur’an: “We have
sent them the Truth, but they indeed practise falsehood” (23:10). Muslim
parents must teach their children to refrain from practising falsehood,
and not to imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals. If
the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they
themselves will, insha Allah, abstain from Hallow’een and other
non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas,
Valentines Day, etc. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) said: The Final Hour
will not come until my followers copy the deeds of the previous nations
and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by
inch). (Bukhari). Islam is a pure religion with no need to accomodate
any custom, practise or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does
not distinguish between “secular and sacred;” the shari’ah must rule
every aspect of our lives.

“You must keep to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly-guided
Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every
new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.”
(Bukhari)

“When the people see a person committing a wrong, but do not seize his
hand to restrain him or her from the deed, it is likely that Allah will
punish them both.” (Abu Da’oud, Nasa’i, Tirmidhi)

“Whoever imitates a nation is one of them.” (Abu Da’oud)

What to do on Halloween.

We have established, beyond doubt, that the celebration of Hallow’een is
absolutely forbidden in Islam. It is HARAM. The question arises as to
what to do on this night. Muslim parents must not send their kids out
“trick-or-treating” on Hallow’een night. Our children must be told why
we do not celebrate Hallow’een. Most children are very receptive when
taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in practice the joy of
their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. In this regard, teach
them about the two Islamic festivals of Eid. (Eid-ul-Fitr is fast
approaching, and this is the perfect time to start preparing them for
it.) It must also be mentioned that, even Muslims who stay home and give
out treats to those who come to their door are still participating in
this festival. In order to avoid this, leave the front lights off and do
not open the door. Educate your neighbours about our Islamic teachings.
Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Hallow’een,
and explain the reasons why. (Give them a copy of this flyer if needed.)
They will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process.
“A person who calls another to guidance will be rewarded, as will the
one who accepts the message.” (Tirmidhi)

Finally, we must remember that we are fully accountable to Allah for all
of our actions and deeds. If, after knowing the Truth, we do not cease
our un-Islamic practises, we risk the wrath of Allah as He himself
warned us in the Qur’an: “Then let them beware who refuse the
Messenger’s order lest some trial befall them, or a grevious punishment
be afflicted upon them!” (24:63). This is a serious matter and not to be
taken lightly. And Allah knows best. May Allah guide us, help us to stay
on the right path, and save us from all deviations and innovations that
will lead us into the fires of Hell.

-By Br. Feyoun Khan