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Superior Days

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:18:00 +0000

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulullah wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmaeen

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

Inna walhamdulillah! Indeed Allah is praised whether we praise Him or not. Yet humbly we praise Him. We seek His aid; we seek His forgiveness and we seek refuge with Him from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomever Allah misguides, none can guide. I bare witness before all that there is no god, no diety, no object, no personality, no entity worthy of worship except Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. And I bare witness before all that the slave and final Messenger of Allah; the best of men, the most pious of men; the best example, influence, model, methodology and pattern for humanity to follow; the one whom Allah sent as a Mercy to the whole of creation (rahmatul lil 'alameen) is none other than Muhammad ibn Abdullah salallahu 'alayhi wa alihi wa salaam. Amma ba'd.

Brothers and sisters in Islam, as Believers, we are most privilaged and honored by Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala to have upon us the first 10 days of the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah. As we should know, not all days are created equal. Allah has preferred some days over others and He, azza wa jall, has decreed some days be superior over other days. And it is these 10 days that Allah ultimately preferred and declared for them superiority over all other days. Therefore, the good deeds, amilu salihaat, are of a worth and value far greater in the Sight of Allah than when the same deeds are performed on any other day of the year.

And so it is strongly preferred that we increase in our good deeds during these 10 days; observing the naf'l (voluntary acts), maintaining an ahklaq, -a behavior and conduct, a control over ourselves, our tounges and our anger- that is complimentary, representative or in accordance to the Sunnah of ar-Rasulullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam so that we might be purified, forgiven and compensated in a way Allah, ar-Rahman, never so does during any other day outside these first 10.

Ibn Abbas radiallahu 'anhu narrated that our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said of these 10 days: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." It was asked: "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam replied: "No, not even Jihad fisabillah, except for the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause -and returned with nothing."

Allah azza wa jall magnified the hasanat for the acts of simply pronouncing tasbih (subhan'Allah), takbir (Allahu Akbar), tahleel (la ilaha ill Allah) and tahmeed (alhamdulillah). Abdullah ibn Umar radiallahu 'anhu reported that Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: "There are no days greater in the Sight of Allah and in which good deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during them recite much of tahleel, takbir and tahmeed."

Additionally, I doubt there is a more suitable time than on these blessed 10 days to observe az-zuhd and/or al-wara'. What could make us to understand these terms? Zuhd can be considered abstinence from worldly pleasures which distract one from Allah and their Akhirah. Wara' is to avoid certain parts of the halal which you fear may lead you to engage in something haram. Nothing to me describes and clarifies so concisely these terms than the explanation given by Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah rahimullah who said: "Az-Zuhd entails abandoning what does not bring about benefit in the Hereafter. Al-Wara', abandoning a part of the permissible for fear of falling into the impermissible, entails abandoning what you fear of its consequences in the Hereafter." So let us, in'sha'Allahu ta'ala, practice az-zuhd on these passing superior days so we might have the dunya removed from our hearts and placed into our hands where it belongs.

Glory to these days Allah has exalted. Let us honor our Lord and ourselves by honoring these days through the prescribed acts in hopes of attaining honor and Mercy from our Rabb. Let's take special care on the 9th day, the anniversary of which Allah completed His revelation, al-Qur'an, on His Messenger salallahu 'alayhi wa alihi wa salaam. Allah sent down what means:

"This day have I perfected for you your deen (i.e. system or way of life, religion, etc.), completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your deen." -Surah al-Ma'idah ayah 5

After which no wahy of the Qur'an proceeded. The 9th day, Yawm-ul-Arafah, if fasted upon will expiate for the sins of two years. Allahu Akbar!

Glad tidings to those who are embarking Hajj and intend to sacrafice bismillah. May Allah accept from you all, bless you all and your families and increase you always in the good and grant you Jannah al-Firdows. Ameen.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
La ilaha ill Allah, wallahu Akbar wa lillahi hamd!

Anatomy of Ikhlas

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Bismillah, alhamdulillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'ala alihi wa-ashabihi wa salaam tasleman katheera

Sincerity in all we do is a commandment of Allah:

"Say, 'Indeed my prayer, my rites of sacrafice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded and I am the first among you of the Muslims.'" -Surah al-An'aam ayat 162-163

"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, sincere to Him in religion, inclining towards truth and to establish the prayer and to give zakah. That is the correct Deen." -Surah Bayyinah ayah 5

Abd al-Qahir al-Jurjaani rahimullah defined ikhlas as "not seeking any audience for your deeds other than Allah."

We're warned throughout the Qur'an and Sunnah to have sincerity in tawheed of Allah, sincerity in our intentions, sincerity in our tawakkul (placing of trust and reliance) in Allah, sincerity in our worship (i.e. salah, sujood, du'a, siyaam/fasting, Hajj, zakah, sadaqah, tawba, Jihad, recitation of al-Qur'an, etc.) and sincerity in all our actions and words.

Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyaad rahimullah addressed his students on one occasion about Surah al-Mulk ayah 2 that's interpreted to mean: "He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed." Noting that "It is those deeds which are most correct and most sincere. If a deed is done sincerely, yet is not done correctly, it will not be accepted. And if a deed is done correctly, but not sincerely for Allah, it will not be accepted. It must be done sincerely (for Allah alone) and correctly (in accordance to the Sunnah).

BEWARE THE ANTAGONISTS OF IKHLAS! They are three:

Riyaa

Sum'ah

'Ujb.

Riyaa is to perform an act of worship to show off to people; seeking their praise or some other vanity.

Sum'ah is to speak good for the sake of people's compliments or praise.

'Ujb is a sitatuation where one becomes impressed with his/her self for the good deeds they've done.

Ibn al-Mubarak rahimullah said: "Perhaps a great deed is belittled by an intention. And perhaps a small deed, by a sincere intention, is made great."

May Allah, Mighty and Exalted is He above having any partner, equal or opponent, make us all among His mukhliseen (sincere slaves) and keep us aware and resistant of those diseases that corrupt our righteous actions and convert them to arguments against us on the Day of Accounting. Ameen.

Ya'qub al-Makfuf (may Allah have Mercy on him) would say: "The sincere one is he who hides his good deeds in the same way that he would hide his bad."

"The Major" Dilemma

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Bismillah, alhamdulillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulullah wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmaeen.

Brothers and sisters in Islam, as-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullah. As the smoke circulating the incident at Fort Hood remains in course of clearing, a multitude of concerns and reactions plague the circumstance. Amidst our Ummah, the Ummah of Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, the majority we're haste in speaking out and even releasing statements condemning the act carried out by Malik Nidal Hassan. Confessedly, I too, basing the motives of our brother on the initial reports from officers who knew him, presumed he targeted people senselessly over some frustrated, petty personal reasons. But the more that unfolds about our brother, the more I'm convinced his gunfire was for the sake of Allah and in honor and defense of our fellow believers and worshipers of Him overseas.

The corporate journalists, columnists, networks and U.S. officials may manufacture whichever conclusions they please. As for us, those whose fear, hope and love is for Allah azza wa jall, we have the obligation to withhold conviction until analysis has been exhausted and ilm-ul-yaqeen, clear and certain knowledge, has been attained. Our dear brother and esteemed shiekh Anwar al-Awlaki, with unmatched bravery and commitment to al-Haqq, insisted publicly that Hassan did the right thing. On the other hand, I say if Hassan's intentions were as brother Awlaki speculates, and I pray they were, then only in such a case has he indeed done the right thing. Until we can confirm his true motives, and Allah Knows best what they were, I can neither praise nor rebuke the actions of our brother.

In Awlaki's claim that Hassan could no longer bear the contradiction of being Muslim and serving in the same forces assigned to fight his brothers and sisters abroad, I was brought to wonder about the rest of the Muslims serving in the U.S. Military as well. With over 10,000 soldiers who declare there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad 'alayhi wa-salaatu wa-salaam is His final Messenger to be followed until the Last Day, this blatant contradiction and nifaq (hypocrisy) hasn't so much as twinkled in their mind? How do they, over 10,000 professed Muslims, justify their position?

O Muslims, seriously we must contemplate and remind ourselves where our loyalty is set and where our disavowal is applied. We must contemplate and honestly assess ourselves as to where our hearts stand in relationship to al-Wala 'wal-Bara. Is our loyalty and allegiance to Allah and His Messenger, or is it instead pledged to those who plot, spend and fight to disrupt, degrade and extinguish the light of Allah and the guidance of ar-Rasulullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam? Na'udu billah!

May Allah purify us of such nifaq and guide this Ummah and its mujahideen. May He give us victory over His enemies and ours. Ameen. May He azza wa jall amplify our resistance against forces of every form that oppose our entitlement to His Pleasure and an eternal abode in Jannah. Allahumma ameen!

Let us contemplate and remember the words of Umar ibn al-Khattab radiallahu 'anhu when he advised the mujahideen during the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah: "We do NOT overpower them with our strength!" Their numbers are greater and their weapons are superior, the only way we're victorious is due to our mindfulness and responsiveness to our duties to Allah. It is when we neglect our duties as Muslims and sin as our enemies sin that Allah, our Lord, humiliates us. Umar radiallahu 'an also warned: "Do not say our enemies our worse than us, so they will not overpower us. Perhaps some people who are worse than the others may overpower the others as the polytheists overpowered the Bani Israel as they involved themselves in disobedience to Allah."

And so we may question why in the first place does Allah allow His disbelievers and enemies a position of wealth and arms to invest in fighting against His Cause? Allah Promises everything they spend will wind a source of grief and utter regret for them and Islam will supersede all other ideological and political systems anyway. But in the meantime we may concern ourselves with "why?" Well, this was framed in fine perspective by the classic mufasir Ibn Kathir rahimullah who said about Surah al-Anfal ayah 36 coupled with its succeeding ayah in summary says to us what means: "We tried you with combatant disbelievers whom we made able to spend from their wealth in fighting you to distinguish between those believers who obey Allah and fight His disbelieving enemies and those (among our Ummah) who disobey Him." As Allah said in Surah al-Anfal ayah 179 what means:

"Allah will not leave the believers in the state they are presently in until He seperates the evil from the good (among them). Nor will Allah disclose to you al-ghayb (the unseen)."

And in ayah 142 of the same Surah our Mighty Rabb says what means:

"Do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His Cause and make evident those who are steadfast?"

May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala make us among the mu'mineen whose prayer, fighting, spending, sacrifice, living and dieing is for Him alone and who fully and unhesitatingly support, defend and join via spiritual or physical means the fight in His Cause, sincerely for His sake, that we may share in the barakah and glad tidings of the truly righteous and faithful. Ameen thumma ameen.

al-Tafakkur (Contemplation)

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Bismillah, alhamdulillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'ala alihi wa-ashabihi wa-salaam tasleman katheera.

Dear family in faith, as-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. Among the galaxy of themes and lessons we discover is al-Kalaamul Rabbil'alameen -the perfect speech of the Lord of the worlds- the Great Qur'an, is the importance of tafakkur; the signs and blessings of those who do it and the signs and detestable consequences of those who don't.

And so what would bring us to understand this word "tafakkur", the root (F-K-R) of which is used no less than 18 times in the Qur'an? It's defined as investing serious thought, careful consideration or analysis of a thing to obtain a clear or better knowledge of it. To employ one's mind and faculty of reason upon something. Let's take for instance the meaning of what Allah says in Surah Ali-'Imran ayat 190-191:

"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alteration of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding- Who remember Allah while standing, sitting or lying on their sides and contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying: 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly or for any idle purpose; Exalted are You above such a thing; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'"

Also, in Surah ar-Rum ayah 8, Allah ta'ala describes those who are heedless of these clear signs and who care little or none at all contemplate upon them when He says what means:

"Do they not contemplate upon themselves? Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for an appointed term. And indeed, many of the people, in the matter of the meeting with their Lord (resurrection and day of judgment), are disbelievers."

Later, He uncovers their destination if they persist and die in such a state in ayah 16:

"...as for those who disbelieved and denied Our ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.) and the meeting of the Hereafter, those will be brought into the punishment to remain."

It is my sincere intention and hope, in'sha'Allah, from here to explain the benefits of al-tafakkur. How it suits the believer and draws them closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Contemplation and reflection is required in order that both our hearts and minds be present in our salah. As we sin and disobey our Lord, having no shyness before Him nor contemplation over the consequences of our deeds. We may stand in our salah noticing something feels amiss, and this is likely because without tafakkur, without contemplation over our deeds, we cannot truly attain humbleness and humility in front of Allah and consequently repent. Wihtout tafakkur our hearts abandon us in our salah; and it is observed with very weak kushoo (concentration).

Without consistent contemplation we're paying no mind nor are we investing any real care or concern over our deeds, the good and the bad of them. Our late, classic scholar and second generation 'Tabi, al-Hasan al-Basri rahimullah, said regarding this matter: "Tafakkur is a mirror that shows you your good and bad deeds." And in conversation with Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah, Imam al-Hasan also stated: "Tafakkur is the key to Mercy. Don't you see how a person contemplates and consequently repents?"

Tafakkur (contemplation) and tawba (repentance) are of the main habits that distinguish the mu'min (true believer) from the fasiq (the one who sins without shame or guilt) and the munafiq (hypocrite). It is through these functions and good deeds besides them that the believer increases in iman, taqwa, ihsan and all the qualities Allah Loves and protects us from the Nar. In a beautiful and very profound hadith our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam explained the inherent qualities of the mu'min in saying:

"There is no believing slave of Allah except that he has a sin that he continually commits, it never leaves him until he leaves this world. Indeed, the believer is created muftannan, tawwaban, nassaa'an -when he is reminded, he remembers."

It is obvious from this statement that no believer among us is pure from disobeying their Lord. But as Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam proceeded to explain, the believer is created muftannan, one who is tried and tested, nassaa'an, forgetful and finally the distinguished qualities of the believer is they are tawwaban -repentent- and when they are reminded, meaning of their purpose, their Akhirah and place with Allah azza wa jall, they remember and refresh their hearts and iman through tawba and devotion. As ar-Rasulullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: "the one who repents from a sin is like the one who never committed the sin in the first place."

This, my dear brothers and sisters, is why tafakkur is so crucial. If not for contemplation, how then would we recognize, let alone care for our faults, shortcomings and misdeeds? How then could we come to conduct a sincere tawba; begging and crying to Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness? How then could we have humiliation and humbleness before Him, our Lord, in our salah?

One reminder that should help us to intensify our tafakkur even more, in'sha'Allah, and contemplate heavier and more deeply over our sins comes from Anas ibn Malik radiallahu 'anhu in his comment to one of the Tabi'een :

"I see you committing sins that you consider less weighty than the hair on your head, if we had done the same sins at the time of Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam we would have thought we were destroyed."

Ya Muslimeen! If this was the perception of the sahahbi Anas ibn Malik radallahu 'anhu in the case of the Tabi'een whom Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said would be the best generation of Muslims after his own, imagine then what his perception would be in our case? Let us always be among those who contemplate our purpose and place in this world and in the Sight of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala . Let us always be among those who reflect upon our deeds, repenting when sinful and always being grateful to Allah for everything, known and unknown, and looking forward to our Akhirah. Allahumma ameen!

Our late scholar and Tabi, al-Fudhayl bin 'Iyaad rahimullah said:

"The speech of the believer is wisdom; his silence is contemplation and his vision is a lesson. If you are like that, then you will never cease being in a state of worship." He followed up in reading the ayah: "wama khalaqtu al-jinna waal-insa illa liya'budun." (I have not created the jinn or mankind except to worship Me.)

The Full Hijab

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulullah

Verily, Allah is praised whether we praise Him or not, yet humbly we praise Him and could never do justice in doing so to the extent at which He is worthy. We seek His Help, His Forgiveness and we seek refuge with Him from the evil of our ownselves and the consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide and whomever Allah misguides (allows to leave astray because they refuse His guidance and have it all figured it out on their own), none can guide. I bare witness there is no diety, object, personality or entity worthy of worship, veneration, invocation, repentance, surrender and submission except Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. And I bare witness that the last and final Messenger of Allah and perfect example to all of humanity until the Last Day is Muhammad ibn Abdullah. May the peace and blessings of Allah eternally be upon him, his family, his companions and all those who follow them in righteousness and piety until the Last Day. Amma ba'ad:

Brothers and sisters in iman, as-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullah. When our Lord subhanahu wa ta'ala described the truly faithful, successful believers in Surah an-Nur, He said they are those who say, when a command of Allah reaches them: "sami'na wa ata'na" meaning "we hear and we obey". Not that we hear and we delay. One of the traps of Shaitan to which many of us fall victim is what I touched on and labeled in my Food For Faith blog as the "in'sha'Allah syndrome". It's those time when we know full well we're wrong and our response to our fellow Muslim's naseehah (i.e. reminder, advice, etc.) is "in'sha'Allah, I'll change", "in'sha'Allah, I'll stop this and start that", "in'sha'Allah... in'sha'Allah... in'sha'Allah". This sheisty trap of Shaitan, if we're not careful or protective of our deen enough, will have us saying "in'sha'Allah" until we visit our graves (which could be at ANY moment, brothers and sisters!).

To digress a moment:

The sin we commit in addition to not obeying Allah in some matter, is by saying in'sha'Allah we will start obeying Him as if we know EXACTLY how much time we have before we die to make tawba and do better. This is 'ilm ul ghayb, knowledge of the unseen, for Allah alone knows the measure of our existence. When we say "in'sha'Allah I'll start doing this or that", we're in turn claiming certainty we'll be around to do it when in fact we have no clue. The time to obey Allah in a matter we know He commanded is right away. Not an undetermined amount of days, months or years from now, but right now.

As I come back:

The subject is the "Full Hijab", however, this issue of immediate and consistent compliance applies to all of us, brother and sister, when it concerns the commands of Allah. When He azzawa jall or Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam orders something it is waajib, fard, non-negotiable, obligatory and mandatory. Such as praying, such as growing the beard, such as fasting Ramadan, such as covering the awrah and so on. They are not suggestions from Allah. They are not recommendations or mere allowances from Allah. They are obligations, meaning, Allah is telling us we have NO CHOICE. And so our response, as believers who fear our Lord, should be: "sami'na wa ata'na". When we hear we obey as instant as physically possible; not that we hear and we obey when we feel like it.

Now that I've picked on all of us, so as not to have the sisters feel singled out, what follows is a filmed lecture discoursing the importance, the beauty, the benefits and fruits of observing hijab. It is delivered by our respected brother and shiekh, Salem al-Amry. Brothers I encourage to watch as well as there is indeed benefit in it for us as much as there is for our sisters. Also, brother al-Amry's female impersonations are timeless! LOL. Enjoy, absorb and apply, in'sha'Allah:

Farewell, Old Friend

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:50:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulullah

All praise is unquestionably for Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, beyond having any partner, equal or opponent. The One solely worthy of worship and to whom all existing things beside Him are subject and to Whom all of humanity and jinn are penitent. May the peace and blessings of Allah eternally be upon Adam, Abraham, Noah, Jesus, Muhammad and all the prophets and messengers of Allah and those who follow them in righteousness until the Last Day.

As remarkably refreshing and reviving as Ramadan is, it isn't terribly easy bidding our old friend a fond farewell. And so a couple days ago, a couple hours after Fajr, Muslims on every corner of the earth gathered facing the same general direction towards the world's most sacred structure, repeating the takbeerat after our imam to offer Salat-ul-'Eid. Before which the faithful among us chanted: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha ill Allah wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi hamd!" Ya ikhwatun, brothers and sisers in Islam, I congradulate you all in saying: "Eid mubarak taqabal Allahu mina wa minkum!"

Though I, and in'sha'Allah ta'ala all of us had a beautiful, in fact, the most memorable 'Eid yet. Making sure everyone got their fill and making sure everyone, especially the children, experienced nothing short of exceptional happiness. We reflect and hope earnestly our efforts and strife, our sincere remembrance, servitude, siyam, qiyaam, sadaqah and du'as were accepted that we may be purified and elevated in taqwa. Still it concerned me that the days ahead would be similar minus the spirit of Ramadan and added the persuasion of the Shayateen. I ask that Allah preserve and increase for us the taqwa we attained throughout Ramadan and empower our resistance against our very own nafs and the insidious ways of Shaitan who now after 30 days has been unleashed. May we remain the Muslims we were during Ramadan, ever-improving from this point and neither regressing or deviating. Ameen thumma ameen.

I encourage and remind us all that we proceed continuously prusuing the pleasure of Allah jalla jalalahu; seeking and advancing in 'ilm to counter jahiliyah and shubahat (doubts) and raising in taqwa to counter shawawat (desires). Wallahi, we would be nearly as great as the 'ajr and nasr Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala would bestow upon us.

"Surely, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves." -Surah ar-Rad ayah 11

Thanks, Ramadan for the humbleness, gratitude, tears, the soar legs from standing at night in taraweeh and qiyaam listening to the best of speech, al-Qur'an; thanks for the tender heart, the sabr (patience), the naseehah and overall... THANKS FOR THE TAQWA! May Allah azza wa jall accept from us. Ameen. I invite as well do I encourage all serious Muslims to join me, if you haven't already, in fasting these next 6 days of Shawwal. As our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa 'ala alihi wa salaam told us of the one who does so will be considered as though they fasted the whole year to Allah ta'ala, hence will they be rewarded accordingly. It's not quite as easy as fasting in Ramadan (believe our avowed enemy has something to do with that), but it's worth it to make as a witness in Akhirah.

Farewell, ya Ramadan! Ya Muslimeen, ya Mu'mineen, ya Muttaqeen, ya Mukhliseen, ya Muhsineen... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS! And please, please and please keep me in your du'as as you all shall remain in mine, in'sha'Allahu ta'ala.

Fi aman'Allah wa-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

Welcoming A Friend

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:41:00 +0000

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulullah

Indeed all praise and gratitude is for Allah azza wa jall and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger, Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. Brothers and sisters in Islam, underway is what our beloved Messenger salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam addressed as an "old friend". This dear, special friend is indeed the month of Ramadan. A month very beloved to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. A month which Allah explains in Surah al-Baqarah that He first revealed al-Qur'anul 'Adeem (the Great Qur'an). A month which comes with it immense blessings and leaves with it purity and salvation for our Lord to grant the sincere companion of this beautiful month.

Ramadan is a mirror. A month at which we can truly examine and become acquainted with our true "colors". The unadulterated essence of a human being is exposed during this blessed month. Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: "When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Jennah are opened, the gates of al-Jahim (the Fire) are closed and the Shayateen (rebellious devils) are chained." So when the Malaekah (angels) heed Allah's command to restrain the devils and restrict them from interfering with us humans, no whispering or influence from them whatsoever, what excuse do we have to engage in haraam or the slightest disobedience to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala during these holy days? Backbiting, lieing, impoliteness, impatience, aggression, etc. Every deed and every thought will strictly be from our own selves. In preparation of this blessed month, a month that offers salvation like no other, wise would the beleiver be to purify and perfect their manners and behavior to reflect that of the Prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said:

"Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allah azza wa jall has no need that they should abandon food and drink. It may be that a fasting person attains nothing but hunger and thirst from their fast."

All the qualities we beg from Allah: strong iman, strong taqwa, strong sabr, better ihsan and so forth are practically handouts on these days. As good hosts of this beloved visitor, fasting purely for the pleasure of Allah, we excel our taqwa and entitle ourselves to the immense rewards of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Most notably, salvation. Allah says what means:

"O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed to you as it has been prescribed to those before you, that you may attain taqwa." -Surah al-Baqarah ayah 183

Additionally, Rasulullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: "whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."

The challenge is that once our friend, our special guest, Ramadan, departs that we hold tight to the refined qualities we attained (i.e. taqwa, iman, sabr, ikhlas, etc.) even as the devils are set loose and these qualities become like hot coals.

It is no wonder why the Sahabah radiallahu anhum would embrace this friend upon arrival and cry upon its departure. Spending 6 months preparing their homes, manners and habits for this dear friend and when this friend finally came they would welcome it with the utmost sincerity and warmth. During it's stay they'd treat it with the utmost respect, acknowledging and servicing all its rights upon them. To them, whether winter or summer, the visit of Ramadan was always short. So when it left, they would weep. They would literally cry and concern themselves over whether they did enough for this friend. When we reflect upon this and compare our situations, we should humble ourselves. It should make us feel ashamed.

In'sha'Allah, in the spirit and example of Rasulullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam and his sahabah radiallahu anhum, let us prepare ourselves for this blessed month. Allah has not legislated or commanded us to do anything for the sake of its being easy or difficult, rather He azza wa jall has done so for the sake of their being for our good. Our Lord hasn't prescribed us anything and His Messenger salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam has not ordered or advised us anything except that it is best and most beneficial to us. With this in mind, let us strive during this blessed month, observing all those things Allah Loves and rewards and removing ourselves from those things Allah Hates, bi'idnillah.

Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: "Ramadan is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the Fire." So let us prepare our intentions, our thoughts, our habits... our entire life and everything in it of which we have control for this very special friend who is well around the corner.

Hold Tight

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:37:00 +0000

"Hold tight to the Rope of Allah (His covenant that is our allegiance to "la ilaha ill Allah Muhammad ar-Rasulullah"), all together and be not disunited among yourselves..." -Surah Ali-Imran ayah 103

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulullah wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmaeen

Inna walhamdulillah! Indeed all praise rightfully and naturally goes to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; the Creator, Cherisher, Sustainer and Evolver of the heavens and the earth and all they contain. Our Lord who created us on these testing grounds to determine who among us is best in piety and conduct. For even the most presumably righteous in conduct means nothing if not done for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala; for the love of Him, in fear of His punishment and in hope of His Mercy and Reward.

If otherwise enacted only for the sake of attention, reputation or to earn the pleasure of the people is insignificant in the all-encompassing Sight of Allah who is Al-Kabeer. Even if that good is done simply on the basis that it's something good is a wasted deed. Of no value is any good act if not performed in knowing this is something Allah ta'ala tells us is good and knowing it is something He, azza wa jall, is indeed pleased with. The reward from Allah is not by righteous deeds alone, the formula throughout the Qur'an is always 'those who believe and do righteous deeds'. Allah ta'ala says what means:

"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 a speck on a date seed. And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth?" -Surah an-Nisa' ayat 124-125

Allah, our Rabb, Glorified and Exalted is He, Al-Qayyum (the Self-Sufficient), Who is above having a son, partner, comparison, equal or opponent, from His Mercy tries us all according to the strength of our religion. As such there hasn't been any nor will there ever be any who is tested to the degree of the anbiya (Prophets). Taqwa is our key to responding correctly to the trials of this life and gaining success here and salvation in Akhirah. Taqwa, literally a shield protecting one against the displeasure and wrath of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, is aquired not merely through having iman (faith), but in constantly struggling to increase it. It's acquired not merely through seeking and gaining 'ilm, but in striving to properly implement it. And there is no better way... better yet, there is NO OTHER WAY to attain, nuture and guard these qualities than by sticking to the Sunnah of our beloved and noble Rasulullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. It's just as he, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, has commanded us:

"Hold tight and cling on to my Sunnah with your molar teeth and keep far away from newly invented matters in the deen..."

With true taqwa one easily abandons and abstains from sins and works diligent to even avoid suspicious matters and matters, like the footsteps of Shaitan, that are most likely to lead the individual to sin or altogether astray. Iman and 'ilm are dependent upon one another, but each must constantly be elevated. Thus faith withers away if the knowledge Allah ta'ala granted you is not implemented. The true religion, ad-Deen ul-Haqq, Deen ul-Islam, is not a hobby, rather it is a full time commitment. Just as the Sahabah were strong in ibadat, strong in seeking knowledge, strong against the enemies of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, strong in their religion, this deen of Islam... we too, as Muslims, must be strong and commited sincerely and wholeheartedly with every limb of our jasad (body) and every portion of our ruh (soul) while Allah grants us, the mature and sane, with such an opportunity. It is impossible and foolish to think we will die in a state of al-Islam if without a full time commitment to al-Islam. How can we assure a death in a state of "la ilaha ill Allah" if we don't even live in a state of "la ilaha ill Allah"? The correct belief is cursed if the actions are not correct. And the correct actions are meaningless if the belief is incorrect. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says:

"Ya ayyuha al-ladhina amaanu attaqu Allaha haqqa taqatihi wa la tamootuna illa wa 'antum Muslimoon." (O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam) -Surah Ali-Imran ayah 102

Our aqeedah, our methodology; our iman, our ways; our belief and practice must be in accordance to the same understanding and example of Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, the Sahabah radiallahu 'anhum and as-Salaf us-Salih (the pious predecessors) rahimutuallah. This is the methodology or path of those whom Allah says He favors and is pleased with in Surah al-Fatihah that the mukhallaf (morally responsible) recites, at minimum, 17 times a day. This righteous and victorious path is that of Ahl as-Sunnah wa'l Jama'ah, the path of which we call to Allah that He keep us firmly upon when we say: "sirataal ladhina anamta 'alayhim!"

To learn, stick close and be persistent upon such a path truly is a struggle, but it's a struggle fisabillah (for the Cause of Allah). When living in the core, the belly and epicenter of a dunya-oriented society and the symptoms manifested and overflowing from such a corrupt and deluded orientation, without a solid foundation to support our iman, it can quickly be swept away. Our goal is to return to our Rabb happily. Among the many names Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has given the Last Day is Yawm ul-Hasra, the Day of Regret. So let us be among those who regret having not doing more and not of those who regret having never doing anything at all. O Allah remind us to remember You at times of weakness and vulnerability. May we as Believers love each other and advise each other in righteousness and stand firmly against all forces and matters oppossing our unity, our allegiance to "la ilaha ill Allah" and our path to Jennah al-Firdous. Ameen.

The Worth of Time

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaamu 'ala Rasulillah wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmaeen. Alhamdulillahi-ladhee wa ja'alana minal Muslimeen.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam; those of us Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala blessed to have embraced and to strive upon the same guidance sent down to all His prophets and messengers ending with Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. I first say unto you all, as-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu. Second, I challenge us all that we dare ponder just how it is we treat this more-crucial-than-we-know blessing and opportunity Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has granted us. Do we pay any mind to the nature of our intentions and the consequences they accrue? Before diving into any impulse do we think to ourselves: "Will this please Allah? Is this worth the time He's granted me? What am I gaining? What am I sacrificing?" Do we worry whether Alalh is or will be pleased with us for our actions before they are initiated? Are we truthfully and sincerely remembering Allah, our Lord, and are we truthfully and sincerely remembering al-Akhirah with every step Allah ta'ala permits us to take?

Or is it that we are playing games with our time Allah ta'ala has permitted? Playing games with our life Allah ta'ala has decreed? Do we spend more of our time engaged in idle talk, unbeneficial, frivolous activities, nodding our heads and swaying our bodies to music and other tools of the clever, thoroughly-experienced and accursed Shaytan, our avowed enemy, uses to distract man from Allah and Last Day? Ya ikhwatun, brothers and sisters in iman, this is the time to soften our hearts, no harden them. This is the time to strengthen our Deen, not compromise it. Do we spend more time wasting time than we do striving in making the maximum benefit out of every passing minute?

When our beloved Rasulillah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: "every heart has a passing cloud", he (salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam) was referring to the ever-fluctuating state of iman Allah tries those who say: "we believe." One day the heart of the believer may gleam with iman like the full moon in a clear night's sky and the next day the same heart have its light of iman dulled like the moon veiled behind a passing cloud. The reason our iman reduces; the reason its light is dimmed is due to our own shortcomings, our sins... our turning away from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. The only thing to restore and intensify this poor state of iman is obedience to our Rabb; righteous deeds and dhikrullah (remembrance of Allah). This time Allah has permitted us is not to be wasted. Are our hearts trained to find rest and cure in listening to the mellifluous recitation of the Qur'an and praising Allah or are they trained to find satisfaction and relief in hearing music, singing voices, playing video games or some fruitless other that neither pleases or draws us closer to our Lord? If the latter is true, brothers and sisters, we have work to do.

In Surah al-'Asr, the very Surah it is mustahaab (highly recommended) we recite to one another before departing, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala swears by the time (as only He can rightfully use anything in His creation to be His witness; believers may swear only by Him alone) that every single one of us, all of mankind, believer or not, is at LOSS! And when He azza wa jall says "illa" (except), He azza wa jall mentioned four qualities: "iman, righteous deeds, exhorting one another to truth and exhorting one another to patience." Iman is not sufficient. We must nourish and excel our iman (by seeking out knowledge; ilm 'ul Islam) implement, share it and be patient in the face of not only adversity, but ease. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, Rabbil'alameen, make us among those who strive to perfect these qualities in hopes for His rewards. Ameen.

Let us look again at what Allah chose of al-'alameen to swear by that we're at loss except by the conditions He specifies. Of everything He created He chose to swear by the time. Because with time do we endure fulfillment and hardship. With time do we endure health and illness. With time do we enjoy strength and confidence just before we suffer in weakness and uncertainty. With time do we raise in faith and do we shrink in faith. And what is time besides our life itself? All this life, this transition in dunya, all it is, is merely time Allah has given us to prove our piety and conduct deserving of the eternal bliss He is eager to give us. This life, this time, like all the obligatory acts of the mu'min, the believer (i.e. salah, swam, zakat, etc.), is NOT the goal, it is THE MEANS. May all our brothers and sisters who've been deluded to have made this dunya their goal, those whom Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala calls worse than animals in the Qur'an, awaken and detach themselves from this pathetic state and strive for the pleasure of their Rabb. Life is ephemeral. A blindingly quick transition. For those who make this world their goal, in most cases, time is money. For the Believer, time is life. we waste one, we waste the other. May Allah azza wa jall grant us the tawfeeq to use our time wisely and productively in hope of His Pleasure and fear of His Displeasure. May we not be counted among those who used their time, this life, recklessly. Mindless and heedless of Him. Ameen.

O Muslim, we are the Ummah of Iqarah! None has pondered, dissected, anatomized and expounded upon every science known to man the way our forefathers have. No nation has exhibited the level of passion and ambition for discovering, analyzing and learning matched to that of our Islamic forefathers. Civilizations all around the world flocked and gathered at our circles, institutions and universities to satiate their yearn for knowledge. Where has this spirit gone? Subhan'Allah, it has withered to death among our Ummah and desperately needs to be revived. The scholarly endeavors and achievements of our forefathers, from the Tabi'een to the 8th century and onward, we're manifold and usual. Surely, they recognized the value of time and did not waste it. They were focused heavily on paving the way for their children and the succeeding generation of the Ummah. This should as well be our aim. Not this living for the moment, living for the deceptive, temporal pleasures of this dunya, kuffar lifestyle most of us have adopted. we are still on the clock, brothers and sisters, come... we have serious work at hand. Serious.

"Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the Truth? And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient." -Surah al-Hadeed ayah 16

Who Is Allah?

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:02:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

All praise naturally and rightfully belongs to the One who Created whose most beautiful name is Allah; the Lord, Cherisher, Sustainer and Evolvler of all worlds and existing things. As such we praise Him and attribute every occurrence or condition as coming from Him or allowed by His Leave. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, Jesus Christ the Son of Mary, Moses, Abraham and all the prophets and messengers and the followers of what was revealed to them until the Last Day.

During the second week of February was held the annual Islamic Awareness Week in London. Brother Jalal ibn Sa'eed presented an incredible talk, ma'sha'Allah ta'ala, expounding the topic "Who Is Allah?" For the Muslim, it's a back to basics moment, an always refreshing and iman-boosting experience. For the non-Muslim, it's utterly enlightening.

Some of what is explained in Jalal's talk is how the name "Allah" itself is alone a miracle; one which could not have possibly been conceived by man (and he explains why), the evidence of Allah through His creations, the importance of understanding His Names and Attributes and late in the talk he discourses in very simple and easy-to-grasp terms the science of al-qadr wal qadar (predestination) and al-Lauh al-Mahfuz (the preserved tablet) and the proper means of understanding these articles. Enjoy and benefit, in'sha'Allah:

Can't Lose

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:45:00 +0000

Bismillah wa-salaatu wa-salaam 'ala Rasulillah wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmaeen

Alhamdulillahi-ladhee ja'alana minal Muslimeen!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam... as-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

Can it be I'm drawing a daft impression in thinking many of us, as Muslims, often forget or lose touch with the substantive fact Islam is a complete system of life designed to make us succeed at the uttermost in every aspect and circumstance with which we're confronted in life wherever in the world we may be? Commitment to this system from Allah, Rabbee wa Rabbukum (my Lord and your Lord), entitles us to His Love and promises us success.

*As we know a promise from Allahu ta'ala is a guarantee*

A life of complete worship and servitude to Allah -remembering Him before initiating any act (i.e. eating, sleeping, studying, leaving home, sitting, etc.) and praising and expressing gratitude to Allah upon completing every act and task. Islam is our shield and fortress against worry, grief, depression, stress and anxiety. We lose touch or haven't attained any real yaqeen (absolute certainty) of this in the first place and become easily agitated; consequently our hearts curdle and iman declines. La samaha'Allah any of us should be paralyzed in this state. Ya Muslim! Know and be persistent in acting upon it that such a life (of complete worship and servitude to our Rabb) ensures us success in this life and salvation in the Hereafter.

Islam grants us the perpetual consciousness that, in dunya, the only thing in our hands are our choices, NOT the results. Our response to each result determines whether we earn Allah's Love and Mercy or His Hate and Wrath. Time eventually heals all, but Islam stimulates our fitrah and extends to us the wisdom to be patient and mindful at the very instant calamity strikes. A unique but eminent condition of those with true iman and yaqeen in Allah and the Last Day; those with ikhlas (sincerity) and walaa (loyalty) to His Decree (i.e. Qur'an, Shari'ah, Sunnah). Our prophet and Allah's final messenger to the world, Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said:

"How remarkable is the case of the believer! There is good for them in EVERYTHING, but this is NOT the case for anyone except for the believer! When the believer receives any good, they are thankful to Allah and earn a reward; when some adversity befalls them, they endure it patiently, for which they are also rewarded."

We are tested and met with fitnah in dunya that we might be purified in dunya, as opposed to being so in Jahanam. Na'udu billah! Just as we are tested for any promotion in this life (i.e. career, adulthood, parenthood, etc.), we are tested for promotions or our status to be elevated in Jennah (and both are directly linked). As Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam told us: "dunya is a prison for the believer." If we are not imprisoned in dunya, meaning restrict ourselves from evil, it's proponents and gateways, we will instead be imprisoned in Akhirah. Again, na'udu billah! Allah is Al Wadud, The Loving, who rather us (as we should rather ourselves) to be purified in this transitory life that we might enjoy an unfathomably blissful eternity.

So whether met with prosperity or calamity in this world, it's always a win-win situation for those with true iman, yaqeen and walaa in Allah and His Decree (i.e. Word, Shari'ah, Sunnah).

Through proper observance of the law of Love as it concerns the principle of al 'Wala wal 'Bara, we understand that what Allah Loves takes precedence over our personal attachments, lures, likes and desires. Just as we would foolishly do anything for someone we love (or trying to impress) unmindful of what others may think or say, we should unhesitantly do for the sake and love of Allah azza wa jall without care or regard of what others may perceive of us.

What most commonly cost many of us success in this life and salvation in Akhirah is being weak and relaxed in what is obligated upon every Muslim after seeking knowledge... jihad an-nafs or the struggle against one's own ego and selfish desires that would have one transgress against oneself and obedience to Allahu ta'ala. By failing or being inconsistent in this endevour we distance our hearts further from Allah all while Shaitan convinces us the same desires and acts have no such effect. Hence, if we are weak in jihad an-nafs (disciplining our souls), we are weak in jihad ash-Shaitan; subsequently opening the door for much transgression, negligence, hypocrisy and/or vulnerability to misguidance and bid'ah. It is paramount for our success and salvation that we strive for the sake of Allah even and especially when it is against our own nafs.

I'm compelled to as well note that as integral as jihad an-nafs wa jihad ash-Shaitan are with regards to the individual. The highest mode of jihad obligated upon the community and excused of others only after a sufficient number have committed to its cause (and those physically unable) is the pre-emptive and defensive jihad against the enemies of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala who seek and act to oppress and slaughter Muslims, deny the right of self-determination and/or expel them from their lands. Doing so because they'd like nothing more than to see ad-Deen ul-Allah extinguished that their brand of religion/politics may prevail. Allahu ta'ala said what means:

"They desire to extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths, and Allah will not consent except to perfect His Light, though the disbelievers (kuffar) are adverse. He it is Who sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of Truth that He may cause it to prevail over all religions and ways of life, though the mushrikeen (those who worship, serve, obey or fear other than Allah) are adverse." -Surah al-Tawba ayat 32-33

The Deen, Promise and Plan of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala cannot be defeated, frustrated or avoided. Add this to the long list of reasons why those with true iman, yaqeen and walaa to Allah and the Last Day can't lose.

Disturbingly enough there is a popular tradition cited by many Muslim apologists active in interfaith circles and by those associated or involved in Sufism about the "lesser jihad" being war against hostile forces among the kaffir'un and the "greater jihad" being purification of the soul (jihad an-nafs). Sadly either they are unaware or dismissive of the fact this hadith is maudu' or fabricated, void of any isnad (unbroken chain of narrators leading from the very lips of the Prophet 'alayhi wa-salaatu wa-salaam). It's used, like the myriad of other contrived and anomalous views, to present Islam as a fashionably kumbaya, naively passive or otherwise wishy-washy and dare I say pansy religion. A degraded, warped version of Islam best favored and promoted by our "pals" at the RAND Coporation and the Muslims who align themselves with them and/or their goals. Just a reminder that in sticking to al-Qur'an was-Sunnah we can't be lead astray and... we can't lose.

The most noble of sciences is ilm-ul-Islam (knowledge of Islam) and the most noble of acts is the application of the knowledge of al-Islam. For every bit of knowledge of Allah's beautiful Deen gone unapplied and unimplemented is but cursed knowledge; -knowledge that will serve as witness against us on yawm'ul Qiyamah. The believer has no option except to win by wala to Allah and the totality of His Deen and bara (disavowal) to all opposing and contradictive elements of Allah and His Decree.

By constantly being engaged in dhikr through learning and reciting the appropriate dua's before and after every action and condition. By turning to the naf'l or voluntary acts as much as possible. By crying out and seeking His Mercy and direction when in distress:

Bismillah al-ladhi la ilaha ghayrahu al-Rahman al-Raheem
Allahumma adhhab 'anni al-hamm wal huzn
(In the Name of Allah whom there is no god beside Him, The Merciful, The Compassionate. O Allah! Remove all worries and anxiety!)

By admitting our mistakes and sins and seeking His Forgiveness for the things we know and those we've forgotten before calling it a night. Wallahi we can't lose no matter what good comes to us and no matter what adversity or challenge should befall us.

Allahumma musarriful qulub sarrif qulubana 'ala Ta'atik
(O Allah! Controller of hearts, direct our hearts to be firm and steadfast to Your Obedience.)

I ask Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala continually increase us all in taqwa that we will be guided to His Mercy and gaurded from His Wrath. Ameen ya Rabb. Any truth I've produced is good and is from Allah, may we take and benefit from it. Any mistakes are my own, may Allah protect us from them and there potential misguidance. Ameen.

It's About Time

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:21:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Shall we allow ourselves to pause a second (for what that very second is worth) and ponder our witnessing of the astonishing yet worrisome rate at which time elapses these days?

As the axiom goes, time flies when you're having fun and especially establishes lift off and soars when you're busy. As a recovering procastinator, what's become of vital importance in my life are prioritization and sacrafice. Marshalling priorities and putting off activities (or desires), even the useful and benefitting ones, to either tend or manage something of greater importance (the tafsir on Surah at-Takathur comes to mind) is for me much simpler stated than executed. I'm working on it whilst beseeching the guidance of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. It's a principle that sort of ties admist Balance and Control somewhere.

Still, what absolutely stupifies me is how in this technological age of literal overnight conventional inventions and developments designed to assist or perform tasks in less time; our computers, microwave ovens, printers, automated factories and cellular phones complete with calenders, organizers, calculators, instant text messaging, Web-access, etc., we lack the time to accomplish even a tenth of what we should or atleast aspire to have done before the day dissovles.

Centuries before any of these nifty tools, vehicles and automated assistants were at the disposal of man, they traveled far and wide and managed to get more done in the same 24-hour frame we've available today. And because the means at which to accomplish tasks- building homes, travel, hunting, commerce, etc. were so manual and raw, there was no need for gyms, aerobics, jogging in the mornings, tredmills, etc. Such a concept would be laughable in those times. And though they had fuller plates, much more irons in the fire and a whole lot more fish to fry compared to today, they got it done. So what is it about us and our era that we feel like there isn't enough time?

It reminded me of one of the sign relayed to us by our Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salaam, as reported by Anas radiallahu anhu:

"The Day of Judgement will not come until time shrinks; the year will be like a month, the month like a week, a week like a day and day will be like burning a leaf." (Tirmidhi)

One of the most fantastic explanations of this hadith I heard was from Imam Anwar al-Awlaki from his "The Hereafter" series wherein he gave the example of Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimallah) who authored an entire book of Aqeedah (over 200 pages) between Dhuhr time and just before the start of 'Asr (anywhere from 3 up to 3 1/2 hours) and this very book is now taught over a full semester at the Univesity of Medina where students complain that it just isn't enough time to cover this text. Subhan'Allah!

As time hastens, may our blessed Ummah, the Ummah of Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, be more productive in gaining the good in this dunya as well as the Akhirah. May our Rabb, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala be our destination and the Sunnah of our Rasul, Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, be our roadmap. Ameen thumma ameen! We should acknowledge that there isn't nor has there ever been a single nation or individual except that it will, on different levels, experience the delight of success as well as suffer the shame of decline (Allah ta'ala promises this). May we be patient and obedient in both trials. Ameen.

"(I Swear) By Time,

Indeed, man is in loss,
Except those who believe and do righteous deeds
and advise each other to Truth
and advise each other in patience."
-Surah al-'Asr

Shari'ah: Panacea or Barbarism?

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:05:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

A factor that needs to be noted in all such issues, including questions about the prescribed punishments under Islamic law is that there are very few matters (if any) in our lives that are entirely beneficial and without some harm, or that have complete harm without some benefit.

Everything contains harms and benefits to a greater or lesser degree. Take khamr, or intoxicating substances for example. Even though the Prophet (saws) referred to it as the mother of evils, the Qur’an still recognises that it contains some benefit, but the harm is much greater than the benefit and this is sufficient cause for us to have to leave it completely alone. The fact that something has a small benefit does not justify it, because the harm that results is greater. Similarly something may have some harm, but the benefit is much greater, it cannot be prohibited because of that small degree of harm. If we always followed the rule avoiding that which has greater harm and procuring that which has more benefit, human life and societies would gravitate towards goodness. If we ignore this principle then harm will inevitably dominate our condition and destroy our societies.

It is the goal of the Islamic law (Sharia) that benefit dominates over harm. Of course there is always a possibility of dispute over what actually constitutes harm and benefit. Is it purely material, or does it include psychological and spiritual matters also. In fact we need to take all this into account.

This inevitably brings us back to an essential matter. Who and what determines that which actually constitutes harm and benefit? Human nature is so complex and the interaction and interplay of factors so vast that it is often beyond the capabilities of the limited human mind to factor all this in. This is why we believe we need Allah’s guidance from His perfect and complete knowledge. It is only Allah that has the knowledge and vision to comprehend the complexities of our individual and collective lives and thus to provide us with answers and instruction in how to best order it.

We only need to look at Western society to see examples of how miserably humans have failed to find answers to even relatively simple and essential matters, and how it has so completely left the mark!

One example that comes to mind is the daily function of how one goes about going to the toilet. Muslims are well aware that our religion instructed us 1400 years ago about how to clean ourselves with water after answering the call of nature; the ritual ablutions before the five daily prayers, and that cleanliness is half of faith. This was long before science had discovered about germs. This is why Muslim societies in the middle ages did not suffer from many of the diseases and plagues that decimated the West. In fact despite the understanding that modern science has brought, people in the West have failed by and large to translate this knowledge into daily manners and habits! There is still not water to wash ones privates in public lavatories (although some private houses have bidets). As for the men’s urinal where ones is supposed to urinate against a wall, causing urine to splash back over ones clothes and body, enough said about taking a shower in our own urine! Many people still do not wash their hands afterwards!

If the secular societies have failed to get such simple matters right, can it be expected that they will succeed in the matter of more complex ones that govern society?

We often hear complaints about the brutal punishments in Islam, like the removing of the hand for the thief. No doubt, to those of us living in the west such a punishment does seem harsh, but what is the alternative that so called “humane” and secular societies offer?

A man is caught stealing and is sent to prison. Let’s leave aside exactly how horrific prison itself is, and much it costs the hard working, honest citizen to pay for these prisons that do what exactly? There the thief meets other thieves, also kidnappers, murders, rapists…and they meet and talk about what? I’ve been so bad and won’t do it again? No, they share information. They teach each other how to be better thieves, murders, rapists and paedophiles and when the time comes for their release they are now equipped with knowledge they never had before. They are thinking that they will steal again, do it better next time and not get caught.

Is the criminal prevented from committing more crime? It seems not. 80% re-offend.

Is society protected from these criminals? It seems not. Crime increases.

One may criticize Islam, but what does the alternative offer?

Allah has laid out for us a society the very paradigms of which are radically different to those of the secular “consumer” societies. Whilst these advocate and propagate through constant advertisement that success and happiness is through procuring worldly goods Islam guides us to the path of spiritual happiness and contentment. Of course, it is not that Western society is blind to the need for morals and ethics, nor is an Islamic society blind to the need for material well being and prosperity, but where is the emphasis and what is the goal? Does it make a difference? Of course, it makes a vast difference. In societies where material possessions are seen as the means to happiness people will do what ever they can to acquire those material possessions, even if it requires stealing or killing. Perhaps that is why we feel so uncomfortable with harsh punishments because most of us ourselves in such societies empathise with this “need to acquire”. An Islamic society does not in general empathise with the thief at all. Excellence is in leading a simple life of contentment and obedience to God, so that in this context the crime is almost inexcusable, unless driven by starvation or some desperate need, which in any case can be reasons for the crime to be excuse and the punishment lifted.

These combined are perhaps the reasons why societies that follow the Islamic ethic and implement the Islamic law tend to be largely free and safe from such crimes. There are numerous witnesses, for example, of jewellery shops in Muslim countries being left open and unattended whilst the shop keepers go for prayers and come back to find all still in place.

Islamic law prevents the thief from stealing and protects society from the thief.

All of this, it must be noted, is in the context of the ethic under which the whole society operates and law is just, fair and effective.

The case of adultery.

All this applies also to the matter of stoning the adulterer and adulteress to death.

Islam has placed great emphasis on protecting and safeguarding the family. It is in fact the structure on which the well being of society rests.

There is also great emphasis laid on a public display of morality. It is a normal tendency in human societies to justify our actions in the context of how others behave and consider those actions. Islam goes some way to remove this tendency by insisting that deeds should be done to please God, not others. Still, when evil and sins begin to be practiced openly then people imagine that this act is not really that bad and detrimental, because after all, others are doing it. As a result the crime becomes more widespread and a vicious and rapid vortex of moral decline occurs with the ultimate disintegration of society. Islam forbids spying and seeking out of faults, but when sins are committed openly it contains three wrongs: a crime against the self (for that is what sins are, matters that harm the person who commits them) and affront to the law and thus the Law-Maker, and an affront to the good ordering of society. Such crimes thus need suitable and effective punishments that act as a sever warning to others. A public crime deserves a public punishment.

Adultery is punishable by death, and a slow and painful death by stoning. It is indicative of just how harmful this crime is to society. This is more so because in order for the crime to be proven the adulterers need seen performing the act by four reliable witnesses!

Let us also bear in mind that Muslims societies take every precaution to avoid the means that can lead to adultery. Public nudity is forbidden. In fact a strict dress code is observed. This is part of the wisdom behind the hijab. It is an act of social responsibility that helps towards a harmonious society. Also free mixing between sexes is avoided, men and women should not have physical contact and men and women should not even be alone together (unless they are husband and wife, or from close relatives who are permanently forbidden in marriage). Again in this context adultery is inexcusable, and justly punished with severity.

There is another direction from which the wisdom of such a punishment can be understood, and that is the death of two criminals can prevent the death and agony of many innocents. There is no doubt that adultery has caused many a jilted partner to kill not only the partner but in some instances the children as well. This is the harm that we can measure and see. It is more than likely that the psychological effects on the jilted partner, the children and their families is extensive, and can lead to behavioural problems that ultimately effect the well being of the whole society! The “harm” of the punishment for adultery is offset by the need of the “benefit” and protects the wider society. All of this also goes some way to help understand way acts of homosexuality are simlarily treated so harshly.

Ultimately one should not accept or reject Islam in general or in fact any specific part of it because it happens to agree or disagree with the norms of ones cultural heritage. Ethics and law and punishments are ultimately not things that we can easily take objective measurements of. A punishment that may seem overly harsh in one culture will look unnecessarily tame in another. It makes no sense therefore to make this the criterion for critique. Perhaps the closest we can come in this regard is to see: "Does it work or not?" Islam as a system of governance has an excellent track record in that regard. Not only has it a 1400 years track record, but it has and still is being successfully used by a multitude of peoples and cultures across the globe. Something I think few systems of governance can come close to matching.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj Diagnosed...

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Bismillah, walhamdulillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

It disheartens me in coming to know as well as to inform those among us unaware that our respected brother, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, has been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

Siraj Wahhaj was a former NOI (Nation Of "Islam") minister, soon left upon discovering the reality of pure Islam as ordained by Allah and His final messenger to the world, Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. Alhamdulillah! In 1991 he became the first Muslim to offer an invocation or opening prayer for the United States House of Represenatives and is the founder and Imam of Masjid at-Taqwa in Brooklyn, New York. Just some notable points in the life of this wonderful man. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala reward him immensely for his efforts and works in advancing His Cause. Ameen.

Brothers and sisters, let us have our respected brother in our duas, bi'idnillah, asking Allah by all His beautiful Names that Imam Siraj be granted a speedy recovery and ease be given to his dear relatives and those nearest to him. Posted beneath is a letter from Brother Wahhaj himself and a link for donations.

(from Siraj Wahhaj):
As Salamu Alaikum, Dear Brothers and Sisters!

It is well known now that I have been suffering from hypertension. Al Hamdulillah, I have been working with it for a while now, and insha’Allah it’s pretty much under control. As a result of being thoroughly checked by the competent doctors in Atlanta , I have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Al Hamdulillah, inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. (All Praise is for Allah. Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.)

My diagnosis is not as bad as it sounds on the surface. Many men have been cured from prostate cancer. My doctors are very optimistic about my cure, and so am I. Insha’Allah the treatment should last about two months. But you and I know that the cure is in the Hands of Allah. If Allah heals me, I will be very grateful. If Allah doesn’t heal me, then I will be patient and happily accept my fate. This is the way of the Believers. I am looking forward to full recovery and getting back to work in the not-too-distant future, insha’Allah.

Many people will ask the question, what can we do? Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for me. Make du’a. But don’t just make du’a for me. There are a lot of Muslims, men and women, with cancer (and other diseases). Make du’a for them also. There are so many among the elderly, who need our help, make du’a for them. There are so many Muslims who have lost their jobs, lost their homes, make du’a for them! Beyond the prayers, go visit the sick, those in prison, and others in need.

Get involved more with Islamic work. Support organizations like MANA, ISNA, ICNA, MAS, CAIR, SIFCA, the community in association with Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, the community of Imam Jamil Al Amin, etc. Support good brothers and sisters, like Mauri’ Saalakhan of the Peace and Justice Foundation. Support Islamic education and schools. If you want to help Imam Siraj, then help support his Masjid, Masjid At-Taqwa, in Brooklyn, New York and all the other struggling Masjids throughout America.

Every challenge we face in life presents us with many opportunities for growth. With a heightened awareness and sensitivity about health-related issues, I will feel better when we, as an ummah, learn more about our health. We have to be very careful about the foods we consume! I urge all of us to cultivate healthy appetites such that we begin to love and crave foods that are good FOR us and eliminate foods that are not. I intend with Allah’s help to share information with you in the coming weeks about our health.

On behalf of MANA, I encourage you to lend your support to our growing Organization. Every MANA project is structured to strengthen American Muslim communities. The SHARE Centers, Healthy Marriage Initiative, Community Reentry Program, and Healing and Reconciliation Project all need input and active service urgently. Please contact the MANA office to find out more and look for regular updates in our newsletters, insha’Allah.

In closing, I am humbled and very thankful for all the prayers, and well wishes of the Muslims, and am very appreciative for all the help extended to me and my family in the past. Alhamdulillah! I am also overwhelmed with gratitude that a number of you want to lend financial support, and have asked how you can do that. Online donations can be made here, or feel free to correspond with me directly at Siraj Wahhaj, P.O. Box 312264, Atlanta, GA 31131.

Thank you kindly. May Allah guide and protect us all.

Your brother in faith,
Imam Siraj Wahhaj

Special Donation For IMAM SIRAJ WAHHAJ

Theological Tangent

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:25:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

All praise naturally and rigthfully belongs to the One who Created, whose most beautiful name is Allah. The Lord, Cherisher, Sustainer and Evolver of all worlds and existing things. As such we praise Him and attribute every occurrence and condition as coming from Him or allowed by His leave. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, Jesus Christ the son of Mary, Moses, Abraham and all the prophets and messengers and the followers of what was revealed to them until the Last Day.

If you'd care to pardon me while I shoot off on a little tangent, there is a particular argument from believers in God that irks nearly as much as it baffles me. Sure there's an ever-accumulating plethora of arguments I resent, but this one I hear so often makes no sense no matter how much I alter and adjust my perspective to suit the lens of the opposing side.

It's the argument of needlessness of organized religion. Again, not from atheist or agnostics, but those who attest to God's existence, yet see no point in following a system to cultivate, express and establish this belief. It would seem to me, that if one believes in God, Lord and Creator, that there would be responsibilities necessitated by this acceptance. Lest we accuse a foolish or pointless act to an All Knowing and All Wise being. Something we'd never attribute to even our imperfect selves. Allah, Most High, says what means:

"Not for any idle purpose (sport) did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is in-between." -Surah al-Anbiya ayah 16

If we accept then the truth that we, as everything else, has its origin with this Creator and Lord, then how does one get around realizing there must be consequences to accepting this truth? Ironically enough, they acknowledge the need for organization in every other aspect in life, big and small, with the exception of spiritual matters. There is no hesitation from a single sane mind that organization and system-enforcement is the best means through which to achieve anything. How then is an organized system denied when it comes to the spiritual aspect of our lives? We have to arrive, take a break and leave from work at specific times. Duties in the workplace and any collective project are designated to specific persons. To open doors we have to insert a key, turn the knob and either push or pull. There isn't any objective achieved by simply wanting it to be achieved. Something must be done and whoever doesn't follow an organized system to get it done always fails. Funny such an elementary rule applies in every other area in one's life except faith and spirituality when it concerns the ascribers of such thinking.

That is all. I just had to get that off. Thanks for baring with me. I suppose it would only be right to follow up with a certain procedure of elimination to determine which way is the true and right way we should adhere to gain the most out of everything in life. Consequently, I'll attach a link to an article from Dr. Bilal Philips that does precisely that. It's definitely worth the trouble of reading and consideration. May Allah guide us all to the truth and keep us firm and steadfast upon it that we might be truly successful in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.

The True Religion

Pathology of Bid'ah

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:52:00 +0000

Au'du billahi min'ashshaitanir rajeem
Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Inna walhamdulillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmaeen

Indeed Allah is praised whether we praise Him or not. Yet humbly we praise Him. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within our selves (our arrogance, lowly desires, weaknesses, in general, our nafs) and from the evil consequences of our actions. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide. And whomever stubbornly rejects faith, thinks they've figured it out on their own, refusing guidance, Allah leaves to their own path and none can guide.

I bare witness that there is NO DIETY WORTHY OF WORSHIP, of our veneration, our supplication, our sacrifice, our repentence except Allah. And I bare witness that Muhammad 'alayhi salaatu wa salaam is His final Messenger and servant.

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullah,

Brothers and sisters in Islam, in the coming days, especially for those considerably young in iman, I believe it is of vital importance we raise the awareness of bid'ah, that is, newly invented matters or traditions incorporated into the Deen long after it has been established, perfected and completed by Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala as underway appears to be a pathological spread of this evil. As Allah stated among the last ayat He revealed to Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam.

"...This day have I perfected for you your religion, completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." -Surah al-Madi'ah ayah 3

Our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam has warned us in the du'a he taught to be recited before every khutbah that the worst of affairs are bid'ah (innovations in the Deen), for every bid'ah is a misguidance and every misguidance is in the Fire! We have now many practices ascribed to Islam radically differing from one another. Every alliance to these different practices claim adherence to al-Qur'an wa as-Sunnah, so how is it we determine which of these groups are truthful in this claim? Is the ibadah performed entirely for the sake of Allah and is it made exclusively and directly to Allah azza wa jall without any intercessor (aside from our own deeds) as according to the Qur'an and Sunnah? Does it acknowledge that all of mankind is flawed, forgetful and heavily mistake-prone as Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam told us: "EVERY descendant of Adam makes mistakes" or do they propose exceptions?

So it is without specifying any labels (which in and of themselves are innovations being that no Muslim during the time of Muhammad 'alayhi salaatu wa salaam or any among the preceding three generations ever used them to describe themselves or the deen of al-Islam) I will, in'sha'Allah, keep the formula by which to distinguish pure, unadulterated Islam from an invented, cursed religion masquerading as Islam quite simple.

It certainly does not take one of any high knowledge or a student of knowledge or a student of a student of knowledge, etc. to administer the 'acid test.' Don't allow yourself to be moved or worse, deceived, by the scholarship of an individual who calls to evil and misguidance in the name of our beautiful Deen. Ya Muslimeen, it is key we bare in mind that ANY tradition, ritual, practice, theology or act that is ascribed to Islam yet is NOT found in the Qur'an or Sunnah is indubitably an innovation, a form of misguidance and as Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam warned... is in the Fire.

Further proof of innovation in one's way are exhibited in its side-effects such as having to either deny, muddle or reject certain ayat or authentic hadith to justify their practice or theology. Despite Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala Promised to guard it from corruption. They may also insist certain ayat contain hidden meanings apparent only to those endowed with great wisdom, though Allah explicitly states what means:

"He is The One Who has revealed to you the Book. Some of its verses are decisive -they are the foundation of the Book -while others are allegorical. Those whose hearts are infected with disbelief follow the allegorical part to mislead others and to give it their own interpretation, seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allah. Those who are well grounded in knowledge say: 'We believe in it; it is all from our Rabb.' None will take heed except the people of understanding." -Surah al-i 'Imran ayah 3

Avoid then newly invented matters and distance and disassociate with those who obscure, mystify and ultimately taint this already perfect, most beautiful, complete and in every human aspect-fulfilling way of life; Islam. Daw'ah, naseeah, a simple and kind invitation to tawheed offered to those we personally know involved or allured to that direction is certainly in order, but do so and leave the rest between them and Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala ("no compulsion in religion...") . What should be realized is when we invent or incorporate any act of worship foreign to the Qur'an or Sunnah that indirectly we are superciliously claiming that Allah and His Messenger left out something, hid something and/or that we know better than Allah and His Messenger. Au'du billah!

Bid'ah, no matter how good or sweet Shaitan will have you feel it is, it does not bring you closer to Allah, on the contrary, it takes you further away from your Rabb and nearer Jahanam, away from His Grace and closer to His Anger, except that you redeem yourself. There is no love for Allah in disobedience to Allah. I close with the noteworthy advice of Ubayy ibn K'ab radiallahu anhu and two sayings from our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam:

"A minimal course in the path of Allah and the Sunnah is better than striving hard in a path contrary to the path of Allah and the Sunnah and consenting to innovation. See that your actions - whether they are striving or minimal - are on the path of the anbiya (Prophets) and their Sunnah." -Ubayy ibn K'ab radiallahu anhu

"There is not anything that will bring your closer to Jannah except that I ordered you to do it, and there is nothing that will bring you into Hellfire except that I prohibited that action." -Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam (Muslim and Bukhari)

"My Sunnah is the best Sunnah. Whoever leaves my Sunnah has nothing to do with me." -Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam (Muslim and Bukhari)

May Allah ta'ala protect us from all misguidance that we might turn and submit to Him wholeheartedly and purely as He has decreed and firmly upon the Sunnah as taught in word and action by His final Messenger and mercy to all creation, Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. Any good and truth is solely from Allah and all mistakes are my own. May Allah forgive me for them and protect you and I from them. Ameen.

"Guide us to the straight path. The path of those whom Thou hast favored; not the path of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who went astray." -Surah al-Fatiha ayat 6-7

Related Topics:
Tawheed 101
You Alone Do We Worship

Chasing Marriage (The Yearn)

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:21:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Alhamdulillahi rabbil 'alameen ja'alana minal Muslimeen. All praise rightfully and naturally belongs to Allah, Lord, Creator, Sustainer and Evolver of all worlds and existing things, Who has blessed us with the greatest blessing of all by making us Muslim. Verily, the best of speech is the speech of Allah: al-Qur'an. And certainly the best of guidance is the guidance of Rasulillah, the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdullah salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam: al-Sunnah.

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullah,

To begin... I'll comment on the image above. The reasons I used it are two-fold. One, it's relevant to the topic and secondly to see if it's only me who notices these same guys pop up in nearly every Muslim site or Islam-related google search I run. Not limited to this particular image either, but the same "couple" in several different poses, profiles and angles. Am I the only one annoyed by this? Allahumma ghfirlana wa ar-hamna (O Allah forgive us and have Mercy).

To proceed... what prompted me to touch on such a severe topic was a discussion I had with one of our brothers only moments ago. I give the adjective "severe" because for the many whom are seemingly overanxious to get married, this sort of yearning is done at the expense of what they should ultimately be yearning above all else (i.e. Jennah). Our aspirations and goals, big and small, whether Jennah, higher knowledge, marriage, family, new house, new car, new career, etc., are not successfully and lawfully met without one critical prerequisite... SUBHOOR (PATIENCE).

We pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala grant us and increase us continually in subhoor that we not fall into error. Many of our brothers and sisters befall impatient, and once this impatience and anxiety is exploited by our "friend" Shaytan... "hello, haraam!" It must be ingrained in our minds, O Muslims, that every predicament and circumstance we find ourselves in is by the grace of Allah. Allah told us what means:

"On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bare." -Al Baqara v.286

So no matter the fitnah we have to be thankful and praise Allah, because it is for the best whether we perceive it or not. Allah said what means:

"...it is possible that yet dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth while ye know not." -Al Baqara v.216

And how great our Rabb, Ar-Rahman, blesses and rewards His servants for their acts of steadfastness and patience. Alhamdulillah, He is Al Mujeeb (The Responsive, The Answerer of supplication).

Imperative as well we bare in mind that Allah only places us through trials to either absolve or prepare us for something. The very reason new trials always trivialize the previous ones. So in the case of chasing marriage, consider if you're not married yet, and desperately yearn so, that you may not be prepared for the immense responsibility and obligation binding on you as a Muslim man or woman for marriage. Be grateful to Allah for the time He is allowing you to ready yourself for this noble endeavor. Think of the MANY Muslim men and women who get married prematurely; categorically unprepared and they wind up miserable. May Allah help them, grant them ease and eventual success and health in their affairs. This isn't intended to scare you out of marriage, only to encourage you to better ponder and prepare yourself for it. Allah, Al Hakim (The Most Wise), will bless you with your spouse at His Will. Until then, plea to Allah to increase you in subhoor and strengthen your control over your nafs. Seek refuge in Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala from the evil persuasions of your nafs often.

*NOTE: By being prepared, I don't mean, you haven't got your Master's or Ph.D, yet. That to me is complete and utter nonsense. If the opportunity presents itself, wherever you are in life, hasten the commitment. Don't waste time. Get it done. In fact, this is Sunnah. The more you stall, the more risk you run to opening your arms joyously screaming: "HELL-LOW HARAAM!"*

There is an entire gambit of benefits in marriage discoursed in the framework of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Far more than I'm prepared to list, so I'll instead summarize the basics which outline the broader, minute details:

To beget children
To control sexual urges
To obtain peace of mind
To increase in ibad'at or divine servitude
To gain rewards from fulfilling duties to family

All of the above and everything encompassing each of them are beautiful and no doubt, desirable. But emotionally and psychologically, you must be prepared. Not in the sense that you'll be ready to take on all tasks and respond to every unforeseen circumstance naturally and correctly. How foolish and very unrealistic. Rather, be prepared in the sense you're fully aware of the qualities and duties expected upon yourself to maintain the best relationship possible, in'sha'Allah.

Allah tells us that as spouses we are to be as garments to one another (Al Baqara v.187). Allah azza wa jall also tells us, men, that we are to be the protectors, providers and maintainers of women. This does not imply that so long as your family has a roof, the bills are covered and you purchase all or most the groceries and other necessities that she should be content. A woman requires far more. And I'm not saying this to be all, for lack of a better phrase, "punk smooth" about it. It is all according to the Sunnah of our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. As husbands we have to engage conversation, stop what we're doing almost at once to provide undivided attention to our wife when she walks in, compliment her often- if she doesn't feel like she's the most loved and most beautiful woman in all the world, then you're falling short as a husband. Be dependable. Be affectionate. Spontaneously offer her favors and things (without being asked). Again, I'm not pulling these ideas out thin air or some kufr "10 steps towards improving your marriage" jumpoff. All this advice and more were all discussed and obligated upon us by the hikma of Allah ta'ala 1400 years ago. Allah and His Messenger have established the rights of the woman OVER the men at a time when the now "civilized" democratic West were denying women legal and basic human rights, at a time when spousal abuse was an accepted and common practice. If people knew and Muslims by and large really observed the rights Allah gave women over their husbands, these Islamophobes would've got their propaganda right, that in Islam it's the men who are oppressed, NOT the women!

Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam went as far as to advise the men to not just roll over like some log after being intimate with their wife in bed. Not only are you to see to it she "achieves satisfaction" as well, but you must stroke and caress her until she sleeps. As the saying goes, if the wife is not happy, nobodies happy. A famous hadith we all should know: "the best among you are those best to their wives."

And true enough, I'm happily married so all this is very easy for me to say. Alhamdulillah. But brothers (and sisters) in Islam, take whatever good may have come out of this article and implement it to the fullest. It should help, bi'idnillah. In the meantime, prepare yourself so when Allah fulfills your aspirations for married life, you'll establish the best one possible, in'sha'Allah. Whatever good I stated is from Allah and any mistakes are strictly my own. Allah forgive me for them and may He protect us all from their misguidance.

Ameen.

They Called Him Uncle

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Infused with an ambition to counter and unplug the incessant, ongoing harassment of Christian missionaries- a fed up Muslim retailer in South Africa, knowing very little of his own religion, was propelled to educate himself to close the curtains on the then Christian onslaught against Islam once and for all.

Equipped with his fondness of reading and his knack for story telling, he stumbled on a book, Izharul Haqq (The Truth Revealed), that set him well on his way in developing himself into a master of comparative religion and splendid debater successfully presenting the universal message of Islam vis-a-vis other religions.

For him, as should be the case for all Muslims, it was Allah who set the theme:

"Invite all to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.Surely, your Lord knows best who has strayed from His Path, and He knows best those who receive guidance." -An-Nahl v.125

From silencing pestering missionaries in his city of Durban to stumping scholars, clerics and evangelists of the Protestant and Catholic world throughout Africa and all over the Western hemisphere. He became extraordinary, inspirational, international, renown and some may say heroic in the field of da'wah. His efforts have earned him the Faisal International Award in 1986 and much reverence, but we pray his reward with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is infinitely greater and among the highest stations in Jennah. As these efforts have led several thousand during his lifetime, and possibly to this day, to Islam.

That man, Shaykh Ahmed Deedat rahimallahu anhu. The lecture I'll post of his entitled "Christianity and Islam" was conducted March 17, 1987 in Geneva, Switzerland. It serves as a wonderful introduction to Islam and historical lesson well-worth contemplating. "What was the actual religion called upon and followed by all the prophets (peace be upon them)?" appears to be the inquisition here. Enjoy and benefit, in'sha'Allah:

Islam and Culture

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:35:00 +0000

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Inna walhamdulillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
Alhamdulillahi rabbil 'alameen 'alana minal Muslimeen

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Indeed, Allah is praised and may His peace and blessings eternally be upon His Messenger. All praise is for Allah; Lord, Creator and Sustainer of all worlds and existing things. Humbly, we praise Allah in all conditions, who has submerged us in His greatest blessing by making us Muslim- al Ummat Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam.

May He preserve us, keeping us firm upon His deen- the way of life of attaining peace through complete submission and obedience to Him (Islam) and may He have us only to remember Him and beseech His Forgiveness when we forget and we get distracted. Ameen. I pray all our brothers and sisters in Islam, young and old, new and emerging, that we all die only in the purest state of Islam. Ameen ya Rabbil 'alameen wa'iyaaka.

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullah,

What is to proceed is a talk from respected brother and British-revert to Islam, Abdur Raheem Green, that outlines the broad and very clear distinctions between what is Islam and what is culture. It serves effectively to rid the confusion about what is actually Islam, or what is in keeping to the Sunnah of our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, and what is often mistaken or sometimes confused for Islam- namely the culture and traditions of a particular society or nation. He also delves a bit into some of the major etiquette of the Sunnah that are seemingly abandoned, their importance and purpose. A critical reminder I thought quite beneficial for the Ummah, in'sha'Allah ta'ala. Fi amani Allah.

A World Without Islam

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:31:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Peace unto those who heed the righteous guidance and may such guidance reach those who sincerely seek it. I share now a compelling article by Graham E. Fuller published in the Jan-Feb 2008 issue of Foreign Policy Magizine that contemplates acutely the condition of our world had Islam never been.

Formally vice-chairman of the National Intelligence Council at the CIA and presently an adjunct professor of history at Simon Fraser University, Fuller intelligibly concludes the world would be in the same, if not, more disastrous state without Islam. Unraveling the heart of the worlds' struggles and conflicts lie in European imperialism and colonialism rather than religion (although having part) with his well-researched and thoroughly-considered hypothesis of an Islam-less world.

My only faultfinding is its omission to appreciate how Islam ultimately delivered Europe out the Middle Ages and into its Enlightenment, Reformation and Renaissance era(s). If only this fact had been merely glossed over this article would have easily earned from me five stars. Notwithstanding Fuller manages still to drive this much ignored yet mammoth of a point home.

Of course for the Muslim, without Islam, there would be no world to ponder the idea to begin with. In fact, without submission to the will of God (i.e. Islam), there would be no 'alamin (i.e. everything in creation) altogether. Even so let's indulge Mr. Fuller in this ruminative endeavor shall we?

A WORLD WITHOUT ISLAM <-click to check article

Portrait of A Prophet, v.2

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Bismillah, Alhamdulillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

In the Most Holy name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful to Whom all praise and gratitude ultimately belongs and may the peace and blessings of Allah eternally be upon His Messenger, Muhammad, his family and companions. Indeed, the best speech is the speech of Allah azza wa jall, al-Qur'an. And the best guidance is indeed the guidance of the Messenger of Allah, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, the (authentic) Sunnah. Indeed, the worst of affairs is bid'ah, that is, innovations or newly invented matters in the Deen. The Deen has been completed and perfected by Allah Himself and has been fully explained in words and actions by our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam. Any inclusion or exclusion in terms of principles, rulings or actions in or away from the Deen is a bid'ah; every bid'ah is a misguidance and every misguidance is already in the Fire. I pray that we strive firmly upon the sirataal mustaqeem (the pure and straight path) and that said path be made clear before the sight of all who seek it. Ameen.

In approaching this topic for the second time, and carefully so, I aim to have expounded on the reason we, Muslims, love Muhammad to the extent that he, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, comes second only to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and why all of humanity should admire him above everything else in creation. This hour talk delivered by our respected Brother Jalal ibn Sa'eed beautifully recapitulates the story of our beloved prophet, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, showcasing example after example of Muhammad's unsurpassed merciful, forgiving, charitable, kind, just and trustworthy nature, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam.Concluding the reason he, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, is indeed the greatest man humanity has known, and the greatest man humanity will ever know.

A View From Finkelstein

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:55:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

As the missles continue to glide, mortar shells proceed to errupt, bullets still mist and bombs resume to descend upon Gaza, 531 civilizian deaths have been estimated yesterday, January 5th, and this number of confirmed casualties is of course steadily climbing.

Our beloved Rasul, Muhammad, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, has advised us:

"Whoever among you witnesses an evil, let them change it by hand, if they are unable to do so, then by the tongue, and if unable to do so, then with their heart; and that is the weakest of faith." [Sahih Muslim]

So in tradition of the spirit behind every righteous cause, in defiance of overwhelming odds and in stubborn refusal to be stagnated by cynicism, the movement against social injustice and the holocaustal strike in Gaza and abroad fuels and carries on. May our efforts; prayers, fasts, voices and actions all be received by Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that our dear brothers and sisters be granted ease and victory over His enemies and ours. Ya Rabb, Ameen!

One man's view I especially respect in regards to what's dubbed the "Israel-Palestine Conflict" and the Middle East crises (as he's made it his life's mission to specialize) is historian, political scientist, lecturer and author, Norman Finkelstein. A man whose bio, work, interviews and debates (most notably the one with Alan Dershowits on DemocracyNow) one should explore if not already familiar.

Finkelstein is one whose presence is much needed in mainstream Western media when such crises in Gaza take off. However, call me delusioned, but I sense that despiste the extreme media bias that much of the American public perspective is coming to terms with the grim reality corporate media spurns to represent.

Mr. Norman Finkelstein, champion exposer of the Zionist agenda, appeared recently on Press TV in Tehran, Iran to offer his take on the brutal situation in Gaza. He also speaks a little on Bush, some of what we can expect from Obama and his Administration and his thoughts on Hassan Nasrallah that even I had to gasp over. The following contains both appearances and will automatically proceed to the next, in'sha'Allah:

State of the Ummah

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Bismillah wa-Saalat wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah,

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu:

The toppling causalities and devastation our dear Muslims in Gaza have been met with during the brutal air strike by the illegitimate state of Israel has wrought upon us much grief, frustration and reflection. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala increase us in our patience and gratitude in these trying and most cruel times. The call for us, as Muslims, to unite under one banner, "la ilaha ill Allah Muhammad-ar Rasulillah" trumpets louder and louder it seems with every passing moment. To speak and act against the injustices committed by the enemies of Islam, not merely as Gazans, Palestinians, Somalis, Kashmiris or any other superficial, nationalistic reason. But because we are Muslim. Period. May there not be a single Muslim upon a single square inch of this planet where this call is not received and properly comprehended. Ameen!

There is nothing more noble, more rewarding, more honorable, more fulfilling than obedience to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. And there is nothing more repugnant, more vile, more demoralizing, more destructive, more compromising than disobedience to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. A point that is critical we ponder as Allah will not change the condition of a people until they have changed what's within themselves (Surah al-Rad ayah 11).

What best summarizes my ultimate point is addressed in a letter from the Amir ul Mu'mineen, Umar ibn Al-Khattab radiallahu anhu to to his commander Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas radiallahu anhu who was the commander of the Muslim Army during the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah around the year 636.

In light of these times, the message in this letter from this great sahabi, whom our beloved Rasul salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam said of him:

"Among the nation of Bani Israel who lived before you, there were men sent who used to be inspired through guidance though they were not Prophets, and if there is any of such persons amongst my followers, it is Umar."

I believe it's significance and warning remains applicable to our situation today. We truly need to evaluate ourselves and commit earnestly and entirely to the guidance of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. There then would be no doubt Allah will make us victorious. In'sha'Allah!

Umar the Great radiallahu anhu writes:

"…Then after, I order you and all troops that are along with you to be obedient to Allah, in all circumstances, as this is better than the weapons against the enemy and a strong stratagem in the war. I order you and the soldiers who are with you to be more cautious and afraid of your own crimes and sins than your enemy, as the crimes and sins of the soldiers are more dangerous to them than the enemy.

The Muslims are victorious only because their enemies are disobedient to Allah and had it not been so, we have no power over them, because neither our number is equal to their number, nor are our weapons like theirs. If we commit crimes and sins as they do, then they (our enemies) will have superiority over us in power and we will not gain victory over them. WE DO NOT OVERPOWER THEM WITH OUR STRENGTH.

And you should also know that in this marching of yours, there are guards upon you from Allah and they all know what you do. So be shy from them and do not commit Allah's disobedience while you are going in Allah's Cause and do not say: ' Our enemy is worse than us, so they will not overpower us.' Perhaps some people who are worse than the others may overpower the others as the (disbelievers) Magians overpowered the Children of Israel when they (the latter) involved themselves with disobedience to Allah. So they (disbelievers) entered the very innermost parts of their homes and it was a promise fulfilled.

And ask Allah the assistance over your own selves, just as you ask Allah for the victory over your enemies. I ask Allah for that, both for you and for us."

Watch the nasheed here:

May we all take from this its maximum worth. May Allah grant ease to the surviving victims and families of our brothers and sisters in Gaza; aid them and grant them victory. Ameen.

Food For Faith

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:40:00 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Indeed Allah is praised whether we praise Him or not. Yet humbly we praise Him seeking His aid, guidance and mercy. We are penitent to Him. We seek protection in Allah from the evil in ourselves and the evil resulting from our deeds. Among us whom Allah guides, none can misguide and whomever Allah allows to tread their own path, no one among us can guide. Outwardly, inwardly, publicly and privately do I declare that there is nothing worthy of our worship, our du'a, our raka'at, our sajdah, our tawbah, our veneration except Allah, independent of all while all are dependent on Him. And inside my heart and outside my mouth do I testify that the final Messenger of Allah and perfect personification of Allah's Message whom which all of mankind should strive to emulate is Muhammad ibn Abdullah, may Allah's peace and blessings eternally be upon him.

May we continually increase in our iman, our taqwa and tawakul. May we become increasingly aware that all knowledge and ability is granted by Allah alone and that we cannot attain in knowledge beyond what Allah has made accessible. May we remind ourselves that we are not the guides of ourselves. That guidance comes only from Allah. As such, we should beseech His Guidance. And for the errors in our ways and ibadah, individually and collectively, may Allah make them apparent to us so we might have the option of turning away from them and sticking to that which is pure and straight. May we strive in adhering to al-Deen ul-Haqq purely as Allah decreed and His Messenger exemplified and not as Shaitan or our desires would influence, sway, mislead and deceive us into thinking it is. And may we act upon it sincerely and solely for the sake of Allah and His Mercy. Ameen!

Have in mind that I am not at all excludible to a single observation I should point out herein. But let's consider just how easily and comfortably we will leave what is clear and engage in that containing much doubt. Sometimes we forget that Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam lived in a time were he was enveloped and confronted by all the vices, festivities, harassment, discrimination, temptations and pleasures we witness and experience in our contemporary societies. Tenfold even. So all matters have been covered, what Muhammad ordered, did and/or would do is clear and readily accessible especially in this internet age for those sincerely seeking guidance. Yet many of us still make lousy excuses for not wearing hijab, not wearing the beard, for listening to music, for neglecting the salat, for not taking the time to advance our knowledge in this beautiful Deen, etc. Is it that we don't see by doing so we are abandoning the Sunnah? What help, forgiveness or guidance are we worthy to receive from Allah when we aren't responding to the very purpose Allah placed us here in the first place?

We say our intentions are good, fooling ourselves to thinking Allah will judge the intention and negate the action. If the act was doubtful or worse, clearly haraam, then just how good are our "good" intentions really? Instead, we should concentrate on placing our good intentions behind good deeds and leave that which is doubtful. Fear Allah and concern ourselves with only looking good in His Sight. And turning to Him in repentance when we forget. For we all forget. We all sin. But may we be among those whom Muhamamd salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam described as the BEST of those who forget and the best of sinners. Ya Rabb, Ameen!

None will attain happiness from any source other than Allah except that they will also experience displeasure and unhappiness from that very source. Even loved ones and family will at times dissatisfy or displease us. Spouses and children will disappoint us and likewise we will disappoint them. It is ONLY through the remembrance of Allah and the steadfast commitment to that which Allah called us to that we will achieve perpetual, unceasing peace and happiness. May Allah azza wa jall improve and purify our living, our affairs and conditions. May He improve us as His servants thereby enhancing in our roles and responsibilities in this life. Ameen.

We can reach but so far, so fast in satisfying the needs and desires of our bodies, but how long before we despair and border ourselves to the brink of complete mindlessness and suicide when we've neglected to satisfy the needs of our souls? Allah says of such people what means:

"Have you seen such a one who takes for his god his own passion and impulse?... They are but as cattle; nay, they are worse astray in path." Surah al-Furqan ayat 43-44

Worse than lesser animals Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala describes them. Worse because they reject and turn away even after knowledge has reached them.

"...but of NO profit to them were their faculties of hearing, sight, heart and intellect when they went on denying the revelations of Allah; and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock!" -Surah al-Ahqaf ayah 26

What else differentiates between the Believer and rejector besides that the Believer rightfully and naturally worships Allah, Lord and Creator, alone without partners, equals or opponent? What separates them except that one loves what Allah loves and despises what He hates? Enjoins what He deems good and avoids what He warned is evil?

We tuck ourselves in bed to meet morning appointments. How many of us are waking in time for Fajr to actually pray salaat ul-Fajr? We disappoint and worry ourselves when we're late on appointments, such as work or some other engagement. How many of us experience this kind of concern when we're late or have missed the time bracket for a particular obligatory salaat? We study and prepare for school tests. How many of us, with mathced intensity, are preparing for Akhira? Have we made dunya our ultimate goal? Have we slipped into valuing dunya beyond its worth?

I think among the main, cursed habits we have to break out of is this whole "in'sha'Allah" syndrome. We keep saying "in'sha'Allah, I'll start praying", "in'sha'Allah, I'll start this", "in'sha'Allah, I'll stop doing this and start doing that." Let's be honest with ourselves, because in reality, with such an attitude, we'll only end up in our graves never having doing what we always promised to do tomorrow.

"O you who believe! Answer the call of Allah and His Messenger when He calls you to that which will give you your life." -Surah al-Anfal ayah 45

Al-Shabab... Salute!!!

avjulian@gmail.com (Abdul Vakil (AV)) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:06:00 +0000

A'udu billahi mina'shaitanir rajeem
Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Inna walhamdulillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
amma ba'd

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu ya Muslimeen!

Where to begin on the degree of elation I felt upon learning of the current situation in Kismayu, Somalia as it has been established by our dear struggling ikwan, Al-Shabab! What would make us to understand the sort of delight and enthusiasm that should flow strenuously throughout our bodies as Muslims in light of this blessed news?

In a grimly improvished land overtaken by every kind of corruption you can imagine, armed with resources as few as the Panthers in the 60's and the Pleasure and Grace of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala have our brothers restored peace and order in the way of Allah. Alhamdulillah. They have denounced the shirk by destroying the graves and tombs once visited and venerated by misguided Muslims, they've denounced and done away with the bid'ah introduced by Sufism in the lands, pouring out and burning all the khamir and intoxicants they can find and Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has ammended them by establishing for them, for us, the beginning stages of solidifying a Khalifah. Under our beautiful Shari'ah do they provide the people safety, security and wages equal to their output of work that prosperity be easy for them. Alhamdulillahi rabbil'alameen!

I pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala continue to Guide and Bless the efforts of Al-Shabab that the Shari'ah might persevere and expand in those areas and beyond. I pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala outshine the propaganda and slander hurled against it by the reality of the situation. I pray that the world at large bare witness the undeniable beauty of Allah's Shari'ah on Earth. Ameen ya Rabb. Surely, what we see here is the manifestation of complete tawakul of Allah at work. Allah quotes prophet Hud alayhis salaam as saying what means:

"So plot against me all together, then do not give me respite. Indeed, I have relied upon Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature except that He holds its forelock. Indeed, my Lord is on a path that is straight." -Surah Hud ayat 55-56

Allah also tells us what means:

"And whoever relies upon Allah- then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose."-Surat al-Talaq ayah 3

For any Muslim to deny the beauty or superiority of Allah's Shari'ah is undoubtedly a manifestation of kufr. Those who believe on and prefer man-made systems like Democracy, Communism or Socialism over the Shari'ah. Not that by merely living under these governments is kufr, but to actually believe and accept that what they are doing is permissible or approved by Allah is kufr. May we and the rest of the world recognize the excellence of Allah's Shari'ah provided our brothers of al-Shabab pursuit it purely as it is decreed by Allah azza wa jall. May we keep their efforts in our du'as and support them by any means which we possibly can, in'sha'Allah ta'ala. By Allah, Ar-Razzaq, may they be victorious. Ameen!