The Worth of Time

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?

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

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

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?

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...

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

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