Topics of discussion: “Introducing Sa’eed Ibnu Zaid”

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Topics of discussion: “The persecution of Bilal”

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Topics of discussion: “The persecution of Khabbaab Ibnul Aratt”

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Topics of discussion: “The persecution of the family of Yasir (Continued)”

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The first of those questions pertains to “one’s life” which is followed up with the question as per “one’s youth”. However, isn’t youth part of one’s life?! Yes! But attention here is being drawn to the preciousness and rarity of this particular portion of a person’s life.

A strength sandwiched between two weaknesses: This is exactly what youth is!

Meaning?

Allah says:

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ ضَعْفٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنْ بَعْدِ ضَعْفٍ قُوَّةً ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنْ بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ ضَعْفًا وَشَيْبَةً

“Allah is the one who created you from weakness, then made after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair” [2]

This is how precious, transient and temporal young age is! Yes, it’s a period of power, might and activity, but shrouded with frailty before it and frailty soon after it. Before it; when you were still a child dependant on the breast of your mother, and after it; when you will become like a child, dependant on the machines of the hospital.

Beware of becoming deceived by what the mirror describes to you of your tight skin, grey-less hair and upright back! For much like how the meat within the two layers of a burger’s bread happens to be the smallest layer of most modern day burgers, the luxurious years of youth are likewise the thinnest layers a person’s life!

Some have mentioned that a youthful but ignorant individual of the past once approached a senile man whose back had arched because of old age and thus looked like a bow. The young one laughs at the sight of his curved back and mockingly remarks: “Mr bow! Will you sell us your bow?” The old man turns and gently responds with words which struck the heart of the young man like a thunderbolt, saying:

“Don’t rush .. for if Allah gives you life .. A bow will come to you for free”

These are years to be capitalized upon and invested in immediately .. for hard work now is a pleasure .. but tomorrow it will become back aches and a regretfully wasted opportunity!

At this moment in time, your body is on your side. If you decide to pray extra prayers, your body helps you and says “Let’s go!” If you want to drop a habit and turn a new page, your body helps you and says “Let’s do it!” Even if, God forbid, you resolve to disobey Allah, yes, you’re young body will assist you ..

It therefore comes as no surprise why one’s youth happens to be one of first five questions to be relayed to your ears on the Day of Judgment.

A huge trust it certainly is ..

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Topics of discussion: “The persecution of the family of Yasir”

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Topics of discussion: “The persecution of the messenger of Allah Mohammad PBUH”

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Topics of discussion: “The difficulty of revelation + The secret da’wah begins”

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Topics of discussion: “The prophet PBUH’s first encounter with revelation (continued) + The types of revelation”

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Topics of discussion: “The prophet PBUH’s first encounter with revelation (continued)”

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Topics of discussion: “The prophet PBUH’s first encounter with revelation”

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Topics of discussion: Khadeeja’s entrance to the life of Mohammad PBUH (continued)

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Topics of discussion: Khadeeja’s entrance to the life of Mohammad PBUH

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Topics of discussion: But why a shepherd?

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Topics of discussion: The prophet PBUH’s lineage + Early years (continued)

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A third example which we’re probably more used to using is “Scratching the surface” If you “scratch the surface” of a subject or a problem, then it means that you only discover or deal with a very small part of it. The matter however is much much bigger!

I was reading the book “The path of the souls to the lands of happiness” (“Haadi al-Arwaah ilaa Bilaad il-Afraah”) by Ibnul Qayyim and came across a prophetic narration which reminded me of the idiom above.

The narration states that the prophet PBUH said, describing the beauties of Paradise:

مَا فِي الْجَنَّةِ شَجَرَةٌ إِلَّا وَسَاقُهَا مِنْ ذَهَبٍ

“There isn’t a tree in Paradise except that its trunk is made of gold!” [1]

Ya Allah .. You mustn’t let this narration go without thought! If the mere trunk of this tree is made of gold, then ..

What about its far extending branches?

What about the fruits which it bears?!

What about the sounds it makes when winds blow through its leaves?!

Yes, this is an example of Paradise being described in a surface-scratching manner .. to incite the listener’s astonishment at the thought: “If this is simply the trunk, then what about the rest?”

I then began recalling all the other narrations which speak of Paradise in a similar thought provoking manner and jotted them down around the same page.

Read with me and imagine ..

The prophet PBUH said about the women of Paradise:

وَلَنَصِيفُهَا عَلَى رَأْسِهَا خَيْرٌ مِنْ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا

“ .. and the covering which she places on her head is better than the world and all that it contains (!!)” [2]

It’s the same principle, leaving you to think: If her mere head covering is better than the world and everything within it – with its men, women, cars, treasures, scenery and the rest – than what about the individual behind that veil??

Read with me and imagine ..

The prophet PBUH says describing your perfumes in Paradise:

أَمْشَاطُهُمْ مِنْ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَمَجَامِرُهُمْ الْأَلُوَّةُ

“ .. Their combs will be of gold and silver .. and their incense burners will be of aloes wood ..” [3]

If their combs are of gold and silver .. Then tell me about the hair of the users of these combs?!   … Furthermore, the incense burners themselves are made of incense; aloes wood!

.. If the very burners are made of an aroma, can you then imagine the aroma emanating from these burners?!          …. la ilaha ila Allah ..

Read with me and imagine ..

Allah says describing your vessels in Paradise:

وَيُطَافُ عَلَيْهِمْ بِآنِيَةٍ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ وَأَكْوَابٍ كَانَتْ قَوَارِيرَا (15) قَوَارِيرَ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ قَدَّرُوهَا تَقْدِيرًا

“And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups of crystal. Crystal clear made from silver … ” [4]

The question here is: If the mere vessels of Paradise are of this magnificence – of crystal clear silver (!) – then can you imagine the splendour of the drinks within these vessels?

Read with me and imagine ..

The prophet PBUH said about the pebbles you’ll see in Paradise:

وَحَصْبَاؤُهَا اللُّؤْلُؤُ وَالْيَاقُوتُ…

“ .. and its pebbles are of pearls and emeralds ..” [5]

The gravel which lies of the paths of Paradise happen to be of the most precious of stone!!

… So what does that make the actual treasures of Paradise?

One more? Read with me and imagine ..

Allah says about your beds in Paradise:

مُتَّكِئِينَ عَلَى فُرُشٍ بَطَائِنُهَا مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقٍ …

“They will be reclining on beds whose linings are of silk brocade”

Again, don’t let the subtle hints within this verse to go without contemplation. If the insides of these beds are lined with silk brocade ..  then only Allah knows what their outsides are made of!

Thus dear reader ..

How beautiful, how comprehensive, how complete and concise was Allah’s description of Paradise     .. when He said:

“No person knows of the joy which is hidden for them

.. A recompense for what they used to do” [6]

Topics of discussion: The prophet PBUH’s lineage + Early years

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Al-Manar Centre – Cardiff

Topics of discussion: Why the city of Mecca amongst other places of the world? (continued)

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Topics of discussion: Why the city of Mecca amongst other places of the world?

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The “You’re sinful” approach

He’ll silently whisper: “I agree .. you do have talents .. and yes, you do have a bit of knowledge .. but neither of them will benefit you because you are a sinner! How dare you deem yourself fit for activism whilst you’re a captive of your habits?! You want to advise others?! Advise yourself and no one else!”

We slam this door shut in the face of satan as well, by responding:

“No …

Because even the sinners from this ummah were people of enthusiasm and activism!

No ..

Because their shortcomings, sins and bad habits didn’t hold them back from competing with other Muslims for paradise!”

As one poet puts it:

لئن لم يعظ العاصين من هو مذنبُ ** فمن يعظ العاصين بعد محمدُ

“If you aren’t going to enjoin good just because you are a sinner .. then who will advise the sinners after Muhammad PBUH?”

In other words, if sinlessness was a condition to work for Islam, then none of us would be worthy of working for it because .. sinlessness was buried the day Mohammad PBUH was buried ..

Dear reader .. if your situation is like the rest of ours, you have shortcomings, you have bad behaviour which you’re struggling to rid of, but you crave to work for Islam and your heart bleeds with pain when you see others sinning … then the following story is a gift for you:

The story of Abu Mihjan (may Allah be pleased with him)

Abu Mihjan was a companion of prophet Muhammad PBUH and was suffering from a particular issue, falling weak before it every time ..

Alcohol …

“What?! A companion?! Falling victim to this?!” Yes! Put aside fantasies and do not romanticize the companions! Yes, they were the greatest human beings to ever tread the earth after the prophets and messengers .. but .. they were humans ..

Abu Mihjan was addicted to alcohol. He’d drink it, get caught and then flogged. Then again, he’d drink it, get caught and be flogged .. and this continued until the khilaafah (rule) of Omar (may Allah be pleased with him).

During the khilaafah of Omar, the famous battle of al-Qaadisiyyah, under the leadership of Sa’d Ibn Abbi Waqqaas, took place and Abu Mihjan left with the Muslim army as a soldier, seeking martyrdom on the battlefield. Yes, despite his addiction!

Amazingly .. in al-Qaadisiyyah he was brought to the commander of the army, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas, why?

.. He drank alcohol.

Sa’d detained him and prevented him from taking part in the battle. Now, this detention was a harsh punishment upon Abu Mihjan and caused him great anguish. As he sat in his imprisonment, he began hearing the sounds of swords clanging, piercing spears, the bashing of shields and armour, the screaming of horses .. he knew that the battle had begun, the gates of Paradise had opened and on the other side of his cell .. Allah was taking martyrs ..

His heart was filled with pain and a longing to join them! Yes, he knew that he’d committed major sins but he thought to himself: “this doesn’t justify a lack of enthusiasm for my Deen! I must do something!” His heart was burning and he began to weep ..

Abu Mihjan calls the wife of Sa’d ibn Abi Waaqqas, Salma, saying:

“Please .. Set me free .. and I swear by Allah, if I don’t get killed then I will walk back to my cell and personally shackle my feet once again .. and if I die, then you will be rid of me once and for all”

Salma sensed from him incredible sincerity and was moved by his words. She unchained him. Abu Mihjan leaps onto a horse belonging to Sa’d and picked up a spear .. and set off like the wind!

Abu Mihjan was a known Saracen! From the moment he set foot onto the battle field, the course of the battle began to shift! He penetrated the ranks of the enemies, devastated their plans and tore down every warrior who stood in his way ..

Sa’d was ill and wasn’t taking part in the fighting, but was supervising the battle from a distance. He gazed at Abu Mihjan in amazement, not recognising who this brave Saracen was! Sa’d turns to his wife and says:

“The horse I see runs like the running of my horse! And the fighting of that warrior is like the fighting of Abu Mihjan!   .. but   .. Abu Mihjan is in chains”

The wife of Sa’d says to him: “You are right! That man you see is Abu Mihjan” and she told him what happened.

The battle was over, the Muslims were victorious and Abu Mihjan keeps his promise. He returns to his cell and places his feet back into the chains.

Sa’d enters the prison cell and looks at Abu Mihjan in total admiration and wonder. He finds Abu Mihjan sat on the floor having chained himself back up. Sa’d begins to cry and comes close to Abu Mihjan to personally release him from the chains and says: “Get up and go, for I swear by Allah I will never flog you for drinking wine again” Abu Mihjan replies:

“And I swear by Allah .. I will never drink wine again”

This is a message from Abu Mihjan to the sinners like myself:

We all have sins and things which were eagerly working to improve before we meet Allah .. but do not let these shortcomings stand between you and working for your Deen .. March on

Topics of discussion: Seekers of truth amidst the Jaahili community (continued)

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Al-Manar Centre – Cardiff

Topics of discussion: Seekers of truth amidst the Jaahili community

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Topics of discussion: A fair analysis of the “Jaahili” community

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Topics of discussion: The birth of Mohammad PBUH (continued)

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Al-Manar Centre – Cardiff

Topics of discussion: The birth of Mohammad PBUH

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Topics of discussion: Why have we chosen the study of Seerah? (Continued)

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Topics of discussion: Why have we chosen the study of Seerah?

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Topics of discussion: Introducing the man behind the Seerah*

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*Seerah literally means “Biography”. In our context, the biography of Prophet Mohammad PBUH

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Al-Manar Centre – Cardiff

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The “You’re ignorant” approach 

He’ll say to you: “Fine fine .. You do have a few talents. But are you seriously going to start working for the Deen before you learn?! What hypocrisy!” 

We slam the door shut by responding: “Who said that a BA in Islamic studies is a prerequisite to my activity and sense of concern? I will call others, enjoin good and forbid evil according to what I have sure knowledge of! My studying of Islam however is through and through!” 

If you’re still unsure, then take a practical example .. and what a fragrant example it is! 

Our beloved messenger PBUH invites Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to Islam. Without hesitation or reluctance, the lips of Abu Bakr instantly move with the words of the Shahadah. Now, tell me: At this point, what knowledge does Abu Bakr possess? Simply put – Allah is One, He is exclusively worthy of worship and .. Muhammad PBUH was sent by Him. That’s it!! Nevertheless, check this out: 

Abu Bakr immediately exits from this gathering, moves with energy within his sphere of contacts and connections and (focus) … returns to the prophet of Allah PBUH the very next day with 5 men ready to become Muslim! But wait right there, do you know who they were?? These were the 5 of the 10 who would later be given tidings of Paradise by Mohammad PBUH … Namely: 

1 – Uthmaan Ibn Affaan (Yes! Uthman is a good deed in the scales of Abu Bakr!)

2 – Azubayr Ibnul al-Awwaam (The one who didn’t miss a single battle with the prophet PBUH)

3 – Abdurrahman Ibnu Auf (The millionaire of the companions!)

4 – Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas (The uncle of the very prophet PBUH!)

5 – Talha ibn Ubaid ilLah (The one whose arm was paralysed as he defended the prophet PBUH on the day of ‘Uhud!) 

Yes! These giants of the Islamic world were a fruit of the enthusiasm and sincerity of Abu Bakr. 

How many verses of the Qu’ran have you memorized? Have many lectures, sermons and talks have you attended?     Isn’t it time to get up and feel responsible? Go and warn people!  

Dear reader .. It’s never been about giving eloquent sermons and prolonged lectures! It’s not about public performances and how big your crowd is. Rather, I swear by Allah that if He SWT sees within you sincerity and a genuine craving to do good, then He will facilitate for you the means for inviting others .. wherein a single word of yours will be enough to shift mountains and give life to hearts after they were dead .. 

I now turn the lens of your camera once again to the household of Abu Bakr! This time we notice another dimension of greatness. Look at how his entire family were eager to aid the Deen! Every one of them was serving Islam in their own way .. regardless of their knowledge. 

The crisis of the 21st century Muslim household is that they do not resemble the household of Abu Bakr! 

Every one of them was working, planning and moving for Islam! Abu Bakr was, his wife was, his daughter was, his son was .. in fact .. Even his shepherd was! 

When the messenger of Allah PBUH emigrated from Mecca to Madina with Abu Bakr, the pagans of Mecca were chasing after them, searching every corner and turning almost every grain of sand in the Arabian desert in their pursuit. Now look at this: 

Asmaa’ the daughter of Abu Bakr would secretly deliver food to them whilst they were hiding in the cave, climbing up a steep mountain despite her pregnancy! 

Um Roomaan the wife of Abu Bakr was patient with the absence of her husband, attending to her household duties and hiding the secrets relating to her husband’s disappearance. 

Abdullah the son of Abu Bakr would make sure that he hears all the news of the Meccans during the day and then at night, would secretly retreat to the messenger of Allah PBUH and update him of what he’d heard and spend the night with them in the cave. 

‘Aamir ibn Fuhaira the shepherd (!) who worked for Abu Bakr would drive his sheep towards the cave at night, deliver to the prophet PBUH and Abu Bakr milk to drink from and then would redirect his sheep to walk all over the footsteps of Abdullah (who’d bring them the news) so that no one can trace their whereabouts. 

Ya Allah … Every individual of the household of Abu Bakr is working for the Deen! No sane-minded Muslim belittles the importance of Islamic knowledge, but a lack of it is no way an absolute impediment to activism. This was the understanding of the students of Mohamamad PBUH.