DYING AS TRUE MUSLIMS

Alhamdulillāh… All praise and thanks are due to the Almighty Allah. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Prophet Muḥammad, his household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path, till the Day of Judgement.

Many Muslims are simply scared of death. Well… This is human nature. But we are encouraged, as Muslims, to develop a mindset with the readiness to meet Allah at any time. This is easily attained when Allah is above all, in our hearts. This is because death is not bad in itself. In fact, it’s a decreed transit, which every soul has to go through, in order to enter the next life. It is similar to the struggle and pains of pregnancy and labour which, every mother experiences, before she qualifies for the status of motherhood.

Thus, the circumstance in which one dies is not important. Regardless of piety, social ranking and financial status, different people almost die the same way; i.e. on their bed at home or at the hospital, in sinking ferries, in missing and crashed flights, fire outbreaks, pandemic (Like HIV/AIDS, EBOLA), heart attack, and etc. In fact, others die in bombings (Boko Haram Bombing and the likes).

Firʿaun ordered for his wife and she was nailed by four wedges in her hands and legs and kept on torturing her until she died, for being a Muslimah, when she believed in the message of Sayyidinā Mūsa, ʿalaihi al-salām. The people of the ditch (see Sūrah al-Burūj) were burnt in a burning ditch for being Muslims when they believed in the One God, which the child wanted his people to know. Summayyah, the mother of ʿAmmar ibn Yāsir, raḍiya Allah ʿanhum, was pregnant when Abu Jahl poked her private part and killed her, for being a Muslimah who believed in the message of the Prophet Muḥammad, ṣallā Allah ʿalaihi wa sallam.

What matters is the state in which one dies; (a true) Muslim, a non-Muslim or a hypocrite. A believer must die as a Muslim. A Muslim must die as such. This is what verse 102 of Sūrah ʾĀli ʿImrān implies:

“Believers! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.”

As a matter of fact, there are two types of people who are terribly afraid of death: the non-believer and the hypocrite.

The hypocrite will claim he loves God and is chosen by God to be who he is. At the same time, he’s never prepared to meet their beloved God.

The Jews, who are engaged in all kinds of conspiracy in the world today, to ensure the killing of others, so that they can live eternally, were challenged by the Qur’an, to wish for death, if they really claim to be the favourites of God. Allah says in Sūrah al-Jumuʿah, 62:6-7:

 “Say, “You who are Jews, if you claim that you are favoured by Allah out of all people, then long for death, if you are truthful. They will never wish for it, because of what their hands have sent forward. Allah has full knowledge of oppressors.”

Because they will never dare to long for death, perhaps they think death can be escaped, the next verse says to them:

 “So say, “The death you run away from will certainly meet you, and thereafter you will be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will declare to you what you have done.” [Al-Jumuʿah, 62:8].

Yet, they still do all it takes to live, not knowing that, every moment we live in this life is predetermined, and can never be changed. It can’t be increased nor can it be decreased.

 “You will find them clinging to life more eagerly than any other people, even the polytheists. Any of them would wish to be given a life of a thousand years, though even such a long life would not save them from [Our] punishment; and Allah sees all that they do.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah, 2:96].

Verses above clearly inform us about the attitudes and acts of (some of the) Jews, and how they manipulate in order to escape death and meeting Allah for the rewards of their bad deeds. However, anyone who collaborates with them, for them to achieve their desires, will be resurrected with them. It doesn’t matter whether the person claims Islam or even prays the Islamic prayer (ṣalāh) more than the ordinary true Muslim does.

Abdullāh ibn Ubay ibn Salūl, prayed behind the Prophet, in the presence of the companions. But due to his collaboration with the Jews (of that time) against Islam and the Prophet, he shall be resurrected with them. So will anyone who cooperates with them. This is what the Prophet said in a hadith reported by Imām al-Bukhārī and Muslim from Ibn Masʿūd, raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhu:

 “A man is with whom he loves.” [Hadith]

The Benefit of Dying a True Muslim

The evidence indicates that the believer will be blessed in his grave until the Hour begins, then he will move by the grace and mercy of Allah to the blessings that will never cease or come to an end, which is the blessing of Paradise. May Allah make us among its people.

These are some of the images of the blessings which are bestowed upon the believer in his grave:

1- His grave is furnished from Paradise for him

2- He is clothed in garments from Paradise.

3- A gate to Paradise is opened for him, and its breezes come to him, and he smells its fragrance and he feels delight in what he can see of its blessings.

4- His grave is made wide and spacious for him.

5- He is given the glad tidings of Allah’s pleasure and Paradise. Hence he longs for the Hour to begin.

6- He will be happy when he sees what would have been his place in Hell, which Allah has replaced for him with a place in Paradise.

7- He will sleep the sleep of a bridegroom

8- His grave will be illuminated for him

The Torment in the Grave

The torment in the grave will vary according to the sins committed by the person in this world, whether he was a kaafir or a disobedient Muslim.

1-   Being struck with an iron hammer:

It was narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "When a person is placed in his grave and his companions leave him, and he can no longer hear the sound of their sandals (footsteps), two angels come to him and make him sit up, and they ask him, `What did you say about this man Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?' He says, `I bear witness that he is the slave of Allah and His Messenger.' It is said, `Look at your place in Hell which Allah has replaced for you with a place in Paradise.'" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "And he sees them both. But as for the kaafir or hypocrite, he says, `I do not know, I used to say what the people said.' It is said, `You did not know and you did not follow those who knew.' Then he is struck a blow with an iron hammer between his ears and he screams a scream which everything around him can hear apart from the two races (of mankind and the jinn)."

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1222)

2-     Furnishings from Hell are prepared out for him; he is clothed with fire; a door to Hell is opened for him; his grave is made narrow for him; he is struck with a great hammer which, if a mountain were to be struck with it, it would turn to dust; and he is given the tidings of torment in the Hereafter. Hence he will wish that the hour will never come.

3-   Being swallowed up by the earth.

It was narrated from Ibn `Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whilst a man was dragging his lower garment out of pride, the earth swallowed him up and he will continue sinking into the earth until the Day of Resurrection." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5345; Muslim, 3894).

4- The edge of the mouth being torn to the back of the head

5- The head being smashed with a rock

6- Being burned in an tannoor oven

7- Swimming in a river of blood whilst being pelted with stones.

8- Along with this physical punishment there will also be a spiritual or mental punishment, which is that in the grave the kaafir will be shown what would have been his place in Paradise if he had obeyed his Lord; this will increase his regret and pain when he realizes the greatness of the blessing that he has missed out on.

These are some of the kinds of punishment that will befall some sinners in the grave. May we live and die as Muslims. May Allah purify our hearts from jealousy, and hatred.  Amīn.

WHAT’S NEXT AFTER RAMADAN?

All praises are due to Allah. All thanks are for Allah. All good are in the Good Hands of Allah. All affairs shall be returned to Allah. No god but Allah. We seek His Forgiveness at all time, and to Him, alone, we repent. May His Peace and Blessings be upon our Master, Prophet Muhammad, his family members, his Sahabah, and all those who follow their guided path.

First and foremost, allow me to wish you an ‘Eid Mubarak, to you and your loved one. May the next ‘Eid bring along more prosperity and stability to Muslims, wherever they are. Ameen

It’s such a mixture of feelings; the successful completion of Ramadan is one thing. The fast speed, with which Ramadan left us, is another thing.  All those seem to have happened in a blink of an eye. Time really flies. Is it that we are really busy, that caused us not to realize how time flew, until Ramadan was over? Or is it our time been squeezed… as one of the signs of end of time?

In my article today, I’m sharing with my dear readers, readers of On Islam Deen Digest, my observations which are related to Ramadan. I will also suggest some answers to the “What after Ramadan” question, which made my head spin a lot of times, this year.

At the end of the article, I invite you to kindly register your observations during Ramadan, as well as your solutions to the “What after Ramadan” question. Let’s learn from one another.

My Observations this Ramadan

This year, unlike my previous Ramadans for 10 years or so, I was not an Imam for Taraweeh, except for a couple of days (nights). I was therefore, given the opportunity to pray behind other Imams and learn from them, where applicable. As I learnt, I also observed mistakes that are avoidable.

When we determine to observe things around us, every moment is suitable for note taking. In such case, I’m not able to share with you every single thing I’ve observed in Ramadan. For, some are really bitter truth.

First Observation

It was such an impressive and heart-warming seeing my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters sacrifice their leisure time; by putting in the effort to attend various congregations during the blessed month of Ramadan. Most of who attended 5 times congregations, on a daily basis. One could even observe that the saff (rows) were doubled during Zuhr prayers, in Ramadan. That was something good, at least, for Ramadan.

You could see how much effort Muslims put in, in order to make it for Isha’ and Taraweeh prayers, although Isha’ prayers in Ramadan are unusually longer than that outside Ramadan.

It’s even more inspiring when you could see the crowded Jama’ah in the peaceful Subh prayers.

This is something that we, Muslims, deserve praises and applauses for. As for our rewards, as long as we did it for His Sake, Allah will certainly please us. Ameen.

Second Observation

What I can call the second observation is that, a whole lot of people who cannot do without alcohol before Ramadan either in the name of ‘Jedi’-Pile or ‘Opa Eyin’ spinal cord, deserted their various joint and their so call Iyalajes felt the impact of Ramadan. It will be better for this group of people not to return to the joints, not only for their spiritual benefit but their medical benefit.

Erm... One of the strange things I also observed this Ramadan is that, the closer one stays to the mosque, the later they go for Taraweeh.

Thank God the Mosque is behind my house, but I go late to the mosque. Unfortunately, most of the nights I performed my Taraweeh in the mosque of my neighbourhood, I went late... That bad? Yes... Unfortunately; that’s the truth. Sometimes, the truth hurts, especially when you have to say it against your own self.

But, anytime I reached the mosque, I find most of the congregators in the last rows (for late comers) are my neighbours. When I turned around behind me, I find those who stay nearer to the mosque to have come even much later. No offence, my dear neighbours. I love you, for Allah’s Sake.

Those are true experiences I’ve observed. Thanks to Allah for allowing me to be a ‘Ma-moum’ most of the days this Ramadan, so I could assess Taraweeh from the perspective of ‘Ma-moum’.

What after Ramadan?

This is the most serious (not the most important) part of this article; What after Ramadan?

To some, the first day after Ramadan sends us back to our normal routines. But to the majority, I assume, the days after Ramadan serve as continuity of Ramadan, thus, they strive to fill them with rewarding deeds, similarly to their strive for rewards in Ramadan.

The best person, to whom we can refer, for an answer to the question posed, “What after Ramadan?” is Rasulullah.

There are numerous Hadith in which Rasulullah taught us what we are supposed to do, after Ramadan. One of those Hadith is the Hadith narrated by Abi Ayyoub Al-Ansari, reported by Imam Muslim, that Rasulullah s.a.w. said:

 “He who observes fasting in the month of Ramadan, and also observes another six days of fasting, in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed fasting for the whole year.”

These six days of fasting (in Shawwal) can be done continuously, as well as it can be done separately; as long as they are done within Shawwal.

We can also observe fasting twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays), as part of what Rasulullah used to do. Sayyidatuna Aishah, r.a. said in a Hadith reported by Imam Al-Tirmizhi:

 “Rasulullah s.a.w. used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays.”

If one is unable to fast twice a week (eight days a month), Rasulullah encouraged them to fast only three days a month, instead. Abdullah Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas narrated a Hadith, reported by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim, that Rasulullah s.a.w. said:

 “Observing fasting for three days every month is equivalent to fasting a full month”.

To emphasize and specify the 3 days referred to, in the Hadith above, Rasulullah said in another Hadith narrated by Abi Zharr Al-Ghifaari, reported by Imam Al-Tirmizhi:

 “If you want to observe three days of fasting in a month, then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month.”

Also, many of us selflessly related to the Qur’an, and read it almost all the time, during Ramadan. Our continuity of establishing better relationship with Al-Qur’an, through reading, contemplations, reflections, studies and other righteous deeds will broaden our minds, as Muslims who seek light and guidance towards Allah from the Qur’an [and Sunnah].

More so, it was noticeable how Muslims sacrifice their sleeping time, in order to perform Qiyaam or Tahajjud. Tahajjud, as Rasulullah s.a.w. did very often in Ramadan, he, s.a.w. was also frequent in doing it outside Ramadan.

Prophet s.a.w. did that to set a good example for us, and also to set a benchmark for us. So let’s keep up the tradition of Rasulillah s.a.w.

It’s heart-warming to see that the welfare of the poor and the needy are taken care of, by those who are well-off, amongst us. However, the moment Ramadan departs, the kind-hearted among us also do depart. Strange indeed. I’m still searching to find out; where do they go to, for 11 months?

Let’s work to ensure the poor amongst us, whose condition became better due to the generosity of the rich among us, continue to feel they are cared for. To achieve that, the rich among us should continue to take care of their needs.

Let’s imagine; if Allah was to bestow His Mercy and Blessings upon us only in the month of Ramadan, what would have happened to us? Similarly, let us not forget our needy brothers and sisters in Islam, once Ramadan is over.

We don’t have to do it, only in the presence of media coverage. Allah’s media is the best media, and Allah’s media covers our good deeds round the clock, although it remains unseen.

More importantly, many of us have certainly strived to make it, to perform their prescribed prayers in the mosques. Let’s continue to keep up the same level of effort in making it, to filling the mosques during all prayers.

If we could fill the mosques during Ishai’ in Ramadan, when we had to pray 17 Raka’ahs (4 Isha’ + 10 Taraweeh + 3 Witr), or 27 Raka’ahs (4 Isha’ + 20 Taraweeh + 3 Witr) all together, I don’t see why we can’t continue to make it, to the mosques where only 4 Raka’ahs will be performed. What’s applicable to Ishai’ is also applicable to Subh, Zuhr, Asr and Maghrib prayers.

Masha Allah! Muslims are very conscious of Allah during the fasting month of Ramadan. The level of musabarah (patience), mujahadah (strive), tadhiyah (sacrifice) shown, the tears shed, to mention a few, all indicate that, we are entitled to doing better than what we’ve done in Ramadan.

Let’s continue to benefit from the great blessings of Allah, which are abundantly provided and distributed in Ramadan and outside Ramadan alike.

In conclusion, Ramadan, likewise any other months, is a season which is guaranteed significance by Allah. Our pleasure for the opportunity of Ramadan should come in a form of appreciation to Allah, thus, our appreciation to Allah should be timeless, since He never fails to bestow His Blessings upon us, whether in Ramadan or outside Ramadan.

The patience and the perseverance we have shown in Ramadan are an indication that we can fight our egos, our desire, and put Iblis(Devil) at shame, insha Allah.

So let’s strive to make our lives after Ramadan an extension from the highly spiritually productive life which we enjoyed in Ramadan.

Let’s make our life after Ramadan an extension of our life from the Ramadan we’re bidding a farewell, for only Allah knows; whether or not, we’ll live to see the next Ramadan.

Even if we are granted another opportunity to see another Ramadan, only Allah knows; whether we’ll be in a promising physical condition as we are in, today.

What are your observations during Ramadan which you reflected upon? Was it good or bad? Feel free to share with us. What have you planned to do, in order to ensure continuity of Ramadan in your life? Please comment below.

If you find this article useful, kindly hit on the LIKE and SHARE buttons to share with your loved ones and be part of spreading Al-Kalimah Al-Tayyibah.

Thanks for reading this. Please let me know if you think of any topic you would like me to write about in this blog.

Eid Cresent Sighting Updates

·  26-July-2014 at 11:00 AM - Makkah Time

New moon visibility is not expected today, Saturday, 26th July, 2014 in any part of the world because the new moon will be born too late to be visible today.

·  27-July-2014 at 12:45 PM - Makkah Time

Crescent visibility is expected today, Sunday, 27th July 2014 in French Polynesia, Cook Islands and some countries of Southern America. Please see the visibility curve below to get a better idea of the crescent visibility predictions today. 

Eid Annoucement

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We are very pleased to announce that North, Central and South America, all of Africa, all of Europe, and almost all of Asia except Japan & North Korea and few countries of Oceania will be able to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr 2014 (1435) on Monday, 28^th July 2014. The other countries in the world, mainly in Oceania, but also Japan and North Korea as well as some parts of Russia & China will be able to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr on Tuesday, 29^th July 2014.Please see the Google map below in which we have marked the countries where Eid should be celebrated on 28th July 2014 in green. We have also provided below an extensive list of the countries arranged according to the date of celebration of Eid Al-Fitr 2014 (1435). To see the visibility prediction curves for Eid al-Fitr, please see http://www.makkahcalendar.org/en/eid-al-fitr-2014.php . 

You will notice from the visibility curves that the new moon will be born on Saturday, 26^th July 2014 at 22:41 UTC, very late to be observed on the same day. On the next day, Sunday, 27^th July 2014, the new moon visibility can be extended to most parts of the world and, hence, Shawwal can start here on Monday, 28^th July 2014 as mentioned in the country list below. For the extended visibility, we have chosen the point of reference in the South Atlantic Ocean at 17° West 37° South. Please read Makkah Calendar Introduction to understand better the concept of extended visibility as well as that of the point of reference. 

In the case of China and Russia, the extension of the zone of visibility on the evening of 27^th July 2014 includes the greatest part of these countries. However, a small part of China, to the east of Siping (Jilin province) and a part of Russia, to the east to the Yakutsak are not covered by the extension of the zone of observation. Hence, these parts of both the countries should celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2014 on Tuesday, 29^th July 

What is Ramadan?

Just as the Special and the most respectable month of Ramadan is fast approaching, there have been series of argument and counter- argument as to why is the month a special one and some even asked the question, ‘What is Ramadan?’

Despite the fact that lectures upon lectures are held before, during and after Ramadan some still don’t know about this Month or can we say they are pretending not to know about it. Whichever way, we shall not relent in educating ourselves on the importance of the Holy Month.

To Start with, there are twelve months in Islam according to the Glorious Qur’an, these months are: Muharam, Safar, Robiul –Awal, Robiul –Thani, Jumadal –Awal, Jumadal- Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawal. Dhul-Qada, Dhul- Hijja.   

More than a billion people around the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex from dawn to sunset for a one-month period each year, who are these people? They are Muslims who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to Allah as well as atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Muslims fast during this month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month and begins with a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The exact time of Ramadan sometimes varies from place to place as some rely heavily on the moon sightings, while others depend on science. An Imam (Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.

Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Though fasting is mandatory only for adults, children as young as eight willingly observe fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from Allah and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community all feel a particular closeness.

Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during these 30 long days of fasting. A typical day of fasting begins with getting up early, around 4:30 a.m. and sharing a meal called Sahur together before the fast begins at dawn, about 5:10 a.m. As dawn breaks, the first of five daily prayers, Fajr, is offered.

To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the “Night of Power,” or the “Night of Destiny.” It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammed received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity, and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.

After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.

ARE YOU A MUSLIM?

“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”

Are you a Muslim is a seemingly uncomplicated question I’ve often been asked by friends any time they see me talking Islam or Praying, This is not because of anything but because of the name I was known with- Obi Olajide. My answer is always yes, am a devout Muslim, some will disagree with my answer while some will say ‘well noting is impossible in this part of the world.   

Let me ask you the same question here, are you a Muslim? Yes! Am sure that is your answer, but do you have what it takes to carry the name? Ok, who is a Muslim?

Who is a Muslim?

A Muslim is an adherent of the religion of Islam. Literally, the word means "one who submits (to God)". Muslim is the participle of the same verb of which Islam is the infinitive. Muslims believe that there is only one God, called Allah in Arabic, and that Islam existed long before Muhammad though it was not called that until the revelation of Surah al-Ma'ida, which states: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." Current use of "Muslim" is defined in the Amman Message. A literal translation would be "one who wants or seeks wholeness", where "wholeness" translates islāmun. In a religious sense, Al-Islām translates to "faith, piety", and Muslim to "one who has (religious) faith or piety".

Mu'min is an Arabic term frequently referenced in the Qur'an, meaning "believer", and denoting a person that has complete submission to the will of Allah. One who adheres practically to the 5 Pillars of Islaam (witnessing (shahadah), the five daily prayers (salat), almsgiving (zakat), fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawm), and hajj (pilgrimage) and professes the belief in the 6 Fundamental aspects of faith (One God; The angels of God; The books of God, especially the Qur'an; The prophets of God, especially Muhammad; The Day of Judgment (or the afterlife); and The supremacy of God's will (or predestination). One can become a Muslim by uttering; "Ashadhu An Laa ilaha illa Allaah, wa ashadhu anna Muhammad ar-rasulullah." This means, “I bear witness that no deity has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Final Messenger."

How Muslim are you?

Having known by definition who a Muslim is, the next question I will ask you is ‘how Muslim are you?’ Are you a Muslim by Name, a Muslim on Fridays alone, a Muslim during Ramadan alone, a Muslims of festive period etc? Fadilat Sheikh Adam Al-ilory in one of his write-ups I read some years back said, ‘There is nothing that differentiate a Muslim from the Non-muslims except Solat. How often do you observe your five times daily prayer? What do people say about your characters towards others in the society, I mean can you convince or convert somebody with your character towards them? Yes! you believe in oneness of Allah and Prophet as his messenger, you fast during the month of Ramadan, You have been to Hajji several times, but you are self-centred, you spend your wealth alone and less concern about fellow Muslims and non-muslims around you. Well! You are a Muslim, but how Muslim are?

Why Should You Be A Muslim?

One of several reasons why you should be a Muslim is simply because the Creator commanded you and us to do so, as is revealed in the Quran "Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path"(3:51).

Allah has commanded us all to be Muslims, then why are there still many who deny this Truth? Allah answers in the Quran "They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones"(7:179).

Being a Muslim means you submit yourself fully to the Creator and accept the fact that you were only created to worship Allah alone. You free yourself from the worst conceivable sin which is associating a partner with your Creator, Allah. You therefore acknowledge that you are a slave of the Creator and to Him is your return when you die, as is revealed in the Quran "And that to your Lord (Allah) is the End (Return of everything)"(53:42).

O reader, think seriously, why do you worship the creations of Allah when it is clear that the only one worthy of worship is Allah? As He (Allah) revealed in the Quran "Say (to the disbelievers): "Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there - an ilah (a god) other than Allah who could restore them to you?" See how variously we explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), yet they turn aside"(6:46).

Lastly, but not finally, being a Muslim also guarantees you salvation and deliverance by making a barrier between yourself and the eternal Hellfire. As Allah revealed in the Quran "The sovereignty on that Day will be that of Allah (the one Who has no partners). He will judge between them. So those who believed (in the oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds will be in Gardens of delight (Paradise)"(22:56) and in chapter 2, verse 39 of the Quran, Allah revealed, pertaining to those who disbelieve, "But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever"(2:39). Now, after knowing that you are commanded by your Creator to be a Muslim, what prevents you from being one?



SOCIAL MEDIA, ISLAM AND THE MUSLIMS

Without mincing words the use of internet is on the high side these days, especially now that all the Mobile phones are internet enabled. To my greatest surprise a woman of about 60 years of age pings and chat on ‘BBM’ and ‘what’s app’, besides, the rate at which information circulate on the internet via the social media platforms is faster than the speed of light.

A lot has been written on social media platforms in the past, but here, I will like to see it from the Islamic perspective. The question here is can a Muslim use any of the Social Medias? Or can we put any information about Islam on the platform? And if we are to use it, what can we use it for and how do we use the platform?

However, to do justice to any of the above questions there is need to make some clarifications;

What is Internet? The word internet is defined as a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols to serve several billion users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.

What is Social media?  Social media is the term for all the ways people connect to people through the Internet computation. Mobile devices, social networks, micro-blogging and location sharing are just a few of the ways people engage in computer-mediated collective action. Social media is also known as Consumer Generated Media (CGM) and there are many types from content communities such as YouTube to blogs such as Twitter or social networking sites like Facebook, Google+, and instagram. There are other forms of Social media such as virtual online games, online chat rooms and collaborative projects such as Wikipedia. Social media allows the vast majority of the public to make their own publications and report or comment on their own news stories

Most people use the World Wide Web to access news, weather and sports reports, to plan and book vacations and to find out more about their interests. People use chat, messaging and email to make and stay in touch with friends worldwide, sometimes in the same way as some previously had pen pals. The Internet has seen a growing number of Web, where users can access their files and settings via the Internet.

Social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace have created new ways to socialize and interact. Users of these sites are able to add a wide variety of information to pages, to pursue common interests, and to connect with others. It is also possible to find existing acquaintances, to allow communication among existing groups of people. Sites like LinkedIn foster commercial and business connections. YouTube and Flickr specialize in users' videos and photographs.

Social media presents a huge opportunity for us to reach out to people who may not know about Islam or Muslims. Thousands of Americans have never met a Muslim but they have access to us through social media. “It would be hard for anyone to say that they have not ‘heard’ of Islam with the amount of coverage that our deen has received in recent years through so many different media outlets.

Social Media Increases Learning Opportunities, in the past, seeking knowledge about Islam was mainly restricted to the Masjids, educational institutions, and learning from imams and sheikhs. These traditional learning opportunities remain intact. However, now Muslims are also able to learn, question, teach, and network through social networking sites. “There are more avenues by which to learn about Islam. The Internet has given the public access to all kinds of information and made Islamic literature so much more accessible.”  On YouTube, for example, you can listen to a lecture in any language you want, whenever you want. Blogging sites such MuslimMatters.org and SuhaibWebb.com have become extremely popular with both Muslims and non-Muslims as a way to gain information and learn about Islam.

How to Use Social Media as a Muslim

1 Be Time Cautious. Time is very valuable in all spheres of our lives, and Islam reiterates that very seriously. As a Muslim, you should know when to log on (time not in proximity with your five daily prayers); how much time to spend on (avoiding excessive usage of your time on Facebook to interfere with your daily ibadah); and when to log out (ahead of your ibadah activities).

2 You Can Friend-request a Non-Muslim. Islam is neither a one-sided religion nor a bigoted one. It is an all-encompassing religion that tolerates and invites all people from all walks of life. So, yes, you can send/accept friend request even from the Jews, Christians and non-believers. By so doing, you not only pave way socially for discussion, you also open a platform for online preaching.

3 Share Islamic Resources. You can update your page with a hadith or a verse. Sharing Islamic resources like the fatwa video, articles and links of rich Islamic resources will be a great eye opener to many skeptics and hecklers of Islam as Islam is the most misunderstood religion on earth. Share no matter how small information you have, share it. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah be Upon Him) said: “the most generous of people after me will be those who will acquire knowledge and then disseminate it”.

4 Be Cautious of your Female Friends. You have to be extra careful with your female networks. Be sure to engage with them in the things that are vital, reproductive, and informative. Its haram (forbidden) to be engaging in some chatty-romantic-play with women be it online or offline. And if you can’t avoid flirting with women on Social Medias, do not befriend them at all.

Islamic ethics are applicable to social media  (This will range from censoring anything that is forbidden/haram such as material deemed indecent, violent or even blasphemous to promoting and propagating Islam as a religion also known as Dawah). The question remains how we ensure social media complies with Islamic ethics and any other theories of ethics. Should this be done by governments, Social media itself or by the very people using Social media? Many countries already regulate the media through government agencies such as Ofcom and the Press Complaints Commission in the UK.

In conclusion, Muslims can use Social Medias if Social media can comply with Islamic ethics and other theories of ethics. However this will have to be applied on different levels ranging from government legislation and regulation to social media outlets self-regulating themselves or by the very people who use Social media. These people will have to decide what is wrong or right according to their own conscience and using Islamic ethics to guide them.

BEGGING IN ISLAM

Begging in Islam is forbidden except in case of dire necessity. Muslims believe it's better to depend on Allah for everything, the "Provider & Protector." 

According to Islamic beliefs, no Muslim should ever be hungry and no Muslim must ever beg. This means that as a Muslim nation, it's believed that it is the community's responsibility to assist those who are in genuine need.

When this situation arises, it is a time when both the poor and the rich will be tested. It is a time when a Muslim must depend on Allah solely for support and sustenance. Islam teaches that it is better to work than to accept charity except for three reasons:

1. A man who has debts is allowed to beg until the debt is paid in full.
2. A man who has experienced a disaster which has ruined his home — such as with an earthquake or tornado — is allowed to beg until he able to work once more.
3. A man who is starving or in dire need is permitted to beg if three men speak of this need or express their agreement that this is appropriate for the individual. It is lawful for this Muslim to beg until able to work once more.

According to Hadith Muslim, "What is besides these in begging is unlawful and its owner eats unlawful things."
Sayyiduna Zubair Bin Awam (peace be upon him*) reported that the Glorious Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "That one of you takes his rope and then comes with a load of wood upon his back and sells it is better than to beg of men whether they give or reject him." (Hadith Bukhari)

It is understood that begging is not the same as a Muslim desiring to give sadakah or charity to a person who is in need. The people deserving charity are eight: wayfarer, the bankrupt, the needy, converts, captives, collectors of zakat, and the cause of Allah. (List from Quran 2:177)

 Why is Begging Unlawful in Islam?

There are three primary reasons why begging is prohibited. According to Islam:

1. Begging will cause the Muslim to lose dependence on Allah alone. The Muslim turns from asking Allah for money and support and turns to asking men for help.
2. The Muslim who begs lowers himself before others and thus loses honor and dignity.
3. The Muslim who begs causes others to go without. Muslims are afraid to anger Allah by not helping the beggar and the person who gives charity and does not have the funds, feels a loss of property for their family

Prophet Mohammad, (peace be upon him) said, "Anyone who begs from people in order to increase his wealth will have his face scratched on the Day of Resurrection, and will eat burning stones from Hell; so let him reduce it (his punishment) or let him increase it as he pleases." (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)

All Muslims fear judgment day and the day when one meets Allah; one must explain their actions in this life and how the time was spent.

"Begging is similar to scratching the flesh off your face; so if someone wants to save his face he should avoid it, except for asking from the ruler or asking in case of dire need." (Reported by Abu Dawud and An-Nisa'i)
Notably, when the hadith speaks about "the ruler," this refers to government and welfare.
  
The Destitute is the One Who Does not Ask

According to the hadith, it is better not to ask and depend on Allah for all sustenance. In Islam, blessed be the Muslim who gives to such a person in their attempts to please Allah.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The destitute (miskeen) is not one who goes around begging from people and desists when given a morsel or two. The destitute is a person who does not have enough for his sustenance, yet people do not realize that (his needy condition) so as to give him in charity, and he does not ask people (for charity). "(Hadith Bukhari)

 Summary of Begging in Islam

It is not haram (forbidden) in Islam to accept charity that is freely given from a Muslim who is trying to please Allah. It is forbidden to beg when a genuine need does not exist. No Muslim of faith would ever beg on the streets, in the malls or by the doors of cars for sustenance. In fact, Muslims are instructed to avoid giving charity to one who begs regularly.

It is forbidden for a Muslim to tell friends and neighbors about loss of employment and home with hopes of charity. It is with sincere hope though, that Muslims will indeed help those in dire need and that charity be given daily, weekly and monthly to please Allah, the "Creator, the Benefactor and the Forgiver of Sins, not just at Ramadan.
* Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad and other companions whenever their names are mentioned.