Jamiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians), Johannesburg

Jamiatul Ulama

Online Newsletter

Vol.: 2 No.: 9

16 Safar 1428 / 7 March 2007

Read the full Newsletter from your browser:
http://www.jamiat.co.za/online_newsletter_0209.htm

Weekly Comment

Serbia ‘Not Responsible’?
The International Court of Justice or the World Court, last week, exonerated Serbia from ‘responsibility’ for the mass killings and genocide of over 8000 Muslims men, women and children at Srebrencia and rejected Bosnias call for monetary compensation.

The court has however ruled that there was genocide. It found that there were acts of genocide committed by members of the Bosnian Serb Army at Srebrencia, and stated that Serbia was in violation of the UN Genocide Convention. The court found that Serbia did not prevent the killing of thousands of people while it could and should have stopped it.

Doesn’t add up, does it?

Sheldean Human Killing
On a more than regular basis killings and murders such as the Sheldean Human murder comes to the fore. Human life seems to have become more than cheap. Murders seems to be becoming ever more violent and gruesome.

Incidents (sadly the condition of our society has been reduced to us referring to such intolerable crimes as ‘incidents’) such as these are however merely symptoms of much deeper problems. There is a ‘vrot’ that has not just crept
in but is now reigning supreme in our societies and communities. Immorality and vices have become the order of the day. The only solution to the problem lies in turning to Allah and the way He has directed us to.

Afghanistan
The ordinary man in the street always gets the shortest end of the stick.

NATO forces have advanced into the South of Afghanistan in an attempt to launch one of the largest offences undertaken by them in the recent years. This comes as no surprise in light of the ongoing losses suffered by the US and NATO forces.

The Taliban, Al-Qaedah or whoever the US and NATO forces are supposed to be attacking seem to be capable of looking after themselves, if the even bias reports are anything to go by.

The sad part of it all is that the Ummah has to brace itself for more losses of it’s mothers, children, elders and other innocent people going about their everyday lives.

Clandestine Colonialism
On the momentous occasion of commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ghana’s emancipation from the stranglehold of the tyrannical colonialism, is it possible that the forced placement of the UN peacekeeping forces in Sudan is taking us towards a new class of veiled/covert colonialism.

In light of the historic occasion of South Africa’s presidency of the UN Security Council, will a country that set the standard in fighting for freedom and justice allow itself to be identified forever as the one who pulled the trigger that can possibly take Africa back more than a hundred years.

'Ghana at 50'
Ghanaian authorities have spent $20m (£10.4m; 15.2m euros) on the commemorations, which are due to continue for the next 12 months.
The country is often cited as an example of stability, steady growth, and low inflation, with increases in its output of major exports including cocoa and gold.
But others have questioned the wisdom of holding lavish celebrations while many in the country remain without basic services.
President Jerry Rawlings, who ruled for almost two decades, has criticised the events and is boycotting them.
In a statement, he said he would not share a stage with "the same people who have taken every opportunity to denigrate us".
"Politically our leaders have failed us," Accra resident Emmanuel Danso said.
"Only politicians or people who know people live well in this country," he added. (BBC Online)

U P D A T E

Young Ulama Programme
The Jamiatul will be hosting a workshop for young Ulama on the 17th March 2007. The workshop will focus on Drug Abuse and the manner of helping drug abusers in their fight to free themselves from the scourge of drug abuse. For more information call Ml. Ubaidullah at 011 373 8000.
Islamica Magazine
Members of the Jamiatul Ulama met with Salahudin Khan of Chicago this week. Br. Khan is the publisher of Islamica Magazine and was in the country to examine options with regard to the distribution/sales of the magazine in South Africa. Discussions with the Jamiat also focused on various issues regarding Media and its role in the contemporary world.
Social Uplifment – Search for Young Ulama
The Jamiatul Ulama is concerned at the high levels of poverty and social dislocations in South Africa. It considers it be imperative that the Muslim community realize the importance of contributing towards social and economic development and the general good of all the people of South Africa.

In light of this, the Jamiatul Ulama is in discussions to organize a programme for the training of vibrant and committed young Ulama who are willing to make this aspect of khidmah their life’s work.

Young Ulama who are interested can contact Ml. Ubaidullah at the Jamiat offices on the telephone number: 011 373 8000.
Klerksdorp Relief
The Jamiatul Ulama branch in Klerksdorp has embarked on a relief effort in aid of victims of the tornado that destroyed homes and property in the area.

So far clothing, foodstuffs, blankets and other relief items have been donated to affected families. As the operation is on-going, donations in kind and cash are welcome. For more information on how you can assist, contact Mufti Yacoob Minty on 082 373 7867.

C O N T E N T S

Summarised Jumuah Bayaan
Question and Answer
Update
Message from the Ameer

I N F O R M A T I O N

Min. Mahr

R 112.91

Mahr Faatimi

R 5,645.30
Zakaat Nisaab R 2,258.12

Words of Wisdom

Hadith of the Week

Refuge in Allah

Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu anhu) narrated that the the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam)used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from
worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by (other) men." (8:380 – Bukhari)

Quotation for the Week

Piety and Ego

A person’s nearness to Allah is proportional to his distance from his own ego and self (nafs).
Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi

Point of Reflection

Choosing a Cause

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something.
(African Proverb)

Q and A

Question:
1. I have purchased an Islamic will, but this only applies to a single person or persons not married in community of property. I am married in community of property –Should
I change my marriage type?
2. Can I donate my portion of
our property to my wife and therefore not include it in the will. Can I do this donation by stating my intention in writing
or do I need to donate the property formally (changing all
the paperwork to her name)?
Answer:
1) An Islamic marriage is automatically out of community
of property, and if a couple wish to enter into community of property then that would require a separate agreement. Although community of property is not
the natural way of acquiring and owning assets, and even after realising the repercussions of such an arrangement if a couple still wish to enter into an agreement of community of property, then that is their prerogative. A special will form will have to be prepared to accommodate the community
of property.

2) Whatever you donate as a
gift to your wife in your lifetime becomes her property, and as such will not form part of your estate. For the gifting process
to be complete the gifted item
or commodity must be given
into the physical possession of the person receiving the gift,
who may then use or dispose
of it as they see fit. The legal formalities are not a condition Islamically, but taking into consideration the laws of the country and the legal
implications of leaving the property in your name it is definitely advisable to do the transfer as well.

And Allah Ta'aala knows best.
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Summarized Jumu’ah Bayaan:

Imitating the West?

Allah Ta'ala says:
"Triumphant are those who turn in repentance to Allah; those who serve Him; those who praise Him; those who fast; those who bow down; those who prostrate in Sujood; those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is evil; and those who keep the limits of Allah, and give glad tidings to believers."(9:112)
 
• Our Beloved Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam) said: "If you imitate a people then you become one of them."
 
• There are over one billion two hundred million Muslims on the face of this planet today. Islam is the fastest growing religion, yet, if we look at Islam as it exists today, we will find limited evidence of the practical Islam, and we note that the direction in which Muslims throughout the world look for solutions is geared to the Western way.
 
• In so doing, not only do we become subservient to the West, but the morals, the lifestyles and ethics of the western world is accepted and imitated.
 
• It is imperative that we begin to examine our lives and do some serious soul-searching in a critical manner. If we fail to derive any inspiration from the great accomplishments of our Beloved Nabee (Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam) in destroying the ungodly lifestyles that he came to demolish, then we are heading for doom.
 
• Many Muslims consider Islam to be outdated and have opted for the modern western way that they find more beneficial in this life. Ignorance of Almighty Allah's Din, love for this Dunya, amassing material wealth and chasing after name and fame in this passing life will result in our destruction.
• Almighty Allah tells us that every human being is born in a state of Fitrah. This means that everyone is born a Muslim (a state of submission); and then they become different, deviating from that submission. We need to return to this state before it is too late.
 
• We have reached a point of saturation where the good appears to be bad and the bad appears to be good. We become pleased with our ability to do wrong and become accustomed to it. This is dangerous.
 
• As Muslims, we surrender to our passions, we surrender to our lack of control, and we surrender to following tribal customs. We surrender to the whole situation of seeking to be wealthy and pursuing wealth, name and fame. Is this correct?
 
• The million dollar question is, do we really desire Fitrah? Are we, who call ourselves the Ummah of Almighty Allah's Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam heading toward the standard religion or have we reached a point in our lives where we are so pleased with ourselves that we desire no real change?
 
• Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam recognized his state of error; he turned to Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala. And this is the real concept of repentance or Taubah - the turning back. It is the quality that Almighty Allah has put into the hearts of those with Imaan.

• Our Glorious Creator says in verse 112 of Surah At-Taubah: "Triumphant are those who turn in repentance to Allah; those who serve Him; those who praise Him; those who fast; those who bow down; those who prostrate in Sujood; those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is evil; and those who keep the limits of Allah, and give glad tidings to believers."

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Message from the Ameer of the Jamiatul Ulama


Amr bil Maruf wa al-Nahyi anil Munkar

In Verse 70 of Surah Al-Taubah Allah (subhanahu wa ta`aala) outlines certain characteristics of the Believers. After having outlined the characteristics, Allah describes the benefits promised by Allah to the Believers, and the verse (71) concludes with a definition of the ‘Real and Great’ Success.

Among the primary qualities of the Believers detailed in verse 70, a most significant one is that the Believers ‘ enjoin the good and forbid the evil’ – they commit themselves to amr bil ma`ruf wa al-nahy anil munkar.

In contrast to this, verse 67 of the same Surah describes the qualities of the Munafiqun, and lists as among their first characteristics that they enjoin the veil and forbid the good.

Amr bil Ma`ruf is a distinguishing feature of the Believers; it is depicted as a criterion fort the elevation of the “khair al ummah” (3:110); it is considered to be amongst the foremost duties and responsibilities of the Believers; it is mentioned by the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) as a means of the success or failure of the ummah; it is cited as a cause for the non-acceptance of du`a; and it is declared as a reason for the descent of collective punishment upon the peoples of the World.

Volumes of books have been written on the importance of amr bil ma`ruf wa al-nahy anil munkar, and its importance can never be overstated. We must continue to engage in it and insist to our brethren that we all make it a part and parcel of our every day lives.

Considering verse 67 and 70 of Surah Taubah, it is also important to note that we should be mega-conscious of the possibility that we can inadvertently or negligently acquire qualities that are identifiable with those described by Allah as the qualities of the Munafiqun.

A Muslim must be conscious of all actions that he engages in – actions that please Allah and those that could possibly earn the anger or wrath of Allah.

Finally, the Jamaat al-da`wah wa al-tabligh has illustrated an exemplary manner of reviving the practice of amr bil ma`ruf wa al-nahy anil munkar, and we must make every effort to support and be a part of the revival of this important aspect of our deen.
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