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Weekly Comment |
The ‘Liberators’ are Criminals
At a time when there’s almost
total black out of news from
inside Somalia, reports from
alternative sources indicate
that Ethiopian troops are
committing atrocities in form of
gruesome murders of Somali
civilians in Mogadishu. A recent
Amnesty International report
released on yesterday details
systematic executions of
civilians by throat-slitting
among other things.
The victims include children,
women and the elderly. In one
incident, the invading Ethiopian
troops killed at least 21 inside
a Mogadishu mosque.
The Ethiopian troops who invaded
Somalia to drive out the then
increasingly popular Union of
Islamic Courts (UIC) are now a
major factor in exacerbating the
humanitarian crisis in the
war-ravaged state.
An intervention by regional
powers and international
security agencies is long
overdue. Ethiopian troops should
withdraw immediately. Those
guilty of war crimes must be
brought to book and a search for
a political solution to bring an
end to the long suffering of
Somali people should be
facilitated.
Historical Footnote:
It is a fact that in the over 17
years of a Somalia without a
central government, there has
never been calm and security
comparable to the 6-month reign
of the UIC.
Disaster Hits Myanmar
The scale of the disaster is
mind-boggling, shattering and
renders a piercing cry to the
heart of any individual. Almost
quarter of a million people
dead, more than 50 000 missing
and over a million homeless.
Electricity shortages, lack of
food and water, poor sanitation,
no shelter and the fear of
potential malaria, dengue fever,
cholera and dysentery. The
situation brought upon the
people of Myanmar through
Cyclone Nargis and the resultant
tidal waves can be described as
nothing short of a disaster of
extreme proportions.
The consequent reaction of the
Myanmar leadership and its
negative response to offers of
outside assistance, where it is
clearly unable to deal with the
crisis on its own, is nothing
short of careless and selfish.
This would be especially true if
its refusal is based on its fear
of the outside assistance
weakening its political
stranglehold on the land – a
stranglehold that is not without
blemish in its working in the
best interest of the people. In
a period where a people are
dying and will die if no aid and
assistance is provided to them;
surely the Myanmar leadership
should succumb to the greater
need of the hour. Whatever the
situation, relieving the human
suffering must be given top
priority and be considered as
crucial, essential and
uppermost.
The fact that the leadership
have appointed a special
minister to consider and approve
visas and it acceptance of a UN
Aid flight is however indication
that it is not closed to all
outside help, but rather
extremely suspicious of who
intends to provide the aid and
why. The insistence of being
allowed to provide assistance
is.
It is important to note that the
possible fear of the Myanmar
government, based on current
examples such as Iraq, cannot be
waived away as totally
unjustified. Nothing comes for
free and without a hidden
agenda. These agendas must also
be put under the microscope. The
incursions and attacks in the
name of establishing democracy
are many, and tend to present
democracy as if it were a divine
solution to all problems, to the
extent that even the imposition
of democracy (can the imposition
of democracy be democratic?) was
enacted and justified, whereas
history bears testimony to the
many failures of democracy and
democratic societies. The
outbursts of the first lady of
one of the ‘democratic
countries’, is indeed strange
since her voice has very seldom
been heard in such situations of
strife. Even stranger is her
demand that Myanmar be taken to
task by the UN for their
negative reaction to the foreign
aid. |
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C O N
T E N T S |
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Summarised
Jumuah Bayaan |
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Question and
Answer |
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Update |
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Message from the Ameer |
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I N F
O R M A T I O N |
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Min. Mahr |
R149.14 |
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Mahr Faatimi |
R7456.93 |
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Zakaat Nisaab |
R2982.77 |
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Words of Wisdom |
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Hadith of the Week |
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Potent Faith, Pride |
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The Prophet Muhammad
Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
said, “He who has in his
heart as much faith as a
grain of mustard seed will
not enter hell, and he who
has in his heart as much
pride as a grain of mustard
seed will not enter
paradise.”
(Muslim)
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Quotation for the Week |
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Cycle of Vice, Virtue |
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“One lustful gaze leads to
another, just as one sin
leads to another and also
one good deed to another.”
(Maulana Hakeem Akhtar Sahib
db)
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Point of Reflection |
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Sustaining Hope |
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"The pillar of the world is
hope". (Nigerian
Proverb)
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Q and A |
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Question: I wish to
know if it is Islamically
correct to have ones teeth
filled or to have a crown
similar to the colour of
one’s teeth placed in one’s
mouth? |
Answer:
Yes,
it is permissible to have
ones teeth filled and to
have crowns fitted in ones
mouth as well, particularly
when such a need is
sanctioned by a dentist in
order to safeguard ones
teeth from further decay.
And Allaah Ta’aala Knows
Best.
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U P D A T E |
Jamiatul Ulama AGM
The AGM of the Jamiatul Ulama
has been scheduled to take place
at the Jamiatul Ulama Auditorium
(Baitul Hamd, 32 Dolly Rathebe
Road, Fordsburg) on Sunday 11
May 2008.
All members of the Jamiatul
Ulama are invited.
Masjid Library
Alhamdulillah, masaajid across
the country generally have, on
their shelves, Qur’ans for the
usage of musallees, in the
masjid. Some Ulama have
recommended that it would be of
great benefit to equip masaajid
with additional Islamic material
that would assist in educating
the Ummah on various issues. It
has been suggested that Masaajid
should have authentic tafaasir,
books of hadith, fiqh, seerah,
etc. These books will serve
various purposes, and benefit
both Ulama and others in
numerous ways.
In this regard the Jamiatul
Ulama Tshwane Branch has taken
the initiative and prepared a
set of books that would comprise
a basic library - a must for
every masjid. The set comprises
of the following:
The Noble Qur’an (Translation of
Mufti Taqi Uthmani), Tafsir
Ma`aariful Qur’an (Mufti
Muhammad Shafi), Illuminating
Discourses on the Holy Qur’an
(Mufti Ashiq Ilaahi), Ma`aariful
Hadeeth (Maulana Manzoor Numani),
Awareness and Apprehension
(English translation of al-Targheeb
wa al-Tarheeb), Behashti Zewar,
Sublime Conduct (English
translation of Khasaais
al-Kubra), Seerah Ibn Kathir,
Hayaatus Sahaabah, Aqeedah al-Tahaawiy
The cost of the set is
approximately R2200-00 and
brother and sisters are invited
to sponsor a set(s) for
their/other masaajid. The set
could be sponsored with the
niyyah of esaal uth-thawaab and
is also thawaab al-jaariyah. For
as long as it is in use, the
contributor will continue
receiving thawab, insha’ Allah.
Sponsored sets are already being
sent to masaajid. Masaajid that
would like to acquire a set
should contact the Jamiat.
Alhamduillah many sets have
already been distributed to
various masaajid. Sponsors of
sets are urged to contact the
number below.
For more information contact:
012 374 2506. Suggestions and
ideas are also welcome.
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Summarised Jumu’ah
Bayaan:
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Family Ties - "Silat-ur-Rahim" |
Allah Azza wa jalla
says: “And fear Allah
through whose medium you
ask one another (for
your rights) and be
mindful of your
relatives.” (Surah Nisa)
The Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi
wa sallam said, “Whoever
believes in Allah and
the Last Day, let him
maintain the bonds of
kinship.” (Bukhari)
Islam has placed
tremendous emphasis on
the establishment,
maintenance and
preservation of family
kinship. Various
Qur'anic verses and
Ahadith instruct Muslims
to be kind, merciful,
affectionate and caring
towards parents and
relatives.
Although almost all
religions advocate
maintenance of family
ties, Islam has taken it
to unprecedented
heights. A Muslim is
commanded to be kind
even to his non-Muslim
relatives. Similarly, he
is required to be kind
to those relatives who
are unpleasant or harsh
towards him. Maintaining
the bonds of kinship (silatur
rahim) enjoys
extraordinary importance
in Islam. Conversely,
severing family ties (qat'ur
rahim) can lead one to a
disastrous end. Due to
the importance Islam has
accorded to maintaining
family ties, the rewards
and benefits of doing so
are indeed great.
Similarly, neglect and
severing family ties can
have disastrous
consequences on a
person's life. It
therefore becomes
imperative that every
Muslim is soundly
educated regarding this
important obligation.
The Importance
of Family Ties
Mutual dependence is an
important facet of human
existence on earth.
Mankind could not have
survived without this
co-existence. The fact
that Allah Ta’ala
created Hawa Alayhas
salaam as a partner for
Hazrat Aadam Alayhis
salaam is a classical
example to prove the
need for
interdependence. This
reality is manifest in
every facet of human
existence.
Communication,
interaction and
interdependence between
human beings is an
essential requirement
for a normal and
harmonious society. At
every point in one's
life a person will be
interacting with other
people. Generally, the
people one will come
into contact with more
often are his family
folk. Due to the
frequent contact
resulting from a family
relationship, it is
imperative that one is
always on good terms
with family members.
The importance of
maintaining harmonious
relationships with all
family members is
highlighted in the
following verse: “ And
fear Allah through whose
medium you ask one
another (for your
rights) and be mindful
of your relatives.” (Surah
Nisa)
In this verse, the
instruction of keeping
family ties follows
directly after the
instruction of fearing
Allah Ta'ala, hence
highlighting its
importance in the sight
of Allah Ta'ala. In
another verse it is
mentioned, “And worship
Allah and do not assign
partners with Him and be
favourable unto parents
and family members and
the orphans and the
destitute and the near
neighbour and the
distant neighbour and
the traveller and your
slaves. And Allah does
not love one who is
haughty and proud.” (Surah
Nisaa)
The great number of
Ahadith that instruct
family kinship
emphasizes the matter
even further. “Whoever
believes in Allah and
the Last Day, let him
maintain the bonds of
kinship.” (Bukhari)
Factors that
Maintain Family Unity
Regular Visits - In an
era when the words “no
time” have become a
formidable cliché,
Muslims are duty bound
to keep close contact
with family relatives by
visiting each other
regularly. The trend
today is to visit
someone if there is some
material or worldly
benefit, or only if they
keep contact with us.
Relatives should be
visited solely for the
pleasure of Allah Ta'ala
and to create and
maintain muhabbat (love)
in the family.
Mutual Assistance -
Assisting one's
relatives carries two
reward; one reward for
assisting and one reward
for bonding family ties.
These noble qualities
will also be a practical
means of guidance for
the children. In this
way family relationships
are strengthened and can
be maintained for
generations. Certain
people feel
uncomfortable to assist
relatives if they
require financial help
in the form of Zakaat,
etc. This manner of
thought should be
corrected.
Rasulullah Sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam said, “Sadaqah
given to a poor person
is an ordinary sadaqah,
but sadaqah given to a
relative serves two
purposes: one as a
sadaqah and secondly, an
act of upholding family
kinship.” (Tirmizi)
Rasulullah Sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam said,
“Whosever desires to
have expansion in his
sustenance and a
prolonged life, should
treat his relatives with
kindness.” (Bukhari &
Muslim)
Abundant Greeting -
Increasing salaam to
each other creates
muhabbat. Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam) has
urged Muslims to spread
salaam. Those who
initiate salaam are
protected from pride and
haughtiness.
Exchanging Gifts -
Showering relatives with
gifts is also an
effective method of
generating love between
people. Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Exchange gifts with one
another, you will create
love and goodwill
amongst yourselves.”
(Abu Ya'laa)
Common Factors
that Contribute to
Family Dissension
Marriage Breakdown -
This is the single most
factor that has
disrupted family life
and created discord in
communities. The
separation of two
individuals directly
impacts on both
families, and in this
way the discord
permeates the entire
community.
It is incumbent upon
couples to understand
the reality and
commitment of Nikah and
its impact on society.
If the couple have no
other option but to
divorce, this procedure
should be carried out in
a dignified Shari
manner, and any
animosity or hard
feelings should be
minimised.
Business
Upheavals -
This is also a major
contributor to family
problems and disunity.
Material interests and
love for the world take
precedence and people do
not realise the
consequences of their
words and actions.
Ignorance and authority
play a major role, and
wealth of the orphans,
innocent and weak is
usurped. Strict
application of Shari
laws and co-operation is
required in sensitive
business issues. At all
times the family unity
should be maintained as
top priority.
Estate
Matters -
The demise of a family
member is sometimes the
spark that leads to
endless misery for
families when the
deceased's estate is not
distributed correctly.
Hence it is imperative
for Muslims to keep
their financial matters
in order, thereby not
leaving an opportunity
for family discord.
Ulama should be
consulted in this regard
for proper Islamic
guidance in the field of
Islamic inheritance and
estate distribution.
Suspicion
and Gossip -
These are two major
qualities that wreak
havoc, burn and destroy
the perpetrator
inwardly. Mischief is
created through false
information and opinions
about people and
families causing
disunity and family
discord. A believer
should at no time engage
in backbiting or harbour
evil thoughts about
others. There are severe
warnings of chastisement
for people who engage in
these sins. May Allah
Ta'ala protect us all.
According to a Hadith,
“One who joins ties when
family members are
co-operative and returns
the same affection
cannot be said to be one
who joins family ties,
rather the one who can
truly be termed a person
who joins ties is he who
upholds and maintains
the ties when the other
family members have
severed ties with him.”
(Bukhari)
Emphasis on
Unity
The extent to which
Islam detests disunity
and dissension can be
gauged from the
following Hadith. Umme
Kulsum Radiyallahu anha)
reports that she heard
Rasulullah Sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam saying,
“He who makes peace
between the people by
inventing good
information or saying
good things, is not a
liar.” (Bukhari)
Speaking lies is a major
sin, which invokes the
curse of Allah Ta'ala,
yet the Shariah has
given the concession to
speak a “white lie” in
order to reconcile a
dispute and keep two
people on talking terms.
Severe Warnings
for those who Sever
Family Relationships
Just as the
reward and rank for
maintaining family unity
is great and fulfilling,
similarly the warnings
and sin for severing and
breaking ties is equally
detrimental. Allah
Ta'ala has cursed the
one severing family
ties, “And those who
break the covenant of
Allah, after its
ratification, and sever
that which Allah has
commanded to be joined
(i.e. they sever the
bond of kinship and are
not good to their
relatives) and work
mischief in the land, on
them is the curse, and
for them is the unhappy
home (i.e. Hell).” (Surah
Ar Rad)
A cursed person is one
who is deprived of the
mercy of Allah Ta’ala.
This sin is punishable
in this world as well as
in the Hereafter. “There
is no sin more deserving
of having punishment
meted out by Allah to
its perpetrator in
advance in this world
along with what He has
for him in the next
world than oppression
and severing family
ties.” (Tirmizi)
A Hadith highlights the
rank and importance of
this duty: “Rahim
(family ties) is a word
derived from Allah's
special quality, Ar
Rahman (The
Compassionate One). And
Allah says: 'I shall
keep connection with him
who maintains you and
sever connection with
him who severs you.'” (Bukhari)
A person should love
someone solely for the
pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.
If there is need to
dislike someone for
Shari reasons this
should also be for the
pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.
If a person is compelled
to sever ties with a
family member due to a
genuine Shari reason,
then the aforementioned
warnings will not be
applicable. Family
disputes and differences
should be resolved early
and amicably.
Procrastination in
resolving family matters
can lead to explosive
situations. Ulama should
be consulted in good
faith and the matter
should be put forward
factually, honestly and
sincerely.
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Message from the Ameer of
the Jamiatul Ulama |
Cost of Living
The ever-escalating cost of
fuel and the subsequent
impact that it has on prices
of all commodities, coupled
with the increasing shortage
of food has suddenly
surpassed crime as the
favourite focus of
dinner-table discussions. It
has become a serious
consideration in the lives
of most people.
People have approached this
situation from various
perspectives. As Muslims we
need to place it within the
context of our Deen. Allah
Subhanahu wa Ta’aala informs
us, in the Qur’an, that
people will undergo
difficulties for one of two
reasons. The first reason is
that difficult conditions
will prevail upon people as
a result of their actions.
The second reason is that it
will be a test from Allah.
In Surah Baqarah, Allah says
that people will be tested
in various ways including
that of fear, hunger, the
shortage of food and other
supplies etc.
We can consider various
political reasons as well as
a broad range of issues in
international economics to
obtain some type of
understanding of what is
happening and why it is
taking place. However, our
thoughts, utterances and
actions need to be informed
and guided by our Deen.
Among the aspects that we
need to take note of include
strengthening our Imaan by
remembering that everything
is in the power and control
of Allah. It will also
include turning to Allah in
du’aa and istighfar. It will
also be important to adjust
our lives to be more in
keeping with the lifestyle
of our Beloved Prophet,
Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi
wa sallam. Islam instructs
us to live a life of
simplicity, and usage of the
resources provided by Allah
in a careful and controlled
manner. We are commanded by
Allah to abstain from
wastage and wastefulness of
any type and form.
May Allah Subhanahu wa
ta’aala make it possible for
us to bring the Sunnah of
the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi
wa sallam into our lives.
Aameen.
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