Sunday, 4 December 2011

This is Isalm! (2)


Islam and environment # 1
Everything in nature is a sign of God’s existence
Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which God sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds subjugated between the sky and earth — [here] indeed are signs for a people who thinks. {Al Qur'an 2:164}


Islam and environment #2
He subjugated the world for our use
“It is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth, Who sent down water from the heaven and thereby brought forth a variety of fruits as your sustenance, Who subjected for you the ships that they may sail in the sea by His command, Who subjected for you the rivers,(14:32)
Who subjected for you the sun and the moon and both of them are constant on their courses, Who subjected for you the night and the day,(14:33)
and Who gave you all that you asked Him for. Were you to count the favors of Allah you shall never be able to encompass them. Verily man is highly unjust, exceedingly ungrateful.”
(The Holy Quran 14:34)
That means the earth and heavens are subjected to certain laws and they serve you under these laws.


Islam and environment #3
Planting trees is charity
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said-
Whenever a Muslim plants a tree,  he has the reward of charity for him, for what is eaten out of that is charity; what is stolen out of that, what the beasts eat out of that, what the birds eat out of that is charity for him. (In short) none incurs a loss to him but it becomes a charity on his part.
"The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.”

Islam and environment #4
Extravagance usage of resources
“...Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for God loves not the wasters.”
(AL Quran 7: 31)
Once Prophet passed by his companion Sa’d, who was washing for prayer, and said: “What is this wastage, O Saad?”“Is there wastage even in washing for prayer?” asked Saad; and he said,
“Yes, even if you are by a flowing river!”
Islam condemns wastage of all kinds of resources and teaches responsible behavior towards Nature.





Islam and environment #5
GO GREEN, ALLAH IS WATCHING
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
The world is green and delightful, and Allah (God) has put you in charge of it and is watching how you behave.
If you have a sapling, if you have the time, be certain to plant it, even if Doomsday starts to break forth.


Islam and environment #6
All  the creatures  glorify their Lord.
 The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein proclaim His praise. And there is not a thing, but proclaims His praise; but you do not understand their glorification. (Al-Quran', 17: 44)
Everything in the heavens and on earth obeys Him. No stone obeys another stone, no tree obeys another tree, no animal obey another animal. Are you then worse than animals, trees and stones, which obey only God, that you obey human beings like yourselves in preference to God?




Islam and environment #7
"Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being)."
The Prophet narrated a story,
"A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, "This dog is suffering from thirst as I did." So, he went down the well again and filled his shoe with water and watered it. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him. The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?"
He replied: “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being)”.

Islam and environment #8
Hunting of animals
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said that if the smallest of birds is killed without its right and thrown away, this act will be questioned as a crime. He explained that its right was that it should be slaughtered only in case of the need for food and not killed and thrown away unnecessarily (Mishkat).
       
The hunting of animals simply for the pleasure derived from a sharp-shooting spree is not considered lawful.




Islam and education#1
Seeking knowledge - a divine act
Our Holy Prophet (SAW), said,
“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
"Acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it in the way of Allah performs an act of piety; he who speaks of it, praises the Lord; he who seeks it, adores Allah; he who dispenses instruction in it, bestows alms; and he who imparts it to others, performs an act of devotion to Allah."
“He who walks for achieving and in search of knowledge, for him Allah makes the path to Paradise easy.”

Islam and education#2
First revealed verses of Quran
Islam is the religion of knowledge. The first verse of the Qur’an to be revealed enjoined reading, which is the key to knowledge.
"Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists). Has created man from clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. Has taught man that which he knew not. "
[Qur'an 96:1-5].
The above 5 verses which were the first to be revealed signify the importance of knowledge
Islam and education#3
Education should enlighten mankind
 “Surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding.
 Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting or (reclining) on their backs, and reflect in the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): 'Our Lord! You have not created this in vain. Glory to You! Save us, then, from the chastisement of the Fire.
  Our Lord! Whomever You cause to enter the Fire, him You indeed bring to disgrace, and there will be none to help the wrong-doers.
 Our Lord! Indeed we heard a crier calling to the faith saying: "Believe in your Lord"; so we did believe. Our Lord, forgive us our sins, and wipe out our evil deeds and make us die with the truly pious.'
  'Our Lord, fulfill what You promised to us through Your Messengers, and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection; indeed You never go back on Your promise.”
{Al Quran 3:190-4}
Reflection over creation should lead towards enlightenment of the creator: this is the spirit of education.






Islam and education#4
Purpose of education is closely linked with purpose of human being.
The purpose of human being is to perform his duties as representative of Allah on earth.
“And remember when your Lord said to the angels : “ I am going to place a representative on earth…”{Al Quran2:30}
The purpose of education is to enable human being to perform his duties as Allah's representative.
And so,
“… Allah taught Adam the names(i.e. knowledge ) of all things..” {Al Quran 2:31}


Islam and education#5
Acting without knowledge
“Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Surely the hearing, the sight, the heart - each of these shall be called to account.” (Al Quran 17:36)
It demands that both in individual and collective life, one should not follow mere guess work and presumption instead of knowledge. This instruction covers all aspects of Islamic life, moral, legal, political, administrative and applies to science, arts and education.
It has thus saved the society from numerous evils which are produced in human life by following guesswork instead of knowledge.

Islam and education#

Status of women # 1
Status of women in Islam.
Like all other creatures/creations, she is also a servant of Allah, the Creator of the universe
She is accountable for her own actions and shall be rewarded or punished accordingly on the Day of Judgment.
“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed” {Al Quran 4:124}



Status of women #2
Spiritual aspect of women
Both men and women are equal in the sight of Allah
 “Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another…”{Al Quran 3:195}


Status of women #3
Rights of women
“Women have the same rights against their men as men have against them; but men have a degree above them. Allah is All- Powerful, All-Wise”
{Al Quran 2:228}
Such degree is Quiwama (maintenance and protection). This refers to that natural difference between the sexes which entitles the weaker sex to protection. It implies no superiority or advantage before the law.
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them)… {Al Quran 4:34}






Status of women #4
Social aspect of women
At a time when the rest of the world, from Greece and Rome to India and China, considered women as no better than children or even slaves, with no rights whatsoever, Islam acknowledged women's equality with men in a great many respects. The Quran states:
"And among His signs is this: that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest and peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Certainly, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." [Noble Quran 30:21]

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife."
Status of women #5
Economic aspect of women
Islam decreed a right of which woman was deprived both before Islam and after it (even as late as this century), the right of independent ownership.
According to Islamic Law, woman's right to her money, real estate, or other properties is fully acknowledged.
“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much - an obligatory share.” [Al Quran 4:7]


Status of women #6
Female infanticide
Despite the social acceptance of female infanticide among some Arabian tribes, the Quran forbade this custom, and considered it a crime like any other murder.
"And when the female (infant) buried alive - is questioned, for what crime she was killed." [Noble Quran 81:8-9]
Criticizing the attitudes of such parents who reject their female children, the Quran states:
"When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on?" [Al Quran 16:58-59]


Status of women #7
Education of female
The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of males as Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim". [Al-Bayhaqi]
‘Muslim’ as used here includes both males and females.



Status of women #8
Modesty
Modesty is a virtue which Islam demands of Muslim men and women.
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well aware of what they do.“ [Al Quran 24:30]
"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty .…" [Al Quran 24:31]
Women are asked not to make a display of their figures, not to wear tight clothing that reveals their shape.
Status of women #9
HIJAB
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (Al Quran 33:59)
HIJAB protects women from
Lusty motives
Exploitation of feminity
Sexual abuse
Exploitation of beauty
Hijab is liberation and protection not oppression.

Status of women #10
Kindness towards parents
The command to be good to one's parents
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them ‘uff’ (a word of disrespect), nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say, “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they brought me up when I was small." [Al Quran 17:23-24]



Status of women #11
Bringing up of girl child
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him):
“Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise.”
“Whosoever supports two daughters till they mature, he and I will come in the Day of Judgment as this (and he pointed with his two fingers held together).”





Islam and econmy#1
Wealth is the possession of Allah
In Islam, all wealth is the possession of Allah with which humans are entrusted. It is a responsibility; it must be earned through permissible means and spent in permissible ways. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said:
"A slave will not be able to take a step further on the Day of Requital until he is taken to account for [the following things]:
 His time and how he spent it,
 His knowledge and how he used it,
 His money and how he earned and spent it,
And his youth and how he passed it.”


Islam and econmy#2
ISLAM ENCOURAGES CHARITY
“..Righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakat..”(Al Quran 2:177)
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and all-Knowing.(Al Quran 2:261)


Islam and economy#3
Zakat- COMPULSORY CHARITY
Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ 
 It is the giving of a fixed portion of one's wealth to charity, generally to the poor and needy. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
 The zakat is an act of piety through which one expresses concern for the well-being of fellow Muslims, as well as preserving social harmony between the wealthy and the poor. Zakat promotes a more equitable redistribution of wealth, and fosters a sense of solidarity amongst members of the community



Islam and economy#4
ALLAH DECLARES WAR
“O you, who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers.
And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal - [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.” (Al Quran 2:278-279)
Dealing with interest leads to injustice , instability, inefficiency, inequality in growth.




Islam and economy#5
Solution to economic crunch
Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. (Al Quran 2:275)
Any business or transactions whether property or goods that do not involve interest, but involve profit or loss is the solution

Islam and economy #6
Why interest is forbidden?
Interest is a sure gain without any possibility of loss, hence all the risk is taken by the borrower, rather than sharing the risk and the profits.
The Rich Gets Richer and the Poor Gets Poorer by interest.
Interest retards economic growth and development.
Interest is one of the major contributors of inflation.
Interest negates the culture of brotherhood and sympathy.
From a moral and spiritual point, Interest is clearly based on greed, selfishness, parsimony, narrow-mindedness and hard-heartedness. It nurtures the same evils in the money lender.
We see today, the cause of much of the world misery and hunger is due to unjust interest imposed



Isalm and economy #7
WOE TO FRAUD DEALERS!
Woe to those who deal in fraud, Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be called to account on a Mighty Day, a Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds.(Al Quran 83: 1-6)
Islam associate economic behavior with the doctrine of accountability before God on the Day of Judgment
Isalm and economy #



Islam and world peace#1
UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (Al Quran 49:13)
No one is superior based on
Birth
Skincolour
Linguistic background
Geographical backround
Professsion
Gender
All men are equal
The one who is superior is the one who is most RIGHTEOUS amongst you



Islam and world peace #2
No racial superiority
The last prophet (peace be upon him) said :
“O people, Remember that your Lord is One. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a black has no superiority over white, nor a white has any superiority over black, except by piety and good action . Indeed the best among you is the one with the best character .”




Islam and world peace #3
Killing the innocent?
To kill a person under some unjust pretexts is such a great and terrible sin before Allah that to kill one person is like to kill the whole mankind.
“..if anyone kills a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed the whole mankind: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.(Al Quran 5:32)

Islam and world peace#4
Rights of neighbors
“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like those who are proud and boastful;” (Al Quran 4:36)
"He will not enter Jannah whose neighbor is not secure from his wrongful conduct".-Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Islamic civilization#1




Conclusion
THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
HEAVEN OR HELL
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in FALSE OBJECTS and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Al-Quran 2:256)
TRUTH STANDS CLEAR FROM FALSEHOOD


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