Confronting Rumors

Confronting Rumors

With the advent of the powerful social media tools there has been a surge in rumor-mongering. Rumor-mongering has become a serious business. Irresponsible media have added fuel to the fire in spreading rumors.

Communal riots of Muzzaffarnagar in India in the year-2013 which displaced 40,000 Muslims as refugees was blamed on a WhatsApp video which enticed the majority community to carry out the riots.

Continuous efforts are carried out to create chaos and division in the Muslim lands. The flames of false news and vile propaganda have engulfed clean and unbiased minds.

Even a mature and wise individual finds it challenging to distinguish between the truth and the falsehood. In fact, Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) foretold the sequel of trials and that will befall the Muslim community after his departure.

Rumor-mongers did exist in his time. Islamic texts and the lessons from the life of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) speak volumes of how to tackle ungrounded rumors.

Knowledge: Knowledge of authentic Islamic texts protects an individual from all sorts of chaos, be it in his personal life or societal life.

In fact, Allah praised those who possess knowledge.

“Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge.” (Qur’an 35:28)

“Allâh will raise those of you who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is aware of what you do.” (Qur’an 58:11)

“Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.” (Qur’an 39:9)

A scholar gauges a calamity before it commences and a person of little knowledge realizes it later.

Ignorance is impetus to calamities and knowledge is the elixir.

Verify the news that reaches you and return it to the experts:

Among our worst habits is to forward every news that reaches us. Most of us hardly verify it or even try to authenticate it.

If we were to follow the following the instructions in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an, a lot of troubles would be ceased.

“And when there comes to them information about [public] security or fear, they spread it around. But if they had referred it back to the Messenger or to those of authority among them, then the ones who [can] draw correct conclusions from it would have known about it. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few.” (Qur’an 4:83).

It is as clear as day from the Qur’an that every rumor or news that reaches us should be referred back to those who have knowledge and the experts who draw proper conclusions, in order to protect yourself from slipping into the rumor-mongering.

In the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the rumor that the Prophet (peace be upon him) divorced all his wives spread like wild fire in Madinah. The Prophet’s companions assembled in the Prophet’s Mosque; they were worried and were talking about this drastic step. Many people took part in this talk, but Omar ibn Al-Khattab did not. Omar ibn Al-Khattab laid a great example for us to follow, by insisting to directly question Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) about the news and to clarify the issue and publicly refute the rumors.

People have caused a great mayhem due to their attitude of spreading and sharing all news that reaches them.

Beware of being overly enthusiastic. Act judiciously and patiently:

Thousands of youth fall prey to radical organizations and their ideologies due to their overly enthusiastic attitude, and some of them eventually joined terrorist organizations.

Had they taken care with wisdom, patience, forbearance, they would have remained a great asset to the community, and many lives would have been spared.

‘Better to be safe than sorry’ comes vivid in reacting calmly to rumors.

Sahih Muslim mentions an incident of a delegation that visited Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) from Bahrain. Moved by their over-enthusiasm and anticipation to meet the Prophet all the visitors jumped off their horses and rushed to the Prophet.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) observed their leader who acted calmly by tying up all the camels and arranging their luggage. Later, he showered, changed his clothes, wore perfume, came to the Masjid, prayed in the Masjid, and eventually greeted the Prophet.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the leader, “You have two qualities which Allah loves and His Messenger loves; forbearance and patience.”

Being judicious and patient are the traits loved by Allah and He bestows them upon whom He wishes.

The lack of patience and an overly zealous nature have caused us to react to every single piece of news and rumor.

Staying in touch with moderate scholars:

The scholars who teach the Islamic texts, narrate to you the traditions and sayings of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and interpret the religion as interpreted by the righteous companions are upon moderation. Those who speak out their own personal opinions and provoke youth and spread radical views are not to be followed.

Righteous scholars are like stars. The way stars guide the travelers to the correct destination, so do the scholars. The way stars beautify the sky, so do the existence of scholars among us. The way shooting stars strike the devils, scholars strike the devils who spread corruption and promote anarchy and terrorism.

In conclusion, I say, as a Muslim we have to equip ourselves with divine knowledge, rightful behavior, truth and moderation, patience and forbearance; and to nurture the nature of verification, authentication, and analyzing. One must avoid being susceptible to fall prey to any kind of propaganda, rumor-mongering, and chaos.

With this we can set up a just, moderate, and balanced society where rumor-mongers cannot harm the peace and wellbeing of our communities.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

The Patience of Ayyub

The Patience of Ayyub

Every person is faced with trials and tribulations at one point or another in their lives. It is patience that helps the believer cope. When calamity befalls a patient believer, it does not crush him. Instead, the believer endures, persists, and has hope in the mercy of Allah and the rewards that are awaiting him on the Day of Judgment.

Patience is a virtue that you can work on to develop.

There is much to learn from the story of Prophet Ayyub, as he is the ideal example of the afflicted believer who remained patient and faithful to His Lord.

Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him) was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an four times. He resided in the region that is now Syria. Prior to his illness, Prophet Ayyub was an extremely wealthy man. He possessed treasures of gold and silver, and he owned land, farms, fields, and cattle. He also had many children.

Scholars say that the illness overtook Prophet Ayyub when he was seventy years old. The illness was so severe; historians have written that not a single limb of Ayyub was free from disease except his tongue and his heart, which he used for the remembrance of Allah. He lost his children and his whole family except his wife who remained devoted to him.

Historians have recorded different durations and the extent of the Prophet’s illness. Some claimed his illness lasted three years, others claim seven years, and others claim eighteen years. Regardless of the exact number of years, we can certainly know that Prophet Ayyub patiently bore his illness for a very long time.

Never did Prophet Ayyub lament, grow angry, or reject the fate which Allah had decreed for him. Day and night, throughout the pain and difficult times, Prophet Ayyub would praise his Lord.

What inspired such patience? Why did he not lose it?

Prophets and pious believers know that Allah tests His servants with trials and tribulations to test their patience, raise their rank in Paradise, and erase the sins they have committed. In fact, calamities that befall a Muslim should not be perceived as a disaster that will ruin his/her life, but as a sign that Allah loves him/her. For some Muslims, it is the wake-up call they need to turn to Allah and repent, which is actually a blessing in disguise.

The companion, Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which of the people are most sorely tested?” He said, “The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. A man will be tested in accordance with his level of religious commitment. If his religious commitment is strong, he will be tested more severely, and if his religious commitment is weak, he will be tested in accordance with his religious commitment. Calamity will keep befalling a person until he walks on the earth with no sin on him.”

Both were very patient, Prophet Ayyub and his wife. She took care of her husband, served him single-handedly, and worked in the village to earn a livelihood to feed herself and her husband. One day, she asked her husband why he did not supplicate to Allah to relieve him of his illness.

Prophet Ayyub replied, “I lived for seventy years in prosperity and health why shouldn’t I be patient for the sake of Allah for seventy years.”

After realizing the physical toll his situation had taken on his wife, Prophet Ayyub raised his hands and supplicated to Allah, without complaining to anyone else. Making duaa does not contradict being patient at all. A believer is encouraged to make duaa to Allah but to be wary of complaining and grumbling to people.

“And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, ‘Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful.’” (Qur’an 21:83)

After turning to Allah, calling fervently upon Allah, and supplicating, without becoming disgruntled or dissatisfied with the decree of Allah, Ayyub’s call was answered. Allah directed Prophet Ayyub to drink from and bathe in a cool spring. He was cured and his body healed.

“[So he was told], ‘Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for a] cool bath and drink.’” (Qur’an 38:42)

Not only was Prophet Ayyub cured but Allah also restored his wife’s youth.

What we learn from the story of Prophet Ayyub is true patience and acceptance, while still seeking refuge in Allah and turning to Allah for help.

We will encounter hardships, but we must deal with our hardships as a test, as an opportunity to exhibit patience and firm belief in Allah.

How do we pass these tests? Only if we are patient will the calamity serve as expiation of sins and higher rewards. If we respond to the tests with discontent, rage, constant complaining to every person we meet, and vulgar behavior, we fail the test.

What do we say when we are faced with difficulty or grief or injury or illness? We should say, “Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Great reward comes with great trials. When Allah loves a people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it attains His pleasure, whereas whoever shows discontent with it incurs His wrath.”

The collective Muslim community is being tested in these times, may Allah grant us patience.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Islam is not only for Muslims, says scholar

Islam is not only for Muslims, says scholar

ISLAM is not a religion for Muslims alone; it is for the entire mankind, a well-known Indian scholar and preacher has said.

“It is our duty to enlighten followers of other religions on the noble teachings of Islam. Our religion teaches us moderation, tolerance, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” Muhammad Umar Gautam, chairman of the New Delhi-based Islamic Dawah Center (IDC), said at a special function organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Jeddah chapter) in Jeddah recently.

It is high time to exert great efforts to disseminate the sublime nature of Islam at a time when the image of the religion which preaches peace is tarnished by its own followers, as well as by certain deviant groups, said the preacher who reverted to Islam in 1984.

Formerly known as Shyam Pratap Singh Gautam, Muhammad Umar belongs to an affluent Rajput Thakur family from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is a distant relative of former Indian prime minister V.P. Singh.

He said the best propagation of Islam is strict observance of its teachings by its followers.

Since the very first day of embracing Islam, Gautam embarked on this great mission and it had an electrifying impact on the people and he has succeeded in attracting hundreds of people to the fold of Islam as well as to enlighten hundreds of thousands others to have a proper understanding of Islam and remove misgivings about the divine religion.

Another revert and an active Dawah worker, Muhammad Sufiyan (formerly Saurabh Dutt), narrated the sequence of events that led him to believe in the Oneness of God. “What fascinated me to Islam is the spirit of empathy and compassion that energizes followers of Islam to help fellow human beings. In my case, it was a childhood friend who guided me toward the true teachings of Islam,” he said.

Mufti Mohd Sagheer Qasmi, a close Gautam aide, shed light on the working of the Islamic Dawah Center. There are more than 500 reverts associated with the center. “We focus on four-pronged strategy to rehabilitate the converts. First of all, we go to local magistrate to complete legal procedures, and then Qadi to obtain religious conversion certificate, besides publishing classified advertisements in newspapers for change of name and then gazette the notification,” he said and added: “Our priority is to rehabilitate them. We have full-fledged multistory building for the center where they live and receive training so as to enable them to take up jobs and work in the society. The center is basically meant for the converts and for their education and rehabilitation. We hold full time Dawah training for scholars to equip them for their work, in addition to conducting interfaith dialogue and supporting weaker sections, especially widows and divorcees,” he added.

In this connection, he said the Islamic Dawah Center will be organizing the eighth annual reverts get-together in New Delhi in the beginning of the next month. Speakers at the event will throw light on the importance of Dawah in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah and duties of a Muslim in providing the message of Islam for the guidance of whole mankind.

Bahjat Najmi, well-known Dawah worker in Jeddah and grandson of late Moulana Hifzur Rehman Seoharvi, a famous freedom fighter, member of parliament and noted Muslim personality of India, will be the chief guest at the event, he said.

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Jeddah chapter) also utilized the occasion to bid farewell to senior Alig, Muhammad Mian Sahab, who is leaving Saudi Arabia after serving in various capacities for more than three and half decades in the Kingdom.

Vice president of the association, Nooruddin Khan, paid rich tributes to the outgoing Aligarian recalling his contributions toward the unity of AMU alumni. Muhammad Mian Sahab, he said, acted as returning officer in several elections of the association.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Spread goodness

Spread goodness

There is a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that states, “Righteousness is in good character.”

The doors to spreading goodness are many, and a praiseworthy believer is the one who varies his/her acts of goodness and kindness. Each different act of kindness can help someone in your community, and at the same time it will leave a special, distinct, and sweet feeling in your heart.

It is good to train your soul with various and different acts of kindness just as it is good for your body to vary your exercise routine in order to strengthen different muscles in your body.

I have gathered from different sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) a long list of simple acts we can do that will, Number 1: bring a bit of happiness to our fellow brothers and sisters. Number 2: help us gain ample rewards from Allah. Number 3: impart an unmatched sense of personal satisfaction and inner peace in our hearts.

The first and easiest act of kindness is to greet whomever we encounter in the best way possible, to wish them peace. At work, at school, in the hospital, or in the market, be the first one to say, “Asalamu Alaikum.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The person nearest to Allah is one who is the first to offer greeting.” (Abu Dawud)

It is the most beautiful of greetings. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

A man once asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), “Which act in Islam is the best?” He (peace be upon him) replied, “To give food, and to greet everyone, whether you know or you do not.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

When someone sneezes, it is not only an act of goodness, but it is even obligatory for you to say, “May Allah have mercy on you.”

You may think little of it, but Allah will reward you immensely for removing litter or something harmful from the path of the people in your neighborhood or community. If you notice something harmful lying on the road, do not wait for the sanitation workers to pick it up, you take the initiative and discard it properly so you can earn great rewards.

Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A man passed by a branch of a tree leaning over a road and decided to remove it, saying to himself, ‘By Allah! I will remove it from the way of Muslims so that it would not harm them.’ On account of this, he was admitted to Paradise.”

Quench the thirst of someone who is hot, exhausted, and thirsty, and Allah will quench your thirst on the most fearful and tumultuous day, the Day of Judgment. Make this your new favorite good deed for this month, seek the janitors working on the streets during the heat of the midday, and distribute cold water bottles among them. A wonderful charity is to build a well in a village with water shortages.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whichever Muslim quenches the thirst of another Muslim, Allah will grant him drink from Ar-Rahiq Al-Makhtum.” (Abu Dawud)

Ar-Rahiq Al-Makhtum is a special drink in Paradise promised for the righteous believers.

Feed the hungry. Rather than prepare lavish dinner parties for your friends, cook delicious meals, package them, and deliver them to the homeless women and children roaming the streets, begging. There are plenty of worldwide campaigns to join for providing food in hunger-stricken countries.

One of my favorite Hadith, or saying, of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) summarizes some of the best acts of kindness and piety that we can do to improve our level of faith.

He (peace be upon him) said, “O people, exchange greetings of peace, feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Paradise in peace.” (At- Tirmidhi)

Sometimes, what our sister or brother in Islam needs is not food or donations. Sometimes they really just need a kind word, someone to listen to them, or maybe someone to baby-sit their young kids, or they may need a ride in your car, or some other service that is not necessarily material.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him said, “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.”

Try to figure out what your friend in distress needs, and try to be there for her. It could be honest and gently advice, it could be help studying for an exam, or it could be going with her to a doctor’s appointment she may be nervous about. For helping someone in distress, Allah may easy your distress on the day you will need it most, the Day of Judgment.

Do not belittle any act of kindness, even if it means making room for someone to sit next to you in a crowded room or bus, and making them feel welcome.

Since it was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in the following verse, it is important to take into consideration in our gatherings.

(O you who have believed, when you are told, “Space yourselves” in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you [i.e. in Allah’s mercy or in Paradise].) (Qur’an 58:11)

A valuable act of goodness that you may be unaware of is to reconcile two people who are experiencing a rift in their relationship. You could help two arguing coworkers get along better with one another, you could bring two estranged friends together, or you could help a married couple settle some dispute. Be the one to always reconcile rather than separate and fuel anger.

This act of goodness was specifically commended by the Prophet (peace be upon him), as it was reported that he said, “The son of Adam does not act with anything better than prayer, reconciliation between people, and good character.” (Shu`ab al-Iman)

Plant a flower, a shrub, or a tree, because it will bring benefit to not only people, but also other living creatures.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Muslims will always earn the reward of charity for planting a tree, sowing a crop and then birds, humans, and animals eat from it.” (Bukhari)

Give your neighbors a gift or bake them a cake.

The doors to spreading goodness are many. We can make an effort to vary our acts of goodness and try to use as many doors as possible. Do not be stuck in only one act or righteousness; try several. Share your stories of spreading goodness with us.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Male and female are equal in Islam

Male and female are equal in Islam

The content of Holy Quran depicts the context of religion Islam and its teachings. The role of Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH) is explaining and defining the meaning of Quranic text. We get to know from both of these sources that ALLAH Almighty has created men and women so that they get tranquillity, bliss, and pleasure in the company of each other. Responsibility, accountability and spiritual equality for both men and women are a quite obviously explained in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran clearly reveals and clarifies on the matter of gender equality in Sura An-Nisa verse 4:1 Quran.

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear ALLAH, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed ALLAH is ever, over you, an Observer.

The Political and Legal Aspect

• In Islam, both genders are equivalent in front of law and courts. Therefore justice is genderless.

• The role of men and women is equal gender fairness in Islam except it precludes women from few positions which is allowed for men and that is leading prayer and the situation headship and the proportion in heredity.

• Male and females are encouraged to work together and participate in the political and communal aspects of society and public affairs.

Verse 9:71 of Holy Quran,


The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey ALLAH and His Messenger. Those – ALLAH will have mercy upon them. Indeed, ALLAH is Exalted in Might and Wise.

The Economic Aspect

• The Islamic Shariah (Law) tells us the complete property rights of the woman before and after marriage. 

• She enjoys complete financial support during marriage and also during the waiting period. 

• Parents are responsibility bound to support and show kindness and fairness to their daughters.

The Spiritual Aspect

• According to the Holy Quran men and women have the similar spiritual human nature. 

• Both genders are created with similar human and spiritual nature. 

• Both genders are dignified and trustees of ALLAH Almighty on earth. 

• Considers them to be grounds for love and admiration due to mothers. 

• Both men and woman are obliged to follow similar religious and moral responsibilities and duties. They will both face the penalty of their deeds. 

• Holy Quran makes it clear that foundation of superiority is piety and righteousness not gender, colour, or Nationality.

Islam has given rights, responsibilities and duties to both genders. The real viewpoint of this notion can only be understood by the Prophetic model based on the Holy Quran and Hadeeth.

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The seven most beloved places to the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah Al-Mukarramah

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was directed by his Lord to direct his face in prayer to the Ka`bah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that a single prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is worth 100,000 prayers in any other mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I swear by Allah, you (Makkah) are the best of the lands of Allah and you are the most beloved land to Allah.”

Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O Allah! Make us love Madinah as much as we love Makkah or even more.” When the Prophet (peace be upon him) would return from travel and see the walls of Madinah, he would speed up his camel out of his love for Madinah.

Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led all the prophets in prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa on the night of the amazing journey of Al-Israa’ and Mi`raaj. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an, “Exalted is He who took His Servant [Prophet Muhammad] by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed.” (Qur’an 17-1)

Masjid Quba in Madinah

It was the first mosque to be built in Islam by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The reward for one prayer there is equal to the reward for performing Umrah.

Mount Uhud in Madinah

While standing on Mount Uhud with his companions, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “This mountain loves us and we love it.”

Al-Baqee`, the burial ground in Madinah

Al-Baqee` is the burial ground of an estimated 10,000 companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He (peace be upon him) used to visit their graves and make duaa for the people buried there. He (peace be upon him) used to say, “May you be safe, O abode of the believing. What you have been promised has come to you.” He (peace be upon him) also said, “O Allah, forgive the inhabitants of the Baqee` Al-Gharqad.”

Ar-Rawdah in the Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Between my house and my pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).”

The seven most beloved places to the Prophet (peace be upon him). British haj travel Ltd is one of the Leading travel agency in UK. We arrange Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarat. Visit our website: www.britishhajtravel.com or Call Us at: 0177 2252 996

Source: saudigazette.com.sa