Monday, September 30, 2013

'THE WOMEN' An Nisaa' (Title of a Chapter in the Quran)


Understanding the 1-6 verses of the 4th Chapter ‘the women’ in the Quran.


A whole chapter in the Quran is dedicated to ‘women’. The title of the 4th chapter in the Quran is ‘the women’, which is called ‘An Nisaa’ in Arabic.  Women should feel good about this. Allah has given them special reference so that the rights of women are protected and they are given the respect that they deserve. There is no chapter in the Quran with the title “the men”.

Apart from women, this verse mentions the orphans in its verses from 1to 6.
Let us try to understand what these six verses teach us.

VERSE 1

Primarily Allah addresses the whole of mankind as He states, “O people, who fear your Creator.” This is clear enough to understand that Allah is addressing the whole of mankind.
Then Allah tells us that He has made all of the mankind from one single human being, i.e. Adam alayhissalaam and from him he has scattered many men and women on the earth.

This explains that we all are from human race and not from the apes as presented in the theory of evolution.

Moreover, we all are from a single pair of parents, hence are related to each other. The family units today are an extension of the family of Adam and Eve who were originally created.

This further clarifies that the natural marriage is of a male and female and not the so called same-sex marriages that have ruined the sanctity of this pure and healthy relationship.

Allah tells us that we must fear Him as He is the One Whom we take oath upon in our dealings and relations and He is very close to us, watching us.

This first verse is preparing us to understand who we are, how all of us are related to each other and that Allah is the one who has created us and is ever watching. 

This verse is also a part of sermons especially the sermon of Nikah.

VERSE 2

Now before talking about women in particular, the next verse talks about orphans.

This verse talks about giving the orphans their property and not to change bad with good things. The guardian is being told to hand over the wealth or property or anything that he took under his care to the orphans when they reach the age of maturity.

The guardian of the orphan is warned not to usurp their belongings by cleverly mixing them up with their own as this is a heinous sin.

VERSE 3

In this verse the guardian is told to do justice with the orphan girls. If he wishes to marry then it should not be with the intention of taking over their property or gaining some benefit from them rather this marriage should be based on mutual love and agreement. If this is not the case then the guardian should choose some other woman to marry. If he is able to do justice he can take 1-4 wives but if he fears that he cannot do justice then only one wife should be taken in marriage.
The notion of polygamy is not to be misunderstood as an obligation or ruling rather it should be based on the need and should be conditional. Otherwise, in normal circumstances men are advised to take only one wife in marriage as there is a fear of injustice.

VERSE 4

In this verse the men are ordered to give the dower (Mahr) to their wives wholeheartedly. If the wife gifts her husband anything from that money he is told to take it happily. This is so that both of them live with mutual compatibility and understanding and give each other’s rights consciously and dutifully.

VERSE 5

Here the wisdom of handing over the wealth or property to the one who is capable and sensible is highlighted. Allah asks the guardians not to give the money or property to the one whom you think is not worthy in the sense of taking care of it properly and wisely because money is something which you earn for your sustenance and living. One should not be careless about it. In continuation, though, Allah mentions that one must feed them and clothe them according to their need and talk to them nicely. Given that they are not intelligent or wise one is not supposed to behave in the same foolish manner rather should be good-natured in dealing with them.

VERSE 6

This is so practical to see if the one you are taking care of has reached the stage where you can now depend on him for certain tasks. This verse sheds light on such a situation in the case of orphans. Since they are under the care of a guardian and he is being asked to do justice to them and their property, Allah asks the guardian to keep testing if they have reached the level at which you can now hand them over their assets or property. You can be sure that now they can take care of it themselves. The guardian is told to watch them and test them till they reach the age of marriage. He is also warned not to usurp their wealth and spend it in a hurry before they reach puberty.

The guardians can be either wealthy or poor and needy. According to their state Allah has asked them to deal with the orphans and their property. If the guardian is himself needy and has no extra money to take care of the orphan he can take from the orphan’s money as per the need.

All this care and consideration is only possible if the person has fear of Allah.
Moreover Allah asks the guardian to make witness over the handing over of the property so that in future there is no confusion about the matter.

The ayah (verse) end with the fact that Allah is enough to take account of whatever we do. All the matters related to women and family life and guardian ship of orphans calls for justice and good treatment and giving the rights due to the concerned persons. This is only possible if we have the fear of Allah and we realize that Allah is Watchful and enough to take account of our dealing.


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Always Remember...

       
    ALWAYS REMEMBER THE ADHKAR FOR 

  • WAKING UP 
  • GOING TO THE WASHROOM
  • DRINKING AND EATING
  • STARTING ANY WORK
  • GOING OUT/COMING IN
  • LOOKING IN THE MIRROR
  • CHANGING CLOTHES
  • SNEEZING              
  • MEETING FRIENDS/DEPARTING FROM THE MEETING
  • AT THE TIME OF AZAAN AND IQAMA
  • AFTER PRAYERS
  • BEFORE SLEEPING
  • MORNING AND EVENING ADHKAAR
  1. KEEP BUSY
BE SOFT, KIND, GENTLE, LOVING, CARING AND HELPFUL TO YOUR CHILDREN.            
KEEP THE SUNNAH CLOSE TO YOUR HEART
WAKE UP AND RUB YOUR EYES AND FACE        
DO MISWAK       
MAKE WUDU NICELY IT WASHES AWAY THE SINS
PERFORM 2 NAFILS AFTER WUDU IF POSSIBLE
KISS THEM OFTEN
MAKE THEM SIT ON YOUR LAP
FORGIVE THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS
DO NOT OVERBURDEN YOUR SERVANTS
KEEP ACTIVE AND BE PRODUCTIVE WEAR CLOTHES AND SHOES ACCORDING TO THE SUNNAH
DRINK AND EAT KEEPING IN MIND THE SUNNAH
TRY TO MAKE WUDU BEFORE SLEEP 
BE NEAT 
INVITE OTHERS TO DO GOOD DEEDS
READ QURAN DAILY WITH UNDERSTANDING
MEET PEOPLE TO LEARN AND GAIN KNOWLEDGE
KEEP GOOD COMPANY
ENHANCE YOUR TALENTS
EXPAND YOUR THOUGHTS
ASK ONLY ALLAH FOR HELPING YOU ALL ALONG. 


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

CAN'T DESCRIBE...

As I was a born Muslim, Alhamdulillah, I got to see my parents praying, fasting and reading the Holy Quran on a routine basis. I did not have much understanding of the spirit of this way of life. As I grew up I came to know about the clear stance that Islam had on various matters that otherwise might confuse a person with no direction whatsoever.
It is so sharply clear about each and everything that might relate to you as a human being.
When I could myself pray, fast or read the Holy Quran I could feel the force that bound us to some values that must be held fast to.
When my father handed me over a copy of the Holy Quran with English Translation I felt so happy. I could now see the meanings of the Words of Allah myself and understand what the Book was all about.
I can't describe my love for this religion which is more than just a faith. As you come to know more about Islam and read more from the Holy Quran your love for them increases.
I can't describe how beautiful Islam is because it covers all the aspects of life in such a wise and practical manner.
The beauty and wisdom of Islam and its Holy book is that they apply to the world and its people even after a passage of thousands of years.
The trust that we develop with Islam and its history then strengthens our relationship with it.
Islam is the only religion which has a recorded history of events since the revelation of the Holy Quran.
The powerful Words of Allah compel you to ponder, reflect and think about your own self and the earth and skies.
The signs of the Creator are so vastly scattered around us that we just can't ignore them.
Once someone comes to study Islam he or she can see the truth. 
Despite the ever growing challenges that Islam faces from its misrepresentation by the media, it is growing because it is the Truth. 
The true picture of Islam can not be found in the Muslims themselves but in the Quran and the teachings of Islam as a whole.
A religion or a way of life that asks you

  • to acquire knowledge 
  • to worship only one God
  • to be faithful to only Him


  • to hold the ties of kinship
  • to respect and be kind to your parents
  • to forgive and forget
  • to give the poor's due every year
  • to be kind and supportive to the orphans
  • to call others to oneness of the Creator 
  • to call others to success in both the worlds
  • to respect women and give them their rights
  • to deal with children with care and kindness
  • to be kind to animals
and many more such values that can bring peace and harmony in the world as a whole. Such a way of life is a blessing to the people.
I can't describe how I love the beauty of Islam as it is purely based on Truth, Divinity, Wisdom and Practicality.
The people today witness such tribulations in society regarding corruption and disrespect of women.
Islam forbids usury, bribe and gambling. Islam is very clear about the sanctity of women. She is the object of respect and her duty is of great responsibility toward the society. 
All of us are witness to what the women of today are going through. 
Islam is the answer. 
Search the answer in the teachings of Islam.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

CRESCENT SCHOOL...MY UNIQUE SCHOOL!

The school Badge.
  




Located in New Delhi.

My school was like my second home. 
The teachers were truly amazing, affectionate and they knew what they taught. They had this air of sincerity in them which made us fond of them. They loved the students and wanted not just to teach subjects but values too. The interesting thing was that they taught us all that through their own behavior. 
Our Principals used to see to it that the school was not dirty and were humble enough to pick up the trash they found in the ground and threw it in the bins themselves!  
I can not do justice to describing my fond memories of this specially beautiful school that I had been to.
I completed my high school from this simple yet great institution which instilled in us not only the excellence in seeking knowledge but the value of being sincere in all walks of life.
My school was a warm and naturally beautiful hub of loving teachers and other staff. The green neem trees made my school look so grand and welcoming. The freshness because of all that greenery is something I still remember so vividly!
I can recall the ways we used to address our school watchmen and bus drivers. They were caring for us and we were respectful toward them.
Even after the passage of 23 years the friends that we had there in the school are close to our hearts and mind. We are still in touch with some of those classmates and schoolmates.
What I realize through my own experience with such a school is that 'schools are not just great institutions or buildings but their greatness comes from the sincere and loving teachers and respectful and devoted students.' 
My school was not very famous nor did it have a majestic building but it encouraged us to participate and experience all things under the sun.
I remember playing cricket, kabaddi, badminton and even high jumps during our Physical Training classes.
We were always active in various activities like essay competitions, debates, speeches, stage acts, singing, science fairs, projects, art and craft and many more.
I can go on relating my fond memories of this lovely school but I must stop here.
I am thankful to Almighty Allah for blessing me with this amazing school!

Qualities of Believers

Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala states the qualities of believers in Surah al Muminoon (the Believers): 1. Successful indeed are the believers...