Maulana Dr. Waffie Eid Message

Praises are for Allah, the Originator of the skies and the earth. Peace and salutations on His beloved servant – the Final Messenger that was sent to mankind. We thank the Lord for blessing us to witness another month of Ramadan. We pray to Allah to bless our fasting, prayers and sacrifices we make during the Holy Month.

Today, we join with our brothers and sisters from all over the world by celebrating Eid.

As every single human is a representative of the Lord here on earth, everyone is required to develop certain moral and spiritual discipline. Everyone is required to show restraint. Because it is sometimes difficult to restrain ourselves, Allah, out of love and mercy for us, gave us an institution designed to help us resist material distractions through fasting. He tells us in the Holy Qur’an, “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before, in order that you will be able to establish restraint.”

Every individual is required to culture and cultivate some of the qualities contained in the Divine Attributes. Each person must always keep in mind the important fact that he or she is living on earth just for a span of time and before we can imagine we can die and leave all the material things behind. Ramadan teaches us to become conscious of

1. Our use of our material blessings to help us become better representatives of the Lord here on earth
2. Control of our desires and passions
3. Be conscious of the fact that we are living amongst other human beings, and we are required to interact with them in a special way

All human beings are required to keep in mind the important fact that Allah says, “If He were to take mankind to task for all the wrong they do, there will not be a single one left.”

Our mission on earth is to behave like the Lord as best we can. And knowing that we can have a lot of short comings, we benefit ourselves by fasting in Ramadan, observing extra acts of worship and giving charity.

Ramadan teaches us to humble ourselves before our Lord and develop righteousness as much as possible. Because Fasting in Ramadan is for one month, we will be able to cultivate some of the righteous deeds through restraints. Therefore, we feel happy when Eid comes, as we are able to restrain ourselves.

Let us thank our Lord for His blessings and let us continue to try to uphold the permissible and avoid the prohibited.

Swimming Against the Tide (MAI Eid Message)

The occasion of Eid is a good opportunity to take stock.

We have undergone a spiritual and physiological ‘disruption’ for the past month, and mentally we have been careful to guard our conduct, our words and thoughts to make sure we don’t ‘spoil the fast’. On a day like today, we can reflect on the past month – the highs and lows – and see how we can respond differently in the future. That is to say, we can use our experiences of the past month to guide us through the next Ramadan.

It is also a good time to take stock in looking at the community as a whole. That we are coming out of pandemic restrictions, we have a rare opportunity to reflect on the past few years, and redefine what we would like the future to look like, as we rebuild, restart and redirect our efforts and those in our charge. Going back to how things were might be comfortable, but it certainly won’t be ideal.

As we position for the years to come, at an individual and community level, it is our hope that we can become a stronger force, more united and more directed towards lifting each other up. This cannot only be lip-service, however. Efforts to tear down barriers and old habits must be undertaken. For some, it may be a new way of thinking. For others, it may be sharing resources or the spotlight. Or climbing off a pedestal and getting back in touch with the troops on the ground.

Whatever the resulting decisions and required actions may be, now is the perfect time to take charge of the future and redefine what direction our efforts would take, to what intended outcomes. We owe it not only to ourselves, but to the future and upcoming generations, who themselves have very little to look forward to.

This Eid, let us resolve that the renewed habits and new thinking can steer us towards a brighter future, as a more united body. Let us commit to be the representative of Almighty Allah, and be a brighter light in a growing flood of darkness; a beacon that calls others towards safer ground. And hopefully, when we take stock at the next year’s Eid, we can look back with satisfaction, and look forward with greater hope.

At the MAI, we are happy that we were able to do our small part towards demonstrating a commitment to development for everyone – at the individual and community levels. We look forward to even more in the coming year, working alongside you, so that we all can ‘Live the best life. For both worlds.’

May this day of Eid give you peace, solace, comfort, opportunity and drive to define and realise a brighter tomorrow.

Eid Mubarak

MAI Institute

10 Days of Upheaval: Entering the Homestretch of the Month of Ramadan

The following was submitted to the Guardian newspapers by Director and Faculty, Faheem Mohammed, for Ramadan 2022.

The night of Laylatul Qadr for blessings is akin to being told there is one day of one month wherein, should you try to withdraw cash from the ATM, you would have unlimited sums to withdraw from. There’s no one I can think of who would miss such an event. And the withdrawals done on that night can set one up nicely for the rest of the year, until that day rolls around in 1 years’ time.

When considered as one such night each year, the result is that over an average lifetime the blessings would be exponentially accrued. Needless to say this is a profound institution for the Muslim mind. An All-Knowing, All-Seeing, Most-Merciful, Most-Forgiving God who promises a lifetime of blessings and benefits in one night – individually – based on that person’s intentions and efforts, can prove quite the motivation. It means that despite your mistakes and your shortfalls, despite you yourself not being merciful or patient consistently – there is a chance to wipe the slate clean, seek forgiveness from the Almighty, and establish a better basis for the year to come.

In this last 10-day period there is also the practice of Itikaf or spiritual retreat. This involves isolation in a mosque or home for the purpose of dedicated worship of Almighty Allah for the last 10 days of Ramadan. Typically done in the mosques throughout the world, persons would enter the mosque on the 10^th night, and stay for the remainder of the month engaged in worship, when not attending to their daily needs. There are some rules to follow, and some acts that nullify the efforts, so it is something those pursuing take seriously and are careful about.

Here we find yet another institution that is designed to bring a person closer to Almighty Allah. Concerns for people and matters of the world are sidelined in favor of worship and self-reflection, and perhaps this is why it is reported in one hadith that the person who observes itikaf will obtain the reward of two Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) and two Umrah (circumambulation around the Kaaba) (Bayhaqi). In addition, we find recurring themes of detachment from the world, training or re-training oneself to proper conduct and mannerisms in accordance with Islamic instructions, and a stronger relationship with, and trust in Almighty Allah to look after our affairs. While the outcomes of this retreat tend to be very individual and personal (different people would come out of the exercise with different takeways and impressions) it is hoped that all enjoy purification of their intentions and a renewed vigor in the practice of their faith.

The last 10 days represent the essence of the month of Ramadan. The submission to God’s command through individual self-sacrifice of fasting continues. The need to guard one’s conduct and behavior while undertaking the fast stays top-of-mind. The recognition of the struggles routinely endured by those who are less fortunate keeps one grounded, and is accompanied by increase in the dispensation of charity – itself an ability that persons tend to be more thankful for. The seeking of the night of Laylatul Qadr, and the efforts of even extra worship on this night and in itikaf hold the promise of rewards to be enjoyed either in this life, or the next, if not both. And accompanying all of these, a reminder to not be too attached to the life of this world, or not be a slave to our indulgences and cravings, helps us to temper our materialistic outlook and reinforce the accountability that we believe will occur on the day of Judgement – a day when we will be taken to task for our behaviors and stewardship of our resources in this life, based on our intentions. To state it differently, what people think about you on social media matters very little when you are hungry or ‘dying of thirst’.

Through this annual exercise and adherence to the will and command of Almighty Allah, we are able to not only refine our behaviors but also reestablish our priorities, so that we can continue to strive for the increased welfare of ourselves, our families and our communities, and realise benefit in this world, and the world that is to come.

We pray that Almighty Allah allows us to participate in, and benefit fully from, the last 10 days of Ramadan, and guide us through this period to emerge as stronger and better individuals and communities, for the benefit of our society.

Ramadan: Making Diamonds out of Deen

We are well into the month of Ramadan at the point of writing, and we may well be beginning to feel the physiological effects of the fast. In such instances, it is useful for us to remember the reason why we adhere to a process that is essentially unnatural. After all, to deprive the body of sustenance – albeit voluntarily – is not without effects. Dehydration, loss of concentration, tempers may be a bit short, acid reflux and gas pains, perhaps. Exhaustion may begin to seem chronic. And these even as we marvel at the speed of the passing days. So why do we do this to ourselves? What’s the point?

An interesting parallel can be drawn from the very element that makes us who we are, and which can help illuminate the experience and the outcomes of fasting for the month of Ramadan.

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Carbon – The Foundation of Diverse Lifeforms

A naturally occurring substance is carbon, an element which is described as the chemical basis for life.

It is as essential as it is versatile. It is essential in that it moves through the food chain, from plants (through photosynthesis) to animals (in the form of carbohydrates and proteins) and back to plants (as carbon dioxide and from decay). It is versatile in that it forms various compounds. One example of carbon is the diamond while another example is that of charcoal. And what a world of difference exists between the two.

Diamonds are formed slowly, deep in the earth, under tremendous pressure and heat. Buried deep in the earth, constantly facing heat and pressure acting on it, a conscious carbon element in diamond must think its life as one of misery and hardship. But it rallies on (not that it has much choice), and all the imposing pressures make it bigger and stronger with the passing of time. And persons, hearing of its existence, expend significant effort to try to find it. Scouring the planet for veins, digging deep, searching carefully, and upon finding it, erupting in joy – here is something of value and worth that would change our fortunes.

Compared to diamonds, charcoal, on the other hand, has a very different experience. It lives close to the surface, and undergoes minimal heat and pressure. A conscious carbon element in charcoal must think it is living it up. Close to or at the surface, enjoying the sights and sounds. A little stress here or there, not lasting very long… life is good. This charcoal is readily found in large quantities in most places on earth. Or it can be made – since it takes little effort to produce – not much heat, pressure or depth is required.

It is a soft material – easily fragmented, and deliberately broken into small pieces in process where it is not handled with much care. It is bagged in bulk, moved through handlers to the daily markets, and offered for sale where its price is haggled over – the cheaper the charcoal the better. It has little value in itself – we use it as fuel for other products that we crave – perhaps a savory barbeque or tandoori with nan.

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The Basis of Human Life

This reality in itself is a metaphor for our lives. Not only are we made from the same base element of carbon, but the manifestation of our lives are akin to the diamond or the charcoal.

As diamonds, we too can become, within our societies, highly revered and valued. We may see people travel far and expend great resources and effort to reach us and benefit from us, or just be associated with us. If we travel to meet with others, we may be given VIP status and treated with great care and with opulence. Our contributions, in whatever form, would be cherished and provide value for generations to come. But such reverence is often the result of tremendous effort and experiences – perhaps in scholarship, perhaps in spiritual pursuits, perhaps in action on the ground.

As charcoal, we are considered to the extent that we can be used for other purposes or benefit. We are one among many, readily accessible and with no compelling distinct value. Those we interact with may fear becoming infected or stained by our presence and interaction. In terms of use itself we may be sought for menial tasks; or perhaps entertainment value; or perhaps as a pawn in a bigger game. And once used, we can find ourselves being easily and readily discarded or neglected.

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Islam – Making Diamonds out of Deen

Islam, as a complete code of life for all across space and time, establishes clear direction on the expectations of our beliefs, conduct and behaviour. We are told in the Qur’an, “We will surely try you with somewhat of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits, then give glad tidings to the steadfast.” (Qur’an 2:156).

It is not an easy path. Perhaps this is why we are told in a hadith, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” (Muslim 2956).

As carbon lifeforms, the difference with us against that of diamonds and charcoal is that we have freedom of choice in how we respond to our environment. When the environment pressures us to a particular direction, we can give in to the pressure, or withstand it and hold our position as articulated in Islam. The Qur’an tells us, for example, “We will surely try you until We make known those from among you who strive in the cause of Allah, and those who are steadfast.” (Qur’an 47:32). Also, in a hadith we are told, “A believer male or female continues to be tried in respect of self, children, and property till he or she faces Allah, the Exalted, in a state in which all his or her sins have been wiped out.” (Tirmidhi).

And we are guided in how we can resist the pressures and temptations of this world during this holy month. To observe the fast physically, we are required to abstain from food and drink, and marital relations, from the break of dawn through sunset, each day of fasting during the month of Ramadan. (Quran 2:187).

In terms of conduct, we are cautioned to not engage in idle or abusive conduct while fasting, nor complain about the fast, and we should be patient with others, especially those who are not fasting. In various ahadith, we are told explicitly, “…When any one of you is fasting on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise the voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: I am a person fasting….” (Muslim). And in another instance, “’Whoever does not give up evil and ignorant speech, and acting in accordance with that, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” (Ibn Majah).

Should we take the easy route and succumb to the pressures… maybe complain about the fasting, maybe become impatient or angry with others…, we opt for the path of the charcoal, and we risk becoming exactly that – fuel for a fire. We are told this in the Qur’an, “But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating punishment.” (Qur’an 4:14)

Should we stand firm by our Islamic beliefs and practices, we are assured of not only the support and help from Almighty Allah, but reward beyond measure – very much like the diamond after it is discovered. We are told this in the Qur’an, “Verily, the steadfast shall have their reward without measure.” (Qur’an 39:11).

In the Qur’an, these pressures are alluded to summarily in the ayat, “The life of this world has been made appealing to the disbelievers, and they mock the believers. But those who fear Allah shall be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit.” (Qur’an 2:212)

This month of Ramadan is a command imposed on Muslims by Almighty Allah – one that is designed to test our resolve and submission to His command. He tells us in the Qur’an, “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint” (Quran 2:183), and in another instance, “…Allah does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.” (Quran 2:185).

Almighty Allah savors our submission to His command. Perhaps this is why we are told in a hadith often cited, “…the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah on the Day of judgment than the fragrance of musk.” (Muslim).

The rewards of this sacrifice that we make for the sake of Almighty Allah are assured, and unlimited. In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) is reported to have said, “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is (exclusively) meant for Me and I (alone) will reward it. Fasting is a shield…”  (Muslim). In another hadith, we are told, “Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward… With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake.” (Muslim)

The rewards are also instantaneous throughout the month. We are told in a hadith, “When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked, and the devils are chained…” (Muslim).

In Ramadan, with every act and its driving intention, we have an opportunity every day over the month to withstand the pressures and grow our faith and our closeness to Almighty Allah, and become as the hardest known substance and immune to fire; or we can succumb to the pressures and restrict the strength and scope of who we are, becoming easily combustible and relegated to the role of fuel.

Fasting for Ramadan is not easy and not meant to be. Perhaps this is what is alluded to in the hadith, “…There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it, and joy when he meets his Lord.” (Muslim). We experience the joy of breaking the fast every evening at sunset. We will experience the joy when the new moon of Shawwal is sighted. And we pray that we all are able to experience the joy of meeting with our Lord, where our strength and our substance would be displayed like that of the diamond, immune to the fire, to live as elements cherished and valued throughout the rest of our existence.

In the meantime, we salute all those who endeavour to observe the fast, and strive to restrain their conduct in compliance with Allah’s command. Rejoice inwardly with every hour of fast completed, that you are leveling up in a way that others may never comprehend.

“The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward has been earned, if Allah wills.”

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LEVEL UP

MAI is embarking on its recruitment drive for the September 2022 intake of its Islamiyat Program. These online live classes on Saturday mornings (roughly between 9am – 12 noon) prepare you to learn Islamic principles, practices and culture to be the best Muslim you can be – and Live the Best Life. For Both Worlds.

Find out more at https://maiinstitute.com/academics/islamiyat/

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The Slap Felt Around the World

When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, it was a slap that echoed around the world. As many memes as there were commentaries, from very diverse perspectives… and it keeps going on days after. This 1-hit wonder is not a 1-day phenomenon (see what we did there? #punforfun).

But did Rock (i.e. ‘Chris’, not ‘The’) go too far in making fun of Jada? Will certainly thought so. But what does Islam say? Does it even have a sense of humor, or is it all religious doom and gloom?

Firstly, we are told “Mix with the people on the condition that your Deen is not jeopardized, and be jestful with the family.” (Bukhari). Having fun and jests were certainly the tradition of the Prophet (peace be on him) – narrated by Abu Dharr al_Ghifari “…I indeed saw the Messenger of Allah laugh till his front teeth were exposed.” (Muslim)

It should be recognized that “Humor serves as a much needed natural relaxation, and is approved for this purpose by many statements of Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslims.” (ibn al-Jawzi). By another account… “The fact is that within Muslim culture there is a strong tradition of storytelling, joking and laughing. The relationship between Islam and comedy goes to the roots of the religion.” (Yasmeen Khan, 2007)

But there are limits.

The Qur’an tells us, for example:

“O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.” (Qur’an 49:11)

We are discouraged about laughing at the trials or tribulations of others. In one hadith, we are told:

“Some young men from the Quraish visited Aisha as she was in Mina and they were laughing. She said: “What makes you laugh?” They said: Such and such person stumbled against the rope of the tent and he was about to break his neck or lose his eyes. She said: ‘Don’t laugh for I heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If a Muslim runs a thorn or (gets into trouble) severe than this, there is assured for him (a higher) rank and his sins are obliterated.’” (Muslim)

We are discouraged from lying to make persons laugh. In a hadith, we are told:

“Woe to the one who speaks and tells lies in order to make the people laugh; woe to him, woe to him.” (Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood)

And the same for frightening others in jest.

Once when travelling, one of the sahabah fell asleep, the others got some rope and tied him up. The man woke up and was frightened so Prophet Muhammad said: “It is not lawful to any Muslim to frighten another Muslim.” (Abu Dawood)

Making fun of others or having a laugh at their expense is also discouraged. In ahadith, we are told:

“(Backbiting is) your mentioning about your brother something that he dislikes.” (Muslim)

“The Muslim does not slander, curse, speak obscenely or speak rudely.” (Tirmidhi)

Chris Rock would have done well to be guided by Islamic guidance on this, and perhaps saved himself some fresh prints (we’re just too good).

But what of being on the receiving end?

Well, as it turns out, there’s guidance for that too. We are guided in the Qur’an how to respond to provocation and mockery.

“And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.” (Qur’an 6:68)

“Hold on to forgiveness, command what is right and turn away from the ignorant.” (Qur’an 7:199)

“And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed that is of the matters [requiring] determination.” (Qur’an 42:43)

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] Peace” (Qur’an 25:63)

Will, by climbing the stairs of the stage, in fact took the low-road, and thereby exposed himself to even more ridicule. Before acting out on impulse, it may have been better had he been reminded of the reference we started with:

“O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.” (Qur’an 49:11)

In these incidents are useful reminders, and we are thankful that we can read about it and reflect, and not be relegated to have this sense slapped into us.

Ramadan: Rekindling the Warrior Spirit

His eyes blurted open. Was someone in the room with him? Idris lay still and frozen on the bed, listening for any sound of movement.

His eyes were wide open now, getting accustomed to the darkness of a 3.30 am morning. He could hear his fan oscillating and beyond that, the ticking of the wall-mounted clock…. Tick. Tick. Tick. The air was cold against his exposed skin, with his bedsheet bunched up under his right shoulder, warm with the body heat.

As he lay awake in bed a flood of memories from his military night exercises came over him. Being woken at 2 am, 3 minutes to gear up, and then out into the yard amidst the yelling of the Drill Instructor while he and the rest of the platoon scrambled into formation.

Idris purged those thoughts from his brain. That experience was a lifetime ago. Oh! Suhoor. Right. Idris got out of bed groggily, and wiped his hand over his eyes and face. Prepare the meal. Eat. Fajr. And then head out to work. He rose and went to attend to his Suhoor. This isn’t like boot camp, he grinned at the thought. This one he did voluntarily.

Ramadan is upon us, and once again we enter the month of fasting and extra worship. This year it promises to be somewhat normal, relative to the past 2 years. There might even be some aftari to attend. I wonder where would be having, and what menu would dominate the landscape.

Expect to hear, if you haven’t already, proclaimed loudly from the mimbars on Jummah – “Fasting is prescribed on you as it was on those before you,” and “The devil is chained” and so forth. And of course, we cannot forget the same question by our peers – “Yuh fasting owa?” or otherwise, “how you making out?” as we shovel the buss-up-shut or fried rice into our faces relentlessly. Fun times with friends. But this is on one level.

There’s a deeper and much more personal effect of Ramadan on us individually. Almighty Allah tells us in the Qur’an:

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“…Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.” (Quran 2:185)

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The mental and physiological discipline takes one out of the domain of civilian comforts and into the territory of warrior conditioning. Hazrat Umar ibn Abdul Aziz is reported to have said:

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“The best jihad is the struggle against desire” (Al-Adab Ash Shar’iva 131)

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Also we are told in the Qur’an:

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He has succeeded who purifies the soul, and he has failed who corrupts the soul. (Qur’an 91-9-10)

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As it was most likely meant to. Wake up early, have a meal, pray, and go about your day. Relinquish food and drink for the entire day, and yet still function as you need to. Be very mindful of your conduct in every situation lest your fast is in vain. We are told in ahadith:

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“When any one of you is fasting on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise the voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: I am a person fasting….” (Sahih Muslim Book 35, Number 2566)

‘Whoever does not give up evil and ignorant speech, and acting in accordance with that, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” (Sunan Ibn Majah Chapter 9, Number 1689)

“There are people who fast and get nothing from their fast except hunger, and there are those who pray and get nothing from their prayer but a sleepless night.” (Sunan Ibn Majah Chapter 9, Number 1690).

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“I call myself a peaceful warrior, because the battles we fight are on the inside” Socrates

“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior” Confucius

Hasten to break the fast – but not too early, pray… repeat for 30 days. Meanwhile, as the days go by dehydration begins to kick in, impacting your patience and demeanor – some persons get very irritable and edgy while fasting. That, alongside irregular sleep hours and missed meals, begins to erode your judgment and decision-making capacities.

Missing a meal and disrupting daily habits all serve to invoke exhaustion and headaches, acid reflux, muscle cramps. For some, concentration becomes a challenge and the brain begins to flutter. Fasting takes its toll, even though it is embedded with physical benefits. Perhaps this is why we are told in Islam:

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“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint” (Quran 2:183)

The one who strives in the way of Allah the Exalted is he who strives against his soul. (Ahmad 23445)

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It echoes eerily of being at a barracks, woken up for a random night exercise, obeying the command of the Drill Sargent, and undergoing some grueling exercise before you get back to base and some semblance of sanity. Or undergoing the rigors of daily training over the weeks you are there.

Going into Ramadan, we undergo our own version of military training. Annually. We condition our Nafs – our ‘civilian’ selves, habits and fancies, if you will, to come under our control. The thing is, doing this in the midst of your everyday routine can make it a cumbersome exercise. Perhaps this is why we are told in the Hadith:

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“Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is (exclusively) meant for Me and I (alone) will reward it. Fasting is a shield… By Him, in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah on the Day of judgment than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts has two (occasions) of joy, one when he breaks the fast he is glad with the breaking of (the fast) and one when he meets his Lord he is glad with his fast.” (Sahih Muslim Book 35, Number 2566).

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Doing the exact same in the front-lines battling for survival is a different story, however. You tend to think about the sacrifices and irritants less, and focus more on navigating the terrain and staying alive. This is what you are prepared for in your formative training – metamorphosis from being subjected to your whims and cravings to being in charge of your physical, mental selves.

And while military conditioning is accompanied by a skillset to stay alive in the physical world, and conquer the enemy combatant, as Muslims we undergo moral and spiritual conditioning, with our physical and mental selves. We disrupt our schedules, we abstain, we regulate our conduct, worship more, give more in charity… all to conquer our Nafs and the whisperings of Shaitan.

Our battle is against our own selves, and we are commanded to do this, so that we come out stronger, in greater control of our desires, and better prepared for facing the battles that can erupt around us or within us for the rest of the year. All for the sake of Allah and in submission to His command. It may well be in recognition of this that we were told in Islam,

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“Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has said: With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake.” (Sahih Muslim Book 35, Number 2567)

As for him who feared to stand before his Lord and he restrained himself from his desires, then Paradise will be his refuge. (Qur’an 79:40)

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The Role of the Messenger

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

Islam is the last of the Revealed Religions. It us based on the principle of belief that there is only one Creator of the entire universe. So anyone who believe that No creature can be like the Creator is called a believer.

To be a believer (i.e. a Muslim) one has to testify that he or she:

1. Believe that there is only One Creator of the entire universe and no creature can ever be like him.
2. The believer is a representative of the Creator here on the earth and is require to uphold what He says is permissible and avoid what He says is prohibited.

All the Messengers who were sent by the Lord here on the earth to the various tribes and nations upheld the same principles and taught their followers the same message. This is because of the fact that Allah informs us in the Holy Qur’an that He never changes His Words or His Habits.

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is the last of the Divinely appointed Messengers. He was with the Mission to perfect the way of life for all of mankind. He is the universal model for all times to come. He gave to mankind:

1. A Divinely revealed code that remains unadulterated.
2. A perfect life style.

As a result, he is the Universal Model for every nation and tribe all over the earth for all times to come. Allah says:

And We have not sent you, O Muhammad, save as a universal model for all mankind. (34L28)

So for every believer, the life pattern of the Prophet (pboh) is the best pattern of conduct for anyone who is desirous of representing the Lord here on the earth. Allah tells us about this as follows:

You have indeed, in the Messenger, a beautiful pattern of conduct for any one whose hope is in Allah, and the Last Day, for him who engages much in the remembrance of Allah. (33:21)

Muslims are very thankful to the Lord for extending a great favor on them, because they recognize the fact that No creature can ever be like the Creator, and Muhammad is His Messenger.

They are specially blessed because they follow the Lord in sending salaat of the Prophet (pboh).

Allah tells us about this in the following words:

Verily, Allah and His Angels are sending blessings of the Messenger; O You who believe send blessings of him; and salute him with great respect. (33:56)

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is the answer to the prayer of Father Abraham who prayed as follows:

O our Lord; send amongst them a Messenger from amongst themselves who shall recite unto them Your Verses, and instruct them in the Book and in Wisdom and shall sanctify them. (2:124)

We thank our Lord for favoring us to be believers in His Oneness. And for sending to us a perfect model which if followed, will enable us to represent our Lord properly here on the earth.

Tags:darood, eid ul adha, Holy Prophet Muhammad, salaat and salaam, the messenger

Worship Allah until there is Certainty

Haji Ishmael Khan

By His (swt) divine will, Allah (swt) has brought to an end the beautiful month of Ramadhaan.  He (swt) commands us to celebrate Eid ul Fitr as a reward for completing the end of a month of fasting and self-discipline. We should however try and maintain our extra acts of worship, self-restraint and introspection as far as is practicable possible.

Ramadhaan brought with it a great deal of mercies and opportunities to get closer to Allah (swt). The increase in rewards for additional worship through reading the Qur’an abundantly, reading lots of Dhikr, performing Nafl salaah, giving of Charity, I’takaf, the promise of a thousand months of worship for seeking the night of Laylat-al- Qadr and other forms of kindness and worship are to benefit us through Allah’s love . All a Muslim had to do , was to strive towards Allah.

Ramadhaan was a time for self-introspection and the control of one’s desire and emotions. We experienced the needs of the poor and needy through hunger and thirst. We would have learnt to control our thoughts and actions through selecting appropriate speech and conduct. Surely we can rejoice in the bounties of Allah, for allowing us to seek forgiveness and too fast for His (swt) sake.  In general we would have become   a person of better character, increased iman and we would have develop an appreciation of the sorry state of many of fellow human being around us.

Having followed Allah’s divine commands, and the choices we made during the month of Ramadhaan, we would have polished our hearts by removing some of the stains caused by doing things we were not supposed to do. The result is an improvement to the working of our nafs (desire, passion, etc.) in better harmony with our souls through the sacrifices and forgiveness Allah (swt) afforded us. May Allah (swt) accept our efforts and shower love in our hearts to do the things that pleases him.

 Such a month was so beneficial to us, that the believer would not have wanted Ramadhaan to come to an end. The true believer and lover of Ramadhaan would have felt the loss as mention by, Imam Rajab Al Hanbalii (r ) who has said, “How can a believer not shed tears at the departure of Ramadhaan, when he doesn’t even know whether he’ll be alive for its return or not”. It is my genuine desire that your hopes and dreams are fulfill by the blessing of Allah as He (swt) open many doors of success and prosperity in making it easier for you to get closer to Him (swt).

May Allah shower you with His love and accept all your sacrifices. Although the month of Ramadhaan may have come to an end, let the spirit and Allah’s favors of the month of ramadhaan energize you to please Him (swt). Know that the right of Allah has not ended but that you continue to strive to earn His (swt) pleasures. Preserve your religion throughout your lives. Worship Allah until there is certainty (death).

EID MUBARAK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Making the Right Choices

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

Praises are for Allah, the Originator of the skies and the earth. He created everything from nothing. He alone is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Allah is the Lord of Mercy. He says that His mercy encompasses everything. As the Creator, He says that no creature can be like Him.

The human being is a special creation of the Lord. He gave man the capability and capacity to represent Him here on the earth. On one hand, man can behave like the Lord in many ways. For example, man can show love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, etc. And on the other, hand man is blessed with freedom to choose.

Out of His mercy and favor to man, the Lord sent Messengers to all of mankind wherever they would have been living on the earth. Each Messenger had the mission to teach the people what choices they were to make along the journey of life.

The best model that the Lord gave to the whole world was the life of His final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him). The Lord says about him, “And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) but as a universal model to mankind.”

Complete representation of the Lord here on the earth was given to mankind with the best lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) and the complete and perfect code with the Lord’s unadulterated words that He undertook to preserve, in the book called the Holy Quran.

Muslims know that life in this world is for a short span of time, but if properly managed and the correct choices are made all along the journey, the individual is assured of eternal bliss in the Hereafter. The principles of Islam are five. Each one, when properly upheld, helps the individual to know that he is a traveller towards a destination, and should not become attached to the material universe.

Fasting is one of the five principles. The others are belief in the Oneness of God, worship, zakat (charity) and pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime, if one can afford it. Each of the fundamental principles of Islam helps the individual to understand that material life is just for a time, but it can be used to benefit the individual positively on the rest of the journey. So, each individual is required to humbly submit to the way of life given to us all by the Lord. This way of life is called Islam.

While a person is required to submit humbly to what the Lord says is best for us, the cursed one – Satan – makes every effort to discourage the human being from upholding what will be of benefit to him or her on the next phase of the journey. So many people become forgetful and leave behind only material things which have no value to them as they continue on the journey.

The month of fasting strengthens the conscientiousness of the individual to make the right choices all along the journey. Perhaps this is the reason why the Lord says, “If you keep the fast, it is better for you.” We thank Allah for favoring us to be able to witness the month of Ramadan, and to be blessed to be able to keep the fast.

May the Almighty Lord guide us to make the correct choices in this part of our journey, and strengthen our resolve and firmness to follow the path, in this month of Ramadan.

EID BEFORE SAWINE: A HISTORICAL VIEW OF MUSLIMS IN TRINIDAD

MAI Institute Islamic History Team: We have come to associate Eid in Trinidad with sawine and other sweet meats (like the ‘orange cockset’) that were introduced by the East Indian immigrants during the period of Indentureship. We acknowledge that although the conditions were very unfavorable for many of them, the immigrants at that time were fortunate to be allowed to stay in their families and carry their family names, keep aspects of their cultures, and practice their religions. Through this fact, the almost 15% Muslims of the approximately 145,000 labourers who came across during the indentureship period were able observe the month of Ramadan, the celebration of Eid and general adherence to religious tenets. John Morton in 1916 observed that Muslims were able to construct rudimentary mosques, and it was not uncommon to see at some point during the day a labourer stop work, perform prayer and then resume work for the day.

But little is known or shared about Islam before the period of indentureship and their introduction of the iconic sawine to commemorate Eid-ul-Fitr. Many assume that Islam accompanied the introduction of African slaves to the country, who were all forced into conversion and their Muslim identity was erased. But historical accounts add interesting bursts of contrasting colors to this sombre past.

According to research conducted on pre-Columbian Amerindian society, the presence of Islam in this hemisphere extends to past 1000 years, and predates the arrival of Columbus by 6 centuries. From historical accounts and relics (for example the maps of Abul Hasan al-Mas’udi 889 C.E. and Piri Re’is), to similarities in language and culture (especially of Lybian/Kufic influences), to Mandinka inscriptions indications found in Minas Gerais, the hemisphere – and its inhabitants – was familiar with the presence of North African and Adulasian Muslims from as early as 7^th century CE. These are, however, growing areas of research, and contradict Spanish accounts of meeting “primitive, animal-like people” in the Caribbean region.

Following the Spanish conquest and the ensuing European colonization period, the introduction of slaves from Africa saw a number of tribes present on these shores, including the Muslim-dominant Haussa, Mandigo and Falani tribes. While many were acculturated into European religion, language and customs, the Muslim identity was persistent.

The formation of the Mandingo society by Yunus Muhammad Bath (himself a slave who claimed to be the Sultan of Yulliallhad Alimant Animan tribe) was a means of pooling resources to buy and then free Mandingo slaves – with the ultimate aim of returning to Africa (some of whom did).

The influx of Africans from the disbanded British West Indian Regiment also saw Muslims arrive, settling in different part of the country, and especially notably Manzanilla. Of these, the outstanding character of Muhammad Sisei emerged. After joining Yunus Bath in Port of Spain, he sailed to England and came under the ‘friendly protection’ of John Washington of the Royal Geographical Society, from whose account much of Sisei is known and has been published. Sisei ultimately returned to his homeland in the Gambia in Africa, but not before leaving an indelible impression on the history of the African Muslims in the western world.

Interestingly, one of the legacies of this time is the mosque founded in Biche (presently ASJA Biche #1 Masjid), which by local accounts was established by ex-slave and free immigrant African Muslims, and which accommodated indentured labourers assigned to the area, before being left in their (indentured labourer) control as the African Muslims migrated (by some accounts further north into Valencia, and by other accounts into Port of Spain).

The local history of Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago represent a microcosm of the diversity that is woven into the rich tapestry of our Islamic identity. In contemporary society, they have left a sterling example of conviction and constancy in the face of severe adversity that is echoed down the ages, and by all Muslims worldwide in this month of Ramadan. May Almighty Allah bless the efforts they started, and guide us to peace and prosperity.

The MAI Institute Islamic History Team traces not only the traditional history of Islam, but also the presence of Islam in the region and country, and its evolution. For more, visit https://maiinstitute.com