INSIDE THIS ISSUE Those Who Seek Knowledge

(Archives) Shahadah Times 1

Ongoing Events at ICA 2

Knowledge (Continued) 3

The Prophets, The Apostles 4

From Our Contributors 6

Healthy Tips Newscorner 7

Khutbah (Friday 12/20/14) 8

10 Green Hadiths 9

Reflections (Continued) 10

January Prayer Schedule 12

VOLUME 3, ISSUE NO. 5 JANUARY 2015

THOSE WHO SEEK KNOWLEDGE BY IMAM MUSA BALDE’

(REPRINT FROM SHAHADAH TIMES ARCHIVES)

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEXT FAMILY NIGHT SATURDAY, JANAURY 3, 2015 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Masjid International Wahadah and Islamic

Center of Alameda Offers Free Hot Lunch Third Saturday of the

Month 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

Community Welcomed

Do good to others and you will be the best of mankind. He said: I wish to be the most favored by Allah (SWT). Prophet (PBUH): Engage much in Allah's (SWT) praise, remembrance and you will be most favored by him. The man then said: I wish to be the richest man in the world. The Prophet (PBUH): Be contented and you will be the richest man in the World. I would like to be raised on the Day of Judgment with light. Prophet (PBUH): Don't wrong yourself or any creature and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment with the light. He said: I would like Allah (SWT) to bestow his mercy on me. Prophet (PBUH): If you have mercy on yourself and others, Allah (SWT) will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment. He (the Bedouin) said: I would like my sins to be very few. Prophet (PBUH): If you seek the forgiveness of Allah (SWT) as much as you can, your sins will be very few. He said: I would like to be the most honorable man. Prophet (PBUH): If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.

(Continued on Page 3)

We reprint the following article from Imam Musa from our Shahadah Times Archives (2012). It is my favorite because when one seeks knowledge, one learns. It begins: Khalid Ibn al-Walid (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: A Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to learn and said to him, “Oh Messenger of Allah! I have come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this life and the hereafter.” The Prophet of Allah (SAW) replied: “Ask what you wish O Knowledge Seeker. “

The Bedouin said: I would like to be the most learned of men and how do I achieve it? The Prophet (SAW) responded: “Know Allah, fear Allah and you will be the most learned of men. “

The man then said: I wish to be the richest man in the world. The Prophet (PBUH): Be contented and you will be the richest man in the World. The Bedouin: I would like to be the most just of men. The Prophet (PBUH): Desire for others what you desire for yourself and you will be the most just of mankind. He asks: I want to be the best of men in behavior. Prophet (PBUH):

SHAHADAH TIMES

PAGE 2 SHAHADAH TIMES

RABI AL AWWAL

Rabi Al-Awwal is

the third month of

the Islamic

calendar.

The month is

named as the first

(AWWAL) month

of spring (RABI),

in which it would

rain and flower

buds would

blossom. It was

this month in

which the Holy

Prophet

Muhammad

(Peace Be Upon

Him) was born

and the month in

which he

departed 63 years

later. This is also

the month of

Hijrah from which

the Islamic

calendar takes its

name.

Ongoing events

at the ICA:

Ongoing

Events at The ICA

→

Weekday Madrassa (Monday – Thursday) – 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Weekend Madrassa (Sunday) 10:00 am – 1:30 pm Family Night - First Saturday of The Month, ICA Community Center 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Arabic For Beginners Class (Saturdays) 9:00 am to 11:00 am Advanced Arabic Class (Saturdays) 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Food 4 The Needy Program - Every Third Saturday of the Month - 12:30 to 1:30 pm -- Masjid International Wahadah The Sealed Nectar, Biography of the Noble Prophet (SAW) by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri - Thursday Evenings, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Book Reading)

Imam’s Class, Every Saturday, ICA Community Center, Alameda, CA 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sister’s Deen Class, Every Sunday, ICA Community Center, Alameda, CA 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

And if all the trees on earth were pens

and the Ocean were ink, with seven

oceans behind it to add to its supply, yet

would not the Words of Allah (SWT) be

exhausted in the writing: for Allah is

exalted in power full of wisdom.”

Sura 31, Ayat 27

PAGE 3 SHAHADAH TIMES

Those Who Seek Knowledge (Reprint) (Continued) He, (the Bedouin) said: I would like to be the strongest of men. The Prophet (PBUH): If you put your trust in Allah (SWT), you will be the strongest of men. He said: I would like to enlarge my provision. Prophet (PBUH): If you keep yourself pure, Allah (SWT) will enlarge your provision. He said: I would like to be loved by Allah (SWT) and his messenger. Prophet (PBUH): If you love what Allah (SWT) and his messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones. He said: I wish to be safe from Allah’s (SWT) wrath on the Day of Judgment. Prophet (PBUH): If you do not lose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment. He said: I would like my prayers to be responded to. Prophet (PBUH): If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will be responded (accepted).

He said: I would like Allah (SWT) not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment. Prophet (PBUH): If you guard your chastity, Allah (SWT) will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment. He said: I would like Allah (SWT) to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgment. Prophet (PBUH): Do not uncover your fellow creature’s faults and Allah (SWT) will provide you with a covering of protection on the Day of Judgment. He asked: What will save me from sins? Prophet (PBUH) replied: Tears, humility and illness. He said: What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah (SWT)? Prophet (PBUH) replied: Gentle manners, modesty and patience. He said: What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah (SWT)? Prophet (PBUH): Hot temper and miserliness. The Bedouin asked: What assuages the wrath of Allah (SWT) in this life and the hereafter? Prophet (PBUH) replied: Concealed charity and kindness to relatives. He asked: What extinguishes hell’s fires on the Day of Judgment? Prophet (PBUH): PATIENCE in adversity and misfortunes. From these teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), my dear Brothers and Sisters, we see that the way to salvation (Jannah) is through acquiring knowledge of our Deen. Imam Musa continues with the following: I (Imam Musa) have come to realize even more so now that knowledge is the forerunner to action which means that it is the most important element in the servant, fulfilling the rights which his Lord has upon him. It is indeed obligatory upon us to seek knowledge because upon knowledge are all things dependent. Knowledge and worship are essential fundamentals. Because of them, the heavenly books were revealed and messengers were sent. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the servant to possess some share of these two important matters. However, sound worship can never be obtained except by means of knowledge. For this reason, it is necessary to give beneficial knowledge and preference over worship. But we must know also that anyone who seeks knowledge in order to turn the face of people towards him, then he has made his trade unprofitable. Consequently, we need to purify our hearts from hatred, envy, pride, showing-off, conceit and love of this world so that we can truly gain beneficial knowledge.” “We have learned that the Hour will not come as long as there are people who seek knowledge for the sake of Allah (SWT) and in order to judge and instruct people with kindness and tolerance. However, when people seek knowledge for worldly position, to judge people harshly and severely in order to obtain wealth, then these become among the signs of the nearness of the Hour.” In Sahih Muslim, it is reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Among the signs of the Hour is the decrease of knowledge and the increase and promotion of ignorance.” He also said in Bukhari, “Truly Allah (SWT) will not take away knowledge all at once, snatching it from the servants. Rather, he will take it away by the seizing of the scholars until no scholar remains. The people will then take ignorant ones as their leaders. These leaders/imams will be questioned and they will give legal decisions without knowledge. Wherefore, they will have gone astray and led others astray as well.” Yet in another narration, he said, “Among the signs of the Hour is when the scholars seek knowledge in order to obtain gold and silver.” May Allah continue to protect us.” Ameen. Imam Musa Balde’

A Handwritten Copy of the Torah

PAGE 4 SHAHADAH TIMES

The Prophets, The Apostles Continuing our “short biographical histories” on “The Prophets, The Apostles” sent by Allah (SWT), this month we focus on Moses’ (Musa) (AS) life. (Mûsâ (Arabic: ُموَسى ٰ , transliteration meaning: Water tree.)

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Musa (AS) did not introduce a new religion, he is regarded by Muslims as teaching and practicing the religion of his predecessors and confirming the scriptures and prophets before him. The Holy Quran states that Prophet Musa (AS) was sent by Allah (SWT) (Arabic: هللا‎ Allāh) to the Pharaoh of Egypt AND the Israelites for guidance and warning. A large part of Chapter 2 gives a detailed account of them, “The Children of Israel.”

Prophet Musa (AS) is mentioned more in the Holy Quran than any other individual and his life is narrated and recounted more than that of any other prophet. The first time Musa’s name is mentioned in the Holy Quran is in ayat (verse) 51 in Chapter 2, Baqara, or the Hiefer: “And remember we appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence ye took the calf for worship and ye did grievous wrong.” And we called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for mystic (converse). And, out of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron (Harun), also a prophet).” (All Muslims must have faith in every prophet (nabi) and messenger (rasul).

Moses (AS) is given the title Kalimullah, meaning: The one who talked

to Allah (SWT). Along with other miracles bestowed to Moses, such as the radiant hand and his staff, Moses is revered as being a prophet who was

specially favored by Allah (SWT) and conversed directly with Him. Unlike other prophets who received revelation by Allah (SWT) through an intervening angel, Moses received the Torah directly from Allah (SWT). Despite conversing with Allah (SWT), the Qur'an states that Moses was unable to see Allah (SWT).

He is regarded by Muslims as one of the six most prominent prophets in Islam along with Jesus (Isa), Abraham (Ibrahim), Noah (Nuh), Adam (Adem) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He is among the Ulu’l azm prophets, the prophets that were favored by Allah (SWT) and is described in the Quran to be endowed with determination and perseverance. The life of Moses is often described as a parallel to that of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Both are regarded as being ethical and exemplary prophets. Both are regarded as lawgivers, ritual leaders, judges and the military leaders for their people.

In Islam, Musa is revered as the receiver of a scripture known as the Torah (Tawrat). The Quran describes the Torah to

be “guidance and a light" for the Israelites and that it contained teachings about the Oneness of Allah (SWT), prophet

hood and the Day of Judgment. It is regarded as containing teachings and laws for the Israelites which was taught and

practiced by Moses and Aaron. Among the books of the complete Hebrew Bible, only the Torah, meaning the books

of Genesis, Deuteronomy, Numbers, Leviticus and Exodus, are considered to be divinely revealed instead of the

Mount Sinai, the location where Moses first spoke to God (Arabic: هللا‎ Allāh).

PAGE 5 SHAHADAH TIMES

The Prophets, The Apostles (Continued)

whole Tanakh or the Old Testament. The Qur'an states that the Torah was the "furqan" meaning difference, a term which

the Quran is regarded as having used for itself as well. The Qur'an states that Moses preached the same message as

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Torah foretold that arrival of Muhammad. Modern Muslim scholars

cite Deuteronomy 18:15-18 in the Bible as foretelling the arrival of Muhammad.

Moses is considered to be a prophetic predecessor to Muhammad. The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt is considered

similar to the migration (hijra) made by the followers of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Moses is also believed by Muslims

to have foretold the coming of Muhammad, who would be the last prophet.

Moses is also very important in Islam for having been given the revelation of the Torah, which is considered to be one of

the true revealed scriptures in Muslim theology, and Muslims generally hold that much of the Torah is confirmed and

repeated in the Qur'an. Moreover, according to Islamic tradition, Moses was one of the many prophets that Prophet

Muhammad (SAW) met in the event of the Mi'raj, when he ascended through the seven heavens. In Muslim belief, Moses

is regarded as having urged Muhammad during his Mi'raj to reduce the number of prayers until they were only five

remaining, which are regarded as being the five obligatory prayers.

Short Familial & Historical Background of Prophet Musa (AS)

Moses was born into a family of Israelites living in Egypt. His father’s

name was Imran, corresponding to the Amram of the Hebrew Bible,

and traditional genealogies name Levi as his ancestor.

Islam states that Musa (AS) was born in a time when the ruling

Pharaoh had enslaved the Israelites after the time of the

Prophet Yusuf (AS) (Joseph). The title “Pharaoh” is an Egyptian term,

literally "great house", describing the royal palace. Historically,

however, "pharaoh" only started being used as a title for the king

during the New Kingdom, specifically during the middle of

the eighteenth dynasty, after the reign of Hatshepsut. Around the time of Musa’s birth, Islamic literature states that the

Pharaoh had a dream, in which he saw fire coming from the city of Jerusalem, which burnt everything in his kingdom

except that of the Israelites. When the Pharaoh described his dream to his priests and soothsayers, they predicted that

the fall of the Pharaoh would be brought about by a boy from the Israelites. When the Pharaoh was informed that one of

the male children would grow up to overthrow him, he ordered the killing of all new-born Israelite males in order to

prevent the prediction from occurring. The story continues: The experts of economics in Pharaoh's court advised him

that killing the male infants of the Israelites, would result in loss of manpower. Therefore, they suggested that the male

infants should be killed in one year, but spared the next. Aaron was born in the year in which infants were spared, while

Moses was born in the year in which infants were to be killed.

Of all the information available on the life of Moses (AS), the story of Pharoah’s wife, known as Asiya bint Muzahim, who is revered by Muslims as one of the greatest women of all time is especially interesting.

(Continued on the next page)

PAGE 6 SHAHADAH TIMES

The Prophets, The Apostles (Continued) In spite of her being married to one of the most evil men in history, she never lost faith in Allah (SWT) and remained steadfast in prayer and belief. She declared her faith in the message of Allah (SWT) after witnessing the miracle of Moses in the Court of Pharaoh and after witnessing the death of another believing woman under torture. Pharaoh tried to turn her away from the “God of Moses" and sought Asiya’s mother's help, but Asiya refused to reject the God of Moses. On Pharaoh's order, she was tortured to death. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is said to have mentioned her as one of the four greatest women of all time, alongside Mary, the mother of Jesus, Muhammad's first wife Khadija, and his daughter Fatimah. There is so much more history of Prophet Musa (AS), however, we will conclude for now with the following:

Moses with a cane in his hand, Maqamu Musa, Jerico, Jerusalam Grave, Nabi Musa, Jerico-Jerusalam 15th Century Persian miniature, Czartoryski, Museum

Burial place

Muslims believe that the grave of Moses is located at Maqam El-Nabi Musa, which lies 11 km (6.8 mi) south of Jericho and 20 km (12 mi)

east of Jerusalem in the Judean wilderness. A side road to the right of the main Jerusalem-Jericho road, about 2 km (1.2 mi) beyond the

sign indicating sea level, leads to the site. The main body of the present shrine, mosque, minaret and some rooms were built during the

reign of Baibars, a MamlukSultan, in 1270 AD. Over the years, Nebi Musa was expanded, protected by walls, and includes 120 rooms in

its two levels which hosted the visitors.

“TRUST IN ALLAH (SWT)” Contributed by Sister Arjmand Khan

Asalamu alaykum wa rahmat ul Allah (SWT): Looking back at the year 2014, one of the things that I have learned from reading Qur’an is that “trust” is an important asset needed in order to survive in this world. On this Earth, no individual experiences good days all of the time. There are some good days, and then there are some bad days. Often times, when things go wrong, we may question ourselves, “Why did this happen?” “ What did I do to deserve this?” “I don’t see any good coming out of this.” However, there is one thing we start to miss in those very situations and that is “trust.”

We need to trust in Allah (SWT) all the time. Whether things are working as we want them to or not, we need to remember that we need to trust Allah (SWT). Instead of making ourselves miserable, and sometimes even those that are around us miserable, either they be family, friends, co-workers, etc., we need to strengthen our hearts and remember that instead of complaining to those around us, we could use the same time to remember Allah (SWT) and to leave the matters to Him. No matter how much we complain or think about the situation, the people cannot make it better, only Allah (SWT) can. Say, "Never will we be struck except by what Allah (SWT) has decreed for us; He is our protector. And upon Allah (SWT) let the believers rely. (9:51)

PAGE 7 SHAHADAH TIMES

HEALTHY TIPS NEWSCORNER

WATER

Water (H2O) is the most abundant compound on Earth's surface, covering 70 percent of the planet. In nature, water exists in liquid, solid, and gaseous states. It is in dynamic equilibrium between the liquid and gas states at standard temperature and pressure. At room temperature, it is a tasteless and odorless liquid, nearly colorless with a hint of blue. Many substances dissolve in water and it is commonly referred to as the universal solvent. Water makes up 55% to 78% of the human body. Water is the chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O: One molecule of water has two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. Water forms the world's streams, lakes, oceans and rain, and is the major constituent of the fluids of living things odorless liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, and appears colorless in small quantities, although it has its own intrinsic very light blue hue. Ice also appears colorless, and water vapor is essentially invisible as a gas.

Many people only drink water these days because of the pollutants found in water. For many years now, instead of drinking soft drinks or even juices with meals, I drink WATER! It’s made specifically for us by Allah (SWT) and since the earth’s surface is covered by 70% of water, we have enough to drink for as long as we’re here, Insha Allah!

“It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter: yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed.” (HQ: 25:53) And, “It is He Who has created man from water … “(HQ 25:54).

So, how about it, using WATER, let’s make some HOT WATER CORNBREAD!

Ingredients

2 cups corn meal

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional but recommended)

1/4 to 1/2 tsp sugar or other sweetener (optional)

vegetable oil to fry in (1/4 inch oil in skillet)

How to make it

Combine the corn meal, salt, and sugar in a medium size bowl that can handle boiling water. Combining

dry ingredients, stir in canola oil or peanut oil or sunflower seed oil or vegetable oil (your choice).

Pour the boiling water in slowly, stirring all the while until it makes a thick paste.

Use your hands, (yes, it's hot but you get used to it) or a scooper, form the paste into palm sized patties,

slipping them carefully into hot oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan, heat ¼ inch oil. Fry patties until

golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Delicious with pinto

beans and rice and yams and whatever you want.

PAGE 8 SHAHADAH TIMES

KHUTBAH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014 (Given by Brother Zakee)

The Khutbah given on Friday, December 20th, was inspiring to me and I am sure to the community as well. We reprint it for benefit in our daily lives, Insha Allah:

A Salaamu Alaikum Brothers and Sisters, With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful

When Allah (SWT) places a test or trial on us, individually or collectively, here are 7 practical steps to help us face any difficult situation.

1. Salah (prayer). Make sure you stick to praying on time, 5 times a day. Let us remember that we are NOT excused from fulfilling this obligation. And, on the Day of Judgment (the day when all debts are due), the first thing we will be asked about is Salah (prayer).

2. Read the Generous Qur'an. Let us remember the root word to the Qur'an is QaRaAa which means to read or recite. The Qur'an is be read in good times as well as in difficult times.

3. Make Dua. Especially for the dua for removing anxiety, making dua also shows we are in need of Allah (SWT) and His mercy and that we are not independent of Him.

4. Give Sadaqah. Give lots of charity, as much as you can. There is someone in a worst situation that you may find yourself in. If you can't give money, then offer a kind word, i.e., hello, good morning, afternoon, and evening. A warm and friendly smile is also charity. Volunteer your time to the Masjid, a school, a library, or even a retirement home.

5. Set goals and have vision. Do not allow shaytan to replay the trial over and over again. Learn more verses and chapters from the Generous Qur'an. Read and reread the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.

6. Wake up early. Wake up before Salah Fajr and pray and ask Allah (SWT) for his mercy. Read the Generous Qur'an.

7. Hardship is NOT lost. Remember, Allah (SWT) will never forget the trial He has decreed for you. Also, Divine Destiny is part of your FAITH and you have to accept the good of it and the bad of it.

May Allah (SWT) help us, forgive us, and grant us paradise. Ameen. Your Brother in the Deen, Zakee Madyun

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Whenever a believer is stricken with any hardship, or pain, or anxiety, or sorrow, or harm, or distress – even if it be a thorn that has hurt him –

Allah (SWT) redeems thereby some of his failings. Hadith of Al Bukhari and Muslim

PAGE 9 SHAHADAH TIMES

10 GREEN AHADITH, BY MUHAMMAD FATHI (Contributed by Sister Zehra Fatima)

Did the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) say anything about saving our planet? Did he promote any ideas or practices relevant to the world's growing concern about the future of the earth and its resources?

Below is a collection of the Prophet's (SAW) Ahadith: Plant a tree even if it is your last deed: 1. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If the Hour (the day of Resurrection) is about to be established and one of you was holding a palm shoot, let him take advantage of even one second before the Hour is established to plant it.” (Reported by Ahmad and Al-Bukhan on the authority of Anas in Al Adab Al-Mufrad,) Planting trees is a renewable source of hasanat: 2. Anas also reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him." (Bukhari)

Conserve resources even when used for rituals: 3. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-`Aas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (SAW) passed one day by Sa`d ibn Abi Waqas (May Allah be pleased with him) while he was performing wudu' (ritual cleaning of body parts in preparation for prayer). The Prophet asked Sa`d, "What is this wastage?" Sa`d replied, "Is there wastage in wudu also?" The Prophet (SAW) said, "Yes, even if you are at a flowing river." (Ahmad and authenticated Ahmad Shakir).

Keeping environment clean is important: 4. The Prophet (SAW) warned, "Beware of the three acts that cause you to be cursed: Relieving yourselves in shaded places (that people utilize), in a walkway or in a watering place." (Narrated by Mu`adh , hasan by Al-Albani). 5. Abu Zarr Al-Ghafari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity (sadaqah)." (Narrated by Abu Dharr Al-Ghafari). No for over-consumption! Consider recycling and fixing before buying new items: 6. Abdullah ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "The believer is not he who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry." (Saheeh al-Bukharee (112). 7. Asked about what the Prophet (SAW) used to do in his house, the Prophet's (SAW) wife, `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), said that he used to repair his shoes, sew his clothes and used to do all such household works done by an average person. (Sahih Bukhari)

8. The Prophet (SAW) said, "Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah (SWT) will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment." The listeners asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?" He replied, "That he will kill it to eat, not simply to chop off its head and then throw it away." (An-Nasa'i). Animals should be cared for: 9. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, "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, filled his shoe with water, held it with his mouth and watered the dog. Allah (SWT) appreciated him for that deed and forgave him." The Companions said, "O Allah's Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He replied: "There is a reward for serving any living being." (Bukhari) 10. Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, "A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth." (Bukhari).

PAGE 10 SHAHADAH TIMES

Continued Reflections on Surah Al Nass, Contributed by Muhammad Saadiq

Last month we spoke about the first ayah of Surah Al Nass. This month I would like to continue on the same thread. The second ayah in Al Nass goes further to address the state of mankind and expands into the second realm of a human’s voluntary servitude. Allah (SWT) states in this ayah a title that belongs only to Him which is Maliki Nass: The King or Governor of mankind. Since this title belongs only to Allah (SWT), all other forms of kingship and governments are in fact voluntary. One of the things that continue from the last month’s reflection is that power is an illusion based upon the cooperation of servitude from the masses of people.

This statement of Allah (SWT) vanquishes the claim that governments are infallible and destined to rule forever. They are not, and the belief that people are above the law is an illusion fostered by the people who choose to surrender to servitude. The acceptance of slavery, the

accommodation of the police, ghettoization of a people is a choice by the people. Logic can be used in that those people have no choice; they can’t get out of their situation. This is often not the case. Allah (SWT) is always giving people choices and He is always coming to their aid.

In terms of the second ayah in Surah Al Nass, it is greatly a political statement, for it directly addresses the government of people, whether that government is Islamic or Secular. It places the responsibility upon each and every citizen to remain focused that Allah (SWT) is above the entire system, which means that the system is subject to the Laws of Allah (SWT) and if they refuse to follow it, the duty of those subjugated is to remove it. This is license for revolution, however, this must be stated in full context. One, this is a Meccan Surah, and in following the Sunnah of Meccan Surahs, one must look at this surah in the context of non-violence. In fact, there are more ayats that move towards non-violence than violence.

Looking at this ayah deeply though, one must realize that Allah is Maliki Nass. In the Arabic language, governments and kingships are termed with the same root word of Malik. When this was first recited in Mecca, they undoubtedly had to know the effects of such words upon the establishment of the government. It was a confirmation of the Sovereignty of the Creator above them. If established, it would vanquish the atrocities that were purported upon the people. For them looking at the situation, it would be an end of life as they knew it, but look at the subtlety of Allah’s (SWT) plan.

Fast forward to today’s time, one may read these verses in passing. Not reflecting upon the deep meanings of the Architecture that Allah (SWT) has laid out for the freedom of humanity. Looking at the world through a lens of the created, this world is small and options are limited. Money rules everything and without it you don’t have the authority for a voice, however, Allah (SWT) frees the human from the restrictions of His creation. He is continually giving options, advances and placing everything into perspective.

Looking at the world through the eyes of the creation, one can see and justify doom and gloom if one so wishes. However, looking at the current state of affairs from a perspective of the Creator, one can see the

O Allah, I seek divine guidance so

that I may remain steadfast in what is just.

I seek divine guidance in order to be firm

in righteousness. I seek divine guidance

in the manner that I express my gratitude

for Your favors and worship with

devotion. I seek from You a tongue that

speaks the truth and a heart which is pure

and clean.

Hadith of At-Tirmidhi

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Continued Reflections on Surah Al Nass

subtlety of Allah’s (SWT) plan. America, the strong, has undermined it’s foundation in the pursuit of profit without care of its consequences. Israel has slowly begun to develop a world hatred for itself so that when the order is called there will be no escape from what the Prophet (SAAW) had predicted so long ago. When they fall, there will be no escape for them. Can you see a way out for them when the ships are gone and the ammo runs out? No, there will be nowhere to go. Allah (SWT) exerts his force in an instant and when He calls those to account, there is no escaping the plan of Allah (SWT).

What then is the responsibility of the believer and I emphasize this word believer? The duty of the believer is to speak the truth, feed the hungry, provide relief to those in need, preserve life and raise the children and orphans. If you are trying to rally the call to battle and you haven’t fed your neighbor, then you’ve missed the point. If you rally without helping to ease the pain of the forgotten people (the homeless, the poor, the incarcerated) you’ve missed the point. If you want to rally, but you haven’t taken the time to teach and raise the education of the masses, you have missed the point and if you miss the point, then you will be forced to look at the situation from the eyes of the doomed and not from the perspective of the Creator. The Creator says, “Do the work and I’ll worry about the rest, but if you don’t do the work you miss the whole reward.”

ISLAM, THERE IS NOTHING BETTER! Contributed by Sister Muslimah Almost every day, when you either listen to the radio or turn on the television, we hear about a murder, a tragedy, a war, the list is endless. The “Top Story” or “Developing Story” is very seldom about something that is uplifting or something that is of benefit to the community. In last month’s issue, we listed several questions that we should study and abide by as Muslims. From the book entitled “An Explanation of the Last Tenth

of the Noble Quran,” we selected a section entitled “Crucial Questions in the Life of a Muslim. An answer to one of last month’s questions, “Can we suffice with the Quran without need of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?” follows: This is not allowed, as we were commanded in the Quran to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah (SWT) said: “And whatever the Messenger has given you, take; and whatever he has forbidden you, refrain from it…” (59:7). The Sunnah was revealed to the Messenger (SAW) as an explanation of the Quran, and one cannot know the details of the religion, such as the method of prayer and fasting without the Sunnah. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Indeed I have been given the Quran and along with it something similar (the Sunnah). Indeed it is feared that (a day will come when a) man whose stomach will be full, resting on his couch, says: ‘Take this Qur’an only. Make lawful what you find in it from the lawful, and prohibit what you find in it from the unlawful.” (Ahmed and Abu Dawud). The HOLY QURAN and the SUNNAH of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gives us, in language that we (man, woman, community) can understand. Together, they are a guide and a path toward what is true and what is not, everything we need to know as to how to handle our daily lives, answers the difficult questions and offers solutions to all our ailments, Insha Allah.

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