Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah

Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah

A handsome, pleasant, well-spoken man with a tall, slim physique and bright sharp eyes, he was an image of dignity and grace. These were his physical good looks. By character and nature he was humble and modest. Among his friends he was gentle and soft as silk; when it came to a war between good and evil he was as hard as iron. He had lost his two front teeth in the Battle of Uhud. Two of the iron links of the Prophet's helmet had pierced his head and he had pulled them out with his teeth. He was unparalleled for his integrity and honesty among the Companions and the Prophet had given him the distinguished title of 'Trustee of the Ummah'. His real name was 'Amir bin 'Abdullah bin Al-Jarrah, but he became famous as Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . 'Abdullah bin 'Umar says that among the tribe of the Quraish there were three personalities whose appearance, mien, manners and modesty excelled all others. They also had the gift of eloquent and gentle speech. If people looked towards them they wished to keep on looking. In his opinion the three people were:
· Abu Bakr Siddiq
· Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah
· 'Uthmgn bin 'Affgn
Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was among those very first distinguished Companion who had accepted Islam. He pledged allegiance to Islam just the day after Abu Bakr Siddiq who had invited him to accept it.
Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, 'Abdur-Ralmgn bin 'Auf, Arqam bin Abi in the company of Abu Baltr Siddiq went into the presence of the Prophet and recited the pledge:


"None has the right to be worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger."
Doubtless these great people who were the foundations on which the castle of Islam was constructed. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah & passed every trial and test with flying colors. The difficult situations created by the Quraish were met with courage, patience and fortitude. During this period of hardship sufferings they remained constant and firm. Every single moment they sincerely and honestly recognized the authenticity and truth of the Prophet as the 'Messenger of Allah. They never give any sine of despair or hopelessness; the test that was faced at the Battle of Badr was so critical that it is beyond human comprehension.
What happened in the Battle of Badr, Abu 'Ubaidalh bin Al-Jarralhah advanced ', tearing his way into the middle of the enemy ranks? Thus bold move of his created havoc and the enemy started to run helter-skelter. He was going around fearlessly in the middle of the enemy as if death was of no consequence and there was absolutely no danger.
His casual attitude frightened the Quraish. As soon as he came face to face with an enemy on horseback, the man would give way to him. But there was one man among them who would stand in front of him to challenge him and try to attack him with his sword. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah would try to avoid him and retreat. But the man would insist on coming face to face to oppose him, and Abu'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah would always give him free passage and get out of his way. During the battle a stage came when the man had him trapped. There was no way that Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah could turn to avoid him; he could neither move toward front nor could he move back; all avenues were closed to him. Absolutely ensnared, he was forced to attack him on the head with his sword; his skull broke into two and in a moment he lay dead at his feet. Can you guess who this slain man could be? Doubtless the trial of faithfulness faced by Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was extremely critical, few people are forced into such a situation. When he realized that the dead man was his father he was stunned. The fact was that the man he had killed was to all appearances his father, but in reality it was the standard-bearer of evil he had killed.
Fulfilling this exemplary role he had made it clear that in the balance it was Allah Almighty and His religion of Islam which outweighed all other considerations and even familial bonds. The love of Allah takes priority and is superior to all other bonds. Every moment the objective is in sight and of paramount importance (the glory of Islam).
"You (0 Muhammad %) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad g),even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh(proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. They are the party of Allah. Verily, it is the party of Allah that will be the successful." (59:22)
What better fate could one ask for than praise for one's deeds in the radiant Verses revealed in the Noble Quran? The depth of their belief in Allah Almighty gave them the certitude that the being who had created them would also provide for them; the Almighty Allah for Whose cause they had stepped out into the battlefield would provide ample means of sustenance for them, and He did provide something which had never even entered their minds.
The fighting was at its most intense in the Battle of Uhud. The sound of the clanging of swords was deafening, there was so much shouting and yelling that one's hair stood up on end. Both armies were equally matched. And then the enemy began to retreat, and the Muslim forces chased them right up to their tents; the archers too leapt down from their positions. Khalid bin Waleed surrounded them and the rest of the enemies too turned back. At this stage in the battle Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was in the front ranks and surrounded, but realizing that the Prophet was in danger and breaking through the dangerous encircling enemy cordon, he reached him. The Prophet was lying down bleeding from his injuries and cleaning up the blood from his wounds. He was saying sorrowfully:
"How can those people prosper who have bloodied the face of their Prophet, though all he was doing was to invite them to their Creator and Sustainer?" Painting a picture of this painful scene, Abu Bakr Siddiq RA says: "The Prophet was injured in the Battle of Uhud. A couple of links from his own helmet had pierced through his forehead, which was bleeding. I ran towards him, and then suddenly, what I should see but a friend running towards him from the east. He reached him before me, and I saw that it was the self-sacrificing Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah RA. He requested that I should give him the honor of removing the links of the helmet. Then with great care, but at the same time with great force he held on to the links with his front teeth. He pulled out one link, but lost a tooth in the process. Then without bothering about the pain he must be suffering, again he held on to the other link with his teeth and exerted force. As the other link came out, he lost another tooth as well. Thus two of his teeth were sacrificed, but his beloved Prophet was relieved and found comfort. It seemed as if he looked even more handsome and graceful than before with the loss of his two front teeth, because it was all done for love of the Prophet g PBUH. All the other Companions of the Prophet used to look at him with envious eyes.
The Prophet loved Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, his self-sacrificing Companion, deeply and often gave him preference over others. In the year 9th Hijrah delegation from Yemen came to meet the Prophet &. Instead of accepting Islam they wished to pay the Jazyah.
They very respectfully requested the Prophet PBUH that he should send someone trustworthy with them. When he heard their request he said he would send with them a person whom he trusted deeply and who would fulfill his obligations and his duty. Thus sentence he repeated three times. Each of the Companion present who heard this very complimentary sentence repeated by his beloved and respected Prophet PBUH , wished he would be the one chosen to fulfill the s trust.
'Umar Farooq & says: "I had never deeply wished to occupy any position, but when I heard this sentence repeated by the Prophet PBUH, I wished that I should be the object whom this praise was showered. I hurried for the noon prayers to the mosque. After having led the prayers, the Prophet looked to his left and to his right. I stretched my neck in order to attract his attention. He kept glancing at all the people who had assembled for the prayers.
Finally, his eye fell on Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . He called him and told him to accompany the delegation and do what was just and right in fulfilling the contract with them. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah went with the delegation to Yemen and according to the instructions received from the Prophet PBUH, fulfilled his duty. The laudatory sentences, the phrases of praise expressed by the Prophet became his life-savings for Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . This was a unique honor for him, not shared by any of the other Companions.
In the wars of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Banu Quraidhah, and in the battles of Salasal, Dimashq, Fahal, Hamas and Yarmook and in many other less important battles, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah proved his courage and daring. He was present at the signing of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah; in fact he was one of the signatories to it. He also accompanied the Prophet on Hajjalzt-ul-Wida'a (the last pilgrimage).
When the Prophet PBUH passed away, the Companions were heartbroken and lost. Every one of them had tears in his eyes and felt as if he was adrift and rudderless. The question was who should be the next Caliph was a very big problem. At this critical juncture Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah ; played a very significant role, in trying to calm down both the Ansar and the Muhajreen. Abu Bakr Siddiq addressed all the troubled Companions and said that they had the choice. 'Umar Farooq was among them; the Prophet had said about him that All Almighty had given predominance to Islam through him, then there was Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . The Prophet had said that every religion has a safe-keeper, and that Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was the repository of the Muslim Ummah's trust. He asked them to choose any one of them, but both these distinguished Companions move forwards and pledged allegiance to him.
Seeing this all the Muhajireen and Ansar also crowded around him and swore allegiance to him; all differences were resolved, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Thus, in a very simple yet well-planned manner he resolved a situation which was of critical significance for the Ummah. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was known to be a very successful General, but he was also known as a perceptive diplomat and skillful negotiator who could find peaceful solution for potentially violent and problematic situations and skillful negotiator who could find peaceful solutions for potentially violent and problematic situations. This was the reason why advantage was taken of this dexterity and skill of his in difficult situations to the very end of his life. The Prophet gave him the title of Amin-ul-Ummah (Trustee of the Ummah), Abu Bakr Siddiq offered him the first Caliphate and 'Umar Farooq said he would have made him Caliph if he had been alive.
After conquering the famous key city of Hamas in Syria General Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, leading the Muslim army, moved on. He appointed 'Ubadah bin Samit look after Hamas. All the settlements on the way were conquered. Lazaqiah was a fortified town, this was besieged but it did not look like it would be easy to conquer it. Here the master strategist, General Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al- Jarrah planned a different modus operandi which amazed both friends and enemies. He ordered the Mujahideen to dig trenches in the open fields near the city. Once this was done he ordered his troops to end the siege. When the siege was lifted and his army withdrew, the people of the city were overjoyed. They thought all their problems had been solved. When the army withdrew and was no longer visible the people came out of the city. The whole day there was the usual hustle and bustle in the town, doors were left open and people kept moving in and out of the town. As soon as the sun set, the doors of the city were closed. He then asked his men to hide in the trenches they had dug, taking advantage of the darkness of the night. When morning came the doors of the city were opened and the people of the city went about as per their routine, moving in and out of the city.
Suddenly the Mujahideen came out of the trenches and entered the city and very easily conquered it. On the battlefront digging of trenches is today an accepted part of military strategy. It was Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah who first introduced these tactics in a battle.
Yarmook is the name of a river, which meets the river Jordan and about thirty miles further up the river Yarmook makes a circle and flows on. From here it flows into a huge plain. The famous war that was fought here during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr Siddiq came to be known as the war of Yarmook. It was the Roman army, consisting of two hundred thousand men, which fought here against the much smaller force of the Mujahideen consisting of forty thousand men only.
When Khalid bin Waleed reached here after a very long and tedious journey from Iraq, he was worried to see the scattered forces of the Muslims under several different leaders. Among them were different troops under Abu 'Ubaidah bin AI-Jarrah , Yazid bin Abi Sufysn, Sharjeel bin Masana and the fourth one under 'Amr bin 'Aas , KhAlid bin Waleed gathered everyone together and addressed them sorrowfully. He said that the enemy had entered the field very well-prepared and also outnumbered them by several times.
If they opposed them, divided into so many groups, they had no hopes of winning. In his opinion they should agree to hand over the command each day to a different leader; thus the Muslim army would present a picture of unity, oneness and understanding, and move rapidly towards victory. The command on the first day could be handed over to him, and one by one the other four could take over on the following days. The whole army was relieved and happy to hear this. After having been given command on the first day Khalid bin Waleed trained the Mujahideen in the light of his experiences. The two armies faced each other and there was very heavy fighting. The Romans lost more than a hundred thousand men on this very first day. The clanging of swords and the shouts and screams of the men could be heard from all sides. The Muaihideen were busy trying to wipe out the Romans, and advancing under the leadership of Khalid bin Waleed when a messenger arrived from the capital, Al- Madinall with a hand written message which he gave to Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . He put it in h s pocket and did not tell anyone about it. When the Muslims had won convincingly and Khalid bin Waleed , was standing in the field as the victorious General of a victorious army, he handed over the message very respectfully to him.
Khalid bin Waleed was deeply moved as it carried the news of the passing away of Abu Bakr Siddiq &;. He said:
"To Him All we belong and to Him we return."
Further he was informed that 'Umar Farooq as the new Caliph, and thanked Allah Almighty for this. After this he read the shocking news that he had been removed from his command and Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah had been appointed Commander of the Muslim army. He immediately handed over command and expressed his willing desire to fight under him as an ordinary soldier and said:
"Abu 'Ubaidal, may Allah shower His Blessings on you; why did you not tell me as soon as you received the letter?"
The Amin-ul-Ummah, Abu 'Ubaidal replied: "He did not like to disturb him in the battlefield and stop h s advancing steps. We do not want the power of this world; neither do we work for this world. We are all brothers in working to please Allah Almighty."
Displaying exemplary patience and fortitude in this situation, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah proved that the training and nurturing of the Prophet had left very deep-rooted and pleasant effects on him. He was not affected or elated by having been given command of the army. His heart had only one desire - the glorification of Islam.
After the conquest of Damascus Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah informed the Caliph 'Umar Farooq that the people of Damascus were very eager to see you and wanted to present you the keys of the city. As soon as he heard this 'Umar Farooq set out for Syria. He asked the people waiting to receive him about the whereabouts of his brother. The people were surprised and asked him, who brother was. He answered that he was asking about Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . Then they pointed out that he was just approaching. 'Umar Farooque went forward and embraced him warmly and then accompanied him to his house. When he saw the very austere lifestyle of Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, he was very surprised. There were no worldly goods in the house, nothing but his weapons - a sword, bow and arrows, and his saddle. 'Umar Farooq was amazed that a man of such high status had chosen to live such a simple life. He said: "Abu 'Ubaidah, it is very surprising that even though you have been appointed to such a high office, you have not made anything for yourself."
Abu ‘Ubaidal bin Al-Jarrah answered that what he had was sufficient for him. 'Umar Farooq answered that this was exactly what he had expected from him, that he would remain true and constant to the norms of trust worthiness.
Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was performing h s duties of commanding the Muslim forces in Syria and conquering vast territories very rapidly; the whole of Syria had been conquered and Islamic empire had spread far and wide and graph of victories was at its peak. What transpired was that at this time the fatal disease of plague spread in the city, as it never had before. People were effected prey to it very rapidly. When 'Umar Farooq came to know of this he sent a messenger with a letter for Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah .
He wrote in the letter that he had some important business with him, and wanted him to make preparations and immediately set out for Al- Madinah to meet him. He was not to delay; if the letter reached him at night, he should set out before morning; if it reached him in the morning, he should set out before night fell.
When Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah read the letter he said sorrowfully that he knew what was the urgent and important work that 'Umar Farooq , had for me. He wanted to keep alive a man who was not born to live in this world forever. Then he wrote a letter to the Caliph 'Umar Farooq . After greeting him he said he knew what work he had for me. He was in the Muslim army and at that time the Muslims were involved in severe problems; he could not leave them alone at that critical phase, nor could he separate himself from them, unless it was Allah Almighty's Will to decide about their fate and his.
He appealed to the Caliph to consider him helpless to obey his commands in this matter and requested him to give him permission to stay with the Mujahideen of Islam.
When 'Umar Farooq received this letter and read it his eyes brimmed with tears. The Companions sitting around him were surprised to see this and asked him if here was some tragic news, and if the Commander of the Muslim forces, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah had died. He answered:
"No, but death is very near him now."
And his guess, turned out to be correct, a few days later Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was struck by the deadly plague.
Mu'adh bin Jabl stood up and told the people with quivering lips and a trembling voice: "Brothers in Islam! You are sunk in grief today for a man who was a better hearted than any of us. He had a pure heart free from malice or envy; and he was a man who loved the Hereafter and was the well-wisher of each one of us. He was a man who was given the title of 'Amin-Ul Ummah' and during his very lifetime on this earth he was given the glad tidings that he would go to Paradise by no less a person than the Prophet himself. He was a very lucky man indeed! Let us all pray that his position in Paradise ever exalted. May ALLAH shower his Blessings on him?"

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Oil Shock@ 150......200...250..... Who will survive ?

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Oil Shock @ 150…..200……..250
American sanctions and European Sanctions – When I started studying the issue of oil embargo on Iran, I got one thing in mind. Are they really intended to stop Iran from getting Nuclear Capabilities or something else? (Hidden Agenda) In my study all points showing advantage Iran. Iran is surplus economy and net exporter.
Country                        Imports bpd      Percent Imports
 1. China                        543,000          10
 2. India                         341,000          11 
 3. Japan                        251,000          5.9 
 4. Italy                          204,000          13.2
 5. South Korea          239,000          7.4
 6. Turkey                     217,000          30.6
 7. Spain                        170,000          16.2
 8. Greece                    158,000          53.1
 9. S. Africa                   98,000           25
 10. France                   75,000           6.0
                    
    Sri Lanka imported 39,000 bpd in the first half of the year, IEA data shows. It is completely reliant on Iranian oil.                  

·        Who is most affected?
o   India
o   China
o   Europe
·        Basically I think this American Strategy is to destroy currency challenge by EU and China (Challenge to the Dollar as reserve currency of the world.)
·        I will write on this in next post, today I am writing on how it is advantage to the Iran.



Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Mockery of Justice


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US soldier to serve no time for Iraq killings - Americas - Al Jazeera English:

'via Blog this'

This episode shows the how American Justice system work. It may be Afia Siddiqui case or any other case, justice is only the right of American. Others who are oppressed and destroyed on fake claims are denied justice. There are nothing called justice. This episode is just one of the many which shows bias of American System.

A US marine accused over the killing of 24 Iraqi civilians in the city of Haditha was demoted to the rank of private but will serve no time behind bars, a military spokesman has said.
Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich, the last squad member to face justice after all the others were cleared, was sentenced to 90 days confinement but he will not serve it for procedural reasons, the spokesman said.
The sentencing hearing was held on Tuesday at Camp Pendleton, south of Los Angeles.

Word of the maximum sentence sparked outrage in Iraq, where Ali Badr, a Haditha resident and relative of one of the victims, called it "an insult to all Iraqis" and "solid proof that the Americans don't respect human rights".
Wuterich, 31, the commander of a unit whose other members have been exonerated, pleaded guilty on Monday to negligence, ending the final prosecution stemming from the 2005 incident.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Veil ( Hijab) and Its Importance


Introduction
All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the both worlds. Thanks to the success granted by Allah as good deeds can be achieved by His Will only. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, the most nobles: Prophet who imparted (disclosed) the revealed Message and admonished his nation by delivering the truth honestly. Peace may also be upon those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Allah says in the Qur’an O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam. (3:102)
“ The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.  (9:71)
A woman is the source of happiness to her husband and the tender (loving) mother to her children. Therefore, Allah ordered her to cover her whole body and to stay in her home. It is the home inside which she can give ultimate tenderness, love and kindness because it is the natural place where she can exercise such qualities. Allah says in Qur'an:
"And stay quietly in your houses" (Al-Ahzab : 33)
Islam ordained her to draw her veil over her bosom and not to display her beauty and to cast her outer garment over her (when abroad) that is most convenient that she should be known.
"0 Prophet ! Tell your wives and 'your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. (Al-Ahzab:59)



When the opponents of Islam realized this prestige of respect, reverence and eminence which the Muslim, woman enjoys, they envied her for this status. Accordingly, they started plotting against her and watched for her disaster by setting traps everywhere. Moreover, they introduced several toxic movements such as Emancipation Movement, Equilibrium Movement and Captivation or Temptation Movement in which they showed peace and mercy for them and wrath, disaster and punishment for the women outside these movements. Every effort is being made to undermine values, morals and to expose the sexual affairs publicly and openly using latest models and modes of display and exhibition. Hence, the biggest desire or attention of the woman focused on adopting and having naked (seducing) dresses. She came out to the streets and started working outside the home in company with men using her dirtiest weapons of allurement. The Muslim woman learnt the tactics of enchantment by watching the lewd films, licentious photos and reading the sexual novels. Readily, she can find the male and female guides from among those in her environment who speak her own language to explain her the way by which she can be attractive (charming) whether at home or in the street, both on optical and acoustical levels through being complaisant in speech, motions, clothing, make up (cosmetics), walking, sitting and even in looks. Such notions, unfortunately, decayed the prudency of the Muslim woman. Thus, she carried on paying no heed in going out naked, displaying her charms to anybody who likes thereof and thereby leading to the stirring up of man's sexual (animal) appeal. Conversely, if she adhered by to the covering of her whole body (wearing the Islamic lawful veil), they will consider her a retrograde and backward (retarded) woman. At this point resistance from her would vanish and replaced by submissiveness
ISLAM IS A GIFT OF ALLAH TO HUMANITY
My sister in Islam: Allah THE MOST EXALTED, Glory be to Him, has bestowed us with the blessings of Islam and Belief (Faith) together with their inclusive (latent) might and pride for the whole humanity generally, and the woman in particular. Islam has honored her so much. It has laid down the legitimate laws which protect her chastity and also secure for her the ways of self-realization, dignity and the fulfillment of her rights. Thus, the Muslim woman has been featured by matchless privileges which have raised her prestige and standing thereby enabling her to hail and get pride of being the women who is overwhelmed with sobriety, reverence, respect and lofty honor.
Veil is lawfully (legitimately) defined as the dress which should cover (veil) the whole body of the woman including the hands, face and feet. It is a must that it should be with a loose and wide garment which neither materialize or increase the body in volume nor show her qualities.  Veil has been prescribed legitimately upon women to block out the occurrence of the temptation between man and woman.
Allah (glory be to Him) said In HIS Holy Book, “0 Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful". (33:59)
THE CONDITIONS OF THE LEGAL (LEGITIMATE) VEIL
My sister in Islam: We draw the attention that the permissible veil (Al-Hijab Ay-Shariy) should have certain characteristics and conditions through which the Muslim woman can be specified (recognized) from among others. The best form for the veil is the garment (cloak) which should cover the whole body of the woman starting from the head down to the toes of her feet. Allah states in the Qur'an that they ShouldDraw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (when abroad)". (33:59)
"And to draw their veils over their bosoms” (24:31).
Further, Allah addressed only to the believing women to wear the veil by His' Saying, "And say to the believing woman", as well as His Saying in the Verse, "And the believing women". From the point of view of Hadith, it was mentioned (narrated) that: Some women came to see Aiysha (Razi Allah Anha) they entered Aiysha's ( RA) room while they had fine dresses on. However, Aiysha (RA )said. "If you were believing women, then such would not be the suitable dress of the believing women, but if you were not, you can enjoy wearing it."  From the above foregoing, the lawful veil is the one which screens the whole body including the face and palms of the hands -such is riot the veil through which a woman displays her charms by covering the head only while exposing her body and the face. We come to the conclusion that' any dress whatsoever which covers the body including the head, exposing however, the complexion of the woman or increasing her body in volume or showing her charms to anybody staring at her, would be deemed to be illicit because it makes the woman play her enchantment, and so it will contradict with the warning of Allah to man against the allurement of the Satan (devil) regarding the subject of clothing (dress). This meaning is depicted clearly in the following Qur’an Verses:
"0 Children of Adam! Let not Satan deceive you, as he got your parents (Adam and Eve) out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and his tribe see you from a position where you cannot see them." (7:27)
Allah also says in the Qur'an:  "0 Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts etc.) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness that is better. Such are among the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc. ) of Allah, that they may remember (i.e., leave the falsehood and follow the Truth). (7:26)
Now Satan is doing the same that he did to our -forefather Adam, he is striving hard to persuade Adam's progeny, bidding them indecency, impeding them to behave according to the laws regulated by Allah and alluring mischief to them.
UNCOVERING (OF THE FACE) IS A HERETICAL DEED WITH UNDERLYING DISMERITS
Unveiling is a heresy, error and a violation of both the Islamic religion and the purified tradition (Sunnah). It is evidence that a woman who uncovers has a weakness in belief as it strips her from chastity and modesty, taking in consideration that these two qualities (features) are from the branches of Faith (Belief). Additionally, uncovering takes away dignity and the granted legal rights from the woman, revealing of her private parts, exposing her shortcomings (faults) and spoiling (wasting) her feminity. It represents an adherent character for the woman who has already stripped off modesty and chastity, contrary to those who are complied with the ordinances of Allah and the significance lying behind.
Here under we mention some of the disadvantages of uncovering (the face or any part of the body): First: A woman being unveiled will be in a state of rebellion against Islamic society and disobedience of the precepts of Allah -the Omnipotent -Who created her.
Second: She will be violating the legitimate rules of her true Islamic religion, as well as the purified laws of the Prophet's traditions (Sunnah).
Third: Such woman will be breaching the honored morals of Islam giving no heed thereto in case of being unveiled.
Fourth: Waiving the woman of her prudence and chastity which were the prime characteristics of the mothers of the believing man and women -may Allah accept them and also each believing woman.
Fifth: Uncovering will strip the woman from anything which hides (veils) her finery, charms and the genitals (private parts).
Sixth: Making the woman equal to man as to treatment and rights especially in some Islamic and Arab countries.
Seventh: Going out from home and being obliged co work in company with men.
Eighth: The unveiled woman has to follow (adopt) what the west imposes upon her of illicit notions and tenets.
Ninth: The unveiled Muslim woman will be involved in imitating the non-believing women as regards to the destructive customs and usages.
Tenth: ·Unveiled women would become the protectors and maintainers of men.
Eleventh: Both men and women will not be satisfied with each other under their existing conjugal life with the mutual desire of making a new substitution.
Twelfth: The western semi-naked fashion and modes would govern and control the dress and appearance of the woman.
Thirteenth: Most male-oriented commodities are advertised by alluring naked females for attractions and promotions.
Fourteenth: Degrading and humiliating the unveiled woman in the common service and job sites which are supposed to be allocated to men only.
Fifteenth: Causing the woman to be under actions of compulsory rape and deflowering, of which incidences are seen and heard about, particularly in he advanced and civilized societies in all levels of life.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN AL-HIJAB (VEIL) AND AS-SOFUR (UNVEIL)
And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance: and establish Regular Prayer, and give Regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye Members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.  (33:33).
Islam got them a dress which is the raiment of righteousness and belief Through covering, Islam made them inaccessible and well-fortified, averted the makers of plots from them, as well as the tease of fashion and the feelings of hatred from male violent people against them. He fixed the house to be the natural place for the woman to worship and obey Allah, considering the household jobs will be the best duty to be undertaken by the woman in the world life.
Covering is thus, by Islam, the protective screen for the woman from any evil and harm. This is contrary to man who is required by nature to work and keep performing prayers in the mosque. Moreover, man, and not the woman, is the one who has to move freely to earn living.
On the other hand, Allah did preserve for the woman all rights in connection with states of marriage, divorce, pregnancy, period of wait (after being divorced and husband's death), and cost of living due to her including all other things entitled to her. Allah, the Omnipotent, has referred to these points among some Surahs and Verses of the Holy
Therefore, our generous Prophet instructed us in so many authenticated traditions to make the woman our ultimate concern. On the opposite side, he warned and drew her attention to some requirements through some other traditions which are all correct as to their chain of authorities on which a tradition is based.
In view of all these aspects our Muslim esteemed sister -may Allah guide us and you to His Right Path. Here it is this comparison between the state of being covered and not covered, to be fully oriented and understood while reading, then only you can be convinced of the privileges of Al-Hijab (covering) along with its relevant several benefits. It is an ordinance which Allah has prescribed upon it for women, making clear at the same time the disadvantages of uncovering which is an evil suggestion from Satanic assaulting mind, an action of Satan's maneuvers and a disowned atrocity of its abominations. May Allah give us refuge against him, for Allah hears and responds all things.
Al-Hijab (Covering): It has been prescribed upon woman by an order from Allah, Glory be to Him, which has been referred to in Qur'an. Thus, a Muslim woman is obliged to follow, and apply the teachings of the Holy Book and Sunnah by the manner of adhering therewith, following and submitting thereto as-per the laws legitimated to woman in this respect. The purpose is seeking to please Allah, the Creator, preserving both her person and her dignity.
As-Sofur (Uncovering): It is an invitation extended by Satan, foe of the Allah, and an act of his own. It is a blind imitation of those who deviated from the denominations of Islam, neither admitting it nor its lawful rules.
Hence, Muslim woman has to turn away from being' unveiled and to reject it since it is a bad conduct which degrades her prestige, honor and puts down her standing, thus making her a very cheap commodity for the callers of evil and a target for the eyes of evil.
AI-Hijab (Covering): It is a sign of the completion of faith by a woman who wore it for the Fear of Allah and seeking to please Allah but not as a customary and habitual matter. The woman who covers herself will be covered with chastity, modesty see or predict its shape or color. Even though, they appreciate and estimate your valuable jewel highly; although they did not have any chance to see or touch it, they quite know and realize how pretty and valuable the jewel is. For being strong holder (protected) by something similar to Al-Hijab (Covering), such shield make them think thousand times before their hands try to reach to. Such a perfect jewel of splendid qualities and being fully conserved in like the Muslim veiled woman, who in herself, is considered to be a valuable jewel whose value is increased by this protected veil which keeps her away from any hurt or harm,
This point is amply illustrated in the following Verses of the Qur'an:
"That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be  annoyed." (33:59)

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Backbiting The Evil of Society



Al-Gheebah (Backbiting) and its Evil Effects on Muslim Society
All praise is due to Allah, and may Allah's peace and blessings be on the Messenger of Allah, his progeny, Companions and those who followed him.
There is no doubt that Allah has bestowed tremendous bounties on mankind. Among the foremost of these bounties after Islam is the bounty of speaking with the tongue.
However, the tongue is a weapon that has two sharp edges. If it is used in the obedience of Allah, such as reciting the Quran, enjoining righteousness, forbidding evil, helping the oppressed and other righteous acts, then this is required from every Muslim. They must also be thankful (to Allah) for this bounty.
However, if the tongue is used in the obedience of Satan, in dividing the Muslim community, lying, uttering falsehood,backbiting, spreading calumnies, breaching the honor of Muslims and other acts that Allah and His Messenger ~ have forbidden, and then this is forbidden for Muslims. This is among the harms of the tongue and one of the greatest harms to mankind.
It is easier for mankind to avoid eating forbidden things, injustice, adultery, theft and alcohol consumption, than controlling his tongue. This is why some men who are described as abstinent, religious worshippers of Allah, sometimes utter words that anger Allah, while being careless regarding the evil they are uttering. Also, a person may strive to stay away from lewdness and transgression, yet his tongue tears and slaughters the honor and reputation of the living, and even the deceased. They do not care about what they utter, and power and strength come only from Allah.
Hence, due to the danger of the tongue’s harms upon the individual, the society and the Islamic nation, we undertook the task of writing this treatise and something, regarding this dangerous matter. Hopefully Allah will benefit the Muslims with it, and success is from Allah



The Definition of Gheebah
The Prophet  explained the meaning of Gheebah in his saying,  "Do you know what Al-Gheebah is?"
They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said,  "Your mentioning your brother with what he hates."
It was asked, "What if that which I say is (really) in my brother?" He said,
"If he (really) has in him what you say, you will be committing, Gheebah against him, and if what you say is not (really) in him, you will be slandering him."
Therefore, 'Gheebah' means to mention someone in his absence by an attribute or a characteristic that he has, which if he were present, he would hate. However, if the absent person is not as he was described, then this is called Buhtaan, meaning, lies and falsehood, which is worse than Gheebah.
The Ruling of Gheebah and the Evidences for the Ruling
Gheeban is one of the worst social ills that Muslims are required to avoid, for it is forbidden according to the consensus (Ijmaa') of the Muslim scholars and is considered one of the major sins. Islam has forbidden Gheebah and prohibited it due to what it contains of severing brotherly ties, spoiling relations of affection, sowing seeds of enmity and spreading faults. To further discourage Muslims from committing Gheebah, the Qur'an likens the person who practices it to one who eats the flesh of his dead brother. Allah said,
" ... and neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it." (49:12)
Therefore, he who criticizes his brother in his absence is like one who bites him and eats his flesh while he is dead, and unable to feel the pain of the bite or being eating. Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi said, in explaining this Verse, "Gheebcdi is forbidden according to the consensus (of the scholars)." Also, Aishah (Razi Allah Anha) narrated, "I said to the Prophet, 'It suffices you regarding Safiyyah that she is such and such -meaning short. He said"You have uttered a word that if it was mixed with the water of the sea, it would spoil it." (Sahih Abu Dawoocl)
The One Who Listens to Backbiting is the Same as the One Who Backbites
Listening to someone who practices Gheebah , showing amazement and delight at what he says, falls under the same ruling as Gheebah itself. This behavior increases the activity of whoever commits Gheebah and encourages him. It also contains a form of affirming his truthfulness. Consequently, when the listener accepts the words of backbiter and becomes pleased with his speech, he will have participated with him in committing Gheebah. An-Nawawee said,
"Know that whoever hears Gheebah being committed against another Muslim is required to reject it and chastise whoever is saying it. If cannot chastise that person with words, he should forbid him with his hand. If he is unable to forbid the Gheebah with his hand or tongue, then he is required to leave that audience (where Gheebah is being committed). If one hears Gheeban being committed against his teacher, or others who have a right on him or those who are honorable and righteous, he is required to implement what we mentioned above even more vigorously." (Al Athhaar. 294)
What is Required of Whoever Hears Gheebah being Committed Against His Muslim Brother
The Messenger of Allah  said "He who defends the honor of His brother in his absence, will have a right on Allah that He frees him from the Fire." (Sahih: Recorded by Ahmad. See Sahih Al-Jaami' , no. 6240)
Causes of Gheebah
Seeking victory for oneself, and the backbiter's effort to relieve the hatred that is in his chest for someone else. Therefore, he backbites him or slanders him.  Hatred and dislike for others. Therefore, the backbiter mentions the errors of whomever he hates in order to satisfy the hatred he feels. This is not from the characteristics of the believers.  Enviousness,  The backbiter will be envious of someone whom the people praise and love. Therefore, the jealous backbiter, who is weak in his religion and intellect, will try to remove this favor. However, he finds no way of doing this except by backbiting him.
Agreeing with the company one associates with. Being courteous to friends, supporting them in their  conversation and loving flattery and hypocrisy.
Characteristics of Those Who  Commit Gheebah
Those who commit Gheebah have an  awful stench. Jaabir  RA narrated: We were with the Prophet when an awful odor arose. He   said, "Do you know what this odor is? It is the odor of those who commit Gheebah against the believers." (Hasan: Recorded by Ahmad)
Those who commit Gheebah will be tormented in the grave. The Prophet PBUH said,  " ... these two are only being tormented because of Gheebah and (not being cautious about) urine.  (Sahih: At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb)
Those who commit Gheebah have weak and cowardly personalities, because they cannot confront other people and they do not have the strength to be direct. If they were brave, they would have mentioned what was wrong with the   person in their presence
The trade of the person who indulges in Gheebah is a losing trade, as he surrenders his goods to whomever he backbites in spite of himself. At the same time, it is a profit for the other (backbitten) party, as he acquires its reward in good deeds, thus making his Scale of deeds heavier while he is unaware.
 The Faith of those who commit Gheebah  ! is deficient, for the Prophet   said  Do you, 0 you who backbites others, love  for your believing brother what you love for yourself when you backbite him? The backbiter nullifies commanding good and forbidding evil. If we were truthful in our Islam and sincere in our, we would face whomever we see as having some shortcoming and we r would command the good and forbid the evil. If not, we nullify the goodness of this Ummah (the Muslim nation).
Examples of Gheebah
Gheebah may be in the body of the person. This is by it being said, "this is a blind person, a cross-eyed person, a one eyed person, a tall person, a wretched person, a black person, or a bald person", and other characteristics that people dislike being described with.
Gheebah may be in the ascription (Le. lineage, nationality, etc.) of the person. This is by it being said, "this person is from such and such tribe," in a belittling manner; or "this person is a non-Arab, a Kurd, a Bedouin, an African, or an Indian," in a derogatory way. It could be in saying, "this person is originally such and such," and so forth. It could also be in his profession, for example saying, "this person is a servant or a barber,II or anything that the person may dislike.
Gheebah may be in the character of the person. This is by it being said, "This person has bad character, he is stingy, he is arrogant, he is a coward, he is irresponsible, he is quick-tempered;" and anything similar to this.
Gheebah may be related to matters of religious law. This is by it being said, "he is a thief, a liar, a drinker of alcohol, one who is lax about prayer (Salaah) or charity (Zakaah) , he does not bow and prostrate properly (in prayer), or he is unkind to his parents." However, this does not apply if he commits these sins in public with an exposed face, neither fearing his Lord or the people. In this case, whoever speaks about such a person is not considered to be committing Gheebah.
Gheebah may be related to worldly matters. This is by it being said, "he is not well-mannered, he belittles people, he talks a lot, he sleeps a lot, he has a big stomach," and so forth.
All of these things are considered aspects of Gheebah if they are actually true and not a lie. Thus, the person who  says these things is a backbiter who has eaten the flesh of his brother and is disobedient to his Lord. Gheebah is not restricted to the statement of the tongue. Verily, a movement, a gesture, a motion, an imitation (mimicking), an insinuation, a sneer, a wink, or anything that is understood to mean a degradation of the other party, is all  forbidden and included in the meaning of Gheebah. And refuge is sought with Allah.

Matters that are not Thought to be Gheebah, but Actually are Gheebah
A person may mention something about his brother that he would dislike, and then, when someone forbids him from doing so, says, "I am ready to say it in front of him (in his presence)." However, this is rejected from different angles. Among them are the following: Verily you mentioned him behind his back in a manner that he would not like. This is Gheebah. Being prepared to mention speak before him has not evidence concerning it that makes it lawful to backbite him.
The person saying, "Some people do such and such or some of the Fiqh scholars (do such and such) ," when the person being spoken to understands exactly who is being talked about. Thus, the speaker does this to make it understood who is meant (without saying it directly). Maybe a person will be asked about the  condition of his brother, so he replies, "May Allah correct us, may Allah forgive us , we ask Allah for security," and similar statements that give a suggestion of his deficiency. Likewise is the saying, "so-and-so is being tested with such and such, or we all do this."
The person's saying, "This is a child so it is permissible to backbite him." This statement is strange and we request the evidence that proves its permissibility.
The Cure for Gheebah
There are two ways to treat one's inclination to commit Gheebah . The first is to repent from Gheebah. This is that the person knows that if he commits Gheebah, he is exposed to the anger and wrath of Allah. Also, he should know that by committing backbiting, some of his good deeds are transferred to the backbitten person on the Day of Resurrection. Therefore, one should sincerely repent to Allah from Gheebah, feel sorrow for his sin and intend to refrain from committing Gheebah in the future. Also, one is required to seek Allah's forgiveness for Gheebah. If the Gheebah reaches the backbitten person, its expiation is that the person who backbit him seeks excuse and pardon from him. If the Gheebah did not reach the person who was backbitten, then the backbiter should seek forgiveness for him, pray for him, and speak well of him in the same amount that he spoke ill of him. In this case he should not inform the backbitten person so that he does not harbor any ill feelings. In both situations, the person who backbit should recant from his statement before those whom he spoke with (against the person), and he should declare within himself that he will not repeat such an act again.
The second cure is that the person should look into the reason that caused him to backbite. For verily, the problem is rectified by cutting off its originating source. The intelligent person cuts off the causes of Gheebah and takes the means of cure and remedy. He occupies himself with his own shortcomings instead of the shortcomings of others. He guards his tongue from speaking anything but goodness. In this way he is victorious with both the good of this world and the good of the Hereafter.
What is Worse than Gheebah
From the calamities that the Muslims have been tested with is that you see a person backbiting his brother, but not because of a sin or shortcoming. He is only doing so in order to make forbidden or IawfuI some customary practices and cultural habits. This is from those things that are specifically for Allah, the Most High. For example, a person may be humble in his dress and non-extravagant in it, even though he is able to be extravagant. Therefore, the ignorant person will say, "Look at this stingy person. Look at this man who forbids for himself the adornment of the worldly life. Look at this person who tries to put our worldly life to death." The opposite is also true. For example, if Allah provides a person with a house or an animal, they say, ‘Look at him. Verily he does not fear Allah regarding the Muslims. While he is living in his house and riding his animal, he does not think about the Muslims." And so forth. Let us know, firstly, why the person does this. Then, let us think and contemplate, is it lawful or forbidden for us to speak against him and give admonishments and sermons about him. Do you know his hidden secrets, as to whether he spends in the way of Allah or not? If Allah provides for him from His bounty, does he reject that bounty or does he give it it’s just due? Fear Allah, fear Allah regarding the honor of the Muslims and their flesh. We ask Allah for safety and we seek refuge with Him from ignorance.

Resisting the Desire to Indulge in Gheebah is one of the Best Types of Jihaad
The Prophet  Peace Be Upon Him said,  "The best type of Jihaad is for one to struggle against his own self and its desire." (Sahih Al-Jaami', no. 1099, and As-Sahihah, no. 1496)
He also said,  "The MUjaahid is he who performs Jihaad (strives hard) against his own self for the sake of Allah." (Sahih Al-Jaami', no . 6679)
In Conclusion...
We remind you of the Prophet's statement,
"0 you who have believed by their tongues, but Faith has not yet entered their hearts, do not commit Gheebah against the Muslims and do not seek their errors. Verily, he who seeks their errors, then Allah will seek his errors (Le., He will not pardon and conceal them), and he whom Allah seeks his errors, He will shame him, even in his own house. "  (Sahih: Abu Dawood)
The wise man spoke the truth who described Gheebah as the entertainment of the sinners, the pastures of the women, and the condiment of the dogs  of the people. We ask Allah to save us all from the ills of the tongue and the torment of the Fire. We also ask Allah to benefit whoever reads this, distributes it and hears it. May He make it a means of drawing us and him (the reader) nearer to the Gardens of Delight (i.e. Paradise), and make it a proof on our behalf and not against us. May Allah's peace and blessings be on His Messenger, his household and all of his Companions?