Gay Marriage: When Politics changes the Rule of God

In England and Wales, politics has been the main factor to legalising gay marriage. These deliberations and round of voting did not give adequate weight to the Laws of Allah, which is that homosexuality is wrong, which is echoed in Judaism and Christianity. Yet this has been largely ignored by the politicians, who have decided that it is better to legalise gay marriage and make voters happy.

To be honest, this is hardly surprising – a largely sectarian political regime, with members of parliament that do not allow religious law to be taken into account, and which panders to where the votes are. The decision to legalise gay marriage is not about what is right or wrong – it never was – it is all about politics; the politicians are looking at where is public opinion going and what will make them popular with the voters. In fact, it’s completely ridiculous that members of parliament are seen to be the experts in deciding religious law. Where are the religious clerics? Where is their voice here? Hidden behind politics.

Since the UK has campaigned over the decades for homesexuality and to defy the Law of God, there have been major steps backwards and legalising gay marriage is yet another major step towards a society more akin to Sodom and Gomorrah than a righteous one.

There is also a lesson here for those Muslims who believe that becoming a part of the political system is the right way to bring Islam into a country. They are so wrong. Politics thrives on campaigning and an environment where the majority voice is the one that is heard and matters. Muslims in parliament are a minority and will always be a minority and are extremely poor at campaigning. The last 5 decades have seen nothing implemented by parliament that is in favour of Islam and those Muslims that have become members of parliament are blind to this waste of their efforts. Name one major thing that Muslims in parliament have achieved that has been a major step forward for Islam in the UK – there’s nothing! Where were the Muslim MPs in the vote for gay marriage? What impact did they have? Or are they still hiding behind the old line ‘we cannot achieve anything unless more Muslims take part in this democratic system’. It’s time you woke up from this naive stance that shaytaan is feeding you.

What the gay marriage issue has highlighted is that society in the UK is slipping faster into being based on ‘morals’ that can be changed to suit the wind, to suit desires and which defies Allah. Politicians do not care about what is morally right or wrong. They care about voters and will happily change the Laws of Allah to satisfy their electorate and get voted in again at the next elections.

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Halaal Food: HMC vs HFA

HFA vs HMC

If there’s one thing that Muslims will get behind, it’s food and whether it is halaal or haraam. Muslims are very sensitive when it comes to food and the majority want to know and feel secure that the food they are eating is halaal. With all the meat scandal that’s been erupting in the UK and food being cross-contaminated with horse meat or pork, the focus has also spread to halaal foods.

How are halaal foods processed? How clean are the factories and tools used? Is chicken stunned or not? Is there any contamination with haraam meats like pork? Who is regulating the halaal food chain? Which regulator should be trusted? These are all big questions to which we deserve answers.

Below I’ve given some information about the two most prominent halaal food regulatory bodies in the UK – HMC and HFA. Of the two, HMC is the safest for Muslim.

Halaal Monitoring Committee (HMC)

The HMC takes the traditional, and therefore the most Islamic, position of slaughtering animals. That is that it should be done by a Muslim, that the Name of Allah should be pronounced at the time of slaughter and that the slaughter should be done in accordance with Qur’an and Sunnah. HMC do not approve of stunned chickens as the stunning does cause some chickens (not all) to die before slaughter takes place. I would recommend that Muslims are ‘safe’ when eating HMC Approved meat. The following is taken from HMC’s website:

The following describes some of the key criteria for Halal adopted by HMC:

• Animal is alive and healthy prior to slaughter (also correct species of animal)
• Mandatory recitation of Tasmiyah by a Muslim slaughter man (blessing) on each animal
• Swift and humane incision rendering the the animal insensible to pain (hand slaughter)
• Compliance check ensuring 3 of the 4 main vessels are cut 

In addition, all meat is labeled and sealed (where appropriate) and checks for cross contamination are made. HMC will not operate at plants where pork is handled.

There are many causes which have contributed to Halal products being falsely labelled. Some of these include:

• Slaughter men at abattoirs not reciting the Tasmiyah (a mandatory condition for Halal) or using of taped recitation of the Tasmiyah
• Controversial use of mechanical slaughter and rotating blades (often severing necks and missing frontal cuts)
• Stunning of animals that bring into question whether the animal was alive at the point of slaughter
• Mixing of meats including use of pork in Halal products or cross contamination with non-Halal meats
• Incorrect incisions and insufficient vessels being cut.to meet Halal criteria.

Halal Food Authority (HFA)

The HFA seems to be the regulator of choice when it comes to non-Muslim food companies looking for approval and allows the stunning of animals and the use of machines to slaughter (even though the HFA accepts that stunning is frowned upon in shariah in its HFA Brief Guidlines for slaughtering). The HFA seems to pander towards these large organisations (eg. KFC, Freemans, Nandos) and so I can only assume that the HFA takes a more lenient approach and there’s most likely a lot of money involved. Islamic rules and laws are not to be twisted to suit the person/organisation and this seems to be HFA’s attitude towards the issue of halaal food. Take for example, the following cases, which have emerged into the media:

The HFA approves of KFC ‘halaal’ meat. KFC uses machines to slaughter animals and also stuns its chickens – the only resemblance to the Islamic method of slaughtering is that a Muslim is present to pronounce the name of Allah. The HFA says this is ok.

HFA-approved supplier is found to contain traces of pork in halal meat. Yet another exposure to the poor standards by the HFA.

Pork traces found in halaal food for prisoners. Yet another one of the HFA’s food producers, McColgans Quality Foods Ltd (of Ireland), is found to have traces of pork in halal meat – the HFA has since de-listed this producer from its certification.

The HFA also approves of many non-Muslim food companies – as a Muslim, are you happy to have your ‘halaal’ food coming from a non-Muslim source? I’m not. These HFA approved companies include the following slaughterhouses – none of which are Muslim!:

• Crown Chicken (non-Muslim)
• Dunbia (non-Muslim)
• Frank Bird Poultry (non-Muslim)
• Hilton Food Group (non-Muslim)
• Jack Brand Ltd (non-Muslim)
• H R Jasper & Son (non-Muslim)
• Randall Parker Foods (non-Muslim)
• Romford Halal Meat (non-Muslim)
• RWM Dorset Ltd (non-Muslim)
• Salisbury Poultry (non-Muslim)
• Sandwell Foods (non-Muslim)
• TC Meats Ltd (non-Muslim)
• Welsh Country Foods Ltd (non-Muslim)

There is always doubt by Muslims when it comes to KFC and Nandos (which is not certified by either HMC or HFA) – the ummah is split and there is uncertainty. This in itself is not good and points to ‘doubtful’ methods that are being used. It is also interesting that the doubt always seems to arise with HFA approved companies. This link to Exposing the HFA is also interesting background to the people who run HFA.

The HFA’s starting point has been verifying whether or not the methods used by the large companies are acceptable and this approach makes the HFA open to making allowances for these companies – not a great approach. The HFA should have its starting point as being what is the ruling according to Islamic law and for all food companies to fall within this standard and not to make allowances to companies (unless there are allowances explicitly stated in shariah).

With all the scandal over horsemeat contamination and pork traces being found in halaal meat, can you seriously afford to allow yourself to eat food supplied by non-Muslims, whose standards are clearly not meeting ours?

NOTE: Nandos is supplied by Freemans of Newent, non-Muslim producer. Freemans of Newent uses stunned chicken which is then supplied to Nandos. This article in the Guardian explains Freemans method and also shows that to do slaughter according to the traditional Islamic way would be a financial cost that suppliers like Freemans aren’t willing to bear. Also, HMC inspected Freemans of Newent and declared their meat to be haraam, as disclosed in this article.

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Every Bid’ah is a leading astray – Innovation splitting the Ummah

The Ummah is split, as was foretold by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) into sects. Why? Because shaytaan seeks to mislead us in little things – things that we don’t notice and mistake for being the truth and the right way of doing things. This is why it is so hard to convince those who belong to a sect, that what they are doing is tainted with innovations and actions that are not from Qur’an nor Sunnah.

Many people attack their fellow Muslims, saying “why do you keep on going on about bid’ah? There’s no harm in what I am doing! You wahaabi!!” This is typical of those who are ignorant in the deen. Bid’ah IN THE DEEN is extremely important and we must guard ourselves against it. It is not for anyone to invent acts of worship and attach it to Islam – if the Prophet (pbuh) didn’t do it, why are YOU doing it? Is there anyone in the world who is more perfect at practising the deen other than the Prophet (pbuh)? No. Then do not think you are doing good by claiming to invent new actions and new good deeds – this is bid’ah and every bid’ah is in the Hellfire, as we were warned by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself.

Aisha (ra) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whosoever introduces into this affair of ours (i.e. into Islam) something that does not belong to it, it is to be rejected.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

“He who lives long enough will see many things which he will not recognise, therefore, hold on to my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided caliphs who succeed me; bite onto it (i.e., my Sunnah) with your molars. Stay away from innovations, because every innovation is misguidance.” (Ahmad & Abu Dawud)

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “I will be ahead of you in reaching my fountain, and there will be people who will be prevented from reaching it, therefore, I will say: ‘My Lord! These are my followers!’ It will be said: ‘You do not know what they innovated and altered after you.’ (i.e., after your death) Therefore, I will say: ‘Let those who altered (the religion) be kept away . (in a humiliated place).” (Bukhaari & Muslim)

We cannot hide behind excuses like “well, we are not the equal of the Prophet (pbuh) so we must do more good deeds.” This is a statement that leads many astray. We were shown how to be amongst the best Muslims and that is by strictly following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – not by inventing new matters in the deen; not by doing dhikr to the extent that you claim to see visions of the Prophet (pbuh) or even Allah; not to the extent that you abandon other good deeds and obligatory deeds; not by fasting continuously; not by abstaining from your wives or halaal pleasures; not by following other pious people whom you then pray to at their graves and ask them to intercede for you. This is all wrong! You will not find the Prophet (pbuh) doing any of these things and you will not find the first 3 generations of Muslims doing this either. The Sahabas were role models of following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) yet we do not raise them above their station. Do not do the same with others such as Abdul-Qadir Jilani or so-called saints and Walis of Allah – none of these are higher in status than the Prophet (pbuh) so follow the Prophet (pbuh), not anyone else; follow his Sunnah which has been captured in authentic hadith, not the quotes and sayings of those lesser than him.

How do we know what is a Bid’ah?

You need to do some research into things and not rely on being spoon-fed by scholars, imams and ‘pirs’ and ‘maulvis’. Be sincere in your search for the truth and Allah Will Lead you to the Truth. But to help you, here is some guidance:

• Any act of worship is based on a fabricated Hadeeth is a Bid’ah, like the prayer in the month of Rajab which is called the prayer of Raghaa’ib.
• Any act of worship which the Prophet (pbuh) did not perform, although there were no preventing factors is a Bid’ah, like uttering the intention before beginning the prayer, calling Adhaan for
  any prayer other than the five obligatory ones or praying after finishing Sa’y between mount Safaa and Marwah.
• Any habitual act performed with the intention of pleasing Allaah which Islaam did not consider as an act or worship is a Bid’ah, such as for example: wearing coarse woollen clothes, continuous silence, refraining from eating bread or meat, not drinking cold water or standing in the sun, or performing khatims on the anniversary of someone’s death.
• Performing prohibitions acts with the intention of pleasing Allaah is a Bid’ah, such as singing songs about Him and performing music with Islamic lyrics – there is nothing in Islam which is founded in a bad deed (eg. music).
• The act of worship must coincide with the Sharee’ah in the reason for which it is done, or else it would be rejected. Therefore, celebrating Al- Mawlid is a Bid’ah because it is performed as a rewardable act, despite the fact that it has not been legislated.
• The act of worship must coincide with the Sharee’ah in its category. Therefore, it is not acceptable if a person were to slaughter a horse instead of a camel or goat as a sacrifice after Hajj.
• The act of worship must coincide with the Sharee’ah its quantity. Therefore, if somebody were to add two Rak’ah to the Dhuhr prayer, making a total of six Rak’ah instead of four, this would be unacceptable as it would not be coinciding with the Sharee’ah in its quantity.
• The act of worship must coincide with the Sharee’ah in the manner in which it is performed. Therefore, if someone were to begin their wudoo’ by washing their feet instead of their hands, then this act would be unacceptable.
• The act of worship must coincide with the Sharee’ah in the timing of its performance. Therefore, praying the Dhuhr prayer after sunset is unacceptable.
• The act of worship must coincide with the Sharee’ah i n the place it which it is performed. Therefore, one cannot perform stand on a mountain other than ‘Arafah during Hajj.

It is important not to worship Allah or perform deeds that you associate with Islam because this divides the Ummah, it divides you from your brothers and sisters in Islam.

“And do not be like those who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And they will have a great punishment.” (Aal ‘Imraan: 105).

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers – We will give him what he has taken [i.e., make him responsible for his choice] and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.” (An-Nisaa’: 115).

“…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islaam as a religion…” (Al-Maa’idah: 3).

“And [Moreover], this is my path. Which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you so that you may become righteous.” (Al-An’aam: 153).

“[They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think they are doing well in work.” (Al-Kahf: 104)

If your Brother or Sister in Islam calls you to only follow Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), are they calling you to any harm? No! So why do you then not take heed of this advice?

Read this book, which is provides some good understanding of Bid’ah >>> Bidah

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Obey Allah and His Messenger (pbuh): Plucking eyebrows and having Tattoos

The below hadith from Sahih Muslim (Book 24, no.5301) is clear guidance and has a number of lessons for Muslim women AND men:

• Beware of altering yourselves to beautify yourselves – you are changing what Allah Has Created.
• Here is guidance for those who make excuses for following Islam properly by claiming “It doesn’t say such and such in the Qur’an” – Allah, in the Qur’an, Commands us to accept what the Prophet (pbuh) has allowed us and refrain from what the Prophet (pbuh) has forbidden us. With this, you MUST turn to authentic hadith to learn about the Islamic rulings. Here are a few ayats from the Qur’an in which we are Commanded by Allah to Obey Him AND the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
  • “And obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ) that you may obtain mercy.” Surat Ahl-e-Imran v132
  • “These are the limits (set by) Allah (or ordainments as regards laws of inheritance), and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success.” Surat An-Nisa v13
  • “And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment.” Surat An-Nisa v14
  • “On that day those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger (Muhammad ) will wish that they were buried in the earth, but they will never be able to hide a single fact from Allah.” Surat An-Nisa v42
  • “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad ), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. ” Surat An-Nisa v59
  • “We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave. If they (hypocrites), when they had been unjust to themselves, had come to you (Muhammad ) and begged Allah’s Forgiveness, and the Messenger had begged forgiveness for them: indeed, they would have found Allah All-Forgiving (One Who accepts repentance), Most Merciful.” Surat An-Nisa v64
  • “But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad ) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” Surat An-Nisa v65
  • “And whoso obeys Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ), then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqun (those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Abu Bakr As-Siddiq ), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are!” Surat An-Nisa v69
  • “He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad ), has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad ) as a watcher over them.” Surat An-Nisa v80
  • “This is because they defied and disobeyed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever defies and disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, Allah is Severe in punishment.” Surat Al-Anfal v13
  • “O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him (i.e. Messenger Muhammad ) while you are hearing.” Surat Al-Anfal v20
  • “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad ), but if you turn away, then the duty of Our Messenger is only to convey (the Message) clearly.” Surat At-Taghabun v12
• Women can be spiteful and make false claims, as has been done in this hadith. And on verification, this can be found to be a false claim. So don’t be spiteful and verify your claims.

‘Abdullah reported that Allah had cursed those women who tattooed and who have themselves tattooed, those who pluck hair from their faces and those who make spaces between their teeth for beautification changing what God Has Created. This news reached a woman of the tribe of Asad who was called Umm Ya’qub and she used to recite the Holy Qur’an. She came to him and said:

“What is this news that has reached me from you that you curse those women who tattooed and those women who have themselves tattooed, the women who pluck hair from their faces and who make spaces between their teeth for beautification changing what God has created?”

Thereupon ‘Abdullah said: “Should I not curse one upon whom Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) has invoked curse and that is in the Book also.”

Thereupon that woman said: “I read the Qur’an from cover to cover, but I did not find that in it.”

Whereupon he said: “If you had read (thoroughly) you would have definitely found this in that (as) Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, has said: ‘What Allah’s Messenger brings for you accept that. and what he has forbidden you. refrain from that.’”

That woman said: “I find this thing in your wife even now.”

Thereupon he said: “Go and see her”.

She reported: I went to the wife of ‘Abdullah but found nothing of this sort in her. She came back to him and said: “I have not seen anything.”

Whereupon he said: “Had there been anything like it in her, I would have never slept with her in the bed.”

It was related by Muslim.

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When you see a Wrong, Change it with your Hand…

Another one of my favourite hadiths because it teaches us to get up and do something:

On the authority of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]

This is an important hadith because it shows that Muslims should not be innocent bystanders – we are obliged to do something to stop wrongdoing. It also outlines to us the order in which we must do something.

If you see something wrong, the first point of call is to physically stop it (“…change it with his hand…”). For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The parable of myself and the people is that of a man who lit a fire. When it illuminated its surroundings, the moths and other creatures which are attracted to light began to fall into it. He began to pull them out of the fire, but they overwhelmed him and continued to fall into it. I am the one pulling you away from the fire, but you keep going headlong into it.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (6002)].

It is not enough for us to keep ourselves away from wrongdoing, we must help others as well, and stop them from falling into wrongdoing, and sins which could lead to the Hellfire. This part of the hadith also refers to stopping people from doing wrong to others or to yourself. Nowadays, there are many people who will not raise a finger to stop anti-social behaviour – this is not the characteristic of the righteous Muslim. If we have the ability to stop a crime or offence, then we must, no matter how small the action.

If you are not physically able to change things or stop wrongdoings, then you must speak out against it, or advise against it, or advise a better way, or even call for help (“…[let him change it] with his tongue…”). We shouldn’t remain silent when we have the ability to speak up. You can warn someone against doing wrong, advise them to change their ways. Communication is not a pointless action – it can lead to bigger things. Campaigning can help but people do need to be focused on campaigns that actual achieve something, rather than those that hit brick walls.

Finally, if you are powerless to act on any of the two methods above, then you must oppose it in your heart. As Muslims, we do not accept wrongdoings nor resign ourselves to living out lives where there is no opposition to wrongdoings. We do not lie and let the wrongdoers roll over us, step over us and spread their mischief to others. Wrong is wrong and the moment you let go of this in your heart, then you lose sight of what is good and what is wrong. You stop seeing wrong as wrong and good as good – the lines become blurred and what is wrong becomes allowable. If you hate the wrongdoing in your heart, then perhaps an opportunity will come in the future, where you can speak out or physically stop the wrong. As Allah Says in the Qur’an:

“Verily, with hardship there is relief” (Qur’an 94:6)

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Christmas and Islam – Muslims stop making excuses!

Another year passes and we’re again approaching Christmas time. I’ve previously posted about the fact that many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities and that taking part in these festivities is wrong and haraam. This then provokes a defensive stance with those Muslims, who then cry out ‘extremism!’ The simple fact is this, Islam allows things and doesn’t allow things. If you don’t like the rulings about things that are not allowed, then you really need to check yourself, not lash out at what Islam says. The second fact is this – I am supplying the reader with the sources from Qur’an and hadith. These are not my rulings – these are Islamic rulings that have come down from scholars, the sahabas and the Prophet (pbuh) himself. In the end, we are Muslims and we shouldn’t have one foot in Islam and another in Christianity or Hinduism or any other religion. If that’s difficult to get your head around, then you probably need some more grounding in Islamic knowledge – especially issues of Aqeedah (belief/creed).

Here are some good links to Shaikh Al-Munajjid’s website that explain these issues:

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/69811/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/85108/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/7876/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/161539/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/947/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/101347/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/12777/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/45200/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/21694/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/108996/imitating

Think of it this way, if you’re a Muslim that celebrates Christmas, can you cite any hadith that shows the Prophet (pbuh) celebrating Christmas? The answer is no – and the below hadith explains why we do not partake in any celebrations other than Eid. When the Prophet (pbuh) was young, he was inclined to go into Makkah and partake of the celebrations, however Allah Caused him to sleep instead – these are not fairy tales – they are serious learning points for Muslims today!

The fact is that Muslims should not be taking part in Christmas or other festivals that are not based in Islam, that do not uphold the Islamic Principles that we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But many Muslims do. A sad fact and one that undermines the establishing of Islam and a united Ummah.

Why does it undermine things?

Firstly, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating Christmas was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an. If doing this was ok, then would there be a need for Islam? Isn’t Islam enough for the Muslims?

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

Secondly, Christmas is a pagan festival – it has NOTHING to do with Christianity. It isn’t the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as) and many Christians know this. Christmas is depicted as being lots of snow, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Reindeers, magical things – nothing to do with Christianity. It doesn’t snow in the Middle East, there’s no Christmas trees there, no such thing as Santa Claus, no such things as flying reindeers – absolutely nothing to do with Isa/Jesus (as). So what we are actually engaging in has no basis in any religion and as Muslims are supposed to be religious, then this is a bit hypocritical. Christmas has nothing to do with Allah or the Prophets, so as Muslims, it has nothing to do with us.

Even if Christmas WAS the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as), this is not something to be celebrated as, in Islam, Muslims are not supposed to celebrate birthdays. We do not celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday and this was not done by the Sahabas (Companions) either. Those Muslims who do celebrate birthdays need to check their beliefs and look into why Islam does not allow this.

Another point is that Christmas is a commercial affair these days. It’s all about selling presents, making money out of Christmas and this in itself is wrong. Many families are put under stress and the financial burden of trying to keep up with Christmas. People in the UK even start buying for Christmas months in advance to help with the finances. And if you cannot give presents, then how does this make you look? Any festivity that puts this kind of pressure and adversity on people is wrong. Even Eid is starting to go this way and Muslims need to wake up to this and not let festivities get out of hand.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Christmas you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Christmas. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What does Christmas mean to most people? Well most people are not devout Christians and do not even believe Christmas to be connected to Isa/Jesus (as). For these people, Christmas is just a time to feel good, have parties, have a good time. And that’s about it. This is not what Muslims are about or should be about.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not Christians and do not hold to those beliefs, unless they coincide with what is from Qur’an and Sunnah. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in Christmas festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving Christmas greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else – that is a hypocritical stance to have. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kufaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? Would you take part in Diwali which celebrates the many gods of the hindus? This would be committing shirk – the worst sin in Islam. The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Muslim parents need to explain to the schools that their children attend about Islamic values and why their children shouldnt take part in Christmas plays. This increases their understanding about Islam and helps future Muslims. Whenever I have explained things to non-Muslims, they have never looked at me in a bad way but respected me for my beliefs.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Christmas and Islam: Christmas Advice to Muslims

Stand up 4 Islam

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Racist attack prompts slack court sentence: Amanda Lowe’s 4th conviction

The following is a disturbing account of a racist case in Manchester, UK. Here, a mother, drunk and looking after two children, delivers racist abuse on a Muslim, in front of her kids, stamping on his head. This is an example of some of the lowest in society benefiting from a court system that is unfair and unjust. Her sentence was very light compared to the weight of her actions. Compare this with the heavy sentences of those who took part in the London riots in 2011, where people stole and damaged property – but when it comes to abusing and physically assaulting a Muslim, that’s a lesser crime, according to the UK legal system.

Taken from digitaljournal.com and written by John Thomad Didymus (link to his article):

Watch nursing mother Amanda Lowe launch racist attack on ‘Paki’

Manchester – CCTV caught the moment a drunk mother Amanda Lowe, 26, launched an unprovoked attack on a Pakistani Khuram Nisar, stamping on his head in the presence of her eight-year-old and four-month-old children, calling her victim “f*****g Paki” and “terrorist.”

However, in spite of the shocking violence, a Manchester Crown Court allowed her to walk free on Friday.

The Sun reports that the judge freed Lowe in spite of previous convictions, saying that sending her to jail would have a negative impact on her children. Lowe has two children and was pregnant with a third when she appeared in court.

The CCTV footage shows her at about 8.15 p.m. on May 21 this year, pushing a pram that carried her four-month-old baby. The footage shows her leaving her children several yards behind to join her boyfriend Wesley Earls, 26, and cousin Daniel Wray, 21, in an attack on Nisar. According to The Sun, Lowe had called Nisar a “f****** Paki” and a “terrorist.” When Nisar told Lowe’s boyfriend Wesley, to “control his woman,” Wesley and Wray approached him and punched him to the ground. Lowe then joined in the attack, kicking Nisar, who had fallen to the ground, repeatedly in the face and head before she returned to her children.

According to The Mirror, Nisar was passing through Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City on his way home from work when the incident happened. Piccadilly Gardens was crowded with people enjoying the evening sunshine when Lowe, who had been drinking alcohol with her companions, began shouting abuse at Nisar.

The Daily Mail reports that the disturbing footage was released by the Crown Prosecution Service. The incident happened in the presence of several bystanders who were unable to intervene. The group inflicted bruise and cuts on Nisar’s head and body.

The fact that the case was Lowe’s fourth conviction in six years has sparked a controversy with many saying that letting her walk free reinforces the impression that she can attack “foreigners” with impunity and get away with it. Her body language and action as she returns to the pram shows she was pleased and impressed with her action. She even demonstrates to a friend how she assaulted Nisar by swinging her legs as she pushes her baby girl along in the pram.

The Daily Mail reports that Lowe and her companions were arrested in Oldham Street 20 minutes after the attack. According to the Daily Mail, Judge Lindsey Kushner QC, told Lowe of Rochdale Road, Blackley, Manchester, that she was spared jail only because of the potential consequences to her children. The judge said: “Your record is terrible for violence given that you are 26 years of age. The damage you are doing to your children… seeing you drunk, the risk you put them at… is disgraceful. Somebody who behaves like that when they are drunk I would think you have to keep a very careful eye on as a mother. Kids who have mothers who behave like you end up behaving like you. That damage starts from when they are tiny. People have been killed and maimed through being kicked in the head.”

Lowe admitted to a “charge of racially aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm.” She was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years and an order to attend a program for female offenders. The conviction is her fourth in six years. She and her companions have 21 previous convictions between them.

The Huffington Post reports that Earls, of Old Market Street, Blackley, Manchester; Lowe, of Rochdale Road, also Blackley, and Wray, of Ludlow Avenue, Salford were each given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and a two-year supervision order. However, when the court was told that Wray had failed to comply with a previous supervision order, the Judge warned them it was their last chance and that they would go to jail if they offended again.

According to The Sun, the judge commented on the CCTV facility, saying: “It is fantastic to have this CCTV footage. It is good to see the events as they happened because they are horrifying when you see them.” He added: “I think all of you can think yourselves lucky. She (Lowe) was in that state in charge of two children. That in itself is a criminal offence – drunk in charge of a child. It is disgraceful. How irresponsible can you get? You could easily have been dealing with a care case here.”

Complete injustice!

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Halloween and Islam

Halloween is all about celebrating ghosts and ghouls, witches and devillish characters, magic and mischief. And this is all masked under the guise of fun. What kind of message does that send to kids? Combined with the lack of moral standards in today’s society, it’s sending the wrong message and celebrates wrongdoing – this is not what Muslims should be doing or engaging with. Halloween is a pagan festival and has no place in a righteous society. It is actually seen by pagans as a holy day on which they make offerings to their ‘gods’.

Taking part in celebrations like Halloween is haraam and the ruling in Islam is very clear on the matter.

There should be no respect for anything that is bad, even in jest. And it’s important to keep this line clear, especially for kids. Other than that, there is the added problem of imitating the kuffaar. We are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating halloween or any other festival was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an.

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Abu Dawud]

“You must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.” (Bukhari)

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.” He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in non-Muslim festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kuffaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Other similar topics:

Diwali and Islam

Christmas and Islam

The Royal Wedding or Day of Judgement – Which event is more important to you?

Al-Mawlid: Celebrating the Prophet’s (pbuh) birthday – why is it a big NO?

Valentine’s Day and Islam

Stand up 4 Islam

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Music is Haraam

Many Muslims are under the impression that music is halaal. Some scholars are also of this opinion, which is wrong and creates fitna amonst the ordinary Muslim, who can’t work out who is right and then is in danger of following their desires. Music is haraam and more details and evidences for this can be found in two books that you can download for free from my blog:

The Prohibition of Music

The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing by Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi

I have included some excerpts from these books that I hope you will find enlightening and hopefully lay to rest any confusion around whether music is halaal or haraam.

Allah says in Surah Luqman (interpretation of the meaning):

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allah…” [Luqmaan 31:6]

The scholar of the ummah, Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: this means singing. Mujaahid (may Allah have mercy on him) said: this means playing the
drum (tabl). (Tafseer al-Tabari, 21/40).

Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This ayah was revealed concerning singing and musical instruments. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/451).

Al-Sa’di (may Allah have mercy on him) said: this includes all manner of haraam speech, all idle talk and falsehood, and all nonsense that encourages kufr and disobedience; the words of those who say things to refute the truth and argue in support of falsehood to defeat the truth; and backbiting, slander, lies, insults and curses; the singing and musical instruments of the Shaytaan; and musical instruments which are of no spiritual or worldly benefit. (Tafseer al-Sa’di, 6/150)

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The interpretation of the Sahaabah and Taabi’in, that ‘idle talk’ refers to singing, is sufficient. This was reported with saheeh isnaads from Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ibn Mas’ood. Abu’l-Sahbaa’ said: I asked Ibn Mas’ood about the ayah (interpretation of the meaning), ‘“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks’ [Luqmaan 31:6]. He said: By Allah, besides Whom there is no other god, this means singing – and he repeated it three times.

It was also reported with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that this means singing. There is no contradiction between the interpretation of “idle talk” as meaning singing and the interpretation of it as meaning stories of the Persians and their kings, and the kings of the Romans, and so on, such as al-Nadr ibn al-Haarith used to tell to the people of Makkah to distract them from the Quran. Both of
them are idle talk. Hence Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “Idle talk” is falsehood and singing. Some of the Sahaabah said one and some said the other, and some said both. Singing is worse and more harmful than stories of kings, because it leads to zinaa and makes hypocrisy grow (in the heart); it is the trap of the Shaytaan, and it clouds the mind. The way in which it blocks people from the Quran is worse than the way in which other kinds of false talk block them, because people are naturally inclined towards it and tend to want to listen to it. The ayat condemn replacing the Quran with idle talk in order to mislead (men) from the path of Allah without knowledge and taking it as a joke, because when an ayah of the Quran is recited to such a person, he turns his back as if he heard them not, as if there were deafness in his ear. If he hears anything of it, he makes fun of it. All of this happens only in the case of the people who are most stubbornly kaafirs and if some of it happens to singers and those who listen to them, they both have a share of this blame. (Ighaathat al-Lahfaan, 1/258-259)

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“and befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allah’s disobedience)…” [al-Israa’ 17:64]

It was narrated that Mujaahid (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice” – his voice [the voice of Iblees/Shaytaan] is singing and falsehood. Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This idaafah [possessive or genitive construction, i.e., your voice] serves to make the meaning specific, as with the phrases [translated as] “your cavalry” and “your infantry” [later in the same ayah]. Everyone who speaks in any way that is not obedient to Allah, everyone who blows into a flute or other woodwind instrument, or who plays any haraam kind of drum, this is the voice of the Shaytaan. Everyone who walks to commit some act of disobedience towards Allah is part of his [the Shaytaan’s] infantry, and anyone who rides to commit sin is part of his cavalry. This is the view of the Salaf, as Ibn ‘Abi Haatim narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas: his infantry is everyone who walks to disobey Allah. (Ighaathat al-Lahfaan).

THE VIEW OF THE TAABI’EEN IMAMS AND SCHOLARS AFTER THEM
The view held by the companions was generally adhered to by the taabi’een and their followers, the four imams and the great majority of dependable Islamic scholars up to the present time. From among the taabi’een and their followers, there are such authorities asMujaahid, Ikrimah, An-Nakha’i and Al-Hassan Al-Basri.(*107)

IMAM ABU HANEEFAH:
Imam Abu Haneefah(*108) has perhaps the harshest view of the four famous Imams of jurisprudence.

His school of thought is the strictest, for he detested singing and considered it sinful. As for his disciples, they have explicitly confirmed the prohibition of listening to all musical amusements and pastimes, including wind instruments (mazaameer),(*109) all types of tambourines, hand drums (dufoof)(*110) and even the striking of sticks(al-qadeeb). They have asserted that such actions constitute disobedience to Allah and that the performer of such action is sinful, therefore necessitating rejection of his testimony.(*111) They have further stated that it is incumbent upon the Muslim to struggle to avoid listening to such things, even if he were passing by or stationed near them (without any willful intention). Abu Haneefah’s closest disciple, Abu Yoosuf, stated that if the sound of musical instruments (ma’aazif) and amusements (malaahi) were heard coming from a house, the house could be entered without permission of its owners.(*112) The justification for this is that the command regarding the prohibition of abominable things (munkaaraat) is mandatory, and cannot be established if such entering rests upon the permission of the residents of the premises.(*113) This is the madhhab (position) of the rest of theKufic scholars as well, such as Ibraheem An-Nakha’i, Ash-Sha’bi, Hammaad and Ath-Thowri. They do not differ on this issue. The same can be said of the general body of jurisprudence of Al-Basrah.(*114)

IMAAM MAALIK:
It is related by Ibnul-Jowzi that Ishaaq bin ‘Eesaa At-Tabba’a asked Imaam Maalik bin Anas,(*115) the leading jurisprudent of Madeenah, about the view of the people of Madeenah regarding singing (ghinaa). He replied, “In fact, that is done by the sinful ones.” Abut-teeb At-Tabari said, “As for Maalik bin Anas, he truly did prohibit singing and listening to it.” He further related that Maalik said, “If one purchased a slave-girl(*116) and found her to be a professional singer, he could return her to the original owner for reimbursement on the claim of having found fault in the merchandise.”(*117)

The ruling of prohibition (tahreem) is generally agreed upon by the scholars ofMadeenah. The Maaliki jurisprudence and commentator, Al-Qurtubi, reports Ibn Khuwayz Mandaad as saying that Imam Maalik had learned singing and music as a small boy until his mother encouraged him to leave it for a study of the religious sciences. He did, and his view became that such things were prohibited.(*118) Al-Qurtubi confirmed Maalik’s view by saying that the only exception to this general ruling was the type of innocent songs such as those sung to placate the camels during travel, or during hard labor or boredom or during times of festivity and joy, such as the E’ ed days and
weddings – the latter to the accompaniment of a simple daff (hand drum). Al-Qurtubi then said, “As for that which is done in our day, by way of the [blameworthy] innovations [bidah] of the Sufi mystics in their addition to hearing songs to the accompaniment of melodious instruments such as flutes, string instruments, etc., such is haraam [forbidden].(*119)

IMAAM SHAAFI’EE:
In the book, Aadaabul Qadaa, Ash-Shaafi’ee is reported as saying, “Verily, song is loathsome [makrooh]; it resembles the false and vain thing [al-baatil]. The one who partakes of it frequently is an incompetent fool whose testimony is to be rejected.”(*121) His closest and most knowledgeable disciples clearly stipulate that his position on this issue is that of prohibition (tahreem) and they rebuke those who attribute its legality to him.(*122) This is confirmed by the later Shafi’ite scholar, Ibn Hajar Al-Haythami. He related that one of Ash-Shaafi’ee’s disciples, Al-Haarith Al-Muhaasibi (d.243 H) said, “Song is haraam, just as the carcass [maytah](*123) is.” Furthermore, the statement that singing is haraam is found in the treatise, Ash-Sharh Al-Kabeer, by the authoritative Shafi’ite scholar, Ar-Raafi’ee (d.623 H.). This is further corroborated by the accomplished Shafiiite jurisprudent, Imam An-Nawawi (d.676 H.) in his Rowdah.(*124) Such is the correct view of the dependable scholars of the Shafi’ite madhhab. However, due to limited knowledge and personal fancy and desire, a few of their latter-day scholars disagree with this view.(*125)

IMAM AHMAD BIN HANBAL:
Imaam Ahmad’s(*126) position regarding this issue has been narrated in detail by the Hanbalite jurisprudent and Quranic commentator, Abul-Faraj Ibnul-Jowzi (d.597 H.) in his treatise, Tablees Iblees (Satan’s deception). He tells us that ghinaa during Ahmad’s era consisted primarily of a rhymed, rythmical chanting (inshaad) of poems(*127) whose purpose was to lead people to a pious, abstentious way of life. However, when such chanters began to vary their simple style to one of a throbbing, affected melody, the narrations regarding Ahmad began to differ. His own son and student, Abdullah, relates that his father said, “Singing(*128) sprouts hypocrisy in the heart; it doesn’t please me.” The scholar, Ismaa’eel bin Ishaaq Ath-Thaqafi, reports that Ahmad was questioned regarding one’s listening to those poems (qasaaid) to which he replied, “I despise it, for it is a bid’ah [innovation]. Don’t sit down to listen to its reciters.” Abul-Haarith relates that Ahmad said, “At-taghyeer(*129) is an innovation,” whereupon it was said, “But it sensitizes and softens the heart.” Ahmad rejoined, “It is a bid’ah [blameworthy innovation].” Yaqoob Al-Haashimi narrates that Ahmad said, “At-taghyeer is a recent innovation,” and Yaqoob bin Gayyaath reports him as saying that he despised at-taghyeer and prohibited one’s listening to it.(*130)

Ibnul-Jowzi then mentioned some narrations related by Abu Bakr Al-Khlallaal and Ahmad’s son Saalih, which indicate Ahmad’s not being averse to poetry sessions. It is related that Ahmad heard a singer (qawwal) a didn’t reproach him, whereupon Saalih said to him, “Oh father, didn’t you used to criticize and censure such a thing?” Ahmad replied, “That was because I was told that they were doing reproachable things, so i despised it; as for this, I do not dislike it.” Ibnul-Jowzi commented at this point, “Some of the scholars of our [Hanbalite] school mention that Abu Bakr Al-Khallaal (d.311 H.) and his disciple, Abdul-Azeez, permitted singing [ghinaa]. Such a statement refers to the spiritual poems [qasaaid zuhduyyaat] which were prevalent during their time. This is precisely the type of singing which was not disliked by Ahmad [as previously mentioned].(*131) Ahmad bin Hanbal attests to this in the instance where he was asked regarding a deceased person who left behind him a son and
a [professional singing] slave-girl.(*132) The son then needed to sell her. Ahmad said that she was not to be sold on the basis of her being a singer. Upon this it was said to him that, [as a singer], she was worth thirty-thousand dirhams, whereas if she were sold only on the basis of her being simply a slave-girl, she would perhaps be worth only twenty dinars. Ahmad reaffirmed that she was allowed to be sold only on the basis of her being simply a slave-girl.” Ibnul-Jowzi explained, “The reason Ahmad
said this is because the singing slave-girl doesn’t sing spiritual poems [qasaaid zuhdiyaat]; rather, she sings throbbing lyrics which incite passion in one’s being. This is proof that such singing is haraam, for if it were not so, the incurred loss of the orphans son’s wealth would not be permissible.(*133) Furthermore, it is reported by the jurisprudent Al-Mirwazi that Ahmad bin Hanbal said, “The earnings of the effeminate [mukhannath] singer are foul [khabeeth] because he doesn’t sing spiritual poems, but rather, he sings erotic poetry [al-ghazal] in a licentious, cooing manner.” Ibnul-Jowzi concluded that it is obvious from what has preceded that the variant narrations relating to Ahmads dislike of (karaahah) or permission for singing depended upon the type of singing that was meant. As for the type of singing which is popular today,(*134) it would be forbidden according to Ahmad’s view. If only he could see what the people have added to it by way of innovation.(*135)

In conclusion, the general consensus of the companions, taabi’een and the following generations of Islamic scholars up to the present day, including the four Imams, points to the ruling of prohibition of music and song (other than the exceptions to be mentioned later).

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Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

During Ramadan and fasting, it’s Sunnah to break your fast with dates. However, there is a campaign to boycott certain dates because the manufacturers are either directly or indirectly responsible and supporting the illegal occupation of Palestine the oppression of the Palestinians. By buying their dates, you will be helping to continue the occupation of Muslim lands in Palestine.

I have copied the below article from the Friends of Al-Aqsa website:

This Ramadan, Don’t Break your Fast with an Israeli Date

Ramadan is a time of year when we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  It  would be an affront if at such a time we helped support oppression

Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many people unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts. These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

For this reason, Friends of Al Aqsa will again be launching the ‘Check the Label’ Campaign.

Volunteer Ambassador

Volunteer to be an ambassador for the Check the Label Campaign in your area. This will mean you will help promote the campaign in your area. This will include distributing leaflets, speaking to shop owners, setting up stalls and much more. become an Ambassador and order your free literature to help spread the word.

Check The Label

Most of the major supermarkets will stock dates produced in Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Dates produced in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley are from Illegal Israeli Settlements and should also be boycotted.

Making Money from the Occupation

• Dates were Israel’s leading fruit export, most of which come to Europe
• The total income for Israel from dates in a year is approximately €80 million.

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

Inspired by the struggle of South Africans against apartheid and in the spirit of international solidarity, moral consistency and resistance to injustice and oppression,

We, representatives of Palestinian civil society, call upon international civil society organizations and people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era. We appeal to you to pressure your respective states to impose embargoes and sanctions against Israel. We also invite conscientious Israelis to support this Call, for the sake of justice and genuine peace.

These non-violent punitive measures should be maintained until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian peoples inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law by:

1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;
2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

Israelis will claim that Palestinians are allowed to work on the land of these settlers and therefore they are provided with jobs and a boycott will harm them. In actual fact, these Palestinians are employed for paltry wages, and they are required to do the back-breaking work that the Israeli settlers will not do themselves. This means the Israeli settlers reap the rewards for the harvests while doing very little of the work themselves.

Palestinian children are employed by these settlers, and they are forced to work long hours under a hot baking sun for small sums of money. This exploitation means that these children miss out on an education.

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

There are plenty of varieties of dates from various other countries to break your fast. However if you would like  Medjoul dates from Palestine and  help the Palestinian farmers they are available from  YAFFA. YAFFA source there dates from Palestine and FOA are helping YAFFA distribute dates this Ramadhan.

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

FOA have sent letters to over 1000 wholesalers and shops but we need your help to add the personal touch as that is the best method to encourage people to join the campaign.

There are 6 steps to this stage. We would like you to:

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for Wholesalers and Shop Owners: Click here for the letter.
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from dates@checkthelabel.org.uk so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission)

Method:

1. Identify the wholesalers, importers and shops in your area hand deliver the wholesaler/shop letters supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell wholesalers and shop owners about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Let them know that they can buy dates from many other countries, but if they want to buy medjoul dates from Palestine they can contact medjoul@checkthelabel.org.uk, (+44) (0)116 2125 441 or Zaytoun on (+44) (0)207 609 5699
4. Keep in touch with the shops that you have approached and continue to encourage and support them to join the campaign.
5. Write down addresses of shops which agree to support the campaign so we can write a letter to them to thank them for their support.
6. Take pictures of the campaign and keep head office updated on your work in your locality.

Stage Two

Most of the people we have approached during the Check the Label campaign did not know dates are from Israel and also did not know that dates labelled West Bank or the Jordan Valley should also be Boycotted.   Once they were told, the overwhelming majority of people were happy to join the boycott.

Boycott is about people power.  We need your help to inform people they should ‘Check the Label’ and boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for mosques and organisations : Click here for the letter
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from here so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission).

Method:

1. Identify Mosques and Community Centres in your area and hand deliver the Mosque/organisation letter supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell the mosque/ community centre contact about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Ask them if you can leave leaflets at the entrance and put up a poster
4. Organise a time with friends and family to distribute outside the mosque after prayers, especially after Friday prayers.
5. Let FOA know when you are planning to distribute outside mosques so we can try and co-ordinate with other volunteers.
6. Contact your local newspaper and your local radio Ramadhan to let them know what is happening. Take photos when it is appropriate  and send updates to info@checkthelabel.org.uk

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the  criterion (between what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

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Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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