THE MIDDLE WAY
You are all aware that the environment in which we live,is at the least an
antagonistic one.Hardly a week goes by without our beliefs being under
vigorous attack.Much of the societal norms or cultural values,customs and
practices in this environment if not actually hostile to our faith,is in the
very least,diametrically opposed to our religious teachings.Allah Subhanahu
Wa Ta'Ala in his Wisdom has blessed us as a Muslim Community by placing us
in such an enviornment,so that we may act as ambassadors,as examples,as
instruments for Islam to our fellow citizens in this country.
To be successful in any undertaking,we have to take into account reality and
deal with it in a sensible way.This does not mean that we have to negate our
belief,or manipulate it to suit what is happening.No,that is not the way.I
emphasise that this is not at all,what I intend to talk about.What I mean to
convey is this: 'While we wish to live as Muslims and communicate our
beliefs to others,pass it on to our children,families,neighbours,relatives
and friends we have to take into account the environmental reality of the
society with which we are surrounded.To this end I wish to take cite a few
anecdotes,which occurred at the time of the Prophet(peace be on him) and in
the time of the Sahabah.I hope we will find therein some raiment to cover
ourselves with,some provision,some food for thought,with which to sustain
ourselves in our lives in this country.
First,I would like to refer to a chapter in the Holt Quran entitled
"AT-Taahrim"(surah 66)[The Prohibition] which contain some refenences to
events of crises in the Council of the Prophet(peace be on him). When
commenting on the chapter,Ibn Kathir and others relate that while Abdullah
ibn Abbas was on pilgrimage with Umar ibn Al-kattab(may Allah be pleased
with both of them,they were asked about the verse whichreferred to two of
the Prophet's wives who were invloved in the bringing about of that
crises.During the course of his answer Umar said to Abdullah ibn Abbas:
"Look! We, the menfolk of Quraish,the people that came from Makkah used to
prevail over our women,but when we came to Medinah we found the women of the
people of Medinah prevail over their menfolk". " On a day"said Umar " I was
speaking to my wife and she promptly answered me back".I denied her this
right right and she retorted "You deny me the right to answer back while the
Prophet(peace be on him) is answered back by his wives".[brothers and
sisters please take note of this point,we are constantly reminded by
commentators who are either bias or ignorant of the teachings of the Islam,
that Islam suppresses women.It is not Islam that is at fault,it is customs
and cultural practices.Read 1. The Daughter of Isis by El-Saadawi(Egyptian
feminist) or 2. the Princess by You will stop blaming Islam and start
blaming the 2 C's---addition by Musa].
The point I am trying to bring to your attention is that in Makkah the
situation was different from that prevailing in Madinah.The women of
Madinah used to assert their right to answer their mnefolf back,which
illustrates to us that it could be that different envoronments help shape a
people's behaviour,help shape their respone,their action,the way they
react.The Holy Quran itself makes us aware that the different environments
produce a different product.Allah subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala says what could be
translated in this way: " Good arable land will produce abundant vegetation
by leave and with the permission of the Cherisher and Sustainer of the
world.And bad land will produce nothing but that which may be the source of
unhappiness to it's inhabitants". If this is a fact,different environments
different societal norms,different cultures dictate or help shape human
reponse and this has to be taken into account.Our situation here demands
that we face up to this challenge.
Living in conditions that are completelydifferent to that of our countries
of origin we have to find ways of adaptions to suit this environment and for
us this has become a priority.I reiterate that we need not behave in a
manner that is unislamic but common sense will provide a sensible way
without sacrificing principles.The Prophet(peace be on him),while bidding
farewell to two of his companions who were sent to Yemen to preach and teach
the people about Islam is reported to have said: "There you will come across
the people of the Book(the Christains and the Jews).The first thing you
should tell them is that there is no god but Allah and that there is no
deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Mohammad is the Messenger of
Allah.If they accept tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five
prayers during the day and night.If they accept,then tell them that Allah
Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala demands that a portion of their wealth is to be
surrenderd and to be spent for welfare of the needy among them.". so,as you
can see the priority,taking into account what the Sahaba faced,was one of
doing the best one is capable of doing without compromising principles.In
another anecdote it is reported that Syedna Umar ibn Alkhattab when seeing
off a delegation which he was sending to Iraq said to them: " Do you know
why I came to see you off?" They replied: " To encourage us" He said:
"Yes,but in addition to that,to tell you when you reach your destination you
will finf a people busily engaged in reading and reciting the Quran and
due to this engagement,you will hear the sound of their recitation
reverberating as if a swarm of bees were hovering over you.So do not teach
them much of the Sunnah,keeping teaching them the Quran." This does not mean
that Syedna Umar gave instrution to undermine the Sunnah.No!,he is simply
acknowledging the fact that the educational activities and aspirations of
those people were channelled in a certain way.Then when you wish to deal
with them,take that end into account.Otherwise,you may run into problems.We
know also,that Imam Shafii when he was in Iraq,used to give Fatwas and
rulings on certain questions.Then when he moved down to Egypt,he gave
different rulings on the same issues.It doesn't mean that facts and truth
change from one place and another.No! but it does mena that you have to take
the circumstances of the people into account when you are giving fatwas or
when you are planning or undertaking projects for the community,when you
serve in any capacity in the service of the community.
Furthermore, we read that the Prophet(peace be on him)in the latter part of
his life,as narrated by Al Bukhari and others,used to say to his wife
Aisha(RadiAllahu anhu): "Had not your people been close to the Jahiliya
time,I would have rebuilt Al-Kabba on the foundation on which Ibhrahim had
built it".This means that the desire of the Prophet(peace be on him) was to
rebuild Al-kaaba on the very foundation on which Ibrahim had built
Al-kaaba.But,taking into consideration the sentiment,the attachment of the
people to Al-kaaba at the time, and that they showed great respect in it's
circumambulation he left the structure as it was and till today the 'Maqam
Ibrahim' although a part of the original structure stands away from
Al-kaaba.
In living our Islam,in demonstrating our Islam,in preaching Islam to others
we should not lose sight of reality and we should never let custom and
cultural practices contravene the tenets of Islam. We should implement some
of the illustrated advice in our lives.If for example we were to behave to
wards our children as we do in our countries of origin where they are
physically chastised if they misbehave. If that were to be done here,you may
create great problems because the law has empowered agencies and officers to
interfere and they may even make the child a ward of the court or place the
child in care.I am not saying you should not teach your child what is right
and what is wrong.Teach him/her for it is your duty but remember the way it
should be done.If you take another practical example, in this country people
are intoxicated by the word 'DEMOCRACY' and they have a wide variety of
different political parties.So,when you are living here and wish to serve
the community socially you have to take on board that fact. Not divide
Muslims for of course,Islam is the religion of Unity. To neglect that fact
will only worsen the plight of the muslims who already face the hostility
of the environment and those who wish to eradicate it from this
society.Take heed of the attitudes of the people,ponder over their reactions
then shape your philosophy without ever compromising the tenets of your
belief..In plain words be the ambassadors of your noble way of life.
THE END.
*********************************************************************
This khutbah was first delivered on August 1990 at the London Central Mosque
& Islamic Cultural Centre, 146,Park Road,London by Sheikh Gamal Manna'a.
Brothers and Sisters,the Khutbah for the coming weeks starting next week
inshalla will be coming from the Holy cities of Makkah and Medina.
PASSAGES FROM THE HOLY QURAN:
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.
2.This is the book(the Quran),whereof there is no doubt,a guidnace to those
who are Al-Muttaqun[the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah
much(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden
and love Allah much(perform all kinds of goods deeds which he has
ordained)].
3.Who believe in the Ghaib.Al-Ghaib:literally means a thing not seen.But
this word includes vast meanings:[This includes
1. Belief in Allah
2
.Angels.
3.Holy
Books
4.Allah's
Messengers
5.Day of
Resurrection
6.Al-Qadar(Divine Preordainments]
and perform As-salat(Iqamat-as-Salat)[every Muslim,male or female,is obliged
to offer his salat regularly five times a day at the specified times;the
male in a mosque(preferably) in congregation and the female at home(optional
at the mosque).As the Prophet (peace be on him)has said:"order your children
for salat at the age of seven and beat them (about it) at the age of ten."]
and spend out of what we have provide for them[i.e. give zakat,spend on
themselves,their parents,their children,their wives,and also give charity to
the poor and also in Allah's Cause-Jihad].
4.And who believe in (the Quran and the Sunnah) which has been sent down
(revealed) to you (Mohammad) and in that which were sent down before you
[the Taurat(Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and they believe with certainty
in the Hereafter.(resurrection) recompence of their good and bad
deeds,Paradise and Hell).
5.They are on (true) guidance from their Lord,and they are the successful.
6.Verily,those who disbelieve,it is the same to them whether you warn them
or do not warm them, they will not believe.(Surah Al-Baqarah 2-6).
85. Whosoever intercedes for a good cause will have the reward thereof,and
whosoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a share in its burden.And
Allah is ever All-able to do (and also an all-witness to )everything.
86. When you are greeted with a greeting,greet in return with what is better
than it,or at least) return it equally. Certainly,Allah is ever a Careful
Account Taker of all things.
87.Allah!La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He).
Surely,He will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection about which
there is no doubt. And who is truer in statement than Allah?[ Surah An-
Nisa (4):85-87].
o you who believe!
stand firmly in your devotion to Allah,
bearing witness to the truth in complete fairness;
and never let hatred of anyone
lead you to make the mistake of deviating from justice.
Be just:this is the closest to being God-conscious.
And remain conscious of God;
truly God is well-aware of all that you do.
[Surah Al-Ma'idah(5):8]
Luqman's advice to his son(Luqman is reported to be of African descent)
13 And (remember) when Luqmān said to his son when he was advising him: "O
my son! Join not in worship others with Allāh. Verily! Joining others in
worship with Allāh is a great Zūlm (wrong) indeed.
14 And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His
mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his
weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is
the final destination.
15 But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me
others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave
with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in
repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall
tell you what you used to do.
16 "O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard
seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allāh
will bring it forth. Verily, Allāh is Subtle (in bringing out that grain),
WellAware (of its place).
17 "O my son! AqimisSalāt (perform AsSalāt), enjoin (people) for
AlMa'rūf (Islāmic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people)
from AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allāh, polytheism of all
kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befall
you. Verily! These are some of the important commandments ordered by Allāh
with no exemption.
18 "And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence
through the earth. Verily, Allāh likes not each arrogant boaster.
19 "And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your
voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the
ass." (surah Al-luqman(31) verses 13-19).
HADITH:
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet(peace be on him)said "charity is
obligatory everyday on everyjoint of a human being(to show gratitude to
Allah for keeping your body safe and sound,you should give in charity or do
charitable deeds),
1.if one helps a person to mount his animal so that he can ride it safely or
lifting his luggage ob to it,this is consider as charity.
2.A good word offer to somebody is regarded as charity.
3.Every step one takes to offer the compulsory Congregational prayer is
regarded as charity.
4.And guiding somebody to cross the road safely is regarded as charity.
[Sahih Al-Bukhari,Vol.4 hadith no 141].
DUA(SUPPLICATION)
O our Sustainer!
do not let our hearts swerve from the truth after You have guided us;and
bestow on us the gift of Your grace:truly,You are the giver of Gifts.(3:8)
O our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter and save
us from the punishment of Hell-fire.
O Allah, You are the source of peace and from you You comes peace,exalted
You are,O Lord of Majesty and Honour.
O allah, forgive me and my parents and my teachers and all the believing men
and women snd all muslim-men and women with your mercy. O Most Merciful of
all who have Mercy.
Our Lord,we have wrong ourselves and if you do not forgive us and have mercy
on us,surely we we will be of the losers.
Allāh! Lā ilāha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the
Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither
slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens
and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with
His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world,
and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass
anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursī extends over
the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and
preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. [This Verse 2:255
is called Ayat-ul-Kursī.]
1 Say: "I seek refuge with (Allāh) the Lord of the daybreak,
2 "From the evil of what He has created;
3 "And from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness;
(or the moon as it sets or goes away).
4 "And from the evil of the witchcrafts when they blow in the knots,
5 "And from the evil of the envier when he envies."
1 In the Name of Allāh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
2 All the praises and thanks be to Allāh, the Lord of the 'Alamīn (mankind,
jinns and all that exists).
3 The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
4 The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e.
the Day of Resurrection).
5 You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and
everything).
6 Guide us to the Straight Way.
7 The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace , not (the way) of
those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray. Ameem.
with the very best of good wishes,
Musa amadu Pembo,
Glasgow
Scotland
UK
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