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 _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------