With Ramadan fast approaching, it is best to be prepared for this blessed month. Many people focus on taking advantage of Ramadan by fasting, performing Salah, going to the Masjid for Taraweeh and Tahujjud and reciting from the Holy Qur’an.
However, as women, we know there is a certain time period when we cannot fast and pray. Because of this, we tend to feel disconnected from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and our iman tends to decrease.
Instead of focusing on the acts of worship we cannot perform, we have to find other ways to keep our iman high and gain reward from our Lord.
Be content with Allah’s decree
The most important thing to do is to be content with what Allah ta’ala has decreed for us, as women. That means don’t hate your period and don’t hate not fasting. Also, complaining about your situation suggests that you are not satisfied with what Allah ta’ala has ordained. It also proposes the idea that you think your Lord is somehow being unfair to you and not giving you as much reward as you deserve or want to earn, which is absurd. Our Lord is not trying to make us “lose points” and He is never unfair.
Remember Allah is Merciful
Anytime you feel down about “missing out” during Ramadan, remember: Abdullah Bin ‘Amr reported that the Prophet said: “No (believing) person gets sick, but (his deeds) will be recorded for him in accordance with what he used to do when he was well.” [Bukhari]
I am not suggesting that this is what happens when we are menstruating, because I do not know if that is the case. However, I do believe that our Rabb, who has placed such a merciful method of recording our deeds, has one just as merciful for women.
Sickness is a blessing
Surely, we have all heard that when someone is ill, his or her sins are being washed away. So while we are not praying, it is possible that enduring a few painful cramps with patience may raise our ranks in front of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala more than praying a few Rak’ahs and may wash away many of our sins.
Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
A break from fasting is not a break from Ramadan
Remember, just because you are unable to fast and pray does not mean you should give up all the good you have been doing. Continue to make the efforts of being a better Muslimah by abstaining from watching TV or listening to music. If you have been trying to gossip less, keep up the effort. Refrain from the negative actions that you were refraining from while fasting.
Replace certain good deeds with other ones
•Instead of going to the Masjid to pray Taraweeh, you can go to the Masjid and listen to the recitation.
•Baby-sit for a sister who has children so that she can go to the Masjid instead.
•Offer to baby-sit in the children’s area in the Masjid.
•Make a du’a list so that you do not end up repeating the same few du’as over and over again.
•Help around the house as much as you can by offering to cook, clean, or simply take care of things when others may be too tired from fasting, so that you can get reward.
•Serve food and water while people are eating.
•Listen to the Qur’an on your iPod or laptop while you are doing daily chores.
•Feed those who are fasting, which will give you the same amount of reward.
Don’t forget to eat
We tend not to eat all day even though we are not fasting. There is reward in eating, since Allah has ordained us not to fast during this time. However, if Allah has given us ease, we should accept it and be thankful to Him. When we are fasting, we complain of hunger, yet when we are not fasting, we do not eat. SubhanAllah! But remember; try not to eat in front of those who are fasting out of good etiquette.
Stay in the habit of Salah times
To stay in the habit of making Salah, when you hear the adhan, go make wudu. While others are praying, take the time to make dhikr, istighfaar or du’a. This way, you stay in the habit of prayer times and you will not struggle once you pray again.
Just remember that there is a lot that can be done when you cannot pray and fast. All you have to do is make an effort to stay connected with Allah ta’ala and insha’Allah, He will help you. You just need to make the intention.
Source: http://www.igotitcovered.org/2011/07/06/no-breaks-from-ramadan/
Showing posts with label Muslims in Society- Women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muslims in Society- Women. Show all posts
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
A Women’s Guide to Spirituality in Ramadan during Menstruation and Postnatal Bleeding by Kanika Aggarwal
Some information has been adapted from the following sources: Closed Doors and Opened Eyes: Spirituality for the Non-Fasting by Shazia Ahmad & A Muslim Day in Ramadan – Morning till Evening by Sh. Riad Quarzazi. Previously published in Sisters magazine August 2011 Issue
While others will be busy in acts of worship such as fasting, praying, reading Qur’an, etc., most women will spend a portion of Ramadan in the state of menstruation (or postnatal bleeding), leaving them unable to participate in the aforementioned activities.
It is not easy to stay positive at times like these, especially when we see those around us rushing to masaajid for taraweeh prayers, spending time in ‘itikaaf and reciting the Qur’an. This can lead us to feeling deprived of the reward of this blessed month, and often this feeling ends up decreasing our spirituality rather than increasing it.
Our menstrual cycles (or postnatal bleeding) are a part of Allah subhaana wa ta’alaa‘s creation and something that is ordained by Him. Allah subhaana wa ta’alaa tells us in the Qur’an that “He has created us in the best of molds” [At-Teen:4]. We are also told that Allah has “appointed a due proportion” [At-Talaq:2-3] for everything and that “for every matter there is an appointed time given” [Ar-Rad:38]. [1] Thus, to complain about it would be to question the Wisdom of Allah subhaana wa ta’alaa. This is not anything to feel sad or inconvenienced about, but rather it should be accepted as part of the Divine Wisdom.
This same message was conveyed to us by Ayesha radi Allahu ‘anha via the hadith of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Ayesha narrates that, “We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, my menses began. The Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam came to me while I was crying and asked, ‘What is the matter with you? Has your menses started?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is something which Allah has destined for the daughter of Adam.’” (Al-Hakim)
Islam is the straight path that leads to the pleasure of Allah subhanaa wa ta’ala and ultimate success in the aakhirah. However, praise be to Allah, the path of Islam is broad, i.e. there is a huge variety of good deeds one can do to come closer to Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. Likewise, there are many other ways of achieving spirituality while we are on our menses (or going through postnatal bleeding) besides salaah, siyaam and ‘itikaaf. This was exemplified for us through the practice of the wife of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Narrated Maimuna, the wife of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, “During my menses, I never prayed, but used to sit on the mat beside the mosque of Allah’s Apostle…” (Bukhari)
Here are a few practical suggestions of good deeds that a Muslimah can do while she is menstruating or has postnatal bleeding.
At the time of the adhaan:
• Repeat after the adhaan
• Make du’a for the intercession of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam after the adhaan
• Allaahumma Rabba haathihid-da ‘watit-taammati wassalaatil-qaa’imati, ‘aati Muhammadanil-waseelata walfadheelata, wab ‘ath-hu maqaamam-mahmoodanil-lathee wa’adtahu, ['innaka laa tukhliful-mee'aad] (O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer. Grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and raise him to the honored station You have promised him, [verily You do not neglect promises]). [Reference: Bukhari & Bayhaqi]
• Make du’a between the adhaan and iqaama. Invocation during this time is not rejected.
When you wake up:
• “Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee ‘ahyaanaa ba’da maa ‘amaatanaa wa’ilayhin-nushoor.” (Praise is to Allah Who gives us life after He has caused us to die and to Him is the return.) [Reference: Bukhari]
• “Laa ‘illaha ‘illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in Qadeer Subhaanallahi, walhamdu lillaahi, wa laa ‘ilaha ‘illallahu, wallaahu ‘akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa Quwwata ‘illaa billaahil-’Aliyyil-’Adheem, Rabbighfir lee.” (There is none worth of worship but Allah alone, Who has no partner, His is the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worth of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no power except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.) [Reference: Bukhari]
In the morning (after fajr) / evening (before maghrib):
• “A ‘oothu billaahi minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem. Allaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta’khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maa fil-’ardh, man thai-lathee yashfa’u ‘indahu ‘illaa bi’ithnih, ya’lamu maa bayna ‘aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay’im-min ‘ilmihi ‘illaa bimaa shaa’a, wasi’a kursiyyuhus samaawaati wal’ardh, wa laa ya’ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal- ‘Aliyyul- ‘Adheem.” (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast. – Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne 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.) [Reference: Al Hakim]
• Recite Surat’l-Ikhlaas, Surat’l-Falaq, Surat’l-Nas – 3 times each in morning and evening [Reference: Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi]
• More morning and evening adhkaar can be found here: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/027.html
• Suggested Task: Read an English translation of half a juz of the Qur’an after fajr and before maghrib to complete 1 juz a day insha’Allah
During afternoon time:
• Listen to an Islamic lecture or read an Islamic book
At maghrib time:
• Help people break their fast by offering them dates and water
• Host an iftaar for family and guests
At isha time:
• Have family circle time at home and have a member of the house recite the Qur’an to the rest of the family followed by tafseer of those ayaat
Before sleeping:
• Cup your palms together, blow gently into them and recite Surat’l-Ikhlaas, Surat’l-Falaq, and Surat’l-Nas. Then pass your hands over as much of your body as you can reach, beginning with the head and then face, then the entire front of your body. Do this three times. [Reference: Bukhari]
• Recite Ayat’l-Kursi. [Reference: Bukhari]
• Recite last 2 verses of Surat’l-Baqarah. [Reference: Bukhari]
• Recite Surah Mulk. [Reference: An Nasai]
• More on “what to say before sleeping” can be found here: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/028.html
Other acts that you can do
At the masjid:
• Shake hands with sisters and spread salaam at the masjid, especially engaging with newcomers.
• Sponsor iftaars at various masaajid if possible
• Volunteer for masjid clean up afterwards [1]
• Babysit during taraweeh so that the mothers (and everyone else!) can pray with khushu’ and concentration [1]
• Make a CD of beautiful Qur’an recitation and du’as and distribute it at the masjid [1]
At home:
• Have a qiyaam program for other sisters at your house – prepare iftaar and suhoor for them
• Look for new converts, those who are newly practicing or people who have lost touch with the community and invite them over for iftaar and ‘Eid [1]
• Think of Eid party ideas/gifts for family, spouse, children, neighbors and begin your preparations.
In your own time:
• Memorize ayaat of the Qur’an.
• Donate – clothes, food, toys, money etc.
• Make tawbah (repentance) and shukr (gratitude)
• Memorize Allah’s names and their meanings [1]. Use them in making personal du’a.
• Visit the sick in your area or at the hospital [1].
• Always keep your tongue moist with the dhikr of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallah, Allahu Akbar and send salaams and salawaat on the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam while cooking, cleaning, driving, etc.
I sincerely pray that this Ramadan all of us witness an increase in our spirituality and a betterment in the relationship we have with Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. May Allah allow us to witness the blessed month of Ramadan and give us the opportunity to perform acts of ibaadah that weigh heavy on the scales on the Day of Judgment, ameen.
[1] These ideas were co-opted from Sr Shazia Ahmed’s article which can be found on SuhaibWebb.com.
Source: http://muslimmatters.org/2011/08/03/a-womens-guide-to-spirituality-in-ramadan-during-menstruation-and-postnatal-bleeding/
While others will be busy in acts of worship such as fasting, praying, reading Qur’an, etc., most women will spend a portion of Ramadan in the state of menstruation (or postnatal bleeding), leaving them unable to participate in the aforementioned activities.
It is not easy to stay positive at times like these, especially when we see those around us rushing to masaajid for taraweeh prayers, spending time in ‘itikaaf and reciting the Qur’an. This can lead us to feeling deprived of the reward of this blessed month, and often this feeling ends up decreasing our spirituality rather than increasing it.
Our menstrual cycles (or postnatal bleeding) are a part of Allah subhaana wa ta’alaa‘s creation and something that is ordained by Him. Allah subhaana wa ta’alaa tells us in the Qur’an that “He has created us in the best of molds” [At-Teen:4]. We are also told that Allah has “appointed a due proportion” [At-Talaq:2-3] for everything and that “for every matter there is an appointed time given” [Ar-Rad:38]. [1] Thus, to complain about it would be to question the Wisdom of Allah subhaana wa ta’alaa. This is not anything to feel sad or inconvenienced about, but rather it should be accepted as part of the Divine Wisdom.
This same message was conveyed to us by Ayesha radi Allahu ‘anha via the hadith of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Ayesha narrates that, “We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, my menses began. The Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam came to me while I was crying and asked, ‘What is the matter with you? Has your menses started?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is something which Allah has destined for the daughter of Adam.’” (Al-Hakim)
Islam is the straight path that leads to the pleasure of Allah subhanaa wa ta’ala and ultimate success in the aakhirah. However, praise be to Allah, the path of Islam is broad, i.e. there is a huge variety of good deeds one can do to come closer to Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. Likewise, there are many other ways of achieving spirituality while we are on our menses (or going through postnatal bleeding) besides salaah, siyaam and ‘itikaaf. This was exemplified for us through the practice of the wife of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Narrated Maimuna, the wife of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, “During my menses, I never prayed, but used to sit on the mat beside the mosque of Allah’s Apostle…” (Bukhari)
Here are a few practical suggestions of good deeds that a Muslimah can do while she is menstruating or has postnatal bleeding.
At the time of the adhaan:
• Repeat after the adhaan
• Make du’a for the intercession of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam after the adhaan
• Allaahumma Rabba haathihid-da ‘watit-taammati wassalaatil-qaa’imati, ‘aati Muhammadanil-waseelata walfadheelata, wab ‘ath-hu maqaamam-mahmoodanil-lathee wa’adtahu, ['innaka laa tukhliful-mee'aad] (O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer. Grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and raise him to the honored station You have promised him, [verily You do not neglect promises]). [Reference: Bukhari & Bayhaqi]
• Make du’a between the adhaan and iqaama. Invocation during this time is not rejected.
When you wake up:
• “Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee ‘ahyaanaa ba’da maa ‘amaatanaa wa’ilayhin-nushoor.” (Praise is to Allah Who gives us life after He has caused us to die and to Him is the return.) [Reference: Bukhari]
• “Laa ‘illaha ‘illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in Qadeer Subhaanallahi, walhamdu lillaahi, wa laa ‘ilaha ‘illallahu, wallaahu ‘akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa Quwwata ‘illaa billaahil-’Aliyyil-’Adheem, Rabbighfir lee.” (There is none worth of worship but Allah alone, Who has no partner, His is the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worth of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no power except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.) [Reference: Bukhari]
In the morning (after fajr) / evening (before maghrib):
• “A ‘oothu billaahi minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem. Allaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta’khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maa fil-’ardh, man thai-lathee yashfa’u ‘indahu ‘illaa bi’ithnih, ya’lamu maa bayna ‘aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay’im-min ‘ilmihi ‘illaa bimaa shaa’a, wasi’a kursiyyuhus samaawaati wal’ardh, wa laa ya’ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal- ‘Aliyyul- ‘Adheem.” (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast. – Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne 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.) [Reference: Al Hakim]
• Recite Surat’l-Ikhlaas, Surat’l-Falaq, Surat’l-Nas – 3 times each in morning and evening [Reference: Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi]
• More morning and evening adhkaar can be found here: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/027.html
• Suggested Task: Read an English translation of half a juz of the Qur’an after fajr and before maghrib to complete 1 juz a day insha’Allah
During afternoon time:
• Listen to an Islamic lecture or read an Islamic book
At maghrib time:
• Help people break their fast by offering them dates and water
• Host an iftaar for family and guests
At isha time:
• Have family circle time at home and have a member of the house recite the Qur’an to the rest of the family followed by tafseer of those ayaat
Before sleeping:
• Cup your palms together, blow gently into them and recite Surat’l-Ikhlaas, Surat’l-Falaq, and Surat’l-Nas. Then pass your hands over as much of your body as you can reach, beginning with the head and then face, then the entire front of your body. Do this three times. [Reference: Bukhari]
• Recite Ayat’l-Kursi. [Reference: Bukhari]
• Recite last 2 verses of Surat’l-Baqarah. [Reference: Bukhari]
• Recite Surah Mulk. [Reference: An Nasai]
• More on “what to say before sleeping” can be found here: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/028.html
Other acts that you can do
At the masjid:
• Shake hands with sisters and spread salaam at the masjid, especially engaging with newcomers.
• Sponsor iftaars at various masaajid if possible
• Volunteer for masjid clean up afterwards [1]
• Babysit during taraweeh so that the mothers (and everyone else!) can pray with khushu’ and concentration [1]
• Make a CD of beautiful Qur’an recitation and du’as and distribute it at the masjid [1]
At home:
• Have a qiyaam program for other sisters at your house – prepare iftaar and suhoor for them
• Look for new converts, those who are newly practicing or people who have lost touch with the community and invite them over for iftaar and ‘Eid [1]
• Think of Eid party ideas/gifts for family, spouse, children, neighbors and begin your preparations.
In your own time:
• Memorize ayaat of the Qur’an.
• Donate – clothes, food, toys, money etc.
• Make tawbah (repentance) and shukr (gratitude)
• Memorize Allah’s names and their meanings [1]. Use them in making personal du’a.
• Visit the sick in your area or at the hospital [1].
• Always keep your tongue moist with the dhikr of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallah, Allahu Akbar and send salaams and salawaat on the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam while cooking, cleaning, driving, etc.
I sincerely pray that this Ramadan all of us witness an increase in our spirituality and a betterment in the relationship we have with Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. May Allah allow us to witness the blessed month of Ramadan and give us the opportunity to perform acts of ibaadah that weigh heavy on the scales on the Day of Judgment, ameen.
[1] These ideas were co-opted from Sr Shazia Ahmed’s article which can be found on SuhaibWebb.com.
Source: http://muslimmatters.org/2011/08/03/a-womens-guide-to-spirituality-in-ramadan-during-menstruation-and-postnatal-bleeding/
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Check these out too!
1. http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?category=152
2. http://www.islam-qa.com/en/cat/16
3. http://www.islamreligion.com/category/101/
4. http://www.kalamullah.com/sisters.html
5. http://sisters.islamway.com/
6. http://www.habibihalaqas.org
7. http://www.igotitcovered.org/
8. http://www.youtube.com/user/idealmuslimah114
2. http://www.islam-qa.com/en/cat/16
3. http://www.islamreligion.com/category/101/
4. http://www.kalamullah.com/sisters.html
5. http://sisters.islamway.com/
6. http://www.habibihalaqas.org
7. http://www.igotitcovered.org/
8. http://www.youtube.com/user/idealmuslimah114
Saturday, March 19, 2011
You Can Be the Happiest Woman in the World (A Treasure Chest of Reminders) by Dr. Aaidh al-Qarni book notes
Chapter 1
10 Thoughts to Ponder...
10. Ghusl, Wudo, Siwak, and being organized are effective medicines for all kinds of distress and worries.
Think About It!
3. If Allah is with you, then whom do you have to fear? If Allah is against you, then what hope do you have?
10. The pleasure of haram actions is followed by regret, loss, and punishment.
Chapter 2
Your gold is your religion, your adornment is your moral attitude, and your wealth is your good manners.
Sickness is a message in which there is a glad tiding and good health is a garment that has a price.
Chapter 3
Giving up sin is jihad (fighting in Allah's cause), but persisting in it is stubbornness.
Beware of the dua of the one who has been wronged and the tears of the one who has been deprived.
Chapter 4
When you wake up in the morning, do not expect to live until the evening.
Do not complain about your problems except to those who can help you with their advice and kind words.
Chapter 5
We need money in order to live, but that does not mean that we need to live for the sake of money.
Be happy just to be alive.
Chapter 6
Be happy with what is in your hand, content with whatever Allah has decreed, and give up all daydreams that do not suit your efforts and abilities.
If you have made mistakes in the past, learn from them, and then let them go.
Chapter 7
The value of life is to live every minute of it.
Women have produced the great men of this world.
Chapter 8
How to Achieve a Happy Life!
An American psychologist said, “Living a happy life is a fine art which entails 10 things:
1. Do a work that you love. If you cannot do that, then find a hobby that you love and do it in your spare time and reinforce it.
2. Take care of your health for it is the spirit of happiness. This means being moderate in eating and drinking, exercising regularly, and avoiding bad habits.
3. Have a goal in life, for this will give you motivation and energy.
4. Take life as it comes and accept the bitter and the sweet.
5. Live in the present, with no regret for the past, and no anxiety about tomorrow that has not yet come.
6. Think hard about any action or decision and do not blame anyone else for your decision or its consequence.
7. Look at those who are worse off than you.
8. Have the habit of smiling and being cheerful and keep company with optimistic people.
9. Strive to make others happy so that you may benefit from the atmosphere of happiness.
10. Make the most of occasions of happiness and joy and regard them as necessary to renew your own happiness.
Chapter 9
Physical well being comes from eating little, mental well being comes from sinning little, well being of the heart comes from worrying little, and well being of the tongue comes from speaking little.
Women are more precious than treasure and wealth.
Chapter 10
Learn patience from Asiyah, loyalty from Khadijah, sincerity from Aishah, and steadfastness from Fatimah.
The quickest message of happiness to others is a sincere smile from the heart.
Chapter 11
The wives of Nuh and Lut betrayed their husbands (by rejecting their teachings), so they became insignificant before Allah. But Asiyah and Maryam believed, so they were honored.
Acknowledge Allah in times of ease and He will help you in times of hardship.
Chapter 12
Take a Brave Stance When you Check Yourself!
Ask yourself these questions and answer wisely.
1. Do you know that you are traveling on a journey from which there will be no return? Have you prepared yourself for this journey?
2. Have you taken provision from this transient world in the form of righteous deeds to give you comfort and soothe your loneliness in the grave?
3. How old are you? How long will you live? For every beginning there is an end and the end will be either Paradise or Hell.
4. Have you imagined how it will be if the angels come down from heaven to take your soul while you are heedless/sinning and having fun?
5. Have you imagined the day, the last hour in your life, the hour when you leave your family, friends, etc.? That is death!
6. After your soul has departed your body and you are taken to be washed and shrouded, then taken to the mosque for the funeral prayer to be offered for you, then you are carried on the shoulders of men to be taken to the grave, the first stage of the Hereafter. Will it be one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the ditches of Hell?
Foul tongues cause more trouble to their owners than to their victims.
Chapter 13
The Keys to Victory!
The key to: glory, obedience to Allah and His Messenger (b.p.u.h); provision, striving hard whilst praying for forgiveness and fearing Allah, the Exalted; Paradise, Tawhid (monotheism); faith, pondering the signs and creation of Allah; righteousness, sincerity; a spiritual life, studying the Quran, beseeching Allah in the hours before dawn, and giving up sin; knowledge, asking the right questions and listening attentively; victory, patience; success, fearing Allah (piety); getting more, gratitude; longing for the hereafter, disinterest in worldly gains; a response, dua (supplication).
If a beautiful woman is a jewel, then a righteous women is a treasure.
Chapter 14
The happiest [person] is the one who makes the largest number of people happy.
Do not wait to be happy to smile, but smile to be happy.
10 Thoughts to Ponder...
10. Ghusl, Wudo, Siwak, and being organized are effective medicines for all kinds of distress and worries.
Think About It!
3. If Allah is with you, then whom do you have to fear? If Allah is against you, then what hope do you have?
10. The pleasure of haram actions is followed by regret, loss, and punishment.
Chapter 2
Your gold is your religion, your adornment is your moral attitude, and your wealth is your good manners.
Sickness is a message in which there is a glad tiding and good health is a garment that has a price.
Chapter 3
Giving up sin is jihad (fighting in Allah's cause), but persisting in it is stubbornness.
Beware of the dua of the one who has been wronged and the tears of the one who has been deprived.
Chapter 4
When you wake up in the morning, do not expect to live until the evening.
Do not complain about your problems except to those who can help you with their advice and kind words.
Chapter 5
We need money in order to live, but that does not mean that we need to live for the sake of money.
Be happy just to be alive.
Chapter 6
Be happy with what is in your hand, content with whatever Allah has decreed, and give up all daydreams that do not suit your efforts and abilities.
If you have made mistakes in the past, learn from them, and then let them go.
Chapter 7
The value of life is to live every minute of it.
Women have produced the great men of this world.
Chapter 8
How to Achieve a Happy Life!
An American psychologist said, “Living a happy life is a fine art which entails 10 things:
1. Do a work that you love. If you cannot do that, then find a hobby that you love and do it in your spare time and reinforce it.
2. Take care of your health for it is the spirit of happiness. This means being moderate in eating and drinking, exercising regularly, and avoiding bad habits.
3. Have a goal in life, for this will give you motivation and energy.
4. Take life as it comes and accept the bitter and the sweet.
5. Live in the present, with no regret for the past, and no anxiety about tomorrow that has not yet come.
6. Think hard about any action or decision and do not blame anyone else for your decision or its consequence.
7. Look at those who are worse off than you.
8. Have the habit of smiling and being cheerful and keep company with optimistic people.
9. Strive to make others happy so that you may benefit from the atmosphere of happiness.
10. Make the most of occasions of happiness and joy and regard them as necessary to renew your own happiness.
Chapter 9
Physical well being comes from eating little, mental well being comes from sinning little, well being of the heart comes from worrying little, and well being of the tongue comes from speaking little.
Women are more precious than treasure and wealth.
Chapter 10
Learn patience from Asiyah, loyalty from Khadijah, sincerity from Aishah, and steadfastness from Fatimah.
The quickest message of happiness to others is a sincere smile from the heart.
Chapter 11
The wives of Nuh and Lut betrayed their husbands (by rejecting their teachings), so they became insignificant before Allah. But Asiyah and Maryam believed, so they were honored.
Acknowledge Allah in times of ease and He will help you in times of hardship.
Chapter 12
Take a Brave Stance When you Check Yourself!
Ask yourself these questions and answer wisely.
1. Do you know that you are traveling on a journey from which there will be no return? Have you prepared yourself for this journey?
2. Have you taken provision from this transient world in the form of righteous deeds to give you comfort and soothe your loneliness in the grave?
3. How old are you? How long will you live? For every beginning there is an end and the end will be either Paradise or Hell.
4. Have you imagined how it will be if the angels come down from heaven to take your soul while you are heedless/sinning and having fun?
5. Have you imagined the day, the last hour in your life, the hour when you leave your family, friends, etc.? That is death!
6. After your soul has departed your body and you are taken to be washed and shrouded, then taken to the mosque for the funeral prayer to be offered for you, then you are carried on the shoulders of men to be taken to the grave, the first stage of the Hereafter. Will it be one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the ditches of Hell?
Foul tongues cause more trouble to their owners than to their victims.
Chapter 13
The Keys to Victory!
The key to: glory, obedience to Allah and His Messenger (b.p.u.h); provision, striving hard whilst praying for forgiveness and fearing Allah, the Exalted; Paradise, Tawhid (monotheism); faith, pondering the signs and creation of Allah; righteousness, sincerity; a spiritual life, studying the Quran, beseeching Allah in the hours before dawn, and giving up sin; knowledge, asking the right questions and listening attentively; victory, patience; success, fearing Allah (piety); getting more, gratitude; longing for the hereafter, disinterest in worldly gains; a response, dua (supplication).
If a beautiful woman is a jewel, then a righteous women is a treasure.
Chapter 14
The happiest [person] is the one who makes the largest number of people happy.
Do not wait to be happy to smile, but smile to be happy.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Women in Islam
author unknown
How do women fit into Islam? What is their fate?
This has been the subject of many a debate
‘For the believing men and women, is a great reward’
This is from Surah al Ahzaab, the words of our Lord
It can be seen from reading the Holy Quran
That a woman has some privilege over a man
Praying is exempted during menstruation
Here Islam gives women consideration
A woman after marriage becomes a wife
For nine long months she carries new life
During childbirth she is exempted to fast
Islam is against the burying of girls in the past
They can pray at the mosque or even at home
They may marry or divorce, it’s their choice, their own
After marriage she can retain her old maiden name
And is rewarded for treating all her offspring the same
Once they are married they should live pious lives
‘And the best men are those who are best to their wives’
Islam shows equality my sisters and brothers
Don’t forget paradise lies at the feet of your mothers
Women in the UK had property rights from 1938
This right was given by Islam, 14 centuries to date
In the UK, women could vote from 1918
This was stated 1400 years ago in Islam, our deen
Women can work and lead a happily married life
But shouldn’t neglect her role as mother and wife
A woman for her child’s upbringing, deserves her credit
Islam also gives a woman the right to inherit
A woman’s status in Islam, we should never neglect
In Islam they are favored and deserve their respect.
How do women fit into Islam? What is their fate?
This has been the subject of many a debate
‘For the believing men and women, is a great reward’
This is from Surah al Ahzaab, the words of our Lord
It can be seen from reading the Holy Quran
That a woman has some privilege over a man
Praying is exempted during menstruation
Here Islam gives women consideration
A woman after marriage becomes a wife
For nine long months she carries new life
During childbirth she is exempted to fast
Islam is against the burying of girls in the past
They can pray at the mosque or even at home
They may marry or divorce, it’s their choice, their own
After marriage she can retain her old maiden name
And is rewarded for treating all her offspring the same
Once they are married they should live pious lives
‘And the best men are those who are best to their wives’
Islam shows equality my sisters and brothers
Don’t forget paradise lies at the feet of your mothers
Women in the UK had property rights from 1938
This right was given by Islam, 14 centuries to date
In the UK, women could vote from 1918
This was stated 1400 years ago in Islam, our deen
Women can work and lead a happily married life
But shouldn’t neglect her role as mother and wife
A woman for her child’s upbringing, deserves her credit
Islam also gives a woman the right to inherit
A woman’s status in Islam, we should never neglect
In Islam they are favored and deserve their respect.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Ideal Muslimah: The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim Woman by Dr. Muhammad Ali al-Hashimi book notes
Translated into English by Nassrudin al-Khattab
Conclusion
In the preceding pages, I have explained the character of the Muslim woman as Islam wants her to be, according to the wise guidance it gives her in all aspects of life and in the forming of her mind, soul, psyche, morals and behavior. This is referred to quite clearly in many ayat and sahih hadith, which strike a precise balance in her character, in such a way that no one aspect dominates at the expense of another, and vividly describe the ideal way of dealing with one's parents, relatives, husband, children, neighbors, friends and sisters in Islam, and others whom one meets in the society in which one lives.
The previous chapters explained that the Muslim woman's role is not merely to stay at home, nursing children and taking care of the home. In addition to all that, the Muslim woman is in fact raising a heroic new generation, playing an important role in da`wah and making an important, constructive contribution in all areas of life, working side-by-side with men to populate and cultivate the earth, enrich life and make people happy.
It is abundantly clear that the Muslim woman who is guided by Islam is pure, constructive, productive, alert, aware, educated and refined. She fully understands her duties towards Allah(S.W.T), and towards herself, her parents, her husband and children, her relatives, her neighbors, her friends and sisters in Islam, and her society as a whole, with all the different types of people, events and transactions it includes.
She believes in Allah (S.W.T) and the Last Day; she is alert to the trials of this life and the traps of the Shaytan; she worships Allah (S.W.T), obeys His commands, heeds His prohibitions, accepts His will and decree, returns to His protection and seeks His forgiveness when she stumbles or becomes negligent; she is aware of her responsibility before Allah (S.W.T) towards the members of her family; she is keen to please Him by whatever she does; she understands the true meaning of being a servant of Allah (S.W.T) and supports His true religion; she enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil as much as she is able.
She is aware of her obligations towards herself, understanding that she is a human being composed of a body, mind and soul, each of which has its own needs and requirements. Hence she is careful to strike the right balance between her body, mind and spirit; she does not devote attention to one at the expense of the others, rather, she devotes to each of them the attention that is needed to form a balanced personality, always guided by the wise teachings of Islam as seen in the Qur'an, Sunnah and example of the righteous salaf who followed in the footsteps of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) with all sincerity.
She takes care of her outward appearance without going to extremes of excess or showing off, and she takes care of her inner nature in a manner that befits the human being whom Allah (S.W.T) has honored by making the angels prostrate to him and subjugating all that is in heaven and earth for his benefit. In this way, she develops a balanced, likeable character, one that is attractive both in appearance and in her thinking, reasoning, behavior and reactions.
She does not allow her care of her body and mind to distract her from spiritual matters; she devotes just as much attention to her spiritual development, and polishes her soul through worship, dhikr and reading Qur'an. Her guideline in all of this is to maintain a precise balance between all aspects of her personality.
She treats her parents with kindness and respect. She knows their status, and her duties towards them, and she is very cautious not to disobey them. She never spares any effort to find the best way to treat them properly and she surrounds them with every type of care, honor and respect.
With her husband, she is an ideal wife, intelligent, respectful, obedient, tolerant and loving, eager to please him and to respect and honor his family. She conceals his secrets, and helps him to be righteous, to fear Allah (S.W.T) and to do good deeds. She fills his heart with happiness, peace and tranquility.
With her children, she is a loving, compassionate mother who wisely understands the great importance of her motherly role in bringing them up. She makes them aware of her love and care for them, and never withholds right guidance from them or fails to correct them if they need it, so that they will grow up with an ideal Islamic upbringing that will cultivate in them the best morals and attitudes and a love for the highest things.
With her daughters- and sons-in-law, she is kind, fair and wise, and offers them sincere advice. She does not interfere in their private matters. She treats them well and strives to strengthen the bonds of love and to ward off the evils of disputes.
With her relatives, she upholds the ties of love, and does not neglect to keep in touch and treat them well. She is keen to maintain the relationship even if they do not uphold the ties, acting in obedience to the teachings of Islam, which urge the upholding of the ties of kinship with love and affection.
She treats her neighbors well and is concerned about them. She knows the great rights they have, which Jibril emphasized to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) so strongly that the Prophet thought he was going to make them his heirs. So she likes for them what she likes for herself. She treats them well, respects their feelings, puts up with their insults, turns a blind eye to their faults and mistakes, and is careful not to mistreat them or to fall short in her treatment of them.
With her friends and sisters in Islam, she is distinguished from other women by the way in which she builds her relationship with them on a basis of love for the sake of Allah (S.W.T), which is the highest and purest love that exists among human beings, as it is free from any impurity or ulterior motive and its purity is derived from the light of the Revelation and Prophetic guidance. Therefore the Muslim woman is sincere and tolerant in her feelings of love and sisterhood towards her sisters, and she is keen to maintain the ties of sisterhood and love between her and them. She does not cut them off, forsake them, gossip about them, hurt their feelings with hostile arguments and disputes, bear grudges, or withhold any favor she could do for them, and she always greets them with a cheerful, smiling face.
In her relationship with her society, she is a social being of the highest class, because of what she has learned of the wise teachings of Islam concerning social dealings and high morals. From the rich spring of Islam she derives her customs, habits and behavior and the ethics and values which purify her soul and form her distinct social character.
She is of good character (has a good attitude towards others) and is sincere and straightforward with all people. She does not cheat, deceive or stab in the back. She is not a hypocrite. She does not speak falsely (or bear false witness). She offers sincere advice and guides others to good deeds. She keeps her promises. She has the characteristic of modesty and self-respect. She does not interfere in that which does not concern her. She avoids slandering the honor of others and seeking out their faults. She does not show off. She is fair in her judgments of others. She does not oppress others. She is fair even to those whom she does not like. She does not rejoice in the misfortunes of others. She avoids suspicion. She restrains her tongue from malicious gossip. She avoids cursing and obscene speech. She does not make fun of anybody. She is gentle with people. She is compassionate. She strives to benefit others and protect them from harm. She eases the hardship of one who is suffering. She is generous. She does not remind the beneficiaries of her charity. She is patient. She is tolerant. She does not bear grudges or harbor resentment. She is easy-going, not harsh. She is not envious. She avoids boasting and showing off. She does not speak in an affected or exaggerated manner. She has a likeable personality. She is friendly and likeable. She keeps secrets. She is of cheerful countenance. She has a sense of humor. She tries to make people happy. She is not over-strict. She is not arrogant. She is humble. She is modest in her dress and appearance. She pursues noble things. She is concerned about the affairs of the Muslims. She honors guests. She prefers others to herself. She measures her habits and customs against the standards of Islam. She uses the greeting of Islam. She does not enter any house other than her own without permission. She sits wherever she finds room in a gathering. She does not converse privately with another woman when a third is present. She respects her elders and distinguished people. She does not look into any house other than her own. She chooses work that suits her feminine nature. She does not imitate men. She calls others to the truth. She enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil. She is wise and eloquent in her da`wah. She mixes with righteous women. She hastens to reconcile between Muslim women. She mixes with women and puts up with their insults. She appreciates favors and is grateful for them. She visits the sick. She does not attend funerals.
This is the personality of the Muslim woman as defined by the teachings of Islam.
No doubt the Muslim woman is the most refined example of womanhood ever known in any human society. Along with all the fine qualities listed above, the Muslim woman also possesses wisdom, purity of soul, a high level of spirituality, a sound concept of life, the universe and humanity, and a deep awareness of her important role in life.
Surely a woman's reaching such a high level of intellectual, psychological, spiritual and moral development is a great human blessing, which is unequalled by any of the many other blessings that human beings enjoy. It is a cultural achievement greater than any other reached by humanity in its long history. The fact that women have reached this high level of development means that they are mature and are fully qualified to play their important role in life.
What we see today in many parts of the Muslim world of Muslim women's backwardness and failure to reach that high level that Islam wants for them, is a result of the fact that the Muslims in general have wandered far away from the pure sources of Islam and have become lost in various kinds of jahiliyyah or intellectual and psychological dependency on others. None of this would have happened to the Muslims in general, and Muslim women in particular, if the Muslims had preserved their spiritual and intellectual sources properly, and men and women had drunk from these pure sources which would have given them immunity, originality and distinction.
Whilst the attack on the Muslim world was aimed at the identity of the Muslims in general, men and women alike, to disrupt it and to contaminate its original intellectual sources, no doubt many prongs of this attack were aimed at the Muslim woman in particular, with the aim of stripping her of the dress of virtue by which she had been known throughout history, and making her wear the alien, tight-fitting, borrowed dress that makes her look like a copy of foreign women in her appearance, thinking and behavior.
Tremendous efforts were devoted to the call for the Westernization of Muslim women by various societies, organizations and movements. Al-hamdu lillah, all of it ended in failure in the face of the reawakening of educated Muslim women who understood the teachings of Islam. Many of the men and women who supported Westernization have now retreated, admitting the depth of the Muslim woman's belief, and the originality of Islam in her thinking, psychology and feelings.
The great hopes that are pinned on the Muslim woman, who is aware of her role, require her to be even stronger in proving her Islamic identity, wherever she may live and whatever her
circumstances may be. By reinforcing her Islamic identity, she clearly demonstrates her awareness, high aims, sincerity and devotion to Islam and its distinctive culture. This is also indicative of her ability to contribute to the revival of the ummah to which she belongs and the development of the country she lives in.
Conclusion
In the preceding pages, I have explained the character of the Muslim woman as Islam wants her to be, according to the wise guidance it gives her in all aspects of life and in the forming of her mind, soul, psyche, morals and behavior. This is referred to quite clearly in many ayat and sahih hadith, which strike a precise balance in her character, in such a way that no one aspect dominates at the expense of another, and vividly describe the ideal way of dealing with one's parents, relatives, husband, children, neighbors, friends and sisters in Islam, and others whom one meets in the society in which one lives.
The previous chapters explained that the Muslim woman's role is not merely to stay at home, nursing children and taking care of the home. In addition to all that, the Muslim woman is in fact raising a heroic new generation, playing an important role in da`wah and making an important, constructive contribution in all areas of life, working side-by-side with men to populate and cultivate the earth, enrich life and make people happy.
It is abundantly clear that the Muslim woman who is guided by Islam is pure, constructive, productive, alert, aware, educated and refined. She fully understands her duties towards Allah(S.W.T), and towards herself, her parents, her husband and children, her relatives, her neighbors, her friends and sisters in Islam, and her society as a whole, with all the different types of people, events and transactions it includes.
She believes in Allah (S.W.T) and the Last Day; she is alert to the trials of this life and the traps of the Shaytan; she worships Allah (S.W.T), obeys His commands, heeds His prohibitions, accepts His will and decree, returns to His protection and seeks His forgiveness when she stumbles or becomes negligent; she is aware of her responsibility before Allah (S.W.T) towards the members of her family; she is keen to please Him by whatever she does; she understands the true meaning of being a servant of Allah (S.W.T) and supports His true religion; she enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil as much as she is able.
She is aware of her obligations towards herself, understanding that she is a human being composed of a body, mind and soul, each of which has its own needs and requirements. Hence she is careful to strike the right balance between her body, mind and spirit; she does not devote attention to one at the expense of the others, rather, she devotes to each of them the attention that is needed to form a balanced personality, always guided by the wise teachings of Islam as seen in the Qur'an, Sunnah and example of the righteous salaf who followed in the footsteps of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) with all sincerity.
She takes care of her outward appearance without going to extremes of excess or showing off, and she takes care of her inner nature in a manner that befits the human being whom Allah (S.W.T) has honored by making the angels prostrate to him and subjugating all that is in heaven and earth for his benefit. In this way, she develops a balanced, likeable character, one that is attractive both in appearance and in her thinking, reasoning, behavior and reactions.
She does not allow her care of her body and mind to distract her from spiritual matters; she devotes just as much attention to her spiritual development, and polishes her soul through worship, dhikr and reading Qur'an. Her guideline in all of this is to maintain a precise balance between all aspects of her personality.
She treats her parents with kindness and respect. She knows their status, and her duties towards them, and she is very cautious not to disobey them. She never spares any effort to find the best way to treat them properly and she surrounds them with every type of care, honor and respect.
With her husband, she is an ideal wife, intelligent, respectful, obedient, tolerant and loving, eager to please him and to respect and honor his family. She conceals his secrets, and helps him to be righteous, to fear Allah (S.W.T) and to do good deeds. She fills his heart with happiness, peace and tranquility.
With her children, she is a loving, compassionate mother who wisely understands the great importance of her motherly role in bringing them up. She makes them aware of her love and care for them, and never withholds right guidance from them or fails to correct them if they need it, so that they will grow up with an ideal Islamic upbringing that will cultivate in them the best morals and attitudes and a love for the highest things.
With her daughters- and sons-in-law, she is kind, fair and wise, and offers them sincere advice. She does not interfere in their private matters. She treats them well and strives to strengthen the bonds of love and to ward off the evils of disputes.
With her relatives, she upholds the ties of love, and does not neglect to keep in touch and treat them well. She is keen to maintain the relationship even if they do not uphold the ties, acting in obedience to the teachings of Islam, which urge the upholding of the ties of kinship with love and affection.
She treats her neighbors well and is concerned about them. She knows the great rights they have, which Jibril emphasized to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) so strongly that the Prophet thought he was going to make them his heirs. So she likes for them what she likes for herself. She treats them well, respects their feelings, puts up with their insults, turns a blind eye to their faults and mistakes, and is careful not to mistreat them or to fall short in her treatment of them.
With her friends and sisters in Islam, she is distinguished from other women by the way in which she builds her relationship with them on a basis of love for the sake of Allah (S.W.T), which is the highest and purest love that exists among human beings, as it is free from any impurity or ulterior motive and its purity is derived from the light of the Revelation and Prophetic guidance. Therefore the Muslim woman is sincere and tolerant in her feelings of love and sisterhood towards her sisters, and she is keen to maintain the ties of sisterhood and love between her and them. She does not cut them off, forsake them, gossip about them, hurt their feelings with hostile arguments and disputes, bear grudges, or withhold any favor she could do for them, and she always greets them with a cheerful, smiling face.
In her relationship with her society, she is a social being of the highest class, because of what she has learned of the wise teachings of Islam concerning social dealings and high morals. From the rich spring of Islam she derives her customs, habits and behavior and the ethics and values which purify her soul and form her distinct social character.
She is of good character (has a good attitude towards others) and is sincere and straightforward with all people. She does not cheat, deceive or stab in the back. She is not a hypocrite. She does not speak falsely (or bear false witness). She offers sincere advice and guides others to good deeds. She keeps her promises. She has the characteristic of modesty and self-respect. She does not interfere in that which does not concern her. She avoids slandering the honor of others and seeking out their faults. She does not show off. She is fair in her judgments of others. She does not oppress others. She is fair even to those whom she does not like. She does not rejoice in the misfortunes of others. She avoids suspicion. She restrains her tongue from malicious gossip. She avoids cursing and obscene speech. She does not make fun of anybody. She is gentle with people. She is compassionate. She strives to benefit others and protect them from harm. She eases the hardship of one who is suffering. She is generous. She does not remind the beneficiaries of her charity. She is patient. She is tolerant. She does not bear grudges or harbor resentment. She is easy-going, not harsh. She is not envious. She avoids boasting and showing off. She does not speak in an affected or exaggerated manner. She has a likeable personality. She is friendly and likeable. She keeps secrets. She is of cheerful countenance. She has a sense of humor. She tries to make people happy. She is not over-strict. She is not arrogant. She is humble. She is modest in her dress and appearance. She pursues noble things. She is concerned about the affairs of the Muslims. She honors guests. She prefers others to herself. She measures her habits and customs against the standards of Islam. She uses the greeting of Islam. She does not enter any house other than her own without permission. She sits wherever she finds room in a gathering. She does not converse privately with another woman when a third is present. She respects her elders and distinguished people. She does not look into any house other than her own. She chooses work that suits her feminine nature. She does not imitate men. She calls others to the truth. She enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil. She is wise and eloquent in her da`wah. She mixes with righteous women. She hastens to reconcile between Muslim women. She mixes with women and puts up with their insults. She appreciates favors and is grateful for them. She visits the sick. She does not attend funerals.
This is the personality of the Muslim woman as defined by the teachings of Islam.
No doubt the Muslim woman is the most refined example of womanhood ever known in any human society. Along with all the fine qualities listed above, the Muslim woman also possesses wisdom, purity of soul, a high level of spirituality, a sound concept of life, the universe and humanity, and a deep awareness of her important role in life.
Surely a woman's reaching such a high level of intellectual, psychological, spiritual and moral development is a great human blessing, which is unequalled by any of the many other blessings that human beings enjoy. It is a cultural achievement greater than any other reached by humanity in its long history. The fact that women have reached this high level of development means that they are mature and are fully qualified to play their important role in life.
What we see today in many parts of the Muslim world of Muslim women's backwardness and failure to reach that high level that Islam wants for them, is a result of the fact that the Muslims in general have wandered far away from the pure sources of Islam and have become lost in various kinds of jahiliyyah or intellectual and psychological dependency on others. None of this would have happened to the Muslims in general, and Muslim women in particular, if the Muslims had preserved their spiritual and intellectual sources properly, and men and women had drunk from these pure sources which would have given them immunity, originality and distinction.
Whilst the attack on the Muslim world was aimed at the identity of the Muslims in general, men and women alike, to disrupt it and to contaminate its original intellectual sources, no doubt many prongs of this attack were aimed at the Muslim woman in particular, with the aim of stripping her of the dress of virtue by which she had been known throughout history, and making her wear the alien, tight-fitting, borrowed dress that makes her look like a copy of foreign women in her appearance, thinking and behavior.
Tremendous efforts were devoted to the call for the Westernization of Muslim women by various societies, organizations and movements. Al-hamdu lillah, all of it ended in failure in the face of the reawakening of educated Muslim women who understood the teachings of Islam. Many of the men and women who supported Westernization have now retreated, admitting the depth of the Muslim woman's belief, and the originality of Islam in her thinking, psychology and feelings.
The great hopes that are pinned on the Muslim woman, who is aware of her role, require her to be even stronger in proving her Islamic identity, wherever she may live and whatever her
circumstances may be. By reinforcing her Islamic identity, she clearly demonstrates her awareness, high aims, sincerity and devotion to Islam and its distinctive culture. This is also indicative of her ability to contribute to the revival of the ummah to which she belongs and the development of the country she lives in.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Some Advice to the Muslim Women by Khalid Yasin lecture notes
Allah and Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) don’t like Muslim women spreading and complaining about their husbands, family, house, food, etc.
Muslim women have the right to “back door” divorce (khula).
• Awra of Muslim women is the whole body and voice! Everything except the face and hands must be covered minimum.
Conditions of Clothing
Clothing should not:
1. Reveal shape of body
2. Be transparent
3. Resemble the clothing of women from Jahiliyah (period of ignorance before Islam)
4. Imitate men
5. Imitate kuffar
• Plucking and designing eyebrows is Haraam! Allah’s curse is upon plucked and plucker.
• Curse on women who put on perfume outside her home.
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said: "I was shown the hell-fire and that the majority of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful." It was asked, "Do they disbelieve in Allah?" (or are they ungrateful to Allah?) He replied, "They are ungrateful to their husbands and are ungrateful for the favors and the good (charitable deeds) done to them. If you have always been good (benevolent) to one of them and then she sees something in you (not of her liking), she will say, 'I have never received any good from you." (Sahih Bukhari, book #2, hadith #28)
• If a woman cooks, cleans, etc. for her husband, it is a blessing for her in front of Allah. It is not her obligation; she is not a servant of man!
• Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) took care of himself and his family, and was grateful!
In the home, women should keep herself, children, and home clean and keep secrets safe in husband’s absence.
Women can work as long as the work does not compromise her responsibility, her hijab, her family, or put her in danger.
Advice to Women
1. Responsibility to pursue knowledge
• “Women are the teachers of the home.” –Khalid Yasin
• They are the first support for the Muslim community.
2. Advise each other
3. Engage in dawah
• Inform and reform Muslims
• Clarify and invite non-Muslims
• Propagate Islamic message
4. Be aware of deviations, chauvinism, personal interest and rebellion.
Muslim women have the right to “back door” divorce (khula).
• Awra of Muslim women is the whole body and voice! Everything except the face and hands must be covered minimum.
Conditions of Clothing
Clothing should not:
1. Reveal shape of body
2. Be transparent
3. Resemble the clothing of women from Jahiliyah (period of ignorance before Islam)
4. Imitate men
5. Imitate kuffar
• Plucking and designing eyebrows is Haraam! Allah’s curse is upon plucked and plucker.
• Curse on women who put on perfume outside her home.
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said: "I was shown the hell-fire and that the majority of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful." It was asked, "Do they disbelieve in Allah?" (or are they ungrateful to Allah?) He replied, "They are ungrateful to their husbands and are ungrateful for the favors and the good (charitable deeds) done to them. If you have always been good (benevolent) to one of them and then she sees something in you (not of her liking), she will say, 'I have never received any good from you." (Sahih Bukhari, book #2, hadith #28)
• If a woman cooks, cleans, etc. for her husband, it is a blessing for her in front of Allah. It is not her obligation; she is not a servant of man!
• Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) took care of himself and his family, and was grateful!
In the home, women should keep herself, children, and home clean and keep secrets safe in husband’s absence.
Women can work as long as the work does not compromise her responsibility, her hijab, her family, or put her in danger.
Advice to Women
1. Responsibility to pursue knowledge
• “Women are the teachers of the home.” –Khalid Yasin
• They are the first support for the Muslim community.
2. Advise each other
3. Engage in dawah
• Inform and reform Muslims
• Clarify and invite non-Muslims
• Propagate Islamic message
4. Be aware of deviations, chauvinism, personal interest and rebellion.
Critical Issues Facing Muslim Women by Khalid Yasin lecture notes
O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allâh through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allâh is Ever an AllWatcher over you. (1) (Quran, 4:1) English translation by Dr. Muhsin on Quran Explorer.
Men and women are equal in the sight of Allah.
Narrated Abu Huraira: A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father." (Sahih Bukhari book #73, hadith #2)
• Respect and serve your mother!
• Men and women are not the same. They are different physiologically, psychologically, biologically, emotionally, etc., thus their social roles are not the same.
• Allah, as the Creator, legislated the laws for humankind.
Problem
• Islam, especially issues related to women, have been polluted and complicated by nationalism, cultural and ethnic preferences.
• Islam is imprisoned by Muslim nationalism, cultural and ethnic preferences, resulting in many misconceptions, misrepresentations, distortions, etc. regarding Islam and Muslim women.
Non-Muslims
• One should properly study and understand Islam based on religious sources of Islam, which are the Quran and Sunnah (behavior of Prophet Muhammad SAW), not Muslims!
• Study Islam with an open mind, then look at the Muslims in past history and present and see the differences and similarities between the real Islam and its practices, and “Muslims.”
Muslims
• Muslims must bring their hawwa (desires, feelings, emotions, and inclinations) with the accordance to what Prophet Muhammad SAW brought (the Quran and his Sunnah), to be a true believer!
• Muslims should not be in denial, blaming non-Muslims for every problem of the Muslims.
Shariah law regulates the life and death of a Muslim.
Beating of women is taken out of context. Verse means “hit lightly.”
Plural marriages (1-4) for men are allowed, but “1 is better if you only knew.”
Allah says for females to observe hijab (headscarf of women).
Marriage and Divorce
• Forced marriages are unIslamic, are cultural, tribal, ethnic practices.
• Arranged marriages with consent of parents and man and woman getting married.
• Muslim women can end marriage. They have a right to divorce.
Female circumcision is not an Islamic practice but cultural, ethnic, and tribal. Islamically, circumcision is mutilation.
Work
• Muslim women have a right to work in any field they want ex. doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, etc., but Islam discourages work that may compromise her morals and endangers her ex. coming home late at night from work.
• They can work, have their own business, be professionals, go to school, etc.
Muslim women can vote and represent society, can be in positions to lead and work towards leadership. They can be in charge of government department and administration.
Muslim women can inherit and own property.
Recommendations for Muslim Sisters
All Muslim women should:
1. Engage in Islamic studies
2. Understand issue of hijab and proper Islamic dress
3. Connect with a Muslim leader, scholar, Imaam, student of knowledge, etc.
4. Prepare for marriage and responsibilities for marriage
5. Find out about community Masjid or center
6. Encourage other Muslim women to be energetic and committed to Islamic movement
7. Respect their husbands, take care of their children, and guard themselves, especially their tongues
8. Be more concerned with responsibilities rather then demanding rights
9. Learn proper dawah skills
10. Develop a world view (think about the whole world)
Men and women are equal in the sight of Allah.
Narrated Abu Huraira: A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father." (Sahih Bukhari book #73, hadith #2)
• Respect and serve your mother!
• Men and women are not the same. They are different physiologically, psychologically, biologically, emotionally, etc., thus their social roles are not the same.
• Allah, as the Creator, legislated the laws for humankind.
Problem
• Islam, especially issues related to women, have been polluted and complicated by nationalism, cultural and ethnic preferences.
• Islam is imprisoned by Muslim nationalism, cultural and ethnic preferences, resulting in many misconceptions, misrepresentations, distortions, etc. regarding Islam and Muslim women.
Non-Muslims
• One should properly study and understand Islam based on religious sources of Islam, which are the Quran and Sunnah (behavior of Prophet Muhammad SAW), not Muslims!
• Study Islam with an open mind, then look at the Muslims in past history and present and see the differences and similarities between the real Islam and its practices, and “Muslims.”
Muslims
• Muslims must bring their hawwa (desires, feelings, emotions, and inclinations) with the accordance to what Prophet Muhammad SAW brought (the Quran and his Sunnah), to be a true believer!
• Muslims should not be in denial, blaming non-Muslims for every problem of the Muslims.
Shariah law regulates the life and death of a Muslim.
Beating of women is taken out of context. Verse means “hit lightly.”
Plural marriages (1-4) for men are allowed, but “1 is better if you only knew.”
Allah says for females to observe hijab (headscarf of women).
Marriage and Divorce
• Forced marriages are unIslamic, are cultural, tribal, ethnic practices.
• Arranged marriages with consent of parents and man and woman getting married.
• Muslim women can end marriage. They have a right to divorce.
Female circumcision is not an Islamic practice but cultural, ethnic, and tribal. Islamically, circumcision is mutilation.
Work
• Muslim women have a right to work in any field they want ex. doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, etc., but Islam discourages work that may compromise her morals and endangers her ex. coming home late at night from work.
• They can work, have their own business, be professionals, go to school, etc.
Muslim women can vote and represent society, can be in positions to lead and work towards leadership. They can be in charge of government department and administration.
Muslim women can inherit and own property.
Recommendations for Muslim Sisters
All Muslim women should:
1. Engage in Islamic studies
2. Understand issue of hijab and proper Islamic dress
3. Connect with a Muslim leader, scholar, Imaam, student of knowledge, etc.
4. Prepare for marriage and responsibilities for marriage
5. Find out about community Masjid or center
6. Encourage other Muslim women to be energetic and committed to Islamic movement
7. Respect their husbands, take care of their children, and guard themselves, especially their tongues
8. Be more concerned with responsibilities rather then demanding rights
9. Learn proper dawah skills
10. Develop a world view (think about the whole world)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Woman's Status in Islam & Christianity
A comparison between Islam and Christianity on how the religions treat women from their religious texts.
Creation
Christianity:
When the woman (Eve) saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband (Adam), who was with her, and he ate it...Then the man (Adam) and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He (Adam) answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." And he (God) said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said, "The woman (Eve) you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." To the woman he (God) said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam he (God) said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life." Genesis 3:6-17
Islam:
(God said): "O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as you wish, but do not approach this tree, or you run into harm and transgression." Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them (Adam and Eve), bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before). He (Satan) said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest you should become angels or such beings as live forever." And he (Satan) swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their (Adam and Eve) fall. When they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called to them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy to you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls. If You do not forgive us and do not bestow upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be lost." Quran 7:19-23
Female Gender vs. Male Gender
Christianity:
"...if a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child, then she shall be unclean seven days...but if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks..." Leviticus 12:2-5
Islam:
1. "To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills." Quran 42:49
2. "He who is involved in bringing up daughters, and accords benevolent treatment towards them, they will be a protection for him against Hell-Fire." Prophet Mohammed
The Female Spiritual Essence
Christianity:
"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." "Look," says the teacher, "this is what I have discovered. Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things, while I was still searching but not finding I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all." Ecclesiastes 7:26-28
Islam:
1. "And Allah sets forth, as an example to those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh. Behold she said: 'O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to You, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong," "And Mary the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants)." Quran 66:11-2
2. "Heaven is at the feet of the mothers." Prophet Mohammed
Menses
Christianity:
"When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. Whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Whoever touches anything she sits on must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Whether it is the bed or anything she was sitting on, when anyone touches it, he will be unclean till evening." Leviticus 15:19-23
Islam:
Ali asked the Prophet Mohammed if when a man and a woman make love then their clothes stick to them from the sweat of their bodies, or if when a woman has her period her clothes stick to her body, are the clothes considered unclean. The Prophet replied, "No, the uncleanness is only in the semen and the blood." Prophet Mohammed
Sexual Relation during Her Menses
Christianity:
"Do not approach a woman to have sexual relations during the uncleanness of her monthly period." Leviticus 18:19
Islam:
"They ask you concerning women's courses (period). Say: They are a hurt and pollution, so keep away (of making love) from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean..." Quran 2:222
A Woman's Right to Education
Christianity:
"Let your women keep silent in the churches, for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law, and if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for woman to speak in the church." 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Islam:
"Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim man and Muslim woman." Prophet Mohammed
Right to Inheritance
Christianity:
"Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter...'" Numbers 27:8
Islam:
"From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large – a determinate share." Quran 4:7
Dressing Modesty / Head Covering
Christianity:
1. "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head...If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head." 1 Corinthians 11:3-6
2. "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Islam:
1. "O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad), that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." Quran 33:59
2. "...they (believing women) should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women...or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex..." Quran 24:31
Polygamy
Christianity:
1. "After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him." 2 Samuel 5:13
2. "He (Solomon) had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines..." 1 Kings 11:3
3. "And Lamech took unto him two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah." Genesis 4:19
4. "If a man has two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the first-born son be hers that was hated: then it shall be, when he maketh..." Deuteronomy 21:15
5. "If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall her not diminish." Exodus 21:10
Islam:
"If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one... to prevent you from doing injustice." Quran 4:3
Prohibition in Marriage
Christianity:
"Do not take your wife's sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living." Leviticus 18:18
Islam:
"Prohibited to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, daughters, sisters...and two sisters (the wife and her sister) in wedlock at one and the same time..." Quran 4:23
Divorce
Christianity:
"...Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." Mark 10:11-12
Islam:
"O Prophet! When you do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count (accurately) their prescribed periods and fear Allah your Lord..." Quran 65:1
The Divorcee & Widow
Christianity:
1. "...who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." Matthew 5:32
2. "The woman he (the priest) marries must be a virgin. He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a woman defiled by prostitution, but only a virgin from his own people." Leviticus 21:13-4
Islam:
"If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days. When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you (marrying widows) if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner..." Quran 2:234
The Respect of Parents
Christianity:
1. "Then he (Jesus) went down to Nazareth with them (his parents) and was obedient to them..." Luke 2:51
2. "For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother' and 'anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death." Mark 7:10
3. "Each of you must respect his mother and father..." Leviticus 19:3
Islam:
1. "He (God) has made me (Jesus) kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable." Quran 19:32
2. "And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail (pains of childbirth) upon travail his mother bore him, and in two years was his weaning. (Hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents. To Me is (your final) goal." Quran 31:14
Source: http://www.iiie.net/index.php?q=node/60
Creation
Christianity:
When the woman (Eve) saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband (Adam), who was with her, and he ate it...Then the man (Adam) and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He (Adam) answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." And he (God) said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said, "The woman (Eve) you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." To the woman he (God) said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam he (God) said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life." Genesis 3:6-17
Islam:
(God said): "O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as you wish, but do not approach this tree, or you run into harm and transgression." Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them (Adam and Eve), bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before). He (Satan) said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest you should become angels or such beings as live forever." And he (Satan) swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their (Adam and Eve) fall. When they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called to them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy to you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls. If You do not forgive us and do not bestow upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be lost." Quran 7:19-23
Female Gender vs. Male Gender
Christianity:
"...if a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child, then she shall be unclean seven days...but if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks..." Leviticus 12:2-5
Islam:
1. "To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills." Quran 42:49
2. "He who is involved in bringing up daughters, and accords benevolent treatment towards them, they will be a protection for him against Hell-Fire." Prophet Mohammed
The Female Spiritual Essence
Christianity:
"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." "Look," says the teacher, "this is what I have discovered. Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things, while I was still searching but not finding I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all." Ecclesiastes 7:26-28
Islam:
1. "And Allah sets forth, as an example to those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh. Behold she said: 'O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to You, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong," "And Mary the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants)." Quran 66:11-2
2. "Heaven is at the feet of the mothers." Prophet Mohammed
Menses
Christianity:
"When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. Whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Whoever touches anything she sits on must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Whether it is the bed or anything she was sitting on, when anyone touches it, he will be unclean till evening." Leviticus 15:19-23
Islam:
Ali asked the Prophet Mohammed if when a man and a woman make love then their clothes stick to them from the sweat of their bodies, or if when a woman has her period her clothes stick to her body, are the clothes considered unclean. The Prophet replied, "No, the uncleanness is only in the semen and the blood." Prophet Mohammed
Sexual Relation during Her Menses
Christianity:
"Do not approach a woman to have sexual relations during the uncleanness of her monthly period." Leviticus 18:19
Islam:
"They ask you concerning women's courses (period). Say: They are a hurt and pollution, so keep away (of making love) from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean..." Quran 2:222
A Woman's Right to Education
Christianity:
"Let your women keep silent in the churches, for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law, and if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for woman to speak in the church." 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Islam:
"Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim man and Muslim woman." Prophet Mohammed
Right to Inheritance
Christianity:
"Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter...'" Numbers 27:8
Islam:
"From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large – a determinate share." Quran 4:7
Dressing Modesty / Head Covering
Christianity:
1. "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head...If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head." 1 Corinthians 11:3-6
2. "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Islam:
1. "O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad), that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." Quran 33:59
2. "...they (believing women) should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women...or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex..." Quran 24:31
Polygamy
Christianity:
1. "After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him." 2 Samuel 5:13
2. "He (Solomon) had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines..." 1 Kings 11:3
3. "And Lamech took unto him two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah." Genesis 4:19
4. "If a man has two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the first-born son be hers that was hated: then it shall be, when he maketh..." Deuteronomy 21:15
5. "If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall her not diminish." Exodus 21:10
Islam:
"If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one... to prevent you from doing injustice." Quran 4:3
Prohibition in Marriage
Christianity:
"Do not take your wife's sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living." Leviticus 18:18
Islam:
"Prohibited to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, daughters, sisters...and two sisters (the wife and her sister) in wedlock at one and the same time..." Quran 4:23
Divorce
Christianity:
"...Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." Mark 10:11-12
Islam:
"O Prophet! When you do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count (accurately) their prescribed periods and fear Allah your Lord..." Quran 65:1
The Divorcee & Widow
Christianity:
1. "...who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." Matthew 5:32
2. "The woman he (the priest) marries must be a virgin. He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a woman defiled by prostitution, but only a virgin from his own people." Leviticus 21:13-4
Islam:
"If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days. When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you (marrying widows) if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner..." Quran 2:234
The Respect of Parents
Christianity:
1. "Then he (Jesus) went down to Nazareth with them (his parents) and was obedient to them..." Luke 2:51
2. "For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother' and 'anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death." Mark 7:10
3. "Each of you must respect his mother and father..." Leviticus 19:3
Islam:
1. "He (God) has made me (Jesus) kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable." Quran 19:32
2. "And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail (pains of childbirth) upon travail his mother bore him, and in two years was his weaning. (Hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents. To Me is (your final) goal." Quran 31:14
Source: http://www.iiie.net/index.php?q=node/60
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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