the daughter of namrood - Rabetah

AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
THE ELEMENT FOR PERFECTION
Maulana Hasib Mayet (d.b.)
The prophetic mission was one which was
orchestrated by the Creator of the universe, the
Knower of all things; Almighty Allah Himself. It rooted
itself from the first man and Prophet of Allah
Sayyiduna Adam (a.s.) and was concluded by the
greatest of all prophets, our Prophet Muhammad
(s.a.w.). It aimed to save mankind from the suicidal
path which it would continuously choose to follow
and deliver the most important element, that of
divine guidance and knowledge without which
perfection could not be reached. For, without divine
guidance and knowledge, it would be impossible to
swim the ocean of the Hereafter and reach the
shores of salvation.
Today, 1400 years from the demise of our beloved
Prophet (s.a.w.), mankind once again finds itself in
absolute turmoil. Exploring for a solution to its
problems, many seem to have given secular
education the role of the messiah. There is no doubt
that secular education is of great importance. It is
in no way condemned by the Shari’ah. It has opened
the doors of great achievements and
advancements, which so many of us benefit from
today. It has taught man how to fly high up into the
sky like a bird and swim deep into the ocean like a
fish. But it is only divine knowledge that teaches
man how to walk on the earth like a man.
If we have set our objectives only on worldly
achievements without taking into consideration who
we are and what the purpose of our life is, and not
equip ourselves with divine knowledge and
guidance, then we would be similar to that person
who possesses a briefcase full of qualifications but
when shipwrecked realised he had never learned
how to swim. Without this divine element, man will
never be able to find a permanent solution to his
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April 2005 / Rabiul-Awwal 1426
CONTENTS
Islamic Teachings ................................... 2 - 3
· A Female Imam?
· My Beliefs and Actions Do Conform to Hadîth !!
Islam & Science ...................................... 4 - 5
· The Amazing Qur’an
· Food for Thought
Spiritual Guidance ................................. 6 - 7
· As You Sow, So Shall You Reap
· From The Pen of Faqihul-Ummah
Questions & Answers................................... 8
Current Affairs ............................................. 9
Just for Women ................................... 10 - 11
· Reviving Our Sense of Ghairah
· Finding A Suitable Partner
· Stories of Pious Women: The Daughter of Namrood
Children’s Section ..................................... 12
· Let’s Play A Trick on The Man
· Wordsearch
problems nor gain total success and honour in this
life and the next.
Divine knowledge does not aim to teach man the
science behind the universe, but more importantly
teaches man to acknowledge the actual unseen
power which allows the entire universe to function
so perfectly. To take hold of the hand of a king is far
greater than pocketing a few of his priceless
treasures.
Parents and students alike who are hoping to lead
a successful academic career are by all means
encouraged to do so. But, let the torch of divine
knowledge lead you through the corridors of
scholarship so that you learn not only to serve the
creation but also its Creator.
Published by:
Al-Islah
Rabetah Al-Ulama Al-Islamiyyah (Batley, U.K.)
Institute of Islamic Scholars
P.O. Box 7861
Batley
West Yorkshire
WF17 7XE
United Kingdom
www.rabetah.com
Email: al_islah@hotmail.com
Al-Islah contains translation of sacred verses of the Holy Qur’an
and the Ahadith of the Prophet (s.a.w.). Please ensure its sanctity.
1

ISLAMIC TEACHINGS
A FEMALE IMAM?
Mufti Yusuf Sacha (d.b.)
AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
Dr Amina Wadud, a professor of Islamic Studies at
Virginia Commonwealth University in America, was
the first woman to lead a public, mixed-gender
Jumu’ah Salaah in the modern day on Friday 18 th
March 2005.
Of the evidence provided by those who are
clambering for this is the Hadith of Umm Waraqah
(r.a.). Abu Dawood reports that Umm Waraqah (r.a.)
said: I said, “O Messenger of Allah! Permit for me to
participate in the raid with you. I’ll nurse your sick.
Perhaps Allah will grant me martyrdom.” He said,
“Remain in your house for verily Allah will grant you
martyrdom.” And she asked his permission to take a
muadhdhin in her home. And he allowed her. In
another version Abu Dawood reports that the
Messenger of Allah used to visit her in her house.
And he assigned to her a muadhdhin who would make
the summons (adhaan) to salaah for her. And he
ordered her to lead the inhabitants of her home.
RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE HADITH
This hadith is also reported by Baihaqi, Daraqutni,
al-Haakim and in the Tabaqaat of Ibn Sa’d. However,
the status of this hadith is questioned by scholars of
hadith because of two narrators in its chain of
transmission. The first is al-Walid ibn Abdullah. Imam
Dhahabi mentions that Ibn Hibbaan had refused to
accept his narrations. Ibn Hajar mentions that al-
Aaqili said that there was inconsistency in his
narrations. If we were to accept his narrations based
on the fact that some Muhadditheen, such as Imam
Ahmad and Abu Hatim, have accepted his narrations,
the state of the other narrator in the chain of this
hadith, Abdur Rahman, is Majhoolul-Haal (unknown).
In the overwhelming majority of scholars, the
existence of a narrator whose state is unknown would
make the transmission, conveyed by the chain, weak.
This combination of two potentially weak narrators
makes it questionable to use the tradition of Umm
Waraqah as the basis for establishing any rulings in
the divine law.
SECOND EVIDENCE
Another important point mentioned as part of their
evidence is that Imam Abu Ja’far Ibn Jarir al-Tabari
held the view that a woman could lead salaah in spite
of it being a view never accepted by the Ummah,
and it has never been witnessed in all of Islamic
history.
Imam al-Tabari was an absolute Mujtahid and is
known as the Imam of the Exegetes (Mufassirin). But
his school didn’t thrive and it didn’t last as the four
surviving schools did. So his view is extremely
ancient and contradicts what the Jamhoor Ummah
unanimously agreed upon in that a woman cannot
lead a man in salaah. Furthermore, it would be
difficult to know what exactly Imam al-Tabari based
his Ijtihad on today, since his school hasn’t been
preserved with an unbroken chain as the four
schools have. So we can’t just accept his individual
opinion as it was an opinion without proper scrutiny
and research.
WHY A FEMALE CANNOT LEAD SALAAH
Rulings pertaining to leadership in salaah are
established by evidence of authentic ahadith as well
as the scholarly unanimity of Muslims. They are
based on religious teachings and not on social
customs as it has been claimed.
There is unanimous consensus of the entire Ummah,
in the east and west, that women cannot lead the
Jumu’ah Salaah, nor can they deliver the sermon.
Whoever takes part in such a salaah, their salaah is
nullified. It is never found in any jurisprudential text
of Hanafis, Malikis, Shafi‘is or Hanbalis, nor even
from Shi’ite scholars, that a woman can lead the
Jumu’ah Salaah or deliver the sermon. This opinion
(that a woman can lead the Jumu’ah Salaah) is an
innovation and a heresy on any account, nullified
by all scholars.
According to the Hanafi school of thought it is
MY BELIEFS AND ACTIONS DO CONFORM TO HADÎTH !!
13. Du’â to be recited in the sitting-posture (Qa’dah)
It is reported by ’Abdullâh ibn Mas’ûd (r.a.) that Rasûlullah (s.a.w.) said: “When one sits in his Salâh he
should read: ‘At-tahîyyâtu lillâhi was-salawâtu wat-tayyibât. As-salâmu ’alayka ayyuhan-nabîyyu
wa rahmatullâhi wa barakâtuh. As-salâmu ’alaynâ wa ’alâ ’ibâdillâhis-sâlihîn. Ash-hadu al-lâ ilâha
illallâhu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ’abduhû wa rasûluh.’”
(Sahîh Bukhârî Vol.1 Pg.115, Sahîh Muslim Vol.1 Pg.173)
2
14. Saying the Salâm at the end of the Salâh together with the Imâm
’Itbân ibn Mâlik (r.a.) relates that at the end of the Salâh, Rasûlullah (s.a.w.) made salâm and we also
made salâm when he made salâm (i.e. simultaneously with him).
(Sahîh Bukhârî Vol.1 Pg.116)

AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
makrooh for a woman to lead other women in salaah.
However, if she was to do so, the salaah would be
valid. Shafi’is and Hanbalis permit a woman to lead
other women in salaah. But according to all three
Imams the validity is on condition that the one leading
is not standing out in front of the row. Rather, she is
to remain aligned in a single row with the other
women, so as not to appear to be leading as a man
would. As for Imam Malik and the popular view held
in the Maliki School, any prayer that a woman leads
others in, whether women, men or mixed
congregation, is invalid. Ali ibn Abi Talib (r.a.) is
reported to have said, “The woman is not to lead
(salaah).” This was also the view of Sulaiman ibn
Yasaar and al-Hasan al-Basari.
In the hadith narrated by Anas (r.a.) we learn that
the Prophet (s.a.w.) prayed as Imam for Anas (r.a.),
his mother and his aunt. He made Anas (r.a.) stand
on his right side and Anas’ (r.a.) mother and his aunt
behind them. The same arrangement was followed
in the masjid of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and across the
entire Ummah for centuries.
Imam Muslim narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said,
“The best rows for the men are the front ones and
the least good are the ones towards the back; and
the best rows for the women are the ones towards
the back and the least good are the ones towards
the front.” This was for no other reason but to protect
them from any embarrassment and to close the door
before any evil thoughts or temptations that might
come into the hearts of whoever might be looking at
them otherwise. How could it be possible then that a
woman can be in front of all rows leading the Jumu’ah
Salaah?
It is reported by Ibn Majah that the Prophet (s.a.w.)
said, “A woman may not lead a man in prayer, nor
may a Bedouin lead a believer of the Muhajireen or
a corrupt person lead a committed Muslim in salaah.”
The Prophet (s.a.w.) also warned against the same
wrongdoing in the hadith which states, “Whoever
innovates in this matter of ours (i.e. in our religion)
whatever is not in it, that innovated thing is rejected.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (s.a.w.) also said, “Beware of innovated
matters, for every novelty is perversity.” (Ahmad in
his Musnad and regarded as authentic). All scholars
are resolved that acts of worship are unchangeable
ISLAMIC TEACHINGS
and must be taken exactly as Allah has ordained
them.
None of the famous pious women ever led the jamaat
which included men at the back. Sayyidatuna Aishah
(r.a.), Sayyidatuna Umm Salamah (r.a.) and
Sayyidatuna Fatima (r.a.), among many others, are
role models for Muslim women. A lot of modern day
Muslims, feminists, liberals or whatever other labels
you have on hand, like to trot out the example of
Sayyidatuna Aishah (r.a.) because she was literate,
quick-witted, intelligent and a trusted counsellor in
many matters. She was a scholar and had a mind of
the highest order. People flocked to her for guidance.
Women should look at her for an example on
imamat. Did Sayyidatuna Aishah (r.a.) ever lead a
jamaat of men and women? The answer is no, she
did not. Not while the Prophet (s.a.w.) was alive, nor
after he passed away. A hadith found in Baihaqi, as
well as other collections, relates that Aishah (r.a.)
had led some women in jamaat, but that she stood
in the middle of the row, not in front of it. There is a
similar hadith about Umm Salamah (r.a.) in other
collections. If these women, the Mothers of the
Believers, and the best women of creation, did not
lead men in salaah, obligatory or non-obligatory, then
why should any other woman do so?
So we have to understand that this whole issue of
imamat is from the divinely inspired direction of the
Creator. And to contravene it would be to question
His wisdom. And to question His wisdom, would be to
follow in the footsteps of Shaytaan. And to follow in
the footsteps of Shaytaan, one is surely to be damned
as he is. So it becomes clear that such people who
insist on the permissibility of a woman leading men
in salaah have nothing firm to rely on in their position
other than the following of their fancies and what
their lusts dictate to them. We know that the enemies
of Islam have many tactics they use in trying to get a
misdirected and emotional response out of the
Muslims. And perhaps they do that in order to
produce a situation where they can justify taking
action against those they label as extremists,
radicals, terrorists and fundamentalists. I think that
if people want to make up their own religion, let them
do as they like. We just ask them to give us a little
respect and not call it Islam.
May Allah protect us from those who mislead the
Ummah from the Path of Truth. Aameen.
Hadith of the Month
Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said: “The life of the world is sweet and green. Allah appointed you
as his vicegerents in it so that He may try you in respect of your actions. So beware of
(the attraction of) the world and (the mischief resulting from your unlawful relationship
with) women. The first trial of the Banu Israel was through women.” [Muslim]
3

ISLAM & SCIENCE AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
THE AMAZING QUR’AN
Gary Miller
Another example of what one might expect to find
in an “old book” that touches upon the subject of
health or medicine is outdated remedies or cures.
Various historical sources state that the Prophet
(s.a.w.) gave some advice about health and hygiene,
yet most of these pieces of advice are not contained
in the Qur’an. At first glance, to the non-Muslims
this appears to be a negligent omission. They
cannot understand why Allah would not “include”
such helpful information in the Qur’an. Some
Muslims attempt to explain this absence with the
following argument: “Although the Prophet’s (s.a.w.)
advice was sound and applicable to the time in
which he lived, Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knew
that there would come later medical and scientific
advances which would make the Prophet’s (s.a.w.)
advice appear outdated. When later discoveries
occurred, people might say that such information
contradicted that which the Prophet (s.a.w.) had
given. Thus, since Allah would never allow any
opportunity for the non-Muslims to claim that the
Qur’an contradicts itself or the teachings of the
Prophet (s.a.w.), He only included in the Qur’an
information and examples which could stand the
test of time.”
However, when one examines the true realities of
the Qur’an in terms of its existence as a divine
revelation, the entire matter is quickly brought into
its proper perspective, and the error in such
argumentation becomes clear and understandable.
It must be understood that the Qur’an is a divine
revelation, and as such, all information in it is of
divine origin. Allah revealed the Qur’an from Himself.
It is the words of Allah, which existed before
creation, and thus nothing can be added, subtracted
or altered. In essence, the Qur’an existed and was
complete before the creation of Prophet Muhammad
(s.a.w.), so it could not possibly contain any of the
Prophet’s own words or advice. An inclusion of such
information would clearly contradict the purpose for
which the Qur’an exists, compromise its authority
and render it inauthentic as a divine revelation.
Consequently, there was no “home remedies” in
the Qur’an which one could claim to be outdated;
nor does it contain any man’s view about what is
beneficial to health, what food is best to eat, or what
will cure this or that disease. In fact, the Qur’an
4 only mentions one item dealing with medical
treatment, and it is not in dispute by anyone. It states
that in honey there is healing. And certainly, I do not
think that there is anyone who will argue with that!
If one assumes that the Qur’an is the product of a
man’s mind, then one would expect it to reflect
some of what was going on in the mind of the man
who “composed” it. In fact, certain encyclopedias
and various books claim that the Qur’an was the
product of hallucinations that Muhammad (s.a.w.)
underwent. If these claims are true - if it indeed
originated from some psychological problems in
Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) mind - then evidence of this
would be apparent in the Qur’an. Is there such
evidence? In order to determine whether or not
there is, one must first identify what things would
have been going on in his mind at that time and
then search for these thoughts and reflections in
the Qur’an.
It is common knowledge that Muhammad (s.a.w.)
had a very difficult life. All of his daughters died
before him except one, and he had a wife of several
years who was dear and important to him, who not
only proceeded him in death but at a very critical
period of his life. As a matter of fact, she must have
been quite a woman because when the first
revelation came to him, he ran home to her afraid.
Certainly, even today one would have a hard time
trying to find an Arab who would tell you, “I was so
afraid that I ran home to my wife.” They just aren’t
that way. Yet Muhammad (s.a.w.) felt comfortable
enough with his wife to be able to do that. That’s
how influential and strong woman she was.
Although these examples are only a few of the
subjects that would have been on Muhammad’s
(s.a.w.) mind, they are sufficient in intensity to prove
my point. The Qur’an does not mention any of these
things - not the death of his children, not the death
of his beloved companion and wife, not his fear of
the initial revelations, which he so beautifully shared
with his wife - nothing; yet, these topics must have
hurt him, bothered him, and caused him pain and
grief during periods of his psychological reflections,
then these subjects, as well as others, would be
prevalent or at least mentioned throughout.
A truly scientific approach to the Qur’an is possible
because the Qur’an offers something that is not
offered by other religious scriptures, in particular,

AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
and other religions, in general. It is what scientists
demand. Today there are many people who have
ideas and theories about how the universe works.
These people are all over the place, but the scientific
community does not even bother to listen to them.
This is because within the last century the scientific
community has demanded a test of falsification.
They say, “If you have theory, do not bother us with
it unless you bring with that theory a way for us to
prove whether you are wrong or not.”
ISLAM & SCIENCE
that they should not only present what they believe
but should also offer others a chance to prove
they’re wrong. However, Islam does that. A perfect
example of how Islam provides man with a chance
to verify its authenticity and “prove it wrong” occurs
in the 4th chapter. And quite honestly, I was
surprised when I first discovered this challenge. It
states: “Do they not consider the Qur’an? Had
it been from any other than Allah, they would
surely have found therein much discrepancy.”
Such a test was exactly why the scientific
community listened to Einstein towards the
beginning of the century. He came with a new theory
and said, “I believe the universe works like this; and
here are three ways to prove whether I am wrong!”
So the scientific community subjected his theory
to the tests, and within six years it passed all three.
Of course, this does not prove that he was great,
but it proves that he deserved to be listened to
because he said, “This is my idea; and if you want
to try to prove me wrong, do this or try that.” This is
exactly what the Qur’an has - falsification tests.
Some are old (in that they have already been proven
true), and some still exist today. Basically it states,
“If this book is not what it claims to be, then all you
have to do is this or this or this to prove that it is
false.” Of course, in 1400 years no one has been
able to do “This or this or this,” and thus it is still
considered true and authentic. I suggest to you that
the next time you get into dispute with someone
about Islam and he claims that he has the truth
and that you are in darkness, you leave all other
arguments at first and make this suggestion. Ask
him, “Is there any falsification test in your religion?
Is there anything in your religion that would prove
you are wrong if I could prove to you that it exists -
anything?” Well, I can promise right now that people
will not have anything - no test, no proof, nothing!
This is because they do not carry around the idea
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
This is a clear challenge to the non-Muslim.
Basically, it invites him to find a mistake. As a matter
of fact, the seriousness and difficulty of the
challenge aside, the actual presentation of such a
challenge in the first place is not even in human
nature and is inconsistent with man’s personality.
One doesn’t take an exam in school and after
finishing the exam, write a note to the instructor at
the end saying, “This exam is perfect. There are
no mistakes in it. Find one if you can!” One just
doesn’t do that. The teacher would not sleep until
he found a mistake! And yet this is the way the
Qur’an approaches people. Another interesting
attitude that exists in the Qur’an repeatedly deals
with its advice to the reader. The Qur’an informs
that reader about different facts and then gives the
advice: “If you want to know more about this or that,
or if you doubt what is said, then you should ask
those who have knowledge.” This too is a surprising
attitude. It is not usual to have a book that comes
from someone without training in geography,
botany, biology, etc. who discusses these subjects
and then advises the reader to ask men of
knowledge if he doubts anything.
Yet in every age there have been Muslims who have
followed the advice of the Qur’an and made
surprising discoveries.
(Continued in next issue)
GARLIC: Anas (r.a.) was asked, “What did you hear the Prophet (s.a.w.) saying about garlic?”
Anas (r.a.) replied, “Whoever has eaten (garlic) should not approach our Masjid.” (Muslim)
Note: It is Makrooh Tahrimi to enter the Masjid with an offensive smell. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) has
prohibited one from entering the Masjid after having eaten raw garlic. The angels detest foul smells.
Cigarettes would fall under the same ruling.
DUA FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Whoever, after eating,
recites the following dua, all his sins will be forgiven: ‘Al-hamdu lillâhil-ladhî at’amanî hâdhatta’âm.
Wa razaqanîhi min ghayri hawlim-minnî wa lâ quwwah.’”
Translation: All praises are due to Allah Who has fed me this food and Who has given it to me
without any effort or striving from my side. (Tirmidhi)
5

SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP
Muhammad al-Shareef
AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
In a far away land, a long time ago, a boy was born
blind. His widowed mother – the good Muslimah
that she was – did not lose hope in her dua and
pray she did, continuously. A few years later, the
boy’s sight returned. Alhamdu lillah.
She realized that her village was not befitting for
her son to excel in Islamic education, so with her
son in hand they migrated to Makkah. There she
saw that he was being instructed in Qur’an and
Hadith, the latter becoming the young man’s focus.
He went out far and wide collecting Hadith and
compiled a Hadith book that sits next to the Qur’an
in authenticity, forgetting not his mother that had
raised him well. His mother named him Muhammad
ibn Isma’il, and many of us know him today as: al-
Imam al-Bukhari!
Dear brothers and sisters, how often is it that a
farmer plants wheat and it comes out as a
sunflower? You may say, never! For how can
someone farm the seed of one plant and expect
some other plant to grow. It just does not happen.
Similarly, some parents leave their children
waddling in the mud of television, music, movies,
and disbelieving friends. Then when the child
reaches year 12 and asks to go to the final dance
with a girlfriend, or when he enters University and
stops praying, or when he gets married to a Kafir
and himself becomes one, then the parents say,
“What happened?”
Brothers and sisters, it is the harvest of what we
planted. If we do not raise our children to be
obedient, where do we expect them to learn?
If we do not practice Islam ourselves, who will be
our children’s role-model? How do you teach a child
to wake up for Fajr, when he sees his own father
and mother sleeping in, day after day?
You may ask, how do I raise my children to be good
Muslims, obedient to their parents?
Consider the following:-
Firstly: One should discipline their children
throughout their youth. Hisham ibn Abdul-Malik did
not see a son of his during Jumu’ah one week.
When he met him later, he asked him, “Why did
you miss Jumu’ah?” His son replied, “My donkey
couldn’t make the trip.” His father then said,
“Couldn’t you have walked!” For an entire year after
that, Hisham ibn Abdul-Malik made his son walk to
Jumu’ah.
Secondly: The piety of the father and mother
reaches the children. In the Qur’an, Allah recalls
for us the story of Khidr, and how he rebuilt a wall
for two orphans: “And as for the wall, it belonged
to two orphan boys in the town. Under it was a
treasure belonging to them and their father was
a righteous man…” (Qur’an 18:82) Look at how
Allah protected these orphans because of the piety
of their father. In tafseer, it is said that it was their
grandfather seven generations back!
Sa’eed ibn Jubayr (r.a.) said, “I often lengthen my
Salaah for the sake of my son, perhaps Allah may
protect him (because of it).”
In conclusion, let us reflect on the virtue of
respecting our parents:
· It is one of the greatest things that we can do. In
Bukhari and Muslim, it is narrated from Abdullah
ibn Mas’ud (r.a.), a man asked the Prophet (s.a.w.),
“What deed is most beloved to Allah?” He (s.a.w.)
said, “Salaah on time.” The man asked, “And then?”
He (s.a.w.) said, “Respecting and revering one’s
parents.” He said, “And then?” “Jihad for the sake
of Allah.”
· It is a means by which our sins are forgiven. When
Allah commanded in the Qur’an: “And We
enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his
parents...” The next verse tells us: “They are
those from whom We shall accept the best of
their deeds and overlook their evil deeds, (they
shall be) amongst the dwellers of Paradise.”
(Qur’an 46:15-16)
· Respecting our parents will lead us to Jannah! In
Muslim, it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah (r.a.): I
heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, “May he
perish! May he perish! May he perish!” It was asked,
“Who, O’ Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet (s.a.w.)
said, “He whose parents attain old age in his life –
6
Dua of the Month
O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-sufficiency.

AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
one or both of them – and he does not enter
Paradise (because of his goodness towards
them).”
And when our parents are gone, the goodness
towards them does not end. Malik ibn Rabi’ah al-
Saa’idi narrated: We were sitting with the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) when an Ansaari man
came and asked, “O’ Messenger of Allah, is there
anything left from my Birr (goodness) to my parents
that I should present to them after their death?” The
Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Yes, four things: Pray and
ask forgiveness for them. Fulfill their pledges. Be
kind to their friends. And maintain the ties of kinship
that come from only their direction. That is what is
left from your Birr to them after their death.” (Ahmad,
Abu Dawood, and Ibn Maajah)
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
Aamir ibn Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr (r.a.) said, “My
father died, and for an entire year I did not ask Allah
for anything except that He forgive my father.”
Remember dear brothers and sisters, as you meet
your parents today, the words of Rasulullah (s.a.w.)
“Fa feehima fa jaahid!” i.e. Do Jihaad in (your kind
treatment of) your parents.
O’ Allah, forgive us and our parents, and reward
them with the finest reward. O’ Allah, elevate their
position in the hereafter and this world; make that
which befalls them an expiation for their sins and a
means of them being closer to you. O’ Allah, grant
them residence in Firdaws, the highest level of
Jannah, with the Prophets, the Siddeeqeen, and
the Martyrs. Aameen.
FROM THE PEN OF FAQIHUL-UMMAH
The sterling advice of Faqihul Ummah Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi (r.a.) has helped thousands of people to
overcome many problems and difficulties, especially in the line of Islahun-Nafs (inner-self reformation). Hereunder
is a reply to a letter seeking guidance.
MA’MULAAT (DAILY PRACTICES)
Bismihi Ta’ala
Respected Mufti Sahib
As-Salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh
I am overcome by laziness. Often I even fall into sin. Whenever I commit any sin, I sincerely
regret it but thereafter I find myself entrapped in the same sin again. As for my ma’mulaat (daily
practices such as salaah, zikr, tilawat, etc.), at times I complete them all, while at times for
weeks on end I just do not manage to do anything.
Bismihi Ta’ala
Beloved Brother
As-Salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh
The practice of sometimes completing one’s ma’mulaat and at other times neglecting them must be
completely refrained from. One cannot progress in this manner. Constancy is absolutely necessary.
According to the Hadith, the best of actions is that upon which one is steadfast. Without this constancy
one cannot achieve the islah of one’s nafs (the purification and reformation of the inner-self).
As for the sins towards which one is inclined, ponder deeply with regards to the harms of such sins in
this world and the punishment in the hereafter. Contemplate upon the end-result of committing such
sins. Insha-Allah, one will be blessed with the ability to refrain from them. Also, read about the virtues of
good actions such as salaah, zikr, tilawat, etc. Keep in mind the benefits that one will receive from these
actions, both in this world as well as in the hereafter. Insha-Allah, you will gain the tawfeeq (ability) of
fulfilling these actions. (Maktoobat Vol.1, Pg.8)
Quote of the Month
“It is not what you say about someone
when they are dead. It is how you treat
them when they are alive.”
Text Message of the Month
O Allah let me & da person reading dis b in
ur ocean of mercy so dat with every wave
our sins r washed away & let da salts of
Iman b embedded in our hearts.
7

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
By Mufti Zakariya Akudi (d.b.)
Q. What does the Shari’ah say with regard Therefore, the external use of this type of alcohol
to dying hair? Is it permissible to dye one’s is not Haraam. However, its oral intake is still
hair?
impermissible except in the cases of necessary
medication.
A. To apply pure black dye is not permissible.
Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, “There will be people Q. Can a female use lipstick or other
who will come later (in my Ummah) and apply cosmetics and lotions that contain alcohol?
black dye. They will not even smell the fragrance
of Paradise.” (Abu Dawood)
A. A female may apply make up, etc. on condition
that: a) the ingredients are not Haraam, b) a
However, it is permissible for a Mujaahid female does not expose her beauty to non-
(warrior) to apply black dye in order to give the Mahrams.
impression of being young. (Jawaahirul Fiqh
Vol.2 Pg.421)
The ruling of using lipsticks will be the same. One
must also remember that if the lipstick becomes
It is also permissible for one to dye his/her hair a base on the lips to the extent that water does
black to beautify himself/herself for one’s not penetrate through that to the actual lips, then
marriage partner if he/she is young, and the hair the Wudhu will be invalid. It is not permissible to
has turned grey due to some sickness, etc. use lotions and cosmetics that contain alcohol
from grapes or date extracts. However, if the
To dye the hair any other colour besides black alcohol is synthetic, it is pure and permissible.
e.g. Mehndi or Katm (type of grass) is
permissible. This was the practice of Rasulullah Q. Is it permissible for a woman to pluck her
(s.a.w.) and the Sahabah (r.a.). (Jawaahirul Fiqh eyebrows?
Vol.2 Pg.421) (Al-Mahmood Vol.1)
A. Mulla Ali Qari (r.a.) has commentated that
It would not be permissible to use a dye which plucking of the facial hair is Haraam (prohibited)
consists of Haraam ingredients.
for a woman with the exception of moustache or
beard hair, if any woman is unfortunate enough
Q. What is the ruling of the Shariah to be troubled by these. (Mirqaat Vol.8 Pg.295;
regarding the use of perfumes or Ashrafiyyah)
deodorants containing alcohol? Is it Halaal?
However, if the eyebrows have become so
A. The alcohol used in perfumes or deodorants dense that it is unseemly for a woman and incites
is normally a synthetic alcohol, which is not abhorrence in her husband, it is permissible to
impure (najis) according to the prevailing view trim it to a more appropriate and normal size.
of Imam Abu Hanifah (r.a.) and his followers. (Ahsanul Fataawaa)
If you have any questions regarding the beliefs and practices of the Shari’ah or you are unsure of the Islamic
perspective on any issue you have come across in the media or in any other literature then please write to:
Al-Islah Q & A, P.O. Box 7861, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 7XE or email: al_islah@hotmail.com
Ayah of the Month
Almighty Allah says: “… And whosoever fears Allah, He will make a way for him to get
out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine.
And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him...”
8 [Qur’an 65:2-3]

AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
CURRENT AFFAIRS
OUR ROLE, OUR DUTY: GENERAL ELECTION 5 MAY 2005
Courtesy of Batley Muslim Association (www.batleymuslimassociation.org.uk)
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The general election is round the corner. The 24-
hour news channels and the press will be giving
more time, ink and paper to the coming election.
Unfortunately, some people do not seem to
understand the importance and significance of these
elections. By ignoring we are being negligent and
failing to perform our righteous duty.
Allah has commanded in the Qur’an, “And shun
the word that is false.” (Qu’an 22:30)
He guides us further, “O you who believe! Stand
out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses. And
let not the enmity and hatred of others make you
avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and
fear Allah. Verily, Allah is well-acquainted with
what you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)
The Almighty also says, “Whoever recommends
and helps a good cause becomes a partner
therein: And whoever recommends and helps an
evil cause, shares in its burden: And Allah hath
power over all things.” (Qur’an 4:85)
If one sees open oppression and transgression, and
despite having the capability of preventing this
oppression by giving their vote and still they stay
away, then in the light of Hadith they will be held
accountable. In a Hadith, we are told, “Whoever from
amongst you witnesses a wrong-doing then he must
(act and) try to bring a change with his hand; if,
however, he is unable to do so, then (try to bring a
change) with his tongue (through speech); if he (still)
remains unable, then he should think bad of it at
heart, and this is the weakest form of Faith.” (Muslim)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
1. Make sure that every person above 18 is
registered to vote.
2. Try to meet and speak to all candidates in your
constituency.
3. Collectively as a community try to back only one
candidate who favours justice, fairness and
equality.
4. Try to support the best candidate in his/her
campaign.
5. Make sure that “differences of opinion” are
respected according to the teachings of Islam.
You can pass comments sincerely and act by
voting.
WHO SHOULD WE VOTE FOR?
• Some constituencies are fortunate to have MPs
who have always voted against injustices,
oppression and unjust wars. They even have, for
the sake of humanity and conscience, voted
against their own parties. These people should
retain your support.
• A sincere Muslim candidate must be supported
irrespective of the party he/she is standing for.
QUESTION: What are we supposed to do in a
situation where we have always received great
support from our local MP on local and international
matters (which is mentioned in the first point) and a
Muslim candidate is standing against him/her?
ANSWER: Please determine the following sincerely:
a) Both candidates must be spoken to,
b) In some circumstances, it is not necessary that a
Muslim has to vote for a Muslim,
c) Ensure that our vote is not wasted,
d) Ensure that our division does not benefit a third
person.
All the above is related to isolated constituencies
and local MPs. However, generally we must try to
support that party and their candidates who
generally support the following:
• In principle, we should prefer a party that has a
“national following” and is adequately
represented in both Houses of Parliament, House
of Commons and Lords.
• A party that is against draconian laws, which
violates fundamental human rights
• They fully support voluntary aided Faith schools
However, it should be noted that anyone within the
party who is going against the party in the above
aspects should not get our unreserved backing.
Through our vote we will Insha-Allah be able to send
out a crucial and clear message that we will never
accept any actions from our leaders and Members
of Parliament, which brings oppression and injustice
against others in this country and overseas.
Communities and individuals of a certain race,
religion and lifestyle must never be discriminated
against. We expect them to serve and represent the
nation with justice, sincerity and compassion not with
aggression, arrogance and ulterior motives.
USE YOUR VOTE: To learn more about how to raise your concerns in the next General Election,
please visit the Muslim Council of Britain’s website at www.mcb.org.uk/vote2005
JOIN BMA’S FREE MAILING LIST AND RECEIVE REGULAR EMAIL UPDATES
ON ISSUES CONCERNING MUSLIMS IN THE UK.
PLEASE EMAIL: info@batleymuslimassociation.org.uk
9

JUST FOR WOMEN AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
REVIVING OUR SENSE OF GHAIRAH
Fatima Barakatullah
We live in societies in which most men and women
have lost their sense of modesty. Women are
obsessed with their appearances and wear clothes
to be seen by others and to attract the attention of
other men even if they are married! They have lost
their sense of shame. Marriage is often looked upon
as old-fashioned and short term affairs and frivolous
relationships are the custom; everyone waiting to
attract a better partner and feeling totally justified
to dump one partner for another at the drop of a
hat. Feminism too has reached its peak and men
and women are told to suppress their natural
emotions. Men are not even embarrassed when
their wives are dressed up and attract the attention
of other men. They don’t mind if another man sees,
chats, laughs and even dances with their womenfolk,
and if they do mind they are told not to be so
possessive.
In Islam, we have a concept of Ghairah. Ghairah is
an Arabic word, which means protectiveness or
jealousy. It is a good type of jealousy, like when a
man feels jealous or protective over his wife or
sisters and other women-folk, and doesn’t like other
men to look at them. It is a natural inbuilt feeling
that Allah has given to men and women. The
Prophet (s.a.w.) had the most Ghairah for his wives
and all of the companions were known for their
Ghairah. All Muslim men should have a collective
sense of protectiveness for Muslim women as Allah
says in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is: “The
Men are the protectors and maintainers of
women…” (Qur’an 4:34)
AN EXAMPLE OF GHAIRAH
To further understand the quality of Ghairah, we can
look at an incident that Asmaa’ (r.a.) the daughter
of Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (r.a.) and sister of ’Aishah
(r.a.) relates about herself. Abu Bakr was a wealthy
merchant and he married his daughter Asmaa’ to
the great companion az-Zubair ibn al-’Awwaam
(r.a.), who was a very poor man, but a man of great
piety and one of the companions who were
promised Paradise. Asmaa’ relates, “When az-
Zubair married me, he had neither land nor wealth
nor slave…”, so Asmaa’ had to work very hard
kneading dough, going far off to get water. “And I
used to carry on my head,” she continues, “the
date-stones from the land of az-Zubair which Allah’s
Messenger (s.a.w) had endowed him and it was a
distance of two miles from Madinah. One day, as I
was carrying the date-stones upon my head, I
10 happened to meet Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.), along
with a group of his companions. He called me and
told the camel to sit down so that he could make
me ride behind him. I felt shy to go with men and I
remembered az-Zubair and his Ghairah and he was
a man having the most Ghairah. The Messenger
of Allah (s.a.w.) understood my shyness and left. I
came to az-Zubair and said that the Messenger of
Allah (s.a.w.) met me as I was carrying date-stones
upon my head and there was with him a group of
his Companions. He told the camel to kneel so that
I could mount it, but I felt shy and I remembered
your Ghairah.” So Asmaa’ declined the offer made
by the Prophet (s.a.w.). Upon this az-Zubair said,
“By Allah, the thought of you carrying date-stones
upon your head is more severe a burden on me
than you riding with him (s.a.w.).” (Bukhari)
Look at the sense of dignity and modesty of Asmaa’!
See how she felt shy in front of men? See how
careful she was about her husband’s feelings? She
knew that her husband had a lot of Ghairah so she
didn’t want to upset him by accepting the Prophet’s
(s.a.w.) help even though the Prophet was the
purest of men and even though it meant bringing
hardship on herself!
And look at az-Zubair (r.a.), even though he had a
lot of Ghairah, he didn’t want to inconvenience his
wife. What a beautiful relationship they had!
NURTURING OUR SENSE OF GHAIRAH
Sometimes Muslim women don’t understand when
their men-folk want them to cover their faces or if
they ask them to change something about the way
they dress or speak in public, thinking that the men
are being over-protective. But my dear sisters! If
your husband asks you to cover your face, by Allah,
be thankful! Be proud of the fact that your husband
has a sense of Ghairah for you and that he values
you and cares for your hereafter.
He knows what men can be like more than you do
and so never try and suppress his Ghairah in these
types of matters. And his concern for you should
incite your own sense of honour!
Why should any man be able to see your beauty
and think indecent thoughts about you? We must
nurture our own and our men-folk’s sense of
Ghairah by behaving and dressing modestly
ourselves and paying attention to their valid opinions.
We expect certain behaviour from them and they
expect it of us. And besides, if our husband asks
us to do something that it not haraam, we must do
it.

AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
And brothers! How can you allow your wife or sister
to walk around attracting the attentions and evilthoughts
of other men? How can you not mind, if
she smiles as she talks to other men. Nobody has
the right to enjoy her and her company but you and
her Mahram men. You are not being overbearing, if
you first encourage and then enforce the hijab on
your women-folk because YOU will be asked about
it on the Day of Judgment and it is also a major sin
upon YOU! It is upon the men to enforce these
things in their homes and you cannot use the
excuse that your wife didn’t want to. Women need
a firm, balanced, guiding hand from their men, so
with wisdom you must enforce hijab in your home.
JUST FOR WOMEN
You are a shepherd and are responsible for your
flock!
Allah reminds us all in the Qur’an, the meaning of
which is: “O Believers! Protect yourselves and
your families from a fire whose fuel is men and
stones.” (Qur’an 66:6)
There is a big difference between how Islam values
and protects women and how cheaply women are
treated outside of Islam! As Muslims we have to be
careful that our Hayaa’ (sense of modesty and
shame) and Ghairah don’t wear out in a society in
which people have lost it.
FINDING A SUITABLE PARTNER
Mufti Moosa Badat (d.b.)
As in the case of choosing a girl, the element of
religious likings and good character must also be
the criteria for selection of a boy. As narrated in a
Hadith: “Get your daughter married with such a boy
from whom you receive a proposal and you are
fully satisfied with his character and religious
attitude. Otherwise there will be a widespread of
evil and vice on the earth.” Some Sahabah (r.a.)
asked, “O’ Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.), should we offer
our daughter even if something is lacking?” (i.e.
Wealth or nobility.) The Prophet (s.a.w.)
emphasized three times, “Yes, get her married.”
(Tirmidhi)
Now please think about the above mentioned
Hadith. How true are the words of our Prophet
(s.a.w.)? What evil and vice do we notice today by
keeping our daughters waiting for a rich or foreignsettled
bridegroom? Another Hadith mentions that
the Prophet (s.a.w.) informed Ali (r.a.) that do not
delay in three matters:
1. Salaah, when the time has commenced.
2. Janaazah, when it is ready for burial.
3. Marriage, when a suitable husband is available
for an unmarried girl. (Tirmidhi, Aadaabul Janaa’iz)
Moreover, it is reported in another Hadith: “A man
who gets his daughter married to a sinner
(drunkard, gambler etc.), will be deemed as if he
has broken all relations with his daughter.”
(Uswatus-Saliheen)
There is reason to believe that such a tyrant
husband shall tyrannise the girl and shall not fulfill
her rights. Hence in such a case, the father himself
has put the daughter into miseries and thereby cut
out all the relations. While clarifying the position
regarding choosing a suitable boy, in the view of
the modern age, Hakimul-Ummah Hadhrat Thanwi
(r.a.) writes ‘With economic conditions sufficient
to maintain, two other aspects should be
considered in a boy:
1. The boy is firm in Islamic beliefs beyond doubts.
2. He has a polite nature and is well-behaved.
We can hope from this that he will be able to
maintain his family and the respect of the elders
and learned religious scholars as well. (Ma’asire-
Hakimul-Ummah)
STORIES OF PIOUS WOMEN
Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (r.a.)
THE DAUGHTER OF NAMROOD
Namrood is the oppressive king who threw Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) into the fire. His daughter, Ru’dhah, was watching
the scene from above. She noticed that the fire was having no effect on Ibrahim (a.s.). She shouted and asked him
the reason for this. Ibrahim (a.s.) replied, “Allah has saved me from this calamity through the blessing of Imaan.”
She said, “If you permit me, I will also come into the fire.” He replied, “Recite this Kalimah: ‘There is none worthy of
worship except Allah and Ibrahim (a.s.) is the Khaleel (close friend) of Allah’.” She recited this Kalimah and immediately
dived into the fire. The fire had no effect on her as well. She then came out of the fire and rebuked and condemned
her father. He subjected her to great difficulties but she remained steadfast on her Imaan.
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How courageous she was that she did not abandon her Imaan even when in difficulty. O’
women! You should also be steadfast at the time of difficulties and not go against the Deen.
11

CHILDREN’S SECTION
AL-ISLAH - Issue 17
12
Winners of last issue’s Quiz Time. CONGRATULATIONS!
1 st PRIZE: Fatima Lambat (Age: 9), 8 Banks Street, Mount Pleasant, Batley
2 nd PRIZE: Aamir Barber (Age: 12), 8 Mount Avenue, Batley
3 rd PRIZE: Maryam Loonat (Age: 8), 55A Dark Lane, Batley
LET’S PLAY A TRICK ON THE MAN
W O R D S E A R C H
You should
receive your prizes
very soon!
A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a professor, who was commonly
called the student’s friend, because of his kindness to those who waited on his instructions. As they went along they
saw, lying in the path, a pair of old shoes, which they supposed to belong to a poor man who was employed in a field
close by, and who had nearly finished his day’s work. The student turned to the professor, saying, “Let’s play the man
a trick: we will hide his shoes, and hide ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his frustration when he cannot
find them.” “My young friend,” answered the professor, “we should never please ourselves at the expense of the poor.
But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man. Put a coin in each shoe,
and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him.”
The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work,
and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes. While putting on his coat he slipped his foot
into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment
and wonder were seen upon his face. He gazed upon the coin, turned it around, and looked at it again and again. He
then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and
continued to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin. His feelings overcame him;
he fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and cried aloud a heartfelt prayer in which he spoke of his wife who was sick
and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely gift, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing.
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. “Now,” said the professor, “are you not much
better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?” The youth replied, “You have taught me a lesson which I will
never forget. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: It’s more blessed to give than to
receive.”
’Abdullah bin ’Abbas (r.a.) reported that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said “Encouraging good, prohibiting evil, lifting the burden
of the weak person and removing an offensive thing from a path are all acceptable prayers to Allah.” (Ibn Maajah)
www.everymuslim.com
A B D U L A B D U L L A H I M
Z A I N A B B I N T J A H S H
A U M M E S A L A M A H A I M
I M O O H T L U K E M M U B A
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B I S M I S E I H I U J M I O
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T N H U H B H A M I N V A X H
K H A D I J A T U L K U B R A
H R F A T I M S H M H M I A I
U I A H A F S A H I A M B S R
Z A I N A B Y F A T M E A F I
A W S A F Y A I B A I S H A A
I U H Q A S S Y I F T A W H W
M J A Q S F I Y A H A L I N U
A P U M E S S A Q S F M S I J
H R M A R I A H A I D A A M S
C Z Q A S I M X D A F H Q A T
Wives of Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w.)
Khadijatul Kubra
Saudah
Aishah
Hafsah
Zainab Bint Khuzaimah
Umme Salamah
Zainab Bint Jahsh
Juwairiah
Umme Habibah
Safiyyah
Maimoonah
Daughters of Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w.)
Zainab
Ruqayyah
Umme Kulthoom
Fatimah
Sons of Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w.)
Abdullah
Qasim
Ibrahim
Find The Missing Name
in the Wordsearch…….
CLUE: Name of Prophet
Muhammad’s (s.a.w.)
mother?
Entries must be received before 8th May 2005.
Send your entry to: Al-Islah Wordsearch, P.O. Box 7861, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 7XE or email: al_islah@hotmail.com
Names of prize-winners will be published in the next issue of AL-ISLAH. SO DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME, AGE
AND ADDRESS. AGE LIMIT: 10
1 st PRIZE: £10 Argos Voucher from Batley MSPO
2 nd PRIZE: £5 Voucher from The Three Chef’s
3 rd PRIZE: Barkati Bag from Shafak Promotional Products
(Contents include: Colouring Book, Crayons, Pen plus a Special Gift)

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