ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

August 29, 2010

Islam instructs us to care for the planet

There is an emphasis on the importance of environmental protection, so that man can live in harmony with nature

By Mohammad Abdel Raouf, Special to Gulf News
Published: 00:00 August 27, 2010
It emphasises the necessity and importance of environmental protection so that man can live in harmony with nature, as well as to achieve sustainable development, enrich life on earth, and make best use of available resources.

Image Credit: NINO JOSE HEREDIA/Gulf News

In the history of mankind, religion has been the main supporter of environmental protection. All religions call for environmental stewardship to different degrees. However, Islam is unique when it comes to environmental issues because:

• It emphasises the necessity and importance of environmental protection so that man can live in harmony with nature, as well as to achieve sustainable development, enrich life on earth, and make best use of available resources. There is extensive mention about environmental issues, cases, circumstances and components in the Quran and Hadith (the sayings of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH]), the two main sources of Islamic teachings. Thus we can find Quranic surahs (verses) named after natural phenomena, insects, animals … etc.

• All the concepts, causes and ideas related to the environment which have appeared in the past few decades — such as sustainable development, ecological balance and quality of life, to name a few — are mentioned in the Quran or Hadith.

• Islam talks not only of the relationship between Allah and man, and between peoples, but also provides guidelines on how to deal with our environment and natural resources in a better way in all situations — peace and war, affluence and scarcity, polluted or clean environment and so on.

It is important to mention that Islam not only calls for environmental protection but also advocates care for the environment. The concept of caring for the environment is more comprehensive and deeper than protection as it involves different aspects such as protection from damage and pollution, as well as allowing for the environment to flourish.

Before explaining more about Islamic guidance on care for the environment, let me answer this question: What is Islam?

• As a Muslim, you surrender to Allah and believe in Allah, all his messengers and the last of them, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

• If you believe this, then you must obey him, do as he ordered and refrain from doing what he has forbidden (Ebadat).

So the next question: Is that all there is to being a Muslim? The answer is definitely no. There is another important request from Allah to man to ensure that the earth develops and prospers. So, if a man just spends his time praying to Allah, then something is missing in his worship. That is why Allah made man a custodian on earth, as is evident from the following Quranic verses:

“And to Thamud [people We sent] their brother Salih. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah: you have no other ilah [god] but Him. He brought you forth from the earth and settled you therein [with request to develop], then ask forgiveness of Him and turn to Him in repentance. Certainly, my Lord is Near [to all by His Knowledge], Responsive”(Hud 11:61).

In Islam, man’s relation to the earth is seen as that of a custodian. “Now, behold! Your Lord said to the angels: I am placing upon the earth a human successor to steward it” (Al Baqarah 2:30). It is required that man should work towards the conservation of earth, ensuring sustainability of natural resources for future generations. He must not be extravagant in consumption, whether of food, cloth or natural resources. As cited in the Quran: “Eat and drink of that which Allah has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth” (Al Baqarah 60). In short, to be a Muslim is to pray [worship] and to be a custodian [to develop earth]. This is very clear in literature on the fundamentals of Islamic religion.

Pursuit of development

What is really amazing is that man on earth — with many different religions or with no religion at all — is working hard in various fields in life to innovate, develop and prosper. This quality is specific to man. No other creature on earth pursues development.

There are general guidelines that guide us to develop the earth. In fact, man’s mission is to improve things or, in a worst-case scenario, to maintain things as they are. From an environmental perspective, this is the idea of quality of life.

In fact, Islam supports anything that benefits man and forbids anything that is harmful or evil for man. The latter includes, of course, pollution and environmental degradation or damage.

In other words, Islam calls on man to care for the environment, enjoy its beauty and not spoil it, as is clearly evident from the following verses “and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun [those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters]” (Al Qasas 28:77).

In the next column, I will explain the idea of mischief and spoilage and the Islamic view on current environmental issues as well as focus on the issue of the environment and the month of Ramadan.

Dr Mohammad Abdel Raouf is in charge of environment research at the Gulf Research Centre, Dubai.

4 Comments | ENVIORNMENT, ISLAM | Tagged: allah, animal rights, animals, EARTH, environment, GOD, ISLAM, muslims, pollution | Permalink
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Worshiping at a Grave: Praying to the Dead

May 30, 2010

Grave-worship
One of the forms of shirk which is particularly widespread in Muslim countries is: graveworship, the belief that dead awliyaa’ (“saints”) can fulfil one’s needs or help at times of distress, and calling upon them for aid. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him . . .” [al-Israa17:23]

: photo from Flickr: Haji786

Similarly, they call upon dead Prophets, righteous people and others to intercede for them or to rescue them from some calamity, but Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any ilaah (god) with Allaah? . . .” [al-Naml 27:62]

Some of them have adopted the habit of mentioning the name of a shaykh or wali (“saint”) when they stand up, or sit down, or stumble, or encounter problems or distress, so they might say “O Muhammad!” or “O Ali!” or “O Husayn!” or “O Badawi!” or “O Jeelaani!” or “O Shaadhili!” or “O Rifaa’i!” – or they may call upon al-Aydaroos or Sayyidah Zaynab or Ibn Alwaan. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily those whom you call upon besides Allaah are slaves like you . . .” [al-Araf 7:194]

Some of those who worship graves walk around them as if in Tawaaf, and acknowledge their corners, or touch them, kiss them, wipe their faces with their dust, prostrate towards them when they see them, or stand before them in fear and humility, praying for whatever they need of healing from some disease, or for a child, or for help with some difficulty. Sometimes they call upon the occupant of the grave, saying “O my master, I have come to you from far away, so do not let me down.”

But Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allaah such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them?”
[al-Ahqaaf 46:5]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Whoever dies calling on someone else as a rival to Allaah, will enter Hell.”(Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 8/176).

Some of them shave their heads at the graves, and some have books with titles like Manaasik Hajj al-Mashaahid (“The Rituals of Pilgrimage to Shrines”), mashaahid or shrines referring to graves or tombs of awliyaa’. Some of them believe that the awliyaa are running the affairs of the universe and that they have the power to benefit or harm.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And if Allaah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is no one who can repel His Favour . . .”
[Yoonus 10:107]

It is also shirk to make a vow to any other than Allaah, as is done by those who vow to bring candles or lights for the occupants of the graves.
Allah Azza wa jal has prohibited the Jannah for the Mushrik!See Quran:5/72

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To Celebrate or not to Celebrate–That is the Question!

February 23, 2010

by Asma bint Shameem

Some of us celebrate it with great devotion and diligence, while some of us are against it with an equally great vengeance. Some say it is our religious duty while others say it is nothing but bid’ah.

People argue about it. Families split up, friends forsake each other. And sometimes people literally fight over it and hurt one another.

So what is it that I am talking about?

I am talking about celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam), the Mawlid or Milad, as some of us say.

Yes, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal came and went. But, ever wondered…. . what is the reality regarding the celebration of the birth of our beloved Prophet anyway?

Let’s examine the facts.

First of all, whenever a Muslim is faced with a problem or confusing situation, what are we supposed to do? Allaah tells us:

“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination” [Nisaa’:59]

Referring it to Allaah and His Messenger means to turn to Allaah’s Book and the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam).

1. What does the Qur’aan say about the Mawlid?

Nothing. Yes that’s right…..NOTHING. There is absolutely nothing in the Quraan that tells us to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam). Not one single ayah.

You see, all acts of worship are tawqeefi which means that they are not subject to personal opinion and it is not permissible to do any acts of worship except those which are approved by Shareeah. So, for example, I cannot pick a special day or time, say the 22nd of every month, and start celebrating that day as a form of worship.

Why? Because there is nothing in the Shareeah that permits me to do that. Read the rest of this entry »

1 Comment | ISLAM, LIFE/LIVING, MAJOR MISCONCEPTIONS, PROPHET MOHAMMED | Tagged: allah, bidah, birthdays, celebrations, eid, fabrication, GOD, holidays, innovation, ISLAM, MUHAMMAD, MUSLIM, prophets, RELIGION | Permalink
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WOMEN’S STATUS IN ISLAM: WOMEN AS WIVES

February 10, 2010

Women as Wives

Allah, the Exalted, says in the Glorious Qur’an:

(Among His signs is that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy.)

[30:21]

One of the great signs of the Benevolence, Mercy and Power of Allah, the Exalted, is that He created for mankind mates, one from the other, so that they are comforted, satisfied and assisted by one another. The basic foundation of the society is the family, and the husband and the wife are co-partners in that family upon which a Muslim home is established. For the success of the family and the tranquility of the home, Islam grants each spouse certain rights and duties. We will only focus on the rights of the wives in the following section.

Dowry

A dowry is the right of every bride at the time of marriage. A marriage contract is not considered legal and complete unless and until a dowry has been specified. This right cannot be forfeited, even if the bride approves, until after the marriage contract is completed. The dowry belongs to the woman entering marriage, and she has the freedom to do whatever she wants with what she owns after the marriage contract is fulfilled. Allah, the Exalted, states in the Glorious Qur’an:

(Give the women whom you marry their dowry with a good heart. If they remit any part of it to you, of their own good pleasure, take it and enjoy it fully without fear of any harm.)

[4:4]

The husband is not allowed to take anything back from the dowry if he decides later to divorce her; as Allah, the Exalted, states in the Glorious Qur’an:

(If you intend to replace a wife by another and you have given one of them a huge sum of gold as dowry, take not the least of it back; would you take it wrongfully without a right and with a manifest sin. And how can you take it back while you have entered with intimate relationship unto each other, and they (the wives) have taken from you a firm and strong covenant?)

[4:20-1]

This verse indicates, significantly, the sacredness of the marriage vows and the intimacy of the marriage relationship, as well as the right of retaining the dowry gift in case of divorce. Allah, the Exalted, also states in the Glorious Qur’an:

(O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. Live with them honorably; if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good.

[4:19]

This verse ensures the wife’s rights and complete justice even if the man dislikes her for any reason. This is also mentioned in an authentic prophetic tradition wherein Abu Hurairah (may Allah exalt their mention) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) said:

“A believer must not hate a believing woman (i.e. his wife): if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.”

[Muslim #1469]

Financial Support

The husband must give honorable and sufficient sustenance to his household according to his status and means. Allah, the Exalted, says:

(Let the rich man spend according to his means, and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. Allah will grant after hardship ease.)

[65:7]

If a sufficiently rich man refuses to spend on his family in accordance with his level of means, and the wife was able to take a portion of his wealth, she may take that which satisfies her essential needs and that of her children, avoiding wastage and extravagance. Hind bint ‘Utbah came to the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) complaining about her husband, saying: Read the rest of this entry »

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Bilal Phillips Free Islamic Courses

December 30, 2009

Jazak Allah khayr for this post! IOU offers a variety of free courses and it is great for working sisters and SAHMs, as you may work at your own pace. I would encourage everyone to check it out and spread the word!

May Allah reward you generously for the information and reward the brother and his organization and make them successful in this life and the Next!

Abu Ameenah Bilal Phillips is offering free courses / quizzes w
certificates online at the Islamic Online University. Plus they
offer BA n MA degrees in Islam.
Www.islamiconlineuniversity.com
<http://www.islamiconlineuniversity.com/>

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MISTAKES WHEN PERFORMING TAWAF

November 13, 2009

These are mistakes that occur during tawaaf, and are of various types:

1 : Uttering the intention out loud when wanting to do tawaaf, so you see the pilgrim standing facing the Black Stone when he wants to do tawaaf, saying, “O Allaah, I intend to do seven circuits of tawaaf for Umrah” or “O Allaah, I intend to do seven circuits of tawaaf for Hajj,” or “O Allaah, I intend to do seven circuits of tawaaf in order to draw closer to You.”

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did tawaaf before you and he did not speak the intention out loud when he did tawaaf. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) did tawaaf before you and did not speak the intention out loud when they did tawaaf, or when doing any other act of worship, so this is a mistake.

2 : Some of those who do tawaaf push and shove too much when they touch the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner, and they are disturbed by the overcrowding and disturb others. They may be pushing and shoving a woman, and the Shaytaan may tempt him and fill his heart with desire when he is crowding this woman in this narrow place. People are only human and may be overwhelmed by their souls that prompt them to do evil, so an evil action may take place in the shadow of the House of Allaah. This is a matter that becomes even worse in light of where it takes place, although it is a fitnah in any place it happens.

It is not prescribed to push and shove when touching the Black Stone or the Yemeni Corner, rather if it is easy for you to do so in a calm and dignified manner, then you must do it, and if it is not easy for you to do it, then you should just point to the Black Stone.

With regard to the Yemeni Corner, there is no report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he pointed to it, and we cannot compare it to the Black Stone, because the Black Stone is greater than it, and it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) pointed to the Black Stone.

Just as crowding is not prescribed in this situation and there is the fear that it may cause fitnah when one is crowded together with women, so too it may also cause annoyance, because in crowded situations a person will inevitably hear words that he dislikes and he will feel annoyed and angry when he leaves this place.

What the person who is doing tawaaf should do is always remain calm and dignified, so that he will have the proper presence of mind for worshipping Allaah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Tawaaf around the House and (Saai) between al-Safa and al-Marwah and the stoning of the Jamaar have only been prescribed so that remembrance of Allaah (dhikr) will be established.”

3 : Some people think that tawaaf is not valid unless one kisses the Black Stone, and that kissing the Black Stone is one of the conditions of tawaaf being valid, and of Hajj and Umrah being valid too. This is a mistaken notion. Read the rest of this entry »

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VISITING THE PROPHET’S MOSQUE

November 13, 2009

Islamic Guidelines for Visitors to the Prophet Mosque

O you who come to the City of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), you have come to a good place and you are going to earn great reward. May Allaah accept your righteous deeds and fulfil your greatest hopes. Welcome to the land of Hijrah and victory, the land of the Chosen Prophet, the land to which the righteous Sahaabah migrated and the home of the Ansaar.

There follow a few words of advice to those who want to visit the Mosque of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

1 : O you who come to Madeenah, you are in a place which, after Makkah, is the best and noblest of all places, so respect it as it should be respected; honour its sanctity and holiness and observe the best etiquette therein. Know that Allaah has warned of the severest punishment for those who commit evil therein.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Madeenah is a Haram (sanctuary), so whoever commits evil therein or gives protection to an evildoer, the curse of Allaah, the angels and all of mankind may be upon him. Allaah will not accept any obligatory or naafil deed from him on the Day of Resurrection.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867; Muslim, 1370.

So whoever commits any evil action or offers protection to any evildoer who seeks his help is exposing himself to a humiliating punishment and the wrath of the Lord of the Worlds.

One of the most serious of evil deeds that violate its purity is openly doing acts of bidah and spoiling its atmosphere with myths and false ideas, and contaminating its pure land with the spread of articles which promote bidah, books which contain shirk, and all kinds of reprehensible and haraam actions which go against Islamic shareeah. The evildoer and the one who gives him protection are equally guilty of sin. Read the rest of this entry »