Coercion- Against the spirit of Islam

A common misconception that has resurfaced recently and this time in a magnified, out-of-proportion blow is that the instrument for the spread of Islam was force. This is indeed an age-old allegation, the root of which kept on growing with hatred against Islam, to stop the progress of truth, peace and harmony.

Islam never advocated compulsion. If the Holy Quran, the books of Hadith and historical records are carefully examined, studied and listened to attentively, as far as possible, one is bound to reach one positive conclusion. That conclusion is that the allegation that Islam permitted the use of sword - or any other armament for that matter - for the spread of religion is shameless and utterly unfounded. This, in fact, is the view held by only those who have not studied the Holy Quran or the Traditions or other reliable sources of Islamic history without prejudice. 

Some have even gone to the extent of fabricating lies and levying unfounded charges upon Islam without inhibition. I know that the time is approaching fast when those who are hungry and thirsty for Truth will see through their deception. 

Can a religion be described as a religion of compulsion when its Holy Book, the Quran, has categorically prohibited the use of force for the spread of faith? So says the Holy Quran: There is NO COMPULSION in religion. (2: 257).

Can we accuse that great prophet of using force against others, who for thirteen years, day and night, exhorted all his companions in Mecca not to return evil for evil but to forbear and forgive. When, however, the mischief of the enemy exceeded all limits and when the various peoples around him made determined efforts to exterminate Islam, God’s attribute that He always defends His beloved one so demanded, “Let those who raised the sword perish by the sword.”

'Zikrullah' for Inner Happiness

“Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah: 

Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Ar-Rad, 13: 29).

Zikrullah (Remembrance of Allah) is the true nourishment of the hearts. The heart, mind and soul of man thrive on Zikrullah and shrink without it. Zikrullah is not difficult. It is indeed a most simple duty and the reward and significance of Zikrullah are indeed great. One who is neglectful of such an important, yet simple and most rewarding practice is most unfortunate. Indifference to Zikrullah is an invitation to calamity upon oneself.

Allah describes in the Holy Quran those who have let go of Zikrullah and relegated it to oblivion:

“Satan has gained the mastery over them, so he has caused them to forget the remembrance of Allah. They are the party of Satan. Verily, it is the party of Satan that will be the losers.” (Al-Mujadila, 58: 20).

Therefore, we Muslims should strive to remain in the remembrance of Allah (swt) even if it becomes increasingly hard when we engage ourselves in our worldly activities. Zikrullah is a powerful weapon against Satan’s whispers which slowly try to overtake our hearts and lead us to self-deception. Today we notice how even though technology is supposed to help people gain extra time and better quality of life, people are more and more restless, sad, stressed and anxious. This is because Satan is winning them over by distracting their attention from Allah (swt) and misleading them in their decisions. Staying in constant Zikrullah makes us fear Allah (swt), always allowing us to put life matters into perspective by rearranging priorities accordingly to Allah’s commands in order to maintain individual, social as well as environmental harmony. Consequently, evil deeds are wiped out by sincerity of the heart to enjoin what is good and forbid evil acts, permitting us to find tranquillity of heart.

Despair and Hope: Our Emotions

Despair corrodes the Soul

Despair is a very bad trait that is found in the heart of man. Once its presence is manifested, the individual feels suffocated, trapped and feels that there is no more hope. At that moment, his life becomes very bland, his path darkens and he has the feeling that everything is over for him. In such a situation, the servant resigns from any effort since he is psychologically conditioned that all has now become impossible for him (to achieve). So no question to fight because according to him this would be useless! 

The examples below illustrate this fact:

(i) A student who despairs in ever succeeding shall certainly hate school, books, teachers, private lessons/ tuitions etc. His despair caused by failure shall take away from that environment and push him to live a carefree without realizing the catastrophic results ahead.

(ii) An individual who is affected by an incurable disease - his despair shall make him lose confidence in the care and treatment given to him, and thus develop distaste for hospitals.

(iii) A person who is heavily indebted feels crushed by the weight of him debts. His despair overwhelms him with loneliness and he lets himself be dominated by anxiety.

So when the servant does so, he ignores the harm and damage that despair shall bring in his life. Indeed, this is one of the biggest obstacles to progress. It is a poison that corrodes the soul and kills it, a hurricane that destroys all energy. 

Cultivate Hope and Trust in God

A true believer is one who cultivates hope in his heart and never despairs; whatever happens. This is due to the fact that Allah (swt) is always there for him in his life. A good believer never acts in this way because despair is a characteristic of infidelity. Hope sustains the believer, illuminates his heart, enlightens his way, makes him taste happiness and feel the joy of life, and it also gives him the chance to succeed. In short, hope is the elixir of life. It motivates action which enables him to forget the pains and sorrows of life and inspires him joy. 

The Envoys of Allah, even while being perfect elects, faced extreme difficulties that no one among ordinary human beings would have suffered (to that extent). Despite this, through the many reassuring revelations from God, they never despair of His infinite Mercy. Although through their humane weakness they may come to despair in a particular situation, but God does not take long to raise hope in them. The following verses prove this:

“O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” (Yusuf, 12: 88).

“Until when the messengers despaired and the people became sure that they were indeed told a lie, Our help came to them and whomsoever We willed was delivered; and Our punishment is not averted from the guilty people.” (Yusuf, 12: 111).

So, O servants of Allah! stand up vigorously, hoping and trusting in Allah (swt), for it then that you shall taste the joy of life, whatever the circumstances.

The Despair of People under Oppression 

I especially address myself to all believers of the Muhammadan Ummah (pbuh) who are presently being persecuted and boycotted in several countries, and even in our little island where we live. You currently live in despair and fear, but O my brothers and sisters, have you not heard of Pharaoh (Ramses II), the famous tyrant who continually transgressed his people in Egypt? He was an unprecedented rebel, who even forged the biggest lie against God by taking himself as god. His crimes were so atrocious that history cannot deny his extreme cruelty and hardness of heart towards his fellow men. Allah (swt) confirms all this in His Holy Book and He said:

“Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions,

oppressing a sector among them, 

slaughtering their sons and keeping their females alive. 

Indeed, he was of the corrupters. 

And We wanted to confer favour upon those who were oppressed in the land

and make them leaders and make them inheritors, 

And establish them in the land 

and show Pharaoh and (his minister) Haman and their soldiers 

through them that which they had feared.” (Al-Qasas, 28: 5-7)

Pharaoh as we know very well, died in humiliating conditions. He became the very sign of the curse of Allah because he had stood up against Allah and His Prophet Moses (Musa), peace be on him. And Allah (swt) ordained the sea to throw his body so that he can remain a sign to the people after him. But unfortunately, instead of cursing him constantly, many people take him as the perfect model and the best example to follow.

The Tactics of the Tyrants

The Pharaoh of that time (during the life of Prophet Moses) died but several others were born. After him, many countries have been led and are still being governed by power-hungry pharaohs. They follow the same principles adopted by the cursed Pharaoh so as to rule at ease. Among others, there are the system of “Divide and Rule”, the restriction on freedom of expression, and grabbing all wealth. And there is also the use of force in case of the uprising/ rebellion of the people. 

And what is stranger still, we find that among the leaders, there are those who have crossed the age of seventy or even eighty years, but who prefer continue their routes (as leaders) and do not wish to finish their careers. There are even some among them who cannot even walk and who arrive in parliament or at official functions in a wheelchair. The ardent love for the throne or chair of power prevents them from accepting the sentence: “It’s time to go” and is disgusted with the very idea (of renouncing to their power). When they hear this sentence from the mouth of their peoples they explode with rage as if they are entitled to everything and are untouchable.

Tyrants will be Destroyed; Injustice will Wash Away

The pharaohs of our time and all future Pharaohs (if there shall be still some time before the Last Day of Judgment occurs) should all know and bear in mind that injustice is only for a while. Allah will come quickly to the aid of His oppressed servants, such is His promise.

“Surely Allah defends those who believe. Allah does not love anyone treacherous and ungrateful.” (Al-Hajj 22: 39).

These tyrants persist in their rebellion and their injustice, and thus Allah has manifested His divine favour in this century in the form of His Caliph (Khalifatullah), the Messiah of this century to establish peace and justice. Insha-Allah, the authority of the Pharaohs will be destroyed and their injustices will disappear without doubt. 

Be confident and patient, that day will come certainly. Ameen.

---- Friday Sermon of 29 July 2016 ~(24 Shawwal 1437 AH) delivered by Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius.  

Islam on Protection of the Environment

Cleanliness is not a secondary issue. Islam has placed much importance on cleanliness as it is considered an integral part of our faith. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Purification is half of faith.” (Muslim).

It is also said in the Quran: “Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you; He only wants to purify you and complete His favour upon you, that you may be grateful.” (Al-Maida, 5: 7).

And it also mentions that “Allah loves those who repent and who purify themselves.” (Al-Baqara 2: 223).

However, cleanliness applies not only to the body but it also relates to our environment. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) challenges us: “Keep clean the area in front of your house so as not to offend passersby.”

Then we understand how important it is to properly maintain one’s interior, not only that, but also to respect the environment in which we live, that is to say, our neighbourhood, our city and above all, nature. This is an order of our beloved Prophet (pbuh). Therefore, as Muslims, we must comply to this instruction if we do not want to incur the wrath of Allah (swt) upon us. 

Also, do not forget that our behaviour is a reflection of Islam. Others judge our religion through our behaviour. Some believe that a well-kept house is a waste of time and is quite unimportant in the eyes of Allah (swt). Now we have just pointed out that it is not.

'Make the Most of Your Time'

Certainly, time is the most valuable factor of our global temporal life, as it represents to each of us a treasure bestowed by Allah (swt). Indeed, there is no day that starts without it saying: “Oh son of Adam, I am a new creation, I am a witness to your actions, use me because I will never come back until the Day of Resurrection.”

In other words, time, in a clearer term is the days that we live everyday in this world. Allah (swt) has given it to us so that we can discharge the heavy burdens/ duties and responsibilities that He has imposed upon us. We must accomplish the tasks which are meant for us so as to be victorious in this world as well as in the hereafter.

To make the most of our time, we must know that there are five types of days: The day which is lost, the witnessing day, the promised day, the forthcoming day/ Hour, and the extended day. The first is a day which passes without (the person deriving) any benefit. The second is the most grievous of all. It is a day when the servant has wronged him and reaped that which is bad accordingly. The third day is the final day, the day of account which he shall meet at his death. The fourth is the Day of Resurrection. And the time lapse between past days is called the extended day. A further consideration of these days will help the believer to understand in any depth the value of time.

'Respect the Privacy, Dignity and Rights of People'

Allah (swt) says: 

وَ  اِذَا  الۡمَوۡءٗدَۃُ  سُئِلَتۡ ۪ۙ۝ ۝بِاَیِّ ذَنۡۢبٍ قُتِلَتۡ ۚ  ۝

Wa ‘izal - maw - ‘uudatu su’ilat; Bi - ‘ayyi zambin - qutilat?

“Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know.” (An-Noor, 24: 20)

In a Hadith Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) has said:

“He who sees something which should be kept hidden and conceals it will be like one who has brought to life a girl buried alive.” (Abu Dawud, Kanz al-’Ummal, Tabarani)

This Sahih Hadith teaches us that he who finds a defect/ weakness, whether physical or moral in a Muslim and who conceals it, that is to say, he does not spread it among the people, but rather keeps the matter a secret, then he shall have a reward comparable to the one who saves a girl buried alive from her grave, for this practice was widespread among the Arabs at the time of the Jahiliyya (ignorance, before the advent of Islam), as well as among the pagans and the ignorant ones before the advent of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). We need to advise people to improve their conduct (to atone for their wrongdoings) but it is illegal for us to reveal their flaws to those who are not concerned (with that matter).

Eid: Celebration of 'Taqwah'

The first thing I would like to highlight is that all the efforts which we, Muslims have made in the right way during the month of Ramadan had only one objective: Taqwa (fear of Allah, piety). If this fear is now part of us, it means that the month of fasting was a total success and that we can now reap all year round the fruits of this valuable win. 

Ramadan is not an end in itself; it is the beginning for some and a continuation for others, of the consolidation of this state of fear of the Lord (Rab) so that the harvest is perpetual. To live or to die depends solely on the decree of Allah, but He advises us to ensure that at the time of the departure of our soul that we are in a position of total submission to Him. It means, therefore, that we need to be in this position permanently. The believer must also honour the sacred bond that unites him to the Almighty and should not create circumstances that could cause any dissension within the community of Allah. 

Let us now see some sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ^(pbuh) on the subject by raising some subtle points.

(1) Hazrat Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas ^(ra) narrated that he heard the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh) say that Allah ^(swt) loves those who control their passions, those who have no vile desire, those who do not seek the glory of this world and those who lead a secluded life. (Sahih Muslim).

(2) Hadhrat Aisha ^(ra) said that nothing and no one has more value in the eyes of the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh) that he who has the fear of Allah. (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

This Hadith complements the first, that is to say, one who is loved by Allah is also loved by the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh).