Natural Evil: An Islamic Point Of View

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Natural evil like floods and hurricanes happen by the will of Allah. These can be tests and reminders to the believers and non-believers to increase their faith in Allah, to see how good they are in remembering Allah and asking Him for protection, and how good they are in helping other people facing the same situation.

The following Q&A from Reading Islam Website is very interesting and explains logically the wisdom of Allah of His creation and plan:

Question:
Assalamu alaikum.

I'm puzzled with the explanation Christians give to the problem of natural evil (i.e. natural disasters, illnesses and so on). How do you account for it in an Islamic framework?

Ma’assalaama.

Answer:

Salam, Abel.

Thank you for your question.

Divergent explanations have been offered by different Christian philosophers and theologians for the occurrence of natural disasters. But here I confine myself to the most typical Christian explanation, before speaking of the Islamic view.

The problem in brief is this: If there is an All-loving God, how could He allow natural disasters to happen?

J. Kenneth Grider in his A Wesleyan Holiness Theology argues that "natural evils are not in each case God's direct will, but occur through natural laws."

According to him, God incarnated (in Christ) and became man, that is to say, He "came down to be metaphysically one-with-us", and therefore knows our experiences first hand.

Thus

we can be certain that He will assist us in our efforts. We can know that God is….the Wholly Here, the Wholly Now; and since He is this, we can be assured that we will have His help in preventing involuntary frustrations. God thus rides in our machines when we build dams and levees. God rides with pilots out into the hurricane eyes hundreds of miles off the coast of Florida as they seek an early knowledge of a coming wind so that preparations for it can be made. God is predisposed to be with us whenever we seek to prevent natural evils. But whether God is with us for guidance, special revelational assistance, or other helps, a proper conception of the Incarnation assures us that He is always near and always humanly sympathetic. The Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, then, has only an indirect bearing on the theoretical problem of why natural evil exists, but it has a most direct bearing on the solution of the life-situation problem of preventing natural evil and of reacting to it creatively when it comes calling. (J. Kenneth Grider, Toward a View of Natural Evil, last accessed, 23 June, 2008)

From the Islamic point of view, there are a few problems with the above explanation, which posits the idea that certain things happen in this universe outside God's will and plan. But in Islam both good and evil do necessarily have a place in the Divine Will and Plan.

The second point is about Incarnation. Islam firmly rejects the idea of Divine Incarnation. God is always God; and He never becomes one of His own creatures. He knows all the problems and experiences of His creatures; He is All-knowing, Wise; so He does not need to become a human to know how humans feel.

Islam teaches that God is All-Powerful, but it does not mean that He does things that contradict logic or does not befit His character. For instance, He does not make a round a square while keeping it round and square at the same time.

And it is also an Islamic teaching about God that He is Perfect and so He does not suffer or die; because that is against His nature.

The important question about God regarding the problem of evil is: If God is Good, why does He allow evil?

The answer is that a good God may allow evil if He has a good reason. And we need not know God's reasons for allowing evil, because Allah says in the Quran that we are given only very little knowledge:

*{…of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O men!)}* (Al-Israa' 17:85)

Therefore, it would be enough if we know of a possible reason for God to allow evil to exist. And from the Quran we can understand that Allah has given humans free will, in order to test them to prove who is better in good deeds:

*{Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial; to Us must ye return.}* (Al-Anbiyaa' 21:35)

One consequence of freedom is that humans may choose evil instead of good. But if they are forcefully prevented from choosing evil, there will not be any freedom. That is to say, God cannot have free beings whom He forces to choose only good; because, that would involve a logical impossibility.

As intelligent beings we know that most of the things that make life worth living require that we have free will. Moral responsibility, sense of individual achievement, satisfactory personal relationship, and so on, are a few valuable things that cannot be without freedom of choice.

But one may ask why natural evils like earthquakes are permitted, where free will has no part.

The answer is in the cause and effect nexus which is part of nature. We know that our actions are to a great extent motivated by the expectation of desirable results. This is possible only if our actions actually lead to results. Then only our actions become meaningful, and we can hopefully engage in good works.

We know fire is useful because it burns and helps us cook our food; but the same burning quality of fire can burn down homes. That is to say the very things that are useful for us can inevitably cause damage too. Now can we completely dispense with fire as it has a destructive side?

From the Islamic point of view, evil is like one of the twins, the other being good, as good on earth is ironically linked to evil. Because, good in this world cannot exist without bad, as they are two sides of the same coin, and both are relative concepts.

For instance, to rescue a drowning man is good work; but this is possible only when someone is drowning, which is a bad thing. That is to say, we have a chance to do good work only when there is a need, which in itself is "evil", or at any rate not "good".

We replace that evil or the absence of good with good. The imperfections and shortcomings of this world provide ample opportunities for us to make creative efforts for improvement; and this makes our lives and work meaningful.

The forces of good and evil appear to work in opposite directions; but in the final analysis their work may be seen as a covert cooperation to fulfill the Divine plan. And we know, evil cannot be without God's willing it to exist; and if so, evil has a role here to play.

In short, without evil, there is no good. And both are equally necessary for the spiritual development of man. For the spirit to grow, it has to overcome evil and do good.

Allah says in the Quran what means:

*{Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint,- none but persons of the greatest good fortune.}* (Fussilat 41:34-35).

That is to say, we must counter evil with good; but to do this, immense patience is necessary. As for a believer, good does not spoil him, nor evil makes him desperate.

We may say that a believer should have two kinds of patience: one in the face of moral evil; and another in the face of natural evil. Both kinds are required for spiritual development.

An example of moral evil is the insult a believer suffers from an arrogant person. Here the believer controls his anger with patience; and he is successful in the test.

An example of natural evil is a flood in which many people including children suffer. A believer in this context does not curse God; because he takes it as a test of his faith.

Instead, he goes out to help the victims in whatever way he can. And if he himself is a victim, he is patient and seeks forgiveness from God for his own failings and prays for protection. And thus he draws near to Allah and is successful in that test.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Wondrous are the believer's affairs. For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is so only for the believer. When something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him. And when something displeasing happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him." (Muslim)

And Allah the Almighty admonishes:

*{Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit….}* (Al-Baqarah 2:45)

A believer has the conviction that all things and events are under the control of the Almighty and so he never loses hope. He trusts in the eternal benevolence and mercy of Allah, as He says in the Quran:

*{On no soul does Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear.}* (Al-Baqarah 2:286)

I hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch.

Salam.

Jinns

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Jinns are around us. They are not ghosts. They are not demons. Muslims do not believe in ghosts. Jinns are not visible to humans. They live with us, yes, but they have their own world. They can transform to any thing, but imperfect transformation. So, they can transform to look like a person.

Read the following article quoted from Reading Islam about Jinns:

Question:
Assalamu alaikum respected scholars,

I was wondering if you could resolve my confusion on the jinn. According to the Qur’an, men and jinn were both created by Allah to worship Him. The Qur’an, in its turn, was revealed through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Was Muhammad also the prophet for the jinn? If so, are there any evidences in the sunna about his interactions with the jinn? What should we, being humans, know about the nature of this other category of Allah's creation?

Thank-you very much
Wassalam

Answer:
Thank you for your question.

Yes, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent to both humankind and the jinn. One of the Qur’anic chapters (72) is called surat al-Jinn, indicating that there is some importance to be given to the world of jinn. In that chapter, verses 1-15, it explains there, that the Qur’an was conveyed to the jinn and that some of them believed while others disbelieved. There are also many evidences in the sunnah, referring to the world of jinn and the Prophet’s interaction with it.

What we humans should know, is what has been revealed to us through the Qur’an and the sunnah, which may be summed up in the following six points:

1. Jinns are created from fire (different from Angels who are created from light) and are normally invisible to humans. The fact that their origin was from elemental fire does not mean that they exist as fire, any more than humans being created from earth exist as clumps of earth.
   
   
2. Jinns have free will like humans (different from Angels who have no free will), as such some are disbelievers while others are believers (i.e. Muslims). Consequently, Satan (Iblees) was a jinn and not an angel.
   
   
3. Prophet Sulaymaan was given control over the jinn as his miracle. Thus, no human can claim control over the jinn for good or evil.
   
   
4. Jinns may interfere in our world through the agency of fortunetellers, magicians, mediums, spirit-possessions, etc. Consequently, supernatural events and experiences (visions) can be explained by their interference.
   
   
5. Seeking help from them is forbidden as it leads to shirk (associating partners with Allah).
   
   
6. Protection from them should be done according to sunnah, using Qur’anic recitations and not any forms of charms or amulets.
   

Further authentic information may be gotten from my books “Ibn Taymeeyah’s Essay on the Jinn” and “The Exorcist Tradition in Islam”, as well as “The World of the Angels and the Jinn” by Umar al-Ashqar.

Mr. Lamaan Ball, editor of Ask About Islam, adds:

As you can see from Dr. Bilal Philips' answer, we should seek knowledge of the jinn only from the Qur'an and the Sunnah - and this was summarized well here. We should also not seek their help. So, in conclusion I feel is is worth mentioning that as Muslims we do not have benefits in seeking interactions with the jinn. Because of this, we should avoid concerning ourselves with this part of Allah's creation more than is necessary and should instead focus on dealing with the many pressing social, moral and political problems we need to deal with.

Who Is A Believer?

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The believer in Islam is a Muslim. A Muslim means one who is submitting to the Almighty god Allah.

The believers are those who:

• believe in Allah as the only god with no partners associated with Him,
• believe in His words and books,
• believe in all His messengers,
• believe in Angels,
• believe in the Day of Judgment, and
• believe in fate.

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers - We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying. (285) [2:285]

And He says about disbelievers:

Lo! those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers, and seek to make distinction between Allah and His messengers, and say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others, and seek to choose a way in between; (150) Such are disbelievers in truth; and for disbelievers We prepare a shameful doom. (151) [4:150-151]

Those who believe in Allah must fear Him and remember that He watches them. The believers must try to be good 24/7/12. Believing in Allah also requires respect of His books, messengers, Angels and His creations. A big fool who claims to be a believer and is displeasing Allah!

Meditation In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Meditation in Islam is very important to increase the believer's faith in Allah. Observing the flow of day and night, the creatures, the human being and life can boost the faith of the believer in Allah.

Allah says in many verses of the Holy Quran about meditation in His creation:

Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's Sovereignty) for people who have sense.(164) [2:164]

Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His Sovereignty) for men of understanding, (190) Such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! Thou createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of Fire. (191) [3:190-191]

More About Women In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

I was reading this nice article in Islam News Room that I would like to share with you:

Question:

Islam gives man permission to marry four wives. Why can't a woman have four husbands?

Find out what Islam is really all about - regarding Islams Women

www.IslamsWomen.com (try this too)

Answer:
Al Hamdulilah, was-salat was-salam ala rasoolullah. Allahu 'Alim. (It is Allah who has All Knowledge).

Rights and Limits
First of all, it is important for us to keep in mind that Islam came to establish two very important fundamentals for human beings: Rights and Limits.

Everyone and everything has certain rights given to it by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Allah). At the same time, each creation has its own limitations established by Allah.

First Right - Allah has the right to be worshipped without making partners from what He has created. Direct worship to Him, alone.

Second Right - Prophet's right to be followed according to his treaching and commandments.

Third Right - Parents rights to be honored and cared for, with special emphasis on the mother first.

Fourth Right - Wives and Husbands have rights on each other.

Conditions 1,400 Years Ago
Now let us do some basic research here. We begin by looking into the condition of the women in various societies at the time 1,400 years ago when Allah revealed the Quran to Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Pagan Arabs - Burying Girls Alive
During that time the pagan Arab men used to bury their newborn daughters alive in the sand, out of shame for having something so low and disgusting like a girl instead of a son. Women were treated horribly and with utter disgust.

Men could marry as many as they liked and very often they owned women like cattle or sheep. There were no laws to protect the women and they had no rights at all.

Christians - Arguing If Women Had Souls
Christians at that time were holding council meetings to determine whether or not a woman even had a soul. The church blamed "Eve" the mother of all humans after Adam, peace be upon him, for the "original sin" and damned her and her seed for what she had done.

Priests - Best Men - Forbidden Marriage - To Any Women

Priests, bishops, cardnels and even the Pope are the very best of the Catholic men within the church. Yet the church still forbids their clergymen the chance for marriage and families. This unnatural situation has caused very serious ramifications throughout the society around the world.

Nuns - Best Women - No Marriage - No Children

Nuns are the very best of the Catholic women. They cover themselves in proper attire much the same way as the Muslim women. Yet, they are never allowed to marry or have children throughout their lives. This unnatural condition has caused untold number of disgraceful and disgusting practices within the very church itself.

If Only Bad People Have Children - What About Tomorrow?
We must ask the question, "If the very best of the men and the very best of the women are not allowed to marry or have children - does this mean only the worst of the people are the ones allowed to reproduce and populate the world?" - And where will that leave us tomorrow?

Jews - Blame Women and Curse Women
The Jews blamed women for the "original sin" and as such they were treated with disgust. A woman's monthly cycle was considered by the Old Testament of the Bible to be a "curse from God" for her inequities. Her child bearing pains were also a 'punishment from God' for her bringing man down from heaven.

Islam - No Blame On Women For Evil
Islam does not blame Eve for Adam's sin. Each of them accepted their own mistake and repented to Allah, and asked Allah to forgive them and Allah did forgive them.

Now before going any further, please read surah An Nisa (chapter 4 in the Quran) - all the way through, in order to better understand what is actually being said about women, men and marriage.

[Want A FREE Quran? - click here]

Read Quran
Now let us think about the verses. Do you believe that Allah Knows what He created and He has revealed the perfect 'deen'? Do you know the condition of the people at the time the order came to restrict the number of wives? (Restricted to be only four)

Now read the verse about having more than one wife, very carefully. [4:3]

What does it say? And what do you understand from it?

Now read the ayah (verse) that forbids men to marry women who are already married. [4:24].

Now read from An Nisa (Chapter 4) about the role of men and women. [4:34]

Man Supports And Protects Women
Do you understand that one must take on the role of supporter, protector, provider, custodian and servant to the family (man's role)?

Woman Gives Birth - Raises Children
One must take on the role of carrying the child and delivering it and then feeding it and raising it to become a true servant of Allah (woman's role).

Not Equal - But Treated Fairly In Justice
Men and women are not the same nor are they "equal" as some folks would have us believe. Whatever is on one side of an 'equals' sign must be exactly the same as what is on the other side without any difference in value, only in the way that it is expressed. How then could we say that a man, who is unable to conceive or give birth and then breast feed a baby is the equal to a woman who can?

Equal In Faith And Actions
They are equal in their beliefs and good deeds of course. But still they are not the same as each other. Each one must fulfill their role as humans.

Children's Rights Protected
Islam is also very much about rights. Children also have rights in Islam. When a man dies his wealth is left to his family. How could the court know who to give the wealth of a man, if he was one of several husbands to a woman? How would a child know who his father was? No society ever supported the concept of a woman being married to two or more men at the same time.

Women's Right - Best Treatment
Almost every society supported the concept of a man having more than one woman. Yet, they did not limit the number nor did they provide the protection and maintenance that Islam insists on for each one. Islam came to set things straight. Women were given rights. Men were strictly ordered to treat their women with the very best of treatment.

Limit - Number in Marriage
When the verse was revealed the companions of Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not run out with the attitude that they were going to get four wives all of a sudden. Some of them already had much more than that and these men had to divorce their wives, if they had more than four. So this was not an order to go out and get four wives. It was an order to begin limitations. And the first limitation was; No more than four.

Limit - Equal Maintenance and Treatment
Second, the limitation of equal treatment for all of them. How could a man keep more than one wife unless he was exceedingly wealthy and/or exceedingly strong and virile?

Next, the limitation very clearly states; ".. but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then only one ..."

Muslims Today - Most Monogamous
Step by step, the men of Islam have come to be known today as the most monogamous of all men on earth (we only have one wife). Check for yourself and see. In the majority of all the Muslim homes on earth, a man gets married once, to one woman and then he stays married to her until the death of either himself or his wife.

Woman's Right To Choose Any Husband She Likes -
Even If He Is Already Married
One very important point that is often overlooked by modern society is the right that Islam gave to the women that it does not give to the man. A man is limited to marry only from the woman who is not already married. Obviously, this provides rights for the children and provides for them from inheritance from the father. But Islam also permits the women to marry a man who is already married to protect her in a society where the number of women outnumbers the population of men. Additionally, the woman has a large selection of men to choose from. In fact, she has the right to choose from any man in the community as long as he does not already have four wives. She also has the opportunity to see how the other wife was being treated and go into a marriage knowing exactly what to expect from her husband. After all, he must treat her in the same way as he is treating the other wife.

Women Need Husbands - Allah Provided the Answer
The prophet, peace be upon him, predicted that in the Last Days the women would outnumber the men to a great extent. Today we are seeing this become a reality all over the world. Allah has already provided for us for this occasion. After all, He is the One who makes it all happen and He already knew that many women would come into Islam in these days. He also knew many of the Muslim men would be killed or die at an early age, just as it is happening these days. These women all need husbands. Allah has given us the solution to all of life's problems.

Women's Right to Vote - 1,400 Years Ago
We might add that Islam also gave the women full status as citizens over 1,400 years ago by giving her to right to speak and vote the same as anyone else. American women had to take their cause to the streets with "Women's Suffrage" and were not granted the right to vote until just ninety years ago.

Women Keep Their Identity - And Their Names
Additionally, Islam protected women's rights to keep their identity and they were not considered property of some man. As such, they were no longer forced to change their last names to be that of their husbands. This is still the practice of Muslim women today just as it was fourteen hundred years ago.

Women Keep Their Property And Earnings - Men Must Share
Yet, at the same time the western society is so concerned about the way Islam demands that a couple be married, the man actually must work instead of the woman; the woman owns her own property without giving anything for the support of the house or the child; a child has the right to his or her own mother raising them instead of a baby sitter or day care; father must support his children; divorce is hated; and marriage is sanctified.

West Can't Tolerate Man And Woman - In Marriage
It is strange isn't it, a society like America, has no problem accepting sex without marriage; homosexuality; same sex marriages; sex without responsibility; children without fathers; and divorces are more common place than the measles or chicken pox. Yet, there is no tolerance for marriage between a man and a woman if it is not on their terms.

What Needs to Be Re-evaluated?
Compare the two for yourself and see which one needs correction.

Prophet Muhammad's Wisdom (III)

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

We continue discovering the wisdom of the Prophet and Messenger Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.

From The Wisdom Fund Website:

• A keeper of the fast, who doth not abandon lying and detraction, God careth not about his leaving off eating and drinking.
• The adultery of the eye is to look with desire on the wife of another; and the adultery of the tongue is to utter what is forbidden.
• Verily, to honor an old man is showing respect to God.
• The best of almsgiving is that which springeth from the heart, and is uttered by the lips to soften the wounds of the injured.
• Fear God, in treating dumb animals and ride them when they are fit to be ridden and get off them when they are tired.
• An adultress passed by a dog at a well; and the dog was holding out his tongue from thirst, which was near killing him, and the woman drew off her boot, and tied it to the end of her garment, and drew water for the dog, and gave him to drink; and she was forgiven for that act.
• Backbiting vitiates ablution and fasting.
• Muhammad said, "That person will not enter Paradise who hath one atom of pride in his heart." And a man present said, "Verily, a man is fond of having good clothes, and good shoes." Muhammad said, "God is Beauty and delighteth in the beautiful; but pride is holding man in contempt."
• Verily it is better for any of you to take your rope and bring a bundle of wood upon your back and sell it, in which case God guardeth your honor than to beg of people, whether they give or not; if they do not give, your reputation suffereth, and you return disappointed; and if they give, it is worse than that, for it layeth you under obligation.
• When you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your trust; commit not fornication; be chaste; have no impure desires; withold your hands from striking, and from taking that which is unlawful and bad. The best of God's servants are those who when seen, remind of God; and the worst of God's servants are those who carry tales about, and do mischief and separate friends, and seek for the defects of the good.
• Modesty and chastity are part of the faith.
• When the bier of anyone passeth by thee, whether Jew, Christian or Muslim, rise to thy feet.
• God is pure and loveth purity and cleanliness.
• There is no reward but Paradise for a Muslim who suffereth with patience when the soul of his affectionate friend is taken.
• A man asked Muhammad what was the mark whereby he might know the reality of his faith. Muhammad said, "If thou derive pleasure from the good which thou hast performed and thou be grieved for the evil which thou hast committed, thou art a true believer." The man said. "In what doth a fault really consist?" Muhammad said, "when action pricketh thy conscience, forsake it."

Islam & Worshiping - Not Difficult

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Some Muslims find worshiping very difficult! And some non-Muslims see worshiping in Islam very extreme!

• The true believer will love reading the Quran over reading a novel or a magazine.
• The true believer will rush to the Masjid for prayers and will prepare for it very well.
• The true believer will prefer watching a religious program on TV over a football game.
• The true believer will prefer attending a lecture in the Masjid over going to the mall for sightseeing.
• The true believer will decide to do pilgrimage this year rather postponing it until s/he reaches 50s.
• The true believer will keep reminding himself/herself that Allah is watching and prepares to be good for 24/7/12.
• The true believer will fast in Ramadan and thanks Allah for food and water and prays the poor get what s/he is eating and drinking.
  

A true believer prays five times a day. The average total time of prayers in 24 hours is 15 minutes! A person watches TV for three hours and does not be conscious of how the time runs so fast! The hypocrite will keep thinking that 5 minutes are so precious to waste in praying and decides not to pray until s/he gets married, sick or very old! Poor soul!

What do you think?

Enjoining What Is Good & Forbidding What Is Evil

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

One of the important duties of Muslims is:

1. enjoining what is good (al-ma'roof) and
   
2. forbidding what is evil (al-munkar)

These two duties cannot be separable. If you see an adult shouting and raising his hand at his parents, you have to do something. You can come to the adult and tell him that what he is doing is very wrong and he should treat his parents with respect and love, or you can just show him that you are shocked of what he is doing. In both situations you are:

• trying to stop the evil
• trying to enjoin the good

In the first situation, you moved. You talked directly to the adult and advised him to respect his parents. This is a great act because you are meaning to help to stop the evil and want it to change to good. In the second situation, you did not move. You just implied without words that what you are seeing is just wrong and unacceptable. The adult may either be ashamed and apologize to his parents, or he will defy more.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; and if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim, 49)

The person in the previous situation and in any other must be wise. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

"Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! thy Lord is Best Aware of him who strayeth from His way, and He is best aware of those who go aright." The Bee 16:125

From Islam Q&A:

Question:
Why do the Muslims consider enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil to be one of the basic principles of their religion?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Man is very forgetful and makes a lot of mistakes. His own self (nafs) tells him to do evil and the Shaytaan tempts him to commit sin. When bodies get sick and are afflicted with disease, one has to find a doctor who can prescribe the appropriate medicine so that the body may be restored to full health. Similarly, souls and hearts may be afflicted with the diseases of desire and doubt, so people do things which Allaah has forbidden, such as shedding blood, committing adultery, drinking alcohol, oppressing people and consuming their wealth unlawfully, preventing people from following the way of Allaah and disbelieving in Allaah.

The diseases of the heart [psychological and spiritual diseases] are worse than diseases of the body. This means that one must find a doctor who is skilled in treating such diseases. Because the diseases of the heart are so many and cause the spread of evil and corruption, Allaah has enjoined the believers to treat these diseases, by enjoining that which is good and forbidding that which is evil. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104]

Enjoining what is good (al-ma’roof) and forbidding what is evil (al-munkar) is one of the most important Islamic duties, indeed it is the noblest and most sublime. This is the task of the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them all), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allaah after the (coming of) Messengers” [al-Nisaa’ 4:165]

Allaah has made the Muslim ummah the best nation ever raised up for mankind, in order to do this important task, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:110]

If the ummah fails to do its duty of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, wrongdoing and corruption will spread throughout the ummah, and it will deserve the curse of Allaah. For Allaah cursed those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved because they failed in this important duty. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawood (David) and ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allaah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds.

They used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do [al-Maa’idah 5:78]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the basic principles of this religion, and doing this is jihaad for the sake of Allaah. Jihaad requires putting up with difficulties and bearing insults and harm with patience, as Luqmaan said to his son:

“O my son! Aqim-is-Salaah (perform As-Salaah), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption” [Luqmaan 31:17 – interpretation of the meaning]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is an important mission, hence those who undertake this mission must be of good character and must understand the objectives of sharee’ah; they must call people with wisdom and fair preaching and deal with them in a kind and gentle manner, so that Allaah may guide those whom He wills at their hands. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided” [al-Nahl 16:125]

The ummah which establishes the symbols of Islam, enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil, will attain happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah will send them His support and grant them victory, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamaat-as-Salaah [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salaah (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakaah and they enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’aan as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allaah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)” [al-Hajj 22:40-41]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is a mission which will never end until the Hour begins. It is obligatory upon all the ummah, rulers and subjects, men and women, each according to his or her circumstances. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; and if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim, 49)

The Muslim ummah is one nation, and if corruption becomes widespread in it and its circumstances turn bad, then all the Muslims are obliged to reform it, rid it of evil things, enjoin what is good and forbid what is bad, and offer sincere advice to all. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Religion is sincerity.” We said, “To whom?” He said, “To Allaah and His Book, and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” (Narrated by Muslim, 95).

If a Muslim is commanded to do something, he should be the quickest of people to do it, and if he is forbidden to do something, he must be the one who keeps furthest away from it. Allaah has issued a warning to those who go against that, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?

Most hateful it is with Allaah that you say that which you do not do” [al-Saff 61:2-3]

No matter how righteous a person may be, he still needs sincere advice, guidance and reminders in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Allaah said to the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds, the most perfect of all creation (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet (Muhammad)! Keep your duty to Allaah, and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites (i.e., do not follow their advice). Verily, Allaah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Ahzaab 33:1]

So we must all enjoin that which is good and forbid that which is evil, so that we may attain the Pleasure of Allaah and His Paradise.

Islam And Racial Discrimination

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Islam came and abolished racial discrimination. No person is better than the other except in piety.

We should not forget the Messenger's Farewell Sermon in which he said:

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Source: Wikipedia

From Islam Q&A:

Question:
What does Islam say about racial discrimination?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

All people are the descendants of one man and one woman, believer and kaafir, black and white, Arab and non-Arab, rich and poor, noble and lowly.

Islam does not pay attention to differences in colour, race or lineage. All people come from Adam, and Adam was created from dust. In Islam, differentiation between people is based on faith (eemaan) and piety (taqwaa), by doing that which Allaah has enjoined and avoiding that which Allaah has prohibited. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allaah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqoon (the pious)]. Verily, Allaah is All-Knowing, All Aware” [al-Hujuraat 49:13]

Islam regards all people as equal as far as rights and duties are concerned People are equal before the law (sharee’ah), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” [al-Nahl 16:97]

Faith, truthfulness and piety all lead to Paradise, which is the right of the one who acquires these attributes, even if he is one of the weakest or lowliest of people. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whosoever believes in Allaah and performs righteous good deeds, He will admit him into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allaah has indeed granted for him an excellent provision” [al-Talaaq 65:11]

Kufr, arrogance and oppression all lead to Hell, even if the one who does these things is one of the richest or noblest of people. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allaah – Islamic Monotheism) and denied Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they will be the dwellers of the Fire, to dwell therein forever. And worst indeed is that destination” [al-Taghaabun 64:10]

The advisors of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) included Muslim men of all tribes, races and colours. Their hearts were filled with Tawheed and they were brought together by their faith and piety – such as Abu Bakr from Quraysh, ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib from Bani Haashim, Bilaal the Ethiopian, Suhayb the Roman, Salmaan the Persian, rich men like ‘Uthmaan and poor men like ‘Ammaar, people of means and poor people like Ahl al-Suffah, and others.

They believed in Allaah and strove for His sake, until Allaah and His Messenger were pleased with them. They were the true believers.

“Their reward with their Lord is ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (Gardens of Eternity), underneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein forever, Allaah will be pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for him who fears his Lord”

[al-Bayyinah 98:8 – interpretation of the meaning]

The Wealthy, Zakaah And Extravagance

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

One of the greatest orders from Allah is zakaah:

Zakaah in Arabic means growth, blessing and purification.

Islam is the religion of justice. Islam assures the welfare of the individual and the group. The wealthy must pay zakaah to the poor annually. From Islam Q&A:

Question:
If someone is extremely wealthy how much of their wealth should they keep for themselves? Are they allowed to buy a big house or should they give more money to the poor?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

What is obligatory on the wealth of the rich is zakaah; whatever is left after paying zakaah, even if it is a lot, is halaal (permissible) for them and it is permissible for them to buy a big house, but they should avoid extravagance because it is haraam in Islam even if the extravagant person is rich, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“… and waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not those who waste by extravagance.” [al-An’aam 6:141]

It is mustahabb for them to give charity to the poor apart from zakaah, and the best charity is that which comes from richness. According to Islam, they are also obliged to honour their guests and help those who are in desperate need, and to give to poor people who ask for help – even if they have already paid their zakaah.

And Allaah knows best.

Charity is highly rewarded. Drawing a smile on others' face, helping people in need, offering water for free on the road, giving extra food to hungry people, ... etc. each of these is related to justice and peace.