‘Estrangement and the strangers’

The Prophetsaid:"Islam began as something strange, and itwill return
to being something strange, so give glad tidings to the
strangers."]Muslim[
The meaning of 'strange' in the Hadeeth:
Many times in many situations the people thatfollow the religion of
Allaah feel a sense of not belonging, of being out of place, of not
fitting in, or, in other words, of being strange. This feeling is
normal when being among non-Muslims, but, unfortunately, this feeling
sometimes also occurs when one is among his fellow Muslims. A person
sees hisbrothers and sisters doing acts that are contrary to Islam, or
taking part in innovations that sometimes even border on Kufr
)disbelief(, yet hefeels that he does not have enough power or courage
to stop them.
Some Muslims, especially if they do not have enough Taqwa )piety( or
Islamic knowledge, buckle under the pressure of their peers and join
in these acts, knowing that this is not what Allaah wants them to do.
However, feeling helpless, since it seems that they are alone in their
ideas and without any support to help themdo what is right, they
succumb to such pressures.
They should take consolation in the verses of the Quran and in the
statements of the Prophetdescribing this estrangement.
Why have they been called 'strangers?'
Allaah Says )what means(:"So why were there not among the generations
before you those of enduring discrimination forbidding corruption
onearth – except a few of those We saved from among them…?"]Quran 11:
116[ This verse speaksof the few people on earth, the "strangers", who
prohibit mankind from evil. These are the same people the Prophetspoke
about when hesaid:"Islam began as something strange, and itwill return
to being something strange, so give glad tidings to the
'strangers'."]Muslim[
The Prophetwas asked: "O Messenger of Allaah, who are those
strangers?" Hereplied:"Those who reform the people when they become
corrupt."]Abu 'Amr Ad-Daani[. In another narration, the Prophetsaid in
response to the same question:"They are a small group of people among
a large evil population. Those who oppose them are more than those who
follow them."]Ibn 'Asaakir[
These praiseworthy people are called 'strangers' since they are a
small minority among mankind. Thus, Muslims are strangers among
mankind; the true believers are strangers among Muslims; and the
scholars are strangers among the true believers.
In reality, however, their estrangement is only because they are the
minority and it is not because their actions andbeliefs are strange.
This iswhat Allaah Says what means:"And if you obey most of those upon
the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allaah. They follow
not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying."]Quran 6: 116[
Allaah also Says what means:"And most of the people, although you
strive ]for it[, are not believers."]Quran 12: 103[ and )what
means(:"…And indeed, many among the people are defiantly
disobedient."]Quran 5: 49[
Therefore, Allaah, The All-Knowing Creator, knows that most of mankind
will not follow the truth. Only a few will be set apart that truly and
correctly believe in Him; they are the 'strangers' from among mankind.
The strangers in belief, however, and the strangers in character and
actions are in reality the majority of mankind, for they are strange
to Islam and to the laws of Allaah.
There are various types of estrangement, of which some are
praiseworthy, some are blameworthy, and some are neither praiseworthy
nor blameworthy. We will discuss these categories below.
The various types of estrangement:
The first type is that of the "People of Allaah andHis Messenger", who
were mentioned previously. This estrangement is praiseworthy because
it has been praised by Allaah and His Messenger. Therefore, this kind
should be sought after and its people must be supported.
These 'strangers', then, are the true believers, because they only
worship Allaah, and they do not follow any path except the path of the
Prophet.
Thus, it is apparent that this estrangement does not cause its bearer
any discontent. Rather, it is a comforting estrangement, a solace
tothe believers. The believer knows that Allaah and those who believe
are with him.
Allaah, Almighty, sent His Prophetto people because they had strayed.
There were those who worshipped rivers, trees, idols, and there were
Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. Islam, when it first appeared among
people,was strange to them. If a person from among themaccepted Islam,
he wouldbe shunned and even tortured by his family and his tribe. He
would live as a stranger among his own people. Eventually, however,
Islam spread far and wide. Then the Muslims became stronger and more
numerous, so muchso, that the strangers were those who did not accept
Islam.
But later, Satan deceived people again. Many people abandoned
Islam,thus those who remainedtrue believers became strangers again,
just as when Islam began.
The Prophetsaid that this nation would be divided into seventy-three
groups, all of whichwould go to Hell except the one Saved Group )i.e.
those who follow Allaah and His Messenger(.
The true believer should be prepared to resign himself to the life of
a stranger among his people, just like his predecessors who accepted
Islam were treated by their people.
The second type of estrangement, is the blameworthy one, for its
people are the evil sinners, the ignorant andthe arrogant from
amongmankind. Their estrangement is due to their refusal to follow
theright path of Allaah and His Messenger. This type is the
estrangement of not conforming to the religion of Islam and, as such,
it will remain strange even if its followers are numerous, its power
is strong, and its existence is widespread. These are the strangers to
Allaah.
The third type of estrangement is, in essence, neither praiseworthy
nor blameworthy. It is the type that a traveler experiences when he
travels to a different country, like a person who lives in a place for
a short period of time, knowing that he has to move on. One aspect of
this estrangement is that all of us, whether we realize it or not, are
strangers in this life, for we will all go one day to our permanent
abode in the Hereafter. This is the meaning of the Hadeeth of the
Prophetwhen hetold 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Umar:"Live in this world as though
you are a stranger or a wayfarer."Thus, this category of estrangement
has the potential to become a praiseworthy one, if we realize the
meaning of this statement of Allaah's Messenger.

Inquiries about Swine Flu

In an interview with the "Raya" Qatari newspaper, Dr. Abu Bakr
Ash-Shaafi'i, an advisor of otolaryngology at Al-'Imaadi hospital in
Qatar, said that swine flu is a severe, extremely infectious chest
disease that infects pigs. It is produced from one of the A virus
subtypes of swine flu. Although the rate of disease outbreak is high,
the death rate because of it is low)1-4%(.
Influenza spreads among pigs through direct contact or the aerosols
produced by pigs)through coughing or sneezing(, as well as through the
disease-carrying pigs that do not show any indicative symptoms. Many
countries routinely immunize pigs against swine flu.
Dr. Ash-Shaafi'i explains that the viruses of swine flu usually belong
to the subtype H1N1. But other subtypes are widespread among pigs,
such as H1N2, H3N1, H3N2. In addition to the viruses of swine flu,
pigs might also be infected by the viruses of bird flu and seasonal
flu that infects humans. It is thought that the virus H3N2 was first
transmitted to pigs from humans. Pigs, according to Dr. Ash-Shaafi'i,
are sometimes affected by more thanone type of viruses simultaneously,
causing their genes to reassort, which leads to the emergence of a flu
virus containing genes of different sources. Although swine flu
viruses usually belong to special types that affect pigs only, they go
beyond the barrier of the species to cause disease to people.
Dr. Ash-Shaafi'i stressed the importance of personal hygiene, pointing
out that swine flu does not differ, in its symptoms, from common flu
that causes a runny nose, aching bones and joints, in addition to
vomiting, diarrhea, fever, shuddering and drowsiness. Thus, the
symptoms of swine flu could be considered similar to those of ordinary
flu, but more severe.
Dr. Ash-Shaafi'i advises the observance of the following hygienic
practices as preventive precautions: wash your hands, donot kiss, use
handkerchiefs when sneezing and throw them in the trash basket
immediately after using them, do not scratch, and drink liquids more
often once thedisease symptoms emerge. Dr. Ash-Shaafi'i points out
that deathbecause of swine flu is connectedwith the weak immunity of
the affected person.
Regarding the effects on the health of mankind, many cases ofhuman
infection by swine flu, individually or collectively, have been
recorded. Its symptoms, in general, are similar to those of seasonal
influenza. But the recorded clinical cases range between infection
without symptoms and severe pneumonitis leading to death.
Because the typical clinical cases of swine flu are similar to
seasonal flu and other severe infections of the upper part of the
respiratory system, most cases have been detected by chance through
seasonal surveillance of influenza. The light cases or those without
symptoms could pass without being recognized. That is why thereal
extent to which the disease is widespread among people is unknown.
As regards the mechanism of human infection, people usually get the
swine flu from infected pigs. Nevertheless, some infectedpeople have
never had any contact with pigs, nor have they been in environments
where pigsexist. The transmission of the disease from man to man has
been recorded in some cases where there was close contact orin cases
where people have been in closed groups.
Swine flu is not among the diseases that were reported to the World
Organization for Animal Health ) www.oie.int(, hence its spread among
people isnot sufficiently known.
Swine flu is an endemic disease inthe USA, and it has occurred and
spread among pigs in the North and South Americas, Europe )UK, Sweden
and Italy(, Africa )Kenya(, and some parts of Eastern Asia)China and
Japan(.
As far as the risk of an epidemic outbreak of the disease is
concerned, most people who are not in regular contact with pigs would
probably have no immunity against the viruses thatcause swine flu to
protect them from being infected by it. If an efficient transmission
of the swine flu virus takes place from man to man, it would lead to
an outbreak of a flu epidemic, whose effects are hard to predict,as
they depend on the virus's strength, immunity among people, and the
protection caused by anti-bodies that are produced from seasonal
influenza and its breeding factors.
There are no vaccines that contain the virus of the present swine flu
that affects humans. It is also unknown whether or not the vaccines of
the seasonal flu might provide protection in that respect. It is very
important to invent a vaccine against the present type of swine flu
virus, in order to provide the maximum degree of protection for
people. That is why the World Health Organization )WHO( is in need to
detect a large number of viruses to choose the most suitable one to
use in manufacturing the desired vaccine.
Concerning the medicines available for treatment, the anti-virus
medicines used to treatseasonal influenza are available insome
countries, and they preventand treat the disease effectively. There
are two kinds of those medicines:
1. Adamantine, Amantadine, and Remantadine.
2. Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.
Most of the previously recorded cases of swine flu entirely recovered
from the disease, without need for medical care or anti-virus
medication.
Some influenza viruses have acquired immunity against anti-virus
medicines, which restricts the effect of the chemical prophylaxes. The
virusesthat have been isolated from the present human cases of swine
fluin the USA proved to be responsive to Oseltamivir and Zanamivir,
and resistant to Amantadine and Remantadine.
But, unfortunately, there is not enough information to give advice
about using anti-virus medicines to prevent and treat the virus of
swine flu. Here, clinical physicians have to make their decisions
depending upon the epidemic and clinical evaluation, and assessment of
harm and benefit caused by usingany of these to treat the diseased.
Concerning the current outbreak of the disease in the USA and Mexico,
both local and national authorities recommend the use of Oseltamivir
and Zanamivir in treatment, according to the virus's responsiveness.

Ways we can cope with our own illness-II

Be confident that Allaah knows what is best for you:You should palce
your trust in Allaah and must remember that you do not know the wisdom
behind this trial, perhaps it will make you stronger and lead you on a
path to a better life. We should never limit Allaah's wisdom to our
comprehension level, because wewill never be able to comprehendit — it
is above our capability to understand .We should, however,know for a
certainty that Allaah does not intend harm because it is harmful. Harm
with Allaah is not intended for itself but for other things that may
bring good.
Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "Allaah doesn't
particularly intend harm for a person when He causes him to become
ill. Allaah intends for the disease to take place and the disease is
what may harm man. But He did not intend harm for man. He intends for
him only the good from it. Sometimes, the Divine Wisdom may be
apparent to the sick, and sometimes it maynot. As Allaah has said
)what means(:"And fear a trial which will not strike those who have
wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allaah is severe in
penalty."]Quran 8:25[
Remember Allaah and ask Him forforgiveness much:Alisaid: "When Allaah
guides His servants to ask for forgiveness, He helps them to achieve
what they request." Allaah has said )what means(:"But Allaah would not
punish them while you are amongst them. And Allaah wouldnot punish
them while they seek forgiveness."]Quran 8:33[
Allaah has told us that He would not punish someone who seeks
forgiveness, because sincere forgiveness removes the sin that is the
reason for the punishment.The Prophetsaid:"He who is constant in
seeking forgiveness, Allaah will make for him a way out of any
distress, release from grief, and provide for him from where he does
not expect it."]Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah[ So whoever believes in
Allaah alone and seeks forgiveness fromHim, He will provide for him an
appointed term, and whoever does good after that, He will increase him
from His Grace.
Supplicate with a humble heart and a crying eye asking Allaah to cure
you:Try to take advantage ofthe time when supplications are more
likely to be answered, praising Allaah and calling upon Him with His
Beautiful Names. It is also recommended to give something in charity
from the best of your possessions before making your supplications.
Understand and realize that illness is not the end of your life. If
Allaah has taken something from you, think of all the things that He
has given you and all of the things that you still have.
A believer always strives for the pleasure of his Lord and does
notstop because of disease or a trial.The best example is the example
the scholar of this nation; Ibn 'Abbaaswhen he lost his vision and
said: "If Allaah has taken from my eyes their light, itis in my tongue
and heart that I will find the light. My heart is bright and my mind
has no defects. And in my mouth there isa sharp, authentic sword."
Guard the mandatory acts of worship )Faraa'id(:do not neglectthem to
the best of your ability. Ifyou have any questions, ask people of
knowledge. Perform many good and righteous deeds as possible. If
someone else can do them for you on your behalf, this is also
acceptable. Beware of any practice that is not lawful, especially
those against our faith,such as slaughtering animals to anything other
than Allaah, hanging charms, seeking refuge with jinn or going to
sorcerers.
When you are physically able, try to occupy your time with beneficial
things like reading. Find activities that you enjoy and that will
distract you from your disease and worries.
Always remember that your faith canand does make miracles:Donot
underestimate the effect of reliance upon Allaah. There are many
incidents that have been witnessed where the impossible becomes
possible by the power of faith.
Although the cure for illness is out of our hands and is up to Allaah
alone, we can still do something to make a difference to those who are
suffering. It is unfortunate that often times we belittle the impact
we can have on others, especially to those who are ill. Just a smile
or a funny story to make someone laugh and forget their worries fora
moment is something that can be remembered for years — because it made
an impact and it made a difference. How many times have we experienced
the impact ourselves in our own liveswhen someone visited us or gaveus
a call - just at the time when we were at our lowest moment? Most of
us will never forget that person who took the time to think about us,
and we always remember them fondly because they — without realizing it
— helped to shine some light on our dark days.

What is the correct the time for paying zakaat al-fitr?

What defines the correcttime (the Eid prayer) for paying zakaat
al-fitr? Is it the prayer of the imam, or the prayer offered on one's
own, or the time of the prayer? May Allah reward you with good.
Praise be to Allah.
What is required is to pay zakaat al-fitr before the Eid prayer,
because of the report narrated by Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased
with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr aspurification for the
fasting person from idle and obscene talk, and to feed the poor.
Whoever pays it before the (Eid) prayer, it is a valid zakaat al-fitr,
and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is (ordinary) charity.
Narrated by Abu Dawood (1609) and Ibn Maajah (1827); classed ashasan
by al-Albaani inSaheeh Abi Dawoodand elsewhere.
The apparent meaning of the hadeeth links the time of zakaat al-fitr
to the Eid prayer. Once the regular imam has finished his prayer, the
time for it comes to an end. The prayer of an individual offered on
hisown has nothing to do with it, because if we were to say that,
there would be no specific time for it. So what counts is the prayer
of the imam. But if a person is in a place where no prayer is held,
such as in the desert, then he should pay it at the time at which it
is paid in the nearest city.
Al-Bahooti (may Allah have mercy on him) said:The best is to pay
zakaat al-fitr on the day of Eid before the prayer or around that time
in a place where the Eid prayer is not offered, because the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed that it should
be paid before the people went out to prayer, according to the hadeeth
of Ibn 'Umar. Some said that it is best if it is paid when going out
to the prayer place.
End quote fromKashshaaf al-Qinaa', 2/252
And Allah knows best.