Time in Islam

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There are among those who believe in the popular saying as "Time is Gold." Time in Islam is more than Gold or any precious material thing in this world. Of all religions, only Islam guides mankind not only to the importance of time but also how to value it. Allah the Almighty and His Messenger, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), very clearly tell us the value of time, why we must not waste it and how we can make use of our time wisely to increase our Eeman (Faith) and thus attain success, especially eternal success in the life hereafter.
The following are some of the most important duties demanded of Muslims:
1.Ensuring benefiting from time
2.Utilizing leisure time
3.Racing for good deeds
4.Learning from the passage of time
5.Seeking the superior times
6.Planning and organizing time
7.Fulfillment of time commitments
8.Necessary awareness of time wasters
Both the Qur'an and the Sunnah enjoin Muslims to be conscious of time. We are reminded that life in this world is nothing but temporary. We never know when death has been appointed for us. We must value time for the satisfaction of Allah the Almighty. For our guidance and success, we must never waste time nor abuse it.
Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:
"There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good." (Bukhari 8/421)
Indeed, we displease Allah the Most High when we abuse time. We must remember that time must be spent to fulfill our very purpose in life that is to worship Allah all throughout our lives. Allah makes this very clear in the Qur'an when He says:
I have only created Jinns and Men, that they may serve Me. No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast (for ever). Qur'an (51:56-58)
But celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration. And serve thy Lord until there come unto thee the Hour that is certain (i.e., death). Qur'an (15:98-99)
Everything we do in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah is an act of worship. Such worship must be done sincerely for the pleasure of Allah alone. We should make use of our time (which includes our "free time") in doing beneficial things especially those that will make us closer to Allah and earn His Mercy.
We have to make use of our time wisely by knowing more of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. We must have correct knowledge of what Allah and His Messenger Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) have commanded us to do and at the same time to refrain from what they have forbidden us. This is imperative so that we earn Allah's pleasure and reward. Allah the Exalted makes it very clear, when he says:
O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and make not vain your deeds! Qur'an (47:33)
Corollary to the above divine commandment, we must ask ourselves: Have we been obeying Allah and His Messenger? To what extent have we used our time learning the Qur'an and the Sunnah in order to have correct Eeman (Faith), to do righteous deeds, to enjoin the Truth or do Da'wah, and be patient and constant? As time passes by, are we sure we are devoting our time for the sincere worship and pleasure of Allah the Most High? Are we taking guidance from the following very enlightening Ayat (Qur'anic verses)?
By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Qur'an (103:1-3)
In line with the above Qur'anic injunction, we have to discipline ourselves by giving value to the importance of time. We must be prompt in doing good deeds, which will increase our faith and subsequently enable us to gain Allah's pleasure and mercy.
Islam encourages Muslims to care for time, to utilize it wisely and not to waste it and to benefit from it. Besides, it holds them responsible for their time.
We have to remember that on the Day of Judgment we shall be asked how we spent our lives, wealth and knowledge. In other words, we will be questioned on how we spent everything that Allah has given us as implied in the following Hadith:
Narrated Abdullah Bin Mas`ud Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:
"A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had."
The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to call on Muslims to take the initiative to do good deeds before any obstacles arise. For instance, he said, "Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal (Antichrist); or Doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter." (at-Tirmidhi, al-Baihaqi)
The above Hadith urges Muslims to take the initiative, and not to delay good deeds; man's life is not free from impediments, such as those calamities, which can prevent him from accomplishing what could have been done earlier. Wise are those who grab available opportunities before being handicapped by obstacles.
If we are to evaluate ourselves objectively, have we been spending our time wisely for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty? Have we been spending our lives based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah? Have we been practicing Muslims? How many of us are Muminoon (Faithful Muslims) and/or Mutaqqoon (God Fearing Muslims)? How much knowledge of the Qur'an and the Sunnah do we know? Do we practice what we learn and impart the same to others or at least share them to our families and kin? Have we ever enjoined to others what is right and forbid what is wrong?
To be successful, we have to manage our time wisely by making plans for virtuous deeds that please Allah the Almighty. We must spend time learning Islam based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Opportunity is something which is quick to vanish and late to return. Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba (AS)Another Year Passes By and Time Marches On
O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. Qur'an (59:18)
Another year has passed; minutes move into hours => into days => into weeks => into months => into years - seemingly faster than ever; yet every moment is a precious component of life and every moment counts.
Time - Use it, do not abuse it
Our attitude towards time indicates our attitude towards the value of the capital of life. If we want to purchase something, we require financial capital; and if we want to do something in life, we require the capital of life, time. That is why the Qur'an exhorts us to value the time we have before life is up. Qur'an (63:10)
Realize that...
*.Time is the measure of life, time is an amaanah (trust), time is a gift from the Creator and its proper use will determine our outcome for eternity.
*.We are born in time, live in time and die in time; time is the ambit within which we operate. What we do with time is what we do with our lives.
*.Each one must realize that every moment that passes by is an opportunity gone, used or abused; never to return. Soon time will be up and we'll have to leave this physical world and give account for our lives.
*.The more we remind ourselves of the responsibility of the present the better we get at living the moment and the better we live the present moment the better the consequence for the future.
Our attitude towards the future influences our mind-set towards the rest of life. Being positive about life ahead is among life's greatest motivators. Hope is the best attitude one can harbor towards the future; this realistic expectation that something good or better could/will happen if only we continue doing the best we can. Remember that today well-lived makes yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Wise are the words of the one who said ... "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
"O Allah! Make life a means for every dimension of goodness." [Prayer of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)]
The Characteristics of Time
We are to bear in mind that time has certain characteristics, among of which are the following:
1.Time passes quickly.
2.Time that passes can never return, nor can it be compensated for, for time is irretrievable.
3.Time is the most precious thing that man possesses.
Muslim's Duty towards Time:
Having all this great value and importance, time is to be duly appreciated and managed. In Islam there is no room for slogans like the so-called "killing time", for in Islam time is really valuable. In fact, wasting time is much more dangerous than squandering property, because unlike property, time cannot be compensated. Free time is a blessing that is overlooked, and not wholly appreciated by many people.
This indicates that it's very important for a Muslim to try his utmost to husband his time and make the best use of it in beneficial things. A Muslim may use portion of his time in making invocations and supplications, celebrating the praises of Allah. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to supplicate: "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from sorrow and distress, and I seek refuge in You from disability and laziness."
A Muslim should learn how to organize his time, and make a realistic plan for his worldly and religious duties, without any of them overlapping the other. That is to say that one should know how to arrange his priorities: the most important and the most urgent comes first, and carried out according to schedule. Organizing time also includes leaving a place for relaxation and entertainment, for 'all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.'
One of the methods of managing his time properly is for a Muslim to get up early and sleep early, for early hours always yield great blessings. Starting his day with prayer and the supplication of the morning brings the Muslim Allah's grace. A Muslim should always bear in mind that every time has its own task that suits it. Doing tasks in their due times brings about peace of mind and comfort.
Finally, we would like to cite the following Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), quoting from the Book of Ibrahim, peace be upon him: "A sane person, unless he is mindless, should have four hours: an hour to invoke to his Lord, an hour to count his own deeds, an hour to contemplate about the creation of Allah and an hour to satisfy his worldly needs."
Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell Fire, if Allah the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time.
In general, sensible people know the importance of time.
Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allow you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day.
What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!
Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.
It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.
There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has kids to feed.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one. . .
Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present!

- PUBLISHED by"NajimudeeN_M-INDIA"

Where do I come?

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Some people must be asking themselves this question. I was one of those people and finally put this question to my father, anticipating to receive a clear and positive answer.
But unfortunately, his explanation was similar in pattern to that of all religious people, which made me more confused rather than clearing my doubt.
I am not surprised to know that millions of human beings have come into this world and died after many years without knowing why Allah (s.w.t.) created them. And of those who are alive, how many knows the answer?
Those who have the knowledge, are working to reach that ultimate goal, but the unfortunate ones have involved themselves in one thing or the other and finally they had to leave it all behind and go in front of their maker with an empty hand.
Although my father's answer was correct, somehow I did not find it satisfactory.
His answer was that all those who believe in Allah and live by the principles of Islam, would be rewarded in the next world and all those who reject Him and His last Book, will be punished and sent to hell.
Don't we all say the same thing to our children?
I feel we owe them a more explicit clarification than just these words.
After studying the Holy Quran, Allah (s.w.t.) blessed me with that knowledge I was seeking for many years. At last, I came to know what is my mission and also who is this Satan whom we have to avoid.
In the beginning, nothing existed whatsoever except Allah (s.w.t.). He created alone everything including this world. Satan, who was from Jinn family, was one of those who served Allah (s.w.t.) along with angels. When Allah (s.w.t.) created the best of His creation, the Human Beings, He commanded Satan to make obeisance to Adam, but Satan refused. As a result of his disobedience, Allah (s.w.t.) expelled him. Satan said, "This human being whom you have honored above me. If you should respite me to the day of resurrection, I will most certainly cause his progeny to perish except a few." Allah (s.w.t.) said: "Be gone! For whoever of them will follow you, then surely hell is your recompense, a full recompense: and beguile whomsoever of them you can with your voice, and collect against them your forces riding and on foot, and share with them in wealth and children and hold out promises to them; and the Satan makes not promises to them but deceive."
Allah (s.w.t.) has prescribed a code of conduct for the human beings and showed them both the right way and the wrong way. Then He has left them free to choose between these two ways; but He had revealed to them through Quran that, those who follow the right way, will have angels to guide them and protect them at all times whereas those who pursue the wrong course, will have Satan and his descendents as their companions, misguiding them and inspiring them to do all sorts of evil acts.
What is our mission besides being wary of Satan?
Allah (s.w.t.) created us for only one purpose and that is to worship him. He state in Quran: "I have only created Jinns and men that they may worship Me; no support do I require from them nor do I require that they should feed Me." (Surah: 51-56-57)
The sole purpose of our existence, therefore, is worship. We are here neither for building castles nor to stay forever. Unfortunately, many English translators of Quran translated the word "Ebadah" as serving, without any elaboration on that word. "Ebadah" does not only mean serving but also worship.
Worship also means the act of paying divine honor to the supreme being, reverence, submission, respect, loving or admiring, devotion, to adore, to idolize. These are just a few meanings of the word worship.
Our Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) says in His Hadith: Allah (s.w.t.) created this whole universe for the benefit of human beings. But He created the human beings for Himself. We are created to adore Him as he adores us, to believe in Him. fear Him and obey His commands. He did not create us for any other purpose.
Those who worship Allah (s.w.t.) must set up regular prayers. But why pray?
Allah, states in Quran: "Keep up prayer; surely prayer is a timed ordinance for the believers." (Surah: 4-103)
The word prayer means "Salat" in Arabic, which also means communication. We must establish proper communication with Allah (s.w.t.) if we wish to succeed in our mission. It is proper contact that will lead you to adoration and affection for which we are here.
We exist in this world due to communication; a person, who takes his life away, has no contact with anything or anyone. He has an empty heart with no feeling.
When Allah (s.w.t.) commands us to pray or set up contact with Him, it is to develop adoration for Him in our heart.
Another reason for praying, is to show our gratitude to Merciful Allah (s.w.t.) who created us and all other things in this world for our benefit.
It is a common practice of people with good manners to say "Thank You" to express their appreciation of favors done by others. Then, what about expressing our gratitude to the Creator of the universe who has been and is still bestowing blessings upon us in abundance, every second of our lives? Ought not we show our deep appreciation and gratitude to Him for all His favors, in a befitting manner?
Compulsory prayers for Muslims are five times a day, the total duration of which will not exceed on hour out of twenty-four hours of the day. Can this be considered sufficient reciprocation? Certainly not!
Regular and proper prayer fetches unlimited benefits. Besides creating affection, it will also guide you to live in accordance with the principles laid down by Allah in His Book. Through proper communications, we build up our whole life. Through contact, we create love and affection for our parents and our friends. The more you communicate, the closer we get to each other. A person, who is in touch five times a day, is definitely closer than the one who is in touch just once a week.
Only through communication, you will be able to find Allah (s.w.t.). Work hard and persevere in trying to find Allah through prayers, but before you do so, find yourself.
Those who refuse to set up proper contact with Allah, are bound to make many errors which will eventually lead them to hell fire. Instead of cultivating affection in their heart for Allah, they reject Him and start adoring this material world or their own Gods.
Most of the people in this world have heard about Allah (s.w.t.) but their heart lacks any kind of love for Him, while Allah (s.w.t.) created us with an instinct to cultivate affection and adoration for Him in our hearts. Those who are true Muslims teach their children how to develop this instinct; but non-believers kill such instinct in their children and create adoration in those innocent hearts for what, they themselves adore; this is the reason why there are so many different religions.
It is not because the non-believers have studied their religion and found Islam to be wrong and their religion right that they continue with their faith; in fact many of them do not know anything about their own religion. The whole problem is due to that affection they have given to their religion through prayers and that block their mind. There are others who are fully aware that Islam is the true religion, but cling to their old belief out of stubbornness.
Affection towards Allah (s.w.t.) can be developed in one's heart only after he approves of his conduct and a non-believer can never achieve this because of his disobedience.
Those who are in regular contact with Allah through their religion will start emulating him. The well-known saying goes: "Know me by the company I keep." Allah (s.w t.) is all Merciful, Kind, Generous, understanding etc. He is far from being tyrant, aggressor or murderer.
Therefore, every person must ask himself or herself whether they have honestly been able to establish real contact with Allah and whether he is pleased with them the way they conduct their lives.
Those who are truly in contact with Allah (s.w.t.) and those with whom he is pleased, will be full of love and affection for their brothers and sisters in humanity and will do all they can to alleviate their miseries and solve their problems. They will be unselfish and always ready to serve their fellow human beings in every possible way.
A true Muslim is the one who, when seeing another brother suffering, will feel as if a part of his own body is suffering.
Believers who maintain regular contact with Allah (s.w.t.) are the only ones who live a disciplined life in this world; and those who are not believers are in no way different from spoil children who feel they have better knowledge than their parents.
Since it is not possible to live without some sort of discipline, every nation or country formulated its own constitution, but it has been proved that these man-made laws and constitutions did not succeed in guiding the people to an orderly and disciplined way of life. Who, then, can guide us properly to lead a healthy and good life but the one who created us?
Islam offered the only practical constitution in the world, which deals with every aspect of life such as religious, social, economic aspects etc. Moreover, Islamic religion is not merely a faith, but a complete way of life, which defines in clear terms each and every action of human beings throughout his life.
Religion cannot be inherited nor will it be accepted by Allah (s.w.t.) by mere feelings. Islam calls for action. Only those who live by the principles of Islam can call themselves Muslims. Moreover, the closer you get to Allah (s.w.t.), the more hardships you will be subjected to. The straight path is paved with unlimited problems and hardships. To what extent prayers of those who are Muslims, helped them in developing affection for Allah, (s.w.t.) in their heart? Will they be prepared to sacrifice their life and worldly possessions for the sake of that adoration?
The closer one gets to Allah (s.w.t.), the more he will understand Allah's justice. He will then fear Allah's punishment for disobeying Him and will live in accordance with His command. However, apart from this fear of punishment, it is important for believers to have the fear of being deprived of His love. The more closer one gets to Allah, the greater this fear becomes, which makes him refrain from committing any sin. Such people are the ones who will inherit paradise.
Allah states in Quran: "Those who fear Allah will inherit two heavens."
He also states: "Fear Me if you have faith."
Sound argument and criticism help to achieve perfection in every field. Allah (s.w.t.) is challenging all human beings about the authenticity of His living miracle, His last revelations, i.e. the Holy Quran. Why not face the challenge and also find out what those miracles are instead of turning away in haughtiness since Allah (s.w.t.) threatens all those who reject His last book with hell-fire.
Do not let your affection prevent you from searching for the truth, It is not true that all religions are the same. According to Quran, the only religion that will be accepted by Allah, is Islam.
Islam demands of every adult to conduct a deep study of the religion that you are born in and convince yourself that it is the right faith you want to follow. You may rely on the judgment of your parents as long as you are a child and not capable of taking your own decision, but thereafter, your religion becomes your responsibility.
Respecting and obeying parents are of course, Islamic commandments, but that does not mean one must follow the opinion of his parents in important matters such as religion as their opinion may quite likely be wrong. As a matter of fact, when parents are adherent to a wrong religious principle, they are apparently going against the will of Allah (s.w.t.) and if one obeys the parents, he will be disobeying Allah (s.w.t.).
If you wish to know why Allah sent different prophets at different times to preach His religion, it was because men kept changing His book to suit their purpose: it was, therefore, necessary to send another messenger with another book. Allah (s.w.t.) has stated in Quran that the present old testament and the Bible are not the same as were originally revealed. Men have changed these several times. Even now, they keep changing its text very often whereas Quran is still intact and Allah (s.w.t.) has promised to guard it against any corruption. For this reason, you will observe that although billions of copies of Holy Quran have been printed in its original Arabic language all over the world, not one word or even a dot has been changed.
Allah stated in Quran: "Surely we have revealed the reminder and we will most surely be its guardian." (Surah: 15-9)
A very good example of the effect of prayers and the affection it creates in one's heart, can be had by looking at a Catholic and a Protestant. Although both are Christians, the Catholic are known to be more devoted than the Protestants and therefore, they are more serious about their religion.
Another example is the idol worshipper he has, through prayers, developed deep affection and adoration towards his idols. These idols are his gods or the images of gods, as he names them and they have become a part of his life and his feeling toward them are very strong. It is this sense of affection which prevents the idol worshippers from discussing religion and makes them take the attitude of "What is good for my parents is good enough for me," not realizing human beings are individuals and no one can carry the burden of other person's crime.
In today's world, we find many hippies and among them there are many wise men. Why is it so? Why have they detached themselves from their families and friends and live a gypsy life? Is it for sex or are they tired of working? In many cases, this may be true, but a large number of people become hippies for neither of these reasons. They are educated, sensible and very serious people.
It is all because Allah (s.w.t.) the Merciful, wished to awaken these people by means of several signs such as anxiety, pressure or sickness, to the fact that they were not created for this materialistic world but for a much better reason. As a result of this, the contentment and peace of mind they had before, have now vanished and they became restless and disturbed.
Consequently, many of them start using drugs to escape from this restlessness but others try to search for peace and tranquility through religion. But which religion? Christianity? They were born in the Trinitarian Faith and it could not give them that peace and tranquility. Those who were fortunate, finally found peace and contentment through the proper religion which is Islam and it also helped them in cultivating love and adoration in their hearts by way of regular prayers. But the unfortunate ones went deeper into trouble when they began to search for it through Hinduism or Buddhism, and there are others who do not become hippies nor try other means to search for peace and contentment but instead, take their life away by committing suicide which takes place everyday in Europe and America.
We have now come to the conclusion that one of the reasons why Allah (s.w.t.) commanded us to pray, was to set up communication with Him. And as for those Muslims who are regular in their prayers and still lead un-Islamic life, it is evident that their contact with Allah (s.w.t.) was never established.
And when Allah (s.w.t.) commands us to worship Him, it is because He wants us to love Him only and also live as a free person in this world and with honor and respect since we are supposed to be His representatives.
He sent you with full authority over all his other creations and he wants you to maintain your freedom all your life. But unfortunately, many people are unfair to themselves and choose to become slaves of their evil desires. There are millions who have gone to the extent of loosing their dignity and honor and have fallen to the lowest ebb because of that slavery.
A one-time real man has now chained himself in slavery to Mr. Gold who dictates his life and he obeys without any shame. He is also to protect Mr. Gold although it brings nightmares and keeps him awake most of the time in the night. As he is about to leave this world. Mr. Gold will assure him that they will meet again in hell-fire.
There are others who are slaves of their sexual desires. The moment they sight a woman, they pant like a dog and will do anything to spend an hour with her. Humiliation they do not mind and self respect they have none.
Let us not forget the devoted Muslims who become un rewarded slaves of their own children or their wives. Those who have preferred slavery to freedom, have not only damaged their inner self but also their physical body.
Since all their life they live on their nerve, hypertension and diabetics are their common ailment and characteristically, they become intolerable, bad temper and nasty mood are their best companions. Peace of mind and tranquility have long since disappeared from them and those who still have some feelings left, are haunted by death and insomnia becomes their constant companion.
Only those who maintain the philosophy that there is none but one Allah and truly worship Him, are able to keep their freedom throughout their existence and lead a very happy and contented life.
A man once asked Imam Jaffer Al-Sadeq (P.B.U.H); "What is the distance between a man and heaven?" He replied : "Only two feet; the first one, suppressing one's evil desires and the second, not to be afraid of death."
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Almighty (s.w.t.) can stand up to anything.

- PUBLISHED by"NajimudeeN_M-INDIA"

Women site, - The Benefits of Purposeful Socializing

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A Muslim woman should not say, “What do I have to do with people? I leave them alone and I do not interfere in their private affairs.” We are required to do take an interest in the well-being of our fellow Muslims in permissible worldly matters, even though a part of the perfection of one's Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him. As for matters which imply certain danger to the morals of others )even if they are worldly matters( one is required to offer advice, because offering advice with whole-hearted concern is an essential pillar of the religion.
A believing woman is required to offer advice and invite people to her religion as much as she can. The story of the noble Companion, Umm Sulaym, may Allaah be pleased with her, in this respect is a wonderful example:
Umm Sulaym, the mother of Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with them, was one of the early converts to Islam from among the Ansaar )Helpers(. After her husband's death, Abu Talhah, may Allaah be pleased with him, proposed to her when he was still a polytheist. She said to him, "O Abu Talhah, do you not know that this deity whom you worship grew out of the earth?" "Of course," he answered. She said, "Do you not feel ashamed to worship a tree? If you become a Muslim, I will accept you as a husband, and will not ask for dowry other than your acceptance of Islam." He replied, "I will think about the matter." He went out and then returned saying, "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah." Thereupon, she said to Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, "O Anas, approve the marriage proposal of Abu Talhah," so Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, gave her away in marriage to him. ]Al-Haakim[
It was a noble dowry for a woman who was a noble caller to Allaah. She called Abu Talhah, may Allaah be pleased with him, to worship Allaah Alone and abandon polytheism. Allaah The Almighty opened his heart for Islam and accepted it, and what a noble dowry it was!
The Children of Isra'eel were destroyed because they abandoned the virtue of enjoining good and forbidding evil. Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}They used not to prevent one another from wrongdoing that they did. How wretched was that which they were doing.{]Quran 5: 79[
To avoid people due to the belief that they are not righteous, is like the old adage which says, "The last resort for curing is cauterization." That is because when we avoid people because we feel that our souls are purer than theirs, our hearts, characters and intellects are better than theirs, in such a case we have not accomplished anything constructive or beneficial. Rather, we have chosen for ourselves the easiest road that requires the least effort.
Real greatness is when one intermixes with those people, is filled with a spirit of tolerance and sympathy for their weakness, non-observance and mistakes, as well as a spirit of true willingness to purify, educate and elevate them to a higher level as much as we are able.
As such, when a pious woman adheres to righteousness and is committed to the Sunnah )tradition( and firmly follows it, she is required to contribute in calling to what is good among women. This is a religious obligation and a woman is considered guilty if she falls short in this. Regardless of one's level of piety, each one is required to do as much as one can for the cause of Islamic propagation, using kind words and wisdom. Addressing His Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}So by mercy from Allaah, ]O Muhammad[, you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude ]in speech[ and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.{]Quran 3: 159[
She is kind to those who are around her, respects the old and is merciful to the young. She does not forget that she seeks a sublime goal and exerts her best to achieve it using a manner that satisfies Allaah The Almighty and leads to successful results.
As such, our call should be in conformity with the verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.{]Quran 16: 125[
• Reconciliation among believing women:
When the devil works to sow seeds of enmity among Muslim women, we should eliminate it by reconciling them. Eliminating enmity stands as evidence behind the sublimity of the soul which works to spread affection and love among others. In doing so, concord replaces disputes and maintaining ties replaces boycott. That is why the degree of the person who reconciles people is better than the one who constantly performs voluntary fasting, prayer and charity.
It was narrated on the authority of Abu Ad-Dardaa’, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said, "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:'Shall I tell you a virtue better than voluntary prayers, fasting and charity?'They )the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them( replied in the affirmative. He said:'Reconciling people, for hatred and enmity uproot good deeds, just as a razor removes hair.'"]Al-Bukhaari, Muslim[
According to another narration, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"It )hatred and enmity( is the razor. I do not say that it shaves off hair, but it shaves off religion."
That is because planting enmity among others leads to desertion and cutting off ties among Muslims which is prohibited under Sharee'ah. It was narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"It is not permissible for a Muslim to desert his )Muslim( brother for more than three days. They meet each other and both of them turn away, but the best of them is the one who starts with the greeting of peace."]Al-Bukhaari, Muslim[
Warning against grudge and desertion and indicating that Allaah Is Angry with the disputing persons until they agree to reconcile, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"The gates of Paradise are opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant ]of Allaah[ who associates nothing with Allaah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. ]About them[ it will be said, 'Delay these two until they are reconciled,' thrice."]Muslim[
When alienation occurs between two Muslim women, we should hasten to reconcile them and encourage them to overlook each other's faults. A Muslim woman is required to accept her Muslim sister's apology and not turn her face away insisting on desertion and declining to accept her apology. As the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, indicated, the worst among people are those who neither overlook faults nor accept an apology.
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said,
The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"Shall I tell you who are the worst of people?"They )the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them( said, "Yes, if you wish, O Messenger of Allaah." He said:"The worst among you is the person who distances himself from others; and who whips his slave; and does not give in charity. Shall I tell you who is worse than that?"They said, "Yes, if you wish, O Messenger of Allaah." He said:"He is the person who hates people and they hate him. Shall I tell you who is worse than that?"They said, "Yes, if you wish, O Messenger of Allaah." He said:"Those who neither overlook any mistake, nor accept apologies, nor forgive faults. Shall I tell you who is worse than that?"They said: "Yes, if you wish, O Messenger of Allaah." He said:"It is the person whom others give up on him and do not expect any good from him, and are fearful of the harm that comes from him."]At-Tabaraani[
The role of Muslim women in achieving reform is summarized in the following:
• Reforming yourself by getting rid of ignorance and purifying your faith by obligatory and voluntary acts of worship as well as increasing in obedience to Allaah The Almighty day by day.
• Reforming the affairs of your family and raising your children upon religion.
• Reforming your Muslim sisters in two ways:
a- Directing to what is good.
b- Establishing and maintaining close ties with them through reconciliation and exchanging visits with them.
Finally, you should know that you are very important and that you play a great role in this Ummah. Do not imagine that you are marginalized or at the periphery of community life. Rather, you are half of this Ummah and you are responsible for producing and raising the other half. You are a whole nation.
When you are reformed, and with your attempts to reform others the Muslim Ummah is reformed and our status quo will change. Therefore, you should fulfill this responsibility and your reward will be Paradise, Allaah Willing.

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