Welcome to Islam, - What Islam offers the Earth

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One of the amazing things that strike the reader of the Quran is its significant and multifaceted emphasis on the relationship of man to the environment. This is not merely about self, family and surroundings. It’s about the whole universe—heavens and earth—and all of Allaah’s magnificent creation in them. I'm talking about all the constituents of what some call "nature," and down to the details: It’s geological foundations, waters, steady and violent shifts and movements, and its countless, varied forms of life and existence, and how it cycles and sustains them.
I know many scientists whom the Quran simply over-awed once they realized what it says about life, nature, and the universe. They were seized by the literally hundreds of Quranic verses that discuss and give guidance about the issues of the environment—all the ones we are suddenly talking about today, and plenty more that haven’t even come into view yet. What grabbed them was the realization that Allaah Almighty clearly knew how abusive unguided man would be to his planetary home.
Just look at what we have brought upon ourselves and our innocent fellows in creation in but the last handful of decades. Perhaps this is why I too now find reading the Quran's beautiful, moving, and harrowing "environmental" verses so spiritually and intellectually uplifting. Allaah Almighty Says what means:“The creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of the people do not know.”]Quran 40:57[ Or:“And there is no creature on ]or within[ the earth or bird that flies with its wings except ]that they are[ communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.”]Quran 6:38[
In light of the unprecedented environmental crises we are facing today, I thought to speak to a bit of what Islam has to offer man to help him get the balance back in his life and restore his intimate and timeless relationship with creation. I call them Islam’s Five Environmental Commandments:
One: Man is part of the environment
Man, literally in sum and substance, is of the environment. Thus he must feel and live in harmony with it. Both man and his environment are the creation of the God—and both are worshippers of Him—with the technical exception that man has the will to refuse to worship and obey God willingly, though he does it unwillingly from moment to moment. Allaah Says what means“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts ]Allaah[ by His praise, but you do not understand their ]way of[ exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.”]Quran 17:44[ And even though the earth and surroundings were created long before man, the end of both is virtually synchronous—the end of time—hence, the implicit benefit to man for leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle. A corollary of this determinant is that the environmental crisis is a human matter and cooperation on meeting its challenges should, therefore, not be hampered by religious or other differences.
Two: Man is trustee of the environment
Man has accepted God's decree of Khilaafah )vicegerency, read verse 2:30(, which makes him responsible to use the environment to achieve his God-given purpose in this life, with the condition that he maintains it for future generations, which have as much right to it as their predecessors. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:“People )past and future generations included( share alike in water, air, and herbage."]Abu Daawood[
Three: Man shall be fair to the environment
Man cannot, and will not, fulfill or be true to his custodianship of the earth without creation-wide fairness. The Quran could not be more unequivocal when it comes to this principle. Man shall be fair in leading his life in this world because God created it in a balanced state. Should he fail, unwarranted injustice will lead to creation's disruption and its inability to continue supporting man's needs for a hospitable habitation. Read and ponder the import of verses which mean:“The sun and the moon ]move[ by precise calculation, and the stars and trees prostrate. And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress within the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.”]Quran 55:5-9[
Four: Man shall not spread mischief in the Land
Man must realize that God forbids harm, big and small, to one's self and all others. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:“There is no reason to( harm or reciprocate harm.”]Ibn Maajah[ And Allaah Says )what means(:“And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allaah is near to the doers of good.”]Quran 7:56[ Many scientists and activists believe that efforts to restore a healthy balance to the environment will never be achieved to any viable degree in the face of the unfathomable destruction of our wars of greed.
Five: Man shall follow a model of moderation and conservation
Most people do not grasp that much of the pollution comes from a culture of consumerism, whose primary effect is waste. It is unfortunate that people in the underdeveloped world, including Muslims, have embraced being consumers and wasters. The Quran is true in depicting this tendency of man, especially when resources become abundant. Allaah Says )what means(:“Competition in ]worldly[ increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards.”]Quran 102:1-2[ But abundance does not justify wastage. God Almighty prohibits this. He Almighty Says what means:“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.”]Quran 17:27[ Insatiable pursuit of increased materials combined with technological advancement has given some nations unprecedented control over man and his environment. But history tells us that these are signs that civilizations are doomed to perish.

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Welcome to Islam, - Islam – A Comprehensive Way of Life

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To understand the essence of Islam is to understand the very essence of humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life leading to a balanced way of living. Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.
A spiritual belief that does not deal with social behavior, economic relations and international organizations is as erroneous as the social doctrine that does not consider spiritual belief, morality and behavior. Such social doctrines are abortive attempts, incapable of total human guidance or of achieving any coherence or accord among human beings.
Both the individual and the society are in dire need of a belief that accommodates and directs all their vital activities towards construction and growth. When the individual and society adopt such a belief and apply it to life, humanity can accomplish seemingly miraculous achievements which can only occur when man unites himself with the Eternal Power that channels his personality -potential in the right direction.
History has shown that Islam is unique in its ability to provide guidance for the entire range of human activity. It does not separate spiritual and secular life as unrelated entities.
Islam integrates all domains of human life, just like the different systems in the human body integrate to provide a complete human being. If one system does not work properly, it has got to affect the whole body. Likewise, Islam proposes systems of laws that integrate all parts of human society to bring happiness and peace to all its members. There is no other way or system that urges the active worship of Allaah in its general and most comprehensive sense other than Islam. Fox example, Islam teaches that Muslims should fast for a month every year )i.e. Ramadan( in order to acquire piety and self-discipline and to develop awareness of the needs and problems of others who are starving or are in desperate need of food. Such an awareness of the needs of others is not enough on its own. Therefore, Zakaah )obligatory charity( is prescribed to be distributed among the segments of society that are in need of individual and communal assistance.
A very important universal concept in Islam is “Ummah” )Nation(. Ummah transcends all limitations implied by the term ‘nation’ by encompassing all people regardless of race, color, or sex. Allaah emphasized this great Islamic principle in the verse )which means(;
"Mankind was ]of[ one religion ]before their deviation[; then Allaah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over it ]i.e. Scripture[ except those who were given it-after the clear proofs came to them-out of jealous animosity among themselves. And Allaah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His permission. And Allaah guides whom He wills to a straight path."]Quran 2:2 13[
Moreover, Islam has a unique understanding for the concept of Ummah. Ummah is the field for knowledge, ethics, government and positivism. Ummah in Islam is a system in which people integrate, even if they belong to different belief systems. It is a system of universal justice and peace that accommodates everyone who believes in freedom of thinking and in calling people to the truth-whether they are individuals or communities.
Indeed, Ummah in Islam is an apparatus which is more advanced than that developed by the West, the UN., or those apparatuses established by the American-European block merely to bring about a “new world order,” but which in reality often are geared only to maintain Western control over Third World human and material resources.
The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, proposed a constitution for the city of Madeenah during the first days of his emigration from Makkah. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, included the rights of both Jews and Christians, thereby safeguarding their freedom and beliefs. History has never known a constitution that represented minorities as this constitution of the Islamic state did. Ummah as an Islamic concept will, Allaah willing, bring the advent of universal peace as well as an internal social system. Ummah is the field-ground for civilization to take place. Such an Ummah can be integrated and united, if it derives its doctrines, constitutions, morals, values and the whole perspective of life from the same united source: belief in the only true Allaah. This is known as the concept of Tawheed )Monotheism(.
The value systems of Western societies will continue to collapse, since they are built on shifting grounds. The Sunday Times of London, in its September 1994 issue, reported about a revolt by women against the values prevailing in Britain: ‘‘British women seek new morality in its religious affairs” correspondent Lesley Thomas stated.
According to the report, this is not the case of British women who are favoring Islam. “Thousands of British women are becoming Muslims in a trend that baffles feminists and causes concern to Christians.” The report continues that “of the estimated 10,000 British converts to Islam over the past decade, most are single, educated women, doctors, college lecturers and lawyers.” The educated in the west are beginning to see that the “full” life is found only in Islam, the universal religion.
And what about the present day Muslim world? Unfortunately, some “educated” Muslims now pay only “lip-service” to Islam. They think that Islam is a slogan to be raised or a word to be uttered. Islam is the way of life that should be implemented in all spheres of life. These hypocrites have forgottenthat Allaah dislikes those who brag about things that they do not practice. When man’s deeds are not commensurate with their words, their conduct is odious in the sight of Allaah.
"O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allaah that you say what you do not do."]Quran 61:2-3[
May Allaah let the Muslim World never forget that Islam provides a complete and comprehensive way of life. Islam creates harmony in the mind, the soul and the body in a marvelous way. The need for Islam emerges from the humanity’s search for a constitution that provides guidance and satisfaction in all spheres of life. It is a code of life that is not limited to partial needs, but rather a way of life that penetrates all barriers to interact with people’s needs in this life and beyond. It is a way of life where there is no discrimination between what is sacred and what is secular.
Islam is unique among the religions and civilizations the world has known. In contrast to the other religions of the world, Islam defines religion itself as the very business of life, the very matter of space-time, the very process of history, and the gift of Allaah. Therefore, all these work together to constitute them.
Islam is a divine guidance wherein humans of all nations, colors and tongues feel linked to a Supreme Power and Justice. Its teachings are kept intact and authentic. It is the only way to happiness, dignity, and universal peace. Islam is so unique in its method for solving the problems of humanity. I can say with confidence that the twenty first century will be the century of Islam. The everlasting miracle of Islam, THE QURAN, is a standing challenge to the intellect of all peoples at all times. In Islam’s four abiding principles - equality, tolerance, promotion of science, and solution to the world’s problems - its universality asserts itself. It calls to all mankind, if only mankind will listen.
"Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from ]any[ other than Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction."]Quran 4:82[

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Welcome to Islam, - The chosen religion

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Allaah the All-Mighty Says )what means(:"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”]Quran 5:3[
This was one of the last verses revealed chronologically to Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, )may Allaah exalt his mention(, marking the completion of the Quran and the perfection of Islam. Islam is complete and perfect and is not thereafter susceptible to addition or abrogation. Being eternal and universal, the Islamic Law, which was made by God )Allaah( Himself, Who knows what is best for us under all circumstances, is resilient and adjustable to the changing conditions of time and place.
The perfection of Islam is manifest in the fact that God )Allaah( has made it reign supreme and prevail over other religions. Allaah’s favor upon the Muslims is manifest in the fact that He granted them true guidance, support and honor in this world and in the Hereafter. He has also chosen for them Islam as their religion because it is the Truth, and it is for this reason that He will not accept any other religion but Islam.
The Quran says )what means(:"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the losers.”]Quran 3:85[.
Islam gives its followers happiness in this world and eternal bliss in the life to come. Islam simply means total submission to the Will of Allaah. Therefore, it is the same in essence, whether given to Nooh )Noah(, Ibraaheem )Abraham(, Moosaa )Moses(, 'Eesaa )Jesus(, may Allaah exalt their mention, or to Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. For the message it calls to is the same, and the source of unity is the revelation from Allaah )which means(:"He has ordained for you the same religion )Islam( which He enjoined on Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, and which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus: namely that you should remain steadfast in religion and be not divided therein.”]Quran 42:13[
After the corruption of the older Scriptures, the Quran came with a twofold purpose -- to confirm the true and original message of Islam, and to stand as a witness to it, by confirming the truth and rejecting the falsehood, which over time came into the older Scriptures. Muslims are required to believe in the revealed Scriptures and to make no distinction between any of them, or the Messengers who brought them, may Allaah exalt their mention, because they all come from the One True God.
The Quran says )what means(:"Say )O Muhammad to the Jews and Christians(: 'We believe in Allaah and that which has been sent to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and to Al-Asbat, )the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob( and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted )in Islam(.”]Quran 2:136[
These Scriptures have not been retained in their original form, due to the human omissions and additions that have crept into them. The Quran is the only Divine Scripture, which has stood the test of time without any change, because it is the Truth from God )Allaah(, and the Truth never fades or diminishes. The Quran says )what means(:"That which We have revealed to you )O Muhammad( of the Book )i.e., the Quran( is the Truth, confirming that which was )revealed( before it.”]Quran 35:31[
The Truth contained in the Quran will never be compromised because Allaah has taken upon Himself the responsibility of preserving it, as stated in the Quran )which means(:"Verily We have sent the Reminder )i.e., the Quran(, and We will assuredly guard it )from corruption(.”]Quran 15:9[
And also )what means(:"Verily, it is an honorable well-fortified book of exalted power )because it is Allaah's Speech, and He has protected it from corruption(. No falsehood can approach it from before or after it: it is sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise.”]Quran 41:41-42[
The revealed Scriptures before the advent of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, such as the Torah and the Injeel, were written long after the demise of the Prophets to whom they were revealed. The entire Quran, on the contrary, was completely written in the lifetime of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, on pieces of palm trees, parchments and bones. Besides, tens of thousands of the Prophet's Companions committed it to memory while it was being revealed.
The Quran is still memorized and read in its original language
)Arabic( and taught to millions of people around the world. In fact, with every succeeding generation of Muslims, the number of those who have committed the entire Quran to memory has increased. There is no other book, religious or otherwise, which has been given this unparalleled care in recorded history.
The care with which the unadulterated teachings of Islam have been authentically recorded and preserved throughout the ages, is a clear evidence of the universality of the message of Islam and the finality of the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The Quran is now available in its original form without change of any kind. The perfect preservation of the Quran signifies the preservation of Islam.
That is why Allaah Says in the Quran )what means(:"Verily the only acceptable religion to Allaah is Islam."]Quran 3:19[
Oneness of the Lord
Islam calls to the belief that the Creator of the universe is One and Unique without any partners. His nature is so sublime that it is far beyond our limited conceptions. He is not a mere abstract of philosophy. All the creatures testify to His Existence, and none is comparable to Him. The unity of design and the fundamental facts of creation and existence of the universe proclaim His Oneness.
He is Eternal, without beginning or end, the Absolute, Who is not limited by time or place or circumstance. He is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Planner of the whole universe. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. He has the most Beautiful Names and the Loftiest Attributes. His Knowledge extends to everything seen and unseen, present and future, near and far. His Grace and Mercy are unbounded. He is the All Mighty, the All Wise.
The Quran says )what means(:"Say: 'He is Allaah, the One; Allaah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none equal or comparable to Him.”]Quran 112:1-4[
And also )what means(:"There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”]Quran 42:11[
And also )what means(:"He is the First )nothing is before Him(, the Last )nothing is after Him(, the Most High )nothing is above Him( and Most Near )nothing is nearer than Him(. And He has full knowledge of all things.”]Quran 57:3[
And also )what means(:"He is Allaah, besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He is Allaah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allaah! )High is He( above what they associate as partners with Him. He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”]Quran 59:23-24[
And also )what means(:"And they attribute falsely without knowledge sons and daughters to Him. Be He Glorified! )For He is( above what they attribute to Him! He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a son when He has no wife? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of everything. Such is Allaah, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him )Alone(. And He has the power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle, Well-Aware.”]Quran 6:100-103[
Tawheed, or monotheism, constitutes the essence of the teachings of Islam. It signifies that there is One Supreme Lord of the universe. He is Omnipotent and the Sustainer of the world and humankind. Unity pervades the whole universe. All of Allaah's creatures testify to His Oneness. This can be seen in their complete submission to His Will.
The perpetual succession of day and night in the most orderly manner; the fixed course of the sun and the moon; the mighty stars; the ceaseless alternation of the seasons -- the functioning of the whole universe including its most subtle elements in a most precise and systematic manner tell us about the Wisdom, Power, Greatness and Divine skill of this Great Creator, Who is Allaah.

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Dought & clear, - (Prayer Asking for Guidance), - Can istikhaarah prayer be performed at the time when prayer is not allowed?

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Can istikhaarah prayer be performed at the time when prayer is not allowed?.
Praise be to Allaah.
In the answer to questions no. 306, 8818, and 20013, we have stated the times at which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade prayer. What is meant by this forbidding is general naafil prayers for which there is no reason. As for naafil prayers for which there is a reason, such as greeting the mosque, they may be offered at these times when prayer is not allowed.
The scholars differed concerning istikhaarah prayer and whether it is regarded as a prayer for which there is a reason, or not.
The correct view is that if istikhaarah is done for something that is immediate and cannot be delayed, then this prayer may be performed at a time when prayer is not allowed, such as if a person wants to travel after ‘Asr prayer. But if the matter is not immediate and the prayer can be delayed until after the time when prayer is not allowed is over, then it should not be performed at that time.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said inal-Fataawa al-Kubra(5/345):
Regular Sunnah prayers may be made up, and prayers for which there is a reason may be done during the times when prayer is not allowed. This is one of the two views narrated from Ahmad, and is the view favoured by a number of our companions and others. Istikhaarah prayer may be performed at the time when prayer is not allowed with regard to something that is immediate and cannot be delayed until the time when prayer is permitted.
It is mustahabb to offer two rak’ahs immediately after doing wudoo’, even if that is at a time when prayer is not allowed. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i. End quote.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: Can a person pray istikhaarah at a time when prayer is not allowed?
He replied:
If istikhaarah has to do with an immediate matter that cannot be delayed until the time when prayer is not allowed is over, then it may be done. If it is for something that may be delayed, then it must be delayed. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 14/275.

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