Islamic Articles, - How Islam Has Protected the Rights of Woman - II

Share ::-

17- Islam even protects the lives of polytheistic women by forbidding their being killed in wars. It was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said, “A woman was found killed during one of the battles led by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, thereupon he forbade killing women and children )in wars(." ]Al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others[
18- Islam protects the rights of the woman by prohibiting burying her alive and making it obligatory to provide her with a good upbringing and education. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}And when the girl ]who was[ buried alive is asked - for what sin she was killed.{]Quran 81:8-9[ The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"Whoever has a female child whom he neither buries alive, nor humiliates, and never favors a male child of his over her, Allaah will admit him to Paradise.”
19- Islam protects the rights of the woman by considering her a fundamental component of goodness in the world and the Hereafter. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"If one is given the following four, he will have the goodness of both the world and the Hereafter: a thankful heart, an ever-remembering tongue )that always remembers and mentions Allaah(, a persevering body )that is patient( when under ordeal and a wife who maintains his honor and property."
20- Islam protects the rights of the woman by considering her as the finest thing in this world. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"The world is but enjoyment, and the finest enjoyment is a righteous woman )wife(."
21- Islam protects the rights of the woman by placing Paradise, the aim of all the believers, under her feet. What a great honor the woman has received in Islam! The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:")The way to( Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers."It was narrated that a man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, asked him:"Do you have a mother )alive(?"He answered in the affirmative, thereupon, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"Then, stick to her, as )the way to( Paradise lies beneath her feet."
22- Islam protects the rights of the woman by removing from her the curse of perpetual sin which the previous religions stained her with; rather; Islam considers Hawwaa’ )Eve( and her husband, Aadam )Adam(, may Allaah exalt their mention, as having sinned and then been given repentance and forgiveness. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:
*}But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that ]condition[ in which they had been.{]Quran 2:36[
*}But Satan whispered to them.{]Quran 7:20[
When Allaah condemned one person alone, it was only Aadam )Adam(, may Allaah exalt his mention, as shown in His statement )which means(:}Then Satan whispered to him; he said, "O Aadam, shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?"{]Quran 20:120[
23- Islam protects the rights of the woman by assigning to her a share in inheritance after she herself had been )for long centuries( a part of it. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:
*}For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much - an obligatory share.{]Quran 4:7[
*}Allaah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are ]only[ daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents ]alone[ inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers ]or sisters[, for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he ]may have[ made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. ]These shares are[ an obligation ]imposed[ by Allaah. Indeed, Allaah is Ever Knowing and Wise. And for you is half of what your wives leave if they have no child. But if they have a child, for you is one fourth of what they leave, after any bequest they ]may have[ made or debt. And for the wives is one fourth if you leave no child. But if you leave a child, then for them is an eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you ]may have[ made or debt. And if a man or woman leaves neither ascendants nor descendants but has a brother or a sister, then for each one of them is a sixth. But if they are more than two, they share a third, after any bequest which was made or debt, as long as there is no detriment ]caused[. ]This is[ an ordinance from Allaah, and Allaah is Knowing and Forbearing.{]Quran 4:11-12[
24- Islam protects the rights of the woman by granting her all her civil rights. She thus came to have the right to conclude contracts of sale, purchase, authorization, partnership, loan, mortgage, to gift, and so on.
25- Islam protects the rights of the woman by removing from her the permanent state of being minor, as it acknowledged her full legal competence and gave her the right of guardianship over her property and other affairs.
26- Islam protects the rights of the woman as Allaah The Almighty mentions her only when He mentions righteous deeds. He The Almighty Says in general )what means(:}Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by the like thereof{; however, when the speech was to address good, then both the male and female were mentioned:}But whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - those will enter Paradise, being given provision therein without account.{]Quran 40:40[
27- Islam protects the woman's right to choose a suitable husband and she has the right to accept or reject, particularly if she has been previously married, as confirmed by the statement of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:"The unmarried woman should not be given in marriage until she is consulted…"
28- Islam protects the right of a virgin woman not to be given in marriage without her consent, as stated by the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, )completing the previous Hadeeth(:"And the virgin should not be given in marriage until her consent is sought."
29- Islam protects the woman's right to receive a dowry, and even made it obligatory:}So for whatever you enjoy ]of marriage[ from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation.{]Quran 4:24[
30- Islam protects the woman's right of Khul‘ )asking for divorce at her request(: If she has no desire for her husband, she could ask for a divorce from him in return for compensation )i.e. what she had taken from him(, due to the statement of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, )to Thaabit Ibn Qays Ibn Shammaas, may Allaah be pleased with him(:"Accept the garden )that you had given to your wife as dowry( and divorce her."
31- Islam protects the right of the divorced woman as shown in the statement of Allaah The Almighty )which means(:}And for divorced women is a provision according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the righteous.{]Quran 2:241[
32- Islam protects the right of the woman as a widow and has assigned to her a share in the inheritance of her husband. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}And for the wives is one fourth if you leave no child. But if you leave a child, then for them is an eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you ]may have[ made or debt.{]Quran 4:12[
33- Islam protects the woman's right in case of divorce before consummating the marriage by making no ‘Iddah )post-marriage waiting period( due on her. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}O You who have believed, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, then there is not for you any waiting period to count concerning them.{]Quran 33:49[
34- Islam protects the right of the woman as an orphan, and has assigned to her a share in the war booty. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allaah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for ]his[ near relatives and the orphans.{]Quran 8:41[ She is also assigned a share of Bayt Al-Maal )the public treasury( as shown in the statement of Allaah The Almighty )which means(:}And what Allaah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allaah and for the Messenger and for ]his[ near relatives and orphans.{]Quran 59:7[ She has also been given a share in the inheritance at the time of its division as shown in His statement )which means(:}And when ]other[ relatives and orphans and the needy are present at the ]time of[ division, then provide for them ]something[ out of the estate.{]Quran 4:8[ She has further been given a share in spending as shown in His statement )which means(:}"Whatever you spend of good is ]to be[ for parents and relatives and orphans.{]Quran 2:215[
35- Islam protects the right of the woman in her social life, and has maintained the soundness of her heart and unity with her relatives by making it unlawful to combine her in wedlock with her sister, or paternal or maternal aunt, as shown in the relevant verse ]Quran 4:23[ and the collectively contiguous Hadeeth.
36- Islam protects the right of the woman in maintaining her honor, and thus it made looking at her unlawful as in the verse )which means(:}Tell the believing men to reduce ]some[ of their vision.{]Quran 24:30[
37- Islam protects the woman’s right in punishing the one who accuses her of adultery with no evidence as shown from Allaah’s statement )which means(:}And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes.{]Quran 24:4[
38- Islam protects the right of the woman as a mother and has enjoined upon her children to be dutiful and kind to her and warned them against provoking her anger even by using a word as minor as “uff” - and made entering Paradise contingent on her contentment.
39- Islam protects the right of the woman as a breast-feeding mother, and has assigned a fee to her, and this is a right that is common between the baby and the breast-feeding mother as shown in Allaah’s statement )which means(:}And if they breastfeed for you, then give them their payment.{]Quran 65:6[
40- Islam protects the right of the woman when she is pregnant, and this is a right that is common between her and the fetus as shown in Allaah’s statement )which means(:}And if they should be pregnant, then spend on them until they give birth.{]Quran 65:6[
41- Islam protects the right of the woman in terms of accommodation:}Lodge them ]in a section[ of where you dwell out of your means.{]Quran 65:6[






:: Share ::

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M

Islamic Articles, - whosoever fasts on this day his fast would equal 70 years of fasting.

Share ::-

Almighty Allah in Surat AN-NAZIAT (79:30) speaking clearly about Dahwul Ardh says:
And the earth, He expanded it after that (Dahahaa).
1. What is Dahwul Ardh?
"Dahwul Ardh" - the 25th of Dhulqa'dah, according to a tradition of the Holy Prophet (saw) reported by one of his Sahabi - Abdullah bin Mas'ud, is the day when the earth was spread for the advantage of human beings. The phrase "Dahwul Ardh" literally means "The spread of the earth". In another tradition it is reported that the first Rahmah & blessing descended on this very day.
Hence it is a very important occasion indeed. According to a tradition of the Holy Prophet (saw), whosoever fasts on this day his fast would equal 70 years of fasting.
Having known these merits, should we limit our celebration with fasting and the expression of joy, or should our struggle transcend beyond that? This obviously would depend on our vision about this important day. And in order to understand properly the importance of this day, we should understand the earth better.
2. How is Dahwul Ardh applicable in the present era & how must we celebrate it?
Islam was not revealed for a certain time and a particular people. Its laws and teachings apply for all ages to come. We should try to appreciate this vital truth and behold the "universality" of the religious teachings. The day of Dahwul Ardh that the Holy Prophet (saw) and our Aimma (as) mention in the traditions was not a day of celebration for their time only. Rather it is a day to be celebrated in every epoch and land. The problems the earth faced in their time may be different from the problems the earth confronts in our age. However both have lived in the same earth.
Our duty in every age when this Islamic earth day is celebrated should be to ponder over this God-given blessing, the reason why it was created, whether it is utilized for the purpose it was created, the crisis it faces at present, the remedy for such crisis, etc. This would really make the celebration a celebration of true faith and concern, and a celebration of thanking the All-Merciful Creator who created the world for man's good. One must also try to "fast" the true fasting by ensuring that every member of one's body is also fasting. He should also feel the pain of hunger and think about the reason why there exists a class in the world that starves while the giant economic countries like the US have to throw food every year to maintain the value of its currency. Du'as likewise can be recited with sincerity and attention. These noble devotions are very vital elements to enable the human being come closer to his All-Merciful Creator.
But besides all this we should try to understand the contemporary problems of the earth and contribute whatever we can in this auspicious day. Our contribution can take various forms. Examples of a few are as follows:
a) Writing thought provoking articles to the news-magazines and informing the public of the crisis the human beings have created for themselves on this transient earth.
b) Educating the public on the methods of eradicating these problems that also consist of practical signs of danger that await the human being.
c) Practically putting into practice what we can teach the public about the dangers facing the earth.
d) Making a firm decision and resolve in utilizing this earth as a means for a good and eternally secure Hereafter. We pray to Allah (swt) to enable us utilize this earth for the purpose it was created and we sincerely ask him to uproot the influence of the capitalistic traders of the world whose voluptuous and greedy nature is never satiated, and because of whom the earth is in great crisis.
Understanding the Earth Better
A) Why was the Earth created?
The Holy Qur'an in Surat TA-HA (20:53) says: "He who appointed the earth to be a cradle for you."
Allamah Tabataba'i in his Al-Mizan says: Thus Allah stationed man in the earth to live an earthly life, so that he may earn a provision for his heavenly and exalted life, in the manner that a baby is stationed in the cradle, and is brought up for a more sacred and developed life..." (Vol. 14, pg. 171)
From this we come to realize that the earth was created as a preparing ground & means for human perfection and the purity of the heart. Sadly, however, many a people, instead of maintaining it for a good Hereafter, tend to destroy it for selfish gains.
B) Do the human beings employ the earth for the purpose it was created?
The Holy Qur'an in Surat AL-ROOM (30:41) clearly talks of a people who instead of practically thanking Allah (swt) by utilizing the earth for its sacred purpose cause mischief therein and subsequently face its evil consequences: "Corruption has appeared in the land and sea, for that men's own hands have earned, that He may let them taste some of that which they have done, that haply so they may return."
And in Surat AL-ARAF (7:10), Almighty Allah says: "Indeed We made you live in the earth and made therein for you the means of livelihood; little is it that you thank."
In this verse, "little is it that you thank" should not merely taken as "verbal thanks," for the reality of "shukr" is to use the gift for the purpose it was created.
C) What is our duty towards the Earth today?
From the above discussion the answer is evident: Because the earth was created for achieving human perfection, we should make a firm resolve to utilize it solely for that. This however should not mean that we stop scientific advancements, for such ventures are also a means to help the creation of the earth. But making a resolve in utilizing the earth as a means for achieving human perfection requires us to have a good understanding of how to go about utilizing the earth and its resources properly. Revelation is the best source for guiding us here.
We should first try to study the elements that are responsible for mischief both in the physical as well as the spiritual world. So long as we have not searched for the root problem, our resolve to change, however firm it may be, would be futile. And as we make a firm resolve we should humbly pray to Allah (swt) to enable us maintain our resolve so that we have done our duty and removed ourselves from the group that is responsible for the earth crisis.
THE ROOT CAUSE:
Different seminars and discussions on the issue of the earth crisis have been, are being, and will be held in different parts of the world. Days like "the Earth day" is also celebrated to make the people realize the dangers facing the earth. The earth lovers mention several problems. The brevity of this speech however does not allow me to enumerate all. Some of the problems they cite are:
1. The depletion of the ozone layer [which acts like a sunscreen shielding the earth from harmful ultra violet radiation]. This is due to the usage of goods that contain CFC gases. Some dangers of ozone depletion are: skin cancers, eye disorders, global warming, etc.
2. The contamination of water. This is due to throwing industrial wastes in the water bodies. The Capitalistic and egoistic attitudes of the producers & manufacturers have no concern about the health risks of those using the waters. It is evident that using contaminated water has great health risks and dangers.
3. The contamination of air through Industrial wastes and other factors. Those who would like to know the details of the environmental problems may look at encyclopedias and the Internet.
But, we ask a fundamental question to ourselves: What is the ROOT CAUSE of the senseless attitude towards environmental pollution? If we answer that, we would then be able to respect the earth and lessen and perhaps even eradicate the ecological crisis that transpires in this oppressed earth.
The fundamental reason for such a crisis is an incorrect world-view or a narrow outlook towards this world. So long as the human being has not understood the meaning of this life, the purpose of his creation, the link between the Creator and the creation, he would never be merciful to himself, let alone the earth. The earth is merely a means for the aim of creation, which is the nearness and proximity of Allah (swt). It is due to ignorance of this fact or the lack of obedience on the part of us that causes the chaos in this transient earth. In fact why should the activists that struggle for bettering the physical environment forget the spiritual environment? The spiritual pollution is more grave than the physical one. Rather, the spiritual pollution is the cause of the physical pollution. In conclusion, two reasons may therefore contribute to the chaos that exists in the earth:
1. A wrong outlook towards the reality: disbelief in God, Revelation, the Hereafters, or having a concocted belief that is against the innate nature of the human being. These kinds of trends are followed by wrong judgments, which come about as a result of ignorance of the correct method of getting to the truth. And when one has a wrong outlook, and does not know the meaning of life, he would do whatever his ego wants. He would tend to forget the serenity of others.
2. Disobedience on the part of the believer: If a believer who has convictions about his true faith remains steadfast in following what Allah (swt) commands, the earth would be a place of serenity. Contrarily if he allows his desires to rule over his intellect, and is lax in his belief, he would cause great dangers not only for man, but the entire creation that lives on this earth.








:: Share ::

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M

Islamic Articles, - Hazrat Ibrahim's lineage is traced as follows: Ibrahim Bin Tarukh Bin Nahoor Bin Sarooj, Bin Reu Bin Peleg Bin Aber Abu Bin Salah Bin Arfikshaz Bin Sam Bin Nooh.

Share ::-

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was detailed to preach his Mission (Oneness of Allah) during the time of Emperor Nimrud. People worshipped idols, the stars and other phenomena occurring in nature. And when Ibrahim said to his father, Azar (i.e., the man who had brought him up): Do you take idols for gods? Surely I see you and your people in manifest error. (6:74)
Almighty manifested to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) "the kingdom of the Heaven and the earth", so that he become all the more convinced about His Glory and utilizes his knowledge in guiding the people. So when the night over-shadowed him, he saw a star; he said: Is this my Lord? So when it set, he said: I do not love the setting ones. Then when he saw the moon rising (in splendor), he said: "Is this my Lord?" So when it set, he said: "If my Lord had not guided me, I should certainly be of the erring people." Then when he saw the sun rising (in splendor), he said: "Is this my Lord?" Is this the greatest? So when it set, he said: "O my people! Surely I am clear of what you associate with Allah". (6:76-78)
This Lord clearly indicates that Hazrat Ibrahim was arguing with his people who worshipped phenomena occurring in nature. He was surprised that they worshipped such God's that disappeared, after intervals. We should also keep in mind that Allah guided every Divinely Commissioned Prophet or his successor.
Hence Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was quite justified in saying, surely I have turned myself, being upright, wholly to Him Who originated the heavens and the earth, and I am not of the polytheists (6:79)
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) wanted the people to give up idol worship: When he said to his father and his people: "What is it that you worship?" Is it a falsehood-gods other than Allah-that ye desire? (37:85-86)
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) looked at the Stars. Then he said: Surely I am sick (of your worshipping these). (37:89)
The people were rather disgusted at Hazrat Ibrahim's remarks and proceeded to the festival. Next day was the festival of the idolaters. Then he turned aside to their gods secretly and said: What! Do you not eat? What is the matter with you that you do not speak? (37:91-92)
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) then broke all the idols except the 'big idol' to convince the people about the helplessness of the deity. When people saw the broken pieces of their idols they rushed towards him. They said: Have you done this to our gods, O Ibrahim? (21:62)
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) wanted the people to realize the folly of idol worship hence he said: He said: Surely (some doer) has done it; the chief of them is this, therefore ask them, if they can speak. (21:63)
Instead of asking me, why not ask the chief of the idols who is quite safe and in tact. Perhaps he broke other idols. People were conscious of the fact that their gods do not speak; so they lowered their heads in shame and said: Then they were made to hang down their heads: Certainly you know that they do not speak. (21:65)
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) realized that people were defeated in argumentation hence he appealed to them to give up idol worship which can not do them any good. He said: What! Do you then serve besides Allah what brings you not any benefit at all, nor does it harm you? (21:66)
It is high time that you believe in the Oneness of Allah and start worshipping Him who is the Creator, All Mighty and All powerful. The people realized the fallacy of their creeds but were arrogant and adamant. They wanted to get rid of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.). They said: Burn him and help your gods, if you are going to do (anything). (21:68)
A huge furnace was constructed and firewood collected for a month. Oil was sprinkled, it was lit: When the flames rose very high Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was placed into a catapult and then flung in the furious flames. At this juncture several angles offered to rescue the Prophet but his reply was "It is a matter between my Lord and myself I do not want any one to intervene". We said: O fire! be a comfort and peace to Ibrahim; (21:69)
Nimrud the tyrant king went to the top of his palace and was astounded that the fire had cooled down and turned into a garden Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was surrounded by fruit trees and a fountain was flowing beside him. Thus the designs of the vicious people were frustrated; but even then they did not learn any lesson and had something up their sleeves. And they desired a war on him, but We made them the greatest losers. (21:70)
Nimrud the tyrant king had expressed his desire to fight the army of Allah. And there was a host of mosquitoes, from above, which ate the flesh and drank the blood of the people, who were doomed, and they met a miserable end. It is stated that a mosquito entered the nostrils of Nimrud and reached his brain and he also met a painful death.
Hijrat
After this eventful episode, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) left the city of Babul in disgust and migrated to Syria. From Syria he again started his journey; he reached a place known as Ghazaza. During this journey Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) had kept his wife Janab-e-Sara in a box. At Ghazaza the custom officer asked Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) to open the box and show its contents. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) asked the officer to take as much duty as he liked but not to open it. In spite of persistent request by Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) the officer opened the box and found Janab-e-Sara who was extremely beautiful. He informed the king who on seeing Janab-e-Sara could not resist his temptation. He stretched his hand towards her. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) invoked Allah against him. His prayer was granted and the king's arm got paralyzed. The king requested the Prophet to invoke his Allah to cure him. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) invoked Allah to cure him of his paralysis.
Allah cured him but the king again repeated what he did in the beginning. Hazrat Ibrahim's (A.S.) prayer again cursed him and again for the third time the king did what he did before. This time Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) took a promise from the king not to repeat in which case he would not invoke Allah. He with good intent promised the Prophet (A.S.). He then allowed the Prophet (A.S.) to continue his journey. The king presented a beautiful well-behaved maid to serve Janab-e-Sara. Her name was Hajira. Our Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (S.A.W.) is the great grandson of her son Hazrat Ismail (A.S.). During this journey his first wife Bibi Sara presented Bibi Hajira to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.). He did not have any issue by his first wife. So at this stage he prayed My Lord! Grant me of the doers (son) of good deeds. (37:100) Hazrat Ibrahim's (A.S.) prayers were granted by Almighty, So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. (37:101) Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was 86 years old when Hazrat Ismail (A.S.) was born.
Bibi Sara could not tolerate Bibi Hajira with her son Hazrat Ismail (A.S.), hence Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) accompanied Bibi Hajira and Ismail (A.S.) to the place (now called Mecca) and left them there, after making a small shelter for Bibi Hajira and lsmail.
Hazrat Ismail was thirsty and there was no water available. Hazrat Hajira ran in search of water between the two hills of Safa and Marva. The pilgrims run between these two hills 7 times, this is known as Sayee.Meanwhile Hazrat Ismail rubbed his feet on the ground and there gushed water from that spot.
Hazrat Hajira was very happy and tried to protect this spring by raising an artificial boundary round it. It is known as Zam Zam, because Janab-e-Hajira on seeing abundant water said Zam Zam (meaning abundant water).
Later the tribe of Bano Jarham came there and wanted to settle there since water was available there in abundance. After obtaining permission from Hazrat Hajira, she permitted those people to settle down there, and thus a new town flourished by leaps and bounds.
Hazrat Hajira (at Mecca)
When Hazrat Ismail was thirteen years old, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) dreamt that he was sacrificing his son (Ismail). Hazrat Ibrahim asked his wife Bibi Hajira to prepare her son (Ismail) for a journey. Before departing, Hazrat Ibrahim asked Bibi Hajira to let him have a knife and a rope, which might be of use in case had to offer some sacrifice. When the father and the son reached the place of sacrifice he said. And when he (the son) reached (the age of) working with him, he said: O my son! Surely I have seen in a dream that I should sacrifice you; consider then what you see. He said: O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah please, you will find me of the patient ones. (37:102)
After getting the consent of his son Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) get ready for the sacrifice. Meanwhile Satan appeared and tried to dissuade Hazrat lbrahim (A.S.) from carrying out the command of Allah. Satan tried his tricks thrice but every time the Prophet of Allah repulsed the 'cursed one' by throwing seven small stones.
The Pilgrims also throw stones (at Satan) at three places, while, performing the rites of Hajj. Having failed in his attempt to beguile Hazrat Ibrahim, Satan tried to mislead Hazrat Ismail, but without success. They both had surrendered (themselves) to the Will of Allah and he (Ibrahim) threw him (the Son) upon his forehead. When Hazrat Ismail lay on the ground, he suggested his father to tie his hands and legs tight, and that he (Hazrat Ibrahim) should blind fold his eyes and to girdle his cloak. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) then took out the knife put it on the neck of Ismail and passed it several times. Thus Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) acted on the Command of His Lord. When Hazrat Ibrahim removed the fold from his eye, he noticed his son standing safe and a ram lay slain.
Hazrat lbrahim was rather disappointed thinking that his Lord did not accept his sacrifice. At that juncture an unseen voice was heard: You have indeed shown the truth of the vision; surely thus do We reward the doers of good: Most surely this is a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a Feat sacrifice. (37:104-108) This great sacrifice, refers to the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S.) who belonged to the pedigree of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.).
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) made an Imam for Mankind
And when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words, he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make you an Imam of men. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the unjust, said He. (2:124)
The above mentioned verse plays an important role in the doctrine of Islam. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was a true Prophet of Allah and had stood many tests. But before he could be offered Imamat, he had to undergo some more tests. This verse throws light on the fact that every Prophet can not be an Imam. Even great prophet like Hazrat Ibrahim coveted for it. It is also crystal clear from the above-mentioned verse that an 'IMAM' can be appointed by Allah only; and he must also be infallible. The prayer of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was granted and there were twelve Imams, from his pedigree.
Foundation of Kaaba
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) is also accredited for raising the foundation of Holy Kaa'ba - the first house made for mankind at Mecca. And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House: Our Lord! Accept from us; surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing: (2:127)
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and Hazrat Ismail (A.S.) constructed the sacred house which has been a place of prayer for all times. There is a spot near the Kaa'ba where Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) stood while erecting the Holy house and where he offered his prayers. And when We made the House a pilgrimage for men and a (place of) security, and: Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim. And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion and those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves. (2:125) The supplication of Hazrat Ibrahim was granted by Almighty and the inhabitants of the City of Mecca flourished by leaps and bounds. He further prayed:
Our Lord! And make us both submissive to Thee and (raise) from our offspring a nation submitting to Thee, and show us our ways of devotion and turn to us (mercifully), surely Thou art the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful. (2:128) The above mentioned verse throws light on the fact that there had always been some men and women in the Progeny of Hazrat Ibrahim, who were "true Muslims". He further prayed:
Our Lord! And raise up in them a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Thy communications and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify them; surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. (2:129) Allah granted Hazrat lbrahim's prayer and raised Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) from amongst them, Peace be on Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.). There is a prophecy about the twelve Imams in Taurah. "But as regards Ismail I have heard you. Look! I will bless him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him very, very much. He will certainly produce twelve chieftains, and I will make him become a great nation.". (Genesis 17:20) The Divine Promise to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) to raise twelve chieftains in the seed of Hazrat Ismail (A.S.) was fulfilled in the twelve Divinely Commissioned Imams or Guides, all of whom were from the seed or Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) through his son Hazrat Ismail (A.S.).








:: Share ::

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M