Dought and clear, - Ruling on upholding ties with one’s mother and siblings through breastfeeding.

I have a mother and siblings through breastfeeding (radaa'ah). Do I
have to uphold ties with them and visit them as I visit my mother and
siblings through blood ties? I used to visit them, then it was said to
me that I do not have to do that, and I am confused about that.
Praise be to Allaah.
The shar'i rulings concerning relationshipsthrough breastfeeding are
not the same as the rulings concerning relationships through blood
ties. Breastfeeding(radaa'ah) does not mean that one is obligedto
spend on those relatives, or that one is entitled to inherit from
them, or that one may be a guardian for the purpose of marriage –
unlike the case with ties of blood.
What they have in common is that people related in either way
areforbidden to marry, and may look at one anotherand be alone with
one another, and are regarded as mahrams for the purpose of travel.
This is the wisdom of sharee'ah, because Islamcannot give a mother who
breastfed a child five times the same rights as the mother who carried
him, gave birth to him, breastfed him and brought him up, and is the
reason for the child's existence. Canthe love, compassion and devotion
in the heart of the blood mother be likened to that in the heart of
the mother through breastfeeding?
There are verses of the Qur'aan which refer to that. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents.
His mother borehim in weakness and hardship upon weaknessand hardship,
and his weaning is in two years"
[Luqmaan 31:14]
And Allaah says, after commanding the child totreat his parents well
and forbidding him to do the slightest act of disobedience towards
them (interpretation of the meaning):
"and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
when I was young'"
[al-Isra' 17:24]
Hence some of the scholars said that a son through breastfeeding has
to respect and honour his mother and his parents through
breastfeeding, but he does not have to honourthem and uphold ties with
them in the same way as a son is obliged to honour his parents and
relatives by blood.
There are several da'eef (weak) ahaadeeth on this topic, which we will
mention here so that people may be aware of them.
1 – It was narrated that al-Tufayl (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: I saw the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
sharing out some meat in al-Ji'raanah, when a woman came up to the
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he spread out
her cloak for her, and she sat down on it. I said, "Who is she?" They
said, "This is his mother who breastfed him."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5144; classed asda'eef by al-Albaani inDa'eef
Abi Dawood, 1102.
Ibn Hibbaan (10/44) included this hadeeth in a chapter which he
called, "Ways in which it is recommended for a person to honour the
one who breastfed him when he was small."
2 – It was narrated from 'Umar ibn al-Saa'ib that he heard that the
Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
wassitting when his father through breastfeeding came to him; he
spread part of his cloak for him and he sat on it. Then hismother
through breastfeeding came to him and he spread part of his cloak on
the other side and she sat on it. Then his brother through
breastfeeding came and the Messengerof Allaah(peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) stood up for him and made him sit in front of him.
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5145; classed asda'eef by al-Albaani
inal-Silsilah al-Da'eefah, 1120.
3 – It was narrated from Hajjaaj ibn Hajjaaj al-Aslami that his father
asked the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "O
Messenger of Allaah, how can I repay the favour of breastfeeding?" He
said: "(By giving) a male or female slave."
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1153; al-Nasaa'i, 3329; Abu Dawood, 2064.
Classed as da'eef by al-Albaani inDa'eef Abi Dawood, 445.
Al-Suyooti said inSharh al-Nasaa'i, 6/108.
What is meant by repaying the favour of breastfeeding is the duties
that are owed as a result of having been breastfed. It is as if he is
asking, How can I waive the duties I owe as a result of having been
breastfed so that I will have paid them off in full? They used to
regardit as something good to give a gift to the wet nurse once the
child hadbeen weaned, other the wages that had be agreed upon. End
quote.
4 – The biographers said that when the captive woman of Hawaazin
hadbeen gathered together,their spokesman Zuhayr ibn Sard came and
said: "O Messenger of Allaah, inside the enclosure are your mothers,
your maternal aunts and yournursemaids. Do us a favour (and free us),
may Allaah bless you."
These ahaadeeth speak of honouring and respecting, which are Islamic
manners that are encouraged with regardto all Muslims. This is the
reason why the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) set
them all free.
Al-Bidaayah wa'l-Nihaayah, 4/419
And Allaah knows best.

Islamic Culture in Muslim Society: Morality and Ethics in Islam(Moral Stories)

A culture is a set of habits, rules and regulations, which a group of
people follows as part of their lives.
Islamic culture is how we should behave. It is the way Muslims are
taught to live and is based on the two sources of Noble Qur'an and
Hadith. A Muslim should understand and practice this knowledge, since
when these two sources are combined; we have the way and means to lead
a life, which will lead to perfection and contentment.
There are countless examples of what we should do and how we should
act, but the essence of all these actions is having good Akhlaq.
To have good Akhlaq (Morality, Moral Values), you have to follow a
verysimple rule. Prophet Isa (as), Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Ali
(as) have all emphasized one message and that is:Treatothers the way
you would like them to treat you.
This just means to have consideration, whether itis family, other
relatives, or friends.
Whenever you meet others you are carrying the flag of Islam. This
means people will look atyou and say, "This is how Muslims behave".
Whenever you do an action, ask yourself,"Would Prophet Muhammad (saw)
and Imam Ali (as)do that?" Then think about your answer before you
perform the action.
Prophet Muhammad (saw)was once asked why he came to the world, what
was his purpose? He replied, "I have been sent to complete the
nobility of your character."
This means that the main purpose of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was to
improve and perfect the Islamic Culture, the noble character of a
person andthus the community.
It is very important that we should have a good Islamic Culture at
home, since this is where the foundation is set for growing children.
We should make sure that we all recite Salaat on time. If possible we
should pray Salaat-e-Jamaat (CongregationalPrayer) at home, with
thefather leading and the children following. The mother should teach
the girls the importance of wearing Hijaband the parents should
explain about music and dance, and all the other habits, which Islam
discourages.
Some parents tell their children not to fast during examinations. This
makes the children feel that fasting can be missed for such reasons
and reduces its importance. How can youblame the children, whenit is
the parents who encourage them? The point that people do not realize
is that if you obey Allah (SWT), He will help you. Allah (SWT) has
said that for every 1 step you take towards Him, He willtake 10 steps
towards you. So make a Niyyat (intension) and fast. Do not look at
fasting as if it is going to harm you, butthink that it will help your
concentration, it will help you to study, and you soon see how well
you can actually do.
We must make Islamic Culture part of our day-to-day lives, not just
something we put on for the mosque, or for Madressa. Only then will we
benefit both in this life, and the next.
Once Imam Ali (as) was asked, who is a believer? He answered as to
what the characteristics of a believer should include,
1.The believer is one withwhom peoples' life, wealth and dignity are safe.
2.When powerful, he forgives easily. He is generous in appropriate ways.
3.His behavior is gentle. His actions and walk reflect modesty.
4.People enjoy his affection and calmness. He is ready to bear painin
order to comfort others.
5.In friendship he is sincere. He honors his promises.
6.He helps the oppressed and is concerned aboutthe deprived. He does
not abandon those in distress; he tries to relieve their burdens.
7.He respects the rights of those who are absent. He accepts the
apologies of those at fault.
8.He assists those who have assisted him.
9.He does not divulge (tell) peoples' secrets. He does not inquire
into secret affairs, which do not concern him.
10.He sets a good example for those who succeed him.
11.His good deeds are not performed for the sake of being boastful.
12.He does not fall into the same difficulty twice.

Morality and Ethics in Islam: Islamic Culture in Muslim Society(Moral Stories)

The word "morality" comes from the Latin word moralitas
meaning"manner, noble character and proper behavior". Morality
generally refers to a code of conduct, thatan individual, group or
society hold as authoritative, in distinguishing right fromwrong.
Immorality is the active opposition to morality, while amorality is
not admitting of moral distinctions or judgments; neither moralnor
immoral or lacking moral sensibility; not caring about right and
wrong.
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that
addresses questions about morality that is, concepts such as good and
evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice, etc. Ethics in
Islamor True Islamic code of ethics provides basic concepts which
gives humanity a strong platform on which they can lay their lives
according to the teaching of Noble Qur'an and Prophet's Sunnah.
Islam as a comprehensiveway of life encompasses a complete moral
system that is an important aspect of its world-view. We live in an
age where good and evil are often looked at as relative concepts.
Islam however, holds that moral positions are not relative and
instead, defines a universal standard by which actions may be deemed
moral or immoral.
A major goal of Islam is toprovide mankind with a practical and
realistic system of life based on good by which he can conduct his
life. It calls upon mankind not only to practice virtue but to
establish it and to eradicate all that is harmful. It seeks the
supremacy of one's conscience in all matters, so that what is harmful
cannot gain the upper hand in either an individual or a society. Those
who respond to this call are known as Muslims, which literally means
those who have submitted to God (Allah). The sole object of the
resulting community of Muslims ( Muslim Ummah) is the undertaking of
an organized effort to establish what is good and to fight and
eradicate what is evil andharmful.
Morality is one of the fundamental sources of anation's strength, just
as immorality is one of the main causes of a nation's decline. Hence,
Morality isone of the cornerstones of Islam. Morality in Islamhas
established some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole,
which are to be observed in all circumstances. Islam's moral system is
striking in that it not only definesmorality, but also guides the
human race in how to achieve it, at both an individual as well as a
collective level. Thus, everything that leads to the welfare of the
individual and the society is morally good inIslam, and whatever is
harmful is morally bad.
Given its importance in a healthy society, Islam supports morality and
matters that lead to it and stands in the way of corruption and
matters that lead to it. The Islamicmoral principles therefore, appeal
naturally to the human intellect, while elevating the pursuit of
morality to the level of worship. This is because Islam holds every
action that is done with the goal of attaining of God's pleasure to be
worship. The Guardian and Judge of all deeds is God Himself.
The concept of morality in Islam centers around certain basic beliefs
and principles. Among these are the following: (1) Godis the Creator
and Sustainer of the Universe and Source of all goodness, truth and
beauty. (2) Man is a responsible, dignified and honorable agent of his
Creator. (3) God has put everything in the heavens and the earth in
the service of mankind. (4) By His Mercy and Wisdom, God does not
expect the impossible from man or hold him accountable for
anythingbeyond his power. Nor does God forbid man to enjoy the good
things of life. (5) Moderation, practicality and balance are the
guarantees of high integrity and sound morality. (6) All things
arepermissible in principle except what is singled out as obligatory,
which must be observed, and what is singled out as forbidden, which
must be avoided. (7) Man's ultimate responsibility is to God and his
highest goal is the pleasure of hisCreator.
From an Islamic perspective, the purpose of human life is to worship
God, by leading this worldly life in harmony with the Divine Will, and
thereby achievepeace in this world, and everlasting success in the
life of the hereafter. Muslims look to Noble Qur'an and the
Traditionsof Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) as their moral guides.
Muslims believe that true happiness occurs when you are God-conscious
and submissive to God's will. Freedom is freedom from human desires
and man-made ideals. Through prayer and fasting, self-discipline and
self-control become a focus of many Muslims. This also is a foundation
for human dignity.
Almighty Allah (SWT) sums up righteousness in verse 177 of Surat Al
Baqarah as follows:
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and
the West, but righteousness is this that one should believe in Allah
and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and
give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the
orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars and for (the
emancipation of) thecaptives, and keep up prayer and pay the
poor-rate; and the performers of their promise when they makea
promise, and the patient in distress and affliction and in time of
conflicts - these are they who are true (to themselves) and these are
they who guard (against evil)." (Noble Qur'an, 2:177)
This verse teaches us thatrighteousness and piety is based before all
else ona true and sincere faith. The key to virtue and good conduct is
a strong relation with God, who sees all, at all times and everywhere.
He knows the secrets of the hearts and the intentions behind all
actions. Therefore, Islam enjoins moral behavior in all circumstances;
God is aware of each one when no one else is. It may be possible to
deceive the world, but it's not possible to deceive the Creator. The
love and continuous awareness of God and the Day of Judgment enables
man tobe moral in conduct and sincere in intentions, with devotion and
dedication:
"Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most
pious." (Noble Qur'an, 49:13)
The guiding principle for the behavior of a Muslim is what Noble
Qur'an refers to as virtuous deeds. This term covers all deeds, not
just the outward acts of worship.
Some of the most primary character traits expected of a Muslim are
piety, humility and a profound sense of accountability to God. A
Muslim is expected to be humble before God and with other people.
Islam also enjoins upon every Muslim to exercise control of their
passions and desires. Gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity,
and the courage to uphold the truth, even when inconvenient to
oneself, are just some of the qualities that every Muslim is
encouraged to cultivate.
Islam warns against vanity and excessive attachment to the ephemeral
pleasures of this world. While it is easy to allow the material world
to fill our hearts, Islam calls upon human beings to keep God in their
hearts and touse the material world in moderation and in accordance
with God's guidance. The Glorious Qur'an says:
"The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will
prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart." ( Noble Qur'an:
26:88-89)
Charityis one of the most commendable acts in Islam. In fact, Zakah,
the annual charity that is obligatory on every Muslim who has accrued
wealth above a certain level.
Morality in Islam addresses every aspect ofa Muslim's life, starting
with as simple as a smile that counts as charity all the way up to
defending the oppressed, from simple greetings to international
relations. It is universal in its scope and in its applicability.
Backbitingis a terrible vice in Noble Qur'an. Killing innocent is
strictly prohibited in Noble Qur'an. Women are equalto men in humanity
but they have different responsibilities.
A Muslim is expected to not only be virtuous, but to also enjoin
virtue. He/She must not only refrain from evil and vice, but must also
actively engage in askingpeople to eschew them. In other words, they
mustnot only be morally healthy, but must also contribute to the moral
health of society as a whole.
Some people who say they are acting in the name of religion may
misunderstand their religion or practice it wrongly. For this reason,
it is a mistake to form any idea of that religion from the activities
of these people. The best way to understand Islam is through its
authentic source.
The authentic source of Islam is Noble Qur'an and Prophet's Sunnah;
and the model of morality in Noble Qur'an is completely different
fromthe image of it formed in the minds of some westerners. Noble
Qur'an is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy,
modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace and a Muslim who truly
lives according to these moral precepts is highly refined, thoughtful,
tolerant, trustworthy andaccommodating. To thosearound him he gives
love, respect, peace of mind and a sense of the joy of life.
All this shows that the moral teaching offered to humanity by Islam is
one that will bring peace,prosperity, happiness and justice to the
world. The barbarism that is happening in the world today under the
name of"Islamic Terrorism" is completely removed fromthe moral
teachings of Noble Qur'an; it is the work of ignorant, criminals who
have nothing to do with religion.
On this Moral Stories website, we have listed a large collection of
moral stories covering differentaspects of Morality and Ethics in
Islam or Islamic Morals and Practices. These moral stories coverthe
broad spectrum of a Muslim's personal moral conduct as well as their
social responsibilities.

Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh, - O Khadija, among all the people of the world, you have attained a sublime position, the most honorable position. You have been granted the honor of being wife to Prophet Muhammad (saw), the great man whose peer has not beenborn by any woman in the whole world. All praiseworthy virtues andmajestic qualities plus modesty are to be found in him and will be so forever.

One night, when darkness covered the region of the Hejaz / Hijaz
(Arabian Peninsula),the wealthy, who had no conscience, were sleeping
in their comfortable beds, putting their arrogant heads on their
comfortable pillows. Theywere sleeping comfortably and never bothered
about anyone or anything else as they had everything in the world.
Also money was always at their disposal and they could do whatever
they wished, even irrational. They thought that as long as the earth
exists, they would have power.
On the same night, the poor and helpless people were sleeping in their
dirty houses or beside the walls of some rich person's house in the
cityor in Khadijeh's (S.A.) house and they would tryto forget all
about their sorrow and misery, at least for that night.
During this dark night, the stars and moon were hiding behind the dark
clouds. Not willing to see the prejudice and inequality amongst the
human beings, they had stopped shining.
On that night, everybody was asleep except Khadijeh (S.A.) and her
special servant and............
Khadijeh (S.A.) was thinking in her private room. She was swimmingin
the sea of dreams and had surrounded herself with the turbulent
wavesof her thoughts.
Then suddenly someone knocked at her door. Khadijeh (S.A.), still
dreaming, lifted her headand asked: "Who is it?" Someone answered: "It
isme, my lady, Maysara." Khadijeh (S.A.) replied:"Come in! I am awake.
I can't sleep tonight." The door opened and Khadijeh's special
servant, Maysara, rushed into the room, all confused.
Maysara said: "As Salaamu Alaikum, my lady, I am sorry if I am bothering you."
Khadijeh (S.A.) replied:"Wa Alaikum Salaam. Whatis wrong, Maysara? I
see that you are worried. Hassomething happened or...?" Maysara
answered:"No, no! Don't worry. Youyourself said that we should tell
you wheneveran indigent, helpless or an oppressed person wanted to see
you."
Khadijeh (S.A.) said: "Yes, yes. I myself said that. Now what has
happened and who wants to see meand why?" Maysara answered: "My lady,
a young woman carrying a heavy sack has come to the house. She was
shaking and crying and her hair was untidy. She begged me to bring her
to you. It seems that she came here because she is afraid and
depressed."
Khadijeh (S.A.) answered;"Very well. There is no problem. Tell her to
comein. I myself told you to call me anytime, day or night if any
helpless or homeless person wanted to see me. Don't let that person
leave this house in sadness or with empty hands".
Maysara went to call the young woman to take her to Khadijeh's room.
Khadijeh (S.A.) started thinking about that young woman and she told
herself: "Oh Allah! What has happened to this poor woman in the middle
of the night? What kind of problem has she faced that has caused her
to leave her house alone at this time and to come to my house? Who is
this helpless woman? Where does she come from? Andwhy did she come
here? Maybe she is a mother who came here with her sick child so that
we can provide food and medicine for it.
"Maybe she is a slave who has come here because of her unjust master.
Or maybe she is a chaste woman whose house the street ruffians entered
by force to kill her husband or take her innocent child. Maybe none of
these, but maybeher cruel husband wanted to take her innocent daughter
away from her and bury the girl alive under the cold dust of the
desert. Maybe for this reason, she took the baby and brought her here
seeking refuge in my house."
Many thoughts occupied the chaste mind of Khadijeh (S.A.) when
suddenly the door opened. A young woman,whose head and face were
covered with a veil,entered, crying. Tears had completely wet her red
and dusty cheeks. Herarms and legs were shaking out of sorrow and she
could only say:"As Salaamu Alaikum." She then sat down on thefloor and
tried to kiss Khadijeh's feet, but the latter stopped her and hugged
her and kissed her face like a kind mother. Khadijeh (S.A.) asked her:
'my daughter! What has happened? Why are you so upset? Besure that
whatever I can do I will do for you. Tell me, my daughter. Tell me
what has happened."
The young woman moved away from Khadijeh's embrace and opened the
heavy sack and placed it in front of Khadijeh (S.A.). She removed a
beautiful baby from it, which was like the blossom of springand hugged
it.
After the young woman gave the baby many longand warm kisses while
still in tears, she placed the baby in front of Khadijeh (S.A.) and
said:
"Oh Lady of Quraish! Oh kind Khadijeh (S.A.) I beg you, please have
mercy upon my baby and me. Look how beautiful it is and what beautiful
black eyebrows it has. For the sake of Allah look how it looks at me
with its sweet eyes. See what a beautiful smile it has. It seems that
the baby understands what I say because it looks at me this way. The
baby knowsthat I want to take it away from myself and give it to
somebody else."
Then the young woman looked at the sky and said: "Oh Almighty Allah!
Save us from this insecure and ignorant situation and from dirty
deeds. Send us a savior who can stop this savage situation and the
cruel killings. What did this innocent baby do that makes its father
want to bury it alive with no fear? What did I do wrong that I must
give up my baby?
The woman prayed to Allah and then started crying even more. The baby,
afraid of her mother's cries started crying also.
Khadijeh (S.A.), who was quiet until this time, tookthe woman's lovely
baby and hugged it and sympathetically said to the young woman: "My
daughter! Don't worry. "I will keep and protect your baby like my own
daughter, I know how you feel now and why you are so upset. I am a
mother and I know the heartache of mothers. I will raise her and
whenever you want, you can come here and see your baby."
The young woman said:"What if my husband comes and wants to take her
from you? He is an obstinate person. When I was pregnant, he told me:
'If it is a boy, he is mine. If it is a girl, it belongs to the
grave.' He repeated this sentence everyday to bother me."
Today when I felt the pains of delivery, I took refuge in the desert
so I could deliver the baby. There, this beautiful girl was born. I
didn't return to the house because I knew if I took it to the house,
it would have meant the grave for it; as a result, I came to your
house because I knew that my daughter would be protected here.
Oh kind Khadijeh (S.A.)! We, the women of this region, know you very
well. We know that you protect the orphans better than their
parents,but I am still afraid that my angry husband may come here and
get the baby from you.
"He may even hurt me and kill me for having given the baby to you. But
it doesn't matter. Let him kill me but my daughter will be alive."
The young woman uttered these words and fell down at Khadijeh's (S.A.)
feet and started crying very hard. Khadijeh (S.A.) picked herup and
placed her hand on the dusty hair of the young woman and very kindly
said: "My daughter! I told you not to worry about your baby. I will
raise her like my own baby and I will never give her to your husband.
He can't do anything here. If he comes here, I will hide her. Be sure
that your baby is in a secure place. Now get up and rest a little bit.
You don't feel well. You have come a long way. Leave everything to
Allah because Allah is closer and kinder to a person than anyone
else."
After the young woman heard the kind words of Khadijeh (S.A.), she
went to a corner of the room and fell into a deep sleep.The great
Khadijeh (S.A.), whose pure spirit was shaken by the recent incidents
thought very hard about the things that the young woman had told her.
Then she asked herself: What is this misfortune that is over coming
the Arab fathers, that causes them to become so cruel and
conscienceless as to bury their innocent babies alive with their own
hands under tons of black soil? Do they fear poverty or feel ashamed?
The Lady of Quraish (Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, Bibi Khadija, Hazrat
Khadija) kept thinking about this unfortunate situation and
deliberated as to how long this practice would continue. Having
pondered deeply, she started to pray and commune with Allah. She said:
"Oh Allah! I swear by yourProphets and the people who are close to
You. I beg You to send the Saviour that Jesus and the other Messengers
have promised for these unfortunate and ignorant people so that this
ugly, and unfortunate situation comes to an end. Only then would
innocent mothers be able to hold their unprotected and innocent babies
in their arms."
After prayer, she went to sleep. She dreamt that the sun was rising
from the sky and turned several times around the house of Allah. It
then moved towards her house, where its huge brightness dazzled her
eyes.
She woke up and realized that the day of Islam was near.