For children, - Islamic Ethics and Morality: Why are Gheebat and Tohmat Haraam?

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They are Haraam because they spoil people's names and characters. When you speak badly of someone, you make others think badly of them. Another reason why it is bad is because the people are not there to defend themselves. If you hear wicked things about others, you should give the others a chance to defend themselves by explaining, before you believe what you hear.
Gheebat and Tohmat are a result of Jealousy. If a person is respected, has done good, has helped others, there will always be people who are angry and bitter that such a person is respected by all. The result is to try and slander and destroy this reputation by sowing seed of venom in their character, by telling the world lies so that the respect turns to outrage and shame. Such people are cursed by Allah (SWT), and are referred to as the evil whispers of mankind.
Allegation is more severe sin than backbiting. It is clear from traditions that anyone who levels allegations against a believer is condemnable.
Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) declared, If a person levels an allegation against a believing man or woman for an act, which he/she has not done, then on the Day of Judgment, Allah, the Almighty, shall put him on a piece of fire until he is chastised for leveling that allegation.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates, When a believer levels an allegation against another believer, his faith dissolves just as salt dissolves in water.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.)said further, If a believer accuses another believer (while the latter is innocent), then the honour and dignity that exists between two believers will vanish.
That is why we have been instructed in traditions to restrain ourselves to the best of our ability from thinking evil of a believer.
Rely on the positive points of your believer brother's conduct until you don't get confirmed evidence which prevails upon your existing knowledge of the brother. Do not think evil about the words of a believer in whose defense you can find at least one good fact.
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) exhorts, Consider the word or action of a believer brother to be good, even if you are offended, and always think optimistically (about him) to the utmost. Do not think bad about him. If you do not get excuse in good actions, search for it over and over again, until the number (of excuses) reaches 70, if you still cannot find it, then think that we ourselves cannot think good about him.
Many times we find that our conversation with somebody about another believer turns out to be completely false. A person asked Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), What is the distance between right and wrong? Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, 'Four fingers'. Imam Ali (a.s.) then placed his four fingers between the eye and ear and said, 'that which is seen by the eye is true and that which is heard by the ear is mostly wrong or false.'
That is why before accusing anybody we should ponder on this fact.
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)reveals, Happy is that person who is busy in searching for his own defects and is unaware of the defects of others.
Make your intellect suspicious (accuse yourself) of your own defects, for in most cases, self-confidence and self-reliance are the chief causes of mistakes.
In another tradition it is narrated, One who calls himself bad, is saved from Satan's deception.
Just as leveling allegations against someone is prohibited, in the same way a person should refrain from going to places where he may become the target of accusation.
Imam Ali (a.s.) advises: Refrain from the assemblies of allegation and suspicion because the companion of bad people is often deceived by them.
Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) said, He is more accused of Tohmat (allegation) who sits with the gathering of accusers.
Imam Ali (a.s.) revealed, He who sits in a place where Tohmat (allegations) are leveled, should not blame those who entertain bad ideas about him.
The one who is seen in the assembly of dubious and suspicious characters will find himself a target of accusations and allegations. These traditions highlight that even sitting or being seen with evil people can be harmful for our reputation (even if we don't participate in their evil).
Ridiculing others- a despicable trait: Satan rules when the hearts are constricted and thoughts are perverted. Then man tends to exaggerate even the smallest of matters. Under Satan's domination, he begins to humiliate and ridicule his friends and colleagues. He brands this ridiculing as bravery and courage and prides himself on it. As a matter of fact, he even expects praise and acclaim for this.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates on the authority of the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.): O Ali, there is no poverty greater than ignorance and there is no wealth superior to intellect.
According to the prophetic tradition narrated above, the most ignorant of all people today are the Muslims because we have lagged the others in pursuit of knowledge. We have embraced this world as if earning money is the sole objective of life. To acquire money we are prepared to forego religion, faith, certainty and intellect, while the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) has made intellect the most superior wealth. Indeed we must reflect on the fact that with the wealth of intellect, the world will be at our feet and we will not have to chase the world.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) relates from Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), Pride and egotism are signs of weak intellect.
It is a fact that arrogance, pride and egotism may apparently make a man seem very successful in this world, but these very traits are the root cause of his destruction. Pride and conceit are the best indicators of a weak intellect and a person with a weak intellect is capable of initiating a step that can prove ruinous for him socially and/or personally. This is the disease that afflicts most Muslims. We have been split into so many groups and sects because of these evil traits. The soul of Islam has been torn apart due to this and what little dignity and honour is left in it also seems to be waning fast. That is why it is important for us to maintain its (soul of Islam's) dignity and nobility.
The Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) declared, The most humiliating of men is the one who ridicules others.
These words of the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) highlight the fact that there is no place for narrow-mindedness, prejudice and bias in Islam. On the one hand, Islam emphasises the Majesty and Glory of Allah and on the other hand highlights brotherhood and fraternity between the creatures. The level of ethics and morals in Islam can be gauged from the saying of the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) when he (s.a.w.s.) calls the ridiculing person as the most degraded of people. That is why as believers and Muslims, it is important for us to respect and uphold the dignity and honour of others around us.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) exhorts the Shias: Fear Allah! Be a source of ornamentation for us and do not be a source of disgrace for us.
These words of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) not only are an invitation towards goodness and virtue, they are also an indication of the standard of love and Wilayat of Ahle Bait (a.s.). Being Shias of Ahle Bait (a.s.), it is important that we always keep these standards in mind.
The true Shia of Ahle Bait (a.s.) always abstains from sins and abominable acts (makroohat). At the same time, they always hasten towards the obligatory and recommended (mustahabbat) acts. That is why if we truly love the Ahle Bait (a.s.), we must observe the laws of Shariat at all times and try to be a source of pride and happiness for them. With this, even the people of the world will be able to appreciate the true greatness of the Ahle Bait (a.s.).











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Welcome to Islam, - Worship in Islam

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The concept of worship in Islam differs from that found in other religions and is, therefore, subject to misunderstanding. In general, worship is understood to mean the observance of certain rituals: prayer, fasting, giving charity, and other 'good' works. In Islam, however, worship is much more; it is one's entire life. The definition goes something like this: "Worship is an all-inclusive term for those internal and external sayings and actions of a person that are pleasing to Allaah." In other words, worship is that which is done in obedience to Allaah's will, which obviously includes rituals but goes far beyond to the realms of one’s beliefs, social activities, and personal contributions to one's society and fellow human beings.
Islam looks at the individual as a whole. He is required to submit completely to Allaah, as the Quran instructed Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam to do; Allaah Says )what means(:“Say: ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first ]among you[ of the Muslims.’”]Quran: 6:162-163[
The natural result of this submission is that one's activities should conform to the instructions of the One to whom the person is submitting - Allaah. Islam requires that its followers conduct every aspect of their lives according to its teachings. This might sound strange to those who view religion as a personal relationship between the individual and his Lord and which should have no relevance to those activities that are not connected specifically with any religious rituals.
The Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam taught his followers that Islam is much more than a private personal matter. Islam attaches no value to rituals that are performed mechanically and have no influence on one's inner life. This issue was addressed in an incident when Muslims, as well as local Jews and Christians, disputed about the prayer direction being changed from Jerusalem to the Ka'bah )the Sacred Mosque( in Makkah: Allaah Says )what means(:“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but ]true[ righteousness is ]in[ one who believes in Allaah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask ]for help[, and for freeing slaves; ]and who[ establishes prayer and gives Zakaah; ]those who[ fulfil their promise when they promise; and ]those who[ are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.”]Quran: 2:177[
The deeds mentioned in the above verse are indications that a person is righteous.
Honest work is considered a type of worship. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:"Whoever finds himself at nightfall tired of his work, Allaah will forgive his sins."Seeking knowledge is one of the highest forms of worship. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam told his companions that"Seeking knowledge is a )religious( duty on every Muslim."Social courtesy and cooperation, when done for the sake of Allaah, are also a part of worship:"Receiving your friend with a smile is a type of charity, helping a person to load his animal is a charity, and putting some water in your neighbour's bucket is a charity."
In Islam, the performing of one's duties is also considered an act of worship. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam told us that whatever one spends on his family will be counted as an act of worship for which he will be rewarded, provided what he spent was acquired by Islamically acceptable means. Kindness to family members, no matter how small, is also viewed as an act of worship. Even activities that we enjoy very much, such as sexual relations with one's spouse, are considered acts of worship as long as they are performed in accordance with the relevant Quranic and prophetic guidelines. For example, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam once told his Companions that they would be rewarded even for engaging in sexual intercourse with their wives. They were astonished and asked:"Are we to be rewarded for doing something that we enjoy very much?"The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied:"If you satisfy your desires illegally, will you be punished?"They replied:"Yes."So the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:"So for satisfying it legally with your wives, you will be rewarded."
It is clear from the previous discussion that the concept of worship in Islam is a comprehensive concept that includes all of the positive activities engaged in by an individual. This is in agreement with the all-inclusive nature of Islam, which regulates life on the individual, social, economic, political, spiritual, and all other levels of one's life.
Discussing non-ritualistic types of worship first does not mean those that are ritualistic are of less importance. In fact, if the latter are performed correctly and sincerely, they elevate the individual both spiritually and morally and actually help him to live a righteous life according to the guidance of Allaah.
Islam has several ritualistic activities that all Muslims are expected to perform. The most important one is the prayer )Salaah(, which must be performed according to a specific style. Its importance derives from the fact that it serves as the distinctive trait of a Muslim and because it prevents a Muslim from engaging in sinful activities by putting him into direct contact with Allaah five times a day. Thus, the ritual prayer is a chance for him to renew his covenant with Allaah and to seek His guidance anew.
The second most important pillar of Islam is Zakaat, a term that signifies giving to the less fortunate a certain percentage of one's earnings and holdings. Giving the poor their due and performing the prayer are usually mentioned together in the Quran, for they are both visible manifestations of one's Islamic faith and belief that Allaah is the sole owner of everything in the universe, which He allows man to enjoy as His trustee for a specific period of time.
In addition, this act provides a means to redistribute society's wealth in a way that reduces differences between classes and groups. It makes an important contribution to social stability, by purging the soul of the rich person from selfishness and the soul of the poor from envy and resentment against society. This blocks the channels leading to class hatred and makes it possible for the springs of brotherhood and solidarity to gush forth. Such stability is not merely based on the personal feelings of the rich; it stands on a firmly established right that, if denied by the rich, would be exacted by force, if necessary.
The month-long fast of Ramadan )Siyaam( is the third pillar of Islam. Its main function is to make the Muslim pure from "within," just as the external legal code )the Sharee'ah( makes his external actions pure. This process of purification makes it possible for him to respond to what is true and good and to shun what is false and evil.
Fasting, then, awakens an individual's conscience and permits it to share in a communal experience that is engaged in by the entire Muslim world at the same time. Fasting also reminds Muslims of those who are deprived of life's necessities throughout the year or throughout their lives. It makes them realise the suffering of their less fortunate Muslim brothers, a feeling that promotes in them a sense of sympathy and kindness towards Muslims and other people in general.
Lastly, we come to the annual pilgrimage to the House of Allaah )the Ka'bah( in Makkah. This ritual, known as the Hajj, is unique to Islam.
Muslims from all corners of the world, all attired in the same clothing, respond in one voice and one language with the following phrase upon entering the sacred precincts: "Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk" )i.e., Here I am n response to your call, O Lord!(. This is a time of strict self-discipline and control where not only sacred things are revered, but even the life of plants and birds is made inviolable. Pilgrimage gives an opportunity for all Muslims, regardless of their affiliations with certain groups, classes, organisations, and governments, to meet annually in a great congress. All Muslims are invited to attend, for no individual or government can deny any Muslim the right to do so. Every Muslim who attends is guaranteed full safety and freedom as long as he does not violate its sanctity.
Thus, worship in Islam, whether ritual or non-ritual, trains the individual in such a way that he loves his Creator even more, which causes him to gain an unyielding will and a means to wipe out all evil and oppression from his society and to make the word of Allaah triumphant.


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Welcome to Islam, - The concept of worship -IV

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With this part, we come to the conclusion of this issue, during which we will highlight the consequences of being heedless of worship and the fruits gained by being heedful of it.
The consequence of abandoning worship:One should fear Allaah and beware of all things that invalidate worship or remove its reward. Among these are associating partners with Allaah and showing off. Allaah says )what means(:“If they had joined in worship others with Allaah all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.”]Quran 6:88[.
Another act that invalidates worship is innovation. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said:“Whoever does a deed upon which there is no order from us will have it rejected.”
Doing injustice to others also destroys one’s worship. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said:“The bankrupt among my Nation is the one who comes on the Day of Resurrection with prayer, charity and fasting and yet has abused someone, slandered someone, taken someone’s money illegally, shed someone’s blood and beaten someone. Each of these people will be given for his good deeds )by way of compensation(. If his good deeds however finish before judgement is passed on him, parts of their sins will be thrown on him, and he will then be cast into Hell.”)Muslim(.
Of these things that invalidate one’s worship is filthy words uttered by some people without thinking of their consequences. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said:“A man may utter a word )carelessly( which displeases Allaah without thinking of it’s gravity and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell-fire.”)Ibn Maajah(. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam also told us of a man who said:“By Allaah! Allaah will not forgive so and so.” Allaah then said: “Who is that person swearing by Me that I will not forgive so and so? I have indeed forgiven him and render your own deeds fruitless!”)Muslim(.
The fruits of worship:Worship has many praiseworthy and beneficial results, such as:
· Making the entire life of the Muslim for the sake of Allaah and in His service. One of the most obvious results of worship can be noticed in the performance of prayer; Allaah says)what means(:“…Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing…”]Quran 29:45[
· Resulting in one leading a prosperous life, as Allaah Says )what means(:“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward ]in the Hereafter[ according to the best of what they used to do.”]Quran 16:97[
· Worship is a training for the soul and the source of its satisfaction.
· Freeing the person from being enslaved to other than Allaah.
· Purifying the believer.
· Reforming the community.
· Being granted victory from Allaah; He Says )what means(:“…And Allaah will surely support those who support Him ]i.e., His cause[. Indeed, Allaah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. ]And they are[ those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give Zakaah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allaah is the outcome of ]all[ matters.”]Quran 22:40-41[
Having possessed honour and having been worthy of the support of Allaah, the Muslims then neglected Jihaad and favoured lives of comfort and relaxation over this act of worship. They, therefore, began following their vain desires, endeavouring to fulfil every one of them to the maximum, which resulted in them losing the support of Allaah to become subdued, oppressed and controlled by their enemies.
· Entitling the person to the protection of Allaah; Jundub bin ‘Abdullaah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:“When anyone offers the Fajr )dawn( prayer, in congregation, he is under the protection of Allaah.”]Muslim[
· Enabling oneself to be safeguarded and preserved by Allaah; Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:“Be watchful of )the commandments of( Allaah and He will )therefore( preserve you.”]At-Tirmithi[
· The angels supplicate for the worshipper.
· Entitling the person to the love of Allaah.
· Attaining tranquility.
· Relieving the person during times of hardship, as in the story of the three men who were trapped in a cave and received relief from Allaah due to their righteous deeds.
· Elevating one's rank inParadise.
To conclude:It has become evident that the most important and the greatest obligation for the slave of Allaah to fulfill is his servitude to Allaah. The core of this servitude is to perform all types of worship such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage and others, sincerely and exclusively for Allaah. Included in this is obeying Him in all He has commanded and refraining from all that He has prohibited. Additionally, these acts of worship must establish according to the teachings and guidelines of the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, as adhering to the Sunnah is what leads to people's prosperity.








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