Parenting: Compiled Articles December 31, 2006
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Tips On Raising A Fearless Child-From As-Sunnah Bi-Monthly Newsletter
This article deals with how to raise a child who is fearless,it is important for a child to fear none but Allah(SWT).
Seven Habits Of Highly Successful Youth-Altaf Hussain
This exactly doesont deal with parenting,but parents may find intresting things,which may help them become better parents.
The Bitter Harvest(My Favourite)-Mohammed AlShareef
A strict father,an obedient,shy,calm kid,and an inspiring teacher.Father stops kid from going to the Halaqah kid goes without the knowledge of the father,father gets to know……….(Read More to learn much more)
Parenting:Islam’s Positive Approach-Compiled and Forwarded by Shahid Khan
The name says it all.
12 tips for Parents about Sex Education-Compiled and Forwarded by islam4all Yahoo Group.
Choosing A Career-Unknown
Surviving the Teen Years and Parenting-Al Jamiat Vol 6 No
Exactly what I was searching for,this post has a personal reason behind it,and this exactly deals with the “personal reason”.And a special thanks to Bint ul Islam the Moderator of IPAU.
Dealing with Halloween: 13 tips for parents -Posted by Bint Ul Islam of IPAU
Islamic Parenting- Um Nour(blog-http://lovingallah.blogspot.com/)
Muslim Youth and Drugs-Zachariah Matthews
Related Questions and Answers on IslamQa by Muhammad.S.Munajid
Related Hadeeth:
“The best of which man can leave behind for himself are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, an ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach him and knowledge which others benefit from after him. (Ibn Hibban, Hasan).”
“The most beloved of names according to Allah are AbdAllah, ‘Abdul-Rahman and Harith.” (Abu Ya?la, Sahih).”
Riyad-us-Saliheen December 30, 2006
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B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e m
Gardens of the Righteous
Book Eight
The Book of Virtues
Chapters 226 and 227
The Excellence of As-Saum (The Fast) during the first ten Days of Dhu`l-Hijjah
The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of ‘Arafah, ‘Ashoora’ and Tasoo’a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)
By Al-Imaam Aboo Zakariya Yahyaa Ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi ad-Dimashqi
Chapter 226: The Excellence of As-Saum (The Fast) during the first ten Days of Dhu`l-Hijjah
1249. Ibn`Abbas radhiallaahu` anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allaah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah) .” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allaah, not even Jihaad in the Cause of Allaah?” He Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam replied, “Not even Jihaad in the Cause of Allaah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.” [Al-Bukhaari] .
Commentary: This Hadeeth brings out the following two points:
1. Righteous deeds during the first ten days of the month of Dhu`l-Hijjah are far better and more rewarding than righteous deeds done on other days of the year, because they are Hajj days in the sacred season of pilgrimage. Because of their excellence and importance, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala swore by them, thus: “By the Dawn; by the ten Nights…” (Al Fajr 89:1-2)
2. Jihaad has great eminence in Islam.
Chapter 227: The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of `Arafah,`Ashoora and Tasoo`a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)
1250. Aboo Qatadah radhiallaahu` anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of `Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” [Muslim].
Commentary: The ninth day of Dhu`l-Hijjah is called Yaum-`Arafah . On this day, pilgrims stop and stand in prayers at`Arafat which is the most important ritual of Hajj, so much so that Hajj is deemed incomplete without it. On that day, the pilgrims are engaged in the remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and prayers as that is their most important worship on that day. For this reason, Saum is not desirable for them, but for other people, Saum has a special merit. The importance and merit of this Saum can be judged from the fact that it expiates sins for two consecutive years: the previous year and the current year. But these sins relate only to the minor sins, not the major ones, or become a means of elevation of one’s status.
1251. Ibn`Abbas radhiallaahu` anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam observed Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and commanded us to fast on this day. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: ’Ashoora’ 10th of Muharram. In another Hadeeth, it is stated that when the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madeenah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala granted Prophet Moosa`alayhissalaam emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, he Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said that in this happiness of Prophet Moosa`alayhissalaam , Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, he also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. According to another Hadeeth, he Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam ordained the Muslims to observe Saum on ‘Ashoora’ and in addition one more Saum on 9th or 11th of Muharram in opposition to the Jews. (Musnad Ahmad, Vol.4, P-21, edited by Ahmad Shakir; and Mujamma`Az-Zawaid, Vol.3, P-188). Thus observance of two Saum on this occasion is a Sunnah of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam. These two Saum can be observed either on 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam and instead observe the baseless practices of mourning assemblies (Majalis), which is a grave sin practised by Shi`ah.
1252. Aboo Qatadah radhiallaahu` anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim].
1253. Ibn `Abbas radhiallaahu` anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.” [Muslim].
Commentary: Some people think these words stand to mean that he will observe Saum on the 9th of Muharram only. But this interpretation does not agree with other Ahadeeth. In order to oppose the Jews, he Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam resolved to observe one more Saum with that of 10th of Muharram and ordained it for the Muslims. In this connection, we have quoted above the authority from Musnad Ahmad. Hence, the meanings we have given in the translation of the text are correct.
K a r i m a
N.B.: Previous installments are available at: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/DDN/ files/%2ARiyad- us-Saliheen/ The%20Book% 20of%20Miscellan y/
‘Riyad-us-Saliheen’ - a collection of hadeeth with commentary concerning our day-to-day life.
The Book of Miscellany:
Chapter 1: Sincerity and Significance of Intentions and All Actions, Apparent and Hidden.
Chapter 2: Repentance.
Chapter 3: Patience and Perseverance.
Chapters 4-5: Truthfulness and Watchfulness.
Chapters 6-7: Piety, Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allaah.
Chapters 8-9-10: Uprightness and Steadfastness, Pondering over the Great Creation of Allaah and Hastening to do Good Deeds.
Chapter 11: The Struggle (In the Cause of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala).
Chapter 12: Urging Towards Increasing Good Actions in Later Part of Life.
Chapter 13: Numerous Ways of Doing Good.
Chapters 14-15: Moderation in Worship and the Righteous Conduct on Regular Base.
Chapter 16: Observing the Sunnah and the Manners of its Obedience.
Chapter 17-18-19: Obedience to the Command of Allaah is an Obligatory Duty; Prohibition of Heresies in Religion; Heretics Doing Desirable or Undesirable Deeds.
Chapters 20-21-22: Calling to Right Guidance and Forbidding Depravity, Assistance Towards Righteousness and Piety and Giving Counsel
Chapters 23-24: Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil, Chastisement for One Who Enjoins Good and Forbids Evil But Acts Otherwise
Chapter 25: Discharging The Trusts
Chapter 26: Unlawfulnesss of Opression and Restoring Others Rights
Fate of the Previous Nations who mocked the Messengers December 28, 2006
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‘By Allah, now you (O Messenger of Allah)
are more beloved to me than my own soul.’
[Umar ibn al-Khattab (Saheeh al-Bukharee) ]
Every Muslim is deeply hurt and saddened by the mockery of the most noblest and the best of mankind – the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) – as has appeared in the print media of some western nations. For nations heading towards largely atheistic attitudes on religion and degrading moral values – mockery of God and His Messengers has hardly any significance as one youngster interviewed in Copenhagen said, ‘It’s ridiculous… I don’t see why the anger – it was a joke, you can see.’
For the believers, however, this is a matter that turns the soul inside out and causes much pain to see inconsiderate people mocking and reviling the Messenger of Allah (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) – the best of mankind, the most honorable, the leader of the prophets and the one chosen by Allah Almighty to be a guide and example for all mankind.
‘So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful.’ [Soorah al-A’raf (157)]
************ ********* *
The believers, who read the Book of Allah and believe in its truthfulness, read in it of the Greatness and Might of Allah. They read in it, the fate of arrogant nations who belied the Messengers and mocked their message, and how they are granted a respite and… ‘then (in the end) I (Allah, the Most Glorious) seized it (with punishment). And to Me is the (final) return (of all).’ [Soorah al-Hajj (22): 48]
Mocking the Messengers and belying their message, is that which brings about the Wrath of Allah and His Punishment. ‘And indeed (many) Messengers were mocked at before you (O Muhammad (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam).) , but I (Allah) granted respite to those who disbelieved, and finally I punished them. Then how (terrible) was My Punishment!’ [Soorah ar-Ra’d (13): 32] ‘Consider not that Allah is unaware of that which the Zalimoon (the unjust) do, but He gives them respite up to a Day when the eyes will stare in horror.’ [Soorah Ibraheem (14): 42] Thus, the believers are awed by the Greatness and Might of Allah, which generates in their hearts nothing less than utmost respect for Allah and causes them to take His commandments seriously. Rather, to be a believer it is a must that one considers Allah, His Messengers and His Commandments to be the most venerable, the most esteemed, the most honorable. Hence there is a strong inter-relation between
(a) True Belief in God
(b) Having true respect for God
(c) Taking God’s commandments seriously.
The opposite of which is:
(a) No true belief in God
(b) No true respect for God
(c) No consideration for God’s commandments and the declaration that God has no right to interfere in public life – which is exactly what western societies are based upon and therefore they do not think twice before mocking God and make Him a subject of their jesting. This lowly conception of Allah that is prevalent in these societies is a direct result of the evil opinion they have about Allah and their assigning to Him Attributes that do not suite His glory. They dare to disrespect Him because they do not understand His glory, for if they did they would not be foolish enough to say with their tongues that which invites the Wrath of Allah.
They perceive their god to be old and weak, susceptible to desires, one who is in need of sustenance from the people, one who has to struggle to keep his dominion, one who does not have the right to set rules for the people and one who can be deceived. This attitude of theirs reflects in their writing, their media and their movies – until entire movies are dedicated to mocking God, as one movie review says …
‘What would you do if you had the powers of God? This is the question that drives the new comedy ‘***’, a new comedy that sees a likeable guy named Bruce, endowed with the powers of god after his complaining gets so severe that God himself, tasks Bruce to see if he could do a better job in the same role.
At first Bruce is skeptical, but eventually comes to love his new powers and uses them in a series of hysterical events that range from seducing his girlfriend Grace, to taking revenge on a backstabbing co-worker at his job as a television reporter. Bruce also uses his powers to push his career, as he develops a reputation as Mr. Exclusive thanks to his divine ability to be on the spot for all manner of spectacular events that oddly seem to happen when Bruce is covering his usual human-interest stories.’
‘They made not a just estimate of Allah such as is due to Him.’
[Soorah az-Zumar (39): 67]
Societies in which, it is acceptable for its popular media, to indulge in loose-talk about God to entertain the people, then this is a clear proof that God is regarded in a very low-esteem; for if it were other than this, the people would find such ‘entertainment’ as extremely offensive.
How then do we expect such people, who have an evil opinion of God, to understand the seriousness of mocking Allah and His Messengers? Would such a society be one that submits in true obedience and worship to God, and takes His commandments seriously? Surely not… Rather such people find it necessary to mock Allah, His Messengers and His commandments in order to emphasize their view that God should not have a say in the affairs of man.
‘France Soir’ – the tabloid that published the offensive cartoons, made no secret of this when it declared, ‘Yes, we have the right to caricature God,’ and said that its reason for publishing the cartoons was to show that ‘religious dogma’ had no place in a secular society.
Thus is established that – those who have a corrupt belief and a bad opinion of God, wish to remove the influence of religion in people’s lives – and thus mock Allah and His Messengers to emphasize this – and this amounts to disbelief in Allah. ‘who think evil thoughts about Allah, for them is a disgraceful torment, and the Anger of Allah is upon them, and He has cursed them and prepared Hell for them, and worst indeed is that destination.’ [Soorah al-Fath (48): 6]
Contrary to this is to have a proper belief with regards to Allah, that results in adulation towards Him and His Messengers – and therefore, respect for Him, His Messengers and His Sharee’ah (commandments) – This is True Faith in Allah.
So, let this serve as a warning for every person who claims allegiance to Islam, not to adopt attitudes that the disbelievers have towards religion. They do not follow what they understand to be the Sharee’ah of their god because they do not truly believe in him, and they would like you to be like them – disobedient to Allah, unconcerned about the Sharee’ah and to have no gheerah (jealousy) when your Rabb and His Messenger are mocked and belied.
“They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another).” [4:89]
Goodbye Saddam December 26, 2006
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The Ex-Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein will be hanged in the next 30 days,anytime,after the ex-dictator’s appeal was rejected.
Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti,was his full name and was the President of Iraq from July 16, 1979 until April 9, 2003 before the meddlesome USA thought of invading it and playing some modern Age Of Empires.Anyways Saddam burnt some oil-wells before he went into hiding in a Mole Hole.
Saddam,now 69 is famous for his tensions with Kuwait and his greed for oil and his dislike for Mr.Bush(who is no less).He is as well famous for what he is being hanged for now-crimes against humanity, and genocide.
The Female Voice December 26, 2006
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The female voice, according to Islam, is also included in the category of Satar, i.e. it has to be ‘concealed’ and NOT ‘revealed’. Since the female voice is an entity NOT to be displayed or advertised, it is NOT permissible for males to listen to women singing or even reciting the Quran …
When necessity demands that they have to speak to males then their speech should not be attractive, gently and alluring like the deliberate ‘lure’ put in speech by ‘trained’ women of the disbelievers. Recognizing the danger of allurement in the female voice, the Quran commands women thus:
“…then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” (Al-Ahzab 33:32)
Van de Velde in his book Ideal Marriage, states:
“The tone-color of a voice, and the intonation of single word – and it may be word of no special meaning or association in itself – may excite incredible intensity of desire. The unique and precious significance that a woman’s voice can give to ‘you’ or ‘thou’ can suffice to overwhelm man’s power of endurance and control…”
Islam has, hence, FORBIDDEN its women to speak in a soft or “sexually” sweet tone. Islam COMMANDS the concealment of the female voice and prohibits its display in public. If anyone is aware of the springs of sex-psychology he will clearly see the justification for Islam’s restriction in this matter.
Women’s Voice –
In brief, what the fuqaha’ (scholars of Islamic law) have said about women’s voices is that they are not ‘awrah in and of themselves. They say there is nothing wrong with listening to them when there is a need to do so. Therefore the fuqaha’ do not forbid listening to them, but certain conditions do apply:
The woman should speak without elongating the words, making her voice soft, or raising her voice. It is haraam (unlawful) for a man to listen with enjoyment, for fear of fitnah (trials & tribulations) .
The decisive factor for knowing what is haraam in the matter of women’s speaking is what is included in the aayah (verse):
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.” (Al-Ahzab 33:32)
What is forbidden is being too soft in speech. It is obligatory for women to speak in an honourable manner, which means, as the mufassireen (scholars of interpreting the Holy Quran) explained, that they should not make their voices soft when addressing men.
In conclusion, what is required of The Muslim Woman when she speaks to a non-mahram man is that she should adhere to what is mentioned in this aayah.
She should refrain from what is forbidden and should fulfill her duties. She should speak only when necessary, and only about matters that are permissible and honourable, not evil. Between a woman and a non-mahram man there should be no intonation, gestures, chat, joking, flirting or playful talk, so that there will be no room for provocation of desires and doubts. Women are not prevented from talking to non-mahram men when it is necessary to do so, such as dealing directly with them when buying things or conducting any other financial transaction, because in such cases it is necessary for both parties to speak.
A woman may also ask a scholar about some legal Islamic matter, or a man may ask a woman such questions, as is proven in various texts of the Quran and Sunnah.
Within the guidelines described above, there is nothing wrong with a woman speaking to a non-mahram man, but this it must be free of anything that may provoke desire in the person in whose heart is a disease, so as to be safe from fitnah and pay attention to the regulations outlined above.
Since of I’ve holidays,I’ve taken up to myself to write and collect more about Nafs,Love and such reltaed articles.
Muslim Kids and Bullies December 26, 2006
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Panel draws 200 at convention held in Dearborn
BY ZLATI MEYER
December 25, 2006
Sixteen-year- old Maliha Taufiq remembers when another student at East Lansing High School called her “rug head” to mock the hijab she wears to cover her hair.
She knows that peer pressure and teasing are as much a part of growing up as acne and book reports, but as a Muslim, Maliha sometimes finds herself getting a few extra jabs.
The 11th-grader was one of approximately 200 students of all ages who attended the “Intimidation at School: How to Deal with It” panel Sunday at the Muslim American Society and Islamic Circle of North America‘s annual convention at the Dearborn Hyatt Regency.
The theme for the convention, held Saturday and Sunday, was “Muslim Americans for Revival and Reform.” The convention featured workshops and discussions for all ages.
Two youth mentors, Raeed Tayeh and Muslema Purmul, outlined how to handle various bullying scenarios, what causes people to taunt schoolmates and how to stay strong when being picked on.
“There are certain realities Muslim kids face more because of their religiosity, ” said Tayeh, adding that children of immigrants often have a tough time turning to their parents for help because of their different cultural experiences.
Among the situations discussed were how to respond to name calling, what to do when physically attacked, how to help a fellow Muslim student in distress and what to consider when friends want to do things Islam disapproves of, like drugs and drinking.
Purmul, for example, suggested joining with other Muslim students to become an active force on campus, turning to teachers and school officials for help and being the person to make plans for the group to ensure the activities are acceptable.
“When you’re in a room, everyone’s disgracing Allah, you’re not the minority, you’re the majority,” she said, inspiring the attendees to look beyond themselves for the courage to defend their faith.
Maliha said that she ignored the name-calling and reported the incident to school officials because she saw through the boy’s fake bravado.
“He was an ignorant student,” she said.
Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and whatsoever is between them, and whatsoever is beneath the sod.
Six Duties That A Muslim Has Towards Another Muslim December 22, 2006
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“No one of you shall become a true believer until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.” (Bukhari) is one of the most famous quotes of the Prophet(PBUH) and really is a very good one,for a world which is so full of envy,pride,jealousy,selfishness and backbiting.
Today Islam-the religion prescribed as in the Qur’aan,preached by the Prophet and spread by his faithful companions is today divided in sects,groups,jaamaats and over all disunity.Islam has been divided over and over again.To take care of your fellow muslim and to encourage a sense of fraternity amongst each other and to come to one common platform and help the overall growth of the muslim world.
One of the reasons that Muslims in India today aren’t anywhere near the Civil Services,or any government organisation is disunity.There is the Shivsena and the BJP who openly represent the Hindu community.And how many Muslim parties do we have who represent us at the centre.The reason?Disunity and disagreements.
Back to the topic I wanted to write about-Six Duties That A Muslim Has Towards Another Muslim
The Prophet gave us comprehensive direction on how to sustain fraternity SAW said:
”There are six duties of a Muslim upon a Muslim:”
1) “When you meet him, greet him,greet him With a warm smile, a friendly face and As-Salaam Alaykum.
2) “When he invites you, respond to him”
3) “When he seeks counsel, give him good advice”
4) “When he sneezes and praises Allah, say to him: `May Allah have mercy on you (Yarhamuk-Allah).
5) “When he is sick, visit him.
6) “When he dies, follow his funeral”
If we can fulfill these basic rights of Muslims, it is hoped that much of the envy, malice and hatred in the society will vanish – Insha Allah.
Commentary:
1)The first duties that a Muslim has over another is saying As-Salaam Alaikum(May peace be with you)with a very good and friendly expression and being good to a brother eventhough you don’t know him.It also means that you answer the person with an equally good natured Wa-Laikaikum Assalam(May peace be with you too).I usually say As-Salaam Alaikum to the persons who pray there Salaat and they are like “do I know you?”.It should be noted that people should always say As Salaam Alaikum,even if you dont know the person.
Related Article-Importance Of Aslam Alaikum
2)When a Muslim brother invites you to a function,you’re to participate in the joy of the host rather go there for dinner,neither are you to deny the invitation reasoning that you don’t know know the person well enough to join him in his joy.
3)When a Muslim sneezes or even when he trips and he remembers to praise Allah, we must respond to him with a prayer for Allah to have mercy on him.
4) When you go and visit a sick brother, remember to pray for him and do not inconvenience him by staying too long.
5)Attending the last rites of a brother is of utmost importance. Speaking well of him and seeking forgiveness for him will ease his condition in the grave. In turn, when you die, others will also feel for you and make du’a sincerely for your forgiveness.
Akbar Bin Tabar December 21, 2006
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I’m atlast done with my exams Alhamdulilah.This is my second video post in just 3 days,this one is dedicated specially to all my friends specially to those who love the break after exams.
This video is for people who really understand the hyderabadi urdu,it’s a video clip from a Hyderabadi Movie known as Hyderabadi Nawabs.This guy talks about what crap he really is!!
The Bitter Harvest by Mohammad Al Shareef December 19, 2006
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I was a teacher in the Qur’anic study circle at our neighborhood Masjid at the time.
I would see this young boy after Maghrib prayers, you might say he was about fifteen years old. He held a pocket Qur’an and sat alone reading from it – no, he wasn’t actually reading from it, he was just trying to make it seem as if he was.
Now and again, he would shyly steal a few glances at us, curious to know what we were doing. Once in awhile, you might see him straining to make out what we were talking about.
Every time I caught his eye, he would avert his head and continue with his recitation, as if he had not intended to look this way.
Day after day, he sat in the same reserved manner, revealing the same timid glance. Finally after Isha Salah one day, I resolved to confront him.
“As Salamu `Alaykum, my name is Salman, I teach the Qur’anic study circle in this Masjid.”
`And my name is Khalid.’
Strange, he replied so fast, as if he had been waiting to share this piece of information for such a long time and expected to be asked.
“Where do you study Khalid?”
`In the Eighth grade … and I … I love the Qur’an a lot.’
Strange indeed, why did he add that last sentence?
Confidently, I asked him, “Listen Khalid, have you got any free time after Maghrib? We would be honored to have you join us in the class.”
`What? The Qur’an? The Halaqah? Yes … why, yes of course
(happiness overcame him).
I’ll be there, Insha’Allah. ‘
That night, I couldn’t think of anything other than this young boy and the haze that surrounded his behavior. Sleep would just not come.
I attempted to interpret an answer for what I saw and heard, but there was none. A verse of poetry came to mind: `the coming days shall unravel the mystery / and the news may appear from where you could never see.’
I turned on my right side and slipped my right hand under my cheek. O Allah, I have surrendered myself to You and to You I turn over my affairs.
*** Subhan Allah, how the calendar was jogging by. Khalid was now a regular in our Qur’anic circle, energetic and successful in memorization. He was friends with everyone and everyone was friends with him. You could never catch him without a Qur’an in his hand, or find him in any other line in Salah other than the first. There was nothing wrong with him except for his occasional long lapses of attention. There were times when his stoned eyes would reflect the fathomless thought going on in his mind. Sometimes we knew his body was with us, but his soul was somewhere else, suffocating in another world.
Occasionally, I would startle him.
All he had was a mumble to reply with, he would have been the first to admit its fabrication.
One night, I walked with him after class to the beach shore. Maybe his big secret might meet something equally large, relax somewhat, and release its distress and pain.
We arrived at the beach and traced the waves. The full moon was out.
A strange sight. The darkness of the night found the darkness of the sea, with a lit moon in-between them.
It sat somewhat embarrassed at its intrusion, similar to my shyness towards Khalid right then.
The rays of the silent moon rested on the silent waves of the sea. I stood behind the silent boy. The scene was silence.
Just then!
It all shattered and crushed to the ground as the young boy fell to the bottom, bleeding his heart with tears. I chose not to interrupt Khalid’s emotional release, perhaps the saltiness of his tears might help him relax and cleanse his distress.
After a few moments he said from behind his tears, `I love you all … I love the Qur’an … and those who love it. I love pious brothers, moral, pure brothers.
`But … my father … it’s my father.’
“Your father? What is wrong with your father Khalid?”
`My father always warned me not to hang around with you people. He’s afraid. He hates you all. And he always tries to convince me that I should hate you too. At any chance he gets, he’ll try to prove his point with stories and tales.
`But … when I saw you people in the Halaqah reciting Qur’an, I saw something entirely different. I saw the light in your faces, the light in your clothes, the light in your words, even when you were silent I could see the light even then.
`I doubted my father’s tales and that’s why I would sit after Maghrib, watching you, pretending that I was part of the circle, trying to share in the light.
`I … I remember Ustadh Salman … I remember the time you approached me after `Isha prayer. I’d been waiting for that moment for such a long time. When I began the classes, my soul locked itself into a world of purity with your souls. I began the circle and was persistent. I wouldn’t sleep, my days and nights became Qur’an. My father noticed the change in my routine. He found out, one way or another, that I had joined the circle and that I was now hanging out with “terrorists. “
`Then, on a dark night…
`We were waiting for father to come home from the coffee shop, his daily ritual, so that we could all have dinner together.
`He entered the house with his hardened face and slaps of anger.
`We all sat together at the dinner mat. Silence settled on the gathering as usual, all of us were afraid to speak in his presence.
`He knifed the silence with his roaring and immediate voice. “I heard you’ re hanging out with the fundamentalists. “
`I was caught red. My tongue looped and failed. All the words in my mouth attempted to come out at the same time. But, he didn’t wait for the answer…
`He snatched the teakettle and threw it maliciously at my face.
`The room spun and the colors united before my eyes. I stopped distinguishing the ceiling from the walls from the floor, and fell.
`My mother held me.
`A damp cloth on my forehead reminded me of where I was. The vicious voice turned on my mother, “Leave him alone, or you’ll be in the same lot.”
`I crawled out of my mother’s lap and whimpered away to my room. He followed me down the corridor with the cruelest curses.
`There was not a day that he didn’t beat me in some way. Curses, kicks, throwing whatever was nearest to his hand. My body had finally become a shiver of fear, grotesque colors formed all over. I hated him.
`One day while we were sitting at the dinner mat, he said, “Get up, don’t eat with us.”
`Before I could get up though, he pounced immediately and kicked me in the back, making me slam into the pots.
`At that moment, lying there on there on the ground, I pretended to stand taller than him and shout back in his face…
`One day, I’ll pay you back. I’ll beat you just like you beat me, and curse you just like you cursed me.
`I’ll grow up and become strong. And you’ll get old and become feeble.
`And then … I’ll treat you just like you treated me. I’ll pay you back.
`After that, I left home and ran away. I just ran, anywhere, it didn’t matter anymore.
`I found my way to this beach. It helped me wash away some of the sadness. I held my pocket Qur’an and began reciting until I could continue no longer because of my excessive crying.’
And here, a few of those innocent tears descended again, tears that sparkled under the moon like pearls under a lamp. I couldn’t say anything, the surprise had arrested my tongue.
Should I be aghast at this beast of a father, whose heart knew nothing about mercy? Or, should I be amazed at this patient young lad, whom Allah had wished guidance for and inspired with faith.
Or, should I be shocked at them both, at the father-son bond that had broken, causing their relationship to transform into that of a lion and a tiger, or a wolf and a fox.
I held his warm hand and wiped away a tear from his cheek. I reassured him, prayed for him, and advised him to remain obedient to his father. I told him to remain patient and that he was not alone. I promised that I would meet his father, speak to him, and try to evoke his mercy.
*** That incident slipped further away with each passing day. I tried thinking of ways to open Khalid’s case with his father. How should I speak to him? How was I going to be convincing? To be frank, how was I even going to knock on his door? Then finally, I collected my courage, rehearsed my plan, and resolved that the confrontation … uh, meeting … would be that day at five o’clock.
When the time arrived, I left for Khalid’s house with all my ideas and questions for his father dangling from my pockets.
I rang the doorbell. My fingers trembled and my knees were melting. The door opened. There it was, standing in the shadow with it’s frowned lips and veins beating with anger.
I tried beginning with a candid smile. Maybe it might smooth out some of the wrinkles before we even started.
He snatched my collar and jerked me towards him. `You’re that fundamentalist that teaches Khalid at the Masjid, aren’t you?’
“Well … uh … yes.”
`God help me, if I ever see you walking with him again, I’ll break your legs. Khalid won’t be coming to your class anymore.’
And then, he mustered all the saliva in his mouth and spit on my face. The door slammed behind it.
Slowly, I unfolded a tissue that was in my pocket, wiped what he had honored me with, and retreated down the stairs consoling myself. Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – suffered more than this. They called him a liar, cursed him, stoned him with rocks and caused his feet to bleed. They broke his teeth and placed dung on his back and expelled him from his house.
*** Day after day. Month after month. No sign of Khalid. His father forbade him from leaving the house, even for the congregational prayer. He even forbade us from seeing or meeting him. We prayed for Khalid … Until we forgot about him. Years passed away. One night, after the `Ishâ’ prayer, a shadow walked behind me in the Masjid and rested a familiar harsh hand on my shoulder. The same hand that held me years ago. The same face, the same wrinkles and the same mouth that honored me with what I was not deserving of.
But … something had changed. The savage face had shattered. The angry veins had subsided, belittled and still. The body looked tired of all the pain and conflict, weakened by sadness and grief.
“How are you?” I kissed his forehead and welcomed him. We took a corner of the Masjid. He collapsed on my lap sobbing.
Subhan Allah, I never thought that that lion would one day become a kitten.
Speak up. What’s wrong? How is Khalid?
`Khalid!’ The name was like a dagger piercing his heart, twisting inside, and breaking off. His head slumped.
`Khalid is no longer the same boy that you used to know. Khalid is no longer the generous, calm and humble young lad.
`After he left your circle he befriended a pack of evil boys, ever since he was little he loved to socialize. They caught him at that time of life when a youth wants to leave the house. Vanity, jokes.
`He began with cigarettes. I cursed him, beat him. But there was no use, his body had grown accustomed to the beatings, his ears were used to the curses.
`He grew quickly. He started staying up with them all night, not coming home until dawn. His school expelled him.
`Some nights he would come home to us speaking abnormally, his face loose, his tongue confused, his hands shivering.
`That body, which used to be strong, full, and tender, passed away. What remained was a feeble worn frame. That pure frosty face of his transformed. It became dark and filthy. The scum of misguidance and sin clung to it.
`Those shy and simple eyes of his changed. They shot red like fire as if everything he drank or took showed immediately in his eyes like some sort of punishment, in this life before the next.
`Hostility and disrespect replaced that shyness and cowardice he once knew. Gone was that soft, respectful young heart. In it’s place grew a hardened center, like a rock, if not harder.
`Seldom a day would pass without incident. He would either curse, kick, or hit me. Imagine it, my own son. I’m his father, yet he still hits me.’
After releasing all that, his eyes returned wet and bitter. But, he added quickly, `I beg you Salman, visit Khalid. Take him with you, you have my blessing, the door is open.
`Pass by him sometime. He loves you. Register him in the Qur’anic study circle. He could go with you on field trips. I have no objection. In fact, I am even willing to allow him to live in your homes and sleep over.
`The important thing, Salman … the important thing is that Khalid returns to the way he was.
`I beg you lad, I’ll kiss your hands, warm your feet, I beg you and beg you…’
He collapsed, crying and wheezing, into the memories of the grief and pain. I allowed him to complete everything he had to say.
Then I addressed him…
“Despite what has passed, let me try. Brother, you planted this seed. And this is your harvest.”
