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Notes from a Q & A
se7en
09/27/01 at 14:42:50
as salaamu alaykum wa rahmatAllahi wa barakatuh, Here are some notes from an AMAZING q&a session I attended this past weekend.  Keep in mind that these are just notes, not the teacher's exact words, wAllahu a'lam. ------ [color=black]Q -- on harassment[/color] Do not respond in kind, in anger -- but do not let it pass without being brought to the attention of authorities and media. We are being tested, or we are being punished by Allah.  Either way, how do we as Muslims deal with this?  SURRENDER Use this as a way to connect our hearts with the generation of Rasulullah [saw] - the sahaba were persecuted for no reason but that they said "la illaha illa Allah" -- reminisce and reflect on what happened to them. Am I one of the *chosen* to suffer for this deen? Sa'ad ibn Ubaada al-Ansari - a mob tied his hands together, tied his hands to his neck - and he was dragged by his hair in the streets of Makkah.  (picture this!  picture him in the street like this, this mob surrounding him, screaming.. and he had harmed *no one* - this only because he professed that Islam was the truth.) Imagine Sumaya (and her husband Yasir) - stripped, tied spread eagled on the desert ground, humiliated, tortured.  Did she complain?  Imagine her tawakkul -- this, the first shaheeda - granted JANNAH. Ask Allah for 'aaffiya [sparing, protection, security] - but if trial comes - Alhamdulillah.  Ask for sabr, strength, and that this is a hassanah and sacrifice fisabiliLlah. Think.. what are we sacrificing relative to what other people sacrificed? We are people with a message, bearers of a divine message that is greater than me, as one person.   We talk about daawah, we talk about sacrifice; now, here it is. Everyone is tested, in one way or another; and it could be a rahma for us. Story of a salih woman that married a salih man, who were happy together.  One day, the woman said, I want to divorce you, take me back to my people.  He was amazed -- questioned her, but she insisted.  He then placed her on a donkey and began to lead it to her home… and on the way, he stumbled and fell. She then said, ‘alhamdulillah, let’s go back home.’  He questioned her; she said– “A mu’min is always tried.  Living with you, I saw you not once fall sick or troubled by calamity; so I doubted your eman.”   Trial are part of the life of a Mu’min. Know that the way to Jannah is surrounded by makarrah [difficulties] and the way to Hell is surrounded by shahawaat [ease and passions]. Act intelligently, rationally, and carefully – but know that whatever befalls you is within the knowledge and decree of Allah, and this is part of Tawheed ar Rububiyyah. Get yourself ready for long term patience and struggle – it is a *struggle* not to respond back when people are hostile towards you.. but remember the words of Rasulullah [saw]: "The wrestler is the one who wrestles down his own self in moments of anger." If you have the courage to fight physically, learn to restrain yourself verbally. [color=black]Q -- How should we express our response to this event?[/color] 1 -- express the grief and pain we are all suffering through at this action - that some reports say that there are 1700 Muslims dead or missing in the WTC; and that this was an act of horror that we are all a victim of. 2 -- condemn this act as completely against the teachings of Islam.  Cite the ayaat that talk about murder; the punishment that comes with taking just *one* innocent life. Rasulullah [saw] was once on an expedition with some young companions; and they snatched some baby birds from the nest of its mother.  The mother bird began to fly around, afraid for it's young, and Rasulullah [saw] said: "Who terrorized this mother by taking it's children away?  Return these children to their mother!" Can *this* deen, taught by *this* man tolerate the senseless, indiscriminate killing of innocent people? 3 -- emphasize that whoever the perpetrators may be, we want them brought to justice - but justice through just ways, with definitive evidence.   Are we not a nation that espouses justice, due process of law, innocence until proven guilty?  We have patriotism of principle, not patriotism of fanaticism. Speak to people in a way they understand! [color=black]Q -- How do I explain "jihad"? [/color] First -- it's wrong to translate jihad as "holy war".  To translate it as "holy war" is un-Islamic and un-Arabic, because the term is not found entymologically in Arabic at all “Holy war” - if translated into Arabic, would be Harb al-Muqaddisah – a construct *never* found in Qur’an, sunnah, or scholarly works. Jihad in Arabic means ‘exertion or struggle against an opposing force/thing’.  This force can come in any form -- be it physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual, etc.  (example - a donkey loaded with burden can be "in jihad" ) The word "jihad" is used in the Qur'an in at least FIVE different ways, with FIVE different meanings.   Five different aspects/dimensions/types: [1] Jihad of the Self (an-nafs) The *most* fundamental jihad. "The most virtuous of jihad is that done by an individual against him/herself in the way of God." -- Rasulullah [saw] This is jihad to "control the demon/beast/impulses inside of me"; to kill the drive for greed, vengeance, anger, selfishness, desire for power, materialism, etc this is the most fundamental because it is a constant jihad. [2] Jihad of word   Another aspect of jihad is speaking the word of truth, justice, righteousness, etc. (commanding what is right, forbidding what is evil) "The most virtuous of jihads is speaking the word of truth in the face of an unjust tyrant." - Rasulullah [saw] [3]  Jihad with the Qur'an (with it's words) "Wa jahidihum beehee jihadan kabeera" : "and perform jihad with it (the Qur'an), the greatest jihad.." Share with others the words and lessons of the Qur'an - tawheed, jannah, naar, consequences of actions, virtues, morality, etc.. [4] Jihad with Maal [wealth] The Qur'an is abundant with verses on jihad of wealth - a battle against inner greed, giving of wealth in causes of truth, justice, peace (Does "holy war" contain these meanings?  Translating jihad as such is unfair.  The Quran and Sunnah teach that there are many manifestations and dimensions of jihad.. but "jihad" by some is now associated with "islamic terrorism" and there is no distinction made between the two.) Finally.. [5] The Combative aspect/dimension of Jihad - al-Qitaal Jihad: *Never* initiated for expansionist reasons, to gain territory *Never* called for to gain economic resources of other lands *Never* called for to force Islam on others; to force people to change their faith *Never* to be used against people because they are different Jihad *never* called for for any unjust, unfair, oppressive reason-- to the extent that the jumhoor al-ulema [majority of scholars] say: "Illatal qitaali al-hiraaba" Meaning: the illah [operative cause] behind qitaal [combative aspect of jihad] is al-hiraaba [violent aggression of the other]. The motive behind al-qitaal is *hostility shown from the other side*; not because they are different or because we hate them. There is a procedure of al-Qitaal - the rules of engagement of al-qitaal are precise - as was delineated by Abu Bakr as-Siddiq ra, as taught by Rasulullah [saw]: -- Do not kill any non-combatants.  Specified were women (who were usually non-combatants), children, and people found in houses of worship (monks, nuns, religious leaders) Think about this; if the intent behind al-qitaal was to destroy other religions, wouldn't the religious people be the first ones to be killed?  This shows us that al-qitaal is *not* about religion, about forcing people into Islam -- it shows us that la ikraahaa fid deen [that there is no compulsion in religion]. -- Do not burn crops, destroy fruit bearing trees -- Do not kill animals except that which you need to eat -- It is haraam to murder/punish with fire ("Only the God of fire punishes with fire" - Rasulullah [saw]) -- think about this in context of chemical/nuclear weapons. Look at Umar ra entering Jeruselam vs. the Crusaders; the compassion in his 'conquering' vs. the savagery and cruelty of the Crusaders - to the extent that they ate the flesh of human beings (specifically in the town of al-Ma'arra) as their own historians relate. State Motto of New Hampshire:  "live free or die" -- this is what al-qitaal is - jihad is a cultural expression for this sentiment State Motto of Massachussettes: (on their flag, written in Latin): "We seek peace by the sword, and peace under liberty only." *WE* seek peace by peaceful means first - peace under liberty - but liberty cannot exist without justice. The word "jihad" has been hijacked by some for political motives At this time your discourse should be no more than this. [color=black]Q --What should we say when people ask about provocation for this attack?[/color] First, mention that the evidence is not conclusive, so we cannot speculate on any "reason" for this attack until we know who are guilty. Second, emphasize that it doesn't make a difference who is responsible - but that you, as a Muslim, want them brought to justice. Yes, there is resentment in the world for America because of it's global policies - but do not say "provoked", because it implies, at least subliminally, that this response is warranted. State Dept statistics from 1995-2000 show that 87% of terrorist attacks in the United States come from Latin America.. then Europe, then Asia, some in Africa.. the Middle East comes in last (percentage wise and in people killed) Why then is there such focus on Middle Eastern "Islamic" terrorism? Do not make any link or logical connection between foreign policy and this tragedy; because it implies that this some how "makes sense" We need to be very careful about the words we use and the implications they may have on Islam. --------- wAllahu 'alam.  Audhu billahi an udhakiruka bihi wa ansah.   Notes from dars 9/21/01 and 9/23/01. Please do let me know if you have any questions or you see any mistakes in this! wasalaamu alaykum.

Re: Notes from a Q & A
Shiyam1976
09/26/01 at 04:46:18
This is a good one. We should think in an Islamical way. No point of becoming dumbo or Zombis for a matter which is not well understood using the Quran & hadeeth. Shiyam

Re: Notes from a Q & A
ahmer
09/26/01 at 23:37:46
slm [quote] No point of becoming dumbo or Zombis for a matter which is not well understood using the Quran & hadeeth. [/quote] ??? akhi i don't get it.. what do you mean by this? wlm ahmer

Re: Notes from a Q & A
amatullah
09/27/01 at 13:17:33
Bismillah and salam, Sister se7en maybe it is a typo there is no second "wa" i think: "Wa jahidihum beehee wa jahadun kabeera" : "and perform jihad with it (the Qur'an), the greatest jihad.." Should be "wa jahidumhum bihi jihadan kabeera"

Re: Notes from a Q & A
se7en
09/27/01 at 14:44:49
wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatAllah, [quote]Sister se7en maybe it is a typo there is no second "wa" i think[/quote] AHA!  I knew something was wrong with that.. Jazaki Allahu khayran sis!! :)

Jihad un Nafs is not Jihad Akbar
Yusuf
09/28/01 at 16:29:37
As salaamu alaikum "The Prophet (SAW) was once returning from a battle with his companions and he turned to them and said: "We have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad, Jihad un-Nafs Jihad Akbar (i.e. to fight against your evil desires is the greatest." Related by Bayhaqi and classified FABRICATED by Ibn Hajar who said this Khabar is not a saying of Rasulullah (SAW) but instead a saying of a man by the name of Ibrahim ibn Abee Ablah. Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation): "Fighting is prescribed for you and you hate it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." - Surah Al Baqarah (2):216 The great scholar of Islam Imaam ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah (Rahimahullah) said this fabricated hadith is obnoxious. We should know that it is very important to do jihad by fighting with our hands and not quote the fabricated hadith above to make the disbelievers smile and rejoice. Rasulullah (SAW) said regarding the importance of jihad that: "He who died and didn't do jihad and didn't make an intention to do jihad; died on a branch of hypocrisy." (Sahih Muslim, Eng Trans. Vol 3, p 1057, no 4696) Also, we should know that Rasulullah (SAW) fought 27 battles. Wa salaamu alaikum Yusuf
NS

Notes from a Q & A
se7en
09/28/01 at 22:08:55
wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatAllah, [quote]not quote the fabricated hadith above to make the disbelievers smile and rejoice.[/quote] Brother Yusuf, I mean no disrespect when saying this, but that hadeeth wasn't even cited in the above notes. Absolutely, we shouldn't compromise or be apologetic about any aspect of this deen to please *anyone*.  We are people who are supposed to speak truth even in the face of an unjust tyrant (That's called a 'jihad' in a hadeeth, actually).  And absolutely, we shouldn't downplay the importance of the combative aspect of jihad.   But jihad does *not* mean holy war.  It doesn't.  And the word's meaning is not limited to physical combat.  Again, this doesn't mean physical combat fisabiliLlah is not important, but just that the word 'jihad' includes other meanings.  Even the verse you cited doesn't use the word 'Jihad'.  It uses the word 'al-Qitaal'. If someone translates the word 'fatwa' as 'death warrant', I am not going to look the other way.  It's wrong, and it gives people the wrong impression of Islam.  Same with the word jihad.  It's been perpetually misused in the media, repeated constantly to ingrain in people's minds that jihad = killing innocent people and therefore islam = evil.  That's not what jihad is, and that's not what jihad is about.  And it doesn't mean I'm "seeking to please the disbelievers" for saying so. wAllahu a'lam. wasalaamu alaykum.

Re: Notes from a Q & A
bhaloo
09/28/01 at 23:04:23
slm Jazak Allah khairen Brother Yusuf for the beneficial post. [quote] Brother Yusuf, I mean no disrespect when saying this, but that hadeeth wasn't even cited in the above notes. [/quote] I think the brother was just taking the time to make mention of this saying as its related to this topic and is often quoted. [quote] But jihad does *not* mean holy war.  It doesn't.  And the word's meaning is not limited to physical combat.  Again, this doesn't mean physical combat fisabiliLlah is not important, but just that the word 'jihad' includes other meanings.  Even the verse you cited doesn't use the word 'Jihad'.  It uses the word 'al-Qitaal'. [/quote] In relation to this topic of jihad in the Quran, brother Salim Morgan (he's spoken at some ICNA conventions) said this: I believe the exact opposite is the truth (or at least much closer to it [of the following sentence]): THE QUR'AN NEVER ONCE USED THE WORD JIHAD TO EXPRESS A "MILITARY" MEANING (i.e., FIGHTING in the path of Allah). If someone believes otherwise, please bring any verse where "jihad" means other than "qitaal fiy sabeel Allah".  There are hadith which use "fiy sabeel Allah" and possibly even "jihad" for other than military meanings (such as one who seeks marriage to protect himself from sin, etc.), but that is allegorical.  The primary meaning of "jihad" in Islamic terminology is CLEARLY "military". It is the same with the word "zakat".  This word means "purification" and it means "growth".  Lots of writers LOVE to emphasize the second meaning but if you look through the entire Qur'an you will not find anything but the first meaning and the zakat which is paid.  Thus, zakat is a purification of one's property.
NS

Re: Notes from a Q & A
Yusuf
09/28/01 at 23:09:50
As salaamu alaikum Yes, I wasn't referring to you se7en and I apologize I have difficulty being clear at times. I just wanted to throw that out there.. (what I posted) and wasn't implying you are trying to please non-Muslims. I felt it was necessary for me to type that fabricated hadith out because I have seen people quoting it (again.. not on here necessarily, just around in different places). Wa salaamu alaikum Yusuf

Re: Notes from a Q & A
jannah
09/29/01 at 01:16:57
In deference to Salim Morgan or whoever else, I have heard scholars say the OPPOSITE of what he says. The fundamental meaning of jihad is NOT the combative aspect. This from a scholar who has STUDIED and ANALYZED every single verse that mentions the word Jihad, it's lexical, root meanings and the asbab and nazool etc.  I remember going through a 3 DAY seminar on this. Also a question, why is there a need to throw a mawqoof hadeeth into the discussion when it wasn't even mentioned??? BTW, there is another hadeeth with the SAME MEANING ie the best jihad is the jihad against one own self that is AUTHENTIC as well as many other texts that support it. I think we have a serious problem in the Muslim community. And that is people taking one hadith and verse out of context and trying to make an Islamic legal point on it, and also people taking an established Islamic legal point and then rejecting it by saying a hadith or verse isnot authentic or taken out of context.

wisdom listens
se7en
09/29/01 at 01:51:21
as salaamu alaykum wa rahmatAllah, Hmm.  It's interesting that there's a lot being thrown into this thread that has no place here (ie hadeeth that were never mentioned, statements that were never made, etc) I have a lot to say in response.. but I'm going to leave it at this: These are notes from *a scholar*.  If you have issue with them, take them up with *a scholar*.  (note: by scholar, I mean someone who is at least a hafiz and has studied the Islamic sciences relatively formally.) I'll leave it at that. This is *exactly* the reason why I hesitate to put notes up on the net.  I heard a great comment the other day: 'someone who's read through a biology book is not the same as someone who's been to medical school.'  So know that we're quoting from bio books while others might be giving perscriptions. If you have questions on clarification, please do feel free to ask here or in email, inshaAllah.   wAllahu a'lam. wasalaamu alaykum.

Re: Notes from a Q & A
deenb-4dunya
10/01/01 at 12:42:03
QUESTION FOR SE7EN WHO GAVE THE Q & A SESSION? DEENB4DUNYA

Re: Notes from a Q & A
jannah
10/01/01 at 13:40:30
DEENB4DUNYA WHO DO U THINK :)
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