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[WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
bhaloo
11/09/01 at 01:16:36
slm This question will be worth 5 points.  Please answer all 3 parts to receive full credit. 1). Read surah Al-Hujurat   (1 point) 2). In 50 to 150 words, please write down what this surah is about.  Please do not copy and paste from something, try and write it in your own words as much as possible.  I will be looking for accuracy and effort here.  If I catch someone copying something completely they wont get full credit.   (3 points) 3).  What is your favorite ayah in this surah, and why?   (1 point) Remember don't ask anyone for help, you can consult books, cds, tapes, the internet, and magazines.  Instant message me your answers, don't put them up here and make sure you answer all 3 parts when you IM me, for part 1 just answer YES or NO. You have until November 18, 2001 11:59 pm EST to answer.

ANSWERS & SCORE AFTER QUESTION #1
bhaloo
11/21/01 at 01:24:20
slm Alhumdullilah we had 10 participants and everyone did well, don't be fooled by the scores.  I really liked Sister Barr's explanation of the surah, mashallah.  The only people that really lost a point were those that had more then the 150 words, and the late comers.   SCORES AFTER QUESTION #1 Hania - 5 points Mariam - 5 points Jenna - 5 points Explorer - 5 points Barr - 5 points Ahmed - 5 points Eleanor - 4 points Arsalan - 4 points Se7en - 3 points Marcie - 3 points Here are the people that responded to the question, the names are listed by the first person to respond to the last person. Sister X Hania - 5 points Here are my attempts at answering the questions. 1). Read surah Al-Hujurat (1 point) Yes 2). In 50 to 150 words, please write down what this surah is about. Please do not copy and paste from something, try and write it in your own words as much as possible. I will be looking for accuracy and effort here. If I catch someone copying something completely they wont get full credit. (3 points) Surah Al-Hujurat explains the importance of unity and brotherhood in Islam. Members of Islam have spread to many nations and thus Muslim’s have become segregated from one another, they are partitioned into different continents, countries and tribes and thus have become different ethnically. Surah Al-Hujurat reminds Muslims that despite the differences, we are still united by the same Creator Allah, which leads to the equality of humankind, also the common origin of the human race is Adam (Peace Be Upon Him ) and Hawaa, which leads us to the idea of universal brotherhood. This means we should not fight or belittle each other. Instead we should conduct ourselves in a manner that practices justice, mercy, compassion, kindness, respect and love. If we abide by these messages of Islam, then people of the world can be united in global harmony. 3). What is your favourite ayah in this surah, and why? (1 point) Ayah {49,17} 17. They act as if they are doing you a favor by embracing Submission! Say, "You are not doing me any favors by embracing Submission. GOD is the One who is doing you a great favor by guiding you to the faith, if you are sincere. This is my favourite ayah because I had a non-Muslim friend that said to me ‘I bet you wish you were not born Muslim, then you could wear what you want, you wouldn’t be forced to pray, you could go clubbing and not have so many constraints.’ I just found what the friend said so ironic, because I feel so blessed and privileged that Allah has chosen to guide me to Islam. When I bow down in prayers it doesn't feel like I'm doing Allah a favour as my friend thinks, but Allah is doing me a favour. When I look at my friend I feel so sorry for him, because he was not given the gift of being born a Muslim. Instead he thinks its lucky to be immersed into a world of materialism, depression, loneliness and pop idols, whereas I feel lucky to be in a world of spiritualism, faith, love and my Creator Allah. Mariam Fitzgerald - 5 points How can I prove that I've read the Sura? :)   I've shortened my answer: What the Sura is about: Allah SWT warns believers from speaking in a voice louder than that of the Prophet (S) (arguing with him, putting their own opinions before his).  This was especially directed towards some Bedouins who were calling him from outside his wives' chambers (hujurat) in a loud voice and wouldn't stop..   The rest of the Sura is also full of advice and teaches manners.  It advises against back-biting, making fun of each other, jumping to conclusions based on what someone says, calling each other names, being too suspicious about each other, spying on each other, all the things that can get in the way of forming a solid brotherhood. Allah Ta'ala also helps us distinguish between Islam: obeying Allah and His messenger without having faith in one's heart, and Eeman, believing in Allah and His Messanger with no doubt in one’s heart  and striving for His sake. My favorite Sura. The Ayah that's most often quoted from this surah is not my favorite. (O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Aware) My favorite Ayah is ayah 11: "O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one's brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked", etc.]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zâliműn" It's my favorite Ayah because it teaches humility.  Scoffing at each other is something that everyone is very good at, and the fact that Allah has mentioned this in the Qur'an and prohibited it shows how very harmful it is, I believe mostly to one's own nafs, but also to the ummah as a whole. The same goes for name-calling. We think we're so clever and can make up names for everyone, but subhan Allah, it's something that Allah dislikes! Jenna - 5 points Alhumdulilah I have read the Surah. To me, the Surah is about kindness towards our brothers and Sisters in Islaam. We should not call them out of their names, backbite them, or say that we are better than, because we do not know where we all stand with Allah. That we should also settle bickering that may be going on between ourselves. Allah ta'aala is laying down laws in this Surah. Also it taught the people during the time of the Prophet (saw) how to respect and treat him (the Prophet (saw).   My favorite? Ayah 15: The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere.       (Surah 49 Ayah 15)       Because I believe this Ayah to be the essence of Islaam. Believing in Allah and his Messenger and striving in the cause of Allah. Eleanor  - 4 points (1 point deduction for the explanation being beyond 150 words) 1: Read the Surah al Hurayn Yes 2. Explain in your own words what this Surah is about: This surah is about how we should behave towards others and how we should behave in the presence of the holy Prophet,  Muhammad (salli allahu alayhi wa'salaam). We should remember that we are but the humble servants of Allah and are also in  a lower position than Rasulallah Those who were lucky enough to be in the presence of the Prophet were urged not to shout or raise their voices in his presence and also to address him quietly and with respect. We should not listen to tales of people which are baseless , instead we should try to find out if it is true or not and if we made the mistake of believing what was false then we should repent immediately. Our wishes are very different than those of the Prophet. I think what is meant here is that we are very concerned with the dunya and if Muhammad were to think as we do then it would be a sorry day for everyone. But thank God, we have Islam given to us and therefore the three points mentioned - unbelief, wickedness and rebellion should be abhorrent to us, and when they are, then we are on the righteous path. If we reach this state then it is only due to Allah, by his mercy for he is greater than us all. When Muslims are fighting amongst each other, we should try to act peacemaker and settle the dispute. however if one of them goes so far as to cross the line laid down by the law, then everyone should fight against him until he is ready to comply. And if they comply then  help them to settle their differences and be just and fair for this is something that Allah loves. We the believers are one Brotherhood (ie one Ummah) and that's why we should stick together and  help each other in times of dispute and always be afraid of God so he can give us his mercy We should not laugh or mock at each other. The very one that we are laughing at could be better than us. This is for men and women equally. We should not call each other names be sarcastic or make fun of each other. The name "ill seeming" has a wicked meaning and should only be used for a believer if he leaves Islam. If we do not comply to these rules then we are doing something very wrong. Suspicion is to be avoided for sometimes it can be a sin. Spying and back biting is forbidden. It is so bad it is compared to eating your dead brother's flesh - something that we would abhor, and then we are reminded again that God is most merciful and all Returning. Allah made us from just one male and one female and made us into different countries and groups so that we could recognise each other, not so we could hate each other.. He who is most righteous is the one God honours the most God knows everything about everything. and the Arabs from the deserts claim to be believers in Islam but we should recognise them as being non-believers and tell them so, for we are slaves to Allah with heart and soul but Faith has not entered the hearts of these Arabs. But we should tell them that if they are obedient to Allah and the holy Prophet, he will not turn his back on you for Allah is the most forgiving and most merciful. the most sincere Believers are those who believe in Allah and the holy Prophet and never doubted since they started to believe but have given everything they have and everything they are for Allah's sake. The Prophet was instructed by Allah to tell these desert Arabs that it wasn't as a favour to him that they accepted Islam but it was a favour of Allah that they could become Muslim. this is why they should be true and sincere. They cannot claim to start to tell Allah anything about Islam for Allah knows everything in heaven and on earth. He knows absolutely everything. God knows every single secret in heaven and in earth and he can observe very well everything that we do. 3: What is your favourite Surah and why? 049.013 O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). This is my favourite Surah, because it explains very well to me the reason that people are created so differently - different skin colour, shapes and sizes. So that we can tell the difference between each other. This is something that we should celebrate. It is not a reason to start hating each other because of our skin colour or whatever. Anyone who pays attention to this verse and complys with its instructions has cleared any sort of racism from his heart. At the end of the Surah Allah tells us that the most righteous of us is the most honoured by him and that he has full knowledge and is well acquainted with everything. Allah Aqbar! Is all I want to say when I read this Surah! Barr - 5 points 1)      Read it, alhamdulillah. 2)There are 3 main themes:- i)Adab towards the Prophet and for Muslims in later times – adab towards the khalifah. => It tells us about how we should respect and revere Allah and Ar-Rasul (ie. Always putting them first before ourselves in every aspect of our lives) and its manifestation in our adab with him (ie. how we speak and treat to him.) ii)Brotherhood (ukhuwah) and our adab/ akhlaq towards mankind. => In terms of being wary of acts(fitnah, insults etc) that can rupture love, peace and brotherhood. There can be unity amidst differences bound by taqwa – that Allah will judge us with. iii)Nature of Faith – Those who embody true faith differs greatly from one who only see faith as outward rituals. =>They is characterized as one who strives everything he has for Allah. =>Faith bestowed from Allah is a great favour upon us. 2)      My favourite verse is verse 13. "O men! Behold we have created you all of a male and female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know each other. Verily the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold God is All-Knowing, All-Aware" When I was studying in the UK, this verse has somewhat manifested itself in my life. Muslim communities where I come from are very homogeneous. But its different in the UK where the people that I meet, though we are of different cultural/ family backgrounds etc, but I feel the ukhuwah and mahabbah (love) amongst us. It is these sisters who have been my family throughout those years, and the salient thing that I can think of that bonds us together is the shahadah that we believe in and the beauty of Islam that we share with each other. We went through the difficult and joyous times together and watch each other grow and mature in life and faith. I think of them everyday… eventhough, I’ve left them for more than a year… I yearn and long to meet them again… But I’ll never know when… Allahua’lam, maybe in Jannah, inshaALlah… OK, better stop now, before I get too emotional. The prophet once said.. that to increase love amongst each of us.. is for us to spread peace…. And being Muslims... we found peace in ALlah, and those whom ALlah has bestowed peace to. And one of the reasons why I like and stay in this board is the ukhuwah that I felt,  … albeit our differences. Explorer - 5 points Heres my answer to Q1. Part 1. YES   Part 2.... This surah highlights the moral behaviour and etiquettes for muslims, both in front of the Prophet(Peace Be Upon Him ) and community. Allah warns us of the importance of these social actions over mere lipservice. Saying is one thing, but acting upon it is another and the true believer is exhorted to do this. Indeed as it ends "Allah is Knower of the unseen" - he knows what is in our hearts. For a community to suceed it highlights the importance of evidence in judgement, manners and reconcilliation between muslims, in addition to forbidding the social evils, backbiting, suspicion, mockery, haughtiness and pride based on bloodline, tribes and nationality as indeed it says the believers are 'one brotherhood'. Rooting out of such evil is neccessary for the sucessful cohesion of a family, community, social group and ultimately the entire Ummah, hence Allah is laying down the foundations for our success as a group. Part 3.... My favourite Ayat is no.10 because in short, simple words it tells us of being one brotherhood and to make peace when in dispute. Such a simple command is to bind and bring all of us, irrespective of nationality, race etc closer together, something a lack of which has plagued our ummah for so long. Ahmed - 5 points Question 1: yes Question 2: Surah Al-Hujarat is basically seems to be about the characteristics and mannerisms that a true believer should possess.  The manners towards Allah and His Messenger (saw) are initially defined and the judgement of the Prophet (saw) is placed above other men, since he receives guidance from Allah.  The surah then sets the limits of social behaviour by individually naming and forbidding certain actions that would lead to social disharmony.  Brotherhood and unity are encouraged and attitudes of nationalism and racism are discouraged. On the individual level, we are told about the difference between a true believer in the sight of Allah and the person who makes a mere profession of faith, as the true believer has belief in their heart, without any doubt.  Finally we are reminded not to be proud because Allah knows what is in our hearts and sees all that we do. Question 3: I love all the verses since this is such a concise and beautiful surah, however if I had to pick one it would be verse 12- “O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs.  Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?  Nay you would abhor it…But fear God: for God is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful." This verse has had a big impact on my life lately because it has restrained me to a great extent from being suspicious of one of my brothers, whereas by my nature I would normally be driven to suspicion.  I feel this is helping me change to get rid of my old bad habits and become a better person. Arsalan - 4 points (didn't answer part 1) Part II: This surah outlines the manners that the believers should display in their dealings with Allah, His Messenger , and other believers.  The first 4 ayaat exhort the believers to practice proper adaab in the presence of Rasulullah .  The next ayah tells them to verify any news they receive before spreading it.  Then they are told to obey the Prophet  and not to impose their will upon him.  Then they are told to make peace between 2 groups of Muslims if they happen to fight, as all believers are brothers.  The next 3 ayaat tell the believers not to belittle each other by any means, because, to Allah, none has superiority over another except through piety.  The last 5 ayaat talk about what it means to be a believer, that belief is more than lip-service, and that imaan is a gift from Allah who is aware of everything. Part III My favorite ayah has to be ayah 13, because it is the ultimate clause of equality in the Qur'an.  The only criterion for supremacy is based on something which is attainable by every human being (i.e. taqwaa), not on something that people are born with and have no control over (i.e. race, color, sex, ethnicity, etc).  Furthermore, since taqwa is something that resides in the heart, and only Allah knows what is in the hearts of people, it is beyond the capability of human beings to tell who has a higher taqwa than another.  Thus there is no grounds for discrimination that may be exploited in this world, because the true state of a person's nearness to Allah is known to Allah alone. And now for the late entries, these scores lost a point for being late, so the maximum they could earn was 4 points. Se7en - 3 points (1 point deduction for having too many words to describe the surah) sorry so sorry for handing this thing in late.. what can i say, ramadan makes things insane   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1). Read surah Al-Hujurat   (1 point) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, your honor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2). In 50 to 150 words, please write down what this surah is about.  Please do not copy and paste from something, try and write it in your own words as much as possible.  I will be looking for accuracy and effort here.  If I catch someone copying something completely they wont get full credit.   (3 points) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- bismiLlah The surah is about the horizontal aspect of our ibada - our dealing with each other, as opposed to our dealing with Allah (the vertical).  What's cool is that the *entire surah* can be applied to the way we interact and deal with each other in the Madina. First and foremost, our opinions should be put in line with and secondary to what Rasulullah  has taught of shariah.  We shouldn't "raise our voices" above his voice.   We should verify any news we receive, whether that be reports from CNN and NBC, or from people about this or that fatwa.. If two people come into conflict, we should do our best to rectify them, but at the same time correct the one that has transgressed the rights of his brother/sister.. That we shouldn't mock, criticize, or speak ill of each other.. as these actions are not characterestic of a believer and they take away from the unity of our brotherhood and our love for one another for His sake.. And we should stop acting like we're doing Islam a favor by striving to be a good Muslim, giving daawa, learning things.. but understand that Islam is actually a favor *upon us*, one we should be grateful for, one we should be constantly striving to do justice to. wAllahu a'lam. I think that's enough words   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3).  What is your favorite ayah in this surah, and why?   (1 point) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They're all beautiful (of course) but my favorite ayah (today) is ayah #7. Just to apply it to us, I think often times we try to get the deen to fit into our desires.. kind of twist it and mold it into fitting what we think (instead of the opposite)..  The shariah is beautiful in that it is flexible, and there's room for us to do this to a certain extent.. but this shouldn't be abused.  And it's so true that if we change or distort the deen to fit into our wishes we *will* suffer, as the ayah says.. because there is so much hikmah behind the shariah that we in our shallow minds just don't understand.  This is why bidaa is so dangerous, because it's changing the deen to fit what we think is best, but without acknowledging that Allah has completed this amazing masterpiece and it doesn't need any additions. Another part of that ayah that just really hit home for me was the part about how the faith has been *endeared* to us.. how it's something beautiful in our hearts.  I think that's such a beautiful and accurate description of Islam.. Can you imagine being part of a faith that you're not happy with?  That doesn't fill that void in your heart?  That doesn't make sense to you? Alhamdulillah for the ni'mah of Islam.. just thinking out loud here.. gotta jet.. late for something (again) hope this makes sense Marcie - 3 points (1 point deduction for response that was beyond the 150 words) 1). Read surah Al-Hujurat (1 point)  yes 2). In 50 to 150 words, please write down what this surah is about. Please do not copy and paste from something, try and write it in your own words as much as possible. I will be looking for accuracy and effort here. If I catch someone copying something completely they wont get full credit. (3 points) The guiding light of Islam is the Quran and Sunnah.   During the time of the Prophet, (sas) the Believers were blessed with a living example of Islam.  It was not for them to contradict or allow their own opinions to outweigh those of the Prophet’s (sas).  Unlike others, his (sas) opinions were not his own, but were divine guidance from Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala ) and were to be seen as such by the Believers.  Thus were they not only to show their utmost respect to the Prophet (sas) but by doing so were also showing their fear of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala ).     This Surah is not only about how the Believers should interact with the Prophet, but also about how we should interact with one another, even to this day.  Islam is very clear about how import morals and manners are to the faith.  At all times we should remember that Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala ) is watching us and not allow our nafs to control our interaction with others.  As Muslims we should stick to the faith and not allow ourselves  to waste time in idle talk about others or arrogance.  By remembering that Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala ) knows all that is  in the heavens and earth we should humble ourselves and not veer from the straight path .  By following these guiding principles Muslims, regardless where they are from, are able to remain united and strong and not allow personal dissension to weaken the ummah.     3). What is your favorite ayah in this surah, and why? (1 point)     I would have to admit that ayah 7 is my favorite.  Al hamdu lillah I have been blessed with Islam.  Whenever I think about my faith I feel totally at peace with myself and am able to focus on the important things in life and not this dunya.  I really do feel the beauty within my heart and know that I am one of the lucky ones, who has been guided.  Even after September 11 my faith has only increased, because I know true Islam and it does not matter what others say about the religion.  Islam has helped to guide my way and allowed me to remain righteous and upright.  Everyday is a struggle, but I do my utmost to stay on the right path and remain patient in difficult times.

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
eleanor
11/21/01 at 06:10:41
slm Wow! I didn't realise I had *so* many more words...whoops :o Congrat's to all the members who scored full points! But watch out! I'm on your heels! ;-D wasalaam eleanor

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
Marcie
11/21/01 at 07:00:08
As salamu alaykum Oh well at least sister Se7en and I are in the same boat.  I thought that I was way under 150 and did not bother to count.  Next time I'll know better.  How are we supposed to answer #2 in less than 150 words?  That comes mighty quickly.  Do prepositions and the and a count?  Jazakum Allah Khair for doing this, it really is nice to be able to participate in something Islamic.  Congrats to everyone, who is playing. As salamu alaykum Marcie

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
explorer
11/21/01 at 07:29:52
[slm] More people should participate, even if its for just a few questions. This is a great learning opportunity cos most times we're busy in day-day activities and have no time to learn about islam. Don't be put off by points, they're only for the fun factor and encouragement. Working to deadlines, as here, ensures we put our minds to the job and get something out of it. Heck, before last week i didn't even know verses about suspicion, backbiting, mockery, brotherhood and in general about bringing muslims together were all in a same, concise surah, rather thinking they were in diff. places in the Quran!  So folks, jump in when u get the time :)

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
se7en
11/21/01 at 13:11:57
as salaamu alaykum, [quote]1 point deduction for having too many words to describe the surah[/quote]:o dude!  You know it takes me like three times longer than everyone else to say something!!! (just look at my posts) No fair.. ):(

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
Arsalan
11/21/01 at 14:24:22
[slm][quote]Arsalan - 4 points (didn't answer part 1) [/quote]???????????????????????? Part I is not a question.  It's an instruction to read the Surah.  Of course I did that!  Otherwise, how in the world would I be able to answer parts 2 and 3?   Come on bro!!

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
flyboy_nz
11/21/01 at 16:05:11
[slm] SubhanAllah! full marks!!  hey it's been a while since I've had those :)  The question 2 looks hard tho...english was always my weakest subject in skool. [quote]for part 1 just answer YES or NO.[/quote] and [quote]In 50 to 150 words[/quote] Bro Arsalan and Sis se7en, the rules are clear...what ya complainin about??  [i]*light-hearted grin*[/i] hey don't take it personal like 'k? hey we got 300+ members, surely more would have entered?? wasalaam, Ahmed

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
bhaloo
11/22/01 at 00:27:04
slm [quote]Arsalan - 4 points (didn't answer part 1) ???????????????????????? Part I is not a question.  It's an instruction to read the Surah.  Of course I did that!  Otherwise, how in the world would I be able to answer parts 2 and 3?   Come on bro!! [/quote] You were also a little late with your response *cough* by 9 minutes *cough*.

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
Arsalan
11/22/01 at 15:00:24
Man, the Eastern, Central times keep messing me up!  I thought it was due at 11:59 pm Central Time.  :(

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
Merimda
11/22/01 at 19:04:06
salam, Perhaps you can implement a mercy system..where each contestant has the luxury of dropping their lowest score..

Re: [WWTBAM II] QUESTION #1
Mystic
11/23/01 at 15:06:59
[slm] Excellent ideal Meri:) :-) M. [wlm]
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