ritualism vs righteousness by atiya arshad

1

Ritualism vs. Righteousness

[on skype] Session 3 (2013)Lecture 51 - 1 (March 19, 2013)

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Muslim population in the world- around 2 billion

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Hajj

http://www.cdc.gov/features/hajj/CDC: centers for disease control and prevention

Maa shaa Allah

About 3 million Muslims from around the world, and more than

11,000 Americans make the pilgrimage each year.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/hajj/

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Over flooding with people day and night (Ma shaa Allah)

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Masjid Nabwi gets over crowded with the people ma shaa Allah….. So much so that people pray Salah in an open area.

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All this is very encouraging but what worrisome is why despite of increasing number of Muslims and such a huge number of pilgrims Ummat-e-Muslimah is unable to bring the Muslims out of disgrace and crises.

Why????

?

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Al-Quran 8:53 (Al-Anfal)

This Ayah means that Allah never takes back His blessings from any nation until and unless

the people of that nation go wrong. If so happens Allah then takes away the blessings

that He had bestowed upon the nation.

That is so because Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in themselves. And verily, Allah is All-Hearer,

All-Knower.

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Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of

goodness) themselves.Al-Quran 13:11 (Al-Ra’d)

Allah affirms His perfect justice and fairness in His decisions, for He decided that He will not change a bounty that He has granted someone, except on account of an evil that they committed. Allah said in another Ayah,

(Tafseer ibn katheer)

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م�﴾ ه� ه� ف� أ�ن ه أ� م� ف�و ي� أ� ف� أ��ى أ� م� �م �أ ه أ� ف� ي� أ� ف� �أ ل أ !� أ �ل أ�# ه$� ﴿ Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves.

Ibn Abi Hatim narrated that Ibrahim said, "Allah revealed to a Prophet from among the Children of

Israel, `Say to your nation: every people of a village or a house who used to obey Allah but changed their behavior to disobeying Him, then He will take away from them what they like and exchange it for what they dislike.'' Ibrahim next said that this statement

has proof in Allah's Book , (Tafseer ibn Kaseer)

Al-Quran 13:11 (Al-Ra’d)

HADEETH:

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Example from Quran:

Al-Quran 2:47 (Al-Baqarah)

O Children of Israel! Remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the

`Aalamin (nations).

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If Allah puts you high up He can put you down too.

And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. That

was because they used to disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidence) of Allah and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and

used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allah, i.e. commit crimes and sins.)

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Al-Quran 34:15-17 (sorah-e-Saba)

Qom-e- SabaAllah made Qom-e-saba very prosperous but Allah tells here that if you’ll go disobedient He could take all the prosperity back and punish you hard. (They started worshipping sun)

(16.But they turned away, so We sent against them flood released from the dam, and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and Athl, and some few lote trees.) (17. Like this We

requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful

(disbelievers).)

Allah SWT clarifies very explicitly that Allah punishes only those nations who go unthankful and not those who are unlike them.

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Al-Quran 11:120 (Al-Hood)

And all that We relate to you of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder

for the believers.

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It was narrated from Abu Saeed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (sallaAllaahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: You will certainly follow the ways of

those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered the hole of a lizard,

you will enter it too. We said: O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians? He said: Who

else? Muslim Book 34, # 6448

Ummat-e-Muslima for sure will follow those who came before them

inch by inch, step by step

HADEETH:

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Are you and me also contributing in making the Muslim ummah face the

current situation in the world???????????????

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تقدير کی اقوام ہے مي ہاتھوں کے افرادستارا کا مقدر کے ملت ہے فرد ہر

Individuals are the ones who are responsible for the good or bad

destiny of the nation

The fact is:

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HOW ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NATION GOING

GOOD OR BAD

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How are we contributing in making the nation good or badConstituting the

society by being a part of itBy making ones

under our influence good or bad

individuals (ex. Children, spouse)

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Bad Muslims/Parents

Bad childre

n/Individ

uals

Bad Familie

s

Bad Societi

es

Bad Nation

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Narrated 'Abdullah: Allah's messanger (pbuh) said, "Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges. The ruler who has authority over people, is a guardian and is responsible for them, a man is a guardian of his family and is responsible for them; a woman is a guardian of her husband's house and children and is responsible for them; a slave ('Abu) is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for it; so all of you are guardians

and are responsible for your charges.“ Sahih Bukhari,Volume 3, Book 46, Number 730

HADEES:

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IF YOU WANT TO BRING CHANGE IN YOUR SOCIETY NATION

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BRING CHANGE IN YOUR CHILDREN

.

.

.

.AND TO BRING CHANGE IN

YOUR CHILDREN….

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CHANGE YOURSELF

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Child (highest likelyhood to become what you are)

Children learn to do whatever they see their parents doing.Examples: • Doing Shirk (at mazaraat, believing in Bad omens...) • Salah, Zakah, Fasting…• Dressing style • Not respecting others rights, Backbiting, lying, cheating, being insensitive to others’ problems, being bad with the spouse.

CHANGE YOURSELF

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Where lies the problem

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IGNORANCE

And there are among them (Jews) `Ummyyun (unlettered) people, who know not the Book, but they trust upon Amani

(false desires) and they but guess.

Tafseer Ahsan ul Biyyan

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Same is what (Ummat-e-Muslimah) is doing today. We have false ideas

about Allah’s book. We interpret matters of Deen according to our own desires and interpretation.

Meaning,

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These concepts actually are the resultant of ones

own way of perceiving things.

.

.

.

.

. For example:

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Matters of ShirkIgnorant people believe that some people for example their peer (alive or dead) will save them from all harms in both the worlds so they submit to them.

Al-Quran 10:106-107 (Yunus)

(106. "And do not invoke besides Allah what will not benefit you nor harm you. For if you did, you would certainly be one of the wrongdoers.'') (107. And if Allah touches you with harm, there is none who can lift it but He. And if He intends good for you, then none can repel His favor which He

causes to reach whom He wills among His servants. And He is the Pardoning, the Merciful.)

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A person from a conservative environment says women should always keep dupatta (covering) on their heads even in their home while the modern society called it rubbish and even say there is no such thing as Hijab for women. Majority believe that if woman wants to do hijab all she needs is to cover the hairs. The concepts are made according to the wishes or are the effects of their immediate social environment. This is all because of the lack of Quranic knowledge. Quran tells us clearly for men and women the guidelines for this issue mainly in surah-e- noor, ayah 30 and 31and surah e Ahzab, ayah 59.

Matter of Hijab

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People write their wills according to their own wishes. While the laws of inheritance are very clearly mentioned in surah-e-Nisa, ayah 7 and 11-14.

Matters of inheritance

Al-Quran 4:7 (Al-Nisa)

Al-Quran 4:11-14 (Al-Nisa)

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How to overcome the

ignorance.......

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By acquiring knowledge

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Now…One has acquired the

knowledge

but....

yet there is a thing even important than that

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SUBMISSION TO ALLAH SUBHANAO WA TALA

Iblees was a great aalim... had the knowledge but did

not submit..

Result

Cursed/Hellfire

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We hear, and we obey

No matter how much knowledge one has. Submission is must to obtain Allah’s pleasure.

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Yes! whoever Submits his face (submits himself entirely) to Allah and he is the doer of good (to

others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.

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Now…One is carrying out what Allah has ordered him to

do

but....

yet there is a thing even important than that.

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PURITY IN INTENTIONS

Al-Quran 39:11 (Az-Zamar)

Al-Quran 39:14 (Az-Zamar)

Say: "Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion sincerely (purely)for

Him.''

Say: "Allah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only.''

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Sometimes we do ibadaah which is prescribed to us but don’t care for certain important factors which are must to be taken care of to have the ibadaat accepted.

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Salah

Something, which is more fearful for you than Dajjal, is secret polytheism, i.e. man

stands up to pray, prolongs his pray because somebody is watching him.

(Ibn Majah) MM1-421-134

HADEETH:

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HADEETH

In al-Musnad (27742), it is narrated that Mahmoud ibn Labeed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon

him) said: “The thing that I fear most for you is minor shirk.” They said: “O Messenger of Allaah, what is minor shirk?” He said: “Showing off, for Allaah will say on the Day when people are

recompensed for their actions: ‘Go to those for whom you were showing off with your deeds in the world, and see what reward you

find with them.’”

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 951.

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Hajj

Hajj must be done only because of the reason that Allah has ordered us to do it in order to please Allah subhanao wa tala. It should not be done:

•To impress people. •To add the label of Haji in their names.•Under pressure that everybody around you has done the Hajj.•Due to any reason other than carrying out Allah’s order to gain His pleasure.

Al-Quran 3:97 (Aal-e-Imran)

And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey.

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Analyze: We have to be honest with ourselves here.

We give Zakah but sometime other interests also occupy the place in mind

For example:•Giving the zakah to boss’s servant to get in his good books.•To show off.

Zakah

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Analyze: Be honest….

Are you making others know of your charity with a desire somewhere inside your heart to be praised and appreciated by them.

Charity

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HADEETH

Salah/Fast/charity

Reference: Dr. Israr Ahmad’s article

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HADEETH-E- QUDSI

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of

Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (glorified and exalted be He) said:

I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having an associate. Thus he who does an action for

someone else's sake as well as Mine will have that action renounced (rejected) by Me to him whom he

associated with Me.

It was related by Muslim (also by Ibn Majah).

48Al-Quran 5:27 (Al-Maidah)

And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth; when each offered a sacrifice, it

was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: "I will surely, kill you.'' The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts

only from those who have Taqwa.

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Acquiring knowledge

Submission to Allah

Purity in intention

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Knowledge

When knowledge is very superficial….

51

Ibadaat are done because of culture and culture is considered as ibadaat….

Submission to Allah

Culture

give examples

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Example of ibadah being done because of culture:

People do sacrifice of an animal on Eid ul Adha as a part of culture and to show to people.

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Examples of culture being considered as Ibadaat:

1.processions (juloos) in Rabi ul awwal and Muharram 2.Placing chadar with Ayaat on graves of pious people in mazaraat

3. As soon as the religious speech starts (e.g., Khutbah Nikah in weddings) women cover their heads and take it off as soon as its over. No concern is seen for the Allah’s commands regarding hijab (and to hide the zeenat) in presence of Non-mehrum but this above mentioned practice is done religiously. (knowledge is there but submission is missing)

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HADEETH

A part of a hadeeth narrated by Abdullah ibn Masood regarding prophets and the allegiance of thier companions who strictly followed their prophets that:

وہ کہتے جو ہوے پیدا ناخلف ایسے بعد کے تھے.... اسنہیں …. حکم کا جس تھے وہ کرتے اور تھے نہیں جوکرتے

گیا دیاMuslim

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Purity in intentions is lost and worldly reasons take its place (To

have good impression on people, to be called pious….)

Purity in intention

s

Worldly reasons

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When this happens one of the

outcomes seen in the societies is…..

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Indulging Into Rituals

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RITUAL

S

Prescribed

Very importa

nt to follow

InnovationsMust be thrown away

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Ritualism adhering to rituals

Ritualization to make innovative

rituals

Practices Concerning Rituals

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Prescibed rituals (how to pray salah, do Arkan-e-Hajj etc.) are very important to follow but the acts of Ibadaah must not be just the execution of the Rituals, there should be the spirit of ibadah alive in it to obtain it’s samaraat (Fruits, benefits)

RITUALISMTo adhere more towards the

physical execution of a worship

Al-Quran 22:37 (Al-Hajj)

It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwa from you that reaches Him.

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We must analyze our acts of Ibadaah to see whether we are

getting the samaraat (friuts) of it or not.

In order to know whether our ibadaat have the spirit of ibadah alive in it or are

they merely the rituals...

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Salah

Al-Quran 29:45 (Ankaboot)

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform the Salah. Verily, the Salah keeps (one)

away from Al-Fahsha' (immoral sins) and Al-Munkar (evil deeds) and the remembering

(praising) of Allah is greater indeed. And Allah knows what you do.)

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Al-Quran 24:21 (Noor)

See if your salah is preventing you from the sinful acts.

O you who believe! Follow not the Khutuwat of Shaytan (footsteps of Shaytan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytan, then, verily, he commands Al-Fahsha‘ (immorality) and Al-

Munkar (the evil deeds).

Footsteps of Shaytan Uن XطـZ ي الش\ UتXوbطbخ﴾)

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Examples of immoral deeds:• To see Movies with vulgar scenes

• To Listen to Indecent songs

• Fashion trends: Sleeveless shirts, no dupattas or dupattas in neck , see through fabric for dress. See thru sleeves.

• Getting close to non mehrum person

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If a person is engaged in these kind of activities than it would mean that

Shaytan is getting successful influencing him/her.

.

.

.

.

.But how is it possible when one is

praying salah as Salah keeps you away from Al-Fahsha' (immoral sins) and Al-

Munkar (evil deeds)

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Allah says: perform Salah for My

remembrance.

Lets dive in the Quran to find the answer:

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Al-Quran 20:14 (Ta HA)

Allah said to Musa(AS) in the land of Tuwa.

Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for

My remembrance.

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Al-Quran 43:36 (Zukhruf)

[36. And whosoever turns away from the remembrance of the Rahman, We appoint for him

Shaytan to be a Qarin (a companion) to him]. [37. And most surely they turn them away from the path, and

they think that they are rightly guided].

If salah is not fulfilling the requirement of remembrance of Allah and is merely a Ritual, Shaytan may easily get successful influencing the person. (Though Praying salah is must and better than leaving it altogether… its acceptance or rejection is in Allah’s hand… Allah knows best).

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When you pray salah try to feel what sajda means…. It’s the TOTAL SUBMISSION

If you are asked to put your face on earth for somebody would you agree except in a situation that you have eliminated your self worthiness completely and has submit yourself fully to him. This is achieved when there is a relationship of Master and slave (Rabb and Abd). Which also means you can not say no to any of your Masters command. ….. So how can you go against your lord and do Al-Fahsha' (immoral sins) and Al-Munkar (evil deeds).

70

O you who believe! Bow down, and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord and do good

that you may be successful.


This is Ayat-e-sajda

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Narrated by Abu Huraira The Messenger of Allah (pbuh)

said: “He who does not give up forged speech and evil actions,

Allah does not need his refraining from eating and

drinking.” [Saheeh Muslim (# 2486)], Sahih Bukhari Volume 3,

Book 31, Number 127

HADEETH:

Fast

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نبی کہ ہے روایت سے عنہ اللہ رضی ابوہریرہ سیدنا “ : شخص جو فرمایا نے وسلم علیہ اللہ صلی کریم

یی تعال اللہ تو چھوڑے نہ کرنا بازی دغا اور بولنا جھوٹنام ) کا روزہ وہ کہ نہیں پرواہ کچھ کی بات اس کو

) دے چھوڑ پینا کھانا اپنا کے ۔کر

بخاری صحیح حدیث 925 -: مختصر نمبر

HADEETH:

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Many people fast but forget fulfilling what is required while fasting according to this above mentioned hadeeth. They just

provide themselves with the mere satisfaction of fulfilling the ritual.

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No change in a person even after doing Hajj. Examples:

• Doesn’t pray obligatory salah 5 times a day on time• Doesn’t stop lying, backbiting, showing off, cheating, deceiving., breaking relation ships with relatives, destroying others’ relationships etc. Reh

Hajj

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RITUALIZATION

(To make ritual of)

Or

Ceremonization

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Many types of actions have been incorporated into the

rituals. Want a child / need a job:

Invite and make these many people read this ayah this many times and make them eat these many dates and your desire will come true.

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A piece of information fom Yasir Qadhi’s lecture which is very important to know so that we become aware of fabrication in ahadeeth.

We must make a rule that what we find evidence of in Quran and sunnah we should follow otherwise keep ourselves away from it.

Also important is not to undermine the sahih ahadeeth assuming everything we hear would be fabricated. Do little research first, do not get judgmental.

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A friend of mine was telling me about the Bismillah ceremony that how ignorant the mother of a child was.... she didn’t even know what you must make the child recite in the ceremony of bismillah . She made her recite something else other than surah Alaq.

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Imam Zamin

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Example of touching the rice to do sadaqah ceremony when leaving for the journey

We have a great tendency to give physical form to our intentions (to ritualize) in order to soothe our psyche or to satisfy society’s mind sets while our beautiful deen liberates our minds from unnecessary burdens.Allah wishes to lighten (the burden) for you; and

human was created weak.

Al-Quran 4:28 (Anl-Nisa)

Sadaqa keeps calamities away from you but it only requires your intention not the ritual.

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Ritual of carrying the Quran on Bride’s head at the time

of Rukhsati

This is done to bring blessings while the Ayaat of Quran are being disobeyed right beneath the Quran itself. Isn’t it sooooo disrespectful. (may Allah forgive and guide us all)

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When seeing for the first time, the groom is made to see the face of the bride in a mirror so that there wouldn’t be any evil effect on the bride which may be caused by looking directly. The holy Quran is placed along with the mirror for seeking divine blessing for both. “Arsi” means a mirror and “Mushaf” means the Holy Quran.

.

Arsi Mushaf

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The Messenger of Allah said, Whoever performs a deed that

does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected.

HADEETh:

« CهEيGلGع GسEيGل LالGمGع GلCمGع EنGمد Gر Gو Uه Gف نGا Uر Eم

Gأ»

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RIGHTEOUSNESS

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS DEEDS IS SHOWN BY REPEATED

EMPHASIS GIVEN TO IT IN NUMEROUS QURANIC AYAAT

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(1.By Al-`Asr (by the time).) (2. Verily, human is in loss.)

(3. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and recommend one another to the truth,

and recommend one another to patience.

Al-Quran 103 (Al-Asr)

87

Al-Quran 29:7 (Al-Ankaboot)

Those who believe, and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall expiate from them their evil deeds and We shall indeed reward them according to the

best of that which they used to do.

88

Al-Quran 17:25 (Bani-Israail)

Your Lord knows best what is in your souls. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most

Forgiving to those who turn to Him in repentance.

89

Al-Quran 4:122 (An-Nisa)

And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, We shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers

flow (i.e. in Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allah's promise is the truth; and whose words can be truer

than those of Allah

90

Al-Quran 29:9 (Al-Ankaboot)

And for those who believe and do righteous deeds, surely, We shall admit them among the righteous.

91

Al-Quran 7:196 (Al-A’raf)

….and He protects (befriends ) the righteous.

92

Al-Quran 4:124 (An-Nisa)

And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a believer, such will enter Paradise

and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqir (the speck on a date-seed), will be done to them.

93


And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise).

94


And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will

dwell therein forever.

95

So much emphasize on Righteous deeds

.

.

.

.What they actually are?

96

Huquq ul ibaad

Prescribed Rituals

One ExtremeIn the eyes of some people all one needs to be righteous is to adhere to the rituals that Allah has prescribed. They do lot of umeras, multiple Hajj, never skip salah and fast and are always seen with a tasbeeh in hand doing Azkar. BUT are very visibly lacking in Huquq-ul- ibaad (hurt peoples feelings, do not help needy, cut off relations with relatives, backbite, are bad as spouse, are very unpleasant towards relatives in laws (saas bahu etc.).

97

There is also another extreme. Some people say that the real neki (righteousness) is:Not to cheat anyone, not to lie, to keep up the promises, help others, open welfare organizations, to do work for the welfare of orphans and needy, so on and so forth. In their view the rituals of Salah, Fast, Hajj etc. are for ones own self. To them it’s ok if one doesn’t carry out these. This is again an imbalance.

Another Extreme

Huquq ul

ibaad

Prescribed

Rituals

98

Who is going to decide what the

real righteousness

is????

99

What are we blessed with

to seek guidance

through….?

100

Quran

101


ہے؟ کيا مراد سے نيکی

What Allah tells us in Quran about the True Righteousness?

102

Interpretation of the meaning:


It is not the righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but the righteousness

is this that one should believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets,

and give away wealth, in spite of love for it (or out of love for Him), to the kinsfolk (relatives), to the

orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer (traveler), and to those who ask, and to set servants free (to set slaves free), establish As-Salah (IqamAs-Salah), and give the Zakah, and who fulfill

their covenant (contract, Promise) when they make it, and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment

(or in distress and affliction) and at the time of fighting (during the battles or conflicts). Such are the

people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

103

This Ayah contains many great wisdoms, encompassing rulings and correct beliefs. As for the explanation of this Ayah, Allah first commanded the believers to face Bayt Al-Maqdis, and then to face the Ka`bah during the prayer. This change was difficult for some of the People of the Book, and even for some Muslims. Then Allah sent revelation which clarified the wisdom behind this command, that is, obedience to Allah, adhering to His commands, facing wherever He commands facing, and implementing whatever He legislates, that is the objective. This is Birr, Taqwa and complete faith. Facing the east or the west does not necessitate righteousness or obedience, unless it is legislated by Allah. (Tafseer ibn kaseer)

104

This statement means, the best act is to adhere to Allah's commands. Hence, wherever He commands us to face, we should face. Also, since obedience requires implementing Allah's commands, if He commands us every day to face different places, we are His servants and under His disposal, and we face whatever He orders us to face. (Tafseer ibn kaseer)

105

Imam Al-Bukhari reported that Al-Bara' bin `Azib narrated: "Allah's Messenger offered his prayers facing Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months, but he wished that he could pray facing the Ka`bah (at Makkah). The first prayer which he offered (facing the Ka`bah) was the `Asr (Afternoon) prayer in the company of some people. Then one of those who had offered that prayer with him, went out and passed by some people in a mosque who were in the bowing position (in Ruku`) during their prayers (facing Jerusalem). He addressed them saying, `By Allah, I bear witness that I have offered prayer with the Prophet facing Makkah (Ka`bah).' Hearing that, those people immediately changed their direction towards the House (Ka`bah) while still as they were (i.e., in the same bowing position). (tafseer ibn Katheer)

106

Point to Ponder upon

107

Allah tested Muslims to show who are stuck with the rituals and who are the ones who truly adheres to Allah’s commands (by following Rasool Allah (SAW) and implementing whatever He legislates (changing the Qibla in this case).


And We made the Qiblah which you used to face, only to distinguish those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad ) from those who

would turn on their heels (i.e., disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy, difficult) except for those whom Allah guided. And Allah

would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e., your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most

Merciful towards mankind.)

108

LESSON 1:

In regards with prescribed rituals: To follow the prescribed rituals is must but

While doing the prescribed ibadaat (rituals) in a prescribed manner never forget that the Ritual (though very important to follow) is just the means to show Allah the obedience

in implementing His command. The actual spirit lies in His obedience not the ritual.

109

How to test yourself to see whether you are a person of RITUALISM OR RIGHTEOUNESS

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The actual spirit of ibadaah lies in Allah’s obedience not the ritual. It is therefore that if a person is sick and is not able to pray salah in a prescribed fashion he/she is allowed to pray differently (in sitting or laying position as his/her conditions permits) . The obedience requires offering of the salah in a manner that is different but allowed depending upon one’s situation. But adherence to the regular ritual makes lot of people agree on leaving Salah rather than praying in a fashion different what they are used to of.

Example 1:

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and (Allah) has not laid upon you in religion any hardship.


Imran ibn Hussain says: "I had piles [hemorrhoids], so I asked the Prophet (saws) about the prayer and he (saws) said: 'Offer the ‘salah’ while standing and if you cannot do so, pray while sitting, and if you can't do that, then make ‘salah’ while lying on your side."' (Related by Bukhari) An-Nasa'i relates the same hadeeth with the following

addition: "……And if you cannot offer ‘salah’ while lying on your side, then do it while lying on your back.’ Then the

Messenger of Allah recited the following verse of the Quran: “Allah does not burden a soul, save with what it can bear

(2:286)."

HADEETH:

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Example 2:

When a lady goes to Hajj and the date of her periods falls in the same time frame, she goes all the way to disagree with what Allah has decided for her and going against Allah’s decision she takes pills (with all the possible adverse effects) to stop her menses to do the Hajj the way it is prescribed for normal circumstances. She is not ready to accept the alternative way and flexibility she has been given with Allah’s mercy to do the Hajj and insists over altering Allah’s natural mechanism of the body. Here Ritualism overcomes the submission to Allah’s will.

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Example 3:

Allah the Most Merciful has given us the relaxation to shorten the Salah while traveling. Many Muslims are not ready to accept Allah’s mercy and do not shorten their prayers . WHY???? Just because they are more adhered to what they are more used to of disregarding the sunnah.

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And when you travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the Salah if you fear that the disbelievers may put you in trial, verily, the disbelievers are ever unto you open enemies.

Al-Quran 4:101 (An-Nisa),

Hadeeth

Yǎla bin Umayyah said: I asked Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA), “Do you see that people are

shortening the prayers? This, despite the fact that Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said: ‘if you fear

that those who disbelieve will put you in trial (4:101).’ And this fear has now gone in our days.” Umar Farooq (RA) replied, “I also wondered about what you are wondering, and I mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and he said: (This is a) charity that Allah has given to you, so accept

His charity.”

(Hadith No. 1199, Book of The Traveller’s Prayers, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2; Hadith No. 1573 (686), Book of The Traveller’s Prayers & Shortening Thereof, Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2).

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Example 4:

People prefer leaving Salah over doing Tayammam and praying salah (in permissible circumstances) just because they want to do Wudu which they are used to of and then pray. If there is no water available or in the presence of any other ailment prohibiting wudu they just choose to leave the salah altogether disregarding Allah’s command of doing Tayammam and praying salah.

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O you who believe! When you stand (intend) to offer the Salah (the prayer), then wash your faces and your

hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba, purify

yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from the Gha'it (toilet) or you have touched women and you find no

water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not

want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favor to you that you may

be thankful.Al-Quran 5:6 (Al-Maidah), also see 4:43

Ayah about Tayammam

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Allah said about the animal sacrifices:


It’s the piety (Taqwa) that reaches Allah

It’s not the ritual by itself that’s of any benefit to you but it’s your obedience to Allah and your Niyyah that makes a difference.

It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwa from you that reaches Him.

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Allah tested Muslims to show who are stuck with the rituals and who are the ones who

truly adheres to Allah’s commands (by following Rasool Allah (SAW) and implement

whatever He legislates (changing the Qibla in this case).


And We made the Qiblah which you used to face, only to distinguish those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad ) from those who

would turn on their heels (i.e., disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy, difficult) except for those whom Allah guided. And Allah

would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e., your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most

Merciful towards mankind.)

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LESSON 2:

In regards with innovative rituals: Muslim is required to obey Allah. If you

were in ignorance and today you come to know about any of your act that it’s not in accordance with Allah’s religion…. You must reject it.

The Messenger of Allah said, Whoever performs a deed that

does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected.

HADEETH:

« CهEيGلGع GسEيGل LالGمGع GلCمGع EنGمد Gر Gو Uه Gف نGا Uر Eم

Gأ»

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Examples:• ‘Soem’ and ‘chaliswan’• Putting black thread on infants wrist.• Imam zamin when leaving for a travel for safety.• Looking back on the house where you visited (long distance) three times while leaving, believing that this will ensure your return.• Halwa on shab-e-barat

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Allah, tells us about Al-birr (Righteousness) (what we must not get confused with.)Allah then tells us what AL-BIRR, the righteousness actually is:

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It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the

East and the West, but righteousness is this that one

should believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the

Book and the prophets…


Part 1

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Eeman is the first step towards going on the way of

righteousness

You take exams in school and college and do your best because you know for sure that this will determine your results (success or failure) which will make you get promoted to the next

level. You can not do good if you think that there will be no such thing as result.

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[45. And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi`in.(humble ones)] [46 (They

are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are

going to return.]Al-Quran 2:45 (Al-Baqarah)

If you are not certain about the day when the results will be out (Day of judgement) it will be too difficult for you to pray salah

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…but the righteousness is this that…...

…….and give away wealth, in spite of love for it (or out of love for Him), to the kinsfolk

(relatives), to the orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer (traveler), and to those who ask, and to set servants free (to set slaves free), establish As-Salah (IqamAs-Salah), and give the Zakah, and who fulfill

their covenant (contract, Promise) when they make it….

Part 2


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Allah's statement: …and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, refers to those who give money away while desiring it and loving it. (Tafseer ibn Katheer)

HADEETH:

It is recorded in the Sahihayn that Abu Hurayrah narrated that the

Prophet said: The best charity is when you give it away while still healthy and thrifty, hoping to get

rich and fearing poverty.

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Al-Quran 3:92 (Aal-e-Imran)

By no means shall you attain Birr (piety, righteousness) unless you spend of that which

you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.

There is more that Allah mentions about Al-birr (The Righteousness)

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Allah said: And they give food, inspite of their love for it, to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan, and the captive (saying): "We feed you seeking Allah's Face only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.'')

Al-Quran 76:8, 9 (Ad-Dahar)

Allah tells us about the characteristics of the

righteous persons

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Imam Ahmad reported that Anas bin Malik said, "Abu Talhah had more property than any other among the Ansar in Al-Madinah, and the most

beloved of his property to him was Bayruha' garden, which was in front of the (Messenger's) Masjid. Sometimes, Allah's Messenger used to go to the garden and drink its fresh water.'' Anas added, "When these verses

were revealed, (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr unless You spend of that which you

love,) 3:92 (Aal-e-Imran)

Abu Talhah said, `O Allah's Messenger! Allah says, (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr unless You spend of that which you

love,) 3:92 (Aal-e-Imran) No doubt, Bayruha' garden is the most beloved of all my property to me. So I want to give it in charity in Allah's cause, and I expect its reward and

compensation from Allah. O Allah's Messenger! Spend it where Allah makes you think is feasible. ' On that, Allah's Messenger said, (Well-done!

It is profitable property, it is profitable property. I have heard what you have said, and I think it would be proper if you gave it to your kith and

kin.)Abu Talhah said, `I will do so, O Allah's Messenger.' Then Abu Talhah

distributed that garden among his relatives and cousins.‘’

HADEETH:

Recorded in Two Sahihs – Tafseer ibn katheer

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Recorded in two sahihs is : `Umar said, "O Messenger of Allah! I never gained possession of a piece of property more precious to me than my share in Khaybar. Therefore, what

do you command me to do with it'' The Prophet said, (Retain the land to

give its fruits in Allah's cause.)

Tafseer ibn katheer

HADEETH:

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Many ways are there to evaluate ourselves to see where we stand in this test but one simple example would be to see what we tend to

give in donations...

The good items or

The rejected ones

Analyze:

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O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We

have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it except with closed eyes.

And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise.)

Allah says:

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Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha' (immoral/evil deeds) whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and

bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.

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Allah's statement:

...and (they) give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of

that. Al-Quran (59:9)

This refers to a higher category and status (Ansar), as the people mentioned here give away what they need, while those mentioned in the previous Ayaat 8-9 of Surah Dahar(76) give away what they covet (desire but not necessarily need that). Allah said: And they give food, inspite of their love for it, to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan, and the captive (saying): "We feed you seeking Allah's Face only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.” 76:8-9 We must incorporate these

feature in ourselves to attain righteousness

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Allah says that the righteousness is of those………who fulfill their covenant (contract, Promise) when they make it…. 2:177

•Hiring a servant for a term is a contract•Doing a job for a term is a contract. •Renting a house for a term is a contract

Examples:

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…but the righteousness is this that…...

…..and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (or in distress and affliction)

and at the time of fighting (during the battles or conflicts). Such are the people of

the truth and they are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

Part 3


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Moral of the Ayaat

We must achieve the real righteousness to seek pleasure of Allah subhanao wa

taala instead of just getting indulge into Rituals. One can be a mufti, a hafiz, an Aabid (worshiper) or a scholar but not

necessarily a Righteous person without getting the essence of righteousness.

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May Allah forgive us all , our parents, relative and friends

for our mistakes.

Gين CمCل kالظـ GنCم UنتUك Cنrى إ GكGـن GحEب Uس GنتGأ kالCإ Gه GلـC إ kال "There is no God but You, Glorified be You!

Truly, I have been of the Zalimin wrongdoers.''Al-Quran 21:87 (Al-Anbiya)

ritualism vs righteousness by atiya arshad

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