We all have desires and aspirations, but there is a big difference between them when it comes to realizing them. Desires are attainable through resolutions (which we covered a few months back). However, aspirations are big hopes, often long term or life long projects, things that you strive for and might not even attain, but you still long for them.
Some aspire to become a world-class athlete, some aspire to become a doctor, and others aspire to become famous regardless of the reason. To have an objective or an employment plan is nothing to shun away from, and is even sound reasoning, but to make it your aspiration are two different things. For a Muslim, his aspiration should start with the satisfaction of Allah, and the aspiration itself should not be something small; the greater the dream, the greater the accomplishment. When you shoot for the stars, you still might land on the moon.
In keeping with last week’s theme, this is another story of Salah Ad-Din (Saladin). In 1168, Nur Ad-Din Zengi commissioned a Mimbar (pulpit) for the Masjid Al-Aqsa (Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Palestine). However, at his time, Jerusalem was occupied by the Crusaders for 70 years. So why build a pulpit dedicated to the Aqsa Mosque if you don’t detain its key. That is when aspirations come into play. During the construction of the Mimbar in the city of Aleppo, Saladin was visiting the ruler of the land (and his uncle) and saw the Mimbar being built. He asked the craftsman at which mosque will this Mimbar find its home. The craftsman replied that it is for the Al-Aqsa mosque. Saladin vowed that he will be the one to make Al-Aqsa its home.
Now, this event is debatable, although Saladin was in Aleppo during that period, there is no proof of this story. However, Saladin always vowed to liberate Al-Aqsa and he actually put the Mimbar in its place almost 20 years after its construction. How is that for fulfilling your aspirations! The Aqsa Mimbar stayed in its place for almost 800 years.
Saladin got to see victory, but it is not all people who do. You see, some get a glimpse and some don’t. But this does not mean that their aspiration or their strife was in vain. You see, what is even more important than seeing and living victory is building it. It is this selfless act that lays the foundation for great things to come, and it is this subject that we will visit next week In Sha Allah.
But when it comes to great people who have positively impacted history, coincidences suddenly become determining moments of their lives or their becoming.
For instance the story of the parents of Salah Ad-Din (Saladin) ibn Ayyub.
Saladin’s father, Najm Ad-Din Ayyub, the Emir of Tikrit (modern-day Iraq), only got married at around 30. This is something unusual, especially for the time and his rank.
Concerned, his brother Shirkuh asked him: O brother! Why do not you get married?
Najm Ad-Din replied: I did not find a suitable wife!
Shirkuh said: Let me ask for a woman’s hand in marriage on your behalf.
Najm Ad-Din asked: Who is she?
Shirkuh said: She is either the daughter of the Seljuk Sultan or the daughter of Wazir Al-Mulk (Grand Vizier).
Najm Ad-Din said: They are not suitable for me.
Shirkuh asked: And who is suitable for you?
Najm Ad-Din replied: A righteous woman who would help me enter Heaven; one who will bear a child who she would educate properly until he becomes a great knight who will restore Jerusalem to the Muslims!
After a while, Najm Ad-Din was speaking to an Imam in the mosque when a young lady came in and called upon the Imam. The Imam asked for Najm Ad-Din’s leave to attend to her and Najm Ad-Din heard the following dialogue between the Imam and the young lady:
The Imam asked: Why did you not accept the man I sent to your house to propose to you?
The young lady replied: He is a man of excellent qualities and rank; however, he is not what I am looking for!
The Imam asked: What are you looking for then?
She replied: I only want a righteous man who would help me enter Heaven; to bear a child of his who I would educate properly until he becomes a great knight who will restore Jerusalem to the Muslims!
After hearing this conversation, Najm Ad-Din spoke to the Imam and proposed to her in marriage.
The Imam remarked: She is only a common poor young woman!
Najm Ad-Din said: That is the woman I am looking for!
They both refused rank, wealth, and beauty to seek something greater, The Satisfaction of Allah. And we all know that that same child ended up liberating Jerusalem, one of the three holy cities for Muslims, from the grasps of the crusaders. You see, when people search for their soulmate, significant other, marriage partner… in order to please Allah, Allah often blesses their descendance.
There are many stories like this: Joseph, son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham; the marriage of the parents of Abd Allah ibn Al-Mubarak; the marriage of the grandparents of Umar ibn Abdulaziz; the marriage of the parents of Abu Hanifa ibn An-No’man; the list goes on.
All this to say, that events that might seem coincidental at the time, end up being meaningful in hindsight. Why? Because events are not coincidental, they happen by the will of Allah. They are not some random sequence of events, but a series of orchestrated occurrences that lead to a defined finality.
So when something happens, either perceived good or bad, coincidental in nature; we should remind ourselves that:
Say, “Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.” And upon Allah let the believers rely.
Surah At-Tawbah (9 – 51)
Now, Jerusalem is occupied by Zionists, protected by modern-day Crusaders who allied themselves with hypocritic Arab heads of state. Jerusalem has always been a sacred place and will always be, regardless of who protects it from among the Muslims or desecrates it from among the nonbelievers. Jerusalem was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims, the place that Allah has decreed the ascension (Mi’raj) of his last Prophet to Heaven and made it the land of resurrection and gathering (Ard Al-Mahshar). It is not a regular piece of land and is only comparable to Mecca and Medina. Jerusalem is not a Palestinian question, an Arab cause, or a land issue; it is an integral part of Islam, and diminishing its significance is an insult to Allah. It is therefore the duty of every Muslim parent to teach his children of the importance of Jerusalem in Islam and to implore that our descendance is worthy of our heroes; past, present, and future.
Omar ibn Al-Khattab conquered it.
Salah Ad-Din liberated it.
Now, who is up to it?
Our generation In Sha Allah.
Being a Muslim in France today is not an enviable thing. France’s treatment of Muslims is only second to the countries in the Middle East and Myanmar, you could say it’s on its way to how China treats the Uighur Muslims. Religious freedoms wither away on a daily basis.
Think this is an exaggeration?! Just a few weeks ago, the CFCM (le Conseil Français du Culte Musulman, or FCMF French Council of the Muslim Faith) presented a charter of principles of Islam to the French president Macron. Evidently, this charter was met with open arms and received glowing reviews from the government, especially from Darmanin, the minister of interior (the same guy that wanted to ban Halal products from shelves). Obviously, if the French government is satisfied with this charter, you know that it must stink to high heaven. So before going into detail about the content, let’s see what exactly is the CFCM.
It was created by then minister of the interior at the time, Sarkozy, the same guy who categorized the youth protestors/rioters against police brutality as scum. This government founded organization does not represent the entire Muslim community, it foremost represents the largest mosques in area and doesn’t really curtail to the smaller mosques in the suburbs or the Muslims in the regions. Plus three of the nine associations within this organization refused to sign on this charter underlining that it undermines the honor of French Muslims. However, the French government uses the CFCM to give its new “French Islam” credibility. It’s the equivalent of getting 1000 likes on your Facebook page, but from users that all have the same IP address and profile names that look like V0ertz$. More on seeking legitimacy, to counter the boycott of French products in predominantly Muslim countries, Macron met with Egypt’s president Sisi. Can you imagine stooping down to that level just to shore up some support in the Middle East, and from who? Sisi!!! The same guy that Ex-president Trump used to call: “My favorite dictator”. La République must be real desperate when the best they can do is Sisi. Now that the CFCM has no legitimacy, let’s still take a look at some of its proposed articles.
First off:
“We solemnly proclaim our adherence to this charter designed to clarify the foundations of our mission in relation to republican values. In doing so, we reaffirm from the outset that neither our religious convictions nor any other reason can supersede the principles that underpin the law and the Constitution of the Republic.”
Charter of Principles of Islam in France, Preamble, CFCM.
At first glance, this might seem normal, and generally speaking, a Muslim is bound to follow laws and rules even not found in his religion as long as these rules do not go against what Allah has prescribed for his servants. And when it comes to the limits of Allah, they are mostly on an individual basis, which does not go against traditional democratic constitutions. However, this article has a hidden agenda, one that puts Allah’s word and the example of the prophet Muhammad (ppuh) below the republic’s word: justice is the republic and falsehood is Allah (May Allah disgrace them in this life and the later life), thus legitimizing changing the principles of Islam. Something the French government cannot do on its own but can do if a “French Muslim” organization gives the green light. Can you imagine accepting this principle, by doing so, you have just obliterated any religion, putting a human charter before your creator negates faith altogether, something atheists and secularists will only be all too grateful for.
Next on the list:
“The principle of equality before the law obliges us to comply with the common rules and make them prevail over all norms and rules including those derived from our religious beliefs and/or interpretations.”
Charter of Principles of Islam in France, Article 2, CFCM.
It is as if Muslims are trying to force the French population into following the Sharia, which is not the case. It is as if Muslims are trying to force the French population into submission, which is not the case. It is as if Muslims have supremacy over France, which is not the case. Or even worse, imposing Halal meat… Muslims have never imposed their religion on anyone throughout history, because:
There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion…
Surah Al-Baqarah (2 – 256)
It has always been the other way around and still is in France today! All that is asked from Muslims in France is to be left with their GOD-GIVEN RIGHT to practice their rituals and individual practices that do not implicate or involve the nation as a whole. Unfortunately, this RIGHT is also being taken away.
The ramifications of such a principle are not to be taken lightly. If the French state says that Muslim parents are trying to instill in their children the undermining of the Republic’s values, will these kids be whisked away to be taught “True French Morals”? Don’t think that this is so far off… This is the same France that encourages the liberty of teaching that insulting the prophet Muhammad is freedom of speech and: “if parents look to a teacher and tell him to stop teaching cartooning in the free speech class, tomorrow it will be a criminal offense. And a judge will be able to say, if you are foreigners and you are sentenced to this crime, you will leave the national territory.” Not my words, but the ones of Darmanin. The same France that encourages polyamory, infidelity, and threesomes, but condemns polygamous marriages. Having multiple girlfriends is cool, cheating on your wife is okay, swingers are top-notch, three… hey, the more the marrier! However, marrying another woman is forbidden by French law. Not my words, but the ones of Marlène Schiappa, Minister Delegate for Citizenship. All I have to comment on this is what Lot’s people said to him:
“Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure.”
Surah An-Naml (27 – 56)
Finally:
“Abusive preaching that oppresses consciences is contrary to the freedom of reason and heart that characterizes the dignity of Man.”
Charter of Principles of Islam in France, Article 3, CFCM.
Now, is this supposed to apply to the French government or to Muslims!?! So, as a Muslim, a cornerstone of your belief is to call people to Islam, preach Islam in tongue and in manner… seems like you can’t do that anymore. However, the state can do that since they are the reason and conscience of the people… See where I was going with Muslims in France becoming like the Uighur Muslims in China.
This is the world we are living in. You conform to a hegemony, then you are a moderate Muslim; you oppose, then you are an extremist. As Allah has mentioned the disbelievers saying:
“We will surely drive you out of our land, or you must return to our religion.”
Surah Ibrahim (14 – 13)
Our Muslim brothers and sisters in France are in need of our support, our hearts, and especially our voices. So it is not the time to say, what can one person do. Use your thumbs and tweet.
Read also : When Stones are worth Gold: Quran Burning in Sweden
#ONSTP #StopLoiSĂ©paratisme #StopFrenchIslamophobia
As we have mentioned last week, Islam is the exception amongst religions and not the rule. This follows the same exception and truth on which Islam is founded: La ilaha illa Allah. Translated… there is no god except Allah. Basically, the disbelief in any deity except for the Creator of Heavens and Earth: Allah. Islam is therefore the exception to all other faiths since it is the only one that is true.
How do we know this or discover this? It is by reading the Quran. The word Quran, most likely comes from the Arabic word Qira-ah which means reading/recited. The last part “an” is a suffix used to express greatness and importance. Therefore, the Quran is the greatest book ever known by man. Presumptuous… For those who have never read it; likely. But exact, for those who have had the privilege of reading it. Let’s see why.
The Quran tells the stories of past civilizations, yet it is not a history book. The Quran is written in perfect Arabic, yet it is not a grammar book. The Quran has rules of conduct, yet it is not a law book. The Quran contains predictions to future events, yet it is not an esoteric script. The Quran explains natural phenomenon, yet it is not a science manual. However, the Quran is all that and much, much more. It is the word of Allah revealed to his last prophet, Muhammad (ppuh). Overall, it is a guidance for one who wishes to be guided.
In a mere 600 pages; it has managed to underline the essential guidance to live on this Earth and dwell in the hereafter. It is the summum of truth, the pinnacle of righteousness, and the essence of faith. It cannot be mimicked, reinvented, or compared; for it is the word of the Almighty to us mortals.
As we have just mentioned, the Quran has many ways of presenting its proofs; and for good reason, not one person has the exact same perception as someone else. Yet these multiple ways have the same goal; to guide.
The Quran, just like any book, scripture, or message from Allah, helps guide all to the truth. Whether it is via, monotheism, signs, miracles, messengers; all are ways of guidance towards the truth. Let’s visit them one by one.
Monotheism:
It is the belief in the existence of One Unique God. Simple to say, anyone can say it; but what does it imply? The implications of such an assertion have ramifications that will test the belief of the most pious; the endurance of the most patient; the worthiness of the bravest; and the soul of man.
Such implications are so straightforward, so clear, so liberating, so reassuring; that they leave no place for injustice or decadence. In turn, this does not bode well with established norms. Why? Because it involves change; not change where you must start from scratch, but change from within. This change from within will then manifest itself in an obvious manner: through your habits, your manners, your actions. It is something that pushes you… No… launches you towards things that are of no material benefit to you whatsoever.
That is where the greatness of Allah comes into play; Allah is greater than all. Not only is greatness imposing, intimidating, and majestic; it leaves enormous place for mercy, compassion, and kindness. For the One who possesses all can give as much as He wills.
By believing wholeheartedly in the One Unique Creator, you get back this investment tenfold… even more. And I’m not talking about after death; I mean now: peace of mind, satisfaction, fulfillment. Not tangible, not measurable; neither in what you must believe in to obtain them. I ask you, can a man be rich if he still wants more; can a person be content when he needs the approval of his peers; can someone be tranquil if he feels insecure?
Contradictions:
As for disproving something, you need a contradiction. Not only is there no contradiction in Islam, but the Quran also brings up all the arguments of its detractors and puts them down one by one. Oddly enough, the arguments that were in vogue 1400 years ago are pretty much the same ones used today. It’s funny how man doesn’t change!
Whenever the word of Allah (i.e. the Quran) is challenged, it always rises up to the occasion. So why not put all other beliefs to the same test, the same standard, and see if they can produce the counterarguments, the logic, and the proofs that undeniably come with the word of Allah.
The fact that all other religions contain incongruities, incoherencies, lies, fabrications, and flawed logic (see last week’s blog: Climbing Hilltops); is a testament to the truthfulness of the Quran. Don’t think that these incoherencies apply only to religions, but philosophies and theories. These philosophies and theories have become beliefs and laws in their own respect. They all advance claims and interpretation, but none advance proof nor truth.
The Quran even challenges anyone to find a kink in it or to produce something similar in its grandeur. This is also apparent in multiple verses:
And it was not [possible] for this Qur’an to be produced by other than Allah, but [it is] a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of the [former] Scripture, about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.
Or do they say [about the Prophet], “He invented it?” Say, “Then bring forth a surah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.”
Surah Younus (10 – 37-38)
Scientific proofs:
As it goes for the scientific knowledge in the Quran, it is undoubtedly true. Some of it is clear-cut and gives a pretty exact description of phenomena explained in the Quran; yet unexplained at the time; such as the stages of development in the womb, all living beings need water, and dozens more. This has only recently become evident in part because of scientific research and progress. Other bits of knowledge leave place for interpretation and seem ambiguous since it is not explained in intricate detail. And parts, might never even be understood in our lifetime altogether.
In any case, the Quran encourages one to contemplate, find explanation and meaning of these signs in nature and in the Universe in order to better appreciate and thank Allah. It gives us trails to follow in order to uncover the laws that govern this Universe so we can use them.
Inclusiveness of past scriptures and prophets:
Islam is not an exclusive religion; it is an ideology that is inclusive. Not only because of the insignificance of race, gender, or rank; but the fact that it is timeless, in the future, and in the past.
As for past prophets and scriptures that were from Allah, all embraced Islam. Adam, the first human is Muslim; the original Torah brought the message of Islam. Muhammad’s predecessors that embraced this way of life are highly regarded and are mentioned in hundreds of verses throughout the Quran.
Even if the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad, his name is only mentioned 5 times. In comparison to other prophets such as Moses 136 times, Abraham 69 times, Noah 43 times, Jesus 29 times, Joseph and Lot 27 times, Adam 25 times, Aaron 20 times… I think it is pretty clear.
Just as the prophet Muhammad said in one of his Hadith:
“My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, Vol. 4, Book 56, Hadith 735.
Laws and justice:
Justice is an ambiguous notion, but it shouldn’t be. A definition of justice is that everyone is equal under the law. If that criterion is met, the rule of law applies. However, laws come and go just like humans; they change with time. So, in order to have absolute justice, laws must be immutable; therefore, not human laws, but divine laws.
A more adequate definition of justice is that justice implies the absence of injustice. Redundant isn’t it; yet, necessary and true. Justice is not just a question of applying the law but ensuring the absence of any collateral damage in doing so. For injustice is what makes laws necessary and by default limits its consequences. For laws are based on the greater good and social responsibility.
A lot of people have the misunderstanding that laws only deal with criminal or penal matters; that is only the tip of the iceberg. You have civil laws, environmental laws, commercial laws, zoning laws… and the list goes on… In Islam, it is no different. The only difference is people attack these laws without looking at the background or the context in which they are being applied or enforced. It is like saying “killing someone” without adding “in self-defense”.
It is a grave misconception that Islamic law is draconian, violent, and discriminatory. When taken out of context, anything can be misrepresented. Mass media has been doing a bang-up job at just that; yet, that is to be expected. However, the truth always resurfaces.
In sum, there is no sphere of life that has not been covered by this religion, the religion of Allah. The reason, so that it cannot be disproven, but leaves enough place for belief and faith.
All in all, faith is a process, with ups and downs, questioning and findings, clarity, and searching… It is a process that we all go through; with different outcomes for each and every one of us.
On the other hand, this process has one and only one goal; the truth. And since there can be only one truth, the objective must be unique.
Now, after reading this, if one does not aspire to the truth; then you have been warned. This truth is not true because I said so, or I believe it to be so; it is because it is true. We’ve overviewed most arguments; logical, scientific, social… but unfortunately without going into immense detail… So one must dig deeper and truly question one’s self: “Will I follow the truth or not?”
As for the ones who answer yes to this question, one must back up his word, with actions, deeds… change! Talk is cheap, it is what one does in a situation that defines one’s worth. Moreover, answering yes is not a one-time event; as we’ve said, it is a process, one that will last your entire existence on this Earth.
Therefore, one must keep in mind that the reason for one’s actions should always be for the word of Allah to prevail. That is the single most important reason why anything should be done: from smiling to a friend to giving to a complete stranger; from your choice of employment to your means of transportation; from the food you eat to the clothes you wear… All must be done with the same intention. If one follows this, it is a recipe for success, here and the hereafter. Regardless of all obstacles and adversity, sticking to this process is a guarantee of a better today and a brighter tomorrow. This is not my guarantee, nor your guarantee; but a pact ordained upon Himself, promised to be fulfilled in full by The Creator of Heavens and Earth, The One who has written upon Himself to be the Most Merciful, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise: Allah The Glorious and Exalted.