Loose translation of ‘Salam Buat Perdana Menteri Baru’ written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (http://drmaza.com)
Malaysia has a new Prime Minister. This is a result of the fact that leadership is never static. Leaders come and go. No one can hold the sky up forever. Malaysians have better luck than citizens of other countries because both of our leaders resigned voluntarily. They walked out when they saw the need for it. A dictator who is overwhelmed by power and oppression does not embrace such practice. It is hoped that this dignified value will live on.
Yes, leaders come and go. Likewise, people live and die regardless of whether they are commoners or the privileged. However, the manners and kindness of a leader will be talked about generation after generation. Many leaders have left this world for hundreds and even thousands of years but their deeds are recorded on the pages of history and being read time and time again. People will praise and follow them if they performed good deeds. They will instead be disgraced and detested for their bad deeds.
More importantly, each one of the leaders will have to come face to face with Allah the Most Just. All of his actions will be evaluated and questioned. If he performed good deeds and justness, his rightful place is Paradise that is brimming with bliss no one can ever imagine. If he committed oppression then a terrible penalty will wait for him in the Hereafter.
No one can probably object to the tyranny committed by a leader in power. Its traces may be kept hidden or even justified by their flatterers. Probably, in this world, no one can avenge their acts of injustice and the consequent pain suffered by the people. It can even be overlooked by history. However, the Lord Almighty states in His Book (translated as):
“Consider not that Allâh is unaware of that which the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.) do, but He gives them respite up to a Day when the eyes will stare in horror. (They will be) hastening forward with necks outstretched, their heads raised up (towards the sky), their gaze returning not towards them and their hearts empty (from thinking because of extreme fear).” (Surah Ibrahim verse 42-43)
Right from the beginning, my writing has always been directed to all factions without any hint of partiality. The intention was none other than to observe the principles that I have faith in. Accept this monologue with an open heart. When a person gains a leadership post, many will congratulate him. Yes, we may do that as a gesture to show that his appointment is respected by the people.
However, in reality, the trust and responsibility of being a leader imposes a huge hazard to a person. The hazard is more prominent than the pleasure that it also brings. Because of that, the Prophet s.a.w warned us against the danger that a leadership post can inflict on us if it is not managed properly. He said,
“You people will be keen to have the authority of ruling which will be a thing of regret for you on the Day of Resurrection. What an excellent wet nurse it is, yet what a bad weaning one it is!" (Reported by al-Bukhari)
Moreover, he also stated,
“Allah does not entrust to his bondsman the responsibility of managing the affairs of his subjects and he dies as a dishonest (ruler) but Paradise is forbidden by Allah for such a (ruler).” (Reported by Muslim)
For that reason, when Khalifah ‘Umar bin Abd al-Aziz was appointed as the Caliphate, he became speechless and disturbed. After the appointment, the nobilities who had been waiting for his appearance whispered to his son and asked why his father had not yet appeared in public. His son said,
“Since his appointment as the Caliphate, my father has been continuously praying and crying. When my mother went into the room to see him, she saw tears falling down his cheeks and wet his beard. When asked why, he said, “O Fatimah! The affair of Muhammad’s followers of various races has been bound around my neck. It makes me think of the poor, the hungry people, the sick who are suffering, the commoners who live in difficulty, the oppressed and exploited ones, the faraway war prisoners, the frail elderly, the ones having to feed a big family with meager pay and the likes of them who live in all corners of the countries. I know that my Lord will question me about them in the Hereafter. I am worried that I will not have enough justifications to defend myself and that makes me cry.” (Refer to Mahmud al-Baji, Muthul ‘Ulya min Qada al-Islam, 144).
Many, including the religious cluster with personal interest in minds, will flock to accompany a leader or a ruler. They probably have composed melodious verses to glorify and praise the ruler with the hope that the ruler’s power and wealth will flow into their pockets. I am not interested in such reward.
It is true that I have built relationships with many leaders and rulers but I have not had the time to memorize beautiful verses to recite in their presence. If I wish to recite such verses in the future, I would like to recite it with full sincerity and not pretentiously.
Today, we have a new Prime Minister. We pray that Allah will always bless us by endowing the attribute of trustworthiness and justness to our new leader. We pray that Allah will give him strength in enjoining good and forbidding evil. Although most leaders are aware of their assigned duty but they need to be reminded every now and then. They need to consistently refer to Allah’s command that states (translated as):
“Verily! Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allâh) gives you! Truly, Allâh is ever AllHearer, AllSeer.” (Surah al-Nisa: verse 58)
They need to always listen back to the speech uttered by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq after he was appointed as the Caliphate. With a soul that was bursting with faith, Abu Bakr stated:
“I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best among you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. Sincere regard for truth is loyalty and disregard for truth is treachery. The weak amongst you shall be strong with me until I have secured his rights, if God wills; and the strong amongst you shall be weak with me until I have wrested from him the rights of others, if God wills. Obey me so long as I obey God and His Messenger. But if I disobey God and His Messenger, ye owe me no obedience.” (Ibn Athir, Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, 1/361).
The leaders in this country need to be cautioned on many issues and one issue in particular is that many among them always have their reputations contaminated by their cronies and wives. Therefore, they must be careful about this matter. How can a leader control a country if he fails to control his followers or family? These two groups of people, if they are immoral, can jeopardize the reputation, credibility and transparentness of a leader.
The Prophet s.a.w said,
“No Caliph is appointed but has two groups of advisors: One group advises him to do good and urges him to adopt it, and the other group advises him to do bad and urges him to adopt it; and the protected is the one whom Allah protects." (Reported by al-Bukhari and al-Nasai)
A ruler must be close to the people’s heart and not just close to the crony’s and the ‘towkey’s hearts. Be the kind of leader as stated by Muhammad bin Ka’ab al-Qurthubi when he was asked to describe the justness of a ruler:
“Be a father to the youngsters, a son to the elderly and a brother to those of the same age. Punish the people to the extent that matches their mistake and capability. Do not strike because of your anger even by one strike since that will bring you in among the extremists.” (Ibn Muflih, Al-Adab al-Syar‘iyyah, 1/202).
Yang Amat Berhormat Prime Minister, from afar, I wish you congratulations and condolences. Congratulations on the trust given to you by our country and condolences on the burden of duty that you have to shoulder. The country and the nation yearn to see justness and wisdom in their leader. Have mercy on the people and Allah will have mercy on you!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What Is The Remedy For Our Confusion
Loose translation of ‘Apakah Penyembuh Kekalutan Kita’ written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (http://drmaza.com)
Lots of emails have been sent to me by those who wish to express their grievance over the current turmoil that is sweeping across our country. Some wrote that they get suffocated thinking about the issues of the Muslims in our country. Some stated that they have given up and do not want to think about it anymore. Some mentioned that they felt cheated by the manners of the politicians they have been supporting. Some asked for the solutions for this crisis and many more.
If we suffer from an illness, we should not be curing only the obvious symptoms. We should treat the root or the cause of that illness. If not, it will attack us again. By knowing the cause of the illness, even if we fail to address it, it will compel us to always be on our guard in the future or coerce us to remind the future generation that “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”.
The commotion occurring today, has it just started yesterday or has it been going on for years? The seemingly deadly cancer threatening us today, has it just emerged at a time when the doctors identify it or has it been around for years? Many illnesses cannot be cured because the patients only go to see the healer at the last minute when they are on their deathbed. It is not impossible to cure it but at that time, it is hard to find a comprehensive solution.
Yes, in many instances in our life, Islam is only referred to when the situation has become critical. For example, in a marriage, Islam provides a complete package for us to adopt starting from the proposed list of characters in choosing a partner, the simple administrative affair in getting married, living the marriage life based on Islamic disciplines, the duty of a husband, wife and children, the rulings on nushuz (disloyalty and ill-conduct towards one’s husband) right until the chapter on talaq (divorce) when it is clear that the marriage no longer provides any benefits to the family.
It is unfortunate for a Muslim couple if they refer to the Islamic rulings only when they want to get married and get a divorce. Whereas in going through their married life starting from the time they choose their partners, the rulings that they apply in a marriage, the duty to educate wife and children on the teachings of Islam and many more, they have never paid any attention to the Islamic rulings. They merely ask, “What is the immediate solution that Islam can offer to my disturbed marriage?” How is it possible for them to ask for an immediate solution whereas they have let the cancer to spread for so long?
Similarly, the political crisis in our country did not only start yesterday or the day before. However, it started with the crisis of principles, manners and journey that has now achieved an advanced age. Is the political system that we have embraced for so long based on the principles of Islam? We also should be asking when was the precarious political rivalry and hatred inseminated. What was the reason behind the supremacy of partisan brotherhood over the Islamic brotherhood taught by Allah and His Messenger? Political rivalry at village level up to urban level consistently depicts the obsession over power and political fanaticism of which both contradict the divine principles of Islam.
Subsequently, when did the people start losing their trust on the politicians? Personally, I see that many of the political leaders who hold important posts in our country display arrogant manner and attitude. Even worse, their ‘misconducts’ have become the topics of discussion among the masses. Because of that, the people lose their trust not only on the politicians but the distrust also spreads to other systems including the court and the police.
It is not like the governing political party cannot be transformed but there has to be an earnestness in the effort to remove all the cancerous elements that have nestled in its body even though that cancer is in the form of a VIP. If not, the new generation will continuously have prejudice against them.
In many instances, people tend to lose their principles when it involves politics. What was illegalized yesterday may be legalized today. For example, party hopping is deemed as either legal or illegal by the politicians based on whether it benefits their politics or not. Similarly, the regal system is upheld if it benefits them and is disrespected if it does not benefit them. Money politics is deemed as halal or haram based on who the contributor is.
In case of forming an alliance with a ‘kafir party’, the term kufr and Islam is used not based on the principles they hold but based on who they ally themselves with. If we based it on principles right from the start, we will always be consistent in making decisions based on the principles that we embrace. We will ask, based on the principles, does the act of party hopping conform to the virtuous conduct taught by Islam? Is receiving the money that corrodes transparency allowed by the Islamic ruling? Does Islam teach us to make the regal system or all the royal traditions in such way? There are many more issues that we can raise. If we sincerely wish to make a judgment, we must do it unreservedly and be dependent only on Allah.
I feel sad to see how political dispute can sometimes erode the Islamic manner and value in our souls. In the world of internet, damnation, obscenity and curses have become the plaything and adornment of the political supporters. Even more saddening is when that disgraceful act is done using the name of Islam. In the end, the sanctity of this religion is tainted by political voracity.
I read the comments made by the supporters of a certain political party concerning the statement of the Mufti of Perak Dato Seri Harussani Zakaria who prohibited the people from going against the decision of the Sultan of Perak. Those comments are adorned with vulgarity and swearwords, the kind that makes us feel reluctant to read. Yes, personally, I do not agree with many of the views and opinions made by the Mufti of Perak. However, cursing and blaspheming at someone who has given his own distinctive contributions to the society is not a conduct that is taught by Islam.
Unfortunately, I have also seen firsthand a recording that shows a political leader in Pahang displaying a vulgar sign when campaigning for an election. That proves the fact that the manner of the top people will become a bad example to the people under their leadership. In a hadith from al-Imam al-Bukhari narrated from Anas bin Malik: “The Prophet was not one who would abuse (others) or say obscene words, or curse (others”.
Looking at problems such as these, it drives us to be conscious of the two matters that require reformation in our country. First is to re-look at all the foundations and systems being employed in this county and determine how far it fulfills the principles established by Allah and His Messenger.
Second is to revert to educating the Muslims, leaders and the nation so that they have disciplines in their principles, actions and manners conforming to the teaching of Allah and His Messenger. It means that the institution of Islam at the fundamental level as well as its assimilation must be performed with the condition that the interpretation of Islam has to be established on earnestness and knowledge that is independent on any partisan and political interest.
I call upon all the advocators of change to learn from the current crisis and appreciate how much we need the genuine Islam that is free from sectarian, traditional, racial, partisan and other similar interest. We only need to revert to Allah and His Messenger. This has been mentioned by al-Syeikh Nasir al-Din al-Albani r.h:
“When it is absolute that “Verily, al-Din in the eyes of Allah is Islam”, it is not possible to comprehend what is required by Allah except through Allah’s Messenger. Verily, there is no path that can lead us to him except through the knowledge on his Sunnah. Subsequently, there is no means to take us to his Sunnah except through the field of hadith. Thus, it is upon the duty of the Muslims be it the leaders or the followers, the missioners or the subjects of their mission, to believe with us that there is no way to realize the calls we have made that is the attainment of justice and peace and the establishment of Allah’s rulings on the face of the earth except by calling for and practicing the Sunnah and educating the Muslims with Sunnah. It is not by depending upon the worldly law created by humans, the opinions of certain individuals and the partisan standpoints. All those will cause the ummah to be further divided and become more distant from the ultimate destination.” (Al-Albani, Sahih al-Adab al-Mufrad pg. 8-9 Saudi: Dar al-Sadiq)
Lots of emails have been sent to me by those who wish to express their grievance over the current turmoil that is sweeping across our country. Some wrote that they get suffocated thinking about the issues of the Muslims in our country. Some stated that they have given up and do not want to think about it anymore. Some mentioned that they felt cheated by the manners of the politicians they have been supporting. Some asked for the solutions for this crisis and many more.
If we suffer from an illness, we should not be curing only the obvious symptoms. We should treat the root or the cause of that illness. If not, it will attack us again. By knowing the cause of the illness, even if we fail to address it, it will compel us to always be on our guard in the future or coerce us to remind the future generation that “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”.
The commotion occurring today, has it just started yesterday or has it been going on for years? The seemingly deadly cancer threatening us today, has it just emerged at a time when the doctors identify it or has it been around for years? Many illnesses cannot be cured because the patients only go to see the healer at the last minute when they are on their deathbed. It is not impossible to cure it but at that time, it is hard to find a comprehensive solution.
Yes, in many instances in our life, Islam is only referred to when the situation has become critical. For example, in a marriage, Islam provides a complete package for us to adopt starting from the proposed list of characters in choosing a partner, the simple administrative affair in getting married, living the marriage life based on Islamic disciplines, the duty of a husband, wife and children, the rulings on nushuz (disloyalty and ill-conduct towards one’s husband) right until the chapter on talaq (divorce) when it is clear that the marriage no longer provides any benefits to the family.
It is unfortunate for a Muslim couple if they refer to the Islamic rulings only when they want to get married and get a divorce. Whereas in going through their married life starting from the time they choose their partners, the rulings that they apply in a marriage, the duty to educate wife and children on the teachings of Islam and many more, they have never paid any attention to the Islamic rulings. They merely ask, “What is the immediate solution that Islam can offer to my disturbed marriage?” How is it possible for them to ask for an immediate solution whereas they have let the cancer to spread for so long?
Similarly, the political crisis in our country did not only start yesterday or the day before. However, it started with the crisis of principles, manners and journey that has now achieved an advanced age. Is the political system that we have embraced for so long based on the principles of Islam? We also should be asking when was the precarious political rivalry and hatred inseminated. What was the reason behind the supremacy of partisan brotherhood over the Islamic brotherhood taught by Allah and His Messenger? Political rivalry at village level up to urban level consistently depicts the obsession over power and political fanaticism of which both contradict the divine principles of Islam.
Subsequently, when did the people start losing their trust on the politicians? Personally, I see that many of the political leaders who hold important posts in our country display arrogant manner and attitude. Even worse, their ‘misconducts’ have become the topics of discussion among the masses. Because of that, the people lose their trust not only on the politicians but the distrust also spreads to other systems including the court and the police.
It is not like the governing political party cannot be transformed but there has to be an earnestness in the effort to remove all the cancerous elements that have nestled in its body even though that cancer is in the form of a VIP. If not, the new generation will continuously have prejudice against them.
In many instances, people tend to lose their principles when it involves politics. What was illegalized yesterday may be legalized today. For example, party hopping is deemed as either legal or illegal by the politicians based on whether it benefits their politics or not. Similarly, the regal system is upheld if it benefits them and is disrespected if it does not benefit them. Money politics is deemed as halal or haram based on who the contributor is.
In case of forming an alliance with a ‘kafir party’, the term kufr and Islam is used not based on the principles they hold but based on who they ally themselves with. If we based it on principles right from the start, we will always be consistent in making decisions based on the principles that we embrace. We will ask, based on the principles, does the act of party hopping conform to the virtuous conduct taught by Islam? Is receiving the money that corrodes transparency allowed by the Islamic ruling? Does Islam teach us to make the regal system or all the royal traditions in such way? There are many more issues that we can raise. If we sincerely wish to make a judgment, we must do it unreservedly and be dependent only on Allah.
I feel sad to see how political dispute can sometimes erode the Islamic manner and value in our souls. In the world of internet, damnation, obscenity and curses have become the plaything and adornment of the political supporters. Even more saddening is when that disgraceful act is done using the name of Islam. In the end, the sanctity of this religion is tainted by political voracity.
I read the comments made by the supporters of a certain political party concerning the statement of the Mufti of Perak Dato Seri Harussani Zakaria who prohibited the people from going against the decision of the Sultan of Perak. Those comments are adorned with vulgarity and swearwords, the kind that makes us feel reluctant to read. Yes, personally, I do not agree with many of the views and opinions made by the Mufti of Perak. However, cursing and blaspheming at someone who has given his own distinctive contributions to the society is not a conduct that is taught by Islam.
Unfortunately, I have also seen firsthand a recording that shows a political leader in Pahang displaying a vulgar sign when campaigning for an election. That proves the fact that the manner of the top people will become a bad example to the people under their leadership. In a hadith from al-Imam al-Bukhari narrated from Anas bin Malik: “The Prophet was not one who would abuse (others) or say obscene words, or curse (others”.
Looking at problems such as these, it drives us to be conscious of the two matters that require reformation in our country. First is to re-look at all the foundations and systems being employed in this county and determine how far it fulfills the principles established by Allah and His Messenger.
Second is to revert to educating the Muslims, leaders and the nation so that they have disciplines in their principles, actions and manners conforming to the teaching of Allah and His Messenger. It means that the institution of Islam at the fundamental level as well as its assimilation must be performed with the condition that the interpretation of Islam has to be established on earnestness and knowledge that is independent on any partisan and political interest.
I call upon all the advocators of change to learn from the current crisis and appreciate how much we need the genuine Islam that is free from sectarian, traditional, racial, partisan and other similar interest. We only need to revert to Allah and His Messenger. This has been mentioned by al-Syeikh Nasir al-Din al-Albani r.h:
“When it is absolute that “Verily, al-Din in the eyes of Allah is Islam”, it is not possible to comprehend what is required by Allah except through Allah’s Messenger. Verily, there is no path that can lead us to him except through the knowledge on his Sunnah. Subsequently, there is no means to take us to his Sunnah except through the field of hadith. Thus, it is upon the duty of the Muslims be it the leaders or the followers, the missioners or the subjects of their mission, to believe with us that there is no way to realize the calls we have made that is the attainment of justice and peace and the establishment of Allah’s rulings on the face of the earth except by calling for and practicing the Sunnah and educating the Muslims with Sunnah. It is not by depending upon the worldly law created by humans, the opinions of certain individuals and the partisan standpoints. All those will cause the ummah to be further divided and become more distant from the ultimate destination.” (Al-Albani, Sahih al-Adab al-Mufrad pg. 8-9 Saudi: Dar al-Sadiq)
Polygamy: Are We Pro-West or Pro-Islam?
Loose translation of ‘Poligami – Pro-Barat atau Islam’ written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (http://drmaza.com)
I spent a long time thinking of writing about the topic of polygamy in this column. After this, surely some of my long time enthusiastic female readers will withdraw themselves or feel uncomfortable. If I may, I would like to still touch on this topic to counter the logic presented by the secular feminists who attempt to judge this issue using western mentality.
In general, the Western community regards that it is normal for a man to have a kept woman or a mistress. Furthermore, it has become a trend in the West for couples to live together just like husbands and wives outside of a legal marriage. To change or multiply the number of mistresses one has is not considered peculiar.
In spite of that, their thinking and law does not agree to a man having more than one wife or to be specific, practice polygamy. To them, polygamy is full of elements that degrade women or is brim with factors related to men’s voracious lust. On the other hand, having a kept woman or extramarital affair with a woman is not degrading or does not represent the voraciousness of lust.
The exploitation of every curve of a woman’s body by their media is also, to them, a symbol of a woman’s liberation and freedom. As for a Muslim woman who willingly covers their body, they see it as the symbol of oppression or disaffirmation of a woman’s right.
It is unfortunate that the ‘reckless liberal’ mainstream currently haunting some quarters, our country not excluded, who display themselves as the advocators of women’s right have swallowed this western way of thinking and consequently, they turn the issues of polygamy and hijab as their targets to attack.
Back to the issue of polygamy, what has always been brought up is that it denies women of their rights or degrades women whereas the difference between a second or third or fourth wife and a kept woman is enormous.
Other than the issues of halal and haraam seen through the eyes of the religion, a woman that is legally a wife has legal rights over her husband, rights to receive financial support, rights over bloodline, children, justness in allocating days and wealth, rights to be respected and loved, rights of not to be abandoned when the husband gets bored of her and various more.
As for a mistress who is being ‘used up’ secretly or openly, she can be abandoned without words when the man gets bored of her and be devoured when he has the lust for her. She does not have any rights that she can lay claim to under the sanctity of a marriage.
They pour scorn on polygamy but regard the practice of keeping mistress as a normal phenomenon. Polygamy, in their eyes, brings forth injustice among women. They should be asked if the practice of having mistresses is fair to women. Also, is ‘married life’ outside of wedlock an honor to women?
Majority in the Western society believe that Islam is the only religion that permits polygamy whereas originally, a Christian man was allowed to have as many wives as he wished since Bible did not put a limit to the number of wives one could have. It was only in the recent centuries that the church limited a man to have only one wife.
Polygamy was also allowed in Judaism. This is as reflected in the Law of Talmud where it is narrated that Prophet Abraham had three wives and Prophet Solomon had one hundred wives. The practice of polygamy continued in Judaism until Rabi Gersorn Ben Yehudah (960-1030) issued an order that prohibited it. However, the Jewish Sephardic community who lived among the Muslims continued to practice polygamy up until 1950. Yet, in the West, the pragmatic trend of life that they created has replaced the religion.
When Islam allows polygamy, as in other cases, it also asserts its rules and disciplines. Good manners and justness is obligated to not only those who are polygamous but it is also incumbent on the monogamous to act virtuously and justly towards his wife.
If negligence exists in a polygamous marriage, it does not mean that polygamy is bad but it is because of the wrong attitude being employed by those involved in it. How many of those who are monogamous but abuse their wives, irresponsible towards their families and many more? Just because their actions are wrong, is monogamy then to be prohibited? This proves how muddled the thinking of the liberal cluster is.
A lot of married women sent emails to me stating that they cannot accept it if their husbands want to practice polygamy. Yes, that is a feeling commonly shared by most women. Even more when their husbands have not been performing their husbandly duty properly even before practicing polygamy.
When Allah and His Messenger allow polygamy, surely there is wisdom behind it. Polygamy is a medicine that is consumed when needed and is left untouched when it is not needed. In its history, polygamy has been proven to save a lot of women who lost their husbands such as the widows of soldiers who died for the ummah. They might still be young and needed protection. If it was left to the bachelors, they usually only looked for maidens to be their wives. Who then would shoulder this responsibility of protecting the widows? Commonly, stable and mature men are capable to handle them and most of these men are already married.
I see that in our country, polygamy is capable to help women who have just embraced Islam of which, in most cases, there are no bachelors that can care for them well enough.
Women, just like men, are susceptible to illness and sexual shortcomings. If a husband fails to perform sexually, the wife has the right to request for the marriage to be dissolved. If the wife is sexually deficient, it is not proper for a weak and sick woman to be abandoned. However, at the same time, the husband’s desire has to also be acknowledged. Polygamy can resolve all that.
Similarly, if a wife is incapable to conceive, is it proper for the husband to divorce her? Polygamy is the solution for the desire to have progeny. Because of that, Islam allows polygamy because it is a remedial solution.
Probably, some wives are incapable to meet the ‘strong’ sexual desire of their husbands. Polygamy is also the solution to this burden. Sometimes, there are men who have the credibility that qualify them to have more than one wife to whom he will be able to provide just and equal treatment.
Therefore, in the history of Islam, polygamy that was practiced by the prominent figures of Islam brought forth goodness in the field of knowledge, expanded family and bloodline. There are many more wisdoms behind polygamy which will make up a very long list. Regrettably, the pro-West or ‘liberal Muslims’ cluster assert that their objective in opposing polygamy is to protect women as if, to them, those who are not first wives are not women. Each individual whose gender is female, including the ones who are becoming second, third or fourth wives, is considered as women and not only first wives. Their feeling and need too falls under the basic and rights of women that has to be respected.
I have once stated that sometimes the system of Islam can be likened to a drugstore in which various kinds of medicines are available to treat all kinds of illness. Just because some of the medicines being sold do not match with our illness, we shall not think that those medicines must be destroyed. Polygamy is a remedy for an illness that matches its prescribed symptoms which include prevention of adultery and helping women. Those who do not have the need for this remedy, they are not asked to consume it.
Polygamy is also a solution for the desire to love that gets out of control. In this era, it is so easy for a man to get a woman using the haram way. When there is a man who wishes to get married, even though by means of polygamy that can lead him to face many risks, I feel that he has to be respected since he has the conscience of the duty he is obligated upon towards women.
It is just that, unfortunately, polygamy has been misused by men who are irresponsible and in the end, contaminate that blessed institution. To make it worse, the anti-polygamy group only highlights the bad examples and disregards the abundant good examples. Respectable and capable men should come forward and display the good examples in implementing polygamy. As for those who are incapable and incompetent, do not consume this medicine since it is not prescribed for you.
I spent a long time thinking of writing about the topic of polygamy in this column. After this, surely some of my long time enthusiastic female readers will withdraw themselves or feel uncomfortable. If I may, I would like to still touch on this topic to counter the logic presented by the secular feminists who attempt to judge this issue using western mentality.
In general, the Western community regards that it is normal for a man to have a kept woman or a mistress. Furthermore, it has become a trend in the West for couples to live together just like husbands and wives outside of a legal marriage. To change or multiply the number of mistresses one has is not considered peculiar.
In spite of that, their thinking and law does not agree to a man having more than one wife or to be specific, practice polygamy. To them, polygamy is full of elements that degrade women or is brim with factors related to men’s voracious lust. On the other hand, having a kept woman or extramarital affair with a woman is not degrading or does not represent the voraciousness of lust.
The exploitation of every curve of a woman’s body by their media is also, to them, a symbol of a woman’s liberation and freedom. As for a Muslim woman who willingly covers their body, they see it as the symbol of oppression or disaffirmation of a woman’s right.
It is unfortunate that the ‘reckless liberal’ mainstream currently haunting some quarters, our country not excluded, who display themselves as the advocators of women’s right have swallowed this western way of thinking and consequently, they turn the issues of polygamy and hijab as their targets to attack.
Back to the issue of polygamy, what has always been brought up is that it denies women of their rights or degrades women whereas the difference between a second or third or fourth wife and a kept woman is enormous.
Other than the issues of halal and haraam seen through the eyes of the religion, a woman that is legally a wife has legal rights over her husband, rights to receive financial support, rights over bloodline, children, justness in allocating days and wealth, rights to be respected and loved, rights of not to be abandoned when the husband gets bored of her and various more.
As for a mistress who is being ‘used up’ secretly or openly, she can be abandoned without words when the man gets bored of her and be devoured when he has the lust for her. She does not have any rights that she can lay claim to under the sanctity of a marriage.
They pour scorn on polygamy but regard the practice of keeping mistress as a normal phenomenon. Polygamy, in their eyes, brings forth injustice among women. They should be asked if the practice of having mistresses is fair to women. Also, is ‘married life’ outside of wedlock an honor to women?
Majority in the Western society believe that Islam is the only religion that permits polygamy whereas originally, a Christian man was allowed to have as many wives as he wished since Bible did not put a limit to the number of wives one could have. It was only in the recent centuries that the church limited a man to have only one wife.
Polygamy was also allowed in Judaism. This is as reflected in the Law of Talmud where it is narrated that Prophet Abraham had three wives and Prophet Solomon had one hundred wives. The practice of polygamy continued in Judaism until Rabi Gersorn Ben Yehudah (960-1030) issued an order that prohibited it. However, the Jewish Sephardic community who lived among the Muslims continued to practice polygamy up until 1950. Yet, in the West, the pragmatic trend of life that they created has replaced the religion.
When Islam allows polygamy, as in other cases, it also asserts its rules and disciplines. Good manners and justness is obligated to not only those who are polygamous but it is also incumbent on the monogamous to act virtuously and justly towards his wife.
If negligence exists in a polygamous marriage, it does not mean that polygamy is bad but it is because of the wrong attitude being employed by those involved in it. How many of those who are monogamous but abuse their wives, irresponsible towards their families and many more? Just because their actions are wrong, is monogamy then to be prohibited? This proves how muddled the thinking of the liberal cluster is.
A lot of married women sent emails to me stating that they cannot accept it if their husbands want to practice polygamy. Yes, that is a feeling commonly shared by most women. Even more when their husbands have not been performing their husbandly duty properly even before practicing polygamy.
When Allah and His Messenger allow polygamy, surely there is wisdom behind it. Polygamy is a medicine that is consumed when needed and is left untouched when it is not needed. In its history, polygamy has been proven to save a lot of women who lost their husbands such as the widows of soldiers who died for the ummah. They might still be young and needed protection. If it was left to the bachelors, they usually only looked for maidens to be their wives. Who then would shoulder this responsibility of protecting the widows? Commonly, stable and mature men are capable to handle them and most of these men are already married.
I see that in our country, polygamy is capable to help women who have just embraced Islam of which, in most cases, there are no bachelors that can care for them well enough.
Women, just like men, are susceptible to illness and sexual shortcomings. If a husband fails to perform sexually, the wife has the right to request for the marriage to be dissolved. If the wife is sexually deficient, it is not proper for a weak and sick woman to be abandoned. However, at the same time, the husband’s desire has to also be acknowledged. Polygamy can resolve all that.
Similarly, if a wife is incapable to conceive, is it proper for the husband to divorce her? Polygamy is the solution for the desire to have progeny. Because of that, Islam allows polygamy because it is a remedial solution.
Probably, some wives are incapable to meet the ‘strong’ sexual desire of their husbands. Polygamy is also the solution to this burden. Sometimes, there are men who have the credibility that qualify them to have more than one wife to whom he will be able to provide just and equal treatment.
Therefore, in the history of Islam, polygamy that was practiced by the prominent figures of Islam brought forth goodness in the field of knowledge, expanded family and bloodline. There are many more wisdoms behind polygamy which will make up a very long list. Regrettably, the pro-West or ‘liberal Muslims’ cluster assert that their objective in opposing polygamy is to protect women as if, to them, those who are not first wives are not women. Each individual whose gender is female, including the ones who are becoming second, third or fourth wives, is considered as women and not only first wives. Their feeling and need too falls under the basic and rights of women that has to be respected.
I have once stated that sometimes the system of Islam can be likened to a drugstore in which various kinds of medicines are available to treat all kinds of illness. Just because some of the medicines being sold do not match with our illness, we shall not think that those medicines must be destroyed. Polygamy is a remedy for an illness that matches its prescribed symptoms which include prevention of adultery and helping women. Those who do not have the need for this remedy, they are not asked to consume it.
Polygamy is also a solution for the desire to love that gets out of control. In this era, it is so easy for a man to get a woman using the haram way. When there is a man who wishes to get married, even though by means of polygamy that can lead him to face many risks, I feel that he has to be respected since he has the conscience of the duty he is obligated upon towards women.
It is just that, unfortunately, polygamy has been misused by men who are irresponsible and in the end, contaminate that blessed institution. To make it worse, the anti-polygamy group only highlights the bad examples and disregards the abundant good examples. Respectable and capable men should come forward and display the good examples in implementing polygamy. As for those who are incapable and incompetent, do not consume this medicine since it is not prescribed for you.
O Politicians! Are These All Worth The Effort?
Loose translation of ‘Orang Politik! Berbaloikah Ini Semua?’ written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (http://drmaza.com)
It is so disheartening to talk about the political commotion currently occurring in our country. Even though I am now located so far away in Lampeter, I can still feel the heat that is radiated by Malaysia’s political turmoil. Of late, at times, I get emotionally weary of reading the news from our country. All are about nothing but political confusion.
On the other hand, comforting news such as the successful academic achievement of Nik Nur Madihah Nik Mohd Kamal despite coming from a poor family does not become the hot topic being discussed by our community. Probably the media would publish reports on it for just one or two days. However, it is probably not tasty enough to be indulged in with friends as a feast to the ears, not as juicy as listening to political gossips.
Education and knowledge is essential for everyone while rapacious politics and ‘power mania’ are only for those who are stupefied by the Devil. I even read in one news source that some stuffs purportedly related to witchcraft were found under the Prime Minister’s desk. Lately, political news sounds more and more peculiar. Matters that should be kept confidential are revealed for all to know. Matters that should be disclosed to the public are being kept secret.
Because of that, the people start asking, “Whose hands are responsible for that?” For someone who is currently living far away in Lampeter, United Kingdom a place regarded as remote but is tranquil, surrounded by greenery, with fresh air and a relatively friendly community, I can still feel sickened and nauseated by the political news coming from our country. As for the people who cares and are living in the country, the news certainly sound even more revolting to them.
Or, it can be that the people in our country have come to a point where the stories about the politicians’ deceitfulness and scandals are regarded as a form entertainment similar to the gossips about artistes whereas there is a clear distinction between the two groups. Artistes’ gossips do not yield as bad of an impact as the deception committed by the politicians involving graft, abuse of power, fracturing the society in their effort to guard their interest, wasting the time of the rakyat and waging the rakyat’s future.
Reading the news about politicians stabbing each other, hating each other in their pursuit for power, pouring out money and wealth to gain position, revealing each other’s shame and many more, instigates angst and uneasiness in one’s heart. Because of power, their talks are full with curses and animosity.
Among the friends of the politicians, there are more hypocrites than the honest ones. The praises given to the politicians consist of more lies than earnestness. Just as stated in a song: This is life’s drama, on this worldly stage one pretends. Lies and deceptions accomplish the goal, goodwill and wealth encapsulate sin.
We can’t help but to feel puzzled by the politicians. What kind of narcotic have they consumed that generates the willingness in them to occupy such unpleasant world? What are they after that drives them to unhesitatingly brazen out such violent storm of spiritual and emotional pain? Are they chasing after power that is without happiness? Or probably power with suffering? Or, is pain acceptable as long as power is attained? Or, do they actually fail to find the true pleasure in life? Or, probably they are like the ones as described by Allah in al-Quran (translated as):
“So let not their wealth or their children amaze you (O Muhammad ); In reality Allâh's plan is to punish them with these things in the life of the this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.” (Surah al-Taubah: verse 55)
Throughout the world’s history, there are countless records of political accounts that are brimming with painful and torturing chapters. One who is possessed with greed for power is actually brainsick and may behave abnormally. He may lie, betray others, involve in graft, oppress others and even commit a murder driven by the uncontrollable madness. He does not think twice to sacrifice anything for the sake of obtaining power.
One thing for sure is that if we look closely, we’ll see that they have actually lost their common sense, happiness and tranquility. They have a barren soul. The fearful silhouette of their sins and fear of losing power haunt them at all time and in every corner. They become nervous when they are alone without having followers around. It can also be that the nervousness is stemmed from the nightmare they are having worrying about losing their influence. That is how a person will be when Allah and the thought of the Afterlife are missing from his soul.
The advocators of truth who fight for the sake of Allah are probably suffering and tortured too. They are also probably being tested with physical suffering and emotional burden. However, their faith, sincerity and their hope for Allah’s reward acts as a constant reliever for the torment. More than that, the agony can even transform into pleasure when they sense that the test and misfortune is actually a cause for gaining rewards as well as for the expiation of their sins.
They have a big soul because they have the most majestic being to rely upon. It is as always stated by fighters of Islam, “If I am jailed then it is a time-out for me. If I am expelled from my country then it is a retreat for me. If I am killed then it means that I have achieved syahid.” The fighters of truth are always calm because the path they’re heading to is obvious to them. Allah says in Surah al-Nisa’ verse 104 (translated as):
“And don't be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allâh (for the Reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not, and Allâh is ever AllKnowing, AllWise.”
Threats, intimidation, vilification, oppression and all forms of pain are felt by politicians as well as non-politicians. However, the difference between those who strive to uphold the truth for the sake of Allah and those who strive for the sake of their belly is that tranquility and the fineness of an enchanted heart is owned by the first group.
The first group comprises of the advocators of the truth for the sake of Allah no matter on what stage they perform; da’wah, politics, economy, education or whatever. In their struggle, they will brazen out all obstacles by drawing themselves closer to Allah, hoping for his rewards and forgiveness as well as submitting themselves fully to Him. Victory or defeat will be regarded as a pleasurable sacrifice that a servant makes for the Lord.
Allah says in Surah Ali ‘Imran verse 173 (translated as):
“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in faith, and they said: "Allâh (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs (for us)."
Because of that, it is revealed in history that political power was incapable to destroy sincere fighters regardless of how prevailing the political power was. Even though the fighters’ bodies were tortured and their wealth was confiscated but it was the soul of the rulers that ended up suffering. Nevertheless, the perpetual existence of the two groups is always recorded in history even though they have to face many difficulties.
In every era, there will always be advocators of the truth who strive for the sake of Allah and have to face all kinds of tribulation in their pursuit for Allah’s blessing and the promised Paradise. Similarly, in every era, there will always be a cluster that is hungry for power, a syndrome caused by the madness disease that infiltrates their inner beings. In their minds, power is the source for happiness and joy. They forget that so many people who are in power have actually lost the pleasure of having a blissful soul. The Prophet s.a.w said,
“"You people will be keen to have the authority of ruling which will be a thing of regret for you on the Day of Resurrection. What an excellent wet nurse it is, yet what a bad weaning one it is!” (Reported by al-Bukhari)
Yes, not all about politics is bad. In fact, it is an Islamic duty to politick to uphold the truth guided by the disciplines taught by Allah and His Messenger. We need politicians who execute their leadership duty based on the divine revelation. However, if the politics is full with stories of greed and voracity just as we commonly heard of, it is actually a mere drama about people who have lost their happiness, whose souls are sick and disturbed.
As a final point, we would like to ask this question to these people who are competing fiercely everyday, “Are these all worth the effort?”
It is so disheartening to talk about the political commotion currently occurring in our country. Even though I am now located so far away in Lampeter, I can still feel the heat that is radiated by Malaysia’s political turmoil. Of late, at times, I get emotionally weary of reading the news from our country. All are about nothing but political confusion.
On the other hand, comforting news such as the successful academic achievement of Nik Nur Madihah Nik Mohd Kamal despite coming from a poor family does not become the hot topic being discussed by our community. Probably the media would publish reports on it for just one or two days. However, it is probably not tasty enough to be indulged in with friends as a feast to the ears, not as juicy as listening to political gossips.
Education and knowledge is essential for everyone while rapacious politics and ‘power mania’ are only for those who are stupefied by the Devil. I even read in one news source that some stuffs purportedly related to witchcraft were found under the Prime Minister’s desk. Lately, political news sounds more and more peculiar. Matters that should be kept confidential are revealed for all to know. Matters that should be disclosed to the public are being kept secret.
Because of that, the people start asking, “Whose hands are responsible for that?” For someone who is currently living far away in Lampeter, United Kingdom a place regarded as remote but is tranquil, surrounded by greenery, with fresh air and a relatively friendly community, I can still feel sickened and nauseated by the political news coming from our country. As for the people who cares and are living in the country, the news certainly sound even more revolting to them.
Or, it can be that the people in our country have come to a point where the stories about the politicians’ deceitfulness and scandals are regarded as a form entertainment similar to the gossips about artistes whereas there is a clear distinction between the two groups. Artistes’ gossips do not yield as bad of an impact as the deception committed by the politicians involving graft, abuse of power, fracturing the society in their effort to guard their interest, wasting the time of the rakyat and waging the rakyat’s future.
Reading the news about politicians stabbing each other, hating each other in their pursuit for power, pouring out money and wealth to gain position, revealing each other’s shame and many more, instigates angst and uneasiness in one’s heart. Because of power, their talks are full with curses and animosity.
Among the friends of the politicians, there are more hypocrites than the honest ones. The praises given to the politicians consist of more lies than earnestness. Just as stated in a song: This is life’s drama, on this worldly stage one pretends. Lies and deceptions accomplish the goal, goodwill and wealth encapsulate sin.
We can’t help but to feel puzzled by the politicians. What kind of narcotic have they consumed that generates the willingness in them to occupy such unpleasant world? What are they after that drives them to unhesitatingly brazen out such violent storm of spiritual and emotional pain? Are they chasing after power that is without happiness? Or probably power with suffering? Or, is pain acceptable as long as power is attained? Or, do they actually fail to find the true pleasure in life? Or, probably they are like the ones as described by Allah in al-Quran (translated as):
“So let not their wealth or their children amaze you (O Muhammad ); In reality Allâh's plan is to punish them with these things in the life of the this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.” (Surah al-Taubah: verse 55)
Throughout the world’s history, there are countless records of political accounts that are brimming with painful and torturing chapters. One who is possessed with greed for power is actually brainsick and may behave abnormally. He may lie, betray others, involve in graft, oppress others and even commit a murder driven by the uncontrollable madness. He does not think twice to sacrifice anything for the sake of obtaining power.
One thing for sure is that if we look closely, we’ll see that they have actually lost their common sense, happiness and tranquility. They have a barren soul. The fearful silhouette of their sins and fear of losing power haunt them at all time and in every corner. They become nervous when they are alone without having followers around. It can also be that the nervousness is stemmed from the nightmare they are having worrying about losing their influence. That is how a person will be when Allah and the thought of the Afterlife are missing from his soul.
The advocators of truth who fight for the sake of Allah are probably suffering and tortured too. They are also probably being tested with physical suffering and emotional burden. However, their faith, sincerity and their hope for Allah’s reward acts as a constant reliever for the torment. More than that, the agony can even transform into pleasure when they sense that the test and misfortune is actually a cause for gaining rewards as well as for the expiation of their sins.
They have a big soul because they have the most majestic being to rely upon. It is as always stated by fighters of Islam, “If I am jailed then it is a time-out for me. If I am expelled from my country then it is a retreat for me. If I am killed then it means that I have achieved syahid.” The fighters of truth are always calm because the path they’re heading to is obvious to them. Allah says in Surah al-Nisa’ verse 104 (translated as):
“And don't be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allâh (for the Reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not, and Allâh is ever AllKnowing, AllWise.”
Threats, intimidation, vilification, oppression and all forms of pain are felt by politicians as well as non-politicians. However, the difference between those who strive to uphold the truth for the sake of Allah and those who strive for the sake of their belly is that tranquility and the fineness of an enchanted heart is owned by the first group.
The first group comprises of the advocators of the truth for the sake of Allah no matter on what stage they perform; da’wah, politics, economy, education or whatever. In their struggle, they will brazen out all obstacles by drawing themselves closer to Allah, hoping for his rewards and forgiveness as well as submitting themselves fully to Him. Victory or defeat will be regarded as a pleasurable sacrifice that a servant makes for the Lord.
Allah says in Surah Ali ‘Imran verse 173 (translated as):
“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in faith, and they said: "Allâh (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs (for us)."
Because of that, it is revealed in history that political power was incapable to destroy sincere fighters regardless of how prevailing the political power was. Even though the fighters’ bodies were tortured and their wealth was confiscated but it was the soul of the rulers that ended up suffering. Nevertheless, the perpetual existence of the two groups is always recorded in history even though they have to face many difficulties.
In every era, there will always be advocators of the truth who strive for the sake of Allah and have to face all kinds of tribulation in their pursuit for Allah’s blessing and the promised Paradise. Similarly, in every era, there will always be a cluster that is hungry for power, a syndrome caused by the madness disease that infiltrates their inner beings. In their minds, power is the source for happiness and joy. They forget that so many people who are in power have actually lost the pleasure of having a blissful soul. The Prophet s.a.w said,
“"You people will be keen to have the authority of ruling which will be a thing of regret for you on the Day of Resurrection. What an excellent wet nurse it is, yet what a bad weaning one it is!” (Reported by al-Bukhari)
Yes, not all about politics is bad. In fact, it is an Islamic duty to politick to uphold the truth guided by the disciplines taught by Allah and His Messenger. We need politicians who execute their leadership duty based on the divine revelation. However, if the politics is full with stories of greed and voracity just as we commonly heard of, it is actually a mere drama about people who have lost their happiness, whose souls are sick and disturbed.
As a final point, we would like to ask this question to these people who are competing fiercely everyday, “Are these all worth the effort?”
Mawlid: Between History and Customary
Loose translation of ‘Maulid: Antara Sejarah Dan Amalan’ written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (http://drmaza.com)
Muslim scholars have been differing in determining the exact date of the birth of the Prophet s.a.w. The hadith reported by al-Imam Muslim only states that he was born on Monday without mentioning the specific date. One who reads the major manuscripts of Islamic history such as al-Bidayah wa al-Nihhayah by al-Imam Ibn Kathir (deceased in 774H) will find that there are many different views concerning the exact day and month in which the Prophet s.a.w was born.
Those who hold the view that he was born in the month of Rabi’ul Awwal have different opinions in determining which day of the month. The dates being proposed are the 8th, the 9th, the 12th as believed by many people, the 17th and many other dates. In addition to that, some scholars believe that he was born in the month of Ramadan and they have their own lines of reasoning to back up their claim.
Whatever it may be, it is more important to note that all scholars from the East or the West, the North or the South, have never argued about the birth of an individual named Muhammad bin ‘Abdillah to whom the Muslims subscribe as the last Messenger of Allah. In this sense, he differs from Jesus as portrayed by the West. Some of their researchers even doubted the birth of Jesus.
The birth of the Prophet s.a.w is a very important event because it epitomized the birth of a new chapter for humankind. Determining the date or month accurately is not an important factor. Not being able to accurately determine someone’s date of birth does not mean that the person does not exist. So many prophets, prominent figures and individuals have untraceable dates of birth but they were real and had painted their marks on the pages of history.
Among the reasons that contribute to the scholar’s inability to determine the Prophet’s date of birth is because the Prophet’s companions did not celebrate that date. It is stated in the history of Islam that of all Muslim generations, they were the ones who loved him the most. In spite of that, they never held a special celebration to commemorate his birth because they did not observe the Prophet s.a.w performing such practice.
Moreover, Ibn Kathir narrated that when it was suggested to Saidina ‘Umar to start the reckoning of Islamic year from the Prophet’s date of birth, he rejected it. Instead, the great Caliph chose the year of the Prophet’s migration to Medina as the start of count. It was not because the Prophet’s birth was insignificant but the migration signified the beginning of triumph and the history of Islamic struggle. To a Prophet, it is of utmost importance that he is being followed and not only being celebrated. The Christians in the West celebrate the birth of Jesus every year but is the way they live their life similar to what Jesus taught them?
Days went by and the world of Islam rose and fell amidst various political crises that in the end gave rise to mazhab (school of thoughts). Shia that used to be a political mazhab metamorphosed into a religious mazhab consisting of various streams of thought. A situation where politics was shaped by Islam faded away and was replaced by one where Islam was shaped by politics. Consequently, religious comprehension was built on political blocks rather than having Islam emblazoned the political thinking pattern. Thus, competition over power took place fueled by political agenda with Islamic elements embedded into it. In the end, the Muslim society disintegrated and went separate ways to embrace the different political agenda.
In Egypt, the Shia Fatimiyyah faction had once held the authoritative position. Various religious programs were implemented confined within their political school of thought that converted into a religion. A range of religious celebrations were performed with the intention to achieve certain political goals.
It is stated in Fatwa al-Azhar that Muslim scholars have no knowledge of anyone pioneering the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) other than the Shi’a Fatimiyyah regime that celebrated it in a big scale in Egypt. They also celebrated the birthday of prominent figures among Ahlil Bayt (the Prophet’s descendants) and that of Prophet Isa a.s. In the year 488H, the celebration was discontinued by their Caliph al-Musta’la Billah but it was revived by certain governments in certain states. And that’s how the history goes.
Yes, I feel that it is proper to demonstrate the grateful feeling one has over the historical birth of the Prophet s.a.w accompanied by the spirit to follow his teachings. However, in doing that, we must be aware of the facts presented at the beginning of this article. If the month of Rabi’ul Awwal is believed to be the month in which the Prophet s.a.w was born, it is not wrong for us to give a sermon narrating the history of his struggle and the principles of Islam he brought forth in this month or other month. It is similar to our tendency to reminisce the history of a historical site when we pass through it. However, we shall not be among the ‘seasonal rejoicers’ who only remember the Prophet and his teachings in certain days and seemingly forget about him after that.
At the same time, we must be conscious of the fact that we shall not add on to his teachings without his permission if we aspire to follow him. The Prophet s.a.w said:
“He who innovates things in our affairs (Islam) for which there is no valid origins then these are to be rejected.” (Reported by Muslim)
Because he had never taught us any specific ibadah (act of worship) to be performed to commemorate his birthday be it specific solat, fasting or recitation, then we are not allowed to introduce it. The path that we shall follow in this matter is the path of his companions. The Prophet s.a.w said:
“… verily the People of Israel disintegrated into 72 factions and my followers will disintegrate into 73 factions. All of them will be in Hell except for one group.” The companions asked, “Which group is that O Allah’s Apostle?” He answered, “The group that follows the path that I and my companions are on.” (Reported by al-Tirmizi, ranked as sahih by al-Diya al-maqdisi)
Bear in mind that among the factors that contribute to the uniqueness of the history of the Prophet s.a.w is that it is possible to differentiate between the genuine facts and the add-ons. This is different from the history of the founders of other religion in this world in that almost all of their historical accounts are based on postulations or hearsays. The field of hadith provided the means to filter the sanad (chain of narrators) and the matan (text of a hadith) that made it possible to preserve the historical facts of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. We only follow the authentic history and not the fabricated history.
Al-Sayyid Sulaiman al-Nadwi stated:
“Verily, the history that is worth adhered to by humankind to be used as righteous examples and exalted archetypes must first have tarikhiyyah (historical) quality. As for the history that is founded on mythical and nonsensical stories lacking of supporting narrations with trusted authenticity, human nature refuses to be influenced by fabricated personal life history while the books of history never knew of his existence.” (Sulaiman al-Nadwi, al-Risalah al-Muhammadiyyah, pg. 41, Saudi: al-Dar al-Sa`udiyyah).
The book named Maulid al-Barzanji that is being widely recited by our community during festivities or similar events has provided us with some benefits. A significant number of authentic historical accounts were recorded by its author Ja’far bin Hasan bin ‘Abd al-Karim al-Barzanji (deceased in 1187H). However, when analyzed using the method of the field of hadith, it is found that there are a number of invalid facts included in the al-Barzanji book. This is a reality about the book that cannot be denied. Among the claims are, he stated:
“In the night the Prophet s.a.w was born, Asiah (the Paharaoh’s wife who was a Believer) and Maryam (the mother of Prophet Isa a.s.) were present and they were among the female dwellers of Heaven.”
There is no authentic narration reported from the Prophet s.a.w that confirms such event. As stated by a historian named Muhammad Muhammad Hasan Syurrab:
“It is our duty to be judicious in extracting facts from historical books especially the later editions. In most cases, the narrators included add-ons in the Prophet’s narrations and life history. They associated him with miraculous and extraordinary elements since his birth right until his death. Those elements are lacking reliable sanad. By adding on supernatural elements, it was as if the narrators tried to assign the Prophet s.a.w with miraculous attributes that the prophets before him did not have.” (Muhammad Muhammad Hasan Syurrab, Fi Usul Tarikh al-`Arab al-Islami, pg. 84, Damsyik, Dar al-Qalam).
We are thankful of and delighted over the birth of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Nevertheless, we must determine the correct way of following and comprehending his teachings. Year after year, various groups of people celebrated Mawlid. But, are the Muslims getting closer to him year after year?
Muslim scholars have been differing in determining the exact date of the birth of the Prophet s.a.w. The hadith reported by al-Imam Muslim only states that he was born on Monday without mentioning the specific date. One who reads the major manuscripts of Islamic history such as al-Bidayah wa al-Nihhayah by al-Imam Ibn Kathir (deceased in 774H) will find that there are many different views concerning the exact day and month in which the Prophet s.a.w was born.
Those who hold the view that he was born in the month of Rabi’ul Awwal have different opinions in determining which day of the month. The dates being proposed are the 8th, the 9th, the 12th as believed by many people, the 17th and many other dates. In addition to that, some scholars believe that he was born in the month of Ramadan and they have their own lines of reasoning to back up their claim.
Whatever it may be, it is more important to note that all scholars from the East or the West, the North or the South, have never argued about the birth of an individual named Muhammad bin ‘Abdillah to whom the Muslims subscribe as the last Messenger of Allah. In this sense, he differs from Jesus as portrayed by the West. Some of their researchers even doubted the birth of Jesus.
The birth of the Prophet s.a.w is a very important event because it epitomized the birth of a new chapter for humankind. Determining the date or month accurately is not an important factor. Not being able to accurately determine someone’s date of birth does not mean that the person does not exist. So many prophets, prominent figures and individuals have untraceable dates of birth but they were real and had painted their marks on the pages of history.
Among the reasons that contribute to the scholar’s inability to determine the Prophet’s date of birth is because the Prophet’s companions did not celebrate that date. It is stated in the history of Islam that of all Muslim generations, they were the ones who loved him the most. In spite of that, they never held a special celebration to commemorate his birth because they did not observe the Prophet s.a.w performing such practice.
Moreover, Ibn Kathir narrated that when it was suggested to Saidina ‘Umar to start the reckoning of Islamic year from the Prophet’s date of birth, he rejected it. Instead, the great Caliph chose the year of the Prophet’s migration to Medina as the start of count. It was not because the Prophet’s birth was insignificant but the migration signified the beginning of triumph and the history of Islamic struggle. To a Prophet, it is of utmost importance that he is being followed and not only being celebrated. The Christians in the West celebrate the birth of Jesus every year but is the way they live their life similar to what Jesus taught them?
Days went by and the world of Islam rose and fell amidst various political crises that in the end gave rise to mazhab (school of thoughts). Shia that used to be a political mazhab metamorphosed into a religious mazhab consisting of various streams of thought. A situation where politics was shaped by Islam faded away and was replaced by one where Islam was shaped by politics. Consequently, religious comprehension was built on political blocks rather than having Islam emblazoned the political thinking pattern. Thus, competition over power took place fueled by political agenda with Islamic elements embedded into it. In the end, the Muslim society disintegrated and went separate ways to embrace the different political agenda.
In Egypt, the Shia Fatimiyyah faction had once held the authoritative position. Various religious programs were implemented confined within their political school of thought that converted into a religion. A range of religious celebrations were performed with the intention to achieve certain political goals.
It is stated in Fatwa al-Azhar that Muslim scholars have no knowledge of anyone pioneering the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) other than the Shi’a Fatimiyyah regime that celebrated it in a big scale in Egypt. They also celebrated the birthday of prominent figures among Ahlil Bayt (the Prophet’s descendants) and that of Prophet Isa a.s. In the year 488H, the celebration was discontinued by their Caliph al-Musta’la Billah but it was revived by certain governments in certain states. And that’s how the history goes.
Yes, I feel that it is proper to demonstrate the grateful feeling one has over the historical birth of the Prophet s.a.w accompanied by the spirit to follow his teachings. However, in doing that, we must be aware of the facts presented at the beginning of this article. If the month of Rabi’ul Awwal is believed to be the month in which the Prophet s.a.w was born, it is not wrong for us to give a sermon narrating the history of his struggle and the principles of Islam he brought forth in this month or other month. It is similar to our tendency to reminisce the history of a historical site when we pass through it. However, we shall not be among the ‘seasonal rejoicers’ who only remember the Prophet and his teachings in certain days and seemingly forget about him after that.
At the same time, we must be conscious of the fact that we shall not add on to his teachings without his permission if we aspire to follow him. The Prophet s.a.w said:
“He who innovates things in our affairs (Islam) for which there is no valid origins then these are to be rejected.” (Reported by Muslim)
Because he had never taught us any specific ibadah (act of worship) to be performed to commemorate his birthday be it specific solat, fasting or recitation, then we are not allowed to introduce it. The path that we shall follow in this matter is the path of his companions. The Prophet s.a.w said:
“… verily the People of Israel disintegrated into 72 factions and my followers will disintegrate into 73 factions. All of them will be in Hell except for one group.” The companions asked, “Which group is that O Allah’s Apostle?” He answered, “The group that follows the path that I and my companions are on.” (Reported by al-Tirmizi, ranked as sahih by al-Diya al-maqdisi)
Bear in mind that among the factors that contribute to the uniqueness of the history of the Prophet s.a.w is that it is possible to differentiate between the genuine facts and the add-ons. This is different from the history of the founders of other religion in this world in that almost all of their historical accounts are based on postulations or hearsays. The field of hadith provided the means to filter the sanad (chain of narrators) and the matan (text of a hadith) that made it possible to preserve the historical facts of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. We only follow the authentic history and not the fabricated history.
Al-Sayyid Sulaiman al-Nadwi stated:
“Verily, the history that is worth adhered to by humankind to be used as righteous examples and exalted archetypes must first have tarikhiyyah (historical) quality. As for the history that is founded on mythical and nonsensical stories lacking of supporting narrations with trusted authenticity, human nature refuses to be influenced by fabricated personal life history while the books of history never knew of his existence.” (Sulaiman al-Nadwi, al-Risalah al-Muhammadiyyah, pg. 41, Saudi: al-Dar al-Sa`udiyyah).
The book named Maulid al-Barzanji that is being widely recited by our community during festivities or similar events has provided us with some benefits. A significant number of authentic historical accounts were recorded by its author Ja’far bin Hasan bin ‘Abd al-Karim al-Barzanji (deceased in 1187H). However, when analyzed using the method of the field of hadith, it is found that there are a number of invalid facts included in the al-Barzanji book. This is a reality about the book that cannot be denied. Among the claims are, he stated:
“In the night the Prophet s.a.w was born, Asiah (the Paharaoh’s wife who was a Believer) and Maryam (the mother of Prophet Isa a.s.) were present and they were among the female dwellers of Heaven.”
There is no authentic narration reported from the Prophet s.a.w that confirms such event. As stated by a historian named Muhammad Muhammad Hasan Syurrab:
“It is our duty to be judicious in extracting facts from historical books especially the later editions. In most cases, the narrators included add-ons in the Prophet’s narrations and life history. They associated him with miraculous and extraordinary elements since his birth right until his death. Those elements are lacking reliable sanad. By adding on supernatural elements, it was as if the narrators tried to assign the Prophet s.a.w with miraculous attributes that the prophets before him did not have.” (Muhammad Muhammad Hasan Syurrab, Fi Usul Tarikh al-`Arab al-Islami, pg. 84, Damsyik, Dar al-Qalam).
We are thankful of and delighted over the birth of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Nevertheless, we must determine the correct way of following and comprehending his teachings. Year after year, various groups of people celebrated Mawlid. But, are the Muslims getting closer to him year after year?
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