So be calm, O Aisha!

“There is nothing that has gentleness in it except that it is beautified, and there is nothing that has harshness in it except that it makes it ugly. So be calm, O Aisha!”

The above words were spoken by our beloved Messenger ﷺ to his wife, `A’isha radi allahu `anha (may Allah be please with her). A group of people had passed by the Prophet ﷺ and our Mother `A’isha, and said to him: “As-sa’amu `alaykum” (death be upon you).”  It was a wordplay on “As-salaamu `alaykum (peace be upon you)”, with the intent of ridiculing the Prophet ﷺ. `A’isha (ra) became so angry that she rose up and began yelling at them that death should be upon them, and the curse of God, and so on.

At this, the Prophet ﷺ turned towards her, and spoke these words, telling her to calm down, and not to lose her composure, even in the face of personal insult. This man, our Messenger ﷺ, was the pillar of tranquility in an ocean of chaos.

When we examine ourselves today, especially those among us who are students of religious knowledge or believers striving to better ourselves, a tragic observation can often be made: Religiosity often turns people into jerks.

Many have witnessed this story: A young man or woman who used to be friendly, well-mannered, who treated people well, sadly turns into someone who shows mild annoyance upon meeting people who follow a different religious opinion. He shows anger when presented with arguments against his or her own point of view. Finally, he or she begins to pronounce judgment against others—pronouncing minor differences in opinion as proofs of disbelief.

When told to calm down, to stop being judgmental—the response comes in one of many flavors:

• “Brother, I am enjoining the good and forbidding the evil!”
• “We are defending the Sunnah!”
• “When people are harsh against the Sunnah, we will be harsh in defending it!”

And so on.

Over what kinds of issues? Not the serious lack of counseling services in the community. Not the difficulty that our youth are having in protecting their faith from intellectual attack. Not the issues of domestic abuse, poverty, family breakups or homelessness afflicting non-Muslims and Muslims around us.

But the length of our pants and whether or not they are above our ankles, the lengths of our beards, etc. Perhaps one’s adherence or lack thereof to a group or organization. What we think about pseudo-philosophical concepts about the essence of God’s attributes.  Such meanness and harshness occurs not over what is physically affecting people, but over a disagreement between opinions in our minds. Over varying textual interpretations that result in different legal opinions or a creedal points unknown to the majority of the world’s Muslims.

Why does this happen to us when almost nothing is more important in our religion than the subjugation of our egos to the Power and Oneness of God?

The Remedy

“Islam takes us and throws us so we fall totally in love with The Creator. Yet, somehow some of us turn it into a way to look down upon the creation.”

This happens because somewhere along the line in striving to love God, the ego—the innermost part of our soul which continuously wishes to be glorified and exalted over others—made our religiosity a means of doing just that. The religion exists to crush the ego, and enslave it towards the worship of its Creator.

When we say AllahuAkbar (God is the Greatest), the true meaning of this, when one explores Arabic grammar, is “God is the Greatest Above All Things”—including our loves, our hates, our desires, our weaknesses, our dreams, our hopes, our very essences. Success in reaching our desires is only through His permission, and the power to overcome our weaknesses is only through His Mercy. This phrase is formulated to remind us of Allah’s greatness over ourselves and over every element of our lives. It acknowledges the overwhelming power that is Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He).

On the ego’s path to enslavement and the realization of recognizing Allah (swt) alone as the sole object of adoration and love, our ego sought a way out so it would not have to undergo such tribulation and destruction; so that it would not have to give up its position as the one that is praised and feels valued.

That ego essentially hijacks the religiosity of the individual and takes it on a detour. What is that detour? Rather than letting Islam be Islam and allowing the soul to get lost in the wonders of Allah’s power, the limitless nature of His love, the magnanimous breadth of His Mercy, the immeasurable depth of His knowledge, the care and affection that He showers upon His creation—the ego detours the soul into LOVING ITSELF.
When the soul begins to love itself, it becomes dissatisfied with not only God, but with God’s creation. It sees its own knowledge, opinion, and worldview as superior to all others. In order to maintain its false notion of being humble, it will even fake humility to those on the outside: “I’m nobody, I’m not knowledgeable”—while secretly harboring contempt for all those who follow different opinions or ideas about Islam. It is easy to recognize this tendency in ourselves. It happens when our religious discourse, our religious speech, and our religious vocabulary become less about loving God, adoring his Messenger ﷺ, bettering ourselves and more about creedal disagreements, legal fine points, and how one group is bad or another is good.

When religion becomes more about how one person does not practice the way that pleases us  (even if we are correct in expressing the opinion of orthodox Islam) than about how we can please God, the religion has essentially turned into a tool to make us feel better about ourselves.
This does not mean we should turn off legitimate criticism in religious discourse. Enjoining the good and forbidding evil means that we must take an active interest in our communities, and in striving to develop our communities and our religious practices in a way that is healthy, natural, and allows Muslims from all backgrounds to be included and non-Muslims to feel welcome.

Rather, it is time we examine our deeper motives and feelings when we criticize and put forth negativity: “Am I criticizing and putting forth negativity because my criticism and the way I am putting it forth will actively help to prevent harm and bring benefit? Or am I criticizing to ridicule, make myself feel better, and make others see me as superior?”

Answering this question correctly and being sincere is the difference between the religious jerk and a servant of God.

10 Golden Islamic Quotes For A  Muslim

1) When you see a person who has been given more than you in money and beauty, look to those, who have been given less.

2) A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation.

3) It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is, better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words.

4) The best richness is the richness of the soul.

5) Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind.

6) He is not of us who is not affectionate to the little ones, and does not respect the old; and he is not of us, who does not order which is lawful, and prohibits that which is unlawful.

7) Much silence and a good disposition, there are no two things better than these.

8) Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.

9) The best of the houses is the house where an orphan gets love and kindness.

10) To overcome evil with good is good, to resist evil by evil is evil.

10 Ways To Live Islam Daily

1) Purify your intentions and remember that you wish to seek the pleasure of Allah:  Sincerity in all we do is a commandment of Allah  says:

قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ  لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ۖ وَبِذَ‌ٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

“Say, ‘Indeed my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first (among you) of the Muslims.” (Surah al-An’aam, 6:162,163).
Allah says :

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَهُ الدِّينَ   أَلَا لِلَّهِ الدِّينُ الْخَالِصُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَا إِلَى اللَّهِ زُلْفَىٰ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي مَا هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي مَنْ هُوَ كَاذِبٌ كَفَّارٌ

“So worship Allah (alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only, (and not to show-off and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:2-3).
Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Deeds without sincerity are like a traveler who carries in his water-jug dirt. The carrying of it burdens him and it brings no benefit.”

2) Seek Allah’s help through du’a:  Allah has told His Messenger (SAW) that He is close and answers the supplication of any servant who calls to Him. He said:

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

“When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them), I respond to the prayer of every supplicant when he calleth on Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186).

3) Do not procrastinate: It is easier for one to put off a goal until tomorrow so that one can rationalize not disciplining oneself today. How often have we said, “Insha’Allah, I will make a change tomorrow” but never actually get around to doing it? One of the early scholars said, “Beware of procrastinating. It is the greatest of the soldiers of Shaytaan.” Do not make half-hearted promises – you are fooling no one but yourself. Carry out your resolutions with zeal and optimism.

4) Take baby steps and set realistic goals in our zeal: We often chart ambitious plans only to be discouraged when we cannot sustain our efforts. Remember that no good deed is to small  Rasulullah (SAW) was asked, “Which deed is most beloved to Allah?” He said, “The one that is continuous, even if it is little.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Small changes work a great deal better than giant leaps, so don’t bite off more than you can chew. Start out with small deeds and you that you can accomplish easily and consistently before moving on to more challenging ones. This will motivate you and make you feel more successful. Insha’Allah, you will find that over time, you will have made a big difference.

5) Build a good support system:  Ibn Hazm said, “Anyone who criticizes you cares about your friendship. Anyone who makes light of your faults cares nothing about you.” It is said that reminders benefit the believers, so surround yourselves with good companions who will give you sincere advice and who will support you with your resolutions. Avoid those who will chip away at your self-esteem or who will tempt you away from your resolutions. Bear in mind what, ‘Ali (RA)  said: “Mix with the noble people, you become one of them; and keep away from evil people to protect yourself from their evils.”

6) Tract your progress and be consistent: Write down your goals – hang this list up on the wall, keep it in your notebook, fold in into your wallet or stick it in your locker. You can even keep a log or journal of how you are doing – start a weblong even! Be honest with yourself and recheck your goals. The idea is not to slacker. Indeed, when Rasulullah (SAW) did something, he kept it up. (Muslim). Take a look at the Hadit in which Allah says: “………’My slave keeps drawing nearer to me with naafil (supererogatory) deeds until I love him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The phrase maa yazaalu (“keeps drawing near)” gives the impression of continuity.

7) Avoid burnout:  It is inevitable that we sometimes feel as if our iman has hit rock bottom or that we lack the spirit to continue in our striving. Rasulullah (SAW) said, “Iman wears out in one’s heart, just as the dress wears out (becomes thin). Therefore, ask Allah to renew iman in your hearts.” (At-Tabarani). Continuing to do acts of worship and good deeds does not mean one exhausts oneself to breaking point. We continue with the obligatory acts. When we have the energy and inclination, we strive to do more and when we do not, we do as much as we can. Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection” (Sahih al-Bukhari) According to another report, Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Be moderate, and you will reach what you want.” (Sahih al-Bukhar).

8) Seek inspiration: The best sources of inspiration are in the mighty Qur’an, Rasulullah (SAW), his companions, the pious predecessors and the scholars. Amir ibn Abdullah who was once asked, “How can you tolerate being awake all night, and thirsty in the intense heat of the day?” He replied, “Is it anything more than postponing the food of the day to nighttime, and the sleep of the night to daytime? This is not a big matter.” When the night came, he would say, “Remembrance of the heat of hell fire has taken sleepiness from me.” And he would not sleep until dawn.

9) Do a variety of acts of worship:  Allah in His Infinite Mercy has blessed us with a variety of acts of worship to do ,some are physical such as prayer; some are financial such as Zakah and sadaqa; some are spoken such as du’aa and dhikr. Perhaps the wisdom behind this provision is that it addresses the different inclinations and abilities of the people. Some people may enjoy some kinds of worship more than others. Indeed, Allah has made gates of Paradise according to the different types of worship. Abu Hurairah (RA) says Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Whoever spends on a pair for the sake of Allah will be called from the gates of Paradise, ‘O slave of Allah, this is good.’ Whoever is one of the people of prayer will be called from the gate of prayer. Whoever is one of the people of jihad will be called from the gate of jihad. Whoever is one of the people of fasting will be called from the gate of al Rayyan. Whoever is one of the people of charity will be called from the gate of charity.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

10) Do not waste even a minute: As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of deeds one can do. There may be days when one is busy with chores, work or commitments to family and friends. This does not mean that one does not have time to incorporate one’s resolution to live Islam daily. One can make dhikr while cooking, one can memorize a du’aa while waiting for the bus, one can listen to an Islamic lecture when driving home from work….. the list goes on. The bottom line? Do what you can when you can.

A sweet convert(Christianity to Islam) story : Accepted Islam at age 13

As Salaamu Alikam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu,I embraced Islam at 13 years of age, with very little knowledge and the help of Internet friends.

At the age of 11 I began to question the Christian Faith as I studied more in my Catholic Primary school, I was a very curious child and asked many questions which lead me to get detentions, suspensions and nearly to be expelled because I asked the Nuns and Priests many questions which the could never answer and returned my questions with forms of punishment.

Having my questions on Christianity resulting in punishment lead me to believe that it was not the true religion, so I started to seek out different religions to find the one that is true.I studied a vast amount of religions, some of the religions were weird or worshipped the devil and in the end I came down to two religions; Islam and Judaism. As I studied Judaism further I realized you need to be born a Jew to be a Jew and there was no such thing as conversion. So this showed me that it was not the true religion and I went towards Islam.

I searched for Internet friends who were Muslim so I could learn more and how the people of Islam were like, which eventually lead to saying the Shahadah at 13 years old but without any witnesses.I had no idea how to pray but I prayed the parts I knew of Salaat, I tried to fast in Ramadan which was very hard since when my Mother told my father I had embraced Islam he was very angry and everyday for me became a living hell. I was beaten, thrown and put through windows in my father’s attempt to get me to renounce Islam he hated Muslims very dearly and could not stand that his daughter had become a Muslim.I hated living in my home because I was constantly abused and yelled at and when my mother went to work that abuse became worse, my siblings were scared and tried everything they could to stop my father from hurting me. Eventually I lied and said I had left Islam to Hinduism which my father was pleased with and so was his family but I still hid the fact I was still a Muslim, I still tried to pray but one day my father caught me praying and realised I had lied… He was so angry he wouldn’t talk to me for a month.

After a few years I decided to meet up with a Muslim friend I had made on the internet and when my father became aware of this he went out of control, he grabbed me and strangled me but Alhamdillah I escaped, as I ran towards the door but I didn’t make it out of the house he took me and put me through the fly wire door window and threw me into my bedroom. I had many bruises and had broken my toe which later on he told people I had harmed myself to make him look like a bad father.I was stuck in this house and even though child protection services had been called on numerous occasions they did nothing, in Eid ul-Fitr I ran into a Muslim sister who took my number and invited me for Eid celebrations which mother let me attend, I met many Muslims who are now my dearest friends. That day was the first day I had met true practicing Muslims and I learnt many things.A few days after meeting these sister’s my father came into my bedroom while I watched a Bollywood film and started abusing me about Islam and why I was a Muslim.I was confused I didn’t know what I had done wrong to make him angry this time, he went to hit me but for the first time every, I defended myself; I threw the TV remote at him but not at his face. He was so shocked and then eventually after his brief moment of silence he told me to Leave Islam and you can stay and live with us, choose Islam then get the F…. out of my house. I got up, packed my bags with my Hijab’s and Quran and school books and told him Alright I will leave and as I walked out of the house my siblings tried to stop me while they were crying, I didn’t want to leave them but I didn’t want to leave my religion. My mother kept telling me that things will change and she had been telling me so for the last three years since I had embraced Islam so I knew things wouldn’t change they’d just stay the same.I called the sister who I met in the shopping centre’s mother in law who picked me up and took me to another sister’s house where I lived with her for 3 months. I learned how to pray properly, how to eat the Sunnah way and many more things, I then moved into another sister’s house where I lived there for two weeks and her mother then invited me into her home and I payed rent for a room in her house.

I few weeks went by and the sister I was living with wanted to attend the Taleem of a Taabligh Jamaat group and I went along with her, as being a revert the sisters wanted to know my story and I told them.This is where I met my mother in law, the Jamaat was in her house and she heard my story and fell in love with me, after the Taabligh Jamaat left her house she told her son about me and he was interested but wanted me to observe niqab. My mother in law contacted the first sister I lived with and asked if I was interested which I was since I felt alone with no family. My husband and I emailed each other for two weeks to get to know each other and then we finally met with his mother present. I was so shy and nervous I laughed nearly the whole time we were together, we talked and then my mother in law asked if we liked each other and we said we did, so she decided we’d marry the next day after Magrib. My husband and I were both shocked as it was so quick but the sooner is the better and it’s a Sunnah.

The next day in early morning the sister in Islam who is now one of my best friends took me out to buy my wedding dress, it hadn’t hit me yet that I was getting married at Magrib time. Her son kept saying you’re not getting married your too young who’d marry you, you’re smelly.Her son became like a brother to me and he was sad that I was getting married and he wasn’t going to see me as often.As we were in the car driving to my mother in laws house I started to cry from happiness and from being nervous… I hadn’t told my parents of this marriage yet. And I knew it would come in a result of more hatred towards Islam and me.We did the Nikkah after Magrib and ate, my husband wanted to see me and all the sisters pushed me out of the room into the hallway to meet my husband but I hadn’t washed my hands yet from eating. My husband went to take my hand in salaams but I lifted my hand up and told him it’s dirty and he laughed. After I had clean hands we sat and talked and also sat in silence where I observed he hadn’t cut his toe nails for our wedding night.

After 1 year and 1 month I gave birth to my baby boy who we named Abdulmalik, he weighed 4.3kgs and barely fitted in the normal newborn clothes. He is my joy and since being kicked out of home and disowned my life became a thousand times better for Allah swt had given me a great reward for being patience in the 3 years of abuse for not renouncing Islam.My father is still angry but the rest of my family are a lot better, we talk as much as possible but I have not seen them for 1 year and 4 months. My father doesn’t want to acknowledge he has a son in law or a grandson. I hope Allah swt gives my family hidaya. Inshallah

Ameen to your duas Sister,,

all i want to say “When Guidance from Allah swt comes,Age is not matter to see and accept the truth”

Have you ever wondered about the advantages of eating less beyond the realm of losing weight?

Yes, eating lesser can change your life in many ways besides making you look better. This includes:

Eat Less to Remain Younger

Dietary choices that include less calorie intake are beneficial for our hormones. This is particularly applicable to easting less of fried and cholesterol-laden foods that tend to impact the sexual and reproductive hormones. Many of these hormones are responsible for providing us vigor and vitality, enhancing our youthful appearance. With lesser energy resources directed towards digesting food and removing toxins, the cells have more time to carry-out essential repair work. This means the skin can be protected against aging caused by free radicals. This also works towards faster regeneration of new, tighter tissues and slower aging of the skin. Thus, by eating less you have a greater chance towards looking younger for a longer time.

Counterpoint: Eat more to gain less

Eat Less to Become More Energetic

Eating lesser food means that your body is supplied with limited calorie intake. The body needs to carefully process every bit of morsel that you consume. The digestion is directed at maximizing nutrient absorption and minimal storage of unwanted calories as fat. Thus, along with lesser fat deposition, your entire metabolic rate is raised. This is reflected in your quality of daily life. You are bound to feel more energetic throughout the day, be more alert, able to think clearer and have a renewed zeal towards completing the day’s chores.

Eat Less to Become Smarter

Medical researchers across the world have repeatedly proven a direct relation between eating lesser and improving the brain’s performance. This includes the cognitive abilities and overall IQ. In fact, limited dietary intake to sharpen the mind has been practiced in many cultures that existed thousands of years ago. This concept still holds true. It has been established that eating smaller portions and at regular intervals rather than having heavy meals is more likely to raise your ability to learn and memorize with ease.

Slideshow: How Indian spices contribute to a healthy life

Eat Less to Stay Disease-free

You might not realize this but a lot of diseases are the result of inflammations within the body. This means they are caused without an external cause like an infection. This happens when the body is unable to get rid of the toxins found in food. This kind of toxin retention is more likely to happen when we eat more. The digestive system functions like a systematic process that includes passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract and participation of many organs. When this system is stressed, the movement of digested food is fastened. This doesn’t allow the body to properly filter-out the toxins. This is how toxins are released back into the bloodstream, inducing diseases. This is a direct threat to our body’s immune power and makes us more susceptible to developing diseases without any discernible cause.

Eat Less to Become a Progressive Citizen

From a lifestyle perspective, eating less has innumerable advantages. Firstly, by eating lesser you are essentially making daily savings. Just think about the amount of money you spend upon eating outdoors and the rising cost of daily foods, including common vegetables and fruits. Secondly, eating less means you are directly contributing towards reducing your carbon footprints. This refers to your green quotient or how eco-friendly you are. By eating lesser, you are reducing your dependency on the environment to feed you. This is the most genuine way of becoming a global green citizen.

THE LIFE OF ABU BAKR. R.A

Abu Bakr is known by all Muslims as the first Caliph, or successor, to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). His
Caliphate was marked by subjugating a massive revolt (The Wars of Apostasy) within the Arabian
Peninsula, and incursion into the Roman (Byzantine) and Persian (Sassanid) Empires.
His real name was Abdullah Abi Qahafa. Abu Bakr (Father of the Lively Camel) was actually his nickname.
He was about the same age as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and they were best friends, before and after
the message of Islam came.
This friendship was strengthened and exemplified when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married Abu
Bakr’s daughter Aisha.
Once, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked who he loved most of all people. The Prophet (pbuh)
replied that he loved his wife Aisha the most. Then he was asked, who amongst the men and he replied:
“Her father.”
Abu Bakr was a merchant by trade and the chief of the Bani Tamim clan. He was also a renowned
genealogist and an interpreter of dreams.
Abu Bakr was the first free, adult male to accept Islam. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once said that
everyone who was presented with Islam took some time to think it over before finally converting.
However, Abu Bakr was the only person who accepted Islam immediately without hesitation.
After accepting Islam, life became difficult for Abu Bakr. Like many of the other early Muslims, he was
subjected to persecution. Unlike some of the other companions, Abu Bakr’s clan was rather small and
weak. Although his family protected him as much as they could, they were not powerful enough to stop
all of the abuse.
The persecution eventually led Abu Bakr to decide to make Hijrah (migration) to the Abyssinian Empire
(Ethiopia) which several other early Muslims had also done. As he was preparing to leave Mecca, he met
one of the chiefs of Mecca name Abu Daghinah.
Abu Daghinah was shocked to hear the Abu Bakr was being forced to leave his home. So he offered him
his protection if he decided to stay in Mecca. Abu Bakr accepted his offer and it became known that he
had the chief’s protection.
This situation didn’t last long. Abu Bakr used to pray out in the open in his courtyard where everyone
could see him. And when he prayed, he usually cried. This spectacle irritated the Quraish as it caused
their women and children to stop and stare at him.
Eventually, Abu Daghinah asked Abu Bakr to pray in his home instead of outside. Abu Bakr refused and
gave back his offer of protection.
Perhaps the most outstanding trait of Abu Bakr was his desire to spread the message of Islam. He was
responsible for buying the freedom of many slaves who had accepted Islam. The most famous of these
was Bilal Ibn Rabah who was being tortured for becoming Muslim.
Abu Bakr also spread the message of Islam amongst the merchant class in Mecca. Several important
companions of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) became Muslim through Abu Bakr’s propagation. These
include:
• Uthman Ibn Affan
• Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas
• Abdur Rahman Ibn Auf
• Zubair Ibn Al-Awwam
• Talha Ibn Ubaidullah
When the time came to make the Hijrah to Medina, Abu Bakr was one of the last to leave. He wanted to
wait until the Prophet made the Hijrah and was happy to join him in the trip.
Soon after Abu Bakr and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) fled Mecca, a party of the Quraish came after
them. Along the way, Abu Bakr and the prophet hid in a cave while the Quraish were looking for them.
At one point, the Quraish came so close to the cave, that Abu Bakr later commented that if they had
only looked down, they would have found them.
In Medina, Abu Bakr proved his loyalty many times. He took part in all of the battles that Prophet
Muhammad took part in. Abu Bakr was a key figure in just about every major event during this period.
• He partook in the Battle of Badr.
• He partook in the Battle of Uhud.
• He witnessed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
• He partook in the Battle of Mecca and Tabook.
When the Muslims conquered Mecca, the Prophet (pbuh) forgave all of the Quraish who at one point
used to fight and persecute the Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) took the pledge of allegiance from the
men of Mecca, while Abu Bakr to the pledge from the women of Mecca.
When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took ill just before his death, he appointed Abu Bakr to lead the
prayer. Abu Bakr’s daughter Aisha tried to get Umar Ibn Khattab to lead instead as she thought her
father was too emotional.
But when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) found out, he became upset and insisted that Abu Bakr lead
instead.
After Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) returned to Allah, Abu Bakr was chosen as the Caliph (successor). The
story of his appointment as Caliph and the events that happened during his reign will be covered in the
next article, Inshallah.

Pollutions

Environmental Pollution

According to scientists, environmental pollution is among the most serious problems facing humanity today. This is especially significant since the adverse effect of environmental pollution affects people directly, yet they often do not even realize it. For example, people breathe air that is heavily polluted with nitrogen dioxide given off by cars, planes and factories which causes severe respiratory problems. Yet while breathing it, they do not realize what harm they have caused to themselves. If the exposure to the pollution was minimal, over time the immune system will clear the body of the harmful effects of the pollution. However, if the exposure is excessive, it may overpower the immune system or even kill it, eventually resulting in one's death.

SPIRITUAL POLLUTION

Just as pollution of the physical environment — air, water, soil, etc. — causes severe harm to one's physical self, pollution of the social or spiritual environment with anti-Imaan elements is bound to harm one's Imaan. If the exposure to such environments is excessive, it could paralyse one's Imaan or even destroy it – Allah I forbid. It is thus vitally important that one remains in an environment that is not polluted by anti–Imaan elements. The environment in terms of this discussion is made up by what is in one's surroundings and who is there. For instance, if one is in a Musjid and among pious people, the environment is clean. On the contrary if one is in a casino, rave club or immoral party, etc., and among people who are devoid of Deen, the environment is totally polluted.

The importance of being in the correct environment is clearly highlighted in the Qur'an and Sunnah. In surah Bani Israeel Allah I declares: "Say (O Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam) everyone acts according to his own way." The commentators have explained this to mean that a person acts according to what has become his second nature due to the circumstances and due to the habits and customs of those he lives with (which is not always the correct way). From this verse Imaam Abu Bakr Al-Jassas (R.A) has highlighted the importance of refraining from evil surroundings and bad company since one's surroundings and company will dictate what one does.

SWEET SCENT

In a beautiful parable Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has emphasised the effects of one's surroundings and company. Allah`s messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam declares: "The example of a good companion and an evil companion is similar to that of a musk-seller and a blacksmith. The musk-seller will either give you some musk, or you may buy some from him or (if he does not give you nor do you buy) you will at least get the sweet scent of musk (by being in his presence). As for the blacksmith, he will either burn your clothes (if a spark flies out of his fire when he blows into it to kindle it) or at the least you will smell the bad odours" (Mishkaat). The lesson is that one cannot escape the effects of one's company and surroundings, whether positive or negative.

SABR AND SACRIFICE

Taking pains to remain in a pollution free environment can result in one's forgiveness. In a well-known narration it is reported that a person of the previous nations committed one hundred murders. He decided to repent and went to some learned people for advice. They informed him that there was nothing that can deprive him from forgiveness if he repents sincerely. However, he was told to leave the place where he lived since it was a place of evil people and migrate to another town where the people were pious. He immediately left for the other town but passed away en-route. Since he was found to be closer to the intended place of pious people, he was forgiven (Mishkaat). It was surely a major sacrifice for this person to leave his place and migrate elsewhere. Yet the sabr (patience) he undertook in distancing himself from the environment polluted by vice earned him the forgiveness of Allah Ta'ala. Thus at times sacrifices of convenience, pleasure and even wealth may become necessary to stay away from sinful surroundings.

TSUNAMI

The danger and harm of being in evil surroundings, despite not having any intention of engaging in evil or sin, is clearly understood from another narration. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have said: "An army (prior to Qiyamah) will march towards the Ka`bah to destroy it. When they reach an open field, every one of them will be swallowed into the ground." "Why will everyone be swallowed in to the earth whereas some among them were merely traders or were there for some other purpose (i.e. Their intention for being among them was not to march against the Ka`bah)?" enquired the Sahabah (R.A). Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam replied: "They will all be swallowed in to the earth. Thereafter on the day of judgment they will be resurrected according to their intentions." The message is clear. When a calamity befalls the evildoers, those in the surroundings will also be washed away by the tsunami of the wrath of Allah I. It is therefore obvious that one must totally refrain from places where vices are openly perpetrated.

HOLIDAY RESORTS

Among the common surroundings which are heavily polluted with vice are the main beachfront areas, holiday resorts and other such places, especially during the holiday seasons. People dressed in a few scraps of cloth, who can only be described as naked, pack such places. Drunken hoards will be roam about all over the place. Illicit and immoral activities are the norm. "Beach events" which are gatherings of pure fitna add to the severe pollution. It would be a miracle if one can leave from such places with one's Imaan unaffected.

WORST PLACE

Another generally very polluted environment is the market place. While this applies to any business area, the intensity of the pollution in modern-day shopping malls is far greater. The pollution of these places is evident from the Hadith of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam wherein he declared: "The most beloved of all places on the earth to Allah I are the Masaajid and the most detested of all places on the earth to Allah I are the bazaars" (Mishkaat).

The thought will naturally come to mind that one has to go to the shopping centres for one's necessities. How can this be reconciled with the Hadith above? The answer can be easily understood from the following example. Supposing there are some toxic fumes in the atmosphere or thick smog all around town. However, one needs to urgently buy bread for one's family. What will one do? Any sane person will take every precaution before venturing out. Depending on the severity of the situation, he will perhaps even wear a mask or at least hold a handkerchief over his nose and mouth. The route taken will be the shortest. The necessities will be bought as quickly as possible. Even if it is at a higher price around the corner compared to the shopping mall, one will most likely opt to pay little more rather than remain exposed to the thick smog for a longer time. Upon returning he will wash his eyes and face to rid himself from the effects of the smog. A sane person will certainly not go "bargain hunting" while breathing toxic fumes. He will also not walk about casually "just to look around."

DISINFECT

Nowadays the bazaars are choking with the toxic fumes of nudity, immoral and illicit activity and a host of other vices. One who has to venture into the bazaars either to conduct his business or buy his necessities will take every possible precaution. He will perhaps even perform two rakaats of nafil Salaah and beg Allah I to protect him from the toxic fumes. The bare minimum will be that he will earnestly make dua in his heart and seek refuge with Allah I. While going about completing the task as quickly as possible, his tongue and heart will be engaged in the zikr of Allah I. His eyes will be fixed to the ground lest any toxic particles affect his sight and heart. As soon as the work is done, he will rush out, earnestly engaged in istighfaar (seeking Allah I forgiveness) and thereby disinfect himself from the effects of the exposure. Thus one will obviously not venture into bazaars, fairs, fetes and the like to be "entertained" or "hunt for bargains". The pollution of the intermingling of men and women and other vices will surely harm one's Imaan.

EATING OUT

Another polluted environment is often found at many popular eating-out venues. For one little ice-cream or meal, one is exposed to the harmful radiation of an environment that can cause cancer to one's Imaan. Will one expose one's physical self to cancer causing radiation from a nuclear fallout? The radiation of a sinful environment is far worse.

The above are just some examples that can be extended to many other situations. Of vital importance is to become very health conscious — mainly of one's Imaani health. The door of repentance in the court of Allah I is open. It is time to repent and remain in pollution free environments all the time. May Allah I enable us to do so. Aameen