Dr. Mohammad Fayez Al Bataineh is now working as an assistant professor in the Telecommunications Engineering Department at Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Jordan.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The cooling shade of Allah
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
Those seven, who get sheltered under the shade of Allah, on the Day of Judgment, when no other shade is available, are the ones who win the pleasure of Allah, through their righteous life. They are those whom Allah chooses for His special blessing and mercy. The first of the ones mentioned in the above hadith, is a just ruler: Justice, from the Qur’anic point of view, is central to the very design and order, underlying God's creative fiat, as also in the ultimate reckoning on the Day of Judgment. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: The principle of justice is directly derived from God’s very order and law of the universe. Its importance is repeatedly stated in various verses of the Qur’an, for example: From the Islamic point of view, maintaining justice ought to be the prime concern of a ruler. This is particularly because justice is what gives legitimacy to his title, as well as to the authority he holds. For example, if the ruler shows favoritism to his own family - disregarding others – he is answerable before Allah. Another example is if he violates the principle of justice in the distribution of wealth or resources, to the detriment of the poor and the destitute. The temptation to show nepotism and enjoy undue privileges can be predominant in a ruler, since he wields power and is protected by the forces. But he should remember that Allah is ever watching the way he misuses authority. And so, Allah will give shelter to the ruler who does not swerve from justice against all odds, on the Day of Judgment. The second person to get the shelter of Allah, is a youngster who grew up worshipping Allah (swt): This points first of all, to the urgency that parents should take particular care to see that their children are given proper instruction and training, in becoming good Muslims. Secondly, the youngsters should understand that they have to observe the teachings of Islam in their lives. They should guard Allah in their hearts, be punctual in prayer and fasting. They might be subject to many temptations, towards the outwardly attractive - but inwardly corrupting – fads and fashions of the world. As for those youngsters, who are keen on worshipping Allah, they will be particular to avoid such pitfalls and to lead a life of virtue and devotion to Allah. The third person to get the shelter of Allah, is a man whose heart is attached to mosques: For a Muslim, the first and foremost duty is towards his God; and consequently al-salah (formal prayers) becomes the anchor of his life. The five daily prayers are twenty seven times more rewarded when observed in congregation rather than individually. Naturally, the mosque has to occupy a central position among the institutions connected to a Muslim’s day-to-day activities. For this reason, a pious Muslim is one whose heart is closely attached to the mosques; and Allah will reward such a person with His shelter on the Day of Judgment. Fourth in the list, are two persons (Muslims) who loved each other for the sake of Allah (swt), got together and departed on this basis: Allah says in the Qur’an that He has created humans and jinn only to worship Him. This means that the whole life of a person should be spent in the worship and service of Allah. A Muslim will see that he does not do anything that is opposed to Allah’s commandments; rather he will see that all his activities are directed towards Allah, done for the pleasure of Allah and done fully abiding by His injunctions in the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet (pbuh). From this point of view, the whole life of a Muslim can be regarded as a way of worshiping Allah. So, a Muslim may love another for the sake of Allah; and may meet and part from another, also for the sake of Allah. Thus, the true servants of Allah are keen on seeing that all their activities are God-directed and Allah assuredly promises to give them shelter on the Day of Judgment. Fifth in the list, is a man who was called upon (to sin) by a woman of high status and beauty, but turned down her offer, by saying that he is a man who fears Allah (swt): Human life on earth is surrounded by all kinds of enticements towards sin. The duty of a Muslim is to keep away from that by a strict adherence to the injunctions in the Qur’an and the instructions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Islam not only prohibits adultery, but it closes all the doors leading to it. Adultery cuts the roots of the social fabric, by undermining the value of decent family life. Family is the foundation of the society; and when the family structure rots, the moral fabric of the society is eroded. In fact, this has happened in many “civilized” societies, where family values are not respected. The saying of the Prophet indicates the importance a Muslim should attach to keeping pure - in mind, body and spirit - regarding sexual relations. Those who guard their chastity and virtue will be given shelter by Allah on the Day of Judgment. Sixth, is a person who gave charity in such secrecy, that even his left hand did not know what his right hand gave: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that a person’s actions are judged on the basis of his intentions. Take the case of a person who gives charity aiming at getting the admiration of the world. He gets what he aims at, that is publicity; but he does not get reward from Allah. This is because at the time of giving charity, that objective was simply not there. Allah accepts good deeds, which are done sincerely, seeking His pleasure. If a person’s objective in doing a deed is not the pleasure of Allah, but fame or prestige in this world, how can he expect reward from Allah? For this reason, one who gives charity secretly because his purpose is not publicity at all, but Allah’s pleasure, gets the due reward; and Allah gives him His shelter. Seventh, is a person who thought of Allah (swt) in solitude, so his eyes welled with tears: To think of Allah in solitude and out of love sheds tears, this happens only in the case of a person with real taqwa (piety). Such a person thinks much of his Creator and his indebtedness to Him. His heart is filled with gratitude to the All-Merciful Lord of the universe, while he is afraid to be lax in his duty towards his God. Such a person is truly sincere in his duty towards Allah and gets His shelter on the Day of Judgment, when no other shelter is available. May Allah bless us to be among those who get His special shelter on the Day of Judgment! |  |
| | |
Explanation of the Hadeeth "The Seven under the Shade of Allah"
The Prophet(SAW) said: “There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: ‘I fear Allah’, a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
In this beautiful Hadeeth, the Prophet(SAW) spoke about small acts of worship which result in such a huge reward: shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade. This may not seem like much at first but then reflect upon the following Hadeeth: “On the Day of Resurrection, the sun would draw so close to the people that there would be left a distance of only one mile. The people will be submerged in perspiration according to their deeds, some up to their ankles, some up to their knees, some up to the waist and some would have the bridle of perspiration and, while saying this, the Messenger of Allah put his hand towards his mouth.” Narrated by al Miqdaad ibn Aswad and collected in Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans) vol.4, p.1487-8, no. 6852}.
And in another Hadeeth, some will be submerged in sweat “seventy arm-lengths in the earth.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
So who would want more then, on this Day, than to be under the Shade and protection of Allah (SWT). Let us examine now the characteristics and virtues of these seven categories of people who will be worthy of such an exalted position on the Day of Gathering.
1. “A Just Ruler...” The concept of Justice in Islam is very important and it is something which the Muslim - Ruler and the ruled - must apply in all matters without exception. Justice means to give each the right he deserves: Muslim or non-Muslim, relative or stranger, friend or enemy. Allah says: “...And do not let hatred cause you to act unjustly, that is nearer to piety" [Al-Maa’idah: 8]
Unfortunately, even if we admit this in theory, we quickly forget it in practice. So we find that when we speak about our friends and loved ones, we praise them beyond reason and when we speak about those whom we hold difference with, we can find no good in them and we just capitalize on their bad points. This is far removed from the justice which Allah loves and gives great reward for, as mentioned in the following Hadeeth: “The doers of justice will be on thrones of light at Allah’s Right Hand - and both of Allah’s Hands are Right Hands" - those who were just in their Ruling, with their families and in all that over which they were given authority [Muslim].
The Prophet(SAW) assigning to Abdullah ibn Mas'ud the open spaces in Medina between the dwellings and palm gardens of the Ansar, and when the Banu Abd ibn Zuhrah said, "Remove from us the son of Umm Abd (Ibn Mas'ud)," replying, "Why then did Allah send me. Allah does not bless a people among whom a weak man is not given his right." [Tirmidhi]
The concept of justice is most important for the Ruler, since he is in charge of his people and the primary disposer of justice in the land. For this reason, the Ruler is given special mention as one of the seven who will be honoured with Allah’s Shade.
2. “A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah...” The great scholar, Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d.131H) said, “From the success of a youth is that Allah guides him to a scholar of the Sunnah.”
Indeed, it is a great blessing from Allah for a youth h be guided towards worship and be befriended by the righteous, since it is in youth that a person is most vulnerable to the temptations of life and liable to drift away from the Islamic Path. This becomes apparent when we look at society around us and we see that most of the worldly distractions, such as music, games, clubs, fashion etc. are all specifically targeted at the young. “You’re only young once!” they are told, which is why many Muslims nowadays waste their youth thinking that they will pray, wear hijaab and go on Hajj, etc. when they are old, as if they have a guarantee of longevity from Allah! How well we would do to heed the Prophet’s advice when he said: “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied and your life before your death.” [al-Haakim]
3. “A man whose heart is attached to the mosques...” There is great encouragement in the Sunnah for men to pray in the mosques and the reward associated with it is tremendous. Not only does it make the person eligible for Allah’s Shade on the day of Judgement, but, “he does not take a step [towards the mosque except that because of it, he is raised by one rank and one sin is removed from him. Then when he prays, the Angels do not cease supplicating for him [for] as long as he remains at his place of Prayer [sayings]: O Allah send blessings upon him, O Allah have mercy upon him...” [Bukhari]
It must be emphasized here however, that all the Hadeeth encouraging the men to be attached to the mosques are not intended to lead one to the conclusion that Islam is a Religion which should be confined to the mosques, as many people imagine. Nonetheless, the mosque should be at the heart of the Muslim community, and the role of those in authority of the mosques is vital here. They are the ones mainly responsible for making the mosque a welcome refuge for the Muslims, rather than an arena for politics and power struggles as many seem to have become these days. And we seek Allah’s refuge from this!
4. “Two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that....” Having mutual love for the sake of Allah is one of the great doors leading to the good of the Hereafter and a cause of tasting the sweetness of Iman in this world. Loving one another for Allah’s sake means that the Muslim does not love another except for the correctness of his Deen. So it does not matter what the person looks like, what he wears, how rich or poor he is, where he comes from, or what the colour of his skin is - perhaps you dislike everything about him, but you love him for his Iman: this is loving for Allah’s sake.
“Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent says: “Those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory will have pillars of light and will be envied the Prophets and martyrs.” [Tirmidhee & Musnad Ahmad]
SubhanAllah! Imagine being envied by Allah’s chosen Messengers and those who were slain in His Path! Such is the reward of those who love one another for Allah’s sake.
5. “A man who is called by a woman of beauty and position but he says: ‘I fear Allah...” This world is full of temptations which lead to burning in the Fire and amongst them is that which comes from women. Many a man has led his soul into destruction on account of the lure of a woman which is why the Prophet warned his Ummah specifically about this. He said, “The world is sweet and green and verily Allah is going to install you as successors upon it in order to see how you act. So avoid the allurement of women: verily the first trial for the Children of Israa’eel was caused by women.” [Muslim]
The most important provision which we need to protect ourselves from this and all other temptations in life is the fear (khawf) of Allah. This fact is alluded to in the following Qur'aanic Aayah: “And as for him who feared standing before his Lord and restrained himself from impure evil desires, verily Paradise will be his abode.” [Surah an- Naazi’aat (79):40 1].
6. “A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity...” This describes the type of person who goes to great lengths to protect himself from ar-Riyaa. Ar-Riyaa means to do deeds in order to earn the praise and recognition of people. This sin destroys all the benefits that lie in righteous deeds and brings on a serious punishment for the one who commits it. It is particularly dangerous because it is in man’s nature to desire and enjoy the praise of others. Thus, great care has to be token to ensure that one’s intentions begin and remain pure whenever good actions (such as charity) are being done. Not like what we see today where we have mosque loudspeakers, notice boards announcing who gave what to whom, why and when! Allah warns: “O you who believe! Do not render vain your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men and he does not believe in Allah nor in the Last Day.” [al-Baqarah (2):264] May Allah preserve us from this!
7. “...A man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” Our noble Prophet informed us: “If you knew what l knew, you would laugh little and weep much.” [Bukhari]
Crying is not a a sign of weakness. The Prophet(SAW), who was the best of all creation, would weep as would all of his Companions. Tears are a genuine expression of fear of Allah’s Punishment and of our sincere love and awe of Him. But how often do we remember Allah in seclusion and are then moved to tears? How much do we laugh and how little do we weep? The Prophet(SAW) said, “There is nothing more beloved to Allah than two drops and two marks: A tear shed due to fear of Allah, and a drop of blood spilled in the path of Allah. And as for the two marks, then a mark caused in the path of Allah, and a mark caused by fulfilling one of the duties made obligatory by Allah..” [Tirmidhee & Mishkaat]
Alhamdulillaah, through these seven types of people mentioned in the Hadeeth, we have been given clear signposts of the way to attain Allah’s pleasure and satisfaction. So dear brothers and sisters in Iman, devote yourself to being one amongst those seven, for indeed fortunate will be those who are granted Allah’s Shade on the Day when there will be no shade but His.
