In the Noble Quran there are NO connections between spirituality, beards and long robes. The Quran gives us NO reasons to presume that our Prophet Muhammad (S) wore a long untrimmed beard. When it instructs believers to follow the Prophet, it does not refer to the physical appearance of the Prophet. Instead, the reference is to the Prophet's exemplary character. Yet, every Muslim cleric considers it mandatory to carry that 'exclusive priestly look' which many of them find a lot more important than righteous conduct.
Have you ever thought how this notion infiltrated into Islam after the death of the Prophet? Well, it was picked up by the 9th and 10th century Hadith writers directly from the orthodox Jewish and Christian traditions with plenty of evidence.
Christian concepts
The Bible states "You will not deface the figure of your beard." (Leviticus 19:27)
The exact nature of disfiguring the edges of the beard is debated by Christian "scholars." Some believe it forbade shaping the beard into a round or square shape that was popular in some ancient countries. The 'modern-orthodox' Christian perspective on beard is a bit more flexible saying that it is better for a man to have a beard than not to have one.
The following are a few (out of many) early Christian attitudes on men growing beards.
Sayings of St. Clement of Alxandria (c.195, E), 2.271, 2.275 and 2.276:
"The hair of the chin showed him to be a man."
"How womanly it is for one who is a man to comb himself and shave himself with a razor, for the sake of fine effect, and to arrange his hair at the mirror, shave his cheeks, pluck hairs out of them, and smooth them!…For God wished women to be smooth and to rejoice in their locks alone growing spontaneously, as a horse in his mane. But He adorned man like the lions, with a beard, and endowed him as an attribute of manhood, with a hairy chest--a sign of strength and rule."
"This, then, is the mark of the man, the beard. By this, he is seen to be a man. It is older than Eve. It is the token of the superior nature….It is therefore unholy to desecrate the symbol of manhood, hairiness.”
Saying of St. Cyprian 5.553 (Leviticus 19:27) "The beard must not be plucked. You will not deface the figure of your beard'."
Words of Apostolic Constitutions - 4th century collection of books on Christian discipline:
"Men may not destroy the hair of their beards and unnaturally change the form of a man. For the Law says, “You will not deface your beards.” For God the Creator has made this decent for women, but has determined that it is unsuitable for men." Apostolic Constitutions (compiled c.390, E) 7.392. (1)
Jewish concepts
According to the orthodox Jewish culture, a Jewish man must grow a beard and payot (long hair at the temples). Throughout history the Jews have honored the beard as a mark of manhood. To this day, the orthodox Jews have little respect for clean-shaven men. During periods of mourning, the ancient Jews allowed their beards to go untrimmed. The practice was dervied from the notion of avoiding doing anything which could possibly result in a transgression of God’s commandments to the Jews. In that respect, religious Jews are precluded from cutting any hair growing around the jawbone.
Hadith concepts (unauthentic)
Rasulullah (SallAllรขhu Alayhi Wasallam) said "Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." - Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501
Rasulullah (SallAllรขhu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allรขh" - Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrabi
Narrated ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard" (Sahih al Bukhari)
Abu Hurayrah " reported that the ruler of Yemen, appointed by the Persian emperor Kisra, sent two envoys to the Messenger !. When they came into his presence, he noticed that they had shaved their beards and let their moustaches grow big. Hating their ugly appearance, he turned his face away and said, “Woe be to you, who told you to do so?” (Fiqh us-Sirah by al-Ghazali p. 359)]
The resemblance between the ideology of the false Hadith writers and that of the Jews and Christians is striking. One would literally need to be a retard not to observe it.
The Noble Quran
In stark contrast to all of the above, the Glorious Quran NEVER mentions a single word about the significance of beard in relation to one's Faith, ethics and conduct. In fact, God Almighty has firmly told the Muslims not to follow the practices of the Jews and Christians, implying only to adhere to the laws of the Quran.
"And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper." Noble Quran, Surah 2:120
"A party of the followers of the Book desire that they should lead you astray, and they lead not astray but themselves, and they do not perceive." Noble Quran, Surah 3:69
But despite the warnings in the Quran, our Muslim "scholars" / clerics to their own great risk have decided to accept and practice the teachings of the altered Jewish and Christian Bibles.
There's a verse in the Quran that describes a conversation between Moses and his brother, Aaron (peace be on them), after Moses returned to his people with the Ten Commandments and saw that they had reverted to idolatry which made him furious. The verse quotes Aaron as saying: "O son of my mother! Clutch not my beard nor my head!" (20:94). The 'ulemas' and Hadith adherents attempt to use this verse as a 'proof' that it is necessary for all prophets and men to grow beards. It doesn't require much intelligence to perceive that this concept is totally incorrect. The Quran does not, anywhere, associate Aaron's beard with his spirituality. Aaron's beard was either in keeping with the common social culture of that era or perhaps his personal choice. To think otherwise would be nothing beyond a conjecture or a blind guess only for the purpose of supporting the Hadith narrations.
We know for a fact that during the medieval era and earlier, it was a common social culture for men to grow beards .. more common than it is today. Even polytheists and atheists had beards. Very likely, Abu Lahab had a beard too. In fact, polytheist priests among Hindus and all Sikhs grow long beards uptil now.
As we have seen, there are numerous Ahadith stating the importance of beard in all sorts of strange ways. Some go to the extent of mentioning that men who don't grow beards will go to Hell. Different sects and scholars have varying opinions on growing, shortening and shaving the beards. The Shafis, Malikis, Hanafis and Hanibalis, all uphold their own detailed brands of nonsense. According to some beard is "obligatory" and shaving it is "haram." According to others it is "sunnah." Yet others say it is "mustahab" (preferred). The first opinion that says it is "obligatory" is the most popular one.
Conclusion
There are two points to remember.
(1) First, we have found absolutely no evidence from any other source except the highly controversial Hadith plagiarised from the altered Old and New Testaments that the Prophet Muhammad (S) ever even had a beard, let alone confirming its length. The Quran mentions NOTHING about the Prophet having a beard and neither does it instruct anyone to grow a beard in connection with piety. This notion among the Hadith traditionalists and story tellers about the Prophet having a long beard (which has even acquired the title of "Sunnah beard") is a similar fantasy as the illusionary image of Jesus (son of Virgin Mary) created by Westerners having blue eyes, blond hair and white skin.
(2) Secondly, even if the Prophet (S) did wear a beard, that would surely be his personal choice which is fine. But again, the Quran does not instruct anyone to immitate the Prophet's outward appearance. The Quran commands only to copy the Prophet's character - his compassion, kindness, sense of justice, perseverence (taqwa), humility etc. It's awfully unfortunate that majority of the Muslims today couldn't be bothered to acquire these great attributes of the Prophet (S) and instead they only waste time on unnecessary issues like beard, miswak, khimar and other irrelevant aspects invented by the imams.
Have you ever thought how this notion infiltrated into Islam after the death of the Prophet? Well, it was picked up by the 9th and 10th century Hadith writers directly from the orthodox Jewish and Christian traditions with plenty of evidence.
Christian concepts
The Bible states "You will not deface the figure of your beard." (Leviticus 19:27)
The exact nature of disfiguring the edges of the beard is debated by Christian "scholars." Some believe it forbade shaping the beard into a round or square shape that was popular in some ancient countries. The 'modern-orthodox' Christian perspective on beard is a bit more flexible saying that it is better for a man to have a beard than not to have one.
The following are a few (out of many) early Christian attitudes on men growing beards.
Sayings of St. Clement of Alxandria (c.195, E), 2.271, 2.275 and 2.276:
"The hair of the chin showed him to be a man."
"How womanly it is for one who is a man to comb himself and shave himself with a razor, for the sake of fine effect, and to arrange his hair at the mirror, shave his cheeks, pluck hairs out of them, and smooth them!…For God wished women to be smooth and to rejoice in their locks alone growing spontaneously, as a horse in his mane. But He adorned man like the lions, with a beard, and endowed him as an attribute of manhood, with a hairy chest--a sign of strength and rule."
"This, then, is the mark of the man, the beard. By this, he is seen to be a man. It is older than Eve. It is the token of the superior nature….It is therefore unholy to desecrate the symbol of manhood, hairiness.”
Saying of St. Cyprian 5.553 (Leviticus 19:27) "The beard must not be plucked. You will not deface the figure of your beard'."
Words of Apostolic Constitutions - 4th century collection of books on Christian discipline:
"Men may not destroy the hair of their beards and unnaturally change the form of a man. For the Law says, “You will not deface your beards.” For God the Creator has made this decent for women, but has determined that it is unsuitable for men." Apostolic Constitutions (compiled c.390, E) 7.392. (1)
Jewish concepts
According to the orthodox Jewish culture, a Jewish man must grow a beard and payot (long hair at the temples). Throughout history the Jews have honored the beard as a mark of manhood. To this day, the orthodox Jews have little respect for clean-shaven men. During periods of mourning, the ancient Jews allowed their beards to go untrimmed. The practice was dervied from the notion of avoiding doing anything which could possibly result in a transgression of God’s commandments to the Jews. In that respect, religious Jews are precluded from cutting any hair growing around the jawbone.
Hadith concepts (unauthentic)
Rasulullah (SallAllรขhu Alayhi Wasallam) said "Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." - Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501
Rasulullah (SallAllรขhu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allรขh" - Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrabi
Narrated ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard" (Sahih al Bukhari)
Abu Hurayrah " reported that the ruler of Yemen, appointed by the Persian emperor Kisra, sent two envoys to the Messenger !. When they came into his presence, he noticed that they had shaved their beards and let their moustaches grow big. Hating their ugly appearance, he turned his face away and said, “Woe be to you, who told you to do so?” (Fiqh us-Sirah by al-Ghazali p. 359)]
The resemblance between the ideology of the false Hadith writers and that of the Jews and Christians is striking. One would literally need to be a retard not to observe it.
The Noble Quran
In stark contrast to all of the above, the Glorious Quran NEVER mentions a single word about the significance of beard in relation to one's Faith, ethics and conduct. In fact, God Almighty has firmly told the Muslims not to follow the practices of the Jews and Christians, implying only to adhere to the laws of the Quran.
"And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper." Noble Quran, Surah 2:120
"A party of the followers of the Book desire that they should lead you astray, and they lead not astray but themselves, and they do not perceive." Noble Quran, Surah 3:69
But despite the warnings in the Quran, our Muslim "scholars" / clerics to their own great risk have decided to accept and practice the teachings of the altered Jewish and Christian Bibles.
There's a verse in the Quran that describes a conversation between Moses and his brother, Aaron (peace be on them), after Moses returned to his people with the Ten Commandments and saw that they had reverted to idolatry which made him furious. The verse quotes Aaron as saying: "O son of my mother! Clutch not my beard nor my head!" (20:94). The 'ulemas' and Hadith adherents attempt to use this verse as a 'proof' that it is necessary for all prophets and men to grow beards. It doesn't require much intelligence to perceive that this concept is totally incorrect. The Quran does not, anywhere, associate Aaron's beard with his spirituality. Aaron's beard was either in keeping with the common social culture of that era or perhaps his personal choice. To think otherwise would be nothing beyond a conjecture or a blind guess only for the purpose of supporting the Hadith narrations.
We know for a fact that during the medieval era and earlier, it was a common social culture for men to grow beards .. more common than it is today. Even polytheists and atheists had beards. Very likely, Abu Lahab had a beard too. In fact, polytheist priests among Hindus and all Sikhs grow long beards uptil now.
As we have seen, there are numerous Ahadith stating the importance of beard in all sorts of strange ways. Some go to the extent of mentioning that men who don't grow beards will go to Hell. Different sects and scholars have varying opinions on growing, shortening and shaving the beards. The Shafis, Malikis, Hanafis and Hanibalis, all uphold their own detailed brands of nonsense. According to some beard is "obligatory" and shaving it is "haram." According to others it is "sunnah." Yet others say it is "mustahab" (preferred). The first opinion that says it is "obligatory" is the most popular one.
Conclusion
There are two points to remember.
(1) First, we have found absolutely no evidence from any other source except the highly controversial Hadith plagiarised from the altered Old and New Testaments that the Prophet Muhammad (S) ever even had a beard, let alone confirming its length. The Quran mentions NOTHING about the Prophet having a beard and neither does it instruct anyone to grow a beard in connection with piety. This notion among the Hadith traditionalists and story tellers about the Prophet having a long beard (which has even acquired the title of "Sunnah beard") is a similar fantasy as the illusionary image of Jesus (son of Virgin Mary) created by Westerners having blue eyes, blond hair and white skin.
(2) Secondly, even if the Prophet (S) did wear a beard, that would surely be his personal choice which is fine. But again, the Quran does not instruct anyone to immitate the Prophet's outward appearance. The Quran commands only to copy the Prophet's character - his compassion, kindness, sense of justice, perseverence (taqwa), humility etc. It's awfully unfortunate that majority of the Muslims today couldn't be bothered to acquire these great attributes of the Prophet (S) and instead they only waste time on unnecessary issues like beard, miswak, khimar and other irrelevant aspects invented by the imams.
Importance of the Beard in the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam):
ReplyDelete(1) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said "I have no connection with one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing eg. in grief or affication."
- Reported by Abu Darda (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501
(2) The teachings of Hadhrat Ammar Bin Yaasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Sayyidina Umar, Abu Hurairah and Jaabir (R.A.), indicate that ALL used to keep beards that were one fist length or more. Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A.) had said: "We used to grow long beards and only during Hajj and Umrah did we trim them to the required length (i.e. fist length)."
(3) Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) relates that: "He who imitates the kuffar (non-believers) and dies in that state, he will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiyamat (Judgement)."
(4) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) says: "Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard flow (Grow)."
- Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 498
(5) "Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered us to trim the moustache closely and spare the beard" says Ibn Umar.
- Muslim, Hadith no. 449
(6) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)said: "Act against contrary to the polythesists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard."
- Reported by Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 500
(7) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said "Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard."
- Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501
(8) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allah"
- Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrani
(9) Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of the beard.
- Tirmidhi
These are all false narrations on beard. Totally senseless. The beloved Prophet (S) never said such stuff because they don't at all comply with the Noble Quran. These are the views of the medieval imams, not the Prophet's (S).
ReplyDeleteMoreover, please don't use Hadith to prove your point. That would be useless for my blog because Hadith is the very thing which I consider to be a fraud. It's like using a thief as a witness to prove his own so-called innocence.
Salaam sister zainab
ReplyDeletePlease provide a link to your method of salah. I am struggling to a Quran only salah method. Sorry for trolling thus post but I couldn't find a working reply box anywhere else ๐
My email dantaylor114@gmail.com
@Danny. Walaikum Salam. Link for the method of salah in the Noble Quran:
Deletehttp://zainabslounge.blogspot.ca/2015/06/the-noble-quran-teaches-method-of.html
Also at Muslim Villa:
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=2302.0
Jzk sister I read this but apart from the 4 steps it doesn't say how to start, when to recite fatiha, how many Rakats in each salah and how to end etc etc
DeleteAppreciate the quick response.
Salam again Danny.
DeleteThose 4 steps .. rather those 4 points .. simply must be included in salah. The method, that is, how you arrange those 4 steps is subjective. However, you may stick to the traditional method we're following at present, that's not a problem. I quote Sister Zeynab from the link I gave.
Quote:
The above points make up the complete basic, mandatory method of salaat. Anything else one might add by considering it to be compatible with Quranic principles is up to the individual.
Unquote:
In a nutshell, this answers your query. How to plan a rakat, or when to recite the Fatiha, or how many times to perform ruku (bowing) or sajood (prostration) etc. are matters that can differ from person to person just as long as one's intent is grounded on Monotheism and the 4 steps stated in the Quran are implemented in salah (prayer).
Obviously the Prophet (pbuh) initiated the method of salah as he deemed right and as the Messenger of Allah Almighty, he (the Prophet) had the authority to decide that.
However, it's very likely that during the centuries that followed after the passing of the Prophet (pbuh) which have been so full of interpolations mainly because of Hadith and the practices of a horde of phony jurists, that they did change certain methods of salah compared to the method originally demonstrated by the Prophet (pbuh). That is something we'll never know. Only Allah Almighty would know it. But there's no need to dwell on that at the moment. The method of salat we're following today is okay. There's nothing in it that violates any Quranic rules or principles. That's the only thing we need to be careful about. So it's best to simply move ahead instead of worrying over something we cannot prove.
Jzk sister. That makes sense to me. I'm assuming that tashadud, durood etc, Salaams at the end are left out in Quran salah.
DeleteOn reading your post again " The method of salat we're following today is okay. There's nothing in it that violates any Quranic rules or principles."
DeleteDo you mean I am OK performing the normal sunni salah and I will be OK?? Or should I omit or add certain other things to keep it in line with Quranic compliance?
Sorry for all the questions I am desperate to find a proper Quranic salah.
Salam sister zainab
ReplyDeletePlease provide me with your method if salah. I am struggling to find a Quran only salah method anywhere.
Do forgive me for trolling this post but I couldn't find a working reply box and decided to use the first one that I found working.
Jzk sister
One more thing sister Heba.
ReplyDeleteDoes the salah need to be performed in arabic or language of understanding??
@Danny. Your questions are welcomed. No need to feel sorry.
DeleteYou're right. Tashahud, durood and some other duas we often recite are not in the Quran. However, like I said, what's important is to understand the words of those duas and as long as they're compatible with Quranic values, it's okay to recite them in salah. And yes, for learners who don't know Arabic, they can offer salah in English or whatever is their first language. In this case and in keeping with the 4 Quranic points to be implemented, memorize the English translations of Fatiha and the Quranic Surahs or Ayats you recite in your salah after Fatiha. Alongside, also make efforts to memorize in Arabic. As time goes by, you won't find it as difficult as it may seem now. The Arabic Quranic contents are the original Words of The Almighty and are particularly comforting. However, the Quran also makes it quite clear that salah (prayer) must not be ritualistic recited like a parrot without following what one is reciting. That would be quite useless. And from that view point, it's fine (particularly for starters) to recite in English.
Answering your last question, quote: "Do you mean I am OK performing the normal sunni salah and I will be OK?? Or should I omit or add certain other things to keep it in line with Quranic compliance?"
I'll take the second part of your question first: Yes, if you're reading the Quran regularly (I mean a reliable English translation such as by Pickthall or Haleem), you are entitled to selfilessly perceive & reflect on the Quran and omit or add whatever you truly consider not in compliance or in compliance with Quranic rules, principles or values. I'm aware majority of our mainstream Muslim jurists won't agree with what I say. But personally I ignore them for nothing is above the Words of Allah. Moreover, every believer has the right to access the Quran directly. Eventually on the Day of the Tryst, we will have to answer to HIM, not to the jurists.
Coming to the first part of your question: As you may have already observed in our forum as well as this blog, we aren't into sectarianism, an ideology that glaringly clashes with Quranic commandments/values. There are certain differences between Sunni and Shiia salah which are superficial and irrelevant. Not just that, but there are petty differences between the method of salah within the various Sunni madhabs themselves - Hanafis, Shafis, Malakis, Hanibalis - you may have heard of these terms. These are different Sunni schools with plenty of extra-Quranic information that have opened the doors to interpolations into Islam known as "bidah" in Arabic. Just ignore them and focus on the Quran. Also, let me tell you, if you discuss my suggestions with the imam or shiekh of your community masjid, they will almost certainly reject my advise and stamp me as a "deviant." Of course that doesn't bother me one bit. I'm only focused on pleasing Allah. Neither am I saying not to discuss anything with them. Needless to say, feel free to talk to anyone you wish. But let not their furious rejection of my views surprise you. At the end of the day, it boils down to the Truth that cannot be erased. We are obligated only and only to the Quran. If we're following the Quran selflessly in accordance to what we conscientiously perceive, we have nothing to fear even if we silently disagree with the mainstream over various issues who are presently wrapped up in a load of unauthentic stuff in the name of "traditions." Indeed that's unfortunate. Most traditions only misguide the human mind. If traditions were enough for human guidance, perhaps Allah would not send us the Quran as traditions already existed prior to Islam. But true and righteous guidance only comes from the Quran and thus Allah confirmed His Final Message as the "Sole Criterion."
Many thanks Sister Heba. Alhumdulilah.
ReplyDeleteSalaams and hi Danny. If at any time you want to learn in Arabic, you can learn from transliteration, that is, Arabic Quranic Verses written in English alphabets at the following site.
http://transliteration.org/quran/WebSite_CD/MixPicthall/Fram2E.htm
Jzk dear sisters for taking the time out to help for the sake of Allah. ๐๐
ReplyDeleteSalaam Dear sisters
ReplyDeleteI found this website that seems quite good.
http://free-minds.org/god-alone
Salaam
Explore it by all means but be careful brother. I was there for a year until I realized it wasn't quite the right place so I quit. Few of Free Minds interpretations are okay but largely they're the other extreme. As you get to know them, you may find many bizarre concepts floating around as acceptable. For example, they believe in fasting for 10 or 12 days not 30, they view Paradise as a state of mind not a reality, they don't believe Prophet (pbuh) was not an orphan nor the final Messenger etc. etc. etc.,, concepts that are flatly against the Quran but they try to manipulate their favorite concoctions as "Quran alone." In other words, using the Quran to give leverage to whatever they want to believe. Same tactic as Hadith followers do, using Hadith by forging the name of the Prophet (pbuh).
DeleteI'm not sure if FMs has now changed for the better. I hope they have. But my past experience with them a decade ago was scary to say the least.
*correction .. they don't believe Prophet (pbuh) was an orphan .....
DeleteSorry for the typo error.
Yes I read their God alone Web page and didn't feel right at all. It felt like they were making huge assumptions when comparing their interpretations with abdel haleem.
DeleteI recently came across this website which actually started me off on this path. http://www.quran-islam.org/home_(P1).html
Although some of the brother's interpretations seem sound I found a few off ones but he does generally seem quite well read.
For me I think the salah is paramount. I was trying to pray every single rakat in all 5 prayers like a robot and completely knackering myself out with no spiritual benefit at all. This really worried me becayse I always believed one has to worship till they drop literallt me because that's what Allah wants us to do.
Then after farther reading about non benefits of salaat I found an Arab scholar opinion that if salah is not working or this this and he had a list of around 23-30 different "negative effects of sin" and on them unacceptance of salah was one. So of I go to find causes for the unacceptance of salah and negative effects of sin it cannot tell you how depressing the reading was, which took be back to a state of "I need to give up the duniya and be in sujood 24/7" now here I am confused as heck thinking after all the salah I've out in is it possible that Allah (astagfirullah) might be testing me or letting me wander off blindly in the dark.
At the moment sabr is all I have. ๐
Does anyone have any references to eid Al adha in the Quran? By name or by purpose??
ReplyDeleteJzk
Salam again brother. Sacrificing an animal is one of the final steps of Hajj. It's not called "Eid al-Adha" in the Quran and it reflects Prophet Abraham's commitment to Allah. The purpose also denotes charity. It's not supposed to be a celebration. From reading the Quran I clearly sense that it's only for those who are performing Hajj. But as you would know, traditionally it's taken as a general practice for all in a celebratory spirit. In my personal opinion, if one is not performing Hajj, then they need not sacrifice an animal. However, since charity is always a good gesture, from that perspective it's okay but must be done solely for the purpose of charity distributing the sacrificial meat to the poor & needy, not for preparing a sumptuous dinner for well-to-do relatives & friends. Alternatively, one can also donate to the poor in cash, whatever one can afford.
DeleteSimilarly, Eid-al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan is also not a Quranic practice. It comes purely from Hadith.
We had a detailed discussion on the celebration of 2 Eids at MV. I'll look for it InshAllah, and then put up the link.
Sabr is all you need brother :)
ReplyDeleteSabr and contentment are the two indispensable aspects that help to strengthen and understand Faith. There's no such thing as "non-benefits" of salah or "non-benefits" of any form of worship of Allah which He has enjoined upon us. What we view as "non-benefits" are the consequences of our own lack of perseverance.
Offering salah is not like purchasing a commodity from a store. Unfortunately haste is inherent of humans. If one wants something in life, they offer salah daily and then wait restlessly monitoring their life like a hawk because they have misunderstood Allah and have misunderstood their own lives. Many a times we request Allah for something that may not be the best for us. As the saying goes, often Allah's blessings lie in what He takes away from us. Allah knows, we don't. Each dua we make to Him is assessed by Him in a way that's suitable for us and the situation we are in .. and everyone's situation in life differs. Allah may grant us what we yearn for in earthly life if He views it as positive and He chooses the right time for it. Our job is to worship, follow His rules, and simply carry on with life. No need to halt, think of our endeavors and calculate the reward we think we deserve comparing it with how much we have been given. That's like interfering with something which is the responsibility of Allah only.
Whether or not we achieve everything we want in earthly world, the ultimate triumph or failure (both of which have degrees or grades) will be determined in the Hereafter without the slightest of injustice. That's for certain. Thus, without sabr we are nowhere. And sabr is the prelude to contentment, spiritual as well as practical.
(2:153) ุฅَِّู ุงَّููู ู َุนَ ุงูุตَّุงุจِุฑَِูู
Inna Allah ma as-sabireen
[Allah is with those who patiently persevere)
So true brother NTS.
DeleteGreat post brother. I understand and take in every bit of the advise. May Allah reward you for such invaluable advise. Alhamdhulillah
DeleteSalaam all
ReplyDeleteCould some one explain surah 4:3.
Having read various interpretations I cannot believe how varied they can be. It is unreal how just two lines can be the root if such dispute although it does seem like majority of "muslims" believe it is lawful to have 4 wifes.
I wish there was in the Quran that said the bulk of "muslims" are wrong. It would hive me some consolation here.
Salaam
Walaykum Salam brother Danny.
DeleteVerse 4:3 quoted below ::
"If you fear that you will not deal fairly with orphan girls, you may marry whichever [other]d women seem good to you, two, three, or four. If you fear that you cannot be equitable [to them], then marry only one, or your slave(s):e that is more likely to make you avoid bias." (4:3) Surah An-Nissa (Women).
This Verse alludes to a specific social environment in Arabia. The Surah was revealed in Medinah during the early days of Hijrah when many pre-Islamic social practices still existed that needed to be modified or changed.The Verse begins with the mention of female orphans. In some cases the male guardian were permitted to marry orphan girls who reached adulthood, if until then they were still unprotected, that is, weren't married off or couldn't live independently for lack of their own financial resources. Such girls were often vulnerable. Some of their guardians who married them treated them according to their whims as they had no family/financial protection. These men are told not to marry orphan girls, instead to marry "other" women (which means free women) up to a maximum of four at an era when the number of wives could be unlimited. However, four wives is stated as a provision, not a compulsion, for men with certain mindsets to discourage the practice of adultery. The Verse then highlights the aspect of fairness or equitability that brings still greater responsibilities in a polygamous marriage. A man must preemptively assess his capability of handling such a task and in case of any doubts of his own possible shortcomings, he should stick to a monogamous marriage. Finally the Verse hints on another social aspect when slavery was rife not only in Arabia but just about everywhere from Europe to Japan. In this era which lasted for centuries, female prisoners (who were generally widows or orphans) of war taken captive by the victorious side had the status of slaves and physical intimacy between them and man who took them captive (and was also their caretaker) was legal similar to his legally wedded wife. So the Verse mentions that if a man cannot treat more than one wife (of the free women) equally, then he should either marry only one free woman or simply stick around with the companionship of captive women who were under his care .. if at all any.
It's hard to elucidate these social issues briefly; and it's still harder for many to understand unless they study/research (from the right sources) enough to get a clear picture of the historical setup in that era. Verse 4:3 is addressed to a society where existed a very different system compared to the present. There are no slaves today, therefore the idea of having slave women / girls does not arise according to the Quranic principle itself. Legal marriage to more than one woman can however still be applicable, depending on the situation but again it's a provision not a compulsion to curb the practice of extra-marital sex.
There are various other considerations and aspects that need to be mentioned. But this post has already gotten much too lengthy (I had to divide it into two) so I'll stop here. I'm giving you some links at MV containing details on the issue of polygamous marriage (if necessary in the case of some men). Also the method of abolition of slavery as initiated by the Quran is important to know. Kindly bookmark these links and read in your own good time.
DeleteSlavery and its abolition in the light of the Quran.
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=29.msg1127#msg1127
Articulating further on that storm in a tea cup - polygamy in Islam.
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=4248.0
(At the end of this post there are 5 more relevant links)
P.S. Brother, your questions are welcomed. However, we would appreciate if you use our MV guestbook for any future queries you may have. This is a blog post dealing with a very different topic and it's getting somewhat mixed up with an amalgam of topics. We try to keep comments within the context of the main blog entry for the convenience of readers. Hope you understand. Plenty of thanks! :)
Salaam Sister thanks for the the very informative interpretation.
DeleteI'm sorry I will post all new questions on the guest book. I did a little carried away.
Sister ruhi
DeletePlease read this link. I gave see a few of these interpretations now that could be plausible.
http://www.quranicpath.com/misconceptions/polygamy_islam.html
I'll sign of from this thread after this and use the guest book. Jzk sister and Salaam.
Wa'salam. Nah brother, please don't be sorry. Asking questions is the best way of learning.
DeleteSalaam brother Danny. Sorry I missed your first message of Sept.15th ... yes Quarnic Path is a good site though you do need to discern. That brother was one of the contributors at MV. He is still a registered member but there were some significant disagreements between him and us. You may sense if you regularly read his works.
DeleteBtw, dear brother, we had to shut our Guest book temporarily as suddenly there was an influx of Islamophobes barging in with abuses & insults. We've redirected MV intro & guest comments in one of our blog entries here @ ZainabsLounge. Just visit the MV Guest-book board and you'll find the link for the detour.
Jzk sis ruhi
DeleteSo where shall I create a new post/question if I need to? I have a burning desire to understand verse 33:21 in the light of how if I am to only follow the Quran alone then what context should I take verse 33:21 as? Although I do not have faith in man's fallibility and 1400 years of statements that may or may not be true and also a number of clear verses to follow the Quran as the only source of divine law from Allah, I cannot ignore verse 33:21 and I would like any input from you or anyone else that has hit this hurdle before. Jzk and salamun Alaikum
Jzk sis(s) my other question is. Are we to ignore good advise based on hadith that might not be specified in the Quran. It's a rhetorical question because I believe the Quran to be detailed but let's say for example muhammad S said something that was good (there are quite a few in the hadith whether fabricate or true) that may not eluded to in the Quran, doesn't contradict or abrogated the Quran, is not directly affecting laws, worship etc but just a good deed for life. Are we supposed to see this as Muhammad's words, just good advise and therefore give muhammad S the credit for it. I hope you get my drift here or maybe I am making no sense at all. If yes does this mean hadith truth does exist for good deeds and not for bad (I.e muhammad S chopped off a lady's hand etc)I guess what I am trying to say is can we consider all the good in the hadith as true and all the bad as false?? Or should we simply ignore the hadith altogether because it cannot be relied upon 100%??
DeleteNot to worry brother. As Sister Ruhi mentioned, we have made a specific blog entry here only for MV guests & intros. I'm giving its direct link where you can post any question you need to ask. This link can also available at the MV Guest book.
Delete"MV Guests: Intro prior to registration / general comments:"
http://zainabslounge.blogspot.ca/2016/09/muslim-villa-guests-introduction-prior.html
Coming to the second point on Verse 33:21, that Verse and a few more similar Verses of the Quran are commonly picked by traditionalists as "evidence" of acceptance of Hadith. However, that perception is one hundred percent wrong. We have two very good posts on this very important topic with every bit of clarification. The post is titled "Does the Quran refer to follow the man-written Hadith?"
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=2888.msg8386#msg8386
The other post, a shorter one, titled "Follow the goodly pattern of Abraham (pbuh)."
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=3578.msg10973#msg10973
Also, there is another helpful article we posted at MV by Kashif Shehzada titled "Obedience to the Quraan means obedience to the Prophet." This is also a good read.
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=884.0
InshAllah, I hope the contents of these links make it easier for you. But do not hesitate to ask anything you don't follow.
Coming to your next question concerning 'good advise based on hadith' .....
DeleteI understand you brother. If you're fortunate enough to come across a hadith you feel is good, and indeed there are a few which make sense, there's nothing wrong in accepting it .. as long as you're convinced it doesn't clash with Quranic values. And if it does, it will surely atrike you as something inappropriate which again most do. In case you feel undecided or uneasy on how to view a particular hadith, seek help and discuss with anyone you trust. But at the end of the day, let the decision be yours based on the information & your knowledge of the Noble Quran. As I said, we're here to help and your questions are welcomed. We have some useful reads on this topic at MV. Below are the links:
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=520.msg1388#msg1388
Are there any good Ahadith ?
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=168.0
The reason I personally found many Ahadeeth disturbing
(The discussion thread would also help)
Jzk sis Heba for the quick replies. I will carry on reading and learning. Salaam.
DeleteSalaams br. Danny and sis Ruhi. Thanks for the question & answer on Verse 4:3. Your analysis is helpful Sister Ruhi. Can you please put this up in our Quran brief-tafsir board at MV? We don't have any discussions on V.4:3 over there, and like br. Danny I'm sure many others would also want to read a commentary on it.
ReplyDeleteWa'salam. Thanks Sis. Yeah sure I'll put it up, InshAllah. I thought we had this topic there.
DeleteI just wanted to say, since I have been on the path of the Quran I have probably read the whole Quran and some more give or take in a few weeks, which I otherwise I had not done in 17 years since reverting. My duaa to Allah to adequately reward all the sisters and brothers who have replied to my questions on this site and had the patience with me. Jzk and salamun Alaikum.
DeleteMashAllah, brother. And no need to thank us. It's our responsibility to do whatever we can to help.
DeleteTry keep the reading of the Quran continuous, that is, everyday .. I mean a good English translation .... even if it's only one page a day.
I read it every night without fail and some in the morning. There's no other book worthy reading in life.
ReplyDeleteOk I have to apologise in advance but I have another burning question. This website has a pretty detailed page on salat. One part that caught my eye was that part that talked about the 7 time oft repeated verse or surah fatiha. Their claim is that the verse that says thi verse 15:87 says that the 7 oft repeated verse should be repeated twice, therefore meaning two Rakats only per prayer. Their logic is that if you look at the Friday prayer it's still 2 x rakat coz they haven't been able to corrupt a public prayer (good logic there can't fault it). I'm posting the link to the whole salat page but the point I'm particularly interested in is point number 14. The claim is also that one translation by qaribulah states that verse 15:87 says recite the 7 oft verse in sets of two. Http://www.quranaloneislam.net/salat
Sorry for all the questions sisters and brothers. ๐
I read it under heading "14:1 “The seven in sets of two”: Sura 1 recited in two rak’ahs" in the link you provided. First of all, I'm not sure if I understand it correctly. If it means that prayer must be of 2 rakats only, by interpreting the Quranic word almathรขnรฎ” as synonymous with "sets of two," I don't think that's correct. I also don't know how they got this idea. Below I quote their translation of V.15:87 which is not in conformity with any of the reliable translations I have read including the word-by-word (grammatical) translation from Corpus Quran.
DeletePlease read below:
(15:87) We have given you the seven [verses of sura 1 recited] in sets of two [in salรขt] and the sublime Quran. (This is the translation from the website you mentioned). Compared to this, check the following translations:
"We have given you the seven oft-recited verses and the whole glorious Qur an." (15:87) Translation Abdel Haleem.
"We have given thee seven of the oft-repeated (verses) and the great Qur'an." (15:87) Translation M. M. Pickthall.
"And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur'an." (15:87) International translation.
"And certainly, We have given you seven of the oft-repeated and the Quran Great." (15:87) Word by word translation from Corpus Quran.
Here is the original Arabic in English alphabets of V.15:87.
"Walaqad ataynaka saban mina al-mathani wal-Qurana al-azima." (15:87).
Walaqad = And certainly,
ataynaka = We have given you
saban = seven
mina = of
al-mathani = the oft repeated
wal-Qurana = and the Quran
al-azima = Great.
It's mind boggling how that website brings in the interpretation of Surah Fatiha being recited in "sets of two." The Quran quite definitely conveys no such information.
Another point, just for your information .... this site mentions salah to be offered 3 times a day. I surely don't agree with that either. The website claims that to be Quranic info, but again, Quran surely asserts 5 prayer timings. I researched this a decade ago because Free Minds also claims salah 3 times a day and they misguided many though many others disagreed & ignored them. The following is the link of our post on salah 5 times a day, citing the evidence directly from the Quranic Verses.
DeleteSalat to be offered five times daily not thrice
http://zainabslounge.blogspot.ca/2010/06/salaat-to-be-offered-five-times-daily.html
Same post also @ MV
http://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=163.0
Salah to be offered 5 times, not 3
Yep I agree with you. The three salat didn't feel right at all to start with when I read it. But I will read your link.
DeleteI'm not sure how they got the dual fatiha verse. But it does kind of confuse me how when the literal translation doesn't even have "duak" or "twice" or "two sets" in it.
How did you do this??
I wish I could too.
Here is the original Arabic in English alphabets of V.15:87.
"Walaqad ataynaka saban mina al-mathani wal-Qurana al-azima." (15:87).
Walaqad = And certainly,
ataynaka = We have given you
saban = seven
mina = of
al-mathani = the oft repeated
wal-Qurana = and the Quran
al-azima = Great.
I got that from Corpus Quran ('Word by Word' in the side bar) It's a very useful site. Here's the link. I suggest save it for future reference.
Deletehttp://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=15&verse=87
Salaam br. Danny. SubhanAllah, may Allah reward you. That's an excellent practice reading the Quran daily.
ReplyDeleteLet me read that link you gave.
Yes sis Z for the last three weeks my head is constantly full of Quranic verses to the point I'm dreaming about it quite regularly now. I don't know if anyone else has experienced thus but the more you read the more you get a sort of flow of concepts like for example disbelievers have a very negative portrayal in the Quran like they are evildoers, people who lie against God, people are intentionally knowing of the truth but are deliberately either bad mounthing Allah and his prophets, the Quran etc its not just average non believers who may have heard nothing about Islam. Maybe I'm wrong but by constantly reading the Quran you definitely get a flow that enables an easier understanding of what Allah wants and expects.
DeleteAlso there Is one verse art the middle to end I can't remember the name but each line in the verse about 8 or 9 maybe have absolutely no relevance to each other but at the end of the verse it just suddenly all makes sense. It's very bizarre but very powerful you just kinda know that nothing in the book is there for the heck of it. Sorry just my two cents.
Alhumdulilah, I couldn't agree more brother. That's the miracle of HIS guidance. The more we reflect with a contrite heart, the more HE reaches out to us and guides us.
DeleteAs we've stated as title on our Islamic Issues board @ MV "The amazing beauty of the Glorious Quran is that every Ayat strikes and awakens you in a certain way, depending on what you are going through in life at that period.
On a side note I was over at islamqa.info where they call Quran only Muslims "opponents of Islam" then they go on to prove why the sunnah is true by quoting a number of hadiths ๐. Not making fun but you gotta wonder about the people who answer those questions sometimes. Nowadays they even go to the extent of saying if u don't accept muttawatir hadith then it is kufr.
ReplyDeleteAnyway begins I stray, over on Islamqa.info I found this statement which is really really sad
The Book needs the Sunnah more than the Sunnah needs the Book.
al-Bahr al-Muheet by az-Zarkashi (6/11); quoted by Ibn al-Muflih al-Hanbali in al-Aadaab ash-Shar‘iyyah (2/307) from the Taabi‘i Makhool.
LOL ,, you got it right. That's precisely the mentality. The term "Quranist" which I would take as the best compliment for myself and for all believers, is seen as a derogatory term by the mainstream. Just proves the depth of vile ignorance many of our brethren have sunk into. I had lots of arguments with such folks until a few years ago with plenty of insults hurled at me. Now I simply keep away from them. Allah guides those who make themselves worthy of His guidance. Most of our brethren are treading a very different path. Talking to them is a sheer waste of time. I can only hope they qualify for a bit of forgiveness on the Day of Judgement.
ReplyDeleteQuoting the Hadith to justify the use of other Hadiths is not only illogical but a very irritating habit. It's like one thief testifying for another thief in a court of law.
Allah Almighty tells the Prophet (pbuh) in His Final Message "Lo! thou (O Muhammad) guidest not whom thou lovest, but Allah guideth whom He will. And He is Best Aware of those who walk aright." (28:56). So, if the Prophet was not granted the privilege to guide those whom Allah had abandoned, how can we guide the ones who are as misguided as many of our brethren?
Jzk sis Z. Yep not much point in arguing, Allah guides, we don't and even if we are part of that guidance its by his will. I recently had a Shia brother call me ignorant and tried to tell me I had to accept Ali otherwise I would go to hell. No hard feelings at all for the brother but it's sad that some people are misguided it really is sad but God has his reasons and we just accept it because he is after all God.
ReplyDeleteI did however send him a list of all the verses that said no intercession do I hope Insha Allah he reads them.
Well I guess after all these questions in one day I'll probably be on everyone's block(avoid) list tomorrow
๐๐
I am sure you'll all have families and busy lives MashaAllah so I'll say jzk, salamun Alaikum, Aurevoir Insha Allah and good night.
You're absolutely welcomed brother. It's a pleasure to discuss and help one another as genuine believers. We are learning on the Noble Quran just as much from you as you're are learning from us.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately many sectarianists have that attitude you stated about the Shiia brother. Our Sunni brethren aren't trailing far behind. In fact, taking advantage as the majority, they can be still more judgementally persistent & pushy. Traditionalism is a spoiler of the soul, and the scourge of sectarianism is one of the prime aspects of traditionalism. I can quote at least 3 or 4 verses from the Noble Quran that condemn sectarianism in plain terms. Yet they don't understand. What's honestly deplorable, and unfortunately its perpetrators are more on the Sunni side (since they're the majority) are the sectarian killings & wars in Muslim countries that has broken our pan-Islamic state (Ummah) into bits .... only at the pleasure of our enemies. Alas!
InshAllah, hope to see more of you @ MV if we receive your registration. Allah bless.
Indeed I agree with you, we should pray Insha Allah that more and more sectarians are guided to the right path and the truth by the All Merciful. I believe some are there that feel the truth when you show it to then but the don't want to accept it out of fear or arrogance. BUT anyhow it's important to love and help anyone sectarian or not. Yes ๐only last night I read a verse about not creating factions which is quite serious and not a likely matter. Oh yes I didn't mean only Shia in fact my two close friend who had a major part in my reversion who I met recently is actually what prompted me to reevaluate my practises as a sunni. The various sunnah customs of blowing on food, kissing the nails, keeping a long beard, walking into a masjid and being eyeballed for dressing differently or not wearing a kufi etc etc and I still do agree for the sake of Allah it is better to assimilate sometimes and make that sacrifice whilst being humble and making the effort of brotherhood but I found I was being forced to make it and it was not out of my own will. But anyway, Alhamdhulillah life itself is quite complex as it is and being able to balance worship and duniya matters is not an easy task but sometimes I do feel the only thing that matters is worship alone without the distractions anyway I see me to be digressing now.
ReplyDeleteYes I will create a Mv registration ASAP.
Jzk sis Z and salamun Alaikum
Actually through interpolations the tale woven within some shiia communities (not all though) is that the Prophet (pbuh) appointed Imam Ali as his successor. Of course totally false. Sectarian issue has turned into a tug-of-war. Both sunnis & shiias try to be one-up to antagonize the each other. Whenever a shiia glorifies Imam Ali, a sunni will try to take a step farther to glorify Abu Bakr Siddiq or Umar bin Khattab. The shiias claim the 12 imams to be "infallible" when infallibility belongs only to Allah. The sunnis admit this, but then they fall still lower attributing perfection to those phony "sahabas" who have intentionally maligned the Prophet (pbuh) and distorted Islam by making the ugly hadith literature the face of Islam. These "sahabas" include folks like Abu Huraira, Anas bin Malik, Abu Darda etc. etc. many of whom never even saw a glimpse of the Prophet (pbuh). At least the shiia imams were pious people. But these so-called sahabas weren't even decent. Yet, raising any questions on their crazy narrations gets our hardline sunni brothers & sisters incensed just as a rabid shiia would be if you said imams aren't infallible. Though there are sensible sunnis & shiias too, unfortunately they're few.
ReplyDeleteAll 4 righteous caliphs - Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman and Ali - were pious, ethical and great people. They would indeed be shocked to see how the Ummah has messed itself with gossips & lies. As a Muslima (neither sunni nor shiia), I respect all 4 of them. But none is infallible except Allah, The Almighty, The One & Only.
Ya very well articulate dear sis
ReplyDeleteI concur with you. I quite how saw Shia brothers/sisters in a different light when I started to question my own sunni customs (although I always considered myself to be just Muslim) and perhaps that's why Allah has led me to this path, Allah knows. And your right sectarianism has torn things apart and it's not surprising because their are intelligent sunni and Shia people in my midst that are going at it tooth and nail over who is right when they have not stopped to consider both might be wrong and they need only turn to the Quran for the answer subhaanAllah it's really amazing wetching this drama unfold in front of your eyes. I beleive if Allah tunes the heart and someone is able to read the Quran with understanding regularly they can get onto the straight path. I hardly read the Quran yet I thought I knew everything about Islam because I would just look at what the prophet did and I am Alhamdhulillah quite, in fact very very overjoyed that I was able to unlock myself from that state of mind with the help and guidance of Allah and see God's true divine laws and way of life through the only Quran alone.
Honestly, it has changed my life I feel much more secure like a calmer feeling than before which was always confusion and should I do this or should I do that. Ofcourse everyday is a day of learning and Insha Allah we do enough if not more to make it to the gardens graced with flowing rivers ๐. Salaam.
Subhan'Allah, very well put brother Danny, sister Ruhi.
ReplyDeleteAllah bless.
Salaam all. If anyone can she any light on or verse in the Quran that talks about the Sahaba please do share? My Friday lecture at the masjid is 90% about the prophet S and Sahaba? Very little about Quran. Today we were told to follow in the footsteps/example of umar RA because anything he does or say the path of what he I am doing or saying has been cleared of Satan, by Allah. I don't mind listening to these lectures because they do have food morals, but they have like a 5 min long duaa just before the Friday salat where they venerate and praise all the Sahaba plus the prophets wifes and daughters etc. I am really confused as I don't if it's right to attend the lecture and veneration and praises for people other than Allah. Salaam.
ReplyDeleteWa'salam brother. I've posted your question and my response at MV at the link below titled "Sahabas in the Quran"
Deletehttp://muslimvilla.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=4654.msg16407#msg16407
As you're now signed-in, feel welcomed to discuss it there.