Wa bil Walidain e' Ehsaana

Treat your Parents with Utmost Compassion

A mother once brought her young child to a great Imam of that time, requesting him to counsel the kid to refrain from eating too much sweet as it was harming his teeth and gums. The Imam asked the mother to come back after a month. A month later when the duo arrived in the presence of the Imam, he took the child to his side, and calmly asked him not to eat too much sweets and told him some of its ill effects. The mother wondered and inquired the Imam that he could have advised these things earlier also, why asked her to wait one month for just saying a few words of wisdom. To this the Imam replied that, a month ago he too was addicted to eating sweets, and didn’t thought it appropriate to preach what he practiced not, hence asked them to wait for a month during which time he eschewed all his vices of eating sweets.

On similar notes, for many years I contemplated writing something on Respect to Parents and duties of children towards their parents. But every time a voice inside my heart would ask me, are you practicing what you would eventually write? And I would recall all the smallest of the incidents in immediate past and present, wherein I disobeyed or disrespected my parents, only to repent later silently. I do admit I haven’t yet achieved the zeniths of veneration for my parents but I am on course to achieve it to the fullest possible extent.

In between the second Sunday of May and third Sunday of June, gave me time to think are we bounded by special days as Mothers Day and Fathers Day to remember, respect and show gratitude to our parents? Why does Islam say that every day of our Life should be a Parents Day? The answer lies in the way Allah almighty has decreed upon the status unto your parents immediately after he mentions about himself, not once but as many as 11-15 times in the Holy Qur’an. Allah Says. “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] 'uff' [i.e., an expression of irritation or disapproval] and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: 'My Lord! Have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” [Quran 17:23-24]

The statement is as strong the words can be, directing the children to care for their parents, when it says you shouldn’t say even an expression of ‘uff’. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, the Jannat (Heaven) lies under the feet of a mother, and parents are your doors to Heaven. Once a man came to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and asked who amongst his relatives had more right on him or who commanded greatest respect of an individual, to which The Prophet replied, “Your Mother”, after that, “Your Mother”, after that, “Your Mother” and after that, “Your Father”, thus indicating that a mother holds as much as three times right and holds respect over her children, than the father. The reason is because it is she who nurtures the child for 9 months in her womb bearing al the pains and travails of pregnancy. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once said to followers, your entire life’s dedicated with full time service and obedience and respect to your mother you cannot repay even a second for the moment she had you in her womb during her pregnancy. Thus clarifying that you can never ever repay for the efforts your mother took to bring you in this world.

Allah has said in Qur’an, that a person who finds one or both parents in their old age and does not take proper care for them, is the biggest loser and will never ever enter Jannat, because parents are the doors for a person’s path to Jannat. Narrating an incident on similar lines Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ‘A man once on his deathbed was writhing in pain, as he was suffering from a grave disease. The situation was so appalling that neither he would come out of it nor his soul would leave his body, so as to relieve him of the agony and distress. People started enquiring about his past and came to know that he was a very pious and honest person in his life, took good care of his children, educated them, gave away charity regularly, was a devote Namazi 5 times a day and had even performed Hajj. They were puzzled as to how such a person could face such austerity at the time of his death. When someone came to know that his mother still lived in the outskirts of the city, and thought it appropriate to call her and help pray for her son’s painless death. However the mother was unrelenting, when people sought her help. She plainly declined to help or pray for her son, as he used to abuse her verbally and physically, when she became old and drove her out of their house on insistence of his wife. People realized that it was the curse of her mother that was the cause for the hardships the man was suffering. They pleaded her and finally laid down the man in front of her house. The stubborn mother tried ignoring, for sometime but her motherly heart finally melted hearing the man’s anguish. She came running out of her house and embraced her son, showering upon him the best of affection and cuddled him in her arms. The surprised man was finally able to move his lips and begged for her mercy and was able to say the Shahada. Immediately his soul left his body and he was relieved of all the pain and agony.’

Prophet Muhammad thus pointed out that no person would ever have a peaceful life or a painless death, as long he earns the wrath of his parents. And on the other hand it is the heart of a mother who would forget all the ill treatment meted out to her by her children and not bear to see them in anguish. One such story which most of us might have heard in our childhood holds stead for this case. ‘A man once lived with his widowed mother and wife. He was always derided by his wife that he loved his mother more than her. She would scold him and threaten to leave him if he did not get rid of the old lady. His mother on the other hand was happy and content in the way she was treated by them. She would ignore all the abuses and ill treatment meted to her by her daughter-in-law and sometimes even by her son, who was blinded by the love for his wife. The old lady would spend most of her time in prayers and would always respond back to them with a smile, which would annoy the man’s wife even more. Unable to stand her presence in the house, one day she thought of testing her husbands love for her. “Would you do anything for me, as you always say”, “Yes, anything, whatever you say” replied back the insane man. “Then bring me your mothers heart in a plate, tonight”, she declared after seeking his swear. Though he felt the anguish that he would feel by killing his old mother, he did not relent. The foolish and indiscreet man he was, he killed the pious mother that night in her sleep, cut open her bosom and took her heart out. As he was carrying the heart to her lady love, he tripped on the way over a stone and fell down, bruising himself. Out came a concerned voice from the mother’s heart lying on the ground, “Son! Did you hurt yourself?” So agonized he was over his act, but alas, he couldn’t repent.’

All these incidents tell us how high the reverence of parents should be in our lives, and how much distress and troubles we cause unto them, their care, concern and love for us would never subside. A man once asked Prophet Muhammad (SAW), what the difference was between parents caring for their children when young and the children in return taking care of their parents, when they are old. “Immense and Incomparable” said The Prophet (SAW) “When you are a small and helpless toddler, your parents take care of you, seeing you grow up and taking pleasure in each and every act. Every passing day is a delightful chapter not just for you but for them as well. They soak the happiness in the development of the tree they are nurturing in form of you, as an asset. However when a son takes care of his parents in their old age, he does so out of a feeling of mercy and favor. He always thinks of them as a liability upon him and feels they are helpless. A person taking care of his parents in old age sees their death as the end of his efforts, but the parents taking care of their children see the whole life and success of their wards as the end of their effort, which however never ceases, even when they become old and helpless” a clear interpretation that the two things can never be equated. Islam lays down clear guidelines on the duties of the children towards their parents and how they should obey and respect them. Allah has equated disrespect and not caring for old parents amongst the greatest of discontent in Islam. Once while climbing upon the steps of the Mimbar (Place in Masjid from where the sermon and Khutbaa is delivered), Prophet Muhammad (SAW) among three other things also said, ‘Disgraced will be that person, who finds one or both his parents in old age and does not enter paradise.’ This is because Islam has indicated that Paradise lies under the feet of your mother, and your father is the door through which you would enter the heaven.

Allah has said one look of disrespect or annoyance towards your parents, could wipe your years of prayers and good deeds, however devout you might be. In the same context one glance of deep reverence with a smile on your face for your parents, could please Allah so much so as to wipe out all your sins and pave the way for your entry in Jannat. Speaking of obedience, this incident narrates how respect for parents can reap rich rewards. Three people while traveling in ancient Arabia were caught in between a furious storm and sought shelter under small cave along way. However rains and mudslides closed the mouth of the cave with a huge stone. The three travelers were trapped in the eerie darkness without food and water and depleting supply of air. All their efforts to push open the blockage went in vain. Tired they turned to Allah and prayed for help, when one of them suggested relating one act of greatness each of the three had done in past, which would please the Almighty. The first one remembered how he had donated pounds of gold towards building a huge Masjid in his town and an orphanage, and immediately the stone at the entrance moved, but just showing a small crevice. The second one remembered how once he kept fast for 60 days and prayed day and night to please Allah. Upon this the stone again moved but only by a few inches. Then the third person related an incident when once his mother woke up in the middle of the night feeling hungry and he broke his sleep to answer to her mothers call. But when he went back to her with a glass of milk, she was asleep again, so he stood there patiently waiting upon her mother, to wake up, but didn’t thought it appropriate to arouse her or go back without attending her in person. He had not just finished with his deed, when with a loud sound the stone moved again, but this time opening the mouth completely, to let out the distraught travelers.

Allah has regarded respect to parents immediately after his worships, thus holding its reverence over and above any other good deed. None of your prayers, pilgrimage, charity and help will materialize unless you have the blessings and acceptance of your parents. Allah has said he who earns the wrath and insolence of his parents will never be pardoned and never come even near to the scent of Jannat. On the eve of Battle of Badr, when Muslims were enrolling themselves to fight for Islam, a young man came forth Prophet Muhammad (SAW) seeking his permission to fight for Allah’s cause. The Prophet (SAW) enquired if both or either of his parents was alive, to which he replied that his mother is with him. The Prophet (SAW) again enquired, if he had any other sibling or close relative who would take care of his mother in his absence or if he were to die in the battle. The young man responded in negative and said that he was the sole dependent for his mother. The Prophet (SAW) then counseled him, “Go back to your mother and take proper care of her. See to it that she faces no troubles and do not give her a cause of agony, as long as she is alive, and even after her death pray for her and give charity in her name. This will be more rewarding for you than being martyred in the battle for Allah’s cause. Caring and respect for your parents is the greatest Jehad you can perform in Islam.”

Islam directs its followers to care for their parents not only when they are alive but also when they are no longer with you. A man once asked Prophet Muhammad (SAW) how he can care for his parents as both of them were now dead. To which he was advised to visit their grave regularly, pray for them, remember them in his prayers and seek Allah’s blessings for them as long as they are in their graves and for the Day of Judgment. Also distribute charity in their names, and attribute as much as goodness he can do unto others in their name for their benefit. In another case Prophet Muhammad (SAW) advised that under no circumstance should a person rebuke or look upon his parents with impertinence, even if his father is a drunkard, even if they belong to other religion, even if they do not treat him well or even if they do not do justice amongst the siblings. It is upon Allah to punish or guide them through their transgression and not the children. Instead they should try their best to advocate them and make them see what’s right, but with utmost respect and entreats, not by ordering or forceful ways.

The beautiful religion that Islam is it holds Respect for Parents amongst the highest virtues. It guides its followers to pay tribute for the travails and adversity a mother faces in giving birth and a father toils to bring up a child to make him a good human being. Islam makes us to comprehend the fact that life is a vicious cycle and we as parents might have to face the same situation before our children as we would offer to our parents. Who can forget the story of the perturbed pleas of the woman who was ready to give her only child to other woman, than see King Solomon cut it into two.

The Oceans of the Earth would drain, but a Mothers Heart would still beg for more Compassion

Namaz ~ A beautiful Legacy of The Prophet

(Namaz as Exercise and its Other Benefits)

Namaz (or Salat in Arabic) is one of the strongest of the 5 pillars of Islam. Allah has mentioned the benefits and importance of Namaz as many as 67 times in the Holy Qur’an. Apart from the spiritual benefits that Namaz offers to the Muslim worshippers, it is also one of the best forms of exercise that one can have on a regular basis daily and 5 times a day. These prayers for muslim are ordered to be compulsorily performed 5 times at various designated times of the day. Many questions arises in the mind of a person who wants to offer namaz for the first time that "What are prayers?" or "how to pray?" or "when to pray?". Below is answer to these questions about prayers. The five times for namaz are:

Fajr : Early morning just before sunrise. It comprises 4 Rakats.
Zuhar: Afternoon paryers post the period of Zawaal (when sun is perpendicular to earth). It comprises 12 Rakats.
Asar: Post afternoon and before Sunset. It comprises 8 Rakats.
Maghrib: Just after Sunset. It comprises 7 Rakats.
Ishaa: Late evening after the Sunset is complete and darkness of the night is complete and the cooling effect of the atmosphere begins. It comprises 17 Rakats

The various times for namaz in a day and the number of Rakats hold specific meaning and the benefits derived out of it. A Rakat is one complete cycle of Standing, Bending, Prostrations and subsequent Sitting or Standing up again in the Namaz. Each posture of the Namaz has a standard defined procedure and recitations that is observed by every Muslim irrespective of where he is residing and to what race he belongs. We follow the methods as taught to us by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

There is a specific way and various postures in which Namaz has to be performed as guided by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is said that earlier times it was compulsorily 50 times in a day when Namaz had to be performed by an individual. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the night of Meraj or Shab-e-Meraj or night of prayer ascended to the heavens and requested Allah to reduce the number of times the Namaz to be performed by the Muslims. This was done by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on advice from all the Prophets earlier to him on the way to heaven. Every time he requested Allah, 5 Namaz’ would be reduced when finally it was fixed to 5 times a day. However as he was returning, Prophet Musa insisted that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) request Allah to reduce the Namaz’ further as he had a bitter experience of his followers not obeying and praying to Almighty as commanded. But Prophet Muhammad (SAW) relented this time, saying that he had immense faith in his followers (Muslims) to submit to the authority of Allah in obedience at least 5 times a day. And the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is carried on in its original form and as directed by The Prophet (SAW) for the past over 1400 years. The various postures of Namaz, their representation and physical benefits can be seen at http://chishti.org/posture_1.htm

The benefits of Namaz are immense, and this can be proved by the innumerable benefits offered by only one action in a Namaz, which is the prostration or the Sajda. A worshipper keeps his forehead touched on the ground along with four other parts of the body which makes his Sujood acceptable; these are the touching of the soft bone of the nose, the palms of our hands pressed on the floor with fingers facing the Kaba, the knees on which we rest our body and the toes of our feet bent and pressed on the ground pointing towards the Kaba. We all have been told that this posture increases fresh supply of blood to our brain, which is but only one of the many benefits of Sajda. Scientific observations give the other following gains from it. The latest results are of a scientific study by Dr. Mohamed Diaa El Deen Hamed, Professor of Biological Sciences and Head of Food Radiation Department in Radiation Technology Center. If you are suffering from exhaustion or tension or permanent headache or nervousness and if you are afraid of tumors, so all you have to do is Sujood (plural of Sajda). Sujood frees you from your psychological and nerves illnesses. It is a common knowledge that a human being is exposed to extra waves of radiation and lives, in most cases, in the middle of electromagnetic fields which affects the cells and increase energy. So, as stated by Dr. Diaa, Sujood frees the body from the extra waves that cause many diseases. Any increase in the electromagnetic waves to which the body is exposed, causes disruption in the cells and consequently the human being is infected by what is called the diseases of the era; such as headaches, muscles pain, neck pain, exhaustion in addition to forgetting things and non concentration. This matter gets worse if the waves are too much and being blocked in the body. In that case, it causes cancer tumors and distortion of fetuses. We have to get rid of these waves out of the body without taking medicines and tranquilizers and their bad side effects. The Solution lies in prostration. There has to be an earthling's connection to free these extra waves and this is to be done by Sujood to Allah Almighty, as we are ordered. This process is done by connecting the forehead to the floor. In Sujood, the negative waves move from the body to the floor which is a negative pole. Consequently, the emptying process happens specially if you done the Sujood by your seven members (forehead, nose, hands, knees and feet). The studies showed that, in order to empty the waves, you have to face the geographical center of the earth, which is scientifically proven to be Mecca. That is what we are all doing in our prayer (facing the Qibla or Kaba). The studies revealed that Mecca is the best direction to free these waves because of facing the centre of the Earth which is effective in freeing the human being from his grieves to feel peacefulness afterwards

Another important observance is the increase in our prayers and additional Namaz or the Taraweeh which is prayed during the month of Ramzan. While we had all these years believed that these additional 20 Rakats were for our spiritual self and gaining manifold the blessings of Allah in the Holy month of Ramzan and from our hearing of the entire Qur’an in the process, which is true, but is also associated with immense medical benefits, about which we had but little knowledge:
· - Muslims observe fasts during Ramzan, which is broken at sunset during Iftaar. We tend to eat high calorie foods in Iftaar to compensate for the lack of food and water for the entire day. As a result the blood sugar level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftaar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of prayers of Taraweeh come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water during the exercise and the accompanying blood circulation during prayers of Taraweeh. They help in expanding the extra calories and improve flexibility, coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression.

Overall the benefits of these islamic prayers are insurmountable as it improves physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the Namazi resulting in betterment in the endurance, stamina, flexibility and strength. It was noted that the five daily prayers produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles daily. Another major benefit is the prevention of Osteoporosis (weakening of bones and reduction in bone density among the elderly and post-menopausal women). Performing Namaz helps repeated and regular movements of the body, due to which the muscle strength, tendon power, joint, flexibility and the cardiovascular reserve are improved, reducing the chances of Osteoporosis. The repeated movement of joints involves proper circulation of blood and improved lubrication in the joints, thus preventing early onset of Arthritis.

Namaz involves movement and contraction of every muscle of the body in a gentle way, which enhances endurance and diminishes tiredness thus preventing Muscular Atrophy as it increases blood flow in them. Namaz involves increase in Systolic Blood Pressure while reducing the Diastolic Blood Pressure, which improves respiratory efficiency and deep breathing with maximum utilization of Oxygen by the capillaries surrounding the alveoli in the lungs. The overall result is a refreshing feeling by the individual. The benefits are uncountable to be summarized in one article; more of these can be read in details at: http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/medical_benefits_of_tarawih.htm

Praying Namaz requires one to be clean in all respects, be it’s the physical self, the surroundings or the intent. No matter how hard a person prays or for how long he lies in prostration (Sajda), unless his intention are clean and motives selfless, the Namaz will not be accepted by Allah. It is required that a person ensures the surrounding is clean and free from sins where he intends to offer Namaz. The Prophet (SAW) advised that except for the washroom or where one relieves himself and the Kabrastan or the graveyard, Allah has made the whole world as a place of worship for his believers. For men, it is advisable to pray in a Masjid in congregation behind an Imam, as it is 27 times more rewarding than praying alone at home, but for women it is equally rewarding whether she prays alone within the confines of her home or in a congregation in a Masjid. The distinction does not signify that Islam discriminates men from women, as during the times of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), men and women would pray inside a same Masjid in separate lines or separate areas marked specifically for women, behind one Imam, and it is practiced even today in many Masjid's around the world the Haram Sharif or the Kaba and Masjid-e-Nabvi included. Read more details on Women in Mosques in: http://fardinq.blogspot.com/2008/01/sania-mirza-unforced-errors.html

One should ensure before praying that the surroundings are clean and also advisable to lay out a clean piece of cloth called the Jahnamaz or Musalla, on which to pray than on bare ground. Another important requirement in preparation for Namaz is the Wazu or the ablutions which requires one to clean his mouth, nose face, hands, head, neck and feet with running water to purify oneself physically. Running water does not mean wasting of water with taps opened as is observed amongst most of us, but to use a minimum and sufficient amount so as to thoroughly clean the afore mentioned parts. The Prophet has even said that in absence of water one can use air and carry out the actions as normally done in Wazu using water to perform the ablutions or use a clean cloth to wipe ourselves to carry out the Wazu as it was observed for the travelers in the desert in parts of Arabia who did not have enough water.

Namaz is basically to purify oneself, seek forgiveness for the sins we commit intentionally and unintentionally, and pledge not to repeat it. It teaches one to have his feet on the ground and submit to will of the Almighty, before whom all are helpless. Namaz makes us compassionate and believe in the equality of mankind. It gives a message that when the Jamaat (congregation) stands before Allah for observing Namaz, there is no distinction between the prince and the pauper. All will stand alongside each other and pray in a similar way and recite the same verses from the same Holy Qur’an. Namaz makes us disciplined and brings feeling of regularity and gives a direction to our daily life, 5 times a day, if we make it a routine to get up on hearing the Azaan, do the Wazu (ablutions) and head for prayers, either in a congregation or alone, we feel a sense of Time Management in our daily chores. I had this personal experience when during our childhood we would religiously pray the Namaz-e-Maghrib regularly, although we skipped the Namaz-e-Asar. The Asar Azaan marks the beginning of evening and cooling of the environment, and that would mean we could go out to play. The Maghrib Namaz begins immediately after the sunset, and as kids we would go out in the playgrounds in evening and the Azaan for Maghrib prayers would be a call to end our games and head towards home. As in the case of other children, there was no need for my mother to shout at the top of her voice from the house asking us to head back home as it would be getting dark soon. The correcting tone of the microphone by the Muazzin from the nearby Masjid for Azaan would be enough indication for us to wind up. It meant a distinction between the Playtime and Study time interspersed with a few minutes for Allah. The same is the case for other times of Namaz as well for those regular Namazi who prays 5 times without fail. I would recall another incident, where a non-Muslim friend of mine said the Azaan for the Namaz-e-Fajr was like an alarm clock for his mother who would begin her day, hearing the Azaan, even before the rooster had opened his eyes to justify the nursery rhymes associated with it. Similarly there are innumerable examples of how to pray Namaz brings discipline in our lives.

A research study conducted by Mohammed Faruque Reza, Yuji Urakami and Yukio Mano, concluded that Namaz or Salat has immense benefits providing for psychological, musculoskeletal and cerebral improvements and also as an aid for rehabilitation as physiotherapy resulting in long term health benefits affecting the brain, heart and the body apart from its spiritual benefits. The benefits are irrespective of age, gender and ability of an individual. Read the full report: http://www.kfshrc.edu.sa/annals/223_224/01-185.pdf

Muharram: Beginiing of Islamic New Year

( The Battle of Karbala & Significance of Yaum-e-Ashura )

1-1-1429; I am not referring to any eventful date in annuls of History but the day is today, 10th January 2008 AD or 1st Muharram 1429 AH (after Hijri); the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Muharram is the 1st month of Hijri calendar which is held in high significance among Muslims for varied reasons. Muharram is renowned for ‘Yaum-e-Ashura’ on the 10th day of this month when the eventful Battle of Karbala took place in 61AH. It marks the remembrance of the sacrifice of Imam Hussein, whence he chose death over acquiescence before the tyrants, to uphold the values of Islam. The Islamic calendar ends with the month of sacrifice (Zul Hijj;
http://fardinq.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html#4776344024214767109) as well as starts with the month of sacrifice (Muharram) thus epitomizing among the people that it is sacrifice which enthrall the faith of Muslims. Many of us believe that celebrating New Year on 1st Muharram is forbidden in Islam, however the month and Yaum-e-Ashura in particular is of great significance. Muharram which means ‘forbidden’ in Arabic is a month when it is forbidden to wage a fight or war or cause distress to others. The month is also regarded as the one to pay high reverence to one’s parents by being thoroughly obedient and subservient to them if both or either of them is alive. And to pay tributes to those who are dead by reciting the Holy Qur’an and visiting their graves and feeding the poor and giving charity in their name, for their benefit. While many of us party late into nights on the eve of Gregorian New Year and vow resolutions only to be unkempt. The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of another year to bring forth amongst its followers the virtues of good deeds and sacrifice to reap rich rewards in this world and hereafter from Allah.

Historically the month is marked by the beginning of Hijri Calendar, when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) began his journey from Mecca to the city of Medina, when the people of Mecca had conspired against him and opposed his teachings of Islam. However he was openly welcomed by the residents of Medina, which formed the base for the proliferation of the religion of Islam. Some scholars however propose that it was the third month of Hijri calendar (Rabi-ul-Awwal) when he moved to Medina. It was his ‘Hijrat’ meaning journey or migration from Mecca to Medina that the name Hijri was coined for the Islamic Lunar calendar.

Yaum-e-Ashura meaning the ‘10th day’ of Muharram has a marked significance for the Battle of Karbala. As well as it was on this day that Prophet Musa (AS) moved with his followers from Egypt to the promised land of Jerusalem, freeing them from the clutches of the Pharaoh, who had persecuted the Israelis for years. Prophet Musa guided the followers making way through the Red Sea, and when the Pharaoh and his army pursued them, the sea closed upon killing them all. The Jews then settled in Jerusalem under the commandments of Allah guided by Prophet Musa (AS). However what followed was a long period of betrayal and impiety from them in response to the faith reposed in them by Musa and their subsequent punishment at the hands of Allah. The rest we all know is history which resulted in the beginning of conflicts in quest for the Holy city of Jerusalem amongst Jews, Christians and Muslims till date. It was on the 10th Muharram when Prophet Nuh (AS) is said to have docked his ship on Mount Aarat (Judi), after the great floods which wiped out every life form from the face of the earth, excepts for the couples of life forms which were safe on the great ship of Prophet Nuh (AS).

However it is the sacrifice of Imam Hussein, son of Fatima (RA) and Ali and grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), for which the month of Muharram perhaps holds reverence amongst all other months of the Hijri calendar after Ramzan. The eventful day of Yaum-e-Ashura in 61AH, historically was the culmination of a period of treachery by the Umayyad dynasty. The ruler of Umayyad, Muawiya had made a treaty of peace with the Hazrat Ali (RA) and his son Imam Hasan, after they tried to unsettle and attacked the Arab kingdom and opposed the caliphate under the followers of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). After their death the ruler of Umayyad in Damascus, Yazid son of Muawiya annulled the treaty and claimed his own authority over the region and started persecution of Muslims and followers of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as well as threatened the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Imam Hussein opposed the authority of Yazid and defied him by refusing to submit to the demands of the tyrant. It was at that time when the people of Kufa (present day Iraq) sent a message to Imam Hussein seeking help from the tyranny of Yazid which threatened their faith and their lives. They also promised allegiance and support to Imam Hussein. The message compelled Imam Hussein to seek the people of Kufa in the time of their distress and he along with his family and followers set forth for Kufa. He sent a messenger named Muslim ibn Aqeel, his cousin in advance, who was however murdered by the governor of Basra, ibn Zayd who threatened the people of Kufa with dire consequences if they sided with Imam Hussein. The timid dwellers of Kufa submitted to the commands of ibn Zayd, a wily commander under Yazid.

Imam Hussein by then unknown of the happenings continued upon his journey. He was asked by Yazid to pay allegiance to him as the ruler of the kingdom and submit to his commands, whence he would be spared and provided with a safe passage to Medina or face death over his opposition from the forces of Yazid. But Imam Hussein, the true grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) he was, refused to go back on his promise to the people of Kufa and marched forward with 72 men as his relatives and followers and the women and children, most of them being the descendants of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Unaware was he of the fact that it was the same people for whom he was going, who had betrayed him. It was on the 1st of Muharram 61 AH when Imam Hussein reached the plains of Karbala (presently in central Iraq), with the river Euphrates on one side and vast plains of dry, semi-arid land around. Once here Imam Hussein came to know about the betrayal of inmates of Kufa and the murder of his cousin Muslim ibn Aqeel. Further movement of the descendants of Prophet Muhammad was blocked by Yazids army of over 20,000 strong cavalry and infantry, led by a commander named Hurr, who later joined Imam Hussein against Yazid with 32 of his faithful cavalry to make it 72 men along with the 40 of Imam Hussein and his relatives and followers, who laid down their lives in the Battle of Karbala (some historians however refute this, saying the 72 martyred were the original followers of Imam Hussein who left Medina).

Imam Hussein was forced to pitch camp in this desert area by Yazid who increased the might of his forces with every passing day such that it reached strength of over 40,000 against sparsely armed 72 men from Imam Hussein’s camp on Yaum-e-Ashura. On the 7th day of Muharram, Yazid cut of the access of water for them, when all negotiations, harassment and allurements to deviate Imam Hussein from the path of Islam and force submission failed. For three days the children of Prophet and women, elderly and even infants weren’t spared a drop of water to drink. When on the 9th day the camp was completely surrounded by the army, Imam Hussein knew that battle was inevitable and he dug trenched around the camp and lit fire in it to protect the women and children from the savages. The battle began on the 10th day of Muharram early morning after Imam Hussein and his followers offered the Fajr prayers. Yazids forces fired arrows on to them from all sides as they were aware that face to face confrontation with the believers would inflict heavy losses on them. Imam Hussein’s camp was bejeweled with the most fearsome warriors in Abbas ibn Ali his brother, Zuhair ibn Qain, Habib ibn Muzahir and Imam Hussein himself. They charged the enemy with such brute force that each of Imam Hussein’s followers killed hundreds from Yazids troops before laying down his life. Zuhair ibn Qain is said to have single handedly killed more than 4000 of the enemy fighters and Abbas ibn Ali even many more.

It was towards late afternoon when the women in Imam Hussein’s camp asked him for water for the infants and small children who had not a drop of water for over 3 days. Imam Hussein asked Abbas to get water for the women. Abbas surmounted a horse and tearing through the army build up reached the river to fill the water skin. He however did not drink water himself as he was aware that Imam Hussein and other men were fighting the battle with parched throats. As he was returning to the camp with water, Yazid ordered over 10,000 of his men attack Abbas in unison and prevent him from taking water. Abbas fought courageously and when both his hands were cut off, he still tried to reach the camp with the water bag held with his teeth. The barbarians however foiled his intentions and he was martyred without being able to provide water to the thirsty descendants of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Unable to bear the loss of all his men and the plight of the infants dying of thirst, Imam Hussein took his 6 month (2 months as per some scholars) old son Ali Asghar in his arms and walked towards the enemy to at least have mercy on the innocent. But the tyrant he was, Yazid asked an archer to shoot an arrow towards the baby which pierced his throat and Imam Hussein’s infant son died in his arms, without a drop of water on his lips.

The last man surviving he was, Imam Hussein charged the enemy with all his might and defeated anyone who came before him. Finally Yazid’s men attacked him from back and showered arrows at him, one of which struck right into his heart and he fell from his horse. Imam Hussein pulled out the arrow as a fountain of blood sprang out. But he still continued to fight when a large spear hit him into his abdomen and with the name of Allah on his lips and blessings from his grandfather, Imam Hussein was treacherously martyred. The savage Yazid cut of Imam Hussein’s head trampled his severed body with horses and captured all the women and children who were tortured and imprisoned and taken to Damascus. On the way to the prison, Zainab, sister of Imam Hussein preached the people of the cities from wherever they passed through telling them about the atrocities of Yazid, his false claim to rule over the kingdom and the teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The effect was a growing resent from the people and he was forced to release the prisoners after a year.

The Battle of Karbala tragically ended in physical defeat for Muslims where 72 truest men of Allah lost their lives fighting for the cause of Islam. They chose death over submission before a tyrant and showed us the path to sacrifice for the sake of safeguarding their promise for the suppressed. The valiant men also showed courage in the face of adversity as was evident that more than 10.000 of the enemy camp were killed at the hands of 72 valiant descendants of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

One distasteful tradition been followed by some Muslims and Shia’s in particular, around the world is the taking out of processions in the form of Taziya (replicas of tombs and other monuments) and men beating their bodies with hands, chains and knives, inflicting pain and injury upon themselves to relive the memories of the atrocities faced by Imam Hussein and his followers on that eventful day. Though the intentions of these people might be an act of reverence for the 72 martyrs, the methodology of expression is clearly uncalled for. The teachings of Islam clearly despises such acts of violence and carrying out of replicas and monuments; instead the day should be passed in remembrance of the events, narrating others about it as well as learning from their sacrifice. It is also recommended that a fast be kept on Yaum-e-Ashura as well as on either the 9th or the 11th day of Muharram in commemoration and seek blessings from Allah. It is said the rewards of keeping this fast is second only to the fasts kept in Ramzan. It is also advised to read the Dua-e-Ashura on the day of 10th Muharram, which has immense benefits. The Dua-e-Ashura can be accessed at the following link.
http://fardinq.blogspot.com/search/label/Dua%20e%20Ashura

More details about the prayers and significance of Yaum-e-Ashura can be read at:
http://fardinq.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html#8100681240090322405

The detailed events of the Battle of Karbala can be read by downloading the pdf version of the book: The Karbala @ the following link:
http://www.ezsoftech.com/ebooks/TheKarbala.pdf

The Front Cover of the Book

Sania Mirza: Unforced Errors

(Women inside Mosque)

It seems controversy accompanies Sania Mirza whether she is on court or off it. She was rebuked by Muslim scholars and many others for shooting in the premises of the Mecca Masjid near Charminar, in Hyderabad on 11th December. Whether she was shooting for a commercial or was just out to spread heritage awareness of the monuments is still unclear. She tendered an apology to everyone, the very next day, after it snowballed into turmoil. However what caught my attention was one of her statements, in which she said, “I am fully aware that a woman must not enter the sanctity of the mosque”. This statement must have let those chatterbox tongues wagging again, who posses, but little knowledge about Islam and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and The Prophet. What I wish to bring forth for Sania Mirza in general and all those who think on the same lines in particular, is that, there is no such decree proclaimed in Holy Qur’an or the teachings of Islam which prohibits women from entering the sanctity of the mosque. Though I am unaware whether shooting a commercial is allowed or not.

During the time prior to the advent of Islam, the world as a whole and the Arabian peninsula in particular, the prosecution and subdue of women was widespread. It was the advent of Islam that brought women at par with men, allowing them equality in terms of status, respect, education and share in ancestral property. They were given right to have a say in public meetings and while taking financial or social decisions for the family or individual. As far as entering a mosque is concerned, women were not only allowed but the Prophet gave them permission to pray Namaz in congregation with the men folk (although in a separate enclosure). The Namaz was performed with men behind the Imaam, followed by children and women either at the end or an adjoining area, segregated from the main congregation with curtain or wooden partition. The same however is not true in case of the major mosques of Masjid Al-Haram (The Holy Kaba in Mecca) or Masjid-e-Nabvi in Madina, Saudi Arabia, where men and women pray alongside without any bias or distinction on the basis of gender, at the time of Hajj. Infact Masjid-e-Aaesha in Madina is especially dedicated to women for offering Namaz, where even the Imam is a female leading the women congregation. During the Hajj pilgrimage millions of men and women from every part of the world pray Namaz and perform Tawaaf (circumnavigation of the Kaba) , Sai and many other rituals side by side. Many of my relatives who reside in cities of US, Canada, UK and other parts of the world, proclaim that there is no distinction as such for not allowing women in the mosque and instead they have special arrangements for allowing women to pray in congregation behind a common Imaam. Why then is the case that there are restrictions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries around Indian peninsula?

The women used to pray regularly in mosque during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Some people attribute the later Caliphate or rulers of Arabian kingdom, especially Hazrat Umar, for passing a law disallowing women an entry in the mosque. The same however is partially true. It was during the era when the newly built Arab kingdom was increasing its influence and was also facing threat from the neighboring tribes and Roman invaders, who resisted their growing power resulting in constant conflicts on the borders of the kingdom. It was for the safety of women and children that they were asked to pray within the confines of their houses, while the men would pray in mosques. This would not only ensure safety of women but also have them to guard the children, ailing elders, houses and properties.

There is also a misconception which says that it is the Hanafi school of thought which disallows Muslim women to pray in mosques. I belong to the Hanafi sect, which is followed by more than 90% Sunni Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, but have never come across such a thought or edict in the Hanafi School. Rather it was the influence of the social and environmental factors surrounding the early Muslim settlers or the newly converts which mutated the thinking and adaptation of the Muslims in India. The effect was also due the culture of myriad religions and sects prevalent during the medieval India which influenced the social norms from what was being practiced in the Middle Eastern civilization during that era. The prohibition of women to pray in mosques most likely arose from this, when purda system and a patriarchal society was the norm in India and women did not enjoy as much freedom as men. In fact such was the state of women not only in India but other civilizations across the world at a time which has been described by historians as ‘The Dark Ages’. Islam in those times came as a soothing influence on the evils of the social system in largely semi-barbaric tribes of Arabian Peninsula, providing equality for women, emphasis on education and dignity in culture and social factors which drew the masses towards accepting the invitation of Islam from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) resulting in a rapid advent of Islam in far and near civilizations.

The social or rather unsocial persecution of women regarding their freedom and rights to equality continued for a long time in many parts of the world, with women activists having to come on streets of England in 1920’s to get voting rights, the US still awaiting its first woman president and gender bias still conspicuous in Eastern European countries. Though the Western World and other developing nations have evolved out of this, we in south Asia still adhere to some of our ancestral social practices. Who would deny that just 50 years back untouchability and casteism was widespread in India and still is in some of the remotest places of the country. Denial of women to pray inside mosques hence is, but a social stigma. Although it is not compulsory for women to pray in mosques, unlike men who have to compulsorily pray in congregation in mosques if it is within considerable walking distance from their abode. For men praying in a mosque is more than 27 times rewarding than praying in house. For women however, they get that benefit even if they pray at home. Even in India famous mosques and shrines like the Khwaja Garib Nawaz in Ajmer, Hazratbal in Srinagar, Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, to name a few have special arrangements for women to pray in the mosques behind a single Imam. The same is also true in scores of mosques and Idgah’s for the special Namaz’s like Juma (Friday prayer), and on the occasion of two Eid’s when temporary arrangements are made to facilitate women praying Namaz.

Qur’an however advocates both men and women to be decently dressed and maintain the sanctity of the mosque which is regarded as the house of Allah. It even discourages people to engage in personal talks while in mosques. How justified is a jeans and tight T-shirt clad Sania Mirza entering the premises of Mecca Masjid for shooting a commercial is best left for imagination.

Eid-ul-Azha: The Spirit of Sacrifice

Eid-ul-Azha or more popularly Bakri-Eid is celebrated all over the world on the 10th day of the 12th month of Zul-Hijj of the Islamic calendar. While Eid-ul-Azha is associated with sacrifing of animals, it is also closely related to the annual pilgrimage of Hajj by followers of Islam to the holy cities of Mecca & Madina in Saudi Arabia. Eid-ul-Azha also marks an end to the rituals of Hajj and the acceptance of the pilgrimage before Allah. The festival of Eid-ul-Azha is also called as the festival of sacrifice, as millions of cattle’s are sacrificed by Muslims in reminiscence of the act by Prophet Ibrahim.

Prophet Ibrahim was a true believer and follower of Islam, who guided his people to believe in oneness of the Almighty. However he was rebuffed and rebuked by them and was persecuted to be put in fire. However Prophet Ibrahim came out unharmed from the inferno and always obeyed every command which Allah asked him to partake. Prophet Ibrahim always longed for a son but did not wish to distress his wife Sarah. However at her insistence he married another woman named Hajar who gave birth to a son in his grand age. The boy was Prophet Ismail, who was the apple of the eye for his father. However, a few months after his birth, as per Allah’s command, Prophet Ibrahim took Hajar and infant Ismail to the middle of Arabian Desert and left them there with a small quantity of food and water. Hajar did not revolt the act when she came to know that Prophet Ibrahim was only obeying Allah’s command. Left alone, the mother and son had nowhere to go under the scorching sun and when the supplies ran out Hajar became perturbed at the plight of infant Ismail. She would run from the top of hillocks ‘Safa’ and ‘Marwah’ (in the vicinity of present day Kabah in Mecca) to look for water or any caravan passing by to get water for her son. She did this for seven times running from Safa to Marwah and back. This act of hers was praised by Allah and even today Muslims undertaking Hajj have to perform this act of running between the two hillocks of Safa and Marwah to complete one of the rituals known as Sa’ee during Hajj pilgrimage. As she was running across the hillocks Hajar saw that little Ismail was knocking the heels of his tiny legs on the sands of the desert and suddenly a spring of water erupted out of the parched earth and started flowing. Hajar ran to collect the erupting sweet water by making small mounds around the source, but the water started flowing with even greater force. Unable to control it she started shouting “Zam, Zam”, which means “Stop, Stop” in Arabic. And to this day the sweet water is known as ZamZam, which continues to erupt out of the sands of the hot Arabian Desert soil. Every year more than 20 lakh Hajis get the opportunity to drink and use as much ZamZam during the pilgrimage and even carry large quantities of the holy water back, for their friends and relatives in their native place. It is but an astonishing miracle of Allah that one of the sweetest water (People who have tasted vouch for it) has been erupting since time immemorial in the middle of the desert and caters to the millions of people visiting the holy cities and many more millions back home, never ever the spring getting exhausted. Perhaps it was Allah’s will to create a reason for presenting the people of the desert an eternal source of sweet water, and a foundation for the holiest city of Mecca to be laid, by asking Prophet Ibrahim to leave Hajar and Ismail in desert. Because it was after this event that people started settling around Safa and Marwah and the holiest city of Mecca came into existence.

When Ismail grew up to a young boy, he was very handsome, obedient and beloved to his father. It was during this time when Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim one more time, asking him to sacrifice his most precious possession, which was his son Prophet Ismail. The subservient father was devastated but willingly proceeded to carry out the command of his Lord. He asked Ismail to get ready, as they were going to a very special place. Young prophet Ismail (barely 8 year old) was dressed in his very best and accompanied Prophet Ibrahim for the journey to Mount Arafat in Mina. On the way Shaitan tried to delude Ismail by telling him about the true motive of his father, but Prophet Ismail was unperturbed and tried to shoo him away by picking small pebbles on the way and threw at him three times. The act was praised by Allah and to this day Haaji’s have to perform this ritual of stoning of Devil at three sites during the Hajj pilgrimage, enacting young Prophet Ismail. When they reached the place Prophet Ibrahim told the decree of Allah to his son. But instead of fearing, Prophet Ismail respected his father’s decision and asked him to go ahead with the sacrifice assuring Prophet Ibrahim that he will find his son among the most patient during this act. He asked his father to tie a black cloth covering the eyes of both, so that neither of them gets nervous. Prophet Ibrahim did so and lay down his son. As he tried to run the sharp knife over Ismail’s throat, the knife just won’t cut. He tried it many times but to no avail. Annoyed he threw the knife on a nearby stone which was cut into two in a stroke. Prophet Ibrahim picked the knife again and this time the knife did run through the throat and warm blood oozed out on his hands, accompanied with a cry of a sheep. An agonized Prophet Ibrahim immediately removed his blindfold only to find that a healthy sheep had been sacrifice and his son Prophet Ismail stood beside him. He had passed the test and it was Allah, who had through angel Jibraeel, replaced Ismail with a male sheep from the heavens. This is the motive behind Muslims undertaking animal sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha. This is also a ritual performed as the last acts for the Haaji to successfully complete his pilgrimage.

Muslims all over the world celebrate the festival by getting up early on the day and dressed up in their best clothes they perform the special Namaz of Eid-ul-Azha. After which greetings are exchanged and ‘Qurbani’ takes place. Every earning adult Muslim having enough disposable wealth has to undertake Qurbani on Eid-ul-Azha. If they cannot sacrifice individual animal, they can contribute the money towards mosque or other Islamic organizations or schools, who undertake the task for mass sacrifice. Muslims divide their produce of the sacrificed animal in three parts; one for their own consumption, second part for distributing among neighbors and relatives and the third for the poor. No part of the sacrificed animal is allowed to be sold or exchanged. The skin of the animals is donated to mosques, madarsa’s and schools run for the poor, so that they can sell it to tanneries and use the money for their chores. The tons of meat that is collected in Saudi Arabia and nearby Arab countries, after Eid-ul-Azha is frozen, packed and sent out for distribution to the poor African nations for free; to provide the starved populations a source of nutritious protein rich food. The other parts such as skin, horns and hooves are sold to countries that require it for their industries and the money is again given out as grant to these underdeveloped countries. Eid-ul-Azha is not just a day of mass murder of cattle’s by human beings, but it marks as a day of sacrifice and sharing by Muslims, who buy the best affordable animals appropriate to their earning potential and think of their poor brothers to provide better food for those who cannot afford it.

Eid-ul-Azha exemplifies the charitable instincts of Muslims in their efforts to see that no one is left deprived of the sacrificial blessings. It further embodies the values of discipline and self-denial, and submitting to the will of Allah. It prepares one for the tests and trials of life and hereafter by providing willpower for sacrificing and submission by overcoming their individualistic self for the benefit of the unprivileged. These values imparted by this festival are central to the Islamic doctrines. Eid-ul-Azha is a time of remembrance of the trials of Prophet Ibrahim, a time to celebrate the completion of the Hajj, and a time that men, women, and children of all ages greatly anticipate. Eid Mubarak!