Saturday, September 13, 2014

Surah Al 'Imran (3:35-37), A Personal Reflection

[Mention, O Muhammad], when the wife of ‘Imran said, “My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me.  Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”

But when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female.”  And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, “And the male is not like the female.  And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allah].”

Her Lord graciously accepted her and made her grow in goodness, and entrusted her to the charge of Zachariah.  Whenever Zachariah went to see her in her sanctuary, he found her supplied with provisions.  He said, “Mary, how is it you have these provisions?”  And she said, “They are from Allah:  Allah provides limitlessly for whoever He wills.”  (Qur’an 3:35-37)

I’ve read the above verses several times, every time captivated by its beauty, but never reflecting on the true meaning of these words until I studied the life of the prophet Muhammad (SAW).

To understand Muhammad’s huge impact on Arabian society, we must start with the era predating Islam in Arabia known as Jahiliyyah – the era of ignorance.

Among the tribal customs during Jahiliyyah was “female infanticide in which newborn baby girls were buried alive in the sand” because Arabs “considered surplus females a burden.[1]

The Arabs did not live in a vacuum.  “Mecca became a station for… northbound caravans.  It was conveniently located in the center of the Hijaz.[2]    

Built in Mecca by Abraham and his son Ismael dedicated to worshipping Allah (SWT), the Ka’aba’s true purpose eventually degraded to paganism.  The Ka’aba attracted pilgrims throughout the year, including Christians and Jews.  Thus Jesus, the Messiah, son of Mary were familiar to the Arabs, their story coexisting with pagan beliefs and rituals.        

And if there was any doubt about Mary’s importance in history, Muhammad (SAW) said, “Many a man achieved perfection, but no woman achieved perfection except Mary the daughter of ‘Imran and Asiyah the wife of Pharaoh.”  (Tirmidhi)

Consider the perspective of the pagan Arab listening to these verses for the first time, sympathetic with Hannah bint Faqudh’s[3] (Mary’s mother) disappointment, “My Lord, I have delivered a female.”  Both desired male progeny.

However, Allah (SWT) enlightens the pagan Arab through revelation.  Man has no control over the fetus’ gender.  Only Allah (SWT) has power over all creation.  “To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth.  He creates what He wills.  He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills.”  (Qur’an 42:49)

Believing the fetus was male, Hannah pledged the child to serve Allah (SWT).  She thought a baby girl would not be able to fulfill her pledge to Allah (SWT), but Hannah, a devoted believer, realized Allah (SWT) knew best, accepted her daughter and asked Allah (SWT) to protect Mary from Satan the rejected.

These verses are a subtle admonition, every life matters.  Without Mary, there’s no Messiah Jesus.  The pagan Arab’s perspective changes, realizing female infanticide is wrong.

Entrusted by Allah (SWT) to reform Arabian society, such as eradicating the abominable practice of female infanticide, Muhammad (SAW) preached baby girls were a blessing.  He said, “He who is involved in brining up daughters, and accords benevolent treatment towards them, they will be protection for him against Hell-Fire.”  (Bukhari and Muslim)

And “Whoever maintains two girls till they gain maturity, he and I will come on the Resurrection Day like this; and he joined his fingers.”  (Muslim)

In the Qur’an, there are other vehement admonitions against female infanticide, for example, “And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.  He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed.  Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground?  Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.”  (Qur’an 16:58-59)

Imagine the pagan Arab who out of pure ignorance killed his infant daughter, becoming overwhelmed with grief upon arriving at this moment of clarity; only to find solace by testifying there is no deity but Allah (SWT), Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and various Qur’anic verses reminding the poor repentant soul that Allah (SWT) is most forgiving, most merciful.


[1] Muhammad by Yahiya Emerick, (Alpha A Member of Penguin Group USA, 2002), pages 8-9.
[2] Muhammad, A Prophet for Our Time by Karen Armstrong, (Harper One 2007) page 17.
[3] Tafsir Ibn Kathir, (Darussalam 2000), Volume 2, page 148.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Laylat Al Qadr

I testify there is no deity but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; Jesus is the messenger of Allah, and the Holy Quran is Allah’s last revelation to mankind. 

“He is Allah, the one and only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like Him.” (112:1-4)

“Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, but they do not comprehend any of His knowledge except for what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth; it does not weary Him to preserve them both. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”  (2:255)

“He is Allah: there is no other god other than Him.  It is He who knows what is hidden as well as what is in the open; He is the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy.

“He is Allah: there is no other god other than Him, the Controller, the Holy One, Source of Peace, Granter of Security, Guardian over all, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Truly Great; Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.

“He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (59:22-24)

Glory to you Allah and praise; blessed is your name and Exalted is your Majesty.  There is none worthy of worship but You.

“Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. You see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Torah; and their similitude in the Gospel is like a seed, which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.” (48:29)

“He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Quran.” (3:3-4)

Jesus is a messenger of Allah.  “We sent Jesus, son of Mary, in their footsteps, to confirm the Torah that had been sent before him:  We gave him the Gospel with guidance, light and confirmation of the Torah already revealed – a guide and lesson for those who take heed of Allah.” (5:46)   

The Quran is Allah’s last revelation to mankind.  “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.  Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].  Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.” (2:2-5)

“Nor could this Quran have been devised by anyone other than Allah.  It is a confirmation of what was revealed before it and an explanation of Scripture.  Let there be no doubt about it, it is from the Lord of the Worlds.” (10:37)

“Praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy, Master of the Day of Judgment.  It is You we worship; it is You we ask for help.  Guide us to the straight path:  the path of those You have blessed, those who incur no anger and who have not gone astray.” (1:2-7)

O Allah!  You are my Lord.  There is no deity worthy of worship except you.  You have created me and I am your servant.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Tonight shower Your infinite mercy upon us, granting everyone who is present, and our loved ones, the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  I ask You make this month of Ramadan a blessing for us.  I fasted for Your sake during the long summer days and I stood nights sacrificing my sleep reaching out to You.  Inshallah, my actions will weigh favorably on my scale when I stand before You on judgment day.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Accept my fasting, accept my Wudhu, accept every Adhan I heard, accept every Takbir, every Rukuu, every Sujuud, every Tashah-hud, every Tasliim,  my prayers, every letter of the Quran that I have read, recited and listened to, accept it from all of us gathered here tonight.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Ease the affliction of the people in this world, ease the burden for the people of Gaza, ease the burden for the people of Palestine, ease the burden for the people of Syria, ease the burden for the people of Iraq, ease the burden for the people in Afghanistan, ease the burden for the people of Pakistan, ease the burden for the Muslims in Burma, Africa and China, heal the wounds of the survivors, provide comfort to those who lost family and friends in wars throughout the world.  Grant the deceased, especially the children and their families, the best place in the hereafter.  “Seek refuge in Allah:  He is your protector, an excellent protector.”  (22:78)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Lift the veil over the hearts and minds of the oppressors throughout the world, especially in Gaza and Palestine, enlightened them with Your wisdom, guide them towards repentance and away from repression and injustice.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Ease the burden of our brothers and sisters and children who are exploited for their labor, reward their uncompensated labor tenfold in the hereafter.  “Seek refuge in Allah:  He is your protector, an excellent protector.”  (22:78)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Lift the veil over the hearts and minds of those who abuse the poor and exploit their labor, enlightened them with Your wisdom, guide them towards repentance and away from exploitation and injustice.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Ease the burden victims of human trafficking, heal their trauma and return them back to their families and homeland.  “Seek refuge in Allah:  He is your protector, an excellent protector.”  (22:78)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Lift the veil over the hearts and minds of the human traffickers, enlightened them with your wisdom, guide them towards repentance and away from exploitation and injustice.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Ease the burden for the children fleeing violence in Central America and guide them to safety.  “Seek refuge in Allah:  He is your protector, an excellent protector.”  (22:78)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Lift the veil over the hearts and minds of Americans who perceive these children as a threat to the United States, who talk about these children like they are vermin carrying disease and pestilence, enlightened them with Your wisdom, guide them towards repentance and away from prejudice.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Grant refuge to those who are forced to flee their homes because of religious persecution.  Ease their burden and guide them to safety.  “Seek refuge in Allah:  He is your protector, an excellent protector.”  (22:78)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Lift the veil over the hearts and minds of those who go against Your word, ignoring Your command, “There is no compulsion in religion.”
 
O Allah, hear my prayer! Our souls are in pain witnessing the suffering in this world, send Your peace to this world, and instill us with hope for Your mercy.  We “seek refuge in Allah:  He is [our] protector, an excellent protector.”  (22:78)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  You taught me, “Allah does not love the unfaithful or the ungrateful.”  Therefore I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank you for the life You have given me.  You have blessed me with a loving family, good friends, intelligence, and good health. 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for bestowing me with the inborn knowledge of Tawhid.  Thank You for guiding me towards Islam, giving me the wisdom to accept truth and reject falsehood. 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for the loving and supportive Muslim community who embraced me.  Grant them the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.
 
O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for putting me in a place where I’m able to wait for a drink of water and for something to eat since there are people, especially children, throughout this world who don’t share my luxury.  You have blessed me by granting me a life free from hardship, free from deprivation, free from violence, free from poverty. 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for introducing into my life Sheikh Muhammad Al Hayek, Imam Khalid Latif and David Coolidge.  Thank You for their guidance and the knowledge You bestowed upon them.  Please continue blessing these men and their families with good health, shield them from hardship, and reward them in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank you for Haafiz Ismail Atik Sayeed, Haafiz Ebadur Rahman and Sheikh Hasan who led Salatul Taraweeh during this blessed month of Ramadan.  Grant them, and everyone throughout the world who led Salatul Taraweeh, the best in this world and reward them in the hereafter. 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for Omar who taught me Arabic so that I’m able to recite the Quran in the language it was revealed.  Grant him the best of this world and the best in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for removing my mother’s anger and allowing her to accept our family’s love.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for giving me another year with my mother.  Although she’s not able to communicate with me anymore and I miss our conversations and I miss her cooking, at least my mother is not suffering.  Please prevent future hardship.  Forgive my mother’s sins as You taught me to forgive her transgressions against me.  Grant my mother the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Grant me the strength and patience to persevere on my mother’s behalf.  Grant me the understanding to put her needs ahead of my own.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Please continue to give my father and Nilza the patience and strength to persevere through my mother’s illness.  Ease their suffering, grant them the best in this world and reward them in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Please guide Eneida to good mental health, bestow upon her enlightenment so that she may seek help.  I ask You because her burden is too great to bear on her own.  Grant her the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for Maria and Ide who provide my mother with good care and protect them from hardship.  Grant them the best in this world and reward their efforts tenfold in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for putting me in the position to help Gil in the aftermath of the death of his mother.  He has persevered through great hardship.  Protect him and him family from hardship.  Grant him, his wife and his two children the best in this world and the best in the hereafter. 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Helping Gil, I tried to follow the example of our beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW) and acted in Your name, the most compassionate, the most merciful. 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Protect my extended family from hardship and grant them the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.  Inshallah I will meet again with members of my extended family, those living and deceased, again in Your presence.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for Sandra, my best friend.  Protect her, her daughter Lauren, her mother and her family from hardship.  Grant her and her family the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.  Inshallah, we will meet again in Your presence.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for all my friends who are too numerous to mention.  Protect them from hardship; provide them with good health, grant them best in this world and the best in the hereafter.  Inshallah we will meet again in Your presence.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for all my teachers.  Please reward their work tenfold.  Grant them the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.  Inshallah we will meet again in Your presence.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Thank You for all the doctors who have treated me.  Grant them the best in this world and the best in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Grant me the strength to pursue social justice.  Grant me wisdom so that I can advocate for those who do not have a voice.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  I am faithful to my covenant and my promise to You as much as I can.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  I seek refuge with You from all the sins I have committed.  I confess to You all my sins.  Forgive my sins.  Nobody can forgive sins except You.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  I seek protection from my anger and rage, from arrogance, from temptation, from silence in the face of injustice, from prejudging others, from badmouthing, from fear and from my shortcomings.  Grant me the patience and perseverance to overcome my weaknesses so that I may be rewarded with the best of this world and the best in the hereafter.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  “I seek Your protection from misery and grief, from weakness and laziness and from the burden of loans and from things that will make others overcome me.” (Al Bukhari, Muslim)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Give me the strength to forgive those who have wronged, slandered, badmouthed and betrayed me.

O Allah, hear my prayer!  I have wronged my own soul.  If you do not forgive me and do not bestow upon me Your mercy I shall certainly be lost. (7:23)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  Our beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “O son of Adam, I forgive you as long as you pray to Me and hope for My forgiveness, whatever sins you have committed.  O son of Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the height of heaven, then you ask for My forgiveness, I would forgive you.  O son of Adam, if you come to Me with an earth load of sins, and meet Me associating nothing to me, I would match it with an earth load of forgiveness.” (At Tirmidhi)

O Allah, hear my prayer!  You know what is in my heart.  I have not associated any partners with You.  You are Al Khaliq, Al Malik, Al Quddus, Al Aziz, Al Bari, Al Qahhar, Al Razzaq, Al Alim, Al Sami, Al Basir, Al Hakam, Al Adl, Al Khabir, Al Halim, Al Azim, Al Hafiz, Al Muqit, Al Raqib, Al Mujib, Al Hakim, Al Wadud, Al Majid, Al Shahid, Al Haqq, Al Waliyy, Al Hamid, Al Muhiyy, Al Qayyum, Al Wahid, Al Samad, Al Qadir, Al Barr, Al Tawwab, Al Muqsit, Al Ghani, Al Mughni, Al Nur, Al Hadi, Al Rashid, Al Awwal, and Al Akhir.      

“Our Lord!  Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error.  Our Lord!  Lay on us a burden like that which you did lay on those before us.  Our Lord, Lay not on us a burden greater than we have the strength to bear.  Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness.  Have mercy on us.  You are our Protector.  Help us against those who stand against faith.” (2:286) 

O Allah, hear my prayer!  I supplicate to You because You are most compassionate, most Merciful.