By: Shaykh Soud as-Shuraim
Source: Taken from a Khutbah delivered in Masjid al-Haram, Makkah on 17, Sha'baan 1425 (1st October, 2004)
All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.
Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and be conscious of Him in private and public. Be prepared for the Day of Resurrection, for the Hour will definitely come and Allaah will resurrect the inhabitants of the graves.
Dear Muslims! Competition to attain the possessions of this world is the habit of people in the past and present. This competition, along with avarice, increases the more people rush after the beauties and temptations of this world so much so that some adventurous people crave after mere mirage. This is because; most people are infatuated by the adornments of this world, on the top of which is money. Allaah endowed mankind with this money so that it could change hands among people through commercial dealings. The people have been so much preoccupied with transactions that it has become the only thing in which they gamble, as if there are running away frantically from poverty. This has made them fall in what the Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) warned against when he said, "By Allaah, it is not poverty that I am not afraid for you. I am rather afraid that Allaah might open for you the treasures of this world if it has been done for those who were before you, and you might compete over it as did those who were before you, and get destroyed as those who were before you." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
However, this hot competition is not free from injustices, slander, trickery, jealousy and eating up people's wealth wrongfully. If any competition is devoid of moderation and justness, it will have horrible consequences. It is here that crisis surfaced when people commit aggression against one another and curse one another. This consequence is a confirmation of the Prophet's (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sayings, "Every nation has a trial and the trial of this Ummah is money." (At-Tirmidhee)
Fellow Muslims! Hating poverty and loving wealth is natural for human. And the law of Islaam does not seek to go against the course of nature upon which Allaah created mankind. At the same time, it seeks to make people follow the path of moderation in all this, including in matters relating to money. The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of wealth and poverty.
Never has Islaam encouraged poverty, because poverty can almost lead to disbelief. Neither has Islaam encouraged people to run blindly after money, because man might become oppressive if he sees himself wealthy. Dear brethren! The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has mentioned the Hour would not come until there would be a lot of money. One of the things that we witness today is surplus of money and proliferation of its sources that people are now falling down upon one another because of it as butterflies fall down upon one another over the light. There is hardly a home that is not affected with this crave for money.
This should not be surprising. The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has informed us about this competition. What is surprising is the way the investors impetuously look for money and how they have shunned deliberateness and clarity in business transaction where they do not care to distinguish between what Allaah allows and what He forbids. The goal of all is only to acquire this money without giving regard to Islaamic regulations.
This disgraceful phenomenon did not come out of nowhere. It is a result of lack of knowledge and a weak desire to earn a living from lawful means. What we see today of many investment offers are full of ambiguities and unlawful methods reminds us of the saying of the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), "A time will come when man will no longer care whether is source of income is lawful or unlawful." (Ahmad)
Brethren in faith! The huge investment revolution among the investors has caused a lot ill-feeling, rancour and accusations. This is in addition to accumulated losses that have been the bane of many businesses, leading to dissensions and calamities. All this makes is incumbent upon us to put the things aright and explain some matters clearly through the following words of advice:
One: The affairs of humans and their properties are built upon negotiations and mutual agreement. The investors are generally ignorant when the deal with the person with whom they want to invest their money, as long as they are assured of profit. They do not bother to ask him of any small or big matter. They rather praise him and are proud of him. When the transaction then fails they quickly turn to vilify him and claim that he had duped them. They are, in the real sense, his allies when the business booms and his enemies when the business slumps.
Two: The basic rule concerning people's money and rights is that they are inviolable. It is unlawful to commit aggression against other people's properties or to unnecessarily delay them or to be negligent regarding them or to make to dispose of them under false excuses. The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "The blood, property, and honour of a Muslim are inviolable for all Muslims."
He (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said in another Hadeeth narrated by (Muslim), "Under what justification will you take the property of your brother unlawfully?” Three: Contentedness and magnanimity in commercial dealings are highly recommended, for they bring blessing. On the other hand, avarice and lack of contentedness remove the blessing. This is because; commerce is like alcohol which someone drinks until he becomes addicted to it. If he has become addicted to it, the state of being drunk and otherwise will be the same. The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever takes money rightfully it be blessed for him; and whoever takes unlawfully, he is like someone who eats and is not satiates." (Muslim)
Magnanimity and contentedness lead to blessing and mercy. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "May Allaah have mercy on a person who is magnanimous when he sells and when he buys and when he asks for his right." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Four: Certain misconceptions have to be corrected. Some traders believe that forbidden transactions are only forbidden because of their being usurious and that any transaction that is free of usury is lawful. This assumption is very wrong. The forbidden transactions are rather more than that. This is because; the reality of business transactions is based upon three principles:
1) The one regarding usury in all its forms
2) The one regarding risk and its types
3) The one regarding deception in business and its forms
Very few are the traders or investors who are aware of this because the transaction can become unlawful if one of the conditions for its validity is missing, even if it is not usurious.
The blessings are therefore found only in lawful earnings, and the removal of blessing is only from unlawful earning.
Five: We are directing this advice to those whom people entrusted with their money. We advise them to fear Allaah and use the money in lawful ways. Let them keep away from all ambiguous dealings or acts of negligence. They should not exploit peoples trust in them and use the money for other purposes. For, whoever has an intention to fulfil people's rights, Allaah will be with him. Let these people remember the saying of the Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), "Whoever takes people's money with the intention of fulfilling what in incumbent upon them in it, Allaah will help him to do so; and whoever takes people's money with the intention to ruin it, Allaah will destroy him." (Al-Bukhaaree) Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and beware of money, for the trial of this Ummah is in money. Listen to Allaah's instruction that goes thus,
"O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allaah is Most Merciful to you." (An-Nisaa 4:29)
Brethren in faith! The law of Islaam came to affirm previous divine laws in preserving the fives necessities: the religion, the life, the mind, the lineage and the property. Buying and selling fall under the necessity of preserving property. In view of this, Islaam did not give a Muslim the freedom to do with the property the way he likes without any regulations. This is to avoid the money being used in ways other than purposes for which Allaah gave it to mankind, so that it will not to a curse on the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said in a Hadeeth reported by (At-Tirmidhee), "The feet of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of four things", and he mentioned among them, "and about his wealth as to how he got it and on what he spent it.”
It therefore, becomes incumbent on the Muslim to understand the reality of this money that it is a double-edged weapon. Let him be careful lest it turns to a curse and a woe on him, for Allaah says about money,
"And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allaah is a mighty reward." (Al-Anfal 8:28)
It is an obligation of those who are in authority, the scholars and the experts in monetary dealings to play a tangible role in preserving this necessity by laying down regulations that will prevent the money from being misappropriated by the mischievous; and in order to reduce the victims of irresponsible dealers and to safeguard the financial market from being turned into a free pasture for all. Allaah says,
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers - evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers - good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." (Al-Hadeed 57:20)
“Super Foods”…for Ramadaan
By Umme Faatimah (B.Dietetics Univ. of Pretoria)
The modern world has swept us off our feet in so many ways… our dressing, our lifestyles and most noticeably our eating habits. We have so casually adapted the western culture of unhealthy eating, moving further and further away from the Noble teachings of the Quraan and Sunnah of The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him).
Yet, the newest nutritional research continues to discover the benefits of certain foods, labelled as “Super Foods”. They have also unravelled the great benefits of certain eating habits, such as washing the hands before and after meals, eating with the hands, not drinking with meals…just to mention a few. However, all of this has already been outlined in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah more than 1400 years ago.
We are certainly the losers if we do not make an effort to practice upon the Sunnah in our homes and kitchens. What better time to bring about these changes than now? Our beautiful Deen offers us the opportunity during the beautiful month of Ramadhaan, to bring about positive changes in our lives- changes that benefit us mentally, physically and spiritually which Insha Allah (Allah Willing) can be sustained for the future.
Physically, fasting gives the digestive system a much needed rest. Energy normally used for digestion is now directed to body detoxification, tissue repair and system healing.
With that in mind I have chosen to highlight just a few of the favourite foods of our The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). With the special month of Ramadhaan fast approaching, we can all ensure we have these foods on our shopping lists. InshaAllah, by us adopting the lifestyle of The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we will be rewarded enormously… Ameen.
DATES
Dates are the most mentioned fruit in the Quraan. They are high in energy, fibre, iron, vitamins and minerals. The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)said: “ The home with no dates is like the home with no food”.(Hadith- Sahih Muslim)
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)used to break his fast with fresh dates and a few sips of water. If he did not find fresh dates, he would use dried dates. He (pbuh) said: “When one of you breaks the fast let him do so with dates, for they are a blessing and if he cannot find dates then with water for it is a purification” (Hadith-Tirmidhi)
He often consumed dates with cucumber, butter, cream or bread. A dessert called “Haisa” made with ghee (butter), dates, cheese and yoghurt was also prepared.
Tips: At iftaar (breaking fast) time, dates can also be used to prepare date milkshakes, date chutney, date desserts as well as sprinkled over salads. For sehri (pre-dawn meal), dates can be used as a softened spread over bread or added into muffins, rusks etc.
OLIVE OIL
Dieticians and nutritionist the world over have been advocating the use of olive oil for its excellent cardio-protective, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ongoing research is revealing more and more great benefits on the consumption and application of olive oil.
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)said: “Eat the olive and use it as an ointment as it comes from a blessed tree”.(Hadith-Tirmidhi)
Tips: During Ramadhaan, olive oil is best used raw as a dip for breads or as a salad dressing. The lighter olive oils are well suited for cooking and baking purposes. Whole olives can be added to salads as well as de-pitted and added to breads, muffins, pies and pizzas.
BARLEY
A recent Readers Digest article highlighted barley as one of the five healthiest foods we tend not to eat. Yet it was barley that was one of the staple foods in the diet of our The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). Modern research is discovering that barley has a very high soluble- fibre content. This helps to keep the arteries clear and healthy. It has an extremely low glycaemic index (GI), which means it takes a longer time to digest, keeping one fuller for longer.
It is mentioned that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) consumed barley in the following ways:
SAWIQ – a coarse broth prepared from ground wheat and barley - very much like a haleem (soup)
THARID – Barley bread covered in gravy cooked with meat
TALBEENAH – A porridge prepared using barley and milk
A Hadith in Mishkaat narrates that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)never used sifted flour in his lifetime. We should take lesson from this, as we are all moving to consuming more refined and processed foods where all the beneficial nutrients have been stripped off. Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Quraan grains with their husks, amongst His many gifts to us. Un-sifted flour as used by The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)contains all the valuable nutrients found in the bran and germ layers and has a lower GI.
Tips: During Ramadhaan, barley can be added to soups and broths or prepared as a drink by boiling and straining mixture. A hadith in Bukhari mentions that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) consumed “Sawiq” at iftaar. Barley flour can be used for preparing breads and rotis. Substitute 1.5 cups barley flour for every 3 cups regular flour. Cereals containing barley flakes like muesli can be purchased, or barley flakes can be added to biscuits, muffins, breads and other cereals.
Barley can be prepared as a filling porridge for sehri -Talbeenah. Soak 1-2 tablespoons whole barley overnight in a flask filled with rapidly boiling water. At sehri time, strain water out and prepare porridge with honey and milk. (Store bought “pearled barley” has been polished with some of the bran layer removed).
HONEY
Modern research has been abuzz with the myriad of health benefits associated with honey- anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, energising tonic….to name a few.Our beautiful Deen has encouraged the use of honey 1400 years ago. The Holy Quraan mentions“there comes forth from the bee’s belly, a drink of varying colours, wherin is a healing for men”.(Qur’an 16:68-69)
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) further said “ Make use of two cures- honey and the Quraan”(Hadith-Ibn Majah)
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) loved drinks that were sweet and cold and often consumed honey water.
Tips: Honey can be used to sweeten items like tea, fresh juices, milk drinks and cereals etc. Raw honey which is thicker and creamier has a lower GI, and can be mixed with cinnamon and used as a spread on toast for sehri.
GRAPES AND RAISINS
Grapes have been found to contain resveratrol- a powerful antioxidant that protects the body on a cellular level from damage. The seeds are rich in flavonoids which lower the risk of fatty plaque accumulation on the lining of blood vessels to the heart.
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) loved eating grapes. Hadith in Abu Dawood mentions The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him )often consumed a drink “Nabeez”- prepared from soaked raisins. Nabeez can be prepared by soaking raisins after Esha (evening) prayer in clean water covered with a plate. The following morning the water can be drunk and the soaked fruit eaten or just use the blender to obtain a beautiful cloudy Nabeez. And, if you soak in the morning, drink in the evening. Nabeez should be consumed within twelve hours of soaking to prevent fermentation.
Tips: Nabeez or fresh grape juice can be prepared as a drink after Taraweeh (evening prayer in Ramadaan). Grapes can be served as part of salad or dessert. Raisins eaten with nuts can be enjoyed as a healthy munch after taraweeh salaat.
The Sunnah way of eating is the healthy way of eating. InshaAllah, let us all strive to revive and bring alive the Sunnahs of The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) in our homes this Ramadhaan. I have highlighted just a few. Make an intention to eat on the floor, share eating utensils and to fill a third of your stomach with water, a third with food and a third left for air.
Besides the immense health benefits outlined above our greatest rewards really lie in following the Sunnah, as it comes in Hadith mentioned by The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him):
“ The person who follows my Sunnah is the one who truly loves me, and will be with me in Jannah” (Hadith-Tirmidhi)
Allah Ta’ala said to His Messenger (pbuh)“Say (to mankind), if you love Allah, follow me – Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (Qur’an:3: 31)
Wishing you all healthy eating, the Sunnah way………………….Ramadhaan Mubarak!
| Breaking his Fast due to Strenuous Work |
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Question: What is your eminence’s opinion regarding a person whose work is strenuous and it is difficult for him to fast, is it permissible for him to break the fast? |
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Answer: It is my opinion in this matter that for him to break his fast due to work is unlawful, and it is not permissible. If it is not possible for him to reconcile his work with fasting, then he should take off from work during Ramadan, so that it is easy for him to fast in Ramadan. The fast of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islaam and it is not possible to forsake it. |
| Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen |
| Islamic Verdicts on The Pillars of Islaam, vol.2, page.630 |
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