AL-HIKMAT SERVICES INC. The Wisdom Website - Serving the Muslim and Non-Muslim Community for the past 33 years, through the distribution of publications, DVDS, CDS, radio & TV shows, lectures, seminars, dialogues etc.,establishing tolerance and better understanding among different faiths and cultures. AL QUR'AAN Ch: 16 V: 125 “Invite To the Way of Thy Lord With Hikmat” (Wisdom). 

Let Us Help

those

Who Need Help

All that are in the heavens and the earth implore Him for their needs.  Every day He exercises His universal power.  Which of your Lord’s blessings would you two deny?  Qur’aan 55:29:30

My dear sisters, just recently, we sadly said goodbye to the blessed month of Ramadan.  For 29 or 30 days, we cut ourselves off from the worldly distractions and desires. Our awareness of our dependence on Allah (SWT) increased, and with Allah’s help, we were more able to guard ourselves against wrongdoing.  Most of us made huge sacrifices during this month and deprived ourselves from many necessities as well as extra indulgences.  We had a small taste of what it is like to be hungry, but for us, we knew that at the end of the day we were almost guaranteed to have a fulfilling meal (Alhamdulillah).  We performed more salaat; made more, and longer duas and we extended ourselves to be more kind, helpful, patient and humble during this period.   We dedicated ourselves during Ramadhan to fulfill Allah’s commands and to fast for His pleasure, because we understand the potential rewards (forgiveness, mercy and Janatul Firdaus, and Allah knows best), if our fasts and overall ibadah is accepted.  Let us now strive to show Allah (SWT) our sincere appreciation, gratitude and praise for giving us the opportunity of Ramadhan, to improve ourselves and to change our personal behavior, our character, our attitude and to elevate our God consciousness.   One way of showing gratitude to Allah (SWT) is for us to make the sincere intention and genuine effort to continue doing at least some, if not all of the good deeds that we did during the blessed month of Ramadan. At the very least, let us continue to do at least 5- 10 of the following good deeds:

vLet us continue to pray our five daily salaat, this is a major command of Allah (SWT) and is the key to paradise.

vLet us pray on time. Sisters let us leave our housework, phone calls and demands of our children or make time at or after work to pray

vLet us continue to recite and read the Quran daily, five to ten minutes in the morning and the evening.  What better way to start and end our day

vWe must strive to have better relations with our parents, wives, children, brother and sisters, our relatives and our neighbors

vLet us strive to help the poor and needy on a more consistent basis

vLet us do more volunteer work at the Masjid or in our community and help to contribute to the good of mankind in whatever way we can

vWe must visit the sick and the aged and feeble, those at home or in a hospital and certainly pray for them

vIt’s critical that we make the intention to go to Hajj Pilgrimage, a journey of a lifetime

vTry to fast at least once or twice a week

vLet us help those who need our assistance and try to do more random acts of kindness.  We will indeed receive tremendous rewards from our Lord and will at the same time emulate the character of the noble Prophet Muhammad PBUH, our only role model. My friends, the month of Ramadhan was sent to enable us to prove to ourselves that we do have the will power to better our character and our conduct, through the mercy of Allah (SWT), by restraining ourselves from evil and by striving to do more good.  We spent the month repenting and planting the seeds of patience, self-restraint, good character and good conduct.

Now we must continue to care and nurture these seeds and these young plants.  We certainly do not want them to wilt and dry up.  We should avoid at all costs going back to accumulating sins by lying, backbiting, deceiving, slandering, and breaking our promises and our trusts with Allah (SWT), and our trust with others.  Let us not deceive ourselves by being good in Ramadhan and then revert back to our old sinning ways and by sowing the seeds of discord and disunity, etc.  Our willpower and our ability to control our inner desires is much stronger now and we are better able to withstand the trials, temptations and deceptions of our chief enemy satan, as our emaan and taqwa was strengthened in Ramadhan. Prior to doing anything in life, let us always ask ourselves, “Is this action going to be pleasing to Allah (SWT)?” My sisters, let us use the high levels of emaan and taqwa that we hopefully gained in Ramadan and keep the momentum by continuing to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.  May Allah (SWT) protect us and our families and our good ammals and actions from satan.  May Allah (SWT) make it easy for us to do more of what is good and pleasing to Him and less of the things that are sinful and displeasing to Him every day of our lives, Ameen.

Of ALMS-GIVING: The angels asked, “O God! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than rocks?” Yes; iron is stronger than rocks, for it breaketh them.” The angels said, “O Lord! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than iron?” God said, “Yes; fire is stronger than iron, for it melteth it.” And the angels said, “O defender! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than fire?” God said, “Yes; water overcometh fire: it killeth it and maketh it cold.” Then the angels said, “O Lord! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than water?” God said, “Yes; wind overcometh water: it agitateth it and putteth it in motion.” They said, “O our cherisher! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than wind?” God said, “Yes, the children of Adam, giving alms; that is, those who give with their right hands and conceal it from their left, they overcome all.”

~Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

MEDINA

The City Of

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

The second holiest site in Islam is Medina (or Medinah), the “City of the Prophet (S.A.W),” is in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. It was to Medina city that Muhammad (S.A.W) fled when he was initially driven out of Mecca, and the place where he attracted his first followers. Medina currently has a population of about 600,000 people and is the home of “The Prophet’s Mosque.” The long form of the Arabic name for Medina (Madinat Rasul Allah) means “City of the Prophet of Allaah”, while the short form (al-Madina) just means “the City”. Muslims always add salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam (“peace be upon him”) after mentioning the Prophet Muhammad, so the full form of the name is commonly given as “Madinat Rasul Allah salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam.” Medina is the second holy city of Islam, after Mecca. It’s importance as a religious site derives from the presence there of the Masjid al Nabawi, the Mosque of the Prophet (S.A.W), which was built on the site of Muhammad’s home and is where he is buried. The first mosque of Islam is also located in Medinah and is known as Masjid al-Quba, the Quba Mosque. In 622, Medina became the seat of Muhammad’s (S.A.W) growing movement after the Hijra. In 622 Muhammad (S.A.W) was invited to come and live in Yathrib (the old name of Medina) and act as a sort of governor. Medina in those times was a divided city. Different clans and religions were eternally quarreling and bickering and Muhammad brought unity to the city. All parties agreed to a pact drawn up by Muhammad (S.A.W) and his followers. He invited all people in the city to follow the new religion of Islam. However, he had trouble convincing the Jewish population (which was actually quite large) that Islam was the true version of Judaism. In the ten years following the Hijra, Medina formed the base from which Muhammad (S.A.W) attacked and was attacked and it was from here that he marched on Makkah, becoming its ruler without battle. Even when Islamic rule was established Medina remained for some years the most important city of Islam and the de facto capital of the Caliphate. Under the first four Caliphs, known as the Righteous Caliphs, the Islamic empire expanded rapidly and came to include centres of learning such as Jerusalem and Damascus. After the death of Ali, the fourth caliph, Mu’awiyya transferred the capital to Damascus and the importance of Medina dwindled and became of a religious more than a political nature. In 1924 the city, which had been in Ottoman hands for centuries, fell to Ibn Saud, whose empire later became Saudi Arabia.

MARRIAGE is IMPORTANT

(Respect & Love)

Each of you is a shepherd, and each is responsible for those under his/her care.  A ruler is a shepherd, a man is the shepherd of his family, a woman is the shepherd of her husband’s house and children. For each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for those under his/her care. (Bukhari and Muslim).

Assalamu alaikum, my dear sisters. One of the reasons why The Holy Quran was sent to us is so that we would understand the importance of worshipping Allah (SWT) and to give us guidance that we may live a successful life.  It is our guide, our manual and our “how to” book that Allah (SWT), has given to humankind (free of charge!!).  This Book gives us direct access to specific advice and warning from the Creator himself.  No one else, except, Allah (SWT) has the definitive knowledge to advise us on the path we need to follow, for us to gain success in all aspects of our lives.  For centuries, many experts and authors have attempted to offer their knowledge about life‘s challenges and how to manage them.  However, they all have only limited knowledge, but Allah’s (SWT) knowledge is infinite.  He knows our present, past and future and therefore, is the only AUTHORrity who can instruct us as to what we need to do in order to attain success and happiness in all areas of our lives. Marriage is an important aspect in our lives, so in order to attain near perfect harmony with our spouses, we should consult Allah’s guidebook (the Quran).  Because, if we take it upon ourselves to demystify the behavior of our spouses and implement changes to create a more meaningful relationship, it may or may not be the right action to take.  We can all agree that marriage is hard work, as most, if not all marriages has its difficulties.  Men think one way and women think otherwise.  Men are impulsive, women are strategic planners.  Men may be laid-back, inattentive, not sentimental, not handy around the house, not helping with the kids, disorganized, irritable and impatient.  Women are always busy, organized, patient, systematic, logical, etc.   The list of negatives (for men) is more than the list of positives.  One thing all married sisters should know is that we are not alone in the difficulties we face as married couples. We take it upon ourselves, to figure out how to merge two people with different mindset to attain peace and harmony, however, one major factor, we seem to forget, is that “all men are not created equal”.  So while one husband might be handy, he may not be sentimental, one may be sentimental, but inattentive, another may be great with the kids, but is lazy.  Their weak points offset each of their strong points.  This also applies to us sisters, as we too have areas of weakness and strength .  According to one expert, he explained that for women, “it’s the little things that make a big difference. However, men do not live in that world, if you do little things for men; they look at it as little things. It doesn’t matter much.”  In addition, the expert explained that women need to understand that we should let go of the notion that men should automatically do work that has to be done. Women, will see work that has to be done and will automatically do it. For example, in a group setting, if one woman gets up to wash dishes, they all get up to help.  Men do not play by those rules. One guy gets up to do some task, the others will say, ‘good, it’s his job.’   Men do not have the same reaction as women. Therefore, they need to be motivated and women are the motivators.  Therefore, we have to accept our spouses for who they are and for who they are not, as they also have to accept our faults.    It is Allah who has brought each couple together.  He knows that it is the joint struggle and effort to make it work that will bring success.   Allah (SWT) said, “…live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah (SWT) brings about through it a great deal of good”, (Qur’an 4:19) So Allah (SWT) reminds men that women’s faults may be a good thing.  Allah advises us, “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives among yourselves that you may find rest in them and He has put between you affection and mercy.  Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect”. (Chapter 30:21).  These are all Allah’s (SWT) sublime messages for us to use to build our marriages on a solid foundation, striking a balance between physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs, so that it will not be interrupted by personality clashes or differences in attitude. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Treat women kindly, for women were created from a rib. The part of it that is most bent is the top.  If you try to straighten it, you will break it and if you leave it alone it will remain bent.  So treat women kindly”, (Bukhari and Muslim).  This description given by the Prophet (saw) describes the reality and nature of women.  The husbands should try to understand the psychology and nature of women, tolerate his wife’s mistakes, and accept her faults, recognizing that these are part of her nature.   Note that in this hadith, Prophet Muhammad (saw) starts and ends with the same words, “treat women kindly”.  This shows the Prophet’s concern for women. So let us both (wives and husbands) try our best to follow the advice of our noble Prophet and his example of how he treated his wives and marriages with utmost respect, fairness love, tranquility, understanding and compassion.  Rediscover the good characteristics of each other, and let those be the building blocks for a better relationship and more secure and harmonious family.  We know we cannot achieve the perfect husband or we cannot be the perfect wife, but putting Allah’s guidelines into action will certainly bring us closer to Him and to each other.

A wise man said: “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.”

“Being happy does not mean everything’s perfect, it just means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections....”

COMMUNITY LEADERS

AT

AL-HIKMAT ANNUAL DINNER

&

 AWARD CEREMONY

By: Sis. Susan Smith

Fort Lauderdale Islam Examiner

Al-Hikmat Services, Inc.rolled out the red carpet to 500 friends and neighbors from the interfaith community at its annual dinner and award ceremony on Sunday, May 1st. The event paid tribute to Muslims active in community service and supportive of Da’wah efforts, but also individuals of other beliefs whose initiatives promote understanding, tolerance and social justice. Awards were presented to 20 exemplary individuals, seven of whom represent the Christian, Jewish or Hindu faiths. In greeting the audience, Al-Hikmat Vice Chairman Azad Ali set the tone by reaffirming the universality of “The Golden Rule,” which is fundamental to all religions and necessitates honoring our fellow man and taking care of those in need. He asked, “Am I a Muslim, if I see my brother or neighbor starving? Am I a Christian, Jew or Hindu, if I don’t look after children and orphans? What does my faith mean, if it is not accompanied by acts of charity, compassion and kindness?” With that, Master of Ceremony and Al-Hikmat Chairman Farooq Shafi commenced with bestowing the awards. Pundit Baldath Maharaj, spiritual leader of the Sevashram Sangha Temple and Hindu community in Palm Beach County, was honored for taking the lead in objecting to Reverend Terry Jones’ Qur’an burning. Hindus have a deep and abiding goal to know, serve and love God, which necessitates love of one’s fellow man to achieve peace, joy and spiritual growth. In this regard, Pundit Baldath explained that was incumbent upon his community to take action against injustice. He described South Florida’s interfaith community as particularly enlightened, putting into practice what it preaches. “Rabbi Silver, Reverend Bell, Imam Shafayat and I often come together under one roof at one table to eat breakfast or dinner together,” he said. “We discuss the issues that affect our communities. In South Florida, this is a common practice. One community is always hosting the other.” Reverend Renwick Bell, Pastor of the Church of Our Savior, United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches in Boynton Beach, was also honored for taking a stand against Qur’an burning. His congregation hosted an informative interfaith panel discussion which unpacked, diffused and dispelled notions of prejudice and profiling. He expressed that he was flattered by the award and applauded Al-Hikmat for continuously hosting such forums. “What Shaikh Shafayat is doing is really great,” said Reverend Bell. “We are like minded in pulling people together with positive messages,” adding that his church regularly hosts interfaith events. “Recently, we held one around the theme of feeding the hungry,” he said, “and we’re talking about another occasion to invite Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and others to join us. It’s important to keep the momentum going to establish social justice and advance all mankind.” Rabbi Barry Silver of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Congregation L’Dor V’Dor in Lake Worth was recognized for his dynamism in transforming interfaith talk into action. “South Florida is progressive,” he said, “but there is still room for improvement. We have some enlightened individuals and communities, but the average synagogue, mosque or church tends to isolate.” The next step, he said, “is to move contrived events into natural settings.”He envisions scenarios in which children of all faiths come together to play sports or listen to music. “We need to do more things that have nothing to do with religion or politics.  In the midst of a game, no one stops to think who is Jewish or Muslim. We’re all united. We have to do more mingling.” Rabbi Silver described the Al-Hikmat community as exceptionally enlightened. “They have an incredible leader. I have so much respect for Shaikh Shafayat and all of his messages of love and harmony. He uses religion to bring people together – to join us at the highest level.  It’s an honor to be part of his interfaith effort. My yarmulke is off to him.” Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed closed the program by reinforcing Rabbi Silver’s emphasis on the critical and pivotal role of youth to establish interreligious harmony and social justice.”We need more young people to come forward to build bridges and lead the way for the next generation,” he said. In this regard, and for the purposes of education and Da’wah, he called on the audience to support Al-Hikmat Services in general and Al-Hikmat TV in particular.  He appealed for generous donations for the poor and needy; and to make possible continued initiatives with Rabbi Silver, Reverend Bell, Pundit Baldath, and other spiritual leaders in South Florida, whose congregations seek peace, justice and social enlightenment. He paid recognition to friends of all faiths from near and far, in the banquet hall and viewing from across the globe via Al-Hikmat TV, saying, “Your presence is a blessing.”

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule exists in all religions in some form. It is a statement of the requirements for all human behavior.

“This is the sum of all duty: do nothing to others which, if it were done to you, would cause pain.”

From The Mahabharata / The great Hindu epic

“Do not hurt others with that which hurts yourself.”

Buddha

“What is hateful to you, do not do to other.” Hillel, a Jewish Sage &  Scholar

Jesus said, “So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do unto you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew, 7:12

None of you is a believer until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself.”

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)

Bro. Farooq Shafi

Shari’ah

Halaal & Haraam

Translated from an article titled “Noor e Baseerat” in the Urdu daily Nawa-e-Waq

Since Islam is here till eternity, it is ancient as well as modern and that is Islam’s unique quality. Oneness of God Almighty, the Day of Judgment and the end of prophet hood are its ancient and absolute principals. The Sharia is old as well as modern for each era as well; meaning it fulfills the needs/demands of all times. It is an authentic rule of the Islamic Law that whatever is not declared Haraam (forbidden) is Halaal (allowed). It is apparently a vast field left open for all human beings. For example, haraam things have been told to us and then the rest is halaal. In the Holy Qur’aan, Allaah SWT admonished the Jews for making those things haraam that were declared halaal by Allaah SWT. Shaikh Ahmad Sarhindi (Mujaddid Alf Sani) has stated time and again in his teachings that we must stay silent (don’t argue) about the areas wherein the Sharia is also silent and to keep in mind that only that action/thing is prohibited that which has been expressly forbidden. In modern times, many people think (falsely) that whatever is not mentioned in Sunnah (teachings of the Holy Prophet SAW), is prohibited. Not only this is false, it is also very dangerous. For One, we know there is no compulsion in Islam and it is fully supported by the Holy Prophet SAW’s teachings, but it is being presented as hard and difficult to follow. Second, this thought is escalating tensions among the many thus causing divisions among the Muslims. Third, and finally and most importantly, it is causing a diversion from the important principals of Islam for the Muslim Ummah. Let’s keep in mind that in our lives, we perform Fard actions first and Sunnah after. After Sunnah, follow Mustahabb (recommended), Mubaah (neither forbidden nor recommended) and then Makrooh (disliked). After all these, comes the field of Haraam (forbidden). Now, think about these steps before we even reach Haraam. Haraam are only those things/actions that have been expressed by Allaah SWT as such. In salaah, we have Fard and then Sunnaahs. Fard and Sunnah are necessary. After that, one can perform as many Nafil (optional) as one wishes. Can someone say to another, “ You have performed so many nafals on such and such day, did the Holy Prophet SAW do as well?”. The answer to this would be, “Did the Holy Prophet SAW forbid this?” Umar RA used to regularly keep nafal fast on Mondays and Thursdays. These days, various Muslim cantons recite the names of the Khulafa-e Rashideen ( Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan & Ali R.A) in the Friday Khutbah (sermon). It was not and couldn’t be a practice in the time of the Holy Prophet SAW. Now, should we label it as a wrong practice?

Allaah Knows Best

AL-HIKMAT TV

Live Broadcast Of

ISNA’S  CONFERENCE

By: Sis. Elisha Majeed

Al-Hamdulillaah, Al-Hikmat TV did a LIVE Broadcast Online of ISNA’S East Zone Conference held on January 7 & 8th, 2011, at the Broward Convention Center, in Fort Lauderdale Florida USA. Copies of lectures at the event can be obtained from ISNA or Al-Hikmat office, plus some of the main lectures can be seen on Al-Hikmat TV Online - WWW.ALHIKMATLIVE.COM Inshaa Allaah. Two special awards were presented by the President of ISNA to Sis. Meena Durdana Siddiqui and Bro. Mohammad Saifullah Shakir during the Celebration Banquet for their outstanding community service. The local Chairman for this conference was Brother Asad Ba-Yunus. Topics discussed at the conference were: Developing Compassionate Communities in Coming Generations through Islamic Higher Education, Nurturing the Family: Empowering Women and Fostering Healthy Relationships, Partners in Spreading Compassion: Faith Communities Working Together, Not-so-Happily Ever After: Dealing with the Breakdown of a Marriage, Effective Expressions & Conflict Resolution, and Nurturing Compassion through Ta’leem-based Education. Topics on youths included: The Companions: Yesterday’s Youths, Today’s Teachers, Starstruck: A little less Jonas, a little more Younas, and We Are the World: One People, One Nation. Some of the main speakers were: The President of ISNA - Brother Mohamed Magid, Secretary General - Dr. Safaa Zarzour, Vice-President - Bro. Azhar Azeez, plus Bro. Sami Catovic and Dr. Altaf Husain (ISNA Shura Council Members). Guest Speakers were: Dr. Jamal Badawi and Imaam Zaid Shakir. Faith communities working together was another highlight of the conference. A few of South Florida interfaith leaders explained some of their strategies and successes in working together. Kathleen Leonard and Laura Sue from JAM & ALL plus brother Shakeel Hye from FIA and Shaikh Shafayat of Darul Uloom Institute, gave their experiences and suggestions for better relationships to achieve real results. People were very attentive to the memorandum that each lecturer and panelist discussed. As a member of the audience, I not only heard the message, I listened and digested every word. This conference was an A+. The layout was very well-organized, the lectures consisted of topics that the audiences were able to relate too, and the panelists were well-educated scholars, funny, and inspirational.

Mothers

should be an example

for their

CHILDREN

On the Day that Allah will raise them all up (again) and show them the Truth (and meaning) of their conduct. Allah has reckoned its (value), though they may have forgotten it, for Allah is Witness to all things. (Chapter 58, Verse 6)

ALLAAH

Loves That Person Who

Spends His Youth

In The Path of Allaah

Submitted by: Bro. Farooq Shafi Sunrise, Florida U.S.A

Once, the Holy Prophet (SAW) was sitting around with his companions. He said to them, “I like three things very much.”  The companions (RA) became attentive to know what three things the Holy Prophet (SAW) likes. The Holy Prophet SAW said, “I like itar (scent); I like a God-fearing and obedient wife, and I like salaah very much.’ Also present in that gathering were Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA), Usmaan (RA) and Ali (RA). Abu Bakr  said, “Ya Rasool Allaah, if you permit me, may I also mention my three favorite things too?” After getting permission he said, “Ya Rasool Allaah, looking at you is my favorite; to sacrifice everything on your command is also my favorite, and the third most favorite is my beloved daughter to be your life partner.” Umar (RA) stated after permission, “I also like three things. First is to spread the good deeds; second is to eliminate the bad deeds, and the third favorite is to put on the old and torn clothing.” Usmaan (RA) chimed after permission, “Ya Rasool Allaah, I also like three things very much. First is to feed the hungry, second is to dress the poor and needy, and the third favorite is to continue reciting the Holy Qur’aan.” Ali (RA) spoke after permission, “Ya Rassol Allaah, My three favorite things are to serve my guests; swing my sword in the path of Allaah, and to fast in hot weather.” While this discussion was going on, Jibraeel (AS) descended. He said to the Holy Prophet (SAW) that Allaah SWT has sent him to mention his own and Allaah SWT’s three favorite things. With the Prophet SAW’s permission, Jibraeel (AS) said, “My favorite things are to guide those who are lost, to secretly help those with a few means and a large family, and to befriend those who are poor in income but have not lost their conscience.” Jibraeel (AS) then mentioned the three things that Allaah (SWT) loves. “Allaah SWT loves that person who spends his youth in His path; He loves the one who is patient when there are no means visible, and Allaah SWT also loves the one who weeps when he is embarrassed upon the sins he has committed.”