Cruelty is Prohibited in Islam...!

Foremost, Cruelty is Prohibited in Islam,

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"And do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful.'' 

(Al Quran 4:36)

1600. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A woman was punished in Hell because of a cat which she had confined until it died. She did not give it to eat or to drink when it was confined, nor did she free it so that it might eat the vermin of the earth.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary:

Even if it was a animal it is necessary for the Muslim to treat with kindness and tenderness. Harshness to them is unlawful.


1601. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I happened to pass by some lads of the Quraish who had tied a bird at which they have been shooting arrows. Every arrow that they missed came into the possession of the owner of the bird. No sooner had they seen Ibn `Umar, they dispersed. Thereupon, Ibn `Umar said: "Who has done this? May Allah curse him who has done so. Verily, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has cursed anyone who makes a live thing the target (of one's marksmanship).''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

It is a major sin to pin down a living being to make it a target. One who does it is a cursed person.

1602. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade animals being tied (as targets).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

The right way of doing it is that rather than first capturing it and making it a target of arrows and bullets, it should be captured and slaughtered with a very sharp knife so that the victim does not feel much pain while giving its life.

1603. Abu Ali Suwaid bin Muqarrin (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I was the seventh child of Banu Muqarrin and we had only one slave-girl. When the youngest of us once happened to slap her (on the face) the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered us to set her free.
[Muslim].

Commentary:

It is a serious crime to beat one's servant or slave. The expiation of this sin is to set the servant or slave free. One is, however, allowed to discipline one's servants in a suitable manner in which punishment does not exceed the nature of offense committed on their part.

1604. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I was beating my slave with a whip when I heard a voice behind me which said: "Abu Mas`ud! Bear in mind...'' I did not recognize the voice for the intense anger I was in. Abu Mas`ud added: As he came near me, I found that he was the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who was saying, "Abu Mas`ud! Bear in mind that Allah has more dominance upon you than you have upon your slave.'' Then I said: "I will never beat any slave in future.''

Another narration is: The whip dropped from my hand in awe of the Prophet (PBUH).

Still another narration is: I said: "He is free for the sake of Allah.'' He (PBUH) said, "If you had not done this, you would have been signed by the Fire.''
[Muslim].

Commentary:

1. This Hadith has a stern warning for those who punish their slaves and servants without reason or far more than what they deserve.

2. This Hadith also gives a hint of the aura of awe and majesty that characterized the person of the Prophet (PBUH). It also shows the readiness of the Companions to mend their ways and obey the Prophet's commands.

1605. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The expiation for beating or slapping a slave on the face for something he has not done is to set him free.''
[Muslim].

Commentary:

Al-Qadi `Iyad says that there is consensus on the point that setting the slave free is desirable, not obligatory. Such liberation of the slave, however, is not equal in reward to setting him free without any consideration.

1606. It has been narrated that Hisham bin Hakim bin Hizam (May Allah be pleased with them) happened to pass by some (non-Arab) farmers of Syria who had been made to stand in the sun, and olive oil was poured on their heads. He said: "What is the matter?'' He was told that they had been detained for the non-payment of Jizyah. (Another narration says that they were being tortured for not having paid Al-Kharaj). Thereupon Hisham said: "I bear testimony to the fact that I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, `Allah will torment those who torment people in the world.''' Then he proceeded towards their Amir and reported this Hadith to him. The Amir then issued orders for their release.
[Muslim].

Commentary:

1. "Al-Kharaj'' is that tax which is charged on the produce yielded by land which is in the possession of non-Muslims in a Muslim State, while the revenue that is recovered from the Muslims on the lands held by them is called "Al-Ushr''. "Jizyah'' is that annual fee which is charged from the non-Muslims for the safety and security provided to their life, property and honour by a Muslim State. Muslims pay Zakat and non-Muslims pay Jizyah.

2. "Adhab'' torment is that particular punishment which Allah will inflict upon the inhabitants of Hell. If anyone gives a similar punishment to anybody in this world, he will be punished by Allah in the Hereafter for it, because He does not like anyone to do so. To make someone stand in a sizzling hot day and pour oil over his head is one type of tormenting people. For this reason, Hisham bin Hakim (May Allah be pleased with them) mentioned this Hadith to the Governor to warn him and make him abolish the punishment.

3. We also learn from this Hadith that it is incumbent on every Muslim to enjoin good on people and forbid them from doing evil.

4. Tyrants should be warned against their tyrannies so that they abstain from them.

1607. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw an ass which had been branded on the face. He disapproved of it. Upon this Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said, "By Allah, I shall not brand (the animal) but on a part at a distance from the face.'' Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) then commanded branding on the hips; he was the first person to brand the animals on hips.
[Muslim].

Commentary:

We learn from this Hadith that if an animal is to be branded for identification, it should not be branded on the face. The Hadith also points out the superiority of Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) and his obedience to the Prophet's command not to brand an animal on the face.

1608. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: An ass with a brand on the face happened to pass before the Prophet (PBUH). Thereupon he said, "May Allah curse the one who has branded it (on the face).''
[Muslim].

Another narration in Muslim is: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited us from hitting across the face and branding on the face (of an animal).''

Commentary:

Since face is the most sensitive and delicate part of the body, Muslims are strictly forbidden from causing even the slightest harm to it, no matter whether it is mankind or animal. Although, it is permissible to beat one's wife, children and slaves etc., for discipline but there is a stern warning that they should not be hit on the face.

Conversation Between Muslim Sisters About Hijab!

Women 1: "I'm so tired."

Student of Islam: "Tired of what?"

Women 1: Of all these people judging me!

Student of Islam: "Who judged you?"

Women 1: "Like that woman, every time I sit with her, she tells me to wear hijab."

Student of Islam: "Oh, hijab and music!"

Women 1: "Yeah! I listen to music without hijab…haha!"

Student of Islam: Maybe she was just giving you advice."

Women 1: "I don't need her advice. I know my religion. Can`t she mind her own business?"

Student of Islam: "Maybe you misunderstood. She was just being nice."

Women 1: "Keeping out of my business, that would be nice..."

Student of Islam: "But it's her duty to encourage you do to good."

Women 1: "Trust me. That was no encouragement. And what do you mean good?”

Student of Islam: "Well, wearing hijab, that would be a good thing to do."

Women 1: "Says who?"

Student of Islam: "It's in the Qur'an, isn't it?"

Women 1:
"Yes. She did quote me something."
"She said Surah Nur, and other places of the Qur'an."
"Yes, but it's not a big sin anyway. Helping people and praying is more important."

Student of Islam: "True. But big things start with small things."

Women 1: "That's a good point, but what we wear is not important. What's important is to have a good healthy and kind heart."

Student of Islam: "You said me that, what you wear is not important? Right?"

Women 1: "Yup! That's what I said."

Student of Islam: "Then why do you spend an hour every morning fixing up?"

Women 1: "What do you mean?"

Student of Islam: "You spend money on cosmetics, not to mention all the time you spend on fixing your hair and low-carb dieting."

Women 1: "So?"

Student of Islam: "So, your appearance IS important."

Women 1: "No. I said wearing hijab is not an important thing in religion."

Student of Islam: "If it's not an important thing in religion, then why is it mentioned in the Holy Qur'an?"

Women 1: "You know I can't follow all that's in Qur'an."

Student of Islam: "You mean, God tells you something to do & you disobey. Is that OK for you?"

Women 1: "Yes But God is forgiving."

Student of Islam: "God is forgiving to those who repent and do not repeat their mistakes."

Women 1: "Says who?"

Student of Islam: "Says in the same Book (Quran) Which tells you to cover."

Women 1: "But I don't like hijab, it limits my freedom."

Student of Islam: "But the Lotions, Lipsticks, Mascara and other cosmetics set you free?
What’s your definition of freedom anyway?"

Women 1:"Freedom is in doing whatever you like to do."

Student of Islam: "No. Freedom is in doing the right thing, not in doing whatever we wish to do."

Women 1: "Look! I've seen so many people who don't wear hijab and are nice people, and so many who wear hijab and are bad people."

Student of Islam: "So what? There are people who are nice to you but are alcoholic. Should we all be alcoholics? You made a stupid point."

Women 1: "I don't want to be an extremist or a fanatic. I'm OK the way I am without hijab."

Student of Islam: "Then you are a secular fanatic. An extremist is disobeying God."

Women 1: "You don't get it, if I wear hijab, who would marry me?!"

Student of Islam: "So all these people with hijab never get married?"

Women 1: "Okay! What if I got married and my husband doesn't like it? And wants me to remove it?"

Student of Islam: "What will you do if your Husband want you to do bank robbery? Will you do it?"

Women 1: "That's irrelevant, bank robbery is a crime."

Student of Islam: "Is Disobeying your Our Creator is not a crime?

Women 1: "But then who would hire me into a job?"

Student of Islam: "A company that respects people for who they are."

Women 1: "Not after 9-11"

Student of Islam: "Yes. After 9-11. Don't you know about Hanan who just got into med school? And the other one, what was her name, the girl who always wore a white hijab…ummm…"

Women 1: "Yasmeen?"

Student of Islam: "Yes. Yasmeen. She just finished her MBA and is now interning for GE."
Then, Why do you reduce religion to a piece of cloth anyway? and Why do you reduce womanhood to high heels and lipstick colors?"

Women 1: "You didn't answer my question."

Student of Islam: "In fact, Yes! I will answer your question. Hijab is not just a piece of cloth. It is obeying God in a difficult environment. It is courage, faith in action, and true womanhood. But what about  your short sleeves, tight pants.

Women 1: "That's called `fashion`, you live in a cave or something? First of all, hijab was founded by men who wanted to control women."

Student of Islam: "Really? I did not know men could control women by hijab."

Women 1: "Yes. That's what it is."

Student of Islam: "What about the women who fight their husbands to wear hijab? And women in France who are forced to remove their hijab by men? What do you say about that?"

Women: "Well, that's different."

Student of Islam: "What difference? The woman who asked you to wear hijab…she was a woman, right?"

Women 1: "Right, but…"

Student of Islam: "But fashions that are designed and promoted by male-dominated corporations, set you free? Men have no control on exposing women and using them as a commodity?

Women 1: Give me a break!"

Student of Islam: Wait, let me finish, I was saying…"

Women 1: "Saying what? You think that men control women by hijab?"

Student of Islam: "Yes."

Women 1: Specifically how? "By telling women how and what to wear, dummy!"

Student of Islam: "Doesn't TV, magazines and movies tell you what to wear, and how to be `attractive'?"

Women 1: "Of course, it's fashion."

Student of Islam: "Isn't that control? Pressuring you to wear what they want you to wear?"

Women 1: [Silence]

Student of Islam: "Not just controlling you, but also controlling the market."

Women 1: "What do you mean?"

Student of Islam: "I mean, you are told to look skinny and anorexic like that woman on the cover of the magazine, by men who design those magazines and sell those products."

Women 1: "I don't get it. What does hijab have to do with products."

Student of Islam:
"It has everything to do with that. Don't you see? Hijab is a threat to consumerism, women who spend billions of dollars to look skinny and live by standards of fashion designed by men…

And then here is Islam, saying trash all that nonsense and focus on your soul, not on your looks, and do not worry what men think of your looks."

Women 1: "Like I don't have to buy hijab? Isn't hijab a product?"

Student of Islam: "Yes, it is. It is a product that sets you free from male-dominated consumerism."

Women 1: "Stop lecturing me! I WILL NOT WEAR HIJAB! It is awkward, outdated, and totally not suitable for this society ... Moreover; I am only 20 and too young to wear hijab!"

Student of Islam: "Fine. Say that to your Lord, when you face Him on Judgment Day."

Women 1: "Fine."

Student of Islam: "Fine."

Women 1: "Shut up and I don't want to hear more about hijab!

[Conversation Silence for a moment & Conversation Concludes.]


But, Every time She stared at the mirror, tired of arguing with herself all this time about this topic of wearing Hijab.

Successful enough, finally we all should remember that Modern day’s decision may Accept by the Society but surely rejected by the Faith.

Like:
If Women’s giving answer "Yes!"- To Curls on the Hair (This is a Modern day’s decision and are accepted by Society)
If Women’s giving answer "No!" - To Hijab or Veil! (If No to Hijab..! Surely, this is rejected by the Faith)

____________________________________________________________
Footnotes:

1. 
"And he (/she) is indeed a failure who corrupts it [the soul]!"


[Holy Quran 91:10]

2. 
"Nay! You prefer the life of this world; 
While the hereafter is better and more lasting."


[Holy Quran: 87:16-17]

3. 
"You are the best community (Ummah) raised up for (the benefit of) humanity; enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah.


[Holy Quran: 3:110]

Importance of Friday…!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Friday is the best day of the week. Imam Bukhari and Muslim reported that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had said, "We (Muslims) came last and yet we are the first on the day of judgment. They have received the books before us (meaning Torah and Injil). We have received the book after them (meaning the Qur’an). Friday was their day to be glorified. However, they disputed on that while Allah had told us Friday is the day to glorify. Thus they will follow us. The Jews glorify Saturday, and the Christians glorify Sunday." Also reported by Imam Muslim, Abo-Dawod, Al-Nesaii, and Al-Termithi, that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had said, "The best day during which the sun have risen is Friday. It is the Day Adam was created. It is the day when Adam entered paradise and also when he was taken out from it. It is also the day on which the Day of Judgment takes place."

Muslims are supposed to do the following on Fridays:

1. Men are obligated to participate in Friday Prayer. Allah (S.W.T.) said in Surat Al-Jumauah, (verse 9), what can be translated as, "O’ you who believe! When the call is proclaimed to Prayer on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is best for you if you but knew." In addition, prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had warned from not attending Friday Prayer. Imam Muslim and Ahmad had reported that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said about people who do not attend Friday Prayer, "I wanted to ask a man to lead people in the prayer so that I may go and burn houses of men who did not attend the Friday Prayer with us" He also said reported by Imam Muslim, Ahmad and An-Nesaii, "Either they (meaning people who do not attend the Friday prayer) stop neglecting Friday prayers or Allah will set a seal on their hearts so they can not find the right path again." In another authentic hadith reported by Abu Dawod, Termithi, An-Nesaii, and Ibn-Majah, that the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Who ever does not attend three Friday prayers, (without a valid excuse) Allah will set a seal on his heart"

2. It is also recommended to increase supplication especially at the last hour of the day since it is the hour when requests are replied by Allah. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam An-Nesaii, Abu-Dawod, and Al-hakim, that the prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Friday has 12 hours, one of which is the hour where cries are granted for Muslim believers. This hour is sought at the last hour after Asar."

3. It is encouraged to wish peace be upon prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) during Fridays and Friday’s night because of an authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawod, An-Nesaii, and Ibn-Majah, that the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "The best day is Friday. On Friday Adam was created, and died. On Friday is the first time the trumpet is blown (meaning when every creature dies) and the second time the trumpet is blown (referring to resurrection). So increase the number of times you wish peace upon me since this prayer will be shown to me." They asked him, How will our prayers be shown to you after you have vanished. He replied, "Allah has prohibited earth to cause the body of prophets to decay."

4. It is also recommended that Muslims recite surat Al-Kahf, because of the authentic hadith reported by Imam Al-Baihaqee, and Al-Hakim, that the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) had said, "Whoever recites surat Al-Kahf on Friday, Allah will give him a light to the next Friday."

5. It is also recommended that Muslims clean and wash themselves and make sure they smell nice when they attend Friday Prayers. Imam Muslim and Bukhari reported that the prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Every Muslim is obligated to bath on Fridays and wear his best cloth. Also, he should use perfume if he has any."

6. It is important to come early to the Friday prayer. All of the hadith collectors, except Ibn-Majah, reported in an authentic hadith that the prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "If one washes himself and then went to Friday Prayer, it is considered as if he donated a camel for the sake of Allah. However, If he went in the second hour then it is considered as if he donated a cow and if the third hour then as if he donated a big sheep and if the fourth hour then as if he donated a chicken and if the fifth hour then as if he donated an egg. Then when the Imam starts delivering the speech the angels come and listen to it." Also in anther authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawod that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "On Friday the angels come to stand on the doors of the mosque (masjid), the angels record who comes first, if the Imam starts delivering the speech, the angles close their files and come to listen to the speech."

7. It is forbidden to work on Fridays when the call for the prayer is announced because Allah says in surat Al-Jumu’ah, (verse 9), what can be translated as, "When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business."

8. Also, it is forbidden to talk during the Khutbah. Several sayings of prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) covers this subject. In an authentic hadith reported by (the group of Ahadith collectors), except Ibn-Majah that prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "If you told your friend to pay attention on Friday while the Imam is delivering the speech then you committed a sin of vain talk." Another authentic hadith which was reported by Imam Ibn-Majah and Attermizi that prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Even who touches the gravel on the floor then he committed vain talk, and he who does commit that there will be no (Jumuah) Friday for him."

9. It is also disliked to walk between sitting people during Friday gathering unless there is an empty spot to fill. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawod, An-Nesaii, and Ahmad that, A man came and started walking between people during a Friday gathering while Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was delivering his speech, so the Prophet told him, "Sit because you caused harm to other people and came in late."

10. It was not legislated to consider Friday as a day off and not work during it. Because Allah (S.W.T.) said in surat Al-Jumu’ah, (verse 10), what can be translated as, "And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the bounty of Allah." It was not a habit of any of the companions to consider Friday as a day to take off work. On the contrary Imam Al-Malek said, "It is disliked to take Friday off since we will be resembling the Jews and Christians for taking, respectively, Saturday or Sunday off."

11. Finally, there are two important matters for us in this country to be cautioned of. First of all, we must not neglect Friday Prayers because of work, study, or other matters. Every Muslims should make attending Friday Prayer as his top priority. It is important to do so since ignoring it three times with no valid reason will cause the heart to be sealed from the right path. The second matter to watch for is the loosing of one’s interest in the importance of Friday. This is especially important for the growing generation who are used to the concept of weekend being Saturday and Sunday and know almost nothing about the importance of Friday in the eyes of Muslims. So it is our duty to remind them and ourselves about this great day which is the best day of the week and try to spend it according to Islamic teaching.

(Friday speech was delivered by Imam Mohamed Baianonie at the Islamic Center of Raleigh)