Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts

Islamic Perspective of Adl or Justice

on Sunday, March 10, 2013

 

Islam is the biggest supporter of Adl and gives unprecedented rights to all humans. The Source of Islamic injunctions and laws is Allah Almighty’s infinite and Divine wisdom revealed directly to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and are undoubtedly most perfect and applicable for all times.  It is no wonder that it advocates peace, justice, equality and humanity like no other system.

Adl

Adl is the central theme of Quran and Sunnah. Adl represents fairness, justice, equality, and balance. Adl is a virtue which Allah Almighty – All Wise has chosen for Himself and made Zulm (injustice or not giving what’s due) haram for His slaves. Moreover Allah Almighty has mentioned at countless places in the Holy Quran that He loves establishers of Adl.

Adl is the most basic of human rights from which all the other rights are derived. It is such a universal right that He Almighty commands us to practice justice even for non Muslims and enemies.

“O believers, be the establishers of justice, giving witness for the sake of Allah, and do not let your animosity towards any people incite you against practicing justice. Be just! That is the pious way.” (Holy Quran 5:8)

Adl, which essentially means giving everyone and everything its due, is to be observed regardless of cast creed, status, religion  and nationality and even if it disfavors one’s own relatives .

Holy Quran clearly says,

 “O believers, be the establishers of justice, giving witness for the sake of Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents or your kith and kin. Whether they are rich or poor, Allah has more rights than any on them. Do not let pursuing your desires come in the way of being just.” (4:135)

Harvard Law School has described the above verse as the greatest expression of justice in history.

Adl is very extensive concept and includes fairness in everything we do or say.

And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a close relative.”(6:152)

It encompasses all comments and judgments, and all unfair treatments, be it inside court or outside; in selecting candidates, marking papers and all such situations.

Equality

Islam has made it mandatory to treat all people black or white, slave or master, man or a woman, and Arab or non Arab with equality

Holy Prophet (PBUH) in his last sermon said,

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety  and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Justice and Islamic society:

Allah is Just and enjoins His slaves to be just in all their dealings, and words.  All Islamic societies should strive to make Adl their aim. Justice is compromised when peoples self interests, biases, prejudices, fears and insecurities come into play. When rich and influential of the society are given concessions and bails, when relatives are preferred and exceptions are made based on nationality or race frustration and unrest starts to prevail. Holy Prophet (PBUH) once ruled to sever hand of a woman named Fatimah for theft who came from a noble family. People sent His (PBUH)’s loved ones to seek pardon for her. He (PBUH) became angry and said. “O people! Those before you went astray because they let go the influential while the common folks were punished. By Allah, had it been my own daughter, Fatimah, I would have cut her hand as well.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
This immaculate justice was the reason many accepted Islam knowing that this type of rulings can only come from the religion of Allah.

The dream of universal peace can’t be realized unless there is absolute justice in societies.  Allah has given those who practice and propagate Adl glad tiding of Jannah. It is about time that we rise above the inconsequential and short term favors of this world and strive for the Eternal Gardens by making Adl the only way to go.
 

 



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Dowry: An Islamic Perspective

on Sunday, March 3, 2013

The concept of dowry that has become a part of modern marriage tradition in many Muslim countries has absolutely no basis in Islam. Despite this, it is still practiced by many Muslims all over the world , particularly in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. In the Indian Subcontinent, the custom of Jahez (dowry) was practiced by those families who did not wish to give any share of their family property to women. As an alternative, they would give household goods, clothes and payments to their daughters. Islam does not order such a custom, and instead, has dictated a proper system of inheritance that applies to women. Most Islamic scholars agree that the concept of dowry should be avoided because it places extra financial burden on the family of a girl who is getting married. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, “The most blessed marriage is the one in which the marriage partners place the least burden on each other.”

Although dowry is often misconceived by many as an Islamic tradition, its basis lies in culture and not religion. It should be noted that Islam does not say explicitly that the giving of dowry is haram, nor does it appreciate such practices. Once can derive from other Islamic principles that dowry should be avoided because it tends to become a barrier in the marriage of a lot of people who cannot afford to spend huge amounts on dowry. The roots of this practice are so deepened in many Muslim societies society that people are forced to bear immense financial burdens so as to ensure that their daughters get married.

A research conducted by University of Bath in Bangladesh reveals that one quarter of the total country’s population is suffering from poverty and hunger. One of the major reasons that expand poverty is the custom of “dowry” because people are forced to pay dowry in amounts much greater than their family incomes, just to follow the old family traditions. The average income is around 100 Taka, whereas the dowry payment of one daughter is more than 20,000 Taka. This clearly shows how burdening this practice is becoming for Muslims in an increasingly expensive world.

Islam is a religion known for promoting simplicity and discouraging lavishness, extraordinary feasts and ceremonies. Prophet Muhammad’s four daughters got married without any dowry. He gave extremely diffident household objects – a sheet, a leather water-bag, and a pillow satiated with grass and fiber to his daughter Fatima on her marriage. If dowry had been an Islamic practice, it would have been encouraged by the traditions of Prophet Muhammad too. Therefore, Muslims should stop adopting such cultural practices that have not been advised by their religion.

On the other hand, instead of dowry, Islam declares “mahr” as an essential part of the marriage contract. This means that the husband must give a certain amount of money, possessions or property to his wife as a gift. Although the “mahr” does not strictly apply to everyone who cannot afford it financially, Allah says,
“…the wealthy according to his means, and the straitened in circumstances according to his means. The gift of a reasonable amount is necessary from those who wish to act in the right way.’ (2:236).



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Muslims perspective of Christianity as a Religion

on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Muslim is a person who believes in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and that there is only one ALLAH. A person cannot be a Muslim if he does not believe in other Prophets of ALLAH. Prophets who were sent for the guidance of people at different times and in different places. So this way Muslims do believe in the Prophet Hood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Book Bible because this is part of their belief. This way Muslims view Christians as the “people of the book”.

Muslims only believe in Jesus Christ as Prophet of ALLAH. He is a messenger to people and not as a “Begotten” son. Muslims also believe that on the day of Judgment everything rest with Almighty ALLAH, the most merciful and All- Knowing. It is mentioned in Quran that all people who have done good deeds will see them, and all sinful deed will also be shown. So those who do the good deeds shall stand full of success, and those who don`t have ever-lasting punishment.

Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Christians to worship only one ALLAH without any associate like son, partner or any companion. In Quran the Holy book of Muslims, it is mentioned to deal kindly with the Christians and cooperate with them, unless they do any harm to you or attack your religion or expel Muslims from their religion or homes.

In Muslim countries, Christians are allowed to carry on their activities in a peaceful manner. They were not being disturbed or forced to abandon their any religious activities. It is also prohibited, in Muslim countries, to force someone to convert to Islam, as Islam does not allow this.

ALLAH says in the Holy Quran about the people of the book:

Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knows well those that do right.” [Qur'an 03:113]

“Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve .” [Qur'an 2:62]

Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood. Islam asks its followers to act upon the guidelines of the Holy Prophet and the Holy Quran in the living and relations with fellow Muslims and Non Muslims. In Islam, the rules of everything are clearly mentioned. You as a Muslim have to follow them to be successful in this life and the life hereafter.

Even in wars Muslims are not allowed to kill anyone who do not fight against them, you cannot kill women, children, old citizens and people who are working in their fields and do not fight you. You cannot destroy any school or cut any tree. So how Muslims can think of violence against any other religion and its followers?

 



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College Dating and the Islamic Perspective

on Sunday, November 25, 2012

College life is a wonderful experience for almost everyone. College life is the time when people get an opportunity to learn about the practical life, their career options, and entering into the world of the workforce. It is a time when people make new friends and it is the most important and critical stage of learning. Nowadays, most colleges have coeducation where boys and girls study together. But unfortunately it is very common in those coeducation colleges for students to, instead of concentrating on their classes and learning new things, go through their college years having fun and actively participate in dating activities.

College dating is precarious and is playing its part in spoiling the future of the new generation, and is in turn likely to take control and play a detrimental part in the country’s development. If the new generation will not concentrate on their studies, then how will they be able to compete with the world and play their part in the development of the country in the future?

We know that college life is that stage at which one decides which profession he will go into. Also, college life is the time when the character of a person develops. In addition to studies, extracurricular activities are also very important for character development. But this doesn’t mean that one should be dating. One should use his college time only for discovering himself, not the mate. In the future there will be enough time to discover the mate that one wants. College dating is becoming a serious problem in Islamic society and parents are worried about their children and want a possible solution to this problem.

Islam is the religion of truth and guidance. Islam has provided all of the information and solutions to the problems of daily life. In Islam, before marriage, relationships and dating are strictly prohibited. Non-permissible males are strictly forbidden to make any kind of relationship with non-permissible females before marriage. If someone does engage in a relationship before marriage, it is Haram in Islam. There are several social disadvantages of college dating for young generations. Coeducation is the most important cause of dating activities and students waste their precious time in dating. Therefore, some students spoil their whole future due to college dating. It is a fact that college life is most precious for the career and future success of any student. Students can enjoy a bright future by focusing on their studies, and similarly, they can also spoil their future by being involved in dating activities. Therefore coeducation is not suitable for students. It is important to eliminate the concept of coeducation everywhere in the world. Coeducation is most common in Europe and, therefore, rape cases are also most common in European countries.



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Unique perspective about Mothers in Islam

on Saturday, November 10, 2012

Human beings are the greatest creation of ALLAH Almighty. ALLAH created everything. Islam is the greatest holy religion, which provides unique characteristics and teachings about the status of humans. Equal rights are there for both men and women in Islamic teachings.  The mother is the greatest blessing of ALLAH Almighty. There is nothing important than parents in life. In addition, the most important factor is that the mother is the  relationship which cannot be replaced by any other relationship. Islam stresses more about the status of women and especially about mothers.  The home is not complete without the mother. We should respect our parents so that we can succeed in this life and the hereafter life.  For women being a mother is the greatest blessing. Nothing is more special than a mother’s love, devotion and simplicity.

Islam stresses a lot about the dignity and honor of a Mother. A mother loves her children very much. A mother’s love cannot be explained in words. Those children who have parents are very lucky and the bond with the mother, especially, is the most important for children. Children should respect their mothers in every matter. Muslims who do not respect their parents are very disgraceful and never succeed in life. ALLAH Almighty and His Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) are pleased with those who respect their parents. When the father tries to punish the child the mother comes to the rescue; this is due to the deep affection of a mother who cannot bear to see her child suffer in anyway. The Holy Qur’an stresses on the status of a mother. Women have to be respected whether she is a sister, a wife or a mother.

The choice of a nice wife is a critical decision. Every Muslim unmarried man wants an unmarried women with good morals. In the Islamic society, mother is the symbol of dignity, respect and affection. The status of a mother is emphasized on many occasions. ALLAH has given the highest status to a mother. One of the greatest sayings about the dignity of mothers is that “Paradise lies beneath the feet of a mother.” This is the great sign to get the chance to avail blessings of ALLAH by serving his mother in an efficient manner. A mother’s sacrifice is never forgotten. We have to listen to the the teachings of our parents. We should also obey our parents.

Some reasons to be grateful to our mothers and obey them are as follows:

We will go to paradise if we respect out mothers and take good care of them in old age.



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A human rights perspective on headscarf and veil bans

on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Marianne Møllmann of Amnesty International welcomes FIFA's recent decision to lift its ban on women footballers wearing headscarves and also the news that several gulf countries are for the first time sending female athletes (wearing headscarves) to the Olympics. She notes, however, that more and more European countries are imposing restrictions on the wearing of headscarves or face-veils in public.

RH Reality Check, 23 July 2012



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Muslim Academy Podcast 005 – Learning about Women’s Rights in the Middle East from the Perspective of an Egyptian Male

on Tuesday, July 10, 2012

In this Episode, Chris and Caitlin discuss women’s rights in Egyptian Society from the vantage point of a male.  He discusses his viewpoint of the current status of women’s rights, or lack thereof, and how it’s more a factor of culture than religion.



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Muslim Academy Podcast 006 – Life in Bangladesh – The Perspective of One Man on Poverty, Crime, and Addiction

on Monday, July 9, 2012

In this Episode, Caitlin and Chris discuss life in Bangladesh with Muntasir, a freelance journalist living in Bangladesh. He discusses crime, poverty, addiction, and slums in Bangladesh.



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Podcast: An Egyptian Christian’s Perspective

on Monday, June 4, 2012

Muslim Academy has created a new podcast series where we interview bloggers about their articles and their lives. This is the first post. Check it out and let us know what you think.

In this podcast, Caitlin and Chris interview Ehab, a Christian living in Egypt. They speak about stereotypical ideas of Egypt as well as Ehab’s worries about the ongoing elections.



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Podcast: An Egyptian Muslim Woman’s Perspective

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In this podcast, Caitlin and Chris interview Walaa, a Muslim woman living in Egypt. She gives her thoughts on the elections as well as the rights and responsibilities of women according to Islam.



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