Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be upon you)
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims reflect on the purpose God has in mind in prescribing fasting.
[2:183]O YOU who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God:
The Qur'an places before the reader a clear purpose to be achieved by fasting: that of maintaining 'God-Consciousness'. The Arabic text additionally implies that the attainment of God-Consciousness is not guaranteed but is a function of effort. The verse links this text's command to fast to God's previous revelations to humanity of the command to fast thus demonstrating the continuity of His messages to humanity.
[2:184][fasting] during a certain number of days. But whoever of you is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days; and [in such cases] it is incumbent upon those who can afford it to make sacrifice by feeding a needy person. And whoever does more good than he is bound to do does good unto himself thereby; for to fast is to do good unto yourselves – if you but knew it.
The Qur'an continues to expound some detail about fasting and what exceptions are provided for those who may not be able to fast. An alternative to fasting, that of feeding the needy, is provided for those who are unable to fast. The last part of the verse indicates that either additional days of fasting in the year beyond the days of Ramadan are recommended as highly beneficial or that the feeding of additional needy people is recommended when one cannot fast. The verse ends with an emphasis on the benefit of fasting to the person.
[2:185]It was the month of Ramadān in which the Qur’ān was [first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], and that you extol God for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks [unto Him].
This next verse now delves into a critical association fasting has to the revealed text of God. It declares that it is in the month of fasting that the Qur'an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw). Further it declares that the Qur'an is guidance for manking, containing self-evidence of that guidance, and acts as a critierion to distinguish truth from falsehood. The result of this verse within Muslim society has been the increased opportunities that are realized during this month for reading, hearing and understanding the Qur'an.
The verse now changes emphasis back to the necessity of commitment to fasting in this month with a declaration of those who are exempt from the requirement and the declaration of God's intent. God does not intend fasting to be a burden but intends it to be an opportunity to express your gratitude to Him for his guidance.
[2:186]AND IF My servants ask thee about Me – behold, I am near; I respond to the call of him who calls, whenever he calls unto Me: let them, then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so that they might follow the right way.
The verse tense now changes to a personal tone where the Prophet Muhammad (saw), the original recipient of the verse, is being instructed to direct those who seek God to call upon Him. The verse tense is in the first person singular and the mood of the verse is intimate. God declares that "I am near; I respond to the call of him who calls, whenever he calls unto Me". After the declaration of His availability, God instructs "let them, then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so that they might follow the right way".
[2:187]IT IS lawful for you to go in unto your wives during the night preceding the [day’s] fast: they are as a garment for you, and you are as a garment for them. God is aware that you would have deprived yourselves of this right, and so He has turned unto you in His mercy and removed this hardship from you. Now, then, you may lie with them skin to skin, and avail yourselves of that which God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until you can discern the white streak of dawn against the blackness of night, and then resume fasting until nightfall; but do not lie with them skin to skin when you are about to abide in meditation in houses of worship. These are the bounds set by God: do not, then, offend against them – [for] it is thus that God makes clear His messages unto mankind, so that they might remain conscious of Him.
The last verse on this series clarifies what is permissible sexual relationship during the month of Ramadan. During the period of the night after the fast has been broken, sexual intercourse along with eating and drinking is permissible until the start of the next day's fast. An exception to this rule of permissible sexual intercourse during the night is made for those who intend to spend time meditating in the mosque at night. The verse ends with a reminder of the boundaries that God sets, the need to stay within those boundaries and the purpose of these boundaries as a reminder of God's message and a path to maintaining God consciousness.
Iftekhar Hussain
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Happy Ramadan
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I wish you Ramadan Mubarak and happiness on the occasion of the start of Ramadan 2007. Fasting, the fourth pillar of Islam, is practiced during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri calender), established in the year 638 CE. It is considered the most venerated, blessed and spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time; religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month.
Verses in the Qur’an regarding fasting:
O YOU who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God:
[fasting] during a certain number of days. But whoever of you is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days; and [in such cases] it is incumbent upon those who can afford it to make sacrifice by feeding a needy person. And whoever does more good than he is bound to do does good unto himself thereby; for to fast is to do good unto yourselves – if you but knew it.
It was the month of Ramadān in which the Qur’ān was [first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], and that you extol God for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks [unto Him]. [Qur'an 2:183-185]
Muslim communities across the Delaware Valley will hold ‘Sharing Ramadan’ events throughout the month where you are invited to participate in the breaking of the fast at sunset. Please check the CAIR-PA website (http://pa.cair.com/) to find a mosque near you. These events allow American Muslims to share and celebrate the importance of the month of Ramadan with people of all faiths.
Iftekhar Hussain
Monday, August 27, 2007
Islam Today: The Need to Explore Its Complexities
Islam Today: The Need to Explore Its Complexities
Wednesday 22 August 2007, by Tariq Ramadan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Never before have Islam and the Muslims been held up to such relentless scrutiny. Never before have journalists devoted so many articles, interviews and analyses to the "Muslim world" or to "Muslims in the West." And yet never has knowledge of Islam, of Muslims, and of their geographical, political and geostrategic circumstances been so superficial, partial and frequently confused—not only among the general public, but also among journalists and even in academic circles...
read more below
http://www.tariqramadan.com/article.php3?id_article=1167&lang=en
Wednesday 22 August 2007, by Tariq Ramadan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Never before have Islam and the Muslims been held up to such relentless scrutiny. Never before have journalists devoted so many articles, interviews and analyses to the "Muslim world" or to "Muslims in the West." And yet never has knowledge of Islam, of Muslims, and of their geographical, political and geostrategic circumstances been so superficial, partial and frequently confused—not only among the general public, but also among journalists and even in academic circles...
read more below
http://www.tariqramadan.com/article.php3?id_article=1167&lang=en
Thursday, August 23, 2007
ON JIHAD, APOSTASY AND WOMEN by Tariq Ramadan
Muslim Scholars Speak Out
ON JIHAD, APOSTASY AND WOMEN
Saturday 28 July 2007, by Tariq Ramadan
1. WHAT IS JIHAD? UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS DOES ISLAM SANCTION THE USE OF VIOLENCE? WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SUICIDE BOMBERS WHO INVOKE ISLAM TO JUSTIFY THEIR ACTIONS?
The concept of “jihad” has different meanings and a scholar such as Jalal ad-Dîn as-Suyutî (15th century), while studying its scope, highlighted 80 different dimensions, uses and objectives related to its place in Islamic teachings. Its root “ja-ha-da” means “making an effort”, “exerting oneself” in order to promote good or to resist wrongdoing, evil or oppression. Every individual trying to resist her/his own negative temptations is engaged in “jihad” and the first time the word is used in the Qur’an (25:52), it refers to an intellectual and spiritual resistance by the means of the Qur’an itself.
read more below
http://www.tariqramadan.com/article.php3?id_article=1163&lang=en
ON JIHAD, APOSTASY AND WOMEN
Saturday 28 July 2007, by Tariq Ramadan
1. WHAT IS JIHAD? UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS DOES ISLAM SANCTION THE USE OF VIOLENCE? WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SUICIDE BOMBERS WHO INVOKE ISLAM TO JUSTIFY THEIR ACTIONS?
The concept of “jihad” has different meanings and a scholar such as Jalal ad-Dîn as-Suyutî (15th century), while studying its scope, highlighted 80 different dimensions, uses and objectives related to its place in Islamic teachings. Its root “ja-ha-da” means “making an effort”, “exerting oneself” in order to promote good or to resist wrongdoing, evil or oppression. Every individual trying to resist her/his own negative temptations is engaged in “jihad” and the first time the word is used in the Qur’an (25:52), it refers to an intellectual and spiritual resistance by the means of the Qur’an itself.
read more below
http://www.tariqramadan.com/article.php3?id_article=1163&lang=en
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Counter and Discourage Islamophobic Behavior
August 8, 2007
Chairman's Message
Counter and Discourage Islamophobic Behavior
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I am writing to you to ask your support in discouraging and changing Islamophobic behavior. Islamophobia is a growing cancer in our nation today where people target Islam and Muslims.
The Runnymede Trust has identified eight components that define Islamophobia. This definition, from the 1997 document 'Islamophobia: A Challenge For Us All' is widely accepted, including by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.
The eight components are:
1) Islam is seen as a monolithic bloc, static and unresponsive to change.
2) Islam is seen as separate and 'other'. It does not have values in common with other cultures, is not affected by them and does not influence them.
3) Islam is seen as inferior to the West. It is seen as barbaric, irrational, primitive and sexist.
4) Islam is seen as violent, aggressive, threatening, supportive of terrorism and engaged in a 'clash of civilizations'.
5) Islam is seen as a political ideology and is used for political or military advantage.
6) Criticisms made of the West by Islam and Muslims are rejected out of hand.
7) Hostility towards Islam is used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims and exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society.
8) Anti-Muslim hostility is seen as natural or normal.
The following 10 ideas may help to discourage Islamophobia and encourage its removal from the public sphere:
1. Don't make assumptions about Muslims.
Stereotypes hurt everyone. Examine what your prejudices are and make adjustments to view people based on facts not assumptions.
2. Make an effort to get to know Muslims.
Look for things in common with Muslims and celebrate the differences. We can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.
3. Learn about Islam.
Learn about Islam, even if you’re not interested in exploring alternative religious ideas. This will give you a chance to reflect on your own beliefs and values. It will also empower you to discourage Islamophobia.
4. Learn how to recognize anti-Muslim bias.
Do you view Muslim culture as a distinct, fixed entity with separate values? If your answer is yes, you may be harboring cultural racism. All cultures are diverse and dynamic. By sensitizing yourself to this fact, you empower yourself to treat every person as an individual and thereby contribute to the promotion of a vibrant, inclusive civil society.
5. Explore the unfamiliar.
Attend an organization meeting or an event at the nearest religious center of a different faith community. This first-hand experience can be enlightening and give you perspective.
6. If you witness a hate crime, report it.
If you observe someone’s property or person being attacked, call the police and let the victim know that you are a witness. This is one of the best ways to combat the violent expressions of hate. It is also a civic duty.
7. Don't remain silent when you encounter anti-Muslim prejudice.
Silence may be mistaken for tolerance by others. Don't let your silence speak for you. Simply say, "I don't find that interesting," or "I don't appreciate remarks like that." If the incident of bias involved a mistreatment of a Muslim, do what you can to help resolve the problem.
8. Be a proactive parent.
Expose your children to religious diversity at a young age. Encourage them to get acquainted with their Muslim classmates. Studies show that knowing a Muslim is correlated with a more tolerant attitude.
9. Support anti-prejudice organizations.
By volunteering, donating or being an advocate, working with other groups toward the same goal can be beneficial to you and the community. By getting involved, your voice can contribute to the promotion of tolerance and understanding.
10. Be a role model.
Practice the values of toleration and good citizenship with everyone in your life. Such behavior has a greater impact on combating prejudice than any words.
Please join CAIR-PA Board members in helping people change Islamophobic behaviors.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Chairman's Message
Counter and Discourage Islamophobic Behavior
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I am writing to you to ask your support in discouraging and changing Islamophobic behavior. Islamophobia is a growing cancer in our nation today where people target Islam and Muslims.
The Runnymede Trust has identified eight components that define Islamophobia. This definition, from the 1997 document 'Islamophobia: A Challenge For Us All' is widely accepted, including by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.
The eight components are:
1) Islam is seen as a monolithic bloc, static and unresponsive to change.
2) Islam is seen as separate and 'other'. It does not have values in common with other cultures, is not affected by them and does not influence them.
3) Islam is seen as inferior to the West. It is seen as barbaric, irrational, primitive and sexist.
4) Islam is seen as violent, aggressive, threatening, supportive of terrorism and engaged in a 'clash of civilizations'.
5) Islam is seen as a political ideology and is used for political or military advantage.
6) Criticisms made of the West by Islam and Muslims are rejected out of hand.
7) Hostility towards Islam is used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims and exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society.
8) Anti-Muslim hostility is seen as natural or normal.
The following 10 ideas may help to discourage Islamophobia and encourage its removal from the public sphere:
1. Don't make assumptions about Muslims.
Stereotypes hurt everyone. Examine what your prejudices are and make adjustments to view people based on facts not assumptions.
2. Make an effort to get to know Muslims.
Look for things in common with Muslims and celebrate the differences. We can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.
3. Learn about Islam.
Learn about Islam, even if you’re not interested in exploring alternative religious ideas. This will give you a chance to reflect on your own beliefs and values. It will also empower you to discourage Islamophobia.
4. Learn how to recognize anti-Muslim bias.
Do you view Muslim culture as a distinct, fixed entity with separate values? If your answer is yes, you may be harboring cultural racism. All cultures are diverse and dynamic. By sensitizing yourself to this fact, you empower yourself to treat every person as an individual and thereby contribute to the promotion of a vibrant, inclusive civil society.
5. Explore the unfamiliar.
Attend an organization meeting or an event at the nearest religious center of a different faith community. This first-hand experience can be enlightening and give you perspective.
6. If you witness a hate crime, report it.
If you observe someone’s property or person being attacked, call the police and let the victim know that you are a witness. This is one of the best ways to combat the violent expressions of hate. It is also a civic duty.
7. Don't remain silent when you encounter anti-Muslim prejudice.
Silence may be mistaken for tolerance by others. Don't let your silence speak for you. Simply say, "I don't find that interesting," or "I don't appreciate remarks like that." If the incident of bias involved a mistreatment of a Muslim, do what you can to help resolve the problem.
8. Be a proactive parent.
Expose your children to religious diversity at a young age. Encourage them to get acquainted with their Muslim classmates. Studies show that knowing a Muslim is correlated with a more tolerant attitude.
9. Support anti-prejudice organizations.
By volunteering, donating or being an advocate, working with other groups toward the same goal can be beneficial to you and the community. By getting involved, your voice can contribute to the promotion of tolerance and understanding.
10. Be a role model.
Practice the values of toleration and good citizenship with everyone in your life. Such behavior has a greater impact on combating prejudice than any words.
Please join CAIR-PA Board members in helping people change Islamophobic behaviors.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Saturday, August 4, 2007
A Letter to Your Beautiful Heart: Muslims are Your Family, Too, America
A Letter to Your Beautiful Heart: Muslims are Your Family, Too, America
Mohja Kahf
A certain Middle Eastern religion is much maligned in this country. Full of veils and mystery, it is seen by many as sexist. Often violent, sometimes manipulated by demagogues, it yet has sweetness at the core, and many people are turning to it in their search for meaning.
I’m talking about Christianity.
This Muslim squirms when secular friends, tolerant toward believers in Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Native spirituality, dismiss Christians with snorts of contempt. “It’s because the Christian right wants to take over this country,” they protest.
read more below
http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_letter_to_your_beautiful_heart_muslims_are_your_family_too_america/0014311
Mohja Kahf
A certain Middle Eastern religion is much maligned in this country. Full of veils and mystery, it is seen by many as sexist. Often violent, sometimes manipulated by demagogues, it yet has sweetness at the core, and many people are turning to it in their search for meaning.
I’m talking about Christianity.
This Muslim squirms when secular friends, tolerant toward believers in Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Native spirituality, dismiss Christians with snorts of contempt. “It’s because the Christian right wants to take over this country,” they protest.
read more below
http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_letter_to_your_beautiful_heart_muslims_are_your_family_too_america/0014311
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The myth of Muslim support for terror
The myth of Muslim support for terror
The common enemy is violence and terrorism, not Muslims any more than Christians or Jews.
By Kenneth Ballen
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
DEAN ROHRERWASHINGTON - Those who think that Muslim countries and pro-terrorist attitudes go hand-in-hand might be shocked by new polling research: Americans are more approving of terrorist attacks against civilians than any major Muslim country except for Nigeria.
The survey, conducted in December 2006 by the University of Maryland's prestigious Program on International Public Attitudes, shows that only 46 percent of Americans think that "bombing and other attacks intentionally aimed at civilians" are "never justified," while 24 percent believe these attacks are "often or sometimes justified."
read more below
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
The common enemy is violence and terrorism, not Muslims any more than Christians or Jews.
By Kenneth Ballen
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
DEAN ROHRERWASHINGTON - Those who think that Muslim countries and pro-terrorist attitudes go hand-in-hand might be shocked by new polling research: Americans are more approving of terrorist attacks against civilians than any major Muslim country except for Nigeria.
The survey, conducted in December 2006 by the University of Maryland's prestigious Program on International Public Attitudes, shows that only 46 percent of Americans think that "bombing and other attacks intentionally aimed at civilians" are "never justified," while 24 percent believe these attacks are "often or sometimes justified."
read more below
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
Monday, March 19, 2007
Cars covered with anti-CAIR leaflets at Grove Methodist Church in West Chester PA
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
As I sat teaching a 10 week course on Islam and Muslims to the Adult Education group at Grove Methodist Church in West Chester PA, an individual covered the cars in the parking lot with an anti-CAIR leaflet. The leaflet contained a litany of charges against CAIR and the work it does. This is probably because I am the chairperson of the local chapter of CAIR called CAIR-PA with an office in Philadelphia.
CAIR has come across most of the charges before and some were new.
I invite you to visit http://pa.cair.com and read the following 5 documents to learn more about CAIR and its work:
1. 25 Facts About CAIR: clarifies what CAIR does nationally
http://pa.cair.com/index.php?Page=cairfacts&Side=about
2. What They Say About CAIR: testimonials from political, interfaith and civic leaders
http://pa.cair.com/index.php?Page=whattheysay&Side=about
3. What Has CAIR-PA Achieved since its Inception: Local CAIR-PA work
http://pa.cair.com/index.php?Page=achieve&Side=about
4. De-Mystifying Urban Legends About CAIR: this document really addresses all the charges and accusations that are heaped on CAIR by anti-Muslim websites and individuals such as Robert Spencer, Steve Emerson, Daniel Pipes, Joe Kauffman etc...
http://www.cairphilly.org/files/Demystifying_Urban_Legends_About_CAIR.pdf
5. New York Times article dealing with charges leveled at CAIR
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/14/washington/14cair.html?ref=todayspaper
Items #4 and #5 above deal with accusations most commonly directed at CAIR
Sincerely
Iftekhar Hussain
As I sat teaching a 10 week course on Islam and Muslims to the Adult Education group at Grove Methodist Church in West Chester PA, an individual covered the cars in the parking lot with an anti-CAIR leaflet. The leaflet contained a litany of charges against CAIR and the work it does. This is probably because I am the chairperson of the local chapter of CAIR called CAIR-PA with an office in Philadelphia.
CAIR has come across most of the charges before and some were new.
I invite you to visit http://pa.cair.com and read the following 5 documents to learn more about CAIR and its work:
1. 25 Facts About CAIR: clarifies what CAIR does nationally
http://pa.cair.com/index.php?Page=cairfacts&Side=about
2. What They Say About CAIR: testimonials from political, interfaith and civic leaders
http://pa.cair.com/index.php?Page=whattheysay&Side=about
3. What Has CAIR-PA Achieved since its Inception: Local CAIR-PA work
http://pa.cair.com/index.php?Page=achieve&Side=about
4. De-Mystifying Urban Legends About CAIR: this document really addresses all the charges and accusations that are heaped on CAIR by anti-Muslim websites and individuals such as Robert Spencer, Steve Emerson, Daniel Pipes, Joe Kauffman etc...
http://www.cairphilly.org/files/Demystifying_Urban_Legends_About_CAIR.pdf
5. New York Times article dealing with charges leveled at CAIR
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/14/washington/14cair.html?ref=todayspaper
Items #4 and #5 above deal with accusations most commonly directed at CAIR
Sincerely
Iftekhar Hussain
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