Friday, August 18, 2006

Barbeque

Note:

This was a post that was written by Zain a while back but he never had the chance to post it. Seeing as he isn't on the blogs for a while and I have some of his unpublished posts I thought I could publish these. Please forgive me for any errors or incompleteness as I am not sure if these posts are ready for publishing.

This summer has been very hot; a summer full of heat and sunshine. Well, if there's one thing you have to take advantage of in this country is the weather. Therefore, seizing the moment we decided to go to a nearby park for an outing and a barbeque.

The outing was organised by a few families and we all decided to take different varieties of food and share the responsibility of taking the different necessary things.

As always, departure was hectic, and those who had prepared in advance were relaxed whilst those who had left things for the final moment were rushed and flustered.

Finally, when we did make our way to the park and got there we off-loaded all the items we had and then made our way to a quiet and sheltered place. The last thing any of us wanted was to sit in the direct sunlight.

To cut a long outing short, we started the barbeque after some while and realised that we had no fire-lighters. The people who were supposed to bring the fire-lighters had left everything to the last minute and had forgotten to pack. Now we had a problem trying to light the coal and get a fire started for the barbeque.

We finally managed to light the barbeque (using various other methods) and enjoyed ourselves (finally).

POINT

This post has quite a few points, some that I never realised myself at the time and came to realise it whilst writing the post.

The first point that I realised was during the barbeque. It is easy to light a fire when paraffin is available and the fire-lighters are present. If the right things are present then even to light up charcoal is not a problem. But if you don’t have the correct stuff even a petrol soaked sheet of paper would be hard to put on fire.

This is the same case with burning a fire within one’s heart; the fire of the love for Allah. If one uses the correct method he is able to light this fire of love easily; and if the right method is not adopted this fire will be difficult to ignite. Nevertheless, the person who is determined will manage to produce a spark and light the fire either way.

Therefore, it is important to try and use the correct methods and mediums to gain the love and mercy of Allah. We all have the spark and flame of Imaan within our hearts, it is now up to us to ignite this flame and turn it into a blazing fire.

The other point I realised whilst writing this post was the need to prepare in advance. Even for a small trip correct preparation is vital to avoid hassle and inconvenience later on. Preparing means one becomes more relaxed and confident and is more able to carry out other tasks. However, the person who doesn’t prepare forces upon himself stress and difficulty; and it could well be that after having prepared in a rush we realise later that we have actually forgotten something very vital.

This is also the case when we refer to the hereafter; if preparation is needed for such a small trip then it is inevitable that immense preparation will be required for the journey from this world to the hereafter. It is therefore essential that we prepare for this journey in advance so that when the time for departure arrives we are relaxed and not troubled; and if we fail to prepare for this journey then we will be anxious and frustrated at the time of the departure, and Allah forbid that on the Day of Resurrection we realise that we have actually forgotten something behind.

As a final point, it is worthy of noting how we are eager and make an effort to find shade in this world when the temperature rises even a little. However, we should ponder over the Day of Judgement when the sun will be just above our heads and their will be no shade but His, under His throne. May Allah give us the inclination to do those acts by which we will be granted the honour of being under the shade of His throne of the day of Judgement. Aameen.

The Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم said: “There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade:
a just ruler;
a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic;
a man whose heart is attached to the mosques;
two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that;
a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position, but he says: ‘I fear Allah’,
a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity;
and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.”

[Saheeh al-Bukhari]

May Allah give us all the inclination to burn the fire of love for Him and His Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم in our hearts. May He guide us to the correct and quick path towards His mercy and love. May He give us the inclination to prepare for the hereafter in advance. Aameen.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Aameen to the Dua's.

May Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala burn the flame of love in all our hearts and guide us on the path of remembrance and reflection leading to His proximity. Aameen.

Masha'Allah, a very good post. Jazak'Allah Khair...

Wasalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Veiled Knight said...

walaykumasalam warahmatullah
masha'Allah indeed...

May Allah grant all those who are ill complete shifa'a and let their pain in this dunya compensate for them in the aakhirah insha'Allah...

Zain said...

As Salaamu Alaykum,

Sister Sajeda

Jazakallah for the comments and Aameen to the Duas.

Sister Veiled Knight

Aameen to the Duas. Jazakallah for dropping by. Please do continue to remember me in your Duas.

Waslaam.

Anonymous said...

Assalamu Alaikum,

Ameen to the duas.

Jazakumullah Molana for another beneficial post, something to learn from in each and Jazakumullah Br.Adam (Molana?) for taking the time out to publish this beneficial post. Ameen.

Wassalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu

Anonymous said...

Salams,can anyone on here please help me.i need to know weather wearing niqab in front strange men is farz or does it fall into another category.If a lady goes infront strange guys with her hair and hands covered but her face isnt covered will it be a sin.i know brother zain is ill but does anyone else know the correct ruling according to hanafi madhab.i would really appreciate if anyone else could reply.ive searched everywhere for the answer but i keep getting difernt answers,like some says its farz while other says its not farz to cover ure face infront strange men.Salams.

Zain said...

As Salaamu Alaykum,

Sister xmuslimahx

Jazakallah for the comments. May Allah Ta'ala reward brother Adam for his efforts and help on the blogs. He will be here as I am taking short breaks due to my eye infection.

Du'as requested.

Sister muslimgirl

Jazakallah for passing by and for the question as well as the concern.

Insha Allah I will answer the question for you during this week. Please do make Du'a for my recovery as I have eye infection at the moment.

Once again, Du'as requested.

Wasalaam.

Zain said...

As Salaamu Alaykum,

“And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves as in the days of Jaahiliyyah (Ignorance).”

[Surah al-Ahzab – Verse: 33]

“And do not be extravagant, for Allah loves not the extravagant.”

[Surah al-An’am – Verse: 141]

“A woman is supposed to be concealed. When she emerges outside (without covering herself properly), Shaytaan makes her adorned in front of men.”

[Sunan Tirmidhi]

Jazakallah for the question regarding Hijab / Niqab.

First of all, let us clarify a few terminologies:

Hijab is the head scarf,
Niqab is the face veil &
Awrah is that part/area of the body which needs to be covered.

The reason why you are facing confusion the above question is because of the fact that there is a difference of opinion on the answer to the question.

As you have read, some of the scholars class the covering of the face necessary (Niqab) whilst others allow it to remain uncovered.

The general ruling is that the ‘face’, ‘hands’ and ‘feet’ do not need to be covered and the rest of the body needs to be covered. This is in accordance to the Fiqh and Rulings of Imam Abu Hanifa رحمه الله.

The feet up to the ankle and the hands up to the wrist and the face from the beginning of the hairline on one’s forehead till the bottom of the chin can be left open. Nothing more than this amount can be left open as it will be classed from that part of the body which needs to be covered.

Nevertheless, many scholars have classed the feet to be a part of the Awrah and state that it should be covered and not left open.

Due to this difference of opinion, it cannot be said that it is obligatory to cover the feet, but we must emphasise and encourage their covering. We should make an effort to cover them and not leave them open.

As far as the face is concerned, there is a greater difference of opinion.

The original ruling from Imam Abu Hanifa رحمه الله states that it is not necessary to cover the face as it is not part of the Awrah.

However, the classical scholars of the Hanafi school, as well as other Sunni schools such as the Shafi`i school class the wearing of the Niqab (face veil) as Wajib due to the Fitna (trials) evil harm.

Imam Abu Hanifa رحمه الله himself states that in places where to show the face is permissible, i.e. in front of Mahrams (father, sons, brothers etc) will become impermissible if there is a possibility of Fitna and fear of temptation.

Therefore, the ruling which is preferred by scholars and people of piety (Ahl-ut Taqwa) is that it is Wajib to cover the face due to the possibility of Fitnah and temptation.

And Allah Knows Best.

If you require any further clarifications please do not hesitate to ask further questions.

Wasalaam

Further Reading:

Darul Iftaa

Sunnipath

Anonymous said...

Walekumusalams.jazakAllah for the answer!i was searching for the answer everywhere!Thank you sooooo much.one last question regarding niqab..so would i be sinning if i go infront strange guys with my hands and hair covered but my face isnt even tho im not talking to them or looking at them...would that be considered a sin?my cuz whose an alima told me its wajib to cover my face infront strange guys and that it would be a sin on me if i dont cover my face infront them...soz for bothering ya,jazakAllah once again..salamz.

Zain said...

As Salaamu Alaykum,

Alhumdulillah, I am pleased to hear that the question was understandable. It is no bother at all to clarify the question.

The majority of scholars today class the wearing of the Niqab as Wajib. This is due to the environment being such that not wearing the Hijab would definately be a cause of Fitnah. Therefore, accordingly, it would be a sin to show one's face to Ghair Mahrams and even Mahrams (if the fear of Fitnah exists).

I hope this clarifies your question.

Please remember me in your Duas.

Wasalaam

Anonymous said...

Salamz.im still confused about something...soz to be such a bother and i know ure ill so im sorry about this.what if there is no fear of fitnah..like a guy whom u trust like the gardener..what if you go infront him without ure face covered but ure hands and hair is covered would it be a sin on me or like what if like when you go supermarket or just driving..ure not interacting with the males nor or you looking or talking to them would it be a sin to go infront them without my face covered but my hands and hair is...

And since imam abu hanifa dint say its farz to wear niqab why should i follow what scholars today say if imam abu hanifa said its not farz or wajib?


why is wearing niqab wajib according to the scholars today and whys isnt it farz?whats the diffrence between something being farz and wajib...farz means like you have to do it and if wajib is close to farz what does wajib mean?wajib means youve got to do it but its not really a must or theres conditions when you dont have to do it?

sorry for all the questions brother but this whole perdah/niqab thing just got me really confused and no ones givng me straight answers,everyone just go its wajib or optional...without even mentioning that imam abu hanifa said its not farz or even wajib to wear niqab.

And im so glad that Allah guided me to your blog,ALHUMDULILLAH.no ones ever helped me with questions like you have and i just wana say JAZAKALLAH!!!!!

and yea ive got loads of mistakes in this post so may Allah forgive me and please correct my mistakes!may Allah reward you.

Anonymous said...

The scholars that class it wajib,are they hanafi or something else?Imam abu hanifa dint say its wajib or farz to wear niqab so can you give me a good reason why i have or should follow the scholars of today?

Anonymous said...

is yo yo niqab allowed?...like you wear it during day light when you go out and you know theres going to be guys around so you wear niqab then but at night you dont wear it cause you only going driving with your parents and no guys gona be seeing your face so is a woman wrong if she does this?

Zain said...

As Salaamu Alaykum,

Jazakallah for asking for a clarification, and once again I apologise for the delay.

Insha Allah, I will try and answer your question one at a time.

what if there is no fear of fitnah..like a guy whom u trust like the gardener

First of all, in today's day and age Fitnah is prevailing in every corner, so much so, it is present in every house. It is therefore, I have mentioned that the 'Ulamaa say that if there fear of Fitnah with even one's Mahrams then Niqab is necessary.

It should be remembered that there was innocence in the time of our beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم. That was a time within which there were people with clean hearts and had no evil intention. It is for this reason that Allah proclaimed:

رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ

"Allah is be pleased with them, and they with Him..."

[al Bayyinah - 98:08]


Despite this innocence and proclamation from Allah Himself, let us see what the order for the best of women رضي الله عنهن, our mothers, the wives of the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم was:

Hadhrat Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu'minin, رضي الله عنها states:

I was with the Messenger of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم while Maymunah رضي الله عنها was with him. Then Ibn Umm Maktum رضي الله عنه came. This happened when we were ordered to observe veil (purdah). The Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم said: Observe veil from him. We asked: O Messenger of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم! is he not blind? He can neither see us nor recognise us. The Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم said: Are both of you blind? Do you not see him?

[Sunan Abi Dawud]


This Hadeeth is a clear indication that regardless of Fitnah it would still be seemed necessary to cover one's self and remain modest whilst preventing any chances of sinning.

And since imam abu hanifa dint say its farz to wear niqab why should i follow what scholars today say if imam abu hanifa said its not farz or wajib?

According to Imam Abu Hanifa, and other scholars, the wearing of Niqab is necessary when there is a possibility of Fitnah. The situation today clearly indicates the necessity to cover one's self. Furthermore, the classical scholars from the Hanafi School of Thought have mentioned that the wearing of the Niqab is Wajib. Therefore, the following of this ruling will be classed as following the ruling of the Hanafi School of Thought.

It is necessary to remember the rulings can change due to circumstances and conditions; at times rulings even change by taking into consideration the habits of people. Therefore, we are technically following the ruling given by Imam Abu Hanifa which has been clarified or put into context by scholars of the same school of thought; and at times these scholars are classed as the Hanafi scholars as they are the students of Imam Abu Hanifa رحمه الله.

whats the diffrence between something being farz and wajib

Both Fardh (obligatory) and Wajib (necessary) are acts which are compulsory to act upon. However, there is a slight difference between the two; where a person who denies or rejects a Fardh will become a Kaafir. Whilst the denial of Wajib will render one a Faasiq (sinner). In essence, they are both necessary to follow and bring into action.

is yo yo niqab allowed?...

First of all, I understand that you may have used the word 'yo-yo Niqab' as a means of explanation or just as a general term. Although we cannot class it as Haraam or maybe even Makrooh but if looked at from the angle of piety this phrase would be incorrect.

Allah has stated:

وَمَنْ يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ

"and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts."

[Surah Hajj - 22:32]


The Hijab (head scarf), Niqab (veil), Topi (hat), Imaamah (head gear), Musallah (prayer mat), Tasbeeh (prayer beads). Makkah Mukarrama, Madina Munawwara etc are all from the Signs of Allah and should be shown the utmost respect when referred to as well as when we adopt these things in to our lives.

you wear it during day light when you go out and you know theres going to be guys around so you wear niqab then but at night you dont wear it cause you only going driving with your parents and no guys gona be seeing your face so is a woman wrong if she does this?

As far as Taqwa (piety) is concerned, one should make an effort to put on the veil whenever one leaves the house. We should aim to create a feeling within ourselves that no one should see us without our veil. At times where the chances of someone seeing us are minimal, as mentioned, we should still aim to adopt the ruling of Taqwa. However, as the veil is classed as Wajib there is a level of leniency in not wearing the Niqab at such times. However, it should be taking in to consideration that there is very minimal chances of anyone seeing us; whether it be on the streets or whilst stopped at traffic lights.

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَى

"And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance."

[Surah al-Ahzaab - 33:33]


And Allah Knows Best

Wasalaam

Anonymous said...

salamz.thank you so much for answering my questions!jazakAllah and sorry once again for bothering ya.hows your mate doing by the way?well just remember this life is temporary and we all gota leave some day sooner or later,well Allah knows best.
one last question and ill try not to bother ya again.If a woman doesnt cover her face infront strange guys will she be sinning (getting gunno)even though her gaze is lowered all the time and she got her hair and hands covered...

Zain said...

As Salaamu Alaykum,

Alhumdulillah, my friend is doing fine. There has been a slight improvement, I pray that it increases.

As mentioned before, please feel free to ask questions as and when you need. I pray Allah to reward me for the time I spend in answering the questions. Aameen.

It should be noted that there is a Hadeteh of the Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم mentioned in Sunan Tirmidhi which explains this scenario beatifully.

"A woman is supposed to be concealed. When she emerges outside (without covering herself properly), Shaytan makes her adorned in front of men"

It may be that the women is protecting herself by lowering her gaze, but by not covering herself properly she has become the tool of Shaytaan which he uses to mislead the believing men. Therefore, the women became the means of someone elses sin.

For this reason, it would not be allowed for a women to consider herself only but also to make sure that she isn't the cause of someone elses sin.

I hope that your question has been answered. Please feel free to ask questions that you want answering.

Please remember me in your Du'as.

Wasalaam