Monthly Archives: May 2013

MYF Condemns Attack on Soldier in Woolwich

The Muslim Youth Foundation condemns the attack on the soldier in Woolwich that occurred Wednesday afternoon. It is a very tragic incident, and we condemn all acts of violence and all such acts. Our thoughts along with community and country are with the family of the deceased. The perpetrators are clearly unhinged criminals. We stand by the statement released by the Muslim Council of Britain today which state

 

  • No cause justifies this murder
  • A barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn this unreservedly
  • Vast majority of British Muslims acknowledge armed forces for the work they do
  • Calls for calm and unity in all communities

 

 

The Muslim Council of Britain this evening spoke out, in the strongest possible terms, the news of a horrific murder that has taken place in Woolwich, London. Eye-witnesses suggest that the murderers made Islamic slogans during their heinous action and were thus motivated by their Islamic faith.

This is a truly barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn this unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family. We understand the victim is a serving member of the Armed Forces.  Muslims have long served in this country’s Armed Forces, proudly and with honour. This attack on a member of the Armed Forces is dishonourable, and no cause justifies this murder.

This action will no doubt heighten tensions on the streets of the United Kingdom. We call on all our communities, Muslim and non-Muslim, to come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not prevail. It is important we allow our police authorities to do their job without speculation. We also urge the utmost vigilance and ask the police authorities to calm tensions.

Take a moment to reflect

Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief:

“There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever-Forbearing, and the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Heavens, the Lord of the earth, and the Lord of the Noble Throne. O’ Ever-Living, and O’ One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except you, and by your mercy do we seek your aid. ”

“O’ Allah, Your mercy do I hope for, so do not leave me to myself; not even for the blinking of an eye. And make well for me all of my affairs. There is none worthy of worship except you.” Read more…

Thus we have made you a just nation

Thus we have made you a just nation. (Qur ‘an 2: 143)

Both your conscience and your Religion demand that you be just, which means that you should neither exaggerate nor understate, neither go into excess nor do too little. Whoever seeks happiness should be just, regardless of whether he is in an angry, a sad, or a joyful mood. Exaggeration in our dealings with others is unacceptable. The best course is the middle course. Whoever follows his desires will likely magnify the importance of any given situation, always making a big deal out of nothing. He will feel jealousy and malice toward others. Since he lives in a world of exaggeration and imagination, he will envisage everyone else to be against him, even to the extent that he feels others to be always conspiring to destroy him. Because of this, he lives under a dark cloud, constantly overcome by fear and apprehension. Read more…

Do not let calamity shake you

Ahmad ibn Yusuf wrote that man positively knows that ease comes after difficulty, just as the light of day comes after the dark of night. In spite of this knowledge, the weaker part of his nature takes over when calamity strikes. A person who goes through trials should take steps to remedy his situation or else hopelessness takes control of him. Contemplating the patience of those who were tested in the past is a means of strengthening one’s determination. Read more…

Do not lose

Allah answers the prayer of the disbeliever who is in distress; so how much more can the Muslim expect who doesn’t associate partners with Him? Mahatma Gandhi, perhaps second in popularity in India only to the Buddha, was on the verge of slipping were it not for his dependence on the strength of prayer. And how do I know this? Because, he himself said, “If I didn’t pray, I would have gone mad a long time ago. This was the effect of prayer, and Gandhi was not even a Muslim. Unquestionably, his falsehood was great, but what kept him going was that he was on a path.

And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others. (Qur’an 29: 65)

Is not He [better than your gods] who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him… (Qur’an 27: 62)

(And they think that they are encircled therein, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Alone, saying: `If You [Allah] deliver us from this, we shall truly be of the grateful. (Qur’an 10: 22)

Despite a thorough search through the biographies of Muslim scholars, Muslim historians, and Muslim writers as a group, I have failed to find a single one of them who fell prey to anxiety, confusion, and mental illnesses. The reason is that they lived in peace and serenity, and that they lived uncomplicated lives that were free from all forms of affectation.

But those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and believe in that which is sent down to Muhammad, for it is the truth from their Lord, He will expiate from them their sins, and will make good their state. (Qur’an 47: 2)

Contemplate the following statement of Ibn Hazim:

“There is only one day separating kings and me. As for yesterday, their taste of it has vanished, and both they and I equally fear what tomorrow will bring. Thus there is only today. And what will today bring?”

The Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:

“O’ Allah, I ask you for goodness today: in its blessings, success, light, and guidance.”

O’ you who believe! Take your precautions… (Qur’an 4: 71)

And let him be careful and let no man know of you. (Qur’an 18: 19)

And they said nothing but: `Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions [in keeping our duties to you], establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk. (Qur’an 3: 147)

Good manners

Good manners lead to prosperity, while bad ones lead to misery.

In a hadith, the Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said: “Through good manners, one reaches the status of the person who not only fasts, but who also stands late in the night to pray. “He (bpuh) also said: Read more…