Knowledge: "Will they not reflect upon the Qur'an?" [4:82]
There are so many arguments against Islam and it’s teachings that can confuse a believer and non-believer a like. We are bombarded by harsh questions and misinformation that we become uncomfortable and often ask ourselves “Does my chosen way of life actually support this?”.
Define Circumcision
We need to know what we are talking about, don’t we?
Male circumcision is the surgical removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis, while female circumcision is a similar surgical procedure that removes some of the clitoral hood (clitoral prepuce) from the clitoris.
Is Circumcision and Obligation in Islam?
The practice of circumcision is a very touchy subject especially in regards to modern methods we see in underdeveloped societies and cultures. The outrage is almost always focused on the practice as it pertains to women.
Now the Prophet (peace be upon him) promoted the practice of circumcision and did not distinguish between men and women:
The Description of the Prophet
Malik :: Book 49 : Hadith 49.3.3
Yahya related to me from Malik from Said ibn Abi Said al-Maqburi from his father that Abu Hurayra said, “There are five things from the fitra: cutting the nails, trimming the moustache, removing the hair from the armpit, shaving the pubic region and circumcision.”
and there is no difference of opinion that I am aware of the that the practice is an option for men, it is an obligatory act no matter ones age or when they accept Islam.
Prophets
Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 55 :: Hadith 575
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Abraham did his circumcision with an adze at the age of eighty.”
So men are we good?
Is it Obligatory for Women?
There are a number of narrations that refer to the circumcision of women such as the following:
Purity :: Malik :: Book 2 : Hadith 2.19.73
Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab from Said ibn al-Musayyab that Umar ibn al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan and A’isha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to say, “When the circumcised part touches the circumcised part, ghusl is obligatory.”
However, there are differences of opinion and some debate on the obligation for women based on the authenticity of a particular narration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in which he said:
“Circumcision is a Sunnah for men, and an honour for women.”[1]
Sorry that is all I have for that one.
Circumcision and Genital Mutilation Are They The Same?
We have two terms we need to deal with to answer this question; Clitoridectomy and Clitoropexy. These medical proceudres are two extremely different operations that are done for very different reasons.
Female Genital Mutilation in medical terms will fall into the category of Clitoridectomy as it is the removal of a women’s clitoris. The medical procedure is rarely used except in the case of illness or cancer, and the result removes majority of a women’s sexual stimulation.
Islam is known for this practice because of a cultural misunderstanding combined with a misguided and deplorable effort by the ruling class of men to hinder a womens sexual stimulation. One also needs to consider in their studies that the vast majority of these procedures happen in underdeveloped countries and because of a lack of knowledge call it Female Circumcision and say it is allowed in Islam. Fact of the matter, Clitoridectomy a.k.a female genital mutilation is Haraam (unlawful, forbidden) and it needs to stop.
Now for those who like the details, Islam always has exceptions so Clitoridectomy is HALAL (permitted, allowed) when performed by a doctor for medical reasons to save the patients life, as mentioned in cases of cancer or other illness.
Now for the practice we rarely hear about, “Female Circumcision” also known as Clitoropexy or Clitoral Hood Reduction. This is when a very small piece of the clitoral hood is removed, without touching the clitoris itself. The result is to expose a women’s clitoris which heightens a women’s sexual stimulation, which in turn is a benefit to the husband.
General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab)
Dawud :: Book 41 : Hadith 5251
Narrated Umm Atiyyah al-Ansariyyah: “A woman used to perform circumcision in Medina.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to her: “Do not cut severely as that is better for a woman and more desirable for a husband.”
Now before you jump all over the practice consider this; Clitoropexy in western culture is one of the fastest growing forms of outpatient surgeries and can be performed in a doctors office in about 45 minutes. Interesting… [insert dramatic sounds part 2]
So there you have it, two separate procedures and two separate intentions, but in case you missed it…
A Short Summary
Clitoridectomy is the complete removal of the clitoris and is a harm for women and is performed in some cultures to deter women in regards to sexuality = HARAAM (unlawful, forbidden)
Clitoropexy is the removal of a small piece of skin similar to male circumcision while never touching the womens clitoris and has been proven to heighten a womens sexual stimulation = HALAL (lawful, permitted).
[1] See Silsilah al-Ahadith al-Da‘ifah by al-Albani, no. 1935.
A believers way of life, Islam (submission) is based on daleel (evidence) not opinion or personal rationalizations. We must wage a personal Jihad (struggle) to overcome our poor behaviour in regards to discussions that are about “I am right and you are wrong”?
Sadly those that attack others do not realize that what they are doing is considered “FAR WORSE” than what they are attacking.
Adab (etiquette, manners) is something we need to work on as individuals. Like it or not if we insult others and harm them with our words it is a form of oppression and oppression is one of the worst things in the eyes of Allah.
How often do we truly reflect and consider the numerous issues of dispute and the polarized opinions the Ummah has in regards to topics like music, photographs, limits of segregation, the niqab, etc?
Now how often do we compare these opinions to what Allah has said in the Qur’aan, the recorded narrations of the Prophet as well as the Ijma (consensus) of the Sahaba in regards to our adab of dealing with others?
How often do we compare the countless ayat and hadith talking about the character of the believer and then recognize their priority over the handful of hadith that we constantly argue about.
We all need to ask ourselves, what is going to happen to me on that final day if I spend my time screaming at someone “This is Haraam” or “That is Haraam”.
Now here is my OPINION; Allah (Exalted is He) will ask me why I did not follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and try to teach those around me with just and fair speech [see Qur'aan 16:125]
Surat An-Naĥl (The Bee)
[16:125] Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.
Personally, the thought of what awaits me for such acts of disrespect to Allah’s creation is plenty of motivation to change my ways.
May Allah grant us all knowledge and humility, and the patience to deal fairly and justly with all those we meet, ameen.
Five times a day a Muslim prostrates to worship their Creator. Salat (prayer) is a fundamental principle in Islam, the second pillar and a daily obligation on every Muslim. It reminds us where we come from, it is a reminder of the blessings we have in our lives and is a constant reminder of something better in the life to come.
And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. [Quran 2:43]
Now even with the daily obligation, how often do we actually stop and reflect upon how we perform our acts of worship. Do we reflect upon our deficiencies and make an effort to improve or are we content with the effort we put in and see prayer as just part of our daily routine?
Allah says in the Quran:
So woe to the worshippers who are careless in the performance of their prayers. [Quran 107:4-5]
We can always improve ourselves we just need a little nudge, a little knowledge and a little effort.
So as a reminder to ourselves first then to those around us, we have prepared a list of some things to avoid.
Don’t Do This?
We are always in a rush but when you are going to perform Salat (prayer) don’t run to catch up with a rakaa
Friday Prayer
Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 13 :: Hadith 31
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostles (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “If the prayer is started do not run for it but just walk for it calmly and pray whatever you get, and complete whatever is missed.”
Respect for others is a major prinicple of Islam so remember when you are in the Masjid (place of prostration) don’t distract those who are praying, even by reciting Qur’an
Bukhari :: Book ? :: Volume ?? :: Hadith ??
The Prophet (S.A.W.) said,”The praying person is in contact with his Lord, so let him concentrate on whom he is in contact with, and do not raise your voices over one another with Qur’an.” [Ahmad]; Assa’eb (R.A.) said: “I was in the Masjid, and a man called me, I turned to him and there was Omar (R.A.). And he said: “Bring me these two men”, then I brought them to him. Omar asked: “Where are you from? They replied from the people of At-Ta’ef. He said: “If you were from the people of Al-Madinah, I would have hurt you because you raised your voices in the Masjid of the messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).”
We always need to be patient so we must remember in our rush to leave the Masjid, Don’t pass in front of someone who is praying
Virtues of the Prayer Hall (Sutra of the Musalla)
Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 9 :: Hadith 489
Narrated Busr bin Said: that Zaid bin Khalid sent him to Abi Juhaim to ask him what he had heard from Allah’s Apostle (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) about a person passing in front of another person who was praying. Abu Juhaim replied, “Allah’s Apostle (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘If the person who passes in front of another person in prayer knew the magnitude of his sin he would prefer to wait for forty (days, months or years) rather than to pass in front of him.” Abu An-Nadr said, “I do not remember exactly whether he said forty days, months or years.”
We live in an age of recycling, reducing and finding unique ways to reuse what we have. We need to get ready for salat so don’t waste.
Sunan Ibn Majah
Ibn Majah, Vol 1, Pg No: 34 and in Musnad Imam Ahmed
It has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin ‘Umar (May Allah be well pleased with both of them), that the Holy Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) passed by Sa’ad (May Allah be well pleased with him) when he was performing Wudu. He (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: What wastage is this? Sa’ad (RA) said: Is there wastage in wudu also? The Holy Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: Yes, even if you are at a flowing river.
We often hear statements that appear to some to be, pardon the expression, a “Magic Bullet” that proves Islam is false and all it’s followers are deluded and misguided. Statements like Islam is bad because it oppress’s women, Islam is barbaric and it needs to come into the 21st century, and one of my favorites Islam is evil because of Hadal (lawful) meat.
Should we be surprised that an irrelevant topic about a pagan festival in Vietnam becomes a discussion about Islam and its “Barbaric Hadal Slaughter”, of course not. Not much surprises me anymore especially when it comes from the Freedom for all and Death to Islam movement. It does at times make one wonder what the motivation is for an individual to invest all their free time spreading uneducated statements and often blatant lies about a belief system they obviously care very little for. I mean if they truly cared about defeating Islam one would think they would put in a little more effort.
One example of effort would be to simply use ones spell checker prior to posting their verbal attacks and statements, but to be fair perhaps they are unaware that most applications have one built in.
Now back to ones motivation and huge investment of time to troll and spam their anti-Islamic propaganda, perhaps there is a secret employment agency with an amazing pay structure out there that only an Islamaphobe knows about which is their driving force for post after post about virtually nothing of benefit. The more hate you spread the more you make. Cha ching.
One great benefit in the constant Jihad (struggle) against these verbal attacks which are promoted as “Freedom of Speech” is that it is a greater reminder for Muslims as to how NOT to speak.
The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman)
Muslim :: Book 1 : Hadith 76/h4>
It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) observed: He who believes in Allah and the Last Day does not harm is neighbour, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day shows hospitality to his guest and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day speaks good or remains silent.
Some things to remember
Among the best characteristics of a Muslim is to speak only the words of goodness and reconciliation.
It is better to remain silent if you cannot speak the word of goodness.
Whoever does not keep a check on his tongue will regret it.
Note: Hadal is spelled Halal and it means lawful, permissible, allowed
I want to start by saying I love you, and I want to apologize for what I said and did. I have no excuse and I wish I could gaurentee it will never happen again, but the best I can do is struggle and try to avoid situations that may put me in a mood of frustration and anger.
I should never talk to you the way I do, being aggressive and telling you to stop. When it comes to those close to me I want to share the truth I have found in Islam and because of my passion for my belief I get blinded and cannot see my misguided actions.
As a Muslim, when we talk about the Quran we are always reminding ourselves first and then we are to remind those around us through our actions. I obviously keep failing in this, but I am trying.
You have heard this many times and I want you to know I truly believe it,
“The Lord (Allah) has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in their life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.” [Quran 17:23]
Now as for my anger, we both know it has always been an issue for me and I still haven’t developed the skills I need to always deal with it appropriately.
There is a naration for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which I repeat very often,
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “He is not strong and powerful, who throws people down, but he is strong who withholds himself from anger.” [1]
When I react out of anger and I remember this narration it is like a slap in the face for me as I want to feel strong but the wisdom of the statement shows that I am actually very weak. It is not a feeling I enjoy.
I know you have your views and I hope you understand that I know I can’t change anyone. I just forget when we talk because I hope for the best for all of us, you are my father and I love you. We both know it is so difficult to see someone we love struggle, but making mistakes ourselves out of anger is obviously not the best approach.
I need to constantly remind myself that just because I believe in Islam does not mean I have a free pass. I have to constantly remember that I need to work hard,
They guard him by command of Allah. Verily never will Allah change the condition (situation) of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). [Quran 13:11]
I have learned through my practice of Islam that I need to reflect upon my own mistakes and not on those around me, I can’t change anyone, change has to start from within oneself. I have also been reminded of the importance of time and I do not want to spend what little I have complaining and finger pointing, because there is no benefit only loss.
I want to share with you some of the things people say to me daily which is a trial for me and my anger because of my choice to be a Muslim. Here is a small sample of some of the messages I receive everyday.
“Muslims rape women and girls and kill in the name of a fictitious God”
“We should slaughter you infidel”
“Know Quran totally become a terrorist”
“Open sesame seed allibaba f*** off you muslim trash save the world kill a muslim”
“Man how come you have not got a copy of “How to be a deluded Westernized False Muslim” by I. M. A. F***inidiot?”
“Religions are mind viruses. The sooner they disappear the better”
I do not believe what they say but after a while I get angry and frustrated especially when someone I love makes similar statements.
I want you to know my decision to accept Islam was not made by flipping a coin or after a couple of days of reading. I spent five years reading, attending lectures, and speaking to practicing Muslims before I even considered accepting Islam.
My way of life, my Islam is not just about believing in God. It is about believing in God and listening to what He says and then following through with action to better myself. Even if I do not see the immediate benefit in the things around me, the benefit is always there. Even in death there is benefit, it reminds me that I am alive and that one day I will be in the grave, so I can not waste my time doing foolish things. It is not easy, it never is.
Allah says in the Quran that life is a test,
“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”:- They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. [Quran 2:155-157]
So dad, no matter what happens try to find the benefit in every struggle you face. If we keep looking for the benefit in the trials we face, life will only get better.
I pray this helps you to understand how I am struggling daily to become a better man for my parents, my wife, my children, the people around me, but more importantly my God. Without the foundation of my beleif in Allah I will never trully succeed in my life.
I love you Dad
[1] The Book of Virtue, Good Manners and Joining of the Ties of Relationship (Kitab Al-Birr was-Salat-I-wa’l-Adab) – Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6313: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “The strong-man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage.”
December 25th, a famous day, the celebration of the birth of a Prophet of Allah (saws). A festive season of an infant born in a manger to a virgin mother. Set in an angelic atmosphere we envision wise men, cute and cuddly animals, a bright star and the birth of a child who will one day save mankind from the evils they commit.
Although celebrations related to the birth of Jesus (saws) have a specific date (e.g. December 25 for Christs Mas) there is no historical evidence for the exact day or month of the birth of Jesus (saws). In fact one of the strongest Christian scholarly opinions is that Jesus (saws) was born in the fall, a quarter of a year before the date of celebration.
That’s a pretty big discrepancy one would think; Yes?
Now the question? As Muslims, are we to follow in the same footsteps as the “People of the Book”?
The Prophet (saws) did not tell us himself the exact date of his birth, and since we have no way to authenticate what the date actually is; celebration of a date that is in doubt is reason enough to avoid such a practice?
However, we should take a closer look to be sure.
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (saws) ibn Abdul-Mutalib (also known as Shaibah) ibn Hashim (named ‘Amr) was born on Monday in the month of Rabi’ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Sawm)
Muslim: Book 6, Hadith 2606
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (saws) was asked about fasting on Monday, where upon he said: “It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.”
According to the scholar Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Mansurpuri and the astronomer Mahmud Pasha the Prophet (saws) was born on the ninth day of Rabi’ul-Awwal in the year 571 C.E.. Other opinions include the eighth, twelfth and even the seventeenth day of the month. There were also some with the opinion that it was a differnt year entirely, 570 C.E.
There are a few reasons why the exact date of the Prophets (saws) birth cannot be precisely calculated, one of which is the pre-Islamic Arabs were known for their ability to memorize. It was common practice for them to memorize their entire family lineage and even hundreds of lines of poetry but it was very uncommon for them to actually document anything.
Another reason for the difficulty in calculating a precise date is because of the practice known as Nasi. The Arabs of the time would play with the calendar to suit their needs. They would declare sacred months in which fighting, robbery and murder were forbidden to be a non-prohibited month so that they could induldge in tribal warfare.
At Taubah – Repentance [9:37]
“Verily al-Nasi (transposing of a prohibited month) is an addition to Unbelief: the Unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make it lawful one year, and forbidden another year, in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allah guides not those who reject Faith.”
So as Muslims, when we are in doubt should we not leave it?
Luke Simpkins, a WA Liberal MP said in a parliamentary speech that Australians did not know that most of the meat they ate came from animals killed in accordance with Sharia (Islamic Law) and that they are unknowingly being converted to by eating Halal (lawful) meat.
“By having Australians unwittingly eating Halal food we are all one step down the path towards the conversion, and that is a step we should only make with full knowledge and one that should not be imposed upon us without us knowing.”
Before we progress down this road of Islamiphobia it might be best to define a few things?
Halal(حلال): religiously acceptable according to Muslim law (i.e. a husband and wife are Halal for one another)
Zabiha(ذَبِيْحَة): the Sharia (Islamic Law) prescribed method of ritual slaughter of animals.
So the promotion and concern over the issue of Halal is in fact an issue of Zabihah.
Mr. Simpkins also expressed his concern about not being able to have an “Aussie barbecue” without the influence of the “minority religion”.
In what Mr Simpkins considered an authentic narration from only Allah knows, The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stated:
“The non-believers will become Muslims when, amongst other things, they eat the meat that we have slaughtered.”
Mr Simpkins added:
This is one of the key aspects to converting non-believers to Islam,”
Now like most Islamaphobes I think Mr. Simpkins is a little off on how he determines his priorities. According to a study in 2007 by the World Health Organization (WHO), 67.4% of Australian adults were found to be overweight. Which ranked them third in the English speaking world (Anglo sphere) and an estimated 29% of adults will be considered obese by 2010.
Obesity: a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Such health issues which represent the main causes of death include cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypertension, various types of tumors and diabetes.
Using a little bit of common sense, one would agree that imminent death for a large portion of the Australian population is more of a concern than a few possible reverts to Islam.
