|
|
|
Weekly Comment |
What Excuse do we have for
Backwardness?
The United
Nations’ Development Programme
(UNDP) has just released the
2009 Arab Human Development
Report (AHDR). The AHDR is an
annual publication that reports
on the state of the nations in
terms of their progress is
improving living conditions of
their people.
Some of the
measures used by the AHDR
include access to health,
education, sanitation, food
security and other indicators of
civil liberties.
Putting
it mildly, though the report
highlights many things we
already know, the report which
has the theme “Challenges to
Human Security in the Arab
Countries,” makes somewhat
depressing reading.
It is depressing because the
Arab countries constitute an
integral part of the Muslim
world. It defies expectations
when it is a fact that Arab
countries are resource-abundant.
Yet, these countries have failed
to provide for their citizens
with otherwise affordable basic
services.
It is also a
depressing read when one points
out that this is a region which
coincides with the home of
Islam. The teachings of Islam
emphasise good governance and
accountability of rulers to
their citizens. Rulers are
supposed to gain sovereignty on
the back of social contracts
with the ruled to deliver on
their needs.
To the
contrary, the ruling classes in
much of the Arab world, external
factors aside, “… cite national
security as a pretext for…
prolonging oppressive rule.”
(ADHR, 2009:15)
This has
cultivated alienation about
which Robert Fisk points out: “I
suspect that a real problem
exists in the mind of Arabs;
they do not feel that they own
their countries.”
(www.independent.co.uk, 28 Jul
2009)
How can it be
acceptable that an “Iqraa” Ummah
for whom education is an
obligation should show low
literacy rates in that ranking
of nations? Why is it the case
that the youth of the Arab
countries look at the earliest
opportunity to flee from their
homeland?
Despots.
Torture. Corruption. Should
these be terms to associate
Muslim nations with?
For
a period of 24 years between
1980 and 2004, the output of the
Arab world grew by a mere 6.4%.
Yet the population of the region
is projected to reach 400million
in 2015 more than doubling from
150 million at which it stood 29
years ago. Picture this: little
Netherland’s economy exceeds by
far the combined wealth of all
Arab countries!
When you
put the strains of the
occupation into the mix, then we
have trouble brewing.
Without rationalising, isn’t the
overzealous cry for khilafat
that turned deadly in Gaza not
the result of this state of
affairs? What about the fresh
conflict in Yemen? By extension,
isn’t it the same thing that has
played out in Pakistan, Northern
Nigeria and elsewhere in the
Muslim world?
In a state
of helplessness and
hopelessness, the unemployed and
poor masses will back fanatical
idealists who can no longer
acknowledge rulers perceived to
be illegitimate for their
failures to address their
countries’ religious as well as
national aspirations.
Each case may have its own
unique circumstances but it
seems we also have a common
thread running through them all:
the yoke the rulers have placed
on the necks of the ruled. Is
that a conspiracy? |
|
|
C O N T E N T
S |
|
Summarised
Jumuah Bayaan |
|
Question and
Answer |
|
Update |
|
Message from the Ameer |
|
I N F O R M A
T I O N |
|
Min. Mahr |
R
133.19 |
|
Mahr Faatimi |
R
6,659.66 |
|
Zakaat Nisaab |
R
2,663.86 |
|
Words of Wisdom |
|
Hadith of the Week |
|
Virtues of Ramadan |
Abu Huraira Radhi-Allahu
anhu related that the
Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi
wasallam said: “Whoever
fasts during Ramadan with
faith and seeking his reward
from Allah will have his
past sins forgiven. Whoever
prays during the nights in
Ramadan with faith and
seeking his reward from
Allah will have his past
sins forgiven. And he who
passes Lailat al-Qadr in
prayer with faith and
seeking his reward from
Allah will have his past
sins forgiven.” (Bukhari,
Muslim).
|
|
|
Quotation
of
the Week |
|
A Believer |
“… a believer is always
between two good deeds: one
he has done and the other he
is waiting to do.”
(Ka’b Al-Ahbâr)
|
|
|
Point of Reflection |
|
You can Tell |
“When you see a turtle
on top of a fence post, you
know he had some help.”
(Wolof Saying,
Senegal)
|
The Jamiatul Ulama wishes
all Muslims the world over
RAMADAN MUBAARAK
May the
Almighty accepts our acts of
ibaadah and grant us
blessings of this month. |
|
|
|
Q and A |
Question:
I am
the mother of a 5 month old
baby. Since I am only
breastfeeding, I am
concerned that if I fast, I
will not have enough milk to
nourish the baby. Can you
please let me know what is
the rule applicable to
fasting while breastfeeding.
I read that one does not
have to fast if there is
fear of harming the baby.
Answer:
It is
compulsory for a woman that
is breastfeeding to fast
during the month of Ramadân.
If, however, fasting will
have a serious impact on her
health or her child will not
receive adequate nutrition
then she is allowed not to
fast. The missed fast/s
will, however, have to be
kept as Qadha after the
month of Ramadân.
The
decision as to whether the
fast will affect the mother
or child should not be taken
by oneself. One should
consult with an expert
Muslim medical practitioner
in the field and make a
decision based on the advice
you receive. |
|
<Go to
Top> |
|
U P D A T E |
Ramadan Presentation
The Media desk of the Jamiatul
Ulama made a presentation on the
aspects of Ramadan to staff of
the Independent Newspapers Ltd
(INL) today at their premises in
Johannesburg. The presentation
which was well received by the
audience was upon the invitation
of Mr Moegsien Williams, the
INL’s Group Editor.
INL
is on a multi-cultural
understanding programme for
their staff.
OR
Tambo International Airport
Musallah
The
OR Tambo’s new musallah is has
officially opened today.
The musallah project has been a
collaborative initiative of the
Jamiatul Ulama and Airports
Company of South Africa.
The Jamiatul Ulama would
like to thank all members of the
Muslim community who responded
to our appeal by making generous
contributions towards the work
on the. May the Almighty bestow
continuously accruing rewards
for your contributions in His
path.
The musallah is
located in the International
Arrivals terminal. Take
escalator down to Parkade 1,
Level 1. It will be on the right
hand side. Please note that the
facility will be fully
operational from this
Friday.
Taalimi Board: Tour of a
Pakistani Delegation
The Taleemi board hosted a 6-man
Pakistani delegation which
toured the country for two weeks
from 25 July 2009.
The
touring delegation visited
various Muslim schools and
makaatib in order to familiarise
themselves with the running and
operations of the Taleemi board
and its affiliates.
Experiences were shared in
meetings and the delegation was
keen to consider implementing
the Taleemi board’s model back
in Pakistan.
Huffaaz Seminar and Zakaat
Workshop
The
Jamiatul Ulama conducted a
Zakaat workshop and facilitated
a Huffaaz seminar on Wednesday
12 August and Friday 14 August
2009 at Mayfair Jumu’ah Masjid
and Masjidul Khair, St Gothard
Street, Mayfair West,
respectively. The programmes
went well and participants
benefitted from the discussions
that ensued following the
presentations.
It is
envisaged that similar
programmes will be held in other
centres throughout the year,
insha-Allah.
“Who will
make a Good Loan to Allah?”
Imagine you come on the Day of
Judgment and you have
contributed among other things
towards: a child’s proper
recitation of the Qur’an;
reconciliation of disputing
Muslims; providing for the
community’s poor and vulnerable;
publishing of the
recommendations of Allah and His
Rasul Sallallahu alayhi wasallam,
and guiding others towards the
Path of the Almighty! You can be
rest assured that it will weigh
heavily in your favour on the
scale of deeds more than
expectations.
The
Jamiatul Ulama is your conduit
for acquiring such Favours of
Allah. “The deeds most loved by
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala (are
those) done regularly, even if
they are small.” (Bukhari and
Muslim) We look forward to your
continued support and
contributions.
Please
make a commitment regardless of
the amount but regular by
completing a debit order and
submit it to the Jamiatul Ulama
via fax: 011 373 8022.
Orlando East Masjid Project
The Jamiatul Ulama is appealing
to all Muslims to contribute
towards the construction of an
Islamic centre in Soweto.
The project is the Jamiatul
Ulama’s collaborative initiative
with Ikhwana Islamiya in Soweto
where construction of the
purpose-built structure is
nearing completion.
The
project, which is under Siddiqi
Trust shall comprise of a masjid,
an imam's house as well as
madrasah classrooms in Orlando
East.
Donate generously
towards this project. A
Prophetic tradition according to
Bukhari and Muslim goes:
“Whosoever builds for Allah a
masjid, Allah will reward him
similar to it in paradise."
In another narration
according to Imam Ahmad,
“Whosoever shares in building a
masjid for Allah, even if it is
as small as a bird’s nest, Allah
will build for him a house in
Paradise.”
This is one
opportunity for earning thawâb
jâriya and a special statement
of support for the growing
Muslim community in Soweto.
Direct:
Name of Account:
Siddiqi Trust;
Bank: HBZ
Bank Ltd
Branch: Fordsburg
Code: 570105
Account No.: 11
901 121864
Via ABSA
Name of Account: HBZ Bank Ltd
Branch Code: 632005
Account
No.: 0101 323 1601
Ref:
21008105 (MUST Quote. Very
Important.)
Via Standard
Bank
Name of Account: HBZ
Bank Ltd
Branch Code:
00520508
Account No.: 002 502
410
Ref: 21008105 (MUST
Quote. Very Important.)
Kindly fax deposit slip for
record purposes to: 011 373 8022
|
|
Summarised Jumu’ah
Bayaan: |
|
Welcome O
Ramadan! |
“The month of
Ramadan in which was
revealed the Qur’an, a
guidance for mankind and
clear proofs for the
guidance and the
criterion (between right
and wrong).” (2:185)
Salmaan radhiyallahu
anhu reports, ‘On the
last day of Sha-baan
Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wasallam
addressed us and said,
‘O people there comes
over you now a great
month, a most blessed
month in which lies a
night more greater in
virtue than a thousand
months. It is a month in
which Allah has made
fasting compulsory by
day. And has made sunnah
the Taraweeh by night.
Whosoever intends
drawing near to Allah by
performing any virtuous
deed, for such person
shall be the reward like
the one who had
performed a fardh
(compulsory) in any
other time. And whoever
performs a fardh, shall
be blessed with the
reward of seventy
faraa-idh in any other
time.
This is
indeed the month of
patience, and the reward
for true patience is
Jannah (paradise). It is
the month of sympathy
with one’s fellowmen. It
is the month wherein a
true believer’s rizq
(sustenance) is
increased. Whosoever
feeds another who
fasted, in order to
break the fast at
sunset, for the feeder
there shall be
forgiveness of sins and
emancipation from the
fire of Jahannam (hell),
and for such feeder
shall be the same reward
as the one who fasted
(who he fed) without
that persons reward
being decreased in the
least.’
Thereupon
we said, ‘O messenger of
Allah, not all of us
possess the means
whereby we can give a
fasting person to break
his fast.’ Rasulullah
sallallahu alayhi
wasallam replied, ‘Allah
grants the same reward
to the one who gives a
fasting person to break
the fast a mere date, or
a drink of water, or a
sip of milk.’
This is a month, the
first of which brings
Allah’s mercy, the
middle of which brings
His forgiveness and the
last of which brings
emancipation from the
fire of Jahan-nam.
Whosoever lessens
the burden of his
servants (bondsmen) in
this month Allah will
forgive him and free him
from the fire of
Jahannam.
And in
this month four things
you should continue to
perform in great number,
two of which shall be to
please your Lord, while
the other two shall be
those without which you
cannot do. Those which
shall be to please your
Lord, are that you
should in great quantity
bear witness that there
is no deity to worship
except Allah (i.e.
recite the Kalimah
Tayyibah Laa ilaaha
illallaah) and make much
Istighfaar (beg Allah’s
forgiveness with
Astagirfirul-laah). And
as for those without
which you cannot do, you
should beg of Allah,
entrance into paradise
and ask refuge in Him
from Jahannam.
And whoever gave a
person who fasted water
to drink, Allah shall
grant that giver to
drink from My fountain,
such a drink where after
that person shall never
again feel thirsty until
he enters Jannah.
(Reported by
Ibn Khuzaimah in his
Saheeh)
<Go to Top> |
|
Message from the Ameer of
the Jamiatul Ulama |
|
The Haafiz of the
Qur’an |
|
(This is a re-run of one
of the Amir’s previous
messages) |
Ramadan is the month
wherein the Muslim community
engages in the important
ibaadah of fasting or sawm.
It is also the month wherein
taraweeh salah is performed
each night. During the
course of the taraweeh the
Qur’an is recited in its
entirety by those who have
memorized the Qur’an – the
huffaaz.
People often
speak about many huffaaz in
our communities as Ramadan
Huffaaz - such huffaaz who
do not focus strongly on the
revision of their
memorization during the
entire year but then work
hard on it during Ramadan,
to be able to recite it in
the taraweeh salah. This
reflection is made by
observers in a negative
light and is levelled as a
criticism against the
respective huffaaz. While it
is of utmost importance to
maintain a regular programme
of tilaawah and also
revision of the
memorization, maybe it would
be more constructive to look
at things in a positive
light. The huffaaz should be
commended for the tremendous
effort they make to prepare
for their recitation of the
Qur’an in the taraweeh
salah. They should be pushed
to recite more Qur’an in
Ramadan and also learn the
sections allocated them as
best they can. They should
be persuaded to strive hard
in their efforts relating to
the recitation and
memorization of the Qur’an,
especially in Ramadan. After
all, Ramadan is the month of
the Qur’an.
At the
same time the huffaaz should
then be advised to maintain
a programme for the entire
year. Teachers of the Qur’an
often say that it easy to
become a hafiz, the real
test is in remaining a
hafiz. Hufaaz should
therefore be advised, with
wisdom, to structure
programmes for the
continuous and regular
revision of the Qur’an.
Huffaaz should also be
advised that the Qur’an they
have memorized is a trust
and they should never allow
this trust to slip away from
them.
In the same way
the responsibility of the
noble position of hafiz is
also a trust. It is a trust
that requires a person to
make every effort to
understand, practice, teach
and preach the Qur’an; a
trust that demands of the
hafiz that he becomes an
example; a trust that calls
upon him to be a leader not
only in salah but also in
all aspects of life. The
position of the hafiz is
most high and his
responsibilities are also
many.
May Allah
accept the huffaaz of our
communities, may He accept
our children to become
huffaaz and may He grant us
and them the guidance,
desire and inclination to
become such knowledgeable
persons of the Qur’an who
act upon the Qur’an and the
Sunnah. Aameen.
<Go to Top> |
|
|
|