al-firaushah

Free Wallpaper @ Firaushah.com

The past week has been somewhat busy for me, in part because I was playing catch-up after the trip Milady and I took last weekend to Kuala Lumpur. The trip was quite nice, alhamdulillah. Milady and I stayed at Le Meridien Hotel, which is just across the street from KL Sentral, the main train station for the city. (Milady and I have always taken the train when going up to KL; while it’s a rather slow trip, it’s comfortable and the price is *very* reasonable.)

Up in KL, we took quite a few photographs at the various places we visited. For this trip, we visited two masjids: Masjid Putra, which is located in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, and Masjid Blue (it’s real name is Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, but everyone just calls it the Blue Mosque because the masjid has a blue and white color scheme). Both masjids were very impressive in their architecture and beauty, although I must say that the Blue Mosque was simply stunning. It is, without any question, the most spectacular masjid I have ever been in to date.

Which leads me to my wallpaper offer: I’ve created what I hope will be the first of many FREE desktop wallpapers available at , insha’allah. All I’m asking is that you sign up for the firaushah mailing list. When you sign up, I’ll e-mail you with a link to a webpage that will allow you to access the current wallpaper (available in four sizes: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, and 1280×1024), insha’allah. This month’s wallpaper is from one of my photos taken at the Blue Mosque. The wallpaper came out beautifully (in my not so humble opinion ), and gives you an idea of both the size and beauty of the masjid’s dome.

Toward An Excellent Society

Khutbah from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
2 June 2006 / 5 Jamadil Awal 1427

Maasyiral Muslimin rahimakumullah,

Let us fear Allah (swt) by doing all that He commands, and abstaining from all that He forbids. Let us be faithful and obedient Muslims, who realize our position as His Servants, who are obligated to perform all the teachings of Islam. With this, hopefully we will succeed in this world and in the hereafter.

Success in the Hereafter by gaining entrance to paradise. And success in this world as a happy and excellent individual, and an excellent and developed society.

My beloved brothers rahimakumullah,

Saidina Umar (ra) was narrated once to have said as translated: “Allah (swt) has honoured us with Islam. Hence, if we find something else besides Islam, we will be disgraced by Allah (swt).”

We can see it here, that Saidina Umar (ra) was very conscious and aware of the key towards an excellent ummah. It is the steadfast hold on the teachings of Islam, and at the same time, being able to move together with the changing times. Saidina Umar (ra) was a person who understood deeply the essence of Islam. Islam does not focus only on ritualistic worshipping, but Islam is a religion of entirety and completeness. Islam touches on all aspects of human life. Islam does not focus on any group of people or at any age. Islam is suitable for all people and for all ages.

Islam does not remain stagnant for a certain people or at a certain time. Instead, Islam is flexible. Islam remains relevant to be practised by any people, and at any time.

However, when it is said that Islam is flexible, it does not mean that the principles in Islam can be changed in accordance with the needs of time and the needs of the people. The principles in Islam remain unchanged. They cannot be changed by anyone at all. No creation of Allah (swt) has the right to change the principles of Islam. These principles remain as the rights of Allah (swt). So there is no place for anyone to modify these principles.

But mankind is created in nations and races. There is a variety of traditions and customs. And civilizations change through the times. Because of this, with Allah’s (swt) Knowledge which is most vast, Islam is created as a religion in which the principles do not change, but the implementations of these principles can change in accordance with the times.

For example, the principle of giving alms remains unchanged. It does not change with time. However, the implementation of this principle may change. From the procedure of giving alms directly to the poor, to the set-up of a center for zakat administration. Everything may change with time. This is what is meant when it is said that Islam is unchangeable, and its principles remain unchanged, but it is flexible in its implementations.

Blessed Friday congregation,

If we understand this, as how Saidina Umar (ra) understood this, then we can be confident of building an excellent ummah; it is not something that is impossible.

There is one key. To be proud of Islam. To be proud that this religion that we believe in is a complete and all-encompassing religion. It is all-inclusive. And if we feel proud of this religion that we love, it will be followed by a desire and need to practise all the teachings of Islam. To not adopt anything out of Islam which contradicts the principles of Islam.

Allah (swt) says in Surah Ali Imran (3), verse 85:

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”

That is why, to be an excellent ummah, we must return to Islam. Let us practise all the teachings of Islam, and not just a part of Islam. Some of us focus only on the rulings of the rituals, without thinking about the spiritualistic aspects of the ritual itself. Some of us are concerned only about the physical aspects, such as attire and clothing. But they forget about the aspects of akhlaq or good mannerism, which is something of great importance in Islam. There is also a group of Muslims who think too much of the hereafter, that they forget their responsibilities to develop and contribute to this world.

Allah (swt) does not teach us to remember this and to forget that. Because everything comes from Islam. All the rulings of rituals, the essence and spiritualistic aspects, the physical characteristics of Muslims, and also the psychological characteristics of Muslims. Allah (swt) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2), verse 208:

“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.”

Therefore, to achieve excellence in our life, and for our society, we must practise Islam in its entirety. We need to be particular in performing all the rituals that have been ordained upon us. But we must also ensure that our worshipping ritual fulfills its objectives, by performing it sincerely and meticulously.

We must also ensure that our physical self goes together with the demands of Islam, by covering our awrah. At the same time, we need to be conscious of our mannerism and our character, so that they are in line with the teachings of Islam.

We should not forget our objective, which is the life in the hereafter. But we cannot forget our responsibilities in this world as the vicegerant of Allah (swt), to develop the world, to ensure its progress, and to make it a safe abode for all the creations of Allah.

Allah (swt) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28), verse 77:

“But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters).”

Blessed Friday congregation,

We must be an excellent ummah. This is the demand of Islam on us. And this will happen naturally as a result of complete obedience to the teachings of Islam. Let us all return to the teachings of Islam and practise them. Insya-Allah, we will be an excellent ummah in this world and in the hereafter.

Glossary:
Akhlaq: The practice of virtue. Morals.
Awrah: The part of a person’s body that must be covered before everybody but a spouse. It may also be used to refer to what must be concealed of a woman before non-related men.
Insya-Allah: The Bahasa Melayu spelling of Insha’Allah, meaning, “If God wills” or “God willing.”
(ra): Short for Radhiallahu ‘anhu. This is an expression to be used by Muslims whenever a name of a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is mentioned or used in writing. The meaning of this statement is: “May Allah be pleased with him.”
(saw): These letters are abbreviations for the words “Salla Allahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam,” which means, “may the blessing and the peace of Allah be upon him.” When the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, a Muslim is to respect him and invoke this statement of peace upon him.
(swt): These letters are abbreviations for the words of “Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.” When the name of Almighty Allah is pronounced, a Muslim is to show his respect to Him by reciting this. The meaning of this statement is that Allah is purified of having partners or a son.
Ummah: The global community of all Muslim believers; international personhood of Islam.
Zakat: Alms, tithe as a Muslim duty; Sunnis regard this as the fourth Pillar of Islam. Neither charity nor derived from Islamic economics, but a religious duty and social obligation.

Abayas Turning Trendy

There’s an article from the Associated Press about how abayas in the Gulf states are becoming trendy. (Actually, I suspect that abayas have long been trendy, just that no Western reporter has noticed until now. Anyhoo…) One interesting passage, near the end of the article:

But advocates of fancier versions are convinced they can combine fashion and modesty.

…

Never mind that his elegant consort, sporting an abaya decorated with golden metal and matching head cover, could cause more heads to turn than a less attractive woman in a short skirt.

“Abayas are now both decent and fashionable. Everyone follows the fashion nowadays,” Mohammad said.

This is what Milady and I believed in when we started firaushah, that Muslimahs can wear modest clothing that is beautiful and fashionable.

Strike back at these ignorant non-Muslims who say you are oppressed! Wear beautiful clothing - clothing that’s better looking than theirs - and ask if “oppressed” women wear as fashionable of clothing as your own.

Islam at a Glance

Sadruddin Islahi’s Islam at a Glance (Translated by M. Zafar Iqbal)

Islam at a Glance is a primer on Islam. The book covers and explains intelligently the concept and meaning of Islam by focusing on its fundamental beliefs and practices - such as belief in God, the Afterlife, Angels, Books, Prophets and the fundamental duties known as the Pillars of Islam. Objectives of Prayer, Fast, Zakat, Hajj - the Pillars of Islam - have been explained in such detail so as to integrate their relationship with a way of life which is Islam. It also covers the principles behind…[more]

Imam Ghazzali’s Ihya Ulum-Din (The Book of Worship), Volumes I-IV

Imam Ghazzali’s Ihya Ulum-Din (The Book of Worship), Volumes I-IV

This book, “Ihya Ulum-Id-Din” (Revival of Religious Learnings), is the masterpiece work of the famous Persian scholar Imam Ghazzali who has been honored as “Hujjatul Islam,” the Proof of Islam. This book is classified into four volumes - Worship, Worldly Usages, Destructive Evils, and Constructive Virtues. Each volume has been further divided into ten chapters.

The subjects are well arranged like a law book or a medical book. The first two volumes speak about… [more]

Islam: Faith and Practice

Mahmoud M. Ayoub’s Islam: Faith and Practice

What is Islam? Is it just a set of rituals or does it have a philosophy all its own? Islam and Muslims are often in the news but does the non-Muslim really understand what Islam stands for?

In Islam: Faith and Practice, Mahmoud Ayoub presents the Islamic faith as Muslims understand it. The book is divided into three parts. The first deals with [the] Islamic faith and its basis. The second part of the book is concerned with… [more]

Extremism isn’t Islamic Law

One of the very few topics I strongly disagree with my ustaz (religious teacher) about is the issue of what should be done with apostates. I am of the opinion that apostates should be left alone (for the most part) in this world because, as Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an, leave the punishment of the unbelievers to Him (73:11 and 74:11) as, insha’allah, any punishment of His will be far worse than anything we could do ourselves.

Today, the Washington Post has an article by Kyai Haji Abdurrahman Wahid, the former President of Indonesia on this topic that I thought is worth sharing.

For a few days this year the world’s media focused an intense spotlight on the drama of a modern-day inquisition. Abdul Rahman, a Muslim convert to Christianity, narrowly escaped the death penalty for apostasy when the Afghan government — acting under enormous international pressure — sidestepped the issue by ruling that he was insane and unfit to stand trial. This unsatisfactory ruling left unanswered a question of enormous significance: Does Islam truly require the death penalty for apostasy, and, if not, why is there so little freedom of religion in the so-called Muslim world?

The Koran and the sayings of the prophet Muhammad do not definitively address this issue. In fact, during the early history of Islam, the Agreement of Hudaibiyah between Muhammad and his rivals stipulated that any Muslim who converted out of Islam would be allowed to depart freely to join the non-Muslim community. Nevertheless, throughout much of Islamic history, Muslim governments have embraced an interpretation of Islamic law that imposes the death penalty for apostasy.

It is vital that we differentiate between the Koran, from which much of the raw material for producing Islamic law is derived, and the law itself. While its revelatory inspiration is divine, Islamic law is man-made and thus subject to human interpretation and revision. For example, in the course of Islamic history, non-Muslims have been allowed to enter Mecca and Medina. Since the time of the caliphs, however, Islamic law has been interpreted to forbid non-Muslims from entering these holy cities. The prohibition against non-Muslims entering Mecca and Medina is thus politically motivated and has no basis in the Koran or Islamic law.

In the case of Rahman, two key principles of Islamic jurisprudence come into play. First, al-umuru bi maqashidiha (”Every problem [should be addressed] in accordance with its purpose”). If a legal ordinance truly protects citizens, then it is valid and may become law. From this perspective, Rahman did not violate any law, Islamic or otherwise. Indeed, he should be protected under Islamic law, rather than threatened with death or imprisonment. The second key principle is al-hukm-u yadullu ma’a illatihi wujudan wa adaman (”The law is formulated in accordance with circumstances”). Not only can Islamic law be changed — it must be changed due to the ever-shifting circumstances of human life. Rather than take at face value assertions by extremists that their interpretation of Islamic law is eternal and unchanging, Muslims and Westerners must reject these false claims and join in the struggle to support a pluralistic and tolerant understanding of Islam.

All of humanity, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, is threatened by the forces of Islamist extremism. It is these extremists, masquerading as traditional Muslims, who angrily call for the death of Abdul Rahman or the beheading of Danish cartoonists. Their objective is raw political power and the eventual radicalization of all 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide. Western involvement in this “struggle for the soul of Islam” is a matter of self-preservation for the West and is critical given the violent tactics and strength of radical elements in Muslim societies worldwide.

Muslim theologians must revise their understanding of Islamic law, and recognize that punishment for apostasy is merely the legacy of historical circumstances and political calculations stretching back to the early days of Islam. Such punishments run counter to the clear Koranic injunction “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (2:256).

People of goodwill of every faith and nation must unite to ensure the triumph of religious freedom and of the “right” understanding of Islam, to avert global catastrophe and spare millions of others the fate of Sudan’s great religious and political leader, Mahmoud Muhammad Taha, who was executed on a false charge of apostasy. The millions of victims of “jihadist” violence in Sudan — whose numbers continue to rise every day — would have been spared if Taha’s vision of Islam had triumphed instead of that of the extremists.

The greatest challenge facing the contemporary Muslim world is to bring our limited, human understanding of Islamic law into harmony with its divine spirit — in order to reflect God’s mercy and compassion, and to bring the blessings of peace, justice and tolerance to a suffering world.

The writer is a former president of Indonesia. From 1984 to 1999 he directed the Nadhlatul Ulama, the world’s largest Muslim organization. He serves as senior adviser and board member to LibForAll Foundation, an Indonesian- and U.S.-based nonprofit that works to reduce religious extremism and terrorism.

Sale on Firaushah.com

I’m happy to announce that the new and improved website of firaushah.com is up and running. For a couple weeks now I’ve been working on this new version of our website, which is why I haven’t been blogging as often recently. The website has been completely revamped and, of course, I’ll continue to work on it so as to add new products.

Speaking of new products, we’ve started to sell books as well. My ustaz has a number of books he’s asked me to sell for him, and I’m happy to do so. One of the books, “Muhammad: The Ideal Prophet,” I mentioned in a number of posts last year around Ramadhan (in my Dunner’s Learn About Islam blog). It’s a very interesting book, and I highly recommend it. We’ve got lots of copies, so “die die must buy” (i.e., “you absolutely must buy”) as we say here in S’pore. Insha’allah, we’ll also add some Bahasa Malayu books to the website in a few days (my ustaz has the books, I just need to finish writing up the appropriate webpages).

Now, to celebrate the new website, firaushah.com is going to hold a SALE. Here’s the deal:

If you are on any of my blogrolls OR if you’ve already listed firaushah.com on your blogroll, we’ll give you $10 off on any of our Sparkly tudungs. (These are really beautiful - die die must buy!)

If I’m not currently on your blogroll but you’re willing to put firaushah.com on now, we’ll give you the $10 off on any of the Sparkly tudungs as well.

Finally, if you let your internet friends now about this SALE and they put firaushah.com on their blogroll and tell me that you recommended them, I’ll give them the $10 off and you $20 off on any of the Sparkly tudungs.

This SALE is only through the end of June so don’t wait!

“An Afternoon with the Hijjabed”

This is a short student film (8:29) from Multimedia University, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The video is a collection of interviews with five women, all of whom wear a tudung to one extent or another. Each of the women answer a series of questions (e.g., “what is aurat?” “why do you wear the hijjab?” and so on) to the best of their abilities. The film is interesting in that it captures a cross-section of women who cover themselves for different reasons. You have the very traditional Zulaikha who wears both the tudung and niqab, Natasha, who wears a scarf that covers almost nothing for the least satisfactory reasons, and three others who all wear a traditional tudung although one, Wawa, a student, apparently would take hers off in public given the right circumstances (i.e., when she’s with friends). Perhaps the line I liked the best is from the cigarette-smoking art director, Leyla, who said, “I am a Muslim woman, and I’m not afraid to show it.”
An Afternoon with the Hijjabed

French Convert on Becoming a Muslim

Click on the link to a short video excerpt (1:17) of a French woman being interviewed about her becoming a Muslim.
French Woman Talks About Becoming Muslim