Khutbah on Muslim Youth

Khutbah on Muslim Youth
delivered by Shaykh Muhammad Taher

To every father and mother, who is loving, merciful, and compassionate, who is concerned that their own flesh blood do not become fuel and firewood for a fire whose fuel is men and stones, as Allah the Almighty says:

“Oh you who believe! Save yourselves and your Families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are appointed angels stern and severe, Who flinch not from executing the commands they receive from Allah, but do precisely what they are commanded.”
[Surah Tahrim 66:6]

To every teacher and caller to that which is good:

Know that the wealth of nations is not stored away in the depths of the earth, nor is it merely spread out on the surface. The wealth of nations is not in treasure troves. It is not just in gold and silver. The wealth of nations is more than what many people imagine it to be. The real wealth of nations is the human being…

Man, with his faith, his honour, his ability, his values…is the greatest wealth that nations have, and the youth are the most important component of this human wealth.

For this reason it is said: If you would like to know the future of a nation, then know, what is the situation of the youth from that nation? What are the youth occupied with? What are they concerned with? What are their ideals? What are their goals in life? What are they doing? What do they think about? What do they dream of? What do they talk about in their gathering and conversations?

Oh Muslims!

How great is our need? We, as Muslims today, living in the lands of Islam and outside the lands of Islam, but especially those who live outside the lands of Islam; how great is our need of a reminder and an exhortation. Because everything that our youth face, our sons and daughters, everything that they see and witness, everything that they hear each day, contradicts and opposes their belief, their religion, and the manners and morals of Islam. There is only the small, occasional exception. This is a natural consequence for anybody, whether by choice or compulsion, who lives outside his own environment and society.

The question is: How do we confront all of this? How do we protect our youth? How do we make our children aware and acquainted with their religion and belief, observing and adhering to its principles? How do we make our children grow into adults that will practise this religion and live according to its rulings, and that they will be distinguished by their belief and their view of life, as they will be distinguished by their Islamic manners and conduct?

The secret is found in one word: Education. Our education of these youth; by following the most beneficial ways and methods of modern education, by implanting love of this religion, love of Allah the Almighty, by implanting love of the Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam). By implanting the principles of this true religion in our youth they will understand this religion and learn it in a clear and sound way, that is free from being confused with customs and traditions. Know that any tradition or custom of a people that opposes or contradicts the Shariah, in its objectives or rulings, must be rejected. Teach them Islam in a way that is built on the foundations and bases of modern education. As for methods of dictation without understanding, compulsion without belief, they will not be of any use to them in the presence of what they will learn in their schools, colleges and universities. Allah says: “Know that there is no god but Allah.” (47:19). On the foundations of knowledge of this religion, the understanding of its reality, the comprehension of its objectives, the meaningful grasp of its message, there is learning and education, which leads to sound practice and application.

So make your sons and daughters individuals that believe in this religion and practice it with knowledge, understanding, and complete satisfaction. Make your children advocates and callers to this religion, proud of what they believe in. Don’t make your son or daughter someone who, when they’re with you, do what you want to see them do, but when they’re out of your sight they do what they want to do or what their friends want them to do. They live with a split personality, wandering astray, confused. Then, maybe a day will come when they will declare their apostasy from the religion, renouncing everything they see from it as restrictive, not having any faith at all.

Teach your children that the believing group that carried this religion in the beginning were youths like them, so why should they not be the same? Teach them that those who gathered around the Prophet, peace be upon him, in the beginning of his call in Dar al-Arqam, and who carried the call, the da’wa, on their backs to the rest of mankind, were youths. Ali was an adolescent. So was ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud, ‘Abd Arahman bin ‘Awf, Al-Arqam bin Abi Arqam, Sa’id bin Zaid, Musa’b bin Amir, ‘Amar bin Yasir, and so on, hundreds of youths. It was they who strived day and night, sacrificed and persevered, fought jihad so that they could spread and implement this religion, its dignity and glory. Overnight the Muslims acquired an empire. Authority and leadership was established for them.

Teach your children that these youth from the Companions, and their children, and those who followed them, did not reach a great and majestic peak except with two things:

1st: They adhered to the religion, in belief and thought, saying and action, implementing and applying.

2nd: They carried the message of Islam to the world with great effort and sacrifice, and the strength of their patience, such that Allah says: “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Some of them have died, and some still wait, but their determination never changed in the least.” [33:23]

And Allah says: “By men whom neither trade nor sale can divert them from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular prayer, nor from paying Zakat. Their only fear is for the day when hearts and eyes will be turned about.” [24:37]

So what prevents our youth today from being men in form, and in reality mountains?

Oh Youth of Islam!

You see the world today groping about in the darkness of materialism, and the gratification of worldly passions, in anarchism and deviation. And with this and that you see oppression, despotism and the seizure of the capabilities of peoples and nations. Your nation is in the midst of this. It is experiencing the greatest share. Your Islam, your religion, is being targeted.

And see and hear the plans and schemes that are being devised to scrutinize and beguile what the people still have from this religion, to suffocate the values and examples and legacy of the Prophets.

So where are you in regard to all this, oh Muslim youth! Do you realize the danger? Do you grasp what is happening?

If not then let every mother, father, and teacher implant in their children these realities. Make them understand these concepts, always, until they become fully aware of their responsibilities to this religion.

And know, oh youth of Islam, that the period of youth has a special reckoning with Allah. All of life in taken into account, but youth is special. In the Hadith: “The feet of the Children of Adam, on the Day of Judgement, will not move from their Lord until being asked 5 things: His life and how it occupied him, his youth and what he did while it lasted, his wealth, how he acquired it and how he spent it, his knowledge and what he did with it.

Oh youth, know that if you are not preoccupied with Truth then you are preoccupied with falsehood. This is a maxim in the science of education. If you do not fill your time with seeking knowledge or effort or work, for the sake of a livelihood, then you allow your time to be filled with that which has no benefit, and you will pull yourself and lead yourself with passions and whims, following Shaitan in disobedience to Allah.

We ask Allah to help us understand our religion, and make our youth from the best of youths, and make them like those who came before them, in faith and action, and that they become like those who Allah describes: “In truth, they were youths who believed in their Lord and we increased them in guidance. We gave strength to their hearts. Behold, they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him, if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity.” [18: 13-14] Wasteful saying is far from the Truth.

All Praise is for Allah, Lord of all the worlds, and may His peace and blessings be on the final Messenger.and his Ahlul Bait.

The Mutah Marriage Contract Procedure

Introduction:

One of the glorious laws of Islam, from the point of view of the Ja’fari (Shi’ite) law, is that there are two kinds of marriage, a permanent and a fixed-time marriage. Some of the effects, which flow from these two kinds of marriage, are the same and some others are different. There are two distinctive features between them. One is that in a fixed -time marriage, a man and a woman enter into a contract to marry each other for a fixed period, on the expiry of which, if they wish, they can extend it, otherwise they separate.

The other distinguishing feature is that there is a greater freedom of choice in fixed-time marriage. The contracting parties may stipulate any conditions they like. For example, in a permanent marriage the husband is bound to maintain his wife and meet her daily expenses. Besides, he has to provide for her clothing, housing and other necessities of life like medicines and medical treatment etc. But in a fixed-time marriage everything depends on the terms of the contract. It is possible that the husband may not be able or may not be willing to bear the expenses of his wife, or the wife may not like to utilise her husband’s money.

In the permanent marriage the wife has to accept her husband as the head of the family and obey him within the limits of family interest, but in a fixed-time marriage this also depends on the terms of the contract. In the case of a permanent marriage wife and husband inherit from each other, but this is not so in a fixed-time marriage.

However, in the fixed-time marriage after the formula has been pronounced the couple is recognised as lawful wife and husband and they can then have intimacy but before that they are strangers and it is prohibited for them to have any kind of sexual relation.

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Do Your Research

Firstly we would advise you to get acquainted with the background of Mutah and its Islamic legitimacy. There’s no substitute for getting your head down and reading about it! So if you haven’t yet read up on Mutah please visit mutah.com! Once you are convinced in your heart that Mutah is indeed a legitimate option in Islam and acceptable before the eyes of God, then move to the next level. . .

Know The Law

It is extremely important for you to now know the laws concerning Mutah. E.g. Are you and your potential spouse eligible to enter into a Mutah marriage contract? Are you aware of your mutual rights and responsibilities? Are you aware of your responsibilities in the event of pregnancy? Have you acquainted yourself with the possibilities of contraception? etc… To look into these matters further please go to the sections on Introduction To Mutah Marriage In Islam, and Mutah & Nikah Law.

Discuss Details With Your Partner

Now that you are well aware of what Mutah entails, it is time to discuss this matter with whom you intend to enter the Mutah contract with. They too need to be comfortable with entering into the Mutah marriage with you. It might help you if you refer them to this site (www.mutah.com) so like you they can also explore the topic.

Mutual Agreement

Once you have mutually agreed that entering a Mutah contract is what you both want you need to discuss

1. The time period for which your Mutah marriage will last,
2. The Mahr (dowry)
3. Any other conditions you may want to add.
4. You need to mutually agree in clear terms how long the initial Mutah contract will last. This needs to be clear and should not be obscure – because as soon as the time runs out you are no longer halal for each other unless you renew the Mutah and repeat this procedure again.
5. You need to mutually agree on a Mahr. Mahr is the gift that the man gives to his wife as part of the contract. It can be anything, and it is better if it is not extravagant in its value. Some hadith report that some of the Companions of the Prophet would enter into Mutah with a handful of dates or wheat as the Mahr.
6. You can agree to other conditions if you two so wish. It is not obligatory to do this, however, once you do agree to any conditions at this point it becomes obligatory for you to abide by them once you are in the Mutah marriage.

Recite The Seegha (Arabic Formula of Words) To Commence The Mutah

You are now ready to recite the Arabic formula of words, which, once completed, means that you two are now halal for each other in the eyes of God and the Law of Islam. Please note that this procedure can be done by the two persons wanting to enter the Mutah marriage themselves. There is no need for a Wakeel (someone who recites the seegha on your behalf) nor the need for witnesses. However you can opt for a Wakeel and you can also opt for witnesses if you so wish. If you like, you could even put this procedure into writing with both your signatures. These are options if you feel you would prefer it that way – however not necessary for your Mutah to be valid.

The seegha is quite short but must be recited in Arabic. Below you will find the Arabic formula written in English transliteration, along with its meaning. There is also a link to an audio file with the vows for the Mutah marriage recited in Arabic. It has been recited slowly with gaps, so you can repeat after it (if you want to). Otherwise you can just use the text below.

First the lady says:

Zawajtuka nafsi fil muddatil ma’loomati ‘alal mahril ma’loom.

Translation: “I married myself to you for the known period and the agreed upon dowry.”

Then man replies:

Qabiltu.

Translation: “I accepted.”*

Congratulations! That’s it! You are now halal for each other for the time period that you agreed!

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FACTS:

Among the Muslims are some who believe that the temporary marriage is unlawful and others who believe that it is lawful and even very important. Those who believe it is unlawful believe that the Prophet of Islam (saw), through God’s command, allowed it for a very short period and then disallowed it. Those who believe it is lawful believe that the Prophet of Islam (saw) never disallowed it but rather it was a Caliph, after the death of the Prophet (saw) at which time Islam can not be changed, who made it illegal.

Further, those who find it lawful turn to a verse in the Qur’an in which they believe it (temporary marriage) is mentioned. They say that something which is lawful in Qur’an and not made unlawful somewhere else in the Qur’an must be permissible. The matter of dispute is in 4:24, here presented as in the Puya/Ali translation and tafsir of the Holy Qur’an

“As to those whom you married for a fixed time (Mutah), give them their agreed dowries; and there is no sin for you in what you mutually agree together after what has been settled.”

The corresponding tafsir follows:

“Famastamta-tum bihi [the Arabic in the text which refers to the marriage] provides for a temporary marriage, knows as Mutah. It has been specifically made lawful by the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet, therefore this provision subsists as unrescinded.

One day, for no reason at all, and having no authority to amend a law given and practiced by the Holy Prophet, the second caliph declared from the pulpit:

‘Two Mutahs (temporary marriage and combining hajj with umra) were in force during the time of the Holy Prophet, but now I decree both of them as unlawful; and I will punish those who practice them.’ (Tafsir Kabir, Durr al Manthur, Kashshaf, Mustadrak and others).

According to Tirmidhi even his [the second caliph’s] son, Ibna Umar, refused to agree with his father’s action because it was made lawful by Allah and His Prophet, whose pronouncements could never be revoked by any one after him.

Therefore the Shia school of thought holds both Mutahs lawful. Ali ibn abi Talib reversed the uncalled-for innovation of the second caliph, and thereafter it was never again prohibited.”

According to Ayatullah Seestani

Mut’ah (temporary marriage)

Imam e Zamin…

Imam Ali ibne Musa Ar-Reza (A.S.), also known as Imam-e-Zamin (A.S.) which means “Surety”, is the eighth infallible descendant of holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.W.).

One day when Imam Reza (A.S.) was on his historical journey from Madina to Marw (Khurasan), while in a jungle the Holy Imam (A.S.) came across a hunter who was about to kill a deer. The deer was trying to get away and when she saw Holy Imam (A.S.), she said something to him. Holy Imam (A.S.) asked the hunter to free the deer so that she could go and feed her little baby-deer who were very hungry. Imam Reza (A.S.) also guaranteed the hunter that once the deer had fed her babies she would come back. The hunter allowed the deer to go because Holy Imam (A.S.) had told him to, but he did not think the deer will come back. But Imam Reza (A.S.) waited with the hunter until the deer returned with her young ones. The hunter was amazed on witnessing this miraculous event and he set the deer free as a mark of respect for Imam Reza (A.S.). After this historical event Imam Reza (A.S.) became famous as Imam Zamin (A.S.).

It is written in ‘Dhillul Mateen’ that Meer Mu’inuddin Ashraf who was one of the virtuous attendants of the shrine of Imam Ali-Ar-Reza (A.S.) says that, “Once I dreamed that I was in the shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) and was coming out to perform ablution (Wuzu). When I came near the mound of Ameer Ali Sher, I saw a group of people entering the shrine. An eminent personality was leading them, and they all carried spades in their hands. As soon as they entered the shrine, the eminent personality pointed towards a particular grave and said, “Dig out the wretched fellow from his grave”. Hearing his command they started digging the grave. I asked one of those men as to who that man was. He replied that He was the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (A.S.). Suddenly I saw that Imam Ali-Ar-Reza (A.S.) came out of His shrine and greeted Imam Ali (A.S.). Hazrat Ali (A.S.) answered His greeting. Imam Reza (A.S.) said, “O my Respected Grandfather! I request you, and have faith, that you will forgive this person on my behalf who lies buried here under the shelter of my shrine”. Amirul Mo’mineen (A.S.) answered, “O my dear son! Do you know that he was a mischief-creator, an adulterer, and a drunkard”? Imam (A.S.) replied, “I do know, but when his last moment neared he willed to be buried under the shelter of my shrine, so I request you to forgive him on my behalf.” Hazrat Ali (A.S.) forgave him and left. I awoke from my sleep in awe and woke up the other attendants and related to them my dream. We all went to the place which I had seen in my dream, and found a newly constructed grave, whose mud was scattered. After inquiry we learnt that a Turkish man who had died was buried there the day before”.

Haji Ali Baghdadi had the honor of meeting Imam Mahdi (A.S.) and ask him some questions. One of the questions put forward by him was that “Is it true that a person who goes for the pilgrimage (Ziyarah) to the shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) on Friday night receives salvation”? Imam (A.S.) replied, “Yes, by Allah”. Haji Ali Baghdadi says that I saw tears in the eyes of Imam (A.S.). Then I asked him another question, “In the year 1269 A.H. when we went for the pilgrimage (Ziyarah) to the shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), we met a nomadic Arab who was a native of Najaf. We invited him for a meal and asked him his views regarding the reward of the love of Imam Reza (A.S.). He replied, “Paradise”, and said, “Since the past fifteen days I have been the ZAIR(pilgrim) of Imam Reza (A.S.), do Munkir & Nakeer’ have the nerve to come near me. The food which I consumed from the table of Imam Reza (A.S.) has turned into flesh and blood”. I asked Imam Mahdi (A.S.) whether his claim was true. Imam (A.S.) replied, “Yes it is true. Imam Reza (A.S.) himself will come and save him for the questioning in the grave. For verily by Allah! My Grandfather is a Zamin (Surety) Imam”. (Manazile Akherah by Shaykh Abbas bin Muhammad Reza Al-Qummi, pp. 62-64.)

Another perspective on the coin occurred when there was a ban on visiting
the grave of Imam Hussein, issued by Harun al-Rashid. However, this was
brought to an end by Imam Ali al-Ridha. Ma’moun implemented a condition
that for anyone wishing to go to Karbala to pay respects to Imam Hussein,
they would need to obtain Imam Ridha’s personal guarantee. The Imam
gave this guarantee to everyone, establishing his name as Imam Zamin,
the Imam of guaranteeing. Then, Ma’moun ordered the state mint to engrave
the name of Imam Ridha on the state coins. Now the name of the 8th Imam
had come in the coin so during journeys such coins were kept with the
person’s body as a powerful symbol against any sort of calamities.
So the Imam became a symbol of guaranteeing safe journey.

Thus, during the time period of Imam al-Ridha’s life marked the start
of the practice of “Imam Zamin”. It become customary for people
at this time to take the coin that had Imam al -Ridha’s name on it and
wrap it around their arms when traveling. It was believed that when a
person traveled with the Imam’s name, he would also be protected by the
Imam’s blessings on his journey. When a person arrived safely to their
destination they would take the coin and give it away as sadaqa, charity,
in the name of the Imam al-Ridha. The practice of Imam Zamin has this
name (zamin means safety) because it relates to Imam al-Ridha
who is a protector and guarantee of a safe journey.

The act of Imam Zamin is in essence a type of nithr. A nithr is a promise
to Allah that a person will perform some type of religious act if certain
hajaat, or needs they have, are met. In the case of Imam Zamin, Muslims
make a promise to Allah that if they arrive to their destination safely
with the blessing of the holy Imam, they would then give away the coin
they carried on their journey and give as charity. Nithr, however can
be performed in a multiple of ways. For example, some Muslims will make
a promise to Allah to fast a certain amount of days if they are healed
from a bad illness.

In an interview, a woman of Iranian decent in her mid thirties was asked
about nithr and how she performed them. She explained that. “If a
person is ill, or a person desires something, like a material possession,
this person asks God to grant their request. If God assents to the request
(in Farsi the request is called hajaat), this person will offer a nithr.”
This is a form of sadaqah, which means voluntary charity, not be confused
with zakaat, which is mandatory similar to tithe in Christianity. The
nithr can take many forms within Iranian culture; it can be monetary,
it can be in the form of food, or a service rendered. However the nithr
must be given to those in need, sick, or dispossessed and downtrodden.

Sunnis and Shias alike also view Imam Zamin as a form of voluntary charity
(sadaqah) where fortune is expected in return.

One day, he came to learn about the benefits of being good to one’s parents

There was a young man, before he was a Muslim; he lived with his mother until he was about 18 years old. Then he moved out of his home and lived in a different place on his own. During those days, he met some Muslims and became very close friend to them. Eventually he himself became a Muslim after learning about the beautiful religion of Islam from them. He made an effort every day to learn more and more about Islam.

One day, he came to learn about the benefits of being good to one’s parents. After knowing this, he decided to visit his mother whom he did not visit for many years. He bought some flowers and fruits for her on his way. His mother was very pleased to see him after so long. He started spending lots of time with his mother on a regular basis. During his visits, he would stare at his mother and tears would roll down from his eyes. The mother noticed this happening many times and asked him one day the reason, why he visits her so much all of a sudden and why he cries. He told her about how he became a Muslim and that the position of a mother in Islam is very high.

He also told her about the reward he gets for looking at her.

But while looking at her, he cries because the mother is not a Muslim and would not be able to save herself if she dies in this state. The mother immediately recognized the beauty of Islam and became a Muslim.

There is a great deal of love and respect for mothers in Islam. Over 1400 years ago, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked him who the most deserving person of his kindness and his companionship was.

The Prophet (p) said, “Your mother.”
The man asked, “Then whom?”
He said, “Your mother.”
The man asked for the third time, “Then whom?”
The Prophet (p) said, “Your mother.”
The man asked for the fourth time, “Then whom?”
The Prophet (p) said “Your father.”

Addiction treatments and Islam

Alcohol And Drug  addiction treatment and Islam

Believers, wine, gambling, the stone altars and arrows (that the pagans associate with certain divine characters) are all abominable acts associated with satanic activities. Avoid them so that you may have everlasting happiness (5:90). Satan wants to induce hostility and hatred among you through wine and gambling and to prevent you from remembering God and prayer. Will you then avoid such things? (5:91) al-ma’idah

Obey God and the Messenger and be cautious (of the harmful things).

Dr Charles Richet, Paris – Nobel Prize Winner of Physiology said:  Alcohol paralyses the senses, makes one lurch and vomit, and it soon overcomes the strongest man, and turns him into a raging beast who with empurpled face and bloodshot eyes, bellows forth oaths and threats against his surroundings and insults imaginary enemies. Never in any animal species, not among pigs, nor jackals, nor donkeys, is such ignominy to be found.

The use of alcohol and other drugs is considered a “major sin. “ in Islam  Muslims are required to stay away from khamr as it is considered the mother of all evils.  Islam prohibits the use of intoxicants and makes it unlawful to sell grapes to someone who will make wine from them, if there is any doubt, the transaction is forbidden. Also forbidden of intoxicants are selling, transporting, buying, giving or making of intoxicants.

(Muhammad), they ask you about wine and gambling. Tell them that there is great sin in them. Although they have benefits for men, the sin therein is far greater than the benefit. Al Baqarah 2:219

lslam stops the wrong at the inception and not at the end and provides clear direction for every aspect of live and for every aspect of the treatment of addiction.

Drug and alcohol problems can affect every one of us regardless of age, sex, and race, and marital status, place of residence, income level, or lifestyle. You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from a Muslim counselor, Imam, friend or family member. For additional help, you can check out national, State, and local organizations, addiction treatment centers, referral centers, and hotlines throughout the country.

Treatment of addictions is considered medical treatment. There are various kinds of treatment services and rehab centers. For example, some may involve outpatient counseling, while others may be three- to five-week-long inpatient programs.
While you may be hesitant to seek help, know that treatment programs offer organized and structured services with individual, group, and family therapy for people with alcohol and drug abuse problems.

The treatment specialist/therapist does not necessarily have to be Muslim to provide this treatment, but an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of treatment is invaluable. Islam does not discourage the use of outside resources, such as counseling or rehabilitation. Always remember Impacts of addiction can also be Stroke, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Lung disease, Obesity, Mental disorders, Long term Brain Damage, distorted vision, impaired judgment, vitamin deficiencies, sexual impotence,

Islam does not “shame” its believers when they come for treatment. It is our understanding that Allah forgives and that we, as humans, have the responsibility to support and assist in recovery whenever possible. It is also the belief of Islam that full adherence to the religious principals of Islam with the support of the Muslim community will provide not only a drug free lifestyle but also recovery.

we should pay more attention to the needs of the victim by the education of the masses, social workers, law enforcements agencies and the physicians at the same time developing treatment and Drug rehab centers and Alcohol Rehab Center in large scale as human sufferings continues to grow and son, daughters, husbands and fathers are being lost daily. All these require motivation and commitment from all of us. It is beyond the dignity of a human being to become dependent on alcohol and drugs and not be able to serve himself, his family and his creator in the best possible manner

lslam stops the wrong at the inception and not at the end and makes equal laws for both children and parents by prohibiting completely.

“Say: My servants, who have transgressed against their soul, despair not of the mercy of God; for God forgives all sins; for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”(53/39)

wassalam