As-salámu ‘alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!” Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

Islamic solutions to the world’s social problems

Seize the day, tomorrow is not yours..//

By Mamarinta Umar P Mubabaya

 

 

THE world is plagued by all sorts of problems – social unrest, political instabilities, mass poverty and destitution, prostitution, homosexuality, homicides, killings, drug addiction, alcoholism, family break-ups, juvenile delinquency, suicides and the so-called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).

Aids is currently the world’s most frightening killer disease. Nobel laureate Dr Hoshua Lederberg had predicted some years ago that “some nations” might lose as much as 40% of their population over the next few years because of the Aids virus.

Statistics released by the World Health Organisation from time to time show Aids cases are rising in many parts of the world. Aids victims are usually homosexuals and prostitutes. The disease is a mere byproduct of the related menaces of homosexuality, sodomy and prostitution.

The figures and forecasts of this pandemic are daunting, bearing in mind that prostitution, pornography and homosexuality are not only condoned in many countries worldwide, but are becoming lucrative sources of living especially in the West. This is aggravated by the fact that there is now a rising trend for international trade in children. Moreover, adultery is also on the increase.

Is the Aids pandemic not a warning to the transgressors? More than 1,400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam), by the infinite wisdom and mercy of Allah, had already admonished mankind of the consequences and dangers of promiscuous sexual relationships:

“Whenever sexual permissiveness spreads among the people until it becomes declared, infections and killer diseases, as well as illnesses not previously found in their ancestors will also spread among them.” (Ibn Maja, al-Bazzar and al-Baihaqi)

Similarly crime rates are soaring in the leading democratic and communist countries. Irrefutable facts show that man-made systems, devoid of Divine guidance, have done more harm than good to humanity.

The non-Islamic values of free mixing and casual closeness of men and women, without any legitimate connections (say, by virtue of marriage or blood relationship) have created a lot of problems including rapes and other forms of women abuse in these societies.

Divorce rates in the West have been rising persistently. Alcoholism has been a major problem devastating virtually all parts of the non-Muslim world. Specifically, the Americans and the Russians are among the notoriously known alcoholics in the world.

Another problem affecting many countries all over the world is rising suicide rates. Available facts show that the so-called developed countries where the citizens consider themselves highly developed, cultured and affluent, suicide has been occurring day by day at alarming rates.

The Islamic Law, which encompasses Qur’anic injunctions and prophetic teachings, can solve the current global problems. Shari’ah literally means the “road to a watering place,” hence the path of God. It is the body of revealed laws found both in the Qur’an and the Sunnah which “spells out the precise rules and regulations governing individual relations with God as well as with fellow-Muslims and non-Muslims.

Thus, it embraces ideally both the religious and non-religious activities of the Muslims. Bearing in mind the unique character of Islam as a religion and complete code of life, Shari’ah has a comprehensive public law that covers both constitutional and international affairs. Likewise, it has a private law that covers both criminal and civil matters. It is fundamentally a doctrine of acts and obligations based entirely on revealed sources – namely the Qur’an and the Sunnah. It is a complete way of life towards which the individual and society must strive.

Fiqh is a body of laws derived from Shari’ah to cover specific situations not directly treated in the latter. Shari’ah, therefore, is general in nature and scope, laying down the basic principles of Islamic Law.

The viability of Islamic Law to solve the current global problems

The divine nature of Islam makes it the only religion in the world that offers genuine solutions  to such problems as social unrest, political instabilities, poverty and destitution, prostitution, homicide, killing, drug addiction, alcoholism, family break-up, juvenile delinquency, suicides, Aids, and the like. Islam is not only a religion, but also a complete code of life. All facets of life, public and private alike, are covered under the realm of Islamic Law.

Islamic Law is “the epitome of Islamic thought, the most typical manifestation of the Islamic way of life, the core and kernel of Islam itself... Apart from this, the whole life of the Muslims, Arabic literature and the Arabic and Islamic disciplines of learning are all deeply imbued with the ideals of Islamic Law; it is impossible to understand Islam without understanding Islamic Law.”

Absolute prohibition of adultery, prostitution and other forms of sexual promiscuity

Islamic Law explicitly prohibits adultery and fornication as clearly mentioned in the following Qur’anic injunctions:

“Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).” (Qur’an, 17:32)

“The man and woman guilty of adultery or fornication, flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let no compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believed in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of believers witness their punishment.” (Qur’an 24:2)

Adultery, fornication and other promiscuous sex practices are punishable in Islam, because they are indeed serious crimes which affect the entire society. As discussed earlier, the Aids problem, which is reaching pandemic proportions, is due largely to sexual permissiveness. Thus, the divine punishment (hudud) for these social ills is certainly for the good of the entire humanity. Although, the Aids problem is currently affecting largely those indulging in sexual promiscuity, many innocent individuals, including doctors, nurses and children, have been victimised by this social carnage. Even in countries, where Aids is virtually non-existent, people are wary about the underlying danger. That is why the Chinese doctors likened Aids to that of a holocaust.

Allah’s justice is equally open to all. In Islam, one cannot just be abused by the law. For instance, a charge against a chaste individual needs to be confirmed, beyond any reasonable doubt. Allah says:

“And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations), flog them with 80 stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors.” (Qur’an, 24:4)

Islam, therefore, discourages unwarranted suspicions as much as possible. Allah says:

“O you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it... But fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 49:12)

So, if a wicked person accuses a woman or a man of adultery or fornication, she or he should be given the benefit of the doubt. Allah warns the believers against the mischief of the wicked as follows:

“O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.” (Qur’an 49:6)

True Muslims are indeed God-fearing. They avoid all kinds of vices to please Allah alone. True believers, for instance, are definitely mindful of the warning of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) that: “There is nothing which Allah so abhors as his male and female servants committing adultery”. [Quoted by Azizullah M, Glimpses of the Hadith]

The Principle of Equality and Justice: The Way to Overcome the Crimes Worldwide

Islam also provides absolutely effective solution to murder and other related crimes common in the West and elsewhere. The Islamic laws of equality and justice, tempered with mercy, are seen in the following Qur’anic injunctions:

“O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude. This is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.” (Qur’an, 2:178)

“In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) life to you, O ye men of understanding that ye may restrain yourself.” (Qur’an, 2:179)

“In it (ie the Torah) We decreed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a (similar) retribution for wounds. But for him who forgoes it out of mercy, it will atone for some of his sins. Those who do not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed are indeed wrongdoers.” (Qur’an, 5:44-47)

“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he’s helped by the (Law).” (Qur’an, 17:33)

“The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong.” (Qur’an, 42:40)

“As to the thief, male or female, cut off his hand or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is exalted in power.” (Qur’an, 5:38)

“But if the thief repent after his crime, and amend his conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 5:39)

We have already seen earlier that murder, burglary and other related crimes are taking place, day by day, in both the capitalist and communist worlds, notably in the United States and the Soviet Union. Had the West and elsewhere been under Islamic rule, as is the case of Saudi Arabia, such crimes would have rarely occurred. Saudi Arabia has remained the most peaceful country in the world, because of its adherence to Shari’ah. For instance, when a murderer is finally convicted, after passing through a legal procedure in accordance with the Shari’ah, he will be punished accordingly in the eyes of the public. Conventional wisdom will tell anyone not to do anything against the law, when he sees that the culprits are duly punished.

For the man of faith, however, he looks at this divine punishment for the culprits as Allah’s blessing for the entire humanity. Duly punishing the convict for example, means that the law-abiding people will have peace of mind, because they know for sure that they are being protected by the Law. Thus, this is tantamount to removing the social cancer for the benefit of all. [In Saudi Arabia, it was a common knowledge that when the Saudi vendors go to prayer, they used to leave open their own stores, money and other belongings, without any resultant problem of shoplifting, stealing and the like. The foreigners have mixed reactions to this exemplary state of peace and order. Many attribute this to the superiority of Shari’ah as a constitutional guide to mankind. Some wicked individuals, however, took advantage of the situation, by bringing into the kingdom the malpractices they have inherited from their respective countries, such as indulgence in drugs, alcohol and the like. The situation, however, has remained under effective control, since anyone caught and convicted is penalised, in accordance with the Shari’ah.]

In contrast, as long as America, Europe and the rest of the world – including Muslim countries which emulate the West – stick to their man-made laws, they will always be on the brink of chaos and instability.

Where Islamic Law prevails, as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the constituents are God-fearing and righteous. They obey the saying of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) that: “Of all men, the people who have faith abstain most from killing.” (Abu Dawood)

The Divorce Issue in Islam

Regarding marital frictions, man’s hatred or displeasure against his wife does not mean that he is free to mistreat or abuse her. In case of serious dispute between the wife and husband, Islam has laid down very scientific steps to be followed.

The underlying objective is peace and reconciliation for the integration of the family.

In an Islamic state, civil courts also handle legal matters pertaining to marital problems. However, members of the community, particularly the parents and relatives, are duty-bound to help pacify the couple, before the friction becomes too serious to handle. Allay says: “If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: for Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.” (Qur’an, Al Nisa 4:35)

Allah has enjoined on the believing men to treat their wives with kindness, as the following verse shows:  “O ye who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them – except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” (Qur’an, 4:19)

The Qur’an has a whole chapter entitled “Divorce” (Al Talaq). Verse One of Chapter 65 (Al-Talaq) states: “O Prophet! When ye divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count (accurately) their prescribed periods: and fear Allah your Lord: And turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of open lewdness, those are limits set by Allah: and any who transgresses the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his (own) soul: thou knowest not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new situation.”

In Islam, the wife is equally granted the right to divorce her husband if her demand for divorce is justifiable. That is, if the marriage does not prove to be functional and effective because the husband neglects his responsibilities or no element of love binds them to stay together. By the same token, if the wife is guilty of open lewdness, the husband may resort to divorce. However, the Prophet’s advice on the issue of divorce should be borne in mind. He says that “The lawful thing which Allah hates most is divorce.” (Abu Dawood). However, when things seem worst that peace and reconciliation between wife and husband are next to impossible, divorce maybe inevitable.

Allah says: “For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if they then return, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah heareth and knoweth all things. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three months period. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them and Allah is exalted in Power, Wise.

“A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. There is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (themselves as well as others).

“So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), he cannot, after that, remarry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which he makes plain for those to those who understand.

“When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their (‘Iddah), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if anyone does that, he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse Allah’s favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom for your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is well-acquainted with all things.

“When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their (‘Iddah), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course making for) most virtue and purity amongst you. And Allah knows, and ye know not.” (Qur’an, 2:226, 232)

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) says: “If any woman asks her husband for divorce without some strong reasons the odour of paradise will be forbidden to her. (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja)

Prohibition of intoxicants and gambling

At first, the Muslims in Medina were not prohibited to drink intoxicating wine or liquor, and to gamble. When Muslims began to ask about drinking and gambling, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) received the following revelation:

“They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: ‘In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.’” (Qur’an, 2:219)

While this revelation helped in minimising alcoholism among Muslims those days, they still continued to drink. Many were even under the influence of liquor when they were in prayers. So, another Qur’anic injunction from Allah was revealed to the Prophet as follows:

“O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until he can understand all that ye say.” (Qur’an, 4:43)

The final revelation on the prohibition of drinking wine and gambling says:

“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication) of stones, and (divination by) arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork: Eschew such abomination, that you may prosper.

“Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred among you, with intoxicants and gambling, and to turn you away from the remembrance of Allah and from Prayer: Will you not then abstain?” (Qur’an, 5:90-91)

Again, had the West and elsewhere been under Islamic rule, the problems of alcoholism in the United States, Soviet Union and elsewhere in the world would have been minimised, if not eradicated.

The problems of alcoholism and drug-addiction prevalent among the people in the developed countries of the world point to the fact that they are unhappy.

The prohibition of suicide

In the non-Muslim parts of the world, when problems go uncontrolled, many simply do not know what to do and where to go. So, they kill themselves, as already discussed earlier. In contrast, a non-Muslim historian Philip Hitti in his book History of the Arabs, objectively emphasises that suicide is rare in Muslim lands. He says: “In this uncompromising monotheism, with its simple, enthusiastic faith in the supreme rule of a transcendent being, lies the chief strength of Islam. Its adherents enjoy a consciousness of contentment and resignation unknown among followers of most creeds.” (Quoted by Abdul A’la Mawdudi, Towards Understanding Islam)

Islam considers life as a trust (amanah) from Allah. All good things that one possesses are, in fact, amanah – his own mind, body and soul, his life-partner, his own children, his wealth and the like. All of these belong to Allah alone. Thus, what right has one got to take his life away. Allah says:

“O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual goodwill: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful!

“If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall We cast them into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah.” (Qur’an, 29:30)

The Muslims know well that suicide is absolutely prohibited by Allah. No Muslim commits suicide, because if he does, he will have the Hell-fire as his eternal abode. The Prophet says:

“He who throws himself from a mountain and kills himself will be thrown in the fire and remain in it forever; and he who sips poison and kills himself will have his poison in his hand and sip it forever and ever in the fire of hell.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood and Nasai)

“Do not harm yourself or others.” (Ahmad and Ibn Maja)

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As-salámu ‘alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!”
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

I. Islam and Muslims

The name of this religion is Islam, the root of which, Silm or Salam, means peace. Salam is also part of the greeting of peace among Muslims. In addition, one of the beautiful names of God is As-Salam, meaning "The Peace." The word, however, means much more than just "peace." It means submission to the One God, as well as to live in harmony with other people and with the environment. A Muslim is, therefore, any person, anywhere in the world, whose obedience, allegience and loyalty are to God, Lord of the Universe, and who strives to live in accordance with God's laws.

II. Muslims and Arabs

The followers of Islam are called Muslims. We should not confuse Muslims with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, or they may be Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or any other nationality. Islam is not limited to any nationality or race.

Arabs, also, are not limited to only one religion. An Arab may be a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, an athiest, or part of any other belief system. Any person who adopts the Arab language as his or her mother tongue is called an Arab.

While there are one billion Muslims in the world, there are about 200 million Arabs, among whom about ten percent are not Muslim. Thus, Arab Muslims constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population of the world.

The language of the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam, is Arabic. Muslims all over the world try to learn Arabic so that they may be able to read the Qur'an and understand its meaning. They pray in the language of the Qur'an, but supplications to God may be in any language.

III. Allah, the One and Only God

Allah is the name of the One and Only God. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, the Merciful, the Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, the All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The Last, and many others.

He is the Creator of all human beings. He is the God for the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus and all others, including those who do not even believe in Him. Muslims worship God, and put their trust in Him as they seek His help and guidance.

IV. Muhammad

Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. He was born in 570, C.E.* in Makkah, Arabia. He was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was at the age of forty years. The rvelation that he received is called the Qur'an, whi9le the message is called Islam.

Muhammad is the very last Prophet of God to mankind. He is the final Messenger of God. His message was and is still to all of mankind, including the Christians and Jews. He was sent to those religious people to inform them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, David, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham.

Muhammad is considered to be the summation and culmination of all the prophets and messengers that came before him. He purified the previous messages from adulteration and completed the Message of God for all humanity. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and living the teachings of the Qur'an.

V. Sources of Islam

The legal sources of Islam are the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Qur'an is the exact words of God; its authenticity, originality and totality are intact. The Hadith are the reports of the sayings, deeds and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet's sayings and deeds are called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writings of followers of Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples of daily living for Muslims.

VI. Some Islamic Principles

A. Oneness of God:

He is One and the Only One. He is not two in one or three in one. This means that Islam rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which imnplies more than one God in one.

B. Oneness of mankind:

People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is not superiority of one race over another. God made us of different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is only God Who knows who is better. It depends on piety and righteousness.

C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message:

Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout the history of mankind. All came with the same message and the same teachings. It was the people who misunderstood and misinterpreted them. Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad. The Prophets of Christianity and Judaism are indeed the Prophets of Islam.

D. Angels and the Day of Judgement:

Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgement when all people of the world throughout the history of mankind till the last kay of life on earth, are to be brought for accounting, reward and punishment.

E. Innocence of Man at Birth:

Muslims believe that people are born free of sin. It is only after they reach the age of puberty and it is only after they commit sins that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No one is responsible for or can take responsibility for the sins of others. However, the door of forgiveness through true repentance is always open.

F. State and Religion:

Muslims believe that Islam is a total and a complete way of life. It encompasses all aspects of life.

As such, the teachings of Islam do not separate religion from politics. As a matter of fact, state and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. Hence, economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems, are a part of the teachings of Islam.

VII. Practices of Islam.

God instructed the Muslims to practice what they believe in. In Islam there are five pillars:

A. Creed (Shahadah):

The verbal commitment and pledge that there is only One God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God, is considered to be the creed of Islam.

B. Prayers (Salat):

The performance of the five daily prayers is required of Muslims.

C. Fasting (Saum):

Fasting is total abstinance from food, liquids and intimate relations from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.

D. Purifying Tax (Zakat):

This is an annual payment of a certain percentage of a Muslim's property, which is distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries.

E. Pilgrimage (Hajj):

The performance of pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime if the means are available. Hajj is, in part, a memorial to the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hagar and his eldest son, Prophet Ishmael.

VIII. Other Related Aspects.

A. Calendar:

Islamic practices are based on the lunar calendar. However, Muslims also use the Gregorian calendar in their daily religious lives. Hence, the Islamic calendar includes both the common era and the migration (Hijra) year of the Prophet of Islam from Makkah to Madinah in the year of 623 C.E.

B. Celebrations (Eid):

Muslims have two celebrations (Eid): the Eid of Sacrifice and the Eid of Fast-breaking. The Eid of Sacrifice is in rememberance of the sacrifice to have been made by Prophet Abraham of his son. The Eid of Fast-breaking comes at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

C. Diets:

Islam allows Muslims to eat everything which is good for the health. It restricts certain items such as pork and its by-products, alcohol and any narcotic or addictive drugs.

D. Place of Worship:

The place of worship is called the Mosque or Masjid. There are three holy places of worship for the Muslims on the world. These are the Mosque of the Kaabah in Makkah, the Mosque of Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and Masjid Aqsa, adjacent to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

A Muslim m ay pray anywhere in the world, whether in a Mosque, a house, an office, or outside. The whole world is a place of worship. It is preferable that Muslims pray in a congregation, but he/she may pray individually anywhere.

E. Holiday:

The holy day of the Muslims is Friday. It is considered to be sacred, and the Day of Judgement will take place on Friday. Muslims join together shortly after noon on Friday for the Friday congregational prayer in a Mosque. A leader (Imam) gives a sermon (khutbah) and leads the congregational prayer.

F. Distribution of Muslims in North America:

There are approximately five million Muslims in North America and are distributed all around the continent, including major cities.

G. Contributions in North America:

Muslims are now established in North America. The Sears Tower and John Hancock buildings in Chicago were designed by a Muslim chief architect, originally from Pakistan. Muslims have established academic institutions, community centers and organizations, schools and places of worship. They live in peace and harmony among themselves and among other groups of people in the society. The rate of crime among Muslims is very minimal. Muslims in North America are highly educated and have added to the success of American scientific and technological fields.

The Muslims of the early period of the Islamic era were pioneers in medicine, geography, navigation, arts, poetry, mathematics, algebra, logarithms, calculus, etc. They contributed to the Renaissance of Europe and world civilization.

IX. Non-Muslims

Muslims are required to respect all those who are faithful and God conscious people, namely, those who received messages. Christians and Jews are called People of the Book. Muslims are asked to call upon the People of the Book for common terms, namely, to worship One God, and to work together for the solutions of the many problems in the society.

Christians and Jews lived peacefully with Muslims throughout centuries in the Middle East and other Asian and African countries. The second Caliph, Umar, did not pray in the church in Jerusalem so as not to give the Muslims an excuse to take it over. Christians entrusted the Muslims, and as such, the key of the Church in Jerusalem is still in the hands of Muslims.

Jews fled from Spain during the Inquisition, and they were welcomed by the Muslims. They settled in the heart of the Islamic Caliphate. They enjoyed positions of power and authority.

Throughout the Muslim World, churches, synagogues and missionary schools were built within the Muslim neighborhoods. These places were protected by Muslims even during the contemporary crises in the Middle East.

 

Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D.

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As-salámu ‘alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!”
Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem

Sincerity (Ikhlas) in Islam: Shaitan and the Pious Worshipper (Sincere Worship and Faith)

Shaitan and the Pious WorshipperIn the tribe of Bani Israel, there once lived a pious worshipper. One day, the people informed him that at a certain location, there existed a tree that was being worshipped by a tribe. When he heard this, the man flew into a rage, picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree.

Shaitan, appearing before him in the form of an old man, asked, "Where are you headed for?" Pious worshipper replied, "I intend to cut down the tree, which is being worshipped so that the people worship Allah (SWT) instead."

"Hold yourself till you hear what I have to say," said Shaitan to him.

The pious worshipper urged him to carry on. Shaitan continued, "Allah (SWT) has His own Prophets and if it had been essential to cut down the tree, He would have sent them to perform the task."

However, the pious worshipper did not agree with Shaitan and continued on his way.

"There is no way I shall let you do it," said Shaitan angrily, and he began to wrestle with the pious worshipper. In the ensuing contest, the pious worshipper hurled Shaitan onto the ground.

"Wait! I have something else to say to you", pleaded Shaitan.

"Listen! You are a poor man. If you could possess some wealth by means of which you could give alms to the other worshippers it would be much better than cutting the tree. If you refrain from cutting the tree, I shall place two dinars beneath your pillow everyday."

The pious worshipper said thoughtfully, "If you speak the truth, I shall give one dinar in charity while the other dinar I shall put to my use. This is better than cutting down the tree; in any case, I have neither been ordered to perform this task nor am I a Prophet to burden myself with unnecessary grief and anxiety."

Thus, pious worshipper acceded to the request of Shaitan who left him alone. For two days, he received the two dinars and utilized them, but on the third day, there was no sign of the dinars. Upset and distressed, he picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree.

On the way, pious worshipper encountered Shaitan, who asked him: "Where are you headed for?"

"I am going to cut that tree." Replied pious worshipper

"There is no way you are going to do it," said Shaitan

Once again they began to contest, but this time Shaitan overcame him and hurling him to the ground, ordered, "Turn back or I shall sever your head from your body."

The pious worshipper said, "Leave me alone and I shall return, but tell me, how was it that I had managed to overcome you on the previous occasion?"

Shaitan answered, "On that occasion, you had set out only for Allah (SWT) and you were sincere in your intention as a result of which, Allah (SWT) subjugated me for you, but this time you were angry for your own self and for your dinars and so I could overpower you."

He (the Shaitan) said, 'By Your Glory, I shall seduce all of them (children of Adam) except Your sincere servants among them'. Noble Qur'an (38:82-3)

Lesson to learn from this Real Life Story, Sincere Worship and Faith:

Before any action we take, we must be clear in our minds that the action is in accordance with the commands of Allah (SWT). This can be done by constant thinking and true understanding of the aim of our life. We have to understand what Allah (SWT) really wants from us.

Say. Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Noble Qur'an (6:162)

http://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/mis41.asp

As-salámu ‘alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!” Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem Tabarruj (Display of Beauty)

Saleh as-Saleh

Article ID: 1357 | 2352 Reads

Transcribed by Aboo Uthmaan [1] 1. Tabarruj is disobedience to Allaah and His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) The one who disobeys Allaah and His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) can only harm himself and can not in any way harm Allaah: The Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” It was asked: “O Messenger of Allaah, who would refuse?” He (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused.” (Reported by al-Bukhaaree) It is reported that Mu’awiyyah (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) gave a sermon in Greater Syria and in it he mentioned that the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibited seven things and he named tabarruj as one of them. ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to dislike ten kinds of behavior and he (‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood) mentioned that from amongst them is displaying and beautification which is done in an improper place. Jalaal-ud-Deen as-Suyuti (d.911H) (rahimahullaah) said that: “Tabarruj by displaying beautification is showing off to strangers and this is disliked.” This is the explanation of the meaning of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood’s statement “improper place”, it is not the case if the beautification is done for the husband. 2. Tabarruj is a grave destructive sin Umayymah, the daughter of Ruqayyah visited the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to acknowledge the message of Islam and to acknowledge that he (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was and is the Messenger of Allaah. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to her: “I give my acknowledgment that you must not set partners to worship besides Allaah, that you do not steal, commit fornication or adultery, that you do not kill your child, that you do not commit any falsehood before your hands and between your legs, that you do not wail and that you do not make tabarruj like that of jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era).” (Reported by Ahmad ibn Hanbal in his Musnad, Shaykh Ahmad Shakir graded the chain of the hadeeth as “good” and stated that Imaam ibn Kathir mentioned this hadeeth in his tafsir saying that the chain of this narration is “good”) It’s clear that the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) associated tabarruj (display of beauty) with grave destructive sins. 3. Tabarruj brings the curse and expulsion from the Mercy of Allaah The Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There shall be (in the later) part of my nation women who are dressed but are in fact naked. On their heads are humps like those of camels. Curse them for they are surely cursed.” (Reported by at-Tabaaranee, Shaykh al-Albaanee graded this hadeeth “Saheeh”) 4. Tabarruj is an attribute of the people of hell The Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Of the people of Hell there are two types whom I have never seen: The one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. The second one the women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced to wrong paths and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not get into Paradise and they would not perceive its odour, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance.” (Reported by Muslim) 5. Tabarruj is darkness on the Day of Resurrection It is narrated that the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The parable of a woman who moves with a slow sweeping motion trailing her beautified clothes performing not for her husband is like darkness of the Day of Judgement, she has or comes with no light.” (Reported by at-Tirmidhee in his Sunan, Shaykh al-Albaanee graded the hadeeth “weak”) Abu Bakr ibn al-Arabi (d.543H) (rahimahullaah) said that although this hadeeth is weak: “…its meaning is correct because the enjoyment in disobedience is in fact torture and suffering. The meaning is that this type of woman will come on the Day of Resurrection black in darkness as if she physically originated from darkness. In contrast, what happens to be difficult and painful in performance of obedient acts is a true enjoyment because of the reward awaiting those who are obedient to Allaah and His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” The odor of the mouth of a fasting person may not be a pleasant in this world, to Allaah however it is better than the odor of musk because the Muslim has obeyed Allaah and performed what is due upon him from fasting. Similarly the woman wearing her Hijab may be looked upon as “reactionist”, “old fashioned” or “a walking tent”, she however is the winner on the Day of Resurrection and those who mock her put themselves on a dangerous road and may be subjected to the wrath of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). 6. Tabarruj is hypocrisy The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are the Mutabar’rijat (those who do at-Tabarruj [display their beauty]), the Mutakhayelat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter Al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the Cough Crow.” (Reported by al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan) The cough crow has a red beak and red legs and is rare, so the expression in the hadeeth “cough cow” indicates that the women who will enter Paradise will be few. 7. Tabarruj is disgraceful The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Any woman who takes of her clothes in other than her husband’s home has broken the shield between her and Allaah.” (Reported by Ahmad ibn Hanbal & al-Haakim who said it is “Saheeh” according to the conditions of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim and adh-Dhahabee agreed) Imaam Abu Zakariya an-Nawawee (d.676H) (rahimahullaah) commenting on this hadeeth said: “The saying of the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): ‘Any woman who takes of her clothes in other than her husband’s home’, means showing off her beauty to strangers by taking off her shield of clothes, she has broken the shield between her and Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala).” Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) stated: “O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment and the raiment of righteousness, that is better…” (Al-A’raf 7:26) So if a woman does not fear Allaah and uncovers her private parts then she is breaking the shield between her and Allaah, Most High, and because she uncovered and dishonored herself and committed a grievance against her husband then Allaah will uncover her shield, she will be in a scandal. 8. Tabarruj is an unchaste and disgraceful sin The women is ‘awrah, a source of attraction, her body is not to be shown, to wear clothes that show off her body and its shape and features is disgraceful. Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) orders us to stay away from disgraceful sins: “And when they commit a Faahisha (evil deed, going round the Ka’bah in naked state, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.), they say: ‘We found our fathers doing it, and Allaah has commanded us of it.’ Say: ‘Nay, Allaah never commands of Faahisha. Do you say of Allaah what you know not?” (Al-A’raf 7:28) Rather, it is Shaytaan who orders such Faahisha, such disgraceful sins. Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says: “Shaytaan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahshaa (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allaah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allaah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” (Al-Baqarah 2:268) The Mutabar’rijat (those who do at-Tabarruj [display their beauty]) create a sinful virus that spreads disgraceful sins amongst the Muslim society. Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says: “Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allaah knows and you know not.” (An-Nur 24:19) Tabarruj is the leading course for the spread of zina (illegal sexual relations). 9. Tabarruj is a Satanic way The story of Adam and his wife demonstrates how the enemy of Allaah (i.e. Satan) was so keen to incite them to show their private parts in order to spread evil and disgraceful sins. It also shows that tabarruj of women is a primary goal for Shaytaan to achieve. Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says: “O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better.” (Al-A’raf 7:26) It is very clear that Satan is the one who established the call for Tabarruj and showing off and he is the leader of those leaders who call for the liberation of women. Shaytaan in the Imaam of everyone who obeys him and follows him in disobedience to Allaah, Most Merciful, especially those Mutabar’rijat (those who do at-Tabarruj [display their beauty]) who harm the Muslims and deceive their youth. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “I have not left after me any chance of turmoil more harmful to men than the harm done to them because of women.” (Reported by al-Bukhaaree) Adam (‘alayhis-sallam) forgot, made a mistake, repented and asked for forgiveness from Allaah and Allaah accepted his repentance. The struggle between Adam’s offspring and Shaytaan continues, the Devil still whispers to drive us (men and women) to disobey Allaah and follow sins and there is no safeguard except in returning to Allaah in good faith and repentance, remembering Allaah and asking Him for His help to overcome lusts and desires. 10. Tabarruj is the way of the Jews The Jews have an important role in the destruction of nations through fitnah, the seduction and temptation of women. The spread of tabarruj is an effective weapon of their wide spread establishments. One just has to look around to see Hollywood and famous houses of fashion, advertising, x-rated movies and clothes are all wide spread. In fact, the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Watch out for this worldly life (safeguard yourself from its temptation) guard yourself from the allurement of women. Verily, the first trial for the people of Israel was caused by women.” (Reported by Muslim) Their (the Jews) books also testify to this fact. In the third chapter of Isaiah it is quoted that: “Moreover, the LORD said: ‘Because the daughters of Zion are proud and walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, and go along with mincing steps, and tinkle the bangles on their feet. Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare’.” (Isaiah, Chapter 3, V.16-17) Furthermore: “In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, finger rings, nose rings, festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils.” (Isaiah, Chapter 3, V.18-23) Although the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) warned against mimicking the non-believers and their ways, many Muslims don’t abide by this warning. This is a testimony for the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who said: “You will tread the same path as was trodden by those before you, inch by inch and step by step, so that if they enter the hole of the lizard you will follow them into it also.” His companions asked him: “Do you mean the Jews and the Christians.” He (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “Who else?!” (Reported by Muslim) The similarity of those women who disobey Allaah and His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to the Jews is very evident because their response to Allaah’s command was and is similar to that of the Jews: “We have heard and disobeyed.” (Al-Baqarah 2:93) This is unlike the response of the believing woman who would respond (to the commands of Allaah) saying: “We hear and we obey.” (Al-Baqarah 2:85) They remember the saying of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala): “And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination.” (An-Nisa 4:115) 11. Tabarruj is a filthy Jahiliyyah (ignorance) Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says: “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.” (Al-Ahzab 33:33) The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) described the times of ignorance as filthy and wicked and ordered us to reject them. Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) described the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in that: “…he allows them as lawful at-Taiyibaat [(i.e. all good and lawful) as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.], and prohibits them as unlawful al-Khabaa’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.).” (Al-A’raf 7:157) The call to bring about the times of jahiliyyah is similar to the call for tabarruj, both of which are wicked ways which the Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made unlawful. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, ever matter of jahiliyyah is under my hate.” (Reported by Aboo Daawood, at-Tirmidhee, Ahmad and other) Tabarruj and all forms of jahiliyyah such as false pride and haughtiness, ill thoughts about Allaah, call for falsehood, setting up rivals with Allaah, ruling by the laws of other than Islam, usury, etc., are all inclusive. 12. Tabarruj is an animal act To reveal and expose of our natural behaviour to that of animals, whenever man inclines to such behaviour he starts his decline to a level lower than the level of manhood that Allaah has bestowed upon him. Allaah bestowed a natural inclination towards covering, preservation and safeguarding modesty, to consider the acts of display, exposition and uncovering as an act of beauty represents a corruption of the Fitrah (natural disposition / inclination) and is degeneration in state and a sign of decadence and decline. The progress of mans stability is linked to his or her covering of the body. The Hijab cover is fitting to the instinct of ghareeh which draws its strength from the soul. The “so-called” liberation from the chains of covering is an instinct which draws its instincts from lusts which incites tabarruj and mixing of the sexes. The one who is satisfied with the second instinct must sacrifice the first one in order to silence the voice of the innate ghareeh in his heart in return for the “so-called” enjoyment of tabarruj and mixing. From this we understand that tabarruj is a sign of corruption of Fitrah (natural disposition / inclination), lack of bashfulness and insensitivity. 13. Tabarruj is a door to wide-spread evil Anyone who carefully examines the Islamic texts, the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah and the lessons from history becomes convinced about the evils of tabarruj and its harms, both in religious and worldly matters, especially when it is associated with the mixing of sexes. Some of its underlying consequences are: a) The competition amongst the displaying women in showing of their beauty, this is seduction, and it leads to the spoiling of morality and leaves women as merchandised articles for anyone to look at. b) The corruption of the morality of men, especially the youth and those in adolescence, it pushes them to commit various kinds of sin. We have seen teenage kids on the corners of many streets in Europe, North America and other parts of the world roaming around smoking, at times half naked, on drugs and looking to engage in sexual relationships. Why, what happened? Many try to hide from the hard facts. The drive for lust and the materialistic life became the objective of the new generation, the Pepsi, Michael MTV Jackson generation. The result, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases! c) The destruction of family ties and the causing of a lack of trust between family members and the threat of divorce. d) The commercial abuse of women in the world of advertising, entertainment and other areas. e) Doing harm to women by declaring their ill intentions and evil conscience thus rendering her venerable to harm by the wicked. f) The spread of diseases. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Sin did not spread in any particular nation until they openly conducted (their sins) and as a result plague and other illnesses that were not present amongst their predecessors because present amongst them.” g) The facilitation of the sin of zina and fornication of the eye. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The adultery of the eye is the lustful look.” (Reported by Muslim) h) Tabarruj makes it difficult to lower the gaze. i) It justifiably brings down the Punishment of Allaah and His Punishment is more severe then an atomic bomb. Allaah says: “And when We decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allaah and be righteous) to those among them [or We (first) increase in number those of its population] who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction.” (Al-Isra 17:16) The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When people see wrong or evil and they don’t change it then it is eminent that the Punishment of Allaah will fall upon them.” (Reported by Aboo Daawood and others) Footnote: [1] I (Aboo Uthmaan) transcribed (albeit not a verbatim transcription) this text from a lecture entitled “Tabarruj” by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=1357

As-salámu ‘alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!”
Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem

Translated by: Omar Johnstone

Al-Wala' Wal-Bara' and the Declaration of Faith

Love is the source of wala' and hate is the source of bara'; it is by this that both the heart and the hand are moved to act. Wala' inspires intimacy, concern and help. Bara' provokes obstruction, enmity and rejection. Wala' and Bara' are both related to the declaration of faith and constitute essential elements in it. The evidence of this from the Qur'an and the Sunnah is considerable.

As for the Qur'an, consider the following ayat: "Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoever does this has no connection with Allah unless you are guarding yourselves against them as a precaution. Allah bids you to beware (only) of Himself. And to Allah is the journeying." [3:28] And He says: "Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind), If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your wrong actions. Allah is Forgiving, Compassionate. Say, Obey Allah and the Messenger.

And If they turn away, then surely Allah does not love the disbelievers." [3:31-32] Speaking of the aims of the enemies of Allah, He says: "They long for you to disbelieve even as they disbelieve, so that you may be the same (as them). so do not choose friends from among them until they go out in the way of Allah." [4:89]

And also: "O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends of one another. And whoever of you takes them for friends is (one) of them. Surely Allah does not guide wrongdoing people." [5:51]

And lastly: "O you who believe! Whoever of you becomes a rebel against his Deen, (know that in his place) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble towards the believers, harsh towards the disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and not fearing the blame of any blamer." [5:54]

We will mention only a few of the many hadith and reports of the Companions on this subject. Imam Ahmad reports from Jarir ibn Abdullah that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, made him swear an oath to 'offer counsel to every Muslim and to steer clear of every disbeliever.' (1) Ibn Shayba reports that the Prophet said, "The strongest bond of faith is love for the sake of Allah and enmity for His sake." (2) Ibn Abbas reports that the Prophet said, "The strongest bond of faith is loyalty for the sake of Allah and opposition for His sake, love for the sake of Allah and enmity for His sake." (3)

Ibn Abbas is also reported to have said,
"Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, and hates for the sake of Allah, and whoever seals a friendship for His sake, or declares an enmity for His sake, will receive, because of this, the protection of Allah. No one may taste true faith except by this, even if his prayers and fasts are many. People have come to build their relationships around the concerns of the world, but it will not benefit them in any way." (4) Shaykh Sulaiman ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab explained the words of Ibn Abbas by saying that the meaning of 'to seal a friendship for the sake of Allah' indicates the obligation of establishing relationships of love and trust for His sake; this is friendship for the sake of Allah. It also indicates that simple affection is not enough here; indeed what is meant is a love based upon alliance. This entails assistance, honour, and respect. It means being with those whom you love both in word and deed.

As for 'enmity for the sake of Allah', it includes the obligation to declare enmity for His sake: opposition for the sake of Allah. it is to declare opposition in deed, to take up arms against His enemies, to shun them, and to stay far from them both in word and deed. This proves that simple opposition of the spirit is not enough, and that it must be a complete honouring of your commitment, for Allah says: "There is a good example for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they told their people: 'Surely we disassociate ourselves from you and all that you worship beside Allah. We have done with you. And there has arisen between us and you enmity and hate for ever until you believe in Allah only'." [60:4] (5)

All this leads us to conclude that loyalty for the sake of Allah really means to love Allah and to come to the assistance of His Deen; it is to love those who are obedient to Him and to come to their help. Opposition for the sake of Allah is to feel anger at the enemies of Allah and to struggle against them. Because of this Allah has called the first group the "party of Allah" and the second the "party of Satan": "Allah is the Protecting Guardian of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness into light.

As for those who disbelieve, their patrons are false deities. They bring them out of light into darkness. Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein." [2:257] And Allah says: "Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the friends of Satan. Surely Satan's strategy is always weak." [4:76] It is well known that Allah has never sent a Prophet on His mission without also raising up opponents against him. Allah says: "Thus have We appointed for every prophet an adversary - devils from mankind and the jinn who inspire in one another plausible words that are deceiving." [6:112] It may be that opponents of Divine Unity possess some learning, a part of Revelation, and proof.

As Allah says: "And when their Messengers brought them clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), they exulted in the knowledge which they (themselves) possessed. And that which they had become accustomed to mock befell them." [40:83]

It is the obligation of every Muslim to learn from Allah's Deen whatever may serve as a weapon for him in the struggle against the friends of Satan. In this he should have no fear and no misgivings, since the devil's strategy is always weak. Allah says: "And surely that Our host would be the victors." [37:173] To the host of Allah shall be the victory in discussion and in debate, as in war and strife. In this way an ordinary man from the party of the One God will overcome a thousand scholars of the disbelievers. (6)

If the aim of the enemies of Islam - whether they are atheists or Jews, or Christians or modernists, or Zionists or Communists - is the emasculation of the Aqeedah of the Muslims, and the erosion of their unique character in order to make them 'the ass of the chosen people', (as it is put in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion), then the urgency of this issue should become clear to every Muslim.

We should all take heed, for ourselves and for those who are with us, so that we may warn all the Muslims who are slipping away into the abyss of apostasy, warn them of the treacherous call of the disbelievers to what they call 'brotherhood and equality', warn them of the false claim that religion is for Allah but that nationhood is for the masses. We will return to this point in more detail later.

For the present, the evidence is clear from the Qur'an and the Sunnah that allegiance is demanded by the declaration of faith since this is an essential part of its meaning. As Ibn Taimiya has said, "The declaration of faith, there is no god but Allah, requires you to love only for the sake of Allah, to hate only for the sake of Allah, to ally yourself only for the sake of Allah, to declare enmity only for the sake of Allah; it requires you to love what Allah loves and to hate what Allah hates." (7) It also requires you to ally yourself to the Muslims wherever you find them and to oppose the disbelievers even if they are your closest kin.

NOTES:

Imam Ahmad, Musnad, 4/357-8.
Abu Bakr Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Shaybah, (d.235 AH) Kitab al-Iman. At-Tabarani, al-Kabir, ascribes it to Ibn Mas'ud as "marfu'", and classed it as "hasan".
At-Tabarani, al-Kabir. It is mentioned by as-Suyuti, al-Jami' as-Saghir, 1/69. Al-Albani classes it as "hassan". Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Jami' al-Ulum wal Hikam, p.30.
Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab, Sharh Kitab at-Tawhid, p.422. Abridged from Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab, Kashaf ash-Shubuhat, 3rd edition, p.20.
Ibn Taimiya, al-Ihtijaj bil-Qadar, p.62. 

http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/alwalawalbara.htm