Battle of Gender

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. When there is a conflict of interest that puts both men and women on the front line to battle for what people describe as human rights such as gender empowerment, we firstly have to know which group are against which other group.

2. Could it be a battle between all men and all women?

3. My conviction says BIG NO NO to the question stated above- which many of us may have overlooked.

4. To me, it is a battle between the guided men and guided women on one side, against the misguided men and misguided women  on the other side.

5. When a general comment or Islamic advice is made on the media about women, many women could wrongly take it as a symbol of oppression and discrimination towards them- then end up going against something they should have supported .

6. It is the same case for men. When men are condemned, we would stand up with all masculinity and aggressiveness to reject such condemnation. What a blame game.

7. Partly, the mistake may be attributed to the one who makes the statement, for making a random generalization- too bad, it hurts either all Adam species or all species of Eve.

8. My intention is to invite us to be on the right side and see things from a better perspective.

9. The battle of gender is never between the genders! It is between again, the group of believers and disbelievers!

10. Things that are regarded sinful in Islam has nothing to do with one's gender, instead, if consuming alcohol is forbidden or haraam, then it is so for both men and women- regardless of whether it's men or women that have a higher percentage in committing such sin!

11. Allah SWT already explicitly explains that the beautiful relationship of men and women in the Quran actually goes beyond only love and sexual relationship. The believing men and women join hands against evil too!

"The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong...."

(Surah At-Taubah, verse 71)

12. As I will move on the next part of this article, let me end this first section by mentioning here that I have composed a hopefully interesting article related to the above part on my personal blog entitled Superwomen.

Ikhtilat (free mixing between genders)

13. No doubt.

14. Free mixing between men and women is an issue that is either controversial and popular among especially young Muslims in educational institutions, or a non-issue to some others who think it is their right to socialize in ways they like.

15. Islam is clear on its stance about this. Free mixing isn't really free. We have to pay- for the consequences- should we not be careful.

16. Of course Islam is not here to trouble us, and as it always suits people at all time and place, the question now is quite not whether free mixing is allowed, because it seems quite impossible to avoid it all the time in this modern world nowadays.

17. The bigger issue now is therefore, first- do we avoid it whenever possible and second- when it isn't possible and we are in an unavoidable free mixing, do we really observe the conditions and limitations we are entitled to follow?

18. I leave the question there for you my respected readers to answer.

19. Let me also present to you how serious Islam sees this issue- knowing how weak men can be when it comes to temptation- the following hadith perfectly describes that even when we are performing ibadah to Allah SWT, the limitation and guideline are still intact!

"Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best of the men’s rows is the first and the worst is the last, and the best of the women’s rows is the last and the worst in the first."

Narrated by Muslim under No. 664.

20. This simply suggests how even during our prayers (solah) we could be tempted to the opposite gender, so we are not only separated by saf (line) but also it is mentioned that the further away men from women and vice versa, the better it is.

21. Before I continue on this subject of ikhtilat, let us also go to one extreme of this subject- about a type of men-women relationship which is commonly termed as 'couple' that refers to one who has a boyfriend or girlfriend but without any legal relationship contract, otherwise known as nikah or marriage.

22. I am sure some of you here are in this circumstance- you are 'coupling'. But fear not, my dear. I'll be humble and gentle to you. Please keep on reading.

23. First- those who are not 'coupling' yet, the rule is simple- coupling is forbidden and haram for you. Yes, you.

24. Those who already are, I am not here to ask you to break up. 

25. But I'm here to speak up.

26. Think of Allah SWT. Pray a lot to Him. Ask Him for Guidance. Help. Assistance.

27. I believe, with sincerity and continuity in prayers, you'll hopefully come across one of these two whether sooner or later.

a) Your boyfriend/girlfriend leave you because they find someone else thinking that the newly-met is better than you, or because they read this article and decided to break up. I'm sorry I didn't teach them how to read, their teachers did.

OR

b) You are closer to marriage, and your family and you yourself are ready for it. Don't forget to send me a card too. I love nasi minyak- especially when it's free.

28. Ouch! Is there a third choice?

29. Yes there is. Please break up. Period.

30. But I promised not to mention breaking up? Yes I did, but sorry, you just asked for the third option. Thanks for asking.

31. Let me leave you there on this subject. I shall continue on ikhtilat now. 

32. It is explained in a paperwork (link below) that through several verses in Surah An-Nur (verses 30-31) and Surah Al-Ahzab (verse 52), the following are among a few general guidelines provided when it comes to ikhtilat.

33. First of, one must lower or protect their gaze. In other words, do not attempt or let the eyes induce temptation when speaking to a Muslim or Muslimah.

34. Secondly, the clothing must be proper and decent. I would like to quote a very good statement which says that the best clothing to wear is the clothing of taqwa i.e having fear towards Allah as a means of protection for ourselves.

35. The last that I will mention here is the adab, the way or behaviour we have when speaking to others. Never use words or voice intonation that can trigger any dirty intention from the hearts of the listener, no matter how much we may like it (because we usually like attention)- due to the whispers of the shaytan.

36. In a wonderful writing by Ustaz Maszlee Malik entitled Cinta Anta dan Anti, he reminds us of the trick and attempt that some of us make to justify the Islamic love that they live with.

37. Nowadays, it may be easier because such 'Islamic' relationship can be made through online media such as email, Yahoo Messenger and many more. 

38. It is also mentioned in the article that some of us use the opportunity during a meeting of say, Islamic society, to entertain the feeling of missing 'somebody' we are interested with, na'uzubillah.

39. This is a huge tragedy for people who call themselves a dai'e because it's like playing with the rules of Allah and what is more scary about that is that we fear any chance of getting closer to hypocrisy i.e nifaq.

40. Remember, nifaq (hypocrisy) is one of the sins with the most severe punishment in the Hereafter, may Allah safeguard us from it ameen ameen ameen.

41. Do not ever disguise the ill intention we may have with phrases such as ukhwah fillah, I love you because of Allah and many more, because Allah SWT knows what is really in our heart and within our chest. Watch out!

42. The rule of thumb is quite simple and straight forward. 

43. Sometimes it's a noble intention that we have to help our own friends to become a better Muslim.

44. But (for a guy) if that friend of ours is a girl or muslimah, why don't we ask someone from the same gender to do the job for us? The same goes for the opposite case- muslimah having a guy friend. 

45. If we keep saying that that friend of ours will only trust us- that might as well be just another hidden trap that we are blinded from.

46. And what an irony! If he/she really has trust in us, why then that he/she does not have trust in our decision to let someone of the same gender to guide him/her? 

47. Remember again, Allah SWT knows well what's in our heart.

48. And seriously, a Muslim guy becoming an alarm clock for his girlfriend? So that she can wake up and perform the Fajr (Subuh) prayer? Seriously?

49. There's no reward in doing goods through ways that are sinful. This again, also applies the other way around- a Muslimah becoming an alarm clock for his boyfriend.

50. Please please please do not try to 'islamify' sins. We can not make pork halal just because we wash it with seven buckets of water- you know what I mean.

51. Similarly, pork is not halal if we recite Bismillah and slaughter a pig in an Islamic way, or even if we ask the pig to say shahadah before we slaughter it! 

52. In another article I read about fornication of the heart, it is suffice to mention here that what the author basically suggests is to understand it in an acceptable way- not to make our life too difficult about it, but at the same time, do not take it very lightly too.

53. It is a well-known approach in Islam that we shall resort to the middle path (wasatiyyah).

54. Love is not haraam or forbidden. In fact it is encouraged and allowed because our fitrah (innate nature) as a human being- we love to love.

55. However, there's a proper channel. That's about it.

56. I particularly love the part when the author says that it's normal to miss other people or love them or have feelings towards them, but what we have to be careful about is the action we may take from such a feeling, and also the kind of imagination that we may have in our weak mind- please avoid any intention of fornication- it's a recipe to disaster and thinking about it is  considered a form of fornication of the heart.

57. Let us pray that we can play our best roles whether as a Muslim or a Muslimah, so that one day (or the day) when we get married, we will build an awesome Baitul Muslim that will be responsible for the production of an Ulul Albab generation which has high quality in their Islamic knowledge and practice ameen.

58. Let's help spread the love and show the beauty of Islam to the world. I shall end this with a beautiful and rather hilarious quote that reads:

"Gravitation is not responsible for people FALLING in love."

59. Wallahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt.

By:

Ibnu Hanaffi

Ex-IMU

References:

1. Free Mixing Between Genders

2. Ikhtilat: Antara Tertutup Jumud, Terbuka Hanyut

3. Garis Panduan Interaksi Muslimin dan Muslim (pdf)

4. Fitnah Cinta Ukhti Barbie dan Akhi Ken

5. Mereka Yang Gagal Memahami Erti Zina Hati

6. Cinta Anta dan Anti, Majalah I, February 2006 by Ustaz Maszlee Malik

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Fiqh Medic Part 2

Date        : 14th April 2012

Time        : 8.00am - 1.00pm

Place       : Lecture Theatre 2, IMU

Speaker  : Ustaz Ismat Nazirin bin Mat Isa 

This time, Ustaz will mostly discuss real cases from the website (www.e-fatwa.gov.my/). 

Q: What is the hukm of using ‘Maggot Debridement Therapy’ for patient with a chronic wound? (especially diabetic ulcer)

A: The Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alaihi wasallam) was once asked about the advisability of medical treatment. He replied, "Make use of medical treatment for Allah has not made a disease without making a cure for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age." [Sunan of Abu Dawood, Hadith 1755] 

Hardship begets facility. Thus, this case falls under the category of Ja’iz or Mubah (Harus). The obedient act such as ablution and Salah performed by this patient while on treatment is valid. 

Q: Euthanasia or Mercy Killing. What is the hukm? 

A: Euthanasia is the act of intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. Therefore its main hukm is Haram (prohibited or forbidden). A Muslim should never give up in seeking a method of recovery for his other brother; all means and methods that does not go against Syariah should be tried before giving up. Nevertheless, if a person is declared to be brain or any other organ failure (example: heart) and he/she has to be fully dependent on a machine to stay alive; all other doctors could not find other alternative treatment nor is there any hope for a living, then euthanasia is permissible by ceasing the lifeline with the machine. In order to do this, the doctor has to be fully competent and is confident without doubt of the decision he makes. 

“It is not for a believer to kill a believer unless (it be) by mistake. He who hath killed a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave, and pay the blood-money to the family of the slain, unless they remit it as a charity. If he (the victim) be of a people hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave. And if he cometh of a folk between whom and you there is a covenant, then the blood-money must be paid unto his folk and (also) a believing slave must be set free. And whoso hath not the wherewithal must fast two consecutive months. A penance from Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.” 

(An-Nisa’: 92)

Anas (b. Malik) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying. None of you should make a request for death because of the trouble in which he is involved, but if there is no other help to it, then say: O Allah, keep me alive as long as there is goodness in life for me and bring death to me when there is goodness in death for me.

(Muslim :: Book 35 : Hadith 6480)

Q: What is the hukm of eating gecko-gecko lizard (Tokay) for the purpose of medicinal therapy? 

A: Haram because of the nature of the animal itself which is khabis (or abhorrence) and it may be poisonous. This lizard has not yet been scientifically proven to be of benefit to health. Once there are hard evidence based on research regarding the health benefit this lizard carries and then only the hukm would fall under Ja’iz or Mubah (Harus). 

Q: What is the hukm of donating an organ? 

A: Organ donation is permissible for a Muslim; though it is preferred that only the important organs (eg; liver, marrow, kidney) are to be donated and in any single body, it is advisable to take only one organ. The procedure is preferred to be handled by a Muslim doctor. Nonetheless, it is haram for a living Muslim to donate an organ whilst still alive and he/she actually requires that organ to live. There are exceptions to this case (for example in liver donation), as long as after the donation the donor must not suffer any chronic side effects that could cause death. 

Q: Can a Muslim donate his whole body after death for the purpose of research/study? 

A: Haram because there are lots of other death that can be used as research purposes instead. 

Q: Is autopsy allowed in Islam? 

A: Haram. Nevertheless, it is allowed in certain emergency (Dharurat) conditions and there is a need to ensure that the real cause of suspicious death can be brought to justice. This falls under the importance of the protection of life. 

Q: Can a male doctor attend to a woman in labour? 

A: The hukm is Ja’iz or Mubah (Harus) when it is an emergency situation. 

Q: Is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) allowed in Islam? 

A: The procedure is permissible as long as both the egg and sperm comes from legally married couple. 

Q: Is surrogacy allowed? 

A: Haram, as it might cause confusion in the lineage. 

Q: Is abortion of a disabled foetus allowed? (eg: Down Syndrome, congenital physical defect) 

A: Haram as the disability is a fitrah (disposition). 

Q: Are Muslims allowed to take medications, food, drinks, or use perfumes which contain alcohol? 

A: First of all, we have to bear in mind that all liquor is made from alcohol but not all alcohol is made into liquor. An alcohol is considered as haram as long as these two conditions is fulfilled:

i)   The level of alcohol is more than 0.5% 

ii)  The process of making the alcohol is from ensiled fruits. 

iii) The alcohol made is intended to cause a person to be drunk. 

In medication and perfumes, the alcohol used is mainly intended to be a solvent so that the whole formula is well incorporated. Therefore, it is not considered to be impure and it falls under the hukm of Ja’iz or Mubah (Harus). 

Q: Is the gelatin used in medication safe for Muslims to consume? 

A: The gelatin may come from many different resources such as bovine (cow), porcine (pig) or even avian (ducks). Therefore, only medication that has gelatin made from resources such as porcine is considered haram. Nevertheless, in times of emergency (Dharurat) and there are certainly no other medication left, then it is permissible or Ja’iz or Mubah (Harus) for a Muslim to consume it. 

Each hospital in Malaysia has its own responsibility to ensure that the medication that they ordered has to be free from any suspicious materials used and patient has the full right for information regarding the medication that they are taking. 

Q: What is the hukm of using highly purified insulin coming from a porcine source? 

A: In a critical diabetic emergency (Dharurat) case, it falls under the hukm of Ja’iz or Mubah (Harus). Nevertheless, a Muslim is obligated (Wajib and Fardh) to continue to search for other insulin medication that does not have any haram source in them. 

Ramadhan Guidelines for Patients 

Jau’f is defined as a passage that can transfer food or drinks (or any material that may nullify the fast) into the “al-mi’dah” (a reservoir or stomach) as that is the designated place where food substances is processed into products which benefits the body. In other words, it can also be denoted as inserting any items that can nullify the fast through a passage or cavity into the body. 

Acts which nullify the fast (for patient): 

1. Injecting substances which are considered as “food material” into the body. (eg: Glucose) 

2. Inserting any material through a passage into a cavity in the body (Jau’f) 

Acts which do not nullify the fast: 

1. Eye or nose drop (for medication purposes) 

2. Using an instrument to look into the throat provided that no “fluid” enters with it. 

3. Placing a medication underneath the toungue (eg: GTN for angina patient) 

4. Placing a medical instrument into the womb for the purposes of inspection or 

    treatment of a condition. 

5. Placing a medical instrument into the bladder for the purpose of treatment. 

6. Placing a medical instrument into the intestine for the purpose of inspection and 

    treatment (eg: colonoscopy provided that no “fluid” is entered into the site) 

7. Dental treatment (eg: removing tooth, plastering or cleaning) provided that no “fluid” is

    swallowed. 

8. Mouthwashing or spraying any medication into the mouth provided that no “fluid” is

    swallowed. 

9. Injection of intravascular (IV), intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC)medication is 

    allowed. 

10. Oxygen mask and nebulizer is allowed. For the usage of inhaler; there are two 

      schools of thought. Firstly, the act falls under the hukm of nullifying the fast because 

      some of the medication enters into the stomach and to certain extend can give 

      energy to the body. Secondly, the act does not fall under the hukm of nullifying the fast 

      because the main purpose of taking an inhaler medication is so that the medication

      would  majorly enter into the lung (with proper usage technique) and the minute 

      amount of medication which enters into the stomach does not provide the body

      energy during fasting. An individual is allowed to hold on to any one school of thought

      as both are generally accepted according to one’s preference and confidence. 

11. Anesthetic is allowed. 

12. Any medication/ creams / patches that are able to be absorbed into the skin is 

      allowed. 

13. Contrast material for angiogram purposes 

14. Biopsy provided that no “fluid” is entered into the site. 

15. Epidural injection (into the spinal cord) is allowed. 

16. Vomiting accidently does not nullify the fast. 

17. Hemodialysis does not nullify the fast. 

References

1.   Notes and Presentation prepared by Ustaz Ismat Nazirin bin Mat Isa 

2.   Al-Maqasid Al-Shari’ah (The Objectives of Islamic Law) wriiten by Mohammed 

      Hashim Kamali (a Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia) 

3.   Qawa’id Al-Fiqh (The Legal Maxims of Islamic Law) wriiten by Mohammed Hashim

      Kamali (a Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia)

Prepared by,

Saifullah

IMU Fiqh Medic 2012

Click here for the summary of Fiqh Medic Part 1

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Fiqh Medic Part 1

Date        : 30th March 2012

Time        : 8.00am - 1.00pm

Place       : Lecture Theatre 2, IMU

Speaker  : Ustaz Ismat Nazirin bin Mat Isa 

What is MAQASID SYARIAH (The Objectives of Islamic Law)? 

The main objective of Islamic Law is to “protect the benefit (of the individual and the community) and to facilitate the improvement and perfection of the conditions of human life on earth” that includes “eliminating prejudice, alleviating hardships and establishing justice”. The Quran and Sunnah is the perfect guidance to life in this world. From it, His Mercy and Compassion (Rahmah) is widely manifested in every word of the Quran and in every action of the Prophet saw. 

It is important for us to grasp the concept of the Maqasid Syariah as to ensure that all our actions and the decision we make is based on a firm understanding of the Syariah (Islamic Law) as implicated in the Quran and Sunnah. Allah does not create His Laws if not for the benefit of His Servants. 

The Classification of Benefit (Maslahah); Divisions of the Maqasid 

Firstly, the Daruriyyah (the essentials). “These are seen as absolute requirements to the survival and spiritual well-being of individuals, to the extent that their destruction or collapse would precipitate chaos and the demise of normal order in society”. In other words, the Islamic Law orders us to pay an extra attention towards 5 matters. These are: 

1. Faith (Islam) 

2. Life 

3. Intellect 

4. Lineage 

5. Property 

The calling for Jihad is an example of protecting our faith or religion whilst Qisas is a way for us to protect our life. Allah forbids us to drink liquor and take drugs as these acts puts our intellect at risk. Allah told us to stay away from any acts of adultery as to protect our lineage. He also forbids us to steal or look for income in the wrong way and this was all in order for us to protect our property in this world. 

The second benefit is known as the Hajiyyah (the complementary). These are the “benefits that seek to remove severity and hardship in cases where such severity and hardship do not pose a threat to the very survival or normal order”. One of the matters that falls under this category is rukhsah or concessions; which clearly reflects Allah’s Rahmah on His servants. A good example of this is the foregoing of fast by the sick or the shortening of Salah for the traveler. “A complimentary Maslahah may be raised to the rank of the essential Masalih (Daruriyyah) where it concerns the public at large, for example the shortening of Salah at battlefield.” 

The third benefit is the Tahsiniyyah (the desirable or embellishments) where there is “further refinement and perfection in the customs and conduct of the people, at all levels.” Good examples of acts are voluntary fasting and supererogatory prayers. 

It has to kept in mind though; in any event of contradiction between two Masalih, it is advisable to sacrifice the lesser benefit whilst assuring that prevention of evil is prioritized over the awareness of the benefit when making a decision. 

The Legal Maxims of Islamic Law (QAWA’ID FIQHIYYAH) 

1. Acts are judged by the intentions behind them (Al-umuru bi-maqasidiha): This is where Muslims are required to demonstrate consistency in faith and practice, and in words and deeds. The acts performed by two individuals may be the same, but the intention behind the act itself will determine its standing in Allah’s judgement. 

2. Harm must be eliminated (Ad-dararuyuzal): This is where unlawful acts are to be prevented irrespective of benefit. For example, a healthy person is prohibited to donate an organ (that he needs to survive) to other people while he himself is still alive. 

3. Certainty is not overruled by doubt (Al-yaqinu la yazulubish-shakk): Whereby the Islamic Law requires an individual to be firmly assertive in the act that he or she is performing as long as it is not against what the Quran and Sunnah states. 

4. Custom is the basis of judgement (Al-addatumuhakkamatun):Certain customary rules may be allowed provided that it is not contradicted with the Shariah, the act is current and is used predominantly by the people in that area. 

5. Hardship begets facility (Al-mashaqqatutujlab at-taysir): Islam is not a religion of burden; it encourages all Muslims to perform religious and righteous acts within his/her full capability. Though there are certain rules and conditions that must be followed of this relaxation in terms of difficulty or hardship (refer to Quran 2:173). 

The Declaratory Law or Secondary law in the USUL FIQH of Islam has many branches and two of them are Azimah and Rukhsah. Azimah is a strict general rule that has been imposed and Muslims are obliged to perform acts that fall under this category. For example, each Salah falls on its own specific range of time and Muslims are obliged to follow them accordingly. On the contrary, Rukhsah is a concessionary law whereby in specific conditions, Muslims are given exemptions or relaxation due to certain reasons. From the Quran, verse 2:185 clearly gives an example of how a certain obligatory act as a Muslim is given relaxation in performing it due to some impediment. 

As soon-to-be medical practitioners, we must always keep in mind that patients are in a state of emergency (Darurat), therefore certain obligatory acts has to be given some relaxation. This is clearly explained together with the fifth Legal Maxims of the Islamic Law; Hardship begets facility. 

The first FIQH MEDIC mostly discusses on various conditions which hinders the patient’s ability to perform a complete perfect ibadat; from the act of performing ablution to Salah itself. Here are some of the examples of cases: 

Q: The patient’s wounds are covered with a bandage at a site of ablution. How can the patient perform a perfect ablution? 

A: The patient should perform ablution normally and skip the area that is covered by bandage. Water should only reach areas of the skin which is visible. If patient is having a difficulty in performing ablution from a water tap, the medical practitioner may assist the process using a normal spray bottle. This is fairly helpful as the water for ablution would still be flowing on the skin and is able to cover a large surface area at any one time. 

Q: If a patient is having a colostomy bag (which contains his urine or feces), would the ablution be valid? 

A: Yes, as long as there is no leakage from the bag. Nevertheless, the patient has to ensure that the rest of his clothing is free of any excrement. A suspicious stain is considered as excrement if its colour, smell and taste is similar to a normal excrement. 

Q: If the patient is wearing clothes that has stains of blood and he has no other extra clothing, are his prayers valid? 

A: If the blood is still flowing, according to The Schools of Syafie, the patient has to stop the bleeding first, then, he or she may continue to pray or perform a new ablution. Though if the patient clearly has no other outfit, then he is allowed to pray in the outfit that he has on provided that it tallies with the requirement of the Islamic Law (not showing any aurat). 

Q: If the patient is not allowed to have water on his skin, how can he perform ablution? 

A: The patient is allowed to perform Tayammum or dry ablution using particles of dust or powder that is literally present on all flat surfaces. It is advisable to use a very fine powder that is visible with the naked eye. A burned patient for example need not have to perform any ablution and he may perform Salah even if some parts of is aurat is seen (as those burned skin cannot be covered with any cloth as it may further cause harm to the delicate skin). 

Q: What is the various position of Salah that is available for different conditions of patients? 

A: A patient capable of standing up should perform his Salah while standing up. If he is incapable to do so, then he may sit. If performing Salah by sitting is hard, then the patient should lie on his right side and pray. If all else fails, or the patient is unable to perform these positions of Salah, then he may lie flat on the bed and perform prayers. Nevertheless, Salah should be performed in a way that one is able differentiate between qiam, ruku’ and sujud. 

Q: If a women is in labour (bear in mind that giving birth to the first child can be as long as 19hours); can she still performs Salah? 

A: There are three types of bleeding (discharge) which makes it ‘haram’ for women to perform Salah. These are the haid (monthly menstrual period), wiladah (the blood that comes out with the baby) and nifas (the thick reddish blood discharge that comes out after labour). If there is any other blood than the ones stated; provided that the labour hours are long and the mother is able tolerate with the labour condition, then it is advisable for her to perform Salah. Nevertheless, if the mother is not in a state of clear thinking due to intense amount of pain, then it is forgiven for her as giving birth is also part of Jihad.

References

1.   Notes and Presentation prepared by Ustaz Ismat Nazirin bin Mat Isa

2.   Al-Maqasid Al-Shari’ah (The Objectives of Islamic Law) written by Mohammed

      Hashim Kamali (a Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia)

3.   Qawa’id Al-Fiqh (The Legal Maxims of Islamic Law) written by Mohammed Hashim

      Kamali (a Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia)

Prepared by,

Saifullah

IMU Fiqh Medic 2012

Click here for the summary of Fiqh Medic Part 2

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Becoming a Caring Muslim

Often we heard of the words sympathy and empathy being promoted everywhere. Both are similar in usage but differ in the emotional feelings.

Empathy is the ability to mutually experience the thoughts, emotions, and direct experience of others without them directly communicated intentionally. This will make us to have the urge to help them out in everything that we could. =)

Sympathy on the other hand is a feeling of care and understanding for suffering beings. 

Islam always encourage the Muslims to be caring and helpful. Rasulullah himself is a very caring person and a lot of musyrikin Mecca and Madina revert to Islam because of this. 

One famous example is when Rasulullah fed a blind Jewish beggar everyday in the market who hated Rasulullah so much. The beggar kept saying to him to stay away from a man named Muhammad without knowing the one who fed him was Muhammad himself! After Rasulullah passed away (peace be upon him), Abu Bakar asked Aisyah what are the sunnah Rasulullah that he had not done yet? Aisyah said everyday Rasulullah will go to the market to feed this one old Jewish beggar over there. 

The next day, Abu bakar brought some food to be given to the old beggar but he refused to eat and asked "who are you?" Abu Bakar said "I’m the usual person who came to you". But the beggar said "No! The usual person usually will grind the food with his teeth so that it will be easier for me to eat the food!" Abu Bakar cried and told the Jewish beggar, the person who used to fed him everyday was Muhammad, the one whom he hated the most. The beggar cried and finally revert to Islam. 

So my brothers and sisters, let's be caring! Bring out the sympathy and empathy feelings that we keep holding back before. =)

Show our love to our parents by helping them with the house chores and call them at least once a week if you are staying away from them.

If you go out for shopping and a few people come to you asked for some money, why not give them a little bit of the countless ‘rezeki’ that Allah gives us.

If we have friends who are in trouble, do not leave them but instead be with them.

If your housemates are sick, give them some attention and show some love. Maybe that is all they need to recover and gain some strength back.

If you are dealing with your patients, the trust between you two will make them ‘talk’ so that you can see their problem with a bigger picture which is usually helpful to come out with an accurate diagnosis.

And to our beloved brothers and sisters in Gaza, lets pray for them and give support in every ways possible. 

And the most important thing, who knows the caring attitude that you bring along will make people attracted to know Islam, let them already a muslim or non-muslim. This is one of the way in dakwah, it's actually nothing new. This is indeed, how Rasulullah portrays Islam before. =) 

p/s: This is a gentle reminder especially to me, because we as human beings, tend to forget ^^ 

By:

~Chrysanthemum~

Msoc Committee 2011/12

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Ummi.Ibu.Mak.Mama.Mommy

This is a story of an amazing character,
For her greatness is known to have no border,
Her existence can be replaced by no other,
She is the one whom I called mother;

For ummi whom I loved so dearly,
How I wish to have you here with me,
But I know I would never be so lucky,
So for you these few words, that the winds will carry;

Mama,
How I long for your embrace,
For it always, sets my heart ablaze,
The warmth it gives is such a craze,
While the sooth it lease, keeps my heart at peace;

Ma,
How I long to see your face,
For your smile lifted my heart to space,
Your kiss on my cheek, sets my heart to race,
While sleeping on your laps, frees me from my worries;

Dear mother, may I be forgiven,
For I had always been a naughty son,
Seldom have I ever met your expectation,
And your wish that I, become a better person;

Every time you looks rather gloomy,
It makes my heart goes uneasy,
I'm scared that it's because of me,
For I would never, hurt you mommy; 

Mom,
I want to tell you another story,
About how my friends always make fun of me,
As I'm really close to you, ummi,
They say that I'm my mother’s baby;

Thinking back, it was really funny,
About how I used to be so angry,
It's because of my own stupidity,
As I don't know what it means literally;

The actual meaning of their teasing,
Is an acknowledgment of my love for you ummi,
And it shall receive Allah's Blessing,
Not like my love to an ajnabi;

In this poem,
Though I've called you with so many names,
Know that you are but one and the same;

And this poem,
I've confessed most of the feelings I had,
For you the one, that stays in my heart;

In this poem,
For all those things I've wrote to you,
What's most important is actually these two,
The first one is exactly how much I thank you,
The other one is the depth of my love for you.

Ibu,
If you somehow found and read this,
Know that its you, whom I loved the most,
Your name will be in my heart always,
And your love is what, I dont want to waste...

By :

BudakBaik!!

Msoc Comittee 2011/12

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Ka Ching!

بسمﷲالرحمن الرحم

“Alhamdulillah duit dah masuk” ^__^ 

“Ok time to sort them out. Rental, bills and other essentials goes in account A, the rest goes in account B. Since the bank B ATM is hard to find I might be able to spend less.” 

This may be a common scenario for some of us. We calculate our expenditure throughout a month and we try hard to spend less each month so that we can save for hajj or a house or a car or anything else we’ve planned for the future. 

What about money for sadaqa? Have you put out some money for that? 

We don’t really do that do we? We usually give the extras that we have in our purse and wallets. If it’s a little bit then we’ll give a little but if it’s a lot we still give a little right? 

Then how about money for infaq? Have you put out some money for the cause of Islam? 

Let’s check ourselves, of the money we’ve spent minus the rent, bills and other basic needs, where has it all gone to: 

1. Self-satisfaction items 

2. Family and friends 

3. A good cause 

4. Others in need 

In which category have we spent the most? Then ask yourself again, where did the money come from? Now, have really fairly divided the wealth we get from Allah? If yes then Alhamdulillah =) I you haven’t, then what’s stopping you? 

As humans, we (the general public) fear that the money we have might not be enough. However, Islam teaches us to be hard working, to seek wealth through righteous means and spend on our wives, children, parents, relatives, and give in charity; this is an obligation on us and we will be rewarded for doing it. Furthermore, it is the duty of the rich to take care of the poor. That is why Allah enjoins "zakat" and "sadaqa". This is to remove greediness from our hearts, purify our hearts and properties, and foster good relationship and kindness among us. Therefore as starters for us students, it’s a good practice to start giving even in small amounts to charity and for the sake of Allah. Believe that Allah will always give back more for the little things that we do insyaAllah. 

“Katakanlah: ‘Siapakah yang memberi rezeki kepada kamu dari langit dan bumi?’ Katakanlah: ‘Allah’ dan kami atau (orang-orang musyrik) pasti berada dalam kebenaran atau dalam kesesatan yang nyata.” 

(Saba: 24)

“..dan tiada satu pun makhluk bergerak di bumi melainkan dijamin Allah rezekinya.” 

(Hud: 6)

By:

MSOC Committee 2011/12

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Begging in the mosque

Have you ever went to a mosque and seen a young child, old man or woman, or a disabled person sitting in a corner holding out a cup? Have you ever had a kid knocking on your car window asking for money after the Friday prayer?

Of course, if you feel no empathy towards these scenarios people might label you as a monster but for me, it got me thinking. No matter how hard life gets should we resort to begging random strangers in a mosque? The mosque being the house of God and Islam being the one and only true religion, isn’t there some way to help these people? Or perhaps, the question most people would probably ask, are they lying and making begging their occupation?

Begging is forbidden in principle; it is only in case of necessity or a dire need that it becomes permissible to do so as stated by Abu Haamid Al-Ghazali may Allah have Mercy upon him.

Personally, I think the act of shoving a cup to complete strangers is just wrong. We are no longer living in war times and Malaysia isn’t exactly a poor country. In fact there are even a lot of non-profit organizations out there that one can turn to. These organizations can even give you a halal work so that you can earn halal money. Here, I cite Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taimiyah who said:

"Begging is forbidden whether it is in the mosque or outside it, unless there is a real need for it. If necessary, one may beg in the mosque as long as one does not harm anyone and does not lie in begging, or disturb the people by stepping over them or with one's loudness, for instance, when the people are listening to the Friday khutbah, and one distracts them by one's voice.”

Moreover, some scholars, like As-Suyooti may Allah have Mercy upon him stated that it is disliked to beg in the mosque for the general saying of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam (may Allah exalt his mention): “The mosques are not built for this.” [Muslim]

In case someone raises his voice in the mosque, he should be told not to do so, whether he was a beggar or else, but in principle, in rebuking the beggar, one should be soft and gentle and not harsh or severe.

The prophet also said:

"A person begs and begs..eventually, he appears on the Day of Judgment with no flesh on his face.", "A person who begs money when he does not need, collects fire." (al-Hindi, VI/495; Ibn Hajar, Bulugh`1-Maram, (Exp) N/144).

It is also  written in the Quran:

“alms are only for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed) over them, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth) and the (ransoming of) captives and those in debts and in the way of Allah and the wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah; and Allah is knowing, Wise." [At-Taubah, verse 60].

This is the hard proof that if the beggars are really in predicament, the mosque can use the zakat to help them. Therefore there should not be an issue of begging especially in the mosque. Even the Prophet has already mentioned how the beggar would pay on the Day of judgement.

However, our Prophet always gave something to people who asked him, kindly or rudely. In view of this, Imam al-Qurtubi said:

“Give something (even if it is very little) to the beggar or send him away with nice words; because he may be an angel who visits you to see how you use the blessings and bounties that Allah granted you.”

Therefore, we do not lose anything in giving something to the beggars, no matter whether they are lying or not. In fact we get more pahala in return.

However, begging is still a bad practice in Islam. So the next time you meet beggars at the mosque or anywhere else, muslim or not muslim, we should tell him in a suitable way that what he is doing is wrong. Of course, by doing so most of the time we would be scorned by the beggars who would probably say “If you don’t want to give anything then go away”. But at least we would have done something and played our part. The rest is up to him to correct his ways. 

By,
MSOC Committee 2011/12

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