The Positive Change

Translated Speech of His Eminence Ameer Muhammad Akram Awan Shaikh Silsilah Naqshbandiah Owaisiah

If a person, who doesn’t have the sense to live properly in this world, considers him­self a good Muslim, he is sadly mistaken. He can be a Muslim though, but never a good Muslim. This is because the real Muslims, nurtured by the holy Prophet^-SAW, were great men of reason, research and science, who spread the light of real knowledge and civilisa­tion in the whole world. During the present time, different forms of government have been adopted by various countries; some practise communism, others socialism, while many praise and follow democracy. Even in our country, all and sundry admire democ­racy, but somehow the democracy of each country is different. Pakistan’s democracy is different from the Indian and the French is different from the British, while the democ­racy of its champion America is different from all of them. There is no consensus even on this popular form of government.

The Muslims, educated by the holy Prophet^-SAW, were the first to present the concept and form of a model state to the world. The basic structure of government was devised by the Noble Caliphs. The state was centrally ruled by one Ameer, and its subdivisions (known as provinces) were administered by governors. The state maintained two forces: the police, to maintain internal law and order, and the Army, to counter external aggres­sion. The justice department was an independent organisation having the authority to im­peach both forces, as well as the government, and even the Ameer. A measurement of the land and its division in administrative districts and subdivisions was undertaken during the time of Caliph ‘Umar Faruq^-RAU. The Revenue Department was established during his rule, even the Secret Service or the Intelligence Department was also founded by him. The manufacture of gunpowder and the concept of naval warfare were introduced by the Companions. The basic structure of a government has remained unchanged ever since. The government may be communist, socialist or democratic; it may follow any ideology, but it has to conform to the basic design of government introduced by the Companions. The concept is so perfect and practical that nobody, to this day, has been able to add or subtract anything from it.

Muhammad Bin Qasim (May Allah shower His Infinite Mercy on him), the great Muslim general, who brought the Light of Islam to the Indian subcontinent, fell victim to the political upheaval, was recalled and sentenced to death. The warden of his prison could not reconcile himself to the thought of sacrificing a general of his calibre, only for the sake of political rivalries. On the eve of his execution, the warden arranged for a horse and went fully convinced and prepared to helpMuhammad Bin Qasim to escape. When he opened his cell, he found the general drawing lines on the floor with a piece of charcoal. “It’s good that you came.” said the general, “Sit down and try to understand this.” “We don’t have much time. We can talk later. Just come out with me,” said the warden. “Where to?” inquired the general. When the warden explained the escape plan to him, he said, “If I wanted to escape death, I wouldn’t have returned from India. I certainly pos­sessed greater strength than the present government. However, that would have sparked internal fighting within the Muslims and I cannot think of causing dissent in the Ummah, for the sake of one life. Thank you very much but I cannot flee to save myself. That should satisfy your anxiety. Now sit down and listen to this.” Pointing to the drawing on the floor, he continued, “This is the drawing of the catapult currently in use, which is, somehow, not very accurate. If it is modified according to my drawing, I am sure it would become more accurate, longer-ranged and thus more effective.” “Strange indeed,” mur­mured the amazed warden; “most probably you will not see the light of dawn tomorrow. Of course, Allah can do what He likes, but you are likely to be put to the sword before sunrise. Now what are you going to do with this sketch?” The general replied, “You think the whole Ummah is going to die with my death? No! They have to live till the Last Day and I must continue to think for them. Give this drawing to someone who can benefit the Muslim Ummah.” That was the level of greatness of the people trained by the Companions. They were the pioneers of civilisation; they changed the entire economic system of the world. Today, we are caught in a web of an economic system spun by usury and inter­est. We argue that this is the universal financial system and we can neither change it nor escape from it, and if we try, we would isolate ourselves and ruin our international busi­ness. But we forget that the same system was in vogue at the dawn of Islam. Didn’t the Companions change the entire economic system of the world? You can never change any system by only highlighting its flaws and persuading the people to discard it. No! If you want to change any system, you must offer a much better system as its alternative, and that is exactly what they did. They presented a perfect economic system that heralded un­paralleled economic prosperity in the world. It is on record that during their period, the rich and wealthy searched in vain, for the needy and destitute to accept their alms and Zakat. Every member of the society earned enough through labour, service, agriculture or business to suffice his needs. That was the reward and singular success of the system presented by the followers of the holy Prophet^-SAW.

The world has used the original ideas and concepts of the Companions to develop modern systems. Look at the mail system, for example. The Muslims had developed a perfect mail system during their time. They had established posts after every fifteen to twenty miles along the entire mail route. Each post held about twenty horses and riders. Each courier was responsible to carry the mailbag at top speed, non-stop to the next post, where another courier was already mounted and waiting. This arrangement delivered the mail to distant destinations within a short time. The Muslim forces, busy in far-flung areas remained in constant communication with the Centre. Those operating in the Per­sian and Roman theatres could seek instructions from the Centre within one day. Even India was connected with the Centre through this mail courier on horseback.

The whole universe has been designed to serve just one human being and a Muslim is not just a human being, but the real human being. A person who doesn’t acquire the Light of Faith is not worthy of being called a human being. What happens if the real human being evades his duty? This complacency stems from a notion that worship alone consti­tutes the whole Deen. After prayers, a Muslim feels satisfied and relieved of his religious obligations: that is a slipshod Islam. The real Islam expects you to fly the most modern aircraft after completing your prayers and also pioneer the latest technological research and development. After all, why can’t a Muslim invent new things like a non-Muslim can? The intelligence quotient of a non-Muslim is decidedly lower than that of a Muslim. It is because the Light of Faith not only illuminates the heart but also enhances the mental faculties. A non-Muslim requires greater time and effort than a Muslim to understand and comprehend. That has also been my personal observation during my travels around the globe. However, the problem with us Muslims is that we pay no attention to this side. Naturally, you cannot learn anything without effort.

The second and more important point which needs to be clearly understood is that everything is lawful in Islam unless otherwise specified. For example, a swine is com­pletely prohibited in Islam. Therefore, its flesh, hide and its trade in any form is also pro­hibited. That is not the case with arms and ammunition, these are not inherently prohibited. You can use them for Jihad or for mugging or for murder. It is their use that will determine their legality. If a Kafir uses modern technology to propagate his secular ideology and other evils, why can’t you use that technology to preach the truth and virtue? Would it be sane to try to eliminate technology from the world? Should you then vacate this field for non-believers? Isn’t it a pity, that at a time when nonbelievers are launching satellites to conquer space and claiming to land on the moon, we can’t use even the simplest technology? What type of Islam is this and what service are we rendering to our religion? Aren’t we a liability and a stigma for Islam? Ignorance and inefficiency are neither virtue nor piety. The real piety and virtue is that whilst you may be capable, you willingly abstain from evil and direct your potential to a noble cause. If you claim that a blind person is very pious because he doesn’t look at any evil, it is an absurd claim because the poor man can see nothing even otherwise. Similarly, an old man may become virtuous because he can sin no more; but that is no credit to him. Be strong, but prefer good over bad by the strength of your conviction. The world should respect you and be impressed by your knowledge and strength, but should feel equally reassured and secure that you will never use your strength for an evil cause. To lag behind in knowledge is not Islam. Unfortunately, we have not kept ourselves abreast with the latest knowledge and advancement. In response to our insistence to eliminate usury from the economic system, our Muslim rulers demand an alternate interest-free system, but our scholars have failed to provide a practical, workable substitute. Our demand to implement Shari‘ah in the country is similarly repulsed, because we don’t adhere to Islam in our practical lives. We prefer to follow our customs and traditions instead of the Sunnah, because we feel that our age old customs earn us greater honour and respect. How can we ask the rulers to enforce an Islam that we don’t even practise ourselves? If a person cannot implement Islam on his six-foot body, what right does he have to demand its implementation on the whole country?

Why doesn’t any positive change begin within us? Why do we exhibit this visible paradox in our claim and conduct? Probably it is because we think that worship alone is the entire Deen. The holy Prophet^-SAWcould mend his shoes and stitch his clothes. He brought groceries from the market and helped his noble wives in preparing food. He could do all the routine domestic work with his own hands, even when he was fully committed in his mission to replace the existing systems with the best and most perfect social, economic and political systems in the world. The blessings of his systems bene­fited the believers and others alike. Even non-believers adopted his principles and brought their countries under the blessed umbrella of Islam.

If you go through the history of this subcontinent, you will find thatMuhammad Bin Qasim had landed on the shores of Gawadar with only a few thousand soldiers, but he did not require any reinforcements to conquer the whole country. The natives were greatly impressed by the conduct of Muslims and realised that the Islamic way of life was far better than their own way. They decided to adopt it voluntarily and joined with Muhammad Bin Qasim to spread that Light farther. But, who had given this way of life to the Muslims? It was of course, given by Muhammad^-SAW, the Messenger of Allah, and practically implemented by the Righteous Caliphs^-RAU. If however, they were also weak Muslims like us, and didn’t carry the Light of a new civilisation with them and were un­able to respond to the problems of the vast horizons that they traversed, then, who would have believed them and gone along with them? Could they have ushered in the Islamic revolution with the might of their swords? Of course not! They instead, offered an alter­nate system which was visibly far better, easier to follow, and more peaceful than the systems in vogue, and thus successfully redirected the course of civilizations and nations.

Islam has nothing but flowers in its lap. No system offers as much love, peace and comfort as Islam. We claim this because Islam is our religion. But even non-Muslims have to accept that Islam is a religion of love. Islam’s love for humanity revolutionised the concept of warfare and replaced it with Jihad. Previously, wars were fought to anni­hilate, humiliate and plunder the adversary. Islam forbade all bloodshed and plunder, and ordained Jihad in its place. Jihad doesn’t mean destruction of the enemy; it signifies the effort to check the cruel and the oppressor. This effort may start with the word of mouth and may extend to the use of sword; it will continue so long as that evil persists. How­ever, if the oppressor restrains himself, the drawn swords will be returned to their scab­bards. Even during the heat of a battle, if a non-believer accepts Islam, the Muslim soldier will put his weapon down and embrace him. This concept doesn’t exist anywhere outside Islam. How abounding will be the love of a religion that has replaced hatred with affec­tion, even in its doctrine of warfare? Islam doesn’t condemn modern technology but defines its most appropriate and correct usage; but, if you don’t learn it, how would you use it for Jihad?

Once, I heard a lecture at Lalamusa about the greatness of the Companions. The audi­ence was large and the scholar was making his point forcefully. However, I could restrain myself no more when he emphasised that enemy strongholds and fortresses fell and the non-believers fled just on hearing Companions’ battle cry of ‘Allah-o Akbar!’ (Allah is the Greatest). I told him that he had either misread or misunderstood. The foundations of this religion were fortified with the bones of the Companions. Their blood was used as water and their flesh as cement to raise this building. Some of them sustained as many as a hundred and twenty wounds to their bodies. Yes, their speech had a great effect; Allah was also with them, but they had to endure many difficult trials. Drop the notion that walls collapsed on their shouts only; no, they knew the real technique of knocking them down by force. Each soldier was a strong Muslim in his practical life. Their strategy of war bewildered the whole world; seasoned generals of centuries old mighty empires, failed to anticipate and understand their battle tactics. A renowned Persian general Rustam, completely frustrated and defeated by their superior strategy, passed a venomous remark against them. What he said was Kufr, but it is permitted to quote such nonsense for the purpose of education. He said, “What sort of a man is this ‘Umar? How has he trained the dogs of Arabia? We cannot anticipate or understand their battle moves and formations.” I have quoted this sentence because Rustam is considered an esteemed hero in our society. People name their sons after him, and the government has also instituted rewards and titles bearing his name. I wanted to highlight his opinion about Islam, Mus­lims and the Companions. He was finally killed fighting against Muslims. There is yet another person, Pervaiz, after whom Muslims name their sons and even daughters, while he was the accursed scoundrel who tore the message of the holy Prophet^-SAW, spat on it and trampled on it. He was the only one and the most unfortunate person who disrespected the letter of the holy Prophet^-SAW. When the holy Prophet^-SAW heard of his reaction, he prayed, “Oh Allah! Rip his empire into pieces as he has torn my letter.” Muslims of today, how­ever, continue to name their children after him. What Rustam said was absolute nonsense, uttered in a state of rage and helplessness but it explicitly highlights his confession of the superior war strategy of Muslims. No general of today would dare to cross the vast deserts, even with modern mobility that the Companions crossed on horseback.The blazing oceans of sand, spanning four hundred miles, don’t favour the existence of life in their roasting temperatures. The adventurers, who try to drive through these deserts, carry eight extra tyres for their vehicles. The burning sand doesn’t puncture their tyres but actually melts them. When they manage to cross through, their vehicles are usually run­ning on naked rims because their tyres are burnt en route. The Companions crossed these deserts within a fortnight, while the jeeps of today take much longer.

My brother, our personal weaknesses are contributing towards the weakening of Islam, because we are its representatives. A weak Muslim will mean a weak Islam. The religion will not be recognised and respected if its followers fail to keep pace with modern tech­nology and advancement. Nobody will acknowledge the greatness of Islam if you fail to present better alternatives to solve present day problems. You will have to acquire mod­ern knowledge with the same sincerity and devotion, with which you pray and do Allah‘s Zikr. Your effort to learn, with the intent to glorify and serve Islam, will certainly be graded as worship of a high order, second only to the Fardh (obligatory) worship. If one Muslim offers Nafal (extra) Salah for one hour, whilst the other, after his Fardh (obligatory) Salah, devotes the remaining time to learn modern knowledge with the in­tention to serve Islam and contest Kufr, then the first Muslim will get the reward for Nafal Salah only, while the second would get the reward of Jihad. Don’t disgrace Islam, don’t make it weak and subservient. Strive for its respect and honour. Become its sharp intellect, clear sight and strong arms. Acquire modern knowledge and use it to serve the cause of Islam. During one of my visits abroad, I learned about an education system recently introduced in the USA which significantly increases the IQ and memory of children, I immediately ordered one package for our school. If a non-believer can learn faster, why should Muslim children lag behind? We are also introducing the computer into our Academy. We may be able to educate our children to understand, use and ulti­mately design such modern machines. Try to keep abreast with modern knowledge and technology. It becomes a Jihad if undertaken to serve the religion. Don’t feel satisfied that we have fulfilled our religious obligations by offering Salah only. Our Salah is the means to establish our personal relationship with Allah, it doesn’t glorify Islam in any way. How should the effect of this relationship be reflected in our lives? As a rule, a person who claims a stronger relationship should be a better person with a greater potential to work for Islam. May Allah make everyone who offers Salah a better, practical Muslim than the one who doesn’t and may every Muslim acquire greater knowledge than a Kafir!

See this point from another angle. Some of the worst enemies of Islam, those who left no stone unturned to efface Islam, were taken prisoners during the battle of Badar. Those who were wealthy paid a ransom and were set free. The holy Prophet^-SAW decided for the remaining, who didn’t possess anything, that each educated prisoner should teach ten Muslim children as his ransom. That was a time when the Kafirs were instigating and mobilising the whole of Arabia to wipe out Islam. Had the prisoners been put to the sword, it would have reduced the enemy strength by that much. But the holy Prophet^-SAWpreferred the education of Muslim children over the risk of continued insidious enmity by the freed prisoners. If that was the decision of the holy Prophet^-SAW under those precarious circumstances, what stops us from acquiring knowledge? This weakness is not only af­fecting us but it is also causing Islam to woefully lag behind. For this reason, the Muslim Ummah, totalling over two billion, is pathetically subservient to Kufr. When we purchase our locally produced items, we certainly have misgiving about their quality, but we feel completely reassured by the quality of goods produced by non-Muslims. A medicine pro­duced in a non-Muslim country contains pure and correct ingredients, but the same medi­cine produced in our Muslim country contains neither of the two – is this Islam? You may argue that this is the conduct of those people who neither offer Salah nor do Zikr. My question is why don’t pious people, who do both, enter practical life to end the monopoly of bad people and restrain them from spreading evil. Normally you complain that the bus drivers do not halt for Salah. My question is why don’t you learn to drive yourself? You should adhere to your worship as well as drive a bus. Whenever prayer time starts, you can stop at an appropriate spot and invite the passengers to pray along with you. How can good prevail, if good people don’t try to replace bad people in every field of practical life? If you choose not to take your piety to real life, why should you expect the angels to come and put things right for you? I recommend that you should learn all of the business of practical life, teach it to your children and send them as strong practising Muslims to contribute positively in all spheres of life. Our problem is that a Muslim who imparts worldly education to his children, doesn’t teach them religion. As a result, they emerge as the elite, no doubt, but of secular thought and conduct. On the other hand, a father who imparts religious education to his children, who wants to protect them from the evil ef­fects of modern secular knowledge, as a result, he has to remain content by decrying the secular elite that keeps ruling them throughout their lives.

For Allah‘s sake, take stock of yourselves. You are the real asset of humanity. Mus­lims have the potential to hold mankind. But, if Muslims go astray themselves, the rest of humanity has no chance of survival. You are the best of nations raised for mankind, you have been created to guide humanity. All guidance, peace, satisfaction and justice re­quired by humanity, can only be provided by you. However, if you can’t even write your name, how will you guide others – isn’t this criminal neglect? Revolutions are not initiated by words alone. The most difficult task is to bring about a positive change. Mischief and destruction are not difficult jobs. Instigate people with ‘hot words’, give them weapons and just ask them to loot a bank and cause destruction; they will comply without question. How did the Khawarij gain strength? Their only strength was in their slogan: ‘It is lawful to kill people, loot their wealth and take their women’. For this reason, all bandits happily joined their ranks and they gained formidable strength. Destruction is not difficult, but one has to devote a whole lifetime, spending every ounce of energy to bring a positive change. One has to learn, teach others and practically prove that his way is superior, eas­ier, more beneficial and peaceful. That is when people may pay attention and adopt his way. That will create some hope of a positive revolution.

IMPORTANCE OF EARNING HALAAL

Earning a halaal livelihood is a command of Allah and the responsibility of every man. Hazrath Anas [radhiallaahu anhu] reports that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] has said: "It is a bounded duty upon every Muslirn to earn a halaal livelihood."

Earning halaal saves one from begging, consuming haraam and doubtful things which are truly harmful.

Many aayaat as well as ahaadith have been given explaining how one should conduct oneself while seeking a halaal livelihood and regarding the importance of doing business and trade in accordance to the shariah.

We see that Hazrat Umar [radhiallaahu anhu] would not allow a person to do business until he had learnt the Islaamic manners and etiquette of running a business. Thus, it is also essential that we too, learn the correct method of dealings, trade and that of running a business.

While doing business, one should be honest, as this will bring blessings in the trade. One should apply good conduct and also be lenient. Never should one be harsh or rude. Also, avoid swearing oaths excessively when selling.

We must also realize that earning is only a necessity and not one's object. Therefore, the business should not make one unmindful of Allah nor should it distract us from His remembrance.

Furthermore, Allah says in the Quraan: "And I have not created Jinns and men, except that they worship me."

Here we should understand well that worship does not only mean Salaah, Fasting, Haj etc. In every aspect of life, if one will do it for Allah's sake, then that also becomes Ibaadaat (act of worship) - be it in one's eating, earning, providing for one's wife and children or spending on the family.

If one has the correct intentions, than that very same act, which outwardly may seem to be a necessity and a duty will become an Ibaadaat and a means of blessing and reward.

Likewise, even in one's (Halaal) business, if one will do it for the pleasure of Allah, having the correct intentions, then that very same business and halaal earning, which is a responsibility and an incumbent duty upon every Muslim, can easily become a source of gaining tremendous amounts of reward from Allah Ta'ala and a means of virtues and blessings. Therefore, while running a business, one should have the intention that:
1) I am working because it is the command of Allah.
2) To protect my wife and children from begging and to provide halaal sustenance for them. In this way saving them from haraam as well.
3) I am running this business, so that I can give employment to others so that they too, can earn a halaal livelihood.
4) The way I am going to conduct the business is going to be an invitation for the non Muslims to accept Islaam.
5) I will not indulge in interest, overdraft etc. and that I will close my shop at salaat times.
6) From the profit I get, I will assist the poor & help in good causes, like building madaaris, masaajid, hospitals etc.

These are just some of the intentions that one should have. Also, we see that although it may be just one shop, the rewards will be so much. Therefore, the more intentions that a person will make, the greater the amount of reward he will receive. As Nabi [صلى الله عليه وسلم] has said: "Verily actions are judged according to the intentions."

Aayaat:
"And Allah Ta'ala has made trade lawful." (Baqarah)
"And We have made the day a means of earning livelihood." (Naba)
"And it is We who have placed you with authority on the land, provided you therein with means for fulfilment of your life." (A'raaf)
"And there are others travelling in the land, seeking Allah's bounty." (Muzammil)
"And when the prayer is finished, disperse in the land and seek the bounty of Allah (by working etc.) and remember Allah much so that you may be successful." (Jum'ah)
"O you who believe eat from the pure things of what We have sustained you." (Al-Baqarah)
The Importance and Virtues of earning Halaal

Hadith 1
Hazrat Abdulla ibn Masood [radhiallaahu anhu] reports that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said, "To earn a halaal livelihood is compulsory after the completion of other Fara'idh." (compulsory acts)

Hadith 2
Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] is reported to have said: "No one has ever eaten any food which is better than that which he had earned through working with his hands, and verily Allah's Nabi, Dawood [alayhis salaam] used to eat that which he earned with his hands."

Hadith 3
Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri [radhiallaahu anhu] relates from Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] that he said: "For every person who earns anything halaal which he eats himself or whereby he clothes himself or anyone of Allah's creation, that shall be written as a deed of charity."

Hadith 4
Naseeh-al-Ansi [radhiallaahu anhu] relates from Rakb al Misri [radhiallaahu anhu] that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said: "Glad tidings to those whose earnings are halaal."

Khalifah Hishaam bin Abdul Maalik asked Abu Haazim Makki (Rahmatullah alayh):"How can salvation in the hereafter be achieved."
Abu Haazim said: "By the acquisition of wealth lawfully and spending it lawfully."

The Khalifah asked: "Who can do this?"
Abu Haazim (Rahmatullah alayh) said: "He who wishes for Jannat, Fears Jahannam and searches for Allah's pleasure. "

Hadith 5
Hazrat Abu Hurairah [radhiallaahu anhu] says that Nabi [صلى الله عليه وسلم] has said, "If a man brings a load of wood on his back, sells it and eats from its produce, itis far better than begging for bread and what about begging alm? Someone gives and some doesn't."

Hadith 6
Sayyidina Anas [radhiallaahu anhu] reports that a certain ansari once came to Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] and begged him for something. Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] asked him, "Is there really nothing in your house?" He replied. "Yes, sire there is a hessian bag, one part of which I wear and the other part I spread when I retire to sleep, and a cup which I use for drinking water." Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said; "Bring both to me." He brought the articles. Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] took them and exclaimed, "Who will buy these from me?" A man replied, "I shall buy them both for one dirham" Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] asked twice or thrice, "Who will give me more?" A man finally said: "I shall buy them both for two dirhams." Thereupon Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] gave the goods to him and gave the two dirhams to the ansari and said: "Buy food with the one dirham and feed your family and buy with the other an axe and bring it to me." The ansari brought the axe. Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] took it and with his own mubarak hands fitted the handle to it, and said: "Go! Cut wood and sell and let me not see you for 15 days." The man did as he was told and came (again) after 15 days with 10 dirhams, with some of it he bought clothes and with the other he bought food.Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said to him: "This is better for you than that you shall appear on the day of Qiyaamat with a mark on your face to indicate that you were a beggar."

Hadith 7
Sayyidina Aisha (RA) reported that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said: "Whosoever in the evening is exhausted through his work, has all his sins forgiven by that evening."

Hadith 8
Hazrat Ka'ab bin Ujra [radhiallaahu anhu] says that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] has said: "To work for himself, his children and his parents is pleasing to Allah. To earn for show or pride is the devils way."

Hadith 9
Hazrat Abu Saeed [radhiallaahu anhu] says that Nabi [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said: "Whosoever maintained himself on legitimate earning, followed the prophets traditions and refrained from doing mischief, deserves Jannat and would be admitted to it." Those present represented that there were such people those days. Nabi [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said: "Even after him there would be such people."
Business which is done in the morning is blessed

Hadith 1
Hazrat Aisha (Radiallahu Anha) said that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] said: "One should go out to seek sustenance and legitimate earning in the morning, for morning work is blessed and prosperous."

Hadith 2
Hazrath Sakh'r ibn Wad'ah [radhiallaahu anhu] relates that Rasulullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] supplicated: "O Allah bless the mornings of my people." Whenever he despatched a small or big army, he despatched it early in the morning. Hazrath Sakh'r was a merchant. He always despatched his goods in the early part of the day and as such his business flourished and his wealth increased.

Hadith 3
Nabi [صلى الله عليه وسلم] has said: "Allah distributes sustenance to the people from dawn till sunrise."

From “The Book of Wealth” By Ml. Moosa Olgar

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Earning A Halal Living
Islam teaches that our success lies neither in asceticism nor in materialism. Neither should we shun nor renounce material life, nor be enslaved and motivated by it. Islam advocates a just balance between the two extremes. It adopts a balanced attitude between the spiritual development of an individual and his/her material needs.


Earning a Living

A Muslim is not only obliged to earn money. However, if he were to earn it, he is obliged to earn Halal money.

Rasulullah SAW is narrated to have said:

"The quest for a lawful livelihood is an obligation (like all other) obligations in Islam."

Once, Rasulullah SAW was seated with his Companions RA in the mosque, when a stout and strong man passed the masjid, running towards his business.

The Companions RA said:

"Alas! For this young man! Had his body and health run in the way of Allah."

Rasulullah SAW retorted saying:

"Do not say this. If this young man runs (to his business) with the object of not depending on others and refraining from begging, then he is in the Path of Allah. If he conducts trade with the view of providing for his weak parents and children, he is in the Path of Allah. If he tries to show his wealth out of pride, he is in the way of Shaytaan."

Saiyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab RA adviced the Ummat with a precious compact advice:

"Let none of you refrain from earning livelihood (and simply resort to Du'a only) by saying: "O Allah, give me provision". Know for certain that the Heaven will not shower rain of gold and silver."

The Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"Poverty can lead to Kufr."

The Prophet Muhammad SAW also said:

"Take to trade, because out of ten divisions of livelihood, nine are in trade."

UNSOUND BUSINESS PRACTICE

Is it naive for a Muslim to behave honestly and ethically in a globally competitive environment characterised by such murky undercurrents?

Is it naive for a Muslim to be honest and just in business?

Will honesty simply deprive them of the competitive edge over their business rivals?

Has honesty become an unsound business?

Has it become an unsound business practice to be honest?

Is it too costly to be honest?

NO! - is the emphatic answer.

Earning a livelihood is not only a duty in Islam, but a great virtue as well. Trade and commerce form an integral part of a Muslim's life and are regarded as acts of Divine worship. The quest for a living cannot be divorced from religious and moral ethics. Trade cannot be separated from trust in Allah Ta'ala, the Ultimate Provider.


CRIMINAL ARISTOCRATS, DECEIT AND FRAUD

Sadly, we see an increasing number of Muslims caught in the cobweb of fraud and deceit. Some of them - highly successful businessmen, rich and famous, the 'criminal aristocrats' of our communities.

The Noble Qur'an states:

"O ye who Believe - fulfil your covenants!"

The Qur'an calls on all Believers to be true to their contractual obligations.

Rasulullah SAW said:

"Fulfil the trust of one who has entrusted you and do not be treacherous to one who deceives you."

Another tradition attributed to Rasulullah SAW categorically states:

"There is no Imaan in one who is not trustworthy, nor is there religion in who does not keep his promises."

The Noble Qur'an states:

"O ye who Believe! Do not devour your property by illegal methods except that it be by way of trade based on mutual consent."

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Flesh nurtured by unlawful sustenance will not enter Paradise; Hell is more befitting for it."

Another Hadith states:

"No people decrease in weight and measure (practice fraud) except that their provision shall be restricted."

CONSUMPTION AND SUBMISSION

The Noble Qur'an has directed the Prophets AS in the following words:

"O Messengers of Allah! Consume what is pure and act righteously."

From the above verse we can observe that even the Noble Prophets AS were specifically directed to consume Halal, because there is a definite link between consumption of Halal and submission to the directives of Allah Ta'ala. The capacity to act righteously is directly related to the consumption of Halal. A body nurtured by Haram becomes incapable of submission to Allah SWT, for honesty is light and falsehood is darkness - both are naturally incompatible to each other. The overshadowing darkness of Haram blots out all rays of light from the heart. An individual is then unable to implement the Divine Laws of Allah SWT, nor is he able to conduct his dealing in an honest manner. Halal income breeds Halal thought and action, while Haram income breeds Haram thought and action.


HONEST ACQUISITION OF WEALTH

Rasulullah SAW has said:

"The honest and trustworthy trader will be in the company of the Prophets, the Upright, and the Martyrs (on the Day of Qiyamah)."

Indeed, Rasulullah SAW has classed an honest merchant with:

- the Prophets, on account of him conducting his business affairs on principles of kindness, justice and honesty which are the hallmarks of Nubbuwah

- the Upright, on account of pervading Allah consciousness in all his dealings

- The Martyrs on account of fighting heavy temptation in treading the path of honesty and justice.


PENITENCE

Many people entertain the false belief that a trip to Makkah or giving away monetary charity would guarantee them forgiveness for fraud. We must engrave this in our heart that a Muslim cannot seek penitence from Haram monies through giving it to charity.

Our dear Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"No man acquires unlawful property and gives some of it in charity will have it accepted from him, neither will he receive blessings for it..."

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(Al Qur’ān 5:2) Allah Ta’ala says,

وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ…

And do not assist in sin and oppression…

Find attached a chart outlining the different categories of assisting in sins.

...................................................................
This includes all businesses that aid to or deal with (all earnings from such would be deemed haraam):

riba,
alcohol,
pork,
zina,
gambling,

This would include all interest based banks, shops that sell alcohol (or items containing alcohol [not the chemical]) and/or pork (or items containing pork derivatives), all rest houses and/or hotels that serve haraam items and/or providing a place for people to commit zina (which seems to be a common usage of rest houses and hotels in today's day and age).

..............................................................................

Hazrath Jabir (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Nabi (Sallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) cursed those who are involved in usury (riba); whether it is the person who is giving usury, receiving it, writing the transaction or witnessing it.

(Sahih Muslim, Vol.11, Pg.28, Dār al-Ma’rifah)

____________________________________________________________________________________

CONCLUSION:

The most essential thing to remember here is that it is not only that the earnings of an unlawful or Islamicly unacceptable business are haraam. Moreover the really worrisome thing is the fact that whosoever indulges in the gunnah or consumes haraam because of the conducive environment, or availabilty of the haraam product etc outsourced by you, even the weight of their sins will be on your shoulder. The gravity of which we cannot begin to imagine in this lifetime, and in the hereafter it would be too late!

Al-Quran states in Surah At-Talaq (65:3)

"And He-SWT provides for him (a sustenance) from whence he never reckons. And whoso puts his trust in Allah-SWT , He-SWT will suffice him. Verily Allah-SWT is sure to attain His-SWT Purpose, and has assigned to everything a measure."

Saying Of Prophet Muhammad-SAAW:

Sahih Al_Bukhari Volume 1, Hadith 315

The Holy Prophet-SAAW said, "At every womb Allah appoints an angel who says, 'O Lord! A drop of semen, O Lord! A clot. O Lord! A little lump of flesh." Then if Allah wishes (to complete) its creation, the angel asks, (O Lord!) Will it be a male or female, a wretched or a blessed, and how much will his provision be? And what will his age be?' So all that is written while the child is still in the mother's womb."

The entire thing is that Allah-SWT wants us to place our Trust in Him-SWT alone, and when we make our effort to earn a halaal living no matter how lucrative the haraam options seem to be, we show Allah-SWT how much we love and Trust Him-SWT ... And certainly Allah-SWT's Promises are not like ours, He-SWT always keeps them!

Therefore lets pray for ourselves and all those around us who may be finding it hard to give up the unlawful sources of livelihood, May Allah-SWT truly allow us to Love and Trust Him-SWT and earn and spend for His-SWT Pleasure alone and of the things that he has made pure and beneficial to us. Ameen!

2:268 - Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

"How to make proper dua"

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Duaa is a great act of Ibaadah (worship), which Allah has granted to the ummah (followers) of Nabi (S.A.W.). It is an act of Ibaadah which creates a direct link between a person and Allah. It makes a person realize that Allah is the only One who can fulfill his needs. It is for these reasons that Nabi (S.A.W.) refers to duaa as “the essence of Ibaadah” (Bukhari Shareef). Some muhaditheen explain that since duaa carries such great reward, therefore it is referred to “the essence of Ibaadah”.

The fact that Allah has made mention of duaa in the Quran is sufficient and clear evidence to prove the lofty status of duaa in our deen (religion).

The following are a few ayaat of the Quran pertaining to duaa.

“And your Lord says: Make duaa (supplicate) unto me, and I will respond and accept your duaa”. (Surah Ghaafir: Ayat 60)

“I respond and accept the duaa of the one who supplicates unto me”. (Surah Al Baqarah: Ayat 186)

“Make duaa unto Allah with humility and secret”. (Surah Ale Imraan: Ayat 55)

There are numerous ahadith advising the ummah to engage in duaa.

Hereunder are a few ahadith related to the virtue and importance of duaa.

“Ask Allah of His grace, because Allah loves that He be asked (i.e. that duaa be made to him)” (Tirmizhi)

“There isn’t anything nobler to Allah than duaa” (Adabul-Mufrad)

“Verily, Allah is modest and noble. He feels ashamed that a servant lifts up his hand in supplication and he is returned empty handed”. (Abu Dawood)

“Duaa is the weapon of a believer, pillar and support of deen (Islaam) and an illumination of the skies and earth”. (Haakim)

“Allah becomes angry upon the one who does not make duaa”. (Ahmed)

It is clear from the above quotes of the Quran and ahadith of Rasulullah (S.A.W.)that duaa holds a very esteemed position in Islam.

Faqeeh Abu Lais Samarqandi (R.A.), a renowned scholar of fiqh of the Hanafi mazhab, has recorded a hadith with the chain of narrators leading up to Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) that the one who does five things would not be deprived of five things.

• The one who expresses gratitude (shukr) to Allah for His blessings would not be deprived of increase in his blessings.
• The one who exercises patience would not be deprived of reward.
• The one who repents for his sins would not be deprived of the acceptance of his repentance.
• The one who seeks forgiveness would not be deprived of forgiveness.
• The one who makes duaa (supplicates) would not be deprived of the acceptance of his duaa.

Faqeeh Abu Lais (R.A.) has recorded another hadith on the authority of Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) that Nabi (S.A.W.) has said, “There is no believer who supplicates to Allah except that his duaa is accepted, either

He is given the benefit of his duaa in this world or
The benefit of his duaa is kept aside for the hereafter or
His sins are forgiven in proportionate to the degree of his duaa.
The hadith further states that his duaa is readily accepted, as long as he leaves sinning and severing ties.
It is also necessary to know the etiquettes, manners and accepted times for duaas.

Conditions for acceptance of Duaa

• A person should make duaa with total devotion and concentration. (Musnad Ahmed- Ibn Umar (R.A.))
• He should have certainty and conviction that Allah will accept his duaa. (Tirmizi- Abu Hurairah (R.A.))
• He should not consume haraam. (Muslim- Abu Hurairah (R.A.))
• He can only make duaa for those things which are permitted and acceptable in Islam. (Tirmizi- Ubaadah ibn Saamit (R.A.))
• He should not be hasty in his duaa i.e. he shouldn’t say, “Why is Allah not accepting my duaa?” (Muslim- Abu Hurairah (R.A.))
• The person making the duaa should be a person who is steadfast on deen (laws of Allah) or a person who has made a firm intention to rectify himself and become obedient to the commands of Allah (Surah Baqarah, Ayat 286)
• Make sure the niyyat is correct. Duaa should be solely for the pleasure of Allah.
• A person complained to a wise person regarding duaa. He tells the wise person, “I make duaa, but my duaa is not accepted, whereas Allah in the Quran mentions, ‘Make duaa unto me and I will accept your duaa’”. The wise person replies that there are some actions which prevent the acceptance of duaa.
• To do such actions which bring about the anger of Allah, but one is not remorseful.
• To claim to be the servant of Allah, but one does not carry out the actions of a true servant of Allah.
• One recites the Quran, but does not practice on the injunctions of the Quran.
• One claims to be the followers of Muhammad (S.A.W.), but does not practice on his sunnahs (teachings).
• One claims that the world is of no value, but attaches himself to this world
• One claims that this world will come to an end, yet his preparations seem to be forever.
• One claims that the life of Jannah is beautiful, yet he does not strive for it.
• Times when duaas are most readily accepted:
• Duaa at the time of Sehri (Surah Ale Imraan, Ayat 17)
• Duaa between azaan and iqaamah (Tirmizi- Anas ibn Maalik (R.A.))
• Duaa made after azaan (Abu Dawood- Sahl ibn Saad (R.A.))
• Duaa after fardh salaat (Tirmizi- Abu Umaamah Al Baahili (R.A.))
• Duaa at the time of Zawaal (midday) (Musnad Bazaar- Ayesha (R.A.))
• Duaa on the day of Arafat (Tirmizi- Abdullah ibn Amr (R.A.))
• Duaa in the month of Ramadhaan (Tabraani- Ubaada ibn Saamil (R.A.))
• Duaa on the 15th of Sha`baan (Sahih ibn Hibbaan- Mu`aaz ibn Sahal)
• Duaa upon completion of Quran (Tabraani- Irbaad ibn Saariyah)
• Duaa at the time of drinking Zam-Zam water (Haakim/Darul Qutni- Ibn Abbas (R.A.))
• Duaa on Wednesday between Zuhr and Asr (Musnad Ahmed- Jaabir (R.A.))
• Duaa on Friday at the following times:
• When the Imaam ascends a mimbar for the khutbah till he completes the Jummah Salaah.
• Time between Asr and Maghrib
• The last few moments before maghrib

(Sahih Muslim – Abu Hurrairah (R.A))

Whose duaas are readily accepted?

• Duaa of an oppressed person (Tirmizi – Abu Hurrairah (R.A))
• Duaa of a fasting person at the time of Iftaar (breaking fast) (Tirmizi – Abu Hurrairah (R.A))
• Duaa of an upright and just leader. (Tirmizi – Abu Hurrairah (R.A))
• Duaa of a musaafir(Tirmizi – Abu Hurrairah (R.A))
• Duaa for your muslim brouther in his absence. (Muslim – Abu Darda (R.A))
• Duaa of a father for his child(Tirmizi – Abu Hurrairah (R.A))
• Duaa of a haji (one who has performed hajj) (Baihaqi/Haithami – Ibn Abbaas (R.A))
• Duaa of a sick person(Ibn Majah – Umar(R.A))
• Duaa of a person striving in the path of Allah. (Hakim – Ibn Abbaas (R.A))
• Duaa of a distressed person (such a person whom none can help but Allah) (Hakim – Ayesha (R.A))

Etiquette of Duaa:

• Make wudhu before commencing a duaa.(Sheikh Fawaz Ahmed Zamarli)
• Perform nafl Salaah, or any act of good deed before commencing with duaa. (Sheikh Fawaz Ahmed Zamarli)
• Face the qibla at the time of making duaa.(Tirmizi – Umar (R.A))
• Raise the hands upto the chest while making duaa.(Ibn Majah – Salmaan; Musnad Ahmed – Abu Saeed (R.A))
• Begin the duaa by praising and glorifying Allah and thereafter send peace and salutations upon Rasul Allah (sallallahu alayhi wassalam). (Abu Dawood – Fudhail (R.A))
• Mention the different names of Allah. (Sheikh Fawaz Ahmed Zamarli)
• Make duaa for oneself first and then for others. (Tabrani – Abu Ayub (R.A))

We understand from various ahadith that Rasul Allah (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) encouraged making duaa for:

• One’s parents.
• Muslims at large.
• Gaining ability to do good deeds and portray good character.
• Gaining the love of Allah.
• Attaining the best of this world and hereafter.
• Increasing one’s beneficial knowledge.
• Forgiveness of all types of sins.
• Seeking refuge:

i. from treachery

ii. from sickness

iii. from trials, tribulations and difficult times

iv. from an evil neighbor

v. from the plots of the enemies

vi. misguidance

vii. from all types of evils

Recite “Ameen” at the end of the duaa.(Abu Misbaah – Abu Dawood)
Wipe hands over the face ant the completion of the duaa.(Bullughul Maraam – Ibn Hajr)

We make duaa that Allah makes us amongst those who remember Him abundantly and make duaa unto Him in all conditions, whether favorable or unfavorable. May Allah save us from being amongst those who only remember Him in difficulty, as Allah mentions in the Quran, “And when some affliction touches man, he cries to his lord turning to him in repentance, but when He bestows a favor upon him from himself he forgets that for which he cried for before” (Surah Zumr Verse 8)

A wise person once said, “Duaa is part of piety like salt being part of food. Therefore, if we want to become close and beloved servants of Allah, it is necessary that we have the quality of making duaa in all conditions. Our focus should be towards praising Allah. Remember well! “Duaa is a weapon of a believer” (Al-Hakim)

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Talha Desai,
Student Final Year, Alim Course

Checked and Approved by:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah

http://askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.php?askid=a1975630b033868b8cd8870831257407