Know Your Deen

Islamic QA for North America

February 5, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
2 Comments

Overcome your challenges

We all are facing challenges in being our best. Our fast-paced enviroments coupled with the complex nature of our society has made it increasingly difficult to maintain a strong sense of morality and ethics as well as an Muslim ideal identity. The constant exposure to conflicting values and beliefs along with the pressures of life makes it difficult to prioritize moral and ethical behavior. Additionally, there are many societal and individual factors that can lead to moral and ethical decline, such as corruption, greed, and a lack of accountability.

Being a good person is essential for pleasing Allah (SWT). Building positive relationships and promoting social harmony helps in producing a healthy society. These qualities are valued by many cultures and religions. For Muslims, the emphasis on being a good person is rooted in the belief that living according to Allah’s  (SWT) teachings is the ultimate goal of human existence.

To achieve good, moral, and ethical behavior, Muslims must strive to follow the teachings of the Rasool (SAW) as a model for ethical behavior and to treat others with respect, fairness, and kindness. This can be achieved through consistent practice of prayer and other religious duties, reading and studying the Quran, and participating in community activities that promote positive values and behaviors.

One way to achieve this is by practicing the often lost art of self-reflection and seeking guidance from trusted sources such as religiously inclined leaders or community members that can help us maintain a focus on ethical and moral character. Surrounding oneself with positive role models and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and spritual development can also contribute to the outcome and development of good behaviors.

Being a good, moral, and ethical person is essential for pleasing Allah (SWT); building positive relationships, and promoting social harmony is also essential for our existence. To achieve this, Muslims must strive to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SWT), treat others with kindness and respect, and engage in activities that promote such growth and development. It is worth it, InshaAllah!

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

January 30, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Parental conflict and children’s spirituality

The upholder of kinship is not the one who is kind to them if they are kind to him; rather, the upholder of kinship is the one who upholds the kinship with them even if his relatives cut him off. (Bukhari.)

Parental conflict has significant impact on a child’s Islamic development and Muslim identity. Children exposed to high levels of conflict between parents, it causes stress and instability within the home environment, leading to decreased trust in relationships, including their relationship with a Higher Power, and lower self-esteem. This can also cause confusion about healthy relationships and lead to a distorted view of love and spirituality.

Studies have shown that parental conflict can have a range of negative effects on children’s overall well-being, including increased anxiety and depression, impairment of social skills, difficulty regulating emotions, decreased academic performance, and poor physical health. The impact of parental conflict on children can vary depending on several factors, including the severity and frequency of the conflict, the child’s age and developmental stage, and the presence of supportive adults in the child’s life.

To minimize the negative impact of conflict on children, parents can take the following steps:

  1. If conflict between parents is frequent or intense, under ideal conditions seek the assistance of an experienced and practicing Muslim therapist or counselor to help improve communication and resolve issues. 
  2. Parents should prioritize the needs and well-being of their children and avoid involving them in the conflict. This is aimed to help children feel secure and reduce the emotional toll of the conflict.
  3. Parents can demonstrate healthy communication and conflict resolution skills, thus leading by example. Children who see their parents resolve conflicts in a respectful and effective manner are more likely to adopt these skills themselves.
  4. Parents can create a supportive and stable home environment by promoting positive relationships, spending quality time together, and offering love and understanding. This can help children feel secure and develop a positive sense of self.
  5. Children can benefit from having supportive adults in their lives that are experienced in helping reform children. Such persons should provide a positive influence and serve as a source of comfort and support.
  6. Parents can support their children’s spiritual growth by encouraging them to participate in religious activities from a very young age, have open and honest conversations about spirituality, and modeling a positive spiritual life. This can help children develop a strong connection with both – parents and their faith.

Parents can also support their children’s Islamic development by modeling positive spiritual beliefs and practices, encouraging participation in religious activities, having open and honest conversations about spirituality, fostering a sense of community, promoting values such as love, kindness, and compassion, and encouraging personal reflection and introspection.

Last but not least, parental conflict can have a significant impact on a child’s spiritual development. However, parents can take steps to minimize the negative impact and promote their children’s spiritual growth by seeking outside help, putting the children first, modeling healthy conflict resolution, fostering a supportive and stable home environment, encouraging outside support, and promoting spiritual development. It’s important for parents to be respectful and accepting of their children’s spiritual beliefs and to provide a supportive environment for their spiritual growth.

Life may never be perfect for our children or for parents, yet it is part of parental duty to aim in getting to perfection to the best of their ability.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

January 26, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Earning a Living with Dignity: Wisdom from the Quran and Hadith

Verily, the one who fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way out for him and will provide for him from where he did not expect – Quran (65:2-3)

Ubaydullah ibn Mihsan al-Ansari al-Khatmi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: Whoever among you wakes up in the morning secure in his(her) dwelling, physically healthy, and has food for the day, then it is as if the whole world has been given to him(her).
Hadith is Hasan – Ibn Maajah

At some point in our lives, we all may experience dissatisfaction with something in our lives, and generally it may be with our current work or relationship — since these two things are things we most interact with or are affected by. This feeling of discontent can stem from various reasons — such as monotonous tasks or unfulfilling interactions with colleagues. However, it is important to remember that life is not always perfect, and some relationships are generally challenging. To improve the situation and reach our full potential, it’s crucial to take proactive steps towards progress and improvement. So this way we are freed from the monotony and drudgery of daily routine tasks — enabling us to focus on more meaningful and impactful activities and avoiding negative impacts on our well-being. The Quran and Hadith tell us that the key to success and progress is to strive hard in the way of Allah and to be patient and persistent in our efforts. We work not to attain paradise on earth, we work because it is the system of Allah (SAW). It is something that the various Prophets have done, and their companions as well.

Key to advancing at what we do is to focus on the thing we are doing, because this is what pays the rent and our other bills to keep our self-esteem, supporting Masjids and the less fortunate, etc. and it also just good for our overall survival, but we must also keep in mind that these principles and strategies that we share here can also be adapted to other areas of our lives. If changes are not made to your current situation, you are likely to make mistakes or lead a miserable life. It’s essential to think outside the box and take proactive steps towards progress. One way to do this is by assessing current skills and experiences, identify areas where one can bring more value to the table in your current position before going elsewhere. Doing so is rewarding. As stated: The one who wakes up in the morning and the main concern of his day is to earn a lawful livelihood, Allah will make it easy for him to earn his sustenance for that day – Hadith from Imaam Tirmidi Tirmidhi

If your efforts to improve the situation are not met with success, it may be necessary to consider finding something different. This process would involve updating your resume and actively applying for multiple job openings. It’s also important to remember that self-awareness and the ability to negotiate are key in achieving your goals. Building self-awareness allows you to understand your own strengths and weaknesses, and to be open to constructive criticism. The Quran states: ‘And do not be like those who forgot Allah, and He made them forget themselves. Those are the disobedient.’ Therefore, our goal is to improve who we are, our surroundings and continue to push forward and then leave it all to Allah (SWT). This alone makes a believer feel good.

Ultimately, the most important aspect in achieving a positive outcome in your work situation — be it your current or future place of work — is the willingness to take responsibility for actions and their impact on the work environment. This attitude demonstrates accountability and a commitment to being a positive contributor to the team and organization. It also allows for constructive feedback and growth, and can lead to better communication, problem-solving and decision-making and future outcomes. This can ultimately improve the overall performance and productivity of the team and organization and how others feel about you. Doing this will also make you feel great about yourself, and those close to you would also love you and admire you. In a Hadith it states: The one who is truthful and trustworthy will be with the truthful and trustworthy, and the one who is dishonest and treacherous will be with the dishonest and treacherous.

It is never too late. Do not let the habits of the past 10 or 20 years dictate the next part of your life. Respect yourself and make the necessary changes.

(Above is a summary of a seminar conducted)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

January 24, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Al-Isra’ wal Miraj

Al-Isra’ wal Miraj represents the special connection between the human and the Divine, it remains a journey in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was physically transported to Jerusalem (Baitul Maqdis) and then ascended to heavens.

The second feature is the historical dimension of the event. The journey to Jerusalem and the subsequent ascension to heaven took place during a specific time in history and occurred during the early days of Islam. This event is seen as a symbol and gift of the early struggles and challenges faced by the early Muslims, as it gave the mark of triumph of the Deen Al Islam as a result of servitude.

The third feature is the social dimension of Al-Isra and Meraj. The month of Rajab is not only significant for Muslims, but also for society as a whole. The event of Al-Isra’ wal Miraj highlights the importance of tolerance, mutual understanding and respect between members of society. It serves as a reminder of the need to live in harmony and cooperation with others, regardless of religious or cultural differences.

The month of Rajab and the event of Al-Isra’ wal Miraj have a profound spiritual, historical and social significance. While there may be some debate and scrutiny over the recommended acts of worship during this month, the true significance of the month lies in the deeper meaning and message behind the event. It serves as a reminder of the connection between the human and the divine, the struggles and triumphs of the early days of Islam, and the importance of tolerance and mutual understanding in a plural society.

The highlights of this event include:
1)Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was physically transported from the holy city of Makkah to Jerusalem (Baytul Maqdis) in a breif moment of the night where he (SAW) met with previous prophets, including Ibraheem (AS) Musa (AS) Isaa (AS) and many others and led them in prayer.

2)After his journey to Jerusalem, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was then taken on an ascent through the seven heavens, where he met with various angels and Prophets revered by Muslims and members of other faiths.

3)Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is believed to have been closest to Allah (SAW) during this ascent, and received important revelations and instructions for the Ummah.

4)One of the most significant revelations received by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the command to perform the five daily prayers.

5)This event is considered as one of the most significant event in Islamic history, it is also considered as a proof of Prophet’s prophethood. It is also considered as a spiritual journey that allowed the Prophet (SAW) to connect closest with Allah (SWT) and receive important revelations.

Al-Isra and Meraj  is considered by many Muslims to be an event that demonstrates the power and Mercy of Allah (SWT).

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

January 22, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Why am i here?

As-salamu alaykum,

As educators, we are dedicated to the well-being and growth of our young pupils at MIU and within our community. We acknowledge that teaching is a multifaceted and demanding experience, driven by a range of motives such as fostering spiritual development in students, contributing to our community’s religious goals, and achieving personal growth. However, when our intentions are not in harmony, it can have detrimental effects on the academic performance and overall productivity of our students and community, regardless of our original motivations.

I would like to address separate issues via separate emails and have an open and honest conversation about our motivations and goals as educators. However, in this email, a primary question we need to ask ourselves is “Why am I here?” As one teacher said “I am here because it makes me feel good that I am doing something for the mosque,” another said “I want a great Jannah,” and another said “I have children and want the best for future generations.” Imagine if we gave any of these reasons to our employer at the time of our interview, neither of us would be hired. We do not work to do it for Jannah or to avoid Jahannam, we do it because Allah expects it of us and we do it because of our love for Allah! Doing anything worthy does not entitle us to paradise or a better future for our children.

So why are we here?
First things first: As Muslims and citizens of this country and the world, it is essential that we come together and take a unified approach towards our goals. The ultimate goal of achieving Jannah and reward can only be achieved through a dedicated effort towards personal transformation to ensure the development of the next generation. Although highly appreciated, teaching a few hours a week is not enough, we need to put in the hard work of truly transforming ourselves, only then will our youth change. This is how Islamic knowledge was traditionally passed down, through a deep commitment to personal spiritual growth. Doing it differently results in self-deception. In today’s society, where individual motivations are often prioritized over collective goals, we must be mindful of the impact this can have on our youth, parents, teachers, and society as a whole. As you continue to volunteer, it is important that we do not lower our standards, but rather strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those around us.

Accomplishing the outcome of personal transformation and the development of the next generation can be achieved through various methods. Each of these methods requires greater exploration, however, it is something we can start to think about. Some of these ways include:

1) Prioritizing education: Encourage young people to pursue educational opportunities and provide them with the resources they need to succeed with an immediate goal in mind coupled with long-term goals. Have a system in place to hold yourself and your loved students accountable. They must be held accountable just as teachers must be held accountable. A detailed syllabus must be in place with a measurable goal in mind within a specific time period. Anything short of this makes the students think you are merely winking at it. This will affect learning outcomes.

2) Community involvement: Encourage young people to get involved in their communities and take on roles. This will help them develop important skills and gain a sense of responsibility. One cannot lead if one does not know, and we can only get to know if we are taught, and we can only be taught if we are willing to take out the time! Students must be taught this.

3) Modeling the behavior you want to see in others: Lead by example and demonstrate the values and behaviors you wish to see in the next generation. If you come late to school, do not expect them to come early. If you are unprepared, never expect them to be prepared. Research has made it very clear, children know when we are not prepared and we try to push our weight on them as a defense to our lack of preparation.

4) Creating opportunities for youth to practice and apply the knowledge they learn: Providing opportunities for youth to take on leadership roles, volunteer, and participate in community service projects will help them develop important skills and gain real-world experience.

It is important for us as educators to reflect on our motivations and goals, and ensure they align with our ultimate goal of personal transformation and the development of the next generation. We should prioritize education, community involvement, lead by example, and create opportunities for our youth to practice and apply their knowledge in order to make a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives. I welcome your comments to help in making MIU amazing, InshaAllah. Continue Reading →

January 17, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Navigating Parenting Challenges

Question: Asalamualikum, Shiek:  I hope you or a mmber of the social affairs department will take the time to address the following concern that my family and I have. Despite our best efforts as parents to provide our children with a nurturing and supportive muslim environment, including providing them with various extracurricular Continue Reading →

January 9, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

2023!

Assalamu-alaikum,

 As the new year continues, it’s important for us as Muslims to contemplate the significance of our faith and how we can live in accordance with its teachings in 2023 and beyond. While there may be discussions about whether it is Continue Reading →

December 29, 2022
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Life is one balancing act!

Q: IS procrastination the work of shaytan? Jazakallah

A: Muslims are encouraged to be productive and use their time wisely. Allah (SWT) states: ;Seize the opportunity for doing good, and do not let the devil repel you’ (4:71). The hadith also makes mention of the importance of being Continue Reading →

December 26, 2022
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

One cannot just go: Boom Boom Boom

Q: Salamalikum, What is the islamic idea on aggression? Can one be aggressive to a person if they are not part of the faith? Can one be aggressive to family because of a past problem?

A: Walaikumsalam:

Islam teaches that aggression and violence are not acceptable behaviors, except in cases of self-defense or in the defense of others. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran: There is no aggression except against the oppressors (2:193). This can only be carried by a legal and approved court system. Aggression and violence should only be used as a last resort, when all other efforts to address a problem or conflict have failed and there is no other way to protect oneself or others from harm.

Islam also teaches Muslims that all human beings have inherent dignity and value, it is central to Islam to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect — be the part of the Islamic faith, or not.  The Quran states that Allah does not love the aggressors (2:190) and that believers should repel evil with that which is better (41:34). This means that when faced with aggression or violence, Muslims are encouraged to respond with calmness, patience, and forgiveness, rather than with more aggression or violence.

Allah Certainly knows Best.

Continue Reading →