Know Your Deen

April 9, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Itikaf — grand seclusion

Itikaf is a form of worship in which a male secludes himself in a musjid or a female that can seclude herself in an area of her home (or a masjid that has made arrangements for women to practice this ibaadah,) remains a practice that holds great importance in Islam. The virtues of Itikaf are abundantly clear and its practice has been highly regarded by Rasool (SAW) and the Sahaba.

One hadith, in particular, states that “whoever observes the ten days of Itikaf during Ramadan will obtain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.” (Bukhari) This alone is a significant incentive to perform Itikaf, as it offers a chance to earn immense rewards from Allah. Moreover, Aisha (RA) reported that Rasool (SAW) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away, after which his wives continued the practice. (Bukhari) Even Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam encouraged Itikaf and would perform it as well.

Beyond the rewards that come with Itikaf, one can have the opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of the outside world and dedicate time to acts of worship and reflection. Itikaf is a chance to break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and find a sense of peace and tranquility. This break can provide a time to reflect on one’s spiritual goals, values, and priorities, and assess one’s life for any necessary changes in the relationship between self and Allah (SWT).

The Quran emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of life as well. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (2:153) This verse highlights the importance of patience and prayer in times of hardship, but also the importance of seeking help from Allah through disconnecting from distractions and finding moments of stillness and reflection.

Moreover, the hadith also emphasize the virtues of utilizing five things before they slip away: your youth before you become old; your health before you fall sick; your wealth before you become poor; your free time before you become busy; and your life before your death. (Ibn Abbas – Bukhari) Itikaf offers a perfect opportunity to make use of one’s free time before it slips away.

If you have the time and ability to perform Itikaf, it is a means of seeking the blessings and mercy of Allah. By engaging in this practice, we can seek Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness, earning immense rewards in the Hereafter. Itikaf also provides an opportunity for self-reflection and self-improvement, as well as community building and strengthening bonds with fellow Muslims. Let us remind ourselves that Itikaf is a beautiful form of worship that can benefit us in this life and the Hereafter.

March 19, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Ramadaan Preparation

Asalamualikum,

Ramadan is a blessed month that holds great spiritual significance in the Islamic calendar. As Muslims, it is our duty to make the most of this month and strive to bring the essence of Ramadan into our daily lives — both within and outside the Musjid. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran (2:183), “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

At ICCV, we are proud to offer a range of youth-related events, community iftar sessions, tafseer covering the readings of Taraweeh, Itikaf and Qiyam sessions, among other programs. It is essential that we participate in these programs and make the most of this blessed month. As good citizens, we should also take the initiative to help with the iftar program — including its cleanup and ensure that we do not disturb our neighbors by limiting noise.

We should also make an effort to explore and participate in the various Ramadan activities organized by your local Islamic centers, which will enable you to experience the true essence of Ramadan, foster a sense of community,and create a more inclusive and spiritually fulfilling environment. It is worth remembering that Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink during the day, it is also a time to reconnect with Allah (SWT), seek forgiveness and spread love and compassion to those around us. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his/her reward from Allah, (such a person} will have his/her past sins forgiven.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

I wish you and your family a spiritually uplifting and accepted Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) bless us all during this blessed month and accept our fasts, prayers, and acts of worship.

Warm Regards,

Muhammed Shoayb

March 1, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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This is not a game of lose some, win some

A Gallup poll towards the end of 2022 indicated that a broad-based trend of declining attendance to places of worship in America is taking place. This trend, coupled with the challenges of employment and social isolation can make Muslims susceptible to becoming part of this statistic.To avoid this, Muslims need to continue prioritizing spiritual needs and engage in activities that promote community Islamic engagement. This will provide numerous benefits. For example, regular attendance to the Musjid, participation in community service and volunteer activities while seeking out opportunities for connection with other Muslims will help to build strong bonds within the community, help gain a deeper understanding of our religion and its practices while building and developing a sense of purpose and fulfillment to self and others.

Failing to prioritize our spiritual needs will have devastating consequences, including social and spiritual isolation. As an example, consider a recent funeral where only the Imaam and the deceased were in attendance. The children mentioned that they were no longer practicing Islam, yet they wanted to honor the father’s wish to be buried as a Muslim so that his wealth could be distributed accordingly. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, highlighting the risk of losing touch with faith and community. As Muslims, we have a purpose on earth, and part of this purpose is to not let go of understanding this purpose and continue finding ways to make our purpose be our driving force to connect with what Allah (SWT) and what is expected of us.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 27, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Friends tell a lot about us

Living in an environment that opposes your viewpoints can be challenging, yet it is important to remember that this is not a new struggle. The early Muslims faced intense opposition and persecution for their beliefs, yet they persevered and continued to spread the message of good.

One key aspect of living as a Muslim is to be mindful of the company we keep.A is upon the religion of their friend, so let one of you look at whom s/he befriends. (Abu Dawood). We should be careful who we allow into our inner circle, as the people we spend time with can have a significant impact on our beliefs and actions.

It is also important to remember that trials and challenges faced in life are not necessarily punishments, but rather opportunities for growth and spiritual strength. And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient (Quran 2:155). We may not understand why we are going through certain struggles, but it is important to have faith that Allah (SWT) knows best and that we can handle whatever comes our way.

One way to strengthen our faith in challenging times is through remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and seeking knowledge. In a Hadith-e-qudsi, it is mentioned: Allah says: I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; if he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in a better gathering. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed. (Bukhari).

We should also strive to be a positive influence on those around us, even if they don’t share our beliefs. As Allah says in the Quran, Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is guided (Quran 16:125).

February 25, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Our words and beliefs hold little value to those around us if we do not actively practice and embody them in our daily lives. We must strive to be a living example of the values and principles we claim to cherish, so that others may see and follow in our footsteps. This is especially important in today’s world where many have lost sight of Allah (SWT) and the concept of God and that of religion.

There is a spiritual dimension to our existence that goes beyond the physical realm. Our thoughts, intentions and actions have a profound impact not only on our own well-being but also on the well-being of the entire community. We are interconnected and our actions and behaviors can have positive or negative effects on those around us.

As Muslims, it is essential to continually strive to do good deeds and avoid actions and behaviors that displease Allah (SWT). We should take time to reflect and to improve ourselves in accordance with our beliefs. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. As Rasool (SAW) said: The best of you are those who are the best to their families and neighbors.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 23, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Solution when having it rough

To overcome life’s challenges and achieve success in tough times, introspection is key. This entails seeking knowledge and guidance from Quran and Sunnah. However, it is not enough to simply learn. The ultimate peace comes when we couple our learning with practice, incorporating the teachings of the Quran and the Rasool (SAW) into every aspect of our lives.

By delving deeper into the Quran and Sunnah, we gain a better understanding of our purpose in this temporary abode and the values and principles that should guide our decisions. Drawing inspiration from the stories of the Prophets and the examples of the Sahaba, who faced numerous challenges but persevered through faith and trust in Allah (SWT), we can find comfort and motivation to overcome obstacles.

A Muslims ultimate reward and focus in on the Hereafter — such a focus gives spiritual strength and motivation to overcome the chellenges and difficulty of this wordly life while helping us continue striving towards our beneficial goals for a supreme after-life.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 20, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Having it rough becomes a gift

Muslims have had it rough, but they learned long ago that life is not just about going to school or work, eating, and sleeping. The Quran makes it clear that we all have a greater purpose and humans are not created in vain, and the pandemic has made many realize this. While some people gave up on work and pursued their “dreams because life is too fragile,” Muslims know well that we owe more to our Creator for our Hereafter than lamenting about problems. Alhamdulillah, the pandemic and other challenges did not derail us. Instead, Muslims have used it as a positive restart.

Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW) emphasize the importance of consistent effort and hard work towards achieving our goals, as obstacles, failures, and challenges are often part of the journey. In Surah Qasas (24:77) Allah (SWT) tells us to seek the Hereafter through what He has given us while not forgetting our share of the world. We should strive to do good, as Allah (SWT) has done good to us,and not desire corruption in the land. This ayah helps us strive towards a balance coupled with appreciation, hardwork and consistancy.

One way to continually make progress towards our worldly and hereafter goals is to break them down into smaller, achievable steps and establish a plan or system to work towards them. Just as the five daily prayers are part of our routine, developing a routine that includes regular practice for other activities can help us greatly. Allah (SWT) also talks about accountability, as in, hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable. Thus, as we aim to achieve our goals, we also need someone who has our best interest at heart to help us continually develop our habits that support our progress. When we study the lives of the Sahaba, we see nothing short of this.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 19, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Faith is Freedom

Many of us advocate for more rights in the name of freedom, but our underlying desire is often to live without restrictions. We may see our faith as an obstacle to this pursuit, but it is important to recognize that such a path can go against the core principles of our Imaan. Our faith provides us with certain values to uphold, and we should be proud and unafraid to live by them.

In a civil society, people understand that values will differ, and so long as no one seeks to impose their values on others, there should be no cause for concern. As Allah *SWT) mentions: Let there be no compulsion in religion (2:256). Unfortunately, this is not always the case. People who hold traditional values are often seen as imposing, while newer values that disrupt economic or social systems under the guise of “letting the people decide” are often accepted and even enshrined in law. However, as the Quran says: And say:Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Surely falsehood is ever bound to vanish (17:81) and Say: The truth is from your Lord. Let him/her who wishes to believe, believe and let him/her who wishes to disbelieve, disbelieve (18:29). The law should protect everyone, it should not empower one group at the expense of others.

Sometimes, those who hold traditional values compromise in an effort to be seen as more accommodating or less fundamentalist. However, this defensive approach is not helpful for our faith or society. People of faith can offer invaluable guidance to those who seek it. We must be careful not to impose our beliefs on others. Instead, we can engage in dialogue using objective evidence and standards to help all humans achieve their purpose on earth.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 16, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Valentine’s Day — Haram? Halal?

Muslims believe that having a strong spiritual foundation is essential because it provides a sense of purpose, direction, and inner peace. A strong spiritual connection enables us to understand our place in the world and our relationship with our Creator, which in turn helps us develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. Moreover, our spiritual beliefs can provide a framework for understanding what is right and wrong, and help us make choices that align with our values. Having a strong spiritual foundation can also provide a sense of community and connectedness, as we may find ourselves in contact with others who share our beliefs. Thus, by viewing celebrations and holidays through the lens of our faith, we can navigate around them in a way that aligns with our values.

Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday around the world, yet opinions vary on whether it should be observed. While some view it as a harmless expression of love and affection, others oppose it due to its origins and religious beliefs associated with it. To make informed decisions, it is crucial to be aware of the holiday’s history and examine the Muslim perspective.

One popular story surrounding the holiday is that Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who was executed in the third century AD for performing marriages in secret, as the Emperor at the time had forbidden soldiers from getting married. Another legend suggests that Valentine was a priest who was imprisoned for his beliefs and fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. He allegedly wrote her a letter before his execution, signing it “From your Valentine,” which has become a popular expression of affection.

Despite its popularity, Muslims object to Valentine’s Day due to its religious implications. Valentine’s Day promotes immoral behavior and goes against traditional religious scriptures and teachings — regardless of faith. For instance, the holiday is often associated with the exchange of romantic gifts and displays of affection which are deemed to be exclusive within the context of marriage.

Moreover, Islamic teachings highlight the importance of modesty in the expression of affectionate behavior. Celebrating Valentine’s Day, therefore, can encourage extravagance, immodesty, and self-indulgence — actions which are inconsistent with Islamic values. Additionally, the holiday’s association with ‘Christian’ if not pagan traditions remains problematic. Many Christians are also not comfortable celebrating a holiday falsely linked to Christian roots.

Islamic texts emphasize the importance of modesty and avoiding behavior that could lead to sexual impropriety. The Quran teaches that believers should “lower their gaze” and “guard their chastity” (Quran 24:30-31) and avoid behavior that could lead to fornication or adultery. Muslims who object to Valentine’s Day may argue that the holiday promotes behavior that is contrary to these teachings.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is essential that we investigate the celebrations we choose to participate in, as our religion is based on evidence and not mere desires. Our actions should strengthen us spiritually and be in line with our values, guided by Allah (SWT).

Having a strong spiritual foundation helps us to understand our place in the world and our relationship with our Creator. By following Islamic teachings, we can develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. Our spiritual beliefs provide a framework for understanding what is right and wrong, guiding us to make choices that align with our values.

While some Muslims may feel the need to partake in Valentine’s Day, it is worth considering other ways to strengthen given relationships that align with Islamic values. If participating, it is essential to do so in a manner that keeps with our values and promotes modesty and respect. Ultimately, as Muslims, we must prioritize our relationship with Allah (SWT) and ensure that our actions are in line with our faith.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 14, 2023
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Promoting Equality is essential

The Quran and Hadith are two of the most important sources of guidance in Islam. These holy texts serve as a foundation for Islamic beliefs, values, and practices, and they emphasize the importance of equality, respect, and tolerance for all individuals. The principles of equality and justice are central to the teachings of Islam and are reflected in many verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.

For example, Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. This verse emphasizes that in the eyes of Allah (SWT), there is no superiority based on race, ethnicity, or background. Instead, what truly matters is one’s righteousness and good actions. This is also reflected in a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action. These verses and sayings lays the foundation and demonstrates the importance of treating all individuals with equality and respect, regardless of their background or identity.

The Quran also promotes religious freedom, forbearance, patience, and understanding without breaking away from core values while rejecting any form of coercion or even forced conversion. This can be seen in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256: there is no compulsion in religion. Islam has always emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to freely choose their own religious beliefs without fear of persecution or violence. This is a critical principle as it promotes freedom of conscience and the ability of individuals to freely express their beliefs.

Unfortunately, despite these teachings, hate and bigotry continue to be major problems in the world today. Ideologies such as neonazi and other similar beliefs promote hate, violence, and discrimination against marginalized groups and have a history of causing atrocities. The root causes of these ideologies can be traced back to the early 20th century and the rise of fascism and totalitarian regimes, but they continue to persist due to a variety of factors such as prejudice, ignorance, and perceived economic or political problems.

The impact of these ideologies on society is clear. They lead to violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses and erode social cohesion. In order to address their spread, a multi-faceted approach is needed, involving the efforts of individuals, communities, media, governments, and international organizations. This includes educating people about the dangers of hate, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding those who spread neonazi ideology accountable for their actions.

In addition to addressing the spread of hate and bigotry, it is also important to promote compassion and understanding between different groups. People may rejoice in the misfortune of others due to a sense of rivalry or competition, or because of prejudice or hate. This behavior only serves to deepen divides between groups and exacerbate conflicts, and it is both morally reprehensible and damaging to society.

It is important to strive towards greater compassion and understanding between different groups. This requires each of us to actively work towards building bridges and fostering relationships between people of different backgrounds. It also requires us to be mindful of our own biases and to actively work towards changing them. We must all do our part to promote equality, respect, and tolerance, and to work towards a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.