«*» RUKHSANA«*» Where Lies the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad

 

Abu Huraira (Radi Allahu anhu) reported:   A man said to Allah's Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam), " I have relatives with whom I try to maintain good relationship but they sever relations with me; whom I treat kindly but they treat me badly, with whom I am gentle but they are rough to me." He (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) replied, "If you are as you have said, then it is as  though you are feeding them hot ashes and you will not be without a supporter against them from Allah, as long as you do so."   Muslim As Taken from Riyad-us-Saliheen   Mu`adh bin Anas Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) forbade (us) from sitting with our legs drawn up to our belly (Ihtiba) during the Friday Khutbah (religious talk before the prayer).[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]. Commentary: Habut is the root word of Ihtiba' which means to sit in such a position that the two knees are joined by means of the hand or some cloth with one's belly. To sit in this style during the Friday sermon is not desirable because it causes drowsiness which in turn interrupts the sermon. It must be remembered that listening to the Friday sermon is obligatory and drowsiness during the course of the sermon is likely to disturb it and can also spoil Wudu' which is a prerequisite for the validation of Salat.   312/1705 - Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)     Where Lies the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad   By Faysal Burhan     {There has certainly been for you in the Messenger excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah often.} (Al-Ahzab 33: 21) Today, Muslims must not re-establish in their own areas the customs of 7th century Arabia in order to practice Islam in the 21st century. This article is written in an attempt to draw Muslims' attention to where lies the true Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as displayed in his example. In this writing, a clear distinction will be made between the Prophet's method of management, local traditions and the particulars he used to accomplish his work. This classification helps in illustrating what is to be followed in the action of the Prophet Muhammad. In some instances the means become the goal. Such understanding and practice may lead to stagnation in the Muslim world, something that is far from the teaching of Islam.     The Sunnah of  Prophet Muhammad - Observing the Sunnah with Decorum - The Sunnah and the Prophet's Biography - Comprehensiveness of the Sunnah - Living Up to the Sunnah (In the Family) - Adhering to the Sunnah in Times of Evil Prophet Muhammad managed his daily work of Da'wah (inviting people to Islam) using the culture and the means available to him in his time. It is evident that the Prophet's approaches were made by tailoring the existing means and customs into meaningful solutions. One must remember that the means and the culture existed during the time of the Prophet may not be the same for other people, other times and places. From this basic understanding, one may simply realize that with different cultures than that of the 7th. Century Arabia, and with the availability of different means and technologies, solutions have to be different from that of the Prophet's. Hence the particulars that the Prophet used in his environment may not become integral part of his Sunnah, these particulars were only the means to accomplish his plan. The genuine Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad simply lies in his example of approach and management utilizing the customs of his people and the available means in his time and place. Let us further expand on this idea. Illustrating the Concept a. The Trip to Al-Ta'if In illustrating this theory let us examine the Prophet's story surrounding his trip to al-Ta'if, which took place during the 10th year after the first revelation. For many years Quraysh (Muhammad's own tribe who rejected him) had been spoiling the Prophet's attempts for Da'wah: making blockades and obstacles, actions of intimidations, mistreatments and harassments. Quraysh also tortured and killed some of his companions, and often called him names, fool, magician, and liar. They even barred people from speaking to him, including travelers who enter Makkah for business or other purposes. All these evil acts were made to get the Prophet to discontinue his teaching. The continuous hardships, restrictions and rejections had forced Prophet Muhammad to seek other communities, such as the tribes of Thaqeef in al-Ta'if for his call. Al-Ta'if is about 150 kilometers south of Makkah. Our interest in this trip is to study the Prophet's approach in evading Quraysh's attention as he leaves Makkah for a long trip, and where they could plot to kill him in the route provided they learned about his travel. The Prophet's simple approach allowed him to travel to al-Ta'if and return back safe. It was customary in Arabia that when a major issue of concern was addressed, the nobles of the concerned tribe would be involved or at least visible at the scene. Traveling or leaving one's home town was one of these important matters. The genius of the Prophet shines out as he walked out from his house with his servant Zaid ibn Harithah, then known as the son of Muhammad, without his wife or daughters or any of his companions, not even a camel or a horse to carry the gear of the travel. This simple and ordinary staging, in the least, must send a message to Quraysh's watching eyes that Muhammad was after a local casual airing; an outlook warrants no major concern to further monitor his movements. As a result, no one followed the Prophet or attempted to learn more about what he might do. The Prophet's simple approach allowed him to travel to al-Ta'if and return back safe, and without Quraysh's knowledge or intervention. This story illustrates that the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad here may not be traveling secretively or simplicity in travel, instead it is the making of an approach based on the circumstances, customs and culture relevant to the concerns of people or audience. What else other than this settle planning and management that can be taken from the Prophet's actions as a Sunnah in this example? b. The Migration to Yathrib (Madinah) Another example displaying the Prophet's well-thought management is clearly evident in his migration to Yathrib, later named Madinah. Escaping Quraysh's plot to kill him, the Prophet and his close friend Abu Bakr headed south and hid in cave Thawr, instead of traveling north directly to Madinah, where Quraysh expected him to join the rest of his companions. They stayed in the cave for three days until Quraysh exhausted all means searching for them. The people of Madinah were out to receive him, patiently waiting for days from morning until noon, expecting his arrival, but he did not arrive until ten days later. The Prophet did not take the normal route into Madinah, but instead he took the long coastal route to further evade his capturers. There is more to the Prophet's migration than those well-thought actions. He hired a travel expert to lead him through the coastal route into Madinah; he was able to get all the news of Quraysh during his hide-out as Abu Bakr's daughter used to bring them the news and food to the cave during the night. The prophet also had Abu Bakr's servant grazing a herd of sheep after them to erase their foot prints. Again, what should we take as Sunnah from this example other than outstanding planning and management of his escape and immigration? What makes nations prevail and flourish is actual labor and ventures based on sound craft and proper management. This is what Muslims must be concerned with as part of the Sunnah. Some Muslims concern themselves with so much outward issues such as dress. The way the Prophet dressed, to them, is considered a Sunnah which they practice, yet his dress was tailored for Arabia's high heat and desert environment. Wearing this type of clothing in cold regions, such as Siberia, Moscow or Alaska can severely harm or even cause death to the person wearing it, which is prohibited in Islam. Wisdom dictates to manage affairs in the right manner, in the right time and in the right place. Furthermore, it was not the Prophet or Muslims only who wore this type of clothing, the disbelievers of Makkah did too wear this type of clothing; the Prophet's worst enemies Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab and the rest his opponent wore the same style clothing. If this clothing style was a Sunnah, then why the disbelievers wore the same clothing style? Why is this type of clothing had to become a Sunnah? Muslims must remember that the means to accomplish things are not and could not be the intent. The intent of any action and that of our faith is success in the promotion of this faith, irrespective of the means and the ware. In fact looking odd because of your dress in the West can be derogatory and hindrance to the work of Da'wah. The Prophet Approaches and Wisdom The Prophet's approaches discussed above indeed have the same patterns in the definition of Wisdom that constitutes a major teaching of Islam. Wisdom dictates to manage affairs in the right manner, in the right time and in the right place. Realizing these facts, one wonders why many Muslims today place so much weight on the gear and customs that the Prophet utilized during his time, but pay little or no attention to his model of approach, which, when followed, would work for every time, place and culture. If you are interested in the complete stories of the Prophet's trip to al Ta'if and his migration to Madinah, please visit "Focus on the Early History Islam (A Refreshing Look at the Sirah)," and for many more impressive Hikmah stance and actions in the Sirah of the Prophet Muhammad. Today, Muslims must not re-establish in their own areas the customs of 7th. century Arabia in order to practice Islam in the 21st. century. Muslims indeed practice the true Sunnah of the Prophet by constructing approaches based on customs and logics that their contemporary people identify with; otherwise, backwardness and failures are to be expected. Let us confirm our claim again by examining the way the Prophet Muhammad determined the timing of Ramadan. Determination of the Beginning and Ending of the Lunar Months Another meaningful example illustrating the true Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad is the timing of the lunar month of Ramadan. Surrounding this topic, we find several traditions for Prophet Muhammad reflecting certain available techniques in the determination of lunar dates. Each tradition or group of traditions however takes on a different technique than the other. All the mechanisms in these traditions however are inconclusive, reflecting the limited knowledge regarding the science of astronomy in Makkah in the 7th century. For example a group of traditions points out to the number of days in a lunar month, while others speak about the number of days in a collection of lunar months. Another more accurate method revealing the beginning or ending the month of fast is that which the Prophet pointed out as: "Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see the next crescent…" Seeing the crescent by the naked eye option allows for certainty in this matter, and seems to be the best option available to the Prophet. This method however is still inconclusive, since the Prophet continued to say: "But if you could not see it, then complete the 30th. day (in fasting)" (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) Alongside these traditions, Prophet Muhammad points out to the reality of his day and time, stating: "We are Ummah (a nation) Ummiyah (unlettered) we do not write [in astronomical circles,] nor do we calculate [to arrive at the exact lunar dates.]…" The indefiniteness of the solutions is due in part to the complications surrounding seeing the crescent. Modern science states that the birth of the new moon takes place exactly when it is in straight line between the Sun and the Earth, where no reflection of the Sun on the Moon is ever possible. As far as the crescent is concerned, there are many more complications for seeing it. Astronomers say it can take 14 to 24 hours before the naked eye is able to see the crescent. They indicate that the difficulty in seeing the crescent is due to several factors, such as its degree over the horizon, the moon's orbit, the glare from the sun and the human eyes condition. Because of these difficulties, a more difficult observation of the crescent imposes itself on the observer. For this reason, the beginning of Ramadan can be as much off as two days. Please see our posted article,"The Profound Wisdom of Prophet Muhammad Regarding the Lunar Dates and the Unity of the Muslims," for more details in this regard. In our days of technological advances, time is moving fast. Muslims ought to be able to react to its pace and demand. As for the lunar months, today's technology and modern astronomical gear allow for far more accurate determinations of the lunar months timings. Using these elements to manage Ramadan and Eid timing is indeed a Sunnah. Moreover, solving today's problems with the ever changing technology, Muslims must be able to adopt, design and engineer new solutions that are flexible, reliable and at the same time workable. The requirements of flexibility, reliability and workability too are Sunnan. Taking the Step in Engineering Solutions The problem facing building solutions based on local customs, needs and technology is that Muslims must renovate their way of handling an issue. Muslims must step out of the box of "cannot deviate from old fatwas," and pre-cooked and retired ideas. They must begin by analyzing their at-hand problems and step forward in initiating solutions to their difficulties. The Quran contains expressions and inspirations good for every time and circumstance. Besides, today's Muslims are in dire needs for revitalizing their faith (iman), and establishing rationality and eradicating insanity and extremism in this world. Every individual in the community must participate in making the community's vehicle move forward towards security and excellence, not backwards into inferiority and ignorance. Most of the time people are being told what to do and how to do it based on what is in the 'box', causing them to neglect rational thinking, to staying put rather than being active, as the case for many Muslim societies and nations today. Making advanced achievement means pro-activity, not passivity; breaking through in life means auspicious critical thinking, not incapacitated ideas. One can read in the Quran about man's responsibility of being innovative. (67: 2) To be "best in deed," implies there have been competitions and competitors; how could there be competitors without creativity and innovations? Stagnation and idleness have no place in Islam. (76: 2) The faculties of hearing and seeing are indeed aids for the Muslim in making optimal moves and decisions in pursuit of achieving healthy conditions and better life. (47: 24; 38: 29) The Quran contains expressions and inspirations good for every time and circumstance. Only by purposeful study of its verses can these expressions be realized and utilized. Earnest study of the Quran reenergizes people and revitalizes their relationship with their Creator and their surroundings. This proactive living enables people for solving problems and providing solutions. Muslims have to think, invent and then produce work. How else can Muslims expect to grow and advance if they keep redeploying Arabia's 7th century customs and technology? Let us see how the Prophet's companions were able to engineer new solutions for problems facing them. The Collation of the Verses and Chapters of the Quran During the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the Quranic verses and chapters were not being collated into a one volume, the way we have it today. After the Prophet passed away, the Muslims faced some drastic circumstances that require new thinking and engineering in order for the Ummah to keep its stature. During the Caliph Abu Bakr's rule, many of the companions of the Prophet, who had memorized the Quran, were killed in the battle of Yamamah. Umar ibn al Khattab, who later became the second Caliph, was concerned about losing the Quranic revelations and therefore he approached the Caliph Abu Bakr requesting him to collate the Quran. The following hadith of Sahih Al-Bukhari tells us the rest of the story: Narrated Zaid bin Thabit Al-Ansari, who was one of those who used to write the Divine Revelation. He said: "Abu Bakr sent for me after the (heavy) casualties among the warriors (of the battle) of Yamama (where a great number of Qurra' [those who know the Quran by heart] were killed). Umar was present with Abu Bakr who said, Umar has come to me and said, The people have suffered heavy casualties on the day of (the battle of) Yamama, and I am afraid that there will be more casualties among the Qurra' at other battle-fields, whereby a large part of the Quran may be lost, unless you collect it. And I am of the opinion that you should collect the Qur'an." Abu Bakr added: "I said to Umar: "How can I do something which Allah's Apostle has not done?" Umar said (to me): "By Allah, it is (really) a good thing." So Umar kept on pressing, trying to persuade me to accept his proposal, till Allah opened my heart for it and I had the same opinion as Umar." (Zaid ibn Thabit added:) Umar was sitting with him (Abu Bakr) and was not speaking): "You are a wise young man and we do not suspect you (of telling lies or of forgetfulness): and you used to write the Divine Inspiration for Allah's Apostle. Therefore, look for the Quran and collect it (in one manuscript). " By Allah, if he (Abu Bakr) had ordered me to shift one of the mountains (from its place) it would not have been harder for me than what he had ordered me concerning the collection of the Quran. I said to both of them: "How dare you do a thing which the Prophet has not done?" Abu Bakr said: "By Allah, it is (really) a good thing. So I kept on arguing with him about it till Allah opened my chest for that which He had opened the chests of Abu Bakr and Umar. So I started locating Quranic material and collecting it from parchments, scapula, leaf-stalks of date palms and from the memories of men (who knew it by heart). I found with Khuzaima two verses of Surat-at-Tauba which I had not found with anyone else, (and they were): {Verily there has come to you an Apostle (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty He (Muhammad) is ardently anxious over you (to be rightly guided).}" (Al-Bukhari) The foregoing story to collate the Quran is a live example confirming our concept to engineer solutions based on the circumstances we face in our day and place. Similarly are the collections of the Hadith and the finding of the Science of Hadith after the death of the Prophet. These magnanimous men, the companions of the Prophet and their followers are our guide proving to us, again and again, that intellectual thinking, discovering and designing solutions, based on the needs and circumstances are indeed the requisition of our faith for keeping the vehicle of Islam and Da'wah on the way of progress, going forward and on-word. Muslims today have fallen behind the nations of the world. This sad condition is the result of not recognizing the true model of the Prophet Muhammad of being proactive in facing difficulties and for setting the vehicle of Islam in motion. Muslims must imitate the Prophet's management mechanisms, state of the art plans, place actual labor and work in executing plans. As we have seen, these qualities were major key features of his life. Ignoring or totally dropping such precious Sunnan out of our lives, is inevitably a failure in following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, and will undoubtedly produce dysfunctional, stagnate and passive Muslim nations. http://onislam.net/english/reading-islam/research-studies/islamic-thought/463340-where-lies-the-sunnah-of-prophet-muhammad.html   ONE CREATOR – ONE MESSAGE   [GOD'S Blessings]   The QURAN "Art thou not aware that it is God who causes the clouds to move onward, then joins them together, then piles them up in masses, until thou can see rain come forth from their midst? And He it is who sends down from the skies, by degrees, mountainous masses [of clouds] charged with hail, striking therewith whomever He wills and averting it from whomever He wills, [the while] the flash of His lightning well-nigh deprives [men of their] sight!" [Quran – 24:43]   The BIBLE "because he makes his sun rise on both evil and good people, and he lets rain fall on the righteous and the unrighteous." [Matthew 5:45]   http://al-tanzil.com/In_The_Name_of_ALLAH.html ONE CREATOR – ONE MESSAGE   [GOD'S Light]   The QURAN " light upon light! God guides unto His light him that wills [to be guided]; and [to this end] God propounds parables unto men, since God [alone] has full knowledge of all things." [Quran 24:35]   The BIBLE "If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining doth give thee light." [Luke 11:36]   http://al-tanzil.com/In_The_Name_of_ALLAH.html Whoever combines faith with righteous deeds will have a good life and a good reward in this world and in the Hereafter Allah tells us and promises us that whoever combines faith with righteous deeds will have a good life and a good reward in this world and in the Hereafter.  Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):   "Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). [Soorah an-Nahl 16:97]     If you would like to be added to this mailing group, please contact amsait@gmail.com

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