How does Islam view philosophy? And what is your view when Muslim philosophers of the past integrated and reconciled Islamic faith with Greek philosophy while some rejected philosophy because it is a foreign concept from Islam?
There is no doubt that Islam encourages all kinds of intellectual pursuits and scientific investigations with a view to increasing our knowledge, provided that these studies are useful to the world and humanity at large.
But at the same time, we must never lose sight of the criterion provided by the Qur'an and the Sunnah in the matter of adopting any idea for belief or for action.
As can be seen, this principle need not normally discourage a scholar from acquiring knowledge from wherever it is available; because the usefulness or otherwise of certain branches of knowledge can be determined only in due course of time. At the same time, we should avoid going after knowledge that is evidently leading to evil or utterly useless.
The Need for Philosophy Studies
Indeed in all ages, most particularly in these troubling times, we need wide and deep knowledge of the philosophies that impel the beliefs and actions of those outside the purview of Islam.
This is part of correctly understanding the ethos and motivations of other people in order to be able to talk with them and engage in discussions in language they would understand.
In fact, discussions that require the utmost skills exist in the intellectual arenas; and history teaches that negligence in the acquisition of knowledge and its proper dissemination by way of education and propagation, would undermine any victory in other fields.
The foregoing means that competent scholars among Muslims who have a natural vocation to pursue philosophical studies should not be discouraged from learning philosophy.
If so, we cannot effectively discuss positivism, nihilism, utilitarianism, fascism, Marxism and so on vis-à-vis Islam.
Without learning the philosophical bases of the above "isms", what can we say about them?
In the Qur'an we see Allah the Almighty Himself giving direction about such matters:
*{Invite to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious….}* (An-Nahl 16: 125)
What should be the kind of "wisdom" necessary for da`wah? No doubt, wisdom here means knowledge of Islam in the main.
But is that all? How can we talk with persons well-grounded in logic and philosophy without knowing anything about their own ideologies?
Obviously, we can see that a good knowledge of our addressees – meaning what they believe, what they have learned etc – will be an added advantage for us as people concerned with explaining Islam.
The Indifference of Muslims Today
In fact, the only kind of knowledge we should avoid is pernicious knowledge or what leads to destruction.
This is the reason why our scholars say that there is nothing wrong in studying philosophy as well as different philosophical branches as long as the aim of the study is to make the person well acquainted with the philosophical ideas and allow him or her to compare them with religious knowledge.
We must also bear in mind that most of the branches of knowledge useful for mankind's progress were not developed by Muslims. Allah Almighty in His wisdom uses anyone among His creatures for His purposes.
Muslims' own unpardonable indifference, narrow mindedness and complacency in the matter of study and research have been dealing us repeated setbacks in almost all arenas of progress, all through history. And yet we simply refuse to learn the obvious lessons.
If Muslims can claim today that there was a time when they were the leaders and masters of the world, it was because our scholars were not afraid to enter uncharted areas of knowledge, and also because they were ready to adopt the best of what they encountered in their intellectual journeys and to reject whatever they found unacceptable from the point of view of Islam.
Such an approach of selective acceptance based on critical evaluation was possible, because they were the most knowledgeable among the people of those days.
The Philosophical Heritage of Islam's Scholars
In contrast to the philosophy of the non-Muslim world, Islam had given birth to a religious philosophy of its own called `Ilm al-Kalam or Science of the Word.
The secular philosophy of the East receded under the impact of the criticism of such philosophy by Imam Al-Ghazzali.
The writings of Al-Ghazzali gave a boost to religious philosophy and paved the way for outstanding philosophers and mystics like Fakhruddin Ar-Razi, Nasiruddin Al-Tusi, Fariduddin Al-`Attar, Jalaluddin Al-Rumi, as well as Dr. Mohammad Iqbal and a host of modern scholars.
Without the contributions of these titans of religious philosophy, the history of Islam after its first period of glory would have been bare and barren.
From the experience of today, as well as of the past, it is repeatedly proved beyond any shadow of doubt that those who have knowledge capital control those who have financial capital.
Any doubt in this matter will be dispelled if we just open our eyes and look around to see who is controlling whom in the Muslim countries rich with natural resources, for instance.
Muslims who have Allah's Guidance with them ought not to have been in this miserable situation. But why is it not so?
The answer is in what Allah Almighty said of religious scholars who fail:
*{The similitude of those who were charged with the obligations of the Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those obligations, is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes but understands them not. Evil is the similitude of people who falsify the Signs of Allah: and Allah guides not people who do wrong.}* (Al-Jumu`ah 62:5)
It is worth pondering over, to whom the above verse applies in the present world scenario.
Live and Let Live
Without going deep into the details, one may say that the present controversy between certain groups of Muslim has taken some people to adopt extreme positions.
The foregoing is not to ignore deviations and obvious aberrations from the norms of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. The point to be made here is that there need not be the kind of severe antagonism that exists today between the various "camps".
There has got to be a way of 'live-and-let-live' approach, that is to say, an attitude of leaving disputes that defy resolution to the Judgment of Allah on the Last Day, as He says in the Qur'an:
*{…If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but His plan is to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute.}* (Al-Ma`idah 5:48)
In matters such as differences of opinion based on variant interpretations of Divine injunctions, "agreeing to disagree" seems to be the best policy in the light of the above verse. And in the final analysis that may hopefully work out well for the Muslim nation in general.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sha`ban: A Prelude to Ramadan
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to observe fasting in Sha`ban more than he did in other months. This was a sort of self-preparation for the coming of Ramadan; that is, to act as preparing oneself for Ramadan.
How to Prepare for Ramadan?
With the approach of Ramadan, a Muslim is supposed to start a new page with Allah, his fellow human beings, as well as all his surroundings. On this new page, he or she should first declare sincere repentance from all committed sins ...
.:
Fiqhi Issues Prior to Ramadan (Live Fatwa)
Respected scholar,
Time is running out and the blessed month of Ramadan is approaching. I really want this Ramadan to be a unique one and not to miss any minute of it. Are there any tips or advice to attain this goal?
How to Prepare for Ramadan?
With the approach of Ramadan, a Muslim is supposed to start a new page with Allah, his fellow human beings, as well as all his surroundings. On this new page, he or she should first declare sincere repentance from all committed sins ...
.:
Fiqhi Issues Prior to Ramadan (Live Fatwa)
Respected scholar,
Time is running out and the blessed month of Ramadan is approaching. I really want this Ramadan to be a unique one and not to miss any minute of it. Are there any tips or advice to attain this goal?
HOW DO WE KNOW ISLAM IS THE TRUTH
Islam" (an Arabic word derived from the root s-l-m) encompasses the concepts of peace and submission. The virtues of Islam as a faith and way of life can be summarized as follows:
The first and foremost quality of Islam is that it is fully compatible with the nature of humanity and its mission in this world because it is God-given.
That is to say, the way of life outlined by Islam is natural, and it is based on principles laid down in what Muslims believe to be the final testament of God, namely the Quran.
Islam teaches that God is One. Therefore the set of laws governing the universe is one. The oneness of the Creator, also, means that everything — whether living or non-living — is God's creation. So they are bound to function in accordance with the nature assigned to them by God.
Of all the creation of God, only humans are given a certain amount of freedom of will and choice; the corollary of which is that they have a degree of responsibility proportionate to the freedom they enjoy.
God has given humans not only freedom, but also capabilities to use that freedom. In the Quran, which Muslims believe is God's word, God the Almighty says that He has appointed humans as His vicegerent (khalifah) on earth. This means that humans are answerable before God for their willful choices and actions.
Islam also teaches that God is All-Merciful; and out of His infinite mercy He has sent prophets with His guidance to help mankind along the straight path. The prophets were humans and appointed to this world from the very beginning of humanity on earth.
They came to mankind at different stages in history and they were all models to be followed by their people. And finally, when the time was ripe, God sent His final prophet with His final testament, who completed the Divine guidance as well as the divinely revealed religion of God, namely Islam.
The foregoing means that Islam was the religion of all the prophets from the first to the last. In other words, according to the teachings of Islam, God is one, the universe is one, mankind is one and the religion of mankind also is one.
This creed of Islam provides its faithful followers (i.e. the Muslims) a strong philosophical foundation for unity of vision. Indeed Muslims are bound by their faith to respect and honor all the prophets of God including Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all).
In Islam there is no baptism; and for anyone, entry to the community of Muslims is possible by a simple and conscious act of will on their part — the act of submission to the One and Only God of the universe.
There is no priesthood in Islam, as there is no need of any mediator between God and His creation. The Quran says what means:
*{It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.}* (Qaf 50:16)
No other religion has anything like the five pillars of Islam that enable a human to be constantly in touch with God.
The first pillar is the profession of faith known as the Shahadah, namely: "There is no one worthy of worship but God; and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". The declaration of this fundamental creed of Islam reminds the believers of God's central position in their lives.
The second pillar is ritual Prayer, or "salah". Muslims are required to perform ritual Prayers formally five times a day. The third pillar is fasting, or "sawm", during the lunar month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset.
The fourth pillar is obligatory charity, or "zakah". Muslims set apart a specified portion of their income and wealth to support their less fortunate brothers in society as well as for other good purposes.
The fifth pillar is pilgrimage to Makkah, or "hajj". Islam requires that every believer should do it at least once in his or her life time, if he or she is physically and financially able to do it.
The hajj commemorates the sacrifices, faith and obedience of Abraham and his family. The hajj is the largest, regularly-held gathering on earth.
In Islam, there is no original sin, as all humans are born innocent. God is Just, and He does not hold anyone sinful for any aberration on the part of his or her ancestors. Indeed, according to the Quran, those who have even a mustard seed's weight of belief in God will eventually be admitted into Heaven.
Islam teaches that the Quran is the most authoritative guide to proper living, along with the Sunnah, namely the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is to the credit of Islam that it takes proper measures to keep Muslims safe from evil practices that are patently harmful. For instance, Islam prohibits the use of all kinds of intoxicating beverages and drugs that may impair one's reason, good sense and morality.
Similarly, all kinds of obscenity and sexual promiscuity are forbidden. Not only the evil habits of individuals, but also all social evils are strongly discouraged in Islam.
For all of us, life is a test, and the result will be determined on a Day of Judgment. Therefore, all the humans who have ever lived on earth will be resurrected and brought before Allah (God). Then, all who have lived in obedience to His guidance will be sent to live a life of eternal happiness in Paradise; and those who did not care to do so will be sent to Hell.
Any student of history can see that Islam has done immense services for which all of humanity should be thankful.
"When Christian Europe sank into the so-called Dark Ages for about 600 years starting in the late 5th century, Islamic scholars elsewhere maintained high standards of academic study, mathematics and scientific research.
Islamic libraries in Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus preserved the writings of ancient Greek, Roman and Indian scholars even as Europe's leaders rejected them….When the Renaissance blossomed in Western Europe in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, it found a trove of ancient knowledge and new discoveries in translations from the Arabic." (Carolyn Ruff, Exploring Islam, last accessed July 14, 2009)
This was possible because of the Quran's strong advocacy for the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. Consequently, the religious scholars of Islam were also keen on mastering secular knowledge as well.
In short, the teachings of Islam are optimally suited for human welfare in this world as well as for enabling him to attain eternal happiness in the Hereafter.
The first and foremost quality of Islam is that it is fully compatible with the nature of humanity and its mission in this world because it is God-given.
That is to say, the way of life outlined by Islam is natural, and it is based on principles laid down in what Muslims believe to be the final testament of God, namely the Quran.
Islam teaches that God is One. Therefore the set of laws governing the universe is one. The oneness of the Creator, also, means that everything — whether living or non-living — is God's creation. So they are bound to function in accordance with the nature assigned to them by God.
Of all the creation of God, only humans are given a certain amount of freedom of will and choice; the corollary of which is that they have a degree of responsibility proportionate to the freedom they enjoy.
God has given humans not only freedom, but also capabilities to use that freedom. In the Quran, which Muslims believe is God's word, God the Almighty says that He has appointed humans as His vicegerent (khalifah) on earth. This means that humans are answerable before God for their willful choices and actions.
Islam also teaches that God is All-Merciful; and out of His infinite mercy He has sent prophets with His guidance to help mankind along the straight path. The prophets were humans and appointed to this world from the very beginning of humanity on earth.
They came to mankind at different stages in history and they were all models to be followed by their people. And finally, when the time was ripe, God sent His final prophet with His final testament, who completed the Divine guidance as well as the divinely revealed religion of God, namely Islam.
The foregoing means that Islam was the religion of all the prophets from the first to the last. In other words, according to the teachings of Islam, God is one, the universe is one, mankind is one and the religion of mankind also is one.
This creed of Islam provides its faithful followers (i.e. the Muslims) a strong philosophical foundation for unity of vision. Indeed Muslims are bound by their faith to respect and honor all the prophets of God including Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all).
In Islam there is no baptism; and for anyone, entry to the community of Muslims is possible by a simple and conscious act of will on their part — the act of submission to the One and Only God of the universe.
There is no priesthood in Islam, as there is no need of any mediator between God and His creation. The Quran says what means:
*{It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.}* (Qaf 50:16)
No other religion has anything like the five pillars of Islam that enable a human to be constantly in touch with God.
The first pillar is the profession of faith known as the Shahadah, namely: "There is no one worthy of worship but God; and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". The declaration of this fundamental creed of Islam reminds the believers of God's central position in their lives.
The second pillar is ritual Prayer, or "salah". Muslims are required to perform ritual Prayers formally five times a day. The third pillar is fasting, or "sawm", during the lunar month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset.
The fourth pillar is obligatory charity, or "zakah". Muslims set apart a specified portion of their income and wealth to support their less fortunate brothers in society as well as for other good purposes.
The fifth pillar is pilgrimage to Makkah, or "hajj". Islam requires that every believer should do it at least once in his or her life time, if he or she is physically and financially able to do it.
The hajj commemorates the sacrifices, faith and obedience of Abraham and his family. The hajj is the largest, regularly-held gathering on earth.
In Islam, there is no original sin, as all humans are born innocent. God is Just, and He does not hold anyone sinful for any aberration on the part of his or her ancestors. Indeed, according to the Quran, those who have even a mustard seed's weight of belief in God will eventually be admitted into Heaven.
Islam teaches that the Quran is the most authoritative guide to proper living, along with the Sunnah, namely the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is to the credit of Islam that it takes proper measures to keep Muslims safe from evil practices that are patently harmful. For instance, Islam prohibits the use of all kinds of intoxicating beverages and drugs that may impair one's reason, good sense and morality.
Similarly, all kinds of obscenity and sexual promiscuity are forbidden. Not only the evil habits of individuals, but also all social evils are strongly discouraged in Islam.
For all of us, life is a test, and the result will be determined on a Day of Judgment. Therefore, all the humans who have ever lived on earth will be resurrected and brought before Allah (God). Then, all who have lived in obedience to His guidance will be sent to live a life of eternal happiness in Paradise; and those who did not care to do so will be sent to Hell.
Any student of history can see that Islam has done immense services for which all of humanity should be thankful.
"When Christian Europe sank into the so-called Dark Ages for about 600 years starting in the late 5th century, Islamic scholars elsewhere maintained high standards of academic study, mathematics and scientific research.
Islamic libraries in Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus preserved the writings of ancient Greek, Roman and Indian scholars even as Europe's leaders rejected them….When the Renaissance blossomed in Western Europe in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, it found a trove of ancient knowledge and new discoveries in translations from the Arabic." (Carolyn Ruff, Exploring Islam, last accessed July 14, 2009)
This was possible because of the Quran's strong advocacy for the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. Consequently, the religious scholars of Islam were also keen on mastering secular knowledge as well.
In short, the teachings of Islam are optimally suited for human welfare in this world as well as for enabling him to attain eternal happiness in the Hereafter.
IMORTANCE OF ISRA' & MIA'RAJ
Al-Israa' and Al-Mi`raj: What to Learn? (Share)
By Living Shari`ah Staff
In the lives of peoples and nations there are major events that can be regarded as turning points, because they greatly affect the history of humanity. The anniversary of Al-Israa' and Al-Mi`raj (Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet), which is one of such major events, is always celebrated by Muslims in the month of Rajab.
Muslims worldwide commemorate this great event in different ways. Some Muslims recall the Prophet's patience in times of hardship and his forbearance with the violent and extreme opposition of the disbelievers. Some tend to revive the spirit of hope by extracting lessons from this blessed journey.
Now tell us how you see the journey of Al-Israa' and Al-Mi`raj. What does it evoke in your mind? What are the lessons that Muslims should learn from this journey?
Don't hesitate to share your ideas with your Muslim brothers and sisters everywhere.
Prayer: God-given Gift
With the approach of the great occasion of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj, we should remember Allah’s gift to Muslims, namely Prayer. Prayer was given as both an order and a gift to Muslims on the night of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj. Therefore, we should be grateful to Allah and take care of His gift.
Prayer has a vital role in the Muslims’ behavior and conduct. According to the Qur’an, Prayer leads people away from evil and wrongdoing. It enlightens people’s hearts and minds. It guides Muslims to be men of faith and action.
Now let’s ask ourselves: how could we be grateful to Allah and thank Him for such a great gift?
Though the answer to this question is very simple and well known, it requires painstaking efforts, patience, forbearance and determination. Let’s reflect on the following:
1. Gratefulness to Allah for His gift—Prayer—requires purification of our bodies and hearts. Purification is a prerequisite of Prayer. Purification is regarded by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as half of faith. A grateful worshiper should purify his body and clothes form all impurities and dirties, and purify his heart from all heart diseases such as envy, pride, etc.
2. Gratefulness to Allah should be reflected in one’s life. A true worshiper should translate the Islamic teachings into practice. Light of Prayer should enlighten his way when dealing with people. Truthfulness, trustworthiness, honesty, faithfulness, etc., should be his distinctive characters.
3. Gratefulness to Allah for His gift reminds the Muslim with the first Qiblah, namely Al-Aqsa mosque. One who offers Prayer—and observes its rights—cannot forget Al-Aqsa mosque. At least, he should make du`a’ from the depths of his heart that Allah will protect it and spread peace in its land.
4. Gratefulness to Allah for Prayer implants in the Muslim’s heart the feeling of brotherhood and unity of all Muslims. In Prayer, all Muslims face the Ka`bah which is the symbol of their unity and brotherhood. A true worshiper takes care of the affairs of his fellow Muslims and spares no efforts in bringing all Muslims back to the true path of Islam.
5. Gratefulness to Allah for His gift inculcates in the Muslim love to the Qur’an and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Qur’an is the close friend of the true worshiper of Allah. A true worshiper always says dhikr, particularly the Prophet’s adhkar (the authentic supplications and dhikr that is the Prophet used to say in different situations). In each Prayer, the Muslim reads surat Al-Fatihah, which contains thanks to Allah and du`a’.
6. Gratefulness to Allah teaches man to manage his time and make the best use of it. Offering Prayers in their due times train the Muslim how to manage his time and be accurate in his appointments.
7. Gratefulness to Allah seeds love for Allah and for all humans in the Muslim’s heart. A Muslim—who loves His Lord—hurries to offer Prayers in time, and even do optional Prayers or Sunnan out of his love to stand in front of his Creator. A true worshiper of Allah loves all people and wishes them what is best in this world and the in the Hereafter.
Given the above, it is high time to be grateful to Allah for His gift. Let’s be real worshipers of Allah so that love, peace, security, justice, and happiness will dominate the whole world. Let’s translate the Islamic teachings into practice and not be satisfied with superficial performance of the acts of worship.
May Allah Almighty guide us all to what is best in this world and the world to come.
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