Disqus - Latest Comments for Nomad78

Re: Some Ramadan Rulings for Women: Sh. Muhammad al-Hassan Wali al-Dido al-Shanqiti

Nomad78 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:10:15 -0000

According to my understanding from Fiqh Al-sunnah my wife had to pay Fidya if she was planning on going the whole year (Ramadan to Ramdan) breastfeeding. So last Ramadan we fed 30 people (a person a day) and this year she is still breastfeeding so we're going to do the same inshallah. If I recall correctly the stipulation for paying Fidya instead of making up the fast was breastfeeding for the whole year in between the Ramadans. Wallahu Alam (Allah knows best).
Nomad78

Re: Preparing For Ramadan

Nomad78 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:01:14 -0000

Brother Suhaib, just a small comment. Based on the principle الضد يظهرحسنه الضد of I think you should wear a black Kufyah.
made you laugh!
Ramadan Kareem to everyone.
Salam

Re: Last Week’s Khutbah: Either Your Calling to being Called!

Nomad78 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:16:07 -0000

Salam Brother Suhaib,
Thank you for the beautiful khutbah. I have a question though and it is something that I have been struggling with for quite a long time. Inshalah you or any of the brothers and sisters can give me insight and help me with this issue.
The issue is the wiswas of vanity. I, alhamdullillah, am involved at work and in my little community and make my day to day dawah. I am also taking it to the next level by getting involved with the theological seminary that is part of the school system I work for and I am trying to raise awarness about Islam. Wallah I do all I do for the sake of Allah. I tell my brothers at the masjid that one of the big motivations to be involved in the line of work I am in is to have a muslim name up there.
My issue though is sometimes I feel that the reason I am benig articulate is to impress others. Even when I write here sometimes I have that issue and feel like I have to hold back because I am being pretentious or feel that I don't have much substance to be able to discuss some issues relevant to Islam. Again, I do it all for the sake of Allah and I am very contiontious of what I say (for fear of myself being held accountable for saying that which I do not know) but I keep getting this wiswas and I can't shake it off.
Please advise.
Your brother,
Nomad78

Re: A Challenge To Muslim Hip Hoppers and Entertainers

Nomad78 — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:52:47 -0000

Salam brother SalmanC,
Even though your advice was directed to brother Suhaib I took it to heart and appreciate it. I would have to say though that this statement I find very harsh "Painting others' opinions as intoxicated in such contexts is entirely dishonest" and it is not in defense of Br. Suhaib's pride (He's a big guy and can handle criticism) but rather because in almost any situation people are listening to hip-hop specifically, and music generally, you see them bouncing their heads, swaying back and forth to the tune as if they are "intoxicated". How many muslims today tear up when they hear a verse from the Quran? We're mesmorised by the poetic words of someone, not that there is anything wrong with poetry, and feel a connection with the struggles of that person who is spewing, for the most part, bitterness about certain experiences but when the Imam is reading surat al-zalzala we are yawning.
your brother,
Nomad78

Re: Hip Hop in the 21th century: The Rise Of Satanism In Urban America by Sh. Abul Hussein

Nomad78 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:08:31 -0000

Salam,

I have not been following the whole argument but your reply caught my eye especially the quote "which argues that in order for American Muslims to put down deep roots in this country, we must accept America's culture as our own. Not to say that we should accept what's immoral, but that we must be truly American and truly Muslim"
I am a firm believer in understanding and appreciating other cultures but I am very much an opponent of the "melting pot" mentality that predominates the American culture. Two points, first the American culture itself is still trying to define itself. After all America is only 350years young and the generational shift in cultural attitudes and moral standards is rapid and the well-defined set in stone codes are a few and far in between. This is not meant as a disrespect but rather an observation when you compare the American culture to that of Chinese, Arab, Persian or other well established cultures.
The second point is the fact that you are defending hip-hop as a part of the American culture is false because of the fact that hip-hop has not been around for more than two generations. To go with your point one must look beyond the short attention span that we are plagued with here in America and look beyond the years of one's own life to decide whether something is cultural or generational (e.g. Thanksgiving vs hip-hop)
The cultural shift that America should realize or is realizing recently, which is part of growing pains, is that the "melting pot" doesn't work and the "mosaic" model works best. I can/I am a muslim with an American citizenship, I eat Chicken (don't like Turkey) on thanksgiving, I like football, Burgers and Hot Dogs.......I can argue Apple Pie but i am not a huge fan of the taste. Hip-hop is a generation's rebellious voice against a loosely defined moral standard not a staple in the American culture.
I hope you are not offended by my comments for that is not the intention. My only other advice if I may is the fault a lot of us fall into which is to judge the whole based on the actions of the few (this is in reference to the hypocritical muslims that existed ever since the dawn of the religion)
Nomad78

Re: “Get on the Mic” If you were asked to give the khutbah, what topic would you address?

Nomad78 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:44:19 -0000

إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ خُلِقَ هَلُوعًا إِذَا مَسَّهُ الشَّرُّ جَزُوعًا وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ الْخَيْرُ مَنُوعًا

Re: Religion and Relevance

Nomad78 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:51:13 -0000

My answer would revolve around the "practice" concept. You can give me all the theoretical answers you want but if you don't practice it or don't show me how to practice it then I will never benefit from it.
When I moved to North America I did not like going to the Masjid because everything was Haram. For the young person this is very deterring and it raises the question that if everything is haram then How can I live here and more recently how can I live in this world that has become saturated with the "haram" practices. I feel that our sheikhs are somewhat out of touch with what happens in the day to day life and hence cannot give a contemporary answer.
Faith is a way of life not a thing we do while in the masjid. Show me how you can live according to Islam while living in this world and let's stop singing the glory of past days without learning from them how to live the life we have now.
I am not sure if this answers the question but in general that is my answer.
Nomad78

Re: Interesting Words from Imam Ibn Qudāmah

Nomad78 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:59:38 -0000

Nowadays it is actually a spken covenant. Your visa to enter the country is a contract between you and the country.

Re: Al Malik - The King and Owner of Dominion

Nomad78 — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:53:51 -0000

لا فض فوك

Literally mean "I hope your mouth does not come unraveled" it is an expression that means you are very well spoken and I hope you continue to be so

Re: Appreciate your Parents

Nomad78 — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:52:02 -0000

Salam,

I really do hope this doesn't happen. This place has been a great arena for intellectual discussions.

Re: Appreciate your Parents

Nomad78 — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:18:51 -0000

Salam,
there has been a problem with the site the past couple of days and that's why I have two similar responses posted, so it might be just a technical error that your response was deleted.
I pray to Allah that your heart remains strong as you deal with your parents, my wife is going through the same thing and I am trying my best to support her.
I am not offended at all brother and I think that you do bring up a very valid point. You are right the khutbah I posted did not necessarily address the issue but that's because deeper issues that relate to abuse need to be addressed on a more personal and professional level. I have in the past eluded to the fact that we need more Islamic psychiatrists/counselors that take this approach and help people navigate the difficult emotions that result from abuse from such a close person.
Parents are still humans and mistake prone. I was just trying to help by exploring ones' self. If after reading the Khutbah a person still feels that he/she is doing all those things but still being abused by their parents then the issue might be greater than a few words of wisdom and they need to have a sit down talk with either a sheikh that is known to have the ability to speak with people about their issues or an Islamic counselor or a social worker to help address their concerns rather than let them fester.
Again, I always appreciate the dialogue that takes place on this website and I appreciate your honest reply and comments.
Stay strong brother.
Nomad78

Re: Appreciate your Parents

Nomad78 — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:58:53 -0000

Salam,
The issue of abuse of a child by a parent is one that quite honestly would require professional intervention and counseling. I am not denying abuse done by the parents nor am I trying to make light of such issues.
The khutbah I posted was more about the issue I see most the time which is miscommunication. The fresh prince's "parents just don't understand" attitude is more often than not the reason why we see the generational divide and both parent and child not communicating leading to the relationship's demise.
Listen, there are almost 40 years between my father and I and we had our fair share of arguments and "fights" but as I grow older and as I, alhamdullilah, become more understanding of our beautiful religion I come to realize the high position parents hold in the sight of Allah, a position that only humbles the mind and soul. In alot of these circumstances where parent and child don't seem to connect, one must look inwards and work on his/her own issues (whether parent or child). I thought that this was more of what Farzan was eluding to and that perhaps a gentle reminder of our role as children would help give her patience with a difficult parent or a parent that "just don't understand"
And let me reiterate that cases of abuse that led to psychological damage are not ones to be taken lightly and I think a counselor, preferably with a good understanding of the Islamic religion, is best fit to answer.

Re: Appreciate your Parents

Nomad78 — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:17:32 -0000

Salam,
My intention was to give some ways for the respectful conduct with parents. I am by no means denying situations of abuse by the parent and quite frankly when a matter like this is present the best way to deal with it is through professional counseling.
The reminder I put here was for the majority of the situations I have seen where the fall out happens because of communication problems that are more often than not due to generational gaps. There are almost 40 years between my father and I and we had our fair share of arguments. As I got older and Alhamdullilah understand my religion more, I understand that at times you have to let your own hot temper go and please your parents as long as it is within the paradigm of our religion. It is harder but more rewarding to look inwards and see what is really the reason for the problems between the generations.
Having said that, I will reiterate that there are cases of abuse that go beyond the inability to communicate and those cases need professional intervention.
Nomad78

Re: Appreciate your Parents

Nomad78 — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:00:40 -0000

Salam,
I do not have it recorded but if you'd like it in that format I believe I can do it on my computer.
Nomad78

Re: Appreciate your Parents

Nomad78 — Sun, 17 May 2009 13:50:20 -0000

Salam,
This is a khutbah I have done in the past (My khutbahs are usually a combination of translation froma respected sheikh (such as Qaradawi) and other works published. I try to limit my own "two cents" when giving khutbah because of the grave responsibility associated with it. Having said that, I think that would at least lead you into different venues to explore answers about more personal issues. I hope it helps.

All praise is due to Allaah, Who has endowed His servants with blessed times, and guided whomever He wills to make use of them, and diverted from them whomever He wills, of those who were given to loss and regret. I testify that there is no god but Allaah, Who has no partners. He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Bountiful, the Generous, and the Openhanded. I testify that Muhammad is Allaah’s servant and Messenger, the best of all mankind. May Allaah bless him, his family, Companions and those who follow them on the right path, until the Day of Resurrection.
قُلْ تَعَالَوْا أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ مِنْ إِمْلَاقٍ ۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ
[151] Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawâhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allâh has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islâmic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.- Surah al-An'am ayah 151
In this ayah, Allah SWT has listed a variety of commandments. The scholars are agreed that these commandments have been mentioned in order of their importance. Obviously, worshiping Allah SWT alone is the most important of all commands. Immediately following this in importance is beautiful conduct to parents. The commentators on the Quran have linked this to the role of the parents in cherishing and bringing children up which is a reflection of Allah SWT's cherishing and sustaining of all creation. Because parents reflect qualities of Allah SWT, we must treat them in the most beautiful manner even as we treat Him in the most beautiful manner.
So, Islam has greatly emphasized the issue of loving and respecting the parents, the father and the mother. In our infancy and childhood, we needed the protection, love and nurturing of the parents; but when they become old, they need us to protect them and take care of them. Allah says in surat Al-Isra’a
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا (23)
وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُلْ رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
23] And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. [24] And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young." (17:23-24)
Also notice that Allah SWT has mentioned beautiful conduct to parents immediately after serving Him alone.
The Quran, brothers and sisters, has a number of things to say about a Muslim's obligations to parents.
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ (14)
وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا ۖ وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years - give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination
[15] But if they (both) strive/try hard/make every effort with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.- Surah Luqman ayat 14-15
It is an established principle in Islam that there is no obedience to any created thing (such as another person) that entails disobedience to Allah SWT. Thus a Muslim must not obey if his or her parent calls him to polytheism. Yet even in this case, Muslims are commanded to "keep company with them both ... in an honorable manner."
Also notice that Allah SWT has particularly mentioned the sacrifices a mother makes for her child as she goes through pregnancy and labor and as she nurses and weans him. Allah SWT has also mentioned thankfulness to parents in the same sentence as thankfulness to Him.
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا ۖ وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
[15] And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."- Surah al-Ahqaf ayah 15
In this ayah, we can see that beautiful conduct to parents includes praying on their behalf. Also, Allah SWT again mentions the beautiful conduct that parents are due. He has also again made mention of the difficulties that a mother has no choice but to endure during her pregnancy and labor, and during the period that she nurses and weans her child.
Parents, brothers and sisters, are due thankfulness, obedience, and gentleness towards their faults. If they command something contrary to Islam, they must not be obeyed yet even in that circumstance a Muslim must keep up good ties with them and consort with them honorably. He or she should never speak a harsh word to them or otherwise abuse them but instead should forgive them and ask Allah SWT to forgive them. Other actions that have been particularly mentioned are including parents in prayers and taking care of them when they are elderly. This is what is meant by the "beautiful conduct" “Ihsan”that Allah SWT has commanded regarding parents.
However, out of the two, the mother has been given greater priority as far as kindness is concerned.
Mothers are one of the means by which Allah SWT exercises His creation. Beyond what she is due as a parent, a mother is additionally due special feelings of reverence and dutifulness. This is because of the difficulties that she suffered during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. The Prophet (sAas) has particularly instructed that mothers are due the best conduct
جاء رجل يسأل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من أحق الناس بحسن صحابتي قال : أمك قال : ثم من قال : أمك قال : ثم من قال : أمك قال : ثم من قال : أبوك متفق عليه أخرجه البخاري ومسلم
Once a man came to the Prophet of Islam and asked: "Who is the most deserving of the best of my company?" The Prophet replied, "Your mother." The man asked again, "Then whom?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." Then the man asked again, "Then whom?" The Prophet replied, "Your mother." Then the man asked for the fourth time, "Then whom?" the Prophet replied, "Your father."
The Prophet (sAas) has also discussed how Muslims are to treat their parents, and a number of sayings have been reported from him on this matter.
فِي الصَّحِيحَيْنِ عَنْ اِبْن مَسْعُود رَضِيَ اللَّه عَنْهُ أَنَّهُ قَالَ : سَأَلْت رَسُول اللَّه صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَيّ الْعَمَل أَفْضَل ؟ قَالَ الصَّلَاة عَلَى وَقْتهَا قُلْت ثُمَّ أَيّ ؟ قُلْ بِرّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ قُلْت ثُمَّ أَيّ ؟ قَالَ الْجِهَاد فِي سَبِيل اللَّه قَالَ اِبْن مَسْعُود : حَدَّثَنِي بِهِنَّ رَسُول اللَّه صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَلَوْ اِسْتَزَدْته لَزَادَنِي
The following is narrated by Abdullah ibn Masud by way of Abu Amr ash-Shaybani:
I asked the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which action Allah loves best. He replied, "Prayer at its proper time." I asked, "Then what?" He said, "Then beautiful conduct to parents." I asked, "Then what?" He replied, "Then jihad in the Way of Allah." He told me about these things. If I had asked him to tell me more, he would have told me more.
This report is similar to what has been mentioned beautiful conduct to parents is second only to worship of Allah SWT as an obligation on Muslims. Notice also that beautiful conduct to parents takes precedence even over jihad!
( قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم :
ألا أنبئكم بأكبر الكبائر ؟
قال : قلنا بلى يا رسول الله . قال : الإشراك بالله و عقوق الوالدين و كان متكئاً فجلس فقال : ألا و قول الزور و شهادة الزور فما زال يقولها حتى قلنا : لا يسكت . لفظ حديث خالد رواه البخاري في الصحيح عن إسحاق بن شاهين و أخرجه مسلم من وجه آخر عن سعيد عن الجريري .).
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Shall I tell you which is the worst of the major wrong actions?" They replied, "Yes, Messenger of Allah." He said, "Associating something else with Allah and disobeying parents." He had been reclining, but then he said up and said, "And false witness."
This is the obvious corollary of the previous hadith; if beautiful conduct to parents is second only to worshiping Allah SWT alone as an obligation, then disobedience to parents should clearly be second only to polytheism as a sin.
عن معاوية بن جاهمة السلمي أن جاهمة جاء إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( يا رسول الله أردت أن أغزو وقد جئت استشيرك ، قال : هل لك من أم ؟ قال: نعم قال : فالزمها فإن الجنة عند رجليها ) [رواه أحمد والنسائي].
Jahmah: I said to the Holy Prophet, "O Messenger of Allah, I desire to go on a (military) expedition and I have come to consult you." He asked me if I had a mother, and when I replied that I had, he said, "Stay with her because Paradise lies beneath her feet."

2nd khutbah
The following is narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr:
عن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص رضي الله عنهما قال: ( جاء رجل إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يبايعه فقال: إنّي جئت أبايعك على الهجرة ولقد تركت أبوي يبكيان، قال: ارجع إليهما فأضحكهما كما أبكيتهما ) [رواه أبو داود والنسائي] .
A man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and made a pledge to him that he would do hijra (emigration). He left his parents who were in tears. The Prophet said, "Go back to them and make them laugh as you made them weep."
Hijra is to emigrate from a non-Muslim land to a Muslim land, and is considered an extremely meritorious act. Yet service to parents takes precedence even over this!
The preceding hadiths all apply generally to both parents and explain what is meant by the Quran's command for "beautiful treatment" of parents. The hadiths also follow the Quran in showing a certain preference for the mother.
One hadith already cited above says, "Stay with [your mother], because Paradise is at her feet."
From this, we can see the special position that mothers have, which has been indicated by the Quran. The word translated as dutifulness is in Arabic birr, a word that is also translated as "piety", that is, dutifulness to Allah SWT. Here again, parents (and in particular mothers) are due the same kind of honor in our feelings that we give to Allah SWT, because of what they reflect of His qualities.
After worshiping Allah SWT alone, beautiful conduct to parents is the next most important duty for a Muslim. Considering that mothers are due this conduct even before fathers, it is no wonder that the Prophet (sAas) also said that Paradise is at the feet of mothers!
Dear Muslim! Struggle and sacrifice for the sake of parents includes serving them and assisting them financially, especially if one is well off while they are impoverished. Obedience to parents requires being at their beck and call, complying to what they command or forbid, as they are more keen to advise what is best for you than yourself, your friends and your company. You should then hearken to their directions and obey them in doing good. When one of them orders you to do something, you should reply as Ismaa’iel replied to his father Ibraahiem “ … O my father! do as thou art commanded …” (Assaffaat : 102)

You should address your parents gently and politely and consult them in your affairs, and make many supplications for them and ask Allaah to forgive their sins. You should not raise your voice in their presence, nor look at them angrily or with contempt. You should not wave with your hands when you talk to them, nor interrupt them when they speak. You should not argue with them, tell them lies, nor travel except after taking their permission. All of these are some aspects of being kind and dutiful to parents.

O Muslims! Kindness to parents requires you to speak to them using honorable speech i.e., saying something good to them with esteem and respect, and to lower the wing of humility out of mercy to them, in all your words and deeds. Act towards them politely without feeling discontent, whether you like it or not. Many children think that kindness to parents is only practiced when it coincides with their own desires. However, kindness to parents cannot be achieved except by doing what pleases them, even if it is against the tendencies of the children.
Your parents, O Muslims, are the most compassionate of all people to you and the most forbearing of your faults. Many times they overlook your mistakes and forgive you. They struggle in life in order for you to feel happy and trouble themselves in order that you may be at ease. They give to you in such a way that does not cause you to be indebted to them or in a way that hurts your feelings. They wish you long life. On the contrary, if you serve them and provide them with food, you make them feel indebted to you and you anticipate their death in order to be relieved of their service.
It was narrated by Muhammad bin Sirin that he said: “During the Caliphate of 'Uthman bin 'Affan, the price of palm-trees reached 1000 dirhams. Usamah bin Zaid, may Allaah be pleased with him, headed for a palm-tree that he cut off, extracted its core and fed to his mother. The people said to him: What made you do that, while you know that the price of a palm-tree has reached 1000 dirhams, while its core does not equal 2 dirhams. He said: My mother asked me to bring it to her. I always bring her anything she asked me, as long as it was in my capacity”.

O Muslims! If your parents or one of them died while you did not fulfil your duties towards them and you regret it, you still have a chance to set things right. This can be done by asking Allaah's forgiveness and mercy for them, by giving charity on their behalf and visiting relatives they used to visit. This can also be done by visiting their friends and fulfilling vows they made before their death. These and similar good deeds please parents after their death, since they alleviate their sins and increase their good deeds. It was narrated: “The parents of a servant of Allaah or one of them may die while he was unkind to them, but will later be regarded as a good son by Allaah. This is because of his frequent supplication to Allaah for them and his asking Allaah's forgiveness of their sins”.
And finally, remember brothers and sisters that It is an established principle in Islam that there is no obedience to any created thing (such as another person) that entails disobedience to Allah SWT. Thus a Muslim must not obey if his or her parent calls him to polytheism. Yet even in this case, Muslims are commanded to "keep company with them both ... in an honorable manner."

Re: The Fall Out Of Hijra: The Fallacy Of The Hijra Fatwa Strikes Back At Our People

Nomad78 — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:42:42 -0000

"Al-Amriykiy? Why would someone not an arab use that name tells alot about a person's self respect"
I am sorry brother but this is a silly comment. We were five Ahmads in college and we went by Ahmed Ilfalastiniy, Illubnany, Ilmasri........etc. Plus Salman, RA, is known as Al-Farisi.
Nomad78

Re: The Fall Out Of Hijra: The Fallacy Of The Hijra Fatwa Strikes Back At Our People

Nomad78 — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:13:08 -0000

Salam,
One of the things I like about this website is the balance it presents in the issues discussed on its forum. This is obviously a serious issue that everyone needs to be aware of and I can tell you of more horror stories I heard growing up in the so called "muslim" arabic world.
One reminder though. Please do not forget that the test the brothers have gone through, and Alhamdullillah their hearts were stabilized by the mercy of Allah, is a test that muslims go through regardless of where they are. The US and many other countries in the world do perform these kinds of unethical treatments and as they say in Arabic "Ma Khafi Kana Atham- what we don't know is even more/greater". Just remember that these times we live in are a time of tests to our faith from both those who claim to be muslims and would lead you to hatred and extremism and those who would stick a label to you and persecute your faith.
Allahuma ya muthabit al quluba wal aqdam, thabbit qolobana ala dinik
Nomad78

Re: When the Levees Broke: Are Muslims Sellouts?

Nomad78 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:43:25 -0000

Salam,

Although I have not read all the comments my initial reaction to the post is that Islam is a way of life and can be lived by no matter what the geographical location is. Having a US or a British or whatever citizenship does not preclude you from being a muslim with that citizenry. And the privilege of having that citizenship comes with rights AND responsibilities.
This notion of living by Islam rules only in "muslim" countries is a product of the recent era of colonialism and the sown hatred towards western societies compounded by division within the "muslim" world.
The muslim world is this world we live in, anywhere anytime. So, if you are a muslim form this or that country and have moved to the west to live then this move comes with rights (the main reason why alot move to the US or Canada or Europe) and obligations. Start living your life as a muslim citizen of the country you live in.....vote and have your voice heard.
I saw some of the discussion about non-muslims right to build places of worship on "muslim" land and the best answer to that is Sheikh Qaradawi's most recent fatwa.
Salam,
Nomad78 (a muslim immigrant "actively" living in the US and still concerned for my home country and the US foreign policies towards it)

Re: When the Levees Broke: Are Muslims Sellouts?

Nomad78 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:31:23 -0000

Salam,

It is not the fragility of Islam but rather the insecurity of the muslims.
I agree with your comment J

Nomad78

Re: If You’re a Muslim Convert, Read This.

Nomad78 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:04:11 -0000

Salam,
Sr. Aischa, my wife is in the same predicement and I hope this answer will help a little bit with your thought process about this.
Neurogenetically speaking there is no such a gene as "gay" gene no matter how much they talk about it in the media. Geneticist will tell you that you have, and this is based on Drosophila studies, a "sex" gene. We are born with sexual desire but that desire whether is for man or woman is formed by post-translational modification.
Meaning the "sex" protein produced is influenced by the actions of the person.
Always remember, لا يكلف الله نفسا الا وسعها (Allah will not burden a soul more than it can handle) and will never create you with a defect and then ask you to overcome it.
Allah knows best

Re: subama

Nomad78 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:11:00 -0000

Sheikh,
I would recommend getting a new photographer; their use of the lighting is really bad and we can't really see your face.

Re: How Does One Enter Al-Azhar?

Nomad78 — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:49:38 -0000

Salam,
You mention exhausting your resources here imo the US before deciding on going to Al-azhar, can you make recommendation on where to start? I am honestly very intereted in sponsoring, creating a scholarship fund for, a brilliant brother here in our little town to become an Imam for our locale but I was thinking Egypt would be best from an economic perspective beside the obvious benefits of studying at Al-azhar. Do you think you can give me an estimate of how much it costs (all together, school and living expenses) per year for a single man?
He is an Arab born and raised in the US and he speaks Arabic fluently and MashAllah has an interest in the religion and is like a sponge. Can you please advise?
Nomad78

Re: Calling Out All MAS Youth Chapters

Nomad78 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:31:32 -0000

Well, no YM or MAS in my lonely little town but the hearts of the few members are big enough Alhamdullillah. Maybe I will have my 5 month old daughter start something!!?? never too early.
Sheikh, we are working on a project to build a new masjid to replace the one we have because Alhamdullillah we're growing. Inshallah we can sway you to come over here and give the opening Khutbah. No worries, we have Egyptians here and I'll spare you the shami ful (even though you really are missing out)
Everybody make Dua for us please!
Salam,
Nomad78

Re: Convert Outflux?

Nomad78 — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:47:41 -0000

Salam,
Personally I like Ful from Sham better than the Iskandarani kind just becuase I am biased for where I came from, but that's a whole 'nother discussion (I am messing with you brother).
I am not trying to shove things under the rug, nor am I trying to turn a blind eye to issues that do plague our communiy and Allahu A3lam of what I have been through and what I have tried to do w\ith both sides. All I am saying, and I am starting to realize that whatever I am trying to say is just not coming across correctly, is that what I, and some others who have "percieved" the post as venting by Sheikh Suhaib, were taking a back by again the "percieved" tone. My comment was only on the way the post came across not on the content. The "thick skin" remark was in reference to again what I thought was venting due to hurtful comments.
I am not trying to cross the principles of "adab" or mannerism in my gentle comment to the respected Sheikh. I am but a student who is questioning to learn, not to just question.
Have it be known that my house and my heart is open for any and all muslims.
Nomad78

Re: Convert Outflux?

Nomad78 — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:30:43 -0000

Salam,
My intention is not to bottle things up brother. What I meant to say is that someone who is influential such as yourself should exercise a little more caution in writing the Op Ed piece because emotions, impressions and opinions can be read between the lines and the demeanor behind the written piece can be miscontrued.
I am not trying in any way to be preachy akhi and I am glad that you can see the sincerity of my intentions in writing this.
Nomad78