The fragility of life

 On both macro and micro levels, we are reminded of the fragility of life, that what we take for granted now will be out of our hands at any moment. People die every day, from both natural and unnatural causes, at times when it is expected as well as sudden (and seemingly) random. 

Seeing certain things on the macro and micro levels recently have made me think about this, even my own particular life circumstances, and on top of this an unexpected death of a longtime friend occurred, and by the time I learned of it, it was too late to make arrangements to attend the janazah (funeral prayers).

The local press had published details of his death, and surprisingly very little biographical information. His work in the religious realm, even translating classical and modern texts from Arabic to English, as either head or worker in various organizations that dealt with the serious issues of society, was unmentioned. Only his age and a handful of comments showing his generosity was shared. 

Perhaps in recent years he has not emphasized his past accomplishments, or there were limitations to what can and can't be published in a death notice.  We would often speak on books, theological points, politics and a host of other topics. Hè was a very intelligent and articulate believer in Allah and in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the messenger of Allah. 

There are some lessons I have derived from this news (of his death), lessons that are applicable to everyone. It should be noted that death is NEVER an accident, at least in the sense of Allah's power. In other words, death happens when God has meant or willed for it to happen. Qur'an asserts that None can delay it or advance it, it happens as God wills it to happen ( Q 16:61).

(1) Do not delay in keeping up with loved ones

Tomorrow is not guaranteed. All of us can easily depart from this world. Thus, it is important to keep up with your loved ones. There will be so much regret when those persons are gone. This world is very busy and stressful, but nonetheless we have to make time to maintain good ties with them. It could be something as simple as a weekly phone call or text message.  The friend in question sent me a text message the day before he died, but because of my own neglect I didn't reply, and now feel a bit of guilt. Thus. the lesson! 

(2) Drop the grudges

There are families broken apart over largely inconsequential items. This way of operating is quite unhealthy and leads to a stagnation whose impact can be felt for centuries. Some issues are necessary to "hold a grudge", but most are not. For those things which are not that weighty, a by-product of human error and the like, we should at least try to resolve them. One of the interesting teachings in Islam is that in Paradise, disputes, "vain talk" and the like are not present. (Q 19:62). In other words, the conflicts of the dunya should not (and actually will not) be transferred to the Akhirah. 

(3) Live your life

Enjoy life while you have it. This does not mean to be hedonistic, but rather to have wholesome life, in which you need not be a slave to the past. Many of us have been so burdened by trauma that we think we cannot escape it. We create excuses and even can engage (unknowingly) in self-sabotage, creating (illogical) excuses not to go forward with life. The famous Arab poet and philosopher Khalil Gibran has articulated this lesson succinctly: "Travel, and don't inform anyone. Live a real love story, and don't inform anyone, because people (tend to) ruin beautiful things".

There are always changes of failure in particular endeavors, however fear from doing anything makes failure a guaranteed outcome! 

Indeed, with the recently deceased friend, this was something he was very much doing in the months preceding his death. 

(4) Keep up with your spiritual life

The main avenue for spiritual maintenance is of course the five daily prayers as observed by Muslims. This activity is the main vehicle by which we connect to Allah. Avoid the prohibited actions as articulated in the Islamic sources, and keep with other practices such as reciting "None deserves worship except Allah" (Laa elaaha ill Allah) before sleeping. After all, if we do indeed pass away in sleep, having our last words be the words of testimony of faith is actually a blessing. 

(5) Goodly company

Death is guaranteed, and as believers we believe in the power, existence and authority of God. Thus, while here, we should have in our circle those who help in the development of our souls, our character and morals. This is particularly important in the romantic realm. 

This article concludes with a prayer that Allah grant our friend (whose name I will omit), the Shaikh, paradise, forgiveness for any faults, Divine Mercy and provision. Indeed, we pray this same wish reaches all believers, men and women, old and young, who depart from this world. Ameen. 

Losing control: an Islamic perspective

[ Note: The following is an edited version of the Friday Khutbah given 9/216 at Toledo Masjid Al-Islam.]

Opening remarks

All of us want to feel in control. We want to control our time, income flow, even health, and many of us can become obsessive over these things. However, we should ask what happens if and when we that control is removed?

All religions seek to give guidance to their adherents on issues of losing control, particularly at death. These religions have a particular viewpoint on what happens after death and gives inspirational slogans for those experiencing it as well as those loved ones around that person. This situation is not the only time when control is lost. What about experiencing the loss of a job, social standing, marriage, heart disease or cancer, non life threatening, but beyond the control of a person. What does religion say to these matters?

Look at Prophet Muhammad

We have to look at Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings, because Allah made him the model whose struggles provide first hand a deep perspective on these things. We have to pay particular attention to what Allah [Soobhaanahu wa ta'alaa] told his Prophet when he [i.e. The Prophet] was facing things seemingly beyond his ability to handle.

"Say: I have no power for myself to bring neither harm nor benefit, expect as God wills.." [Q 10:43]. Think of that. Recall when the Prophet [Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam] went to Ta'if, the leaders sent a youthful mob to stone him. It is said that the Prophet's shoes were overflowing with blood. The Prophet had no control there. A man can fight maybe one or two persons, yet he would be practically helpless against a mob. Allah tells him to say that he only operates within the limits given to him, and repeatedly in the Qur'an, Allah tells the Prophet to state this in public.

The Prophet was successful

Look at the Prophet. Despite years of all those things, he never became hateful or despondent or bitter. When he overcame the enemy in their capital [Makkah], he issued a general amnesty which extended even to the leadership which had led the charge against him for so many years.

This attitude and thinking are centered within the Divine Reality, the Prophet was blessed to see big picture, and that made him triumphant, even from a worldly perspective.

The whole of the Quranic message is a message of acknowledging limited control


The entirety of the revelation is a reminder that God is in ultimate control, however there are two verses which I would like particularly highlight.

"Whatever We [Allah] cancels of signs, or makes forgotten, We [i..e Allah] replace it something better or [atleast] comparable." [Q 2:106]

مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا  

If God's plan is that we face one loss or another, be it in occupation, marriage, death of loved ones, the Sunnah of Allah is that eventually healing comes with a better situation. Thus, the verse ends "Don't you know that truly Allah is powerful over all.?" [Q 2:106]

This sentiment is strengthened in the next ayah:
أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللّهَ لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ

"Don't you know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the Heavens and the Earth, and that other than him you have none to give you protection [Walee] nor any to give you victory [Naseer]?" [Q 2:107]

So don't lose your mind or your balance when things happen, because it is all in the hands of Allah anyways. Have confidence that Allah will take care of you. That does not mean a defeatist mentality.

You do your best to secure your income and and happiness by your own efforts, by your own sweat you seek your own rights. Seek to improve your health by proper diet and exercise. Yet, remember that these things can be taken away, yet Allah says that he replaces them.

In terms of death, it is not an accident. It happens at the right time for all parties concerned. Similarly, the giving or removing of power, wealth, prestige, all occur by the decree of God when it is best for all.

Remember that, and be guided. Or, we should say, remember that, because that is an indicator of proper guidance.

Lingering concerns: implications on the death of Osama Bin Laden

The last three days have seen- quite justly-much discussion in the world following the Sunday raid on a compound in Abbotobad, Pakistan [Three hour drive outside of Islamabad, the former has been wrongly described by US officials as a "suburb" of Islamabad] that led to the point blank shooting death of a reportedly unarmed Osama Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attack on the US.

Governments and organizations worldwide have rushed to offer their congratulations to President Obama for authorizing the mission, at great political risk, these words of felicitation have even come from political foes, such as Sarah Palin.Spontaneous celebrations were seen outside the White House, in New York at the WTC site, and throughout college campuses and public sites all over the nation.


Bin Laden death changes nothing

The whole world has seemingly been captivated by details of the raid, the living arrangements for the fugitive, and his "respectful" burial at sea. Yet, the truth of the matter is, is that Osama Bin Laden was largely irrelevant to the Muslims! He was widely seen as a perpetrator of violence against not only Western targets, but also against Muslims. Indeed, the ideology he believed in essentially makes Takfeer [declaring Muslims as non Muslims, which, in the view of those making the declarations, justifies their deaths and confiscation of property]. Pakistan has suffered THE most at the hands of these type of ideologies.

Moreover, the Arab world has witnessed great changes. The dictators, both the darlings of Western interests [such as Hosni Mubarak and Tunisia's Zain ul'Abideen Ben 'Ali] as well as their traditional foes [i.e. the maverick "Brother leader" Mu'ammar Al-Qadhdhafi] are basically on their way to the wayside. The peoples of the Arab world have finally realized that they CAN be successful at changing their leaders and changing the system that has, for so long, deprived them of political freedoms, economic opportunities, and social justice. This change was in no way inspired by Bin Laden's views or similar ideologies[ft.1].


Part of the appeal that Bin Laden may have had in the past was two fold [A] He was seen as a Robin Hood type figure, a rich man from a wealthy backround [one needs only be in Saudi Arabia for one hour before seeing the family name on one building or another] who abandoned a comfortable life to join in struggles against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. [B] The undeniable fact that the majority of the Muslim world, and especially the Arab world, has suffered setback after setback, not to mention the usurpation of Palestine, at the expense of native [Arab] Palestinians, leading to constant wars, invasions, military attacks, the disruptions of economies, etc.., coming from outside. A situation that people get tired of.


These problems, briefly outlined in Line "B" above, are still largely unresolved. Indeed, the recent decision by Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah to reconcile and form some sort of united government has led to Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to actually say "You cannot have peace with both Israel and Hamas". Kashmir still exists as a problem, which has been unresolved since partition. Western support for dictatorships that crush local aspirations in the hopes of securing Oil interests still pose a problem. Pakistan, while a US ally, still feels the almost daily drone attacks on villages, and Afghanistan still suffers from conflict.

Rather than celebrating the death of a single man, policy makers have to look beyond that, and address the REALISTIC CAUSES THAT ALLOWED SUCH FIGURES TO COME INTO EXISTENCE IN THE FIRST PLACE. {fT 2}


Killing Bin Laden in such a fashion will prove counter-productive

As of date, government officials have not yet announced whether photos of Bin Laden's corpse will be released. There has already been at least two unofficial pictures I have seen, one of which looks nothing like him. Others have made similar observations, and of course there will be conspiracy theories about what happened for years to come. To avoid all of that, it would have been better to capture him alive and have him stand on trial, for the whole world to witness, or at the very least, for the American public.

To just send in a military group into a house, in Pakistan, without the knowledge or permission of Pakistani authorities, shoot him in the head, shoot some others, and then dump his body in the Ocean, appears just as it is, a vigilante' move, one which leaves the door open for revenge by Bin Laden supporters, for more resentment, even for those unsympathetic to Bin Laden, to the US, leading to more and more problems which, quite frankly, the nation cannot afford.

It has been pointed out that he was never officially indited on charges relating to 9/11 in the first place. Be that as it may, he WAS charged in connection to the attack on the USS COLE, as well as the attacks on the embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. He could have stood trial for those!


Conclusion

What's done is done! Nothing can change what happened Sunday in the early hours in Abbotobad. It is our hope that, just as Afghan President Hamid Karzai pointed out, this will lead to the ceasing of air attacks on sites in his nation [and Pakistan as well, we may add], and the end to the war in Iraq. The residents of those nations don't need it, neither do US soldiers need it. The wars have placed an incredible burden, both human and financial, on the United States. It is only in the best interests of all concerned that such ventures cease and desist, so we can have a peaceful world.

Footnotes

[1] One of the videos which started the Egypt protests, leading to the overthrow of the Mubarak regime, was that done by a woman, asking viewers to come protest the arrest of some friends and the beating of others. She spoke of "honor" and other such themes, and quoted the Qur'an, urging people to stand up. I have been unable to find this video again, perhaps a reader can find it and post it in the comments section. Regardless, the Takbeer, religious chants and Quranic references were all made at various points by the protesters during the process which ultimately led to the unseating of Mubarak.


[2] While issues surrounding Palestine and other US foreign policy choices are big factors leading to terrorism, other issues include left over resentment of colonialism, local grievances, and- to an great deal, the rise of sectarianism in the Muslim world. The latter is usually blamed on "Wahhabism", being exported by Saudi Arabia to other nations. Heavily focused on theological purity, Neo-Salafis and Pseudo-Salafis have been blamed for much of the problems within Pakistan, wherein Mosques of various sects [Shi'i, Ahmadi and other Sunnis], as well as shrines and religious processions, have suffered both gun and bomb attacks. In the years following the US invasion of 'Iraq, Sunni-Shi'ah warfare was especially tense, although it has died down somewhat in recent times. Many observers have made claims that various Western interests were actually instigating such feuds, and while there may be some truth to this claim, there is no doubt in the mind of this writer that many of these actions were perpetuated by Muslims against other Muslims!

Death: an Islamic perspective

Introduction

The end of physical life, be that of our loved ones and even of our selves, is not a pleasant thought. It is a frightening reality that cannot be escaped. At best, it can only be delayed. It is an emotionally draining experience for the survivors of a deceased loved one. It is our intention here to share a summary of Islamic teachings on death, and its aftermath. This is by no means intended to be a comprehensive review of all the texts, nor does this writer claim to be mistake free in his understanding and perceptions of this most sensitive issue.

The ceasing of one existence in exchange for another

The physical body we have and enjoy will at some point cease to exist. The end is determined by God, in his infinite wisdom, and it happens only when it is appropriate for the deceased as well as for family/society surrounding that person[s]. The Qur'an says that it cannot be delayed or advanced, and will eventually catch up with us [Q 4:11, 40:68].

With the end of the physical existence in this material world, another one opens up. Known by many names throughout all cultures, this reality is called the Akhirah ["afterlife"] by Muslims, and indeed this is a designation given throughout the Qur'an. The physical body will not be making that journey into the Akhirah, rather it is the eternal, true essence [Nafs] of the individual that will experience the Akhirah.

The Nafs

The Nafs is the lasting component of the person. As mentioned earlier, it is really eternal. In this regards, it is important to make the following connections that can only be found in the Qur'an, the scripture given to the Prophet Muhammad, Allah's final Prophet and messenger to all mankind, the deliver of "all truth". The Qur'an commands Muslims in the following manner;

"And when afflicted with a calamity, believers say 'surely, we belong to Allah, and to him is our return."[Qur'an 2:156]

In Arabic, the sentence is Inna Lillaahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raaji'oon. This sentence has come to be recited even when losing an item such as keys and when annoyed. Yet, here we are concerned about the Qur'anic command to recite this, to recall this fact, when receiving or thinking about the death of someone else. Why should we recite this statement? Because it serves as a reminder to the survivor[s] that the deceased is in the presence of God, the possession of God. Such knowledge is important because according to the Qur'an:

"What is in your possession will vanish, and what is with Allah is lasting [Baaq]." [Qur'an 16:96]

Thus, while the physical host of the Nafs eventually deteriorates, the Nafs itself, the container of all that made that person unique, the good and the bad, the personality and the jokes, are all "preserved" in the Divine presence. This reminder should give solace and strength to the deceased, and we hope that when it is our turn to expire, we remember these Quranic assertions as well. God knows all the actions, beliefs, attitudes of all in his dominion.

The fate of the Nafs

While some faiths believe in reincarnation or in the migration of souls, Islam views each and every single NAFS as unique, in the same way fingerprints are, and has only one turn in this world.

It is the actions, morals etc..that play the greatest part in determining the fate of the Nafs. To use a scriptural analogy, if the 'scale of deeds' weigh in the best direction, then that person will have quite a pleasant fate, in what we call heaven or paradise. The one whose life has been spent in selfish pursuits, with no consideration for ethics and morals, with little in the form of good deeds to be placed on that scale, then their destination will not be the same as those whose scale weighs very heavy in the good deeds.

Then, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) heavy,
Will be in a Life of good pleasure and satisfaction.
But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light - Will have his home in a (bottomless ) Pit.
And what will explain to thee what this is? (It is) a Fire blazing fiercely!

Qur'an 101:5-11

Descriptions of Heaven and Hell are figurative

The Qur'an repeatedly uses the phraseMathal ["expression", "parable", "similitude"] when describing the soul's fate in Jannah [paradise] or Jahannam [Hell]. References can be found in 2:25-26, 13:35 and very clearly in 47:15.

Moreover, when one thinks about it, the descriptions of paradise as having rivers, houses, springs, are all things we have to work for in this world. God uses such language to describe realities that we have not faced in this world. The same can be said of Hell, universally seen as a blazing fire. A fire is prepared, kindled, by the striking of rocks in the correct manner, by matches or fuel etc...! It is also 'earned'!

Perhaps heaven and hell are descriptions of soul perceptions, "projections" directed by Divine will due to the actions of the said soul.

Theology as a basis for heaven and hell

It should be noted here that the famous John 3:16 text of the Christian text, which basically assigns all non Christians to perdition, has no equivalent in the Qur'an. God created the Muslims and the Non-Muslims, and the Qur'an makes it clear that he cares for and nourishes all, including the Non-Muslims. Indeed, this fact is recited daily [Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil 'aal ameenin prayers.

The Qur'an tells us [ see 2:62, 5:69] that certain non-Muslim religious communities are essentially destined for his good graces. The reason is simple..their basic actions constitute the foundation needed for building a place in Jannah. The above referenced texts assert those prerequisites are belief and good deeds.

Now, it should be noted that this does not mean that the theology held by Christians or Jews are seen as correct according to the Qur'an. It only shows Divine mercy and justice, even in the midst of ideological errors. As I type this article, I am wearing a white shirt, but what if someone mistakenly says its black? Well, I can correct them, but even if they refuse the correction, should I hate that person? Would that be reasonable?

Returning to the criterion for God's paradise for a moment, the Qur'an also says “[God swears ] By the time, surely, humans are in consistent loss, except those who believe, do righteous works, and enjoin mutual [calling to] truth, and mutual [reminders of ] patience: [103:1-3]"


We hope to be among those whose scale is full of good deeds, of faith in Allah, receiving mercy and guidance always. Ameen!

Muslim Americans, what now? thoughts on the the impact of W.Deen Mohammed and the future

The death of Imam W.Deen Mohammed, long time fixture in the Muslim American community, sent shock waves nationwide, affecting not only his followers, but the wider Muslim community as well. He was widely seen as a source of stability and confidence for U.S.Muslims, particularly African-American Muslims, many of whom also saw in him a symbol of pride and independence.

His death has re-ignited interest in an oft-ignored African American Muslim community, and has also prompted questions as to the past, present and future image of Islam with a distinct American appearance.

Who was W.Deen Mohammed

Son of Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the 'Lost-found Nation of Islam' or simply Nation of Islam [NOI], a movement whose doctrines were a mixture of Islam, Christianity and a variety of race-based fictional accounts. It was founded in the days when discrimination and marginalization of Black Americans was a normal fact of life, also a time when various religious and political movements were vying for the Consciousness and loyalty of Blacks. Elijah Muhammad's interests were not religious alone. While he did view Christianity as a tool to put down Blacks, and Islam as a liberating religion for Blacks, he also had cultural, social and economic interests. He gave his followers the drive to be industrious, hard-working, and productive, opening a variety of restaurants, farms, and other business ventures. He advocated a rather unrealistis vision, complete separation of the races, that some land be set aside for Blacks only, for a Black nation!

It was this movement that produced well-known figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Although marginalized in historical accounts, this movement, despite its clearly odd patch job of a theology, played an important role in both the African-American struggle for human rights and the establishment of Islam in American life.


Upon the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975, his son Wallace [also known as Imam Warith-Deen ] became the leader of the NOI, and almost immediatly embarked on a program that led in the direction of accepting Orthodox Islam. Prayer, fasting, uncompromising Monotheism, all ignored in the days of his father, became the norm for his supporters.

Eventually, W.D. Mohammed dissolved all organizational structures, having for himself essentially a symbolic presence only, with no direct control of his followers' affairs. His style had an unique American approach. He seems to have sought to allow Muslims to be Muslims, while at the same time be American! This is a different approach from other Muslim movements, which finds acceptance of all things Western anathema to Islam. He was among the first American Muslim figures to encourage voting, and his preferred style of dress was a suit and tie, rather than a Jalabiyyah.

Of course there were many issues we can disagree with him about, but his impact cannot be denied. He was a sincere worker for the Islamic cause, with a mind of his own.

The future

The passing of Imam W.D. Mohammed reflects the natural changing of the guard. No longer should religion revolve around personalities. That has also been a uniquely American experience, but in Islam our religion is suppose to be about obedience to God above all else, about the Qur'an, the words of God and acting in accordance with justice and fair-play.


Rather than circling around a leader, I think the Muslims will, and actually should, broaden their religious interests, pursuing for themselves the avenues of knowledge and building for themselves all the goodly things needed for their lives and the well being of their communities. This was very apparent to me at the funeral, which I attended, when I saw Minister Louis Farrakhan [ft.1]. It hit me that he was the only other prominent fugure from those past days still active, who himself carried a charisma that is felt by Muslim Americans of all shades and backrounds.


American Muslims are in the process of creating their own identity. Times have changed, and Islam is no longer seen as a protest movement among Blacks. It is spreading fast among Whites and Latinos. Together with second-generation Muslims from Arab and South Asian backrounds, we will create something new and unique.

Muslims here will create their own clothing, that will conform to Islamic requirements as well as Western styles, in the same way Baju Melayu in Malaysia and the Shalwar kameez for the unique identity of Subcontinent Muslims. The future is very promising.

We will ask our readers to respect this process, to participate in this process, contribute to it and do not denigrate the past. We have seen that with the passing of Imam Mohammed, many have taken the oppurtunity to attack his personal, theological and political positions. This is not the time for that, as all that will do is create unneeded enmity and hatred. We ask our readers to put aside differences and to remember the Islamic principle of not speaking ill of the dead, especially one whose good actions outweighted any [percieved] wrong ones.


Footnote

[1] Louis Farrakhan broke away from W.D. Mohammed upon the latter's acceptance of orthodox Islam, and revived the teachings and program of Elijah Muhammad.