Towards Honest self-inventory: an Islamic perspective (Friday Khutbah)

 (Note: The following is an edited version of the Friday prayer service sermon conducted 12/10/21 at Masjid Ibrahim, Las Vegas, Nevada. The opening words of praise for God (hamd) have been omitted.)

Allah has created us to be different

The Friday prayer sermons from the last two weeks have dealt broadly with the subject of self-enrichment, and have posited the argument that Allah has created us to embody differences, not just in language and skin color, but personalities, interests, tastes, habits and the like. (ft.1)  

Similarly, we have looked at Abu Bakr and 'Umar b. Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with them. Abu Bakr was known to be very gentle and soft-hearted, whereas 'Umar was known to have a tough personality, yet, when they became the leaders of the Muslims after the death of the Prophet ( Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), they made contributions that led to the growth of the community, despite their unique traits.

A beautiful recollection of 'Umar

Years after he became Muslim, 'Umar recalled two incidents which made him laugh and cry respectively. One was an occasion in which he had done acts of worship to dates, a food item widely available in the middle east. Later on, upon getting hungry, he consumed these dates. This story has been shared often at our Sunday School classes, using the analogy of worship of a cereal box(ft.2). 

The reason he worshiped the dates is because that was the social norm at that time in the Arab peninsula. He sincerely believed these practices were legitimate. It should be noted that idolatry (shirk) takes on many forms globally, worship of food stuff being one of them.

The above made him laugh, but what made him cry? He recalled a time in which he had buried his baby daughter alive. This was also a practice common among the Arabs of that time. Upon honest reflection, he cried at this incident.

Exposure to Islam, as taught to him by no greater a figure than the Prophet Muhammad, caused him to engage in honest self-inventory. This did not diminish his courage, intelligence and strength. Islam made him look at himself, at his own actions, despite those actions having been the norm in Jaahili times, nonetheless it shows that he corrected himself. 

Islam advocates retaining and cultivating positive traits, and limiting, if not eliminating, negative ones. The ultimate source of judging such things is Divine guidance. "Blessed is He who has sent forth the Criterion (al-Furqaan) upon his servant, so it may serve as a warning to all nations." (Q 25:1)

تَبٰرَکَ الَّذِیۡ نَزَّلَ الۡفُرۡقَانَ عَلٰی عَبۡدِہٖ لِیَکُوۡنَ لِلۡعٰلَمِیۡنَ نَذِیۡرَا

What is Islam? Second section

Islam is more than a list of allowances and prohibitions. It is the summary of Divine guidance as conveyed to all the Prophets and messengers globally, and, as a side note, not restricted to one particular section of humanity. 

It is Allah's deen which should be the most important source of worldview. This does not negate unique identity, tastes and the like, as God has created us to be unique. Once we make Divine guidance, and not necessarily social or family expectations, the ultimate source, life becomes easier.

This does not mean we become angels or saints, but it means that Allah's deen, known as Islam, provides an unmatched safety net. Thus, the Qur'an says "and Allah invites towards a peaceful abode."( 10:25)وَ اللّٰہُ یَدۡعُوۡۤا اِلٰی دَارِ السَّلٰمِ

Allah wants stability and happiness for us. Allah's guidance is for our security in this life! 

It is imperative that we incorporate Islam into our lives and our worldviews. There are some simple things we can do, such as read Qur'an, even if just a little, once a week, be consistent in daily prayers, avoid the prohibited actions and items, all of which are clear, stay away from intoxicants of any kind, regardless of their legality, surround yourself with positivity, be clean and organized.

Footnotes

(1) The Friday prayer service sermons referenced are "self -diagnosis and enrichment" part one. found here and part two, found here

(2) Masjid Ibrahim offers quality Islamic education for children 6 and up. For more information, please contact the Masjid office at (702) 395-7013 or Masjidibrahimimam@gmail.com.

The Impact of Islam in Las Vegas: Submission in Sin City

For most, Las Vegas would seem to be the last place one would expect to find any religious interests, let alone the religion of Islam. This is where The Strip is famously located, as well as casinos. The Nightlife, with all its trappings, is what most think of when they hear about this city.

Yet, Islam is here! Muslims of all persuasions are present here. Although relatively small (an estimated 15,000 according to a local Imam), the Islamic religion is having an impact. While I cannot speak for other religious groups, or even other Muslim organizations locally, I can say with certainty that Islam is changing lives here, and for the better. This is a statement beyond affirmation of religious truths, but based on personal involvement and interactions, in the course of my duties at the mosque.

A summary of what attracts people to Islam in Las Vegas 

[1] Religious foundational clarity: The concept of Tauheed ( Recognizing that God is one and alone in deserving worship), devoid of confusing ideas present in other religious expressions.

(2) Discipline: I have heard this from a great many people here. The structure involved in daily prayers, fasting in the month of Ramadan, as well as the drive to beat the monsters of drug and gambling addictions. 

(3) Unique experiences: Some have had miraculous experiences, such as dreams and visions, which has led them to accept Islam. 

(4) Positive interactions with Muslims.

What does Masjid Ibrahim do to support this development?

We have made support to new Muslims, and the wider community in general, top priority. Some of our activities are listed below

(1) Friday prayer services.

(2) Weekly lessons from the Prophetic Hadeeth/Seerah.

(3) Islam 101, which focuses on the details of faith and practice.

(4) Sunday school for children.

(5) Spiritual rectification (Tazkiyatun Nafs) sessions.

(6) Monthly food distribution to the homeless.

(7) Personal and couples counseling.

(8) Communal and political involvement.

(9) Interfaith activities. 

A press article on the impact of the mosque is found at this link. Click here

How can you support Masjid Ibrahim?

Monthly pledges are best. Donations to the mosque are tax deductible, and certainly will be put to good use. We suggest a minimum monthly pledge of $100.  If sixty five people committed themselves to this amount, to be paid in a timely fashion, that would be sufficient for our needs.

Donations can be made at our secure website click here as well as onsite at our Kiosk and donation boxes. Checks and money orders can be made out to the following address

Masjid Ibrahim

3788 North Jones Blvd.

Las Vegas, Nevada 89108

702-395-7013.

Above you will find some images of mosque activities. Please note that some of the photos predate the COVID-19 restrictions, and that Masjid Ibrahim strictly enforces the Health guidelines, such as social distancing and mask-wearing.

An Ear Of Benefit: thoughts on the role of faith in the modern world

Last week I received a telephone call at my office. The caller expressed their gratitude for "all the efforts" I did which- according to them- changed their life for the better. The sentiments expressed by the caller was obviously heart-felt, and influenced me to think about the countless times such sentiments have been expressed by those who have been positively impacted by us in one sense or another. On a personal level, there is undoubtedly a sense of gratification, a sense of accomplishment, that our efforts achieve positive results, but it also made me recall a rather profound, if undervalued, statement in the Qur'an.

Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is (all) ear." Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.

The above is from Soorah 9:61, Abdullah Yusuf Ali translation. The Tafseer literature states that the hypocrites are those whom the Quranic verse above is mentioning, they used the expression "He is an ear" (Huwa Udhunun) to assert that Prophet Muhammad          صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ           did not have the ability to distinguish between those who are telling the truth and those who are lying to him.(ft.1).

In other words, they saw him as naive, as-at best- a useful fool. The Prophet's congenial and helpful nature was well known, even by those who would become his foes. He was known as someone who was very honest and trustworthy (As Saadiq and Al Amin), and was involved in activities designed to take care of the downtrodden(ft.2).

To the assertion that he is naive , the Qur'an says "Say: He is an ear, an ear of benefit to you" (Qul:Udhunu khayril lakum).  This is an extremly profound assertion. It is profound because it expresses the fact that there are people out there, blessed by God to function as blessings to others. Similarly, there are institutions out there, which function as a vehicle for the channeling of those blessings.

Long Term Benefit

People of faith want to be connected to those which will help them in developing their faith and to channel their positive impulses to that which is wholesome. Those who lack faith, or are simply oppurtunistic in nature, can only go after short term benefits, and only for selfish reasons. They cannot think in an alturistic manner. Such thinking is- according to the Qur'an, a consequence of having a diseased heart!

The nature of Prophet Muhammad is a nature that has so much love, goodness and mercy therein, even for those who may not necessarily agree with his prophetic claims, that the benefits from his teachings actually outlived him as a person.

I think the same thing can be said of other messengers of God, as well as Non Prophetic figures, men and women who have been blessed with so much internal goodness that it shines forth and benefits others long after the death of those initial personalities.

Conclusion

Strive to do what is right, avoid the company and influence of those who are insincere, have diseased hearts, whose baggage is extremly destructive, and BE the blessing. Allah will in turn bless you. The blessings will be passed around, benefitiing all they touch at some level.

Have faith in this path, have faith in the ONE who created all of us, try to be positive even in the midst of the temptations to give in to negative emotions and naysayer detractors, and take as a model of success the human model, universal messnger and seal of the Prophet, Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah, upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings.

Footnotes

[1] This explanation is given by Imam Ash-Shawkanee(d.1839 CE)  in his Commentary Fat-h ul Qadeer. Similar explanations are found in other tafaseer as well.

[2] The Hilful Fudool is the association that is said to have been created after an internal conflict in Arabian society. It is said that the Prophet (before the Prophethood) was twenty years old when this association was created.

Methods And Goals Of Contemplative Practices In My Faith (Panel Discussion )

(The following is an edited version of my presentation for the 2019 Interfaith Forums, organized by the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, held November 10th, 2019 at Masjid Ibrahim.)

Introduction

The Qur'an tells us "Indeed, prayer restrains from immorality and repugnant actions" ( Q 29:45). The word translated as "prayer" is "Salaah". In our faith, it is observed at least five times daily, during specific times of the day. The Salaah ritual has therein recitation of Quranic texts, bowing and prostration. God does NOT need that we do this, or any other act of worship, rather, it is we who need it.

The Salaah ritual is regulated, offered in a particular fashion, and is deemed a religious obligation. The spiritual and physical benefits of Salaah have been widely recognized. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified it as the main exercise which distinguished between faith and lack of faith.

The Qur'an reminds us that there will be a time in which we are held accountable before God, and the salaah essentially reminds us of that, therefore it becomes important to do as much positive works as we can. Thus, the Qur'an connects the ritual of salaah to the giving of a portion of one's wealth to the benefit of worthy causes, such as uplifting the poor. Similarly, the Qur'an expresses criticism of those who do ritual worship, yet are neglectful of needy human beings.


Dhikr- The remembrance of God

Another ritual act done is known as dhikr! Traditionally, this includes the recitation of  God's names, formulas of praise and glorification. As a ritual, it is not deemed in an obligatory sense- the important exercise is the mental one here. The Qur'an says "The remembrance of God is the greatest (source of inspiration and power)" .

Dhikr as a ritual often takes place after the Salaah, and can be offered at any time without any preconditions. If we engage in this act (be it in a ritual or non ritual fashion)- it helps us to internalize the very hopes we seek from God. In other words, if we invoke and recall God as The Ever-Forgiving (Al-Ghaffar), forgiveness should become a part of our character as well.


Miracles

The actions of Salaah and dhikr produce a sort of barrier against mental and spiritual attacks, and is the main ways by which we connect ourselves to the Almighty.

With that said, what is perhaps most curious on this point is that miracles and mystical experiences are NOT the goals of these actions! THIS does not negate that miracles can take place, and that people can experience mystical moments, yet the fact of the matter is is that such things are subjective and ultimately do not provide any evidence beyond an individual level.

This is illustrated in the experiences of the 12th century figure, Shaikh Abdul-Qaadir Al-Jilani.  Once while he was praying, a voice comes to him, saying "I am your Lord".  The Shaikh replies "Are you God?" After repeated questioning, this voice says "I am making  lawful for you what I made unlawful for others". The Shaikh replied "You are Satan, because I know God would not make lawful for me what He has made unlawful for others".

Miracles are not what we need, because they can themselves be misleading. What we need is the inspiration derived from worship to be able to recognize truth and produce in this world, that is the formula for success in this life, with springs to enjoy in the life to come.

Making Faith Make Sense: Presentation

( Note: The video below is a presentation in which we explore the questions regarding the place of faith in the modern world, in an age when faith can be viewed as irrational and unscientific. )


MAKING FAITH MAKE SENSE