A COMPEDIUM OF LECTURES

A COMPEDIUM OF LECTURES

Delivered in Islamic gatherings

By

HADJIYA BILQEES BOLAJOKO GRILLO, FCA, MBA 

 

 Published By

 

 

QUEEN OF SHEBA PEACE FOUNDATION PRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUEEN OF SHEBA PEACE FOUNDATION PRESS

 

Head Office: Plot 2 Engnr. O. J Sikuade Street, Ajah, Lekki, Lagos

96, Oduduwa Street, Surulere, Lagos

Bookstore: 2, Jonah Lane Off Idita Street

Lagos, Nigeria

www.queenofsheba_peace.org

 

 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission of the publisher.

                                   

                                   First Edition: November 2011

 

 

ISBN :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

CONTENT                                                               PAGE

 

Dedication

 

Preface

 

Topic 1: EDUCATION, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT,

 MUSLIM AWAKE!

Topic 2: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF

 THE MUSLIM UMMAH

Topic 3: IS A WORKING MOTHER AN ASSET

 TO THE MUSLIM FAMILY?

Topic 4: ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION OF

THE MUSLIM YOUTH – THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Topic 5: MUHAMMAD (PBUH) A MODEL

 FOR ENTIRE MANKIND

Topic 6: FORGIVENESS AND TRUST BUILDING

TOPIC 7: MUSLIMS AND THE CHALLENGES OF HIV/AIDS

 

                                                                                                                                                                                TOPIC 8: THE LOGICALITY OF DIVORCE IN ISLAM

 

TOPIC 9: LESBIANISM & HOMOSEXUALISM

 

TOPIC 10: THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

 

TOPIC11:

 

TOPIC 12: THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

 

PREPARING THE MUSLIM SISTERS

 FOR THE TASK AHEAD 

 

 

 

 

 

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all Muslim Youths in quest for knowledge and excellence throughout the Muslim world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFACE

 

The purpose of this book: “COMPEDIUM OF LECTURES” is to afford all Muslims the opportunity of coming across various lectures delivered at different points in time to various Islamic organized groups of diverse interest. It is the hope of the author that suggestions proffered on various challenges facing the people particularly the youths of Islam will go a long way in giving them the much-needed courage essential for preparing them adequately for the task of carrying their destinies in their own hands and finding credible options for a way out of whatever situation or challenge of life they find themselves in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOPIC 1

In  the Name of Allah The Most Beneficent, The most Merciful

 

JEJEWIYAT MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

(JEMAN, ILA-L-AMAAM, INSHA ALLAHU)

 

on the occasion of its

 

20^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

SISTERS’ DAY PROGRAMME

 

Present a Public lecture titled:

 

EDUCATION, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT,

MUSLIMS AWAKE!

 

On Sunday 13^th March, 2005

YAWMIL AHAD 3^rd SOFAR, 1426 A.H

 

at

 

NAWAIR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY HALL 36, ELEGBATA STREET, LAGOS

 

 

Paper Presentation by:

ALHAJA (AS-SAYYIDAH) BILQEES BOLAJOKO GRILLO

(FCA, FCIB, FCTI, ACIM, MBA)

OLD STUDENT, JEJEWIYAH ARABIC SCHOOL (1977-1985)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Ausubillahi mina shaytoni rojeem. Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem.

Alhamdu lilahi ladhi biyadihi –l-Muliku wa Huwa ala kulli shaein Qodeer. Huwal waliyu-ladhina aamanu, yukhujuhum mina zulumaati ila Nuuri, wa yahdihim ila sirotin mustaqeem. Wa Huwa ladhi allamo bil qolam, allamo-l-inaaana no-lam yahlam. Subhanahu wa Ta’ala laesa kamithlihi shayun walahu-l-Hamdu fi samoowati wal ardi wa Huwa bikulli shain Aleem.

 

Wa salawaatu-lahi ala Rosulillahi, Nabiyyil Umiyyi al-qaail “Addabanih Robbi faahsana tahdibih! Tahiyyatu Lahi wa barakatuhu alaehi wa ala ahli baythi at-toyyibeena-t-tohireen.

 

Ya Robbi bil mustopha

Balig moqoosidana

Wagfirlana mo moddoh

Ya waasial karami

 

I seek refuge in Allah from the wrath of Satan the accursed. In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah in Whose Hands is the Kingdom and He has power over all things. He is the Ally of those who believe, He takes them from darkness to light, and guides them into the straight path. And He it is who teaches by the pen, He teaches man what he know not. Glorified and exalted is He, there is nothing like unto Him. To Him belongs all praises in the Heaven and in the earth, and He has knowledge of all things.

 

And may Allah’s peace be upon the Apostle of Allah, the Unlettered Prophet who said: “My Lord taught me morals and how excellent are my imbibed morals, ”May Allah’s greetings and blessings be upon him and the members of his household The Good, The Pure (Amen).

 

O my Lord, by the honour of Mustapha

Actualise our aspirations.

And forgive us what is past (of errors)

O the one All-Embracing in Honour!

 

We give thanks to ALLAH Ta’ala for nurturing our great association JEMAN since the past 20 yrs to date. We glorify Him for preserving our lives and for lifting the society flags higher, year in, year out. We beseech Him for His continued protection (Amen).

 

Today we are celebrating the Sisters’ Day. This gathering gives us an opportunity to meet as one body and examine ways by which we can re-shape our destinies and better our lives. To forge ahead as able partners alongside our husbands, peers and colleagues within our various organizations, we want to look at a subject which will impact positively on our lives as Wives, Mothers and Nation builders.

 

In today’s ever changing world rapidly made so with the advance in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the need to move with the trend of time becomes critically imperative. For us not to be left behind as a by-stander, it behoves us to be adequately equipped with essential tools necessary for capacity build-up.

 

Hence the need for us as Muslims, to enhance our values, refine our personalities, re-mould our ideas and re-structure our economic fortunes (for progress) becomes paramount. We urgently need a re- appraisal of our strengths/weaknesses, re-focusing of our business approaches by giving it a proper direction, and re-building our human capacities via the acquisition of modern knowledge. Hence our topic for today’s deliberation is: Education, Economic Empowerment, Muslim Awake! Well the need to re-awake from our deep slumber starts  from now. Between now and the next decade when we shall be celebrating our 30^th Anniversary as a Society, we want to record appreciable milestones in all fields of endeavour, we want to gain economic empowerment. We want to become outstanding Muslim personalities.

 

In the area of knowledge acquisition, Islam made it succinctly clear that “knowledge is above all”. Hence, whatever our aspirations, we must seek for useful knowledge. To acquire knowledge, we must improve on our educational levels. The minimum expectations of any Muslim by today’s standard is the ability to read and understand the Qur’an sent in Arabic language and the minimum secular educational qualification is a Bachelor’s Degrees or HND, this is the minimum. Post Graduate, Masters’, Doctorate Degrees as well as Professional Qualifications in various chosen fields is the ideal for today’s age. Hence, our first point of re-appraisal is to examine our knowledge base and make a resolution to embark upon an enhancement journey. JEMAN is poised to provide the Qur’anic and Arabic education. So also are other similar Islamic Organizations. Dear brother and sister, now is to begin that journey. How about retaking your GCE or doing NCE to cross the pre-university hurdles? Please give it a serious thought.

 

For us already on-line, let us employ the God-given knowledge and wisdom to emancipate ourselves and families from economic poverty. Let us use the education we have acquired over the years. Let up open our eyes wide to opportunities around us. Let us awake as Muslims and follow the guidelines of Qur’an and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet which spells out clearly how to live our lives. It touches on all aspects of life, the political, social, spiritual and economic life. It is the Guidance from the Maker of Mankind Who knows the biological, spiritual and physical nature of man. He orders how he can live life if he is to attain felicity of both worlds. Hold fast unto the Qur’an and follow the practical life of the prophet and you have clung unto a rope that will never break.

 

For the purpose of our lecture, we will briefly examine education, economic empowerment, businesses that can be carried out, problems of Muslims and how to go about the waking up processes as Muslims. May Allah profit us by these efforts and assist our resolve to make a positive mark on the sands of time, and win His pleasure in this world and in the hereafter (Amen).

 

Education: This is a process whereby individuals are provided with the means or tools and knowledge for understanding their society and its structures. It is the underlining factor of the social life that helps people create meaning out of the environment as well as makes them able to influence the environment to their own benefit.

 

Hence, an educated person is one who can determine the right from wrong, who can apply his common sense, who knows his rights and the best way to secure their rights, whose self-actualization has helped him to gain confidence and control of life and who believes in personal integrity and respect for dignity of labour and human rights.

 

Types of Education

Formal: This is the education which takes place in the school at primary, post primary and tertiary levels.

 

Informal: This is the education acquired outside the formal school structures. This includes home upbringing, family values, cultural ethics etc

 

Religious: This is Education acquired under the bedrock of religious beliefs in order to secure the right development of the capacities,: physical, mental and spiritual- of an individual to enable him/her grow in accordance with the purpose of God, naturally meaningful to himself and the entire society. In particular it is the education taught by Islam, the only religion acceptable to Allah which guides man and is a complete way of life.

 

Secular: Non-religious, general education.

 

Others: Nomadic education - for nomads; and education for people with special needs such as the blind, the disabled etc.

 

Economic Empowerment: This is the process by which an individual uses his/her talents, abilities, potentialities, education, knowledge and opportunities available within his environment to better himself economically and emancipate self from lack of essentials of life such as food, shelter, clothing and other needs as may be required by him for the enjoyment of a good Economic, Social and Spiritual Life.

 

Why Economic Empowerment?

Ø   To eradicate or reduce poverty and ensure affluence.

Ø   To improve quality of life and living standards.

Ø   To create stability of mind, of vision and of purpose.

Ø   To give focus and direction in all other affairs of life.

Ø   For self-fulfillment and esteem through self-actualization.

Ø   To engender a balanced socio-cultural, religious growth as a basis for proper development of soul, mind, body and spirit.

Ø   For proper propagation of Islam in all spheres.

Ø   Ensure contribution to societal progress and spirit of well-being.

Ø   Avoid being downtrodden by the financially-strong people.

 

Means to achieving Economic Empowerment

Ø   Use your (formal and informal) Education.

 

Ø   Develop your skills, talents and tech. competences.

 

Ø   Be better informed vide     - Print and electronic media

- ICT (Phones and internet)

- Participate in social/religious functions

- learn about Government Policies.

 

Ø   Be focused; don’t lack direction, ask yourself:

-      What do I like to do?

-      What is involved in terms of knowledge, time, finances etc

-      Can it be solely done or not?

-      Does it requires teaming for synergy?

-      What are its market offerings?

 

Ø   Gather facts about the proposed project:

-      All information relating to set-up cost and time.

-      Factors of production needed for take-off

-      Turn-around time for a cycle of business/gestation period.

-      Special skills/technical know-how required.

-      Project viability, profit margin, revenue estimates.

-      Finance and financing costs considerations.

 

Ø   If need be, employ experts/consultants

-      Feasibility study/cash flow projections/swot analysis etc

-      Projected profit and loss statements

 

Ø   Visit existing set-ups for practical experience.

-      Ask questions

-      Observe process/operations and make notes

-      Draw conclusions to assist your project

 

Ø   Do pilot scheme or small-scale operations for a start.

-      Observe results and correct anomalies

-      Note all areas for adjustments/modification

 

Ø   Put Duas at every stage of project.

-      Do duas at points of location of business/project.

-      Ask upright Muslim colleagues to do dua on your behalf

-      Ensure an enabling environment for the obligatory solat for yourself and other team members/personnel.

 

 

Ø   Commence full scale project

-      Be disciplined, follow job schedules, avoid delays.

-      Institute necessary controls/proper monitoring for success.

-      Be careful about accountability, do not eat-up capital in view of profit, avoid funds wastages, be prudent.

 

BUSINESS FINANCING PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS.

 

Ø    Lack of proper structures to access funds.

-      Business entity not registered

-      Funding/financing opportunities not aware of due to lack of knowledge or exposure.

 

Solution

-      Register your business as an enterprise, partnership or limited liability entity.

-      Open a current bank account.

-      Determine your registered and/or business office.

-      Consider total funding requirement for your business.

-      Find out financing options available to you through enquiry, guidance and counseling from experts in your chosen business line.

-      Evaluate your financing hurdle with a view to finding solutions.

-      Set-up proper books of accounts from inception.

-      Build in a very sound internal control system from onset.

-      Find out opportunities for financing e.g. SME, NDE, Agric, Industrial, Import/Export financing facilities set-up by the Federal Government.

-      Find out requirements to be met to enjoy facility.

-      Teem-up with experienced partners if need be. Make conscious effort by applying for financing support from these Agencies.

-      Consider financing sourcing from less formal areas e.g. parents, family relations, religious organization, social organizations etc.

-      Consider partnership with large number of people who has small portions of capital i.e. pooling resources together.

 

PROBLEMS OF MUSLIMS: WHY WE FAIL TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMNT AS A BODY

Ø   Lack of sufficient education

The Holy Propht enjoined:

“To seek knowledge is a must for every Muslim male or female”

“Seek knowledge even if in China (the remotest part of the world).

 

Ø   Poor knowledge of opportunities available for exploitation.

 

Ø   Lack of unity by Muslims and lack of genuine love. Allah commanded: “And Hold fast unto the cord of Allah and be not disunited (3:103)

 

Ø   Lack of True Spirit of brotherhood which the prophet practised and preached.

Allah says: “Verily the believers are brothers”

 

Ø   Greed and lack of proper Islamic guidance by affluent Muslims, love of fame, position and wealth to the exclusion of others. Love of monopoly of knowledge, of power and authority.

 

 

 

Allah commands:

“Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful, who are stingy and enjoin upon other people stinginess and conceal what Allah has given them of His bounty” (Q 4:36-37).

 

Ø   See also Q9:75-76, “Never will you attain good until you spend from that which you love” (3:92).

 

Ø   Love of show-off, to be seen of men, to the exclusion of others. Such people will not want others to be financially empowered.

Allah commands: “And those who spend their wealth to be seen of men and believe not in Allah nor in the last day”. Such people likes to spend in areas where their name will ring great bells and in places of entertainment like parties. Quran says: “Woe to those who pray but are unmindful of their prayers, who do good only to be seen (of men) and refrain from little acts of kindness”. (Q107:4-7).

 

Ø   Dishonest attitude by the few helped. Betraying Amanah. Allah says: “Indeed Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due” (Q4:58).

 

Ø   Failure to act our roles as Allah- ordained models or pattern of conduct as Allah affirms:

“You are the best nation produced as models for mankind. You enjoin what is right are forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah”.

Most Muslims are in deep slumber as regards these lofty roles mapped out for them by the Almighty.

 

Ø   Refusal and lack of belief of some Muslims in the Institution of Zakah, and who hate to give sadaqah or charity. This thus deprives the General Muslim Body the opportunity to access funds for developmental programmes and business they are capable of managing.

 

Ø   Failure by our Islamic organizations to employ funds in society coffers for mutual progress of society, and of members. It is highly recommended that current practice of putting funds idly in Banks for long periods be avoided. Rather these should be profitably invested in businesses that has Barakah.

 

Ø   Failure to empower their members via skills improvement programmes and economic/business supports to make them self-reliant. Lack of focus to improve the value-adding potentials of their members. Leaving them to their economic woes.

 

SUGGESTED LIST OF BUSINESS INITIATIVES

Below listed in the form of tables are suggested businesses that can be considered for fighting economic poverty. Some businesses require training and special skills before they can be undertaken. Some can be embarked upon by making use of education, experience, talents, abilities or wisdom already within one’s personality or acumen. For the purpose of this presentation, businesses are divided into 3 categories on the basis of total set-up capital excluding land or place of location. Each business can be carried out with sums allocated within each range as follows:

 

SS-    Small Scale Business- business requiring a total capital outlay of between N10,000 to N50,000.

 

MS-   Medium Scale Business- business requiring a total capital outlay of between N50,000 – N500,000

 

LS-    Large Scale Business- those requiring above N500,000

 

The higher the capital funds commitment, the higher the need for formalization of structures and the higher the number of employees or personnel that will assist Entrepreneur.

 

As Muslims, Islam has taught us that this world is a temporary abode as our final home is Al-Akhirah. However, it reminds us not to shy-away from seeking this world. The major requirement is the purification of our intentions- whatever good of this world one may strive for and acquire the intention and action thereon should be to utilize all to serve Allah and improve the lots of humanity which Islam regards as Near and Far neighbours. To both categories, we have a duty to assist them out of whatever bounty Allah has given us.

 

The Qur’an affirms:

“But seek through that which Allah has given you, the home of the hereafter, and ye, do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters” (Q28:77)

 

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents, do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hand possess. Indeed, Allah does not love every arrogant boasters” (Q4:36)

 

Following are Sub-Analyses of different businesses categorized into sectors viz:

 

SUB-ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL BUSINESSES

 

Vocations, services and trading

 

Type	Category	Learning period	Turn-around time for Revenue/Profit
Painting, photography   Tye and Dye, weaving   Tailoring (fashion designing) and embroidery   Plumbing Hair & Beauty Salon   Balloon decorations   Small chops and suya   Carpentry and wood work   (Furniture, roofing specialists) Electrical services (Electrician)   Curtains/Drapes/Bedsheet making   Printing   Teaching (private lessons, Nur/Pry, Madrasah)   Trading: ( foodstuffs-cooked)   Foodstuffs-raw   House hold articles and provisions   Clothes and apparels (Ankara, Lace, guinea, cotton etc)   Electrical materials/electronics (switches, cables, socket, globes etc)   Household Decoration (Carpets, locks, mats, frames etc)   Eateries, fast foods   Educational materials (Books, stationery etc)	SS   SS     SS   SS   SS   SS   SS   SS     SS/MS     SS   SS/MS     SS   SS/MS   SS/MS     SS/MS     SS/Ms       SS/MS     SS/MS   SS/MS     SS/MS	1 week   1-2 months     3-6 months   1-3 months   1-2 months   1-2 months   1-4 weeks   3-6 months     3-6 months     1-4 weeks   1-3 months     1-2 months   1 weeks   1-4 weeks     1-4 weeks     2-4 weeks       4 weeks     1 week   1-3 months     2-4 weeks	Per transaction   Per transaction     Per transaction   Per Contract   Per transaction   Per Contract   Per Contract   Per Contract     Per Contract     Per transaction   Per Contract     Weekly, monthly or termly Immediate/daily   Daily or per transaction   Daily/weekly     Fortnightly       Per transaction     Weekly/fortnightly   Daily     Weekly/monthly

 

SUB-ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL BUSINESSES (CONTD)

 

Agric and Agro-allied

 

Type	Category	Learning period	Turn-around time for Revenue/Profit
1.   Staple food farming   2.   Food crops farming (maize, rice, beans, fruits etc)   3.   Poultry farming: Broilers Poulets/Layers   Cockrell Turkey   4.   Fish farming: (Catfish, tilapia)   5.   Animal Husbandry: Cattle/cow rearing Sheep/goat rearing   6.   Agro-allied trading (eggs, fruits-chicken/turkey, live fish, smoked fish etc)   7.   Garri & Fufu production   8.   Trading in agric produce (maize, rice, beans, wheat, barley etc) wholesale/retail	SS/MS     MS/LS     MS MS   MS MS     MS     MS MS       SS/MS   SS/MS       SS/LS	4 week     4-8 weeks     2-4 weeks 2-4 weeks   2-4 weeks 2-4 weeks     2-4 weeks     4-6 weeks 4-6 weeks       1 weeks   1 week       1 month	1-6 months     6-18 months     8-10 weeks 5-7 months then daily for 9 months 6 months       14-16 weeks     8-12 months 8-12 months       weekly   under 1 week       daily, weekly, monthly

 

 

SUB-ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL BUSINESSES

 

Manufacturing, Construction, Oil &Gas

 

Type	Category	Learning period	Turn-around time for Revenue/Profit
Paint making   Cosmetic/candle production   Soap/detergent making   Foam production   Water (table or sachet) production   P.K.O production   Animal/poultry feeds production   Dairy foods production (milk, yoghurt, berry)   Mineral water production (Ginger, zobo, kunnu)   Block-making   Bricklaying   Nails manufacturing   Kerosene Depot for householders   Engine Oil sales for Okadas/cars   Wholesale/retailing of insecticides and pesticides, cooking gas   Bakery and confectionery     Polybag, nylon making, cutting, sealing   Printing machine on Hire/lease for services   Photography/colour separation   Refrigeration/air conditioning	MS/LS   MS/LS   SS/MS   MS/LS   MS/LS     MS/LS     MS/LS   MS/LS     MS/LS   SS/MS   SS/MS   MS/LS   SS/MS   SS/MS     SS/MS   MS/LS       SS/MS     MS/LS   MS/LS   SS/MS	1-2 months   1-2 months   1-2 weeks   1-4 weeks   1-4 weeks     1-8 weeks     1-4 weeks   1-4 weeks     1-4 weeks   1 week   1 week   1-8 weeks   1-5 days   1-5 days     1-2 weeks   1-4 weeks       1-2 weeks     1-8 weeks   1-6 months   6 months	Monthly   Monthly   Daily/per contract   Per contract   Daily     Weekly     Weekly   Daily     Daily   Daily but per contract   Daily/per contract   Weekly/monthly   Daily   Daily     Weekly   Daily/weekly       Daily     Per contract   Daily & per contract   Daily/Per contract

 

 

SUB-ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL BUSINESS

 

Transportation, Telecommunications and IT

 

Type	Category	Learning period	Turn-around time for Revenue/Profit
Okada/ar/Bus transport (as Drivers/conductors)   Haulage/Truck/Tanker transportation (as Drivers/Hirers   Owner/vendor of vehicles on hire   Haulage/container services ride owner’s leases to others   Ferry services via lease arrangements   Business Centre (typing/ photocopying/ fax/lamination)   Sub-dealership of GSM cards/ accessories   GSM Repair/Tel. services   GSM phones (sales & services)   Dealership with network providers (GSM companies, fixed wireless, digital lines)   Networking service (WAN/LAN) Radio & satellite linkage   Interactive messaging/website designing/cyber café set-up	SS/MS     SS/MS   MS/LS     MS/LS     MS/LS     SS/MS     MS/LS   SS/MS   MS/LS     MS/LS       MS/LS     MS/LS	1-4 weeks     1-4 weeks   1-2 weeks     1-2 weeks     1-6 weeks     1-2 months     1 week   4 weeks   2 weeks     1-3 months       1-6 months     6 months	Daily/weekly     Per transaction   Per contract/ daily     Per contract/ daily     Daily     Daily     Daily   Daily   Daily     Monthly/quarterly       Per contract     Daily & per contract

 

SUB-ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL BUSINESS

Specialized services/skills/professional services/International business

Type	Category	Turn-around time for Revenue/Profit	Remarks
1.   Accountancy, auditing, taxation, secretarial, management, HR, Training pension management, Insurance under writing, brokerage   2.   Law (Company, property, Bankruptcy, commercial etc)   3.   Computer Engineering (software/application programs development) and Hardware (configuration & maintenance)   4.   Electrical Engineering (cabling surface/ conduit for residence/office)   5.   Export Import trade: Cocoa/cassava exporting Shear nuts/ coffee exporting   6.   Estate management, surveying Valuation Dealers Surveyors Estate valuers Estate developers   7.  Civil, structural, mechanical, Chemical, Petrochemical Engineering, environmental remediation, drilling, on-shore/ off-shore oil operations etc	SS/MS           SS/MS         MS       MS       MS/LS             MS/LS             MS/LS	Per contract           Per contract         Per contract         Per contract       Per contract             Per contract             Per contract	A firm can commence on a SS basis using a 1-room apartment or own residence and then expands as business grows

 

MUSLIMS AWAKE!

1.       Self-reassessment/Re-evaluation

-      As an individual, are we conscious of our duties to Allah and to our fellow Muslims? What are our lapses? Are we ready to begin making amends?

-      As a group, what are our objectives? Does it include caring for our fellow Muslims? Are we considering how to empower them educationally, religiously, morally and economically so that they can be more useful to us as an organization or body?

-      As a Muslim currently incapacitated economically, are you thinking of a way out?

-      What is your level of education? Why not begin now to enroll into institutions for higher studies?

-      What means of livelihood do you desire? Why not embark on a specific one now? How about discussing the problem with someone else who can encourage you to begin now?

-      Do you have ready finances to begin a business? If so, why not set up necessary structures and start? i.e. Rent a space/location/shop, do research on how to succeed in your chosen line, employ funds judicious and start.

-      If you do not have finances? Why not approach one or two others and join hands? How about soft loans from friends, relations or your society (Social/religious) so that they can assist for a named period of time?

 

The essence of self-assessment is to wake up and identify your obstacles to economic affluence and how you can solve these problems. You need to make a resolution that you do not want to remain poor. You need to improve your education, knowledge and skills in business. You need to make positive effort to employ your time to create wealth for you. You need to begin the journey today.

 

2.       Identify the project or business you want to embark on:

-      Select a named business and make finding on same:

-      What finances or total capital outlay is required? Including set-up costs?

-      What are your strengths/weaknesses to make the business successful?

-      What is the level of your knowledge, skill or technical competence?

-      Is it below, normal or above the requirement of your proposed business?

-      What possible hurdles or constraints do you envisage? What possible solutions are there?

a.        Do your total cost estimates. What is the total capital outlay, the set-up costs, the revenue/sales budgeted, the other costs, profit estimates, the total Turn-around time. Ensure you have a total business plan to confirm viability of business.

b.       Do your marketing plans

c.        Consider use of formal methods to raise finances if still in need of same, consult experts to guide you. Be positive

d.       Improve your skills, visit similar set-ups, learn the ropes.

e.        Be knowledge empowered- go into the internet and browse for useful tips, get your e-mail address, download useful information for your business.

 

The Qur’an says: “And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed Allah loves those who rely upon Him” (Q3:159).

Go to the next stage; i.e. the expenditure stage.

 

3.       Set up proper structures.

f.         Get the necessary tools for your chosen trade or profession

       Register your business as an enterprise or limited liability company.

       Select a location, equip same with necessary facilities.

       Print your business letter-heads and complimentary cards.

g.        Open a suitable bank account

       Make use of all known contacts to press forward your business.

 

If your business is not formal, skip unnecessary steps and begin your business activities.

4.       Commencing business

-      Do a review that all necessary arrangements have been insured.

-      Then open your business with a special Dua for success e.g. Recitation of whole Q’uran, use of special Asmaul-Lahill-Husna etc. Invite those who love your progress or your Muslim colleagues to partake in the dua: Allah says: “If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you” (Q3:160)

-      Do Sadaqah as the prophet enjoined us, in order to seek protection and progress for our business. Also do Assalat for the Holy Prophet.

The importance of dua at every stage of your effort up till and beyond commencement of business cannot be over-emphasized. Allah commands: “Seek from me and I will answer you” ( )

“And seek help with patience and prayer, verily Allah is with those who are patient” (Q2:153)

“And when My servants asks thee concerning Me, tell them that I am Near, I answer the call of the caller when he calls Me, but let him (first) answer My call, and let him believe in Me, that they might be rightly guided” (Q2:186) Also: “say what would my Lord care for you if not for your supplication?” (Q25:76)

 

The Holy prophet (SAW) also enjoined:

“Prayer is the sword of the believers”

“You cannot change the decree (of Allah) except with Dua”

“And call upon Allah as one who is certain of being answered”

 

5.       Discipline, commitment, integrity and industry

-      Carry out your business in a disciplined manner. Use time and money judiciously. Do not delay what should be hastened. Do not divert business resources into other uses. Employ only trusted hands into your business. Face all challenges you encounter in the course of business squarely.

-      Be committed to the objectives of your business. Make honesty and integrity your hall mark, do not cheat in business; do not cut unlawful corners, avoid fraudulent activities. Put fear of Allah in all your dealings, “if you can’t beat them, don’t join them”. Be industrious and do not be lazy in the general conduct of your business. Obey Allah’s injunctions as He commands:-

“Woe unto those who give short measure, who when they take a measure from people, take if full. But if they give by measure to others, they cause loss” (Q83:1-3)

“So as for he who transgressed, and preferred the life of the world, then indeed, Hellfire will be his refuge” (Q79:37-39)

“Does man think that he will be left neglected?” (Q75:30)

“And do not confer favour to acquire more” (Q74:6)

“So leave them to converse vainly and amuse themselves until they meet their Day which they are promised. Their eyes humbled, humiliation will cover them. That is the Day they had been promised” (Q70:42/44)

 

“Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is free of need and Forbearing” (Q2:263)

 

“He is Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, The Grand, The Exalted. It is the same to Him concerning you whether one conceal his speech or one publicizes it and whether one is hidden by night or conspicuous among others by day” (Q13:9-10)

“And the worldly life is naught but amusement and diversion, but the home of the hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?” (Q6:32)

“O ye who have believed! persevere and endure and remain steadfast, and fear Allah that you may be successful” (Q3:200)

 

6     At heights of Achievement and Success:

-      Remember your weak position when you were struggling to become a success. Hence

-      Remember it was only through Allah’s favours that you succeeded.

-      Do not forget those you met on your way up, now at the top of your success, remember the less-privileged and assist them in all ways- morally, spiritually and financially.

-      Encourage others on the path of success: Quran says: “And those who exhort one another to truth and those who exhort one another to patience” (Q 103:3)

-      Avoid arrogance and showing off.

-      Work assiduously for your hereafter(in terms of good deeds, good neighbourliness and open-handedness) as you have strived for Duniya. “But the hereafter is better and more lasting“ (Q89:17)

-      “O ye who believe, be conscious of your duties to Allah and let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow-and fear Allah. Indeed Allah is well-Acquainted with what you do” (Q59:18)

-      “Do jihad of your Nafs; dissociate from piling up the materials of this world without spending in the cause of Allah and humility, make hay (of good deeds) while the sun (of your life) shines,

Allah commands:

“And Those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the Way of Allah-give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therein the will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs. It will be said I this is what you hoard for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard” (9:34-35)

-      “And let not those who greedily withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their neck will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection”(Q3:180)

 

Conclusively, let us all awake and go back to Allah’s injunctions so that we may be successful. As an Islamic Society, establish within your fold Business committees and assist your members who have sound business proposals, so that they are better empowered. Network within your membership by giving contracts and business available within individual’s reach to his/her Society members. Assist the carpenter among you by giving him carpentry contracts from your friends and relations outside your fold. Assist your co-member who is an Electrician, Tailor, Foodseller, Bricklayer etc by ensuring you as individuals within the same social/religious groupings avail him of your contacts and assistance. Begin to think of ways of making busy with good vocation, an idle unemployed co-member. Consider opportunities around your work environment and see how a brother/sister may benefit. Unity is strength. Little by little the bird builds its nest. Encourage one another to prosperity. Carry out good neighbourliness to all the people around you as enjoined by Allah. Do not refrain from acts of kindness. The Holy prophet remarked: “None of you is a true believer until you love for your brother what you love yourself”. “A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim, hence do not arm or forsake him”. As weak individuals, come together in 2s,3s,4s or 6s and work out business proposals that you can jointly contribute funds and execute together. Do not betray your trusts among you. Fear Allah and do your best.

 

The Quran closes our discourse thus: Inna ladhina amanu wa amiluu solihaat yahdihim robbuhum bi imaanihim, tajrih min tahtihimul anharu fi jannati naheem. Dahwahum fiha Subhanaka Allahummo, wa tahiyatuhum fiha salaamun wa akhiru dahwaahum anil-Hamdu Lillahi Robbil Aalameen. meaning: Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds-their Lord wil guide them because of their faith. Beneath them rivers will flow in the Gardens of pleasure. Their call therein will be, “Exalted are you, O Allah”, and their greeting therin will be, “Peace”, And the last of their call will be “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds!” (Q10:9-10)

 

Wasolla lahu ala khayri khaqi-Lahi, Seyyidina wa Maolaana Muhammed, Rosulullah, wa ala alihi wa asiabihi ajmain. Subhana Robbika Robil Izzati ama yasifunna, wa salaamun alal Muriselina, wal hamdu Lillahi Robbil Aalameen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOPIC 2

In  the Name of Allah The Most Beneficent, The most Merciful

 

MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (MAN)

LAGOS (HEADQUARTERS)

 

 

Presents

1426AH RAMADHAN LECTURE TITLED

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH

 

 

PRESENTER:

HAJIA SEYYIDAH BILQIS  B  GRILLO. FCA, MBA

 

 

 

VENUE:

MAN CENTRE, NO 22, AMOSU STREET,

OFF BODE THOMAS, SURULERE, LAGOS.

 

 

DATE:

RAMADHAN 14^TH 1426 AH

(SUNDAY 16^TH OCTOBER 2005)

 

Ausu Billahi mina shaytoni rojeem, Bismillahi Rahmanir Roheem-il-Hamdu Lillahi Robil Aalameen, al-ladhi jahala sharra Ramadhan sharun mubarakun ladhi unzila fihi-l-Qur’ani Hudan li-n-Nasi wa bayyinaatin minal-Huda wal Furquaan. Wa Huwa Allahu ladhi nozzalal Furqaana ala Abdihi liyakunna lil-alameena noziiran. La yaatihi-l-baatilu min baeni yadaehi wala min khafihi tanzillin min Akeemin Hameed. Wa solawatu Lahi wa salamuhu ala Rosuli Rahmati, Seyyidi-l-Aawaliina wal-khairiina, al-ladhi Huwa bil Muumineena Raufun Raheem. Wa Ridwanu-Lahi ala Ahli –hil-Athaar, wa Asihabi-hil Akhyaar adada shafhi wal watri, wa adada kalimati-lahil tammot-il-mubarakah (Amin).

 

I seek refuge in Allah from satan the accursed. In the Name of Allah, the Mercy-giving, the Merciful. Praise be unto Allah the Lord of the worlds who made the month of Ramadhan a month of blessing wherein was revealed the Holy Qur’an as a guidance for mankind, and as a clear proof of guidance and distinction. He is Allah who has sent down the Discrimination to His servant, that he may be a warner to all the worlds. Falsehood can not approach it either from before or from behind it. It is a revelation from The Wise, The Praise worthy. And may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the Apostle of Mercy, the Leader of the Early Muslims and the latter Muslims, and he is to the Believers, Compassionate, Merciful. And may Allah’s pleasure be upon his household the Pure Ones, and his companions, the Elect, by the count of all things that are even and all things that are odd, and by the count of Allah’s words which are complete and full of blessings (Amen).

 

Today, we gather by Allah’s leave to discuss a topic of common significance in our lives, a topic which challenges our position and status as a Muslim community living in the midst of people of other creeds. We hereby examine our state of economic empowerment. How far have we gone? Are we living up to our expectations? Are we economically well-balanced amidst our other members of world ideologists or faithfuls? What does the future portend for us economically? To answer these questions we will look at the topic states thus: “ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH”.

 

What is Economic Empowerment?

Economic Empowerment is the degree of one’s ability to meet or surpass one’s economic expectations and needs in the area of our basic and other wants of life which are essential to us as Muslims and which are necessary for proper conduct of life and affairs. These wants may be food, shelter, clothing and transportation on the primary level and may includes needs or wants for self-actualization or esteem in the areas of knowledge, expression, actions and reactions, as in taking up proper position in the defence of one’s positive ideals and one’s religious principles.

 

Who are the Muslim Ummah?

The Muslim Ummah is the Community of People who have professed the faith in one God Allah and acceptance of the Apostleship of Muhammad. They are the group who lives together as a community with no bias for colour, race and social status. They are the community bound together by the bond of unity in thoughts and actions. They are the model established by Allah (SWI) on earth to be emulated by the inhabitants of the earth on the basis of their perfect character and morals. They are the community which the Holy Prophet established during His mission on earth on the basis of piety (takwa) and justice (adl). Of this Community the Holy Qur’an in Surah 3 (Al-Imran verse 110) throws a torch on them thus: “You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin hat is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah”. Also in Quran “This your community is one community, and I am your Lord, therefore worship Me”.

 

What does Allah says about Economic Empowerment for Muslims

The Quran and the Hadith which are the Solid bases of injunction and ordinances pertaining to all affairs of life succinctly guides the Muslims towards the path of economic empowerment and prosperity.

 

First, it recognizes the fact that all must work to earn something; “And that man will have nothing but what he strives for” (An-Najm 53:39) Also that both the male and the female has right to work and earn a living. “To men is allotted what the earn; and to women is allotted what they earn” (An-Nisa 4:32). That he permits us as muslins to engage in pure trade: “Allah has made trade lawful and made interest unlawful” (Al-Baqorah 2:275). That we can seek economic empowerment at day periods when devotional worship is not encumbered: “And when the prayer is finished, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah’s bounty” (Al-Jumuah 62:10). That no matter how much we struggle to attain prosperity in the hereafter, we should seek for economic empowerment while in this world: “And seek, in that which Allah has given thee, the home of the Hereafter; and neglect not thy lot in this world; and do good to others as Allah has done good unto you; and seek not to make mischief in the earth, verily, Allah loves not those who make mischief” (Al-Qasas 28:77).

 

However, we should seek economic prosperity through lawful means and not through fraudulent endeavours. The Quran warns: “Woe unto those who give short measure; those who, when they take by measure from other people, take it full, but when they give by measure to others or weigh to them, they give them less. Do not such people know that they will be raised again, unto a terrible day?” (Al-Tatfif 83:1-5). In the same vein the Holy Prophet said; “Inna Laha Ta’ala toyyibun, la yalbalu illa toyyiban “Verily Allah is Good and Pure and He will not accept anything save what is good” (Al-Bukhari) In the same vein Quran in Surah Nisa 4:29 reads; “O ye who believe, devour not your property among yourselves by unlawful  means, except that you earn by trade, with mutual consent. And kill not yourselves. Surely Allah is merciful to you”.

 

And also, “Covet not that whereby Allah has made some of you to excel others …” (An-Nisa 4:32). From the above, we realize that the need for economic empowerment cannot be over emphasized. All the prophets of Islam, prior to the commencement of their missionary activities were engaged in one form of vocation or the other. Prophet David was a geologist and an Engineer, “And certainly, We bestowed grace on David from Ourselves: ‘ O ye mountains, repewat the praises of Allah with him, and O birds, ye also’. And We made the iron soft for him”(as-Saba 34:10)

 

Prophet Yusuf was a minister of Agriculture in Egypt: “He said, appoint me over the treasure of the land, for I am a good keeper and possessed of knowledge” (Yusuf 12:55). And Prophet Nuh was a ship-builder. Prophet Musa and Muhammad were Shepherds while the Holy Prophet was, in addition, a trader. The above fact underscores the need to invest in means of economic prosperity. Sectors such as trading, agriculture, engineering, manufacturing and services are encouraged. They also serve as foot stools to a stable economic growth. It is towards this that Rosulullah says: “Seek this world as if you will remain eternal therein; and seek the next world as if you will die tomorrow”.

 

Why do we need to be Economically Empowered?

The Quran informs worship or Ibadah to be our sole aim of creation. We are brought by Allah to this world to worship Him. To be able to do this effectively and sincerely, we need to have stability of mind, of vision and of purpose. We need to be able to feed well, clothe well, live in decent shelter, provide other necessities of life for ourselves and our dependants. Hence we need to be economically empowered. Our quest for knowledge and wisdom and ability to spend in the cause of Allah for the good of humanity and for the protection of our Islam from enemies cannot be actualized if we suffer economic poverty or backwardness.

 

The key matter however to bear in mind is that Economic Empowerment is only a means to an end and not an end in itself. The end is our goal. Our goal is Allah. “And that to thy Lord do all things ultimately go” (An-Najm 53:42). Hence our goal is worship in defence of our faith in Allah and His Apostle, and in the protection of our Islam and in passing, our faith from the shackles of oppression and aggression. Hence the quest for economic empowerment for purposes other than this will certainly turn the economic blessings to calamities for individual seekers in general and for the Muslim Community in particular. Loss of focus in relation to the purpose of economic empowerment by mankind whom Allah declared as His vicegerent on earth creates the problem of making the duty of man’s vicegerency an unpalatable, heinous, terrible issue on earth. The statement of the Angels that mankind will shed blood and pollute the earth has come to pass. The fact of man turning against Allah in ingratitude and pride has become the order of the day. “Dost thou not see who changed Allah’s favours into ingratitude and landed their people into the abode of ruin – which is Hell? They shall burn therein; and an evil place of rest is that” (Ibrahim 14:28-29). This is simply because man’s economic empowerment goal has been de-focused to view duniya or this world as real in place of its transient nature, and also to view the akhira or the hereafter, which is Reality, as a fleeting, unlikely phenomenon. The Quran says: “But you prefer the life of this world; whereas the hereafter is better and more lasting” (Al-Aala 87:16-17).

 

It is in order to guard man against the evils that comes along with economic buoyancy and financial breakthrough that Allah reminds mankind to avoid piling up of money or stacking heavy funds in foreign banks as these serve no benefit for man; rather, it is the enslavement man’s soul and spirit if he fails to spend the funds for the real causes of seeking His pleasure on this earth by helping to make society better and assisting the poor, the needy, the sick etc. The Quran tells us: “And those who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give to them the tidings of a painful punishment; on the day when it shall be made hot in the fire of Hell, and their foreheads and their sides and their backs shall be branded therewith and it shall be said to them: “This is what you treasured up for yourselves; so now taste what you used to treasure up”. (Al-Tawbah 9:33-34).

 

The same warning goes to those who have forgotten their mission on earth which is simply to worship Allah. Those who spend over 20 hours of each day running after money-making, Allah tells them in Surah Takathur “Mutual rivalry in seeking worldly increase diverts you from God, till you reach the graves” (Q 102:2)

 

The key point to put in mind in summary is that economic empowerment is a means to an end; the end is to succeed in this world as one worthy of Allah’s pleasure and highest commendation in the hereafter.

 

THE MUSLIM UMMAH AND ITS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

The Muslim community, described by Allah as model for others to follow are so defined because they have the complete guidance of Allah and His Apostle in the practice of their religion and in running the affairs of their lives. The code of Instruction, Al-Qur’an-il-Majeed, is available as point of reference. The Hadith and sunnah of Rosulullah is also there to support the injunctions and provide more minute details on every subject matter of life. Hence the Ummah stands in the position of guide and an Emulating Authority for other communities to follow. They are also described as “The middle Nation”. That is; the community that exercises moderation in all life’s affairs. Neither too soft nor too hard; neither too meek nor too aggressive; neither too materialistic nor too ascetic. This is the standard charter of the Muslim Ummah. Hence expectedly they are supposed to be economically empowered. Ample provisions abound in the Qur’an on how to spread empowerment including beautiful provisions/reliefs for the permanently disempowered such as the old, the sick, the poor, the needy etc. Also as an economically empowered community, they are expected to be up to the task of defending their faith and entire livelihood from falsehood, corruption, injustice, oppression and bad vicegerency on earth. Let us now look at the state of the Ummah 1426 years after the Prophet’s migration and his final departure from this world. Is the Ummah on course?

 

A brief microscope view of the Muslim Ummah both nationally within our secular boundaries and globally within our entire world continents succinctly reveals as follows:

1.    That the Muslim Ummah are nationally un-empowered economically in over 50% of cases if compared country to county with members of other creeds such as the Christians and pagans resident in the same Muslim community.

 

2.    That in some case where the Muslim Ummah enjoys economic prosperity as in the case of the Middle East and some Far East Nations, economic empowerment which is the fruit of economic prosperity is unattained, and in most instances, huge economic losses are suffered which makes the Ummah even more economically backward and socially retrogressive, arising mainly out of failure or lack of wherewithal to defend its faith and its treasures as they are dispossess of these two, through lack of wisdom and knowledge of international politics and diplomacy, and departure from Allah’s ordinances.

 

As a result,  the Muslim Ummah is posed with serious threats and orbits far away from the centre-point which can lead it towards a lasting and progressive economic empowerment on which  can be built peace and prosperity with which the Ummah can sail itself towards Eternal Bliss and Happiness.

 

Taking the Nigerian Muslim Ummah as a case study, the following are indices  of our true state of  economic unempowerment.

·         Despite our being above 50% in total population vis-à-vis other creeds, in terms of number of negative attributes: beggars, destitute, the blind, the unemployed, the sick, the homeless, the mentally deranged (e.g. Area Boys) the underfed, the uneducated, the untutored (uncouth in manners and bearing), the greedy wealthy class, the corrupt (especially in leadership and governance) miscreants (armed robbers, thieves) the population of the Muslims vis-à-vis the other creeds stands well over 70% within each category. Hence our rate of deterioration is faster than our rate of improvement.

 

·         The percentage of the Muslim Ummah having access to Economic Base/Strength is less than 10% and is continually sliding further down. Hence major power – weilders in the Banking and other Financial Institution Sector, the Agric Sector, the Telecomm sector, the Manufacturing sector, the Industrial and Service Sectors are non-Muslims. On a daily basis deals are commenced and sealed by the non-Muslim Ummah before our eyes and yet we are not doing anything except staring and wallowing in self-pity.

 

·         We lack a community-based focus towards sharing of knowledge and of opportunities within our environment. Also we make no effort to keep our Ummah together against falling apart.

 

We are too individualistic and think nothing of our other members of the Ummah. In summary we have made economic pursuit an end in our lives and not a means to and end. Hence we worship work and money in place of God (SWT). We have abandoned Allah’s guidance for our own whims and designs and now we stand as a defeated, powerless, blind community.

 

The situation is not much different from the affluent Muslim Nations in other parts of the world. Although we see them as having Economic prosperity, in reality they have lost the real economic power, in that the wealth they posses failed to provide the much needed right to self – expression, to the defence of their religious principles which  they stand for, to the fight against enemies and their oppressions, and to the security of their lives and  property. This is because they have veered off the path as ordained by Allah.

 

The reasons, to be specific, on why we lack Economic Empowerment as a Muslim Ummah is not far-fetched. Some of these are as follows:

1.    Lack of Unity: We have allowed the break-up of our unity and differences have disintegrated our fabric of co-operation and togetherness. We have abandoned Allah’s injunction which  say: “And hold fast, all together by the rope of Allah and be not divided” (Al-Iman 3:103)

 

2.    Lack of Brotherhood: The Muslim Ummah does not see itself as comprising of one single brotherhood bound by faith; hence any problem affecting any of it members it not the problem of others within the brotherhood fold, hence problem multiply and get compounded thus weakening the economic fabric. The Qu’ran reminds: “Surely all believers are brothers, so make peace between brother, and fear Allah that mercy may be shown unto you” (Al-Hujurah 49:10) The Holy Prophet says: “A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim, hence do not oppose one another, do not hate one another and do not spy on one another” and also: “None of you is a true believer until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself”.

 

3.    Lack of sufficient knowledge: The Muslim Ummah after acquiring some  basic literary knowledge, do not press further to acquire higher education and special brands of knowledge. The situation is even worse for the females who are rarely educated at all. Literacy levels are even worse for the young Muslim children and youths in the Northern part of Nigeria where the ‘Al-Majirin’ system is practiced. Most Muslims up till this Age have not gone beyond the secondary education while other creeds are studying in Universities and established Mission-based Universities and seminaries in order to achieve the following while the Muslim Ummah painfully stares  and do nothing to reverse the ugly trend:

• Protect themselves and their children including generations unborn from abandoning their inherited faith, by indoctrinating them with every aspect of their Holy Book and ways.
• By teaching them in addition, stories, and divine principles of Islam in a mutilated manner to create the hatred for Islam and abhorrence of the Muslims.
• Launch a secret and sublime campaign amongst themselves to deny the Muslims access to key economic strong holds such as oil companies, banks, insurance companies, telecommunication, manufacturing companies in an overt manner by denying them admission into centres of higher learning, work place (through failures at tests and interviews) and assisting only those who are willing to relinquish or barter their religions in exchange for their very own.

 

They succeeded in these because Muslims do not follow the divine precepts to the letter; they chose to follow some and disobey some. The Qur’an says: “Are they equal those who know and those who know not? Verily, only those with understanding will take heed” (Az-zumar 39:10)

 

The Holy Prophet says: “And seek knowledge from cradle to grave” And seek knowledge even if in china” Then China was the farthest region where specialized knowledge abounds. Also: “O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of satan, for he is to you an open enemy” (Al-Baqorah 2:208). The prophet also says: “Knowledge is the highest endeavour, and nothing is higher or above it”.

 

A lot of Muslims do not know anything about the Qur’an injunctions and Hadith, hence they do not pattern their way of life and conduct after Islam. Islam encourages the seeking of special knowledge such as embryology (Q6:99) Astrology, Oceanography Meteorology etc (Q14:32-33) Botany (Q6:99) Astrology (Q17:12) Engineering (Q18:94-96) etc. However, since they do not follow Islam whole heartedly, they lacked guidance and direction.

 

Lack of Networking or Teaming

One of the key drivers of economic empowerment is the ability of individuals                members within a community to share knowledge or observed opportunities within their immediate environment with other members without being unjust to others. This is what the Muslim Ummah lacks against Allah’s injunctions which says: “O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah, surely Allah is aware of what you do” (Al-Maidah 5:8) “And exhort one another to truth, and exhort one another to patience” (Al-Asr 103:3) “And those who hearken to their Lord, and observe prayer, and whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation.” (As-Shura 42:38)

 

Lack of knowledge of Available Opportunities

The Muslim Ummah still has a very big gap in knowledge as regard opportunities within their environment. During this new millennium as regards information and communications technology is bring forth every kind of knowledge and opportunities, the Ummah is yet to wake up to the vast potentials that can be tapped from use of these modern facilities to aid economic progress if used positively in the direction. Also the prophetic injunction, which advises us to have patriotism and love our nation. Hence this will keep up our interests in its affairs and functions. For instance the Federal Government is currently carrying out an economic reforms strategy which is tagged as NEEDS at Fed Level and SEEDS & LEEDS respectively at State & Local Government Levels. This strategy is aiming towards economic empowerment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and value-re-orientation. The strategies it had adopted was:

1.       To reform government and Institutions: under this it hopes to restructure the public sector privatize major institutions to plug wastes; liberalize some sectors participation, re-professionalize the public service, tackle corruption and improve transparency in governance.

 

2.        To Grow the Private Sector: Here it hopes to achieve this through privatization, provision of incentives, ensure security and rule of law; strengthen infrastructures such as road, power, airways, maritime and railways; formulate favourable sectoral strategies to woo private hands and ensure trade and regional integrations.

 

3.        To implement a social charter: A Human Development Agenda: Here it hopes to provide healthy living through provision of safe drinking water, immunization for children, provide education including Adult literacy, evolves strategies for Integrated Rural Development, Housing Development, Employment and Youth development etc.

 

Most of the above strategies have provision for members of the public to buy into. Through Networking people of other creeds have increased their level of knowledge, technical know-how and have pooled resources to buy into virtually all sectors of the economy for short, medium and long term benefits. They have gathered their own community and co-operated with one another to disseminate information, have knowledge, share skills, upgrade technical capabilities and financial pooled funds together to execute various contracts under the NEEDS package. They have invested into the future of their children and strengthen them economically to enable them carve a niche for them in future governance and management of the Nations’ Resources.

 

On our part, we the Muslim Ummah are still in deep slumber and are yet to wake up to the realities confronting us. So far less than 3% full ownership of private universities (where destinies are moulded) have been achieved and only about 2% participation in Banking, Finance, Telecommunications, Power, Steel etc.

 

There is no significant Buy-in efforts into these Institutions through privatization. We need to wake up fast. These and many others are the problems plaguing the Muslim Ummah. The essence of today’s lecture is for us to rise up to the challenges of the times and re-strategize on how to close the wide gaps. Let us embrace teaming and net-working, let us be less selfish and more caring, let us struggle to empower the future generation of Islam economically so that it becomes easy to practice our faith, defend our Islam, realize our values and re-occupy our place with God. In specific terms the following are suggestions on how to solve our problems.

 

Means To Attaining Economic Empowerment

§  Let us go back to Allah and His Apostle. The Books of Islamic religion should be our constitution and companion at all times.

§  Re-build the brotherhood spirit. If you make yourself uncomfortable in trying to assist your fellow brothers in faith, Allah will equally go out of His way to solve your greater problems and grant you assistance from sources alien to you.

§  Be more organized: think ahead, plan ahead, have focus, make plans. Ask yourself: where I do want to be tomorrow?

§  Networking and be more compassionate: call your brothers, form success groups; discuss possibilities, share ideas, don’t do it alone; call yourselves to good works, forbid evil amongst yourselves, take Rosulullahi as your model of conduct. The Qur’an says: “Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah. And those who are with Him are hard against the unbelievers but tender among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating themselves in prayer, seeking grace from Allah and His pleasure” (Al-Fath 48:29).

§  Seek knowledge about opportunities: Link up and familiarize yourself with how to get the benefits of the reform packages. Learn about opportunities available in SME and how to obtain micro-finance or credit to do projects, learn about the Due process procedure if you like to do contracts, learn about opportunities in the stock markets to invest wisely, what about export business through the Export Promotion Council, NEXIM, NACDB etc, set up business as private companies, browse the internet for information exchanges and business linkages. Read the newspapers and listen to the news, generally become knowledge-empowered if you desire economic empowerment.

§  Rest your struggle and affairs more with Allah. Request His help and lean on Him; you will find Him always eager to help you. Accept His Superior argument in your business deals and don’t stray outside His path in your quest for economic salvation.

§  If you have attained economic power, then think of your Ummah. The more you assist, the more Allah multiplies for you and the more you become righteous. The Quran informs: “Never will you attain righteousness until you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, Allah surely knows it well” (A-Imran 3:92). The categories of those who can benefit from your wealth can be found in Q 9:59.

 

In summary the Muslim Ummah should wake up and begin the work of re-building the community. Our meeting places-ie-mosques should serve as a unifying location for us to discuss after prayers on how to move forward. As a group let us be more organized in using the mosque as a point of collation of information on the ways we can assist one another; the one capable of helping others for employment should begin the help from the mosque; one with funds should make his wealth useful to his community through business participation, job creation, knowledge empowerment programmes to the needy and the likes. We should remember that the stay in this world is but for a short while, let us make our own marks positively on the sands of time. “And whatever good you send on before you for your souls, you will find it with Allah. It will be better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah, surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful” (Al-Muzammil 73:20)

 

May Allah come to our aid and strengthen us with His mercy. May He put into our hearts the love of our Ummah and elevate us as a community founded on the threshold of Takwa. May He spare our lives to witness more Ramadhan with Faith and Peace of mind. “O our Lord pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us againt the disbelieving people” (Al-Baqorah 2:251)

 

Subhana Robbika Robil Izzati ammo yasifuun, wa salaamun ala-l-Mursaleen, wal Hamdu Lillahi Robil Aalameen.

 

 

 

 

PRESENTER

08023155119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOPIC 3

I n the Name of Allah The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful

 

 

NTA CHANNEL 10 LAGOS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ALHAJA MARIAM BOLAJOKO KADIRI

 

 

Presents

1426 A.H. END OF RAMADHAN LECTURE

(13^TH EDITION)

 

 

Titled

 

IS A WORKING MOTHER AN ASSET TO THE MUSLIM FAMILY?

 

 

PRESENTER:

HAJIA SEYYIDAH BILQIS  B  GRILLO. FCA, FCIB MBA

 

 

VENUE:

NTA CHANNEL 10 GARDEN TEJUOSHO, SURULERE - LAGOS.

 

 

DATE:

RAMADHAN 28^TH 1426 AH

(SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2005)

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

As-Salaam Alaykum wa Rahmatulllahi Ta’ala wa Barakatuhu.

 

Ausu billahi mina shaytoni rojeem Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi ladhi faddola bani Adamo bil ilmi wal amol, al Qaail: “Walaqod karramna Bani Adamo, wa Hamalna-hum fil barri wal bahri wa rozaqna-hum mina-toyyibati wa fadolna-hum ala kathirin min mon khalqna tafdiilan. Wa Nashadu an la ilaha illa Huwa, Wahdahu la sherika lahu, wa nashadu ana seyyidina Muhammadan abduhu wa Rosuluhu, arsalahu bil Aqqi Bashiran wa Nodhiran, wa Daa-i-an illa lahi Bi Izni- Hi, wa Siraajan Muniran. Solawatu lahi wa salaamuhu alayhi, wa ala ahlihi wa as-abihi (Amin).

 

I seek Allah’s refuge from Satan the rejected. In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful. Praise be unto Allah who have favoured the children of Adam with knowledge and work and Who said “Verily We have certainly honoured the children of Adam, and carried them on the Land and  Sea and  have provided for them of the good things and have preferred them over much of what We have created, with definite preference. (Surah Israil 17:70). We bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except (Allah) He is Alone, He has no partner, and we bear witness that our Leader Muhammad is His Servant and Apostle, Allah sent him with the Truth as a Bearer of Glad tidings and as a Warner; and also as a Caller unto Allah by His permission, and as An Illuminating Lamp. May Allah shower His bounteous peace and blessings upon him and his household and companions altogether (Amen).

 

Today we thank Allah for seeing us through the Glorious month of Ramadhan. In a few days we shall join millions of Devotees to give thanks to Allah on the Eid Praying ground. May Allah grant us the grace to witness many happy years on Earth as His faithful servants (Amen).

 

I extend my profound attitude to the organizers of this end of Ramadhan Lecture especially The Management of NTA Channel 10 Lagos for extending this Noble Invitation to me to speak on a topic which affects us all women of today. May Allah continue to bless those who spend their wealth in Allah’s cause to make it possible for us all to be here present today. In particular, may Allah spare the lives of our Chief Matron & Sponsor, Alhaja Maryam Bolajoko Kadiri for her selfless service in the cause of uplifting Islam in her own way. May Allah grant her long life, good health, peace of mind and prosperity. May this prayer be granted to everyone of us present today, both high and low (Amin).

 

Our topic today is: “IS A WORKING MOTHER AN ASSET TO THE MUSLIM FAMILY?” In examining this topic we shall beam our torchlight on the provisions of the Qur’an and Sunnah as it pertains to the need for work by a Muslim woman and to what extent she is restricted in taking up work, if such exists. This will be viewed vis-à-vis her primary responsibilities as a mother and a home-maker. We will then be able to know whether she is an asset to the family or otherwise. Hence the first question to answer is:

 

DOES ISLAM PERMIT WORK?

Qur’an 4:32 tells “To men is allotted what they earn; and to women is allotted what they earn” (An-Nisa). Also Qur’an 53:39 says: “And that mankind will have nothing but what he strives for” (An-Najm). Also Qur’an 28:77 “And seek, in that which Allah has given thee, the home of the hereafter’ and neglect not thy lot in this world...” (Al-Qasas) The above verses did not limit the quest for work or earnings to men alone. “And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah”.. Al-Jumu’ah 62:10. Also the injunction that “He has made trade lawful” (2:275) is not to any particular sex. Also the injunction by Rosulullah to seek knowledge is to both men and women, He equally enjoined that whatever branch of knowledge is acquired it must be shared out or taught to others. This is why nowadays, all Muslims strive to obtain education. However, if the knowledge is to be useful, then the education or knowledge must be applied through work, otherwise it stays stagnant or unused. A poet says: “If you conceal knowledge, you will be forgotten until you are not seen other than as an ignoramus and a stupid person”.

 

Finally, the injunctions by Allah to mankind to spend in the way of God will remain unfulfilled in women if they do not work. This is because they will not be able to earn anything and hence be unable to spend in Allah’s way.

 

However, work for a Muslim woman must be considered along the line of her God-ordained position. This position carries with it clear roles and responsibilities. How does Islam view a Muslim woman? Islam teaches that the male (husband) should accept her as the Mistress of the house, the Queen of her husband’s heart, guardian and preceptor of the children, an equal helper with her husband in every phase of life. She is a fondling mother for the child, a pleasing partner for her husband in prime (age) and a consoling companion on decline (age). Summarily, it is stated that: “woman is the sovereign of your house and is entitled to the same rights as you. The same is due to her  as is due from her”. This is why the Holy Qur’an affirms: “And women shall have right similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable” (Q2:228). “And live with them (women) honourably” from the above explanations, a woman’s role in the Muslim family setting are as follows:

·         Proper Home management acumen

·         Catering for the immediate and personal needs of her husband and acting virtuously.

·         Taking proper care of the children’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs and bringing them up under the Islamic value system which encompasses high moral ethics and standards of behaviour. That is why it is said that “The lap of the mother is the first school of the child”.

·         Giving birth and rearing of children in a serene and love-filled atmosphere.

·         She has responsibilities to her career too.

 

If the above roles are reviewed in the light of today’s realities occasioned by the dynamic changes in man’s tastes and desires, it will be realized that nowadays, the roles have departed sharply from those of the olden days.

 

Today’s roles are characterized by the advancement in science and technology, availability of modern tools to knowledge acquisition, improved social value system and greater acknowledgement of women’s capabilities and strength of will. As a result of the above, an analysis of each of these roles highlight the foregoing salient points viz:

-          Home management Role: In advanced countries where standards of living  are high, a woman is supported by her husband with temporary helps who does house-cleaning, laundry, foodstuffs procurement and cooking and the woman’s home management function is reduced to mere Supervision Role which in most cases hardly takes up her time at all. Also as regards catering for her husband’s needs, her role does not come into fore during the entire period the husband leaves home for work, which again makes her able to attend to her husband briefly before he goes out, leaving her time free again. As regards children upbringing, apart from period of birth when she is compelled to sit and wean her baby, most mothers and fathers prefers specialized day cares and crèches where their children are brought up and exposed mentally and intellectually from very early age to the challenges of the Age. Finally, as to the timing of pregnancy and birth of babies, the decision are in most cases joint.

 

However work may sometimes threaten to conflict with some of the above stated roles, Hence the Muslim woman has some restrictions which must be applied by her as regards the nature of work to undertake. She also has to ensure that her responsibilities as a woman of Islam stands supreme and is thus a necessary condition to be considered in selection of work or career. These restrictions are as follows:

1.       Marital and Home Management Responsibilities: She must avoid work that will affect her ability to maintain her home and family as a single loving entity, a haven of peace and happiness and a decent place to be to relieve stress and toiling of the day. Her children upbringing must be such that sufficient time is available daily to interact with them to understand, guide and sharpen their moral, physical and intellectual capabilities. This is why most Muslim women carry out trading or work very close to their houses so that they can exercise flexibility in time allocated for work and only work for short periods as will not disrupt their home affairs.

 

2.       Mode of Dressing: In most multi-religious or secular societies, the Muslim womans’s mode of dressing is a restriction to the kind of work available and a true Muslim woman has to strike a balance between her proper Islamic dress code and the kind of work she undertakes. While productivity and output at work are not disrupted by a Muslim woman’s dress code, most work policies conflict with Allah’s ordinances on dress code for a Muslim woman, and goes out of its way to define anti-Islamic modes of dressing to female workers.

 

A Muslim woman is threfore guided by the Sharia on where to look for work if her work is to be an asset to her family. Part of the problems why a Muslim woman’s work is viewed less as an asset nowadays is because work has transformed her from a woman guided by Islam to those women of the times of ignorance. Decent and modest dressing is becoming a non-existing phenomenon among young educated female workers. Allah calls us back to the path of honour and dignity. Listen to what Allah commands in this regard. The Qur’an in Surah Ahzab says: “O prophet, tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw close to them portion of their loose outer coverings. That is nearer that they may thus be distinguished and not molested. And Allah is the Most Forgiving, Merciful” (33:59). To quite a number of Muslim women workers, however, the situation of bad and indecent dressing to places of work is abhorred and some had to comply with the rules in their work places just to keep their work on which their livelihood depends.  It becomes even more saddening when in some organizations Muslim males are the power wielders and yet do nothing to protect their women folk from in decent and seductive dressing. Some even are part of the policy making bodies on anti-Islamic dressing in the name of Corporate Culture. This is because of their quest for capitalistic materialism and productivity devoid of Divine grace for their companies and establishments. These groups of men should not think that they are absolved; rather Allah will call them to account for their stewardship as power-wielders who are heedless of Allah’s ordinances. It is these same class of people who embarrass the believing women who dress modestly to work. They tagged them as extremist or fanatics just because those women chose to follow the way of Allah and live a life of consciousness; watching their Lord even in the way and manner they dress.

 

Next is the issue of social interaction. The Muslim woman is expected to exhibit the highest form of dignity and decorum when she works along with the male members of the society. This is why Allah enjoins in Surah 24 verses 30 & 31 that both men and women should exhibit the highest standard of chastity and decency when then meet in public places. To the women in particular, the Qur’an chap 33 verse 31 enjoins: “And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their chastity and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-covering over their bosoms and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands…”etc. The concluding part of the verse admonishes both men and women believers to turn unto Allah altogether, so that they may succeed.

 

It is because of the necessity, that they will meet outside their individual home bases and will interact for the good of their society, that Allah enjoins on them modesty, chastity and upkeep of sound ethics. Hence a Muslim woman should ensure that these qualities will not be jeopardized when making her work selection. It is better for her to have a reduced earning power as a result of an Islamically conducive work selection choice and thus earn Allah’s pleasure and barakah with it, than for her to earn higher income and lose her dignity and respectability before Allah.

 

It is because of this reason that most women who are brilliant and versed chose to work in the public service where their Islam is not in jeopardy due to their unique mode of dressing. It is also this same reason which made a lot of good decent and chaste women particularly professionals lose their esteemed positions and suffer job losses and discriminations in the private sector particularly banks, all because they chose to be good Muslims and obey Allah and His Apostle. My advice to these second group of Muslims sisters is to derive consolation from the glad tidings that Allah appreciates their plights and will reward them amply and protect their interests in this world and the next for their takwa. He says in Surah-at Talaq chapter 65 verses 2-3: “And whoever fears Allah - We will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from sources he expects not. And he who puts his trust in Allah – He is sufficient for him”. 

 

From the above analysis, we can surmise that a working mother is indeed an asset, not only to her family, but also to herself, her society and her Islam. All that needs to be borne in mind is that she should be protected by Allah’s ordinances and should seek all her work’s aspirations within the fold of the Shariah. Let us now quickly itemize why she is an asset in every aspect of her endeavour, as follows:

 

AN ASSET TO HERSELF:

·         She exhibits an air of self-confidence, dignity and prestige as a working mother.

·         She attains self fulfillment in life. In particular, her ability to share her knowledge and education adds to her self-esteem.

·         She guarantees improved living standards for herself due to her good earnings power.

·         She earns a position of respect and admiration from her husband especially if she is put in charge of headship of important public offices and handles this successfully.

 

AN ASSET TO HER FAMILY & HOME

·         The experiences she gains outside the home empowers her to cater better in her home management role. She learns such qualities as conflict resolutions, diplomacy, proper care of her husband, better child-upbringing etc.

·         She compliments the financial responsibilities of the husband.

·         She is able to withstand financial crises at home (e.g. if her husband loses his job as is common these days) she carries on and help keep the family together.

·         If she becomes widowed, she can handle the onerous task of full home management better even after her husband’s death. A non-working mother can face serious threat to her continued survival and those of her children if such misfortune befalls her.

·         As a result of work experience acquired elsewhere, she learns to become self empowered economically, and may set up business of her own, to her family’s advantage.

·         Since the total family income enjoys a boost from her work, the entire family can live more comfortably and have improved standards of living.

 

AN ASSET TO HER SOCIETY

·         She contributes her own quota to her society’s development e.g. women ministers and head of work establishments.

·         She fills in position where women are mostly preferred in societal progress. e.g. In health and educational sectors where she can help out as female health worker taking care of the women, the sick and the old. Assist as midwives and obstetrician to pregnant and nursing mothers, act as teacher to the young ones in an experienced or skillful manner as a result of being a mother herself. Hence understand their feelings, emotions and fear as children and is thus able to guide them through life.

·         In environment where she is regarded as a weaker sex she strives to work hard and prove the male counterparts wrong. In most cases this show in the better quality of her work.

·         In summary, she is able to improve all the economic indices of her society. This is particularly more so if we consider that female population in major societies are over 60% of those of the male. If the entire female are not working, how can life be sustained?

 

AN ASSET TO HER RELIGION

As a working mother, the money she realizes from work will assist her in spending to uplift her religious beliefs.

·         Her religion commands her to spend in the way of Allah secretly and openly (Q2:215,274). She is able to do this if she has earning power.

·         Her religion commands her to do good to her parent (Q17:23-224). She cannot do this if she has no work or money.

·         Her religion encourages her to pay Zakat, fund the orphanages, health institutions, build mosque, seek knowledge far and near etc. she cannot do so if she does not work first to acquire wealth.

·         Her religion expects her to cater well for her children. As a widow, can she succeed in this duty if the husband died poor?

·         As a working mother, she serves as a role model to the children both socially and academically. She also encourages other women to be like her.

·         Her religion commands her to do good works; “If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female and have faith, they will enter heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them” (Q4:124)

 

SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE WORKING MOTHER

Nowadays, the society witnesses an upsurge in the number of Muslim children turning delinquent. The metropolis boasts of quite a number of youths who have fallen into drunkenness, area-boys gang-ups, thieves etc. Some Muslim adduces this problem to the outcome of our Muslim women becoming working mothers. They argued that in the olden days, none of these miscreants exist. My views on this problem are as follows:

Even if this is true, it cannot be more than in about 10% of all cases and will arise from Westernized working mothers who are Muslims but who come home late at nights and work almost 7 days a week. Those who do not themselves practice neither Islam nor impact Islam on their children. Hence in about 90% of all cases, the facts are as follows:

a.   That in the olden days, level of western civilization was low hence a lot of people were literate in knowing the Books of God, the Qur’an and Hadith, but not today’s western education. Hence they had the fear of God which they taught their children. Nowadays, in the quest for western education, a lot of Muslim – male and female have imbibed negative western civilization and have no knowledge of the Qur’an and thus care less about using their available finances to buy ‘Islamic Education’ and fear of God for their children. They themselves are followers of the West. Both wife and husband leaves home very early and return late at nights. They both attend parties and cinemas, hence the children are free all day to chose their friends. The problems of miscreants occur from the extremely rich and extremely poor homes. The rich one pamper the child so much that the places of education their children are sent to are places where children of thieves are embezzlers also study, hence they teach themselves the tricks.

 

For the extremely poor ones who are not practicing Muslims, they go out in quest for economic breakthroughs and send their children out on the streets too asking them to go fend for themselves.

 

b.   Another reason for miscreants is that arising out of broken homes. When husband and wife break apart, the father goes his way, the mother ditto, hence the children too go their ways. This is why Allah enjoins unity: “And hold fast together, unto the Cord of Allah and be not divided” (Q 3:103)

 

In most dissolved marriages, the care of the children rests on the mother as the father in most cases abducts responsibilities, probably running after other women. Where the woman is fortunate to be a working mother, she salvages the future of these children by doubling her work efforts to guarantee their sane and proper upkeep. Hence her work becomes a bigger blessing for her. But where there is no work, the children remain un-catered for by both parents and these unfortunate children embrace street lives.

 

c.   The third reason which is also major, is that nowadays all schools no longer teach moral and religious education which was a core compulsory subject from primary school levels in those days. Hence children of nowadays do not grow up with any moral principles of virtues and hardly have the fear of God in them.

 

d.   The final reason and the greatest is the exposure of our children to too much television programmes, which are in most cases anti-religious, tyrannical and immoral. As a result they grow up with deformities in their characters and as hard people devoid of compassion.

 

Another argument against the working mother is that most times, it is her very work that acts as catalyst to dissolution of marriage. My submission here is as follows:

1.       That some women are naturally bad and do not allow Islam to govern their lives. These group of women whether they work or not, will always behave in manners that will sooner or later cause fracas and dissolution. This is because they lack proper understanding of their role as wife and mother, and as supporter and helper of their husbands. Allah remids in Surah Nisa’a chapter 4 verses 34 in part “So virtuous women are those who are obedient, and guard the secrets  of their husbands with Allah’s protection”

 

2.       That some women are naturally arrogant, pompous and ungovernable. These class of women, once they take up work, do so only to use the financial power to launch an attack of calumny against their husbands, and to rule them. This is because they do not have the Islamic guidance and consider economic power as a veritable tool to dominate and indeed inflict pain and anguish on their husbands. My advice to these group is to have a re-think of their nefarious attitudes, as Allah will not allow them to go scot-free the Qur’an warns: “Whoever does good does it for his soul and whoever does evil, does it against his soul. And your Lord is never unjust to His servants”  (Qur’an)

 

PERCEPTION OF SOME MUSLIM MEN OF THEIR ORDAINED ROLE

In analyzing the working mother and her being an asset or otherwise, it will be pertinent to mention the attitudes of some Muslim men and the way they conceive their God-given roles and how their attitudes affect their wives.

 

The status which Islam gave to the Muslim husband is that he is the Head of the Family and who have sole responsibilities for the total upkeep of the family. However. The following exception abounds in modern-day society:

·         Quite a percentage of Muslim men nowadays do not believe that they have a duty to totally provide feeding, clothing, accommodation etc for the wife and children. They have their sharing formula spelled out to their wives. In this instances, it becomes compulsory for the mother to work even if it does not suit her as a home manager. The Holy Prophet of Islam says: “Everyone of you is a shepherd and everyone of you will be questioned concerning how he has handled his flocks”.

·         Some Muslim men who do not have the financial capability of a polygamous life, sometimes goes into it for selfish and ignorant reasons with the result that they are compelled to limit their scope of financial responsibilities to their existing numerous children. In this case, the wife must work to train and nurture her children.

·         Some men deliberately divorce their women because they consider her as a liability if she does not work.

·         Some men who have divorced for one reason or the other with their wives, dodges their responsibility of catering for the products of the dissolved marriage and the women are thus compelled to work to save their children from hunger.

·         Any sudden death by a man who has a non-working woman may create problem for the woman who may not know how to continue or sustain the husband’s work and soon suffer herself and children as a result of poverty.

 

The last point for men to consider is that some of them refuse point blank to allow their wives to work. If this situation occurs, it is the duty of the woman to oblige. The condition however is that the husband should be capable of taking care of all the financial needs of his wife in a satisfactory manner. The woman in that instance need not work. The husband may then be prepared to make available to his wife a very honourable allowance that will be at least equal to her earning capacity if she is to work outside her home. This is to enable her live comfortably, take proper care of her home, and carry out her own financial obligations as she may deem fit. Failure however by men to ensure this is done at least according to the best of his means stands questionable by Allah, their creator. This however, should not incite the woman to disobedience or strife since Allah knows full well her plights.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE WORKING MOTHER

If the working mother who, in these analyses has been considered as a veritable asset to the family, then she needs to bear in mind the following matters in the conduct of her work-life in order to maintain her invaluable position as an important organ in the Islamic family unit. These matters are as follows:

1.       She should avoid long-hours of work that is capable of destabilizing her home management role which is primary. In this regard she is advised to embrace work wherein she can control her time as in self-employment ventures such as trading or having her own office or place of work or better still, working from her home base. If however she takes up paid employment. She should align this to conform with her time needs for her matrimonial home.

 

2.       She should harbour good intentions as to her core objectives of working. She should not put it in her mind that her search for economic power is in order to lord herself over her husband -  this is totally at variance with Islamic principles. The Qur’an is Surah Nisa informs: “Men are a degree above women by right of what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend for maintenance from their wealth (Q 4:34).

 

3.       She should not show arrogance or behave proudly towards her husband. She should not allow her economic affluence to delude her from hr humble station of an obedient, compassionate, humble, respectful and passionate wife to her husband and a loving mother to her children and wards.

 

4.       She should avoid being selfish with her wealth. She should be willing and ready to assist her husband if he stands in need of extra finances without being told. She should be convinced that whatever she spends in this way is highly acknowledged by Allah. She should strive and do her utmost to help uplift her husband financially so that he attains economic buoyancy if not above, then at least, at par with her (Q 64:15-17).

 

5.       As a responsible wife, she should not be unduly extravagant with her wealth such that she causes rancour between herself and husband.

 

Finally, she should remember that the presence of wealth, to a Muslim man or woman is a trial. The Qur’an says: “Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward” (Q64:15). Both of them should coorperate in building a happy, loving  home and strive with members of their family in worshiping God as a single entity. Almighty Allah encourages thus: “The  Believers, men and women, are protectors of one another; they enjoin what is just and forbid evil. They observe regular prayers and practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Apostle. On them will Allah pour His mercy; for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise” (Q9:71).

 

SUMMARY

A general outlook of our present world all over the continents will reveal the fact that in every age the proportion of women to men are usually in the ratio of 70:30 or at least women are above 50%.

Since this is a reality, if the womenfolk are not working then there will be insufficiency in food, shelter, clothing and all other necessities of life as the male population alone cannot achieve this. Should that be the case, Islam will be more backward intellectually, socially and economically. It is sufficient to mention the very great role our Seyyidah Khadijah the wife of Rosulullah played when she gave all her wealth to the service of Islam when Islam was at its infancy. Islam was thus strengthened. Also today’s public lecture is being sponsored by a working Muslim mother.

 

Again, Islam is a religion of Justice and Equity. If it bars its women from seeking the bounties of their Lord through work or financial empowerment, then where is the Justice it professes?

 

Also in this dynamic age when knowledge is the in-thing, for a mother who is uneducated or is an illiterate, hence who lack capability to work and interact with the external society, it will be extremely slow progress to train her children. Hence those kinds of children will lack proper moral, psychological and spiritual developmental progress since there is very little to offer them.

 

So it will be a fact to state that a woman is a better helper of her matrimonial home if she is a conscious working mother having the firm support of her equally conscious working husband. The key issue is takwa in our life. Let us all work in tandem with Allah’s commandment which reads: “O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what it sends forth for the morrow. And fear Allah, surely Allah is well-aware of all that ye do. And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient” (Al-Hashr 59: 18-19)

 

I hope I have in this short presentation, demonstrated to you honourable audience why I am of the belief that a working mother is an Asset to her family but Allah knows best. May Allah in His infinite mercy come to the aid of the Muslim family in all-secular and multi-religious societies so that the torch of Islam shines powerfully in their individual homes and permeate their national life. May Allah make the Muslim youths of today proud and admirable leaders of tomorrow in our entire National and International lives.

 

“Robbana ablana min azwaajina wa zuriyatina Qurrata Ahyuuni, waj-alina lil mutaqeena Imaaman”. O our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring, comfort to our eyes, and make us a leader for the righteous. (Q25:74)

Subhana Robbika Robbil Izati ama yasifuun, wa salaamun ala-l-Mursaleen, wal Hamdu lillahi Robbil Aalameen.PRESENTER

08023155119

bola_grillo@yahoo.com

 

 

TOPIC 4

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF MUSLIM YOUTH ORGANISATIONS

(NACOMYO – LAGOS STATE CHAPTER)

 

 

 

Presents a lecture titled:

ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION OF THE MUSLIM YOUTH –

 THE JOURNEY SO FAR

 

 

at Its

12^TH BI-ENNIAL CONFERENCE

 

 

Under the theme:

NIGERIA POLITICS: MUSLIM YOUTH AGENDA

 

 

On

Sabt 20^TH Jumadath-Thanni 1427 A.H.

(Saturday 15^th July, 2006)

 

 

Paper Presenter

HAJIA SEYYIDAH BILQEES BOLAJOKO GRILLO – FCA, MBA

(e-mail: bola_grillo@yahoo.com)
ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION OF THE YOUTH:

THE JOURNEY SO FAR.

 

INTRODUCTION

“Ausu Billahi mina Shaytoni Rojeem Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi-l– Fatahi –l- Ganiyyiil Rozaaq al- adhi amorana bil ilmi wal amoli, wa faddolana ala jemihi-l-mokhaluqooti, dhalika fadluhu Azza wa Jalla ladhi faddola alayna, walakinna aksara-n-naas la yashkuruuna. Wa solawatulahi wa salaamuhu ala seyyidin-naas, ladhi arsalhu Allahu rahmatan lil-Aalameen, wa daaiyan ila sebilihi roshaad wa ala alihi wa asiabihi ila yawmi deen.”

 

I seek refuge in Allah from the wrath of Satan the rejected in the Name of Allah the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Praise be unto Allah the Opener, the Enricher, the Provider, Who has commanded us with the duty to seek knowledge and work, and who has favoured us above all other creatures, that is His Grace, the Mighty and the Exalted which He has bestowed upon us, but most men do not give thanks. May Allah’s infinite peace and salutations be upon the Leader of mankind, whom Allah sent as a Mercy to the whole Universe and a Caller unto His way which guides aright. May Allah’s peace and blessing also abide with his household and companions, till the Day of Judgment (Amin).

 

THEREAFTER,

The topic for our searchlight at today’s august gathering is:

 

ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION OF THE YOUTHS - THE JOURNEY SO FAR

“At this juncture, kindly permit me to make a minor amendment to the topic to focus solely on the Muslim Youth i.e. – “Economic Emancipation of the Muslim Youth”. This is because the Muslim Youth is different from the other youths as he has his code of conduct that steers him –i.e. the al-Qur’an. Hence he is not left without guidance. In looking at this topic, we shall examine who is a Muslim Youth and what are his roles or the duties expected of him. We shall also consider what is economic emancipation and review whether or not the Muslim Youth is in economic bondage or not and if so, why? We will then consider some steps by which the youth can seek economic freedom without jeopardizing his position as a Muslim and conclude our talk with admonition for the Muslim Youth in his quest for economic emancipation.

 

It is my hope that Allah will benefit our youths with an open and eager heart to draw useful lessons from the views expressed in this paper.

 

 

WHO IS A MUSLIM YOUTH?

A Muslim Youth is a person of an Islamic Parentage born into a practicing Muslim family unit, currently in the age bracket of between 18 years of age to his late twenties, usually below age of 28 years. Further, the Muslim Youth is someone who has Al-Qur’an as his source of guidance and the Apostle as his model of conduct. The Muslim Youth is a responsible Muslim who believes in Allah and has roles or duties which he is obligated to perform in order to maximize opportunities available to him as a youth. In order to appreciate his need for economic emancipation, let us review his key roles and duties as Khalifah of Allah on earth, and as someone who is no longer a minor and neither an adult. He is someone in his full physical strength, strong and full of life and determination to make a mark on Mother Earth. He is the restless, full-spirited, anxious and eager young mind impatient to explore the beauty of the universe and make an impact thereon. He is Allah’s creation and wonders personified. Below are his roles/duties as can be discerned by many people viz:

 

THE ROLES OF THE MUSLIM YOUTH CAN BE SUMMARIZED AS FOLLOWS:

Time Management

The Need to Appreciate the value of time and mange it to achieve the best advantage of it. The Holy Prophet in one of his traditions reported” “Appreciate five things before five others viz: “your youth before your old age; your health before your sickness; your richness before your poverty, your life before your death and your leisure before your busy time”. Further, the prophet also reported: “Most people are unaware of the value of two gifts: Health and free time”. A Muslim Youth has a duty to manage his time effectively in order to achieve the best use of his time and the following steps are recommended:

1.        Arranging one’s affairs

2.        Avoiding valueless gatherings

3.        Steering clear of nonsense and aimless endeavours

4.        Befriending people of sound mind and seriousness

5.        Reading the Biographics of great scholars and scientists

6.        Doing what needs be done immediately without procrastination or delay to a future time period. The Holy Prophet said:“Al-Hirman azzul-kaslaan” “Deprivation is the gain of the one who delays action”

 

DUTY TO ALLAH

The Muslim Youth also has a duty to Allah Almighty His Apostle. He has to carry out true worship to Allah, and crave His nearness and pleasure. In this regard he is expected to:

1.        Be devoted and be absorbed in prayer and worship

2.        Be accustomed with carrying out the night prayer, tahajud daily

3.        The recitation of the Glorious Quran at least once per month.

4.        Supplication and regular seclusion to draw nearer to Allah and increase his faith and takwa.

5.        Remembering death and making preparation for it by carrying out good deeds and higher devotional duties.

6.        Keeping Allah is one’s mind and chanting His remembrance. Being conscious of Allah in all his thoughts and deeds.

7.        Reading the biographies of the prophets, the companions and the pious Muslims and using them as role-models to emulate.

 

In summary, sincere worship is non-negotiable. The Qur’an says: “Wamo umiruu illa liyahbudu laha mukhlizina lau deena unafaha wa yuqimu solata wa yuutu zakata wa zalika deenul qoyyimah” “and they were not commanded with aught save to worship Allah being sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give Zakah, and that is the correct religion (Al-Bayinnah 98:5)

 

DUTY TO SELF

The Muslim Youths equally important is toward his own soul. He should study the nature of his soul, and doctor it through discipline to follow the commandments of Allah at all times and not to allow it to engage in debasing activities. He should fight his Nafs until it is elevated from the soul which commands evil, Nafs amarra bi sui, to that which is at peace with Allah, Mutmainah and further to that which is pleased with Allah and which Allah in turn is pleased with, rodiyah wa moridiyah.  Allah Ta’ala tells in the Glorious Book: “Qod aflaha mon zakaha, wa qod khaaba mon dassaha” “Successful indeed is he who purifies his soul, and fail is her who instills it with corruption” (As-shams 91:9-10)

 

CARE OF MIND

His next duty is towards the care of his mind, by engaging in study and scholarship. He should seek useful knowledge that will be required to guide him through life, the knowledge that will assist him in his religion and in knowing God, as well as those that will guarantee a comfortable stay for him on earth. Further in his role towards his study, he should seek knowledge of the secular sciences, thereby bring him into better consciousness of Allah as well as contribute his quota to the Islamic community and help make the Muslim society less dependent on the East and the west in search of modern day essentials which advancement in science and technology has made a necessity.

 

In this regard, Allah Ta’ala states: “Alam tara anna Allah anzala mina samahi mo’an fa akharaja bihi thamaratin mukhtalifan al waanuhu, waminal jibali judadu bihdun wa umrun mukhtalifun alwnuha wa garaabibu suud. Wa mina nas, wa dawab wal-an’am muktalifun kazalika, inamo yahkhsa min ibadihil ulamaa’u. Inna laha Azeezun Gafurun”.

 

Meaning:  “Have you not seen how Allah sends down water from the sky, and with it we bring forth variety of fruits of various colours. And in the mountains are streams, while and red and various shades of colour, and jet black. And also among mankind and creatures and cattle, diverse are their colours too. Surely, those of His servants who have knowledge fear Allah alone. Indeed Allah is Almighty, All-Forgiving” (Al-Fatir: 27-28)

 

FILIAL DUTY

His other duty is towards his family. He should practice love, kindness, charity, modesty and moderation with his family both the near one and the far relations. He should make their welfare the uppermost in his mind and he should guide them in the best way by employing wisdom and good counsel. He should appreciate their point of view and should not pursue his goals to their detriment. Rather he should consider their needs and expectations and adopt a middle approach. He should be interested in their affairs and assist them wherever such is needed. He should not neglect, discourage or enrage them. As a child he should be obedient to his parents and to the near of kin, he should show kindness. He should avoid undue harshness and strong-headedness. The Holy Prophet used to say in many of his traditions: The best of you are those who treat their wives best, is merciful to the young ones and respect the elders”. The Qur’an also corroborates: “ Ani-sh-kurli wal waalidayka, ilayyal mosir” meaning “That should give thanks to Me and unto thy parents. Unto Me is the final return (Luqman 31:14)

 

DUTY TO SOCIETY

Finally, he has a duty to his society. He should concern himself with the affairs of the society and should act at all times as a good Ambassador of Islam. The affairs of the Muslim in today’s world is similar to that of the helpless orphan who share a banquet with some deceivers. All enemies are united against Islam. The Muslims are humiliated. Our honour, wealth and blood as Muslims have been violated. The hostility to Islam is an open one. The reason is because Muslims will only bow down to one True God. They refuse to bow to materialism, communism, capitalism, monarchy and to the world. They seek the hereafter assiduously while in this world. The result of this action and stand is for the enemy world to hate Islam and Muslim particularly the youths who have the zeal, the strength and the determination to defend Islam. Hence the Muslim Youth has a duty to learn about Islam and its rights, and ponder over the inter-relationship that exist between him and the entire society at large. Then he has to utilize all that he has acquired; knowledge, scholarship; wealth; affluence, fame, charisma and the strength of his youth, to defend, honour and protect Islam from the evils meted to it at all fronts- and stand up and fight with Iman and certainty that surely: “it is Allah and His Messengers who shall prevail”. In doing this, he should deepen relations with fellow Muslim Youth and they can begin to work together in exhorting others to truth and to patience and in eschewing evils, enjoining good and in Dahwah and building the Iman of others. They should come together as one and work in unity and brotherhood and do not disintegrate. As a body, they will be better able to defend Islam and strengthen the Muslim community from acts of aggression, oppression and domination from enemies.

 

The prophet said: “Khayru Nas mon yanfahu Nas” meaning “the Best of mankind are those who benefits others” Allah Ta’ala says: “kuntum khaera Ummatin ukhrijat li Nas, ta’amuruuna bil maharuf wa tan-haona anil munkari wa tuuminuuna billahi” Meaning “You are the best nation produced as model for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah” (Al-Imran 3:110)

 

Let us now consider what is meant by Economic Emancipation

ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION

This is a process by which the youth of Islam finds an avenue to get out the shackles of poverty, hunger and lack of means towards what guarantees him economic freedom wherewith he is able to fee, clothe and live comfortably and carry out his roles or duties as a Muslim Youth. No doubt economic slavery which is the opposite of economic freedom wherewith he is able to feed, cloth and live comfortably and carry out his roles or duties as a Muslim Youth. No doubt economic slavery which is the opposite of economic freedom is still a major impediment to the Muslim Youth and has also in recent times particularly in the Nigerian society one of the core factors which has transformed the Muslim Youth into a vagabond and a non-entity.

 

For the categories of Muslim Youth whose parental upbringing has positively steered towards a moral and pious growth and development, occasioned by the parent’s firm handling of the rope Allah and His Apostle, the economic poverty has transformed the youth into a docile, timid, unsure individual, who finds it extremely difficult to stand shoulder-to-shoulder among his contemporaries, and harder still to disseminate the message of dawah and carry out all his expected roles as a Muslim Youth to his near and far neighbours who require his attention.

 

In particular lack of economic freedom hinders the Muslim Youth from achieving the foundation needs of his existence, in the following areas:

1.        Proper and Balanced upbringing:

The need for proper diet, conducive learning environment, attendance of qualitative places of infant learning, exposure to a properly-groomed crop of adolescents, are never met by majority of parents due to the lack of economic means to guarantee their children with the best of foundational learning. As a result, the bright and intelligent Muslim child is unable to develop his potentials fully and capture the best of Allah’s gifts which He freely endows to young children and infants particularly through teaching, indoctrination and imbibing of attitudes and etiquettes. This thus debars the child from acquiring positive traits, a balanced moral and spiritual foundation essential for moulding great minds in the future.

 

2.        Lack of acquisition of the right kind of knowledge:

Following closely is the inability of the child-youth to have access to qualitative spiritual, moral and secular education necessary for acquainting him with the needs of his religion and his life expectations, build his psychological and emotional being to prepare him adequately for the task of Khilafah or vicegenncy of God which is the reason for his coming to this world.

 

3.        Lack of formation of an outstanding personality as a result of parental negligence

Due to the very strenuous nature of growth and development of the youth occasioned by parents incapacity he often misses the chance to become a unique personality endowed with vision and determination to become a history-maker in the fields of life such as religion, science, literature, politics, sociology and the like. The result is the production of unpopular adults who are unable to use discretion, are not enlightened and non firmly grounded in knowledge. The religion of Islam which is a living force and which normally should find expression in its people often become relegated to the background and not allowed to have the required impact on the soul and perception of the affected Muslim Youth or adult. Hence the percentage of the conscious Muslims to total Muslims is very low, generally around 10%. What this translates to is that the unconscious 90% Muslims are viewed as Muslims despite the fact that their behaviour and conduct are, in most cases not in accord with Islamic principles and practical Islam. This scenario often make the outsiders i.e. the non-Muslims view Muslims and Islam as barbaric and uncivilized because of the wrong code of ethics and attitudes imbibed by these unrepresentative group.

 

From the foregoing, it becomes imperative for the youth to seek self-help and try to turn his fortunes round. This is paramount in order to strengthen his position and face his tasks squarely, so that he can attain the aim of his existence on earth. Allah encourages him thus: “Wala tahyinuu, wala tahzanu, wa antumu-l-aalaona in kuntum muumineen” meaning “And do not be fatigued, and do not be sad, you will surely be victorious if you remain steadfast in faith” (Al-Quran)

 

RECOMMENDED STEPS TOWARDS ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION

·         Youths should form clubs, association or society and team up in order to gain advantage of networking. As a body they will then be able to plan strategically to emancipate themselves from shackles of poverty.

 

In coming together, they should register under umbrella agencies and organizations after drafting their proposed terms of reference or focus area by way of constitution. In specific terms they should carry out the following;

1.        Give themselves a name.

2.        Register this name under government e.g. at the Corporate Affairs Commission as a Religious or Business organization, as may be appropriate. This will give them credibility and make their business a legal entity.

3.        Solve the problem of initial funding for group’s objective by way of individual subscription to the group’s purse; joint efforts at searches for sponsorship from donor Muslim individuals/ organizations; or through soft loans from friends. At advanced stages they can source financing from established financial institutions, government support agencies and from NGOs.

4.        Prioritise their proposed focus areas in the order of the most economically viable or most profitable. Select the top priority ones in terms of available funds.

5.        Set-up a committee of intellectual ones among them or employ External Consultants, Counselors or Advisers who can help them  do a proper plan and implementation proposal to face a business initiative based on their identified areas of priority as identified above.

6.        Make arrangement for all that needs be procured and carry out processes that will transform efforts into productivity. Ensure openness, discipline, dedication, commitment, professionalism honesty and co-operation in all work areas and exhibit a high sense of responsibility. “United we stand, Divided we fall”. “Unity is strength”

7.        Link up with other friendly club, association or societies to dispose your object of production e.g. bakery – you bread & other confectioneries; barbing – your customers for hair cut, weaving/tailoring – your friends and associates from other clubs and associations e.t.c. The need for co-operation and collaboration in the pursuit of good cannot be over emphasized. We are one Ummah and One Community bound by faith. Allah reminds us: “Wa tahawwanu alal birri wa takwa” meaning “And co-operate with one another in furthering good and righteousness”

8.        Continuously review and improve on current standards of output in order to excel and be dynamic in reacting to changes in taste or in improving service excellence.

 

·         Youths should wake up from their deep slumber and go out in search of real useful knowledge. They should enroll into Arabic, Islamic, vocational, academic places of learning such as madrassah, evening lessons, part time schools, weekend courses, and vocational centers computer centers and IT institutes etc to improve their quantum and quality of knowledge. Never procrastinate, as delay is dangerous. Never be timid to take up the challenge. Never be comfortable with ignorance. Never be satisfied until you continuously better your good. A poet said: "Al-jahilluuna famaotun qobla mootihim

Wa Aalimuuna fain mootuu fa ahyaahu”

 

“The ignorant ones are dead people even before their death

while the knowledgeable ones are alive even after their demise”.

 

The prophet of Islam admonishes in many places the importance of seeking knowledge and how knowledge can help Muslim Youths achieve greatness, understand the requirements of his religion and achieve a life of happiness in both worlds:  the knowledge acquired will enable the youth to be creative and they can utilize the skills acquired to establish work and be self-sustaining. Allah says: “Wa mon jahada fa innamo yujaahidu li nafsihi” meaning “Who ever strives, he surely strives for himself” (Al-Qur’an)

 

·         Elders should encourage their youths to become economically viable by engaging in economic oriented endeavors that can pave way or be a source of economic leeway for them. For instance vocational training for arts and crafts, weaving, tie-dye, catering, tailoring, barbing and hair care, baking, soap and cosmetics auto engineering etc can be attended and after the end of training, the youth can start personal business in his training areas solely or jointly as a group with colleagues of like minds.

 

·         Elders should make conscious efforts to rehabilitate the disoriented youth who has fallen astray into gang-ups of thieves, drunkards, smokers and armed robbers etc through expenditure of efforts, money and prayers including seeking assistance from State or Local Government Agencies that are tasked with such responsibilities. The area boys population are on the increase in Lagos and other states, the rates of unemployment of the youths is on the increase, state of insecurity are on the increase, arms molestation on the citizenry are worsening as well as GSM phone theft by these irate youths. The elders have failed the youths of today in the area of proper moral and spiritual rearing and training, the result of which is that the elders too are in a state of insecurity and unrest and their good names are being damaged by their uncouth children who have become a pain in the neck to them and to the society. To the elders, I say all is not lost, they can still brace-up and create time to re-build the personality of htse youths by engaging the services of the Dawah groups, the Guidance and Counselors, the Muslim Societies and the Non-Governmental Organizations or Body who can help them rehabilitate their strayed children into the straight path. The power of prayers sincerely undertaken to aid their cause should equally not be underestimated.

 

On the other hand the well guided, focused youths should rally round their unfortunate compatriots and design house-to-house dawah campaigns, retreat, public lectures, community development programs that will include these youths, and thereby find a way of appealing to their conscience and consciously work at their re-birth, so that they can become worthy ambassadors of Islam and no longer a disgrace to it.

 

WORD OF ADMONITION  FOR YOUTHS IN THEIR QUEST FOR EMANCIPATION

 

First, let us all bear in mind the fact that we are in the end-time. The phenomenon of the end-time is that the entire world will be in darkness and a complete state of loss. The people in the world will desire moral, spiritual and intellectual darkness and pursue wordly pursuits and vain desires to the detriment of their soul. They will not care about their God or His commandments. They will deny khairah or the hereafter and even consider it a mirage, preferring the life of this world.

 

They will regard the quest for money, which is economic freedom as the ultimate reason for their existence. They will worship materialism and not God. This is what majority of the people of end-time will do. Except those who believe and do good works. And exhort one another to truth and patience. These categories are very few in percentage. They crave for Allah and the Home of the hereafter. They live in this world as a stranger and do not follow or copy the world. They guide their conscience from degeneration and decay. These are those who have the seed of Iman or faith in their hearts. It is against the back drop of this end-time situation that today’s youths find themselves being economically enslaved. In a quest for economic freedom, most youths have sold their hereafter for this world. They have purchased error for guidance. They have killed their conscience. Allah ta’ala says: “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose resulting plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes scattered debris. And the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldy life except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Al-Hadeed 57:20).

 

The call is to Muslim Youths to refrain from life and living devoid of God’s guidance and in particular not to join the band wagon of today’s youths whose source of economic emancipation follows the way of the Dajjal - seeking wealth at all cost even if they have to maim or kill, to join armed robbery gangs and hired-killers, to do bank forgery, to embezzle, to do international 419 via the use of the internet, to use credit cards to defraud stores and supermarkets, to engage in human trafficking and child abuse, to go into prostitution, lesbianism and homosexualism infact to do anything do-able for money sake. To become millionaires in a twinkle of an eye.

 

Dear Muslim Youth! You are not created to live on earth except to be Allah’s representatives. You are His Khalifah. You are Allah’s image. You are a temporary being on Planet Earth. You are a traveler. Your works are your luggages on your journey. If you carry out sinful works, you will be over burdened on your travels. If you perform righteous acts, your load will be light and your travels comfortable. Your actions will speak for or against you. The journey to Economic Emancipation should not be such that steals away your heart to the company of shaytan and his cohorts. Seek lawful means out of your economic handicap. Be at peace in the knowledge that both the rich and the poor are destined to die and will not carry wealth into or beyond their graves. Remember the day earth will receive your body, for ever. Prepare for your abode in the hereafter here in this world and fear the fire of Hell. Fear Allah who has guided you to be Muslims and perfected your make. Do not be ungrateful by neglecting His command. Avoid friends and companionship that will lure you into transgression and disbelief. Your journey to economic freedom should lie in your purity of intentions and of actions. Put Allah first in all your quest. Hold firmly to His admonition. Fear Him and obey His Apostle. Then make firm resolution to strive. Use your Head. Use your skill. Use your faculty endowments to seek a way out. At every step make Allah your support and hope. Hold good counsels with other pious youths. Try out your thoughts. Be positive. That way success will search you out and your efforts will be rewarded. Remember, the youths of stead fastness mentioned in the Glorious Book: “Innahum Fityatun amanu birobbi him wa zidnahum Hudan” meaning They were youths who believed in their Lord and me increased them in Guidance” (Al-kahf: 18:13)

 

If you follow their example as youths, Allah will seek a way out for you. He says: “Wamon yattaqi laha, yaj-al lahu makhrajah, wa yarzuquhu min aesu la yahtasibu …” Meaning “Whoever fears Allah He will fashion out for him a way out (of his problems) and will provide for him from sources he cannot comprehend…”, also “Wamon yattaqi laha yaj’al lahu min amrihi yusran” Meaning “Whoever fear Allah, he will make easy for him his affairs (Al-Qur’an)

 

May Allah come to the aid of our youths, endow them with the light of Iman and discretion and make them fortunate in all that is good and which He is pleased with. “Robbana atmim lana nuurana, wagfrilana, Innaka ala kulli shayin Qodirun” Meaning “O Allah perfect for us our light, and forgive us, surely you have power over all things.”

 

“Subhana robbika Robbil Izzati amma Yasifun, wa salamun alal mursalin, wal hamdu lillahi robbil alameen”.

 

 

ALHAJA B. B. GRILLO

 

Note: you can obtain the following titles from the presenter’s e-mail address or from NACOMYO Secretariat:

 

 

TOPIC 5

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

 

Lecture Title:

 

MUHAMMAD (PBUH) A MODEL FOR ENTIRE MANKIND

 

Delivered on the Occasion of the Annual Moulud Nabiyy Lecture Series

organized by:

The Muslim Collossuss International communication

in conjunction with

The American Cultural Consulate, Marina, Lagos

At Agidingbi, Ikeja Lagos

On Sunday,  2005 [12^th Rabiul Awwal 14…]

MUHAMMAD (PBUH) A MODEL FOR ENTIRE MANKIND

 

 

Ausu Billahi Mina Shaytoni Rojeemi Bisimillahi Rahmanir Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi ladhi arsala rosulahu bil hudah wa deenil aqqi, li yuzihirahu ala deeni kullihi, wa kafah billahi shaidan. Salawatu lahi wa salaamuhu, wa barakatuhu, wa tahiyyatuhu alaehi, wa ala alihi wa-asiahibi attoyibeena tohireen, wa alaena ajmain ila yawmi-d-den.

 

“Balaga –l-ula bi kamolihi

kashafa-duja bi  jamolihi

Hasunat jemihi

khizolihi

Sollu alaehi wa alihi”

 

I seek refuge in Allah from the wrath of Satan, the accursed, In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah who has sent His Apostle with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that it might prevail over every other religion, and Allah is sufficient as a witness. May Allah’s choicest peace, salutations, blessings and greetings be upon him and upon his household and companions, the good and pure, and upon us all, till the day of judgement.

“He attained the heights of eminence by his perfection

He dispelled the darkness (of the world) by his grace.

Excellent were all His qualities

Pray for blessings on Him and his posterity”

 

Today, we assemble at this August gathering to join the whole world to celebrate the annual remembrance of the birth of our Great Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh) son of Abdullahi the Leader of mankind. This event which, precisely around this period is organized universally from the East to the West, from the remotest corner of the globe to the most visible of nations, is in commemoration of his great contributions to the emancipation of humanity from the abyss of despair and hopelessness occasioned by the lack of the Divine guidance to mankind. Prior to his coming, the world has been enmeshed in barbarism, ignorance, superstition, cruelty and terror. The whole human life was in disarray. The Arabs in particular were deeply-rooted  were in idolatry, moral excesses such as gambling, drinking intoxicating, adultery, rape, female infanticide, raids, theft, slavery, prostitution and other forms of indecencies. The idea of future existence, and of retribution of good and evil, were, as motives of human action, practically unknown.

 

About the time the Holy Prophet of Islam appeared on earth, about 571 years had passed after the demise of the last Divine Guide, the Prophet Isa (Jesus) son of Mary, on whom be peace. The coming of the last prophet had been prophesized in the earlier Divine Scriptures of prophets Dawud (David) Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) upon whom be peace. He made his appearance in Arabian Peninsula in year of Elephant, precisely 12^th of Rabiul Awwal 571 AD. This was the year, a king named Abrahah Al-Ashram, the Abyssinian Ruler of Yemen invaded Mecca with his army of Elephants to destroy the Ka’aba. This event was later narrated to the Prophet by Allah in the Qu’ran. Their stratagem was brought to naught and Allah sent flocks of birds against them which pelted them with stones of baked clays and rendered them like straws eaten up (by cattle) (see chp. 105 Surah Al-Fil). This was one of the many significant miracles surrounding his coming. In order to appreciate the fact of his being a model for mankind; we need to acquaint ourselves with his background.

 

HIS BIRTH

Muhammad (pbuh) was born to Abdullahi bin Abdul Mutallib and Ameenah bint Wahab bin Abd Munaf. He belonged to Banu (the Clan of) Hashim of Quraysh tribe. His linage can be traced back to Isma’il the first son of Prophet Ibrahim. His coming was in answer to prophet Ibrahim’s prayer to God in the presence of his son Isma’il when raising the pillars of Kaba thus:

“Our Lord, raise amongst them a messenger of their own who shall recite unto them your verses and instruct them in the book (the Qur’an) and in wisdom, and sanctify them. Verily, you are the All-mighty, the All-wise (Baqorah 2:129)”.

 

Muhammad (pbuh) lost his father before he was born. He was brought up by his grandfather Abdul-Mutallib who gave him the name Muhammad. His grandfather loved him very much and took everywhere with him. He was given to a wet-nurse called Halimatu Sahdiyah. At age six, he lost his mother who died on her way from Medina to Mecca at a place called Abwaa after visiting her husband’s grave. At age eight, his grandfather also died and he was transferred to his uncle Abu Talib. He took the best care of his nephew. He put him with his children and preferred him to them. He singled the boy out with great respect and high esteem.

 

At age twelve, one day he followed his uncle on a business journey to Syria. When they reached a place called Busra they met a man called Bahira who showed great kindness and entertained them lavishly, a departure from his usual habit. He readily recognized the Prophet and said while taking his hands: “This is the master of all humans. Allah will send him with a message which will be a mercy to all beings”. Abu Talib asked: “How do you know that? He replied: “When you appeared from the direction of Aqabah, all stones and trees prostrated themselves, which they never do except for a prophet. I can recognize him also by the seal of Prophethood which is below his shoulder, like an apple. We have got to learn this from our books”. He asked Abu Talib to send the lad back to Mecca and not take him to Syria for fear of the Jews. This was done.

 

Between age 15 and 25 he worked as shepherd for Bani Sa’d in Makkah. At age 25, he went to Syria as a merchant for Khadijah bint Khuwailid, a business woman of great honour and fortune. Khadijah got information of Muhammad’s truthful words, great honesty and kind manners and thus requested that he be her agent, promising to pay a higher rate of profit than she used to pay to others she had employed in the past. Muhammad agreed and left for Syria with one of Khadijah’s servant called Maisarah, for trade.

 

His Marriage

When Muhammad returned to Mecca, Khadijah noticed in her money, more profits and blessings than she used to. Maisarah also informed her of Muhammad’s good manners, honesty, deep thought, sincerity and faith. Khadijah fell in love with him and requested for marriage. Muhammad requested his uncles to go to Khadijah’s uncle and discuss the matter. Subsequently, they were married. At this time, Khadijah was forty years old.

 

For the next fifteen years as a youth, Muhammad lived a life encompassing a combination of the best social attributes. He was an exemplary man of weighty mind and faultless insight. He was favoured with intelligence, wisdom, originality of thought, a kind mind and a pure nature. His long silence helped favourably in his habit of meditation and deep investigation into the truth. He shunned superstitions practices but actively engaged in constructive and useful dealings. He held the idols in extreme aversion and most abhorrence. He continued living his life in this way till he became forty years of age.

 

His call to prophethood

When Muhammad (pbuh) was nearly forty years old, he usually pass long hours in solitude meditating and speculating over all aspects of creation around him. This meditative temperament helped to widen the mental gap between him and his compatriots. In particular, he used to visit a cave, called Hira, on Jabal Nuur (mountain of light) about 2 miles from Mecca. There he used to pray long hours and meditate on the universe around him. His heart was restless about the moral evils and idolatory that were rampant among his people; he was equally helpless as to possible approaches necessary to rectify these ills. This attitude must be understood from a Divine perspective. It was a preliminary stage to the period of weighty responsibilities that he was soon to shoulder.

 

Privacy and detachment from life’s impurities were two indispensable prerequisites for the prophet’s soul to come into close communion with the Unseen Power that is the source and reason behind all aspects of existence. It was a period of privacy and tranquility of the soul that lasted for three years and brought about indissoluble contact with that Power, thus ushering in a new era and a major milestone in the life of Muhammad (pbuh). At age forty, he started experiencing true visions which lasted six months. In Ramadhan of the third year of his solitude, in the cave of Hira, Allah’s Will desired His Mercy to flow on earth and Muhammad (pbuh) was honoured with Prophethood, and the Light of Revelation burst upon him with the appearance of Archangel Jibril, squeezing him and asking him to read three times. Muhammad (pbuh) replied in each occasion that he cannot read after which the angel said:

“Read! In the name of your Lord Who Creates

He creates man from a clot of blood

Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous

He teaches by the Pen;

He teaches man what he does not know”(Alaq 96:1-5)

 

This marked the commencement of Prophethood. The prophet was trembling with fear, ran home and told Khadijah “cover me… cover me”. He was covered till he restored security. He told Khadijah of the great incident saying that he was horrified. His wife comforted him and assured him thus “Allah will never disgrace you, you unite uterine relations: you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy. You entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness”. She took him to her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal, a Christian devotee who confirmed the truth of Muhammad’s prophethood and related the incident of Gabriel as being the same one sent to Moses. Some few days later, Gabriel re-appeared to Muhammad (pbuh) in the form of a man putting his legs on the horizon and saying: “O Muhammad (pbuh)! You are the Messenger of Allah and I am Gabriel” After this incident, there was a pause for some days.

 

At first, the fears receded but later the Prophet became sad, depressed astonished and perplexed. It got to a point he went to the mountain several times to throw himself down but every time Gabriel would appear and say “O Muhammad (pbuh) you are indeed Allah’s messenger in truth”. About this period the Prophet remarked: “While I was walking I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up, and surely enough, it was the same angel who had visited me in the cave of Hira”. He was sitting on a chair between the earth and the sky. I was very afraid of him and knelt down on the ground. I went home saying: cover me… cover me…” Allah revealed to me the verses: “O you wrapped up in mantle. Arise and warn! And your Lord do thou magnify! And your garments do purify! And uncleanness (idols) do thou shun!” (Mudathir 74:1-5)” after that the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly. Revelation continued in this form for a period of about Twenty-three years. The meccan phase covered about thirteen years and the medina phase covered ten years. The first three years represented the period of secret call; “And warn your tribe (O Muhammad) of near kindred (As-shura 26:214); the fourth to tenth year was the period of proclamation of the call in Makkah while the tenth to thirteenth year represented the period of propagation of the Message beyond Makkah, up till his migration to Medina.

 

The Medinese phase covering ten years consisted of the first six years characterized by too much trouble and discord from within and without threatening the fabric of the new faith and aiming towards total extermination. It ended with Al-Hudaybiyyah Peace Treaty in 6AH. The second phase from 6AH to 8AH featured a truce with the pagan leadership and ended in the conquest of Mecca in Ramadan 8AH. It also witnessed the Prophet inviting Kings beyond Arabia to enter the fold of Islam. In the third phase between 8AH to 11 AH people came to embrace Islam in hosts. After this the Holy Prophet performed a farewell pilgrimage and made a sermon which clearly indicated his near-exit. His opening words in the sermon states: “I do not whether I will ever meet you at this place once again after this current year” At the end of the sermon, the following verse was revealed to him: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as a religion”. (Al-Mahidah 5:3). This marked the end of revelations and conclusion of His prophetic ministry.

 

Apart from the above, other signs of his near-exit from this world were:

-    The Ramadan of 10AH, he did twenty days seclusion in place of ten days he usually did.

-    Angel Gabriel reviewed the entire Quran twice with him.

-    On 11AH, he visited Uhud and observed a farewell prayer for the martyrs.

Not long after above incidences, on Monday 12^th Rabiu-ul-Awwal, the Holy Prophet breathed his last.

 

MUHAMMAD: A MODEL FOR MANKIND

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have an excellent pattern of conduct to follow for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much” (Al-Ahzab 33:12)

 

What were the theme of his call?

“And we have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the reminder and the Advice (Quran) that you may explain clearly to men what is sent to them and that they may give thought” (An-Nahl 16:44)

 

“Surely, this Quran does guide to that which is most straight and gives glad tidings to the believers who engage in good deeds that they shall have a great reward” (Al-Israil 17:   )

 

During his brief stay on earth, He established the pillars of the religion of Islam on the following foundations which are: Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, that Muhammad (pbuh) is his servant & Messenger, upholding the 5 daily obligatory prayers, giving the poor –alms, fasting in the month of Ramadhan and going on pilgrimage to Mecca & Medina for those who are able. He was able to do this because as a Teacher for mankind, he shared their human nature, mingled in their life, was acquainted with their doings and sympathized with their joys and sorrows. He said in one of his traditions: “I was only sent to perfect good morals”. Allah almighty in describing him said: Indeed you are on an exalted standard of character” (Al-Qalam :4) He taught Oneness of God, faith in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets/Messengers, in the last Day and in the Decreeing of both good and evil. He taught perfect morals and conduct, truthfulness, returning trusts, fulfilling covenants, humility, dutifulness to parents, maintaining ties of kinship, kindness to neighbours, orphans and the needy, generosity  to guests and to all people, patience and tolerance, reconciliation between people, bashfulness, mercy, justice, chastity and more. All these feat he achieved in a period of about twenty three years coinciding to the period of His prophetic mission and the revelation of the Holy Quran - the Book of all Ages.

 

When Seyyidah Aishah, the mother of the faithful was asked about the Prophet’s character, she remarked: “His character is the Quran itself” In his life time he practicalised every aspect of the dos and don’ts of Allah as embodied in the Quran to his utmost ability. He led a life which, from the beginning to the end was consecrated to the service of God and humanity. He faced trials and temptations and stood the fire of the world coming out unscathed. The humble preacher rose and became the ruler of Arabia, the equal of Chosroes and of Caesar, the arbiter of the destinies of a nation. He possessed humility of spirit, nobility of soul, purity of heart, austerity of conduct, refinement and delicacy of feeling, stern devotion to duty which won him the title of Al-Amin (the trustworthy) combined with a severe sense of self-examination - these are the distinguishing trails of his character. He had a nature so pure, so tender and yet so heroic, which inspires not only reverence but love. His courteousness to the great, his affability to the humble and his dignified bearing to the presumptions procured him universal respect and admiration. Allah commands the believer thus in the Quran: “say: if you all love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and will forgive you your sins, and Allah is most forgiving, merciful” (Al- Imran 3:31).

 

Muhammad (pbuh): Mercy to the believers

Allah states “Indeed Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He raised among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among them, reciting unto them His verses and purifying them and instructing them in the Book (Quran) and the wisdom, while before that they had been in manifest error”. (        )

 

Also, “He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah” Also “And we have not sent Thee except to the whole of mankind as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner. But most men know not”.

 

“And we have not sent thee but as a mercy to the whole world” (Anbiya 21:107) “And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you’ so pass over their faults, and ask Allah’s forgiveness for them…” (Al-Imran 3:159)

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Individual

He led simple life in his food, his clothing and his belongings. He visited the sick and honoured every bier that passed by him; he accepted the invitation of a slave to dinner; he minded his own clothes and milked the goats; he waited on himself. The moment he married Khadijah, he freed his slave Bilal and late in the course of the growth of Islam, he became the first Muhazzin for Islam.

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Teacher and the Scientist

As a teacher, Muhammad’s mind in its intellectualism and progressive ideals was essentially modern. He proclaimed the value of knowledge and learning. By the Pen, man’s works are recorded. By the Pen, man is to be judged. The Pen is the ultimate arbiter of human actions in the sight of the Lord. “Eternal striving was in his teaching s necessity of human existence. To seek knowledge from cradle to grave is a must for every Muslim male or female”. “The effort is from me, its fulfillment comes from God”. The world, he taught was a well-ordered creation, regulated and guided by a Supreme Intelligence overshadowing the universe”. “Everything is pledged to its own time, he declared and ye human was free to work for its own salvation”. It was he who taught that “the saving of one life is tantamount to the saving of humanity”. “One hour’s meditation and the work of the Creator (in a devout spirit) is better than seventy years of prayer”. “To listen to the instruction of science and learning for one hour is more meritorious that attending the funerals of a thousand martyrs, -more meritorious than standing up in prayer for a thousand nights”. “He who honours the learned honours me”. “To listen the words of the learned and to instill into the hearts the lessons of science is better than religious exercises… better than emancipating a hundred slaves”.

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Military Leader

The successes recorded by Islam in the area of Military warfare was achieved, not on account of material superiority, multitudes of troops or much equipment; rather it was due to the excellent military intelligence and sound leadership of the prophet of Islam and the acquired noble values, refined ethics and high attributes imbued by the Muslims. Their unshakable faith in the Almighty and His Prophet coupled with the conviction of their fighting for the right causes propelled their spirit to success. All the enemies of Islam from the Jews, hypocrites and polytheists became aware of that flood of light derived wholly  from the person of the prophet, who always stood as an excellent exemplar for man to follow. The decision to fight the enemies was not taken until Allah (SWT) gave them permission. “Permission to fight is given to those who are fighting them, because they have been wronged, and surely Allah is able to give them victory” (22:39).

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Political Leader

The Political code which Muhammad practicalised among his followers was a code, which however archaic in its simplicity, was capable of the greatest development in accordance with the progress of material civilization. it was based on the principles of justice, piety, equity and accountability. It conferred in the state a flexible constitution, based on a just appreciation of human rights and human duty. It limited taxation, it made men equal before the law and consecrated the principles of self government. It established a control over the sovereign power by rendering the executive authority subordinate to the law, a law based upon religious sanction and moral obligation. As a conquering faith, it gave its subject nationalities who were non Muslims within their midst a better guarantee than anticipated. In the words of the prophet I quote: “To the Christians of Najran and the neighbouring territories, the security of God and the pledge of His Prophet are extended for their lives, their religious and their property to the present as well the absent and others besides: there shall be no interface with the practice of their faith on their observances: nor any change in their rights or priviledges: no bishop shall be removed from his bishopric, or any monk from his monastery; nor any pries from his priesthood, and they shall continue to enjoy everything great and small as heretofore; no image or cross shall be destroyed; they shall not oppress or be oppressed…” To Ali he said: “When two parties come before you for justice, do not decide before hearing both”

(Kitab-ul-kharaj of Imam Abu Yusuf P.65)

Sir Thomas Arnold in his book: Preaching of Islam about Muslim toleration-in the first century of Arab rule” “The various Christian churches enjoyed a toleration and a freedom of religious life, such as had been unknown for generation under the Byzantine government”

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Husband, father, uncle, relative etc

He was extremely kind and loving to his family and relatives. He was very keen to make his wives happy. He never shunned nor show disrespect to their opinions and constructive advices. He would often say: “Treat women kindly, for woman was created from a rib. The part of it that is most crooked the top. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it alone, it will remain crooked. So treat woman kindly”. He was well aware of his responsibilities to his wives regarding his religion. He would not get angry over flimsy matters like poor cooking or salty food, rather he gets angry when something of the religion contravened. He loved all his children and would often sit his grandsons in his lap. He demonstrated love, mercy and affection to his children but above all guided them to Allah. He brought them up in the most conducive manner. He said to Fatimah his daughter: “O Fatima bint Muhammad! Ask me anything from my wealth, but I cannot save you from Allah’s punishment”. He also told his followers: “Instruct your children to pray when they are seven years of age, and hit them if they do not pray when they are ten”. He also said: “None of you truly believes until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself”.

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Prophet

He was sent not only to the Arabs but to the whole of mankind (Q 21:101). His message was for universal application by the whole world. he carried his message to mankind successfully; the universal scope of his mission had demolished all barriers of blood, colour, race, tribe and indeed geography between one man and another. He has welded mankind into one family, children of the same father and mother, Adam and Hawwa. In his teachings, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab; and he that is not Arab has no superiority over him who is an Arab; The Quran says: “The best of you in the sight of Allah is he who is most conscious of his duties to God and mankind (Hujurah 49:13).

 

The Islam of Muhammad (pbuh) recognizes no caste of priesthood, allows no monopoly of spiritual knowledge or special holiness to intervene between man and God. Each soul rises to its Creator without the intervention of priest hierophant. No sacrifice, no ceremony, invented by vested interest, is needed to bring the anxious heart nearer to its Comforter. Each human being is his own priest, in the Islam of Muhammad no one man is higher than the other. It is not ‘a mere creed’ it is a life to be lived in the present – “a religion of right-doing, right-thinking and right-speaking founded on divine love, universal charity and equality of man in the sight of the Creator.

 

Muhammad (pbuh): The Administrator and merchant

As an administrator, he stands supreme; his sayings and deeds are worthy of imitation by his followers and these have become subject of study by all Muslims so much so that a vast literature grew in the name of Hadith.

 

OPINIONS OF SOME NON-MUSLIMS

Below are statements credited to some non-Muslim scholars and writers after coming in contact with the teachings of the Prophet of Islam

 

Bishop Boyd Carpenter writes about Islam.

“Islamism has been and still is a great power in the world. There is much in it, that is calculated to purify and elevate menu and at a certain stage in history…, it has set example of sobriety to the world and has its followers from the drink plague which destroys the strength of nations” (The Permanent element in Religion, P. 43)

 

Mr. Stuart Morton Boland writes about the Arab’s contribution to world’s civilization

“The world owes a great debt to Islamic Art, Culture and Science… When the occidental world was buried deep under ignorance, superstition, cruelty and tenor during the dank ages, the torch of learning was kept blazing by the great, if now almost forgotten, Islamic Scientists and teachers. Had it not been for the Muslim sages, scholars and savants, the world would have host two thousand irreplaceable years of experience, wisdom and accumulated skill’ moreover; of would have been retarded at least a full millennium… philosophy, poetry, history, biography, scientific treatise, romances, fantasies and other literary forms were perfected by the Arabian writers whose skills are still a wonder to be fold. The super abundant riches of Arab literature remain forever as high goals for all other peoples to strive to reach…” (The Islamic Review, Jan 1951, Pg 8 –9).

 

G. Lind say Johnson writes in the Two worlds, Manchester, 9^th August, 1940

“The Ignorance displayed by most Christians regarding the Muslim religion is appalling. They overlook the fact that a religion which is accepted and followed by one –sixth of the human race must have a great deal in it and be built on very strong foundations, for it is absurd to suppose that it should form the conduct of such a multitude of people they have no solid foundation on which  it rests. Muhammad alone, the nations at that time, believed in one God the exclusion of the others. He insisted on righteousness as the source of conduct, of filial duty, and on frequent prayers to the ever living God, and of respect to all other peoples and of justice and mercy to all. He believed in total abstinence from intoxicants, and in moderation in all things, and held in great respect learning of every kind. Most of the absurdities we the Christians would have us believe to exist in the Quran were never uttered by Muhammad himself, not are they to be found in a current translation of the work…”

 

Sir George Bernard Shaw, the late famous English play-wright and author says:

“I have always held the religion of Muhammad (SAW) in high estimation because of its wonderful inanity. It is the only religion we appears to possess that assimilating capability  to the changing phases of existence we can make itself appeal to every age …” (culled from the Charm of Islam)

 

The Learned Editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica remark: ART QURAN:

“Of all the religious personalities, Muhammad was the most successful”

 

One of the greatest French Poets, Lamartine remarked about the prophet (SAW).

“If greatness of purpose, smallness of means and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare compare any great men in modern history to Muhammad. The must famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than materials powers, which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples, and dynasties, but millions of men in one third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religious the ideas, the beliefs and souls…”

 

Mr. Duncen Greeles says:

“The prophet, in spite of the beauty of Arabia that flowed at his dictation on to his comrades’ tablets, had himself no ear for poetry…He had never read the order scriptures, and rather took pride in being unable to reed or write. This fact is certainly an additional evidence of his inspiration. Nor is there anything in the Quran which suggest to the modern critic a compilation or an attempt at synaretism…” (The Gospel of Islam pp.79)

 

Hogarth:

“His daily behavior has instituted a canon which millions observe at this day with anscious of mimicry. No one regarded by any section of the human race as perfect man, has been imitated so minutely” (The Arabs, A short History, p: 29)

 

Washington Irving writes:

“His military triumphs awakened no pride or vainglory, as they would have done, had they been affected for selfish purposes. In the time of greatest power, he maintained the same simplicity of manners and appearance as in the days of his adversity…” (Mahomet & His success, p:199)

 

Professor Huston Smith, about Muhammad says:

“His sense of honor, duty and fidelity won him as he grew older the high and enable titles of the true, The upright, The trustworthy one”(Life of Muhammad- The Religions of men, p.203)

 

Professor Phillip. K.Hitti: (Professor Emeritus of Semitic Literature, Princeton university)

“His tribe called him Al-Amin (The faithful) apparently an honorific title. The form which his name takes in the Quran is Muhammad, and once Ahmed. The name, which means highly Praised” (The Arabs, A short History, P:23)

 

Professor.Phillip K. Hitti: Says about the Quran:

“The Book(Quran), is not only the heart of a religion, The guide to kingdom of Hearne, but a compendium of science and a political document, embodying a code of laws for a kingdom on earth” (The Arabs: A short History P:33).

 

The learned professor says furthers:

“Theology, Jurisprudence  science being considered by Muslisms as different aspects of one and the same thing, the Quran becomes the scientific manual, the textbook for acquiring a liberal education…” (Ibid…P:34;35)

 

Professor Huston Smith (Professor of philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of technology) with & about Islam in his “The Religion of man” thus:

“As it was, the work of Jesus was left unfinished. It was revealed for another Teacher to systematize the laws of morality. The Koran, in addition to being a manual of spiritual exercise is an immense body of moral and legal ordinance”

It is one of the glories of Islam, says an English writer, “That its temples are not made with hands, and that its ceremonies can be performed anywhere upon God’s earth or under His heaven” (Hunter, our Indian Musalmans P.179)

 

CONCLUSION

May God ever convey my benediction and greeting

To the Prophet of Arabia, of Medina – of Mecca.

The sun of excellence and of splendour, and of sublimest eminence;

The light of full moon, of elegance and of the sky of generosity;

The noblest of creation in person and in adoration and in watchfulness;

The most excellent of mankind in munificence and generosity;

 

FORGIVENESS AND TRUST BUILDING

 

Greetings to all present.

All protocols observed.

 

It is indeed heart warming to have this small but highly effective gathering of you important people from diverse walks of life. This is a forum where we hope to get the best value for time expended out of our very busy schedules. It is indeed fortunate to us all that we share in togetherness the concept of forgiveness and trust building. This cannot be over-emphasised in view of the fact that we are all living on planet earth as a single offspring of a common parent, Adam and Eve. This single family has however multiplied to an extent that we almost forget our lineage or roots as originating from a single source. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why we forget that as members of the same family, we are bound to step on each others’ toes or cross each others’ paths. However our forgetfulness of the closeness in origin will often lead us to taking drastic ominous reactions to such toes-stepping or path-crossings. No matter our skin colour or tongue dialect, we are all brethrens.

 

Bearing this fact now in mind, there is need for us to have a re-awakening of our past roots and a review of our actions, reactions and activities amongst ourselves. This will no doubt highlight to us our deeds and misdeeds past, and challenge our reasoning on the directions to follow in future. It is in view of this background that today’s seminar organisers have chosen a topic that is indispensable as food for thought. The topic encourages us to remember our common evolution and descent, and to re-build our resolutions towards maximising the accruable potentials from such close-knit bond we share. Hence, the topic for today’s consideration centres on no other issue except “FORGIVENESS AND TRUST BUILDING”. Through forgiveness we learn to accommodate the errors or faults of our brethren, and through trust building we make the planet earth a more comfortable and peaceful place for all of us to be.

 

The word ‘Forgiveness’ according to most popular dictionaries revolves around the act of absolution, clemency and pity. The key ingredient in the act of forgiveness therefore is pardon, show mercy, exonerate, overlook fault and accommodate others.

 

Forgiveness as a concept will not arise if not for the fact that we live in a world wherein we are not in isolation. We share lives at home, in work places, in gatherings, in the course of mobility on land, air or sea, in confined locations (such as hospital, prison etc) and in virtually all locations on the surface of the earth. In the course of our interactions with others, we may affect each other negatively or positively. Sometimes we engage in discussions which cause disaffections to the other party. In some occasions we step on one another’s toes by sharing the use of common utilities.

 

At another time, it occurs through blatant usurp of another’s right or priviledge. In all cases, we create a feeling of sadness accompanied by anger or regret in the other person that we offend. If the situation is not quickly corrected, it sometimes leads to rancour, hatred or serious conflicts. Once these negative phenomenons set in, it deals a great blow to the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity hitherto reigning. It becomes a matter of loss of understanding and love. Things begin to fall apart and mistrust sets in. Life becomes somewhat unbearable. The tranquil state of the mind is challenged. The still waters of life’s happiness are disturbed. Chaos sets in. Peace is murdered. Suspicions take charge. The spirit is embattled. The earth’s equilibrium is shaken. This brings about restlessness, unhappiness, boredom, frustration and anarchy. This is where the concept of forgiveness becomes handy as a bail out option. Its process helps restore normally and calm.

 

 In order for us to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, we need to have a good knowledge of the psychology of human behaviour or feeling which can be briefly listed as follows:

v   Human being is a highly sensitive creature and is responsive to any kind of dispositions from another person, either positive or negative.

 

v   He is highly intelligent and his faculties analyses fully to him, the signals he gets from the external environment and classifies this to be either for or against him.

 

v   He believes in his own sovereignty as a bona-fide owner of the world he lives in and is indisposed to any form of usurp of his rights, priviledges and opportunities.

 

v    If he perceives any alienation of his rights, the defensive spirit in him rises to the fore to counter such injustices.

 

v   He is naturally driven to anger, rage, lack of patience, revenge, hatred or even wickedness if he feels maligned, oppressed or when his rights is trampled upon.

 

v   He is ennobled with praiseworthy qualities of patience consideration, affection, care, assistance, appreciation, respect, dignity, esteem and love when in his best of dispositions to others or when he sees the world as being just to him.

 

v   Human being considers himself as the most important person in life and wants others to appreciate this fact and not belittle him, no matter his social class or caste.

 

Added to the above list is the universal code of behaviour sent down by the Maker of Man, God the Almighty in the scriptures by way of revelations as follows:

 

v   Love your God with all thy strength. He is your maker and cherisher, obey Him.

v   Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

v   Be your brother’s keeper.

v   No one of you truly believes until you want for your brother what you want for yourself. (Hadith)

v   Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God (Bible)

v   Verily, mankind has been created weak (Qur’an)

v   O Ye mankind, it s you that stand in need of God, but God is He who is Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy (Qur’an)

v   O ye people! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created therefrom its mate, and from them twain spread many men and women: and fear God, in whose name you appeal to one another, and fear Him particularly respecting ties of relationship. Verily, Allah watches over you (Qur’an).

v   O ye men, you are all from Adam! And Adam is from dust (Hadith)

v   Every soul shall taste of death. And you shall be paid in full your reward only on the Day of resurrection (Qur’an).

v   Your God is only God, beside whom there is no God. He embraces things in His knowledge (Qur’an)

v   And the life is nothing but a mirage (Qur’an)

 

From the above knowledge of code behaviour, beliefs and feeling of human beings, we can safeguard the relationship amongst ourselves by being careful of our duties, to fellow human being, we should avoid oppressing, detaining, cheating, backbiting or disturbing the peace of others in nay way. Since we know that we are infallible, we should imbibe the spirit of love and mercy. We should make sufficient allowances in our dealings to accommodate the infallible nature of human being and to provide enough rooms to excuse their faults; omissions or mistakes. Hence, hasten not to punish a man for a fault committed; but leave room for pardon between the two acts. Accept his excuse when he seeks your forgiveness The wicked man is he who finds no excuse for anyone, nor ever pardons.

 

 

We should consider our own origin and ponder over our dependence and weakness in relation to our Creator for the entire care for all our needs in life. If we realise our weakness as well as the Strength of Our Lord to sail us through the course of life, then we should imbibe the spirit of accommodating those who wrong us, for obviously these are weaker in spirit too, otherwise they would not have fallen into forgetfulness or be neglectful. Whoever sees his own error, is tender of another’s fault.

 

We should learn to show mercy to others as we want mercy to be shown unto us. In addition, when you have triumphed over your enemy, pardon him as a way of returning thanks to God for giving you the strength to conquer.

 

 

According to the scripture, our first parents Adam and Eve offended God by eating the forbidden fruits. They sought forgiveness, having realised their mistakes and they were forgiven by the Lord. We too should embrace this spirit by forgiving others because Forgiveness is the crown of great qualities. The best deed of great men is to forgive and forget. Only he can forgive who has power to punish. The people we should forgive therefore are:

 

 

v   Those who wronged us without knowing that they do.

v   Those who wronged us but later realised their error and sought our forgiveness.

v   Those who deliberately wronged us and refused to seek forgiveness.

For the third category, we should have a larger heart to forgive them but beware of them by protecting ourselves from being harmed. We are not to revenge their wrong but leave the judgement to God our Maker. If you get an opportunity and power over your enemy therefore, in thankfulness to God for this, forgive him.

 

The need to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and forgiveness stems from the fact that:

 

v   We as human beings, cannot live in isolation of one another

v   We need each other to actualise our aims, aspirations and purposes in life.

v   We need one another in order to build the world together and make it a better place at point of death than the way we met it.

v   We need to forget the errors of yesterdays in order to have a balanced focus in charting a better tomorrow.

v   We need to enjoy the God-given peace which He freely gave to us as His ambassadors on earth.

 

If we are able to have this forgiving spirit, then we can begin to build trust among ourselves.

 

The process of trust building is a long and onerous journey. It begins from re-orientation our own views and perception of life, of others, of our mission on earth, and of our limited period on the surface of earth. It goes on to our understanding of the feelings, outlook, perception and psychology of others, and finally rest on the reality of wanting for others exactly what we desire for ourselves.

 

If we desire good future for ourselves, then we should do likewise to our brother by protecting his interests, not harm him, not act in any untoward manner against his feelings, honour him, dignify him, respect of view and opinions, accord him his God given right and priviledge and generally be on the look out for the welfare. This is not a theoretical matter but that which have to be practically pursued. The more we practice these noble qualities, the more it impacts positively on us, and the better it bonds us to others particularly on close neighbours at home, work place, market, school or place of worship. This is the bedrock for trust building trust building will assist us in achieving the following milestones:

v   We will have a common interest of one another at heart and sharing of the ups and downs of life amongst us becomes less tasking.

v   United we stand, divided we fall.  The synergy will result in outstanding measurable achievements in all our social, economic, moral and religious facets of life.

v   Our views and pronouncements becomes one and our voice becomes powerful and resonant, we become like the bricks of a house, with each one supporting the other. We have one hand, one soul, our body, one spirit and one God.

v   We will attain internal and universal peace. We will enjoy being at peace with God, at peace with all creatures of God, enjoin and enjoy peaceful co-existence amongst ourselves. All negative phenomenon of hatred, war, cruelty, injustice, oppression, strive, mistrust, suspicious etc will varnishing.

v   Finally the kingdom of God will reign supreme on earth.

 

In conclusion, we need to forgive one another and build the trusts amongst ourselves. When we build trust we become more at peace with one another. Our life becomes more meaningful. Our association becomes Godly and faith becomes stronger. Through the trust and faith thus acquired we become champions and winners in the battles of life. We accomplish our goals in life and we become contented and happy at death. We return to God with sound hearts and look hopefully towards God for a blissful abode in the next life. May the Lord strengthen us and soften our hearts to become worthy receptacle of His Grace.

 

I thank you for listening ears.

 

B. B. Grillo, FCA (Presenter)

FOUNDER, QUEEN OF SHEBA PEACE FOUNDATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOPIC 7

PAPER PREPARED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE AMERICAN CONSULATE

BY THE INTER-FAITH MEDIATION  CENTRE, LAGOS

FOR THEIR QUARTERLY SEMINAR SERIES

Prepared By:

Hajiya Bilqees B. Grillo, FCA,MBA

 

 

 

 

 

MUSLIMS AND THE CHALLENGES OF HIV/AIDS

 

WHAT IS ISLAM

Islam means total submission to the will and commandment of Allah. It literarily means peace. It enjoins peaceful co-existence of all races of mankind. It is a universal religion which demands that worship is due to God alone, in total obedience and with utmost sincerity. Islam’s Divine ordinance which provides guidance to man in all aspect of life’s endeavours is the Holy Qur’an. This Divine Book is further expatiated by Hadith or the tradition of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad on whom be peace and blessing of Allah. About this book the Qur;an reads: “Verily this Qur’an doth guide to that which is most right (or stale) and giveth the glad tidings to the believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward”. (Al-Israil 17:9). This is code of conduct governing the affairs of life of all mankind who allows it to guide him/her by being a Muslim. About Islam, Almighty Allah warns again in the Qur’an: “And whoever adopts any other religion apart from Islam, it shall not be accepted from him and in the hereafter, he will be among the losers” (Al-Imran 3:85).

 

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF HIV/AIDS AND ITS IMPLICATION

HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a germ causing AIDS. AIDS means Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. When a person is infected with the HIV, the virus stays within the body and slowly destroys the body’s defense system (i.e. The soldiers of the body). Once these soldiers are fully weakened and can no longer resist diseases, then AIDS sets which render the person sick and unfit.

 

The virus is acquired or transmitted through the body fluid such as blood, semen and virginal secretions of the infected person.

 

This is possible when the body fluids of the infected person are transmitted into the body of the uninfected person. This is possible through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, through use of unsterilized skin-piercing instruments such as needles, syringes, circumcision instruments, razor blades, shaving or barbing instruments etc (as long as the blood of an infected person remains on the instruments as is used on another infected person, unsterilized). It also passes from an infected pregnant mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding milk).

 

HIV is not contracted through casual contacts such as hand shaking, sharing of clothes, eating together, sharing of toilet seats, dishes or even by hugging or touching an infected person. It has also been thoroughly tested and confirmed that mosquitoes is not a transmitter of HIV/AIDS. This is because when it takes blood from anybody, it does not pass that same blood to another. It is through the saliva of the mosquito that malarial parasites are transmitted. Hence, mosquitoes or other insects do not transmit HIV.

 

WHAT IS OUR DUTY AS MUSLIMS REGARDING HIV/AIDS.

As Muslims, we have been guided in the Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Holy Prophet to seek knowledge and acquire education about everything that may affect out peaceful sojourn on earth. We should seek knowledge on all that will protect our lives from harm or danger, and secure knowledge with which to build a defense around our well-being, good health and peace around our lives. The Prophet (SAW) says: To seek knowledge is a compulsory duty for every Muslims, male or female” and that “Knowledge is above all things, and nothing is ahead of knowledge”. He also says: “Seek knowledge from cradle to grave”. Then we are enjoined to equally disseminate knowledge. Pass whatever we know to others so that they also benefit from us. He says: “The best among you is he who knows the Qur’an and teaches others”.  He also enjoined: “Be a knowledgeable person, or a teacher (teaching others) or an inquiring person (asking about what you do not know) but never be an ignorant person”. From this we learn as follows: -

1.           We should seek knowledge about HIV/AIDS, its origin, precautions, whether we are infected, its cure and the plight of the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

2.           We should pass the knowledge we have about HIV/AIDS to other, teach them all we know and ask them to go and find out about their HIV status.

3.           We should ask questions on areas not yet clear to us from HIV/AIDS Agencies, family health institutions or clinics around us.

4.           we should NOT IGNORE to learn or ask questions about HIV/AIDS

 

If we are true believers, it is our duty to seek the knowledge about what will guarantee the well-being of our livelihood and not turn DEAF EARS. The Qur’an enjoins: “And remind men, for reminding is beneficial to the Believers” and also “And remind man, for reminding is beneficial, he who fears will mind, but the most unfortunate one will avoid it, who will burn in the great fire, wherein he neither die nor lives”. (Al-Aala  ).

 

The knowledge thus acquired will enable us to know:

1.           Whether we are, or are not infected. If we are infected with HIV, we will begin the treatment process and thus improve the quality of our lives. If we are not infected, then we will live a life of consciousness so as to avoid being infected throughout our lives.

2.           Assist people who are infected, and contribute our quota to their general well-being and state of mind.

3.           Sensitize the younger ones who are uninfected, and thus avoid future childbirth of infected innocent infants.

 

WHAT ARE AIDS SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of AIDS occur after a person has been infected with the HIV for sometime. The symptoms will begin to manifest mildly or significantly in an infected person in any of these ways:

1.           Persistent Cough

2.           Prolonged Diarrhea

3.           Persistent Fever

4.           White coating on the tongue

5.           Unexplained loss of weight

6.           Infections on the skin

7.           Enlargement of glands in the groin, armpits and or neck.

 

However, the appearance of any of the these symptoms is NOT bona-fide reasons to say a person has AIDS, only a special HIV/AIDS test will exclude or confirm the existence of AIDS. This is because, above symptoms may just be manifestation of their diseases condition. For instance, a person coughing persistently may just have symptoms of approaching tuberculosis and not AIDS, and so on.

 

HOW CAN ONE BE SURE HE IS NOT AN HIV/AIDS VICTIM?

An AIDS infected person would have been suffering from any of the above symptoms. However an HIV infected person is not yet sick and cannot know his status. This means that unless one carries out a special HIV screening test, he may not know. If the test is carried out and the person has the HIV in his blood or saliva or urine that person is said to test positive and living with HIV. He may then need to move close to health institutions treating HIV for immediate medical care. However, many people may prefer not to carry out a check test because of fear of knowing their status. This decision to keep off a check may be too costly to one’s life if the person actually carries the HIV without knowing. The virus will continue to damage the body until the person is made an AIDS victim. In this regard, ignorance can be a fatal decision. The Qur’an enjoins: “Are they equal those who know and those who do not know…” (  ) and “He grants wisdom to whosoever He will. And whosoever is granted wisdom, he has indeed been granted much good. And none will take heed except men of understanding” (Al-Baqorah 2:269).

 

The knowledge of realizing one’s Status will enable

1.           The HIV infected to limit the risk of progressing to AIDS by modifying his behaviour/habit and prompt treatment of the HIV positively. This will enable him, enjoy a good healthy life.

2.           The HIV infected person will not spread the HIV infection to other close ones who are yet uninfected.

 

WHAT IS AT RISK AND WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF RISK.

Since we all live together as members of a family unit, then EVERYBODY will be seen as being at risk due to its mode of transmission. The level of exposure to the risk is also related to one’s behaviour or habit or practice. For instance, someone with multiple sex partners and engaging in unprotected, illicit or illegal sexual intercourse, such as visiting prostitutes is at greater risk than others. He may thus easily contract HIV infection. Hence to assist you in modifying your behaviour, it is pertinent that you do a self-assessment of your risk profile to HIV infection. Below are questions which you should ask yourself and you put your answer Yes/No. if any of the question is Yes, then you are at risk. If you have more than one Yes ticked against you, then the more Yes you answer to the questions, the greater the risk of exposure to HIV you are. In that case you are advised to visit an HIV/AIDS counselling centre or Health facilities. The questions are as follows:

·              Have I had more than one sexual partner without using condom? Yes./No

·              Has my sexual partner had other sexual partner(s) apart from me? Yes/No

·              Has any of my past sexual partners been tested HIV positive? Yes/No

·              Have I had sex with any partner without using condom whose past sexual behaviour is unknown to me? Yes/No

·              Have I had sex without using condom with anyone? Yes/No

·              Have I had any of the STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) in the past? Yes/No

·              Have I had infections, discharges or my genitals? Yes/No

·              Have I or any of my sex partners been given blood transfusion? Yes/No

·              Have I had one or more STDs for which I did not go to the clinic for proper treatment? Yes/No

·              Have I been exposed to injection or received incisions from unorthodox health practitioners, local injectors, untrained health workers or local healers? Yes/No

·              Do I share my skin-piercing instruments with others without sterilizing them before use? Yes/No

·              Have I handled any fluid including blood without using universally-accepted precautions such as hand gloves? Yes/No.

 

WHAT ACCORDING TO ISLAM IS THE CAUSE OF HIV/AIDS

Islam, a religion of peace, unity and sincere obedience to Allah has stipulated ways by which man can live on earth and be at peace with himself and enjoy all life’s bounties without pains or sorrows. It demands that sincere Obedience and true worship is to Almighty Allah alone. It demands upholding of His commandments and avoiding all His prohibitions as clearly stipulated in the Divine Qur’an. It then informs us that once we as human being refuse to follow divine commandments, we will, by our disobedience fall into error and misguidance. Most of the time we become architects of evil deeds and we make the earth unclean by our misdeeds. The Prophet of Islam (SAW) corroborates this with a saying thus: “When an act of transgression becomes rampant, then Allah will send down calamities”. The Qur’an also affirms: “And we never visit with our wrath, until we have sent an Apostle to give warning” (Al-Israil). It also says: “And there is nothing for man except that which he strives for”. (An-Naml 53: 39). The reason for the problems man is facing on earth is because he refuses to be guided by his Maker and Creator, and rather prefers to follow his own fancies and whims. Hence the veers of the track. His unguided actions thus trigger off a myriad of other problems and calamities unheard of in history. This is the origin of HIV/AIDS and other epidemics existing and yet to exist to plague man. The world has universally abandoned the followership of Almighty Allah and this act has brought about a dreadful scourge called HIV/AIDS which affect young and old, male or female and sometimes the innocent in addition to the guilty ones who are direct perpetrators of lewdness; uncleanliness and disobedience. In summary, the victims of HIV/AIDS are broadly classified to two namely:

1.           The guilty ones who engage in illicit sexual affairs or illegal partnerships such as the homosexuals, the lesbians, the prostitutes (otherwise called commercial sex dealers) and the adulterers (male or female) and by that act becomes infected. The Qur’an says: “And come not nigh unto adultery; for it is a shameful deed and an evil, opening the road to other evils” (Al-Israil 17:32). “And we also sent Lut as an Apostle: behold, He said to his people, “Do ye do what is shameful through ye see (its iniquity)? Would ye really approach man in your lists rather than woman? Nay ye are a people grossly ignorantly” (An-naml 27:54-55)

 

2.           The innocent ones who keep Allah’s commandment but who share close relationship through birth, linage, marriage etc with the guilty ones and thus share in their viral infections. This category of people are really unfortunate and their situation becomes a sort of trial or tribulations and a test of their faith. The Qur’an speaks: “And fear tumult or oppression which affect not in particular only those of you who do wrong and know that God is strict in punishment” (Al-Anfal 8:25). And also “We shall surely try you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives of the fruit (or your toil) but give glad tiding to those who patiently preserve, who say when afflicted with calamity; to Allah we belong and to Him is our return. They are those on whom descend blessings from Allah and mercy and they are the ones that receive guidance” (Al-Baqorah 2:155-157).

 

HOW CAN SOMEONE AT RISK MODIFY HIS/HER BEHAVIOUR

·                    If he thinks he has been involved in any of the high risk behaviour, he has to make a sincere repentance to Allah by first regretting his past misdeeds, accepting that the bad ways are unholy ways, then and finally make a resolution not to go back to those bad ways again. The Qur’an says: “O ye who believe, turn unto Allah in sincere repentance, it may be that your Lord will efface your sins…” (  ).

·                    He has to devote himself more closely to the worship of Allah and place himself under his Divine Protection. The Qur’an says: “And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship God, offering Him sincere devotion being true in faith. To establish regular prayer, and to practice regular charity; And that is the religion Right and straight” (Al-Bayyinah 98:5).

·                    He has to build up awareness about HIV and STDs matter and through knowledge realizes that these are dangerous to health. He needs to recognize them and how to deal with these problems.

·                    He will then find out how to get more information about STDs, HIV/AIDS and where to go to get treatment. He will also inform and carry his partner(s) along to equally get treated at a clinic or health facility.

·                    At the clinic he will be fully diagnosed and given drugs for his treatment. He will be encouraged to follow the instruction pertaining to his new diet, new habits and use of his drugs as faithfully as is possible His drugs are not to be shared with others.

·                    He is also told to feel free to come again with his partner if he has any other symptoms.

·                    The reason why STDs like gonorrhea, Syphilis etc are extremely dangerous is because they create opening (sores, sometimes invisible) through which HIV are allowed to pass from one person to another. Hence they require prompt Medicare just like HIV itself.

·                    The time period it takes an HIV infected person placed on drugs to develop antibodies (protective calls) in the body (called the window period) vary between 6 weeks to 6 months, averaging to about 3 months in over 90% of cases.

·                    It should be remembered that sometimes negative result to HIV test does not mean that person has not HIV infection. It could means that the test was done at the time that he has developed antibodies not against the virus (i.e. window period), hence a re-check is essential once a person has been at risk of exposure some times back.

 

CAN HIV INFECTION BE PREVENTED

So far, no vaccine has been developed yet for the prevention of HIV infection and it may take scientists a long time to be able to do this going by records. However, infection can be prevented by adopting the ABC approach to safer sex and this is:

A    -   Abstinence (Abstain from sex before getting infected)

B    -   Be faithful (Be faithful to one uninfected partner or to your (2-4 uninfected wives (for a male)). Mutual fidelity is enjoined by the Qur’an in Surah 23: 5-6 “Successful indeed are the believers… who guard their chastity except from their wives or what their right hands possess, for then they are not to be blamed. But those who seek anything beyond that are the transgressors”.

C    -   Condom use: Although condom use if adopted regularly and used correctly provides a high level of protection against HIV infection, this is not a compulsion once the sex partner do not carry HIV infection. However, couples who are already infected with HIV infection are advised to use condom every time they have sex so as to avoid being further infected if they have different type of HIV previously and thus prevent further cross-transmission of HIV which can accelerate the onset of AIDS.

 

In addition, avoid the following:

D      - Sharing of needles or unsterilized skin-piercing instrument

E      - All blood to be received or given in blood transfusion should be properly screened.

 

WHAT DOES ISLAM SAY ABOUT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)

Islam reminds all men that every human being must die and that when one’s time approaches, none can hasten or delay it. It further teaches that it is not how long we live on earth, but how well. It is thus important to improve the quality of our lives and those of others thus create happiness and harmony. It reminds us that the requirement of our being here in this world that when we die, we should meet Allah with a sound heart (a heart that knows Allah, has faith and dies on the true worship of Allah). This is because the life of this world is temporary. “But they prefer the life of this world, although the hereafter is better and more lasting” (Aala 89:17). The Qur’an reads again: “We granted not any man before thee permanent life here, if then thou should die, would they live permanently? Every soul shall taste of death, and we test you by evil and by good by way of trial. To Us you must return” (Al-Anbiya 21:34). “Nor can a soul die except by God’s leave; the term being fixed as by writing. If any doth desire a reward in the life, we shall give it to him; and if any doth desire a reward in the hereafter, we shall give it to him. And swiftly shall we reward those that serve us with gratitude” (Al-Imran 3:145).

 

Therefore, for the PLWHA, the most important aspect of their life is to believe in God, trust Him and serve Him faithfully. They should be happy if they have faith, knowing that there is no rest in the present life and be bold to carry on life. The Muslim Community however should do its utmost to assure them, provide them with information, counsel them, show care and support to them. They should also

·                    Organize prayers and lectures for the PLWHA

·                    Respect their rights and not trample upon this, because they are acting as their trustees and “All trusts must be accounted for” according to the Qur’an 4:58.

·                    Do not discriminate against PLWHA nor stigmatize them.

·                    They should also secure that PLWHA are allowed to fully participate in decisions and activities affecting their lives.

 

DOES AIDS HAVE ANY CURE?

There is no cure for AIDS. The body Immunity are continually weakened as the HIV infection advances. However drugs (sometimes very expensive) are employed to HIV infected patients so that people with AIDS can at least feel better and live good life.

 

DO PLWHA HAVE ANY RIGHTS

Yes, the PLWHA do have all the rights every living human being has. These fundamental human rights are God-given. The HIV/ADIS matter is a public and not a moral issue. Hence rights to good enjoyment of life, to good shelter, Medicare, freedom of movement, of speech, of expression, of thought, of religion, the right of education, dignity, gender equality, employment and protection against discrimination etc are all their rights. They must not be denied all these rights.

 

CONCLUSION

Islam is not only a religion but a way of life. The basic principles are Tawheed (belief in oneness of God, no son, no partner). Belief in the Prophet of Islam (as God’s Apostle and prophet), Salat (compulsory five-daily prayers), Sawn (fast in the month of Ramadan), Zakat (Alms giving – compulsory and voluntary), Hajj (Spiritual pilgrimage to the House of God, Kaaba in Makkah).

 

In addition, there is the need to uphold the basic articles of faith, live and act by the knowledge. These are to belief in Allah, His Holy Angels, Holy Books, Holy Prophet and messengers, belief in the last Day, in Destiny, in life after death. To be added to this is to act righteously and perform good deeds, to show mercy to all creations of Allah especially man.

 

 As human beings, to ponder over our bad deeds and redeem our souls from its perilous ways. This is achieved by repenting and ‘turning a new leaf’. We should also be self-conscious, always ‘taking account of our deeds here before we are subjected to eventual accountability/cross examination in the hereafter. We also need to harbour good thoughts about ourselves and about our fellow human race about our creator, Allah. Once we are able to achieve these, we are prepared to meet Allah. While here on earth, we must be bold to take up trials, pains, tests, tribulations etc as part of the instruments of Allah’s evaluation of our faith. We should therefore not lose faith but accept Allah’s Decrees and will with open, restful heart. That way, we have security for happiness in our next life. We would have achieved the purpose of our creation which Allah says: “And I have not created the jinn and the man except that they should worship me” (Ad-Dariya  ). May Allah guide and guard our footsteps through life.

 

May His peace and bounteous blessings be upon the leaders of all- our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his household and companions, and upon all of us that follow their footsteps till the Day of Judgement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOPIC 8

THE LOGICALITY OF DIVORCE IN ISLAM

 

Ausu Billahi mina shaytooni Rojeem. Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Robil alamin, handu muwaafiyan lin-umihi wa mukaafiyan limo ziidihi. Wa solatu wa, salamu ala ashrafil mursalin, seyyidina Muhammad, wa alal alihi, wa asiabihi ajmohin.

 

Dear fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters in Islam, I welcome you all to this unique presentation this day and greet you with the most pleasant of al greetings – I say As-Salaam Alaykum, warahmatullahi wa brakatuhu.

 

No doubt, our meeting once again today under the umbrella of the National Council of Muslim youth organisation of Nigeria NACOMYO is an occasion which affords us all an opportunity to once again rub minds of the most delicateissues affecting our matrimonial lives as Muslims that is Divorce, to examine in detail how the Qur’an and sunnah views Divorce, whatever it encourages or discourages it and whether the principle of Divorce has a logical basis in Islam and if so to what expert do the husband or the wife has the power to institute a Divorce proceedings.

Specifically the topic for today’s deliberation is “THE LOGICALLY OF DIVORCE IN ISLAM”. In examining the topic, we shall look at the meaning of the word Divorce, how the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet views divorce, how the divine provisions are designed in order to discourage divorce, the situations which necessitate the logicality of Divorce in the Islamic creed and other related issues.

 

Meaning:

Divorce simply means the act of breaking the bonds of matrimony between husband and wife. It includes the intention that the marriage tie is being dissolved and it occurs when both parties cannot keep the terms and conditions of the marriage contract. It cmes about when the couples can no longer live in love and tranquillity, on a footing of kindness and equity, unable to overlook faults and shortcomings, unable to settle or differences amicably and unable to resort to reconciliation through arbitration for settling serious disputes. Put in one phrase, Dirvorce is sepration and breakage. Having explain what DIVORCE MEANS, THE NEXT QUESTION IS Qur’anic provision in respect of divorce could be found in chapter 2 verse 229, 231, chapter 4 verse 19, 35 & 130 and also on Qur’an chapter 65 verse 2. The verses detailed the procedures for divorce which the scope of this lecture will not permit us to discuss here.

 

How does Islam views divorce? To answer this question we look at the provisions as contained in the Qur’an and the Hadith.

First, Islam, as a complete way of life, is a religion of peace. It enjoin peaceful co-existence among the creatures of God.it decrees that peace, love and tranquillity should be the basis of inter-action among fellow human beings and that everybody should treat one another with kind consideration, equity and justice. This is the only way to attain peace and to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst all and Sunday. To further strengthen this peace, Islam establish the institution of marriage between a man and a woman, so thet they mighty find peace of mind, love and tranquillity in each others Qur’an 30 v 21 as a micro-unit of the society, if the family unit is at peace, the entire society will equally be at peace. This is the purpose of marriage. It is instituted t ensure that peace is allowed to reign throughout the life of Muslims. The residual benefits of this peace is that a suitable atmosphere of warmth and kindness is founded in the home and it acts as the best germinating soil for the raising up and training of children who will emerge as future ambassadors of Islam.

However, the moment this marital union no longer guarantees peace anymore, or when the union lacks warmth, love, happiness and trust; when the position of love and respect which the woman occupies no longer hold, then the foundation and the main pillar of the family has been destroyed. Islam views this situation with regret and does all it can to repair such marital foundation, it encourages both couples to make the best efforts possible to iron out their differences and save their marriage, it imposes laws which makes room for delay in the divorce proceedings, with the sole aim of detracting the couples from separation, it makes provision for immediate arbitration, and panel to set in motion all that is humanly possible to bring about reconciliation, and reminds them particularly the husband to try and save the marriage, by not divorcing their wives even if they feel they hate them. The Qur’an chapter 4v 19 reads: “ If you hate the (i.e. your wives) it may be that you dislike a thing while Allah has placed much good in it”.

 

Besides, there are numerous traditions which frowns at divorce and establish clearly that Islam inclines towards maintaining the contract of steadfast and firm marriage. In particular the prophet of Islam was reported to have said in many of his tradition as follows:

1.           “No lawful thing is the object of so much wrath and hate in the sight of Allah as divorce is”.

2.           “Get married, but do not divorce because the throne of Allah shudders when there is divorce”.

3.           Allah declares lawful nothing so abominable to Him as divorce.

4.           “Allah considers as His enemy and damns the man who relishes in changing wives one after the other, and the woman who delights in changing husband one after the other”.

5.           “To God, no house is clearer than the house where there is the Union of marriage, and no house exist which deserves His wrath ore than in which the union of marriage is broken by divorce”.

Also the Holy prophet was quoted as saying in his last sermon thus: “O people, keep Allah in mind and fear Him in respect of woman, because you have taken them as a trust from Allah and you have made lawful their chastity for yourselves by the word of Allah”.

The above clearly shows that Islam s against the spirit of divorce but is not blind to realise, that once the pillar of the Union his destroyed, then for the sake of maintaining peacefully existence which is the core of Islam then the couples must separate and search for their separate peace through divorce. Our next focus of discussion is why is divorce logical in Islam despite it unlawful if it so much hates it, as it has done with other detestable deeds like drinking, gambling and tyranny? Why does it consider it a logical solution to the affected Muslims? Well, the  following are the reasons for the logicality of Divorce in Islam:-

1.           When nature has so contrived the aw of pairing and union of man and woman and based the foundation of marriage on love, unity and sympathy of feelings, and when these are guided by special provisions in the Qur’an and Sunnah – then it is only logical to expect that if and when nature takes its course on the same union leading to disunion, lack of sympathy of feelings and broke-up of the home, it should also command the same special attention and arrangements and he fully provided for in the same Qur’an and sunnah –since Islam is not only a religion but a complete way of life that has solutions to any kind of human problems in life.

2.           Whenever the fire of the love and affection of the husband is extinguished and the wife no longer receive kindness and affection from her husband, rather such feelings are replaced by apathy and coldness towards her, the union of marriage which is a natural social unit, has been destroyed by a rule of nature. The resultant effect is that the family environment becomes dark and dismal, the sentiments and the negative attitude of the husband towards the wife have a direct negative bearing upon her motherly feelings towards her children, since she will no longer be able to feed her children at the bountiful springs of her love and affection and the hme no longer serves as a heaven of love, security and happiness. When situation get to the peak, the only logical way out to salvage each other’s personality and respectability is through divorce.

3.           When all efforts to keep the family union has failed, rather then having recourse to the law as a weapon and scourage against forcibly keeping the other party as is common in the non-Islamic environment of the Christian and the Hindus, Islam left the way open for Divorce as a logical step to take, since it realises that the affections and the sentiments which are freely given and exharnged in the home and which permeates to the children of the union, no longer exist, hence being catastrophe for the couple since such is intrinsically incompatible with the natural law of family life.

4.           Islam beherently fights against the factors of unmaliness, faithfulness, promscuiyt, waywardness and oppression ny learning a way of open through Divorce for theupright faithful woman once these code of conduct is confirmed irreversible on the part of the husband. The same lee-way is available if the wife is disposed in such a negative manner. This logical hindsight which Islam has but which the West and the Western-oriented cultures lck is what accounts for the ever-increasing rate of divorce in the West. With Islam and the sense of equilibrium it maintains, the occurrence of divorce has been successfully kept in check.

5.           Islam pave wail for Divorce as a logical remedy in cases where there is break-down of unity, oneness and union of spirits by the couple as a single unseparable whole unit in order to avoid life-long, hostity, inhuman and ungernerous treatment, lack of concern, malicious confrontations cruelty and other evils that abound through forced togetherness.

6.           Islam permits divorce as a logical release route for a woman whose husband refrain from divorcing her, not because he wish or hope for reconciliation, but because he wants to have the unlimited rights of maltreating, subjugating, subduiung and persecuting the woman or taking undue advantage of such forced union.

7.           The western law makes a woman a capitive of man by making the contact of marriage irrevocable by her, but revocable by her husband. Islam restores the woman’s rights by empowering her too with the option of Divorce. The Holy Prophet says: “If a woman be prejudiced about a marriage, let it be broken off”.

8.           Divorce is the only source of release ad emancipation from the domineering stance of a man who treat his wife a slave and only as a source of scouting his desires without due regard for her position as a partner in the home worthy of formulating home policies and passing opinions and advices on domestic issues.

9.           When deadlocks arise in the home due to the husband not granting some rights due to his life or not performing his duties and obligations as stipulated and understood by both parties in the marriage contract, such as financial duties (i.e. not maintain his family) moral duties (lacking in courteous behaviour) sexual duties (denying the wife rights of sexual relations and intercourse) and other general duties such as acting in a way totally against normal code of behaviour e.g. not behaving in a congenial manner to the wife and children, not provide a happy and Islamic environment for the family, not wishing to live with his wife, nor set the wife free to her own fate, then Islam allows the exercise of divorce by the wife.

10.       When certain specific or implied conditions included in the marriage contract is breached such as husband disappearing for certain period, ceases to maintain his wife, beating up his wife unreasonably, has evil intentions against the life of his wife, or develops a bad character such as gambling, drinking, adultery, armed robbery, hooliganism and the likes then the breach of the contract can be a logical reason divorce.

 

The above an a host of other reasons such deceit, callousness, hatred, incompatibility and denouncing of religion of Islam to other faith are logical basis of instituting divorce. We should however remember that Islam views Divorce only as a measure last resort. It should be carried out only if its avoidance and delay could only result in break-down of peace, cruelty, oppression unhappiness and bondage.

 

Conclusion

We should remind ourselves at this juncture that Islam advocates peace ad unity whether in the case of marriage or divorce. Also, the man are enjoined in Q 2:231 and in 565:2 to either retain their wife hnurably or set her free kindly” – an impotent man or one with incurable and infections disease which is unknown to the wife before marriage cannot” retain his wife honourably”, therefore, she should be released kindly – without placing any form of obstacles on her path. She should also not be kept like a thing suspended – for nothing. We should also remember that the marriage contract is unlike other forms of business contracts; in that emotions and feelings are involved; hence laws cannot be effective in keeping it together when it is in the verge of break-up, hence an armed peace or a forced peace is impossible – Divorce is the only solution.

 

Again as Muslims we should always works towards making a success of our marriage by being conscious of our various roles in matrimony, and by imbibing out children with the right form of education, training and enlightenment that will guide them towards a happy and harmonies selection of a partner and will help them create a happy home.

 

Finally as a way of divorce, our Muslim couples must be conscious of their duty to Allah and consider as sacred their reciprocal duties to each other. They should learn the spirit of genuine love and care, displace matured understanding, be tolerant, be persevering and above all the man should treat their woman as a trust from Allah, while the woman should be faithful, obedient, humble and should guard and protect the secrets of their husbands and expected from Pious woman.

 

May Allah let us benefits from this discourse of ours and guide us at all times. Wa salaam Alaykum, wa rahmatullah, wa barakatuhu.

 

 

 

 

 

INDECENCY ACT BETWEEN SAME SEX REFERRED TO AS LESBIANISM & HOMOSEXUALISM

 

The practise whereby same sex engage in illicit sexual affairs and pursuit of canal desires by one person on another of the same sex with him/her is referred to in the Holy Qur’an as “Al-Fakhashai” or indecency or foul deeds. The Qur’an reads: “Qul tahaalao atlu maa harrama robbukum alyakum: alaa tushrikuu bihi shay’an, wa bil waalidayni ihsanan, wala taqtuluu awlaadakum min imlaqin, nahnu narzukukum wa iyahum, wala taqrabu-l-fawaakhisha maa zohara minha wa ma batona…”.  “Say, Come, I will rehearse to you what your Lord has forbidden: that you associate not anything as partner with Him and that you do good to parents, and that you kill not your children for fear of poverty – it is We who provide for you and for them – and that you approach not foul deeds, whether open or secret…” (Al-An’am 6:151). One of the major problems facing the modern world today is this negativity in the behaviour of the female sex on one hand and the male sex on the other hand. The female prefers to court as love and play mate another female instead of a male; in the same manner, a male takes on another male member as love partner. The female segment of this barbaric behaviour is referred to as Lesbianism while the male aspect is referred to as Homosexuals.

 

In the olden days the Qur’an tells us that during the period of Prophet Lut the people of Lut engaged in acts of Homosexualism. It was for this reason that Allah sent Prophet Lut to warn them to desist from this heinous acts whereby men went into their men counterpart for satisfaction of their lusts and carnal desires by probing into the reproductive organs of the other person. Prophet Lut warned them for many years that Allah’s punishment will be meted upon them if they do not desist from this indecency. The Qur’an says: “Atatuna zukurana mina li halameen. Wa tadharuna ma khalaka lakum robukum min aziwajikum, bal antum kaomun haadun”. “Do you of all peoples, approach males. And leave your wives whom your lord has created for you? Nay, you are a people who transgress” (Al-Shu’arai 26: 165-166). They refused until Allah sent the angels to destroy the whole township. Allah also said: “And when our messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on account of them and felt helpless on their behalf and said: ‘This is a distressful day’. And his people came running towards him trembling with rage; and before this too they used to do evil. He said, O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear Allah and disgrace me not in the presence of my guests. Is there not among you any right-minded man? They answered, Thou surely knowest that we have no claim on thy daughter and thou surely knowest what we desire. He said: Would that I had power to deal with you, or I should betake myself to a mighty support for shelter. The Messenger said: O Lut, we are the messengers of thy Lord. They shall by no means reach thee. So depart with thy family in a part of the night, and let none of you look back, but thy wife. Surely, what is going to befall them shall also befall her. Verily, their appointed time is morning. Is not the morning nigh? So when Our command came, we turned that town upside down and we rained upon it stones of clay, layer upon layer. Marked for them in the decree of thy Lord. And such punishment is not far from the wrongdoers of the present age”. (Suratul-Hud 11: 79-85)

 

Allah further gave another detailed account of their rebelliousness in two other passages from the Qur’an. He says:

 

“Hahinakum latahatuna rijaala wa tadhahuna sebiilla wa taltuna fiinaadhikumu li munkara famaa kaana jawaban kaomihin ila an qaluu l-tiinaa bihadhabi llahi inkunta mina asodikina. Qolla robbi insurini hala l-qaomi l-mufsidiina. Walama jahati rusulunaa Ibrahima bilbushra Qallu inaa muhuliku hahali hadhihi liqorihati inna hahalahaa kaanuu zolimina. Qolla inna fiiha luutan qollu nahanu ahalama bimon fiiha linajiyanakum wa ahalahi ila ihrahatahu kanoti mina l-gabirina. Walamaa jahatan rusulunaa Lutan shayhan bihim wa dokonbihim dharhan wa qollu latakaf wala tahazan inna munajuuka wa hahalaka illa imrataka kanat minna l-gabirina. Inna munsulunaa hala hahali hadhihi likoriyati rijjizan minna samohin bimaa kanuu wasfukuna”

 

“Do you indeed come lustfully to men and cut off the highway for travellers? And you commit abomination in your meetings! But the only answer of his people was that they said. Bring upon us the punishment of Allah if thou speakest the truth. He said, Help me, my Lord, against the wicked people. And when Our messengers brought Abraham the glad tidings, they said, We are going to destroy the people of this town; surely its people are wrongdoers. He said, But Lut is there. They said. We know full well who is there. We will surely save him and his family, except his wife, who is of those who remain behind. And when Our messengers came to Lut, he was distressed on account of them, And they said: Fear not, nor grieve; we will surely save thee and thy family except thy wife, who is of those who remain behind. We are surely going to bring down on the people of this town a punishment from heaven for they have been rebellious” (Al-Ankabut 29:29-34).

 

From the above, we read that the whole of the township of prophet Lut was destroyed on account of this incident. It is therefore, of great concern to Muslims all over the world the recurrence of this amoral behaviour in this modern times. The practise has spread to virtually all major continents with high occurrence rate in Europe and America.

 

In Nigeria, the practise of homosexuality has been observed to be rampant in the Northern state and the Federal Capital Territory. It is also observed that major tertiary institutions all over Nigeria are affected by this evil.

                                                                           

The practise of Lesbianism is also prevalent among girls living together in boarding hostels even at secondary school levels. This problem has now constituted a major, social and moral problem to the well being of the Nation. It has caused a lot of anguished torments for the parents of these girls and boys. The affected ladies have refused to get married while the married men who have turned homosexuals  had abandoned their wives in preference to their male partners outside their matrimonial homes. The exceedingly rich men have been ‘buying off’ the young university male graduates who have refused to find halal means of earning a living.

 

On the medical side, while much fact have not emerged from the activities of the female segment, it has been found that the males who are used to practising anal sex have been facing the unpalatable consequences of their actions. It has led to different kinds of medical complications. On both classes, however, they are all prone to contacting HIV/AIDs since there is high possibility of transmission of body fluids from one person to his/her mate during the sexual process.

 

On the spiritual side, it has constituted a major cause for some of the problems the nation all over the world is facing. The rate of transgression from the path of God has been on the increase and it is a fact that when people exceed the bounds of God afflictions and misfortunes are bound to occur. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) affirmed: “Isaa aktiara-t-thaugun arsala llahu tahoun” meaning: “When asked of transgression becomes too many, Allah sent down misfortunes and scourges”. It may therefore be impossible to discover that the long time practice of homosexuality has a form hidden foul deeds as been the cause of many unidentified sexually transmitted diseases apart from HIV/AIDs.

 

The worrisome aspect is that the youth of Islam have fallen victims of this social problems. This means that something is wrong from the parental angle. The parents have failed woefully in discharging their duties and obligations expected of them in guiding their children. They have left them untrained from the stand point of Islamic ethics. They have abandoned the decree, judgement and guidance of God as detailed in the Qur’an.

 

This youths, and some of them that has turned into adult therefore, lack proper Islamic direction. The light of the Qur’an is unable to permeate their hearts, they become a bunch of an happy people as they lack the true purpose of their existence in their life. Although, they may be seen to process some of life luxury and may be affluent yet they lack the source of real happiness because they lack the light of faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE POSITION OF WOMEN BEFORE THE ADVENT OF ISLAM

The period preceeding the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam and his Messager was regarded as the age of Ignorance or the period of Jahilliyah. It was a period wherein mankind lacked any form of real spiritual guidance, a period of total darkness when mankind was lost in the pursuit of Godlessness and materialism. It was a period when man lacked any kind of moral code or behaviour and followed animalistic desires, behaved recklessly and acted with greed or self centeredness without a care about hurting the feelings of others. At this period women occupies the lowest of positions in the scheme of things. To the men, women are not regarded as creatures like them. Specifically their status were as listed bellows:-

1.           They had no right to give an opinion on any matter whatsoever either affecting them or their environment or others.

 

2.           They are regarded as chattels to be disposed off at will (i.e. they may be bought or sold like any other commodity, either by their fathers or their husbands or their guardians)

 

3.           They have no right to buy or own property. They themselves are inheritable items and were also like slaves

 

4.           They cannot go to war or participate in the planning of war, or assist those at war. They are deemed totally in capable of such important duties.

 

5.           hey can be used as gift or as reward. E.g. The pregnant woman’s baby girl in the womb can be (given in marriage or as compensation or gifts to others, even before her birth and  her destiny can be decided by the father even before her birth i.e. What ever can be done about her or to her before her birth, that will affect her livelihood after birth.

 

6.           They are regarded as misfortune whenever they are born into a family.

 

7.           To support the last two point above, the Holy Qur’an in chapter 16 verse 58 – 59 affirms thus.

 

Meaning:

“And when to one of them is conveyed the tiding of the birth of a female, his face darken, while he suppresses his inward grief. He hides himself from the people because of the bad news he has had”. Shall he keep it in spite of disgrace or bury it in the dust> verily, evil is that which they judge”

 

It was this backward, uneventful and sad life that women led before the advent of Islam. A time when women were oppressed and suppressed and when their destiny were made or married by their men counterparts according to their whims and caprices. This was their situation till the coming of the religion brought by the Holy Prophet of Islam.

 

WOMEN’S POSITION IN ISLAM

Islam, the religion of peace, progress, prosperity, equity and conscience, came at this period of darkness and beamed its shining rays of hope and happiness on the lives of women. Islam came to make known to the world the special position occupied by women before God, and which must be upheld by mankind. It came to restore their rights which had been denied them since time immemorial. It came to emancipate them from the shackles of societal pressures. It came and spelt out in clear terms their rights regarding oppression and degradation which the male counterpart exerts on their social, political, economi and moral life. Indeed, the advent of the Holy Prophet of Islam was a turning – point in the life of women. Specifically, it categorically spells out the following as being part of their rights, among others.

 

1.           Women have unhindered freedom of expression and opinion on all matters affecting them as human beings and as women.

 

2.           They have freedom of independence and are free to take decision on the course of their lives.

 

3.           They are full individuals with similar rights, responsibilities, and obligations before God. They are accountable for their deeds just as the men are, they are both equal before Allah. The Qur’an says: “Surely the most Honourable among you in the sight f Alah is the most righteous among you (Q 49).

 

1.           They have right to determining their own future on issues such as the choice of who to marry ansd also right to divoirce subject to the general protections enacted by Allah as to the kind of association that can guarantee them everlasting happiness e.g. “And impure women are for impure men and pure women are for pure men” (Q 24)

 

2.           They have rights to acquire and own property and to take whatever decisions they which on the disposal of their property.

 

3.           They have a right to under take any trade, business or profession that is within the ambit of the law of god just as their male counterpart.

 

4.           They have a right to involve themselves in the political and social affairs of their community and to play useful roles in charting a course of progress. They have right to become important political personalities except that the top echelon of leadership like the Imam, Head of State etc. is left to the men in view of their physical and physiological attributes (i.e. the men) which make them fit for that position.

 

5.           They have a right to seek for knowledge and acquire education in all fields of endeavour including religion education, through this, they are able to impart same on their children and on the society at large.

 

6.           They have a right to partake in war in such capacities as may be necessary such as assisting in treating war victims, in providing ideas and strategy to their male counterparts and in providing logistic or in disseminating information, as far as their skill and knowledge can allow.

 

The above listed are some of the right of women that readily come to mind. Their position and status is very important even in the sight of God. That some special privilege were given to them as can be seen from the Holy Qur’an. These are: -

 

1.           A whole chapter of the Qur’an was named in honour of women generally i.e. Surat-ul-Nisai chapter 4 of the Holy Qur’an

 

2.           A whole chapter was specially named after a woman of honour i.e. Suratul-maryam chapter 19 was named after the mother of Prophet Issa (ASW) and she was referred to also in chapter 3 as being place above all the women of the worlds i.e. chapter 3 verse 42: “And remember when the Angels said: O Mary, verily Allah has honoured thee and has purified thee and has favoured thee (chosen thee) above athe women of the worlds” (Q 3:42)

 

In addition to the above, special mention was made in the Qur’an of the pious woman of pharaoh called Aisha who was spiritually elevated to the status of waliyyah on account of her faith. The traditions of the Holy Prophet (Hadith) also mentioned the likes of Seyyidah Khadijah, Fatimah, Aishah, the whole of the unmuhatul muumineen (wives of the Holy prophet) and the great women of Islam who fought for Islam side by side with their men counterparts during the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In order to seal the fact that both men and women have similar rights and duties, hence similar rewards and (if need be, punishment) before Allah, He (SWT) placed them on same footing as shown in Surt Al-Ahzab chapter 33 verse 35. (Readers are pleased advised to refer to this Qur’anic reference to support this point).

 

THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND THE WEST AFTER THE ADVENT OF ISLAM

Alhamdullilahi, islam has paved way for the material and spiritual development of women by giving them their full rights as a member of the world society of human being and in addition it had also given them an adequate protection against any form of oppression or suppression by clarifying the law for them and showing them ways by which they can seek redress for any form of injustice that may be meted out to them by the male society. As a result, the women of Islam enjoy their rights and lives in peace and transquity in the world, they express themselves and whatever they are capable of exhibiting in terms of skills, talents and knowledge.

 

They are therefore at peace with themselves, with the male member of the society and with their God. They are not burdened beyond their capacity as females, and they are given roles and responsibilities that accord with their nature. They enjoy certain obligations from their fathers and husbands as part of their rights which God enforced on the male in order to have them, the female protected from all forms of injustices.

 

As children it is the duty of parents to train them in the way of God, give them good religious and secular education, feed them, clothe them, give them care and love and nurture them till they are old enough to marry. As wives, it is the responsibility of their husbands to take good care of their materials, emotional and spiritual needs, maintain them on the economic standards they enjoyed before their marriage or on eeven higher standards according to their economic capacities, feed and clothe them and treat them as equal to themselves in all domestic affairs and in the making of their nuclear family home, so that between them they have good and worthy progenies that will follow their own footsteps as offspring’s. This is Islam in its true sense; affording great protection to the female unmah.

 

However, what has happened to the women of the west who refuse to bow to the law of God and follow the Islamic Guidance? What has been their plight? What is the result of the liberation and equality in all respects which they demand from their society? Are they any better as individuals? Are they worthy examples? How have they contributed to social and moral progress of their society? This is the final area we shall deliberate upon. The women of the west, in pursuit of right which Islam readily gives to its women adherents, went ahead to start a Women’s Liberation Moveent.

 

The aim of the movement is to free themselves from male oppression by asserting their collective will to extort, forcefully or other wise all their perceived right and claim equality with men in all areas. In doings so, they over stepped the bounds in the area of their scientific and physiological composition as female species. They forgot that their bodies and physical appearances were made by God specifically for the special roles for which they are created. They thus downplayed what God created for them as their strengths and ought for new roles along side with men which by natural abilities are more fitted for men by God. This makes them shoulder responsibilities they are incapable of and thus transform their life to that of bitterness remorse pain frustration anger from the one of serenity and happiness made for them by God. Some of these are:-

 

1.           The obligation to work for long hours with same pay as  men, loss of sufficient leave period for pre-natal and post-natal rest, loss of job while nurturing the infant new baby born, non-discrimination of jobs women and men must do, which in case of factory/technical ones, may be dangerous to the female nature and more suited to the male.

 

2.           Since women sees herself equal in all respect the men, as a wife she refuses to acknowledge the husband as head of the home unit, refuses to take instructions on their children’s welfare, decides what kind of upbringing she wants for her children even if it be against their father’s wish’s spends longer hours outside the home in pursuance of wealth, fame or societal recognition and in the process, abandons the building of the home structure and the training of their offspring.