| |
| Name |
Yassin -
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
Salam.
How can we protect our children from a corrupted society?
keeping them our from un-Islamic ideologies and practices.
Thanks
|
| Answer |
Wa alaikum salaam, brother Yasin:
The best way to go about it is to teach them Islam, its practices,
conducts and requirements when they are very young and be a model
to them of how it must be practiced.
Once they know what is right, expected, and desirable, they will at
least know when they see the wrongs and the corruptions of the society.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
HUSSAIN - Sri
Lanka
|
| Profession |
ACCOUNTANT |
| Question |
I have never heard
of an era where humanity lived in peace. Since the incident between
Abiel and Khabeel, history points to turmoil after turmoil. In this
regard, where could we really find solace? I am very positive and
100% confident that only complete adherence to the tenets of Islam
and complete faith in Allah, that He is the Only, I repeat the One
& Only SUPREME LORD is the only solution. As a learned Ulama,
what is the solution for the present predicament of the Muslims and
the so-called Muslim World? |
| Answer |
Brother Hussain:
Assalamu alaikum,
You have given the answer to your own question, Alhamdu lillah. That
indeed is the very first and primary step to our problems these days. |
|
| Name |
Vinay -
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
Why are Muslim youth
in particular not able to integerate themselves in the non- Muslim
societies? Why are they more often than not considered a liability
rather than an asset? |
| Answer |
Brother Vinay: Assalamu
alaikum,
The main reasons are:
1) A lack of self identity. They have not formed a clear identity
of who they really are and want to be.
2) No or unclear understanding of the principles and requirements
of Islam.
3) No role model
4) No skills to deal with people of other beliefs and ideologies.
5) Fear of other cultures
6) No support from our leaders in the community
Those are some reasons.
|
|
| Name |
Br. Mahbub -
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
As Salamu Alaikum,
My question is regarding interaction between us and the non-believers.
To what extent should we associate ourselves with them? For eg. going
to a different lunch or something... What do you think would be some
appropriate topic of discussion besides religion? I guess it gets
boring sometimes for people if they talk about religion all the time.
Jazak ALLAH khairan.
|
| Answer |
Br. Mahbub: Wa alaikum salaam,
We should not be hesitant to associate with people of other faiths
at all, especially if we live in their culture.
When we do associate with them, we should not bring up religion as
a topic of discussion ourselves. Lots of brothers make the mistake
of thinking that they we must do the work of da'wah all the time when
we are with non-Muslims. Others feel defensive about the way their
beliefs and practices. For example, there is nothing forbidding us
to go to a lunch or dinner with a non-Muslim fellow worker, but at
the same time, we should not be defensive about what we can eat and
drink and we can't. We should not be defensive in stating our beliefs
that, for example, "I cannot be eating in a place where liquor
is being served, it's against my belief system."
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
Sis B - United
States
|
| Profession |
University Student |
| Question |
Assalamu Alaikum,
I often feel "split in two" when it comes to my identity.
It is mostly regarding hijab. I wear full hijab to school, but at
home in my neighborhood I don't wear it when mowing the lawn, nor
do I wear it when I run errands or exercise.
I am a convert, and I feel that all the different Muslim ethnicities
want to pull me towards them (Indian, Pakistani, Arab, Etc). I feel
as though I've lost MYSELF sometimes, like I'm no longer authentic.
Inshallah I would appreciate your suggestions. Jazakullah.
|
| Answer |
Dear Sis B: Wa alaikum salaam,
Your feelings of "split in two" is unfortunately very common
among Muslim youth. When you follow a practice of Islam for any other
reason except to obey and please Allah, these types of split personalities
and behavior develop.
And yes, there are as many interpretations of the requirements of
Islamic law today as there are these so called "scholars",
especially on the internet. So, the answer is to seek and learn about
Islam yourself from the scholars that you know and feel comfortable
with. Pray to Allah (swt) to guide you to His straight path and believe
that He will, if you are sincere.
Last but not least, practice Islam fully and consistently with the
intent of obeying and submitting yourself to Allah and for no one
else.
Hope this helps, Insha-Allah.
|
|
| Name |
Muslimah - United
States
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
Salaam,
What do you suggest we do for future generations in the West?
Unfortunately, I feel I have no one to turn to because most of the
"elders" are immigrants who haven't grasped a lot of the
social concepts and issues that young people (like me) face in America.
Inshallah my generation will hopefully change things for the better
when it comes to identity issues because we have a better understanding
of things.
|
| Answer |
Dear Sister: wa alaikum salaam,
Two things come to mind after reading your question.
1) The immigrant elders: Indeed they are often not in touch with the
needs of the youth growing up in non-Muslim cultures, and even in
their own cultures sometimes. Often they fear that their children
would be led astray in the non-Muslim cultures. Their fears are genuine.
But they cannot alley their fears nor guide their children because
they themselves often are not knowledgeable about the true requirements,
freedoms,and limits of Islam.
2) Identity issue: For Muslim youth, the identity issue can only be
resolved once they have truly understood who they are, what are the
requirements of being who they are, and choose to accept them. A reliable
and correct knowledge of the Deen is imperative before these questions
may be answered by each youth.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
Saara - United
States
|
| Profession |
Student |
| Question |
Assalamu Alaikum,
A lot of Muslims seem to think that being "American" or
"British" and Muslim is a paradox. How can we change this
mentality?
Sometimes I feel as though I need to prove to "born" Muslims
that I am Muslim! How do we bridge the gap of this misunderstanding?
|
| Answer |
Sister Saara: Wa alaikum salaam,
Your question also relates to the identity crisis that our Muslim
youth are suffering from these days. I believe that your core identity
must come first for a healthy self identity. Are you an American or
British first or a Muslim first? If you are a Muslim first then the
second part really does not matter.
Because, in principle then you are one with all the others who are
Muslims regardless of where they were born, or live.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
zouhair - Morocco
|
| Profession |
cashier |
| Question |
I have a question.
I know a girl from the US and she been in Islam for 2 years. She was
living in Morocco but when she came here, after 2 months she changed.
She knows a lot about islam but i dont know why she changed?
i talk to her and she says to me that this is her life. Please tell
me what I can tell her to put her back in Islam. incharalah wa jazakom
Allah.
|
| Answer |
Brother Zouhair: Assalamu Alaikum,
What a person becomes when he/she has not developed a self-identity,
depends a lot upon the company and environment he/she chooses to keep
himself/herself in.
Encourage her to explore for herself, "what is her life all about?"
If she has the knowledge of Islam and if she had chosen to be a Muslim
as a result of her conviction about the truth of Islam, then Insha-Allah
she would re-think her lifestyle.
On the other hand, if her coming to Islam was for reasons other then
Islam itself, it would be difficult for her to live by its principles.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
du'a - Egypt
|
| Profession |
student |
| Question |
Sometimes in my career I have problems because i wear hijab. How should
I approach this problem?
|
| Answer |
Dear du'a: Assalamu
alaikum,
One always faces challenges when one chooses to live by what he/she
believes. Allah (swt) tests our beliefs by such challenges. If you
wear Hijab only and only for the pleasure of Allah (swt), then the
problems would be easier to handle.
People suffer a lot and bear the sufferings happily for the pleasure
of their loved ones on this earth. It would be, therefore, much easier
to bear these difficulties for the love of Allah.
Secondly, don't be shy to explain your beliefs when they are questioned
and made fun of. Stay firm and unshaken with the knowledge that "you
are right".
May Allah give you the strength and courage to go on practicing what
you believe is right, and May He accept your efforts.
Was-salaam,
|
|
| Name |
aziza - Egypt
|
| Profession |
teacher |
| Question |
What are the steps a Muslim can take to strengthen their identity
and not be influenced by pressures around them?
|
| Answer |
Sister Aziza: Wa alaikum salaam,
As I have mentioned previously, the key steps in the formation of
a healthy self identity is understanding who we are, what we believe
and why, what are the requirements of our belief system, and choosing
to accept them.
Then, healthy role models around us give us strength and courage to
be who we are without fear and intimidation. The pressures around
us are easier to handle if we have a self identity that we are comfortable
with, when we know the right from the wrong.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
Kristina - United
States
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
I am a Catholic with a desire to learn more about the Muslims. I want
to understand how the Qur'an came about and read all of it.
I have seen DVDs about Islam, which helped me to see that we are all
God's people. Since I have come to know some Muslims and watched their
work ethics and modesty in dress and high respect for their spouses,
I cannot but help want to be more like them! Allah is just wanting
us to know Him, and not have anything to distract from Him. I know
in the Christian faith, Jesus is our Way to God...as the Sacrificial
Lamb. Because I know little, but want to learn so much more, I have
grown to LOVE the Muslims with an understanding of how they RESPECT
so much more than we do in America.
They do not like the war going on. I don't either. Because I have
hungered for wanting to understand something that I used to just "stereo
type" as foreigners, and such, it was as a result of watching
and knowing the Muslims for a long while, to say..."There is
something special about them."
They are so much closer to Allah in their daily greetings. Sometimes
I feel that we, as Christians, put God to shame, for not having such
respect daily when we greet each other. There is so much to learn
for non-Muslims to see what they are missing! The Muslims are beautiful
people, and I, at times, feel the need to "cover" myself
out of respect to my loved one...and be only for him. The covering
of the heads and arms, and legs are positive things that are precious
to family only. We in America have become "flesh" idols,
and this is so wrong. May God/Allah have patience with us...as we
all strive to be closer to Him.
Peace Be Unto You.
Kristina |
| Answer |
Dear Kristina: Peace Be Upon you too.
I was pleased to hear from you. Islam is a moderate and just faith
that teaches us rights and responsbilities of ourselves, our families,
our neighbors, our societies, our contries, and even the animals and
our environment. It provides practical guidance, totally based on
our nature and the nature of other things around us, to conduct ourselves
in our daily lives.
We get ourselves into trouble only when we turn our backs to this
beautiful guidance provided to us by the Creator Himself. All the
turmoil you see in the Muslim world today is mainly due to this.
I wish you Peace and on-going efforts to seek out the truth and follow
it. May Allah be with you and guide you to the right path.
There are some weekly lessons on Human Nature on my website www.shifa.ca.
Check them out, you may enjoy them.
Good Luck.
|
|
| Name |
Waheed - United
Kingdom
|
| Profession |
Student |
| Question |
I love islam, even though I'm not always the best one to practice
it. But I find myself outraged and angry at the Iraq war.
Looking through history I see a endless list of actions and crimes
committed by nations such as the UK or France or the USA.
How can Muslims possibly look upon these nations with any sense of
patriotism. I was born and bred in the UK and I love my home, but
i am coming ot the point where issues such as the Iraq war, Abu Gharaib,
Palestine, and Checniya is making me frustrated to the point where
in my weakest form i feel respect for Al-qaeda and their fight against
America.
I know I am not alone. Every Muslim youth I meet has similar frustrations
of anger and a feeling of impotency because we can't do anything..
What do you suggest Muslim youth like me should do before the frustrations
of loyal young Muslism spill over and hurt the Muslim community in
the West, by committing actions against their governments.
|
| Answer |
Dear brother Waheed: Assalamu Alaikum,
Thank you for such an important question. Indeed, what has been going
on in the Muslim world today is very disturbing, confusing, frustrating,
and demoralizing for all Muslims and especially the Muslim Youth.
Indeed, you are so right in saying that one feels so impotent to do
anything about what has been going on around us.
But, I want you think about something. Allah (swt) would only hold
us accountable for our own deeds, no one else's. We, the Muslims,
worry about everything bad that is going on around us and feel helpless
to do anything about it. But, seldom do we turn inwards to look at
our own selves to notice "what's wrong with me", "how
good a Muslim am I", "how much knowledge of Islam do I have",
"what of this knowledge I consistently practice", what are
my weaknesses", and "what can I do to improve upon myself?"
In these times, brother Waheed, the best thing to do is worry less
about what is happening around us, and worry more about how to make
myself a better Muslim by learning more and more about Islam from
the right sources, and practicing what you learn with sincerity. If
each one of us did the same, we will be a better community, we will
become once again a stronger nation, and Allah's help will once again
be with us, Insha-Allah.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
ahmed - Nigeria
|
| Profession |
civil servant |
| Question |
Assalamu alaikum Dr,
With the way the Western world looks at Muslims who follow the sunna
to the core as fundametalist, how will one find it easy in the white
people's countries?
|
| Answer |
Dear Brother Ahmed: wa alaikum salaam,
I have been living in the "white people's countries" for
the last 35 years. And, Alhamdu-lillah, have always tried to practice
my faith the best I can with sincerity and an absolute intent to seek
the pleasure of Allah. And Wallah, none of the white folks have ever
had a problem with me or my practices.
It is not our faith practices that create problems for us in the non-Muslim
world, but our poor un-Islamic character that causes us grief; and
sometimes our poor understanding of what we practice and the resultant
inability to explain it those who may not understand it.
Hope this answers your question.
|
|
| Name |
saffiyah - United
Kingdom
|
| Profession |
student |
| Question |
How can I make myself feel strong when I feel weak?
|
| Answer |
Dear Sis Saffiyah: Assalamu alaikum,
What you need to explore a bit more is what makes you feel weak. Without
this understanding, you cannot begin to feel strong.
Since you haven't told me enough about why you feel weak, I am at
a loss to help you further with this question.
If you like some more help, go to my website, www.shifa.ca, and look
under the 'counseling' page.
Hope it would help.
|
|
| Name |
khadija -
|
| Profession |
student |
| Question |
How can we as Muslim youth deal with people who make fun of us and
push us around just because we're trying to practice Islam?
|
| Answer |
Dear Sister Khadija: Assalamu Alaikum,
If you practice your faith with true conviction, Allah (swt) will
place your fear and awe in the hearts of others and they would respect
you or stay away from you.
On the other hand, if you practice your faith half-heartedly, with
poor understanding and uncertainty, and with fear of others, you would
be more easily bothered, pushed around, and made fun of by others.
In all communities, there should be on-going efforts, such as seminars
and workshops, etc., to help our youth learn the true knowledge of
Islam, understand the requirements of Shari'ah and the reasons thereof,
and to guide them about how to deal with outside pressures.
If you are interested, look at my website www.shifa.ca under "seminars
and workshops" for more ideas.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
umm safeeyah - United
Kingdom
|
| Profession |
social worker |
| Question |
How can the youth stand up for their rights and be counted without
being aggressive and getting into physcial fights?
|
| Answer |
Dear Sis Umm Safeeyah:
Assalamu Alaikum,
Jazak-Allah, for such a good question.
The key elements in standing up for your rights without being aggressive
are:
1) Correct knowledge of Islam
2) Good Islamic Character
3) Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and obligations in
Islam.
4) Giving the rights of others to them without demanding you get yours
first
5) Love and genuine care of all creatures of Allah (swt)
6) Self confidence and strong convictions
7) Good communication and conflict resolution skills.
Some of the above can be taught and learned through training and guidance.
Look at some of the workshops listed on my website: www.shifa.ca
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
sitwat - Pakistan
|
| Profession |
microbiologist |
| Question |
Dear Sir,
I'm a girl belong to ehl-e sunnat wants to marry a guy who is from
fiqha jafria. I know very well that the decision is not very easy
but it is not very hard too because i think that we must follow Allah
and act according to the teaching of Qur'an & Hadis and this is
not from Allah that He made us Sunni or Shia or whatever this is our
beliefs and thinking and if i found anything good then it is my duty
to tell the others or if i found that if someone belongs to my religion
and not properly acting accordingly or something else then it is also
my duty to tell them the truth.
So this is one of the reasons which compelled me to take a positive
decision means to marry him but I also want to take some one wise
advise. Please help me.
|
| Answer |
Dear Sister Sitwat:
Common beliefs are of utmost importance in making a relationship work.
If there are significant differences in the beliefs and practices,
it would ultimately cause grief and unpleasantness somewhere along
the line.
I would strongly advise you to consult with some scholars where you
live, to learn more about the fiqh jafaria and understand the differences.
Then, think carefully, "could you live with these differences?"
"would you like your children to grow up confused between what
you believe and what your husband believes and practices?"
This decision would have a long term impact on not only on your life
now, but on the lives of your children for a long time to come.
I believe I have given you the principle by which to make your decision.
I sincerely hope that it helps, and pray that Allah (swt) guides you
to a proper decision.
Was-salaam
|
|
| Name |
sisa - Australia
|
| Profession |
student |
| Question |
It's quite hard to be in the Muslim community in Western countries
because everyone lives so far apart. It's like a major event whenever
we come together so often I (and others like me) feel isolated. How
do you suggest we deal with such feelings?
|
| Answer |
Dear Sisa: Assalamu alaikum,
I understand how you might feel isolated under such circumstances.
The answer to this issue is not very difficult if the community members
put their heads together to plan and implement social and family events
for all in the community, and especially the youth. Unfortunately,
everyone gets busy and preoccupied with their own lives, work, business,
school, etc.
You, along with your friends, may want to take an initiative to get
some community activities going regularly and approach the elders
for the support and guidance. Insha-Allah, it would work out.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
Mansoor - India
|
| Profession |
Student Counselor |
| Question |
Muslim youth now have an identity crisis due to social and political
reasons. What are your suggestions to overcome this problem?
|
| Answer |
Dear Brother Mansoor, Assalamu Alaikum,
I have answered this questions a couple of times already. Please review
my answers to some of the previous questions in this regard.
Was-salaam
|
|
| Name |
Fareh -
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
What are the main reasons that would cause someone to loose identity?
|
| Answer |
Dear Fareh: Assalamu Alaikum,
One does not loose his/her identity if it was solidly built in the
first place on proper understanding of who you are, what you believe
and why, and learning how to practice what you believe. If it was
on shaky grounds to start with, it would more easily be lost or changed.
So, the answer is to go back and evaluate what your identity is built
on.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
UmmNadiya - Canada
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
Most Muslim youth in North America are after fashion, cool attitude,
and un-Islamic behaviour, while da'wah workers are not yet targeting
the youth in the best manner that one is expecting. When and how can
we have professional youth work with lots of resourses and equipment
so as to contain our youth in a safe, Islamic environment?
|
| Answer |
Dear Sister Umm Nadiya: Assalamu Alaikum,
You are so right in saying that lots of Muslim Youth in North America
are buying into the local values of being fashionable and cool. Sometimes
they are so "cool" that it runs chills through my spine
(no pun intended).
The major reason for this problem is a lack of proper Islamic knowledge,
good role models, and proper guidance for them.
Youth, in my experience, are looking for guidance and role models,
but the community elders are often ignoring these needs. If proper
education, skills training, and guidance were provided, along with
healthy alternatives to meet their recreational and social needs,
these problems would Insha-Allah, go away.
Look at my website www.shifa.ca under seminars and workshops for more
ideas.
Hope this helps.
|
|
| Name |
Mohammad Jamshid - Pakistan
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
Assalam O Alaikum.
I told my wife that you are divorced, you are divorced and you are
divorced if you spent more than 5 days in your parents home. Even
if I allow you to stay for more than 5 days, you will not spend more
than 5 days.
As far as my condition is concerned I just wanted to intimidate her
but I thought at that time of anger that if even after this warning
she spends more than five days then I should better divorce her.
Now there is her brother's wedding and she needs to stay at least
for ten days there. And i told her to stay there for 10 days on my
own wish. She is also two months pregnant. So please tell me the Islamic
ruling in this case regarding my declaration of divorce. Will it be
regarded as completed now...or we are allowed to take back such a
conditional divorce and lead a happy and pure life
May Allah bless you.
|
| Answer |
Dear Brother Jamshid: Wa alaikum salaam,
Your question unfortunately does not pertain in this forum. You should
raise this question in the Fatwa forum.
I pray for you.
|
|
| Name |
Raed - United
States
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
How can I maintain my sprituality in a society that only cares about
money, movies, songs, etc?
I am finding it extremly difficult to keep my faith strong around
my friends. Should I quit to another Muslim country?
The problem is that a lot of my friends in Egypt and Lebanon say that
it is no longer different and that most Muslim countries are becoming
Westernized?
|
| Answer |
Dear brother Raed: Assalamu Alaikum,
Please read some of my answers from other questions, and you will
learn the principles of how to deal with your problems.
Since there is not enough time left, I don't wish to repeat myself.
If you need to ask me a specific question later, contact me through
my website www.shifa.ca
|
|
| Name |
muhammad - Malaysia
|
| Profession |
just graduated... |
| Question |
Assalam aleikum,
The question I want to ask may not be a question about today's topic,
but i would like to know your opinion on this.
I recently applied for a job as a diplomat and administration officer
with the Malaysian government. Quite some time ago, a prominent Muslim
scholar, Sheikh Imran hosein was on a dawah tour in Malaysia. He said
that a government that makes halal what's haram and makes haram what's
halal has committed shirk because that government has replaced Allah's
rule and claimed to be the sovereign law.
The way i see it, the Malaysian government is not a Muslim government
even if it claims to be so. So my question is, would I be committing
shirk if I work for this government even if my intention is for the
experience that I would gain from it?
And things are more complicated because I support the opposition party.
How do you perceive me to be? a hypocrite? thank you. Assalam aleikum.
|
| Answer |
Brother Muhammad: Wa alaikum salaam,
Sorry, but I choose not to go into your question in this forum. It
would take up too much time. You may write to me later and I may try
to answer it. drsadiq@shifa.ca
|
|
| Name |
syed -
|
| Profession |
doctor |
| Question |
As salamu alaykum,
In a society full of things which make youth go astray, what can be
done?
|
| Answer |
Dear Brother Syed: Wa alaikum salaam.
Look at my previous answer.
|
|
| Name |
Ahmed khan -
|
| Profession |
|
| Question |
Can you suggest some tips on how to make coming to the masjid interesting
for the youth. I am trying to invite my friends to the Friday halaqa
where we meet in the masjid and have an open discussion with our imam,
and translation is available. When I tell my friends about the halaqa,
they always tell me: "It is not cool," "You guys need
to spice it up a little bit," etc.
|
| Answer |
Dear brother Ahmad: Assalamu Alaikum,
The youth of today want to be entertained even in the masaajid and
in halaqahs. This is one of the consequences of living in cultures
which encourage, require and thrive on fun.
My suggestion, therefore, is to initially hold the youth programs
somewhere else but the masjid, and incorporate some sports and other
activities along with learning activities. Also, the presenter, the
teacher, and the way of teaching also makes a great difference in
attracting youth to these programs. Look at my website www.shifa.ca
under seminars and workshops for more ideas.
|
|
| Name |
radia - France
|
| Profession |
sans |
| Question |
Salam,je voudrais d'abord vous dire que je trouve ce site très reussi!!!ma
fille vit avec un garçon elle a eu un enfant avec lui et elle n'a
pas fait l'acte de mariage arabe elle a juste fait deux fatha avec
talba et je voudrais savoir si c'est hallal ou haram
|
| Answer |
Sorry, Sis Radia
I don't read french. You may want to send you question to me later
in English at drsadiq@shifa.ca
|
|
| Name |
huda zaheer - Pakistan
|
| Profession |
student |
| Question |
In a non-Muslim society who may be our friends?
|
| Answer |
Dear Brother Huda: Assalamu Alaikum,
In a Muslim or non-Muslim society we can be casually friends with
everyone, being nice to them and engaging in permissible activities
with them. But, close friendships should be formed only with those
who share your belief system and would not lead you astray.
Hope this helps.
|
|
|