Friday, June 25, 2010

Muslims' Attitude Toward Differences of Opinion

At the time of the prophet peace be upon him, there was a war between Muslims and Jews ( Banu Quraythah). The prophet instructed his companions to go and fight the enemy and he told them " Do not pray until you get to Banu Quraythah". On their way and when it was asr time, a dispute occurred between the companions. One group understood the prophet's order metaphorically .They thought the prophet meant 'hurry up'. So some of the companions prayed at asr time while the others prayed after asr time when they got to Banu Quraythah.
When the companions met the prophet peace be upon him again , they told him about what happened, and asked him which view was correct. Of course one of the two views must have been right but the prophet peace be upon him said " Whoever performs ijtihad ( interpretation) and errs will receive one reward. Whoever performs ijtihad and arrives at the correct answer gets double the reward."
This is a great example from the greatest prophet of how people can stay united even when they have different opinions.
In Islam, Muslims can have differences as long as these differences are not on definite matters. For instance, there is no difference of opinion on not performing prayer or not drinking alcohol. But differences on indefinite matters , those subject to ijtihad ( interpretation) , must be tolerated and respected. 
Unfortunately, Muslims today divide themselves over matters of ijtihad. What I see on websites, forums, blogs is shameful. Muslims labeling, insulting, name-calling each other for their differences of opinion.
Such Muslims are ignorant about their Islamic history. Stories of the prophets and companions of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him are filled with great examples of people with highly civilized behavior. What stops Muslims from following these examples?
And oh you might find the same Muslims who offend and insult others for their different opinions express their wishes and hopes for Muslims to be united :)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Good and Evil

"Is the world divided into good and evil, and is man thus halved? I think that that is where lies the difference between a “romantic” and a “realist.” Romantics see the world as a battle arena between men, of whom some are good and some are evil. Realists see the same battle, but primarily within man himself. I think that the latter is closer to the truth." Alija Izet Begovic

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Making Someone Happy Makes You Happy

Even though our definition of happiness may not be the same, we know the feeling of being happy. Having a happy life and being happy is what we all seek. But how do we do that? How can we be happy?
There is a beautiful verse in the holy Quran that tells us how to be happy and have a happy life "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do." Quran 16:97
This is what happens when we do righteousness. We are happy and have a happy life. And this is what happens when we help people who need help.
Helping the poor, the needy, the homeless, or whoever needs our help brings happiness to the heart. There is nothing like the satisfaction that one feels when they see the joy that they have brought to the lives of others. Such unselfish work for the sake of Allah purifies the soul , softens the heart, and makes us share other people's joys. It also shows our love for one another. The greatest prophet peace be upon him said " No one truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. "

If you want to be happy, help those who need your help. Making someone happy makes you happy.

Monday, June 7, 2010

The Human Soul

My soul is the essence of my being. Without it , I'm dead. I see many people in my world biologically alive but spiritually dead. They have sold their souls for their whims, desires, and lusts like Faust who sold his soul to the devil for worldly pleasures and knowledge.
What do such people really gain when they lose their own souls?