ISLAM

Good-doers (Muhsinun) in Quranic perspective

Kalabooshana M. Y. M. MEEADH

Islam always persuades good things and good-doers and warns the evil-doers and their evil deeds. Thus, Islam through the Holy Quran identifies the good-doers (Muhsinun) and condemns the evil-doers from their respective activities in the society.

The Holy Quran identified the good-doers as follows: “It is not Al-Birr (Piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah etc) that you turn your faces towards east (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the last day the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, inspite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans and Al-Masakin (the poor) and to the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free performs As-Salat (Iqamat as-Salat) and gives the Zakat and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles).

Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Mutta qun (the pious - (2:177)

According to the above Quranic verses, it is evident that those who do good things in life belong to this category. As Muslims, they should be first pious of Allah - and then do righteous acts while obeying the commands of Allah through the Quran. Then, the good-doers in Islamic religion should regularly perform five times prayers piously without showing off or indolence.

Creator

A good-doer should believe in his Creator - Allah, the hereafter, the Angels - the religious books revealed to Prophets - and the messengers of Allah who were sent to different nations at different times. Another good thing expected of a Muslim is distribution of Zakath - poor tax to relieve poverty in the society. Another best deed is carrying out an agreement after it is made with another. The promise given in terms of agreement will be kept by a good-doer in Islam.

Patience

Allah expects from a good-doer (Muhusin) to be patient in the trials and tribulations in life. If he loses patience and curses Allah for the disease or any other physical or mental disease, he will be condemned as an evil-doer. In short, a good-doer in Islamic perspective should make it a point to lead a life in this world in keeping with Quranic injunctions and the prophetic traditions.

Further, the following Quranic verse speaks clearly of Al-Muhusinun (the good doers) “And spend in the cause of Allah (i.e. Jihad of all kinds) MTF and do not throw yourselves into destruction (by not spending your wealth in the cause of Allah) and do good. Truly Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers) - (2:195)

From the above Quranic verse, we clearly understand that the good doers are those who spend their wealth for the needy, poor lot in the cause of Allah - when this good act is done by a rich Muslim, Allah shows His choicest blessings upon him and in areas His love towards him so, the wealthy Muslims should seek Allah’s love by doing good things like helping the poor with their money and goods.

Quranic verse

Moreover, Allah identifies the good-doer in the following Quranic verse: “And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allah (i.e. follows Allah’s religion of Islamic monotheism); and he is a Muslim (a good-doer) and follows the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Hanifa (Islamic monotheism - to worship none but Allah alone). And Allah did take Ibrahim as a Khalil (an intimate friend) (4:125)

From the above Quranic verse, a good-doer is a monotheist - and follows the religion of Ibrahim based on worship of Allah alone. Only when a person becomes a believer in one God - Allah, he can organise his good deeds to satisfy Almighty Allah.

Another example of good deed is highlighted in the Quran as follows:

“And if a woman fears cruelty or desertion on her husband’s part, there is no sin on them both if they make terms of peace between themselves; and making peace is better. And human innerselves are swayed by greed.

But if you do good and keep away from evil, verily, Allah is ever well-acquainted with what you do.” (4:128) From the above, Quranic verse, it is quite clear that making peace whenever there occurs a conflict is greatly appreciated by Allah. The evil of greed should be shunned and good act of love and affection must be done by a husband for his wife. Therefore, we should keep away from all kinds of evil in all aspects of our life. In the following Quranic verse, Allah shows that He is closer to the good-doers.

“Truely, Allah is in those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him) and those who are Muhsinun (good-doers) (16:128) A prophetic tradition corroborates the above Quranic verse: “Narrated Abu Hurairah (Rali); Allah’s messenger (sal) said: “The deeds of any one of you will not save you (from the (Hell) fire). They said: Even you (will not be saved by your deeds). O Allah’s messenger” He said: No, even I (will not be saved) unless and until Allah bestows His mercy on me and protects me with His Grace.

Good deeds

Therefore do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and worship Allah in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night and always adopt a middle, moderate regular course whereby you will reach your target (Paradise).” (Sahih Al-Budkhari - Vol. 8 - Hodith No. 470).

Therefore, while doing all the good deeds (Ibadath Saliheen), we should seek Allah’s mercy for ultimate target of paradise.

“Barak Hussain Obama, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X-Ali Shabbaz”

M. B. M. Mahir

Continued from last week

It is reported that a relative of his Kenyan grandmother has once been employed in such capacity and Sheikh Abdullah claims to have documentary evidence. It is true that Obama has a big responsibility to the American people who elevated him to this highest office in the U.S.A. hence his attention necessarily should be on the social aspects of his country and community.

It is also true that American Economy has to be transferred to the ascending order enabling a rise in the standard of living. As it stands today Jews consist of a major factor in the economy of the United States and his action corresponding to cooperate with them is essentially a basic obligation.

The world should take careful note of this in a more healthy approach and encourage him to overcome the economic depression, and get over the period of recession. The whole world in particular and the Muslim world in general keep their hopes in Obama to rectify all damages done and guide the destiny of the oppressed and suppressed in order to make the world a better place to live.

A Request and a prayer

Obama, Mr. president, the whole world is looking forward for your realm of justice and fairplay. Your executive position should guide humanity towards peace and harmony. An embodiment of a good Christian is love, kindness, hatred towards none and humble in his affairs. A Muslim according to Islam is compassionate, harmonious and service minded.

It is the hope and prayer of the people of Palestine to have their own homeland and a state of Palestine. Towards this goal U.S.A. is endeavouring and cooperating with Israel and Palestine. Your attention should be given more priority towards the establishment of the Palestinian state.

Your attention should also reach out to Iraq which has been subject to various ways of aggression and the suffering of this people must be relived. Equally in Iran and Afghanistan hostile diplomacy have proved a failure and it is your right to cater to the needs of these countries in order to normalise relations and friendship.

The Muslim world looks upon you with hope and aspiration that constructive approach will be made under your leadership so that the people of all these countries will breathe in peace and bear the testimony of harmony.

In Asia, Africa and the Careebian to mention a few, the people are all agog eager to see a healthy and understanding helm of affairs in your administration that will bring forth peace and co-existence among them.Barak Hussain Obama, you have instilled and inspired the emotions of the world which is eagerly awaiting your performance as the Executive head of a powerful nation to be fair, understanding and impartial in order to achieve optimum benefits and results.

Islam recognizes the service minded leadership that would benefit the entirety of humanity.

In conclusion a golden saying of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Salallahu Alaihiwa Sallam can be remembered “The best amongst you is the one who is best useful to humanity” We pray you should be one of them.

Remembering Moulavi Hussain

B. M. Mukthar Beruwala special correspondent

A Kathamul Quran Majilis is to be conducted in memory of the late Moulavi-Al-Haj A. H. M. Hussain (Al-Azhari) on January 25, 2009 at Pannipitiya, Battaramulla to mark his 28th death anniversary.

The late Hussian Alim is still living in the hearts of Sri Lankan Muslims for the services he rendered towards the religion and the community in particular and the country in general.

He was born in 1920 to his illustrious parents Abdul Hameed Fathima of Dematagoda, Colombo. After receiving his primary education at Zahira College, Colombo, he was admitted to Rahmaniya Arabic College, Colombo for his Arabic education. In 1940 he proceeded to Ibrahimiyya Arabic College, Galle where he obtained his Moulavi degree.

As he excelled well in his education he was admired by the teachers of the college after passing out as a Moulavi, he joined Zahira College, Colombo as a teacher. It was while he was serving in Zahira College, he was granted a scholarship to Al Azhar university in Cairo, Egypt where he was conferred with a degree in Islamic law.

He took to the profession of teaching once again at Denham school, Maligawatta and at Fathima Muslim school, Colombo. Zahira College, Colombo invited him to continue his services in the field of teaching.

During his teaching career in Zahira College, he won the hearts of the administrators, fellow teachers, parents and the students. As a learned Ulama he held and was elevated to various positions in the community.

He was elected as a secretary of the all Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama Fathwa committee, vice president of all Ceylon Katheebs association, president of the all Ceylon Muslim Marriages registrars union.

Being the high priest of Grand Mosque, Colombo the late Hussain Alim discharged his duties towards Allah for the spiritual development of the fellow Muslims.

As the mark of respect Sri Lankan Government conferred him with the title of All Island justice of peace. In the later part of his life he was appointed to the advisory committee of the Muslim services of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Marhoom A. H. M. Hussain Alim led a good life as a true Muslim in accordance with the preaching of Islam along the footsteps of Prophet Mohamed (Sal). His exemplary life would enlighten our hearts for ever.