Friday Jumma Sermon in South Africa:

Prophet Muhammad as a Leader

The month of Rabi’ ul Awwal ushered in the dawn of a new era for human civilization and development through the birth of the greatest of mankind Muhammad (PBUH). It was under his leadership the Arabian Peninsula was transformed from an uncouth, nomadic, immoral and violent society into the cradle and fortress of human civilization. Its inhabitants - once regarded as social lepers - became the guiding stars for mankind at large.

How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) achieve this neigh impossible feat? What kind of statesmanship did he display that won over the hearts and minds of the very people who previously persecuted and plotted to murder him? People that previously spat at him suddenly applied his sweat as perfume!

Muhammad (PBUH) came not as ruler but as a leader. A leader shows the way and guides by example whilst a ruler simply demands compliance. A leader has certain inherent qualities quite independent of any office he may hold.

These include both qualities of personal character and the ability to inspire and motivate others towards the realization of specific goals or objectives.

A leader emerges among people. A ruler campaigns among people: The Prophet has said: ‘Do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking, you will be left alone (to discharge the responsibilities associated with it) and if you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by Allah to discharge your responsibilities).’ (Muslim)

A leader derives his appeal from humility. A ruler appeals for superiority: In his first speech as khalifah of the Muslims, Caliph Abu Bakr said: ‘I have been appointed as ruler over you although I am not the best among you.

‘I have never sought this position nor has there ever been a desire in my heart to have this in preference to anyone else... If I do right, you must help and obey me; if I go astray, set me aright... Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey them, then you have no obligation to follow me...’

A leader’s hallmark is mercy. A ruler’s hallmark is authority: The Qur’an describes him in the words: “And We have not sent you forth except as a mercy to the universe.” (21:107) Such was the compassion and mercy of the Prophet that he said: ‘I start the prayers, intending to lengthen them. I then hear a child crying so I make them shorter, knowing that a mother will be distressed by her child’s cries.’ Aisha Radhiyallahu Anha says that once the Prophet kissed his grandsons on the forehead while a villager was present. The villager said with surprise, ‘I have ten children. I have never kissed any of them!’ He responded: ‘He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.’

A leader shows undying concern. A ruler demands unyielding compliance: The Qur’an describes him in the words: “There comes to you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that ye should suffer: he is so anxious over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful.” (9:128) A narration in Bukhari describes the personality of the Prophet in the words: ‘From his mercy is that he never felt it below him to walk along a widow or with a poor person to fulfill their needs. He visited the weak and sick Muslims and attended their funerals.

He treated orphans well and charitably. He commanded people to care for them and treat them with excellence and would say: ‘I and a patron of an orphan are as close in Paradise as these two fingers (the index and middle finger).’ He also said that the best house among the homes of Muslims one with an orphan being treated well in it.’

A leader elects people of expertise. A ruler elects people for expediency: Ibn Taymiyya has recorded: ‘Whoever delegates a position to someone whereas he sees someone else as more competent (for the position); verily he has cheated Allah and His Apostle and all the Muslims.’

A leader is free from greed. A ruler thrives on greed: The Prophet said: ‘Three things are part of the good morals of a believer.

When he is overcome by anger, his anger should not drive him to falsehood. When he is happy, his happiness should not take him beyond the bounds of what is right. When he has power, he should not stake a claim to something which is not his.’

(Tirmidhi)

Charity in Islam

Zakah (alms) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its importance can be realized from the fact that in 82 verses of the Qur’an Zakah is associated with prayer (Salah), such as:

Establish regular prayer and give Zakah; and obey Allah and His messenger. Quran (33:33)

If social justice and compassion to fellow humans who are disadvantaged is one of the central themes in the message of Allah to humanity, then it is no wonder that Zakah, like prayer and fasting, was also enjoined upon the people of the past messengers:

And We made them (descendants of Abraham) leaders, guiding by Our command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular Prayers and to practise Zakah; and they constantly served Us.

Quran (21:73)

Benefits of giving Zakah

1. It purifies your wealth as Allah says in the Qur’an: Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it and pray for them. Quran (9:103)

2. It keeps one away from sin and saves the giver from the moral ill arising from the love and greed of wealth.

3. Through Zakah, the poor are cared for, these include widows, orphans, the disabled, the needy and the destitute.

Zakah is the right of the poor

Zakah is not considered a favour that is given to the poor by the rich. It is the right of the poor on the wealth of the rich. Allah says: wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the destitute. Quran (70:24-25)

Zakah, therefore, is unlike charity that is given to the needy voluntarily. Withholding Zakah is considered depriving the poor of their due share. Thus one who pays Zakah actually “purifies” his wealth by separating from it the portion that belongs to the poor.

What our Messenger of Allah said on Zakah:

1. “Zakaat is a (great and strong) bridge of Islam”.

2.”If a man pays the Zakaat due on his property, it causes its evil influence to vanish”.

3. “Protect your possessions by payment of alms, treat your patients by giving Charity and face the waves of affliction with supplications and crying unto Allah in humility”.

Alqamah Radhiallaho anho says that when our group of people visited Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who said to them, “Verily you can make your Islam perfect by your payment of the Zakaat due on your property”.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “he who observes three things will taste the sweetness of Imaan (faith): One who worships Allah alone and believes (from his heart) that there is no one to be worshipped but Allah and one who pays the alms on his property, willingly, every year. In alms on the animals, one should not give an aged animal or one suffering from itch or any other ailment, or an inferior one, but should give animals of average quality. Allah Ta’ala does not demand from you the best of your animals, nor does He command you to give animals of the worst quality”.

Do I have to give alms? Alms is obligatory on one who has wealth that reaches or exceeds a certain level called the nisab.

Unlike tax, however, alms is an act of worship for which one receives reward from Allah. Ignoring to pay alms, on the other hand, is a major sin.

According to the scholars, anyone who does not pay alms by denying its obligation is considered a disbeliever.

How much do I have to give? If you are in possession of money, gold, silver, stocks or shares that amount to more than the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of Silver called nisab (at current market rates) then you are obliged to pay alms. If you own this amount for a full lunar year then your alms is due at the last day of the 12 lunar months.

Things families can do to fight poverty

* Make sure to pay Zakat

What is Zakat? It is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is also an obligation which primarily benefits the poor and the needy. Find out today what you are required to do to fulfill this Islamic obligation, and what assets you and your family have which are Zakatable. Whether it’s the family business or your wife’s jewellry also, educate your kids about this necessary pillar of Islam in a family meeting.

* Start a family charity box

Wouldn’t it be great to give charity as a family? You can do this in a systematic way by setting up a family charity box in a particular spot of the house. Then, convince each person to put a portion of their allowance or salary in this box. One of the older kids will keep track of how much is collected. Once a month, hold a family meeting to decide exactly where the money will go, whether it’s to the needy family who lives next door, the homeless shelter in the city or poor relatives abroad.

* Have a “secret charity box”

Ideally, your left hand should not know what your right hand has given in charity. Keeping this in mind, to encourage secret charity, put a secret charity box in the home. Make it clear why it’s there and tell the kids the rule is no one can give charity in this box when other people can see them. Decide as a family where the money should be given.

* Be in regular social contact with community members

Do you think the only people who are really living in poverty are those who ask? Wrong. Allah says in the Quran says: The ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their (unfailing) mark; they beg not importunately from all and sundry (part of verse 2: 273)

There are a number of people who, due to their sense of nobility and self-respect, cannot and will not ask from others, even if they are in need. The only way such individuals can be taken care of is if community members keep a watchful eye and note how they are really doing. It may be evident in how they dress. Or in where and how they live. Either way, the only way to really know that such people are in need is to be close to them, knowing their condition after having seen it with your own eyes. A note of caution though: once you know someone like this is in need, don’t advertise their difficult situation to others.

* Use food wisely at parties

Where do you see so much good food wasted? Usually at dinner parties and social occasions. Next time you have a dinner party, encourage guests in a discreet and polite manner not to waste food. Then, once the party’s over, if there is plenty of leftover food, drop it off at a shelter for the homeless, a soup kitchen, or a family you personally know who is in need. If you’ve got a family wedding coming up, then serve the food buffet style so people take only as much as they want. Then donate the rest of the untouched food to a shelter for the needy.

* Have a family garage sale and donate the proceeds to the poor

Are your kids getting bored as the summer wears on? Then try out this great idea they can have fun with while helping those living in poverty. Get everyone to take out any unwanted toys, clothes, etc. from their closets. Then organize and tag all items and hold a garage sale in your back or front yard. All of the money should go to a shelter or soup kitchen.

* Visit a homeless shelter or soup kitchen as a family

We become so used to just opening up the fridge when we’re hungry, we forget there are countless millions who don’t have this luxury. Call up the local soup kitchen and ask if you can make the food there for one meal. Nothing fancy. Just pasta for instance. Get the family and some friends to help too. This is a good exercise not just in food preparation, but in learning the proper etiquette of dealing with the poor: with kindness, care and compassion.

* Make it a habit to meet with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds

Have you noticed that all of your friends and social contacts are from the same economic class? If so, make a point to meet with those who don’t necessarily have as much as you and your family do. Friendship must never be based on the size of a house or bank account. Teach yourself and your kids this valuable lesson. By socializing with the poor, you’ll not only develop a sensitivity to their needs, but you will learn to relate to them with respect, not in an arrogant manner.

* Make one “poor” meal a month in the home

What do you usually eat for dinner as a family? If you’ve been eating rich, heavy food, give it a break for just one day out of the month. Make a very, very simple meal. This will give everyone a real live example of what it feels like to live with much less for a day. Remind everyone that for many people, such a meal is not an unpleasant reality that happens once a month. It’s a way of life.

*Fast and make Dua for those living in poverty

One of the great things about fasting is that it makes you more aware of what it’s like to live with hunger. Do a Nafl (optional) fast for a day. Get a friend to do it with you. When it’s time to break your fast, make Dua for those who are living in poverty worldwide and ask Allah what you can do to help alleviate their suffering.

Courtesy-Sound Vision

When the night equals a thousand

It was narrated that in the days that Musa (Alahi salaam) wandered with Bani Israel in the desert an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (Alahi salaam) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.

It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel whom had disobeyed Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) for more than 40 years of his life. “Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told Musa (Alahi salaam). “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.”

Musa (Alahi salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for 40 years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.” That man, waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one.

The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.

He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with a humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said: “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!”.

As Musa (Alahi salaam) and the people of Bani Israel waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa (Alahi salaam) asked Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.” And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water.”

Musa (Alahi salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, “Show him to me O Allah!” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, “O Musa, I hid his sins for 40 years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?”.

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) revealed the Qur’an in the most blessed month; the month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur’an was sent down.

On the most blessed night, the Grand night: Laylatul Qadr; “Verily, we revealed the Qur’an on the night of Qadr.”

Ibn Jareer narrates, on the authority of Mujaahid that there was a man from Bani Israel who used to spend the night in prayer. Then in the morning he would fight the enemy in the Way of Allah during the day, until the evening and he did this for a thousand months.

And so Allah revealed the Surah: “Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr” until the verse “The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” That is, standing in prayer on that night is better than the actions of that man.

Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid (also), that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer).

It is reported from Abu Hurairah that he said: “When the month of Ramadan came, the Messenger of Allah said: ‘The month of Ramadan has come, a blessed month in which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast; in it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. In it is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable.’” (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and An-Nasaa’i).

It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The sincere believer who worries day and night about his sins and phases of neglect in his life patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan.