THE LAST JOURNEY

Muslim burial is one of the most respected customs in the Islamic faith. As soon as death has occurred, those present should say, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” (“Verily we belong to Allah, and truly to Him shall we return”). My personal experience has been varied. The most devout Muslims require the bathing, shrouding and burial within 24 hours of death.

According to Islamic law (“shariah”), the body should be buried as soon as possible from the time of death, which means that funeral planning and preparations begin immediately.

Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about. Grief is normal when one has lost a loved one, and it is natural and permitted to cry. When the Prophet Muhammad’s own son died, he said: “The eyes shed tears, and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except which pleases our Lord.” One should strive to be patient, and remember that Allah is the One who gives life and takes it away, at a time appointed by Him. It is not for us to question His wisdom.

Washing and Shrouding

In preparation for burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body. The deceased will be washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims make ablutions for prayer. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth.

   

Funeral Prayers

The body should be then transported to the mosque (“masjid”), an open area within the community or a site for funeral prayers. This is known as “Salat al-Janazah.” (salat-l-janazah).

These prayers are commonly held outdoors. The community gathers, and the imam (prayer leader) stands in front of the deceased, facing away from the worshippers. Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayers) should be performed by all members of the community. The prayer is similar in structure to the five daily prayers, with a few variations. (For example, there is no bowing or prostration, and the entire prayer is said silently but for a few words.)

Burial

After Salat al-Janazah has been recited, the body should be transported to the cemetery for burial. Traditionally, only men are allowed to be present at the burial, but there are exceptions in certain cultures. While all members of the community attend the funeral prayers. According to Islamic Scholars’ it is preferred for a Muslim to be buried where he or she died, and not be transported to another location or country. If available, a cemetery or section of one set aside for Muslims is preferred. The deceased is laid in the grave without a coffin if permitted on his or her right side; facing Mecca.The Imam recites Islamic verses and prays for the deceased.

At the grave site

 At the grave site, it is discouraged for people to erect tombstones, elaborate markers, or put flowers or other mementos. Rather, one should humbly remember Allah and His mercy, and pray for the deceased.

The concept of Islamic Marriage

Today i will to talk about the concept of Islamic marriage.Marriage in Islam  is a religious duty and a moral safeguard as well as a social necessity. A social necessity because through marriage, families are established and the family is the fundamental unit of our society.

The purpose of Marriage:


The general purpose of marriage is for couples to provide company to one another, love to one another, procreate children and live in peace and tranquility to the commandments of Allah.It serves as a means to emotional and sexual gratification and as a means of tension reduction.

According to an Islamic scholar "Marriage is "mithaq" - a solemn covenant (agreement). It is not a matter which can be taken lightly. It should be entered into with total commitment and full knowledge of what it involves. It is not like buying a new dress where you can exchange it if you don't like it. Your partner should be your choice for life. One should be mature enough to understand the demands of marriage so that the union can be a lasting one. For a marriage to be valid certain conditions must be met.

1) consent of both parties.

2) " Mahr" a gift from the groom to his bride.

3) Witnesses

4) The marriage should be publicized, it should never be kept secret as it leads to suspicion and troubles within the community.


According to Imams Abu Hanifah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Malik ibn Anas, A man should not marry if he does not possess the means to maintain a wife and future family, or if he has no sex drive or if dislikes children, or if he feels marriage will seriously affect his religious obligation.


The choice of a partner should be the one with the most "taqwa" (piety). The prophet recommended the suitors see each other before going through with marriage. It is unreasonable for two people to be thrown together and be expected to relate and be intimate when they know nothing of each other. The couple are permitted to look at each other with a critical eye and not a lustful one. This ruling does not contradict the ayah which says that believing men and women should lower their gaze.


According to Prof. 'Abdur Rahman I."Allah has created men and women as company for one another, and so that they can procreate and live in peace and tranquility according to the commandments of Allah and the directions of His Messenger.

The Sacrifice

Today I will like to delve into another Islamic tradition which quite a number of people are familiar with. It’s the recently celebrated Muslim festival of eid-ul-adha. The celebration of animal sacrifice is an event in Islamic history that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim or Abrahams utter submission to the Divine Command of Allah until at the last moment Allah sent an animal to be slaughtered instead. According to Islamic literature. This is a manifestation of his devotion to the Almighty. His spirit of unwavering submission to Allah is epitomized every year as Muslims indulge in a similar sacrifice.

It is celebrated as a feast even though it has an underlying spiritual significance attached to the whole celebration.The sacrifice on this occasion is meant to be recognition of the spiritual favours God has bestowed on his creation and should use such an occasion to thank Him by making sacrifices. This occasion of sacrifice is preceded by attending a prayer.

On this day, Muslims attend the Eid prayers. The Eid prayer is a couple of units or rakah's, followed by a sermon, or khutbah, by the imam. After which sacrifices of animals are made, and the meat is distributed to family, friends and the poor.

 It’s quite similar to Friday Jumuah prayers. Only that on this occasion, it’s a celebration. One key aspect of this celebration is the Remembrance of the plight of the poor and giving in charity. There is an valuable lesson to be learned in making a sacrifice and sharing with the community that one lives.

It is heartening to observe the spirit of sharing and giving on this day.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

A Pilgrim

Today, My friends, I would like to talk about one of the cardinal principles of worship in Islam.The Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is a principal cornerstone of Islam. It is a ritual which borders on the spiritual significance of a muslim's obligation to Allah. It's a journey of purification of the soul. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims, belonging to different nationalities and races and drawn from all walks of life, from all parts of the world to worship together at Islam's central mosque and world's most ancient house of worship, the Ka'bah.

The question ordinary people who do not understand why Muslims have to go on Hajj, ask? What is the motivation behind this ritual?

According to Islamic teachings and literature. The performance of Hajj is very important to every Muslim, and should be fulfilled at least once in a lifetime, only if the following conditions are met. These are the physical and economic strength to undertake the journey to Mecca and also to make sufficient provision for their families during the period of their absence.

Pilgrims performing the Spiritual Observance

Mecca is considered the holiest place on earth for Muslims. The performance of Hajj period must coincide with a specific date and time in accordance with the Islamic calendar. During the performance of Hajj. The atmosphere of equality, simplicity, and unity is created among Muslims all over the world, without gender, linguistic, social status, geographical locations, cultural, ethnic, and sectarian barriers.

The performance of Hajj is unique and has existed for the past fourteen centuries, and every Muslim cherishes the ambition of obtaining the blessings of the Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime.

Spiritual Significance

The Hajj is primarily a Muslims demonstration of devotion to Allah in ritual observance. The innermost connotation to this ritual observance should be understood in the light well-defined transcendent "idea" within which a Muslim attains the highest spiritual relations with Allah. Thus, the pilgrim demonstrates his advance from the common level of human life to a higher state of internal glory where he affirms his relation to Allah.

Pointers for reflection

It seeks to renew faith, trust, and love of Allah.
The pilgrim gets purified and comes out of his sins like a newborn baby.
It is a school of training towards consciousness of one's duties towards Allah.
It is a manifestation of brotherhood, equality and Unity.

Divine Significance Of Quranic Recitation

From my previous article, I discussed the essence of Friday prayers in islam.Now let’s move on to a very important topic, which is Quran recitation.

According to Islamic doctrine.The Holy Quran is the book of Allah and was divinely revealed to the prophet of Islam,Muhammad (PBUH), and its reading and recitation is an important aspect of the life of  everyone who subscribes to the muslim faith.The Quran is a book of guidance and it contains spiritual references about humanity. The Holy Quran is a source of guidance for all mankind and it also helps in spreading the light of knowledge throughout the world.

Reading the Holy Qur'an is not like reading an ordinary book and should not be treated like an ordinary book. Therefore, it must be presented with purity and truth. This means that every person who puts effort and recites the Holy Book with care and love will get a reward.

According to Islamic scholars.Recitation of the Holy Quran has many benefits which adds value to the one who reads it. It raises your status in life and also protects you in the hereafter. It will make you a noble person and also help you to lead a much better life.

The benefits of the Quran do not come in vain.You have to work for it.This can be achieved by doing everything that increases and strengthens the belief.The first way to achieve that is reciting the Qur’an  and reflecting upon its meanings and implementing its verses in your daily activities.Doing this leads to the knowledge of Allah. And Muslims in general believe that is the true purpose of the Qur'an.Now lets move a step further to give another aspect of the Quran.

IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY QUR’AN

According to several Islamic literatures. Allah sent the Quran to His Prophet. Just like other Divine Books were also sent to previous prophets. These are: Suhoof ( scrolls)to Prophet Ibrahim ‘; Zabur to Prophet Dawood (David). Tawrat (Torah) to Prophet Musah (Moses) and Injil (Gospel) to Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus).

Muslims believe that the difference between the Qur’an and past revealed books is that the Qur’an is the only divine book that has remained unaltered. The Qur’an contains exactly the same message that was sent to Prophet Muhammad by Allah through Jibril(Gabriel)

According to a Hadith.The Prophet said,One who starts the Qur’an and finishes it, Allah will grant him one answered supplication.
Muslims believe the Qur'an  helps in strengthening their faith.

Now we know the Divine Significance of Quranic recitation .

The Essence of Friday Prayers in Islam

Did you ever wonder why Muslims  had to pray every Friday .well I am here to give you an idea. Today I want to discuss the importance of Friday prayers in Islam and its spiritual significance to Muslims.

              A renowned Sheikh giving a "Khutbah"  

Jumuah or Friday prayers are a congregational prayer that a Muslim has to observe. On this day,  the mosques are occupied, and the Imam of the community delivers a "khutbah” which is a, sermon before the actual prayers on a special topic every Friday, and starts at 12:30 pm till 1:50 pm. In the Holy Quran and the Hadiths it is mentioned that Friday is one of the important days of the week. According to Islamic scholars, it is proven that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to celebrate this day by wearing his newest clothes to attend Friday prayers.

On this day,  the people have to go to the mosque and pray with the Imam (the leader of the            community). According to Islam, Adam was created on this day, and It is also believed that the Day of Judgment would be on Friday, and so people should be aware and should regret of their sins and turn towards the Almighty with due respect. A person who goes to Friday prayer is said to have his sins between that Friday and last forgiven according to Islamic literature.

Prayer is one of the central elements of Islamic practice and worship. Indeed, it is the second of the Five Pillars of Islam. The observance of the ritual prayer forms the framework of each Muslim’s faith.

There are spiritual conditions and aspects of prayer which represent its essence. That the worshiper has to be in a pure state and must be devoid of any impurity. The essence is to seek Allah. Seeking the face of Allah is the goal and the means are divinely prescribed as “Salat” which brings the worshiper closer to Divine Presence.         

A section of the mosque listening to the sermon of the day