Read the previous episode below

 

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

 

 

 

In the previous three episodes, I have been able to establish the fact that any meeting or coming together between the families of the two intending couple under the guise of introduction is a mere familiarization visit which neither confers any legality on the relationship between the duo, nor the right to parade themselves as a couple. The only way to legalize the relationship is by conducting the proper ‘aqd as explained in the previous posts.

Thus, even with all the gifts in cash and kind that are presented to the family of the would-be bride at the introduction ceremony, the duo are still not recognized by the Shari’ah as a couple and hence do not have the right to privacy and sexual intimacy. As soon as the proper ‘offer and acceptance’ has been done as, the groom can now enjoy his wife sexually.

Therefore, I implore the Ulamaa who are usually invited to officiate the so-called introduction ceremonies to admonish and advise the parents of the intending couples appropriately on why they should go beyond mere familiarization to conducting the proper ‘aqd in order to legalize the relationship between their wards.

Today, many of our Muslim sisters have been impregnated by their ‘boyfriends’ after the introduction ceremony because they think that they have become husbands and wives. And even those who are lucky not to become pregnant are indulging in fornication out of ignorance.

Furthermore, many parents (especially the parents of the would-be bride) who do not understand Islam properly usually stand in the way of the couples who wish to have the proper ‘aqd done, citing various flimsy excuses. It should be known that the Waleemah (wedding feast) can still take place much later even after the bride had conceived or given birth.

Stop legalizing fornication among the Muslim youths! It’s shameful and ridiculous. Conduct the proper ‘aqd and let them enjoy each other in a halaal manner.

 

 

 

Credit : Sirnucy Lafiagi

 

Click here to read Part 2

 

 

As far back as the 80s, and down to late 90s, wedding introduction as we see it today (especially down South) was not in vogue. Today, a lot of money is being spent on mere frivolities in the name of wedding introduction without doing the proper ‘aqd that makes the relationship between the prospective couples legal. What we witness today is a complete departure from the true Islamic norm and teachings.

As I mentioned earlier in #Episode_One, as soon as the lady’s father (or his designate/representative) agrees to the proposal, a formal sitting is expected to be arranged between himself and the intending couple and a few people (at least two just individuals, males or females) from either or both families (or even strangers) as witnesses.

At the sitting, it is recommended for the would-be bride’s father (or his designate/representative, or the groom to be or any of the witnesses around or anyone who he chooses to officiate the occasion) to recite the Prophet’s Khutbatul-Haajah. Shaykh bn Baaz wrote:

فالعقد يحضره أربعة الزوج والولي والشاهدان، والأفضل أن يكون قبله خطبة، خطبة النكاح هذا الأفضل وهي: إن الحمد لله نحمده ونستعينه ونستغفره ونعوذ بالله من شرور أنفسنا ومن سيئات أعمالنا، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له، وأشهد أن لا إله إلاالله وحده لا شريك له، وأشهد أن محمد عبده ورسوله. ثم يقرأ قوله تعالى: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلاَ تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ، يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالاً كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاء وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءلُونَ بِهِ وَالأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا، وقوله سبحانه: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا* يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَن يُطِعْ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا

“Four people are required to be present at the ‘aqd: The husband, the Waliy (bride’s father), and, (at least) two witnesses. It is more preferable to recite the Khutbah of Nikaah before the solemnization. The Khutbah goes thus….. “All praise is due to Allah…..”

After the recitation of this short speech (please, note that it is not compulsory but highly recommended), the father will now join the couple together by saying: زَوَّجْتُكَ/وَهَبْتُكَ/أَعْطَيتُكَ/أَنْكَحْتُكَ/مَلَّكْتُكَ ابْنَتِي فُلانَةَ (I have given my daughter (name must be mentioned) to you as wife. Immediately, the would-be groom will respond by simply saying قَبِلْتُ “I have accepted.”

(Note that apart from the Khutbah which should be recited in Arabic, all other communication can take place in a any other language understood by the congregation, including sign language). In addition, both the offer and acceptance must be made in past tense: “I have given…”, “I have accepted”. Using present or future tense is not acceptable.

Once this is done, the two lovebirds can now be referred to as husband and wife. They can now be together in seclusion and enjoy themselves sexually. It is highly recommended for the groom to bring up the issue of Sadaaq (dower) at the ‘aqd sitting to ensure that all components are complete.

The dower can be paid by any of the following three means:

* Upfront (completely);

* Installmentally (based on mutual agreement);

* Promise (to pay later at an agreed date).

 

 

 

Credit : Sirnucy Lafiagi

 

Click here to read Part 4

Click here to read Part 1

 

 

The practise of marriage in Islam is so easy and affordable, and does not involve any physical, mental or psychological stress, or financial recklessness. It is very simple and straightforward. It does not allow room for any crookedness, or exploitation or extortion.

When a Muslim man desires a lady, he either approaches her and informs her of his desire for her, or approaches her Waliy (her father or his wakeel (designate) or any of her paternal male relative (in the absence of her father due to death, difference of religion, or self disqualification (for instance where the father rejects the suitor citing flimsy excuses such as tribal/racial difference, et cetera). Allah says:

“And marry them by the permission of their guardians..” (Q. 4:25)

If he approaches her directly, she is expected to direct him to her Waliy who will carry out a comprehensive assessment of the prospective suitor in terms of his religiosity, character, as well as lineage. Her father may tell the suitor to return at an agreed date to hear the feedback from his findings, before deciding what next to do. Within the period of the finding, no relationship whatsoever must exist between the two parties as they are still considered as strangers to one another. If on the other hand, he approaches her father directly, it is expected of him to make adequate findings about the suitor as explained above before giving him a go ahead to talk to his daughter.

In any case, the father of the lady can also do “Istikhaarah” alongside his investigation of the lineage, religiosity and character of the suitor. He is however not permitted to approach herbalists, soothsayers or fortune tellers to check anything about the spiritual compatibility or fortune of both prospective couples. Islam warns sternly against approaching soothsayers. In one narration, the Prophet (upon him be peace) said, “Whoever approaches a soothsayer and asks him (about anything) will have his Salaat rejected for 40 days.”

As soon as the lady’s father is satisfied with the lineage, religiosity and character of the suitor, he should not waste time in inviting him over to meet his daughter whose consent is a major component of the contract. The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

“If a man in whose religiosity and character you’re pleased approaches you (seeks your daughter’s hand in marriage), marry her to him, lest it becomes a great tribulation and corruption in the land.”

The father is expected to guide and admonish her appropriately on this issue since she is still a virgin and grossly immature and inexperienced in marital matters. Her mother also provides all necessary moral support for the prospective bride to help her settle down quickly and manage marital challenges.

Immediately the lady informs her parents of her acceptance of his proposal, the next thing is to arrange a sitting where the ‘Aqd will take place between the two lovebirds. ‘Aqd is an Arabic word which means solemnization. It is also called Nikaah or Zawaaj. The components of a proper ‘Aqd are:

 

The two contracting parties (either or both of them can be represented.);

The Waliy (father of the lady or his designate or representative);

At least two just witnesses (they could be members of both families or strangers);

The Sadaaq (dower).

How then does introduction (as we know it today) comes in?

Find out in the next episode.

 

 

Credit : Sirnucy Lafiagi

 

Click here to read Part 3

 

Sex is one of the natural instincts created by Allah in all His living creatures. For human beings, the urge to mate is aroused as soon as they attained puberty. Being an inevitable natural instinct, Islam has neither placed a total ban on sex by promoting monasticism, nor has it permitted sexual indulgence without restrictions, thereby promoting adultery, fornication and prostitution. Rather, it has designed certain mechanisms to check the abuse of sex in order to protect man’s chastity against unholy acts such as bestiality and homosexuality.

The religion of Islam advocates الوَسَطِيَّة (moderation) in everything so much that it condemns both الإِفْراط (extremism) and التَّفْرِيط (laxity). If one studies the injunctions of the Shari’ah carefully, one will realize that they are tailored towards making life easier for the believers by lessening his burdens of obligations and providing him with exceptional clauses out of every difficulty.

The institution of marriage in Islam is a divine immunity to protect the believer from self-destruct and also safeguard the 5 fundamental objectives of the Shari’ah which are:

Protection of life: An adulterer or fornicator may likely lose his life to sexual promiscuity. By jumping from one woman to another, he risks contacting Sexually Transmitted Diseases and ultimately death. In typical African societies, many adulterous folks have contacted “thunderbolts” from their concubines which have led to their death. Some people have also died here in Nigeria during a sex romp after allegedly consuming “maaganin buran taashi”. With marriage, he’s insured and immune for life from avoidable and shameful death.

Protection of the religion: Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (upon him be peace) said: “A fornicator who fornicates is not a believer as long as he commits fornication.” What this statement implies is that the fornicator sheds some megawatts of faith whenever he indulges in the act. Marriage will help protect his religion from total collapse. It is why the Prophet (upon him be peace) said, “whoever marries has satisfied half of his faith…”

Protection of the intellect: Fornication messes up the reasoning faculty of man and turns him into a beast. He becomes overwhelmingly obsessed with it to the extent that whenever he sees the opposite gender, the only thing that comes to his mind is sex. Once he gets married, his mind becomes settled and his organs restrained.

Protection of wealth: Marriage teaches you the practical aspect of economics and safeguards your wealth from unnecessary and wasteful spending. It inculcates you with a deep sense of responsibility and financial prudence and austerity.

Protection of dignity/blood lineage: Marriage confers you with the right claim to paternity and parenthood. It grants you the right to lawful enjoyment of your spouse, without the fear of exposure, pregnancy or disease. It also gives you the rightful claim to inheritance.

It is so unfortunate that this sacred institution is gradually being undermined and adulterated with unfounded traditions and cultural shenanigans which have not only made it difficult for the youth to desire marriage, but has also opened a floodgate of opportunities to fornication without much ado.

In the next episode, we shall address the issue of marriage introduction without ‘aqd and its implications for the sanctity of marriage in Islam.

 

 

Credit : Sirnucy Lafiagi

 

Click here to read Part 2

THE SIX DAYS CREATION

Bismillah rahman roheem.

The Quran states that it took Allah (God) six ‘ ayyamin’ to create the universe. The word ayyamin, in the context of the universes creation, is usually incorrectly translated as days in most English translations of the Quran, thereby giving non-Arabic speakers the impression that it took Allah six (human / earthly) days to create the universe. But this, in my humble understanding, is incorrect. The word ‘yaum ‘ (period) can represent any number of years or earthly time. Therefore, the word ayyamin (as in 6 ayyamin) can mean six periods or epochs, and NOT six human / earthly days .

Gods’ command ( Be, and it is – Arabic: kun fayakun ) should not necessarily be seen as instantaneous or mutually exclusive from the concept of a periodic… cycle. It is merely a command that can be instituted as a precursor to a complete… process which may take aeons to complete. This is clear from the formation of the Heavens and the Earth:

Furthermore, God is not bound by human concepts of time. A ‘ yaum’ or period can represent any number of years or earthly time:

IT TOOK FOUR PERIODS TO CREATE EVERYTHING WITHIN THE EARTH

It is to be appreciated that out of a total of 6 periods (which could be any number of large epochs), it took four of them to create the Earth’s contents. This clearly does not indicate an instantaneous creation:
Please note in the above verse the mention of sustenance for all God’s creatures of all kinds and complexities. It is important to remember that one creature in the food web is often a means of sustenance for another within the animal kingdom. This whole process to create them took 4 periods out of the total of the 6 periods to create the universe.
One day in the sight of Allah is 1,000 or 50,000 years.

1. ” And they ask you to hasten on the punishment, and God will by no means fail in His promise, and surely a day with your Lord is as a thousand years of what you number ” [Quran 22:47]

2. ” To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years” [Quran 7:4]

1. “(The) Originator of the heavens and the Earth, and when He decrees an affair, He only says to it, Be, and it is ( Arabic: Kun Fayakun )” [Quran 2:117]

One example of the harmony between the Qur’an and modern science is the subject of the age of the universe. Cosmologists estimate the age of the universe as 16-17 billion years. The Qur’an states that the entire universe was created in six days. These two time frames, which may seem contradictory, are actually surprisingly compatible. In fact, both these figures concerning the age of the universe are correct. In other words, the universe was created in six days, as revealed in the Qur’an, and this period corresponds to 16-17 billion years in the way that we experience time.

In 1915 Einstein proposed that time was relative, that the passage of time altered according to space, the speed of the person travelling and the force of gravity at that moment. Bearing in mind these differences in the passage of time, the period of time in which the universe was created as revealed in seven different verses of the Qur’an is actually highly compatible with scientists’ estimations.

The six-day period revealed in the Qur’an can be thought of as six periods. Because, taking into account the relativity of time, a “day” refers only to a 24-hour period experienced on Earth under current conditions. Elsewhere in the universe, however, at another time and under other conditions, a “day” could refer to a much longer period of time. Indeed, the word ” ayyamin ” in the period of six days ( sittati ayyamin ) in these verses of the qur’an means not only “days,” but also “age, period, moment, term.”
Quran 7.54] And your Lord, Allah, who created the Heavens and the Earth in six days and then settled on the Throne…
Those six days are on the Throne; so the frame of reference for creation is the Throne, not Earth.

Indeed, your Lord is Allah , who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne, arranging the matter [of His creation]… Surah Yunus [10:3]

He who created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days and then established Himself above the Throne – the Most Merciful, so ask about Him one well informed. Surah Al-Furqan [25:59] It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six days ; then He established Himself above the Throne. You have not besides Him any protector or any intercessor; so will you not be reminded? Surah As-Sajdah [32:4]

And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures’] sustenance in four days without distinction – for [the information] of those who ask. Surah Fussilat [41:10]

And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days , and there touched Us no weariness. Surah Qaf [50:38] It is He who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He knows what penetrates into the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein; and He is with you wherever you are. And Allah , of what you do, is Seeing. Surah Al-Hadid [57:4]

In the first period of the universe, the passage of time took place much faster than that with which we are familiar today. The reason for this is that, at the moment of the Big Bang, our universe was compressed into a very small point. The expansion of the universe and increase in its volume ever since the moment of that explosion has extended the borders of the universe to millions of light years. Indeed, the stretching of space ever since that moment has had very important ramifications for universal time.

The energy at the moment of the Big Bang slowed down the flow of time
(one million million) times. When the universe was created the speed of universal time was higher up to a million million times, as time is experienced today. In other words, a million million minutes on Earth is the equivalent of just one minute in universal time.

When a six-day period of time is calculated according to the relativity of time, it equates to six million million (six trillion) days. That is because universal time flows a million million times faster than time on Earth. Calculated in terms of years, 6 trillion days equates to approximately 16.427 billion years. This is within the estimated range for the age of the universe.

6,000,000,000,000 days/365.25 = 16.427104723 billion years
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness or sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them but they cannot grasp any of His knowledge save what He wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens and the earth and their preservation does not tire Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent.
(Qur’an, 2:255)

On the other hand, each of the six days of creation equates to very different periods, as we perceive time. The reason for this is that the speed of the passage of time declines in proportion to the expansion of the universe. Ever since the Big Bang, as the size of the universe doubled, so the passage of time halved. As the universe grew, the speed at which the universe doubled increasingly slowed down. This rate of expansion is a scientific fact acknowledged the world over and described in the text book The Fundamentals of Physical Cosmology. When we calculate every day of creation in terms of Earth time, the following situation emerges:

This conclusion is one of the facts revealed by 21st century science. Science has once again confirmed a fact revealed in the Qur’an 1,400 years ago. This harmony between the Qur’an and science is one of the miraculous proofs that the Qur’an is the revelation of Allah, the Creator, the Omniscient.

Time is Relative – Age of Universe

Time is relative. We know from Einstein that my clock and your clock will not run at the same rate. Time (or rate of our clocks) depends on acceleration and/or gravity. If my clock accelerates and/or is in a strong gravitational field then it will run slower than your clock. Quran 22.47 compares time on Earth with time at Paradise/Hell (1 day vs 1000 years). While Quran 70.4 compares time on Earth with time in wormholes (1 day vs 50,000 years).

Muslims believe that Paradise and Hell are both much bigger and much more massive than Earth (but still much smaller than God’s Throne). The theory of general relativity says that time passes slower near an object more massive than Earth (clocks run slower in stronger gravitational fields). So according to general relativity, time should pass in Paradise/Hell much slower than on Earth. Muslims say that this is what Allah says. It is stated in the Quran that 1 day in Paradise/Hell measures a 1000 years on Earth:

[Quran 22.47] They challenge you to bring forth that torture [in Hell] and Allah will not break His promise; a day of your Lord [Paradise/Hell promise] is like a thousand years of what you count.

Here God promises those who do not believe in Hell and punishment that each day of their torture in Hell will measure a thousand years on Earth. So according to the Quran, time passes faster on Earth than in Paradise/Hell. But this agrees with the theory of general relativity which says that time passes slower near bigger mass. Paradise and Hell are much more massive than Earth and time should pass there much slower than on Earth.

Christians believe that God created the universe in 6 earthly days and rested on the 7th. Moslems believe that 6 days passed at God’s Throne but we experienced 13.7 billion years on Earth: Moslems believe that God is not bound to His Throne; rather He created it and set it as a reference. The Quran says that God’s Throne is even wider than the whole universe; so how about the mass of God’s Throne? God’s Throne is much more massive than Earth. Time should pass there much slower than on Earth:

Our solar system is 4.57 billion years old. Earth started accreting concurrently with the sun and our neighbouring planets 4.57 bln years ago. However the universe is 13.7 ± 0.2 bln years old. This places the age of Earth at one third the age of the universe (4.57 bln/13.7 bln = 1/3). Moslems say that this is what Allah says. The Quran says that in God’s Throne time Earth is 2 days old while the Heavens, Earth and everything in between are 6 days old (2/6 = 1/3):

May Almighty Allah grant us much understanding on the Deen…..Aamin

Credits:Xahra Hussain

Hassan Adam

Reference: Miracles of the Qur’an

Nafysah @ .Knowislam.com.ng

 

“Bismillahir Rahmannir Raheem””Al-Hamdu Lillah Rabbil ‘Aalameen was Salaatu was- Salaamu ‘Alaa Sayidinaa Muhammadin wa Aalihi wa Asabihi Ajma ‘een (tauheed- risalat- ahkirat and islam-iman-ihsan)

Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari (ra) reports: I asked: “O Prophet of Allah (ﷺ), What did the Almighty Allah first create?“ The Prophet (saws) replied: “Allah first created my Noor (Light) of His Noor.

This Noor travelled about according to the Will of Allah. At that time, there was no Heaven, Hell, Lawh (Divine Tablet), Pen, Earth, Skies, Sun, Moon, Jinn or Human Beings. When He decided to create, He divided that Noor into four parts. From one part He created the Pen, from the second, the Lawh and from the third, he made the Arsh (Throne).”He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one, He created those Angels who carry the Arsh, from the second, the Kursi (Divine Chair) and from the third, He created the Angels.”He again divided the remaining parts into a further four parts. From one, He created the skies.

The second was used in creating the planets. From the third, Heaven and Earth were created.”Once again, He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one part He created the power with which the believers see.

From the second, He created in the hearts of the Believers the Noor of Marifat. From the third, He created in the tongues of the Believers, Noor, so that they can read the Kalima of Tauheed”. (Dalaa’il-un-Nubuwwat, Imam Baihaqi)

This astonishing Hadith Shareef proves that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (ﷺ) is the life of this world and everything in it. When he is the life of this world, then everything that happens in it is clear to him and nothing is concealed from him. Who then can deny that he is not Noor (light)?
Abu Hurayra related that he was asked, “O Messenger of Allah! When was prophet-hood bestowed upon you?” He replied, “While Adam (AS) was still between spirit and body.” (Tirmidhi in his Sunan (#3542), Hakim (2:609), Bayhaqi in Dala’il an-Nubuwwa (2:130)

Tajuddin as-Subki said: “It has been stated that Allah created the spirits before the bodies, and the Prophet’s reference to his prophecy in this hadith may be a reference to his blessed spirit and to the ‘reality of realities’. Our minds fall short of knowing such a reality, but its Creator knows it, as do those to whom He extends a madad (support) of light from Him…” Quoted in Suyuti’s Hawi lil Fatawi (2:100-101) and Imam Qastallani’s Mawahib Laduniyya (1:31-32).

Anas ibn Malik said: “Two men left the Prophet’s (ﷺ) house in a very dark night and all of a sudden there appeared a light before them. As they separated and went their separate ways, so did the light separate with each of them.” (Imam Bukhari in his Sahih (#445, 3367, 3521), Imam Ahmad (#11955, 12511, 13367), Hakim (3:288 Sahih)
The two men referred to were Usayd ibn Hudayr and ‘Abbad ibn Bishr, and it refers to the light of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Abu Hurayra related that the Prophet ﷺ said, “I was the first Prophet to be created and the last to be sent,” and in another narration, “the first person to be created.” (Ibn Abi Shayba (Musannaf, 8:131), Abu Nu’aym in his Dala’il an-Nubuwwa (p. 6), Tabari (Tafsir, 15:10, 21:125-26), Baghawi (Tafsir, 3:508) Imam Suyuti in his Tafsir (Durr al-Manthur 5:184)

Imam Suyuti also cites it in the first chapter of his Khasa’is al-Kubra, titled “The uniqueness of the Prophet (ﷺ) in being the first of the Prophets to be created, the priority of his prophethood, and the taking of the Covenant (mithaq) with him.”He also mentions (Khasa’is 1:102) that Bayhaqi (in his Dala’il 5:483) and Ibn ‘Asakir (in his Tarikh Dimashq) record that Allah Most High showed Adam all of his future children, and among these he saw a glorious light and asked, “Who is this one?” “This is your son Ahmad; he is the first, and the last, and will be the first intercessor.”

Ibn ‘Abbas said that, “The spirit of the Prophet (ﷺ) was a light in front of Allah 2000 years before He created Adam. That light glorified Him and the angels glorified by his glorification. When Allah created Adam (AS), He cast that light into his loins.” Qadi ‘Iyad narrates it in his Shifa’ (1:59), in the chapter on the nobility of the Prophet’s lineage, and Imam Suyuti states in Manahil as-Safa’ (p. 53 #128)

And he (ﷺ) said, “Allah created His creation in darkness, then He cast upon it from His light.” ( Tirmidhi (#2566), Hakim (1:30-31), Bayhaqi (9:3-4), Ibn Hibban (14:43-45 #6169-70))
When I want to talk to Allah I say prayers and when I want that he talk to me I recite quran- Hazrath Ali(ra)

COPIED

Nafysah @ .Knowislam.com.ng.