Allah Almighty declares the status of man in the Quraan: “And certainly We have made mankind in the best of all forms.” (95:4)

Allah has made him perfect in design and temperament. His natural disposition inclines towards kindness, mercy, intelligence and rationale.

For this great favour man must show thankfulness to Allah by acknowledging Him, worshipping Him, and submitting to His will even if it may mean going against his own whimsical fancies.

However, when Allah Almighty is not recognized as the Creator and Lord of man; as his Sustainer and Guardian; as the one deserving of all servitude, then Allah will debase and disgrace him.

Allah informs us in the next verse: “Then We will return him to the lowest of the low.” (95:5)

According to one interpretation, this verse refers to the weakness, senility, and unattractiveness of old age which comes after strength and beauty in the prime of one’s life. However it has been mentioned in other tafaaseer (commentaries of Quraan) that it refers to the disbelief, arrogance and ungratefulness of man even with all the bounties of Allah.

Therefore when man chooses to behave in an arrogant and haughty manner and displays animalistic qualities then Allah would reduce him to this level, nay – even lower.

Among animals are those that display love, mercy, protection and obedience, however man behaves even worse than them by resenting the orders of Allah as regards to justice, peace, well-being and kindness. This condition leads to sins against Allah and sins against his fellow men.

The breach of the rights of Allah includes disbelief in Him and His Prophet (SA), hypocrisy, ignorance, and discard of His orders. The breach of the rights of one’s fellow men includes violence, theft, rape, murders, injustice, drug related offences and other crimes.

Dear brothers and sisters, in this country of ours we are being plagued with many of these crimes and violence. Our island, once described as a paradise in the sun, is now called a crime zone. The security, peace and comfort which was felt by citizens has been replaced with insecurity, fear and discomfort. Instead of love, respect and caring for the young and the elderly there is now in its place contempt and ridicule. There is no distinction with the victims of crimes –regarding race, colour, age, religion, sex or social position. The same is also true regarding the criminals themselves. This condition is not isolated only to our country but it is reflective of the world in general.

The irony of the situation is that we, as human beings, have claimed to be elevated to the pinnacle of technology, science and education. Yet with all this to our credit it is true to say that we have sunken to the depths of immorality and social rectitude.

Why then have all these social ills continued to worsen even though technology and science are soaring continuously?  This shows that the cure for such moral and social illnesses does not lie in modern science and technology but rather it lies in divine guidance.

The harms will persistently keep increasing as long as the ignorance of Allah and His Messenger (SA) increases. As a result of this, man has indeed lost the status and honor upon which he was created and has been reduced to the lowest of the low.

Allah informs us of those who would endeavor to guard against such disgrace.

“Except those who believe and do righteous actions – for them is a reward unending.” (95:6)

Therefore man would only regain the innate honor with which he was created by having sound faith in Allah with all its attributes, and by doing good actions. It is only by having the consciousness of Allah and His fear in ones heart and mind that one would really fulfill the rights of Allah and His messenger (SA), as well as, respect the rights of others and not infringe upon them thus committing disobedience and crimes.

As Muslims, we should however understand that these social disorders and waywardness are not likely to decrease. From authentic traditions we learn that these crimes, violence and ignorance would only increase as the Last Day draws closer.  The matter of real concern for us is whether we, our family and generations to come, would be part of the problem or not.

Concerning this, Abu Hurairah (RA) relates that the Prophet (SA) said: “When the hour becomes close, knowledge will be withdrawn, civil strife (disorder and mischief) will appear, miserliness shall spread and al-harj shall be on the increase.’ The Prophet (SA) was asked, ‘What is al-harj?’ He replied: “It is murder.” (Bukhari)

In another tradition from Abdullah bin Umar: “The signs of the calamities and of the Day of Judgement are that wisdom will disappear, patience will diminish, murders will increase and signs of righteousness will be effaced and disorders and mischief will erupt.”

In both these narrations, mention is made of the disappearance of knowledge and wisdom and the appearance of disorder and ignorance. This is because when there is true knowledge in a person there is light, which dispels the darkness caused by ignorance. When this knowledge goes away then ignorance together with its negative qualities takes root and begins to spread.

Dear Muslims, to protect ourselves, our families and our generations to come from being part of the inescapable disorders we need to equip ourselves with firm Imaan and righteous actions. Similarly we must make the necessary efforts to learn such knowledge which Allah would be pleased with and which would benefit us in this world and the next.

The Prophet (SA) has informed us that as Qiyaamah draws closer knowledge would be taken away by the taking of the Religious Scholars and then people would adopt as their leaders the ignorant ones who would themselves mislead as well as those who follow them.

We should also take heed of the words of Allah, in Surah Asr.

“By time, Verily man is in a state of loss. Except those who believe and does righteous deeds and exhort/propagate one another towards truth and perseverance.”

We ask Allah Almighty to keep us upon the path of respect and honour; and that He protect us, our family members and our progeny from violence, crimes and ignorance.

HANDSHAKING IN ISLAM.

Handshaking, which is known as ‘Musaafaha’ in Islam is from among the practices of the Messenger of Allah (SA) and one which was done by the companions of the Prophet (SA).

According to a tradition recorded by Imam Tirmizi, it is known as the completion of the greeting to one another. Abu Zarr (RA) said, ‘Whenever I met the Messenger of Allah (SA), he made ‘Musaafaha’ with me’. (I.e. he shook hands with me) (Abu Dawood).

According to several traditions, it is evident that this act of handshaking is one which has special virtues in it. In a hadith recorded by Imam Tirmizi and Abu Dawood, it is narrated that the Prophet (SA) said, ‘Whenever two Muslims meet and then shake hands with each other, their sins are forgiven before they separate’. (Imam Tirmizi has graded it as a Hassan (good) hadith). Another tradition recorded in Mishkaat from Ata (as a Mursal tradition) informs that (Musaafaha) handshaking between Muslims helps to remove ill feelings which they may have for each other.

Handshaking (Musafaha) is normally done at the time of meeting another Muslim after the greeting of Salaam has been given. (As recorded in Mirqaat by Mulla Ali Qaari and Allama Nawawi in Al-Azkaar). At this time it is also recorded that one can pray for the forgiveness of each other. Bara Bin Azib (R.A.) has narrated that the Prophet (S.A.S.) said, ‘When two Muslims meet and shake hands with each other, then praise Allah and seek forgiveness from him, both of them will be forgiven’. (Abu Dawood)

Should Musaafaha (handshaking) be done with one hand or both hands? In this regard some scholars have stated that it should be done with one hand, while others have mentioned that it should be done with both hands.

Generally, although scholars have allowed both ways, many have given priority to handshake with both hands, stating that this is what is established as the practice of the Prophet (SA) and hence is deemed to be ‘Sunnah’.

In this regard, these scholars have cited the chapter which has been mentioned by Imam Bukhari in his Saheeh under the heading ‘The Chapter of Musaafaha (handshaking). Abdullah Bin Masood (RA) said that the Prophet (SA) taught me the Tashahhud and my hand was between his both hands’. Here, Imam Bukhari mentioned the statement of Ibn Masood under the chapter of Musaafaha (handshaking) which goes to show that he has used this statement as part of the evidence for ‘Musaafaha’. Additionally, it is clear that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.S.) used his both hands.

Further to this, Imam Bukhari has mentioned another chapter in connection with ‘Musaafaha’ which states ‘the chapter of taking the both hands (in Musaafaha, handshake)’. The scholars have mentioned that here, Imam Bukhari makes it clear that handshaking should be done with both hands. It is for this reason, he has included the action of the great Tabi’ee, Hamad bin Zaid (AR) under this chapter by saying, ‘and Hamad bin Zaid did (Musaafaha) handshaking with Abdullah bin Mubarak (AR) with both his hands’. Both of these were from among the great Muhadithin of the Salafus Saaliheen (Pious Predecessors) and hence their action has been quoted as evidence by Imam Bukhari to show that handshaking should be done with both hands.

It is recorded by Sheikh Shihabudeen Ahmad Efendi in his famous work Majaalisul Abraar, ‘The Sunnah in handshaking is that it should be done with both hands’. (Pg. 298)

In Shami, it is mentioned, ‘It is Sunnah that it be done with both Hands’ (i.e. handshaking). (Vol. 5 – Pg. 336)

In Faidhul Baari (the commentary of Saheeh Al Bukhari) it is written, ‘The chapter of Musaafaha (handshaking). Know that the complete Sunnah in this is that it should be done with both hands, hence, Imam Bukhari has brought the chapter of ‘Taking both hands’ and has also mentioned the Athar (narration) of Hamad bin Zaid’. (Vol. 4 – Pg. 411).

Similarly in the book, ‘Al Fiqhul Islami Wa Adillatihi’ by Al Ustaz Dr. Wahba Az Zuhaili, it is written, ‘The Sunnah in Musaafaha (handshaking) is with both hands’. (Vol. 4 – Pg. 2660).

In Majmoo’atul Fatawa by Allama Abdul Hai Al Lakhnawi, he writes ‘All the Fuqaha (jurists) have stated that Musaafaha (handshaking) with both hands is considered as the Sunnah (Pg. 117).

It should be noted that ‘Musafaha’ is commendable for both men and women. That is, the rewards will be equally given to women when they shake hands with each other and also to men when they shake hands with each other. It is however not permissible for men to shake the hands of women. (i.e. those who are not related to them through blood or marriage). This is totally Haram (unlawful) according to all scholars and is evident from sound and authentic traditions. 

IMPORTANT GUIDELINE TO MUSLIMS

Recently the Ahmadis/ Qadianis have been publishing small articles on the daily newspaper (daily Express) which are all in conflict with the teachings of Islam.

We wish to inform the Muslim public that the Ahmadis and Qadianis have been deemed as non – Muslims by all the scholars of the Ahl Sunnah from their very inception until present. This pronouncement has been the official judgement (regarding them) from many Islamic courts.

Hence, Muslims should not rely on their teachings or statements since they do not conform to the true teachings of Islam as taught by the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (SA) 

THE DARUL ULOOM

The Darul Uloom T&T is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah.

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

Our five-year full time secondary programme offers training in Islamic and academic studies up to O’levels. Graduates can further their studies for the next three years in the full time A’alim course where they can qualify as Maulana. There is also a full Hifz programme where students can memorize the entire Quraan with the aid of qualified teachers. There are also classes for adults on a part-time basis on Monday nights for males and on Saturdays for males and females.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T).