Discovering the Foundation of Human Rights in Islam

My name is Aisha, I am from Melbourne, Australia and here is my story.

I always found myself to be a person who liked to question things.

As a little girl, I was always asking questions as children do and as I moved into my teenage years I found myself interested in philosophy and science. I wanted to understand how things work and to analyze the world we live in.

Then I started to question the Catholic Church and its practices at the age of 15. I started to explore other faiths and after finishing a Bachelor of Science; so I traveled to Nepal and India where I was exposed to a side of humanity I had never faced in Australia: a humanity that lived amongst nature and away from the materialistic way of life we have in the modern world.

A Sense of Equality

This experience changed me in a way that I felt we are all one people and that we are all equal. I felt this sense of equality amongst humankind, from talking to the holy man in India to the orphan children in Nepal, the feeling was the same: we are all equal.

This is when I started to feel Islam but I didn’t know what it was. It was just a feeling. When I returned from my travels, I decided to enroll into a Social Work course. After I graduated I started working with different communities.

I worked with people who are on the margins of society, people with no voice to speak out for themselves, people who have mental illnesses, people who are disabled and young people who are at risk of criminal activity. I felt Islam even more in this work; and I felt it stronger the more I was giving to people and helping them.

Read Also: I Challenged Islam, I Ended Up Accepting It

I feel Islam the most when I am helping people or when people are helping me. I then started working with the Arab communities in Melbourne and became friends with many Muslims. However they never spoke to me about Islam.

I worked with the community for 4 years and decided to travel to the Middle East to learn more. I spent six months traveling around the Middle East; and it was there that I started to read into Islam.

 I spoke to many people about Islam while I was traveling and it was so hard to change from my identity as a spiritual human rights person to a Muslim. This was the hardest thing. But I could not get away from it! Islam was drawing me in and in and the pull of Islam was too strong to turn my back on.

It felt so strong and so natural to me and it was what I was searching for my whole life. The thing that drew me to Islam was the equality amongst humanity and that there is no hierarchy. I also loved that there are no images and no messenger between you and God. It is just you and Him.

My Shahadah

I returned home from my travel to the Middle East and did not know if I would embrace Islam or not. But on August 11, 2009 I embraced Islam and it was beautiful. I said the Shahadah and lay in my bed with a smile on my face.

The conversion has enabled me to feel close to God. I am seeing the world now in a clearer way and everything makes sense to me.

I feel I can understand any situation without being manipulated or allured into being manipulated. And I feel like a strong woman who knows what her role is. I feel intelligent and proud to be a Muslim.

New Challenges

But it has not all been easy.

I have suffered from grief and sadness at the spiritual separation from my family and friends, and I felt social isolation especially around special times like Ramadan. This was very hard for me. My first Ramadan was very difficult, but I feel that God has guided me.

All my family reacted in their own unique way. My mum was worried that she hadn’t raised me the right way, and that I would wear the scarf, which would upset her. She was also upset that men can have four wives.

My father was very angry and felt the need to protect himself and his faith; and he started talking also about the oppression of women and terrorism.

My sister said that as long as it makes me happy, she is okay with it, but she was worried we might grow further apart. At the moment, I am up and down.

Everyday is different.

It has been difficult, because I am now feeling like a minority.

Although the Muslim sisters I am meeting are all so warm and loving, I feel I have been raised in a different way, and so I feel isolated and afraid sometimes.

But I know in my heart that God is with me and whenever I am afraid I remind myself that God led me to Islam and I say Alhamdulillah (Thankful praise be to Allah).

(From Discovering Islam’s archive.)

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source https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/my-journey-to-islam/discovering-the-foundation-of-human-rights-in-islam/

An Eye on Climate Change

{Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]}. (Surat Ar-Rum 30:41).

The international scientific community agrees that Planet Earth has a continuously-changing climate and that our globe has passed by several and different climatic ages throughout its 4.54 billion years.

The major scientific institutions in the world also have a firm belief in the existence of evidenced indicators which prove there is a current climate change taking place on Planet Earth.

Pillars of Climate Change

First of all, there is a must to put some pillars about the matter of Climate Change to digest its idea and succeed in building a well-established opinion about it.

Scientists are currently sure with scientific facts and indicators that there is a Climate Change taking place. Whether it’s a global warming or a global cooling on regional scales, but there are evident climatic shifts and changes.

Secondly, it is basic knowledge for scientists and researchers that the climate of our home planet Earth was always changing and is continuing to change. This is approved by several astronomical, chemical, physical, geographical, geological, climatologic, biological, botanical… etc evidences.

Morevoer, we must also be aware that our ancient civilizations and ancestors were living in a geological age called Quaternary Period which is the most recent of 3 periods of the Cenozoic Era which in turn is the current and most recent of 3 eras in the current Phanerozoic Eon. Every geological age has distinguishable characteristics including climatologic features and properties.

Human Activities

After that Quaternary Period, many groups of scientists believe that humans are currently living in a new geological age called “Anthropocene” a geologic chronological term that marks the evidence and extent of human activities that have had a significant global impact on the Earth’s ecosystems. It specifies that the influence of human behavior on the Earth’s atmosphere in recent centuries was so significant so as to constitute a new geological epoch.

The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane to higher levels than at any point during the last 650,000 years.

Scientists agree it is very likely that most of the global average warming since the mid-20th century is due to the human-induced increases in greenhouse gases, rather than to natural causes.

While natural variations have altered the climate significantly in the past, it is very unlikely that the changes in climate observed since the mid-20th century can be explained by natural processes alone.

Changing Earth

The Earth’s climate has changed throughout history. Just in the last 650,000 years, there have been 7 cycles of glacial advance and retreat, with the abrupt end of the last ice age about 7,000 years ago marking the beginning of the modern climate era — and of human civilization.

Most of these climate changes are attributed to very small variations in Earth’s orbit that change the amount of solar energy our planet receives.

Scientists have reconstructed past climate conditions through evidence preserved in tree rings, coral reefs, and ice cores. For example, ice cores removed from 2 miles deep in the Antarctic contain atmospheric samples trapped in tiny air bubbles that date as far back as 650,000 years.

These samples have allowed scientists to construct a historical record of greenhouse gas concentration and temperature stretching back hundreds of thousands of years.

Evident Change

Since 1750, the average amount of energy coming from the sun either remained constant or increased slightly. Estimates of the amount of energy the sun has sent to Earth are based on sunspot records dating back more than two centuries, and other proxy indicators, such as the amount of carbon in tree rings.

More recently, satellite observation of solar activity from space suggest a slight increase in solar activity, but the change can’t account for more than 10 percent of the warming trend seen during the past century.

So to cut it short, climate change is evident, there is global warming in most Earth’s areas and there is a cooling trend in some regions. The climate of Earth was always changing and is still changing.

Humans are living in a glacial age (two permanently ice-capped Earth Poles) that is getting hotter and hotter. Earth’s climate was and is still changing due to several factors including natural causes and artificial ones, yet the point is that human activities have accelerated it in the past few centuries.

The post An Eye on Climate Change appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/science-muslim-issues/eye-climate-change/

Canada Prepares for Islamic History Month

Islamic History Month (Canada) and Islamic Heritage Month (Ontario) starts on October 1st, as mosques and Islamic centers host various events to celebrate Islamic culture, Muslim Link reported.

Throughout the country, Islamic centers, mosques, and school boards are holding exhibitions, lectures, workshops and film screenings to mark the month.

In Ottawa, the events will kick off on October 1 with a free public screening of CBC POV documentary 14 & Muslim.

On October 8, Carleton University Centre for the Study of Islam will host an event titled Humanizing Muslims and Islam Post 9/11.

Kingston will mark the History month with film screening of Wajd: Songs of Separation as well as a family movie night of Bilal: A New Breed of Hero.

Moreover, Toronto will celebrate the month with a rich program of events hosted by Toronto District School Board, Theatre center, Police Service, Public Library, ISNA Canada, and others.

Other events will be also hosted in Vancouver and London.

For a complete list of events, please check this link.

Muslims In Canada

Muslims are the fastest growing religious community in Canada, according to the country’s statistical agency, Statistics Canada.

Historically, Canada’s Muslim population increased by 82 percent over the past decade – from about 579,000 in 2001 to more than 1 million in 2011.

Muslims represent 3.2 percent of Canada’s total population.

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source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/n-america/canada-prepares-islamic-history-month/

Tips For Transitioning to College and Dealing With the Opposite Sex

At last the time has come to move out of the parent’s house and on our own at university. Maybe somewhere far away; hopefully really far, right?

We will be dealing with the opposite gender more often. New paths to explore.

As a youngster, I remember how I wanted to leave home, be free, make my own decisions and well.. live the dream. Little do we know that by leaving our little haven, much more responsibility would be on our head.

Our parents are no longer there to remind us of our duties to Allah. And every decision, every action, every movement, we are held accountable.

Fun? No. Not really. At least for me it wasn’t.

Allah the All Seeing

The reality of knowing that Allah sees everything hit me harder than it had ever hit me before.

Companion Kissed Woman & Wanted to Repent

I had relative freedom by my parents to mingle with colleagues of the other sex. Nevertheless, I was always reminded that it was more suitable on school grounds, campus or workplace; if the need arises.

It doesn’t make sense to turn my head and completely ignore colleagues of the opposite sex in workshops or later in the workforce. There are many examples where Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) and his companions worked side by side with their sisters in Islam.

To make things easier though, guidelines were placed and I was to act on discretion.

Girls and Guys Both Equally Liable

Rather than have a list of the do’s and don’ts, since each situation needs judging, a few reminders will be discussed to make life easier for both girls and guys.

Often I remind my sons that while society, in a bigoted manner, may place blame on the girl, in the eyes of Allah both are equally held liable for their actions.

Leaving home for college will have its challenges both on a spiritual, emotional and social level. Even though our parents aren’t with us, we can call on Allah to guide us on the right path and keep our heads in place.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

According to a study from the University of Valencia, scientists allege that just five minutes alone with a female, will raise the level of cortisol in a man.

Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone and is produced by the body under physical or psychological stress. It has been linked to heart disease.

We should do the best as we can to avoid places and events that would force us to be alone with someone of the opposite sex.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said that man should not be alone with a strange woman. After all, you do know they say prevention is better than cure.

Don’t Freeze Up

Gender Interactions… Are We Too Strict?

Undoubtedly, you will interact with each other but it should be done with utmost professionalism and reserve. But that doesn’t mean we should freeze up or treat each other like lepers.

I’m simply reminding both of their duties. Girls, please dress modestly and young men well, you need to lower the gaze to avoid the blaze.

Remember actions speak louder than words. Act like a Muslim rather than say you are one. The way you act and speak will be observed and your actions will be recorded. More importantly, Allah is All Seeing.

The beauty of Islam is that men and women who act according to Islam are protected from even coming close to sinful behavior.

Some may say so what’s the problem with just chatting? In essence, nothing much, however a chat can easily turn to flirting, which can easily spark a romance. Common sense says, just don’t go there.

Opposite Genders – Just Friends?

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informs us that never are a male and female alone together without Satan being among them. He is there trying to downplay the sin.

There’s no denying that interaction will take place but I am suggesting that in a purely social environment, there is no need to socialize with each other.

Why? Because the battle begins in the mind. We need to be careful what we fill our minds with. Remember, there is little point praying that Allah leads us not into temptation, then walking straight into a tempting situation.

Why? Because those thoughts grow into an attitude and then the attitude grows into a disposition. Consequently, this disposition erodes boundaries and clouds our sense of right and wrong.

Rather than being controlled by this, we need to direct that energy in positive directions. Join a gym, become engaged in charity work or help the needy. The options are countless.

Don’t compromise your religion. We were created to only please and worship Allah, so do not worry and stress about what others might think of you. When we place our desires and those of others, ahead of Allah, only disappointment can come out of it.

Eventually We Will Reap the Rewards

Surround yourself with those who will remind you of Allah and help you stay steadfast. After all, they say, ‘good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue’.

Place your trust in Allah, and remember your rewards. Allah has promised us that with every hardship, there will be ease. Without doubt, the most difficult hardship is fighting desire. Hormones run high and we’re completely lost.

Safeguard yourself by always keeping busy. Continue to make supplications and remain firm with the belief that every single thing is written and preordained. That includes your future partner.

That said, embrace the new experiences and enjoy them. Don’t make enemies. Simply explain your beliefs and then show them that Islam is beautiful. A religion of peace and moderation. Show them through actions. Actions that don’t go against our religious beliefs.

The post Tips For Transitioning to College and Dealing With the Opposite Sex appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/shariah/refine-your-heart/tips-and-steps/moving-university-dealing-opposite-gender-tips-easy-transition/

Fourth Earthquake Shakes Southwest Turkey

A magnitude 4 earthquake shook southwestern Turkey on Sunday, according to the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). In the aftermath of the 5.8-magnitude quake that struck Istanbul on Sept. 26, the head of the AFAD said there are 2,864 earthquake assembly areas in the city.

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Rugby World Cup 2019: TV Hails ‘Authentic’ All Black Sonny Bill Williams

Muslim superstar Sonny Bill Williams has received a warm praise in a documentary on American television, describing his concern for the Christchurch families after the March-15 mosque massacre as genuine and authentic, Stuff reported.

“That was my time and I needed to step up,” Williams told the HBO channel’s Real Sports program.

“I know I represent the All Blacks, I know I represent a lot of different people, being a Muslim, being a Kiwi. We were all hurting. I had to get to Christchurch.”

Documentary maker David Scott followed Williams’ efforts to help Christchurch Muslims after the March 15 tragedy. in the documentacy aired last week, he described Williams’ concern as authentic and genuine.

“He’s not looking for publicity or credit for those things, it’s just who he is,” Scott told the Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph. “You have to admire the guy, whatever he has been through in the past, he’s found a way to genuinely contribute.

“He’s the real thing. He has an authenticity.”

A family affected by the Christchurch mosque shootings visit with Sonny Bill Williams. (JOSEPH JOHNSON/STUFF)

Muslim Role Model

Williams showed leadership after Christchurch mosque attacks, inviting New Zealanders to learn more about Islam.

Last month, Williams along with Ofa Tu’ungafasi , Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock attended a meet-and-greet event with the victims.

Morevoer, Australia’s Muslim player Bachar Houli and Williams paid an emotional visit a few days later to the victims’ families.

Previously, Williams, 34, has spoken regularly about the importance of living his faith.

“To be proud to be a Muslim I know it is easy said than done, in some instances and situations…I’ve been there,” Williams told Real Sports. “It’s going to be easier, with hardship comes ease.”

“I’ve got a wildness in me. I found that Islam it didn’t pacify the wild streak in me. I turned it and pointed it to want to grow and be better,” he said in a Real Sports TV episode trailer.

“That’s when I started openly coming out with my positive messages, who I was and what I stood for.”

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams speaks to Ahmad Feroz, a survivor of the shootings at Al Noor mosque. (Kai Schwoerer)

Born in 1985, Williams is a top-notch rugby star in New Zealand. He converted to Islam in 2008 after attending prayer services at a Sydney mosque.

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source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/australia/rugby-world-cup-2019-tv-hails-authentic-black-sonny-bill-williams/

When Is New Moon Safar (1441) in Your Location?

When will Safar 1441 take place?

Safar is the second month in the Hijri Calendar. Normally, a Hijri day starts at sunset. Thus, observing the crescent of a new Hijri month occurs during the sunset.

Like all the other Hijri lunar months, the month of Safar spans over 29 or 30 days; and for that reason, we conduct the lunar astronomical observations and calculate the lunar months to know their exact dates every year.

The Hijri Calendar is a lunar dating system, and its months begin when the lunar phase called First Crescent of a new moon is sighted.

The year of the Hijri lunar calendar is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Thus, Safar and all other lunar months migrate backward throughout the seasons, during a cycle of about 33 solar years.

New Moon

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) was on September 28, 2019 (Saturday) at 18:26 UT. On September 28, it was not possible to see the moon anywhere in the world by the naked eye or even binoculars, Moonsighting reported.

On September 29, the Middle-East and Europe saw the moon with difficulty, but easily in Africa and the Americas (See visibility curves).

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2019 (Sunday)

The post When Is New Moon Safar (1441) in Your Location? appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/world/new-moon-safar-1441-location/

Islam Continues to Thrive: 5 Reasons Why

According to a recent survey (1) young people are becoming increasingly less religious in North America and Europe. There are no statistics to explain exactly why this is the case; but we need only to look at modern life to understand the steady decline.

If I consider my own childhood, a great portion of my life revolved around the church in front of the house of my grandmother. We spent a lot of time with Granny and so it was natural that we would all attend church activities just across the road.

Sunday School, Girls’ Brigade, and family services, religion was a central theme in our lives. We rarely came into contact with people of other faiths, and we certainly had no idea what these faiths were about. There was no reason to question anything.

Global Village

When I consider my own journey to Islam, I went to a bookstore, learned the basics from a book, then met with a real person (!) to discuss any questions I had.

Fast forward to today, and, thanks to the internet, we are living in a global village. You can type any question into a search engine and you will be bombarded with links offering you information. It’s incredibly easy to connect with people from anywhere in the world to discuss spirituality, religion, and faith.

For this reason, young people are more informed, more likely to question the beliefs; they’re more able to reach out and connect with others who are also having doubts and questions about faith.

It comes as no surprise then, that church attendance in Europe is rapidly waning. According to the Pew Research Centre, of those Europeans identifying as Christian, only 22% actually attend church (2).

Fastest Growing Religion

Somehow, in the midst of all this, Islam continues to grow. There are those who argue that the growth of Islam is the result of a higher birth rate. Yet if we look at statistics, 6% of Christians in the USA are converts while 22% of Muslims are converts (3).

Islam is constantly the victim of negative press, but still the light of truth shines through.

So while the general population are leaving faith and religion behind, what is it about Islam that is not only so attractive, but holds the hearts of the faithful, both born and convert?

1- Contentment

Coming from a Christian background, I can say that a lot of the time I had questions in my head that I just couldn’t ask. No one really questioned what they believe; but, being the deep thinker that I am, I naturally scratched beneath the surface.

My questions were similar to those that many Christians had before they discovered Islam.

Why are there so many Christian denominations? (4)

Why are there so many different versions of the Bible? (5)

Who should I be praying to? God the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? The Trinity was a concept I really struggled to understand.

Reading the Quran, the complete revelation, I find that God speaks directly to His creation and clears away any misunderstandings.

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah. (Quran 2:2)

The Quran still speaks to us, 1400 years later as we continue to understand the scientific miracles within it. Our scholars explain the richness of the text and the depth of the meaning.

Notably, there is only one version, memorized and protected by the faithful.

2- Understanding

In a world where we now have so much uncertainty, Islam gives us understanding. Instead of feeling helpless despair at any calamities that may arise in your personal life or on a global scale, you can see that everything is part of a bigger plan.

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones. (Quran 2:155)

We are reminded time and time again that the world is a place of tests; God tests us to see who is worthy of eternal bliss. He tells us to be patient with any troubles that may come our way; that He will be with us, and any suffering does not go unnoticed.

It is much easier to cope with life’s ups and downs when you know that your Lord is watching, helping and guiding.

3- Gratitude

Islam truly encourages Muslims to be people with an attitude of gratitude. If we look at Surah Ar-Rahman, the same verse is repeated several times:

Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

Allah is a loving Creator who has blessed us with so much. He wants us to recognize these blessings in order to deepen our connection with Him.

Not only are there spiritual blessings from practicing gratitude, but there are many scientifically proven benefits from being grateful. (6)

So if we, as Muslims, follow the advice of our Creator, we can lead a happier and healthier life.

4- Freedom

When you come to the realization that the purpose of life is to worship and please God, it truly liberates you from the trap of pleasing mankind.

Our social media culture means we are bombarded with an altered reality of perfection. Everything is photographed, filtered and published. We are led to believe that people are living their best lives, doing all the things and looking great into the bargain.

We’re expected to look, act, and think in a certain way, but Islam rejects all of that! Islam encourages us to be modest, mindful and independent.

As a Muslim convert, wearing hijab took away the pressure to conform to media standards of fashion and beauty. As a Muslim woman, my rights to financial independence are preserved in the Shariah. And as a Muslim wife, Islam grants me my right to proper treatment and support from my husband.

5- Code of Life

The wisdom and example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the ultimate in guidance for those who appreciate its value. He (peace be upon him) lived a life that was in complete submission to the will of Allah; and his wife, Aisha, reported:

Verily, the character of the Prophet of Allah was the Quran.

The purpose of life is to worship Allah and enjoy a connection with Him. He has made it easy for us to please Him and shows us how to do so through the example of His Prophets.

From how we eat, sleep, and interact with others to how we dress, speak, and enjoy intimacy with our spouse, everything is clear.

Say: ‘Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God, the Lord of all the worlds.’ (Quran 6:162)

When we come face to face with our Lord, when we take that first step into Jannah, Insha’Allah, all of this will be worth it.

What better peace of mind could anyone ask for?

References:

1. https://www.pewforum.org/2018/06/13/young-adults-around-the-world-are-less-religious-by-several-measures/
2. https://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/being-christian-in-western-europe/pf_05-29-18_religion-western-europe-00-00-1/
3. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/01/26/the-share-of-americans-who-leave-islam-is-offset-by-those-who-become-muslim/
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_members
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_Bible_translations
6. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude

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First Ambassador of Islam: Why Mus`ab?

The amount of action and the amazing stories that took place during the hijrah grabbed the attention away from the roles played by some Companions before the hijrah and away from the hijrah scene.

I want to take you back 3 years before the hijrah when the Prophet was going around the camps for the Hajj talking to different tribes about Islam asking them to believe in him, host him and support him and his message. He met the tribes that attended hajj, one tribe after another, and presented his offer to the leaders of the gathering.

While coming back from a long discussion with Bani Shaiban as mentioned in a previous article, he met six people. Those six were from a tribe called Al-Khazraj, one of two main tribes in Madinah, a city north of Makkah known then as Yathrib. He presented Islam to them and they all accepted Islam. He did not ask them to support him or host him because they were only six ordinary people.

These six went back to Madinah and came back next year to meet the Prophet with other six of their fellows who were interested in Islam. The Prophet met them in a place called Al-`Aqabah, in a meeting called, “the First Pledge of Al-`Aqabah.”

They pledged to the Prophet to worship Allah and never associate partners with Him, not to steal, not to fornicate, not to kill their children, and not to disobey him had he orders them to do any good.

The city of Yathrib was a fresh open place for conveying Islam and a potential host for the message. The Prophet saw the opportunity and couldn’t let it without doing his best to utilize it for the sake of Da`wah. He decided to send someone to the city to teach people Islam and present the message to them.

The choice was very critical to the success of this mission. The Prophet chose the beloved Companion Mus`ab ibn Umair. I came across an analysis of why the Prophet chose Mus`ab to take on this huge responsibility which I would like to share here for two main reasons:

1) to love Mus`ab, for loving him is part of our Islam, and,

2) to learn from his experience and his effort, for that is essential to attain similar success.

Here are some of the reasons that may underlie the Prophet’s choice of Mus`ab:

Hijrah: What Happened During the Blessed Journey?

– Mus`ab was not so old that it was difficult for him to carry out huge load in Madinah nor was he so young to make unwise or reckless moves. He was in his mid thirties.

– He experienced two previous migrations to Abyssinia so he is used to leaving Makkah and staying away for long times. He also gained the experience to live and interact with people of different culture and even different language.

– He is from a very honorable family, the family of Bani Abd Ad-Dar, the guardians of the key Ka`bah key. The people of Madinah will find it easy to listen to him and interact with him

– He also will send a strong message that Islam is not a revolution of the poor against the rich, something that will help the rich people of Madinah to embrace Islam. He will also serve as a role model of those who might have to lose their wealth to become Muslims in the case they are opposed by their families and tribes.

– He is from the early Muslims, someone who accompanied the Prophet and learned Islam and the Qur’an from him. He has what Madinah needs in terms of knowledge and wisdom.

– Mus`ab was known of his kindness, wisdom, softness and eloquence which are all qualifications needed for an effective presentation of Islam and conveying its message to people. These qualities showed themselves in his interaction with people in Madinah and his ability to positively influence them.

– He will not abandon his message and fall as a victim to the worldly temptations that he may face in Madinah. He withstood this test already when his mother, who was very opposing to him becoming a Muslim.

Having failed to convince Mus`ab to convert back to worshipping idols, she decided to deprive him of all the luxuries and wealth he used to enjoy.

He assertively and firmly chose Islam leaving behind one of the great wealths in Makkah. A person like that will never fall prey to any temptations he might encounter in Madinah

– There was a possibility that he would be followed by many of the Madinah population and, thus, tempted by leadership. Again, he had already proved his invulnerability to this trap. He had already sacrificed his chances of gaining leadership among his tribe by accepting Islam.

Perhaps for these reasons and probably many others, the Messenger chose Mus`ab to shoulder this huge responsibility.

It was the real success. Thanks to Mus`ab’s effort, Islam went into every single house in Madinah. People joined Islam individually and in groups. Mus`ab prepared Madinah to be the host city of the Prophet and the center of guidance to the whole humanity. In one year, 75 of those people went back to Makkah to call the Messenger to join them in Madinah, for there is not a single household in Madinah except in which there is a Muslim.

May Allah be pleased with Mus`ab and may He have mercy on him!

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* This article was first published in October 2014.

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source https://aboutislam.net/shariah/prophet-muhammad/his-companions/first-ambassador-islam-musab/

Mainstream Media Ruined My Reality of Love – A Recovery Story

At the age of 10, my mom told me, “You are what you consume, so be careful what you fill your head with.”

I didn’t take my mom seriously. It’s just a comic book about Archie falling in love with Betty. I know they aren’t Muslim but I am aware of what Islam says about love and marriage.

I scoffed at her advice. It didn’t make sense to me at that age that the continual consumption of mainstream media without any representation of my identity would later affect my love life. Eventually I saw how mainstream media ruined my reality of love.

The Oft Advice

“If two people are alone the third person is shaytan… Keep your chastity till marriage… Stay away from anything that will lead to Zina” The stern warning of my mother and that of my teachers at the weekend Islamic school would often ring in my head every time I got to know someone. In theory, every Muslim should follow these guidelines but in reality that’s not the case.

As I got older and interacted with Muslims from various backgrounds, I realized that what I considered basic understandings when it comes to getting to know someone were not the same understandings among many Muslims. Sometimes even I was a culprit to that sort of laxity.

The Reality

With societal pressures, cultural expectations, and poor connection between us and our religion, we face challenges holding on to our Islamic values. Part of the problem is that we are bombarded with mainstream expectations of love from the media without any representation of who we are as Muslims. Another issue is that our Islamic communities don’t speak our language. 

Why do we as teenagers, and adults pay attention to mainstream media? 

It’s because, generally it highlights environments that we recognize, challenges we face today and in our daily lives. And when it comes to issues of love, mainstream media is all over them!

Mainstream media covers every aspect of love to the minute details, like where to meet a guy, how to make a guy notice you, how to prepare for your first date, when to have your first kiss, what to do when a guy/girl is ignoring you, how to handle a break up, you name it! 

These suggestive ways of dealing with love are in your face, repeatedly! It’s on television, it’s in books, it influences school, and work. I grew up watching Chick Flick with all the romance and dating topics fully covered from non-Muslim perspectives.

Finally I found a show about a woman who promises her Grandmother and God to stay a virgin until she gets married. It’s a hilarious show that tackles the challenges of keeping your virginity today, how she navigates that, all with the twists and drama of a telenovela.

It was a show I could somewhat relate to as a Muslim, “What would X do?” I found myself subconsciously trying to solve my problems from what I had seen in a movie or show. 

From the warnings of our parents or Islamic teachers ringing in our heads to the visual romanticized representation of love in the media playing in our minds, Muslims today are at a crossroad. The truth is that we are still trying to figure out love and healthy relationships. 

In our communities the courting stage is almost a guessing game. “Mariam got engaged”. Surprise! You’ll see these kinds of posts every couple of months on your facebook page, followed by the congratulatory comments. 

What isn’t often discussed is how Mariam met her partner. Sometimes, even Mariam’s close friends could be spared of the courting details. No one in our community wants to talk about how they met.

Some of the reasons for this is the “evil eye” and most of it is judgement from friends or from the community. And I don’t blame them. There are more lectures that speak about the ways we can fall into zina or haram relationships than steps on how to be in a healthy halal relationship with today’s circumstances.

We don’t even talk about sex, sexual expectations between marital partners in the negotiation stages, etc. Talking about the step by step guide to pre-marriage, marriage, post marriage, and divorce are taboo topics. They shouldn’t be! Maybe we could skip that last topic more often if we covered the others.  

Let’s Just Talk About It!

We as Muslims need to talk more in detail about relationships especially in the media. Muslims need real representations of romance and how to navigate it in today’s modern society.

Some may argue that all these details of love are in the Qur’an, Hadeeth, or in Islamic books but if we don’t repeatedly showcase these points into simple non-threatening steps in video formats, modern books, social media and so on we will constantly stay confused about our identity. 

It was refreshing to read Does My head Look Big in This? by the Australian Author Randa Abdel-Fattah. This is a book about a teenager battling her Muslim identity and the Australian societal expectations. It covered topics I could relate to as a teenager like asking your parents to go out with friends, dealing with non-muslim guys asking you out, etc.

When I finished reading this book, I wanted more, more stories of Muslims told by Muslims. Does My Head Look Big in This? came out in 2005 but at that time there weren’t television shows or movies portraying Muslims in a normalized way. 

14 years later, Ramy came out on Hulu. Ramy is a show that showcases the struggles of a young Egyptian-American adult living in New Jersey. It highlights the double standards towards guys and girls from Muslim Arab homes.

Although there are many discussions for and against this show, I personally think that it is a good start. When shows like Ramy get great responses there will be a push for more Muslim stories. Until then, we should encourage stories being told by Muslims from diverse backgrounds.

I can go on and on about what we are lacking but where would that lead us? Here are five ways we can start to make a change in our communities: 

Presenting Muslim Love Back to Ourselves 

1 – There should be more video or online discussion about all stages of relationships among Muslims and the struggles we go through. 

2 – We should avoid using fear tactics when trying to guide the Muslim youth. Instead we should talk about the benefits, step by step process, and lessons learned from making a certain decision.

3 – Communities should hire imams that connect with the youth.

4 – Muslims should be encouraged to tell their stories in whatever platform available. In addition, we should learn not to judge the storyteller with our own biases. 

5 – Being a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or other profession is great, but let’s not box ourselves into a few professions. We should strive for every careers or professions out there that allow our voices heard, such as supporting Muslim media makers.

Surely there are a couple of things on this list you can do to help our youth have healthier relationships than those currently broadcasted to them.

 

 

 

The post Mainstream Media Ruined My Reality of Love – A Recovery Story appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/uncategorized/mainstream-media-ruined-my-reality-of-love-a-recovery-story/

Prophet Muhammad Prepares to Move to Madinah

How did Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) convey Islam to Arabia and beyond despite his people’s hostility?

How was he able to communicate with neighboring Arab tribes while suffering a near-siege situation in Makkah?

One short-term solution was for him to meet pilgrims coming to Makkah from different parts of the Arabian Peninsula. So, in the 10th year of the revelation, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met pilgrims from several tribes. He arranged for these meetings to be held at night, away from the surveillance of the Quraish.

One night in Mina, outside Makkah, he met six men from Yathrib. These men were from the Khazraj, one the two big tribes of Yathrib (a city later known as Madinah). Several Jewish tribes had settled there, and their religious books mentioned that this was the time of God’s last prophet. The Jews told the people of Madinah that they would follow God’s last prophet once he appeared.

So, with this background information, the six men were curious to learn more. They sat with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and he explained to them the main teachings of Islam. What he told them about monotheism sounded familiar, as they had heard about it from the Jews of Madinah. They consulted with each other and said:

“Know surely, this is the Prophet with whom the Jews are ever threatening us; wherefore let us make haste and be the first to join him.” (The Sealed Nectar)

And They Converted to Islam

The six men consequently found themselves in a state of belief. They converted to Islam and returned to Madinah, where they started conveying the message.

The following year double the number came back to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him). These twelve people from Yathrib had already converted to Islam. Ten were from the tribe of Khazraj and two from the rival tribe of Aws. This was the largest conversion so far outside Makkah.

The two tribes had in fact been at war for five years. Many of their leaders had died in that war. A younger generation of leaders from both tribes emerged after the war. For the first time, their representatives united under the banner of Islam to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Makkah.

This historical meeting became known as the First Aqaba Covenant. Ubada ibn Al-Samit was one of the twelve men. He narrates in a hadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari the following details:

“I and a group gave the pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. The Prophet said, “I take your pledge that you will not worship anything but Allah, you will not steal, you will not kill your children, you will not slander or spread falsehood, and you will not disobey me in good conduct…” (Al-Bukhari)

After their conversion, they asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to send with them to Madinah someone to teach them Islam. At that time, approximately 250 men in Makkah had converted to Islam. From among them, the Prophet (peace be upon him) chose Mus’ab ibn Umair for this mission.

The First Ambassador of Islam

So Mus’ab, a devoted young Muslim who came from a rich family, traveled with them to Madinah. His main mission was to teach them Qur’an, to lead them in prayer, and to introduce Islam to Madinah.

He was the perfect person for this mission. In addition to his noble background, he had traveled twice before to Abyssinia. So, he had the experience of living abroad and interacting with people of different cultures. As one of the early converts in Makkah, he had the knowledge to teach and invite non-Muslims to Islam.

Within a few weeks of Mus’ab’s arrival in Madinah, forty people had accepted Islam. Muslims in Makkah were persecuted and could not pray in congregation. So, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Mus’ab to lead the very first Friday prayer (jumuah) in Madinah. At that time, no mosque had yet been built. So this first Jumuah was held in the house of As’ad ibn Zurara, one of the first Muslims in Madinah.

Read Also: Winning Hearts

Mus’ab faced many difficulties while preaching Islam in Madinah. But through his wisdom, patience, and strong faith he was able to overcome most of these challenges.

One day, two of the tribal leaders in Madinah, Usaid ibn Hudair and Sa’d ibn Mu’ath, were fuming. They resented what Mus’ab was doing and wanted to send him back to Makkah. They witnessed more and more people leaving the religion of their fathers and turning to Islam. Usaid took his spear and headed towards the house where Mus’ab was staying to make him leave. But Mus’ab was not afraid. He asked Usaid to listen to some basic teachings of Islam and judge for himself.

So Usaid listened to Mus’ab and found that it all made sense. He accepted Islam on the spot. The same scenario was repeated with Sa’d ibn Mu’ath. The conversion of these two leaders opened the door for many more conversions.

New Converts: New Ambassadors to Islam

Today, a newly converted sister who is visibly Muslim through her hijab is an ambassador of Islam. The same applies to newly converted brothers who declare their faith in public.

As a native of your country, you represent Islam in the eyes of your non-Muslim family, neighbors, colleagues, and friends. This is a golden opportunity to invite them all to Islam when you are ready. It is also an important responsibility.

In the last few decades, high-profile converts to Islam have done an excellent job communicating their faith. They include renowned figures such as Cat Stevens in the UK and the late Muhammad Ali in the US. Actions speak louder than words. It is their ethical stance on matters of importance to society which have captured people’s attention.

You are not expected to give lectures and talks about Islam from day 1. However, you will find that many people are interested to learn about your journey to Islam. So, don’t be upset if people frequently ask you questions about it, especially non-Muslims. You may like to prepare two versions of your story about Islam. One, a short summary for brief answers. The other, a more detailed version explaining the reasons for your decision and the impact Islam has had on your life.

When people can see that you have become a better person, they may be interested in learning more about your new faith.

More People Travel to Makkah to Meet the Prophet Muhammad

Returning to Madinah, Usaid ibn Hudair and Sa’d ibn Mu’ath were the leaders of Banu Al-Ash-hal, a sub-tribe of Al-Khazraj. Within a short time of their conversion to Islam, the whole tribe also accepted Islam. This was one of the main mass conversions that took place in Madinah.

Mus’ab continued to invite the people of Madinah to Islam and his efforts were very successful. In the following pilgrimage season, 75 people from Madinah traveled to Makkah to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They traveled in the company of Mus’ab. In Makkah, they gave Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the Second Aqabah Covenant.

What happened next?

More events from the Seerah will be detailed in the next part of this series, in sha’ Allah.

So please stay tuned…

Seerah For New Converts (Special Folder)

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Activities for New Converts Following this Series

1- The Friday Prayer

This part of the Seerah mentions the first time the Friday prayer (Jumuah) was held. It was held in Madinah, led by Mus’ab ibn Umair. Please check the following resources for more details on the Jumuah prayer and its importance in Islam:

Friday Prayer: Obligatory for Women?

https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/prayer/can-women-pray-jumuah/

How Friday Prayer Brought Me to Islam

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/my-journey-to-islam/how-friday-prayer-brought-me-to-islam/

Why is Friday so Special for Muslims?

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/understanding-islam/why-is-friday-so-special-for-muslims/

No Mosque Near Where I Live: How to Pray Friday Prayer?

https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/prayer/no-neighboring-muslims-pray-jumuah/

2- New Converts & Non-Muslims Relations

Being Muslim and Bridging Between Cultures

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/muslim-______-bridging-cultures/

How to Deal With My Non-Muslim Neighbors?

https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/deal-non-muslim-neighbors/

Wisdom and Hope in Dealing with Your Non-Muslim Family

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/wisdom-and-hope-in-dealing-with-your-non-muslim-family/

Converts to Islam: Balancing Between Religion & Family

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/converts-balancing-between-religion-and-family/

3- The First Ambassador of Islam: Mus’ab ibn Umair

He came from a noble and wealthy background, the tribe of Bani Abd Ad-Dar, the guardians of the Ka`bah key. His passion for Islam was so strong that he sacrificed all his wealth for the sake of Islam.

For more background information on Mus’ab ibn Umair, the first ambassador the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent to Madinah, please check these resources:

10 Amazing Facts About the First Ambassador of Islam

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/about-muhammad/10-amazing-facts-about-the-first-ambassador-of-islam/

First Ambassador of Islam: Why Mus’ab?

https://aboutislam.net/shariah/prophet-muhammad/his-companions/first-ambassador-islam-musab/

Five Lessons From the Young Mus’ab: The First Missionary of Islam

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/5-lessons-from-the-young-musab-the-first-missionary-of-islam/

4- Send us your question on this series to aai@aboutislam.net

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Series Background

This is a special series for new converts to learn about Islam in a comprehensive way through learning the Seerah (Biography of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) in a gradual, chronological way. We add a few more resources of other related areas of Islamic knowledge in each part of the Seerah at the end of each article as extra learning resources.

We will also add new videos to this series as we progress from Year 1 to Year 23 in sha’ Allah.

The references we use in each article are given below for further details. Please feel free to send us any questions you may have to this e-mail: aai@aboutislam.net.

You may also wish to join our Facebook Group, Islam 101, for further learning and also to interact with fellow new converts and those who are new to Islam here.

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Article References:

The Sealed Nectar – Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri

Planting the Seeds of Madinah – (Part 24 & Part 25 of Dr. Yasir Qadhi Video Series)

 

Spiritual Hijrah: Preparing for the Physical Migration – Dr. Jasser Auda

 

Da’wah: Calling People to Allah – Friday Speech by Dr. Jasser Auda

The post Prophet Muhammad Prepares to Move to Madinah appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/about-muhammad/prophet-muhammad-prepares-to-move-to-madinah/

The Medication of Patience

We are all going to go through difficult times, Allah has promised us this. Being tested is a big part of this life. Do you know what will help? The medication of patience!

The post The Medication of Patience appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/the-medication-of-patience/

Can We Watch TV Series, Movies And Sports?

A questioner asks can we watch TV series, movies and sports? Dr. Shabir Ally discusses that it depends on the content of what you are watching.

The post Can We Watch TV Series, Movies And Sports? appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/can-watch-tv-series-movies-sports/

Allah will Take Care of You!

You have to learn to rely completely on Allah. At times when you are worried about certain things, you need to remember Allah will take care of you! Beautiful reminder from Mufti Menk.

The post Allah will Take Care of You! appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/allah-will-take-care/

Youth Challenges: Today and During Prophet’s Time

Even though circumstances are different, youth challenges remain the same. This includes young Companions during the Prophet’s time and youths today.

In this video, Sheikh Hussain Kamani reflects on the connection between the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his young Companions.

Finding Solutions

What did the Companions do? 

Who did they return to?

What examples to solve problem these days should we follow?

Learn why you should connect with the Prophet, Deen and Companions when facing youth challenges.

 

Muslim Youth: Get Strong If You’ve to Be Different

 

Muslim Youth in the West… How to Change Current Paradigm

 

How the Prophet Empowered the Youth (5 Stories)

 

The post Youth Challenges: Today and During Prophet’s Time appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/shariah/refine-your-heart/advice/youth-challenges-today-prophets-time/

Iowa Muslim Teen Opens New Doors in Fashion

At the age of 19, Iowa Muslim teenager Ugbad Abdi is already making huge steps in the fashion world, going from Iowa high schooler to the world of fashion, Wall Street Journal reported.

“There are women in the world that look like Ugbad and dress like Ugbad and our business of fashion should really be concerned with addressing all people that consume clothes and beauty,” said Kyle Hagler, president of the New York division of Next Management, which signed her last year.

The life of Abdi, who had been posting shots of herself in different makeup looks, changed forever last year when her photos drew the attention of a top modeling agency.

Ever since, the Somali-born hijabi Muslim has walked the runway for brands. These brands include, Burberry, Chanel, Fendi and Marc Jacobs. She was in Vogue in April, August and its all-important September issue.

At Burberry in London.

“Ugbad’s grace on the runway or in front of the camera is evident, but that is only part of what makes her an exceptional model,” said Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine.

“From the beginning, she has used her platform to challenge stereotypes about Muslim women and open doors for others.”

For Ugbad, the entire experience has been “amazing.”

“Everything that has happened so far to this moment, it’s like, all a dream come true,” she said in an interview after the Michael Kors show. “I always get emotional,” she said while tearing up.

“It’s good to see that people want to see change. It’s an honor to have a voice and maybe educate some people who didn’t know anything about the hijab before. I feel like this is a journey for everyone. ”

At Fendi in Milan.

Growing Industry

According to Islamic Fashion Design Council (IFDC), Muslims spent about $322 billion on fashion in 2018. The hijab fashion industry is set to reach $488 billion this year, WHYY reported.

Non-Muslim international fashion lines and retailers have been trying to tap into the niche market for modest clothing.

For example, high-end label Dolce & Gabbana has lately released a collection of headscarves and coordinated abayas, the loose robes worn by some Muslim women.

Islam emphasizes the concept of decency and modesty. In many authentic Prophetic hadiths, it has been quoted that “modesty is part of faith”.

And the Islamic dress code is part of that overall teaching. The majority of Islamic scholars agree that modesty is mandatory for both Muslim men and women.

Temple Univ. Muslim Students Discuss Faith, Hijab & Fashion

The post Iowa Muslim Teen Opens New Doors in Fashion appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/n-america/iowa-muslim-teen-opens-new-doors-fashion/

Meet Nollywood Celebrities Who Embraced Islam

Over the past years, a growing number of celebrities have been converting to Islam, joining the fastest-growing religion in the world.

In Nigeria, Nollywood celebrities are also part of this, with many of them making decision to accept the faith, The National Online reported.

In this article, we shed light on some of the Nollywood stars who have taken Shahadah over the recent years.

 

Vivian Metchie

Vivian Metchie was born to a Catholic father and a Deeper Life Mother. She married a man who was a member of the Redeemed Church but the marriage eventually failed, leaving her with four children.

“I was probably looking for peace. Yeah! That was what I was looking for and I found it in the Qur’an,” she told Nairaland earlier.

Vivian Metchie

Liz Da Silva

Born and raised in Obalende, popular actress, Liz Da Silva was born a Christian. In 2013, she converted to Islam after getting married to a Muslim man. Because of the birth of her son, Roheem and her new family, Liz became a Muslim and adopted the name Aishat.

Lola Alao

Nigeria’s Nollywood famous actress, Lola Alao, converted to Islam in 2016. Alao converted during just after the burial of her father who was a Muslim before his death. She adopted the name Rohdiat.

Lola Alao

Nigeria, one of the world’s most religiously committed nations, is divided between a predominantly-Muslim north and a majority-Christian south.

Historically, Muslims and Christians, who constitute 55 and 40 percent of Nigeria’s almost 200 million population respectively, have lived in peace for the most part.

But, ethnic and religious tensions have bubbled for years, fuelled by decades of resentment between indigenous groups, mostly Christian or animist. These groups are vying for control of fertile farmlands with migrants and settlers from the Hausa-speaking Muslim north.

The post Meet Nollywood Celebrities Who Embraced Islam appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/world/meet-nollywood-celebrities-embraced-islam/

Children March in Second Week of Climate Strikes

The latest protests for climate action, which builds on last week’s marches by millions of kids around the world, culminates in a rally in Montreal with teenage activist Greta Thunberg.

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The post Children March in Second Week of Climate Strikes appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/world-in-picture/children-march-second-week-climate-strikes/

Do You Believe in Climate Change?

Definitely, it is one of the most contentious subjects in the whole world at least in the past 15 years.

The matter expanded and exceeded the scientific community to gain attention from wide masses, governments, and international organizations.

Tell us your views by clicking on the poll below

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Sharing and discussing this topic with our readers, we have for you the following comments and views:

One reader, Abdulazeez Murtala claimed: Yes, I believe in it. In my opinion, the warming or cooling depends on which part of the world you are.

Rose Marwa said, Yes and climate is already changing in Europe and turning warm. Asia is getting colder with a few degrees.

Da’watul-Islaam said The fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) referred to this ice age in his hadith: “Until the land of the Arabs once again becomes meadows and rivers.

Sapiah Ahmad assured that Definitely there has been a turn in the climate. The man is destroying the world.

Bushra Kaunain informed that “Global warming is happening in such a way that results in cold and heat with uncertainties.

We would also love to have your own opinions by joining the quick vote above.

The post Do You Believe in Climate Change? appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/science-muslim-issues/do-you-believe-in-climate-change/

The Muslim Empire: How Islamic Coins Came to Existence

People use money every single day. It is an essential of life. Has one ever wondered about the coins or money used by Muslim predecessors? Did they ever use something such as money or did they have different ways of transactions. Let’s go back in time and learn of the earlier Muslims way of transactions.

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) there were two main superpowers. The Byzantine empire and the Persian empire.

Both empires were ruled by Kings and had a government system which people living in the respected areas followed. However, in Arabia life was governed differently. For instance, tribal leaders were elected to make decisions and tribes played an essential part in the lives of people who resided there.

Arabia was best known for business, which means people there would travel and barter goods. They would travel in caravans to different lands by foot or an animal and exchange goods as a kind of trade. For instance there were two valuable fragrances, frankincense and myrrh, that could be found only in that part of the world. Also they would trade spices, gold, ivory, and pearls, just to name a few objects.

Since the community of Arabia used to barter goods there was no need for any currency. So the question is when did Muslim merchants begin using currency? A need for currency rose up several years after the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Muslims introduction to the concept of currency

As the Muslim empire spread throughout the East and West, masses of people entered into Islam. Hence, when Muslim leaders entered upon new lands they had to retain the governing system with a few modifications and with it came the usage of coins. The Byzantine empire used the gold coin called solidus. The Persian empire used the silver coin named drachm. The Muslim governors continued to mint the same old coins which barred the symbols of Christian cross, monarchs, and fire temples.

By the time of caliph uthman Arabic inscriptions such as Bismillah were being stamped around the wide margin of the Persian silver coins. Also in the business market the Islamic civilization was beginning to gain ground through the Islamic writings and hijrah dates were inscribed upon the coins. However, this wasn’t much of a change or when the actual Islamic coins minting began. Apart from these simple modifications most of the coins remained the same, displaying a crowned Persian King and pahlavi writing.

 Islamic Coinage

Original Islamic coins started in AH 77 or 696-697 CE. At the time of the fifth umayyad caliph named Abd Al Malik ibn Marwan. This caliph reformed the coin with Arabic writing and removed all other inscriptions and drawings. He also established the standard of weight in the gold and silver coins. Both coins were also renamed. The gold coin was called dinar, which stems from Latin denarius that means gold. The silver coin was called dirham, which stems from the Greek language drakhme meaning coin.

These Islamic coins held very religious connotations in the way they were designed. The side of the coin with the most important stamp bore the first part of the shahadah in Kufic script. On the back of the coin, surah Al tawbah ayah 33 was inscribed. In that ayah it says, “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, who sent him with guidance and the religion of truth that He might make it supreme over all other religions.” These early Islamic coins continued with the same design and weight for the next thousand years!

Islamic coins were a great change brought to the Muslim world by a great man. It helped the Muslim merchants feel pride in their business dealings with other nations and also provided a platform for later generations to come. The coins are still available in museums around the world for one to acknowledge, appreciate, and learn the historical past of our nation.

First published: March 2018

Read More:

Golden Age of Islamic Civilization

The post The Muslim Empire: How Islamic Coins Came to Existence appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/family-life/culture/the-muslim-empire-how-islamic-coins-came-to-existence/