TMC Aguda - The Light They Followed (Muharram 1436 AH)

TMC Aguda Branch | THE LIGHT THEY FOLLOWED | Muharram 1436 Vol. 1 No.
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TMC Aguda Branch | THE LIGHT THEY FOLLOWED | Muharram 1436 Vol. 1 No. 1 Page 2 of 40
Table of Contents
Editorial ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
THE FAVOURS OF ALLAH ON THE BELIEVERS AND THE FRUITS OF GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS ....................................... 4
Written by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi .............................................................................................................................. 4
THE MARVELOUS WONDERS IN THE CREATION OF CAMELS ...................................................................................... 6
Compiled by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi ........................................................................................................................... 6
THE STRONG AND TRUSTWORTHY .............................................................................................................................. 8
Written by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi .............................................................................................................................. 8
THE RELIGION IS SINCERE ADVICE ............................................................................................................................. 10
Written by: Dawud Ayolo ...................................................................................................................................... 10
ARTS OF THE CALL (1) ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Written by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi ............................................................................................................................ 12
THE FUNCTIONS OF A MOSQUE ................................................................................................................................ 14
Written by: Abdul Kabir Shotonwa........................................................................................................................ 14
PORTRAITS FROM THE LIFE OF HASAN AL-BASRI ...................................................................................................... 16
Written by: Yusuf Uthman..................................................................................................................................... 16
RIGHTEOUSNESS IS MY IDENTITY .............................................................................................................................. 18
Written by: Muhammad Issa ................................................................................................................................. 18
COPING WITH DIVERGENT SCHOLARLY OPINIONS ................................................................................................... 20
Written by: Ibrahim Ahmad .................................................................................................................................. 20
HARD KNOCKS ON POVERTY ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Written by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi ............................................................................................................................ 22
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN MODERN TECHNOLOGIES ...................................................................................... 24
Written by: Abdul Azeez Banjoko .......................................................................................................................... 24
CAT-FISHING MONEY MADE EASY ............................................................................................................................. 26
- A PRACTICAL GUIDE" ............................................................................................................................................... 26
Written by: Ali Akintola ......................................................................................................................................... 26
PERSONALITY OF A MUSLIM ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Taken from: 40 Hadiths on Islamic personality ..................................................................................................... 30
AL-AQSA MOSQUE ..................................................................................................................................................... 32
Written by: Qasim - Abu Aishah .......................................................................................................................... 32
BIOMIMICRY .............................................................................................................................................................. 34
Culled from: Wikipedia .......................................................................................................................................... 34
PROPHET IBRAHIM IS OUR LEADER ........................................................................................................................... 35
Composed by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi ....................................................................................................................... 35
NEWS AROUND THE WORLD ..................................................................................................................................... 37

Editorial

In the Name of Allah The Entirely Merciful The
Especially Merciful.

This magazine is an extension of our continuing
efforts to revive and reinforce the moral
foundations of Islamic cultures and civilizations
among members of our Muslim community
through awareness and practical demonstrations,
as well as to curtail the increasing rate of moral
decadence among our teaming youths.

Our intent with the word LIGHT in the title
chosen for this magazine is pristine Islam; while
the word THEY refers to our righteous
predecessors from the Sahabah downwards. It is
clear how we appreciate the true divine guidance
and how much we envy the sacrifices and
successes of those who preceded us with
Godliness and righteousness.

We have carefully divided this magazine into
fifteen sections, each section with an appropriate
topic. While the sections will remain same
through subsequent editions, the topics will
change with new release.

Three sections are dedicated to present some three
important aspects of the Quran; section one will
highlight some vital points from selected verses,
section two will define some points worth
reflecting upon while section three will extract
lessons from some verses that told a story.

The Sunnah seconds the Quran, a selection from
this second source of our glittering civilizations
will be discussed in section four; in section five,
some necessary tools will be handed over to the
Callers on the path and those who were keen to
learn the art of treading the noble path of Dawah;
section six informs on why the mosque exists, in
an attempt to utilize it for the better.

Section seven will present some portraits from the
life of a Sahabah, a Tabieen or any of those who
have followed them in obedience to the divine
guidance. Section eight, Ar-Rabaaniyah is a
section dedicated for mobilizing the Muslims
towards righteousness. Section nine is for Fiqh.

Economy has been identified as the backbone of a
nation; section ten will explore some economic
opportunities and present them as applicable
locally to improve on the economic status of the
Muslims and unshackle them from financial
slavery. Section eleven and twelve will present an
invaluable extract from the classical works of our
intellectual scholars and some notable aspects of
the blessed land of Palestine respectively.

The correlation between natural science and
Islamic civilizations; the relevance and
developments of child psychology in the light of
true Islamic cheer play and presentation/analysis
of some current global affairs will constitute
sections thirteen through fifteen to conclude the
carefully harmonized series.

Our sincerest appreciation goes to our honourable
writers who have generously contributed their
wealth of knowledge and experience to making
this quarterly magazine a success.

We present all of these and our well informed
brothers waiting in the mosques and centers listed
on the back cover to answer your questions and
bring more clarity to where there may be
obscurity. We assure you of our sincere prayers
while hoping to enjoy the company of the
prophets in Jannah together with you, and do not
forget us in the best of your dua.

Abdul Rasheed Idris,
Editorial Team Head, Education Committee,
TMC Aguda Branch

THE FAVOURS OF ALLAH ON THE
BELIEVERS AND THE FRUITS OF
GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS
Written by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi
BA, Islamic Studies, Islamic Online University [Student]

!!., _ `.., | 1`.. < _-> >l !.! >`,
.s >.!:,. -, >l < : _.l ,L-l
O ye who believe! If ye fear Allah, He will grant you a
Criterion (to distinguish between right and wrong),
remove from you (all) evil, and forgive you: for Allah
is the Lord of Grace unbounded.
1

Outline
Belief and piety.
Piety motivates righteousness.
The Criterion and the benefits.
Forgiveness and pardon.

Highlights
1. Allah made true belief and piety as two
requirements for granting a Criterion,
wiping off misdeeds and overlooking
mistakes.
2. Belief in Allah is to truly accept Him as
the Creator and Sustainer of the whole
existence; to affirm the unity
2
of His
Names and Attributes; and to affirm that
He is the only Lord worthy of worship
according to how it was described by His
messenger.
3. Belief in the messenger is inseparable
from the belief in Allah. The belief in the

1
Surah Anfal 29
2
To belief that the perfect names and attributes are
exclusively for Allah.

messenger is to accept that he was truly
sent by Allah, and implementing the
message he brought without hesitation or
willful disobedience. The divine message
is perfect and superior. Innovation in the
religion is a deliberate sabotage to the
belief which will only lead to a dead end
and destruction. Religion is a complete
system of life, belief is the foundation of a
religion; history has proved from the
distant past to the present that humans are
unable to live successfully under any
system outside the divine guidance. Any
society that scored low on inner peace,
safety, orderliness and other basic
requirements for prosperity and success
should reconsider her stance on Godliness
and righteousness.
4. Taqwa or fear of Allah is the driving force
that motivates implementation of what is
believed in the heart. Taqwa is an internal
force but is evident and measurable by its
consequences when the divine guidance is
being implemented by the limbs.
Righteousness is powered by taqwa. A
pious Muslim will be keen on observing
the limits of Allah and obeying His
commandments in life.
5. A Muslim will demonstrate taqwa by
observing the five daily obligatory solats
in congregation at the prescribed periods,
he will improve his/her Godliness with lots
of voluntary prayers, keep his tongue
moist with the remembrance of Allah and
share his knowledge and wealth with
others among other acts of righteousness.
Abstaining from acts of indecency and
avoiding harms from reaching other people
remain the most evident manifestation of
taqwa.
6. Al-Furqaan translated as the Criterion is
defined as divine Help and Success. Some
recent scholars described it as correct
knowledge and superior wisdom or
manifest light and guidance capable of
distinguishing between right and wrong
3
.
It may also mean Taoraat, Injil or Al-
Quran, which were scriptures given to
prophets Musa, Isa and Muhammad
respectively. In any case, the Criterion is
always a right tool worthy of possession.
7. Humans have realized the reality of
weakness in their nature and have accepted
the necessity of divine intervention after
those they considered as most intellectual
failed with minor mistakes. It is regrettable
and painful when a complex system turned
into a mess because of some avoidable
minor mistakes.
8. Allah has promised to intervene in the
affairs of Muslims and improve their
nature (by giving them knowledge and
wisdom and activating it when necessary)
to assist them avoid regrettable mistakes in
life. Muslims must strive to make their
belief better and improve on their piety
with sincerity to enjoy this guaranty. A
Muslim condemned in sins and
transgressions will always worry of the
inconsistency of his belief with actions.
Indeed, sincere claim to belief will always
be followed with correct actions.

3
Tafseer al-muneer, vol. 9 page 300, Dr Wahbatu Zuhaili
9. Multiple sacrifices deserve multiple
rewards. Maintaining true and correct
belief in the midst of disbelievers and
misbelievers is a difficult experience that
requires a lot of sacrifices and
determination. Also, righteousness is not
attractive in a society that sponsors vices
and immoralities. Keeping the company of
truthful Muslims to seek beneficial
knowledge that will help to lighten up the
heart and teach practical implementation
of righteousness is an advice that cannot
be ignored.
10. In addition to the Criterion, Allah also
wipes off misdeeds and mistakes and hides
them from the people. No one loves to be
known for sins and mistakes except the
shameless criminals
4
.
11. Allah is indeed worthy of praise; He is
fully aware of the inner and outer self of
His creatures and rewards those who are
righteous and truly sincere.

4
Flagrant display of immoralities and sins is worse than the
sins themselves.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERS IN THE
CREATION OF CAMELS
Compiled by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi
`L., _|| _, , 1l>
Do they not look at the Camels, How They are
created?
5

Outline
Description
Camels in Arabia
Anatomy
Uses / Advantages

Description
Nature's true nomads.
Camels have lived in some of the most desolate
corners of our planet, and not only do they live,
they thrive. Most large animals are unable to
survive in these kinds of desolate places. This is
because of their large requirement for resources
such as food and water. Camels are able to use
this to their advantage as a survival strategy. By
living in deserts, mountains, and other arid places
Camels are able to avoid predators, and others
who would compete for resources. Camels are
only able to do this because of their amazing
ability to efficiently use the resources their
environments provide. A camel can travel long
distances which allow them to take maximum
advantage of resources. They can withstand a
massive amount of dehydration which allows
them to survive not only between watering holes,
but sometimes between seasons.

5
Surat-ul-Ghaashiyah 18

When at a watering hole camels are able to gorge
themselves and rehydrate quickly. For food,
camels are omnivorous. They can eat almost
anything be it vegetation, meat, or bone, - salty or
sweet, a camels stomach knows no limits. But it is
their temperament that is truly endeared the camel
to man. Docile and sweet under a caring hand, but
stubborn and angry if ill treated; the camel wins
both your heart and your respect.

Arabian Camels
An overview of camels and man in Arabia.
Perhaps nowhere else on earth is more associated
with the camel than the Arabian Peninsula. Their
story is not one of a free population; however, but
of a domesticated animal. Throughout history,
Arabian camels have served the needs of humans,
and have benefited from that service as a species.
Humans have in fact assured the survival of
camels for thousands of years and quite literally
led them to success as a species that they probably
would never have had on their own. The camel
has played such an important role in Arab culture
that there are over 160 words for "camel" in the
Arabic language. The geography and climate have
combined to define an entire culture with the
camel at its core. This certainly must be seen as
high praise of this remarkable animal.
The camel's head, though small, is one of its most
interesting features. It has two large eyes on either
side of the head. Each eye is shaded from the
noonday sun by a projecting ridge of bone with
thick bushy eyebrows.
The eye itself is protected from sand by two rows
of extra long eyelashes, one on the upper eyelid,
and one on the lower eyelid. In addition to this,
each eye also has a very thin third eyelid that
moves in a side to side motion, front to back.
These act as a windshield wiper brushing away
sand, or can close to protect the eye while still
allowing the camel to see.
In this way, a camel can often see well enough to
keep walking in the midst of a sandstorm. Glands
in the camel's eye supply a lot of water in order to
keep the eye moist under extremely dry
conditions. Located far back on the head are small
rounded ears. These ears are covered in hair,
including the inside of the ear, which helps keep
out airborne sand and dust. The camel's valvular
nostrils are lined with hair and work on the same
principle as the ears to protect it from airborne
sand and dust. A camel's nose is also designed to
trap moisture from the lungs when the animal
exhales, thereby saving water.
Camels are capable of drinking 30 gallons (113.56
L) of water in 10 minutes. Scientists have even
found a camels stomach empty 10 minutes after
drinking 20 gallons (75.7 L) of water. In other
animals, drinking that much water would quickly
result in water intoxication. This is a dangerous
condition, where low electrolyte levels (sodium,
etc) in the blood serum cause water to be forced
into the body's cells and tissues through a process
called osmosis. In humans, this electrolyte
imbalance and tissue swelling can cause an
irregular heartbeat, allow fluid to enter the lungs,
and put pressure on the brain and nerves, which
can cause behaviors resembling alcohol
intoxication. In severe cases, swelling brain tissue
can cause seizures, coma, and ultimately death.
This is probably what started the myth that if you
let a camel drinking as much as it wants, it will
drink itself to death.
But, where does the water go? The water first
goes into the bloodstream. The hemoglobins in a
camel's red blood cells are highly hydrophilic
(attracts water). This allows them to swell to
240% of their normal size. Amazingly, these
hemoglobins also resist hyperhydration, which
helps them avoid severe osmotic problems when
the camel drinks a larger amount of water. The
blood stream then quickly rehydrates the rest of
the body's tissues. Contrary to the popular myth,
only about a gallon and a half of water is stored in
special sacks within a camel's stomach. This is a
very limited amount of water and is not the
camels main storage device.
Camels minimize water loss through their waste.
The camel's kidneys can concentrate their urine to
the consistency of syrup with twice the salt
content of sea water. And, their fecal pellets are so
dry that they can be used for cooking fuel
immediately after voiding.
The camel keeps as cool as it can by resting when
the weather is extremely hot, and feeding at night
or in the morning. It will lie down in a shady
place, if it can find one, or face in the direction of
the sun to minimize how much of its body is
exposed to the rays. During the heat of the day, a
group of camels may press against each other,
because their body temperatures are lower than
the air temperature. In captivity, a camel will
usually work only six months of the year. They
will become ill or die, if too much work is
demanded from them.
Although chicken is the most widely consumed
domestic meat in Saudi Arabia today, camel meat
could be the meat of the future especially in
health-conscious Western countries. This is
because camel meat has no cholesterol and hardly
any fat, since the fat is concentrated in the camel's
hump, which can weigh up to 80 lbs. (36 kg) and
can be easily discarded. If a camel's fat was
distributed over its body like in humans, it will
insulate the body and make it harder to cool down.
Other types of camel: Australian Camels, Bactrian
Camels, South American Camels.

Culled from: http://fohn.net/camel-pictures-facts/

THE STRONG AND TRUSTWORTHY
[A balance between Strength and Humbleness]

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MEANING
22. then, when he (Prophet Musa, alayhi salaam)
turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he
said: "I do hope that my Lord will show me the
straight path."
23. and when he arrived at the watering (place) In
Madyan, he found there a group of men watering
(their flocks), and besides them he found two girls
who were keeping back (their flocks). he said:
"What is the matter with you?" They said: "We
cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take
back (their flocks): and our father is a very old
man."
24. so he watered (their flocks) for them; then he
turned back to the shade, and said:"O my Lord!
truly I am in (desperate) need of any good that you
send me!"
25. afterwards one of the (girls) came (back) to him,
walking with shyness. she said: "my father invites
you so that he may reward you for having watered
(our flocks) for us." so when he came to him and
narrated the story, he said: "Fear not. You have
escaped from the unjust people."
26. One of the (girls) said, "O my father, hire him.
Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and
the trustworthy."
27. He said, "Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these,
my two daughters, on [the condition] that you
serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it
will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to
put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah
wills, from among the righteous."
28. [Moses] said, "That is [established] between me
and you. Whichever of the two terms I complete -
there is no injustice to me, and Allah is Witness
over what we say Q28:22-28
Outline
Preamble
Prophet Musa
Background to the story
A lesson for the Muslim youths
A message to the Muslim ladies
Preamble
If you have skipped reading the above quoted
verses, please return back and read; and if you
have only glanced through, please go back and
read carefully; a secondary explanation can never
replace the core. The following paragraphs will
only emphasize the verses.

Prophet Musa
The story of prophet Musa is the most told in the
Quran. He was an Israelite Jew born to a second
class family but raised in the resplendent palace of
the king of Egypt (i.e. Pharaoh
6
). He is one of the
topmost five among the messengers
7
. His strong
will and determination; the ability to conquer self-
pity and inferiority complex; and the wisdom to
maintain balance between strength and
humbleness is an expensive potential that
lightened up his life to success.

Background of the story
After the unpleasant accident
8
that caused the
death of a Qibt
9
man at the hand of prophet Musa
in Egypt, he was advised by a well-wisher to leave
the land in order to escape the hunt of Pharaohs
policemen. He heeded the advice and moved
toward the land of Madyan where he began
another chapter of his life.

6
Pharaoh was the title of the kings in Egypt during the time
of prophet Musa.
7
The total number of the prophets was 124,000. The total
number of the messenger was 313. Prophets Nuh, Ibrahim,
Musa, Issa and Muhammad were the five topmost among
the messengers due to the strongest will and determination
they demonstrated during their mission as messengers.
8
Refer to verses 15 & 16 of this surah
9
The Egyptian tribe which the Pharoah belonged.
A lesson for the Muslim youths
Oh my dear Muslim brother! You have trained
your body until you become brave and powerful
enough to wrestle and defeat 10 other men.
Accept my congratulation that you just fulfilled a
Sunnah; you are now more beloved to Allah:
A strong believer is more beloved to Allah than a weak
believer, but both are good (Ibn Hibban 13/28)
But remember that every potential is capable of
both good and harm. Your success or destruction
in both life and hereafter depends on the choice
you make on how to dispose your potentials.
Allah has shared strengths and potentials such as
knowledge, wisdom, insights, eloquence and
bravery among His servants in due proportion,
each of them will be responsible to Allah on how
he utilized it, either for the betterment or
destruction of the society. Do not turn your plus
into minus with ignorance and arrogance. Take
lessons from history.
Abu Jahl (i.e. the father of ignorance) was known
as Abul Hikam (i.e. the father of wisdom) before
the advent of Islam. When the prophet took the
message of Islam to him, he used his wisdom in a
negative way; he rejected the message of truth and
launched an ideological and physical war against
Islam. He did not have a successful end.
Umar ibn Kattaab was a wrestler before the
advent of Islam. When the message of Islam
reached him, he humbled himself and accepted the
true message. He used his strength in a positive
way; he defended Islam with his bravery. He was
successful in both life and the hereafter

A message to the Muslims ladies
Please note that the narration in verse 25 can be
completed without the description of shyness.
Allah explicitly added the adjective to qualify the
well-mannered and home-trained girls in order to
pass a subtle message into your hearts, perhaps
you may take lesson. Indecent dressings and free
mixing with non-relative males are shameless
manners. Modesty is your civilization. Accept it.

THE RELIGION IS SINCERE ADVICE
Written by: Dawud Ayolo
BA, Islamic Studies, Al-Madeenah International University [Graduate]

All praise be to Allah, the Sustainer of the
universe. May the blessing of Allah be on our
noble prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah, his
household, his companions, and their followers
with goodness till the Day of Judgment.

"
" .
"
"
It was narrated that Tameem Ad-Dari said:
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'The Religion is
An-Naseehah (Sincere Advice)' They
10
said: 'To
whom, O Messenger of Allah?' he said: 'To Allah,
to His Book, to His Messenger, to the leaders of
the Muslims, and to their common folk."'
11

It was stated in Abu Dawood that this hadeeth is
one among the ahadeeth that Islamic
jurisprudence relied upon.
Naseehah is usually translated as Advice, but the
closest meaning of the term naseehah is Sincerity,
meaning that the entire religion is based upon
Sincerity.
Ibn Ulayyah explained the statement Abu-Bakr is
not above other companions for his prayer or
fasting, but because of something firmly standing
on his mind: love for Allah and giving Naseehah
to people.

10
The companions present with him
11
Sahih Muslim Book 39, Hadith 49

Ibn Mubarak was asked of the greatest deed; he
replied: Giving Naseehah for Allahs sake
The Meaning of the prophet statement The Deen
is Naseehah is that the main pillar of the religion
and its straightness lies in Naseehah (Sincere
Advice).
The prophet mentioned in this hadeeth five
categories that Naseehah should be given of:
Allah, His Book, His Messenger, Muslim Leaders
and the common people.
1. Naseehah to Allah: This has been interpreted
to mean all of the following:
- To have sound belief in Allah and disbelief
in anything opposing him.
- Describing Allah with the most complete
and Perfect Attributes,
- Freeing Allah from all deficiencies.
- It further implies being firm upon obeying
Allah and keeping away from disobeying
Him;
- Loving and hating because of Him;
- Recognizing His favours and being
thankful to Him on that.
- Devoting our sincerity to Him in all our
endeavors and making supplications to
Him with His Noble Names and
Attributes.
- It also means that we must know how to
implement the Shariah of Allah in our
lives.
- It also teaches us how to purify our
relationship with Allah and be as true to
this relationship as much as we can.

2. Naseehah to His Book: This include all the
following:
- Total belief that the Book (i.e. Quran) is
from Allah (wordings and meaning).
- The Book supersedes any other revealed
books.
- No one is capable of producing just a verse
like it.
- Recitation and glorification of the book as
it is supposed to be recited and glorified.
- Reading it with total concentration and
proper pronunciation.
- Defending the Quran from any false and
misleading translation of the innovators.
- Also, believe in all that it contained and
understanding its sciences and parables.
- Supplicating to Allah with it.
- Implementing its commandments and
staying away from its prohibitions.
- Explaining it to others by recitation,
interpretation and so on.

3. Naseehah to His Messenger: This means
- Believing in his messengership from
Allah,
- Believing in all that he brought,
- Helping his way (sunnah) both in his
lifetime and after his death,
- Having enmity towards the enemies of his
sunnah, and those who oppose or insult
any of his companions, households and
others.
- Boycotting those who attack his noble
personality
12
,
- Honouring him, reviving his sunnah,
responding to his Dawah,
- Spreading his sunnah and understanding
its meanings and sciences,
- Calling to his way, and being eager to
study his sunnah,
- Making salawat
13
when his name is
mentioned,

12
Example is when Muslims boycott Danish products after one
of their major newspaper depicted a blasphemous cartoon on
the prophet, and their leader refuse to apologize.
13
By saying: sallallahu alayhi wasallam
- Keeping away from speaking about his
sunnah without knowledge,
- Behaving with the characters in his
sunnah,
- showing love to his household and
companions and

4. Naseehah to Muslim Leaders: This involves
- Obeying them (on what Allah commands),
- Reminding them of the truth with gentle words
- Advising reminding them of what they have
neglected secretly.
- Not to rebel against them with the sword,
- To gather peoples heart upon obeying them
and fighting in Jihad along with them,
- Making dua for them that Allah guides them,
protects them and makes them able to carry
out their responsibilities.
- To inform them of the rights of the Muslims,
also is to know about them, interact with them,
and get involved in their efforts in a
constructive way and not to sit back and
criticize what they are doing without helping
them.

5. Naseehah to Common people: This implies
- Guiding them to what will benefit them in
this life and the hereafter.
- Helping them in times of need,
- protecting them from harm,
- ordering them with good and forbidding
them form evil
- showing mercy towards them.
- It also means honoring and respecting the
elders, and showing mercy to the young
ones.
- And supporting them with good and useful
advice.
- And to love for them exactly what we love
for ourselves of good, and to hate for them
what we hate for ourselves of bad.
- Also to protect their honour, wealth and
blood.
- It also involves encouraging them upon the
aforementioned forms of Naseehah.


ARTS OF THE CALL (1)
[A brief explanation to Dawah terms]
The Task of Establishing a Just Society,
Reforming Nations and Entrenching Lofty
Principles, requires at least, from the Community
that tries to achieve it, Great Internal Strength
characterized by:
- Strong will and determination that never
waver against any obstacles.
- Firm loyalty that never deplete nor permits
deception.
- Selflessness that is not overcome by false
hopes and miserliness, as well as
- Adequate knowledge of the principles,
conviction in them and proper appreciation
of their values, which are capable of
safeguarding anyone that has them from
mistakes, deviation, compromise or
deception from an external source.
Imam Hassan Al-Banna
Outline
Preamble
Background to modern dawah
The Task
Establishing a Just society

Preamble
Dawah literarily means calling (to something); a
supporting term will determine what is being
called to. However, the term has been technically
used in Islam to mean calling to Allah (i.e. Calling
the people to accept and live according to the
message of Allah; Islam).

Dawah is an obligatory responsibility of the
messengers of Allah, then the scholars, then their
students; the Muslims masses will support them.
The scholars inherit the prophets, the prophets neither leave
dinar(gold) nor dirham(silver), but they left knowledge,
whoever holds on to it has held on to abundant fortune
14

While the messenger must fulfill the obligation to
the last letter of the message (i.e. he must deliver
the entire message
15
); the scholars are responsible
only to present and explain the message to their
population within the best of their abilities.
O Messenger (Muhammad)! proclaim (the Message) which
has been sent down to you from your Lord. and if you do
not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allh will
protect you from mankind. Verily, Allh guides not the
people who disbelieve.
16

Background to the modern Dawah
Dawah did not become a task for Muslim
organizations until the fall of the caliphate. The
enemies of Islam realized Dawah as the continuity
of Islam and the caliphate as its major sponsor;
they launched series of carefully planned attacks
on the caliphate to weaken
17
it. The caliphate had
sustained the consequence internally until the
World War when the enemies from east and west
came together and forced the caliphate into

14
Sunan Ibn Majah vol. 1 page 81 Arabic ref.
15
This was because the messengers were supported with
direct revelations, miracles and guaranteed protection.
16
Surat-ul-Maidah 67
17
It is not possible to destroy the caliphate from outside
without an existing internal instabilities and hypocrites.
stagnation and decline; In 1924, a hypocrite with a
Western orientation, Mustapha Kamal, rose to
power in the capital, Turkey, and bid farewell to
the Ottoman Empire, bringing an end the twelve
centuries global Islamic rule.
The enemies quickly took the role of global
leadership, declared themselves as the new world
superpowers and started the spread of their
civilizations. Their civilization of oppression and
open immoralities did not gain acceptance by the
Muslims scholars and youths; they concluded on
effecting a change.
The Muslims were unable to restore the lost glory
but they were successful to regroup themselves
and work towards the restoration. The Muslims
differ among themselves on the strategy of
restoration. While some groups took the path of
armed resistance to knock down the enemies with
force, others considered a peaceful and gradual
approach. This peaceful and gradual approach
seems to be more correct and in conformity with
our history for two reasons:
- Education is the best tool for change: The
enemies were successful to destroy the
caliphate because the Muslims had lost
their Islamic civilizations and had
inadvertently accepted the enemies
civilizations. Thus, there is a need to first
revive the Islamic moral culture among the
Muslims through knowledge.
- Sustainable change is not sudden: The
foundation and establishment of Islam was
done gradually with education and public
engagement. The masses who will enjoy
the change must understand the reasons for
the change.

The Task
I hope that the above explanation is enough for
you to understand the task ahead. There is a need
to change the current situation of the Muslim
Ummah through education in order to have the
caliphate restored.
Any Islamic organization or institution in the
world that understands the task ahead should
launch a massive campaign for Islamic education
in order to revive the Islamic knowledge, and
present themselves as practical examples for
proper implementation.
The Islamic civilization is contained in the
Quran, the Sunnah, the Fiqh, the Seerah and the
Arabic language. This can be done through public
speeches and in writings. One group or
organization may not be capable of executing all;
they should fulfill their part according to the best
of their abilities and leave the rest for others until
their capacities have improved.
It is not foremost priority to seek unification of the
groups and organizations instead of renewal of
orientations and presenting a good work plan.
Yes, there is more strength in unity but unity does
not necessarily mean merger; the plurality of
organizations should not be a cause for worry
when each demonstrates focus and deliver their
responsibilities in the correct approach. We may
only be concerned when they are causing
unnecessary distractions to others, that which will
require a proper intervention
Some other groups may accept the devils
deception to campaign against the existence of
organizations altogether, this is a clear
demonstration of ignorance and loss of focus.

Establishing a just society
Education will help to give the proper orientation
to Muslims and facilitate the restoration of justice
in the society. A just society is where the people
live in peace both inward and outward, a society
governed with knowledge and wisdom under the
authority of competent and exemplary leadership.

Continuation in next edition, Insha Allah

THE FUNCTIONS OF A MOSQUE
Written by: Abdul Kabir Shotonwa
BA, Islamic Studies, Islamic Online University [Student]
Bismillahi Ar-Rahmani Ar-Raheem
Indeed, all forms of adorations and gratitude are
due to Allah the Lord of the universe and the
Creator of everything which exist within it. The
fashioner of mankind and the director of their
affairs. May His blessings and mercies be upon
the noblest of mankind, Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) his household, companions and those who
follow his path until the Day of Reckoning.
It is of great importance in our time to look deep
into the forgotten role of the masjid. The
masjid translated to English as mosque comes
from the Arabic verb sajada which means to
prostrate. The word masjid is therefore referred
to as place of prostration. The word masjid can
also refer to the parts of body used in prostrating
as it is found in Tafseer Ibn Katheer. Allah said -
the translation of which is:
and the Mosques (Masaajid) are for Allh (Alone), so
invoke not anyone along with Allh.
18

In the above verse, Allah clearly declared that all
mosques are for Him and no act of worship is
allowed in them except that which is directed to
Him. It worth knowing that the first house (of
worship) ever erected on earth for humanity is
Bayt-ul-Haraam in Mecca. Allah said:
Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind
was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a
guidance for the worlds.
19

18
Surat-ul-Jinn 18
19
Suratu Al-Imraan 96

The role of a mosque in the society is unlimited.
The mosque when well utilized will coordinate
and organize the society within which it is present.
In order to get the importance of the mosque we
must look at its structure and roles among the first
generation of Muslims.
During the stay of the holy prophet in Mecca, they
were denied the opportunity of setting up a
standard mosque where worship and issues
concerning the society can be treated. They
performed their acts of worship secretly rather
than openly. At first the house of Arqam bn
Arqam was taken as a place of gathering where
knowledge and issues about Islam were being
taught to the believers. But after the holy prophet
departed to Medina, the first thing that was
established was the Majid Nabawi. This was
because he knew the importance of the mosque.
He knew the role which the majid will play in
establishing an Islamic state and in reforming the
society. He therefore established the mosque, and
through the mosque required knowledge of Islam
was disseminated to the masses.
Some of the functions of the mosque during the
era of the prophet are listed and discussed below:
1. I nstitution of learning: Since Islam attached
reward to seeking knowledge, the mosque
therefore was used as a place of learning. The
understanding of Quran and hadiths were
being taught within the mosque. Abu Hurayra,
Abdullah Ibn Umar, Ibn Abbas, Ali
(radiyallahu anhum), etc learnt the hadiths and
Quran in the mosque. Even the Al-Azhar
University known today as the world first
institution of higher learning started as a
mosque.
2. Place of worship: Since the mosque was
named after prostration, this implies that act of
worship should be carried out in it. The
mosque was used as a place of worship where
all acts of worships are done, rather than a
place of business transactions which we use it
for today.
3. A place where moral conduct is taught: since
Islam teaches the best of character, the
mosque was taken as the place where these
characters were being taught to the people.
The mosque did not only breed people who
were religiously perfect but also those with
good character. Allah said:
Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and
giving (help) to kith and kin, and He forbids all
shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He
admonishes you, that ye may receive admonition.
20

All these good characters were taught within
the mosque.
4. Place where laws, rules and regulation
pertaining to religion and society are being
decided: The mosque was also taken as a
place where social and religious rulings are
being decided. Since the rules of Allah are the
best, the house of Allah was chosen for it
decision. The companions of the prophet and
even the disbelievers always approach the
holy prophet to seek the ruling of different
matters from him.
5. Places of resolution: The mosque was used as
the place where social and religious issues
were being resolved. There are many
occasions where disputes were presented to
the prophet and which he resolved them in the
mosque.
6. Establishment of I slamic brotherhood: Since
the mosque leaves no room for inequalities, it
serves as the best place where people of
different status can be brought together to act
as brothers and sisters. The mosque helps in

20
Surat-ul-Nahl 90
building the union which Allah emphasizes in
His Book, Allah said:
The believers are but a single Brotherhood: so
make peace and reconciliation between your two
(contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may
receive mercy.
21

7. A place to teach the right faith: The mosque
is a place for teaching the correct creed of
Islam and its explanations. Since faith remains
the most important pillar of Islam, the holy
prophet used the mosque as a place where
people with correct faith were being raised.
Steadfastness, trust in Allah and other
important elements of faith were taught within
the mosque.
It is therefore disheartening that the mosque
today has lost most of its roles due to the fact
that the Muslim community is not using the
mosque as it supposed to be used. Today, the
mosques are usually empty during times of
solats. Innovative acts are being practiced in
the mosque rather that those in line with the
Sunnah. The mosque today is no more raising
people with right creed, but instead people
with distorted creeds. The mosque today is not
used to give Dawah to the Muslim Ummah but
instead it is being used as places for business
transactions. The mosque no longer produces
people with good moral conduct but people
with immoral conducts. The brotherhood the
mosque was known to create among Muslim
Ummah doesnt really exist anymore. Dispute
resolutions, social contract and religious
matters are no longer discussed in the mosque.
These without doubt lead to the increase in
immoralities and indecency so rampant in our
societies today. So my dear brothers and
sisters, we need to understand the role of the
mosque, then try use the mosque justifiably so
that the mosque can really produce and perfect
the reason why Allah had established it.
I pray we the Muslim Ummah wake up to the
realization of the importance of the Masjid and
make proper use of it.

21
Surat-ul-Hujuraat 10

PORTRAITS FROM THE LIFE OF
HASAN AL-BASRI
Written by: Yusuf Uthman
BA, Islamic Studies, Al-Madeenah Intl University, Malaysia [Graduate]

In the Name of Allah The Beneficent The Merciful
Introduction
Imam Hasan was one of the most renowned
tabièen (the generation after the death of the
Prophet) and prominent figure of his time. He was
a jurist and a scholar. He was a pious and devout
person. He was famous for his eloquence,
inspiring speeches, wisdom, asceticism, and deep
knowledge. He is the revered tabièe and the
scholar of the people of Basrah, Abu Saèed Al-
Hasan Ibn Abi Al-Hasan Ibn Yasaar Al-Basri .
Birth and early years
Al-Hasan Al-Basri was born in Al-Madeenah
in 21 A.H. (642 C.E.) during the caliphate of the
leader of the Believers, Ùmar Ibn Al-Khattaab.
Both his parents were slaves. His father became a
prisoner of war when the Muslims conquered
Misaan, an area between Basrah and Waasit
in Iraq. His father embraced Islam and lived in Al-
Madeenah where he married a bondwoman called
Khayyirah who was the maid-slave of Umm
Salamah the wife of the Prophet and Mother of the
Believers. Umm Salamah freed Khayyirah after
she gave birth to her son Al-Hasan.
Al-Hasan spent his early years with his family in
Waadi Al-Qura near Al-Madeenah. Before he was
fourteen years old, he memorized the Glorious
Quran. He also learnt reading, writing, and some

mathematics. He heard many sayings of the
Companions of the Prophet and he used to listen
to the leader of the Believers, Uthmaan Ibn
Affaan whenever he delivered the Friday sermon.
Al-Hasan was fourteen years old at that time.
Moving to Basrah and seeking knowledge

When he was fifteen years old, Al-Hasan moved
to Basrah Iraq in 36 A.H. (656 C.E.) He began
learning Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadeeth,
and the Arabic language in the hands of a large
number of the companions of the Prophet who
were living in Basrah at the time. His tutor for the
recitation of the Glorious Quran was Hattaan Ibn
Àbdullaah Ar-Riqashi while his tutor for the
methodology of delivering sermons, religious
speeches, and recounting religious tales, was Ibn
Surayyi` At-Tameemi, the poet.
Delivering sermons and recounting religious tales
appealed to Al-Hasan and he took a place in the
mosque of Al-Basrah to teach people. Many story
tellers back then tended to exaggerate. They were
all banned from telling religious tales in the
mosque of Al-Basrah except for Al-Hasan who
adopted a different methodology. He used to talk
about the life after death, reminding people of
death, drawing their attention to the religious and
moral defects they may have, and how they could
overcome them according to what he had learnt
from the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the
Prophet, and the revered companions.
His classes
Al-Hasan Al-Basri had a large class in the mosque
of Al-Basrah in which he taught people the
Prophetic Hadeeth, jurisprudence, the Glorious
Quran, the Arabic language, and rhetoric. He also
conducted a special class in his house to teach
people about asceticism and deliver touching
speeches.
Al-Hasan was one of the most knowledgeable
people on jurisprudence and the lawful and
unlawful acts. He loved the religion of Allah and
was a pious man who used to refrain from
committing any illegal act. He adhered to the
straight path in all his affairs. He shouldered the
responsibility of guiding and advising people to
save his society from the deviations and
aberrations that were beginning to prevail. Al-
Hasan Al-Basri adopted the doctrine of the
companions. He was their student and he had the
pleasure of accompanying them. He was
influenced by their methodology and he steered
their course.
The judge of Al-Basrah
Al-Hasan Al-Basri used to frequently advise the
rulers and governors and he never feared anybody
except Allah. He was especially well-known in
the last years of the reign of the Umayyad caliph,
Muàawyah Ibn Abi Sufyaan. Al-Hasan lived
in Iraq when Al-Hajjaaj Ibn Yoosuf Ath-Thaqafi
was the ruler and Al-Hasan used to severely
criticize Al-Hajjaaj's harsh policies.
Al-Hasan Al-Basri was a close friend of the
Rightly-Guided Umayyad Caliph, Ùmar Ibn
Àbdul-Àzeez who loved him very much and
used to consult him in some affairs related to
administering the Muslim State. Al-Hasan became
the judge of Al-Basrah in 102 A.H. (720 C.E) and
performed this role on a voluntary basis.

Some of Al-Hassans sayings
Al-Hasan Al-Basri was a wise, eloquent man
whose words were just like pearls. For example,
he said: "Son of Adam, you are no more than a
few days. Whenever a day passes, a part of you
has gone."
He also said: "Son of Adam, never please anybody
if this entails the Wrath of Allah. Never obey
anybody if this entails disobedience to Allah.
Never thank anybody for something which Allah
granted you. Never blame anybody for something
which Allah did not grant you. Allah created
people and they steer the course pre-determined
for them. Whoever thinks that extra care and
interest will increase his provisions, let him try
such extra care and interest in increasing his life
span, changing his color, or increasing the size of
his limbs and build!"
He also said: "Whoever gives money for
undeserved high esteem, Allah will humiliate
him."
His death
Al-Hasan Al-Basri died on the first of Rajab,
which was a Thursday night, 110 A.H. (728 C.E.)
His funeral was attended by a large number of
people. Before his death, he stated that the
following should be written down in his will:
This is what Al-Hasan Ibn Abi Al-Hasan believes:
He testifies that none is worthy of being
worshiped but Allah and that Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah. Whoever sincerely believes
in this upon his death will enter Paradise."


RIGHTEOUSNESS IS MY IDENTITY
Written by: Muhammad Issa
BSc, Genealogy, Ahmadu Bello University [Graduate]


All praise be to Allah, May His peace and
blessings be on Prophet Muhammad.

Islam is the only perfect way of life and
righteousness is important to attain an Islamic
lifestyle. Islam enjoins the maintenance of a
refined standard of moral behavior and character.
It can solve all human problems. Righteousness
(i.e. Islamic way of life) is the only hope for
overcoming the present and future challenges that
we face in life. Righteousness guides a servant to
forbid what is evil and to encourage what is good.
The most valued among virtues of righteousness
include: truthfulness, justice, sincere Iman,
helping the poor and needy, respect for parents;
scholars, elders and even young ones, love for
Allahs sake and kindness to children. Allah
forbids vices such as, backbiting, slandering,
enmity, miserliness, graft, drug addiction,
corruption, interest (ribah), use of offensive
language, suspicion, arrogance (a quality of
shaytan) and all forms of evil deeds etc.

Allah said in the Quran:
O mankind! we created you from a single (pair) of a male
and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye
may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other).
Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he
who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full
knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
22

22
Surat-ul-Hujuraat, 49:13

HOW CAN WE ATTAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS
We can attain righteousness through the following
means:
1. Purifying our heart.
2. Improving on our Iman.
3. Being conscious of Allah.
4. Remembrance of death always.
5. Struggle against the desire of the soul.
6. Keeping company of good friends.
7. Responsible parenthood.
8. Modest dressing.
9. Exemplifying the sunnah of prophet.

Insha Allah, emphasis will be on point number 6
and 7 as I deemed the rest of the points to be self-
explanatory.

FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS YOU
ASSOCIATE WITH
The kind of friends or company we keep
determines who we are, therefore, choosing the
right friends and keeping good companions is very
essential to improve and preserve our
righteousness and to maintain our identity as
Muslims. Most families strive hard to maintain
their Islamic identities within their homes and
family, but overlook who our youths associate
with in school, when outside the house or even on
social media, which goes a long way to determine
our success in this life and hereafter. We must
always abide by the wisdom of the Sharia in all
aspects of our life to protect us from deviating
from the right path.
Narrated by Abu Musa that the prophet (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) said: The example of a good companion in
comparison to a bad one is like that of a musk seller and the
blacksmiths bellows (furnace) from the first you would
either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows
would either burn your body or clothes, or you get a bad
smell thereof
23

Allah said in the Quran:
O ye who believe! fear Allah and be with those who are
truthful (in words and deeds).
24

Therefore, Islam recognizes that friends have
strong influence on Iman, righteousness and
uprightness of a Muslim, which in a long time can
affect our relationship with Allah (subhanahu
watahalah), hence, choosing righteous and rightly
guided friends who always advices and reminds
one of Allah and death is taken seriously in Islam.
The love between two Muslims is such that they
will confide in each other; strengthen each others
commitment to the deen of Allah.

PARENTS MUST FULFIL THEIR AMANAH
Parents and guardians are the custodian of their
children and wards as they are a trust which is a
responsibility on them before Allah. For parents to
succeed in the responsibility of bringing up their
children, it is compulsory on them to monitor who
their kids and wards associate with, who their
friends are, what they do at school or public
places, their devotion to the deen and modest
living. Parents must also learn to be good role
models to their children also.

Abu Huraira (radiyallahu anhu) narrated that Allahs
messenger said No child is born except on Al-fitrah (i.e.
Islam) and then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or
magian, as an animal produces perfect young animal: do
you see any part of its body amputated? Then he recited:
So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth.
[Adhere to] the fitrah of God upon which He has created all
people(Q30:30).
25

23
Sahih Bukhari, Book 34, Hadith 54
24
Surat-ul-Tawbah, 9:119
25
Sahih Bukhari Book 65, Hadith 4822
Parents should also instill the fear of Allah and
His love in their children, teaching them to know
what is halal and what is haram and how vital
these two determine their connectivity with Allah.
Teach them how to love and dislike only for the
sake of Allah.

The prophet said: whoever would like to taste the
sweetness of Iman (faith) then let him love a
person only for Allahs sake (reported by Imam
Ahmad)

Parents are shouldered with the responsibility of
upbringing the servants of Allah under their care
with piety, uprightness, good behavior, sound
knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah, devoutness
to worship, fear and love of Allah, sympathy and
courage to support the cause of Islam. Family is
very essential to the growth and success of Islam.

O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a
Fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are
(appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not
(from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but
do (precisely) what they are commanded.
26

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, without
righteousness you have no true Islamic identity.
Because if we must be like the earlier Muslims,
those who lived a life of halal and worshipped
Allah day and night fulfilling the righteousness we
are trying to attain, then we must be willing to
sacrifice as they did also.

May Allah guide us to the straight path of
righteousness and we pray He make us and our
wives, children, parents, siblings united and
steadfast on Al-fitra till our last day and grant us
Aljanatul firdaus. Amin.

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa
barakaatuhu.

26
Surat-ul-Tahrim, 66:6

COPING WITH DIVERGENT
SCHOLARLY OPINIONS
Written by: Ibrahim Ahmad
BA, Shariah, Azhar University - Cairo [Student]
Alhamdulillah, the God of all creatures, may His
perfect peace and blessings be upon the prophet
Muhammad.
UNDERSTANDING THE REASONS FOR
DIFFERENECES AS A MEANS TO COPING
WITH IT
Allah had created the world in such a way that we
would always see more of the wisdom as time
goes on, He created us all man in flesh of different
colours, same tongue of different languages, we
even differ in culture, which is the characteristics
of a group of people and so many other things,
yet, we are still all human. We have considered
our diversity in nature and characteristics as a
blessing and recipes for the development of our
civilizations. You will agree with me if I say even
people of the same culture in fact husband and
wife do have misunderstanding among
themselves. In a nut shell, to differ amongst
ourselves is the nature of this world.
The universality and comprehensiveness of Islam
compelled the need for flexibility and diversity in
its Jurisprudence
27
in order to survive the test of
time and types. These differences could be traced
back to the ages of the sahaba even while the
teacher of teachers (i.e. Prophet Muhammad) was

27
While differences in Fiqh (Jurisprudence) may be necessary
or required, the case is opposite in matters of Aqeedah (Creed
or belief system). The Creed has been fixed with precise
interpretation. Any attempt to misinterpret any of it will be
innovation and misguidance that lead to destruction.

among them, so also is the time of the Aimatul
Madhaahib
28
. May Allah be pleased with them.
THE ROLE OF THE MADHAB
DIFFERENCES IN SOLVING REALISTIC
PROBLEMS
The difference of opinion amongst the great
scholars may be such an ease upon this Ummah as
the scholars live in different lands with unique
characteristics and cultural background. The
dilemma faced by scholars when the reality of
local culture came face to face with the ideality of
the religion has being conveniently resolved due
to the flexibility of the Jurisprudence which have
allowed the scholars to successfully apply the
religion wherever they were.
This divergence of opinion in Jurisprudence was
important in applying the religion and explaining
its compatibility with human nature, also, it serves
as a catalyst for the explosion of Islamic
civilizations, the world over.
However, at some time in the later part our
history, this blessing temporarily turned into a
curse; madhab rivalry brought the Muslims into
disorganization and disunity; this did not take too
long before the madhaaib regained its purpose.

28
Aimatul Madhaahib: The founders of the various schools
of Islamic Jurisprudence.
COPING WITH THE DIFFERENCES
1. Sincerity to Allah: Some Muslims and
mostly among the students of knowledge
purposely engage themselves in
unnecessary debate on issues of contention
beyond what is required to understand
practical matters. This is an abuse of
knowledge and a deception from shaytan
to divert attention away from what is
important and to sow discord that may lead
to disunity.
2. Avoid excessive emotions: When our
emotions become stronger than our
knowledge and capabilities it is certain
that we will do more harm than good.
Perhaps inadequate knowledge in the
hands of over emotional students is worse
than ignorance. Students of knowledge
should be calm and gentle in their
approach to guide the people. We are
required to respond to ignorance and not
react to it. The goal of Dawah is best
achieved when done through love and
mutual understanding. When the people
live with a lesser opinion of the scholars,
we should try to explain the better
alternative as more correct with love and
patience until they understand the reason
why they should change.

3. Avoid bad suspicion: We are required to
think good about another Muslim by
default. Our scholars are not flawless but
they deserve the right to be respected with
their opinions which they derived through
hard gained knowledge and painstaking
efforts. While some Muslims may cover
their insincerity and laxity by shopping
around the madhabs for convenience
29
,
many others are sincerely genuine in their
adherence to a scholarly opinion.
Moreover, the correctness of a madhab
does not necessarily depend on its
strictness.
4. Develop the culture of acceptability: The
diversity in the views and choice of human
is a fact that cannot be avoided. You are
not capable of changing that fact through
your own will or knowledge. Disbelief is
the highest level of arrogance and
innovation. If the All-Capable Creator (i.e.
Allah) allowed the kuffar to live their
choice of disbelief until death, why will
you not accept the difference of another
Muslim. After all, you are never capable of
changing the nature of man, choice is an
inseparable part of human nature.

29
The reason for the madhabs is for suitability rather than
convenience.

HARD KNOCKS ON POVERTY

Outline
Preamble
Dont fear the devils threat.
Increase your sustenance with repentance
and seeking forgiveness from sins.
Avoid extravagant spending.
Dont give your wealth to the foolish.
Enrich yourself with contentment.
Make the hereafter your highest goal
Making lots of Dua.

Preamble
Poverty is defined as a state of being poor. Having
little or no sustainance.
Perhaps, a Muslim may consider some of his wise
economic investments as the ultimate passage way
out of poverty, but reality in the light of Islam is
that actual economic freedom and abundant
sustenance lies in the heart. Faith brings
contentment, contentment brings inner peace,
inner peace brings happiness, hapiness is the end
goal of riches. Many succesful world class
businessmen who have conqured poverty with
abundant wealth still show symptoms of
unhappiness due to lack of contentment and inner
peace.
This article is not seeking to advise you away
from implementing your economic plans.
Implementing your economic plans is an
obligatory precondition to possession of wealth
and riches. Yet, the divine recommendations must
be first on your economic recipes, in order to
attain viable and sustainable wealth and making
your success real and easy.

1. Fear not the devils threat
_.L,:l `.-, 1l ``.!, ,!:`>l!,
< .-, :-. .. . < _. ',l.
Shaytn (Satan) threatens you with poverty and
orders you to commit evil deeds, whereas Allh
promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty,
and Allh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs,
All-Knower.
30

Riches does not have a defined minimum
or maximum. The devil will whisper into
your mind to prevent you from generous
spending, and threaten that your
sustenance will become insufficent with
generous spending. Miserliness is
condemned by Allah and disliked by man.
Generousity is part of human nature, it is a
recipe for inner peace. Do not destroy your
internal freedom with miserliness.

2. Increase your sustenance with
repentance and seeking forgiveness
from sins
The following verses was reveleved about
the people of prophet Nuh. Nuh advised
his people to repent and seek the
forgiveness of their Lord as conditions to
access the bounties of Allah.
Sins prevent the sustenace of Allah from
reaching the sinners. Avoid sins and seek
forgiveness often to open the door to
Allahs bounties.

30
Surat-ul-Baqarah 268
l1 `-.`. >`, ..| _l !s _.`,
,!..l >,l. .. :..`, _.!, _,.,
_-> >l ..> _-> >l .. _
10. "I said (to them): 'Ask Forgiveness from your Lord;
Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving;
11. 'He will send rain to you in abundance;
12. 'And give you increase in wealth and children, and
bestow on you Gardens and bestow on you rivers.' "
31

The abundance of wealth in rain become evident
when the crops grow out. Children are indeed the
coolness of the couples eye.

3. Avoid extravagant spendings.

,, : _1l .1> _,>`..l _ _,,.l .,.
,.,. __ | _.,.l .l >| _,L.,:l l
_.L,:l .,l __
26. and render to the kindred their due rights, As (also) to
those in need, and to the wayfarer: but squander not (your
wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.
27. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the evil ones; and the
evil one is to his Lord (himself) ungrateful.
32

: {
.
Ibn 'Abbas said that "the spendthrifts" were those who
wasted money incorrectly.
33

4. Dont give your wealth to the foolish.

.. ,!.l `>l. _.l _-> < >l !..,
>` !, >. l > !'-. _
And give not unto the foolish your property which
Allh has made a means of support for You , but
feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them
words of kindness and justice.
34

31
Surat-ul-Nuh 10-12
32
Surat-ul-Israa 26-27
33
Al-Adab Al-Mufrad Book 25, Hadith 4
34
Surat-ul-Nisaa 5
5. Enrich yourself with contentment.

"
"
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah
() said: Richness is not in abundance of worldly
wealth, rather richness is contentment with oneself.
35

6. Make the hereafter your highest goal
"
" .
The Messenger of Allah () said: Whoever is focused
only on this world, Allah will confound his affairs and make
him fear poverty constantly, and he will not get anything of
this world except that which has been decreed for him.
Whoever is focused on the Hereafter, Allah will settle his
affairs for him and make him feel content with his loss, and
his provision and worldly gains will undoubtedly come to
him.
36

7. Making lots of Dua

- -
: {
-
-

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah
() used to say, O Allah! Set right for me my religion,
which safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me the
affairs of the world wherein is my living. Decree the
Hereafter to be good for me. And make this life, for me, (a
source) of abundance for every good and make my death (a
source) of comfort to me and protection against every
evil.
37

35
Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 37, Hadith 4137
36
Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 37, Hadith 4105
37
Bulugh Muraam Book 16, Hadith 1607

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN
MODERN TECHNOLOGIES
Written by: Abdul Azeez Banjoko
BSc, Science and Technology Education, University of Lagos [Graduate]

Salaam Alaykum Warahmotullahi Wabarakatuhu
There are many career options in the technology
industry, especially as the digital world continues
to develop and improve in all major industries.
Careers focus on the physical life, earth applied,
and engineering sciences. Some of the fields that
support IT professionals include: Medicine,
Computers and Information Technology, Finance
and Banking, Educational Services, Military
Defense, Textiles, Food Services, Government
Engineering, Telecommunications,
Manufacturing, e.t.c
Depending on your area of interest, you can focus
your studies on the necessary courses to prepare
you for a specific career. You might be surprised
to discover how many fields need qualified IT
professionals to fill a number of positions! If
youre still unsure, do as much research as
possible before enrolling in a program. There are
so many online job platforms to offer a wealth of
information about various careers in the
Technology industry.
HOW TO START A CAREER IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Many people love the people in IT (Information
Technology). This is a good field but it does not
mean that you work with computers only. Helping
others use their computers is often a big part of
the job. The opportunities in IT are broad: ATM

Technicians, PC Techies, Network
Administrators, Webmasters, Blogger, Social
Media Expert and many more are all potential
jobs in the IT field.

STEPS
Discover if you are already skilled in IT:-
If you have a PC and use it for more than
just typing and basic office work, doing
homework, playing games and casually
browsing the web, then you have the right
stuff for the job.
Make a list of what types of IT work you
might be interested in:- For example, if
you love computer games, you can list
"game testing," or "writing game
software." If you enjoy designing, "graphic
design" or "software design" should go on
your list. If you are interested in how the
internet works and how computer connect
to each other, "network administration or
network design" will work for you.
Choose something that will make you
happy:- If you really enjoy it as a pastime,
you will progress in the skill much faster.
Get to know the right people:- Many IT
gurus love to assist people. Look into a
formal or even casual apprenticeship.
Make a geek your new best friend, as the
popular saying Your Network Is Your
Networth.
Search for educational opportunities in
your area or online, and determine what
the entry requirements are for each field of
study. Make comparisons.
Supplement self-taught skills with a few
classes or an associate degree, and move
right into the job market. The more
education you get in the field, the better
your income will probably be in the long
run, but there are entry level jobs even for
people with little education.
Look into professional certifications:-
Even without a college degree, an MCSE
or A+ certification can gain you significant
credibility.
Seek internships at reputable companies:-
An internship at a reputable IT firm will
open a lot of doors for you later when you
are ready to enter the labour market.
Spend time making research on the
internet, there are lot of materials that
would help you horn your skills (e.g.
Youtube, Google, e.t.c). I learnt so many
things I know in the IT industry on my
own, so why cant you?

SOME CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Computer Engineer
Cyber Threat Analyst
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Systems Engineer
Web Designer
Blogger
Computer Programmer
Network Engineer
Computer Administrator

CAT-FISHING MONEY MADE EASY
- A PRACTICAL GUIDE"
Written by: Ali Akintola
BSc, Computing and its Practice, Open University, UK [Graduate]

All praises and adorations are due to Allah, the
uncreated Creator, who has made trade a means
of livelihood and sustenance for mankind.
Verily, there are two important aspects of
aquaculture that should make a Muslim happy:
Water game (fish) being permissible food and a
scale based transaction. This is explained in two
verses as follows: Lawful to you is water game
and its food as provision for you and the
travelers
38
and Fill the measure when ye
measure, and weigh with a right balance; that is
fair, and better in the end.
39

Aquaculture can be referred to as breeding of
fishes in a domesticated manner. It is also referred
to as fish farming. Typical species that are found
in aquacultural systems include oysters, salmon,
trout, hard and soft-shell clams and other shellfish.
Presently, fish farming is a highly regarded
industry in Nigeria, with prawn, catfish and tilapia
being some of the more popular fish. Catching
fish from the wild may not yield enough products
to meet consumers demand and simultaneously
keep the natural ecosystem in balance.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations estimates that by 2030, about 40
million tons of seafood will be necessary to keep
up with demand.

38
Surat-ul-Maidah 96
39
Surat-ul-Israi 35

The ocean's ability to produce enough fish has
diminished over the years, leaving aquaculture as
the only method to keep up with this increasing
demand. Many farm-raised fish are more
nutritious than their wild brethren. On farms, fish
are often fed a variety of protein- and nutrient-rich
foods and pellets that make them far healthier than
wild fish, which may have been exposed to
dangerous chemicals or pesticides. Despite giant
strides by catfish farmers in Nigeria to meet the
demand for the consumption of catfish, only about
50% of the market has been satisfied giving room
for more investment in catfish farm-production.
In the course of this article, I will be making use
of my farm, which is a modern wooden pond
construction. The secret of success to stop wishing
and start doing a comprehensive summary of the
requirement to start up a small scale catfish farm
would be discussed. It has been grouped into pre-
production, production and post-production
stages.
PRE-PRODUCTION STAGE
This is the initialization stage of the farm,
requirement to be considered are:
Feasibility Study: A proper viability study of the
project should be carried out showing suitability
of the project for the targeted location.
Capital: A strong capital base for the project
should be sought, while capital estimate can only
be known by having a sound feasibility report. It
is essential to cut your cloth according to your
size. This is to avoid been bankrupt during the
production level.
Land: It can be acquired, rented or leased, a
plot or 1 plot is enough to accommodate six large
ponds depending on the size of pond.
Pond: Various types of ponds are employed
ranging from earthen, plastic tank, concrete to
wooden pond. Presently I am using a constructed
and sophisticated modern wooden pond
considering space, mobility and durability.
Water source: No water no Fish. Some catfish
farmers have been chased out of business because
of the nature of water. Some water cannot
accommodate catfish based on their alkalinity or
acidity level and results in killing the fishes. The
pH value of 6.5 - 7.5 is recommended for good
production in earthen pond, water is dammed to a
desired level considering other forms of pond
used, water is pumped using MUD PUMP OR
ELECTRIC PUMP from borehole or well.
PRODUCTION STAGE
In the production stage, great technical expertise
is required; it involves some in-depth skill and
knowledge to avoid causality and failure. The
following should be scrutinized properly:
Stock: Stages of fish that can be stocked includes
fingerlings, juvenile, jumbo and table size (for
broodstock), juvenile should be employed for a
starter to create avenue for easy management and
tension reduction. Get your stock (fish) from a
reputable and trustworthy hatchery. Look before
you leap. Clariesgariepenus is most economical.
Feeding: This accounts for 70% of variable cost
of production. Ensure you have sourced for 90%
of your feeding cost before embarking on the
production stage.
Research has shown for a fish to give maximum
output, 250 - 300 should be spent per fish for a
4 - 6 months production cycle. Feed your fish to
satisfaction and avoid rationing of feed. Basically
two forms of feed exist that is the floating (usually
imported) and non-floating feed (locally made).
Use of locally made feed help to reduce cost and
give liberty on desired feed formulation.
Water: This involves water pumping and draining.
Users of earthen pond do not change water
periodically due to the natural flow of water.
Users of other forms of ponds have to change
water intermittently and persistently. OTHER
DAY METHOD (a day between each draining)
can be used depending on size of pond, stage of
fish and feed been used. Clean and oxygen rich
water encourages good feeding and growth.
Medication: sometimes, fishes fall sick due to
some infection. It is advisable to get some anti-
biotic like livstovite, vitamin C and tetracycline at
hand for immediate use if it is noticed that the fish
are not feeding well or they are hanging but care
should be exercised when medicating the fishes to
avoid further mortality.
Sorting: This is the grading of fish based on size
or weight into separate ponds. This should be
done intermittently and should not be done when
the sun is out.
POST-PRODUCTION
The post-production level involves marketing,
harvesting and budgeting evaluation.
Marketing: The various buyers of catfish include
market women, hotels and stock fish producers.
Adequate marketing strategy should be employed
in other not to run into crisis of not getting buyers.
Harvesting/Sales: It is the sales of grow-out fishes
(table size) after a production period of 4 - 6
months. Materials involved include SCALE AND
HARVESTING NET. At least 70 % of your stock
should be weighing 1kg at end of production cycle
of 6 months.
Budgeting evaluation: This is the comparison of
the estimate to the actual expenses and income in
the feasibility study. It is done to verify the
profitability of the business and as well make new
decisions. A rough income statement is analyzed
below using 1000 catfish production scale.

PROJECTED INCOME STATEMENT FOR XYZ FARM
PARTICULARS
INCOME
SALES OF FISH using grow out @ N500/Kg 450,000
OPERATING EXPENSES
Stock (juvenile) @ 25 Naira/fish (1000) 25,000
Feeding (5 - 6 months) @ 250/fish 250,000
Rent 12,000
Petrol and miscellaneous 7,000
Depreciation of Fixed assets 21,000 ( 315,000)
NET PROFIT 135,000
Note:
(a) Mortality rate: is targeted at 10 % to cater for highest possible outcome of mortality giving output of
900 for sales
(b) Depreciation: This is catering for the useful life of the fixed assets. This is achieved using the
straight line method putting estimated useful live at five years. This is the particulars of fixed assets
Fixed Assets :
POND 1 Construction Of 6246 feet 75,000
MUD PUMP 30,000
Total 105,000

So far, I believe much has been said. It is pertinent
to take note of the following in order not to be
among those that fetch water into an empty
basket. Make sure the following tips are taking
with outright seriousness:

1) Knowledge: This is done by reading
various materials relating to catfish
farming, such material can be manuals,
journals, magazines on the related
discussion. By doing this you will have an
idea on what you are into.

2) Practical: After getting this knowledge, the
next thing to do is to be involved in the practical
training, so that it will be very easy to understand
and digest.
3) Technical know-how (skill): From this word
SKILL mean know how and know why of
doing the catfish farming, this can be emphasis by
knowing the method that is being used and why is
being used.

4) Have a mentor/consultant: Get an expert in
aquaculture to mentor you or pay for a consultant.
Never because of greed start up without having
someone to advise you on some issues as it might
arise. Years of turbulent journeys are saved with a
mentor or consultants service.
5) Starting your own business: Once again, Start
doing and stop wishing
I sincerely hope that, In Shaa Allah, this article
would be beneficial in enriching you as you
become a catfish farmer.


PERSONALITY OF A MUSLIM
Taken from: 40 Hadiths on Islamic personality
By Sheikh Alee Hassan Alee Abdul Hameed
Purity and Sincerity of Intention
From 'Umar ibn al-Khattb (radiyAllhu 'anhu)
who said that Allh's Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi
wa'sallam) said:
"Actions are but by intentions and there is for
every person only that which he intended. So he
whose migration was for Allh and His
Messenger, then his migration was for Allh and
His Messenger, and he whose migration was to
attain some worldly goal or to take a woman in
marriage, then his migration was for that which
he migrated."
40

So the foundation of actions is pure and sincere
intention, and through purity of intention the
hearts become upright and at rest, and through it
the person comes to know the right way in his
Religion, thus he does everything in the proper
manner. Through purity of intention alone will he
come to know of the obligations upon him and the
rights due to him. Through it he will behave justly
in all affairs and will give everything its due right,
not going beyond bounds or falling short of the
mark. So this hadth is one of the ahadth which
are the pillars of correct understanding of our
upright and true religion.
41

So when the Muslim servant clearly realizes what
he has preceded then it becomes obligatory upon
him that he should, without any hesitation,
surround his sincere intention with the protective
barrier for the Islmic Personality which is:

40
Reported by al-Bukhari (Vol. 1 Page 1 No. 1)
41
At-Taqyeed (2/6-7) of Ibn Nuqtah

Distinctness
From Ibn 'Umar (radiyAllhu 'anhumaa) who said
that Allh's Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi
wa'sallam) said:
"I have been sent before the Hour so that Allh
alone should be worshipped without any partner
for Him, and my provision has been placed
beneath the shade of my spear, and subservience
and humiliation have been placed upon those who
disobey my orders, and whoever imitates a people
then he is one of them."
42

The Muslim has a distinct personality with his
own special nature and particular outlook and
manner. He is distinct in appearance, his nature,
his creed ('aqdah), his orientation and direction
faced in Prayer, and in all his affairs.

By being distinct as Muslims we preserve our
Islm and our call in a clear and pure form, free
from any adulteration and mistakes. However the
Muslim whilst being distinct does not depart from:

Justice and Being Justly Balanced
From Ab Hurayrah (radiyAllhu 'anhu) who said
that Allh's Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi
wa'sallam) said:
"Love the one whom you love to a certain degree
(moderately), perhaps one day he will be someone
for whom you have hatred, and hate the one for
whom you have hatred to a certain degree
(moderately), perhaps one day he will be one
whom you love."
43

42
Reported by Ahmad (no. 5114)
43
Reported by at-Tirmidhi (no. 1997)
The Muslim is justly balanced in his loving and
his hating. He is just both when giving and when
taking and is moderate in all of that. His being
justly balanced is one of the signs of his Religion
and the Shar'ah. So he is not one who goes
beyond the limits, nor one who falls short of what
is required. Furthermore the Muslim does not
derive this quality of being justly balanced from
his intellect and desires, nor from his own opinion
or other than this, rather does he take it from the
Book of Allh, the One free of all imperfections.
"Thus we have made you a justly balanced
nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and
the Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi wa'sallam) be
a witness over you."
44

Being justly balanced is not an easy matter, indeed
many of those who call out and declare it, desire
only to water matters down and compromise. So
for a person to be truly justly balanced as ordered
by Allh, rather requires:

Striving Against One's Desires
From al-'Al ibn Ziyd who said:
"A man asked 'Abdullh ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas,
saying: Which of the Believers is best in his
Islm? He replied: "He from whose tongue and
hand the Muslims are safe." He asked: Then what
is the best Jihd? He replied: "He who strives
against his own self and desires for Allh." He
asked: Then which of those who migrates
(performs hijrah) is best? He replied: "He who
strives against his own self and desires for Allh."
He asked: Is it something you have said O
'Abdullah ibn 'Amr, or Allh's Messenger
(salAllhu 'alaihi wa'sallam)? He said: Rather
Allh's Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi wa'sallam)
said it."
45

44
Surah al-Baqarah (2): 143
45
Reported by Ibn Nasr al-Marwazee in Ta'zeem Qadris
Salaat (no. 639)
So striving against ones own self is one of the
highest and most valuable means of increasing
ones Imaan and causing the servant to draw closer
to his Lord, the One free of all imperfections.
Concerning this He the Blessed and Most High
says:
"As for those who strive hard in Us (Our
Cause),We will surely guide themto Our Paths
(i.e. Allh's Religion)."
46

So a Muslim's striving against his own self and his
desires causes his spirit to rise higher, his mn to
increase and his soul to become purified.
Furthermore this striving crowns the Muslim with
a very great crown worn in his life, which is:

Gentleness
From Ab Hurayrah (RA) who said that Allh's
Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi wa'sallam) said:
"Indeed Allh is gentle and loves gentleness, and
gives due to gentleness that which He does not
give to harshness."
47

So through gentleness hearts become united in
friendship and love, and good becomes
widespread. Whereas through its opposite ill
feelings and distrust prevails and people forsake
one another. But gentleness facilitates:

Returning to the Truth
From Ibn 'Abbs (RA) who said that Allh's
Messenger (salAllhu 'alaihi wa'sallam) said:
"There is no believing servant except that he has a
sin which he commits from time to time, or a sin in
which he persists in and does not abandon until
he leaves this world. Indeed the Believer was
created as one who is frequently tried and tested,
who often repents (then) forgets. When he is
admonished he accepts the admonition."
48


46
Surah al-Ankaboot (29):69
47
Reported by Ibn Majah (no. 3688) and Ibn Hibaan (no.
549)
48
Reported by at-Tabaraanee in al-Mu'jamul Kabeer (no.
11,810)

AL-AQSA MOSQUE
Written by: Qasim - Abu Aishah
MSc, Information Technology, Ladoke Akintola University [Graduate]


Glorified be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad )
for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at
Makkah) to the farthest mosque (Al Aqsa in Jerusalem), the
neighborhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We
might show him (Muhammad ) of Our sign. Verily, He is the
All-Hearer, the All-Seer'
49

Introduction
Al-Aqsa Mosque ('The Farthest Mosque') also
known as Bayt al-Maqdis is the most important
mosque in Jerusalem. The mosque is located on
the Haram as-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary).
Judging from the history of monotheistic
religions, Al-Aqsa mosque is not an ordinary
mosque, it formed the basis of Islamic history and
it is a cornerstone of mankind's foundation to the
worship of Allah. Unfortunately, this major
symbol of Islam has been neglected and ignored
by not only individual Muslims but also states,
countries, societies and organizations who claim
to have affiliations with Islam.

THE HISTORY OF AL-AQSA MOSQUE
Forty years after establishing Ka'abah in Makkah
with his first son Isma'eel (Peace be upon him),
Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) also
established another place of worship in Jerusalem.

49
Surat-ul-Israa 1

Narrated 'Abu Dhar: I said, "O Allah's Messenger (pbuh)!
Which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?"
He said, "Al- Masjid-ul-Haram (in Mecca)." I said, "Which
was built next?" He replied "The mosque of Al-Aqsa ( in
Jerusalem) ." I said, "What was the period of construction
between the two?" He said, "Forty years." He added,
"Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due,
perform the prayer there, for the best thing is to do so (i.e.
to offer the prayers in time).
50

According to history, Ishaq (Peace be upon him),
Prophet Ibrahim's second son, worshipped in
Masjid Al-aqsa and also made journeys to
Ka'abah in Makkah for Hajj (Pilgrimage) as
Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) did. It was recorded
that Ya'aqub (Peace be upon him) the second son
of Ishaq (Peace be upon him), extended Al-Aqsa
as a place of worship for all the believers of the
God of Ibrahim in the region and that the natives
of the land, the Palestinians, also worshipped in
the sacred mosque. Ibrahim (Peace be upon him)
referred to the mosque as "Masjid Al-Aqsa",
which means the farthest place of worship of the
One God because it is was the farthest place of
worship west of Ka'abah in Makkah at that time.
Following the appointment of Prophet Yusuf
(Peace be upon him), the son of Prophet Yaaqub
(Peace be upon him) as the Governor of Egypt, he
sent for all of his family to come and live with
him in Egypt away from the poverty of Palestine.
With the migration, there was no one left in
Jerusalem to take care of Al-Aqsa mosque.

50
Sahih Bukhari Book 60 Hadith 45
Consequently, Prophet Yaaqub (Peace be upon
him) handed over the mosque to the natives of the
land, the Palestinians and entrusted the tribe with
the care of Al-Aqsa. This was acceptable due to
the fact that the natives were also followers of the
religion of the Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon
him), Islamic monotheism.

AL-AQSA IS AN IMPORTANT SYMBOL
AND A SACRED MOSQUE FOR THE
MUSLIMS
In an attempt to distort the fact, some Zionist
historians claim that the mosque was built by
Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) and handed
over to Prophet Ya'aqub (a.k.a Israel), hence the
sacred mosque is for the Israelis. This is a
statement of truth but with an intention to
establish falsehood. Although the mosque was
managed by Prophet Ya'aqub but was built and
dedicated to the worship of the only one God and
not for a particular tribe as claimed by the Jews.
Masjid Al-aqsa was built by a Hanif (Muslim),
Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him), and for the
Muslims to worship Allah!

Allah clarified the status of Ibrahim (Peace be
upon him) and purified him from the lies that he
was a Christian or a Jew.

'Ibrahim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but
he was a true Muslim Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism - to
worship none but Allah Alone) and he was not of Al-
Mushrikun (Polytheist)'
51

Allah further clarified the status of Prophet
Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) in Surat-ul-Baqarah
verses 132 - 136:

And this (submission to Allah, Islam) was enjoined by
Ibrahim (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya'qub (Jacob),
(saying), "O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the (true)
religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam (as
Muslims)"

51
Surah Aal Imraan 67
Or were you witnesses when death approached
Ya'qub (Jacob)? When he said unto his sons, "What
will you worship after me?" They said, "We shall worship
your God, the God of your fathers, Ibrahim (Abraham),
Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), One God, and to Him we
submit (in Islam)"

And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be
guided." Say (to them, O Muhammad Peace be upon him ),
"Nay, (We follow) only the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham),
Hanifa [Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah
(Alone)], and he was not of Al-Mushrikun (those who
worshipped others along with Allah)"

Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has
been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to
Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac),
Ya'qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub
(Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses)
and 'Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the
Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between
any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)"

Lastly, Allah made it crystal clear in the glorious
Qur'an that the covenant to select a Prophet as a
leader is not based on tribe or nation but based on
obedience and submission to His commandments,
which is the definition of Islam and the basic
expectation of Muslims:

And (remember) when the Lord of Ibrahim (Abraham)
[Allah] tried him with (certain) Commands, which he
fulfilled. He (Allah) said (to him), "Verily, I am going to
make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind." [Ibrahim
(Abraham)] said, "And of my offspring (to make leaders)."
(Allah) said, "My Covenant includes not wrong-doers"
52

Consequently, neither the Christians nor the Jews
can lay claim to the Al-Aqsa because they have
deviated from the religion of Ibrahim (Peace be
upon him) and Allah confirmed that in Surat-ul-
Fatihah v 7:

'...The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your
Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such
as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the
Christians)'


52
Surat-ul-Baqarah (2) v 124

BIOMIMICRY
Culled from: Wikipedia
Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the
models, systems, and elements of nature for the
purpose of solving complex human problems. A
closely related field is bionics.
Living organisms have evolved well-adapted
structures and materials over geological time
through natural selection. Biomimetics has given
rise to new technologies inspired by biological
solutions at macro and nanoscales. Humans have
looked at nature for answers to problems
throughout our existence. Nature has solved
engineering problems such as self-healing
abilities, environmental exposure tolerance and
resistance, hydrophobicity, self-assembly, and
harnessing solar energy.
History
One of the early examples of biomimicry was the
study of birds to enable human flight. Although
never successful in creating a "flying machine",
Leonardo da Vinci (14521519) was a keen
observer of the anatomy and flight of birds, and
made numerous notes and sketches on his
observations as well as sketches of "flying
machines". The Wright Brothers, who succeeded
in flying the first heavier-than-air aircraft in 1903,
derived inspiration from observations of pigeons
in flight.

Biomimetics was coined by the American
biophysicist and polymath Otto Schmitt during the
1950s. It was during his doctoral research that he
developed the Schmitt trigger by studying the
nerves in squid, attempting to engineer a device
that replicated the biological system of nerve
propagation. He continued to focus on devices
that mimic natural systems and by 1957 he had
perceived a converse to the standard view of
biophysics at that time, a view he would come to
call biomimetics.
Biophysics is not so much a subject matter as it is
a point of view. It is an approach to problems of
biological science utilizing the theory and
technology of the physical sciences. Conversely,
biophysics is also a biologist's approach to
problems of physical science and engineering,
although this aspect has largely been neglected.
..> _l> < .'! :!. _l> _ _.
..: _, .l.Ll _ _.l. _,,.
This is the creation of Allh. Now show me what is there
that others besides Him have created: Nay, but the
transgressors are in manifest error.
53

53
Suratul Luqman verse 11

PROPHET IBRAHIM IS OUR LEADER
Composed by: Abdul Jelil Adeyemi

Prophet Ibrahim was a messenger of Allah. He was born in a city called Araan. Araan is now in a
country called Iraq. All the people of Araan were idol worshippers. The father of prophet Ibrahim
was also an idol worshipper, he was one of those who made statues for the idols worshippers. The
name of prophet Ibrahims father was mentioned in the Quran chapter 6 verse 74. Prophet
Ibrahim told his father and the people to stop worshiping idols but they did not listen to him.
Prophet Ibrahim was not happy because his father and all the people in the city were worshiping
idols instead of Allah. The wife of prophet Ibrahim was the only one who believed in him. One day,
when the people had gone out to celebrate their idol festival, prophet Ibrahim broke all the idols
except the biggest one because he hated them. The people were very angry with him, they
prepared a very huge fire and threw prophet Ibrahim into the fire. The fire did not burn prophet
Ibrahim because Allah made the fire to be cool. That was a miracle from Allah. Prophet Ibrahim
came out of the fire and the people were very surprised but they said it is a magic, they did not
believe in Allah except his cousin, the name of his cousin is Lut. Allah later made Lut a prophet.
Prophet Ibrahim, his wife and his cousin Lut travelled away from that city to Palestine. On the
journey to Palestine, they passed through Egypt, something happened in Egypt and prophet
Ibrahim was given a slave girl. The name of that slave girl was Hajar. Later propeht Ibrahim
maried the slave girl and she gave birth to Ismail, prophet Ibrahim took Hajar and Ismail to
Makkah. Thereafter, the first wife Sarah gave birth to Ishaq. Prophet Ibrahim was very happy.

QUESTIONS
1. What is the name of Prophet Ibrahims father?
2. How many wives did Prophet Ibrahim have?
3. Who is the mother of Ismail?
4. Why did they throw Prophet Ibrahim into the fire?
5. Mention two lessons you have learnt from this story?

T
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ANSWERS
Instruction: Please provide answers
on the ANSWER SHEET and drop the
sheet into our Correspondence Box
available in mosques listed on the
back cover.
Disclaimer: This quiz is for
educational purpose only. No any
material reward attached to it.
Notes:
1. This Question is only for children between age 4 and 14.
2. Best answers will be published next edition, Insha Allah

ANSWER SHEET

Name:_____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
Age:______________________________________________________

ANSWERS
1. _____________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
5. (a) __________________________________________________
(b) __________________________________________________


NEWS AROUND THE WORLD
Source: http://www.worldbulletin.net

NO BURIAL PLACE FOR MUSLIMS IN
FINLAND

Muslims in Finland are facing a dilemma regarding the
burial of their dead after a fruitless six-year search for
land that could be used as a cemetery in the Uusimaa
region.
Since 2008, Muslims living in the region have been
looking for a suitable location for a cemetery, having
made do with small 'Muslim section' in Lutheran
church cemeteries.
You would certainly think that we would find an area
in Uusimaa that could be rezoned for cemetery use,
deputy chair of the Finnish Islamic Council Pia Jardi
told Yle Finnish website on Monday.
According to OnIslam, over the past six years, Finnish
Muslims have submitted enquiries in 16 different cities
and towns in the Uusimaa region in southern Finland,
yet none of these bids have proven successful.
Perhaps it has to do with a lack of political will. If
you even scan web forums they are extremely anti-
Muslim, Jardi said, noting that they have been told
that there is a lack of suitable land.
I know of cases where the dead have been buried
abroad even though the families couldnt afford it,
because there wasnt a suitable burial ground in their
own town. Peoples last wish is to have an Islamic
burial, she added.
There are between 40,000 to 45,000 Muslims among
Finland's 5.2 million population, including native
Baltic Tatars. Date: 13-Aug-2014

MECCA MINARET CONSTRUCTION POSES
RISK TO ZAMZAM SPRING

Two 420-meter high minarets that have been planned as
part of the expansion project of the Grand Mosque in
Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, has sparked fears that the
construction could result in the Zamzam water resources
drying up.
As the Saudi Bin ladin Group plans to build the two
highest minarets in the world on the northeast and
northwest sides of the Grand Mosque, rising up to around
half the height of the Mecca Clock Tower, critics fear
that explosives used to remove mountains in the area to
make way for their 900 square meter foundations could
have a negative effect on Zamzam water sources.
The Zamzam water source, which is mentioned in the
Qur'an as being a miracle from Allah that was granted to
Hajar, the wife of the Prophet Abraham and mother of the
Prophet Ishmael, is also considered to be holy by
Muslims.
Despite Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin AbdulAziz
inaugurating a Zamzam Water Project to ensure a
constant supply of pure Zamzam water in 2010, criticism
of the minaret plans appear to be falling on deaf ears.
The Grand Mosque expansion project has been criticized
by some Muslims for not taking into consideration
important historical sites around the Ka'bah as well as
erasing entire landmarks from Mecca, the birthplace of
the Prophet Muhammad.
However, others argue that the construction work is
necessary to help deal with the increasing number of
pilgrims who arrive in the Hajj season to fulfill their
religious rights.
Due to the world's increasing Muslim population, the
general increase of wealth among Muslims and
increasing developments and opportunities in traveling,
the holy site has in the past struggled to cope with
overcrowding in such a crampt area.
Date: 10-Aug-2014

SIGN LANGUAGE QUR'AN FOR HEARING-
IMPAIRED MUSLIMS

A new initiative for Muslims with hearing difficulties has
been launched in the US, helping to raise awareness of
the issue within the Muslim community and allowing
deaf Muslims to gain more access to religious learning.
Global Deaf Muslims (GDM) was set up by Nashiru
Abdulai, a 38-year old Muslim from Ghana now living in
the state of Virginia, to help around 55 million deaf
Muslims around the world.
Saying that he set up the organization after promising to
do so when he left Ghana for the US at the age of 19,
Abdulai, who lost his hearing 28 years ago after
contracting meningitis, told Desert News, Every time Id
go to a mosque, Id sit there and Id just watch the
speaker and I couldnt understand a word that person was
saying.
Abdulai said he was disheartened when he found no
interpretation services at the mosque, so he set up the
organization to recognize the rights of deaf Muslims and
actively strive to ensure that the Muslim community is
accessible and inclusive of all Muslims.
The organization also aims to advocate for the
advancement and inclusion of deaf Muslims in the
community and to raise awareness of deaf Muslims
issues within the broader Muslim community.
Now with branches in California, Virginia, Minnesota,
Illinois and Texas in addition to branches in Canada and
Ghana, OnIslam reported that GDM is also raising
$480,000 to fund the project of translating the Quran to
American Sign Language.
Daoud Nassimi, a professor of Islam at Shenandoah
University and Nova College who is helping GDM to
translate the Qur'an into American Sign Language, said
the first thing that they need is interpreters for Friday
sermons, talks, classes and other occasions.
Muslim community leaders need to be convinced that
many deaf members exist in their communities, and those
members cannot come and benefit from the mosque and
programs unless there are interpreters available, Nassimi
said.
They should be convinced that the money that they
would spend on hiring the interpreters is really worthy of
this important cause, he added.
The Qatari Social and Cultural Center for the Deaf
recently presented a 376-page dictionary of Islamic sign
language for Arabiic sign language interpreters to learn,
OnIslam reported.
However, any dictionary of Islamic terms must be
universally accepted by deaf Muslims everywhere,
Abdulai says, as signs can vary from in Arabic and
American English. Date: 14-Aug-2014
1,000 YEARS OLD ISLAMIC CEMENTARY
FOUND IN SPAIN

Researchers in Spain have unearthed a 1,000-year-old
Islamic burial ground which they believe could provide
up to two centuries worth of information on the region's
Islamic history.
After two weeks of digging in the town of Alczar de San
Juan in the Ciudad Real province, researchers from the
University of Castilla-La Mancha University have found
an ancient Islamic necropolis containing seven bodies.
Project leader Vctor Lpez Menchero told The Local
that all of the bodies are positioned facing towards Mecca
and is one of the few pieces of evidence that Muslims
lived in Castilla-La Mancha.
Islam has had a fundamental presence in the culture and
history of Spain. The religion was present in modern
Spanish soil from 709 until 1614 beginning with Arab
rule and ending with the expulsion of the Moriscos of Al-
Andalus.
Date: 14-Aug-2014


TMC Lagos State Azkar
Venue: TMC Dawah Center; Between Ijesha
and Odo-olowu Bustop, Opp. Hyunda motors.
Date: Every first Sunday of the month
Time: 10am 12:30pm
Fiqh Forum Nigeria
Venue: TMC Dawah Center; Between Ijesha
and Odo-olowu Bustop, Opp. Hyunda motors.
Date: Every second Sunday of the month
Time: 10am 2:00pm
TMC Surulere Azkar
Venue: Oluwakemi Central Mosque; Between
Baruwa and Ogunlana Bustop, Ijesha Surulere.
Date: Every third Sunday of the month
Time: 10am 12:30pm
MSSN Coker Aguda Usrah
Venue: Olorunishola Mosque (Gambia mosque),
35 Solo-Ogun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, Nig.
Date: Every Sundays
Time: 2:00pm 4:00pm

VACANT

VACANT

VACANT

VACANT


TMC Aguda - The Light They Followed (Muharram 1436 AH)

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TMC Aguda Branch | THE LIGHT THEY FOLLOWED | Muharram 1436 Vol. 1 No.

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