Beware of ‘thank goodness’

Indeed, all praises are for Allah subhaanahu wa ta’ala. We praise Him, we seek His help, we seek His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and our evil actions. Whosoever Allah guides then none can misguide and whosoever Allah misguides then none can guide aright. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, having no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace be upon him) is His servant and  Messenger.

Perhaps every Muslim who has a grasp of both English and Arabic  languages knows that the English translation of the Arabic word ‘al-Hamdulillah’, is ‘Praise be to Allah or All praises and thanks are  to Allah alone’ or something similar to them. However, today, we find stickers on the cars and vehicles of people, used as decoration or perhaps as a sort of reminder, with the word ‘al-Hamdulillah’ written in

Arabic and immediately below or above it the words ‘thank goodness’ are placed. In this article, we shall endeavour to prove that the translation is not accurate both in its literal sense and in its meaning. And we shall also, Insha-Allah, try to unveil its contradiction with the principles of Islam.

Before we do that, it is important to note that the Qur’anic ‘translations’ we read in English are not the Qur’an. “Neither the translator nor his audience believe that the translation is the Qur’an.” This is because the Qur’an itself, in about 11 references, explained that it was revealed in the language of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, which is in Arabic. With this in mind, whenever we say 

the English translation of ‘al-Hamdulillah’, we mean the translation of the meaning of ‘al-Hamdulillah’ translated as ‘thank goodness.’

Interestingly, in a span of two centuries of translation of the Qur’an, none of the translators rendered ‘al-Hamdulillah’ into English as ‘thank goodness’. In the 18th century, George Sale translated ‘al-Hamdulillahi-Rabbil-’alameen’ as “Praise be to God the Lord of all creatures”. Likewise, in the 19th century, J M Rodwell translated it as “Praise be to Lord, Lord of the Worlds”. Also, in first half of the 20th century, M Pickthall translated it as “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds”. In recent times, The Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble Qur’an in the English language by Al-Hilali et al translated ‘al-Hamdulillah’ as ‘All the Praises and Thanks be to Allah.”

The English translation of the Araword ‘al-Hamdulillah’, is ‘Praise be to Allah or All praises and thanks are to Allah alone’ or something similar to them. However, today, we find stickers on the cars and vehicles of people, used as decoration or perhaps as a sort of reminder, with the word ‘al-Hamdulillah’ written in Arabic and immediately below or above it the words ‘thank goodness’ are placed.

Also if one looks through Arabi-English dictionaries, the Arabic word ‘Hamd’ is translated as ‘praising’ or ‘thanking’ or something similar to them, and I have yet to find a dictionary that translate the word ‘Allah’ as ‘goodness.’

Due to this unusual translation, the intended meaning of ‘al-Hamdulillah’ has been severely corrupted.

To know the intended meaning of ‘al-Hamdulillah’, we quote some of the Tafseer (Explanation of the Qur’an) of the scholars.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Kathir, rahimahullah, in his Tafseer of the Qur’an, quoted at-Tabari (Tafseer of the Qur’an by at-Tabari 1:135) regarding the meaning of ‘al-Hamdulillah’ as follows:

The meaning of ‘al-Hamdulillah’ is “All thanks are due purely to Allah, alone, not any of the objects that are being worshipped instead of Him, nor any of His creation. These thanks are due to Allah’s innumerable favours and bounties that only He knows the amount of. Allah’s bounties include creating the tools that help the creation worship Him, the physical bodies with which they are able to implement His commands, the sustenance that He provided them in this life, and the comfortable life He has granted them, without anything or anyone compelling Him to do so. Allah also warned His creation and alerted them about the means and methods with which they can earn eternal dwelling in the residence of everlasting happiness. All thanks and praises to Allah for these favours from beginning to end.”

Shaykh Muhammad Ameen Shanqeetee, rahimahullah, explained in his Tafseer of the Qur’an, Adwaa’ul Bayaan, the meaning of ‘al-hamdulillah’ as follows:

“The saying of the Exalted, ‘all the praises and thanks are for Allah’: there is no mention here as to when this praise is said or where this praise comes from, but in Surah Ar-Rum there is mention that from amongst the ‘wheres’ are the heavens and the earth – in His saying, ‘ and His is all the praises and thanks in the heavens and the earth.’ 

(30:18).

And in Surah Qasas there is mention that from amongst the ‘whens’ are in this world and in the Hereafter – in His sayings, ‘And He is Allah, none has the right to be worshipped besides Him. To Him belongs all praise in the beginning (ie this world) and in the end (ie the Hereafter).’ (28:70).

And He said in the beginning of Surah Saba’a,

‘His is all the praise in the Hereafter, and He is the All-Wise, All-Aware.’ (34:1).

The Alif (letter A) and Laam (letter L) (ie the definite article ‘the’) in al-Hamd is so as to include all the different manners of praise, and it is an extolling with which Allah has praised Himself and ordered His 

servants to praise Him with.”

It is clear, without any doubt from the above translations of the Qur’an (by Muslims and non-Muslims), and as well as from the Tafseer of the Mufassiroon, that translating ‘al-Hamdulillah’ as ‘thank goodness’ is not accurate both from the linguistic point of view or from the meaning of the Tahmid (al-Hamdulillah). It is absolutely clear that nothing deserves ‘al-Hamd’ except Allah alone.

In addition, regarding ‘al-Hamd, Dr Muhammad Khalil Harras in his commentary of Aqeedat-il-Waasitiyah by Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, rahimahullah, says:

“Hamd means praising orally a grace regardless of being benefited by it, be it a favour or anything else, such as a sfavour or anything else, such as a statement that ‘I did hamd of a certain person in connection with the prize he had been awarded or for his feat of boldness.’ Shukr (thanking) is that praise which is done orally or emotionally or by any other organ of the body in lieu of some favour. This shows that the word hamd is commonly used in one situ.”

If ‘al-Hamdulillah’ means to praise and thank Allah for His bounties, therefore, the translation should mention Allah being thanked and praised or else we would be praising or thanking someone or something other than Allah. If Allah should be acknowledged first when being grateful for some fortune, then all the more so the translation should mention the word Allah or at least put the word ‘God’ for those who don’t know the word ‘Allah.’

In the translation, however, Allah is not mentioned, instead, ‘goodness’ is mentioned.

The danger in translating ‘al-Hamdulillah’ as ‘thank goodness’ has this implication: That the translation of the word ‘al-Hamd’ is ‘thanks’ and the English word for ‘Allah’ is ‘goodness.’ It is obvious that both 

words ‘al-Hamd’ and ‘Allah’ don’t mean ‘thanks’ and ‘goodness’ as the conscious translation of the meaning of ‘al-Hamdulillah’ in the English language is like saying thanks for the bounties we receive to some abstract idea like ‘goodness.’ This is because ‘Allah’ does not mean ‘goodness.’

Moreover, some might say that goodness could be one of Allah’s names. If this is the case then we say ‘produce your proof.’ We describe Allah the way He describes Himself and the way His Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) described Him.

Imaam Aboo ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Abdur-Rahman As-Saboonee in describing what the people of the Sunnah believe concerning the names and attributes of Allah, says:

They affirm what Allah, the Most Majestic, has affirmed for Himself in His Book or through the tongue of His Messenger, (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).

Imaam Ibn Qudaamah says about the obligation of sticking to the Qur’an and authentic Hadith concerning the names and attributes of Allah:

We are obliged to believe in and to welcome with submission and acceptance everything that is mentioned in the Qur’an or that is correctly transmitted from the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) 

concerning the attributes of Allah. And we must not oppose it (which is done) by radd (rejection), ta’weel (distortive interpretation), tashbeeh (comparison) and tamtheel (representation).

Furthermore, Shaykh ‘Umar Sulaiman al-Ashqar says:

“It is not permitted to talk about the unseen except with a clear proof.”

And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Surely the hearing, the sight and heart, about each of these you will be questioned. (17:36)

In addition, Allah criticised those who claimed that the angels are female and He made what they said a testimony about which they are going to be asked when He brings them to stand in front of Him.

And they made the angels, who themselves are slaves to the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded and they will be questioned? (43:19)

If such matter of speaking about the angels without knowledge is such, then consider the seriousness of speaking about Allah without knowledge. It is a sin, considered as one of the major sins according to the scales of Truth and His Law.

Say: What my Lord has forbidden you are all acts of indecency, whether committed openly or in secret, sin and wrongful oppression, that you associate with Allah that which has not been sanctioned by Him and that you say concerning Allah something about which you have no knowledge. (7:33)

THE reliable and safe way that will lead us to knowledge of Allah, the Most High, is through revelation, which brought this knowledge to light in the clearest possible manner. It is the clear and distinct method whose results are reliable and trustworthy because the source of it is the All-Knowing the All-Aware and His Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam).

There is no-one more knowledgeable about Allah than Allah Himself just as no-one in creation is more knowledgeable about Allah than His Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).” 

The names of Allah are the matters of al-ghaib (unseen) and as such that they can’t be known except through revelation from Allah. Hence we require proof from the revelation – the Qur’an and authentic Hadith – that says that ‘goodness’ is one of the Names of Allah.

It must be emphasised, however, that in no way we mean that Allah is not “good”. No doubt that Allah is the Creator and the Source of all good. In fact, there is a hadith in which Allah is described as At-Tayyib, The Good. But ‘The Good’ is entirely different from ‘goodness’.

One of the Names of Allah is Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) but we don’t say that Allah is Rahmah (mercy). And Allah is Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise), but we don’t say that Allah is Hikmah (wisdom). Likewise, Allah is At-Tayyib(The Good) but we don’t say that He is ‘goodness’. Ar-Rahman, Al-Hakeem, At-Tayyib are Names of Allah, therefore we may say At-Tayyib is Allah. However ‘mercy’, ‘wisdom’, and ‘goodness’ are characteristics ascribed to Allah, but we don’t say ‘mercy’ is Allah. ‘wisdom’ is Allah, or ‘goodness’ is Allah. And besides the meaning of At-Tayyib is closer to mean “Pure’ than to the meaning of ‘goodness’. Hence, we can say ‘all praises and thanks to Ar-Rahman;’ but we can’t say ‘all praises and 

thanks to Rahmah’. Likewise, we can say ‘all praises and thanks to At-Tayyib’ but we can’t say ‘all praises and thanks to ‘goodness’.

Thus, the final analysis is, neither the word ‘Allah’ means ‘goodness’, nor can ‘goodness’ be established from any angle to mean ‘Allah’. Hence, saying ‘thank goodness’ instead of saying ‘thank Allah’ is close to committing Shirk (polytheism) because ‘goodness’ doesn’t deserve the thanks and praises of the creatures between the heavens and earth. Even though we may thank someone who’s done something good at the same time we must recognise or acknowledge that ultimately all good comes from Allah. Therefore, He is the One Who deserves to be praised.

It could tantamount to Shirk because ‘goodness’ replaced the word ‘Allah’ as if ‘goodness’ is the translation of the word ‘Allah’, or as if ‘goodness’ is Allah Himself! This, by necessity, gives a connotation that ‘goodness’ can avert or inflict harm or can grant good or wishes when undoubtedly this Ability is the prerogative of Allah. Allah says in the Qur’an, the English translation of its meaning is:

Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc) over all things. (39:62)

The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), the one sent to explain the Qur’an in detail, says in a hadith reported by Ibn Abbas (radi-allahu-anhuma):

Know that if the whole nation united in an effort to benefit you with something, they would only be able to benefit you with something that Allah has destined for you. Likewise, if the whole nation united to harm you with something, they would only be able to do so if Allah had destined it to happen to you. 

If this could be Shirk, then, Muslims must be very far from this because Shirk is the greatest Zulm (Wrong). 17 Allah doesn’t forgive Shirk if one did not repent before death. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.” (4:48)

In addition, ‘al-Hamdulillah’ is a Speech of Allah, His Word, and should be considered with utmost care when translating and not taken lightly. Saying ‘al-Hamdulillah’ is the best form of supplication as was recorded in this hadith: “The most excellent dhikr (remembrance) is [the statement] laa ilaaha illallaah and the most excellent du’a (supplication) is [the statement] al-Hamdulillaah.” 

Therefore, we must translate it in the best possible manner.

The origin of the expression ‘thank goodness’

The origin of the expression ‘thank goodness’ is from Western societies in which the predominant life’s philosophy is secular in nature, and science is the ultimate yardstick in life (i.e. what can’t be proven by science is non-existent). Instead of saying the word ‘God’, they replaced it with the word ‘goodness’ or with other words, since ‘God’ according to science can’t be proven by physical experiment. They do this even though the whole of Creation points to the existence of God. And belief in God in these societies is not something that one can really be proud of, instead, religion is viewed as a shackle to one’s mind (the opium of the masses).

The danger in imitating the Kuffar (disbelievers)

The Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Whoever imitates a people, then he is from them.”

This expression (thank goodness) is actually an imitation of the Kuffar because this is what some of them say when something good happened to them or some harm was removed from them. While in Islam, Allah is acknowledged first as the ultimate cause of everything. Meaning if something good happens then it is from Allah, and if some calamities happen, then they are tests from Allah. That is why there are words tosay in times of happiness (ie alhamdulillah) and in times of disaster (Qaddarallah, it is Allah’s decree).

Perhaps the one who translated this had in mind: That the reason for the translation is for the non-Muslims – who don’t believe in God – to understand the expression ‘al-Hamdulillah’ in a frame of mind they are familiar with. If he (the translator) is a Muslim he must understand that He is required to speak about Allah and His Greatness. If he is a non-Muslim, then he has blundered in his translation.

Conclusions

Trivial as it may be to non-Muslims, translating ‘al-Hamdulillah’ to ‘thank goodness’ has grave implications to Muslims because it strikes at the very foundation of Islam, which is Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism, Affirmation of the Uniqueness and Perfection of Allah). That is because the expression ‘thank goodness’ as the English for ‘al-Hamdulillah’ is not accurate, and because of that, and at the least, it is ascribing an inappropriate name to Allah, or carries some form of Shirk.

Lastly, this saying ‘thank goodness’ has deep psychosocial roots in Western societies that are permeated with, and anchored upon, atheism and upon the belief that religion is divorced from mundane life, and Muslims must be aware of this

The Bangsamoros need to reach out to the Sultanates

This title may not make sense right now but let me explain.

With the recent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro or CAB, many issues come to mind.

Tribal issue: call it whatever you want but at the end of the day it all boils down to the fact that most Maguindanaos and Maranaos support the MILF while MNLF's supporters were mostly Tausugs.

Trust issue: when the MNLF made peace with the government, a political entity that became a political machinery for corruption came into being, the ARMM. Honestly the average Filipino easily equates the ARMM with the Ampatuan Massacre. So with the CAB replacing the ARMM, I will not be surprised if a lot of people are skeptical.

The Trapos: what about the traditional politicians? Oh, they would hold on to their dear seats and do everything they can to preserve the status quo.

The MNLF: made the last stance last September 2013 that 'stoke the ember' of Tausug pride and gave last hope to the younger generation the idea of independence but also left dozens dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. In a desperate attempt to make themselves still relevant, they unknowingly fell into the traps of an undercover agent posing as UN representative with supposedly a directive from Ban Ki Moon himself to declare independence. At the end of the day, those who will stand to benefit from this incursion are the corporate land owners who will eventually erect shopping malls on the ashes of burnt Muslim homes and the government officials who will receive gifts from them. In the spirit of the Quranic injunction 'cooperation to that which is good' the MNLF must exercise humility and support the CAB.

THE SULTANATES: the Tausugs are running out of options. The MNLF is almost defunct and the only option that still consistent with the Tausug pride is the Sultanate option. Indeed this is a viable option but with the claimants to the throne increasing and no clear leadership and acceptable agenda in sight, this option could only be seen as a ploy to stop the Bangsamoro to succeed. The Bangsamoro includes the sultanates and even more. It includes ancestral homeland. This means even without the Sultans, the Tausug has still the right to their homeland and its resources. But I'm sure that the Tausug pride will dominate and this option will start to pickup some support. Hey, people are being promised independence not just autonomy plus of course add to that another territory, the Sabah.

Corporate Manila: Considering that the top ten corporations in the Philippines are mainly engaging in Haram trades (Riba, alcohol and gambling) many of them may not be happy as their market will not expand or may even contract.

Ultimately, the Bangsamoro advocates must reach out to the proponents of the Sultanates. Their scope must be inclusive of the Sultanate (without the Sabah Claim) and broad enough to make the ordinary people feel that they are part of it.

Despite of everything, I am hopeful of the Bangsamoro.

Can bangsamoro be the next Crimea?

Crimea

Buhangin Puti (White beach) aka Quezon Beach

Imagine that we the Bangsamoro people were given the chance to a referendum whether to remain with the Philippines or join Malaysia?

This maybe farfetched but bear with me please as I blog using my phone.

The Similarities

1. Majority of Crimean are of Russian ethnicity. The Bangsamoro are culturally the same with the Malaysians.
2. Close historical ties between Russis-Crimea and Bangsamoro-Malaysia.
3. Bangsamoro and Malaysians are natural allies.
4. Malaysia and Brunei are unique in south east Asia as oil producing countries. The Sulu sea is reportedly already producing oil.

We were indeed natural allies and Malaysia had helped us much in our struggle. We were as such until the Abu Sayyaf raided the Sipadan Island,and the Sulu sultan troops attacked Sabah.

The Philippine government knew this that is why they staged the operation Merdeka where the Tausug recruited were supposed to attack Malaysia. But it backfired ending with the Jabiddah massacre.

Malaysia sending troops to occupy Bangsamoro while we vote to our independence thru referendum might sound outrageous bordering on fantasy, it is a worthwhile thought that brings smile to my face.

If Malaysia were to annex us, the oil from our seas will add to the wealth of their Petronas towers.

Bangsamoro, between Philippines and Malaysia, what would you choose?

Is ARMM similar to Palestine?

Are ARMM and Palestine similar in terms of geography politically?

Between Cotabato and Sulu is the Zamboanga Peninsula. How in  middle earth would you promote cooperation and unity between them?

In Palestine you have Hamas and PLO, while in ARMM-Philippines you have the MNLF and MILF. These groups are not only separated ideologically but also geographically.

Do you know that there is no direct flight from Sulu or even Zamboanga to Cotabato? Via airplane, somebody from Cotabato has to go to Davao or Manila just to come to Sulu!

To be fair, unlike the Palestinian case, one can freely travel from Sulu to Cotabato but with a great deal of hardship!

No roads to connect them both of course. Currently there is one Superferry passenger ship that travels between Zambaonga and Cotabato.

I think there is no significant trade between the Maguindanaos/ Maranaos and the Tausugs/Samals/Yakans.

Just my thoughts this morning. Hurriendly done blog entry. Apologies.

Of health, doctors, and trust

Imagine your child in pain. Imagine the tears from his eyes, the horrified look from his face, his shaking limbs, his cold hands, his subdued cry. What would you do if the doctor gave you two choices: either give him a local anesthesia where he will suffer a lot or give him general anesthesia where he will sleep away his pain into the midst of oblivion?

A father will not even think, not for a blink of an eye to allow suffering for his child; nor does a mother. This is not a hypothetical scenario. I have experienced this and the first thing that crossed my mind was ‘yes give him general anesthesia’. Without thinking the cost of care in the hospital I chose the least amount of suffering for my first born. But then common sense and medical background got hold of me. Why on earth would I pay 30 thousand pesos for a cut in my son’s finger? My own father jested after the whole hospital ordeal that in his days his own father would have just put coffee on his wound. Of course caffeine as a vasoconstrictor would have stopped minor bleedings.

The fact is, not anyone will allow suffering for a loved one, parents to their children, a husband to his wife, a wife to her husband, a friend to a friend.

Unfortunately scrupulous individuals take advantage on other people preying on their emotion and ignorance. Another good story is about a couple having their first child and the time of delivery is around the corner. Once the Obstetrician learned that their relatives are in abroad, she convincingly managed to persuade the couple to go for a caesarian delivery because the baby is ‘under stress’. But when she knew that the couple was casted away by the parents and wouldn’t get any financial support, suddenly another option magically appeared: induced labor.

Things like this make us think: how honest are our doctors? Should we unconditionally trust them? If we are in a place where there is no third party system to countercheck the need of such procedures, what are we to do?

In my opinion, trusty worthy and qualified Muslim doctors should come into the picture to give a second opinion. They should readily give their advice – they may even be compensated - in order to save people from unnecessary paying heavily for an already prohibitive health care cost.

Finally, fund raising activities that intend to help financially- challenged patients and their families should be commended and supported, but it should also include a ‘second opinion’ option as an important part of their endeavor.

Islamic needs of Muslims in the Philippines

In the depth crevasse of the Muslim's psyche, the Creator who has created the Universe - or the Multiverse (other dimensions), with the perfection of all it's laws, energy, entropy; with the harmony of it's systems from the smallest of its smallest to the biggest of its biggest; this Creator couldn't have just created all these, including  us - mankind without a sense of purpose.

When the angels learnt that Allah would create a khalifa on earth, they all but wandered and asked why would He place herein those who cause mischief and spill blood:

وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً قَالُواْ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاء وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ

And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place on earth generations after generations (of humans)." They said: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief and shed blood, - while we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You?" He said: "I know that which you do not know."

Al-Baqarah (2): 30

But Allah knew what He has created and He knew how to set them aright. Thus He sent prophets after prophets, messengers after messengers to remind them of this purpose. Indeed man, if left alone would make mischief and shed blood unjustly. The laws and rules for which the prophets have been sent to rule upon the people are their Shariahs - each new prophets repeal and abrogate the older one and the last of them is the Shariah of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, which confirm the laws of the prophets of the past and abrogates that which need to be abrogated.

Ok. so much for dramatic introduction. What was I thinking: justify the need for shariah? This needs a more thorough research. I woke up this morning with this sudden urgency to write about this topic: What are the needs of Muslims, as Muslims, in the Philippines. As minorities, we can only have as much as the central government and the constitution allows us. Let me just enumerate here and maybe discuss them in full details in the future:

1. Islamic education. This is a no brainer. If we want to raise kids as true, practising Muslims, we need to mold them as Muslims both inside our home and outside.

2. Islamic finance. This is a bit tricky and not many people realize this. Riba is so rampant in Muslim cities. An Islamic micro-financing venture is a big necessity in our areas. If people were to know the horrendous effect of riba-based financial systems and the magnanimity and justice of an Islamic financial system, they would think Islam is the solution to the world's problems - as it really is. In Africa alone, governments trying to pay the compound interests to international financial institution, ultimately leaving off their citizens their basic fundamental needs like health and education leading to epidemic infant mortality and perpetuation of poverty due to lack of education. President Obasanjo of Nigeria had this to say in G8 summit, in Okinawa Japan in 2000.

"All that we had borrowed up to 1985 or 1986 was around $5 billion and we have paid about $16 billion yet we are still being told that we owe about $28 billion. That $billion came about because of the injustice in the foreign creditor's interest rates. If you ask me what is the worst thing in the world, I will say it is compound interest."

Right now, all OFW's are required to pay in the PAG IBIG - a good idea but laden with interest-based systems from which Muslims are forbidden to partake.

3. A balance, fair and courageous and Islamic media. 

4. Services that requires Islamic touches on it such as female Muslim doctors to treat Muslim women.

5. NGO's that advocate Islam and human rights of Muslims. A handful of this do exist but we need more. Example is Hijab-Niqab Advocay Network (HAN).

6. Islamic communities where it is easier for Muslims to fulfill his obligations in worship. There must be an area in the Philippines where Muslim converts can make hijrah to so that they can live their lives as complete Muslims and strengthen their Islam and their families. But where is this place? Where are the Muslim real estate agents? Don't they know this is a very big market?

We can add more to this list. Time to take my breakfast. :)

Barakallah feekum

Post from my Shaikh: Reflections Upon Selected Daily Supplications/ Before Sleeping

This is a post from my Shaikh Abu Muhammad Abdurauf Shakir www.islamiclecture.com) with his permission

Before Sleeping

بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا

"Bis-mi-kal-lāhum-ma A-moo-tu wa  Ah-yā"

(In Your Name, O Allāh, I die and I live)^[1]

The text of the Hadeeth:

From among the great words of remembrance which the noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to recite consistently at the time of sleeping and at the time of awakening from sleep is what is narrated by al-Bukhāri: "Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)  intended to sleep he would say: 'In Your Name, O Allāh, I die and I live.' And whenever he awakened from his sleep he said: 'All praise belongs to Allāh, Who gave us life after He caused us to die, and unto Him is the resurrection.'"^[2]

Explanation of the Hadeeth:

As for his saying (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam): "Bis-mi-kal-lāhum-ma..." (In Your Name, O Allāh...) 'Allāhum-ma' means: 'Yā Allāh' (i.e., O Allāh, I am calling upon You). The letter 'Ba' (in Bis) means 'Is-ti-'ā-nah' (seeking help or assistance in doing something). So, the meaning here is: I sleep seeking help in You, asking for Your safe-keeping (Hifdh), and hoping for protection (Al-Wiqāyah), safety (As-Salāmah), and well-being (Al-'Ᾱfiyah) from You!

His saying (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam): 'A-moo-tu wa Ah-yā' (I die and I live) means: I am remembering Your Name (even) in this condition. So, with the mention of Your Name I am given life and with Your Name I die.

These words contain an indication that a Muslim is never without need of remembering his Lord, even for the blinking of an eye - at the time of sleeping, awakening from sleep, and in all of his affairs.

So, here he is at the time of sleeping, sealing his deeds of the day with the remembrance of Allāh. Likewise, the first of actions upon awakening is the remembrance of Allāh. He is giving the utmost care to the remembrance of Allāh at every moment of his day. In this way he is in remembrance of Allāh, the One Free from all imperfections, when life is given to him (upon awakening), when it is taken (upon sleeping), and at the time of being raised to live (after death) on the Day of Resurrection, In Sha Allah!

ln his saying (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam): 'Bis-mi-kal-lāhum-ma  A-moo-tu...' (In Your Name, O Allāh! I die...) when one intends to sleep is an indication that 'Nawm' (sleep) is referred to as 'Mawt' (death) as well as 'Wafāh' (demise, decease), even though life is still present in the person.

This is seen in the saying of Allāh, the Most High:

اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ الَّتِي قَضَى عَلَيْهَا الْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ الْأُخْرَى إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

"It is Allāh who (Yata-waffa) takes away the souls, at the time of their death (Mawt), and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest (back) for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply." (39:42)

For this reason, he (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said in the completion of this Hadeeth, at the time of awakening: "All praise belongs to Allāh, who gave us life after He caused us to die...", pointing to the condition of sleep which the person was in (before awakening again). The sleeping person resembles the dead because movement in him has ceased and his ability to discern what is happening around him is absent. For this reason liability and responsibility for one's actions is lifted until he awakens from his sleep.

[Taken from: ‘Reflections Upon Selected Daily Supplications’ - Abu Muhammad]

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^[1]      Fortress of the Muslim no. 105.

^[2]      Al-Bukhāri, no. 6324.

What's with Zamboanga City and religious Muslims?

Almost a year ago, a religious Muslim in Zamboanga City was murdered on his way out from his home. A convert to Islam and supporter of education for Muslim youth, Arturo Eustaquio III then the president of Universidad de Zamboanga, was gunned down just outside of his home in Santa Maria. The night before the murder, there was an Islamic symposium in his university and a number of non Muslim participants converted to Islam. It was also said that Eustaquio was planning to have an Islamic Studies course to be opened in the said university.

Just a little over a month ago in January of 2013, another religious Muslim has gone missing and until today he is nowhere to be found. Sheikh Basher Mursalun a religious Muslim scholar was reported to have been abducted by 'suspected operatives of the Philippine Center in Transnational Crime and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force' who has until now have not acknowledge the custody of the victim'.

Moreover, Muslim women trying to practice their religion and donning their hijab or veil are not permitted to enroll in several educational institutions and hospitals.

So with this, I dare to ask, what's with you O Zamboanga City? What message are you trying to send to religious Muslims? Is there a militant anti-Muslim living in your city? Are there anti-Muslim religiosity drive happening in your city? Are you trying to fuel radicalization of the youth again?

Muslims should be patient and must not allow themselves to succumb to revenge and radicalization. These are all happening in the wake of the peace treaty signed by the GRP and MILF. Those who are opposed to this new phase of Bangsamoro history would do very well in looking for escape goats to thwart any chance for lasting peace.

Links to Hijab/Niqaab issues in the Philippines

These are some links to the Hijab/Niqab ban issues in Philippine Schools and Hospitals.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hijaab-Niqaab-Advocacy-Network/280451248727431?ref=hl http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/370519/in-name-religious-freedom http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/07/09/muslims-arms-against-discrimination http://www.irfi.org/articles2/articles_2601_2650/Hijab%20-%20A%20Symbol%20of%20Liberation%20and%20Not%20of%20Oppression.HT http://www.irfi.org/articles2/articles_2601_2650/Hijab%20-%20A%20Symbol%20of%20Liberation%20and%20Not%20of%20Oppression.HTM http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121114081808 http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/ Neo Catalyst Wednesday, May 9, 2012 HIJAAB-NIQAAB Compilation of LEGAL Documents and Related Articles Assalaamu alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakatuhu!! Every concerned Muslims (Muslimat) in the Philippines “MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND” all LAWS, MEMORANDA, ISSUANCES, DEPARTMENT ORDERS IN RESPECT FOR THE RIGHT TO WEAR HIJAB-NIQAAB in our country.  Among the many legal documents: 1.) PRC Memorandum No. 2012-02 Re: Wearing of Veils of Muslim Womens Taking the Licensure Examinations dated January 24, 2012 issued by Commissioner Alfredo Y. Po, OIC PRC: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.297790223602752&type=1 Note:  Moreover, this order is applicable to all Muslimat Niqaabi across Philippines and in all courses that need to take for a licensure examinations in PRC. 2.) NCMF Issuance Re: Legal Guidelines on Hijab by Bureau on Legal Affairs issued by Commissioner Atty. Edilwasif T.Baddiri dated September 20, 2011; Resolution No. 44, Series of 2011 approved and signed by Hon. Bai Omera D. Dianalan-Lucman and Commissioners of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos dated October 05, 2011: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.245916968790078&type=1 3.) NBI Order Re: Memorandum Order No. 28 S. 2008, Guidelines on Photo Requirements and Picture Taking for NBI Clearance Purposes approved by Atty. Nestor M. Mantaring, Director of NBI Central Office, Manila in response to the appeal of Deputy Mufti Shaykh Abdulwakil S. Tanjilil: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.246410378740737&type=1 4.) DOH Memo and Order namely DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 issued by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, MD MSc. (Re:Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Muslim workers, including but not limited to students and trainees in health facilities), which was duly reiterated by DOH MEMO No. 2011-0232dated 16 August 2011 Re: Reiterating Compliance to DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 by Nemesio T. Gako, MD, MPH, CESO II, Asst Secretary of Health, Internal Finance and Administration Technical Cluster- lobbied by IMAN President Sherjan Kalim, MD: http://home.doh.gov.ph/dm/dm2011-0232.pdf  5.) Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students (DepED Order No. 53 s. 2001 by Sec Raul S. Roco; and CHED MEMO dated 26 August 2008 signed by OIC Dr Nina S. Ricafort): http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/DO%2053_10-29-01_00001.pdf 6.) DFA and among others, SOON, In shaa’ Allah! HIJAB RELATED ARTICLES http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/2012/05/not-merely-uz-even-malacanang-has-no.html  http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/07/09/muslims-arms-against-discrimination  http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/10/defense-of-muslimat-fortress-no-dearth.html http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/208565/doh-allows-wearing-muslim-head-gear http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/04/09/the-hijab-a-symbol-of-liberation-not-oppression/ http://www.insidemindanao.com/article52.html http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=161951 HIJAB RELATED VIDEO/AUDIO http://insidemindanao.com/radio/SUG_Alun_Limaya_1.mp3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyc5vLTGT9o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l9DpT3XmGs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkZzHpHUw6A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqgNg2aaoXQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHY_E6XTrH0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYdXYnnNSs HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION REPORTING: "HR ALERT! Witnessed a Human Rights Violation? SUBMIT A REPORT NOW" we call this the CSO-PIMM form: find the online submission below it: http://www.philippinehumanrights.org/index.php?option=com_chronoforms&view=form&Itemid=155 We are thankful that our fervent prayers are granted by The Most Compassionate and Beneficent ALLAH. This serves as proof which is quite a relief to our frustrations that there ARE still institutions who respect the dignity and inviolable rights of fellow human beings regardless of religious affiliation. May we continue to uphold and abide the law in consonance with and respect to the inalienable rights of all Muslim Filipinos.  Aameen Ya Rabb!