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The Series of Values in Islamic Civilization... Joy
Author : Dr. Fadi Rabab`ah
Date Added : 11-10-2023

The Series of Values in Islamic Civilization... Joy

 

In this worldly life, every person experiences two states: a state of blessings and joy or a state of trials and sorrow. Both of these states are good for a believer. This is what the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, mentioned when he said: "Amazing is the affair of the believer, for all of his affairs are good, and this is for no one except the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful, and that is good for him. If something harmful happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him." {Transmitted by Muslim}. In Islam, there are two types of joy: praised joy and blameworthy joy.

 

Praised joy can be experienced for various reasons, whether related to the blessings of this world or the rewards of the Hereafter.

 

An example of praised joy from the blessings of the Hereafter is the joy experienced by believers during acts of worship, such as the happiness at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the joy of performing the Hajj pilgrimage, and the blessed celebration of Eid al-Adha. On the other hand, an example of praised joy from the blessings of this world includes celebrating happy occasions such as birthdays, weddings, successful achievements, obtaining a job, or accomplishing a significant project in one's life, as long as these celebrations align with the moral and cultural norms recognized by society. Allah, in the Quran, encourages believers to express their joy by saying, " Say: "In the bounty of God. And in His Mercy,- in that let them rejoice": that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.'" {Yunus, 58}.

 

One of the common joys for all Muslims and for all rational and fair-minded individuals among humanity is the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Allah, the Most High, described the Prophet as a source of mercy. He said: "We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures." {Al-Anbiya, 107). The mission of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) is indeed a blessing and favor from Allah. Allah says {what means}: "God did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them an apostle from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of God, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error." {Al-Imran, 164}. Allah also says {What means}: "It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error;- As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise. Such is the Bounty of God, which He bestows on whom He will: and God is the Lord of the highest bounty." {Al-Jumu`a, 2-4}.The Prophet Mohammad's (peace be upon him) birth is a cause for great joy and celebration, as it is a manifestation of the divine mercy and grace.

 

In the context of celebrating the birth of prophets and righteous individuals, Allah has mentioned in the Quran the joy and blessings associated with their births. For example, when describing the birth of the Prophet John (Yahya) (peace be upon him), it is said: " So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!." {Maryam, 15}. Similarly, when talking about the birth of the Prophet Jesus (Isa) (peace be upon him), Allah says: " So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!." {Maryam, 33}.

Even before that, the Quran narrates the birth of the righteous lady Mary (Maryam) (peace be upon her) with a graceful and joyful expression. Allah says {What means}: "Behold! a woman of ’Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things." When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and God knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male Like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected." Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered (Her) chamber to see her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From God: for God Provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."{Al-Imran, 35-37}.

 

The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) himself expressed joy at the day of his birth. Abu Qatada reported: "O Messenger of Allah, what do you think about fasting on Monday?" He said, "On that day, I was born, and on it, the Quran was sent down to me." {Transmitted by Abu Dawood}.

 

Additionally, the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) inquired about him, and he responded: "I am the supplication of my father Abraham, the good news for Jesus, and my mother was given the glad tidings with a light by which palaces of Sham were illuminated for her when she was pregnant with me." {Transmitted by Ibn Hibban}.

 

The mention of Abraham and good news for Jesus refers to the Quranic verses. In the case of Abraham, it points to the supplication he made to Allah for the sending of a Messenger among his descendants: "Our Lord! send amongst them an Apostle of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise." {Al-Baqara, 129}.

 

In the case of Jesus, it refers to a similar verse that alludes to Jesus (peace be upon him) giving the glad tidings of the coming of a Messenger after him: " And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of God (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of an Apostle to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "this is evident sorcery!". {As-Saff, 6}.

 

These narrations and Quranic verses emphasize the significance of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and the joy of his birth, as he was foretold and blessed by the previous Prophets.

Due to the significance of the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), many Islamic scholars have written special works dedicated to his birth. Some of these works include:

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami's book "Al-Ni'ma Al-Kubra Ala Al-Alam Bi Mawlid Sayyid Adam."

 

Imam Al-Qastallani's book "Al-Mawahib Al-Laduniya Bi Al-Minah Al-Muhammadiya," in which he mentioned that the night of the Prophet's birth is superior to the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr).

Imam Ibn Kathir, Imam Al-Suyuti, Imam Ibn Dayba Al-Shaibani, Al-Birzangi, Al-Samhudi, and Imam Ibn Al-Jazari, among others, have also written on this topic.

 

Additionally, celebrating and rejoicing in the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is a common practice among Muslims, both on an official level in many Islamic countries and on a popular level. The birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him) remains a day of joy, celebrating the mercy, blessings, and grace of Allah upon humanity.

 

And Allah perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.

 

 

 

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

I have a question regarding the deferred portion of the dowry (Mahr)*. Is the wife entitled to it only upon divorce or she can claim it even if divorce hasn`t taken place? Moreover, does she have the right to claim this portion after death of husband, even if he didn`t divorce her before that?

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of The Worlds. May His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
In the marriage contract, it is recorded that the deferred portion of the dowry is due upon divorce or death, whatever comes first. If divorce took place first then the woman is entitled to it and if the husband died this amount must be paid from his estate. On the other hand, if the woman died then the husband becomes liable for this portion and it becomes part of the woman`s estate. We advise every husband to give this portion to his wife while alive because it is a right of hers. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
* In Islam, a Mahr is the obligation, in the form of money or possessions paid by the groom, to the bride at the time of Islamic marriage (payment also has circumstances on when and how to pay). While the mahr is often money, it can also be anything agreed upon by the bride such as jewelry, home goods, furniture, a dwelling or some land. Mahr is typically specified in the marriage contract signed upon marriage.

Is it permissible for a woman to uncover her face while performing Umrah (minor Hajj)?

The woman who is in a state of Ihram (ritual consecration) should uncover her face and hands, but it is permissible for her to let her head-covering garment drape from her head down over her face when non-Mahram (i.e., marriageable) men pass by her. And Allah Knows Best.

I am a wholesale gold trader. My clients are retail gold shop owners. I sell them gold jewelry and ornaments on credit, and they repay me in weekly installments over a period of two months or more. The payments are made in cash for the labor charges and for the gold they owe me. In return, they may give me either cash or used gold.
 

It is not permissible to sell gold or silver on an installment basis or with a deferred payment; rather, immediate exchange is required. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt, like for like, hand to hand. Whoever gives more or asks for more has engaged in usury; the giver and receiver are the same in this regard." (Muslim). Additionally, the weight of the gold must be equal when exchanging new for used; otherwise, it involves usury. The solution is to buy the used gold with cash, then sell the new gold for cash as well. However, payment must be made at the time of the transaction in both cases. Alternatively, one could take the used gold with the intention of refining it, reshape it into a new form, or repair it, then take a fee for the workmanship or repair. And Allah Knows Best

What are the benefits of slaughtering an Aqeeqah?

All Perfect Praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.

Extending thanks to Allah for His grace, expressing happiness for having a newborn, declaring lineage, and feeding the mother to compensate for the blood that she had lost during delivery.

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