Dates: Medicinal Food of the Qur’an

By: Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al A’alamiyah ( Najaf , Iraq ), M.A., LLM (Shariah)

Member, Ulama Council of Pakistan

Published in “The News International” on 27-09- 2004, earlier in “The Mag Weekly”, “Daily News”, Pakistan & in “ Yemen Times” on 10-10-2005

Introduction:

Dates can be served with breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and snacks, any day and every day. It can be classified as food, drink, fruit, sweet, nutrient and medicine. An Arabi phrase indicates the significant value of fresh dates, which says:

“Awwaluha Lil Amir, Wa Akhiruha Lil Hamir”. ‘The first of the crop is for the ruler, and the last of the crop is for the donkey.’

Rasulullah (S) has compared a good Muslim to the date palm tree and said: "Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. Its leaves do not fall."

Dates in the Primary Sacred Literature:

Dates and date palms have been mentioned in the Qur’an some 20 times, indicating their significance, by looking at a few life experiences of Rasulullah (S).

1. Abdullah Ibn Jafar said:

o “Rasulullah (S) ate Qiththaa (cucumbers) with Dates.” (Cucumber has a cold effect and dates have a hot one. By combining the two it becomes mild. From this Hadith we gather that it is recommended that the effect of hot or cold- of things eaten should be taken into consideration. Cucumber is insipid and tasteless, and dates are sweet which results in the cucumber also tasting sweet).

o “Rasulullah (S) ate watermelon with fresh dates.”

o Rasulullah (S) also said:

“The cold effect of one removes the heat of the other, and the heat of one removes the cold effect of the other”. [1]

2. Anas said:
• “I saw Rasulullah (S) eat together musk-melon and dates.” (Some Ulama have translated this also as watermelon’ instead of musk-melon, the reason being as in the first narration, here also the cold effect is intended. But it is clear that musk-melon is meant here. The reason for eating dates is also that it gives the melon a sweeter taste. It is not necessary that one’s benefit be gauged everywhere. It is possible that this is due to some other benefits. The eating of watermelon with dates has its own benefit and that is to create evenness in the effect of both, so that it becomes mild. The eating of musk-melon with dates has its own benefit and that is that if the melon is insipid and tasteless, sugar is mixed before it is eaten. Therefore it is not necessary to give the same reasons for both watermelon and musk-melon).
3. Rubayyi bint Muawwidh said:
• “My uncle Muaaz ibn Afraa sent me a plate of fresh dates, mixed with small cucumbers, to be presented to Rasulullah (S). As He relished cucumbers, I took this to him. At that time some jewelry had been sent to Rasulullah (S) from Bahrain . He took a handful from it and gave it to me.” (Besides the previously mentioned benefits of cucumbers and Dates, it also makes the body thickset too.

It is related in a weak Hadith that Rasulullah (S) ate cucumber with salt. It is possible that he at times ate it with salt and at times with dates. Sometimes one prefers something that is sweet and at other times a thing that is salty.

4. One of the wives of the Nabi said:

o “Rasulullah (S) ate watermelon with fresh dates.”

5. When the Ansari saw Rasulullah (S) and his two Ash’aab, he delightfully exclaimed: Alhamdulillah, no one has more honorable guests today than I (have). He then went out and brought them a bunch of ripe dates, some dry dates and fresh dates, and offered: Eat some of them. He then took hold of his long knife (for slaughtering a goat or a sheep). Rasulullah (S) said to him: Beware of killing a milking animal. He slaughtered a sheep for them and they ate of it and of the bunch of dates. When they had taken their fill and had been fully satisfied, Rasulullah (S.) said:

Wallah! You will certainly be questioned about this bounty on the Day of Qiyamat. Hunger brought you out of your house and you did not return until this bounty came to you. [2]

6. Rasulullah (S) came to visit me, accompanied by Ali who was convalescing. We had some ripe dates hung up. Rasulullah (S) got up and began to eat from them. Ali also got up to eat, but was stopped by Rasulullah (S) who said Ali: Stop, Ali, you are convalescing. She said: I then prepared some barley and beer-root and brought it to Rasulullah (S) who then said: Take some of this, Ali, for it will be more beneficial for you. [3]

7. One of the wives of Rasulullah (S) said that my mother intended to make me fat so as to send me to the (house of) Rasulullah (S). But nothing came of it till she gave me cucumber with fresh dates to eat. Then I became chunky and curvy (as she desired).

8. Rasulullah (S) said:

“A family which has dates will not be hungry” [4]

9. “The people who reaped their new crop of Dates, used to come and present it to Rasulullah (S). He then recited this Doa:

O Allah! Bless us in our fruits. Bless us in our city. Bless us in our Saa, and bless us in our Mudd (these are two measures used in Madinah to measure dates. O Allah! Verily Ibrahim is Your servant, friend and Nabi since it was an occasion for humbleness Rasulullah(S) did not mention here his being the Habib - beloved - of Allah.) And (whatever) he has supplicated to You for (colonizing) Makkah. Which is mentioned in the Ayat, “...so incline some hearts of men that they may yearn towards them, and provide Thou them with fruits in order that they may be thankful.” [5] I offer the same Doa to You for Madinah.’ He then called a small child, to whom he gave that fruit.”

The best food for Ift’ar:

Rasulullah (S) used to say:

· “Iftaar your Sawm by eating dates as it is purifying.”

· “The date that is from high (branches) is a cure”. [6]

During the month of Ramazan, every nook and corner of the Muslim world are filled with varieties of dates. The reason is that it is the basic food of Ift’ar. Rasulullah (S) instructed emphatically, "If any one of you is with Sawm, let him do Ift’ar with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier." Rasulullah (S) used to do Ift’ar by eating dates and if ripe dates were not available, he would substitute them with dried ones. When even these were not available, he used to have a few sips of water, according to some accounts. Dates contain sugar, fat, and proteins, as well as important vitamins. The attachment of the Muslims with dates is due to the recommendation of the Qur’an and the instruction of Saheb al Qur’an. As dates move faster to the liver and are converted more quickly than any other nutrients, particularly if they are moist, the liver accepts their contents more readily and hastens their distribution to the rest of the body, which is thirsting for energy. Without any doubt, Dates are the perfect food for Ift’ar, as they quickly supply the body with the energy it needs. Dates are also rich in natural fibers and the eating of them helps to fight many of the ailments with which we commonly suffer today. Dates also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They are the most wholesome food among fruits because of their hot and moist substance. Rasulullah (S) used to eat all varieties of dates, but he had a special liking for the Ajwah. Many who do Ift’ar with dates afterwards don’t feel much desire for more. It seems that taking dates after Sawm helps one avoid overeating. Rasulullah (S) would sometimes combine dates with bread. At other times he mixed ripe dates with cucumbers, or mixed the dates with butter.

Medicinal Benefits of the Dates:

1. The great worth of dates is also indicated in the Qur’an:

“And shake towards you the trunk of the palm tree, it will drop on you fresh ripe dates", so eat and drink and be comforted”. [7]

According to Medical studies, the ripe date contains a substance that urges uterine spasms and increases contractions especially in the time of delivery. This substance resembles ‘oxytocin’ that is secreted by the interior lobe of pituitary gland, which encourages contractions of the uterus. Dates contain some stimulants which strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last months of pregnancy. This helps the dilation of the uterus at the time of delivery and reduces post-natal bleeding. This was the sacred prescription, for the mother of Essa Nabi at the time of delivery, to make the delivery trouble-free and easy.

2. It enhances the manhood; remove the weakness, if taken with milk, before sleep.

3. Dieticians consider Dates the best food for breast-feeding mothers, as Dates contain elements that assist in alleviating depression and enrich the breast milk with the nutrients needed to make the child healthy and resistant to disease.

4. Another factor making dates the ideal food is their digestibility. Within half an hour of eating them, the tired body regains new vigor. The reason for this is that low blood sugar is the main cause of hunger, not an empty stomach as is often assumed.

5. When the body absorbs the nutritional essence of a few dates the sensation of hunger is abated.

6. Eating dates in the morning on an empty stomach kills intestinal worms and other parasites, as dates have an antidotal potency which restrains their growth.

7. Dates contain calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, magnesium, volatile oils, Vitamin-B6, folic acid, Potassium, Magnesium, proteins, sugars and vitamins and are rich in natural fibers.

8. Magnesium is a very important element for to the pregnant women and is hard to find as a natural source.

9. We shall recommend that they try dates for the new born for the relief of pain. It is important for the functioning of the heart, as well as blood circulation.[8]

10. Placing a sugary substance inside the mouth of a new-born baby is not only a Sunnat but it also radically reduces pain sensation and heart rate. An interesting scientific medical study proved beyond any doubt the benefit of giving a new-born child sugar, in order to reduce the feeling of any painful procedure like heel pricking for a blood sample, or before circumcision. [9] Abu Buradah reported from Abu Musa, who said: I had a new-born baby; I took him to Rasulullah (S), who named him Ibrahim. He chewed a date then he took it and rubbed the inside of the baby’s mouth with it.

11. The date contains a very high percentage of sugar (70-80%); it has both fructose and glucose which have high calorific values, it is easily and quickly digestible, and very helpful to the brain.

12. The date contains 2.2% protein, vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2 and nicotruic acid (against Pellagra) it has traces of minerals needed for the body.

13. Potassium, of which the percentage is very high, has been found to be very effective for cases of bleeding, such as the occasions of birth or circumcision.

14. Dates are recommended for removal of dizziness. It is now well known that low blood sugar and low blood pressure are among the causes of dizziness.

15. When the level of trace elements in the body falls, the health of the blood vessels is affected, which leads to increased heart rate and a consequent inability of the heart to perform its functions with normal efficiency?

16. As dates are rich in calcium, they contribute to healthy bones. For this reason it is recommended that children and older adults, especially women, eat plenty of dates to strengthen their bones.

17. Dates are also important in maintaining good vision and are effective in guarding against night-blindness.

18. It is highly recommended for those who have any kind of hearing problem. It is a sacred medicine to treat respiratory disorder, as well as a salve and a heart stimulant. In the early years of Islam, dates were served as food for Muslim soldiers. Being the best stimulant of the muscles, it is a good tonic for one about to engage in battle.

19. Dates are also rich in natural fibers.

20. Modern medicine has shown that Dates are effective in preventing abdominal cancer.

21. In short words, one date satisfies the minimum requirements of a balanced and healthy diet.

It is our firm and staunch believe that further research will open new vista of understanding for those who still doubt the full Hikmah of the Talim of the Qur’an and Sunnah. For this class, Qur’an says:

“We shall show them our signs on the furthest horizons and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient that your Lord is witness over all things? [10]

Selected varieties out of uncounted range:

There are approximately 552 varieties of dates; the best dates are very rare, the orange-brown Dates are very transparent with a caramel taste.

· It is an Iraqi Date, from the oasis of Mandali, east of Baghdad . In Iraq , Dates are sometimes filled with clotted cream.”

· Nubut Saiyf, is a long date, shaped like a sword (Sayf), from the Riyadh region on the Najd plateau in central Arabia .

· Sukkari, meaning “sweet one,” from the Qasim region north of Riyadh .

· The rare and very expensive, Anbar or Anbara date from the Madinah region.

· And finally, the Khlas (quintessence), of Al Hasa. Besides “Khalal, Busr and Saraban are different variaties, from different parts of the Arabia . The most popular Dates of Hijaz include Khunaizi, Bukayyirah, Gharr, Shaishi and Ruzaiz, Sufri, Barhi, Sullaj and Khudhairi. People of Madinah mainly love Anbara, Ajwah, Rothanah, Baidh, Rabiah, Barhi, Hilwah, Hulayyah, Safawi, Shalabi, Khlas and consider them as “the perfection of the Date.”

Ajwah, the Gift of Jannat:

The word Ajwah is a noun from the verb Aja, which means to pacify an infant who is still being breastfed, but who is in the process of being weaned. “Al Dawau Bil Ajwah” is a very famous phrase in Arabia , which means treat diseases through Ajwah. It was a common practice among mothers in Arabia to use dates—especially the dry, chewy types, one of which is Ajwah—to wean their infants. They would let their babies chew on the date to pacify them, strengthen their gums and overcome their teething pains. Most likely, Ajwah got its name from this use, as it has the right texture and sweetness for the purpose.” Rasulullah (S) took all varieties of dates, but preferred the Ajwah. “Ajwah date, from Madinah, was the favourite of Rasulullah (S) because of its chewy texture and flavor”. Cured dates are called Ajwah in Arabi.

1. "Ajwah date is an excellent remedy".[11]

2. "Ajwah date is certainly an excellent and sufficient food."

3. "Ajwah is from Jannat and contains an antidote against poison" [12]

4. I suffered from an illness. Rasulullah (S) visited me. He put his hands between my nipples and I felt its coolness at my heart. He said: You are a man suffering from heart disease. Go to Al Haris Ibn Kaladah, brother of Saqif. He is an expert who gives medical treatment. He advised him to take seven Ajwah dates of Madinah and grind them with their kernels, and then put them into your mouth. [13]

5. Rasulullah (S) said: Ajwah dates of Aliyah contain healing effects, and act as antidotes in several ailments when taken early in the morning. [14]

Syrup of the Dates:

The syrup obtained from Dates is called “Dibs” which is similar to honey or molasses. It comes from dates when they have fully ripened and are then pressed. The Khunaizi Date from al Qatif Oasis produces excellent dibs. Dibs have a sweet, acidic flavour with a slightly bitter tinge. It is used in making or as a covering for sweets. Dibs is also as an ingredient in a popular fish recipe called Muhammar Ma Samak Maqli, meaning ‘brown or red rice with fried fish.’ In this dish, dibs is used to give the rice a brown color and a distinctive sweet and salty taste.” We sometimes use Habit al Barakah (“blessed seeds”) for a special flavor.”

Chocolate of the Jannat:

Is it not time for us to correct our wrong approach and forgo the habit of eating large varieties of Chocolate, which is an invitation to several ailments. It is time that not only we but our children should enjoy the benefits of this nutritious gift of Qudrat. Millions of Muslim across the world destroys their wealth as well as health through eating chocolate. In conclusion, we should try and eat this divine fruit throughout the year and not only in Ramazan.

Selected Bibliography

1) “Jame Tirmizi”

2) “Saheeh Muslim”, Kitaab Al Ashribah, chapter 22, Book 22

3) Book 28, No.3847: Narrated Ummul Mundhar bint Qays al Ansariyyah

4) “Saheeh Muslim”, Kitaab Al Ashribah, chapter 22, Book 22, No. 5078

5) Al Qur’an, Surat Ibrahim, 37

6) “Saheeh Muslim” & “Musnad Ahmad”

7) Al Qur’an, Surat Mariyam, Ayaat 25-6

8) 1-“Clin Obstet Gynecol”:1999Dec; 42(4):802-19, 2-“Controversies in Tocolytic Therapy”. Katz VL, Farmer RM, 3-, Center for Genetics & Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Sacred Heart Medical Center , Eugene , Oregon 97401 , USA

9) British Medical Journal, No. 6993, 10^th June 1995, 2-“The analgesic effect of sucrose in full term infants”, by Nora Haouari, Christopher Wood, Gillian Griffiths & Malcolm Levene, Leeds General Infirmary, England

10) Al Qur’an, Surat Fusilat, Ayaat Nos.41-53

11) “Saheeh Bukhari” & “Saheeh Muslim”

12) “Jame Tirmizi”

13) “Sunan Abi Dawood”, Book 28, No. 3866: Narrated Saad.

14) “Saheeh Muslim”, Kitaab Al Ashriba, chapter 22, Book 22, No.

15) 5083

This document may be used, only with this copyright notice included. Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on internet forums, and include in not-for-profit publications subject to the following conditions: (1) Material used must be produced faithfully in full, without alteration or omission; (2) The author's subject title must remain unchanged, in whole or in part; (3) Material must be attributed to the author. Contact the author for all other rights, which are reserved. Copyright © 2008 Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

Writer is Attorney At Law & Religious Scholar

Email Address: qazishkborhany@ hotmail.com

Time of Breaking the Fast (Iftar)

Once Moosa (AS) asked Allah Ta'ala: O Allah ! You have granted me the honor and privilege of talking to you directly, Have you given this privilege to any otherperson? Allah Ta'ala replied, O!! Moosa during the last period I am going to send an ummat, who will be the Ummat of Mohammed (SAW) with dry lips, parched tongues, emaciated body with eyes sunken deep into their sockets, with livers dry and stomachs suffering the pangs of hunger- will call out to me (in dua) they will be much much closer to me than you O Moosa! while you speak to me there are 70000 veils between you and me but at the time of iftaar there will not be a single veil between me and the fasting Ummati of Mohammed (SAW) O!! Moosa I have taken upon myself the responsibility that at the time of iftaar I will never refuse the dua of a fasting person!

Subhan Allah!!

“Sadaqah” A Sacred Institution to Facilitate the Poor

By: Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al A’alamiyah ( Najaf , Iraq ), M.A., LLM (Shariah)

Member, Ulama Council of Pakistan

This paper was prepared on the request of the Chairperson, “Council of Islamic Ideology Pakistan ” (Constitutional Institution of Pakistan ) a few years ago to answer the question: “How can an individual or an institution contribute to upgrade the quality of life of the less fortunate ones? With this discussion on the ‘Institution of Sadaqah’, an attempt has been made to re-establish an institution, to facilitate the poor class of the Ummah and improve their quality of life.

Part 2

Published in Daily News, Karachi on 10-08-2008 & earlier in Pakistan Times & on 25-08-2008 in Yemen Times

Philosophy of Sadaqah in Qur’an:

Sadaqah is the best act through which a person could achieve nearness of Allah and fight the forces of evil. The economic system of Islam provides us Talim that wealth should not be accumulated in the hands of one person, neither a wealthy, rich person should become a ‘Shaddad’, ‘Hamman’ and ‘Abu Lahab’ to cover his wealth like a snake. Similarly, the Trustees of Bait al M’aal should not utilize the fund undeservedly, which is similar to sucking the blood of the poor. Islam totally condemns it. Today the rich and wealthy of a society have become ferocious so as to suck the blood of the poor, but Islam is a religion of Justice, which never allows that a person may become a prey of another person. It provides assurance that all people are not equal, neither in ilm nor in wealth or power. One may be earning a lot, another less. One may be a hard worker, the other may not be so, yet another may be jobless, handicapped or crippled. Qur’an has defined the Ummah as a large family, which deserves and demands a close co-operation, mutual help and care, feeling of sacrifice among each other. Qur’an has given an assurance to this family (Ummah) for survival and bestows a golden principle:

“Help and co-operate among each other in goodness and virtue”. [12]

Strong Rrecommendations of Sadaqah:

Rasulullah (S) guides the Ummah regarding Sadaqah and Inf’aq several times, and encourages them through so many Ahadith. Sadaqah is the famous institution of charity. This is an institution through which one can spend in the name of Allah, for the cause of Allah. It is the ‘identity card’ to achieve nearness of Allah. It is the name of carrying good deeds. It is the way to fulfill the needs of the deserving class. Qur’an says:

“Say: “Verily my Lord increases the Rizaq-substance for whomsoever He wills of His servants, and restricts it (for whomsoever He wills) and He repays whatsoever you spend. He is the best of all providers”. [13]

One assurance has been given in Qur’an, which is not found in any other Scriptures:

“Those who spend their money (by giving Sadaqah, Khair’at to deserving) openly or quietly in the day and at night, their reward is with their Lord the Cherisher, they will not face any danger nor face sorrow or grief”. [14]

Commentators of the Qur’an are unanimous on the Nuzul of the above Ayat that it came down in praise of Ali to glorify his Sadaqah of four Darahim in the way of Allah—one by night, one by day, one secretly and one openly.

Let us take an example from some standard level. Today, while man has become materialistic, he first secures his selfish interest. He will not do anything without any interest. But the best assurance for secure profits is given in the following Ayat of the Qur’an:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain, which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains and verily, Allah gives manifold to whomever He wills, and Allah is omniscient, knowing”. [15]

Now pay attention and think over it, what a divine message Qur’an conveys to believers. Those who make a name in misery, whose hearts are narrow and tied up just like a handcuffed chain; they are away from the sense of kindness. Qur’an has mentioned such people in such a strong manner that the entire body shivers on its warnings. Directions have been given as follows:

“Listen! You people are invited to spend your money in the way of Allah, but some among you are miser. In fact they are doing misery with themselves; (i.e. not sharing part in Sadaq’at and Khair’at made them deprived of Barak’at and Naimat); while Allah is self sufficient and you are needy. If you turn back, He will bring other people in your place (the Naimat you have should be transferred to other) who will not be like you”. [16]

After this, again there is a warning of a horrible punishment as follows:

“No one will be thrown in it but the miser, who deny the truth and turns his back”. [17]

Strong tone and clear wordings of the above Ay’at is enough of a warning to the miser. Numerous Ahadith carry Talim and explain the significance of Sadaqah. Qur’an and Ahadith repeatedly and forcefully informed and insisted upon those in the Ummah, who have been rewarded with bounty, not to spend their wealth as an Isr’af, or for glorification among people. Instead they must spend it on deserving, needy people, who keep their problems hidden, due to self-respect. Many people go to bed without food. In winter, due to shortage of clothes, they face cold winds, and suffer various diseases without medicines.

Evils of Society:

One should keep in mind that class discrimination and poverty are two different things. In each society, class discrimination problems survive. Guidance of Islam regarding the removal of differences among classes is that the poor class must have the necessities of the life, according to the need of the time. Class discrimination is tyranny, which is the outcome of the three evils. Rasulullah (S) has declared Jih’ad against them. In ‘Ghazwah Badar’, these ‘Three Evils’ were present, and also represented individually. First was the Ruler, Abu Jahl; the second was the Capitalist power of Quraish and third was the Cleric, Abi Lahab. These three forces are still present today in different faces and dresses. The influential partner of this ‘Troika’ is Ulama al Su (the Clerics). They are the most dangerous than the two others, as they cheat in the name of Allah and His Rasul. It is their profession, everywhere. ‘Ulama al Su’ does not offer constructive guidance to the Ummah, but misleads them and when less fortune class discusses their problems with them they explain them as it is their destiny. For them nothing in this world, they will get reward in Akhirat. Neither Qur’an nor Rasulullah (S) provides this Talim. If people come out of the Net of the Ulama al Su, they would be able to spend better lives. People of all classes should avoid financial support to the clergy in the name of religion, and donate to welfare and charitable projects from which needy people can be helped. An Urdu poet had discussed Ulama al Su, and rightly explained in his poetry as follows:

“Geo Mulla Dharakey Sey; Duniya Margaee Faqey Sey”

O Crooked clerics! Enjoy the life, you are free of worries, (as your perpetual source of income is ‘Bait al M’aal’ of public, including non broken chain of donations under numerous heads); while masses have multiple problems, the poor go to sleep witout food.

“Tu Kh’aa Mazey Sey Halwey M’andey; Tujh Ku Kiya Hey A’atey Sey” [18]

You enjoy feast everyday; have you ever considered how difficult it is for less-fortune to earn a living?

Selected Bibliography

[12] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 2, Surat al Maedah, No.5

[13] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 39, Surat Saba , No. 34

[14] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 274, Surat al Baqrah, No. 2

[15] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 261, Surat al Baqarah, No.2

[16] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 38, Surat Mohammed, No.47

[17] Al Qur’an, Ay’at No 15-16, Surat Al Laiyl, No. 92

[18] Prof. Ali HasanMuzaffar, “Riway’at Asal Deen Nahi”, Karachi

The writer is Attorney at Law & Religious Scholar

Email address: qazishkborhany@ hotmail.com

This document may be used, only with this copyright notice included. Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on internet forums, and include in not-for-profit publications subject to the following conditions: (1) Material used must be produced faithfully in full, without alteration or omission; (2) The author's subject title must remain unchanged, in whole or in part; (3) Material must be attributed to the author Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany. Contact the author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Chance to Heal Those Broken Promises

The life of a human being is given its character, its personality, its tone by the almost continuous changes that the human being undergoes. A series of physical and spiritual changes transform man from a child to an adolescent, from an adolescent to an adult and from an adult to an elderly person. The physical changes that occur in this process are usually fairly easy to trace. The story becomes interesting, however, when we begin to analyze the spiritual changes that are brewing within this aging mind.

Islam places spirituality at the core of its doctrine. It works from the fundamental law that a human being is both a physical and spiritual being, that he has both a body and a soul. Further, Islam argues that the body is simply a vehicle for the soul, until the two are separated when the human being dies physically. The only difference between being alive and being dead is that while we are alive, our soul has command of our body and can direct it toward performing certain deeds, whilst after death, the soul loses control of the body, and is left with only the bliss of reward for its good deeds, or with the piercing pain of regret for its wastefulness and sin.

Chance to Heal Those Broken Promises

The holy month of Ramadhan is on its way once more. Lucky are those who will be there when it arrives. Looking back at the last Ramadhan, I remember the plans, promises and changes I intended to make which did not go exactly as planned. More sadly, I remember that I knew of people that were alive then, but this year they are gone! Who would have thought that they would not be able to get 'one' more Ramadhan?

Some of us take it for granted. We tend to only think of it when an incident as such takes place, and once we get through Ramadhan; the reality of life just happens to slip through our minds. Those who do not forget and keep a record of their promises will surely be the winners.

Fasting: Spiritual food for our souls

Since the holy month is a door step away, we can prepare our own 'to be' and 'to do' lists from today. We can mend those broken promises.

Every job has its rewards, incentives and recognition. Islam is no different-for every good dead is multiplied by seventy times. In the holy month of Ramadhan, we have tremendous incentives given to us: mercy, forgiveness and endless opportunities to gain reward.

The holy month of Ramadhan is one of the best months of the year, in which Allah Almighty grants us the opportunity to cleanse our hearts and feed our thirsty souls with something that is everlasting: piety.

Fasting: Frees your imprisoned soul

Fasting is one recipe that frees our souls from temptations and from every prison we unintentionally invent around our souls. At one point, our Dua's tap the doors of the sky hoping they would be answered. Joy is for those whose calls are answered by Allah Almighty in which he says: I hear you my servant, I hear you. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us: "Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah) the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler.

Quick Things to keep in mind

• The month of Ramadhan is an invitation from Allah to boost our faith; do not turn it away
• Protect yourself from yourself
• The fruit of fasting is piety; our way to Paradise
• Do not overload yourself with big plans
• Do one good thing at a time, and add items as you go
• Let it be the month in which you start the new 'you'

"Sadaqah" A Sacred Institution to Facilitate the Poor

By: Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al A'alamiyah (Najaf, Iraq), M.A., LLM (Shariah)

Member, Ulama Council of Pakistan

This paper was prepared on the request of the Chairperson, "Council of Islamic Ideology Pakistan" (Constitutional Institution of Pakistan) a few years ago to answer the question: "How can an individual or an institution contribute to upgrade the quality of life of the less fortunate ones? With this discussion on the `Institution of Sadaqah', an attempt has been made to re-establish an institution, to facilitate the poor class of the Ummah and improve their quality of life.

Part I

Published in Daily News, Karachi on 09-08-2008, Yemen Times on 18-08-2008 & earlier in Pakistan Times

Introduction: Today, the Muslim society is a victim of many social evils, due to a lack of awareness of religious education. Narrow mindedness is the result of this attitude, because education of Islam opens many windows. Educated upper class considers Shariah as an out-dated code of life. Ignorance of the Science of Islam is the core reason for the mutilation of the faith. This situation allows people to accept the influence of their surroundings, which later on become part of their faith. Today Muslims follow customs and rituals more punctually and strictly while forgetting the original teachings of Shariah. Due to this negative attitude, no discrimination between right and wrong exists for them, and the benedictions of the institution of Sadaqah seem to have lost their importance. This divine gift, which was conferred through the institution of Wahi, for the elevation of the less-fortunate class of the society, has become a forgotten chapter. In Southeast Asia, Muslims practiced Sadaqah in the same manner as the Hindu ritual of "D'an & Darakshna". The Hindus believed that something should be donated to the priest-class and in return hoped that ones misfortune or difficulty will be removed. Unfortunately, our people at large treat charitable institutions of Islam in the same manner, as it is explained in the "Hindu Mythology". Plunderers of the faith—the so-called clergy, are largely responsible for undermining the real spirit of this institution. They exploit the masses and lead them to serve their own interests. It is a pity that the people have forgotten this institution of their own welfare, and are being exploited by the clerics in the name of religion. These clerics try their best to snatch valuables in the name of Allah. "It is worth-mentioning what people do to `drive away their misfortunes' :

· To avoid misfortunes and troubles, people would put the head of a goat, on the corner of a street.

· To cure an illness and other needs, people feed pieces of meat to kites and crows.

· To fulfill hopes and good wishes, a lemon punctured with a clove inside is thrown on the street.

· To protect a baby from evil-eye, an egg is waved around the head and thrown outside.

· `Ulama al Su', to satisfy their selfish desires ask for different costly items, such as gold, silver, Musk, Aud-Aloes wood, Saffron, and other valuables, other then money, according to the status of the needy person in the name of Sadaqah & Khair'aat".[1]

Misinterpretation of Sadaqah: It is necessary to examine the root causes of misinterpretation of the term "Sadaqah" by our people. People influenced by their surroundings donate Sadaqah just to remove their problems. It becomes a habit, which has turned into their faith. On the other side, the clergy pursue a luxurious life style. They indulge in money-minting and non-constructive activities. Instead of a scientific research, in the studies of Qur'an and Islam and welfare of the community, they love to spend time in profligacy. Today, people treat the item donated in the name of Sadaqah with a social stigma as something meant for the poorest of the poor. No one would like to even touch it, as people think that the Af'aat of the person attached to it on whose name it is donated may come upon them. The cultured class is also unaware about the spirit of Sadaqah. One giving the Sadaqah tries to give it away as early as possible, as it is believed that it is not good to carry the same, and is considered a bad omen. The innocent people are amazed when advised them to carry Sadaqah till any deserving person available. They fear if they carry it with them perhaps face any kind of trouble. The reason for such superstitious beliefs is only due to lack of correct information from the right source. There is no reference in the Fiqah-literature that the receiver of Sadaqah will face any harm or problem, as is wrongly believed. Such beliefs are the result of the ignorance of the people about the divine philosophy. The charlatans and the perfidious clergy have misled the masses away from the truth. People have forgotten the original Talim and remain busy in absurd customs and rituals taught by the clerics. Traditions and rituals have no concern with the religion, but unfortunately they are treated as part of religion.

Definition of Sadaqah: Those who divide Islam, politics and economics in three different categories, can not find the solutions of the financial crises of the Ummah. The shortsighted clergy can not help in building a welfare society, which Islam has ordained. Social and economic crises of the Ummah can be solved if people practice according to the advice of Qur'an. Presently, it is only a neglected lesson, which exists without its original spirit. Raghib Isfahani wrote in his famous book: "Mufarradat al Qur'an" as follows:

"The meaning of the word Sadaqah in the language of Shariah is to grant or donate with free-will to others". [2]

Meaning of Sadaqah is explained in "Qamus al Fiqahi" as follow:

"Sadaqah is that which is donated to others only to please Allah and to get His nearness". [3]

The word Sadaqah is from the word Sidq, which means truth and sincerity, the truth and sincerity, which are expressed to others with true intention to help a needy deserving class. Any kind of help which you give to others in cash or in any form is an act of Sadaqah. This act demands sincerity, because it is Allah alone who in return removes or lesson the problems which a person faces. Sadaqah is a very wide term and is used in the Qur'an to cover all kinds of charity. Ahadith literature provides us following Talim in this regard:

· "Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah".[4]

· "Enjoining what is right & forbidding what is wrong is Sadaqah" [5]

· Giving a smile or a glass of water to a thirsty person or even a word of kindness and so on. [6]

· Planting something from which a person, bird or animal afterwards takes benefit also counts Sadaqah

· Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah .[7]

· Guiding a person who is lost is also Sadaqah." [8]

· Helping someone to establish himself in professional life, assisting someone acquire good learning; monetary assistance for the treatment of the sick; looking after the orphans and the destitute; giving scholarships to students, all such charitable works, come under Sadaqah-Jariyah- -that is why so many traditions are available which explain the reward of this practice and attracts the community to promote it. "The reward for giving Sadaqah in secret is seventy times superior to that of giving it publicly". [9]

The highest degree of Sadaqah is that which should be given secretly so that the other hand may not know of it. It is however not restricted to pay Sadaqah openly, but according to the Talim of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and guidance of Ahl al Bait and Ash'ab it is preferable that Sadaqah be given secretly, that is superior in practice. According to Abi Abdillah Imam Jafar Assadiq, except `Bani Hashim', Sadaqah could be given to any needy Mumin.

Qur'an describes pious as follows:

"And in their wealth there was the right of the "Sa'el"-needy person and the "Mahrum"-poor who does not approach others". [10]

Good conduct is frequently termed Sadaqah in the Hadith. In this extended sense, acts of loving, kindness, even greeting one another with a cheerful face, is regarded as Sadaqah. In brief, every good deed is Sadaqah. This should start at home, as per Hadith:

"When one of you is poor, he starts with himself. If anything is left, he spends it on his dependents. If anything is (still) left then on his relatives, and then, if more is left, he spends it here and there." [11]

Bibliography

[1] Syed Ibn Hasan Najafi, "Sadaqah Ki Ahmiyat", Karachi, Pakistan

[2] Raghib Isfahani, "Mufarrad'at al Qur'an" 2^nd edition, Qum, Iran

[3] S'adi Abu Habib, "Qamusi Fiqahai", Pakistan

[4] 1-"Kanz al Far'aid", Hadith No. 16305; 2-"Nahj al Fasahat", vol. No. 1, page

No. 378, Iran

[5] "Bih'ar al Anw'ar", vol. No. 93, page No.182, Beirut

[6] "Mustadrak al Wasail", vol.No.7, page No.250, Qum

[7] 1-"Bih'aral Anw'ar", vol.No.93, pageNo.182, Beirut; 2-"Mustadrak al

Wasail", vol. No.7, page No. 242

[8] Nahj al Fasahat, vol.No.1, page No.378, Iran

[9] Al Baydawi, "Anwar al Tanazil", vol. No.2,pg. No. 211, Qahira, Egypt

[10] Al Qur'an, Ayat No. 19, Surat al Zariy'at 51

[11]Hadith narrated by Syedna Jabir

The writer is Attorney at Law & Religious Scholar

Email address: qazishkborhany@ hotmail.com

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