islam

Granby Interfaith Vigil for Orlando

/ Chaplain Sami A. Aziz / Leave a comment

On June 16th at 7pm Imam Sami Abdul Aziz & Vjosa Qerimi participated in the Interfaith vigil at the Granby Town Green. When we arrived at the Congregational Church down the street with met with Church leaders Dawn Karlson, Sandra Fischer and many others. From there we walked to the Town Green where about 55 people were gathered to remember the victims of the Orlando tragedy. At the helm were Elliot Altomare and Pastor Ginny McDaniel. Imam Sami Abdul Aziz shared some verses from the Quran and gave a message of hope as well as a condemnation of the actions of the shooter. 

South Congregational Church.242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035

 

Program:
Music – Doug
Welcome – Rev. Ginny McDaniel
Readings –
-Reading from the Quran/Reflection, Imam Sami Abdul Aziz
-The Blessings of Jesus, Anne Marie Elder
-Litanies to My Heavenly, Brown Body Elliot Altomare
-Count to 50, Jennica Betsch
Reading of the Names & laying of flowers, Elliot
Sharing in small groups, Dawn
Prayer, Ginny
Son “Singing for Our Lives”, Holly Near
Charge and Benediction, Dawn
Song “Bridge over Troubled Water”

More information about the event can be found at the hosts website here: https://storify.com/elliotaltomare/granbyvigil

Let’s Talk About ISIS: Does ISIS Actually Represent Islam or Muslims? @ Jones Library, Amherst MA with Imam Aziz

/ Chaplain Sami A. Aziz / Leave a comment

Date: April 23rd, 2016 2:30-4:30pm

Location:  Jones Library 43 Amity Street Amherst, MA 01002

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/publish?crumb=8a9fcf00f773e9&eid=24381071441

Sponsors:
If you are interested in sponsoring this talk as an individual, business or organization please contact Imam Aziz at 484-995-9676 or SamiAbdulAziz@gmail.com

Presentation Information:
Join us for a presentation and discussion that will examine:

  • the tenets of Islam
  • the religious justification ISIS uses to kill Muslims and people of other faiths
  • answers to those justifications from a practicing Muslim’s perspective

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq & Syria) claims to represent Islam and claims its roots are in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, and the Prophetic Tradition (Hadith), recorded sayings and doings of the Prophet Muhammad. This is untrue, as there are numerous verses in the Quran and Hadith that expound justice, tolerance, peace and love for neighbors. Islam, the name of the religion, derives from the word peace in Arabic, Salaam.

Presenters:
Imam Sammy Aziz (Sami Abdul Aziz) – Sammy Aziz serves as Imam for Bloomfield Muslim Community Center and PrayerSpark.com. He is a graduate of Hartford Seminary Islamic Chaplaincy program and represents the community at the Bloomfield Interfaith Association. Imam Aziz believes strongly in establishing peace and justice between all people regardless of color, ethnicity or religion. He often refers to the following verse from the Quran for guidance: O you who have believed, be constantly upright with equity (with others), witnesses for God, even if it be against yourselves or (your) parents and nearest kin. In case (the person) is rich or poor, then God is the Best Patron for both. So do not ever follow prejudice, so as to do justice; and in case you twist or veer away, then surely God has been Ever-Cognizant of whatever you do. 4:135

Vjosa Aziz – Vjosa is a member of Bloomfield Muslim Community Center and a Public Educator. She has spoken at numerous venues on Islam including Bloomfield Library, Avon Library, Farmington Library, Asylum Hill Congregational, and First Congregational in Bloomfield.

John Parent – John  is a student of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality at Hartford Seminary. John is active in promoting interfaith relations, education, understanding, peace and fellowship via various networks, joint-services, and community educational opportunities throughout the greater Hartford area.

Press Contact: The press is welcomed, please reserve your spot with Imam Aziz 484-995-9676 or SamiAbdulAziz@gmail.com

Library link: http://www.joneslibrary.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1150&month=4&year=2016&day=17&calType=0

islam is peace

Do atheist, agnostics, non-Muslims go to hell?

/ Chaplain Sami A. Aziz / Leave a comment

Recently this question was posed to me by my friend Musa in the Nur Dersana in Philadelphia, PA. In an attempt to have a more scholarly answer I am creating this post. Answering this post in a multi-madhab society of America I will attempt to include multiple sources.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf article Who are the Disbelieves? presents the opinions of many great scholars including Imam Ghazali, Imam Suyuti, Ibn Taymiyyah and many more. Shaykh Hamza guides the reader through the many types of kufr and opinions. Conclusion being that no not all non-Muslims go to hell-fire. Alhamdulilah Allahs mercy is quite vast.
Please access this article here: Who are the Disbelivers ~ Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

Salafi
“A person who has never heard of Islam or the Prophet SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and who has never heard the message in its correct and true form, will not be punished by Allaah if he dies in a state of kufr (disbelief). If it were asked what his fate will be, the answer will be that Allaah will test him on the Day of Resurrection: if he obeys, he will enter Paradise and if he disobeys he will enter Hell. The evidence (daleel) for this is the hadeeth of al-Aswad ibn Saree’, who reported that the Prophet of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are four (who will protest) to Allaah on the Day of Resurrection: the deaf man who never heard anything, the insane man, the very old man, and the man who died during the fatrah (the interval between the time of ‘Eesaa (Jesus, upon whom be peace) and the time of Muhammad SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)). The deaf man will say, ‘O Lord, Islam came but I never heard anything.’ The insane man will say, ‘O Lord, Islam came but the children ran after me and threw stones at me.’ The very old man will say, ‘O Lord, Islam came but I did not understand anything.’ The man who died during the fatrah will say, ‘O Lord, no Messenger from You came to me.’ He will accept their promises of obedience, then word will be sent to them to enter the Fire. By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, if they enter it, it will be cool and safe for them.” – Islam QA – Fatwa 1244

May Allah guide us to what is best. I heard Shaykh Khalil AbdurpRashid state that the people on this earth when they indulge in the dunya ie: drinking alcohol, over eating, dating, etc; are actually seeking God. They have a hole in their heart from the realm of the spirits which they want to fill. That whole can only be filled with the remembrance of Allah. Our job as Muslims is to help them find that lost love and thus fill them with sakina.

Glory be to Allah, we have no knowledge save that which he has given us, He is all knowing, all wise.

Turbans & Kufis

/ Chaplain Sami A. Aziz / Leave a comment
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Students in Kastamonu, Turkey at a Quran retreat

“Such is the high nobility of the turban that we are told even the angels wore it. Of the Qur’anic verse, “Your Lord shall help you with five thousand angels bearing marks” (Surat Ali ‘Imran, verse 125), Ibn ‘Abbas, the greatest of the early exegetes, said: “The signs are that they wore turbans.” ” ~ The turban tradition in Islam by Sh. G. F. Haddad

“The Gospels also describe Prophet Muhammad as “wearing a crown.” Yes, this title is particular to God’s Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace), for “crown” means turban, for in former days, it was the Arabs who as a people, all wore the turban and headband. This definitely therefore refers to God’s Messenger (UWBP).” ~ Treatise of Light 19 Letter

Recently my class, specifically the sisters, in my class asked me about wearing Kufis. They noticed their male classmates not wearing kufis while they are obligated to wear hijab.  This is a great point and a point of contention among Muslim men and women in the west.  Why should a Sister have to face society alone? Why don’t the Brothers also represent? Why do the Brothers always use the excuse of Sunnah when we should be following all Sunnah and our purpose in the west is to be actively doing dawah?

All great questions! I for one have for many years been lax in my implementation of kufi wearing and until recently never wore a turban. Alhamdulilah my time with the Nur Jemaat has changed all of that!

Whenever I see a Jewish man wearing a yamaka, a Christian wearing a cross or a Sikh wearing a turban, I am reminded of the religious freedom in this country. We are allowed to practice our faith, we are allowed to have a beard and wear a kufi, and we should! It is the best types of dawah because often the conversation becomes personal and emotional. Causing one to imprint upon a person heart both the knowledge and emotional value of the beard or kufi or hijab within the Islamic tradition.

The following are Hadith, Quran and scholar opinons that support the wearing of Turbans:

Just a reminder that following the Prophet pbuh in actions, speech and way of life is an obligation laid out in the Quran in the following verses:

The Holy Quran, Sura #3;Ayah #31 
“Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): “If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

The Holy Quran, Sura #33;Ayah #21 
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day and remembers Allâh much.”

The Holy Quran, Sura #42;Ayah #52 
“And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad SAW) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’ân) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism).”

The Holy Quran, Sura #59;Ayah #7 
“And whatever the Prophet gives you, ACCEPT IT and whatever he forbids you, ABSTAIN (from it)” 

Hadith – There are numerous narrations of the Prophet pbuh, Sahaba and Saliheen (righteous people) wearing Turbans. I will pick out the hadith that I find most awesome in meaning, and most motivating to my spirit:

-Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi
Roknah (Radhiallaahu Án) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said “The distinction between us and the polytheists is the turbans over our caps. “Note : Also quoted by Al-Tabrizi in his Mishkat Al-Masabih and this clears up the false notion that this was just the way of the arabs and not a particular practice of Rasulullah (SAW) and this shows us that we should wear caps under our Imaamas to differentiate from the sieks and other Kufar who wear turbans but without caps under them.

-MISHKAT page #377 and also reported by Baihaqi in Shuabul Imaan.
Ubadah (Radhiallaahu Án) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) “Make a practice of tying Turbans since it is a hallmark of the angels.” Note: Here Rasulullah(SAW) is even advising others to wear the Imaama!

-Tabrani
Musa Ashari (Radhiallaahu Án) narrates that Jibraeel would come to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) wearing a turban.

-At-Tabrani and Haakim  reports this to be reliable Hassan
(Also quoted in Tabarani’s al-Mu`jam al-kabir (1:162), Bazzar’s Zawa’id, al-Hakim’s Mustadrak (4:193), al-Khatib al- Baghdadi’s Tarikh Baghdad (11:394), and Ibn `Asakir’s Tahdhib tarikh dimashq al-kabir (5:178). Also in the book Turban Thowb and kufi by Maulana FazlurRahman on pg#24)
Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Án) reports that Rasulullah(SAW) said “Adopt the Turban as it will increase your Hilm ( good character, intelligence, patience).”

Scholarly Opinions:
-Maulana Fazlul Karim
(This is from his commentary of Mishkat vol#1 pg#630)
“The holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) used to wear a Turban and he said that the angels also wear it in the heavens and the turban protects the head and adorns the face.”

-Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (Rahimahullah) mentioned in FathulBaari pg#491 and 493
That Imaam Bukhari and Imaam Muslim both wore Turbans.
Note: that they were not arabs but took this practice as the Sunna of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) .

-Malik Fiqh
(Quoted by Ibn Abi Zayd, al-Jami` fi al-sunan (1982 ed.) p. 228)
Imaam Malik said “The turban was worn from the beginning of Islam and it did not cease being worn until our time. I did not see anyone among the People of Excellence except they wore the turban, such as Yahya ibn Sa`id, Rabi`a, and Ibn Hurmuz. I would see in Rabi`a’s circle more than thirty men wearing turbans and I was one of them, and Rabi`a did not put it down until the Pleiades rose (i.e. until he slept) and he used to say: “I swear that I find it increases intelligence.”

Today’s Scholars opinions:
–Wearing a Turban by Shyakh Abdus Sattar on YouTube

-Q) Is the prayer valid if Imam of the mosque does not cover his head with cap or same cloth? What kind of requirement is it to cover one’s head in prayers. Is it wajib, Mustahab, or what? (Zubair A. Khan, Chicago)

A) Covering one’s head during salah is a sunnah and one should act upon it to the best possible extent, however, it is not a mandatory condition for the validity of salah therefore, the obligation is discharged without it, though devoid of the blessings of sunnah. We should try our best to make our salah as close to the sunnah as possible. Even a slight carelessness may deprive us from the barakah and reward which every sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, may bring to his true follower. Therefore, we should not take this matter lightly.

Mufti Taqi Usmani

-Question: What is the ruling on a topi in shariah? sunat, mustahab ect? If it is possible can you please provide daleel?

Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Wearing a hat (Qalansuwa in Arabic) is the Sunnah of our blessed Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), Sahaba (Allah be pleased with them all) and the great scholars and pious predecessors of this Ummah.

There are many evidences which support this. Just to mention a few:

1) Abdullah Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to wear a white hat (Recorded by Tabrani).

2) Hasan al-Basri (Allah be pleased with him) says: “The people (Sahaba-Allah be pleased with them all) used to perform Sajdah (prostration) upon their turbans and hats” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1/151).

3) Rukanah (Allah be pleased with him) says, I heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) say:“The difference between us and the polytheists is, wearing the turban over the hat” (Sunan Abu Dawud, 4075 & Sunan Tirmizi, 3919).

4) In the ‘Musannaf’ of Ibn Abi Shaybah, the wearing of a hat is reported from Ali ibn al-Husain, Abdullah ibn Zubair, Dahhak and Abu Musa (Allah be pleased with them all).

It is clear from the above that wearing a hat is a Sunnah. It has been the practise of the Ummah throughout history, and has become one of the symbols of Islam.

The great Hanafi jurist, Mullah Ali al-Qari (Allah have mercy on him) states that the wearing of the hat has become one of the salient symbols of Islam. (Mirqat al-Masabih, vol.8 pg.246).

Due to the above, the scholars mention that even though, not wearing a hat can not be classed as unlawful (haram), as it is a Sunnah, but due to the fact that it has become one of the signs of Islam, it is generally undesirable to keep the head exposed. One should try to keep the head covered whenever reasonably possible.

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester, UK

Turban vs Kufi:
There are definitely more hadith and scholarly approvals for Turban than for Kufi. There are even opinions which discourage Kufi such as this one:

-Tirmidhi
Roknah (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said “The distinction between us and the poluthesists is the turbans over our caps.”

However there are a few hadith that speak about Kufi:

-Tabrani And Imaam Suyuti
Ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) used to wear a white cap (kufi).Tabrani has reported this hadith to be Hasan (reliable) and Suyuti has classified this hadith as highly authentic(Sahih) in the book Sirajul Muneer vol #4 pg#112)

-Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2 pg #863
It is mentioned that Anas Bin Malik (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) used to wear a kufie (cap).

So whats the difference? It seems the emphases is on keeping the head covered while the Turban being prefereed over the kufi in covering the head:

-Fatwaa Thunaaiyya Vol #4 pg #291
“Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) always used to keep his head covered during salah.”

-Fatwaa Thunaaiyya Vol #1 pg #523
“to intentionally remove the headgear (kufi or Imaama) and performing Salah bare-headed is contrary to the sunna.”

-Maulana Fazlul Karim
(This is from his commentry of Mishkatvol#1 pg # 630 )
“There are a few hadith about the use of the cap (kufi) by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam).  It should be generally round and even on top.”

Kufi Styles: I personally enjoy the Shukr Kufi styles: Shukr Kufis

Please feel free to send me more sources or information regarding this topic. I would love to learn more.

Glory be to Allah, we have no knowledge save that which you have gives us, you are all knowing, all wise.

 

Sources:
http://ibnfarooq.tripod.com/Sunnaclothes.htm#kufi

http://www.ilmgate.org/the-status-of-the-turban-in-light-of-the-sunnah/

http://seekersguidance.org/ans-blog/2014/02/21/is-it-a-sunna-to-wear-a-turban/

http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/591_21-11-2010/praying-bareheaded-is-against-the-sunnah.html

The turban tradition in Islam by Sh. G. F. Haddad http://www.livingislam.org/k/tti_e.html