Suggestions, Examples & Ideas for future video blog
Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,
The first video for Season 2 regarding Hijab was filmed and edited before I got a chance to read many of the comments on the last post. So this time, I want to post up the subject first and then those who have suggestions on that subject, can post it in the comment section. Please post examples as well, which helps with the idea process. Here are two possible topics for a future episode (please post ideas/examples/suggestions in the comment section):Muslims dealing in business
Many Muslims have no problem acting Islamic when it comes to prayer, fasting, hajj, etc...but unfortunately the rules of Islam are often ignored when it comes to business practices.
Going through the motions
We often see Muslims who just do actions in Islam without really thinking about it. It almost becomes a series of rituals, which are done unconsciously.
The goal is to keep it short and sweet. The challenging part is to make it entertaining while different so it doesn't sound like a lecture that the audience has heard a hundred times. Keep in mind that I can't take every suggestion, because of time limit but once enough suggestions have been submitted to come up with a video, then I will gather the information and try to film & edit it.
The video has the potential of reaching 1/2 million people InshAllah so if you ever wanted the opportunity to be of part of something with such a big dawah potential, here it is.
The success is out of our hands, but we can do our part and put in the effort InshAllah.
posted by Baba Ali @ 3:12 PM
63 comments
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63 Comments:
I am from Detroit (Dearborn); it irritates me when I see Muslims sell beer in their respective shops. But, it's refreshing when I see some of the Muslim youth, for example, where I work: at a pharmacy chain/corp., my boy refuses to sell cigerattes (he considers smoking haram) to customers, and asks them to check out elsewhere in the store.
One thing that people need to be reminded of is issue about "pay the laborer before his sweat drys"
I really like the whole idea about entertaining people through videos, but at the same time teaching them about islam.. . .and its working, right? exactly! lol Clever. . . so anyways, what about the topic .. muslim teens vs non muslim teens living in a western society. , or something around those lines. .
these days, I cant always tell the difference between a muslim and non muslim person (regarding actions), but most of all TEENS! its quite sad actually
Asalamu alaikum
For 'going through the motions' I think that talking about salah is definitely a good idea. Its so hard to keep focussed and think about what we are actually saying during salah yet its so easy to just do our salah as fast as we can without thinking about it. I'm sure we're all guilty of this, may ALllah forgive us
Hope that helps,
salam
Salamz
jazaks for all ur cool videos, yeh the business thing is a real shame like u got ppl just cos they know u, you get so much discounts and if they dont know you lool they rip u off and treat u bad. as an arab lool i see this happen, ur cousins with some guy welcome welcome and the best of greetings if ur just some other person hi and bye lool but not all muslims r like this alot of em are cool
Salaaaaaaaam. Ukhti I really like u and wanna marry u...buuuuuuut...I must see ur hair!
- 8-O
-Yeah, it's halaaaaaaal. I wannt see ur hair, plssss I will marry you...
-OK. (shame)
- O I really like ur hair...but I cannot marry u ukhti...cos u arn't blonde....
As a convert (or maybe it's everyone they do this to), no matter what halal meat shop i go into they give me bad meat...old, fatty, overcharge...etc. Halal meat shops definately need a reminding of what it means to be Muslim.
Salam
Yeah about business there's a bunch of stuff, buying/selling stuff people shouldn't such as alcohol and stuff or if you're talkin about bigger business stuff (I'm a business major at my university) banking without interest is something people should do. As for praying rituals, there's a bunch of stuff that bugs me when people just pray to get it over with. They pray super fast to get it over with and don't pay attention to what they're supposed to really be doing.
Jazak Allah khair for your videos I really like them a lot. There's a lot of stuff that bugs me about people that they really need to know about, I especially liked your video about Jummah and like how people get to Jummah and they don't listen they just talk. OH and about praying rituals you could talk about how it's not just about rituals and i could relate to your season finale when you talked about how the Muslim basketball players went outside when it was time to pray. People at my masjid did that AT THE MASJID. They went outside and started talkin really loud when they should have been praying. I hope more and more people watch your videos and learn from them inshaAllah.
AOA Bro
I live in London, England and everyday i see muslim girls wearing hijab but honestly they attract more attention than a girl with a skirt. Now what i mean to say is when you are wearing shocking pink blouse that is too tight for your body and doesnt even reach the middle of your tighs, a trouser of same kind and above all it is embellished with trinkets of all sorts and on your head you have a scarf of the same color decorated with stars and stuff like that, you might as well stick a board on your head that says "I am a joker playing with my religion". I get hurt when i see girls like this. Jazakallah kheir brother, i hope i wasnt too rash
Salam alaikum,
I am a graphic designer and when I decided to start to be freelancer, I chose to work with muslims thinking I would have the best clients, the best work, the best conditions... Subhanallah, after 5 years, I almost refuse to work with muslims now because they are the worst clients!! First I always get the "please sister, you know what it is to start a business, do me a good price, fi sabi lillah, Allah will reward you plenty, etc." They are trying to get as much as possible for a ridiculous price and when it comes to pay time, they are delaying, or even not paying!
I once worked for a sister, a big job, she wanted me to re-do all her stuff (logo, products labels, etc). It took me many months to complete all her requests. Religiously speaking, she appeared to me as a very good muslima. I had a pleasant business relationship with her, al hamdolillah. We were talking on the phone every day, exchanging e-mails frequently... Then I asked for my due. She had a balance of nearly $1000 to pay me. Suddently, I didn't hear from her for weeks. I was trying to reach her, no answer. I was trying to be nice, telling her that if she had any difficulties, we could make payments arrangements incha'Allah. Still nothing. After more than 3 months, I had to use another tone and she finally answered, rudely, by email, that she was not able to pay me and that I should at least understand that and leave her alone while she was trying to solve her problems! I was more than 3 years ago. I never saw the color of that money...
How many time I felt that muslims were trying to profit from me! What a shame!
Asalaamu Alaikum--please forgive the typos--baby in my arms...as a pp stated "pay the laborer befor his sweat dries"--I have has to argue not only to get my pay, but as to why I deserved to be paid it as well! Are you serious?! I worked my little behind off!!! Also--how can you be a muslim employer and not allow your muslim employees time to pray salat? AstaghfurAllah!....These peolpe need to realize they can't make you work 24/7 either. It seems to be an all or nothing deal. I remember a time when I would waitress for 14 hours a day, everyday...and for what? To argue why I deserved my money? To complain a week later my paycheck bounced?
And a liquor or tobacco store is NOT an appropriate store for a "muslim" to own....do these people realize that when you do Haraam, not only do you get sin, but that you are considered a disbeliever in Allah? AstaghfurAllah! And yes...I am sure many deal with interest as well...
This is becoming a rant now--I will end this here as I have said my piece...
Jazak Allahu Khairan for tackling some of these "touchy" issues! May Allah (SWT) reward you for this!
as far as going through the motions idea, one thing that bugs me is how a guy can walk into the Masjid, be wearing a diamond earing, and then roll up this pants so its above his ankles. people don't understand why they even do it....they just do it. it was about arrogance...the people at that time use to drag their clothes out of arrogance and the Muslims were commanded not to do it...so they won't act arrogant. so if your a guy wearing gold and diamonds, and you're pants are rolled up, you never understood the Hadith.
personally, i don't roll up my pants because I think its something that was considered showing off back then...these days people show off in other ways. the idea is to stay away from showing off...not just GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS without thinking....
also, i don't understand why when people walk into the Masjid they do it. if you follow the idea that pants below the ankle is haram, then why are you doing it outside the Masjid? to me, its no different than the sister who only puts on her hijab when she enters the Masjid.
we go through the motions and we don't even think about. the comments posted before were relating to salat but its not just limited to salat...
we go through the motions of a lot of the acts of worhship too...
Oh shoot! I gotta add more--
How about the businesses that sell "Halaal" meat--but really they just purchased it from the local grocery and have jacked up the price? Or some meat is halaal and some is not but they say it all is? This happens ALOT where I am from... AstaghfurAllah!
Muslims in Business:
1. Convience store owner who sells alcohol,
2. Muslim who doesn't recognize you when you enter, his name is MO instead of Mohammad or his name is John but you know him as Abdullah,
3. Muslim who gives you that "special discount" that is not so special, ie price is set higher and then brought lower
4. OUTRAGEOUS PRICE OF HALAL MEAT VS REGULAR MEAT!(that is a big one) holding up my religion by my own people
5. refusing to give to charitble donatations(even though they just bought the brand new Mercedes Benz SLK
Going through the MOTIONS
1. Fasting(no eating or drinking) but swearing, getting angry, gossiping, ogling women
2. Praying at Jumah then going to the "Club" to hook up with someone
3. Giving to United Way, but not giving to the Muslims who need it
4. NOT KNOWING THAT YOUR NEIGHBOR IS SUFFERING or IGNORING SUFFERING
5. FASTING, PRAYING, READING QURAN, BUT HAVING A WIFE, A GIRLFRIEND, DRINKING ALCOHOL, CHEATING IN BUSINESS, FORGETTING YOUR FAMILY!
I hope these suggestions help you out Inshallah! May your efforts be rewarded! Have a wonderful day! Salam Out!
-Yunus
PS I can't wait for season 2 to start!
Was it Shuaib or Yunus alaihis salaam who was sent a place where the people were corrupt in business? That means righteous dealings in business are very impt, as Allah did not send this prophet for teaching the oneness of Allah. Then in Surat Mutaffifun, Allah swears to punish people who cheat, he asked us to measure correctly (give what is due to the person per value, not less). What about professions where materials are not sold but services, like for instance Real Estate, people pay for the services of their transactions going in their best interest, I have hardly come across a muslim realtor who deserves how much he gets because of how much he dishes out.
Here's an idea for Muslims in Business:
How about Muslims who work at the bank!!! HeLLOOOOOOOOOOOO! Where do they think their salary is coming from - the bank makes money because they charge INTEREST! Therefore, their paychecks are being paid from money collected by Riba! This is clearly haram.
I have a friend who works for a bank and she tries to justify it by saying she works in the call center so she doesn't actually deal with the money. And that the bank gets money from means other than interest. LOL - Let's face the facts - let's assume the bank gets money from other sources that aren't riba based - that's probably only a very SMALL portion of the banks profits. Therefore their salary is probably more than 90% from the product of riba!
With regard to "Going Through the Motions" - I would love it if you could address the mindless motions of salat that so many people do - not even realizing that the manner in which they perform their salat is not the way our beloved Prophet (saw) performed salat.
For instance: The way some people (namely women) lay all flattened out on the ground with their legs spread to the side and their arms (forearms) flat on the ground.
This could be done in an exaggerated manner in order to make it funny - but the truth is this is not from the authentic sunnah!!! So it would be important to address that although people tend to go through the motions of salat, etc... that it's important to learn the CORRECT way to do these actions, and ALSO learn of the significance of these actions. For instance - on the Day of Judgement, the first thing Allah (swt) will question each of us (Muslims) about is our SALAT!
Salat is so important that it would be an excellent and crucial reminder for us ALL that we not only need to cease going through mindless motions - and make our salat MEAN SOMETHING!
You could also have a scene where someone is praying and make it as though you're watching them praying, but you're able to hear what they're "really thinking" about during their salat. So, from the moment they make Takbeer "Allahu akbar" you viewers will hear the musalle "thinking": "Ah, I forgot to call Mostafa earlier. I have to make sure I call him right after salat." "Well, since I need to make this fast I better use the really short surahs." "Did I pray 3 or 4 rakat? Hmmmm, oh well, I think I prayed 4, that's good enough."
You get the idea, right?
Umm Aaliyah
regarding the business major and use of interest. The more proper term in english would be usury,an unusually high amount of interest, for the definition of riba look at Sura 3:130. I would advise that loan sharking is Usary, and some forms of legal credit in the states can be high. Unfortunately, an Islamic Banking system that effectively reaches the large Muslim or non-Muslim population in the States is not in effect. This means that it is left up to the individual to decide what he or she should do in this regards. But it would be advisable to not go after loans with higher than allowable interests rates, payment in a timely manner, and not taking on more debt than can be handled. As for those who are fortunate enough to loan money to those who need it, then it would be advisable not charge extremely high amounts of interest, to loan with care and an intention to make someone's life better. Although I am not an Alim, these matter's have not yet been Effectively been handled by our Alim who are to research and then make thier decisions and as this is a touchy subject I think it should be mentioned, but not with the blanket admonition that Interest is haram/looked down upon/ or other negative statement, but it is advisable to offer a solution or advice that can help people bridge the gap between the lives they live in America and what THE QURAN says regarding this issue! JAZAKALLAH KHAIR! PS There are other verses regarding usury please read them for more knowledge to make a better decision!
Business Issues:
1) Muslim store owners selling alcohol, pork, porn, lotto
2) Muslim store owners treating employees as if they are all illegal Mexicans just like Walmart. Be more considerate towards employees (muslims & non-muslims)
3) Muslims store owners selling unhealty food or food that is not in best condition with knowledge of it.
4) Muslim store owners (especially restaurants) not donating food which will be thrown to garbage.
5) Muslim based store not treating non-muslims like they treat muslims?
6) Muslim business requiring to dress to moderately.
7) How about shaking hands with opposite sex in business dealings?
and more..things ..
the thing i think that needs to be discussed is the fact that muslims thinks its oky to date and hug etc. mostly focussing on the teenagers who attend schools and colledges. you see the way muslims brothers dress to impress the girls and vice versa. Most teenagers are not taught about the importance of how they should dress and why it is haram to dress in a certain way. And it is true u can not distinguish from a muslim and a non muslim becuse they act and dress the same. i belive this is an improtant thing that is hapenning more and more. and we need to work together to warn the muslim brother and sisters of their expectations in islam.
the description someone above gave of women praying flat reminded me of an article I read about an American Iraqi soldier who was describing his difficulties as a muslim in the US army. He spoke of when Drew Carry performed for the troops then made fun of how muslims prayed by throwing himself flat on the floor.. that made me think.. you know those of other religions who believe God/Allah is watching, they pay tribute to Him on such and such a day a week and yet make fun of muslims because they pay tribute to Him 5 times a day every day of the week.. and those from other religions pay tribute to Him by going down on their knees or pressing their foreheads to a wall.. yet they make fun of muslims who pay tribute to Him by pressing their foreheads to the ground.. that is truly supination. so I don't get the joke.
please include Salah in your topics.. help remind the bros and sisters of how important it is..
as for 'going through the motyion' how about the muslims who showed up for Eid salah, and never pray at any other time
assalaam wa alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu bro.
mashAllah keep the good work. UK loving your work mashAllah tabarkAllah!
one issue that has hit muslim sisters here in the UK and that might start effecting muslimahs all over (if it hasnt already) is the whole issue of the niqaab as a 'security threat' ... maybe something to educate muslims and non-muslims alike that its nothing to fear...we are stil humans underneath our hijaab, guarding our hayaat.
inshAllah whatever Allah wills you guys to blog next will be just as beneficial. keep up the good work brothers!
ma salaama
sis in Islam.
Asalamu alaikum:
The issue of muslim business is one that really gets under my skin, and allhamdulliah, I am really happy that someone is addressing this issue. I am a revert to Islam and follow the religion strictly, now what i don't understand is how ppl who are born muslim, and know right from wrong will sell haram stuff while using the excuse that they need the money to live off of but all the while they forget that it is Allah who provides everything, and that if your are selling haram, even to non-muslims, than the money you are making is haram, the food you buy with that money is haram, the clothes you wear from that money is haram, duhh! how don't you understand that we must obey Allah's laws? that is our creator, who are we to decide which laws we will follow and which ones we won't? Don't forget that Islam and all the laws are for all the ppl in the world, not just the muslims, so we are not allowed to sell anything that Allah had decreed as haram...think about it.
salams ali
i dunno, i understand u wanna consult people and ask for ideas.. but what i found original about ir videos (and what was indeed striking) was that it was unique to u.. like original. Especially episodes 8,9,10 where u were talking about very important issues.. it felt like it was really coming from the heart... tho i figure u are only gonna use people's comments as guidelines, if u leave it to ur personal thoughts and ideas, it may b better? (than something which sounds like a good idea to u that u end up acting out)... like things from UR experiences, and things U have seen, and things that have been said to U.
U get what i'm saying? ;-)
Anyways, its jus a thought, no one has to agree.. an i dont have to be taken seriously.. like i said, jus a thought :-)
salams
Salaam Ahlykoem to all,
I'm from belgium and I didn't know about this site untill a friend of mine send me a video blog. When I saw one of the video's I had to watch them all. so I did.I'm a big fan of the message you are sending to the people, so that's why I send a mail to all my friends to spread the word about this site. You are doing a very good job!!! Hamdoelillah for all the work that you do.
'This is Aicha reminding you just in case you forgot' hahaha
Asalaam Ahlykoem.
Asalaam
Ooh by the way I see that a lot of people are thanking Ali for his good work :-) So I want to alsow post a BIG THANK YOU to 'thinking brother' (Rashid M. Ahmad).
Asalaam Ahlykoem
I'm back... more ideas just keep rushing in as time passes.
As a couple other posted noted the problem with Muslims cheating other Muslims in business transactions. This is a very sad reality in the Muslim ummah. Everyone wants a "fair" price - but what is fair about asking your Muslim brother or sister to do work for significantly less than the typical asking rate of the Kuffar? Who is more deserving of the money - the kuffar or a Muslim?!?
Another significant point that should be addressed is the importance of the good behavior and character of Muslims while at work! Unfortunately the world is judging Islam by the actions of Muslims - so we have a responsibility to give Islam a good image by following the TRUE teachings of Islam.
Every Muslim should give his/her employer their rights... they shouldn't abuse company time and resources by making excessive phone calls, taking extended breaks, taking home supplies, etc... We wouldn't walk into the masjid and make a 30 minute long distance phone call or take home a ream of paper from the masjid office, would we? Istaghfir'Allah - I certainly hope not! So, likewise, we should behave in a very upright and noteworthy manner, just like the Prophet (saw). It is by our example that Allah (swt) may decide to lead someone to Islam - so let us make an effort to be the best example of Islam possible, especially at work!
Another issue to touch on is: BEING ASHAMED TO BE MUSLIM WHILE AT WORK! ISTAGHFIR'ALLAH!
Allah (swt) CHOSE us! Allah (swt) GUIDED us! Allah (swt) BLESSED us with Islam! What do we have to be ashamed from? If we should be anything, we should be PROUD to be Muslim!
You could show a scene where a guy tells his boss/coworker they need a break because they need to "get something from the car" and instead you see them sneaking off to a very small dark broomcloset to pray - something so dark and undesireable - and something clearly inadequate that the person can't make rukoo and sudjood properly. Get the idea?
Instead - the person could just say, "I need a break because I have an obligation to pray. Do you happen to know of an empty office where I might be able to pray comfortable without disturbing anyone?"
More oftentimes than not - an employer will be more than happy to accomodate such a request.
Or how about when we're fasting (either Ramadan or optional fasting) and we're offered something to eat. Instead of just coming out and saying, "Thank you, but I'm fasting today." All too often Muslims will think of cleaver excuses, "I'm sorry man, I just ate." Don't LIE just because you're too ashamed to admit you're fasting. That just might be the "door" Allah (swt) can use for you to make daw'ah to someone - by telling them about fasting, it's significance, meaning, etc...
Sorry for such a long response - I'll post more as ideas come to mind.
Umm Aaliyah
Salamz... may peace be with you all!! =)
Im kinda new at this.. so i havnt seen all of your filmz!! but ... how about one on.. "wats the big issue btw muslims and jews??".. (sry if its lame!!).. but i just cant understand.. are we meant to hate any random jew that we see at eg.. skool, work.. etc?? i mean.. do i get punished for.. saying hi 2 dem??
orites.. da rest is up 2 u Ali.. L8rz ppl..
..::: G-Un!T :::...
GETTING UP FOR FAJR!!!..i think it would be a good topic for teens like me who struggle to get up in the morning
brother, im a 16 year old Sudanese girl living in America. i just want to say, U make a difference. Ive been muslim all my life, but u really made me think. thank u, may allah guide and watch over u, inshallah
All these ideas that have been posted are really good Alhamdulilah.
For "Just going through the motions" I like the suggestions about the prayer and how its really easy for our prayers to become empty motions and whispered words. You could show the uselessness of prayers without real sincerity and khushu' in a funny way by saying "If you pray just for the sake of praying and without any true humbleness and feeling its just like doing some random motions while standing on a rug" and then you could cut to a guy standing on a jaanimaz (prayer rug) doing random things like kicking the air or twirling around or hopping from one end of the janimaaz to the next. you could really have fun with that. :) hope this helped. it may just be off the wall, but oh well.
How about a topic about "behind closed doors", by that I mean tips from keeping oneself away from Satan when alone (checking out dirty magazines, videos, dirty internet websites). I think this is a huge, HUGE problem among teens, as well as adults growing up in this society or any other societies for that matter.
Also, actions that can lead to watching those stuffs. For example, watching hip-hop videos where women represent sex and reward for men, watching movies/shows that show gorgeous women half to full naked...having lady friends who dresses way to sexy..things like that which drives an individual to seek pleasure...so things to avoid that can lead to bad stuffs. I hope I was able to make it clear. Thank you bro!
I once went to a "7/11" and the worker at the counter saw my kufi and gave me Salams....after I got my merchandise I went on line, and the person in front of me asked the muslim cashier for some condoms.
The Muslim cashier asked him if he wanted some liquor along with that, because his friends store is a few blocks down. He said to tell the liquor store owner that Ahmad sent him for a discount....astaghferallah...!
I couldn't believe it!
how about tolerance of differeing opinions within Islam as a future topic? for example sunni and shia, who differ in many practices but essentially believe in Allah and the Rasool. even within sunnis there are many different practices when it comes to salat etc. so looking past these minor differences and focusing on remembering Allah and doing good works that benefit the society around us, through our masajid, other community projects, etc. basically putting our faith into action rather than just argueing about it with other muslims..or calling pple non-believers, refusing to pray beside them/behind them, etc. all this drama really confuses pple. it'd be nice if you could make some sense out of this inshaAllah.
I (indirectly) know of a Muslim which was intrusted with A LOT of money (investment) for his business by his Muslim community.
Then he split and took al the money with him.
Some Muslims are very generous and wantto help other Muslims and non-muslims (also financially). And others could easilly take advantage of it.
regarding the motions is Cheating in tests,exams,Copying off ur friends assingments. Alot of us do it and do it very happily. Like in exams me and my friend use to switch the whole exam paper when the teacher was not looking hehe it was fun when we talked about it after words.But it not really fun when i have to talk about this in the day of judjment.
I find that a lot of muslim people pick and choose what they want to follow in islam they often neglect or choose not to follow others. These people have to realize that when they became muslim they are to accept it as one and follow everything. Also talking about what leads to the path of heaven and especially those things that don't. I also think it would be wise for you to speak of the importance of givng to the poor and bringing up islamic stories of the prophets journeys would also make the segment more entertaining as well. Also the miracles that each prophet brought down.... Also about praying late namazes(salat) when is it too late?
Going through motions!!
3 friends sitting at a pub, drinking bear and one friend goes off and buy's a bag of sweets containting gelatine!!
Friends what u doing man the sweets are haram!!
OK, there is definately something up with that!
Muslims dealing in business.
Little joke i got off the net reminds me of muslims. Talk about not starting on the right foot!!
A young lawyer, starting up his private practice, was very anxious to impress potential clients. When he saw the first visitor to his office come through the door, he immediately picked up his phone and spoke into it," I'm sorry, but my caseload is so tremendous that I'm not going to be able to look into your problem for at least a month. I'll have to get back to you then." He then turned to the man who had just walked in, and said, "Now, what can I do for you?"
"Nothing," replied the man. "I'm here to hook up your phone."
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah...
It's me, Umm Aaliyah again. Sorry to bug - but another posted touched on a subject that I take VERY serious and constantly do my best to make naseeha (advice) with Muslims about - the issue of DIFFERENCES!
I would venture to say that 90% of the problems within the Ummah have to do with differences!
Just watch people in a large group praying and you will find an endless variety of ways in which to perform salat (many of which aren't from the correct sunnah). Why? Because we're being very LAZY Muslims! Instead of learning the correct way to perform our salat from the Sunnah - we watch other Muslims and emulate them (cause after all, they're Muslim so they know what they're doing, right?!?). Or how about BLINDLY FOLLOWING ONE MADHHAB - and how all the high and noteable scholars have all warned against and said it is NOT permissible to follow only one madhhab (and how so many Muslims argue that you have to - without knowing what the Prophet saw warned about it).
There is a famous hadith:
Irbad bin Sariyah (raa) reported: One Day the Messenger of Allah (saw) delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts were full of tears. A man said: "O Prophet of Allah (swt), this is as if if were a parting advice. So advise us."
The Prophet (saw) said, "I admonish you to fear Allah, to listen and obey even if an Abyssinian slave is appointed as your leader. Beauce whosoever among you shave live after me, will see much discord (differences). So hold fast to my Sunnah and the examples of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold fast to it. Beware of new things (in Deen) because every Bid'ah is a misguidance." (Abu Dawud and At Tirmidhi)
Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur'an many times to obey Him and obey the Prophet (saw).
So the only way we will succeed as an Ummah is by following the Qur'an, the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) and in the manner that the 4 rightly-guided caliphs understood it. Not how Malik or Hanafi understood it - but how the caliphs understood it.
I've read a beautiful khutbah online explaining in detail about this hadith/topic of differences. Masha'Allah it was so clear and concise I wish every Muslim would read it. Unfortunately it's no longer available online, otherwise I would give the link. Anyhow, if you could address this issue, but in your own style that seems to be very effective in reaching so many Muslims - insha'Allah we could start making a difference within our Ummah (for the better). No pun intended. =)
as salaamu alaikum wa rahmatu Allahi wa barrakatuh..
talk about going thru the motions! dont yall just love how everyone shows up for the annual (well, twice yearly)muslim fashion show, also known as the 'Eid prayer? SubhanAllah, it's not until i attend the 'Eid prayer that i realize just how many muslims there are in my city.. seeing that many muslims all gathered in one place is good, alhamdulillah.. but it brings some questions to mind: how come you dont see this many brothers in the masajid daily? how come you dont see this many sisters participating in the sisters' halaqa? how come all these youth arent involved in the muslim youth group or in the muslim scouts? the brothers are showing off (yea, we see u, rented that mercedes/escalade just to show up in); the sisters are definitely showing off (yea, see u too, gettin outta the car w/ no hijab, face full of make-up, & the hijab u do throw on is sequined or see-thru); & in turn, the youth are showing off too (see how the youth "accidently" bump into the girl/boy that they like, & greet them with the sweetest/stickiest salaams ever: "assalaamu alaykum, bilaaaalll! nice jeans, ameenah, niiice..."
la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.. what will we say, ya muslimeen, when it's our turn to stand in front of His Judgment Seat? may Allah guide us all & give us the courage to correct ourselves & each other..ameen.
thinking bro & bro ali, may Allah grant u good in this life and the Next..ameen. barak Allahu feek..
your sister in Islaam, ***Fatimah***
Assalaamu Alaikum,
Living in this day and age, i believe many muslims are embarassed of their principles or embarassed to practise EVERYTHING that Islam teaches them. They just mix and match to suit their lifestyle. For example, they don't stand up for the Haq (truth). I mean, back in the dayz Our Heroes -the Companions fought bloody battles to stand up for what they believe in, to carry this message to us, they had limbs cut off, members of their family tortured, they went through PAIN to bring this divine message to us, and what do we to with it?? it was all about killing, fighting and blood-baths in those dayz, in recent times i believe its about psychological attacks. The non-believers out there, what i mean is the *clever people* are tryna strip us from our principles as muslims like for instance, its ok to free mix as long as theres a 3rd person... i mean what the hell is that all about?? =s or if ur non-believing friend at university or at work invited to you to the cinema with some massive group of girls and boys and then they were like oh, is that ok with you...? some muslims just go along with it, well NO, stand up for the truth, our religion is the HAQ, we dnt believe in stuff like that, go and look up what your religion has to say!
Well anyway, my point is to stand up to what you believe and not be ashamed of it because we are they True religion, we are the Chosen people and that we should handle what was brought to us with care. May Allah accept us as His righteous slaves and may we rejoin again in Jannah Ameen.
Wa.salaam =)
Salaamu alaikum,
I think re-checking our actions and lifestyle is essential, asking ourselves are we doing everything which is pleasing to Allah and according to Islam?
Plus, we have to remember, as muslims it is obligatory upon us to give dawah. Thats part of our job, not necessarily preaching and 'being in your face' type but spreading Islam through what Islamic Etiquettes teaches us. We have to re-check ourselves and remind ourselves of who we are and the point of our existence. I believe if the muslims acted accordingly to the Quran and the Sunnah, everybody would be muslims =) *dream on girl* but neways dawah through actions and kind words is an essential topic
Wa Salaam
How about music? many muslims, especially teens make excuses up for such prohibited actions, like it's ok because back then was different to now. Hope you get the idea. Salaam
please read, and re-read, and re-read the post by yunus...especially the "going thru the motoins"...cause he is dead on....
wow so many people have such good ideas..I'd just like to add some of my own. Maybe not whole topics, but one liners lol
1. Treating musilms as a homogeous group... I mean one muslim does something wrong and we are all taking the blame
2. Some muslim teens (maybe this is a UK issue, not sure) but they cry out at the media and gvt that they're discriminated against but (a) don't even follow their religion and (b) sadly don't want an education which will help them soooo much
3. Music..I mean is sami yusuf wrong to use more than just his voice or not =S
4. Some muslim men being sexist which is SO wrong in Islam
5. Eid not being on one day (WHY??)
If I think of anything else, I'll add a comment but I love your ideas so far
Jazaka Allah khair,,,each video is significant in its message and delivery...
So I suggest a video about dating..coz when you think about it there's no point of it,,i mean why do people date?
1) to get to know the person better... or 2) to have fun
so if you're in group 1 u'll argue you're dating for marriage purposes,,but wait a minuite u can get to know a person without dating as well,,,in a halal way,,by asking around about him/her, testing the person's way of thinking during the engagement period, which is similar to dating but with a muhram present,,, besides how many dating couples end up getting married anyway?? or even worse how many end up happily married??
after marriage you discover your husband/wife is nothing like the person u dated,,because u used to meet for few hours when u're both relaxed, looking good, sincere or acting sincere..etc.
but the situation changes after marriage,,u see each other all the time!!ur not always lookin good ur not chillin the whole time..
so marriage was nothin like u expected and thus u end up unsatisfied.. As for group 2, what is fun anyway, being happy ri8? well if you keep dating for fun which means once the relationship takes a bad turn you end it and look 4 a new one,,
but u're expectations grow with each relationship and ur not easily satisfied, so even if u decide to 4get the past and move on u won't find anythin to move to coz nothin satisfies u,,,so u go to extremes lookin for happiness and satisfaction but u may never find it..
as for group 3),,ya there has to be a group 3, those who date for "love" and this is addressin the girls,,,it's ironic how u suddenly stopped talking to guys,hanging out late and in bad places coz ur boyfriend asked u to since "he loves u" and u obeyed bcoz u love him,what about when ur parents asked u 10 yrs ago??u didn't listen coz they don't love u nd ur boyfriend does??!
oh sorry we're talkin diff types of love,,so what is love anyway? and how is he madly in love with u one day and suddenly you're begging him to meet u coz he says he's too busy,,so when u discover he lost interestin u after he had his fun, u begin to hate him,,so love changes with the situation?so love is a state of mind, when u decide ur interested in some1 u believe u love him and act accordingly..
on the other hand those who get to know each other and marry the halal way base their relationship on respect, which leads to likeness and to love later on,,
i chose to address girls in the luv section bcoz its in the girl's hand to choose to be driven by the aroma of dating,,this is why Allah subhanahu wa taala addressed the women in surat al-nesa saying:"wala mutekhathate akhdan" meanin and not those who have boyfriends,,
I think I've read then entire Koran yet I still don't understand the masjid/ mosque sepearation of the sexes thing. I mean I understand it, but if Allah trust us on Hajj why not at least trust the married folks to be together in the mosque. Or at least in the same room w/ a decent divider.
HELP.
SIS Ayesha
Struggling revert!
Need VLOG about childrens behavior in mosque.
Why do big kids who I assume know how to pray not have the ability to sit thru one prayer and kutbah. If this is something they've been doing all their life?
Immigrant Muslims to the USA w/ orfi or orfy (sp) marriages for "experimentation", green card etc... and then stiil wanting gifts then they marry there cousin from back home who has maintained her virginity and waited???
Help me with this one. Happens in all faiths, I know, especially when folks go away to college then come back and marry the good girl/guy whose been waiting, Though usually not their cousin.
Not poking fun. I really know these folks. I yes i know it's culure vs. islam still thought it would be another good vlog topic.
Loving this site !!!
Salaam
I've read a lot of posts that I agree with regarding how you should take the music out of your introduction. I know it makes the blog feel more "professional". However we should strive to make the things we do 100% halaal and set our own standards of what professional or accepted is. I only post this because I haven't found anywhere where you addressed this issue. Don't take it personally of course...we should tell our muslim brothers and sisters if we see them doing something that is wrong so they can improve insha'Allah. Masha'Allah you're doing a great job on the blogs...just a piece of advice.
ma asalaama
Salamun Alaykum Ali
Insha Allah you are well. I think it would be great to see a video blog using LOTS of verses from the Quran where Allah has encouraged Forgiveness, Patience and Kindness. It would be really good to be reminded using verses from the “REMINDER” more often.
The way we conduct our selves and our deeds are so important in Islam. I think your last video got your viewers side tracked with appearances. It would be good to have a video blog on issues that Allah repeats SO MANY TIMES in the “REMINDER/QURAN”. Here are some examples of Quran verses encouraging forgiveness, kindness, Charity and patience.
Qaf
50.8
THIS IS AN ENLIGHTENMENT, and a REMINDER for every PIOUS WORSHIPPER.
Al-Balad ~ The City
90.10-17
10.Did we not show him two paths?
11. He should choose the difficult path
12. Which one is the difficult path?
13. The freeing of the slaves.
14. Feeding, during the time of hardship,
15. orphans who are related,
16. or the poor who is in need
17. and being one of those who BELIEVE, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and
EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER TO BE KIND.
Al-Baqarah
2.177
RIGHTEOUSNESS is not turning your face towards the east or the west.
RIGHTEOUS are those who believe in ALLAH,
the LAST DAY,
the ANGELS,
the SCRIPTURE,
and the PROPHETS;
and GIVE THE MONEY CHEERFULLY,
to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the travelling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the prayers and give the obligatory CHARITY;
and they KEEP THEIR WORD
whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, HARDSHIP and war.
These are the TRUTHFUL,
these are the RIGHTEOUS
Al-Shoora ~ Consultation
42. 43
Resorting to PATIENCE and
FORGIVENESS
REFLECTS TRUE STRENGH OF CHARACTER.
Al-Shoora ~Consultation
42.37
THEY AVOID
GROSS SIN AND VICE,
AND WHEN ANGERED THEY FORGIVE.
Al Baqarah ~ The Cow
2.263
A KIND WORD
and COMPASSION are
BETTER than a charity that is followed by INSULT.
ALLAH is Rich, Clement
Al-A’araf ~ The Heights
7.198-199
When you invite them (idol worshippers) to guidance they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see.
199. Keep to FORGIVENESS,
and enjoin KINDNESS,
and turn away from the ignorant (rude, ill-mannered).
Ali-Imran ~ The Children of Imran
3.92
You CANNOT attain RIGHTEOUSNESS until you give to
CHARITY
from the POSSESSIONS YOU LOVE.
Whatever you give to
CHARITY,
ALLAH IS FULLY AWARE THEREOF.
Al-Maa’oon ~ CHARITY
107.1-3
1. Do you know who really rejects the faith?
2. That is the one who MISTREATS the orphans.
3. And does not advocate (support) the
FEEDING OF THE POOR
Al-Baqarah ~ The Cow
2.267
O you who believe, you shall give to
CHARITY from the GOOD THINGS you earn,
and from what WE have produced for you from the earth.
DO NOT PICK OUT THE BAD
therein to give away,
when you yourselves would not accept it unless your eyes are closed.
You should know that ALLAH IS RICH, PRAISEWORTHY.
Al-Muzzammil ~ Cloaked
73.20
…Whatever GOOD you send on behalf of your souls,
you will find it at ALLAH far better and
GENEROUSLY REWARDED…
Ali-Imran –The Family of Imran
3.133-134
You shall EAGERLY RACE TOWARDS
FORGIVENESS
FROM YOUR LORD AND A PARADISE whose width encompasses the heavens and the earth;
it awaits the RIGHTEOUS
134. who give CHARITY
during the GOOD TIMES and the BAD TIMES.
THEY ARE SUPPRESSORS OF ANGER,
and PARDONERS OF THE PEOPLE.
ALLAH LOVES THE CHARITABLE
I enjoy watching your videos but I think your viewers would benefit more from hearing more verses from the “Reminder/Quran”
salam
Salamun Alaykum Ali
Insha Allah you are well. I think it would be great to see a video blog using LOTS of verses from the Quran where Allah has encouraged Forgiveness, Patience and Kindness. It would be really good to be reminded using verses from the “REMINDER” more often. :-)
The way we conduct our selves and our deeds are so important in Islam. I think your latest video got your viewers side tracked with appearances. It would be good to have a video blog on issues that Allah repeats SO MANY TIMES in the “REMINDER/QURAN”. Here are some examples of Quran verses encouraging forgiveness, kindness, Charity and patience.
Qaf
50.8
THIS IS AN ENLIGHTENMENT, and a
"REMINDER"
for every PIOUS WORSHIPPER.
Al-Balad ~ The City
90.10-17
10.Did we not show him two paths?
11. He should choose the difficult path
12. Which one is the difficult path?
13. The freeing of the slaves.
14. Feeding, during the time of hardship,
15. orphans who are related,
16. or the poor who is in need
17. and being one of those who BELIEVE, and exhorting one another to be steadfast,
and
EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER TO BE KIND.
Al-Baqarah
2.177
RIGHTEOUSNESS
is NOT turning your face towards the east or the west.
RIGHTEOUS are those who believe in ALLAH,
the LAST DAY,
the ANGELS,
the SCRIPTURE,
and the PROPHETS;
and GIVE THE MONEY CHEERFULLY,
to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the travelling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the prayers and give the obligatory CHARITY;
and they KEEP THEIR WORD
whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, HARDSHIP and war.
These are the TRUTHFUL,
these are the RIGHTEOUS
Al-Shoora ~ Consultation
42. 43
Resorting to PATIENCE and
FORGIVENESS
REFLECTS TRUE STRENGH OF CHARACTER.
Al-Shoora ~Consultation
42.37
THEY AVOID
GROSS SIN AND VICE,
AND WHEN ANGERED THEY FORGIVE.
Al Baqarah ~ The Cow
2.263
A KIND WORD
and COMPASSION are
BETTER than a charity that is followed by INSULT.
ALLAH is Rich, Clement
Al-A’araf ~ The Heights
7.198-199
When you invite them (idol worshippers) to guidance they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see.
199. Keep to FORGIVENESS,
and enjoin KINDNESS,
and turn away from the ignorant (rude, ill-mannered).
Ali-Imran ~ The Children of Imran
3.92
You CANNOT attain RIGHTEOUSNESS until you give to
CHARITY
from the POSSESSIONS YOU LOVE.
Whatever you give to
CHARITY,
ALLAH IS FULLY AWARE THEREOF.
Al-Maa’oon ~ CHARITY
107.1-3
1. Do you know who really rejects the faith?
2. That is the one who MISTREATS the orphans.
3. And does not advocate (support) the
FEEDING OF THE POOR
Al-Baqarah ~ The Cow
2.267
O you who believe, you shall give to
CHARITY from the GOOD THINGS you earn,
and from what WE have produced for you from the earth.
DO NOT PICK OUT THE BAD
therein to give away,
when you yourselves would not accept it unless your eyes are closed.
You should know that ALLAH IS RICH, PRAISEWORTHY.
Al-Muzzammil ~ Cloaked
73.20
…Whatever GOOD you send on behalf of your souls,
you will find it at ALLAH far better and
GENEROUSLY REWARDED…
Ali-Imran –The Family of Imran
3.133-134
You shall EAGERLY RACE TOWARDS
FORGIVENESS
FROM YOUR LORD AND A PARADISE whose width encompasses the heavens and the earth;
it awaits the RIGHTEOUS
134. who give CHARITY
during the GOOD TIMES and the BAD TIMES.
THEY ARE SUPPRESSORS OF ANGER,
and PARDONERS OF THE PEOPLE.
ALLAH LOVES THE CHARITABLE
I enjoy watching your videos but I think your viewers would benefit more from hearing more verses from the “Reminder/Quran”
salam
First of all, good job so far! I think you could make a series called "The BPOE: Muslims": Well, they should be. Muslim people should be the best people on earth! Instead, they are shoving, money hungry, stingy (in most cases), kaffer wanna be's! We have a store in our city that sells "halal" meat, (I agree with the other guy who said that they sell really crappy meat) and other items (don't buy the dried molokhia because it has worms, nor the "ka'ak" because it has spider webs). Problem is, this store has a "people problem". In some ways they do for the community (how much is a tax write-off?) and we appreciate it, but can't they have nice cashiers (halal cashiers) and nice sales people? How about prices marked on items?
Thing is, this is one example, this store should be the BEST store (it would get more customers also) in every aspect! Surely they have the money to fix that roof! Get rid of the cockroaches!!! Whatever happened to cleanliness is next to Godliness? Muslims should practice this more than anyone else on EARTH!
And how about the car dealer? Shouldn't he be FAIR?
How about the housewives? And their husbands? They should NOT expect a business person to LOSE money just to give them a good deal, but neither should THEY be taken advantage of.
Besides businesses, shouldn't Muslims be the epitome of kindness, justice, and respect? It is our DEEN!!! How about our speech? When talking to others, we should be more patient, kind, etc.... Lets not talk about the clothing, right?
Anyway, I think this has possibilities. Teach the people how to be the BEST PEOPLE ON EARTH.
May Allah help us all be better people, for HIS sake, ameen.
salam aleykium wr wb
I found your videos last night for the first time, Masha allah may allah give you so many rewards for what your intentions are.
There is something I see alot in the ummah that troubles me. That is the concern over whether you are sunni or shiite or sufi. What does it matter???!!! La ilah illah Allah we are muslims, this should be what we concern ourselves over, not the sect that some muslims feel comfortable defining themselves as.
Jazakallhu khairun for your deeds
salam aleykium
I absolutely understand the "ritualizing" of ibaaadah. My community is mostly non-arabic speaking indo pak. I grew up memorizing surahs without understanding them. And therefore salaah is a ritual for most in our community. We on the most part have no idea what were reciting in salaah, which is such a shame.
And then in taraweeh, when i decided to hold a quran, so my mind doesnt wander, I get yelled at by the uncles. They say I cant hold the quran. I know their wrong, but I dont say anything because of their misbehaviour categorically "Jaahilya". May Allah guide them.
Salamu alaykum,
I don't know if my 'idea/suggestion' has already been posted by someone, cuz I didn't read all the comments ;).
I think now that u've covered the subject 'hijaab', now u must do something for our dear brothers. U did had a small part in the hijaab blog, but it was very short. I think the hijaab blog was especially for the ladies.
What about doing something about the beard. A lot of adolescents, don't want to let their beard grow, because they don't find it attractive, or they think they might look like 'fundamentalists' (and here in Europe fundamentalist [sadly] equals terrorist). And their are some Muslims who don't believe it's a fard (obligate?), following the sunna of our beloved Prohet (salla Allahu alayhi wasallam) who did have a beard.
Or, guys, who do let their beard grow, but in a 'fashionate'-kinda-way. Like a little goat-ee, or the very thin lines on their cheekes, (Issam from Outlandish in his early days)... Stuff like that.
Anyway, I hope you understand what I mean... U can e-mail me: if my post needs any explanation: amitafela@hotmail.com
Wasalaam,
Ghareebah.
Asalamu alaikum brother,
I just wanted to ask you if a cheesebuger from Mcdonalds is halal or haram? This is a really big issue for my family. You see half of my family thinks that it is haram to eat meat or chicken from american restaurants because the animal was not slaughtered in Allah(swt)'s name. The other half thinks okay because most of the arabic people do it. Even our sheik at our local masjid eats out at american resturaunts! Also i read it somewhere that even our prophet(pbuh) when to christians and jewish peoples' houses and ate meat there. but im not too sure about that. Personally, i am totally confused whether it is right to eat the meat or not and i think alot of people are unsure when it comes to this topic also. I was just wondering what you felt was right thing to do?
Assalamualikum warahmatullah,
I couldn't read all of the comments so I don't know if I am reiterating what someone else already posted but here are my suggestions for future episodes:
1- Since this is a blog, you must know that a lot of non-islamic stuff goes on, on things like blogs and myspace and well parents are really unaware of it. They think their kids are doing homework when they are pouring their whole life story on the internet to strangers who leave them comments. Alot of e-flirting goes on and worst of all is that people usually use the computer in isolation and thats when we are vulnerable to the shaitan. I just read the hadith today that the shaitan attacks the sheep that is away from the gorup like a wolf. Except thats paraphrased but it's in ABu Daud and Muslim.
2- I am not a mother yet but alhamduhlillah my husband and I talk about when we have kids so much. And it is so disappointing to me the way I see parenting going on around me. Muslims really need better parenting skills, they need to remember that children are an amanat, a trust from God! It really breaks my heart to hear a muslim mother saying that her little son watched scarface with her and says %^&% and the mother is laughing but its really not funny. I know this may be hard for you because you are a brother and maybe it's more maternal the things I notice. However I am sure you have seen and heard similar things.
3- Naseeha, a reminder about giving good advice would be great! Everyone does the "friends are important" thing so why not teach people how to be a good friend? It is a right of another muslim to get good advice. And who's advice are we taking right?
4- about the businesses, the halal meat really being meat from pathmark thing has got to be done! my friend was just telling me while we were passing by a "halal" meat store that her family knows the owner and he told them sometimes when he runs out of ground meat he buys it form pathmark and jacks up the price. We don't buy meat from them anyhow, we are careful about that stuff.
5- investing in the hereafter as opposed to this dunya.
Salam Dear Brothers,
Great blogs and great ideas mash'Allah.
Here's another one for you: "It wasn't me...." Why should I have to apologise for the mistakes of others all the time. "It was't me and yet I am paying for it"...I am sick of apologising for things that are done in the name of my religion that have nothing to do with me, or my religion.
Take care
Salam Sr Nabila
Hey man great show!! I was hoping you do a show about Halal Meat. It seems to be under the misconception on everyone on what is halal meat and where I can eat halal meat? and also it would be a good insight on people who actually don't know about what is halal meat and how it originated. Mushallah I love your videos...........one more thing "Are you Iranian?" "Are you iranian?" That was jokes too.
salaamz bro... its good what ur doing with the show mashallah ur very successful... changed my approaches to many things... u need another way to reach out n make a difference in the society...e.g t.v... radio... one suggestion would be to disscuss life after death the rewards of it... many people dont seem too clear of the rewards and the punishments for the way u percieve thing in this life... so that would be very effective to young brothers and sisters if you convey this message... and keep it up with the entertaining... mashallah u got a gift bro... tc... n thanx for everyfing... appreciate it... Allah Hafiz
Salaam,
Well I am an Art Major(graphic design and illustration), and recently my cousin told me that I cannot draw or paint living things such as animals and people, so I am wondering if you can shed some more light on that. What I have heard is that in the Quran, Allah prohibits idolatry, but nothing about drawing people or animals, and that drawing people or animals comes from the Hadiths. Also I've seen some paintings that were done by Muslims of living beings, so I am confuse on what to do, lately I did not draw any living things except for plants and architecture. I already reserched about this, but never came up w/ a specific answer. I just want to do the right thing. So please I hope you can discuss the music being haram and about certain art being haram, and also about acting too.
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