Ibn Bazz: Clarifying some important issues unknown to many Muslims

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Clarifying some important issues unknown to many Muslims 

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the slave of Allah, His Messenger and Slave, the best of His creatures and His trustee of the Revelation, our Prophet, Imam and master Muhammad ibn `Abdullah and upon his Household and Sahabah (companions) and those who followed his example and guidance. 

This is a concise lecture on some issues which are not known to many people. 

It is known that Allah (Exalted be He) created both the Jinn and mankind to worship Him. Thus, He sent the Messengers and revealed the Books to call on people males and females, jinn and mankind to worship Him. Worship, which is the wisdom behind sending the Messengers and revealing the books, is the right of Allah upon His Slaves, whether males or females, jinn or human, Arabs or non­Arabs, the rich or the poor and the rulers or the ruled. All of them are created in order to worship Allah and act according to the teachings of the Messengers and the revealed books. Both the jinn and mankind are ordered to obey Allah and His Messenger, because they are created to worship, glorify, and obey Allah (Exalted be He). 

This is one of the greatest and most important issues. We should know for sure that Allah created jinn and mankind to worship Him Alone. Therefore, we should abide by His Commands, avoid His prohibitions, and abstain from what is rendered 

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impermissible by Allah (glory be to Him) and His Messenger (peace be upon him). Allah (may He be Exalted 

and Glorified) says, And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). and, O 

mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh) and, O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord These Ayahs (Qur'anic Verses) address all 

people, males and females, rulers and the ruled, man and jinn, Arabs and non­Arabs, the rich and the poor. 

Allah (Glorified be He) says, O mankind! Be afraid of your Lord (by keeping your duty to Him and avoiding all evil), and fear a 

Day when no father can avail aught for his son, nor a son avail aught for his father. Verily, the Promise of Allâh is true: let not then 

this (worldly) present life deceive you, nor let the chief deceiver (Satan) deceive you about Allâh. Allah also says, O mankind! 

Worship your Lord (Allâh), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al­Muttaqûn (the pious See V .2:2). 

Allah also says, O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwâ (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allâh through Whom you demand (yourmutualrights),and(donotcuttherelationsof)thewombs(kinship).Surely,AllâhisEveranAll­Watcheroveryou. Allahalso says, O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. Allah also says, O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At­Taqwâ [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2)]. Verily, Allâh is All­Knowing, All­Aware. 

In such Ayahs and their likes, Allah commands people in general to know that 

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they should worship Him because He created them and fear Him by carrying out His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. `Ibadah (worship of Allah) implies piousness, guidance, righteousness and Islam, which Allah sent the Messengers and sent down the Divine Books. It indicates that we should worship Allah Alone, seek Him Only with our obedience and acts of worship, carry out the acts of worship in accordance with what He (glory be to Him) legislated, not to worship anyone beside Him, be it a jinn, a human being, an idol, a star or anything else from among His creatures. Allah (Exalted be He) says in Surah­Al­Fatihah, You(Alone)weworship,andYou(Alone)weaskforhelp(foreachandeverything). AndHe(glorybetoHim)saysinother Surahs, And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him) and, O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh) and, And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. and, So, call you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلمand the believers) upon (or invoke) Allâh making (your) worship pure for Him (Alone) (by worshipping none but Him and by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only and not to show off and not tosetuprivalswithHiminworship),howevermuchthedisbelievers(intheOnenessofAllâh)mayhate(it). Alltheseandmany other Ayahs prove the necessity of seeking Allah alone with worship and discarding all other than Him . 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Allah's due right on His slaves is to worship Him alone without associating anything with Him, whereas the slaves' right on Allah is that He shall never torture those who do not associate others with Him. When

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was asked about Islam, he said, Islam is to testify that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger, perform Salah (prayer), pay Zakah (obligatory charity), observeHajj(pilgrimage)totheHouse(Al­Ka`bah,i.e.Kaaba)ifyoucanafforddoingso. WhenHewasaskedaboutIman (faith) he said, Iman is to have a firm faith in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets, and the Day of Judgment, and to believe intheDivinePredestinationwhethergoodorbad. WhenHewasaskedaboutIhsan(theperfectionofFaith),hesaid, 

Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for if do not 

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see Him, verily, He sees you. 

These matters are requested from all, men and women. One should sincerely testify that no one has the right to be worshiped but Allah and that Allah is the Only God, Who has no partner may He Glorified and Exalted. Accordingly, a Muslim intends none but Allah with his supplication, Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fast), and other acts of worship. 

The declaration that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger requires that mankind, males or females, testify that Muhammad ibn `Abdullah ibn `Abdul­Muttalib is Allah's Messenger who was sent to jinn and mankind, Arabs and non­Arabs, males and females, the poor and the rich, and the rulers and the ruled. Moreover, they are asked to obey this Messenger and have faith in him. Allah chose our prophet from the best tribe and the best country, namely Makkah Al­Mukarramah and revealed the best religion to him, i.e. Islam. Therefore, jinn and mankind should believe in him, abide by his orders, and believe that he is the last prophet and there is no prophet after him. Allah(ExaltedbeHe)saysinhisGloriousBook, Say(OMuhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم):"Omankind!Verily,Iamsenttoyouallas the Messenger of Allâh 

Allahalsosays, AndWehavenotsentyou(OMuhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم)exceptasagiverofgladtidingsandawarnertoall mankind and, And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم): not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a mercy for all the worlds and the messenger of Allah to jinn and mankind who should believe in and trust him, abide by his commands and prohibitions, act upon his Shari`ah (revealed law) and testify that he isthelastoftheProphets(peacebeuponhim).Allah(glorybetohim)says, Muhammad(صلىااللهعليهوسلم)isnotthefatherof any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allâh and the last (end) of the Prophets. 

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All Muslims have to offer the five daily Salahs; Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer, `Asr (Afternoon) Prayer, Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer, `Isha' (Night) Prayer, and Fajr (Dawn) Prayer at their due times. Similarly, they have to pay Zakah of their properties, offer Sawm of the month of Ramadan every year, and perform Hajj to the Sacred House if they are able to do so. In addition, all people must believe in Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree. Belief in the Last Day implies believing in resurrection after death, Reward and Punishment after death, Reckoning, Paradise and Hell. Belief in the Divine Decree is to have firm faith that Allah decrees, knows, counts, and records all things and that Allah wrote and determined the lifetimes, sustenance, and acts of His creatures. Consequently, we should act upon what He legislated for us and avoid what he prohibited on us. Indeed, everyone will find easy what he is predestined to carry out. 

Perfecting faith is accomplished when you worship Allah as if you see Him and that if you do not see Him He sees you. This is the degree of Ihsan, which implies offering acts of worship as if one sees Allah, so that one would offer any act of worship with utmost perfection and sincerity for if he/she does not see Allah, verily, Allah sees him/her. Moreover, one should worship Allah on the basis that He sees and watches him and knows ones condition. A true Muslim fulfills Allah's Right upon him perfectly and truthfully in the best way. One should take care of this. Once again, we stress the fact that the religion was revealed to all humankind and jinn to act accordingly; worship Allah Alone and continue offering the pillars of Islam, namely the declaration that no one has the right to be worshiped except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger, offering Salah, Paying Zakah, observing Sawm of Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the Sacred House if one can afford it. Likewise, they must have firm faith in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree whether good or bad.It is narrated in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al­Bukhari and Muslim)on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) 

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thatAllah'sMessenger(peacebeuponhim)said, Islamisbasedonfivepillars:thedeclarationthatthereisnooneworthyofworship but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; offering Salah; giving Zakah; Sawm of Ramadan; performing Hajj to the House (Ka`bah). The following Ayah highlights this matter and stresses that worship is a due right on all: The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al­Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al­Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As­Salât (Iqâmat­as­Salât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All­Mighty, All­Wise. 

Allah (glory be to Him) deemed them all as partners concerning loyalty amongst them and love for the sake of Allah, enjoining good, forbidding evil, performing Salah, giving Zakah and obeying Allah and His Messenger in everything. Allah (Glorified be He) says, Whoever works righteousness whether male or female while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportiontothebestofwhattheyusedtodo(i.e.ParadiseintheHereafter). He(GlorifiedandExaltedbeHe)includedallmenand womeninthisAyahtoshowthatthematterisgeneralforallofthem.He(ExaltedbeHe)says, Itwillnotbeinaccordancewithyour desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allâh. And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer [in the Oneness of Allâh (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date­stone, will be done to them. Allah (Exalted be He) indicates that whoever does evil deeds, whether man or woman, will be punished for it and whoever does good deeds, whether man or woman, observing faith, truthfulness, and sincerity, his/her reward is Paradise, honor and happiness. Allah says, Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islâmic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allâh), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allâh has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allâh has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allâh), the men and the women who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât, and alms), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadân, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise). 

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According to the Ayah, Allah (Exalted be He) addressed both men and women with this. 

This must be known by certainty and accordingly every believer, man or woman, should strive to fulfill his or her duties for they will be askedaboutthis.Allah(ExaltedbeHe)says, So,byyourLord(OMuhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم),Weshallcertainlycallallofthem to account. For all that they used to do. In fact, everyone is responsible for the right of Allah and other relevant rights to the father, 

mother, wife, descendents, neighbors, and others. We should fulfill these rights, learn the religion, and be aware of the ruling of Allah on everything. 

In addition, we should contemplate the Glorious Qur'an, for it is revealed for the guidance of the jinn and mankind. Therefore, we should act upon it and acquire the manners that it calls for and beware of the vices which it forbids. This book is the revelation of Allah, containing guidance and light and Allah revealed it for people to observe its teachings and instructions. The Glorious Qur'an, indeed, is the strong rope of Allah and His straight path revealed to His Messenger (peace be upon him) to act upon, not to just utter. Allah(glorybetohim)says, AndthisisablessedBook(theQur’ân)whichWehavesentdown,sofollowitandfearAllâh(i.e.donot disobeyHisOrders),thatyoumayreceivemercy(i.e.besavedfromthetormentofHell). He(ExaltedbeHe)makesmercydependent onfollowingtheteachingsoftheGloriousQur'an.Allah(GlorifiedbeHe)says, [Say(OMuhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم)tothese idolaters (pagan Arabs) of your folk:] Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’ân and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Auliyâ’ (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allâh), besides Him (Allâh). Little do you remember! Allah also says, (This is) a Book (the Qur’ân) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember. Allah also says, Verily, this Qur’ân guides to that which is most just and right 

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He also says, Say: “It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing." 

The Qur'an includes guidance and light and it is Allah's straight path for all people. Consequently, they should rule according to, adhere to,andponderonit.AllahsaysinHisGloriousBook, DotheynotthenthinkdeeplyintheQur’ân,oraretheirheartslockedup(from understandingit)? ThisAyahindicatesthatitisnecessarytoponderitandtobewareofturningawayfromit. 

Similarly, we should adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which includes his sayings, acts, and approvals. 

All people, men and women, should follow the Sunnah. Allah (may He be Exalted and Glorified) says, And obey Allâh and the Messenger(Muhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم)thatyoumayobtainmercy. ObeyingtheProphetisnothingbutfollowinghisSunnah whichisprovedtobeauthentic.Allahsays, HewhoobeystheMessenger(Muhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم),hasindeedobeyedAllâh 

Allahalsosays, AndwhatsoevertheMessenger(Muhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم)givesyou,takeit;andwhatsoeverheforbidsyou, abstain(fromit). Healsosays, Oyouwhobelieve!ObeyAllâhandobeytheMessenger(Muhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم),andthose صلى االله( of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger 

if you believe in Allâh and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. The Ayah orders ,)عليـه وسـلم Muslims to resort to Allah (i.e. the Qur'an) and the Messenger 

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duringhislifeandtohisSunnahafterhisdeath.Allah(GlorifiedbeHe)says, AndletthosewhoopposetheMessenger’s(Muhammad ,commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements) (among the sects) beware )صـلى االله عليـه وسـلم lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be 

inflicted on them. 

Accordingly, we should glorify the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), adhere to it, rule by it, and act according to it, for it is the second source of Shari`ah. It also explains the Qur'an and illustrates what is not known of it. Addressing His Prophet,in Surah­Al­ Nahl,Allahsays, AndWehavealsosentdownuntoyou(OMuhammadصلىااللهعليهوسلم)theDhikr[reminderandtheadvice(i.e. the Qur’ân)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought. The Ayah states that Allah revealed the Dhikr, which is the Qur'an, to his Messenger to show people the rulings of their religion from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of his Messenger (peace be upon him). 

Accordingly, we should glorify the Book of our Lord and the Sunnah of our Prophet (peace be upon him), act upon them in everything andavoidcontradictingthem.Allahsays, Say:"ObeyAllâhandobeytheMessenger,butifyouturnaway,he(MessengerMuhammad is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allâh’s Message) and you for that placed on you. If )صـلى االله عليـه وسـلم you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach 

in a plain way)." 

It is important for all to know that the commands of Allah (Exalted be He) are for both men and women except what was specified with proof. The Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet mentioned certain rulings that are connected with men only and other rulings that are connected with women only for a great divine wisdom. We should act upon these rulings, approve of them and be satisfied and content with the rule of Allah, for He is the Most Just of the judges and He knows well the conditions of His slaves. There is no adjuster to His rule or repeller to his Decree. Indeed, He is the most One Who knows 

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what sets right His slave. Thus, a man is the protector and maintainer of a woman. Indeed, he is responsible for providing financial supportforhiswife,offspring,andundertakingheraffairs.Allah(ExaltedbeHe)says, Menaretheprotectorsandmaintainersof women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. 

A man should undertake the matters of his wife and provide her with expenditure, observing good companionship and pleasant words anddeeds.Allahsays, andlivewiththemhonourably. Healsosays, Andthey(women)haverights(overtheirhusbandsasregards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. Men are responsible for sustaining women through providing them with expenses, fulfilling their rights, dealing with them in a good and pleasant way, and undertaking their marital interests while women are responsible of taking care of the matters of the house and the offspring and fulfilling the rights of their husbands. 

Moreover, among the duties of men is to offer Salah in the Masjid (mosque) and respond to Adhan (the call to Salah). The Prophet (peacebeuponhim)said, Whoeverhearsthecall(Adhan)andhedoesnotcome(toofferthedueSalah),thenthereisnovalid Salah for him except with an excuse. As for women, they are not required to offer Salah in the Masjid. They should offer it in their houses, for it is better for them, because they are `Awrah (not allowed to be unveiled). Moreover, some dangers may result from their coming out. Allah legislated for them to offer Salah in their houses, not in the Masjid. However, there is no harm if they come to the Masjid with the condition of being veiled, dressed modestly, and observing the etiquettes of Shari`ah (Islamic law). In spite of 

fulfilling this, women should know that offering Salah in their houses is better for them than offering it in the Masjid, according to what is authentically reported from the Prophet in this regard. 

Also, among the issues which are limited to men and not women is Jihad (fighting in the Cause of Allah). 

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Menarelegallyrequiredtofightenemiesandcarryweaponswhilewomenarenotresponsibleforanyofthat. `Aishah(mayAllahbe pleased with her) said, "O Allah's Messenger, we consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight for Allah's Cause?" He said, "Youarecommandedwitha(kindof)Jihadwhichincludesnofighting,namelyHajjand`Umrah(lesserPilgrimage)." Womenarenot asked to carry out Jihad, which involves fighting with the body and weapons, for they are too weak to do so and they are attractive to men and this may result in grave troubles. Jihad by the self is for men, not for women, whereas Jihad by money is for all, men and women, according to the most authentic of the scholars' two main views and the generality of proofs. Allah (glory be to Him) says, March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allâh. and, O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? That you believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh with your wealth and your lives: that will be better for you, if you but know! The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Fightthepolytheistsbyyourproperty,persons,andtongues. TherearemanyAyahsandHadithstothiseffectthatisgeneralformen and women except for physical Jihad, because of the previous Hadith narrated by `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). 

Among the issues related to men is that a man is allowed to combine between four women in marriage at the same time whereas a woman is not allowed to be married to more than one man at the same time. There are manifest and consummate wisdoms behind this legislation. 

For example, (a) a man may have strong sexual desire where one woman may not satisfy his passion; (b) a man may want to have more sons and daughters; (c) he may also have numerous and different affairs that make him need more than one woman in order to help him fulfill his affairs; and (d) a woman may be in need of a man in case of the lack of guardians or men as a result of wars and troubles. In consequence, Allah deems it allowable for man to be married to four women or less and forbids a woman to be married to more than one man, because this results in mixed lineages and corruption. 

Also, among the issues where 

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a man differs from a woman in the religious ruling is the assigned share of inheritance with regard to the share of husband and wife, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, etc. The share of a wife is half of the husband's and that of the son is double the share of the daughter. Similarly a brother takes double the share of a sister. Pondering on the conditions of men and women, it is clear to find the wisdom of Allah's prescriptions of inheritance shares. 

There are many Ayahs (Qur'anic Verses) which deal with this issue. 

Also, among the issues which are restricted to women is that they have to leave Sawm (fasting) and Salah (prayer) during menses and postpartum period. In these periods, offering Salah is not obligatory for woman nor is she required to make up for the missed Salahs. 

As for Sawm, she has to abandon it during the period of menstruation and postpartum but she is required to make up for the missed days. In fact, Allah willed so because Salah is offered five times a day. He, the All Merciful, exempted women from making up for the Salahs they missed during these periods because this requires much hardship. For example, if the period of menses is seven days, then a woman will have to offer thirty­five Salahs and if it is eight days she has to offer forty Salahs and so on. It is a mercy from Allah to relieve women from making up for the missed Salahs. Similarly, in case of postpartum period, it may last for forty days during which a woman is not to offer Salah. If the woman is to make up for the missed Salah in this period, she will have to offer two hundred Salahs. Allah, the Most Merciful, exempted women from making up for the missed Salah in this long period but He decreed that women have to make up for the missed days when they abandon Sawm (Fast) in the month of Ramadan due to menses. 

Among the issues related to women is that a woman's testimony is equal to half of a man's. This is because men in general are better in terms of memorization and accuracy and more aware of what is going on. Undoubtedly, there are women who are better in memorization than some men, but we are to deal with the whole sex in general. Therefore, Allah deems that testimony of two women equals to the testimony of one man. He (Glory be to Him) says, 

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And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agreeforwitnesses,sothatifoneofthem(twowomen)errs,theothercanremindher. SurahAl­Baqarah

The two female witnesses cooperate and help one another in remembering the testimony and if one of them forgets or fails to remember, the other woman helps her to remember and give testimony. 

Also among the matters of difference among men and women is that the Diyah (blood money) of a woman is half of a man's and so is the indemnity of a woman's wounds if the indemnity reaches one­third of her blood money, i.e. they are equal in what is lower than one­third of her blood money. However, this ruling is restricted to Diyah, as a man should be killed in retaliation for killing a woman. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) killed a man in retaliation for killing a woman. This involves a great benefit; securing people's lives and protecting society against aggression. Another issue of difference is `Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn), which is two sheep for a male newborn and one sheep for a female newborn as indicated by the authentic Hadiths of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) in this regard. Verily, there are great and consummate wisdoms underlying the differentiation between males and females in the issues mentioned and other similar matters. 

Originally, the rulings of Shari`ah are applied to men and women on equal basis. Therefore, all obligations incumbent on men are also incumbent on women, and vise versa, unless it is proven otherwise by legal evidence. 

I recommend both men and women to fear Allah and learn the religion in schools and other places of knowledge. They should ask the scholars about doubtful matters. Allah (may He be Exalted and Glorified) says, So ask the people of the Reminder, if you do not know. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, If Allah wants to do 

good to a person, Allah makes him comprehend the religion. Among the most premier things are learning the Glorious Qur'an and pondering over its meaning, learning the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and understanding it, and reading the books of Ahl Al­Sunnah (those adhering to the Sunnah), the books of Tafsir (exegesis of the meanings of the Qur'an) 

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and the compilations on the explanations of the Prophetic Hadiths by scholars, who are known for their knowledge, religiosity, and sound creed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, The best amongst you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it. (Related by Imam Al­Bukhari in his Sahih)He (peace be upon him) said, Whosoever treads a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make it easy for him a path to Paradise. And no people gather 

in one of the houses of Allah reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, the angels surround them, and Allah makes mention of them amongst those who are with Him. Whosoever is sloweddownbyhisactionswillnotbehastenedforwardbyhislineage. (RelatedbyImamMusliminhisSahih) 

It is well­known that acquiring the religious learning that Allah (Exalted be He) legislated for men and women is among the most important obligations. Today, means of learning are so accessible, such as the Holy Qur'an Radio Station, Radio Islam, and programs like Nur `ala Al­Darb (Light on the Road), as well as the lectures held in Masjids (mosques), educational institutions, and media that provide useful information. 

I want to warn my Muslim brothers and sisters against listening to things that are harmful to the hearts and manners, such as dissolute songs and videos, and musical instruments. Indeed, these things spoil hearts and manners. Therefore, a Muslim should avoid them and recommend one another to abandon them in accordance with Allah's saying, By Al­‘ Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al­Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al­Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Religion is based on giving advice." It was said, "For whom, O Allah's Messenger?" He said, "For Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and for the leadersandthelaypeopleamongMuslims." (RelatedbyImamMusliminhisSahih)

Muslims should be concerned with Da`wah (call to Allah), enjoining good, and forbidding evil for these principles of Islam are among the most important means of reforming hearts and communities, the spread of virtues 

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and the disappearance of vices. There are many proofs on this, such asSurah Al­`Asrand the Hadith of "Religion is based on giving advice." mentioned above. Allah also says, Help you one another in Al­Birr and At­Taqwâ (virtue, 

righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. Allah also says, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al­Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism 

and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al­Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As­Salât (Iqâmat­as­Salât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All­Mighty, All­Wise. Also, it is reported that Allah's Messenger said, If a person guides (another one) to a matter of good, he receives a reward similar to that of the doer of this matter of good. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever, among you, sees something abominable should rectify it with his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of Faith." (Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih)There are many Ayahs and Hadiths that affirm this meaning. 

However, teachers, males and females, are more required than others to take care of male and female students and direct them to the noble manners and good qualities. They should ask them to apply what they learn of knowledge. Female teachers, in particular, should fear Allah and take care of girls and teach them the noble religious manners and sound creed in their lessons, so as to create a righteous generation of students and teachers for the future. 

The duty imposed on teachers and schools are great. On the other hand, Da`wah to Allah (Glorified be He) are also a great duty. In light of this, everyone who has knowledge should teach others, including his offspring, family, and other people according to his capacity. Similarly, every woman who has knowledge is recommended to teach her offspring, sisters, and friends to seize the opportunity during meetings of wedding ceremonies or banquets to call other women to Allah, enjoin good, and 

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forbid evil. In fact, such meetings are a good chance that should be made use of for women who have knowledge to provide religious information and directions. Also, they should advise the women dressed immodestly and warn them against this evil. A Muslim woman should warn her Muslim sister, daughter, neighbor and other women against abandoning Salah and urge them to do good and forbid them against evil, for this is a general duty upon all Muslims, men or women. Allah (may He be Exalted and Glorified) says, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another The Ayah states that those people love one another for Allah's Sake and every one of them is a supporter of his/her Muslim brother/sister. All of them recommend each other to do good and warn against evil and advise each other for the sake of Allah. A husband should urge his wife to do good acts and avoid bad deeds. Similarly, the wife should ask her husband to do good deeds and avoid bad deeds. If she finds that her husband neglects offering Salah, drinks wine, or smokes, she should advise him and ask him to fear Allah for that is 

forbidden, using good words and gentle ways. She should do so with her father, mother, brother, son, neighbor, and friend. She should not feel ashamed of doing so. This is required from all Muslims regardless of their qualifications or works. Every Muslim is responsible for it in accordance with his knowledge and capacity. 

I ask Allah with His Most Beautiful Names and Sublime Attributes to guide us and all Muslims to what pleases Him and shows us His Straight Path. May Allah grant us all comprehension of His Religion and help us stick to it and offer what is obligatory on us, including the obedience of Allah and His Messenger and giving advice to His slaves for His Sake. I recommend all Muslims to supplicate to Allah for rulers in their absence, in Salah, and at the end of the night to grant them success, guidance, righteousness, and reform. Indeed, they are in urgent need to supplication, so that Allah may set them right, set people right by them, guide them and guide people through them. 

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You should pray to Allah for the rulers of this country and other Muslim rulers. You should also pray to Allah to bless your offspring and spouse, and grant them success, guidance, righteousness, and sincere penitence. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, Say (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم): "This is my way Allah (Glory be to Him) commands His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and those who follow him to call to Allah with sure knowledge. As a matter of fact, the followers of the Prophet Muhammad, men and women, are commanded to call to Allah with sure knowledge, warn people against committing sins, and guide them to goodness. Allah (Glorified be He) says, Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. 

This order is not confined to men only or to women only but is a general obligation on all, each according to his or her knowledge and capacity. Allah (Exalted be He) says, So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can 

Scholars, teachers, rulers, and eminent figures are charged with greater duties than others in accordance with their knowledge and capacity. Moreover, every Muslim should be aware of what is obligatory and fear Allah in everything. Today, we suffer from alienation of Islam and we are at the end of time. Therefore, we should support and cooperate with one another to do good acts and be sincere in doing this. 

May Allah grant us and all Muslims success, guidance, adherence to Islam, and a blessed end. We invoke Him to guide us to what pleases him and shows us the straight path. Allah is All­Hearer, Ever­Near. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his Household, Companions, and those who followed them rightfully until the Day of Judgment.