Salamu `alaykum to you and all Muslims everywhere.
My question: Is it acceptable for Muslims to lead some fundraising and rescue for Katrina victims while the USA is having occupation of troops in Iraq and the situation of the Muslims in Niger who are dying in big numbers every day? How about our brothers in Niger? W
hat do we do now - assuming we could do anything - not for the poor man of the street but of the one who is having ability to do something like a prince or rich man or so and so?
I ask Allah Subhanju wa Ta`la to reward you and keep you on deen and dawah, , amin.
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem.
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Thank you so much for taking the time to ask us about our faith (deen of Islam).
And now to your question regarding collecting funds and materials for the victims of the disaster in the USA associated with Hurricane Katrina while Muslims in other countries are suffering and dying. This is an excellent question and definitely needs much explanation in details. To just barely scratch the surface of this topic, I would like to mention that Islam is providing very deep answers to questions of such a nature.
First, Muslims are commanded throughout the Qur'an and teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him, to be charitable and it promotes freeing people from all types of afflictions anytime, and even more in times of disaster. This is a great opportunity for some people to take big rewards with Allah, providing they do it all in the correct manner.
Zakah and Sadaqah are two types of charity mentioned in Islam and both could be used in such a situation. However, it is important to keep in mind the basic principle in Islam about giving in the proper order. The first is to consider charity due to those of the immediate family and then the outer family and relatives and then the close community and finally the world at large. This gives us an approximation of distribution of the charity of Muslims.
Those who might be in other countries where there is a great need for charity - especially Muslims and children, naturally you would consider their needs first.
Those who are in USA and would like to help, this might be a good opportunity to show the people there about the true nature of Islam and Muslims.
Everyone should contribute to any disaster to assist and provide relief for their fellow human beings according to the priorities mentioned above.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
yusef
- Afghanistan
Profession
data collector
Question
No matter what we do as Muslims, we will always be vilified. I think it's not so much what we can give to help victims but how much we can do so the US government won't have to. Then they'll go right back to calling us terrorists. What can we do? How can we expose this sort evil from the US media?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Thank you so much for taking the time to ask us about our faith.
We should begin by always remembering the methodology of our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him, and how he over came the very same type of evil when he was presenting the message of Islam to the people of his time.
Let us consider his way, his words, his style and his character, in sha' Allah.
What would he have done in the face of the same situation? Let us imagine how he might handle it:
1. He would begin by letting people know that he is sincere in presenting the message to them.
2. He would always be direct and not try to misrepresent Islam as what it is - a way of life, complete n every single aspect.
3. He kept being simple and to the point.
4. He talked to people on the level that they understood.
5. He acted with kindness and humility even while they were attacking him with threats, insults and even physical punishment.
6. His speech was truthful, straightforward and humble.
7. He didn't try to engage in public debates with ignorant people.
8. His talks were always toward keeping the message of worshipping One God and obeying Him and be kind to all, especially others who were seeking this truth.
Please refer to our website for specific answers to actual attacks and harsh questions against Islam:
http://islamalways.com/en/
Name
Ben
- United States
Profession
teacher
Question
What is the attitude of the Arabs to USA disaster of Katrina? Do they rejoice at our suffering as we have heard?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Thank you so much for taking the time to ask us about our faith (deen of Islam).
To begin, I cannot speak for Arabs as I am not an Arab and even as a Muslim, I cannot speak for Arabs because there are many Arabs who are not Muslims. Some Arabs are Christians, others are Jews and of course some are Muslims.
From my personal experience with the Arab Muslims in the world, I would imagine that most of them are most concerned for those who are distressed and in such horrible condition. This is the attitude of Muslims in general as well. But I do not pretend to represent or speak on behalf of anyone.
If your question is dealing with the attitude of Muslims, then know Muslims are always considerate of any humans and the difficulties they may be experiencing as we would imagine anyone of any faith group would be.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Abdullah
- Egypt
Profession
market
Question
Can believers make du`aa' for the Kuffar people of Hurricane Katrina?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Thank you so much for taking the time to ask us about our faith (deen of Islam).
Muslims should make du`aa' for and against many things.
1.Du`aa' for guidance, good things of this world and of the Next Life.
2. Against the things of disaster and punishment from Allah.
Specifically, we should pray to Allah for the guidance of all of those whom Allah has not yet guided and beg Him to also keep us on guidance from Him as well.
It is not in Islam to pray for good things to happen to our enemies, other than to be rightly guided, nor should we pray for those who have already passed away without belief in Allah.
It is Allah Who knows Best. Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Rasha
- Egypt
Profession
Question
I am very happy to share in this live dialogue and direct my questions to one of our greatest Sheikhs. Simply , I am a young Muslim, live in this very big world and witness what has gone around me of attacks and hardships put on the way of Muslims, how they suffer a lot to save their religion from all evils that encounter its way, and how many of them strive to uphold Allah's orders . The question is how could we , Muslims, be more strong against all difficulties we face? How could we be a real firm structure facing all vices surrounding us? Where is the way to salvation? I think Muslims' reaction towards Katrina crisis expresses how they are so sympathy and kind towards others, and how they never hesitate to lend the helping hand to all people, regardless what is their religion or belief. Again, I am so happy to speak to you , Sheikh Yusuf. May Allah reward you and all good Muslims.
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
I am also happy that you are visiting our sites and keeping up with what is happening in the world today. More of our youth should be become more involved in what is soon to become their future = the real world.
I loved my visit to the Land Down Under = by the way.
Regarding the harsh attacks against Islam = we have been dealing with that subject in many lectures and programs.
See and hear for yourself = http://islamyesterday.com
To become strong against evil in all forms, we Muslims should be spending more time in the Masjid and less time in front of the TV and more time with the true scholars of truth and less time with the video games.
Remembering Allah, praying, fasting (very important this month before Ramadhan by the way) and giving charity as much as we can.
Also, become more involved with helping other youth to sit together and discuss the meaning of "Laa 'Ilaha 'Illa Allah" with regard to what is happening in the real world today.
-Establish regular meetings and halaqas with scholars and true imams who are saying the truth and preaching the message of sincerity to Allah and kindness to all.
-Giving da`wah to others is also a great way to keep the faith in shape.
-Visit our chat rooms to share with others of a like interest and stay away from things that are not pleasing to Allah and things that common sense tells you are not right, in sha' Allah.
Learn more about this and related subjects right here and on our site at:
http://islamalways.com/en/
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Abdul Bari
- Australia
Profession
Question
What lessons Muslims can learn from the Katrina disaster in the USA?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Excellent question. We Muslims should always keep in mind that disasters and calamities are always possible and that it is only Allah Who knows what will happen next. Our position must be one of hope and fear. Hope = for the Mercy of Allah and Fear = of Allah's punishments. What comes to us as humans from Allah in this life is often perceived as "good" (meaning getting what we want or desire) and "bad" (not getting what we want or some type of suffering).
These types of events should serve as a reminder for the believer to try to draw close to Allah and obey him and repent to Him so as to avoid similar circumstances.
The disasters that we perceive can be a punishment of Allah for our sins and a way for us to atone for the mistakes of the past, or they might be as tests from Allah to give us the chance to do good deeds and avoid evil.
Many things "evil" have been associated with what has happened in the US regarding Katrina. There has been much loss of lives, health, property and what normally goes along with such a disaster. But there have been additional man-made contributions to this disaster to make it even worse: drug abuses; suicides, rapes and who can imagine what else.
Muslims know we should turn to Allah in all matters, but from the example of our Prophet, peace be upon him, we know that when even a heave wind would come up, he would immediately prepare himself for prayer and go out and seek refuge from the punishments of Allah.
Learn more about this and related subjects right here and on our site at:
http://islamalways.com/en/
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Muslim
-
Profession
Question
How Muslims should help in this disaster?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Those Muslims who live in the proximity of disaster, such as the tsunami in December of last year, are the first ones responsible for what is going on in their own area. They are of course, the ones most able to understand what is going on, what the needs are and in a position to do something about it, to whatever extent is Islam allows and according to their own conditions.
Moreover, making du`aa for all of those who are true seekers of truth and asking for Allah to forgive the Muslims is essential, in sha' Allah.
Contact those in the area if you are able and help to understand what is happening and what is needed.
Use our chat room to help others know what you have learned about what is going on their, too.
See: http://chatislam.com
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Muhannad
-
Profession
Question
As-Salamu `alaykum.
Dear Sheikh Yusuf, do you agree with me that America has taken a lesson from such a disaster which is that Allah's Power is above them, and therefore they have to stop oppression before it's too late.
Thanks.
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
We should all take note of the lessons Allah offers us everyday - especially when we see such events as the hurricanes, tornadoes and the tsunami a few months ago = But do you think it is fair for the non-Muslims to come to us in India and Indonesia last January and start preaching to us about "Jesus died for your sins = but you don't listen. So, this is why you have the tsunami."?
However, what you are saying does have some merit and we might be able to discuss this topic with them at a more appropriate time = after they are at least finding some basic comforts and relief.
Your approach seems to talk down to them and would only make them worse (even though much of what you say is basically true).
Check out some other ways of understanding the da`wah:
http://islamtomorrow.com/dawah/
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
seeker
-
Profession
Question
Why to show solidarity to such people though they themselves afflicted unbearable aggression and oppression on Muslims all over the world!?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Good question, thank you for that.
"Solidarity" may not have been the word that I would have used as this is not what I perceive as being that which is most needed.
The prophet Moses, peace be upon him, was ordered to show more kindness and dignity to the Pharaoh, in presenting the message of Islam, even though he (Pharaoh) is amongst the worst of human beings on this earth.
This is a chance for us to talk to these people about Allah and why He permits these disasters to take place and how they can avoid future disasters by believing in Him and leaving their erring ways.
There have been worse people = and by the way, the ones who were in this disaster are not the guilty ones = if you understand my meaning.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Fares
-
Profession
Question
Do you consider what happened in the US as a sign of the Day of Judgement?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Signs of the Day of Judgment are many. And certainly this could be of the minor signs. I have no problem considering your statement as being true.
Let us pray to Allah to save us from a horrible outcome, amen.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Yusuf
- Australia
Profession
student
Question
Salam, I heard a couple of your da`wah tour lectures which you did in Australia a few months ago. Ma sha' Allah, you really opened up my mind about Islam, and may Allah reward you for your superior effort. I wanted to ask you, is it true Allah brings down his raft on the disbelievers in this world as well as the next. Recently, we have seen many tragic incidents taking place all around the world. Is there a reason why this is so?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
There are two things to always keep in mind:
1. This life is only a test for us and it is known to Allah what we are doing at all times = we will be judged for what we do.
2. Nothing happens except by the Will of Allah, and these things are possibly:
A. Punishment for sins.
B. A test for people to come to Allah.
C. A combination of both.
And of course, Allah knows best.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Selma
-
Profession
Question
Could you please elaborate more on the role of Muslim youth in this disaster?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
As mentioned in some of the previous answers on this topic =
All of us need to work toward better communication and understanding of the real nature of this disaster and how it does affect those who are there in the area, especially the Muslims there. I have visited this part of the world only recently and found good Muslims there trying to promote the truth about Islam and Muslims at their own expense and sacrifice. Pray for them please.
Also, many of the non-Muslims there were most kind and listened intently to what we were saying about Islam , Allah and what we are all about. They seemed to want to know a lot more. And some did become Muslims there, Al Hamdulillah.
Please pray for all of those who are seeking truth and guidance and ask for me too = in sha' llah|.
You might like to visit our chat room on line about this subject:
http://chatislam.com
Learn more about this and related subjects right here and on our site at:
http://islamalways.com/en/
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Hassan
- Sweden
Profession
Question
We see Muslims motivated to help the victims of New Orleans, we don't see them motivated to help Muslims suffering in poor countries or countries destroyed wars...Can you explain what is behind this motivation in the US? Thank you.
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
We don't do what we do for the show of the people nor for them to say "Thank you."
We do what we do to obey Allah, His Messenger, peace be upon him, and with the hope of ridding ourselves of sins and avoiding a bad end for ourselves.
If these people notice something good from our side and they are guided by Allah, then so much the better. But if not, then Guidance is only from Allah.
Good question.... Thanks so much.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
New Muslim
-
Profession
Question
From your personal experience, why do priests and preachers convert to Islam?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
This question is a very dear one to me - as I personally have been there when it did happen.
One of my friends was a Catholic priest and he accepted Islam the night before I did. My own father was a minister and he did accept Islam before his death.
The reason?
Islam is the Truth from Allah and it does have the proofs.
The cause?
It is from the Guidance from Allah.
The story is on our site at:
http://islamtomorrow.com/yusuf/
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Khaled
-
Profession
Question
Yesterday, we read that a Jewish rabbi said that what happened in the US is a punishment form God on the US because the US administration agreed on the pullout plan from Gaza. In addition, the rabbi claimed that the residents of that area black American who do not read or study the Torah. What is your opinion?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Those are exactly the type of statements that we as Muslims must avoid. We are not Allah, nor do we possess His Knowledge or Power. He knows best why he has caused the Jews to suffer over the years and the Christians and the Hindus and the Muslims = let us not be so quick to judge, rather let us be quick to believe, and do good deeds, in sha' Allah.
Thank you so much for this letter.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Bushra
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
Some people says that Islam was spread by sword? Is it or wrong?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Show us the word "sword" anywhere in the Qur'an?
It does appear over 200 times in the Bible...
Read more:
http://islamtomorrow.com/bible/
http://islamtomorrow.com/quran/
Thanks and give big salams to those there in Pakistan.... I miss you guys...
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
MSA
-
Profession
Question
Do you think Americans will chage thier views of Muslims after seeing them helping Katrian victims?
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
Allahu 'Alam = Allah knows best.
I don't really know if anyone will change their views about Islam, Muslims or anything else.
But that does not stop me from trying. If I was only doing this to see results in this world, I would have given up long ago. I only ask for results from Allah, either here or in the Next Life.
Learn more about this and related subjects right here and on our site at:
http://islamalways.com/en/
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
Name
Ghada
- United States
Profession
Question
I was at ISNA this past weekend and together with Islamic Relief they aimed to donate $10,000,000 to help the victims of Katrina. We as Muslims are very concerned about the victims there, and even as a minority group are trying our best to help, however why does the US government spend thousands of billions of dollars on sending troops outside the US to hurt other people instead of spending the money on helping their own people? They should have helped the poor to evacuate the area before Katrina got there. They should have had and evacuation plan.
Answer
Bismillah Rahman Raheem
Salam `alaykum (Peace be unto all who seek truth & Guidance)
The policies of any government are determined by those who control it. And our own government (USA) is being less and less controlled by the majority and more and more controlled by the minority.
What they do is what they do = but we should do our best to consider each event that comes up and then do our best to follow what Islam is teaching us to do.
Some Muslim agencies might like to raise funds to show off for the people or to bribe them to be "nice" to us. But for sure as stated, previously, we are not interested in this approach. What we do we do it for Allah and ask Him to accept it.
Thank you for asking and we are praying for the guidance of all humans everywhere.
