My Karbala

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful 

My Karbala

Dedicated to a dear friend

Prayer or player?

Riser or stayer?

Love or desire?

Stay low or climb higher?

Supplication or Shisha?

Romance or rosary?

Freedom or slavery?

Pride or humility?

Laziness or action?

Remain static or seek perfection?

Walk humbly or bop?

Lower my gaze or look up?

Argue or tolerate?

Accept others or just hate?

Raise my voice in anger?

Or give silence as my answer?

Resist my ego; swallow my pride?

Or leave the fire to burn inside?

Keep on jamming with my friends?

Or end it all and make amends?

Keep good and bad within me mixed up?

Or decide it's time to really fix up?

Whose side will I choose?

Who will win and who will lose?

Where is darkness, where is light?

Who is wrong and who is right?

Where is truth and where are lies?

Which will live and which will die?

Who will laugh and who will cry?

Who will triumph though he's slain?

Who has strength to take the pain?

Who has strength to bite the bullet?

Who is man enough to take it?

Who is strong enough to make it?

Through the highs and through the lows

Ups and downs, and so life goes

Who keeps striving, who keeps trying?

And who keeps to his own self lying?

Who is dead and who's immortal?

Whose love has made his name eternal?

Yazid... or Hussain?

Our Problem: Covered Faces... Or Covered Hearts?

In the name of Allah. the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Note: this article is about the face veil which is worn by sisters, and as such it may seem that i have not addressed the many problems on the part of brothers. If Allah wills, these too will be addressed in the future!

The Niqab or face veil is something that many Muslim women choose to wear in front of 'non-Mahram' men, in addition to covering their bodies. Whilst i had not, until this Summer, encountered any female relative of my own who wears the Niqab, i have always had great respect for my Muslimah sisters who choose to wear it.

No Niqabi Muslimah living in London will tell you that she wears it due to it being mandatory in Islam, and certainly not because her husband forces her. Rather, the answer is always 'i choose to wear it'. In fact, there are Hijabis who have opposed their own parents for the freedom to wear the Niqab. Why then, i wonder to myself, do so many have a problem with it? And i am not referring to non Muslims. Rather my question is regarding Muslims, and particularly lovers of Ahlulbayt (as), who sometimes condemn their own sisters for wearing the Niqab in a very harsh manner.

Some months ago, in a programme with Sh. Mohammed Al-Hilli, the respected scholar mentioned the issue of the face veil. There was a comment made in response, essentially urging the Shaikh to reply in a manner that would make it appear that Islam is somehow not in favour of the face veil being worn in Western society.

i do appreciate this view. i understand that in some ways it may, as orientalist opponents of the Niqab often say, 'create more barriers' between Muslims and their non-Muslim neighbours. Indeed, taking this one step further, many Muslim women who choose not to wear the headscarf believe that even covering their heads with a scarf in public 'creates more barriers', while the need for interaction and communication has never been greater. And by the way, my own mother who observes the Islamic covering, is also of the view that the face veil is not appropriate for Western society, as are many other sisters who do observe the Islamic Hijab correctly.

My personal opinion is irrelevant. i would never enforce it on my wife or daughters. However, should they choose to wear it, i would support them in their decision inshaAllah.

My question is this: as Muslims living in Western society, what is our idea about the Islamic Hijab? Is this idea the same as that brought by the prophet Muhammad (s)? What is the purpose of the physical covering? Is it to empower women to enter confidently into society? Is it in order to allow women to mix freely in a mixed gender environment? Is it to protect women the way a gem is protected?

To be honest, i haven't yet found the answers to all these questions. But i do wonder at times whether our idea of Hijab has become very different to the original idea given to us by our Creator. Sure, women are allowed to stroll the streets, go window shopping etc so long as social and physical Hijab is observed. However, it comes down to the individual's understanding of their Creator, themselves and their purpose. This goes for both brothers and sisters, for it is our understanding and beliefs that determine our actions. i have the highest respect for the sisters who, before taking any decision, ask themselves: What would Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra (a) do?

When did Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra (a) leave her home? Is her example limited to 6th century Arabia?

With the popular trend of thought that 'we are all the same - we just cover our heads!' that has become instilled in some of our minds, asking such a question is irrelevant and absurd, as modern society is drastically different to 6th century Arabia. On the other hand, however, by those who have a spiritual understanding, it is maintained that whilst is is true that society has advanced in a material sense (more buildings, better architecture, security etc), human beings essentially remain the same. Our needs to eat, drink, sleep, marry... have these changed over time? The attraction between genders; has it decreased due to society's advancement? While encouraging material as well as spiritual progress, it is these needs that Islam addresses. For example, the need to worship is an essential need, irrespective of time or location, and as such all Muslims bow down in prayer on a daily basis, irrespective of their location or the modernity of their society. The Islamic Hijab has also come to address these essential, human needs, and as such is applicable in every age and to every society, though there may be diversity in the way of wearing the physical Hijab. It is here that Muslims disagree: is the face veil unsuited for Western society?

i posed this question to the office of one of the leading scholars of the school of Ahlulbayt (as), Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. The last part of the response was particularly interesting.

What is the ruling regarding the face-veil being worn by a woman in front of non Mahrams? Is it permissible, recommended, allowed, discouraged or impermissible? Is the ruling different for Muslims living in the West?

In front of non-mahram men, a woman should cover her entire body except for the face (the area which is to be washed in wudu') and hands up to wrists. Unless the face and hands up to wrists are adorned, it is not obligatory to cover them, although covering them goes with caution. Regarding this ruling, there is no difference between the West and other countries.

In conclusion, i would like to say that whilst it is fine if we personally disagree with the face veil being worn in Western society, let us at least appreciate the courage that our Niqab wearing sisters possess to cover their faces, whenever they leave their homes. For sure, it is no walk in the park! Furthermore, i would like to add that Muslims who support the banning of the face veil should not be fooled into thinking that the agenda behind such decisions is national security. It isn't. Today it is the Niqab. Tomorrow it will be the headscarf. At the end of the day, if Allah has allowed something, do we have the right to disallow it? If Muslim women choose to cover their faces, should they not have the freedom to do so? It's hard enough being attacked by your enemies, but being attacked by your own brothers and sisters is something else. Something we will have to answer for on the day our records are opened.

Overemphasising Politics In Islam

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

i am not against politics. However i disagree with looking at Islam through a political lens. Whilst politics does have its role to play in Islam, it has no intrinsic value; as anything else, its value lies only in serving the interest of Taqwa: God consciousness i.e. assisting human beings to ascend to the heights of perfection in realising the presence of Allah and by thus doing fulfilling the purpose of our existence.

i've become very disheartened recently by some of those who are supposedly the pioneers of advocating Islam in its 'complete', politics-included form. Dismayed by the lack of Akhlaq and spirituality in their lives which is evident from the lack of moral conduct when debating and 'defending the truth'. When we have not brought justice into our own being, how do we think of bringing it to the world around us?

As Mawlana once said, 'Yesterday i was clever: i wanted to change the world. Today i am wise: i want to change myself'

Allah has mentioned in the Qur'an that whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all humanity. Nowhere does it say that this one life can not be your own. Save yourself and you will save all humanity. i am becoming more and more of a believer in the idea that there is a great spiritual link between the world within one's being and the outward world. A pious person once said to me that the human heart is greater and vaster than all that you see in the world around you, from the endless skies full of stars to the deepest oceans filled with wonders...

'Soon shall we show them our signs, on the horizons and in their own souls...'

The whole point of an Islamic government is to provide ideal conditions for human beings to flourish, as fertile soil is the ideal place for seeds to evolve into beautiful flowers. The holy prophet (s) said that he was sent by God to perfect the Akhlaq. Perfecting our Akhlaq is much easier in a society where everything reminds you of Allah and your purpose, as opposed to a society where everything distracts you from righteousness and morality. Thus it is sad that many brothers and sisters who seem to be the greatest advocates of Islamic government & politics have forgotten the whole purpose of these. Its not politics for the sake of politics. Its politics for the sake of Allah.

At the end of the day, even if we want to change people - which shouldn't be our aim - then we should remember that it is not your words that changes people; it is your character. One who loves Allah, He makes people love His lover. When people love you, they yearn to be similar to you. Imam Al-Sadiq (a) said to invite to goodness without using our tongues.

May Allah forgive me for my mistakes, and uncover the light of your hearts to shine onto the rest of creation.

Lessons In Love

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Something i remember, even though years have passed. On a train journey, a pious brother with a face illuminated with the light of piety, when he said that line that has since then been embedded in my unconscious mind, and resurfaces from time to time.

'This world is like a school and Allah is the teacher'

i think back to the past year of my life, and this line once more resurfaces from the depths of my conscience. Through the experiences of last year, it is as if He has been training me in the school of piety, teaching me that i may enter into the next class. Through the duration of the past year, there has been one lesson that seems to dominate the landscape. It is a lesson in loving, trust and friendship... something that had begun to mean a lot to me last year.

It is as if through the betrayal of trust on the part of those who i considered friends, through the aching of the heart when deserted by those i attempted to please, and abandonment by those towards whom i showed love and affection... He was teaching me to place my trust in Him alone. It was Him Who, whenever i sought out an idol, broke it... and through the aching of the heart, directed me once more toward the Only Beloved, His Own Exulted Essence.

Praise be to Allah Who sought my friendship whilst being needless of me. And praise be to Allah Who forgives what He knows of my wrongdoings, whilst others punish me for what they speculate about me. Praise be to Allah, in Whom i hope and i do not hope in other than Him, and had i hoped in other than Him, they would have disappointed me. Praise be to Allah in Whom i trust and i do not trust in other than Him, and had i trusted in other than Him, they would have betrayed my trust.

'The heart is the shrine of Allah, so do not place other than Allah in the shrine of Allah'
-The leader Ja'far ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him)

Tehran Metro

With His name, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

From the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, i enter into another world... a world underground. We descend, escalator upon escalator, into the underground passageways of the deepest station in the middle east. Proceeding towards the glass barriers (no need for a ticket as it is free for all due to it being the international day of Al Quds), i gaze in amazement at the HD quality photos of freedom protests from all over the middle east that align the hallway, one after another, and marvel at the incredible Islamic calligraphy that beautifies the station. The cleanliness is imminent; the radiance of the lights above is somewhat reflected on the immaculate tiles that pave the way towards the metro. Waiting for our train, i glance up at an electronic diagram that displays the route of my train, a virtual symbol showing at which station it is currently present.

The space is what hits you. Not to mention women-only sections in the carriages for sisters who are particular about their Hijab. The screens within the train play supplications as well as cartoons for children, pausing only for the announcement of the approaching station. Intuitively comparing what is before me with that which is more familiar (London underground), i am compelled to admit that had i not 'known better', i would think Britain to be a third world country.

Glimpses Of The Garden

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

The rows stretched from one side of the hall to the other, and through the entrance into the adjacent places of prayer. They sat cross legged, their eyes lowered towards the pages before them. Men, women, youths, children... They have come to water their souls, to quench their thirst at the spring of mercy. i  sat amongst them in the gathering of light, feeling as if i were sitting in paradise, the scent of His kindness in the air, the fragrant breezes of His mercy sweeping past my soul, the raptures of his voice during recitation moving my heart.

The Qur'an softens hardened hearts and heals broken hearts

Spirituality And Solidarity In The Movement Of Imam Al-Husayn

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Title: Spirituality And Solidarity In The Movement Of Imam Al-Husayn

Speaker: Sh. Mohammed Ali Shomali

Date: Jan/Feb 2011 [Muharram/Safar 1432]

Written By: Haidar Al Haidari

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This talk by Shaykh Shomali explored the spiritual dimension of Imam al-Ḥusayn’s movement, as well as the solidarity therein, which is a fruit of true spirituality --------------------------------------------------------------

The Imām and his companions undertook this blessed mission due to having a certain understanding of Allāh, themselves and creation, which is also what caused them to lead lives of piety. `Irfān – the name given to Islāmic Spirituality – is a type of understanding which shapes your life, and shows itself in moral values, such as Solidarity.

`Irfān Comes from the word Ma`rifah, which implies a specific and special type of knowledge, such as knowing a person intimately in such a manner that is possible only through firsthand experience. The reason philosophers have used the word `Irfān to denote Islāmic Spirituality is because it is a type of understanding Him which is such that He is the most obvious thing.

"Oh Allāh, make me feel your presence as if I am seeing You... is there anything other than You which has clarity? When were You ever absent that I needed a guide to reach You? When were You ever far from me that I needed to seek signs in Your creation to see You? Blind are the eyes that do not see You... You wanted me to know You in everything, so that I do not neglect You in anything”

He sees Allāh with the vision of his heart which – unlike physical sight – never confuses, nor becomes weak or unclear.

This is the understanding and closeness to Him that you must achieve.

When you achieve this understanding, then this understanding of Allāh will show itself in all qualities and bring love and mercy to your heart; for one cannot help loving Allāh when one understands Him, because it is impossible for a person not to love Absolute Beauty, Love, Purity and Perfection. Indeed, He will fill your entire heart, as Imām `Ali supplicates in the Supplication of Kumayl “please fill my heart with your love!”.

Those who think that they love Him as well as other things/people next to Him – as a partner with Him – have the wrong understanding.

Dedicate your heart to Allāh and you shall witness a miracle... you will begin to love everyone around you because of Him. Why? Because you know that these are all gifts from Him.

If you know that your children are gifts from God then it would only increase your love for them. For example, suppose one receives a book from a significant personality, it adds to the book’s value. The book may be treasured generations later by virtue of the fact that one’s ancestor received it from a notable personality.

In fact, when you achieve this understanding, you will love your children (and those around you) more than anyone who neglects Him. Indeed, the messenger of Allāh, the best of creation [s], cried when his son Ibrāhīm left this world, despite the fact that a man crying was seen as something negative in that society, and deemed a sign of weakness.

And indeed, the same Ḥusayn who proclaims: “You have removed the love of other than You from the heart of Your lover”, is full of love for `Ali Al-Akbar, and since only Allāh can comfort him when his son heads towards the battlefield, he turns to Him and says: “Oh Allāh, witness that I am sending to the battlefield one who most resembles your messenger”

Verily the love of the Imām for all around him, which is inspired by Allāh’s love, is greater than the love of any other person towards another! His love extends to his enemies, hence he asks his companions to give water to the soldiers of Hurr with their own hands.

For there is an intrinsic value for everything which is created by Him. So love! This approach will change people... as it changed Ḥurr. But one’s intention, of course, must be pure, which means the love must always be inspired by the love of Allāh. This type of love is unconditional. You should show love not because you wish to gain something or you wish for your companion to reciprocate... but show love towards them because they are gifts of Allāh. They will reciprocate eventually... but this is of no interest to you.

Those people who were with the Imām in the land of Karbalā’ were not there coincidentally. They were indeed chosen by Him, for only those answered Ḥusayn’s call who had such an understanding of God and the mission to show these values to others.

Every one of them possessed those qualities which enabled them to be with the Imām; not only that they could give their lives, but that they led lives of piety... so the companions of Husayn are at such a position that 1300 years later we cannot separate them from Ḥusayn, for they were neither separate from Husayn in their lives, nor in their deaths, neither shall they be separate from him in resurrection and judgement, nor when they enter paradise... hence we have been instructed to send peace upon Ḥusayn by saying

السلامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا اَبَا عَبْدِ اللّه وَ عَلَى الاَرْوَاحِ الَّتِيْ حَلَّتْ بِفِنَاءِكَ

Peace be upon you oh Abā ‘Abdillāh, and upon those souls which clustered in your presence!

We can also achieve this position, if we attain the same understanding. First, you must empty your heart and kill your ego, for there is no room for selfishness... and Allāh will give you that vision where you see only beauty, and through Him you will love everything.

“Giving water to a thirsty plant is like giving water to a thirsty believer”

True spirituality/mysticism is that which comes with such understanding, where you open up your heart to Allāh and say: Here I am! Please fill my heart with Your light and Your warmth!

Then, you will become an agent of His, and spread this light and warmth to everything and everyone that comes your way. Indeed, it is impossible for one to remain angry, aggressive and hard hearted when you receive His mercy; you must show love to everyone, an inclusive love.

“Because of the mercy of Allāh [Oh Muḥammad!] you have become soft hearted”

Indeed the messenger of mercy [ṣ] prayed for those who attacked him in Badr, those enemies of his who killed his uncle Ḥamzah and also caused some of his blessed teeth to be broken

“Oh Allāh, please guide my people, for they do not know!”

You will reach a position where you wish for everyone to be guided. You must be patient and show love to people, and allow them to understand. Of course, you are not concerned whether they will understand or support you, but your only concern is His pleasure. When you go after God’s pleasure, God pleases you!

The event of the day of `Āshūrā’ began in the land if Karbalā’. It is a chapter which is still open and will continue until those with the qualities of Ḥusayn's companions bring justice and peace for humanity at the call of the Awaited One.