Myanmar Military Coup and Rohingya Plight Debated In the British Parliament

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, made a statement on the present situation of Myanmar at the British Parliament on 2 February, 2021. He said, “I would like to update the House on the situation in Myanmar. On Sunday evening, Myanmar’s armed forces, the Tatmadaw, seized control of the country, declaring a state of emergency in the early hours of Monday morning. The country is now under the effective control of the commander-in-chief and the military vice-president, Myint Swe. At around 0200 hours local time on 1 February, the Tatmadaw began detaining politicians and civil society leaders across the country, including the democratically elected Aung Sang Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. The Tatmadaw has said that this state of emergency will continue for a year.”

 

He also mentioned, “While there were significant concerns about the disenfranchisement of minority groups such as the Rohingya, there are no suggestions of widespread irregularities. International observers, such as the Carter Centre and the Asian Network for Free Elections, found no evidence of significant irregularities in the elections. As such, the United Kingdom considers the election result to credibly reflect the will of the people and that Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party is the rightful winner of the election.”

 

The Minister for Asia said, “This coup threatens to set Myanmar’s progress back by years—potentially decades. As such, we are clear in our condemnation of this coup, the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar and the unlawful detention of democratically elected politicians and civil society by the military. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary both issued statements to this effect on Monday morning. It is essential that Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unlawfully detained are released. We must receive assurances that their safety, wellbeing and rights are being respected. The state of emergency must be repealed, arbitrary detentions reversed, the outcome of the democratic elections respected and the National Assembly peacefully reconvened. We are aware that there is a risk that demonstrations could provoke a violent response, taking Myanmar back to the dark days of the 1988 uprising or the 2007 saffron revolution, in which scores of civilians were killed.”

 

Speaking about UK’s response, the Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams mentioned, “I formally summoned Myanmar’s ambassador to the UK to the Foreign Office yesterday. In the meeting, I condemned the military coup and the arbitrary detention of civilians, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and made it clear that the democratic wishes of the people of Myanmar must be respected, and the elected National Assembly peacefully reconvened. We are doing all we can, working with those in Myanmar, to support a peaceful resolution to this crisis.”

 

Secondly, the international community has a role to play, mentioned Nigel Adams and added, The UK has urgently convened the UN Security Council, which will meet later today. As a champion of the rules-based international order and democratic government, we are driving the international response, including in our role as president of both the G7 and the UN Security Council, urging the military to immediately hand back power to the Government that were legitimately elected in November 2020.”

 

The Minister for Asia also mentioned, “Thirdly, the UK has already a number of measures in place in response to the military’s past and ongoing atrocities.”

 “On 19 September 2017, the UK announced the suspension of all defence engagement and training with the Myanmar military by the Ministry of Defence until there is a satisfactory resolution to the situation in Rakhine. The MOD no longer has a defence section in Yangon. The United Kingdom has already imposed sanctions on 16 individuals responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar. We sanctioned all six individuals named by the UN fact-finding mission report, including the commander-in-chief and his deputy, who are the architects of the current political situation and who also have the power to de-escalate the crisis and restore democracy. We will assess how best to engage with the military, if at all. We have also enhanced private sector due diligence to prevent UK funds from going to military-owned companies.”

British Parliament and Rohingya Genocide

 

The Rohingya people have faced decades of systematic discrimination, statelessness and targeted violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Such persecution has forced Rohingya women, girls, boys and men into Bangladesh for many years, with significant spikes, following violent attacks in 1978, 1991-1992 and again in 2016. Yet it was August 2017 that triggered by far the largest and fastest refugee influx into Bangladesh, [reported in United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)].

 

BBC reported on January 2020: In August 2017, a deadly crackdown by Myanmar’s Army on Rohingya Muslims sent hundreds of thousands fleeing across the border into Bangladesh. They risked everything to escape by sea or on foot a military offensive which the United Nations later described as “Textbook Example of ethnic cleansing.”

 

In January 2020, the UN’s top court ordered the Buddhist – majority country to take measures to protect members of its Rohingya community from genocide. But the army in Myanmar (Formerly Burma) has said it was fighting Rohingya militants and denies targeting civilians. The country;’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, once a human rights icon, has repeatedly denied allegations of Genocide.

 

Described by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres  as “One, if not the, most discriminated people in the world,@ the Rohingya are one of Myanmar’s many ethnic minorities. (Myanmar Rohingya, BBC, 23 January, 2020)

 

UNHCR Reported: “Over a million Rohingya refugees have fled violence in Myanmar in successive waves of displacement since the early 1990s. The latest exodus began on 25 August 2017, when violence broke out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, driving more than 742,000 to seek refuge in Bangladesh. The vast majority reaching Bangladesh are women and children. Many others are elderly people requiring additional aid and protection. They have nothing and need everything. [UNHCR]

 

Stephen Kinnock 

(Aberavon) (Lab)

Labour Member for Aberavon, Stephen Kinnock, said, “How has it come to this? Well, for decades, the power-hungry Myanmar military has oppressed and persecuted the Burmese people, committing countless atrocities—most notably against the Rohingya, for which it currently stands accused of genocide in the International Court of Justice. Experts on Myanmar are clear that the tacit support of China, combined with the rest of the world turning a blind eye, has given the military the confidence to enact this coup, based on the assumption that the international backlash will be negligible and lethargic. The UK and the wider international community must act swiftly and effectively to prove the military wrong on this. The UK Government must move from warm words of condemnation to tangible action”

 

He also said, “As the penholder on Myanmar at the Security Council, the UK has a particular and unique responsibility to lead the international response. We welcome the Security Council session the Government have convened today, but we believe there are further steps that must be taken.

 

“First, the Government must lead by example by imposing sanctions on the Myanmar military and all its business interests. When I urged the Minister to take this action last year, he argued against such measures on the ground that it would have a negative impact on foreign investment into the Myanmar economy. Well, there is nothing like a military coup to damage foreign investment, so surely the Minister must now accept that his argument no longer stands up to scrutiny and that the Government must immediately impose sanctions that directly target the military and its financial backers.

 

“Secondly, the UK Government should seek to extend the arms embargo against Myanmar so that it is as close as possible to global in its scale and scope. Clearly, authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China will be unlikely to participate, but we must seek to build the broadest possible coalition of countries committed to not selling weapons to Myanmar.

 

“Thirdly, now must surely be the time for the Minister to commit the UK to joining the Netherlands and Canada in formally supporting the Gambia in its case of genocide brought against Myanmar at the ICJ. Will he also call for Myanmar’s first report to the ICJ, published last June, to be made public in order to shine a light on the atrocities committed by the military? I would also like the Minister to set out what conversations he has had with the Bangladeshi Government to ensure that humanitarian aid contributed by the UK is sufficiently reaching the Rohingya who have fled to Cox’s Bazar.”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams replied, “As he rightly remarks, as penholder, we have brought forward by a day a meeting on Myanmar at the Council as a matter of urgency, and that meeting will take place in New York this afternoon.

 

He said, “I politely point out to him that we have already imposed sanctions on 16 individuals responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar, including six individuals named by the UN fact-finding mission report. However, of course we will work closely with our international partners to consider next steps in that regard and we will constantly consider all the tools at our disposal.

 

Replying to the question asked by Stephen Kinnock whether we would support an international arms embargo, the Minister for Asia replied, “We are a long-standing supporter of an arms embargo in Myanmar. We worked with EU partners to secure and tighten a strong EU arms embargo following the 2017 Rohingya crisis. Since we left the EU, we have transitioned this into domestic law. Our autonomous sanctions regulations prohibit the provision of military-related services, including the provision of technical assistance, to or for the benefit of the Tatmadaw.”

 

Replying to another question relating to the case brought by the Gambia, Nigel Adams said, “We have been very clear in our support for the ICJ process, which is putting pressure on Myanmar, and particularly the military, to do more to protect the Rohingya. We have pressed the civilian Government to engage constructively and transparently, and we urge the military to comply with the provisional measures ruling.”

 

Speaking about Bangladesh, The Minister for Asia said, “We are working very closely with the Bangladesh authorities and we are speaking with the Bangladesh Government. We are the second largest donor to support the Rohingya who are currently in Bangladesh.”

 

In the British Parliament

Most of the Cross-Party members of the British Parliament raised on this occasion the issue of the plight of the Rohingya Muslims and Rohingya Genocide.

Imran Hussain 

(Bradford East) (Lab) [V]

Labour Member for Bradford East, Imran Hussain, said, “For over three years, I have repeatedly called for the Government to enact sanctions against the Burmese military for its brutality in the Rohingya genocide, but on each occasion those calls were rejected by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which essentially told me that imposing sanctions would endanger the fledgling democracy in the country. Does the Minister now agree that this military coup shows that those were unfounded claims and, frankly, poor excuses for refusing to act in the face of the genocide against the Rohingya? Instead, the Government did more harm than good by emboldening the Burmese military.

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “in fact the United Kingdom has already imposed sanctions on military individuals, including the commander-in-chief and his deputy. We are absolutely clear. If the hon. Gentleman’s campaigning over the past three years on this issue has led to that, I congratulate him, but we have already delivered sanctions for human rights violations in Myanmar. Let us be absolutely clear, the commander-in-chief and his deputy are the architects of this current crisis.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi 

(Slough) (Lab)

Labour Member for Slough, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, said, “This appalling military coup and overthrow of a democratically elected Government is undoubtedly a major setback for the progress and development of Myanmar. However, the likes of me are particularly concerned about the desperate plight of the Rohingya Muslims, who have faced a genocide. Approximately a million had to flee their own country and are now refugees in Bangladesh and other nations. What is the Minister doing to spearhead an international effort to ensure that there is no further crackdown by the authoritarian military regime on the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya still in Myanmar, many of whom are interned in camps and unable to move freely, with extremely limited access to basic health and education services?”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “We are monitoring the situation as closely as we can, but we are also working closely with our partners. I talked about us convening the meeting this afternoon in New York so that we can have a joint response with the UN Security Council.”

 

He said, “I assure him that we will ensure that we continue to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance, including for the Rohingya. We are alert to the possibility of all sorts of horrific violence, such as identity-based violence, being committed—there are reports of that. We are one of the largest donors to Rakhine state, which is one of the poorest states in Myanmar. Our assistance helps with education, nutrition, livelihoods and health, and we are supporting all communities.”

Imran Ahmad Khan 

(Wakefield) (Con) [V]

Conservative Member for Wakefield, said, “Like all Members of this House, I found myself deeply disappointed when Aung San Suu Kyi chose to take no action against the genocide of Rohingya, but that grave failure should not temper our condemnation of the quasi-constitutional military coup, which undermines the futures, freedoms and democratic rights of the Burmese people. Will my hon. Friend the Minister further outline what his Department is doing to promote the fundamental and universal rights of democracy, freedom and liberty in Burma in light of the recent events?

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams replied, “I assure him that the United Kingdom places the highest premium on respect for democracy and the rules-based international system. We have been talking to regional and international partners about that, and we call on Myanmar to respect the principles of the ASEAN charter, including the rule of law, good governance, as I mentioned, and the principles of democracy and constitutional government.

 

Alyn Smith 

(Stirling) (SNP) [V]

SNP Member for Stirling, Alyn Smith said, “I think the EU’s position on this will be important, and co-ordinating on that will be very much to the benefit. It is early days yet, but what assessment has been made by our mission within country of the already dreadful situation of the Rohingya? Is there a risk of flight of Rohingya into Cox’s Bazar and into Bangladesh? Can the Minister give a reassurance that if more aid is necessary, we stand ready to provide it to the Bangladeshi Government, because this, will take a concerted international effort? If he continues along those tracks, he will have our support.”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied: “Given our presidency of the G7 and the UN Security Council, we are using these opportunities to drive forward the international response, and that will include dealing and liaising with our friends in the EU. We all need to stand together to demonstrate that we will not stand for a subversion of democracy. We are talking with a broad range of international partners, including the neighbours of Myanmar, and especially the ASEAN countries. The hon. Gentleman mentioned aid. This year, the UK is spending £88 million in-country in Myanmar on supporting the people of Myanmar. In addition, since 2017 we have spent almost a third of a billion pounds supporting humanitarian aid and supporting the Rohingya who are displaced and have found themselves in Bangladesh.

Chris Bryant 

(Rhondda) (Lab) [V]

Labour Member for Rhondda, Chris Bryant, said, “While China still plays a role in refusing to allow those who are accused of genocides to come to a proper international court, how can the Minister be sure that those that perpetrate genocide are not just going to get away with it? If we cannot get such determinations in an international court, would it not make sense that they are made in a court of law in the UK?”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “On the reference to genocide, we have been very clear that we support the current case in the ICJ process, putting pressure on Myanmar. I think the case will develop significantly in the coming months; we are monitoring that case very closely.

Jim Shannon 

(Strangford) (DUP)

DUP Member for Strangford, said, “As the House is all too aware, this is not the first time in recent years that Burmese military leaders have committed unconscionable crimes. Their brutal assault against the Rohingya community, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and murdered thousands, was described by the UN as a

“textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.

 

He asked, “Does the Minister agree that the international community’s failure to take substantial action against the Burmese military following that assault has emboldened its leaders to act against democracy in Burma?”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “I gently point out that we have taken action against the Myanmar military, specifically the six individuals who were named in the UN fact-finding report. Sixteen in total were on the receiving end of our sanctions regime.”

Rushanara Ali 

(Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab) [V]

Labour Member for Bethnal Green and Bow, Rushanara Ali, said, “This coup is the latest in a horrifying series of actions by the Myanmar military against the people of that country. We must do all we can to secure the immediate release of the democratically elected leader and all those who have been detained unlawfully. The military, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, have been acting for years with impunity, including in the atrocities committed against the Rohingya and other minorities.

 

She also said, “The interventions of our Government, as well as those of the international community, have been insufficient. The UN Security Council meeting today is critically important, and I welcome that. Can the Minister tell the House whether our Government will be pushing for further tougher, targeted sanctions against the Burmese military and formally supporting the genocide prevention case at the International Court of Justice, led by the Gambia, to protect the remaining Rohingya people in that country? It is not good enough for the Minister to keep saying, “We are reviewing it,” or, “We are supporting it, but we are not prepared to formally support it yet.” It is time that we took action. If this coup is not enough to force our Government to act, then I do not know what else will force them to act to get behind this case. I hope the Minister can be more vociferous in answering those questions today.”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “We are using our penholder role to ensure that Myanmar stays on the UN Security Council agenda. We convened the Security Council three times last year to discuss the case brought by Gambia, covid and the situation in Rakhine and the Chin states. We have been very clear that Myanmar has to make progress on accountability. The case will develop significantly in the coming months and, as I said in a previous answer, we will be carefully monitoring developments to consider the legal arguments to establish whether a UK intervention would add value, but I am sure the whole House will want to see the outcome of the UN Security Council meeting in New York this afternoon.”

Peter Grant 

(Glenrothes) (SNP) [V]

SNP Member for Glenrothes, said, “The Minister has reminded us that the commander-in-chief and his deputy are responsible for the current emergency situation in Myanmar. They and their associates are also responsible for the wholesale and systematic campaign of rape, torture and murder of the Rohingya Muslims, entirely for racist reasons.”

 

He asked, “Can he give us an assurance that, in among the other discussions that are now required within the international community, high up on the agenda will be a restated determination that everyone who was responsible for those atrocities in Myanmar will one day be brought to justice and held to account for their crimes?”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “We must ensure that there is accountability for those who have committed atrocities. The United Kingdom is clear that the Myanmar military undertook a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya in 2017, and we are pushing for those guilty of atrocities to be held to account. In our joint statement to the UN Security Council on 11 September, we called for Myanmar to make progress on this accountability, and in the current absence of a credible domestic process, all options must be on the table, including referral to the International Criminal Court.”

 

Sam Tarry 

(Ilford South) (Lab) [V]

Labour Member for Ilford South, Sam Tarry, said, “As the Minister knows, over 1 million Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar following an escalation of violence over the past few years. Many residents in Ilford South have written to me concerned that the recent coup is yet another in a long line of worrying developments for Rohingya people. Will the Minister explain what measures the Government have taken to protect Rohingya people, who may now face even greater levels of persecution and oppression?”

Nigel Adams 

The Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, replied, “We are working very closely with our partners to ensure that lifesaving humanitarian assistance is delivered for the Rohingya. We are alert to the possibility of further violence being committed. As I mentioned to my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Henry Smith), we are one of the largest donors in Rakhine state, which is one of the poorest states in Myanmar. We will continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance to the most vulnerable areas.”

Khutbah at Masjid al-Nabawi on Allah’s Favours

Dr Mozammel Haque

 

How can you deny the Favours of Allah. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  said: Love Allah because of all His Favours. Love Rasulullah because of this guidance and love the family of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam because it is dear to Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam. Nobody can fulfil this rightful thank to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Sheer Mercy of Allah with little action, with little thankfulness, Allah grant us plentiful as it is reported that no one can enter to the Paradise due to their deserving Paradise except the Mercy of Allah,” said Sheikh Dr. Ali AbdulRahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi on  29 January 2021 in his Friday Khutbah on Allah’s Favours.

 

Sheikh al-Hudaifi said, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has created this world to fulfil His Commandments and His Wishes in the humanity and His Control of the affairs.. Whatever goodness we are enjoying, it is just sheer Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says – when Allah opens up His Doors of Mercy no one can stop it and when He stops the Doors of Mercy no one can open it,

.

He also mentioned, “Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Don’t you see that Allah has put under your control all the things which are in the Heaven and Earth and He has completed His Favours on you, which are apparent and hidden favours. And as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that if you try to count the Favours of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala you cannot count. So Allah is oft-Forgiving and All-Merciful.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, All the Favours start from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and end with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and no one deserves anything – only sheer Mercy which we are enjoying – This is His Mercy.

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, This part of His Mercy that He has given us ask us to do to be thankful to Allah, so Allah can give us favour more and more; as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that as Allah has made it apparent that if you would be thankful to Allah, Allah will indeed increase His Favours on you. Further Mercy is also part of the Mercy and the in-built ways of increasing Allah’s Mercy.

 

So be thankful to Allah if you worship Him – as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that Daud AS and his family were working to thank Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and there are very few people who were thankful indeed to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. So His Ways of being thankful to Allah was that a member of the family of Daud AS was always busy in Zikr, Tilawat and Salah in 24 hours, he mentioned.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, We should be thankful and praise Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and we should not think that we deserve any Favour from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. It is sheer Mercy of Allah that we are enjoying His Favours. As Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam called upon Allah Subhanahu wa Taala – O Allah He is very Often oft-Forgiving; O Allah Who is end of our all wishes and O Allah from whose Mercy everything is encompassed. And all the Mercy begins and ends with Allah. O Allah, don’t punish Your servants, Your Creation with fire.

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, Sheer Mercy of Allah with little action, with little thankfulness, Allah grant us plentiful as it is reported that no one can enter to the Paradise due to their deserving Paradise except the Mercy of Allah. Even the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam cannot claim the reservation of the Jannah without the Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Those who are busy being thankful to Allah and worshipping Allah they are still afraid that their actions may not get any acceptance, any place in front of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Salaf has said that if we are to meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with plenty of actions, nothing will stand with the shortcomings which we have in front of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, Allah has created everything and He is the Guardian of everything. As Abdullah ibn Amr bin Aas RA reported that Allah has predestined everything before the creation. Allah has created all the sources and Allah creates with some resources and without resources and without any precedence. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that We will try and test you with good time and bad time, good situation and bad situation. Allah gives the good reward for those people who are thankful to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, Anything which is happening on earth is by the Commandments and the ways Allah Subhanahu wa Taala – the One Who is All-Prevalent and Who is All-Encompassing and Allah is the One Who is maintaining the world and sustaining the world. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala sends all His Orders from Heavens and no one can overwrite His Commandments, His Orders in the Heaven and the Earth as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that everyone is looking towards and asking Allah Subhanahu wa Taala everyday. Allah is in a new situation. His shaan, His continuous affairs are to give forgiveness to others and to grant Favours and to advance the agenda of the creation of the humanity.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, One of the Signs that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has given us and assign us is the trial and tribulations that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has  also to test His own Messengers, His delegations. Those people who are representing Allah, they are also through test and trial and tribulations. All the hardships and all the inconvenience believers suffer; it is good for him that it causes expiation of the sins and mistakes.

 

As Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  has said that a Muslim will keep on being uplifted and being trial and tested with hardships until he meets Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and there is no sin in his account – his clean slate. Another Hadith says that whenever someone is destined to a higher position and his action falls  short of it then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala puts him through  some trial and tribulations to raise his rank and until he reaches his designated place,” mentioned The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, All the trials and tribulations are based on their designated place and their positions in the eyes of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Those who are very solid in their faith, their trials are also very hard and heavy. People will face all sorts of trial, tribulation and temptation until all the sins are wiped away and they reached their highest position which is designated for this.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, O believers, we have to wait for the Mercy and Kindness of Allah to descend upon us in harsh and hard time; like we are suffering nowadays. It is our duty to do good and refrain from sinful activities. As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that I am near to you, O servants. O People, Allah’s Mercy is near to you. Allah is near to you. So call upon Him and state good from Him.

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, We are servants of Allah; we are always in need of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala’s Favours and to repent and to return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Those who think that they do not need any Mercy of Allah and do not repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, those people who disbelieve in Allah and who show independence from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, they are to be punished and tormented.

 

Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi said, “Let us realise we do not own anything; we do not deserve anything; only whatever Allah Subhanahu wa Taala descends us. So let us know that the good time is after bad time and after hardships there is ease indeed; after every hard time ease struck.

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, This world is action world and Day of Judgement and latter world is the reward – the rewarding duniya. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has said that it is only your action that I return to you. So if you find something frightening no one should be blamed except themselves.

 

Full Khutbah at Masjid al-Nabawi

Followings are the full khutbah at the Masjid al-Nabawi delivered by Sheikh Dr. Ali AbdulRahman al-Hudhaifi on 29 January, 2021, [rendered into English by Mufti Barkatullah @ Islam Channel, UK]

 

“All praise belongs to Allah Who is our Guardian. He is the Owner of the Throne. I thank Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and I praise Allah Subhanahu wa Taala for all the Favours which we acknowledge, recognise and Favours which we do not understand and recognise. I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah Who is the Sustainer of the world and I bear witness that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  is the role model and he is the Messenger of Allah and servant. May Allah send peace and blessings on Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  and his family and his Companions those who did assist Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  till Islam was overwhelmed the prevalent.

 

“After this praising, let us be vigilant with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and be careful with Allah and observe piety, to do good and refrain from all the sinful activities as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that Akhirah is for those people who do not do facade and do not want to dominate others.

 

“Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has created this world to fulfil His Commandments and His Wishes in the humanity and His Control of the affairs. Whatever goodness we are enjoying, it is just sheer Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says – when Allah opens up His Doors of Mercy no one can stop it and when He stops the Doors of Mercy no one can open it. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Don’t you see that Allah has put under your control all the things which are in the Heaven and Earth and He has completed His Favours on you, which are apparent and hidden favours. And as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that if you try to count the Favours of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala you cannot count. So Allah is oft-Forgiving and All-Merciful.

 

“All the Favours start from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and end with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and no one deserves anything – only sheer Mercy which we are enjoying – This is His Mercy. This part of His Mercy that He has given us ask us to be thankful to Allah, so Allah can give us favour more and more; as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that as Allah has made it apparent that if you would be thankful to Allah, Allah will indeed increase His Favours on you. Further Mercy is also part of the Mercy and the in-built ways of increasing Allah’s Mercy. So be thankful to Allah if you worship Him – as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that Daud AS and his family were working to thank Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and there are very few people who were thankful indeed to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. So His Ways of being thankful to Allah was that a member of the family of Daud AS was always busy in Zikr, Tilawat and Salah in 24 hours.

 

“We should be thankful and praise Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and we should not think that we deserve any Favour from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. It is sheer Mercy of Allah that we are enjoying His Favours. As Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam called upon Allah Subhanahu wa Taala – O Allah He is very Oft-Forgiving; O Allah Who is end of our all wishes and O Allah from whose Mercy everything is encompassed. And all the Mercy begins and ends with Allah. O Allah, don’t punish Your servants, Your Creation with fire.

 

“How can you deny the Favours of Allah. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  said: love Allah because of all His Favours. Love Rasulullah because of this guidance and love the family of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  because it is dear to Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam. Nobody can fulfil this rightful thank to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Sheer Mercy of Allah with little action, with little thankfulness, Allah grants us plentiful as it is reported that no one can enter to the Paradise due to their deserving Paradise except the Mercy of Allah. Even the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam    cannot claim the reservation of the Jannah without the Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Those who are busy being thankful to Allah and worshipping Allah they are still afraid that their actions may not get any acceptance, any place in front of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Salaf has said that if we are to meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with plenty of actions, nothing will stand with the shortcomings which we have in front of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 

“Allah has created everything and He is the Guardian of everything. As Abdullah ibn Amr bin Aas RA reported that Allah has predestined everything before the creation. Allah has created all the sources and Allah creates with some resources and without resources and without any precedence. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that We will try and test you with good time and bad time, good situation and bad situation. Allah gives the good reward for those people who are thankful to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 

“Anything which is happening on earth is by the Commandments and the ways Allah Subhanahu wa Taala – the One Who is All-Prevalent and Who is All-Encompassing and Allah is the One Who is maintaining the world and sustaining the world. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala sends all His Orders from Heavens and no one can overwrite His Commandments, His Orders in the Heaven and the Earth as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that everyone is looking towards and asking Allah Subhanahu wa Taala everyday. Allah is in a new situation. His shaan, His continuous affairs are to give forgiveness to others and to grant Favours and to advance the agenda of the creation of the humanity.

 

“One of the Signs that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has given us and assign us is the trial and tribulations that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has  also to test His own Messengers, His delegations. Those people who are representing Allah, they are also through test and trial and tribulations. All the hardships and all the inconvenience believer suffers; it is good for him that it causes expiation of the sins and mistakes. As Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has said that a Muslim will keep on being uplifted and being trial and tested with hardships until he meets Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and there is no sin in his account – his clean slate. Another Hadith says that whenever someone is destined to a higher position and his action falls  short of it then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala puts him through  some trial and tribulations to raise his rank until he reaches his designated place.

 

“All the trials and tribulations are based on their designated place and their positions in the eyes of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Those who are very solid in their faith, their trials are also very hard and heavy. People will face all sorts of trial, tribulation and temptation until all the sins are wiped away and they reached their highest position which is designated for this.

 

“All the trials and tribulations which we are  going through or anybody goes through is just to prevent us from falling into further trap and raise our ranks. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that if you repeat your mistakes We will repeat Our response to it. O believers, we have to wait for the Mercy and Kindness of Allah to descend upon us in harsh and hard time; like we are suffering nowadays. It is our duty to do good and refrain from sinful activities. As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that ‘I am near to you, O servants.’ O People, Allah’s Mercy is near to you. Allah is near to you. So call upon Him and state good from Him.

 

“May Allah give us Tawfiq to act upon whatever we have heard and benefit us from whatever. I seek forgiveness for myself and for all the people on earth.

 

Second Half

“All praise belongs to Allah Who is the Sustainer of the world and I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  is His servant and His Messenger. O Allah, send peace and blessings upon Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  and his family and his companions all of them. O believers, please be afraid of Allah and observe piety and it should be observed.

 

“Let us realise that our success and our highest position is that we servants of Allah we are always in need of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala’s Favours and to repent and to return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Those who think that they do not need any Mercy of Allah and do not repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, those people who disbelieve in Allah and who show independence from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, they are to be punished and tormented,.

 

“Let us realise we do not own anything; we do not deserve anything; only whatever Allah Subhanahu wa Taala descends us. So let us know that the good time is after bad time and after hardships there is ease indeed; after every hard time ease struck.

 

“This world is action world and Day of Judgement and latter world is the reward – the rewarding duniya. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has said that it is only your action that I return to you. So if you find something frightening no one should be blamed except themselves.”

 

Dua and Supplication

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi, Sheikh al-Hudhaifi started making dua and supplication. He said, “Allah Subhanahu wa Taala orders us to send peace and blessings on Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  as Allah and Angels do. So those who send peace and blessings on Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  they on return deserve peace and blessings to themselves. Let us pray: O Allah send peace and blessings on Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam, his family and his companions like you have sent peace and blessings on Ibrahim and his family and give barakah on Muhammad’s family as You have given Barakah to Ibrahim and his family. O Allah, be pleased with all the companions of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam  and specially four Khalifah – Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman and Ali R.A. They were the Rightly-Guided Caliphs. O Allah, those who follow them till the Day of Judgement; O Allah, accept their deeds and have mercy on them.

 

“O Allah, You are  the Most Merciful, so grant prominence to the Religion of Islam and the believers of Islam. O Allah, derogate and put down Shirk and Mushrekeen and those who share someone with You. O Allah, put down all the bidah and all the innovations which people associate with the Deen. O Allah, destroy all the bidah and all the things which are polluting the Religion of Islam. O Allah, help Your Religion and Your Book and the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam . You are capable of everything and anything.

 

“O Allah, make our end result better in every matter. O Allah, end-results make it pleasant for us. O Allah, guide us and make us among the people of the guided and piety. Forgive all our sins which we did in public and in private. You are the Forgiver. No one is worthy of worship except You. O Allah, empower us to do good and refrain from sinful activities. O Allah, make our heart steadfast on Your Religion. O Allah, save us from the temptations of Shaitan and his army. O Allah, save us from the Shaitan and his party. Save us and our offspring from the influence of Shaitan. O Allah, those who have gone away, those who have passed away, O Allah, forgive them and grant them the goodness of the Akhirah. O Allah, we seek forgiveness for all the hidden and apparent sins we have committed. O Allah, we ask You to empower us to be thankful to You and be appreciating of Your Favours on us.

.

“O Allah, save our country and all the countries of the Muslims from all the torments and balah and pandemic. O Allah, give Tawfiq to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his associates to work for the betterment of the country and for the better of the people. O Allah, empower them to do good for the people and for the country.

 

“O Allah, save us from the bad effects of the people who are mischief-makers. O Allah, relieve us from all the worries which we are going through. O Allah, leave us from all the situations, all the hardships we are in. O Allah, give recovery for all those who are sick and forgive all those who were dead. O Allah, relieve the people of Syria and all those believers who are sufferings from the harsh time; grant them recovery. O Allah, give us goodness in this world and in the Hereafter.

 

“Allah is ordering us to do good and refrain from bad and to join the relationship and administer justice. And He is reminding us to do that we may get heed and we remind ourselves. Mentioning the name of Allah is the Highest activity and Allah knows what we are doing.” 

 

Acknowledgement

Courtesy: @Islam Channel, U.K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

U.S.-Yemeni Muslim Woman Recites Qur’an at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service

Dr Mozammel Haque

 

Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Yemeni-American school teacher and community activist, made history on Thursday, 21^st January 2021 as the first Muslim woman to offer a prayer by reciting the Qur’an at the Presidential Inaugural National Prayer Service.

 

It was reported on 21^st January, 2021 First full day started with the National anthem; welcome to the Inaugural service, virtual prayer service, inaugural service which should have been in the Washington Cathedral, instead thanks to Covid Washington Cathedral came to them via life Zoom – Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar-Rahim.

 

Dr. Almontaser started the prayer in Arabic from the Qur’an. She is Yemeni-American activist who led the protest against Donald Trump’s Muslim Travel Ban. President Joe Biden has already overturned.

 

BBC Channel 4 reporting on Thursday mentioned, American school teacher and community organiser, Debbie Almontaser, made history on Thursday as the first Muslim-American woman to offer a prayer by reciting from Qur’an  at the Presidential Inauguration Prayer Service this morning.

 

Matt Frei, Europe Editor and Presenter of Channel 4 said, she joined from New York with the interview from Channel 4. She was asked: “What is your inclusion in this service this morning meant to you personally?”

 

Dr Debbie Almontaser answered, Thank you for having me. I really appreciate. I have the opportunity to share my experience. I have to say that today is momentous. It is a historical for me as a Yemeni-American Muslim woman I have this opportunity. I came from people that have been banned as you know; Yemen was on the Muslim Ban and just having me there is a symbolic one as a Muslim and two as the Yemeni-American to show that the pain and suffering that the American Muslim, Yemeni-American and others who have been banned has been affirmed and will be repealed and as you know last night Muslim Ban was repealed which is really glorious step for all of us.

 

“Is there anything else that this administration should be doing to make Muslims of America to be more included? Matt Frei enquired again.

 

Dr Almontaser said, “I think that so far they have their honour to have great start by making sort of appointing and hiring high ranking Muslim-Americans into the Government and it has really been very wonderful to see a number of people that have actually been appointed and I believe we need to do more that.

 

She also continued, “Most importantly, I should deliver and promise for me during the campaign and some of those promises after the Muslim Ban is actually making sure that Arab-American are designated as minorities for educational opportunities; for me and Yemeni-Americans ensuring that the war in Yemen will be stopped and that there would be a resolution to this war and that there would be the promise and commitment that President Joe Biden touring the campaign was to  restore the aid that has been cut off by Donald Trump by 40% and to make sure that he is going to bring all parties in Yemen and the UAE and Saudi Arabia to ensure a peace plan.

 

Writing in twitter.com @Debbie on 22 January 2021

Dr Debbie Almontaser said, “It was an honour for me as the First Yemeni American woman to have been invited to offer a prayer at the Presidential Inaugural National Prayer Service. This is an affirmation of the Yemeni community and other banned countries who suffered under the MuslimBan.

 

About Dr Debbie Almontaser

Dr Debbie Almontaser is an internationally recognised award-winning educator, speaker and authority on cross-cultural understanding. She was the founding principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy, a New York Arab-themed public school, named after the Christian Arab poet Khalil Gibran.

China has committed Genocide Against Uyghur Muslims – U.S. Says

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 

The U.S. has declared that China has committed “Genocide” and “crimes against humanity” against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, China.

 

President Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State agreed with his predecessor’s declaration that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is committing genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang.

 

“That would be my judgment as well,” said Antony Blinken, President Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, when asked by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday if he agreed with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s genocide designation, reported by Christine Rousselle, Catholic News Agency (CAN).

 

On January 19, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that he had “determined that the People’s Republic of China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, China, targeting Uyghur Muslims and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups.” Pompeo stated, “[t]he People’s Republic of China and the CCP must be held to account.” 

 

In a statement released on 19 January 2021, Pompeo said, “After a careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that since at least March 2017, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has committed crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang, reported in CITY A.M. published by Stefan Boscia

 

On Tuesday, Blinken said that the gravity and scope of the atrocities committed in Xinjiang against predominantly Muslim Uyghur and others has risen to the level of genocide. “The forcing of men, women and children into concentration camps; trying to, in effect, re-educate them to be adherents to the ideology of the Chinese Communist Party, all of that speaks to an effort to commit genocide,” he said, reported by Christine Rousselle, Catholic News Agency (CAN). 

 

Xinjiang, a region in China’s northwest nearly three times the size of France, is home to 23 million Turkic people including Uyghur, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities, reported in CITY.A.M. 

 

In the United Kingdom

On 12^th of January 2021 the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (First Secretary of State) Dominic Raab, MP said, “The evidence of the scale and severity of the human rights violations being perpetrated in Xinjiang against the Uyghur Muslims is now far-reaching. It paints a truly harrowing picture. Violations include the extrajudicial detention of over 1 million Uyghurs and other minorities in political re-education camps; extensive and invasive surveillance targeting minorities; systematic restrictions on Uyghur culture, education and, indeed, on the practice of Islam; and the widespread use of forced labour. The nature and conditions of detention violate basic standards of human rights. At their worst, they amount to torture and inhumane and degrading treatment, alongside widespread reports of the forced sterilisation of Uyghur women.

 

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, continued, “Internment camps, arbitrary detention, political re-education, forced labour, torture and forced sterilisation—all on an industrial scale. It is truly horrific—barbarism we had hoped was lost to another era is being practised today, as we speak, in one of the leading members of the international community.

 

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “We have a moral duty to respond. The UK has already played a leading role within the international community in the effort to shine a light on the appalling treatment of the Uyghurs and to increase diplomatic pressure on China to stop and to remedy its actions. I have made my concerns over Xinjiang clear directly to China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. We have led international joint statements on Xinjiang in the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee and the UN Human Rights Council. In the Third Committee, we brought the latest statement forward together with Germany in October last year and it was supported by 39 countries.

Cross-Party M.P.s took part in the debate and responded to the Statement on the Government’s response to the Forced Labour in Xinjiang, China. Many Members of the House spoke about genocide of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.

 

CITY A.M. reported on 12 January: UK sanctions China over ‘horrific’ treatment of Uyghur Muslims, reported by Stefan Boscia. 

 

That statement went to the House of Lords where Lords and Baroness discussed and debated and made Lords Amendment3 on Genocide.

 

Khutbah at Masjid al-Haram on Allah’s Favours including Water

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 

We are showered with Favours of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. He has enriched us and He has given us everything. Allah has kept everything in the Heavens for us. His Favours cannot be counted and we have all to rely on Allah’s Subhanahu wa Taala in all our matters, said Dr. Sheikh Salih al-Humaid, the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Makkah al-Mukarramah, in his Khutbah on Friday, the 1^st of January, 2021. He also mentioned, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has created human beings in a unique manner and he is a very complex being. So human beings are very very interactive and very very responsive and human beings are very keen on goodness and doing good thing.” 

 

Dr. Sheikh Salih al-Humaid said, “As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that do you think that the water which we sent from Heavens if we stop it can anyone bring you sweet water.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram said, “Allah Subhanahu wa Taala mentions the favour of water around sixty times in the Qur’an .The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram said, . “Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has mentioned to us as His Favour and when Allah Subhanahu wa Taala sends rain the earth becomes alive and Allah Who has created Heaven and earth and from Heavens Allah sends rain to revive the life on earth. So is there anyone else on earth besides Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to give you life and thrive life on earth? With the rain water we benefit in various vegetations and drink and other ways.”

 

“Whenever water showers on earth it gives freshness and favours and happiness to humanity. Enjoying the favours of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala in different shapes and forms of water is one of the favours of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala on human beings. We can ponder on the favours of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and be thankful to Allah as Allah says that We send the rain as a favour and Mercy to human being,” Dr Sheikh Salih al-Humaid said.

 

Sheikh Salih al-Humaid also said, “Allah Subhanahu wa Taala encourages us to see different forms and shapes of His Signs and His Favours on earth and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala encourages us to go around the earth and see how Allah has showered on humanity and all other human beings with His Favours. So it is reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam used to go to jungle to appreciate the Favours of Allah.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram said, “Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says look at the Signs of Allah in earth and in mountains and in lands. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala draws our attention to various beauties around us as a day and night. There are so many things associated with rain and the after-effects of rain and how Allah Subhanahu wa Taala makes earth come alive and every form of life becomes alive after the rain water coming on earth.”

 

“In  various instructions Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has said that whenever you go out around earth, don’t sleep on pathways because during night and days animals also do pass through. So whenever we go somewhere we should do say bismillah lazi la  - whenever we say this we are saved from every harmful effect till we moved from that place,” he said..

 

We seek rain water from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, said Dr Sheikh Salih al-Humaid and mentioned when Duas are accepted, “At the time of the rain water, at the time of Azan and many other occasions when dua are accepted. But if rain becomes too much and it becomes problem and it causes flooding, then we can ask for Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to make rain useful and don’t make it as a punishment to us.

 

“Our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has been reported that at the time of starting rain he used to look at the sky and he used to open his hands and his clothes that this rain is a Sign of the Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and I am keen  to receive the Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala,”  memtioned Imam of the Masjid al-Haram.

 

Sheikh Salih al-Humaid also mentioned another occasion when Duas are accepted. He said, “When Azan is pronounced, wherever the standing of the sound is reached Allah Allah Subhanahu wa Taala’s Mercy reaches. Similarly, when the rain comes on earth, wherever it reaches it encompasses with the Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram said, “When we go around and travel on earth we should be very careful with our means of transport whether  it  be animal or anything else and do not abuse the water or water places and be careful and treat them with dignity and one should observe all these instructions and guidelines which are given by the authorities for the open space and water- tanks or any public place where there is a rain water coming together.”

 

He also said, “There are other etiquettes which our Prophet peace be upon him has given us that when we are out and about we should be considerate to others and we should not play with fire and we should be very careful and cautious in our walking, travelling and staying anywhere.”

 

Full Friday Khutbah at the Masjid Al-Haram

By His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Salih Al-Humaid

Followings are the Full Friday Khutbah delivered by His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Salih Al-Humaid at the Masjid al-Haram Makkah al-Mukarramah on 1^st of January 2021. [Rendered into English by Muhammad Ajeniya @ KaabaNews.]

Topic:  Water is a remarkable substance.

Water is a remarkable substance. It is the most affordable thing when present, but the costliest when absent. Our Lord sent it down without any colour, brought it into being without any flavour, and created it without any odour. It is a palatable and soft substance. However, it causes destruction and drowning when it flows in a large amount; and when it is scarce, life becomes difficult and living creatures become weak. If the water you have ever receded into the ground, could anyone besides Allah ever provide you with water? (Have you ever carefully considered the water that you drink? Is it you who send it down from the clouds, or is Allah the One who sends it down? If Allah wanted, He is completely able to make it unpalatable, so will you not be duly grateful Him?)

 

In more than sixty places, the Qur'an mentions water, its benefits, its effects, and its blessings. Thus, water manifests Allah's mercy and blessings, as well as His punishment. There are times of light breeze and small droplets, and other times of torrential downpours. Allah said, ((We indeed carried your forefathers along with the Prophet Nooh aboard the ship that sailed when the water surpassed its usual limits and engulfed all things. We did that to make it an admonition for people, and so that it would be retained by ears that take heed of what they hear)).

 

When it rains, the Earth puts on its adornment, trees bear their fruits, and plants grow their flowers. Allah said, ((Is it better to worship others, or to worship the One who created the heavens and the Earth, and sent down for you rain from the sky by which We cause beautiful lush gardens to bloom? You could not make their trees grow if He had not sent you rain. Is there anyone besides Allah who does those things and, thus, deserves to be worshipped along with Him? Rather, those who worship deities besides Allah are a people who have strayed from the truth by unjustly equating others with Him)). Allah also said, ((He is the One who sends down water from the sky. You drink from it and it irrigates the vegetation on which you send your cattle to feed. With that water, Allah causes to grow for you crops, olives, date palms, grapevines, and every kind of fruit. This indeed contains clear evidence for people who give thought)).

 

When rain falls, water channels and valleys flow, and people feel happy. Allah said, ((Allah is the One who sends the winds such that they raise the clouds, spread them throughout the sky as He wills, and then break them into fragments until you see rain drops come from amidst them. Then, when Allah makes them fall upon those among His servants whom He wills, they rejoice)) [30:48]. People then set out to seek relaxation and rejuvenation, and this is something desirable that is part of Islam. Furthermore, people await the rain and they spread the news of its arrival. Thus, Islam's teachings are ones that contain simplicity and ease. Your own self has rights that you must fulfil, and your family under your care has rights that you must fulfil.

 

During times of rain, overcast skies, flashes of light in the sky, and flowing valleys, people's souls rejoice due to Allah's mercy and grace. Allah said, ((He is the One who sends down the rain, granting relief to people after they lost hope, and He spreads His mercy. He is the Supreme Guardian, the Most Praiseworthy)).

 

Rejuvenation is beloved to the soul since it provides relaxation and happiness. Seeking rejuvenation and going to places where it can be found to provide opportunities for good companionship, relief from stress, learning new things, and bringing about an increase in good things. Travelling manifests people's qualities of brotherhood, selflessness, organization, amicability, pleasantness, humour, kind speech, gentleness, patience, humility, helpfulness, and cooperation to do beneficial things. Travelling also provides rest and enjoyment to oneself and one's company.

 

In a hadeeth collected by Ahmad in his Musnad and Aboo Daawood in his Sunan [2478, saheeh], 'Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) mentioned that the Prophet (may Allah grant him commendation and protection) "would go out to the rural areas where there were hills." In addition, it was narrated with an authentic chain of transmission that 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) had sent a correspondence to his deputies in the various regions telling them to instruct people during the spring to go to desert areas to see the flowers and the effects of Allah's mercy.

 

When in open rural areas, one can contemplate the limitlessness of Allah's ability, the magnificence of His precision, and the remarkable nature of His creation. Doing such things increases the eemaan in one's heart, and fills one's soul with happiness and delight.

 

To enhance the rest, enjoyment, and benefit derived from what preceded, the following are some of the rulings and conduct to be mindful of in that regard.

 

One should choose a place that is safe, and free of harms such as snakes, harmful insects, or flash floods. A hadeeth states, "If you settle in a place for the night, stay off of the pathway since it is also the path for other creatures, and a place where certain insects come at night." This was collected by Muslim. One should also choose good companions who assist him in doing good things and in being happy.

 

When settling anywhere in the outdoors, one should say the supplication prescribed for settling somewhere, "I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah against the evils of all that He created." When one uses that supplication, he would be protected from harm until he leaves the location where he settled. This was collected by Muslim. One should be regular in saying the supplications prescribed for specific times and settings since those provide impervious protection by Allah's permission. One such supplication is prescribed at times of rain: "O Allah, let this be beneficial rainfall. We have been grated rain out of Allah's mercy, provision, and favour."

 

Additionally, rainfall is one of the times when supplications are answered. A hadeeth states, "Two are not left unanswered: the supplication at the time of the Adhan (call to prayer), and during rainfall." This was collected by al-Haakim, and graded Hasan by al-Albaanee. If a large amount of rainfalls and harm is feared, one should supplicate, "0 Allah, around us and not upon us. 0 Allah, upon the hills, small mountains, bottoms of the valleys, and places where the trees grow", as mentioned in a hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.

 

As you should be aware, the preceding supplication is not one for the rain to cease; rather, it is for having the rain directed in ways that provide benefit. Descendants of always Aadam remain in constant need of water.

 

When rain falls, one should also expose part of his body to get some rain. That is something that was done by the Prophet (may Allah grant him commendation and protection), and he would say, "This rain was recently brought into being by Allah." This was collected by Muslim.

 

Another important issue pertaining to the topic of discussion is giving the Adhan (call to prayer) at the prescribed times since anything that hears one call the Adhan - whether it be a jinn, human, stone, or anything else - will testify in his favour on the Day of Resurrection. This was collected by al-Bukhaaree.

 

When rain falls to the extent that it makes clothing wet and makes the ground slippery, it is permissible to combine prayers: Thuhr with 'Asr, and Maghrib with 'Ishaa'. If rainfall is so heavy that people fear for their safety if they were to go to the masjid for prayer in congregation, it is permissible for them to pray in their homes. In such circumstances, the Muadhin is to say when he calls the Adhan: "salloo fee buyootikum" or "salloo fee rihaalikum" (pray in your dwellings).

 

My beloved brothers, something else to give attention to during such circumstances is that those driving vehicles must remain careful and alert. They are to drive slowly and with care. They must not speed or drive recklessly. They should also avoid areas where water collects, and low-lying places in general. Some drivers - especially young ones - might feel brave and then drive their vehicle into a valley while a great deal of water and mudflow through it. Doing such a thing exposes one's own self as well as one's vehicle to being seriously harmed. Many lives and properties have been lost because of doing this sort of thing. I beseech Allah to grant all of you His protection. You must stay away from dangerous locations, and you must ensure that you adhere to the guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

 

Another point related to the topic is preserving the environment: the trees, plants, flowers, and all that goes along with them; and observing regulations that have been put in place. You should avoid things like littering parks and the outdoors with garbage and leftover food, vandalizing facilities, gathering wood in an unauthorized manner, and pasturing animals in an unauthorized manner. You should also ensure to extinguish fires before sleeping at night.

 

Other related points include being helpful to those who require assistance or ask for directions, and avoiding harming others in close proximity by raising one's voice or making one's surroundings unclean. When in the outdoors, people should avoid things like contravening Islam's teachings, committing sins in the open for all to see, engaging in recreational activities that are impermissible, exposing the body in impermissible ways, and treating prayer times lightly.

 

We beseech Allah - out of His grace and favour - to rejuvenate His servants, their hearts, and their lands; to send rain that allows lives to continue for a long while; to make the rains He sends ones of mercy; and to not make the rains ones of punishment, destruction, adversity, or drowning. He is indeed Most Generous, Most Kind.

 

Rain is blessed water that is palatable and purifying. Our Lord sends it down from the clouds and He lets it bring forth from the earth seeds, grains, and lush gardens. I beseech Allah to grant all of you His protection. Some other points to keep in mind about the rainfall are that one should feel happy due to it, be grateful to Allah for it, and hold the unwavering belief that the rain came because of Allah sending it; not because of any star or season. There is no harm in matters related to weather forecasts, rain predictions, wind speeds and directions, or other such climate-related information that is based on scientific facts or astronomical calculations. Nothing is wrong with knowing and speaking about those things, since they are part of the universal laws that Allah decreed and among the facets of knowledge that Allah has allowed His servants to have. However, it must always be borne in mind that all things are controlled by Allah - who is perfect in every way - and all matters lie in His hand.

 

What His servants predict based on their knowledge may or may not end up happening. You must realize that some of the most effective means of attaining rainfall include observing taqwa of Allah, remaining steadfast in complying with His directives, repenting to Him, asking His forgiveness, being humble towards Him, genuinely returning to Him, obeying Him, and performing righteous deeds. Additionally, a hadeeth states that "a drought is not merely for you to not have rainfall; rather a drought is for you to receive repeated rainfall but still not have anything grow from the earth."

 

Acknowledgement

Courtesy: @ KaabaNews