The Viability of Islamic Law to solve the Current Global Problems
 

 The divine nature of Islam makes it the only religion in the world that offers genuine solutions to such problems as social unrest, political instabilities, poverty and destitution, prostitution, homicide, killing, drug addiction, alcoholism, family break-up, juvenile delinquency, suicides, AIDS and the like. Islam is not only a religion, but also a complete code of life. All facets of life, public and private alike, are covered under the realm of Islamic Law.

Islamic Law is “the epitome of Islamic thought, the most typical manifestation of the Islamic way of life, the core and kernel of Islam itself.. Apart from this, the whole life of the Muslims, Arabic literature and the Arabic and Islamic disciplines of learning are all deeply imbued with the ideals of Islamic law; it is impossible to understand Islam without understanding Islamic law.”  (Joseph Schacht,  quoted by Abdul Ghafur Muslim, The Islamic Quarterly London: 1987, Vol. XXXI, No. 2, p. 80.)

 Absolute Prohibition of Adultery, Prostitution and Other Forms of Sexual Promiscuity

 Islamic Law explicitly prohibits adultery and fornication as clearly mentioned in the following Qur’anic injunctions:

 “Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils.”  (Qur’an 17:32)

“The man and woman guilty of adultery or fornication, flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let no compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of believers witness their punishment.”   (Qur’an 24:2)

Adultery, fornication and other promiscuous sex practices are punishable in Islam, because they are indeed serious crimes which affect the entire society. As discussed earlier, the AIDS problem, which is reaching epidemic proportion, is due largely to sexual permissiveness. Thus, the divine punishment (hudud) for these social ills is certainly for the good of the entire humanly.  Alyough, the AIDS problem is currently affecting largely those indulging in sexual promiscuity, many innocent individuals, including doctors, nurses and children, have been victimized by this social carnage. Even in countries, where AIDS is virtually non-existent, people are wary about the underlying danger. That is why the Chinese doctors likened AIDs to that of a holocaust.

Allah’s justice is equally open to all. In Islam, one can not just be abused by the law. For instance, a charge against a chaste individual needs to be confirmed, beyond any reasonable doubt. Allah  (Subhanahu wa ta’ala, meaning: the Exalted, Most Glorious)   says:

“And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations), flog them with 80 stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors.”  (Qur’an 24:4)

Islam, therefore, discourages unwarranted suspicion as much as possible. Allah  says:

“O you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat die flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it... But fear Allah: for Allah s Off-Returning, Most Merciful.”  (Qur’an 49:12)

So, if a wicked person accuses a woman or a man of adultery or fornication, she or he should be given the benefit of the doubt. Allah   warns the believers against the mischief of the wicked as follows:

“O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done.”  (Qur’an 49:6)

True Muslims are indeed God-fearing. They avoid all kinds of vices to please Allah   alone. True believers, for instance, are definitely mindful of the warning of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) (Salallahu ‘alayhi wa salam, meaning: May the peace and blessings of Allah   be upon him) regarding adultery and prostitution as narrated in the following authentic Ahâdîth (Prophet’s teachings):

Ubadah ibn as-Samith (r.a.) (Radhiallahu anhu, meaning: May Allah   be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said: “Receive (teaching) from me, receive (teaching) from me. Allah has ordained a way for those (women).  When an unmarried male commits adultery with an unmarried female (they should receive) one hundred lashes and banishment for one youar. And in case of married male committing adultery with a married female, they shall receive one hundred lashes and be stoned to death.”   (Muslim, Hadith 4191)

 Aishah (Radhiallahu anha: Meaning: May Allah   be pleased with her) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, "O followers of Muhammad! There is none, who has a greater sense of Ghira (self-respect) than Allah, so He has forbidden that His slave commits illegal sexual intercourse or His slave girl commits illegal sexual intercourse. O followers of Muhammad! If you but knew what I know, you would laugh less and weep more!" (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith 148)

Narrated Ibn Abbas (r.a.) (on the authority of Abu Hurairah t) that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: Allah has written for Adam’s son his share of adultery , which he commits inevitably. The adultery of the eyous is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the talk, and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all these or deny it.” (Bukhari Vol. 8, Hadith 260 and 609)

Abdullah ibn Abbas (r.a.)   narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “There is no prostitution in Islam. If anyone practised prostitution in pre-Islamic times, the child will be attributed to the master (of the slave-woman). He who claims his child without a valid marriage or ownership will neither inherit nor be inherited.”  (Abu Dawud, Hadith 2257)

 The Principle of Equality and Justice: The Way to Overcome the Crimes Worldwide

 Islam also provides absolutely effective solution to murder and other related crimes common in the West and elsewhere.  The Islamic laws of equality and justice, tempered with mercy, are seen in the following Qur’anic injunctions:

“O you who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude. This is a concession and a mercy from your Rabb (Sustainer). After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.”  (Qur’an 2:178)

“In the Law of Equality there is (saving of life) to you, O you men of understanding that you may restrain yourselves. ”  (Qur’an 2:179)

“In it (i.e. the Torah) We decreed for them a life for a life, an eyou for an eyou, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a ( similar) retribution for wounds. But for him who foregoes it out of mercy it will atone for some of his sins. Those who do not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed are indeed wrongdoers. ”  (Qur’an 5:44-47)

“Nor take life ¾ which Allah has made sacred ¾  except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully we have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped by the (Law) .”  (Qur’an 17:33)

“The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loves not those who do wrong.”  (Qur’an 42:40)

“As to the thief male or female, cut off his hand or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah s exalted in power.”  (Qur’an 5:38)

“But if the thief repent after his crime, and amend his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness; for Allah s  Most forgiving, Most Merciful.”  (Qur’an 5:39)

We know that murder, burglary and other related crimes are taking place, day by day, in both the capitalist and communist worlds, notably in the United States and the Soviet Union. Had the West and elsewhere been under Islamic rule, as is the case of Saudi Arabia, such crimes would have rarely occurred. Saudi Arabia has remained the most peaceful country in the world, because of its adherence to Shari’ah. For instance, when a murderer is finally convicted, after passing through a legal procedure in accordance with the Shari’ah, he will be punished accordingly in the eyes of the public.  Conventional wisdom will tell anyone not to do anything against the law, when he sees that the culprits are duly punished. For the man of faith, however, he looks at this divine punishment for the culprits as Allah’s blessing for the entire humanity. Duly punishing the convict for example, means that the law-abiding people will have peace of mind, because they know for sure that they are being protected by the Law. Thus, this is tantamount to removing the social cancer for the benefit of all.

In contrast, as long as America, Europe and the rest of the world -- including Muslim countries which emulate the West -- stick to their man-made laws, they will always be on the brink of chaos and instability.

Where Islamic Law prevails, as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the constituents are God-fearing and righteous.  They refrain from murdering or killing people without justifiable reasons in Islam.  Subsequently, they enjoy peace and harmony between and among themselves and that with others because they obey the following admonitions of the Prophet r:

Jarir (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said to me during Hajjat-al-Wida: “Let the people keep quiet and listen. Then he said (addressing the people), "Do not (become infidels) revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another (killing each other).”  (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 122)

Anas (r.a.) narrated from the Messenger (s.a.w.s.) about the major sins. He (the Prophet r) said “Associating anyone with Allah, disobedience to parents, killing a person and false utterance.” (Muslim Vol. 1, Hadith  159)

Abdullah ibn  Mas’ud (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said:  “The most merciful of the people in respect of killing are believers (in Allah) .”  (Abu Dawud, Hadith 2660)

Abu Bakrah (r.a.) narrated “I heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  saying, “When two Muslims fight (meet) each other with their swords, both the murderer as well as the murdered  will go to Hell-fire.”  I said, “O Allah’s Messenger!. It is all right for the murderer but what about the murdered one?  Allah’s Messenger replied, “He surely had the intention to kill his companion.”  (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 30)

Ibn Umar narrated (r.a.) that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “A faithful believer remains at liberty regarding his religion, unless he kills somebody unlawfully.”  (Bukhari, Vol.9, Hadith 2)

Abdullah Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet said,  “Whoever carries arms against us, is not from us.”  (Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith 13)

Ibn Abbas narrated (r.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most hated persons with Allah are three: 1) a person who deviates from the right conduct (i.e., an evil-doer), in the Haram (sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah); 2. a person who seeks that the traditions of the period of ignorance should remain in Islam; 3. and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right.”  (Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith21)

Zayd ibn Thabit (r.a.) narrated that the verse,  "If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein for ever" was revealed six months after the verse ‘And those who invoke not with Allah any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred, except for just cause in Surat al-Furqan.’”  (Abu Dawud, 4259)

 

The Divorce Issue in Islam

Regarding marital frictions, man’s hatred or displeasure against his wife does not mean that he is free to mistreat or abuse her. In case of serious dispute between the wife and husband, Islam has laid down very scientific steps to be followed. The underlying objective is peace and reconciliation for the integration of the family.

In an Islamic state, civil courts also handle legal matters pertaining to marital problems. However, members of the community, particularly the parents and relatives, are duty-bound to  help pacify the couple, before the friction becomes too serious to handle. Allah   says:

“lf you fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: for Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.”  (Qur’an 4:35)

Allah the Exalted has enjoined on the believing men to treat their wives with kindness, as the following verse shows:

“O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower you have given them - except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.”  (Qur’an  4:19)

In line with the above Qur’anic injunction, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  teaches all husbands to show kindness to their respective wives.  The following virtuous  teachings with regards to kindness to wives, serve as guidance and admonitions to those who maltreat their wives:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:  “Among the Muslims the most perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well."  (Tirmidhi, Hadith 628, 278 and 3264 and Abu Dawud)

Amr ibn al-Ahwas al-Jushami (r.a.) narrated that he heard the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said in his farewell address on the eve of his Last Pilgrimage, after he had glorified and praised Allah, he cautioned his followers: 'Listen! Treat women kindly; they are like prisoners in your hands. Beyond this you do not owe anything from them. Should they be guilty of flagrant misbehaviour, you may remove them from your beds, and beat them but do not inflict upon them any severe punishment. Then if they obey you, do not have recourse to anything else against them. Listen! You have your rights upon your wives and they have their rights upon you. Your right is that they shall not allow anyone you dislike, to trample your bed and do not permit those whom you dislike to enter your home. Their right is that you should treat them well in the matter of food and clothing. (Tirmidhi, Hadith 276)

Mu’awiyah al-Qushayrit narrated: “I went to the Allah’ s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and asked him: “What do you say (command) about our wives?” He replied: “Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them.”  (Abu Dawud, Hadith  2137 and 2139)

Mu’awiyah ibn Haydah (r.a.) narrated:  “I said: Allah’ s Messengerr, how should we approach our wives and how should we leave them? He replied: “Approach your tilt when or how you will, give her (your wife) food when you take food, clothe when you clothe yourself, do not revile her face, and do not beat her.”  (Abu Dawud, Hadith 2189)

Islam recognizes that divorce brings sorrows to many, if not all men and women.  For this reason, it admonishes men to avoid divorcing their wives.  The Prophet’s advice on the issue of divorce should be borne in mind. He says in the following Ahâdîth:

Abu Hurairaht narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, "Allah has forgiven my followers the evil thoughts that occur to their minds, as long as such thoughts are not put into action or uttered. ”  And Qatada said, "If someone divorces his wife just in his mind, such an unuttered divorce has no effect.”  (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith 194)

Abu Hurairaht narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “There are three things which, whether undertaken seriously or in jest, are treated as serious: Marriage, divorce and taking back a wife (after a divorce which is not final) .”    (Abu Dawud, Hadith 2189)

Mu’adh ibn Jabal (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said to him, "Mu'adh, Allah has created nothing on the face of the earth dearer to Him than emancipation, and Allah has created nothing on the face of the earth more hateful to Him than divorce.”  (Tirmidhi, Hadith 3294 and Daraqutni)

Muharib narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said:  “Allah did not make anything lawful more abominable to Him than divorce.”  (Abu Dawud, Hadith 2174)

To further discourage divorce, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) likewise admonishes women not to ask their respective husbands for divorce without justifiable reason.  He warns them of the sin that is associated with divorce without strong reason as narrated in the following Ahâdîth:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, "Women who withdraw themselves from their husbands and women who persuade their husbands to divorce them for a compensation are hypocrites.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 3290 and Nasa’i)

Thawban narrated that the Prophet  said: “If any woman asks her husband for divorce without some strong reason, the odour of Paradise will be forbidden to her.”  (Abu Dawud, Hadith 2218)

In Islam, the wife is equally granted the right to divorce her husband if her demand for divorce is justifiable. That is, if the marriage does not prove to be functional and effective because the husband neglects his responsibilities or no element of love binds them to stay together. By the same token, if the wife is guilty of open lewdness, the husband may resort to divorce.  This means that when things seem worst that peace and reconciliation between wife and husband are next to impossible, divorce maybe inevitable. Allah   says in the following Qur’anic Verses:

For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if they then return, Allah s  Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah hears And knows all things.

Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for tree months period. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them and Allah s exalted in Power, Wise.

A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. There is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (themselves as well as others).

So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), he cannot, after that, remarry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which he makes plain for those to those who understand.

When you divorce women, and they fulfill the term of their I’ddah), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if anyone does that, he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s Signs as a jest but solemnly rehearse Allah’s favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom for your instruction. And fear Allah, and’ know that Allah s well-acquainted with all things.

When you divorce women, and they fulfill he term of their I’ddah), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course making for) most virtue and purity amongst you. And Allah knows, and you know not.   (Qur’an 2:226, 232)

Again, when the husband and wife cannot avoid divorce, it must be noted that Allah   has commanded men to show kindness to women. The Qur’an has a whole chapter entitled “Divorce” (Al Talaq). Verse One of Chapter 65 (Al-Talaq) clearly states:

“O Prophet! When you divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count (accurately) their prescribed periods: and fear Allah your Rabb (Sustainer): And turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of open lewdness, those are limits set by Allah: and any who transgress the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his (own) soul: you know not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new situation.”  (Qur’an 65:1-7)

All the above quotations from the Qur’an and the Sunnah show that Islam is indeed the most practical solution to all sorts of problems, including domestic problems among husbands and wives or families.  It discourages divorce among couples as it brings sorrows to the couples themselves and corresponding problems to their children. When family problems happen, society as a whole is affected.  For indeed, children of divorced parents oftentimes result to juvenile delinquencies and drug addictions.   At the same time, Islam as the most practical and rational religion and way of life allows divorce for couples who could not mend their differences.  For why should couples be allowed to  stay forever when they keep on fighting because of incompatibilities?  When misunderstanding and hatred instead of harmony and love exist among parents, children develop negative outlook in life, leading them to juvenile delinquencies and other social problems.  Glory be to Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, He has perfected Islam for us.  Indeed, even the law of divorce in Islam is something that the whole humanity must ponder on and thank the Almighty.

Prohibition of Drugs, Intoxicants and Gambling

Islam is also the practical solution to the problem on intoxicants and gambling. At first, the Muslims in Medina were not prohibited to drink intoxicating wine or liquor, and to gamble. When Muslims began to ask about drinking and gambling, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) received the following revelation:

“They ask  you concerning wine and gambling. Say: “In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.” (Qur’an 2:226, 232)

While this revelation helped in minimizing alcoholism among Muslims those days, they still continued to drink. Many were even under the influence of liquor when they were in prayers. So, another Qur’anic injunction from Allah   was revealed to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  as follows:

“O you who believe! Approach not pray ours with a mind befogged, until you can understand all1hat you say.” (Qur’an 4:43)

The final revelation on the prohibition of drinking wine and gambling says:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication) of stones, and (divination by) arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork: Eschew such abomination, that you may prosper.  Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred among you, with intoxicants and gambling, and to turn you away from tile remembrance of Allah and from Prayer: Will you not then abstain?”   (Qur’an 5:90-91)

With regards to drug addictions, Islam recognizes that they are not only waste of resources but are harmful to health and hence to the safety of the society as a whole.  Islam prohibits anything that causes harm to individuals and the society.  Therefore, drug addictions (even smoking) which medical experts confirm harmful to health are prohibited in Islam. The following Qur’anic injunctions tell us:

“And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction.”  (Qur'an, 2:195)

“O you who believe!  Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you Most Merciful!  If any do that in rancor and injustice, soon We shall cast him into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah.  If you (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit your evil deeds, and admit you to a Gate of great honour.”  (Qur'an, 4:29-31)

Observations tell us that drugs, drinking wine and gambling indeed bring problems to the society as a whole.  Allah   indeed says that truth when He tells us that they bring more harm than good to us.  Indeed, they lead people to evil deeds instead of  good deeds and righteousness, making them followers of Satan, the accursed.    Those who drink wine and/or engaged in drug addictions are not in their real states of mind, they can do anything harmful or abominable to the society as whole.  How many people died and commit dangers to others because of driving while in a state of alcohol?  How many committed rapes, murders and other crimes just because of alcohol  and drug addiction problems?  On the issue of gambling,  how many are those who indulge themselves in robbery, graft and corruption, forgery  and other problems just because of gambling?  Just how many families are broken because of drug addictions, drinking wine and gambling?   

Had the West and elsewhere been under Islamic rule, the problems of alcoholism in the United States, Soviet Union and elsewhere in the world would have been minimized, if not eradicated. The problems of alcoholism,  drug-addiction  and gambling prevalent among the people in the developed countries of the world point to the fact that they are unhappy.  Glory be to Allah , the Muslims  who follow the divine guidance from Allah  and the following Ahâdîth (teachings) from His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) are free from said problems and  social ills:

Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, "When an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it, and when a drinker of an alcoholic liquor drinks it, then he is not a believer at the time of drinking it, and when a thief steals, then he is not a believer at the time of stealing, and when a robber robs, and the people look at him, then he is not a believer at the time of doing robbery.” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith 655)

Jabir ibn Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) saying in the year of the Conquest (of Mecca) while he was in Mecca, "Allah and His Messenger have made the selling of wine (i.e. alcoholic drinks) unlawful.” (Bukhari, Vol.5, Hadith 590)

 The Prohibition of Suicide

In the non-Muslim parts of the world, when problems go uncontrolled, many simply do not know what to do and where to go. So, they kill themselves, as already discussed earlier. In contrast, a non-Muslim historian Philip Hitti in his book History of the Arabs, objectively emphasizes that suicide is rare in Muslim Lands. He says:

 “In this uncompromising monotheism, with its simple, enthusiastic faith in the supreme rule of a transcendent being, lies the chief strength of  Islam. its adherents enjoy a consciousness of contentment and resignation unknown among followers of most creeds.”

Islam considers life as a trust (amanah) from Allah .  Many good things that one possesses are, in fact, amanah ¾ his own mind, body and soul, his life-partner, his own children, his wealth and the like. All of these belong to Allah alone. Thus, what right has one got to take his life away. Allah   says:

“O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! lf any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall We cast them into the Fire: and easy it Is for Allah.” (Qur’an 4:29-30)

The Muslims know well that suicide is absolutely prohibited by Allah  . No Muslim commits suicide, because if he does, he will have the Hell-fire as his eternal abode.  He takes admonition from the following Ahâdîth of the Prophet r:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet said: “He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell-fire (forever) and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell-fire (forever).”  (Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith 446)

Jundab narrated (r.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “A man was inflicted with wounds and he committed suicide, and so Allah said:  `My slave has caused death on himself hurriedly, so I forbid Paradise for him.’”   (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith 445)

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

Indeed, the teachings of Islam cater to humanity-at-large.  All problems affecting man and his environment can be solved through proper implementation of Islamic Law. But, how can the current global problems be solved through Islam, when Muslims themselves do not implement it? How can we prove to others that we can solve their problems when we ourselves have more problems to solve?

Now that the Muslim society is, in general, at variance with real Islam, it is our duty to help rectify the conditions we are in.  Knowing that Islamic Law was effectively implemented before, there is no reason why it cannot be viably carried out now and in the future. By the Grace of Allah , Islamic revival is already in the offing, and Muslim men and women should have strong commitment and conviction to cooperate along this path.  Muslims need to think “global” as members of the Ummah.  They should be able to break all barriers against their unity and brotherhood. Muslims worldwide should continuously promote cooperation, brotherhood and unity among themselves. Allah   says:

“Help one another in righteousness and piety, but help not one another in sin and rancor:  fear Allah: for Allah s strict in punishment.”  (Qur’an 5:2)

“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: so make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah that you may receive Mercy.”  (Qur’an 49:10)

All of us Muslims, both as is individuals and as groups, should help carry out the task of Da’wah.  We should persistently let the world knew that Islam is for all mankind.  As a universal religion, it is the best way of life for all.  Alhamdullillah (Praise be to Allah  ), the Almighty has guided us to Islam.   We should cherish that mercy from Allah  by behaving according to the teachings of Islam.   We must strictly adhere to the Qur’an and Sunnah, so that non-Muslims will  learn and appreciate the beauty of Islam. In other words, reviving the golden age of the Ummah should start at home. We should imbibe in our families the real teachings of Islam, so that we can reassert our identity as Muslims. We should see to it that the immediate members of our families, our daughters, sons and wives, are models of what Muslims should be. At the same time, we should also ask our family members to help convey the message of Islam to others for indeed,  Islam  is the solution to the world’s perplexing problems.

-Ashraf Hameed