Manhood is a quality that is pursued by people of high ambitions and serious thinking men. It is a basic quality that is needed by every man, for when men lose the qualities of manhood, they cease to be real men. Manhood is deeply implanted in a person through strong belief, nurtured by sound upbringing and developed by good example. A real man is one who has good and virtuous deeds to his credit, and possesses good manners and conduct.
Crediting someone with manhood sometimes means that the person possesses the characteristics which exemplify this quality, like bravery, being honest, and standing up for the truth. Allah Says (what means): “And there came a man running from the farthest end of the city. He said, ‘O Moosaa (Moses)! Verily the chiefs are taking council together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice.” [Qur’an; 28:20]
Recognising the importance of real manhood in the service of Islam, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to look out for men who could help the cause of his religion and with whom his mission could be enhanced. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, would ask his Lord: “O Allah! Make Islam strong with the one who is more beloved to You of these two men: Abu Jahl or ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab.” The narrator commented: “And the more beloved to Him was ‘Umar.” [At-Tirmithi] The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, supplicated with these words looking out for those qualities of manhood that would have a positive impact upon the spread of Islam.
As a matter of fact, the acceptance of ‘Umar’s, may Allah be pleased with him, of Islam was a great event that manifested his manhood as soon as he embraced Islam.
‘Umar’s manhood was not in his physical strength nor chivalry - for there were those stronger than him among the Quraysh - but it manifested in his strength of faith; a quality that won him respect and honour. Other companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, migrated to Al-Madinah secretly, while ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, - when he was migrating - armed himself with his sword, went to the Ka’aba, circumambulated the Ka’aba, prayed behind Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station), and then announced to the Quraysh chiefs that he was migrating. He told them: ‘Whoever wants to make his mother bereaved, his children orphans and his wife a widow should follow me after this valley.’ But nobody followed him.
Real men are not judged by the size of their bodies, social status or their outward beauty. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, sent Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood, may Allah be pleased with him, to fetch him something from the top of a tree. When he had climbed the tree, the companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, looked at his legs and laughed at their thinness. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Why are you laughing? Verily, Abdullaah’s leg will be heavier on the scale on the day of resurrection than Mount Uhud.” [Ahmad]
A man passed by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, one day. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, asked his companions: “What do you think of this man?’ They replied, ‘He deserves to be married to whomsoever he proposes, to have his intercession accepted when he intercedes and to be listened to when he speaks.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, remained silent. Then a poor Muslim man passed by and the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, asked the companions: “What do you think of this man?” They replied: ‘He deserves not to be married when he proposes, nor to have his intercession accepted when he intercedes nor to be listened to when he speaks.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, then said: “This one is as much as the fill of the Earth better than the other” [Al-Bukhari]
Sometimes, one fervent man can equal a thousand others; indeed one man can outweigh a nation, as the saying goes: “A devoted man can revive a whole nation.” In a military campaign, Khaalid Ibn Al-Waleed, may Allah be pleased with him, surrounded Al-Heerah and requested supplies from Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, who only sent him Al-Qa’qaa’ Ibn ‘Amr At-Tameemi, may Allah be pleased with them, and said: “An army having men like Al-Qa’qaa’ will never be defeated.” When ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, requested supplies from ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, during the Islamic conquest of Egypt, he (‘Umar), may Allah be pleased with him, wrote: “I have sent you (the equivalent of) four thousand men; four men each of whom are equal to a thousand others: Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-‘Awwaam, Al-Miqdaad Ibn ‘Amr, ‘Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit and Maslamah Ibn Makhlad.”
Real manhood means being thoughtful, uttering good words, having decency and resoluteness in opinion, coming out openly with the truth and displaying wisdom in warning against the rejection of truth.
Manhood entails having a sense of responsibility to defend Monotheism and to give sincere advice for the sake of Allah. It means avoiding unsuitable behavior and being on one’s guard against the Difficult Day (the Day of Resurrection). A real man is sincere in his words, fulfills his promises and remains firm on the right path.
A real man is one who frequents the mosque, a man who is called to fornication by a woman of position and beauty, and yet says, ‘I fear Allah;’ a man who gives alms secretly; two men who love each other for the sake of Allah; they were brought together by their mutual love for the sake of Allah, and they parted upon the same.
A real man is truthful about pledges and fulfils them; it is also to remain steadfast upon the right path. Allah Says (which means): “Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration.” [Qur’an; 33:23]
Real manhood is expressed by exerting all efforts to reach real servitude. Allah Says (which means): “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly] they say [words of] peace. And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer]. And those who say, “Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering. Indeed, it is evil as a settlement and residence.” And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.” [Qur’an; 25: 63-67]
Nothing busies real men from worship. Allah Says (which means): “[Such roles are] in houses [i.e., mosques] which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned [i.e., praised] therein; exalting Him within them in the mornings and the evenings. Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts them from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of Zakaah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about. That Allah may reward them [according to] the best of what they did and increase them from His bounty. And Allah gives provision to whom He wills without account [i.e., limit].” [Qur’an; 24: 36-38] Imaam Ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “The word ‘men’ gives an indication that they have high ambitions, noble goals, and strong wills, with which they are able to maintain themselves in the houses of Allah; and they favour the pleasure of Allah over their own.”
What worse calamity can befall mankind than for its men to become effeminate, while its women adopt male mannerisms, revolting against the very nature in which Allah created them? The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam: “cursed the men who behave like women and women who behave like men” [Al-Bukhari]
When the qualities of manhood disappear among men, society falls into crisis, homes are ruined, the nation becomes weak and disgraced, and moral corruption becomes widespread. Allah Says (which means): “Men are the protectors and the maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other.” [Qur’an; 4:34]
Nations need planners and those who have determined hearts in order to fully utilise these resources. In fact the greatest of all needs is that for real men.
Real men are very rare to find, they are as rare as precious minerals and jewels. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Real men are as rare as a reliable strong camel that can endure the burden of long trips; you can hardly find one in a hundred” [Al-Bukhari]
Qualified righteous men are the backbone of missions, the spirit for progress and the focal point of reformation. There can be countless factories of weapons and ammunition, but if there are no men to use the weapons being produced, there will be no ability to fight. The finest educational curricula can exist, but it takes real men to implement and teach them; one can create many committees to carry out a project, yet these will accomplish nothing if there are no devoted men on these committees.
Reformation and successful cultivation can only be achieved by men who experience and live it - and not merely by reading books on the subject. It is only men with zeal and devotion that accomplish projects, regardless of the number of committees that they may be members of.
A generation that possesses real manhood and righteousness can only be generated through being cultured on firm belief, strong morals and sound Islamically based customs. A generation that grows up surrounded with destructive doubts, immorality, disbelief and obscenity will never discover real manhood.
The world did not see real manhood in its finest and definitive form except in the unique generation that was nurtured by the great Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. That generation experienced great fear; they were not materialistic; they were not deceived or seduced by temptation; they were not scared by warnings or threats from others; nor were they proud and arrogant after victories and they would never give up after suffering setbacks.
A young boy entered into the palace of one of the Umayyid Caliphs to address him on behalf of his tribe. The Caliph said: “Let an older man come forth to represent your people!” The boy said, “O leader of the believers, if leadership was gained by virtue of age, then there would have been many others worthier than you for the Caliphate.” These are fine examples of maturity and manhood despite tenderness of age and we Muslims have had many such examples throughout history.
Building the qualities of manhood in our children
The following are some of many Islamic points that will help develop manhood in a child’s personality:
lNicknames: Calling the child Abu so and so or Umm so and so increases their sense of responsibility and makes them feel older. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to give nicknames to children as Anas Ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, had the finest manners; and I had a brother who was called Abu ‘Umayr who was just weaned; whenever he was around the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, he would say: “O Abu ‘Umayr, what did the Nughayr do?”
lTaking the child to the gatherings of adults also develops manhood in their personalities. It adds richness to their understanding and improve their way of thinking. This was the practice of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, who used to take their children to the gatherings of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
lRelating to children historical stories, Islamic battles and heroic victories builds courage and bravery in them, which is one of the most important factors of manhood. ‘Urwah Ibn Az-Zubayr said, “Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-‘Awwaam (his father) had two children. He took one of them to some of the battles and the other would play with the battle-wounds on his father’s shoulder (when he returned).”
lTeaching children to respect elders also develops manhood in the child. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The younger ones (should) greet the elders.…”
lRespecting them in public. Sahl Ibn Sa’d said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was brought a cup to drink from and he had a child to his right and elders to his left. After he drank he said to the child, “Do you permit me to give this to the elders before you?”
lTeaching children manly sports like swimming, horse riding and shooting. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, wrote to Abu ‘Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarraah, may Allah be pleased with him, instructing: “Teach your children how to swim!”
lAvoiding things that would soften them up or make them resemble females, like music, dancing, wearing silk or gold and anything else that is feminine.
lRefraining from insulting them publicly, encouraging them to be participative and making them feel important.
lGreeting them with Salaam. Anas Ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, passed by a group of children and greeted them with Salaam.” [Muslim]
lTaking and valuing their opinions.
lGiving them responsibilities which are suitable for their ability and age and telling them secrets. Anas bin Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, came to me while I was playing with other children and greeted me with Salaam, then he sent me on an errand which delayed me from getting to my mother on time. When I finally reached home, she asked: ‘What delayed you?’ I replied: ‘The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, sent me on an errand.’ She asked: ‘What was it?’ I replied: ‘It is a secret!’ She said, ‘Do not tell the Prophet’s secret to anyone.’” [Muslim]
lInstilling courage in them by means such as by delivering speeches.
lAttaching great importance to chastity and decency and avoiding fashionable clothes, stylish haircuts, and modern ‘mannerisms’.
lKeeping them away from luxury, laziness, unnecessary rest and idleness. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Toughen up, luxury does not last for ever.”
lKeeping them away from sinful gatherings that involve music and other prohibitions because this contradicts manhood and integrity.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
Hypocrisy is internal destruction
Hypocrisy is a chronic disease and a dangerous moral deviation in the life of individuals, communities and nations. Its danger is great and the hypocrites are the cause of this great evil. This danger is clearly noticeable when the destructive consequences of hypocrisy afflict the entire Ummah (Muslim nation) and the charitable reform movements in particular, as the hypocrite causes their fatal internal destruction, whilst he is safe and unwatched. No one expects his slyness and plotting since he is considered a Muslim whose name, appearance and speech is like that of any other Muslim.
Scrutinising the essence of hypocrisy, you will find it a satanic combination that comprises severe cowardice, greed for the immediate pleasures of this worldly life, denial of truth and lying. Of course, one can imagine the evil effects of such a combination. The linguistic meaning of hypocrisy implies deception, cunning, showing outward goodness and concealing evil.
Forms of Hypocrisy
Many scholars mentioned that hypocrisy is divided into two types:
1- Hypocrisy in Belief: Some scholars call this form of hypocrisy “Major Hypocrisy”. Al-Hafith ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy upon him, explained it as follows: “It is when the person shows his belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers and the Last Day, but conceals what contradicts some or all of this.” He added: “This was the type of hypocrisy that prevailed during the time of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention). In the Qur’an, Allah The Exalted dispraises such hypocrites and brands them as disbelievers. The Qur’an also mentions that they will be destined to be in the lowest depths of Hell. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper.} [Qur’an 4:145]”
2- Hypocrisy in Action: Some scholars call this form “Minor Hypocrisy”. It is when the person has some of the manners of the hypocrites such as lying and slackness in performing prayers; however, he still believes in Allah The Almighty, His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and the Last Day. It was narrated in a Hadith that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells lies; whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; and whenever he is entrusted with something, he betrays the trust.” In another Hadith, it was narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the ‘Ishaa’ prayer and the Fajr prayer. If they were to know what these two prayers include [of goodness], they would come to them, even if they had to do so crawling.”
Dominant Characteristics of the Hypocrites
Hypocrites are known for many characteristics which we will only briefly mention as elaboration needs many books to expose their real qualities:
1- They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And of the people are some who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day,” but they are not believers.} [Qur’an 2:8]
2- They deceive the believers, as Allah the Almighty Says (what means): {They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not.} [Qur’an 2:9]
3- They cause corruption on earth by means of both their speech and their actions. Concerning this point Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not.} [Qur’an 2:12]
4- They mock the believers. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe”; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: “Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers.” [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly.} [Qur’an 2:14-15]
5- They falsely swear in order to conceal their crimes. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {They have taken their oaths as a cover, so they averted [people] from the way of Allah. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.} [Qur’an 63:2]
6- Having allegiance towards the disbelievers and supporting them against the believers. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):
{Give tidings to the hypocrites that there is for them a painful punishment - Those who take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do they seek with them honour [through power]? But indeed, honour belongs to Allah entirely. And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together}[Qur’an 4:138-140]
{Have you not considered those who practise hypocrisy, saying to their brothers who have disbelieved among the People of the Scripture: “If you are expelled, we will surely leave with you, and we will not obey, in regard to you, anyone - ever; and if you are fought, we will surely aid you.” But Allah testifies that they are liars. If they are expelled, they will not leave with them, and if they are fought, they will not aid them. And [even] if they should aid them, they will surely turn their backs; then [thereafter] they will not be aided.} [Qur’an 59:11-12]
7- Making efforts to dishearten and disappoint the believers. In this respect, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said: “Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion,” And when a faction of them said: “O people of Yathrib, there is no stability for you [here], so return [home].” And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying: “Indeed, our houses are unprotected,” while they were not exposed. They did not intend except to flee. And if they had been entered upon from all its [surrounding] regions and Fitnah [tribulation] had been demanded of them, they would have done it and not hesitated over it except briefly. And they had already promised Allah before not to turn their backs and flee. And ever is the promise to Allah [that about which one will be] questioned. Say, [O Muhammad]: “Never will fleeing benefit you if you should flee from death or killing; and then [if you did], you would not be given enjoyment [of life] except for a little.” Say: “Who is it that can protect you from Allah if He intends for you an ill or intends for you a mercy?” And they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or any helper. Already Allah knows the hinderers among you and those [hypocrites] who say to their brothers: “Come to us,” and do not go to battle, except for a few.} [Qur’an 33:12-18]
8- Conspiring against the believers or participating in such matters. The books of history are full of incidents that show their plotting against the Muslim Ummah, and our current situation also proves this fact. The conspiracies of the hypocrites were also the cause of many Mujahids (holy warriors) being captured by the disbelievers and the other enemies of Islam in Palestine, Chechnya or other places.
9- Referring legislation to other than Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, where Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Have you not seen those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you? They wish to refer legislation to Taghoot [false judges] while they were commanded to reject it; and Satan wishes to lead them far astray. And when it is said to them: “Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,” you see the hypocrites turning away from you in aversion. So how [will it be] when disaster strikes them because of what their hands have put forth and then they come to you swearing by Allah: “We intended nothing but good conduct and accommodation.” Those are the ones of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts, so turn away from them but admonish them and speak to them a far-reaching word.} [Qur’an 4:60-63]
Such is the state of the hypocrites when they reject the legislation of Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and their hypocrisy is revealed before others. When this happens, they invent false and fabricated excuses and falsely swear in order to acquit themselves. They say: “We did not intend to contradict the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, in his judgment; we only meant to settle and reconcile the two parties and we wanted to be good to them both.” Strangely, when they find the judgment in their favor, they accept it; otherwise, they turn away. Allah The Almighty has informed us about this where He Says (what means): {But the hypocrites say: “We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey”; then a party of them turns away after that. And those are not believers. And when they are called to [the words of] Allah and His Messenger to judge between them, at once a party of them turns aside [in refusal]. But if the right is theirs, they come to him in prompt obedience. Is there disease in their hearts? Or have they doubted? Or do they fear that Allah will be unjust to them, or His Messenger? Rather, it is they who are the wrongdoers.} [Qur’an 24:47-50]
10- Defaming the believers and doubting the intentions of the obedient is another of their sly characteristics. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Those who criticise the contributors among the believers concerning [their] charities and [criticise] the ones who find nothing [to spend] except their effort, so they ridicule them - Allah will ridicule them, and they will have a painful punishment.} [Qur’an 9:79]
They do not know sincerity or feel in their hearts the true meaning of worshipping Allah The Almighty. Therefore, they think that both the believers and the hypocrites are alike, and that their righteous deeds are only for the sake of worldly gains. In their view, an actress who repents must have received millions in return for this and the Mujahids are simply failures in life who choose to commit suicide.
Finally, it should be noted that the aforementioned characteristics of the hypocrites are just a few of the many other traits that could have been mentioned later. May Allah grant us all refuge against hypocrisy, and protect the Ummah (Nation) from the evil of the hypocrites.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
