UTILIZE THE MONTH OF RAMADAN

In January 2025, devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles and the southern forests of California, leaving behind a trail of destruction that impacted the environment, human lives, and the economy. This catastrophe serves as a stark reminder of how human actions often exacerbate natural disasters. The Quran states:  Whatever misfortune befalls you is of your own doing—God forgives much. (42: 30)   

This verse urges us to reflect on our responsibility towards nature and consider how Islamic principles provide timeless wisdom on environmental stewardship and sustainability.   

Fuelled by a combination of natural elements and human negligence, the wildfires led to catastrophic consequences: The fires claimed the lives of 25 people and injured many others. Over $250 billion worth of property, homes, and businesses were reduced to ashes. Thousands of acres of forest were obliterated, polluting the air and severely disrupting ecosystems.   

The Quran warns against such environmental destruction: Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of the evil which men’s hands have done. (30: 41) This verse is a reminder of the dire consequences of human interference with the natural order.   

Islam provides a comprehensive framework for protecting the environment. The Quran and the practical model of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the necessity of preserving nature, even under challenging circumstances.  Islamic teachings explicitly forbid the destruction of trees, crops, and natural resources, even during war. The Quran condemns those who engage in reckless destruction:   When he turns away, he sets out to spread corruption in the land, destroying crops and cattle. God does not love corruption. (2: 205)   

The Prophet instructed his Companions to avoid harming trees or damaging the environment during battles, reinforcing the sanctity of nature. The Prophet issued a dire warning about cutting trees without just cause: Whoever cuts a lote tree [unjustly], God will direct him headfirst into the Hellfire. (Sunan Abi Dawood) This Hadith highlights the significance of preserving trees, which provide shelter and sustenance for humans and animals alike.   

The Prophet emphasized the rewards associated with planting trees: If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him. (Sahih Bukhari) This teaching underscores the act of planting trees as a continuous charity that benefits the individual and the community.   

Prophet Muhammad stressed that caring for the environment is an ongoing duty, regardless of the circumstances:  If the Hour (of Judgement) is about to be established, and one of you has a sapling in his hand, let him plant it. (Musnad Ahmad) This Hadith illustrates the importance of taking positive action for the environment, no matter how urgent or dire the situation may be.   

The Los Angeles wildfires, like other environmental disasters, remind us that environmental challenges transcend borders. Deforestation, climate change, and environmental degradation are global concerns that require unified action.   

Governments and organizations must enforce strict policies to prevent deforestation and promote large-scale reforestation efforts. Global initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions are vital in addressing climate change. Communities must be educated about the importance of preserving natural resources and adopting sustainable practices. By adhering to Islamic teachings on environmental care, we can cultivate a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.   

The Los Angeles wildfires serve as a powerful wake-up call, urging humanity to take responsibility for the environment. They remind us of the wisdom in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, which emphasize balance, sustainability, and respect for the natural world.   

The Quran states: Do not act wrongfully in the land, spreading corruption. (2: 60) This is a universal message, transcending nations, religions, and cultures. Protecting the environment is not merely an option—it is an obligation for the survival of future generations.

Islam provides a comprehensive framework for protecting the environment. Islam emphasizes the necessity of preserving nature, even under challenging circumstances. Islamic teachings explicitly forbid the destruction of trees, crops, and natural resources, even during war.

The presence of evil in the world has always been a profound question that has challenged human understanding. A common inquiry arises: If God is real, why do suffering, pain, and evil exist? Does this call into question God’s wisdom, or is there a deeper meaning behind it? To understand this, we must explore the concept of divine wisdom, our human limitations, and the ultimate purpose of life.

Evil undeniably exists, but its purpose goes beyond what we perceive on the surface. While suffering often seems purposeless or cruel, it serves a larger, more meaningful function. Difficulties challenge us to grow, reflect, and recognize our own limitations. They refine our character and encourage spiritual evolution. Trials, far from being random, are tools for development, leading us closer to understanding ourselves and our Creator.

Life’s struggles are humbling. When people face hardship, they are often forced to confront their vulnerabilities and limitations. This awareness pushes them to seek help beyond their own capabilities, often turning them toward God. This humility isn’t a weakness but a profound strength—it is the essence of true worship and connection with the divine.   

The Quran states: We have created man into a life of toil and trial. (90: 4)   Hardships are not meant to break us but to shape us. They remind us of our dependence on a higher power, cultivating gratitude, patience, and spiritual resilience.

Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions often leave humanity shaken. Yet, even these seemingly destructive events are part of the Earth’s intricate balance.   

For instance, earthquakes release the planet’s internal energy, preventing catastrophic pressure build-up, volcanoes replenish soil fertility and play a role in Earth’s structural stability.   

These events remind us of our smallness in the face of nature’s vastness. They challenge our illusion of control and redirect our focus from material concerns to life’s deeper, spiritual truths. They serve as humbling reminders of the power and wisdom of the Creator.   

A parent might scold or discipline a child to protect them from harm. To the child, this may feel unfair or painful. Yet, the parent’s actions are guided by love, care, and a desire for the child’s well-being.  In a similar way, the trials we face in life are expressions of divine wisdom and love. They may seem harsh in the moment, but they are designed to guide, protect, and elevate us. These challenges often carry lessons that lead to growth and deeper understanding.   

One of the greatest outcomes of life’s hardships is the yearning they create for a perfect, trouble-free existence. These imperfections remind us that this world is not our ultimate home. If everything in this life were flawless, humans would never long for something greater.   

Sir James Jeans once said, “It seems as though man has wandered into a world that was not meant for him.” This observation captures an essential truth. Humanity hasn’t accidentally stumbled into a flawed world but has been placed here as part of a divine plan. The imperfections of this world exist to awaken in us the desire for Paradise—a realm of ultimate perfection, where every need is met, and every hardship is erased. The Quran promises: They will not be affected by any weariness there, and they will never be made to leave. (15: 48)   

Life’s difficulties aren’t just obstacles. They are opportunities to experience God’s attributes.  Without illness, how would we recognize God as the Healer (Ash-Shafi)? Without struggles, how would we know Him as the Helper (An-Nasir)?   

These trials are pathways to understanding God’s mercy, wisdom, and power. They force us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the divine, bringing us closer to the Creator.

This world’s imperfections are not a flaw but a feature. They are intentional, designed to remind us that this is not our permanent home. The hardships we face push us to seek something greater—a life free from pain and suffering. If this world were as perfect as we often wish it to be, humanity would never aspire for the eternal peace and joy that Paradise offers.

Life’s challenges, while difficult, are ultimately blessings in disguise. They humble us, deepen our spiritual connection, and awaken within us a longing for Paradise. We are here as part of God’s grand design—a design that uses the trials of this life to prepare us for the perfection of the next. By embracing life’s struggles with patience, gratitude, and humility, we not only grow closer to God but also earn the eternal joy and peace of Paradise.

The hardships we face push us to seek something greater—a life free from pain and suffering. If this world were as perfect as we often wish it to be, humanity would never aspire for the eternal peace and joy that Paradise offers.

The power of peace surpasses the power of violence. Those who fail to recognize this truth resort to violent actions to achieve their goals, exposing their own foolishness. Peace is the path of wisdom, while violence is the path of the foolish. Peace is a source of strength, while violence is a sign of weakness.

Peace and war are not merely two equally effective approaches to achieving goals. They represent two distinct standards of humanity. Adopting the path of peace elevates humanity, while choosing violence lowers it.

In moments of crisis, choosing peace cultivates positive thinking, raises moral standards, and leads to personal growth. It demonstrates humanity. Conversely, opting for violence descends one into perdition, revealing their true nature.

Inclinations towards peace or violence reveal a person’s true character. Peace demonstrates humanity, while violence reveals animality, despite outward appearances. Peaceful behaviour signifies self-control, a great strength that prevents negative actions like violence. Without self-control, individuals may become enraged and resort to violent actions. Controlling anger is the path of the peaceful, while losing control in the face of provocation is the path of the violent.

In any controversy, one way to attempt to settle matters is through violent confrontation. However, the better approach is to initiate reconciliation from the very beginning. Reconciliation serves as a safety valve in situations with conflicting interests and explosive tempers. Therefore, during provocation, adopting a conciliatory stance is more advisable than confrontation.

Nevertheless, it’s rare for reconciliation to perfectly align with the desires of both parties. In most cases, reconciliation requires a unilateral approach. One party must suppress its own inclinations and demonstrate a willingness to end the dispute in accordance with the other party’s wishes.

Why is this unilateral reconciliation more beneficial? The primary advantage is that it avoids unnecessary energy and time spent in wrangling, allowing for constructive action. Conversely, confrontation halts all such activities.

History demonstrates that success for individuals and communities has been achieved through conciliatory methods. The path of conflict and confrontation has never led to genuine success in this world. Reconciliation is crucial because it enables individuals to fully utilize available opportunities, while confrontation channels all energy into planning the destruction of others. Consequently, construction is never engaged in, despite the secret of true success lying in construction and consolidation rather than destruction.

Many justify violence by claiming to be victims of plots and conspiracies, necessitating retaliation. However, this excuse is unfounded. What is commonly perceived as a plot is actually a manifestation of the established natural law in the present world.

In today’s world, the genuine challenge for a community isn’t the presence of enemies plotting against it. The real issue lies in its inability to eliminate its vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to exploitation. A state of peace serves as a protective shield against such exploitation. Violence, on the other hand, undermines security by breaching the defense line. While violence may be considered a weakness, peace emerges as a powerful force wielded by individuals who prioritize peace.

History demonstrates that success for individuals and communities has been achieved through conciliatory methods. The path of conflict and confrontation has never led to genuine success in this world.

Today’s topic is titled “The Importance of Situation Management.” It is based on a Hadith mentioned in Sahih Ibn Hibbaan. One of the defining characteristics of a believer is their ability to “know their era”. What does “era” mean? It means understanding the contemporary situation. You must possess the skill to manage situations effectively. You must master the art of situation management because without it, you won’t be able to practise your religion. People often misunderstand Islam, believing it’s solely about belief and worship. However, you must also know how to handle situations. Otherwise, you won’t be able to follow Islam.

I’ve chosen an article from the Times of India. This article delves into the concept of situation management and its significance. The survey, based on an international perspective, reveals that Azeem Hashim Premji is the wealthiest Indian among Muslims.

In an interview, Azim Hashim Premji emphasized that globalization is a two-way street. It’s not a one-way process. The perspective that is prevalent in Muslim newspapers, magazines, and speeches is that America exploits the world, and Western nations loot the world. Muslims generally view globalization in a negative light. Premji clarified that globalization is not a one-way process; it’s a two-way street. If it takes something from us, it also returns something to us. This is why he was able to become the richest man in India.

I want to share a relevant quote with you. The world God has created is full of opportunities. There are so many opportunities that no one can eliminate them. According to a Hadith, “The number of opportunities is always greater than the number of problems.” (Mustadrak al-Hakim) This Hadith provides evidence that, regardless of the challenges we face, opportunities will always exist. Why? Because no one, not even enemies, can eliminate opportunities.

This realization reminded me of historical references. For instance, during British rule in India, Lord Macaulay introduced a scheme to educate the entire nation in English. A renowned scholar, Lord Macaulay meticulously planned and executed this initiative. He expressed his pride in stating, “The purpose of our education in India is to create a class of people who are Indian by birth but possess English tastes.” This move proved to be a significant advantage for India, ultimately contributing to India’s current status as a developed nation.

In today’s computer-driven era, English has become an indispensable skill. Without proficiency in English, one cannot fully benefit from the advancements of the computer age. Currently, India ranks third globally, behind Britain and America. Lord Macaulay’s introduction of English was a strategic move to ensure the perpetuation of British rule. Through this initiative, India’s development flourished, and it continues to make remarkable progress.

A similar pattern occurred in Japan after World War II when Douglas MacArthur established an education system based solely on the American model. MacArthur believed that by adopting the American system, he could maintain control over Japan indefinitely. But what transpired? Japan emerged as a formidable rival power. While America ascended to become a military superpower, Japan flourished as an economic powerhouse. Macaulay and MacArthur orchestrated their plans. Surprisingly, from these very plans, the greatest benefit emerged. Even adversaries cannot thwart your opportunities. Isn’t that peculiar? From this realization, I’ve come to understand that the system God has established, there is no place in it for negative thinking.

Negative thinking is the most abhorrent concept in God’s eyes.God desires you to cultivate positive thinking. Always embrace positivity. Why? God wants to bless you, but you cannot receive that blessing if your mind is consumed by negativity. You must cultivate absolute positivity to receive God’s blessings. The world is brimming with countless opportunities that even your rivals cannot diminish. Your rivals cannot hinder your progress. Within the confines of India, amidst globalization, an individual achieved wealth beyond imagination. This is the most crucial lesson we must comprehend.

Opportunities always outnumber problems. Recently, a gentleman visited me. He resides abroad, and it was our first meeting. He expressed his admiration, stating, “I’ve been diligently reading your books for a considerable period, and I wholeheartedly concur with their teachings.” He continued, “The ideology you espouse is unparalleled in the last two centuries. It stands as the most suitable ideology for Muslims.”

I inquired about his knowledge of our mission. He responded, “I’ve been reading your books and diligently studying your writings on my computer.” I mentioned the absence of a central hub for our organization compared to other entities. He affirmed, “I’ve observed prominent centres of other organizations in India, but you lack such a central hub. Despite your superior ideology, others possess more extensive centres.”

“You’re referring to something called ‘anachronism.’ That era of localized centres is a thing of the past. We now live in a time of expanded centres. The days when there was just one building for a centre are over. You yourself are a testament to this change.” “You reside far away in another country, yet you’re well-informed through literature, the internet, and our website. Our expanded centre encompasses individuals like you. Every member of our team, regardless of their location, if they have access to our books or computers, is considered part of our centre.” “Consider our centres from today’s perspective, rather than the past when communication was limited. Back then, there were no computers, print media, or electronic media, which necessitated the existence of localized centrs. However, those days are behind us, and we no longer require localized centres.”

“We now inhabit the era of the expanded centre. Our centre is spread out through literature, computers, and multimedia. By God’s grace, I can confidently say that our mission is the largest and most significant for Muslims at this time. Such a grand mission is unparalleled. No other organization possesses such extensive literature.”

“By God’s grace, our people are spread across the globe. Sitting at their computers, they diligently spread this mission far and wide. All our literature is readily available on our website. Every individual within our mission, regardless of their location, whether they’re working on computers or in their rooms, is considered part of our centre.”

“If we examine our centre solely in terms of physical buildings, you may find yourself in the 20th century. However, when we consider communication, the landscape changes dramatically. No other centre engages in such significant work. While they may have buildings, they lack vitality and genuine progress. They’re devoid of ideas, literature, and any meaningful content.”

By God’s grace, our mission is alive with ideas. My visitor acknowledged that we must perceive things in the context of our time. Today, we live in the age of communication. I had a conversation with an American professor some time ago, and his words have resonated deeply with me ever since. He said, “This is the Age of Communication.” This opened my mind. In this age of communication, the centre that should exist is the one we have. In the past, centres were located in buildings during the pre-communication era.

I am certain that God has spread our message globally. It has reached an international level. By His grace, our literature, magazines, and message are being read and heard everywhere. This is what a centre truly means, he agreed. I firmly believe that religious belief and worship are not the sole aspects of religion. Understanding the times is also a crucial part of religion. As mentioned in Sahih Ibn Hibban, one must be able to manage situations and comprehend contemporary times. (TO BE CONCLUDED)

In today’s computer-driven era, English has become an indispensable skill. Without proficiency in English, one cannot fully benefit from the advancements of the computer age.

The era of localized centres is a thing of the past. We now live in a time of expanded centres. The days when there was just one building for a centre are over.

Psychologists have estimated that man puts to use only ten percent of the abilities with which he is born. Professor William James of Harvard University has very aptly observed, “What we ought to be, we are not ready to be.” In spite of the inborn qualities nature has endowed us with, success keeps eluding us for the simple reason that we quite unthinkingly consent to lead inferior lives. Then, discontented, we put the blame on others for not giving us our due.

Constantly viewing others with envy and a sense of grievance will lead us nowhere and can turn us into our own worst enemies. The fact should be faced fairly and squarely that it is only if we exploit our own potential to the full that we shall meet with success. Any other course will lead to failure.

It is essential, however, to determine at the outset whether our efforts are directed at worthwhile objectives. In ancient times and even up to medieval times, gold being greatly prized, one of the great preoccupations of the ‘scientists’ of those days was to convert base metals into gold. Dreams of instant wealth drove innumerable people over the centuries to superhuman efforts. But all this expenditure of time, money and energy was in vain, for death always overtook them before they could achieve anything. It never seemed to occur to any of them that these metals with which they worked had a different and greater potential than anyone could ever have imagined.

Iron, for example, was convertible, not into gold, but into machinery, and could be used as a versatile building material of great strength. Today, western nations, having learnt these secrets and directed their energies towards building up the relative technology, have succeeded in acquiring far greater wealth than mere silver and gold.

Positive thinking transforms setbacks into stepping stones. The Prophet said:  “Amazing is the affair of the believer. If something pleasing happens, he is grateful, and if something harmful happens, he is patient, and both are good for him.”

Verses from the Quran

Live with them in accordance with what is fair and kind. (4: 19)

The wives have rights corresponding to those which the husbands have. (2: 228)

Men shall have a share in what parents and relatives leave behind, and women shall have a share in what parents and relatives leave behind, whether it be little or much. (4: 7)

He created for you from among yourselves spouses, so that you might find repose in them, and He created between you affection and kindness. (30: 21)

Whoever does evil will be requited with evil; but whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter the Garden; where they will be provided for without measure. (40: 40)

To whoever does good deeds, man or woman, and is a believer, We shall assuredly give a good life; and We will bestow upon them their reward according to the best of their works. (16: 97)

Words of Prophet Muhammad

Only a man of noble character will honour women, and only a man of base intentions will dishonour them. (Kanz-al-Ummal)

The most perfect man of religion is one who excels in character. The best among you is he who gives the best treatment to his womenfolk. (Tirmidhi)

When it was revealed in the Quran that punishment awaited those who heaped up gold and silver, certain of the Companions said that if they could find out which form of wealth was better, they would accumulate that instead. At this the Prophet said, “The best thing one could have is a tongue which expresses remembrance, a heart which gives thanks and a believing woman who helps one to be more steadfast in one’s faith.” (Tirmidhi)

Women are the other half of men. (Abu Dawood)

Fear God in respect of women. (Ibn Majah)

One who brings up three daughters, teaches them good manners and morals, arranges their marriages and treats them with fairness, deserves to be ushered into Paradise. (Abu Dawood)

Shall I not tell you what the best object of your charity is? It is your own daughter who has returned to you as a widow, or a divorcee, and who has no one to earn for her except you. (That is, to spend on a daughter in need is the best form of charity.) (Ibn Majah)

When a man is tested through his daughters by God, and he treats them well, his actions will guard him from hellfire. (Tirmidhi) θ

Time is the prime asset that is required for successful planning. If you fail to make good use of your time, you will be deprived of that sole basis, after which there is no other basis for success.

Everything other than need is greed. And satisfying greed can give, at best, only temporary pleasure

A maxim says: A woman is at the beginning of all great things. One example in this case is that of Nancy Alva Edison (d. 1871), the mother of Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), the famous scientist whose scientific discoveries number more than 1000. A schoolteacher, Nancy Edison, worked hard to add the name Thomas Edison to the list of the world’s most outstanding scientists.

Edison’s hearing was impaired from birth. He could not hear properly and was thus expelled from school. But his mother was not one to give up easily. She was responsible for educating her son, homeschooling him, and arranging his educational requirements. Edison’s mother played a constructive role in shaping her son’s future. She implanted the idea in her son’s mind that he was not retarded, and that this impediment was a challenge. She made Edison’s education her mission and encouraged her son to use his natural abilities to overcome obstacles. The result is that Edison’s name is now recorded in history as that of a great scientist and inventor! Edison acknowledged the role of his mother in his life: “She instilled in me the love and the purpose of learning.”

Everyone can be like Edison’s mother. Every woman is endowed with the capacity to play this role, provided she understands the abilities God has given her and utilizes them determinedly. However, the most excellent quality required for this job is patience. The Creator creates the capability, but the person concerned must pay the price of patience. Like Edison’s mother, a woman who can deliver this price can play a significant role. Using spiritual insight and faith, she can not only shape the lives of her own family but also, in turn, shape society on positive lines.

The Creator grants capability, but patience is the price. A woman who pays it can shape her family and, in turn, society through faith and insight.

Elias Howe (1819-1867) was born in Massachusetts, U.S.A. He died at the young age of 48. Although his life was short, his contribution to the world of clothes—that of the sewing machine—will always be remembered. The sewing machine invented by Elias Howe was at first utilized, not for sewing clothes, but for stitching shoes. The main breakthrough was the development of a lockstitch by a shuttle carrying a lower thread and a needle carrying an upper thread which passed through a hole situated at the tip of the needle.

For thousands of years, people had been accustomed to making a hole at the base of the needle. So, following their lead, Elias Howe made the needle of his machine with a hole at the base, instead of at the tip as is now the practice. The placement of an eyelet, simple as it may seem to us now, remained a big hurdle for its inventor for quite some time. It was only a dream which finally brought about the desired solution.

As he was racking his brain to perfect his machine, Howe dreamt that he had been captured by a primitive tribe and was ordered to produce an operational sewing machine within twenty-four hours, failing which he would be speared to death. He tried hard but could not accomplish it. When the deadline was up, the tribesmen surrounded him and raised their spears to kill him.

Scared, yet still concentrating, he observed that each spear had an eyelet at the tip. He kept on gazing at the eyelet and then woke up with a start: the solution was right before him. For the machine to work, the placement of the hole had to be neither in the middle nor at the base, but at the tip. His lucky dream helped him, in 1845, to produce a sewing machine that would complete 250 stitches a minute.

What is a dream? It is the result of complete involvement. What we think about during the day, we dream about at night. Howe succeeded in inventing a machine only because he had engrossed himself in it to such an extent that he came to dream about it. Such is the case with any undertaking, whether one wants to invent a machine or bring about a revolution in human life. One achieves success in one’s aim only after complete involvement; only when the thing one has set one’s mind on becomes a part of the subconscious existence that it is reflected in one’s dreams.

The Creator grants capability, but patience is the price. A woman who pays it can shape her family and, in turn, society through faith and insight.