Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 4

 

When Purpose Is Lost, Reality Speaks

Faith is not lived in isolation. It shows itself in the condition of individuals, families, and entire communities. When purpose is neglected, its absence becomes visible.

The state of the Ummah today forces us to reflect—not only on what others do to us, but on what we have neglected within ourselves.

Muslims across the world face oppression and injustice. The suffering of the Palestinians, among others, is a painful reminder of our collective vulnerability. Yet outward hardship should drive inward reflection, not distraction.

We live in a time where immorality is normalised and deception is widespread. Islam, however, remains powerful and complete. If it appears weak in practice, it is not because the message has failed—but because we have failed to embody it.

We make countless decisions daily. How often do we pause to ask: What does Allah and His Messenger ﷺ say about this? How often do we speak confidently about matters of deen while remaining uncertain of their rulings?

We invest heavily in worldly success, while Islamic education is often treated as secondary. We hope for righteousness in our children while neglecting the foundations that nurture it.

As Ramadan approaches, Allah reminds us that fasting was prescribed so that we may attain taqwa—consciousness of Him.

Conclusion

Ramadan is not merely a ritual; it is a reset. An invitation to realign our lives with our purpose. May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our efforts, and guide us back to a faith that is lived with awareness, sincerity, and responsibility.

 

Charity begins at home. It is the right of the child that you give him/her a good foundation in the religion. Spend for the sake of Allah. The month of Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, is an ideal starting point.

See Part 3:  The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 3

The Condition of the Ummah - Part 1

 

Are you a failure because you failed at something before — perhaps an exam or a marriage? For the believer, those are not failures, but tests, lessons, and reminders. You are not immune to shortcomings, for only Allah is perfect. He is the One who created everything, including you and me, and to Him we shall all return. He is the Most Merciful, and the believer does not despair in His mercy. Rather, he repents and returns to Allah, seeking closeness to Him and striving to earn His love.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an (39:53):

Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

The real failure is to not repent and seek the mercy of Allah.

Today, many are analysing the first phase of the peace agreement between the Palestinians of Gaza and the Zionists. Questions arise — some spoken, others unspoken — about the catalyst for the genocide that took place over the past two years. Various explanations will be offered, even drawing comparisons to the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Yet the more serious question is: what about us? What role have we played, or failed to play? Before blaming others, introspection is needed. What will be our condition before Allah on the Day of Reckoning?

If we fail that test on that Day, then it may well be because of our condition right now. It is not enough to believe that we are “the best community raised for mankind” when we neglect what follows in the same ayah of the Qur’an.

Allah says in the Qur’an (3:110):

You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah.

It is the responsibility of those who claim to belong to this best community to enjoin good and forbid evil. Collectively, are we not failing in this duty? And on an individual level, are we truly playing our role in being of that best community? Therein lies the measure of success or failure.

Is our failure to come to the aid of the Palestinians not, in reality, a consequence of our failure to live by the laws of Allah?

Before anyone — especially non-Muslims reading this — suggests that Sharee‘ah can be implemented fully in lands ruled by non-Muslims, that is not the point being made here. It is the responsibility of majority Muslim nations to implement Sharee‘ah. Nevertheless, each of us must strive to live according to it — following the Qur’an and Sunnah and advising others with goodness.

When we do so sincerely, we will earn the love and mercy of Allah. Success belongs to such people — both in this life and in the Hereafter.

To summarise: we failed the Palestinians because we failed ourselves. Yet this failure is only temporary — if we return to Allah in repentance. If we then live up to being the “best community for mankind,” we will improve our own condition, call others to good, and work to prevent evil.

 See part 2: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-condition-of-ummah-part-2.html

Also see: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-help-of-allah-is-near-part-8.html

 

The help of Allah is near - Part 1

 

The is much to talk about that there seems to be too little time for that. You cannot drop your guard and, least of all, your God. Yet, everything is related to the Middle East, Palestine to be exact. When satan was ordered to bow down to Adam (peace be upon him), he refused. Was or is he above the law? Nay, he has been given respite.

The primary aim of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security. Yet here we are in 2025, and one of its members in the Middle East, Israel, has failed to subject themselves to UN Resolutions against them. While the UN is toothless because its setup is less than ideal, there is a God. Some of these players may not believe in God, but He is true, and he has given them respite, much like He has given satan respite. The victims are rewarded with paradise, but the perpetrators, they have given more rope in their trespass.  The voices of the oppressed, the voices of the people of Palestine, the voices of the people of Gaza must be heard. It should ring in your ears so that you may act for justice. The UN won’t act. As always, Allah is the one to whom we supplicate.

Imagine standing in line for food, starving, then not only do you stare death in the face from starvation, but too from the killing machinery of those who claim to provide aid to you. There is no food. There are no medical supplies. There are no hospitals. The Israelis have questioned the humanity of Iran for bombing a hospital in Tel Aviv. Absurd is too mild a word for one making that statement while destroying over thirty hospitals in Gaza. We feel helpless in our efforts to support the people of Gaza. Our humanitarian aid is not reaching them. The least we can do is speak out against the injustice and the oppression they are facing.

The call to boycott certain products loses some effect when our business-people still look to make profits off products from entities supporting the occupiers. At the end of the day, even if you stand alone, you must stand for justice. There are so many examples of how we should keep calling to good, that is what we must do. Calling to good, in this case, necessitates pointing out the gen- o – ci dal behaviour of the Zionists.

No Muslim can ever be antisemitic because Quran is a semitic language. Those who call you an antisemite for standing with the oppressed people of Palestine, is blatantly lying and it is slander. There are Christian Palestinians too and they are not spared any different to the Muslim. We are all in it together. How many messages like this have you read and closed without sharing? We all need to do more. One click is the easiest action. Let’s make a difference.

What about the ceasefire - we take a look at that soon!

The line in the sand - Part 5

 

Integration follows Allah’s warning in Quran that the Jews and Christians will never be satisfied with you, the Muslim, unless you follow their way of life. You pray, you fast, you give charity, you perform pilgrimage, so surely you cannot follow their way?

This is how they see it anyway and they surely want you to give up on your beliefs. However, Islam, being a complete way of life and that the role of the Muslim, as one who submits to Allah, is to establish the good and forbid the evil. That is a huge analysis on its own and a course that, if not yet designed, then must be presented to all of us. Earlier, we mentioned dress-code which should also include the term tabarruj. Many people who will claim to be hijabi’s are, in fact, not hijabi’s because they do not fulfil the criteria. Yet they still remain the target of non-Muslims and specifically, Islamophobes. Are the males in the clear concerning their dress-code? Hint: have you seen a male bowing or prostrating in prayer while their back (the awrah) is exposed? This is but an example. Are these examples an indication that, in some way, Muslims are sinful in these aspects and incline to practices conflicting with Allah’s laws? Does not the honey that satan has placed before you, then grow tentacles? How much more do Muslims imitate non-Muslims, and then look for loopholes to do so? Music? Besides listening to it, attending concerts, promoting it, being well versed in the lyrics while, by their actions, taking Quran for a joke.

Marriage: the path to it, the preparation for it and understanding the rights of husband and wife. Do you not find, very often, that people quote non-Muslims on the rights of the spouses while what is quoted is contrary to Islam? Have we crossed that line in the sand? The list of transgressions is ever growing. Of the biggest problems that beset us, is pride. What are the reasons for this? On the one hand, we can and must question this, but, on the other hand, it is not necessary to wait to find all the answers and then get into a state of analysis paralysis. Rather, the simple answer is that a simple question must be asked: “Am I Muslim?”. From this will spring forth other simple questions and answers. Islam is easy. What does it entail to be a Muslim? What is the purpose of life (on earth)? From where do I take my knowledge? And a few more questions like that. Those with pride will justify clinging to every deviating path, at the head of which is a satan. Those who humble themselves before Allah, will strive to follow our illustrious leader, teacher and guide, sent by Allah Almighty. We make no apologies for being Muslim and holding firmly onto the rope of Allah and being a follower of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Reflect and connect with true guidance. Unlearn and relearn. Imbibe the knowledge that will grant success, in this world and beyond. Be constantly aware of that line in the sand that you stay on the path of guidance. Ditch pride to the extent that people might mock you for not being fashionable, for not being with it or even for not being traditional. Act only for Allah’s sake and always call to His guidance in the best manner possible.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-6.html

See previous : https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-4.html

In death, there is life

In death, there is life. Sometimes it takes a while to extract all the benefits of a statement, however small the statement may be.

Recently, I dreamt of an acquaintance of mine accepting Islam. I don’t know the reason why she accepted Islam – albeit a dream. Yet the ongoing genocide in Gaza has been the reason why many thousands of people, all over the world, have accepted Islam in recent months. Islam is a simple, yet comprehensive religion. At the core of the religion is faith. It is the religion and the faith practised and taught by all the prophets from Adam to Abraham to Moses to Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The credo that there is only One God, Allah. This is what the people of Gaza die upon. This is upon which they withstand the occupiers. Right now, Islam is spreading like wildfire throughout Europe, as an example. Muslims have no need to lie about the beliefs of others, because these people will confess to what is said about them and their beliefs. The same cannot be said of those who feel threatened by Islam and Muslims, making up lies about Islam and Muslims. And those who feel threatened by Muslims, for the most part, are ignorant of Islam and have fallen prey to the lies spewed by some non-Muslims. This is not the forum to be absolutely specific about the lies being spread, but you are welcome to arrange a forum for us to discuss further.

While many people are flocking to Islam, Muslims born into Islam need to reflect at the character of the people of Gaza and the many thousands that have recently entered into Islam. Islam starts with belief, and it is upon which you and I, as Muslims, should die. You and I have not yet been tested with our belief, yet for many that belief is already wavering. Consider whether those entering Islam in their hordes are replacing some of us or whether we will be blessed with a good ending, i.e. that we die in complete faith, upholding Quran and Sunnah, that our faith is never in question, by the Grace and Mercy of Allah, neither did we distort the religion in any way. In death there is life, for an eternal life of bliss is awaiting the believer in paradise and martyrdom deserves nothing else but paradise.

 

Do read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/see-this-example.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/headlines.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/06/you-got-played.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/resilience-and-reversion.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-plot-thickens.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

 

Picture courtesy: https://www.thenationalnews.com

 

 

 

Indelible Ink

 

Mind control. Most people don’t know what it really is which is likely why they end up being products of mind control. Imagine voting in an election and the elected officials are not accountable to you. It happens all the time, doesn’t it. There are memes about it, yet here you are, with a mark of indelible ink on your thumb after your recent vote in the South African national elections.

For Muslims, the Palestinian issue played a role in the elections. Or perhaps it did not. The openly Zionist party still had many Muslims voting for it. Their argument will be about service delivery and corruption while the very fact that there is a Zionist element in play, smacks of corruption (for those who understand). Shall we unpack this? Shall we talk about genocide and more? Of yeah, we can unpack this. This voter has been gulped up by the system, more than most. And in case you voted for another party because of the Palestinian issue, then please refer back to some of the memes like the wolf telling the sheep that after the election he will be a vegetarian. Also refer back to the fact that some are openly Zionist while others just play you. There are one or two parties who are more genuine but that the system will always dictate to them, means that their success will be limited, or they will be made to fail. Should you have voted or not? If you did vote, “why did you vote?” should at least have guided you for which party to vote. But alas, you were shortsighted and selfish when voted for the openly Zionist supporting party. That is the lowest rung on the ladder, if on the ladder at all. Others voted perhaps taking to the principle that to vote (in a democracy) is to protect the interests of the Muslims. However, that also had different levels beyond the genocide of the Palestinians. If Muslims, and South Africans in general, are worse off than before the election, then you would have wasted your vote. All this may point to the lack of unity in the Muslim community or, more so, a lack of proper understanding. This can be unpacked quite a bit, but it does point to you as being the starting point.

The system in which we live is not the system ordained by Allah. While returning to this, in full and as a community, is not an overnight process, it is in your own understanding and your way of life that you determine the direction in which you are going.  Should you not supplicate to Allah to be part of the solution and not to fall into the traps and false promises of those who are ruling over you. Neither to place rulers over us that will oppress us in any way.

All eyes on Rafah!

 

Do read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/resilience-and-reversion.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-plot-thickens.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-final-episode.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

 

Picture courtesy: https://groundup.org.za

 

 

Mother's Day

 

You have demonstrated that your enemies really don’t have to fear you. They have carte blanche over their actions in Gaza because they know they don’t have to fear you.

And you go away saying that “of course, we are not a violent people” and “Islam is a religion of peace”. Let’s park that for a moment but you need to understand that Islam is a complete way of life. It is true that the world, including Muslims, have fallen into a trap and because it has already become generational, it is not easy to completely remove this and extricate ourselves from it. However, Islam is a complete way of life, and every Muslim should strive fully to live accordingly. Muslims have abdicated responsibility for being those “who enjoin good and forbid evil” because they have submitted to a system beyond Islam. How then can you be feared for justice, per Allah’s decree, if it is not your priority because you see the world through western eyes? What is to be feared? It is not Islam that is to be feared but the perpetrators of injustice and genocide ought to fear justice, the justice that Allah wants to be implemented, i.e. no one should harm the innocent else they will face the justice that Allah has commanded. Were you to take an example of the feebleness of Muslims and their adherence to practices foreign to Islam, then you look at one of the great injunctions in Islam and that is the care of parents. Quran makes mention of parents and their status by Allah and how they should be honoured and treated. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ makes mention of parents in numerous narrations. Nowhere does Quran and Sunnah teach us about singling out one day for either mothers or fathers. Yet, we see that from outside of Islam. Had you been in your numbers in marching on Gaza as you were celebrating an event foreign to Islam, then it is likely Allah would have granted us victory. Sure, you are more inclined or in a position to spoil your parents at some times more than others, but does these occasions have to be manifested on a particular date and, in a manner, from outside of Islam. As long as you take lesson from outside Islam, while Islam has emphatic guidance on the topic, then what does that show you? Islam teaches us about the rights and obligations towards every person in society. Yet if you take lesson from outside of Islam, then what does your enemy have to fear? You fall for any gimmick and ploy. Do you have to wait for Mother’s day to flood social media with messages for your mother? Why use social media to do this in the first place? Honour your mother every day. Her status and rank do not increase through posts on social media. Likewise, your father. Honour your father every day. Pray for them every day. What better reward for a parent than to have an obedient, Allah-conscious child. And what about the parent who raises a martyr?

You will dismiss this note but know that from one borrowing from outside of Islam, you will have a lifestyle of borrowing from outside of Islam. Will your life be mere rituals? We pray for understanding. We pray to be that ummah Allah wants us to be. We thank Allah for our parents and those of us born Muslim, we ask Allah to bless our parents abundantly for placing the kalimah (the testimony of faith) on our tongues.

You need to also read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-final-episode.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/05/time-for-hijrah.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-other-side-of-open-door.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

 

 

#muslim #rafah #genocide  #gaza  #palestine #mothersday

 

 

Activating the Self-Destruct Key

 

If only the world realised it. Realised what? If only the world realised that it is ever closer to self-destruction.  

How can the world realise it when they are slaves to the system. One group fights genocide using the tools provided by the perpetrators of genocide. We eat like them, we dress like them, we speak like them, we act like them. Satan is happy that his job is done - getting mankind to self-destruct. All he needed was his minions, and so much easier when they are from our species or at least look like it. Dark clouds are hanging over the world. A banking crisis is in the making, starting in America and having ripple effects globally. That would be an ideal starting point for World War 3. Why already Israel and Iran are setting the scene for such a war. While this war is inevitable, the timing means we will all be caught, smack bang, in the middle of it. However, it does seem premature that World War 3 will happen now. You would think that such a war will be rather devastating and impact negatively on Agenda2030. Either way, matters will get worse. It is one thing to say that the world is destined to come to an end and that, for that to happen, certain events is prophesied to take place. It is quite another to be a contributor to the destruction of the world. How is it that you wallow in this system that permits injustice (such as the inaction against genocide), that deceives you and confuses you, that deludes you into believing success is merely a worldly affair, that religion is not a way of life and not that relevant, that eating (and drinking and medicating) artificial is better than the injunction of Allah to eat natural, that global warming is a thing (without a shred of evidence except jibber jabber), etc?

Did not Allah proclaim that He created us to implement His law so that peace and justice may prevail by calling to good and prohibiting the bad, the evil. How then do we use the tools of a deceitful group who is set on creating mischief on earth? If only the world realised, nay if only you realised, that you are about to party to the destruction of the world by not sticking to Quran and Sunnah and taking the solutions from there. Simply put, what is written is not for you to be complicit, even though you may be outnumbered by those on error.

What about Iran? Are they genuine? Are they playing games? Or was the latest military action, the drones and missiles, strategic?   

 

You need to also read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/your-reality-is-test.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/will-allah-save-aqsa.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

 

Picture courtesy of https://www.al-monitor.com

 

 

 

Your reality is the Test

Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, the largest hospital in Palestine, is now out of service after the Israeli army destroyed almost all its buildings and killed or arrested most of its medical personnel.

 Sometimes I wonder what our situation would have been like had we lived in the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or even Yeshu or Moshe (peace be upon them both). Today, many have the full truth of their, the Prophets’, teaching but opt to dilute it or reject it outright. There is a need to understand the reality in the sight of Allah versus the deception of this world while the latter is painted and presented as reality.

You have been sucked in by the system. Consequently, you struggle to join the dots, if you are even trying at all. You are looking for solutions through and within the system while the reality is that which is in the Deen (religion) of Allah, Islam. This modern-day system has been long in the making from the time Satan became the accursed. Over time, he had many minions and today it seems likely that the world is ready for self-destruction. A genocide is taking place and, like the viewing of a movie or a sports event with worldwide audiences, there is no concrete reaction to it. The organs and institutions set up for world peace and the protection of people was set up by the very same people who created a new country with new people in a land where people have always lived and was living at that time. A country was formed on the displacement of a people. That not being enough, a genocide is taking place before our very eyes. Have you exerted enough of yourself to say that you are fully supportive of the people of Palestine? Unless you start to think differently from the indoctrination (that so-called education) from your schooling, your exposure to movies and television, even reading of books, to the politics (including the political system), to the laws governing us, to the economic system, and much more, then you are still using their system to find solutions to play a meaningful role. Even religion has been changed that few know the pristine religion of Islam while they defend every innovation into the religion and spend little time to emulate Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions (Allah be pleased with them).

You cannot abrogate responsibility. You cannot find ultimate solutions within the system. The democratic system will seemingly give you wins in some areas but, overall, it carries more harm than good, if any good really. There are people dying. The world is in chaos. Muslims ought to command with good and forbid evil and it requires action. Allah will not change the condition of a people unless and until they change themselves. A caliphate awaits and it will not be based on democracy. See the signs? You cannot wait for that time. You must act now. Allah guides the sincere.

You will watch the destruction of Majid-ul-Aqsa in the same way you are watching the destruction of Gaza, its people, its hospitals, its schools and universities. Say it isn’t so.

 

You need to also read, share and comment:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/will-allah-save-aqsa.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

 

Will Allah save Aqsa?

 

Every Friday, for a Muslim, is good Friday, because Friday is the best day of the week.  As for other connotations, then that is not from Islam and we say to those people who believe in this “to you your religion and to us, ours” and we leave them be. We continue to worship Allah, who neither begets, nor is begotten, and we worship Him in the manner that He legislated.

The talk of the red heifer is almost reaching a crescendo. However, that ritual in and of itself, has no meaning and no basis in Islam. What may concern us rather is what happens after the sacrifice of the unblemished red heifer. While the general understanding from Quran is that the Jews will enter Masjid-ul-Aqsa again, the question of its destruction is not necessarily implied by it. They will cause destruction as they have already done in Gaza. But will this destruction eventually include Al-Aqsa? The rulers in the Muslim world are “steadfast in their condemnation” of the brutality meted out to the Palestinians. As for action, that is not forthcoming. The masses are told to be patient and obey their rulers. Should the scenario become reality in the short-term where Aqsa is stormed by the Jews, who will defend Aqsa. Is it that perhaps Allah will save Aqsa, the first Qiblah of the Muslims, like He saved the Ka’bah from Abrahah* and the elephants? There is a tendency for people to interpret Quran to suit their argument. The same applies to weak hadith and sometimes even fabricated hadith. You will need to avoid this and avoid sensationalism. Of course, if you do this for acts of worship, then you will have deviated from the straight path. Some people are genuinely researching current affairs and will come across information which may lack credibility. These should be discarded, and you must be patient until information reaches you from a worthy source. Indeed, leadership and guidance are lacking. The least you should do is to incline yourself, your family and general lifestyle to that which please Allah. You cannot be concerned about a possible world war or just the dire situation in Palestine and not seek ways to draw closer to Allah. It is easy to march, but more difficult to boycott businesses and products while reforming yourself is far from easy. But what outcome do you want in all of this? And is paradise not your goal? You have been more than tapped on the shoulder as a reminder.

The matters in Palestine must be of concern. These are difficult times. The red heifer is big news. The intended actions thereafter will impact Muslims and possibly the world. What are we to do then?

 

 

*Abrahah is not to be confused with Abraham. He is Abrahah al-Ashram, the Ethiopian governor of Yemen.

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/bold-question.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/iftar-at-third-haram.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

 

Picture courtesy of http://teachmiddleeast.lib.uchicago.edu

 

 

 

Bold Question

 Sometimes you have to ask the bold question like “have you thought of how and when you are going to die?” Pretty morbid, right?

The story of the red heifer remains important as the expectant Jews and some Christians prepare for the imminent slaughter and sacrifice of the unblemished red heifer, a female cow. This event will signal that the third temple must be built on the site of Masjid-ul-Aqsa. Thus, it is expected that the Jews will storm Al-Aqsa in numbers to destroy it once the sacrifice has been concluded and the ashes strewn over the entire Aqsa precinct. For the Christians, they are looking forward to the return of Yeshu* (peace be upon him). Muslims expect Eesa (peace upon him too) but we do not have to do any ritual for that to happen. It is in Allah’s hands to decide. How we pray that the time is not yet here and that they find a white hair or two on the red heifer which will make it blemished and not suitable for sacrifice. Why might you want that to happen when the appearance of the Antichrist and the coming of Yeshu (peace be upon him) is inevitable. For starters, it will mean that evil is so widespread while there are only a few true believers. It means that we have not done enough to stem the flow of evil and consequently the world is fertile for the shenanigans of the Antichrist (ad-dajjal). The importance of Prophet Yeshu’s (peace be upon him) coming is because he is obligated with the responsibility to kill the antichrist. People have generally not been connecting the dots, but the minions of the antichrist really do have the world in its grasp. It is never too late to change things since a believer never despairs but continues to command with good and forbid the evil.  A believer knows that matters of the unseen is only in the domain of Allah. This includes, of course, when the world will end, and we don’t know this. It is our duty to proclaim and spread the truth until our last breath. The sad reality is that you don’t hear these matters being discussed from our pulpits. While some may wish to argue against such a need, then understand in the current situation in Palestine it makes every sense why these matters must be unpacked. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions, over 1400 years ago, how to seek protection against dajjal. How is it then possible that people are not reminded about it from the pulpit?  

The starting point for Islam was Tauheed, Belief in the Oneness of Allah. Coupled to that belief is the necessary disbelief in taghut (that which calls to worship other than the worship of Allah). It is in your firmness on this that will increase your eemaan (faith) which, accompanied with the correct good action, will gain you the satisfaction of Allah. And perhaps with our firm intentions, our repentance, and prayers, that Allah will bring clear victory soon.

Note: it is important to familiarise yourself with Al-Aqsa compound

 

*Yeshu is the Aramaic name while Jesus is the Roman name

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/ar-you-reading-from-wrong-script.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/your-honour.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/iftar-at-third-haram.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

 

Picture courtesy of https://free.messianicbible.com

 

 

Are you reading from the wrong script?

Reading from the wrong script invariably means that you will get your lines wrong. You will miss the point, and in an examination, your will lose marks. Leaders ought to get it right more often than wrong. Sadly, real leaders, guides and teachers are few and far between.

Reading from the wrong script means you will get your lines wrong. The system under which the world, in general, lives have shaped your thoughts and ideas through many avenues including the education and political systems. It is just over a century since the demise of the last caliphate, viz. the Ottoman caliphate. That it was allowed to fall, with help from the inside, and never yet been restored, tells a story. A painful story. While everyone is worried about the elections in various countries, including USA, the truth is that the outcome is the same. The outcome is the same no matter who wins because the elected officials are not beholden to the people, but to their masters who remain “anonymous”. Ultimately, everyone is answerable to Allah and your misdeeds will not go unnoticed, and neither will the misdeeds of each and everyone. Thus, they plan, but Allah too plans, and Allah is the best of planners. However, what He, Allah, has revealed as guidance is the true script and you will be fluffing your lines if you read from the wrong script. In previous blogs (see list below), the red heifers were mentioned. The time for their sacrifice draws every closer, it may be a matter of weeks. The Jews have their plans. Their expected result is to slaughter the heifer and then proceed to build the third temple on the site of Masjid-ul-Aqsa. The building of the temple is important for the appearance of their Messiah, Ad-dajjal, the Anti-Christ. Muslims and Christians await the return of Masih-ibn-Maryam, ‘Eesa, Yeshu (or in the apparent Romanised name “Jesus”). The Muslims expect the appearance of Al-Mahdi before the return of Yeshu (peace be upon him). Wait, lets get back to Al-Aqsa and the third temple. The world, including the Arabs and Muslims in general, except a few, have been spectators to the G.e-n-o-c- I – d – e  in the occupied territory. The question that may arise very soon, if it is not already in the minds of Muslims, their monarchs and presidents, is what will be the Muslim reaction if anyone dares to destroy Masjid-al-Aqsa.

Those who wish to learn and do the right thing should learn from the right script (Quran and hadith) and abandon their reliance on their “western” education and script. Only a few will hold onto the truth. Others will be “picky and choosy” or totally abandon the truth and fluff their lines. Learn, ask questions and discuss, only for the sake of Allah.

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-soft-underbelly.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/your-honour.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/iftar-at-third-haram.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

 

Picture courtesy of https://www.videomaker.com

 

 

 

The Soft Underbelly

 

Can you imagine what paradise is like? Do you take time out to imagine you being in paradise? To reach paradise you must die a worldly death to attain the everlasting pleasure of paradise. And what better death than being a martyr.

We are present in this holy month which witnessed the Battle of Badr but who of us would have been in the company of the Muslims during that battle, had we lived then? Of course, Allah designed and decreed that we live in this era, the here and now. We are armchair spectators to one of the worst, if not the worst, atrocity in the history of mankind. It is the life of today to be spectators. Everything around us creates the atmosphere for “viewing” and little about taking action. Islam has never been a religion of inaction and passiveness. Rather, Islam is built on faith and action. The bare minimum is to carry out the five pillars of Islam, viz. To bear testimony in the worship of Allah alone and that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is His final messenger. But your faith will never be complete unless you love for your Muslim brother what you love for yourself. Your faith will never be complete when his pain is not also your pain. So, when you see a wrong, you change it with your hands, and if you are unable, then with your speech and if you are unable, then with your heart (in prayer) but the latter is the weakest form of faith (as per the hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)¹. Of course, justice is not reserved for Muslims and Muslims are obligated to ensure justice for all.  There is always a group that are downright sell-outs and then there is the majority that believe battles are won with slogans, petitions and court-cases. Yes, we must speak out. Yes, we must make dua. But more than that we must act. The weakness in our words and prayers strongly suggest we must reform. Perhaps in our reformation to the pristine Islam taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and practised by the first three generations, we will be favoured with being part of the solution and victory. Victory is inevitable, it is just whether we are part of it.

Everybody is good at so many things, but not so good at proclaiming the religion of Allah, Islam. And not so good at making meaningful changes in their lives and to implement the changes which will augment the fight for justice and rid the world of evil and oppression.

1.      Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 49]

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/your-honour.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/iftar-at-third-haram.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2023/03/suicide-at-cape.html

 

Picture courtesy of https://www.powerthesaurus.org

 

Your Honour

 

Gaza is in ruins. The people are starving. What a great month have we entered so that our need for food is decreased while our spirituality and good deeds are on the increase (The Cape Muslim Dialogue: The Freezer is Full (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)). A month in which Quran was revealed and a month is which the pivotal battle of Badr took place.

The Quran was revealed and how privileged are we to be Muslim with the Quran as our guide. The Quran is the book of truth, preserved by the Almighty Allah Himself. From what is apparent, a means of preservation of Quran is through the memorisation of Quran by millions of people, many who reside in Gaza. Quran and sunnah are our identity as Muslims. Had it therefore not been for the revelation of Quran, we may have been lost. But Allah in His infinite mercy revealed Quran to us via Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was sent as a mercy to the world. If there is anything to celebrate and commemorate, then it is the revelation of Quran. The month of Ramadan is honoured because of Quran. Shall we then not also seek to gain honour by making Quran our companion for life. Ramadan is the training ground and what better time than in this glorious month, to take another step to cement your bond with Quran. You have been favoured by Allah to be Muslim, because eemaan (faith) is a gift from Allah.

There were tough times in the early days of Islam. One such day was the Battle of Badr when 313 poorly armed Muslims faced the mighty Quraysh (1000 strong) in the month of Ramadan. Allah granted the Muslims victory that day. Would Islam have survived had the Muslims lost? The importance of this victory is so far-reaching that it simply had to happen. For the Muslim, there is no victory without Allah. This month, and the immediate situation we are all aware of, has a level of significance more than we may have experienced before. Surely Allah will not let a people in the lands in which is Quds, be completely wiped out? Those people have Jannah (paradise) awaiting them. What about you and me? Shall we not seek honour through Quran and maximise the benefits of Ramadan as if we are partaking in Badr (in some small way)? Shall we feast while people are starving for no other reason than being Muslim? Shall we continue to neglect the Quran?

The Battle of Badr was a defining moment in the history of Islam. Shall we not make this month a defining moment too?

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/iftar-at-third-haram.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/toxic.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2023/03/suicide-at-cape.html

 

Iftar at the third haram

How many are aware of the demise of the Caliphate on 03 March 1924 corresponding to 27 Rajab 1342 of the Hijri calendar? And just like the youth do not relate to apartheid, there are life-changing events that are forgotten. Will the Palestinian people be forgotten as it seems that, at this rate, they are getting wiped out?

Just as people debate the importance of the Caliphate, so too there are “debates” about the “need” and the “how” to support the Palestinians. Of course, imagine Jerusalem without Palestinians. Will that be the end of Masjid-al-Aqsa? An example of how we have strayed, i.e. how we have lost our connection to what is important, is the matter of “Ramadan Expo’s”. I thought it was a place where the basics and importance of Ramadan are covered. Rather, it is but a market. By all means have your market, but why associate it to Ramadan since it has nothing to do with Ramadan. We have trivialised some matters and forgotten others. Will you remember the starving Palestinians when you break your fast? Do you understand that the fall of the Caliphate gave rise to monarchs and presidents of “countries” whose role is to justify the division of the ummah, based on nationality. It created a vacuum in which Muslims have no leader. It seemingly removed the duty to defend Muslims. And further to the geographical divide after Muslims rebelled against the Ottoman empire and sided with the British and French so that they can get their fiefdom, the enemies of Islam did not stop there. Muslims are not bound by geographical boundaries, so the enemies of Islam infiltrated further, in many guises, and sought to corrupt the religion of Islam. This is a heavy subject of which we cannot cover the details in a short space of time except to warn against it. The pointing of fingers at Arab leaders has its merits, but self-reflection is important. Your belief must not be corrupted. Things that you may find trivial, may well be far more important than you think. And yet, belief is corrupted. Ramadan is such a month that you must reflect, repent and attain Allah-consciousness. The latter is the goal. Allah is Lord and deifying anyone by giving them attributes that belong only to Allah, is a grave sin. Keep matters simple and worship Allah alone. Reflect on the issues affecting the ummah and the world at large. Remember those suffering and assist to alleviate their plight, especially the Palestinians. Return to the pristine teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ upon whom was revealed Quran in the month of Ramadan, and who taught us also through his sunnah.   Avoid innovation for it distorts the teaching of Rasoolullah ﷺ.

Let us, through our sincere actions, be the reason Allah not only saves the Palestinians, but grants us ease from calamity and grants peace. Let us have iftar (break fast) in Jerusalem.

 

 

You need to also read:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/03/slaughter.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/final-wake-up-call.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/wars-and-scores.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/toxic.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/02/red-heifer.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-its-trump.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2023/03/suicide-at-cape.html