ISLAM

In the religious sense, Islam means submission to the will of Allah and obedience to His law. By submitting to Allah we are at peace knowing that Allah is all one needs as he is the Creator, the Sustained and the Protector of all creation.

To be a Muslim similarly means loving submission to Allah.

The religion of Islam is based on the Quran and Sunnah (meaning the teachings of the prophet Muhammad ﷺ). Within the Sunnah, we also have the Shariah (Islamic Laws).

Islam can be described very basically in two sentences

Allah as the creator of all things
Allah’s Creation

This can then be further broken down in its simplest form:

Allah

Recognition that Allah is the One and Only God
That Allah is the creator of everything
To be Grateful to Allah
Obedience to Allah

Allah’s Creation

To be Good (be nice) to all of Allah’s Creation
To be fair. Even if you have enemies, you do not need to be nice to them but you have to be fair with them.

The best of people are those who are both nice to people and animals and are also fair.

Each of these points is very broad and its full explanation can be covered in several books.

Islam is not just a religion but a way of life. Islam teaches us a balanced way of life that encompasses obedience to Allah and to ones parents, continuous remembrance of Allah in everything we do, riotousness, forgiveness towards others, morality, cleanliness, moderation in everything we do, kindness to others, respect for all creation, to be honest, just and fair in all dealings, to be constantly aware of the misguidance of Iblees (Satan), to establish regular prayer and seek the forgiveness of Allah and to assist the poor and needy.

It is found that Islam is probably the most well documented religion of the 21^st century with its lineage tracing right back to the Prophet Muhammed ﷺ. It is also found that Muhammad’s ﷺ life is similarly the most well documented of any prophet and preserved with scholars through the centuries ensuring the facts are preserved and authenticated with the likes of the above collections and many others.

One of the most important aspects of Islamic belief is to ensure facts are authentic, and that the teachings of the prophet Mohammad ﷺ is preserved and authentic. In this sense Islam is unique in that Muslims read the Quran in the original Arabic language as it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. All the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) is also written in Arabic. When Muslims quote facts they often quote the original text as well as the translated text so that anyone can verify that the facts are not distorted or changed. Similarly Allah has vowed to protect the Quran. Muslims can only perform Salah by reciting verses from the original text and language of the Quran from memory. In this way there is no room for Satan to corrupt the text and teachings as he has done with other religions.

Core Islamic Beliefs: Six Articles of Faith;

The most important teaching of Islam is that Allah is ONE and has no partners and equals, Allah is Unique as taught to all the prophets to believe in Allah and not to associate partners to Allah. The very name Allah is also unique unlike the English word God that associates others with God like; God Parents, God Son, God Like etc.

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ( 1 )

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ( 2 )

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ( 3 )

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ( 4 )

Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;
And there is none like unto Him.

In the above ayah (script of Quran) Allah tells the prophet Mohammad ﷺ to inform his people that “He is Allah” (he gives his name as Allah) and to inform the people “He is One”, “He is eternal and absolute and there is none like unto him”.

The English word God is not found in any of the original Jewish or Christian texts. The biggest sin in Islam is to associate partners with Allah as so many generations have done with their Idols and ascribing partners to Allah and is still done today. It is said that the only sin that Allah will not forgive should the person pass away without making repentance is committing Shirk (associating partners with Allah and saying Allah has a son or an equal).

The belief in the Angles and the unseen.

The belief in all the prophets sent by Allah. These prophets start with Adam and include Nooh (Noah), Ebraheem (Abraham), Moosa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad, peace be upon them. Allah communicated his guidance through the prophets so that we are rightly guided. The message sent by each prophet was always the same: Allah is One.

To believe in the books revealed by Allah. The books revealed are:

The scrolls of Abraheem (AS) (Abraham)

The Tawrat – given to Moosa (AS) (Moses)

The Zabur – Psalms of Dawood (AS) (David)

The Injeel – gospel of Isa (AS) (Jesus)

The Quran – Mohammad (SWA)

Belief in Day of Judgment: The life of this world and all that is in it will come to an end on an appointed day. At that time, every person will be raised from the dead. Allah will judge each person individually, according to his faith and his good and bad deeds. Allah will show mercy and fairness in judgment. According to Islamic teachings, those who believe in Allah and perform good deeds will be eternally rewarded in Jannah (Heaven).Those who reject faith in Allah will be eternally punished in the fire of Hell.

The belief in Destiny and Devine Decree: Allah is the Sustainer of all life, nothing happens except by His Will and with His full knowledge. This belief does not contradict the idea of free will. Allah does not force us, our choices are known to Allah beforehand because His knowledge and He is all knowing. This recognition helps the believer through difficulties and hardships.

The Core Religious Practices of Islam: The Five “Pillars” of Islam

The first three of the five pillars are compulsory and the last two are only compulsory when one has the means.

Declaration of Faith: The “Declaration of Faith” is the statement, “La ilaha illa Allah wa Muhammad Rasul-ullah”, meaning “There is no deity worthy of being worship except Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger (Prophet) of Allah”). The Declaration of Faith is more than just a statement; it must be shown with one’s actions. To convert to the faith of Islam, a person has to say this statement.

To establish Salah (the 5 daily prayers). Salah is the means of purification and a protection from evil. Salah is the key to acceptance of ones Duahs (personal prayers), ones fast, Zakaat (charity) and Allah’s forgiveness. Salah is how a Muslim connects with Allah and gains piety and righteousness. Salah is also the key to entering Janah (Paradise)

To fast in the month of Ramadan; The period of intense spiritual devotion is known as the fast of Ramadan in which no food, drink and sex, vile talk is allowed during the fast which is from sun-rise to sun-set. The nights of the month of Ramadan is spent in prayer where the 30 Juzz (chapters of Quran) is recited from memory, one each night in congregational Salah. The fast is more than just staying away from food and drink, it is about sacrificing and restraining our self from that which is hardest for a Muslim to stay away from. This practice of restraint allows a Muslim to stay away from all that is not good. The fast allows a Muslim to sympathise with those who do not have food. It teachers Muslims humility and great fullness that they have food to eat when so many people suffer from poverty and starvation. The fast is also a purification for our bodies. We eat continuously every day and our organs are over worked. During the period of fast our bodies gets a chance to recuperate. A Muslim must also give much charity during the month of Ramadan. This will earn Allah’s love and forgiveness. One of the most important aspects of the month of Ramadaan and a fasting Muslim is gaining closeness to Allah for Allah loves those who sacrifice that which man loves for His sake as He tested Ebraheem (Abraham) when Allah ordered him to sacrifice his son Ismail to prove his obedience to Allah.

(Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me (Allah). So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.” Narrated by Abu Huraira (a companion of Muhammad ﷺ

The Prophet said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.” Narrated by Abu Huraira and Sahl.

Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” Narrated by Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” Narrated by Abu Huraira

Zakkah: Allah has prescribed on every Muslim who has the means the giving of alms (charity). This is a compulsory charity for the wealthy who have to give 2.5% of the accumulated wealth per year.

To perform Hajj; Hajj is the most intense spiritual experience for a Muslim. It is obligatory for every Muslim who has the means to perform the Hajj at least once in his/her lifetime. The Hajj is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands of the believer great sacrifice. On this unique occasion, nearly five million Muslims today from all over the globe meet in Saudi Arabia to perform their duty towards Allah.

The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Ebraheem (AS) who built the Ka’bah, are observed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage). These rites include circumambulating the Ka’bah (Tawaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah 7 times, as Hajar (Abraheem’s (AS) wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma’il. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. A person’s status or wealth on the days of Hajj has no bearing. Every man is draped only with two pieces of white cloth and stands equal in the site of Allah. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called Eid Al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.

Some Core Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Classical scholars of Islam have condensed the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ into a few statements. These comprehensive statements touch every aspect of our lives. Some of them are:

1) Actions are judged by the intention behind them.

2) Allah is Pure and does not accept anything unless it is pure and Allah has commanded the faithful with what He commanded the prophets.

3) Part of a person’s good observance of Islam is to leave aside what does not concern him.

4) A person cannot be a complete believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

5) One should not harm himself or others.

6) Don’t let your focus in this life be to amass worldly gain and Allah will love you. Don’t be concerned with what people have, and they will love you.

Core of Islamic Law and Shariah

The core of Islamic Law is preservation of:

1) Religion

2) Life

3) Family

4) Mind

5) Wealth

6) Some contemporary scholars suggest either justice or liberty to be the sixth category.

In the vision of Islam, they are known as “essentials” because they are considered essential to human welfare.

THE POWER AND MAJESTY OF ALLAH

Abu Dharr (radi Allahu anhu) said, “The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious, said; ‘O My slaves, I have prohibited Myself injustice; and have made oppression unlawful for you, so do not oppress one another.” O My slaves, all of you are liable to err except the one whom I guide on the Right Path, so seek guidance from Me so that I can guide you to the Right Path. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except the one whom I feed, so ask food from Me, I will feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I clothe, so ask clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My slaves, you commit sins night and day and I forgive all sins, so seek My forgiveness and I shall forgive you. O My slaves, you can neither do Me any harm nor can you do Me any good. O My slaves, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any man of yours, that would not increase My domain a thing. O My slaves, were the first of you, and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any man of you, that would not decrease My domain in a thing. O My slaves, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to stand in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decrease the sea if put into it. O My slaves, it is but your deeds that I reckon for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good (i.e., in the Hereafter) praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.”’ [Sahih Muslim]

This Hadith mentions the Power and Majesty of Allah and stresses that one should supplicate Allah for everything that one needs. From guidance to sustenance, the treasures of everything are with Him – the treasures which are unlimited and any withdrawal from them does not make any reduction in them.

Similar is the case of His Sovereignty; it is not affected even if the whole universe supports or opposes them. Thus, it is in the interest of man that he should dedicate himself entirely to Allah and beg all his needs from Him and Him Alone.

Being Grateful and Showing Gratitude to Allah

Gratitude is not only the heart and essence of Islam; it is also the key to attracting abundance, prosperity, peace, and success in one’s life. We can say that Gratitude and Shukr are the most important aspects of Islam. As Muslims should always thankful to Almighty Allah for all the blessings given by Him. He is the Creator of this world alone and also He is The Most Merciful for all His humankind. If we thankful to him then it means we are believers and if not then disbelievers. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared: If ye are grateful, I will add more unto you” (Quran, 14:5-7).

From the verses of Holy Quran, we came to know that gratitude is essential to Islamic character and that practicing gratitude in Islam is the means to greater prosperity. We have to be grateful for everything that we have in which health, wealth, breath, family, friends and for all other things whether it’s too small or big and most importantly for being a Muslim and from the Ummah of Prophet (SAW).Allah loves those who are being grateful to Him for everything that they have.

Gratitude (Shukr) is the path to loving Allah. Shukr is the only argument one needs against disbelief. It is the cure for sadness and materialism as well and is the motivation to do better tomorrow. Thanks and gratitude to someone are basically repaying the kindness and giving praise to the one who has done good and kind things to us. The kindest One is the Almighty Allah, so we should always be thankful to Him for everything.

Allah Almighty commanded us to be grateful to Him for all His blessings and try to do Shukr all the time for what He has provided us. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless favors on you) and never be ungrateful to Me” (Quran, 2:152).

Allah has granted us the nature to be grateful and we should, therefore, Gratitude (Shukr) to Allah Almighty. There are many benefits of Gratitude that we will get from Allah; below we will discuss some of them.

Benefits of Gratitude (Shukr)

Gratitude cultivates happiness and wellbeing. Some of the benefits of Gratitude are listed below that we should know so that if anyone is there who is not thanking Allah we should start Shukr.

Better Relationship with Allah: Gratitude is one of the most beloved characteristics of Allah Almighty. Being thankful is the best way to get closer to Allah (SWT). By Shukr, we invoke His mercy and love upon us. Gratitude is the key to Allah’s reward and pleasure. When we thankful to Him, we try getting better our relationship with Allah Almighty. In the Holy Quran, Allah stated in a way: “…And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof, and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful” (Quran, 3:145).
Prosperity in Life: Gratitude (Shukr), or thankfulness, is a quality that will lead to success both in this life and in the next that will never be going to an end. Allah (SWT) promises us mercy and an increase in His favor upon us if we are grateful. In the Holy Quran Allah says: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…”(Quran, 14:7). From this verse, we can conclude that if we grateful to Allah Almighty for His blessing then He will give us abundantly in return.
Prevents Punishment from Allah: In the Holy Quran Allah says: “If Allah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth; but He grants them reprieve unto an appointed term, and when their term comes – then verily Allah is Ever All-Seer of His slaves”(Quran, 35:45). Allah will grant us blessings when we Gratitude Him and also He is justified to punish us for our negligence. So from gratitude, we can get His blessings and if we don’t do it then He will punish us. Gratitude prevents punishment from Allah Almighty.
Seeking Pleasure of Allah: We (Muslims) spend all our lives to get the pleasure of Allah and gratitude is one way to do so not only in this life but also in the hereafter when we will express it to Him for His blessings. Shukr is the best means to attain the pleasure of Allah.
Reduce Materialism and Boost Sympathy: Ultimate happiness does not rely upon worldly possessions. Gratitude has been shown to reduce feelings of materialism and its consequential negative effects. Greater expressions of gratitude were associated with lower materialism and a higher life satisfaction. If you want a satisfied life then always thankful to Allah Almighty.

Ways to Practice Gratitude in Islam

There are some ways of following which we should gratitude Allah Almighty.

Say Al-Hamdulillah Regularly: A constant assertion of this phrase reminds us of the source of all blessings and happiness in this life. This practice of attributing all good actions to Allah keeps us humble. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “Allah is pleased with His servant if when he eats something he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something he thanks Allah for it” (Muslim). So we should always be thankful to Allah Almighty by saying Al-Hamdulillah.
Be Patient and Thankful for Difficult Times: The strength of our gratitude is tested in difficulties when we have to face a difficult time. Allah wants to see how thankful we truly are when we lose our job or a loved one, or when we feel ill and or get injured. The Prophet (SAW) said, “How wonderful is the case of a Believer! There is good for him in whatever happens to him -and none, apart from him, enjoys this blessing.”(Muslim). This means after every difficulty there comes an ease and those who stay patient and thankful to Allah in difficult times will get a great reward.
Fall in Prostration when receiving blessings from Allah:We should fall in prostrate (Sajdah) when we receive any kind of blessings from Almighty Allah. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) is also used to prostrate when He receives something pleasant to thank Allah Almighty.
Keep your Expectations Below: Always admire those who are below than you means who don’t have enough like you and instead of comparing oneself with others always Shukr to Allah for what you have. We should be thankful to Allah for all his blessings because there are many people who don’t have that much. Gratitude is the best way to please Allah and thanks to Allah. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “Look at those people who have less than you and never look at those who have more grants than you, this will ensure that you will not depreciate Allah’s favors”(Muslim).
Don’t be too picky and entertain others: Insensitivity to other people’s preferences and inability to accommodate others is a sign of selfishness, arrogance, and ungratefulness. Be comfortable in every situation and you will become grateful.

Developing the attitude of Gratitude towards Allah will change your life. One will enjoy the blessings of his Lord, thanking his Lord for those blessings and praising Him for helping him to be among those who give thanks. So always Shukr to Allah Almighty for His blessings and be humble.

Abu Hurairah^(ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet^(sa) mentioned that Allah The Almighty states:

“My servant transgresses against Me, while it does not behove him to do so. He abuses Me, while it does not behove him to do so. His transgression against Me is that he says that ‘Allah the Almighty, having once created me, will not resurrect me (after I am dead).’ And his abuse of Me is that he claims that ‘Allah has taken unto Himself a son,’ whereas I am Self-Sufficient, The One on Whom everything else depends. I have never begot, nor was I begotten, and there never was one like unto Me.” (Masnad Ahmad)

THE SALAT

Prayer, or Salat, was made obligatory for all Muslims, whether they be rich or poor, strong or weak, black or white, male or female. Prayer allows the believer to enrich their spirituality and cultivate the soul’s right to love and worship the Creator, Allah.

“Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance.” [Quran, Taha, 13-14]

The importance of prayer is conveyed constantly in the Quran and was also stressed by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): “Know that among your duties, prayer is foremost”.

The performance of prayer five times a day is considered vital to attain success in this life and the hereafter. Following the testimony of faith, performance of the prayers at their correct times and complete in bowings, prostrations and humility, will guarantee forgiveness from God and everlasting paradise. Muslims believe that the first matter that they will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of their deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.

Prayer provides a constant reminder of the essence of our creation and provides a direct connection to Allah, who linked success and felicity to humility in prayer. It emphasizes the proximity between religion and daily life. Life, from an Islamic standpoint, is to be directed to Allah. Life is an opportunity for worship and the remembrance of Allah. Praying repeatedly throughout the day and interrupting the daily activities brings about the realization of this concept. The believer, through prayer, acquires a spiritual awareness that he takes with him throughout all of life’s endeavors.

Prayer purifies the heart and truly, through Prayer, a believer attains spiritual devotion and moral elevation. Prayer not only gives a deep connection with God, but in prayer one establishes patience, humility and sincerity. Prayer provides a means of repentance and is a restrainer from shameful and unjust deeds. This is portrayed through the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

“If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “That is like the five daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.” (From the Hadeeth collections of Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Praying five times a day engages the believer in constant remembrance of God and keeps him away from any unjust deeds and leads him only to deeds that will earn the pleasure of God. It is through prayer that one really finds inner peace and fulfillment. It is also a source of patience, courage, hope, confidence, inner peace, stability, equality, unity and an expression of thankfulness to God.

KINDNESS AND BEING GOOD TO ALLAH’S CREATION

The Prophet Muhammad taught love, kindness and compassion to his people, and was seen to be the most loving, kind, and compassionate of all of them. The Quran mentions his kind and gentle behaviour in these words: “O Messenger of Allah! It is a great Mercy of God that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would all have broken away from you” (Quran 3:159).

There are many instances that show his kindness and gentleness, especially to the weak and the poor. Anas, who was his helper, said: “I served Allah’s Messenger for ten years and he never said to me, ‘Shame’ or ‘Why did you do such-and-such a thing?’ or ‘Why did you not do such-and-such a thing?'” (Bukhari, 2038).

Once he said to his wife: “0 ‘A’ishah! Never turn away any needy man from your door empty-handed. 0 ‘A’ishah! Love the poor; bring them near to you and God will bring you near to Him on the Day of Resurrection”. He also went much further on to say: “Seek me among your weak ones, for you are given provision, or you are given help only by reason of the presence of your weak ones”. (Rahman, Encyclopedia of Seerah, VOL. VIII, p. 151) God Almighty is Kind, and the Prophet imitated Allah’s example in its perfection by showing kindness to his servants and all creatures without any regard for their beliefs, color or nationality. The Prophet said: “God is kind and likes kindness in all things” (Bukhari, 6601).

His heart ached within him at the corrupt state of his fellow-Meccans and their rejection of One God. The Holy Quran testifies to it in these words: “0 Muhammad, you will, perhaps, consume yourself with grief because the people do not believe” (Quran 26:3). In Surah Kahf, we read: “Well, 0 Muhammad, it may be that you will kill yourself for their sake out of sorrow if they do not believe in this Message.” (Quran 18:6). And Surah Fatir says: “So let not your life be consumed in grief for their sake.” (Quran 35:8).

He took a great interest in the welfare of all people and had great compassion for people in trouble. The Prophet Muhammad imitated the attributes of God par excellence and translated them into practice in the highest form possible for man. Kindness is an attribute of Allah, which has no limits. It is extensive and encompasses all things and all beings without discrimination. Likewise was the kindness of the Prophet. He extended it to all beings, both animate and inanimate and benefited all without measure. The Quranic words for the Prophet’s kindness, ra’ufun rahirn f very intensive and comprehensive in meaning and convey the true nature and extent of the Prophet’s kindness to people. The Prophet said: “One of the finest acts of kindness is for a man to treat his fathers’ friends in a kindly way after he has departed” (Abu dawud, 5123)

The issue of treating friends well was also extended to include relations: “He who wishes to have his provision enlarged and his term of life prolonged should treat his relatives well” (Bukhari, 5985). He emphasized on this matter because he deeply held the view that “Only kindness prolongs life, and a person is deprived of provisions for the faults he commits” (Ibn Majah).

He dwelled on the issue of treating orphans humanely as he stated that “The best house among the Muslims is one which contains an orphan who is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one which contains an orphan who is badly treated” (Ibn Majah, 3679). This means that the Prophet cautioned his followers against general maltreatment of anyone regardless of his status. By extending good treatment from friends to relatives and now to neighbours, Prophet Muhammad was intent in making all humans interdependent as he emphasized in the following words: “All creatures are Allah’s dependants, and those dearest to God are the ones who treat His dependent’s kindly” (Rahman, VOL VIII, p. 154). He emphasized the kind treatment of women again and again in his speeches:

Treat women kindly, since they are your helpers; . . . you have your rights upon your wives and they have their rights upon you. Your right is that they shall not allow anyone you dislike to enter your bed or your home, and their right is that you should treat them well. (from the Farewell Sermon of the Prophet)

Once a number of women complained to the Prophet’s wives about their ill-treatment by their husbands. On hearing of this, the Prophet said: “Such persons among you are not good persons.” (Abu Dawud, 1834). This condemnation by the Prophet himself was an indication that no one will be accepted before God who, while on earth, decided to be unkind to women. Another person said to the Prophet: “0 Messenger of Allah! My relatives are such that although I cooperate with them, they cut me off; I am kind to them but they ill treat me.” The Prophet said this in reply: “So long as you continue as you are, God will always help you and He will protect you against their mischief” (Muslim, 4640). This was not only a way of bringing comfort to the mind of the worried person but one of the communicative techniques of the Prophet to assure who ever found himself in that situation to look up to God to be consoled and protected. So it was pointless to preach vengeance to this kind of people suffering from this similar fate. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad was nothing short of a competent counsellor.

He was always counselling people to be goodhearted regardless of their sex, age or gender. Once Asma bint Abu Bakr’s mother, who was still an unbeliever, came to see her in Madinah. She told this to the Prophet and said: “My mother has come to see me and she is expecting something from me. May I oblige her?” The Prophet said: “Yes, be kind to your mother” (Muslim, 2195). This attitude of the Prophet was equally extended to Zainab as-Saqafia, the wife of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud and an Ansari woman. She went to see the Prophet and to inquire whether it would be a charity if they spent something on their husbands and on the orphans under their care. The Prophet said: “They will get a two-fold reward, one for kindness towards their relatives and the other for charity” (Bukhari, 1466).

There are many Hadith concerning his kindness to animals, birds and insects: “God prescribed kindness towards everything; so when you slaughter any animal, slaughter it well; when you sacrifice, make your sacrifice good. And let everyone sharpen his weapon and make it easy for his sacrificed animal” (Muslim, 5055). He made this kind of statement to demonstrate his love for both humans and animals. In essence, Prophet Muhammad was equally showing his followers that he too is feels pain.

FAIRNESS

Allah, the Wise, has said:

كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِله شُهَداَءَ بِالْقِسطِ

(Be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice.)

Imam Ali (a.s.) has said:

مَنْ يُنْصِفُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَزِدهُ اللهُ إلاَّ عِزًّا

(One, who exhibits fairness on his part, Allah shall increase him in glory.)

A person’s faith does not become perfect until he observes fairness with respect to himself and others. In exchange, God shall increase his honour and glory.

Man, by nature, prefers his own self and loves everything that is associated with him. He also possesses a dislike for everything bad and evil. Thus, if he helps someone in need, he would be commended by one and all. Similarly, (justice demands that) if he does not desire anything bad and evil for himself, he should not desire it for the others too.

This also holds true when mediating between two warring parties; never should he side unfairly with one, against the other, even if the outcome results in his own detriment.

An Arab approached the Holy Prophet (pbuh) when he was about to embark upon a military expedition.

Seizing the reins of the Prophet’s camel, he said, “O’ Prophet of Allah! Inform me of a deed that would earn me Paradise.”

“Conduct yourself with people in the same manner as you would want them to behave towards you and refrain from doing to them what you would not want them to do to you,” advised the Prophet (pbuh) and then added, “Let go of the reins (for I have to go for jihad).”

The Equity of Iman Ali (The Ruler of the Muslims known as Amirul Mu’mineen meaning. The leader of the believers)

Shu’bi narrates:

Like the other youths, I entered the vast open ground of Kufah, where I witnessed Amirul Mu’mineen (a.s.) standing beside two containers which were filled with gold and silver coins. He had a small whip in his hand. A huge crowd had gathered around him and he kept them back by means of his whip, to prevent them from hampering the distribution of the money.

The Imam (a.s.) began distributing the money amongst the people until nothing remained for himself and he returned home empty-handed.

I returned home and said to my father, “I witnessed a very strange act today but I fail to comprehend if this person’s action was good or bad because he never retained anything for himself!”

My father inquired, “Who was the person?”

“Amirul Mu’mineen (a.s.),” I replied and then went on to narrate what had transpired earlier. Upon hearing Ali’s (a.s.) fairness in distributing the money, my father began to weep and said to me, “My son, you have witnessed the most excellent person from amongst the people.”

A’di Ibn Haatim

A’di, the son of the well-known Haatim Taai, was one of the sincere and loyal companions of Amirul Mu’mineen (a.s.). From the year 10 A.H. when he accepted Islam, A’di had always remained in the service of the Imam (a.s.), and had fought alongside him in the battles of Jamal, Siffeen and Nahrawaan. In the battle of Jamal he sustained an injury to one of his eyes as a result of which he lost his vision.

Once he came to Mua’wiyah for some purpose. Mua’wiyah asked him why he had not brought his sons with him.

“They were killed while fighting alongside Amirul Mu’mineen (a.s.),” he replied.

“Ali has not been just to you, for he sent your sons to be killed while he has kept his own sons alive!” said Mua’wiyah.

A’di retorted, “(On the contrary) I have not done justice to Ali for he has been killed, whereas I am still alive. O’ Mua’wiyah! Our rage towards you still smoulders in our hearts. Do know that (the pain of) having our throats slit or the agony of death is easier for us to bear than hearing bad comments about Ali (a.s.).”

The Fairness of Abu Dharr

On the way towards the battle of Tabuk, Abu Dharr fell behind the army because he was mounted on a slow animal. When the others realized this, they notified the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), who said:

“If he possesses goodness in him, God shall make him reach you.”

Meanwhile, Abu Dharr, disappointed with his animal, dismounted and proceeded on foot. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) found a convenient place and had decided to pitch the tents, when one of the Muslims shouted that there was someone in the distance approaching them.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) prayed:

O’ Lord! May it be Abu Dharr!

Others informed him that it was indeed Abu Dharr. The Prophet supplicated:

May Allah forgive Abu Dharr! He travels alone, shall die alone and shall be resurrected alone. He then asked the people to provide Abu Dharr with some water, as he appeared to be thirsty.

But when Abu Dharr arrived in his presence, the Prophet (s.a.w.) observed that he had a container of water in his possession, and so asked him, “Abu Dharr! You had water with you and yet you remained thirsty?”

“Yes! O’ Prophet of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you! On the way, I was overcome by thirst. I reached a place where there was some water. Tasting it, I found it to be cold and delicious and so I said to myself: (It is not fair) if I drink this water before the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.),” replied Abu Dharr.

Hearing this, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “O’ Abu Dharr! May Allah forgive your sins! You shall lead your life in solitude, die as a stranger, away from home, and enter Paradise alone.”

GENERACITY

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) was generous and liberal with his greatest enemies.

He was generous and liberal with even his greatest enemies, even with the people of Mecca, who were the ones who fought him for many years…

William Muir

Scottish orientalist

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) did not deny anything to anyone who asked him!!

An example of his great generosity is that Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) used to give much more at times when it is preferred to do many good deeds, like during the month of Ramadan. Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said,

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all the people, and he was as generous as he could be in Ramadan… the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) was more generous than the fast wind related in Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

One day, a lady gave Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) a woven cloak. She said, “Oh Prophet (peace be upon him), this is for you to wear.” Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) took it, as he direly needed it, and put it on. One of his Companions saw it on the Prophet, so he said, “Oh Messenger of Allah, how nice that is! Give it to me.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) immediately fulfilled the man’s request and gave it to him, although he greatly needed it and the man knew this!!

When Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stood up to lead the Companions in prayer, they said [to the man],

’The man was wrong [concerning what he did]! The Prophet (peace be upon him) took it (the cloak) as he really needed it. Then the man asked for it, and he knew that the Prophet does not turn anyone away empty-handed.’” And this is what the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for. Consequently, the man said, ‘“I hoped to receive blessings from it as the Prophet (peace be upon him) had worn it; and I hope I will be shrouded in it when I die! related by Al-Bukhari.

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) described the Prophet, saying, “His manners were those [mentioned] in the Quran.” And he was one of those who Allah described as:

And prefer them to themselves, even if they themselves are needy Surah Al-Hashr: 9.

There are many different ways one can be generous. Being generous with money is just one way. State other ways one can be generous?

Proofs of the Messenger of Allah’s generosity are more than one can count. Those near and far have born witness to this. The following is an example of what they have stated:

He gives like one who does not fear poverty

Truly, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reached the highest and most honorable level from among those who are generous; he used to be very lavish when he gave. An Arab expressed this when he went to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and saw a herd of sheep that filled a whole valley. Being avaricious of the Messenger of Allah’s generosity, he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to give him all [the sheep] that were in the valley. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) gave them all to him. The man returned to his people with the good news, saying,

My people, enter Islam, as Muhammed gives like one who does not fear poverty. related by Muslim

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

A man may enter Islam only for worldly benefits, but after he had entered Islam it would become more beloved to him than the world and everything in it. related by Muslim.

Such incidents left a great impact on the Arabs who used to come to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) just to return with sheep or camels, and dinars or dirhams, and his (peace be upon him) response quickly made them willing to accept Islam and become steadfast in it. In such a way, the Messenger of Allah’s generosity was a reason for many people entering Islam, as he (peace be upon him) used to give like one who did not fear poverty…Truly, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reached the most perfect level any human can reach with regards loving to be generous. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to give like one who did not think he might become poor or did not fear poverty as he (peace be upon him) was sure that Allah’s blessings on mankind are great, and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) truly believed that He (Glorified is He) is the One Who provides as He is the Lord of abounding grace.

Is it correct to use wealth and to be generous to encourage people to enter Islam? What is the wisdom in this?

The most generous person when giving to others

Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Alah have mercy on him) described the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying,

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous person when giving to others, the most honourable one to live with, and whoever mixed with him and so came to know him, loved him”

Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said about him,

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was not asked for anything at all and to which he replied by saying, ‘No’ related by At-Tirmidhi.

Money is distributed in the mosque!!

One of the incidents that indicate the generosity of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is related in the hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) received money from Bahrain.” So he said, ‘“Spread it out in the mosque!’” It was the largest amount of money the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had ever received. The Messenger of Allah then left to pray and did not look at the money. When the prayer was finished, he went to sit next to the money. There was no one he saw but he gave him from the money. And The Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not stand up until there was no dirham left

(i.e., he had given all of it away, and not even one dirham was left for himself)

related by Al-Bukhari.

The poet was truthful when he said,

You see him jubilant when you go to meet him,

As though you will actually give him what you intend to ask from him!

What is the difference between the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and other leaders and kings with regards to dealing with the booty of war and distributing it among his people?

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) encouraged his Companions to be generous

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) always encouraged his Companions to spend and be generous. Concerning this, the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) told his Companions and those after them from his nation, teaching them good manners:

There is no day that rises on a slave but there are two angels that come to him. One of them says, ‘Oh Allah, recompense those who spend [in Allah’s way]’ And the other one says, Oh Allah, ruin those who do not spend’ related by Al-Bukhari.

The Prophet’s noble manners

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should be generous to his guests by giving them their reward.’ The Companions said, ‘And what is his reward, Oh Messenger of Allah?’ He replied, ‘[To be entertained] a day and its night [with high quality food], and three days with ordinary food. If he stays longer, what he is provided is considered a charitable gift’ related by Muslim.

When does generosity become a type of waste, loss and extravagance?

The life of Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is like a mirror that reflects hospitality and generosity

The life of Muhammed is like a mirror in front of us that reflects towards us a wise mind, hospitality and generosity…and all other essential humane manners.

Lord Headley

British politician and author

Money is divided even if it equalled the amount of trees on the plain of Tihamah!!

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) often gave gifts to soften the hearts of the new Muslims. In the battle of Hunain, he (peace be upon him) gave Ayaneh ibn Haseen, Al Aqra ibn Habis, Abbas ibn Mirdas, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb and Safwan ibn Umayya (may Allah be pleased with them), each one of them, a large number of camels. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) returned from this battle, some Arabs followed him to ask him [for some of the booty], so the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

Are you scared I will be miserly?! If there were spoils equal to the number of these trees,

I would have divided them among you, and you would not have found me to be miserly, cowardly or a liar. related to Ahmed.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not keep this wealth to himself, but he distributed it among his Companions. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) knew very well that wealth was only a means and not the main aim, so he used to use it to soften the hearts of the leaders of Mecca and the different Arab tribes. In such a way his generosity was one of the reasons Islam became strong in people’s hearts. As a result of his great generosity and modesty, he never said, “No,” at all to anyone who asked; and no one who asked was ever disappointed.

Indeed, we are in need these days of this praiseworthy characteristic, generosity, in our dealings with others. By Allah, the poet was wise when he said,

If you are good to people, you can win their hearts.

Good actions make the one who you treat well like your slave who does anything you want

His generosity was not limited to wealth alone. In fact, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was generous with knowledge in how he taught the people, and with his influential position when interceding for others. He was also generous by using kind words and smiling at the people, and generous when dealing with them. There were many other situations in which his generosity was clear.

WOMAN’S RIGHTS IN ISLAM

The first person to accept Islam was the Prophet Muhammad’s wife Khadija and when the Prophet was on his last laying on wife’s lap Aisha he breathed his last breath. Aisha contributed more than 2000 Hadith and is known as the mother of the believers. Hence, woman is given the highest honour in Islam.

Importance of a Mother

God gives a mother in Islam the highest honour. God promised any person that is good to his parents and dutiful, more so to his/her mother, is granted paradise.

Bahz b. Hakim, on his father’s authority, said that his grandfather told him that he had asked Allah’s Messenger to whom he should show kindness and that the Prophet had replied: “Your mother.” He asked who came next and he replied: “Your mother.” He asked who came next and he replied for the third time: “Your mother.” He again asked who came next and he replied: “Your father, then your relatives in order of relationship” (Abu dawud, 5120).

A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a military campaign. The Prophet asked the man if his mother was still alive. When told that she was alive, the Prophet said: “(Then) stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet”. (Al-Tirmidhi)

On another occasion, the Prophet said: “God has forbidden for you to be undutiful to your mothers.” (Sahigh Al-Bukhari)

Dignity of a Woman

Islam is the only religion that gives a woman dignity. We see in the Western world how woman are treated like sex objects in advertising campaigns to entice men to buy things. Woman are made to stand almost naked next to a new car. They have to pose half naked in a bikini in boxing and wrestling matches, naked and half naked woman feature in 90% of Hollywood movies. When men look at these woman they are viewed only as a sexual attraction which is exactly the purpose.

In Islam Allah instructs woman to cover themselves with a cloak that will not reveal a shape of a woman’s body and to cover the hair.

The shape and curves of a woman wearing tight garments and beautiful hair is what attracts a man. If a woman has to resort to these tactics to attract the attention of a man then what type of man will she attract? Again the woman has to attract a man using sexual advances. We see young girls dressing half naked, short skirts and short pants with half the buttocks exposed, they now ware tights that is transparent revealing even more. It is no wonder that every minute a woman is raped.

When a man seas a woman who is covered from neck to ankle with a loosely fitted garment and hair covered there is no sexual advance from the woman. This woman’s dress tells the man that she is not a sexual object, it tells him that she demands respect and she is a woman of integrity and a woman who is in obedience to her Lord. Even in Catholism we see nuns dressed the same way and we see that mean respects a nun.

There is no compulsion for a woman to dress this way but if she does, she has everything to gain and will maintain her dignity and honour and she will be in obedience to Allah’s command. For this there is great reward from Allah.

Many young ladies today say they want to be free to dress the way they like. No one is forcing as there is no compulsion on you but is it worth it to sacrifice your soul, your respect, your dignity and honour so that men can view you as a sexual object and disrespect you? Islam offers you the highest place in paradise and the devil offers you the lowest place in hell.

Gender Equality

Gender equality is part of Islam jurisprudence and fundamental teachings. Numerous Verses of the Qur’an and Prophetic Traditions enjoin gender equality which categorically proves that gender inequality is not faith-based.

“O mankind! Fear your Lord Who (initiated) your creation from a single soul, then from it created its mate, and from these two spread (the creation of) countless men and women.” (Qur’an, 4:1)

This Verse clearly expounds that man or woman are created from a single entity and are basically equal genders. As a gender, one is not superior to the other.

“And according to usage, women too have rights over men similar to the rights of men over women.” (Qur’an, 2:228)

This Verse denotes that rights enjoyed by men are the duties of the women and the duties of men are the rights of women. This implies a similitude between both the genders. There is no right conferred on man that woman may be deprived of because she is a woman.

“Men, however, have an advantage over them.” (Qur’an, 2:228)

Here the Qur’an refers to man’s superiority by virtue of his responsibility of protection and maintenance of woman and fulfilment of their rights. Nature has made him stronger, more responsible and tolerant with reference to mundane matters of life. So man is held superior to woman in the grade of responsibility.

Social and societal structure of Islam is based on family system which can be secure if made subservient to natural discipline:

“Men are guardians and managers over women.” (Qur’an, 4:34)

The Arabic word ‘qawwam’ used in this Verse denotes support, protection and supervision according to the Arabic usage. The relation between rights and duties in Islam is reciprocal and cannot be compartmentalized. However, man has been made more responsible in connection with the performance of social and economic obligations. Maintenance of woman is the basic responsibility of man in the Islamic Law. At no place has this responsibility been placed on woman. Woman has been freed of the burden of social, political and economic responsibilities. But they have been given more freedom than men under certain rules and regulations and the opportunities for women to capitalize on them are more than those enjoyed by men. For example on economic matters the Qur’an says:

“Men will have a share of what they earn, and women will have a share of what they earn.” (Qur’an, 4:32)

For men is what they earn and for women is what they earn. But woman has not been burdened with the financial responsibilities of family. It has squarely been placed on the shoulders of man; he is responsible to ensure the fulfilment of the rights of woman even though she may be earning herself. It is not her responsibility to bear the financial burden of a family. Whatever she earns is her personal income to which man cannot stake any claim legally. However, it will be an act of benevolence on part of a woman if both of them spend on the wellbeing of their children out of their volition. But whether she earns or not she has been given the guarantee of complete economic maintenance; man is responsible for that.

Men and women enjoy equal rights in all walks of life according to teachings of Islam. Islam regards woman a complete legal personality. Like man it has given woman the right to choose the head of the state, participate in the legislative work and vote in the performance of state matters. Women have been heads of states in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey.

We can gauge its human, social, political and civilizational significance by reviewing the history of the recognition of this right of woman at international level. It has taken the contemporary society centuries to acknowledge the sanctity of vote, fighting the plagues of apartheid and racial discrimination.

There is no discrimination between men and women in opportunities at different levels. Both enjoy equal opportunities in all walks of life.

In the absence of gender equality a society would not only face deprivation, economic inequality and other social evils but would also be unable to tread the path of life with a win-win mind-set. As for its relation to religion, Islam enjoins to promote gender equality in all walks of life, be it economic, social, worldly or religious.

FREEDOM TO WORK

Islam regards women as one of the two pillars of the society and has given them various responsibilities. Women cannot and must not be crippled members or useless constituents of the society. Islam regards work as an obligation and a superior form of worship and warns its supporters to avoid idleness, vanity, and retirement from work. There are many Hadith regarding this issue, some of which are mentioned below.

The Messenger of Allah (S) has stated:

قال رسول الله (ص): «العبادةُ سَبْعُونَ جزءً أفضلها طَلَبُ الحَلال.

“Worship has seventy elements; the noblest of which is endeavoring to gain legitimate income.”

According to Islam, working is not a right but a duty and men and women are no different in this regard. Women must also perform their social duties and they are free in choosing their occupation.

Consequently, Islam advises that men not allow women to perform laborious work. Amir al-Mu’minin said to his son Imam Hassan (‘a):

في رسالة أميرالمؤمنين إلى الحسن (ع) قال: «لا تملك المرأة من الأمر ما يجاوز نفسها؛ فإنّ ذلك أنعم بحالها، و أرخى لبالها، و أدوم لجمالها؛ فإنّ المرأة ريحانة و ليست بقهرمانة.»

“Do not tolerate that women do things beyond their abilities because this is more suitable for their status, it calms their hearts, and preserves their beauty; surely women are like fragrant flowers and not warriors.”

Freedom in Proprietorship

Islam respects the ownership of both women and men. A woman may gain and become owner of properties and wealth through industry, commerce, dower, gifts, working as a staff member, or any other legitimate method. She may gain profit from these methods and no one has the right to appropriate her possessions without her consent, whether they be her father, mother, husband, or children. The Quran declares:

وَ لاَ تَتَمَنَّوْاْ مَا فَضَّلَ اللّهُ بِهِ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبُواْ وَ لِلنِّسَاء نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبْنَ وَ اسْأَلُواْ اللّهَ مِن فَضْلِهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا

“Do not covet that by which Allah has elevated some of you over others. To men is allotted what they earn and to women is allotted what they earn. So ask Allah of His bounty. Surely Allah has absolute knowledge of all things.”

Freedom To Marry

Like men, women are completely free in marriage and choosing their spouse. A mature woman may not be married without her consent and such a marriage is void. No one has the right to force a woman to marry or to choose a specific husband for her, even one’s father, mother, sibling, or grandparents. Imam Sadiq (‘a) has stated:

منصور بن حازم، عن أبي عبدالله (ع) قال: «تستأمر البكر و غيرها ولا تنكح إلّا بأمرها.

“Women must be asked permission for their marriage, virgin or otherwise, and marriage is not correct without the woman’s behest.”

Freedom in Seeking Knowledge

Unmarried women may freely endeavor to acquire knowledge and no one has the right to prevent them from learning. However, a married woman must observe the rights of her spouse and children and must confer with her husband on this issue in order to reach a consensus.

The conditions surrounding this issue are similar to those of freedom in work. Of course, this refers to studying outside the home at educational facilities such as a university; studying at home in one’s leisure time is not detrimental to familial life.

Freedom in Residence Selection

Single women are at liberty to choose a home for themselves, though wedded women must adhere to their husband’s place of residence. Providing a house is up to men and it is their prerogative.

Naturally, the home must be within the dignity of the family, consistent with the husband’s capital, and such that the peace and welfare of the family is assured. If they are living in a shared home (with other relatives) and the woman requests a private home, if it is in his power the man must acquiesce. In addition, if their house is small or if they are under pressure for some reason and the woman asks for a new residence the man must accept if he is able. These are examples of kind association [mu‘ashirat bi ma‘ruf] that God enjoins in the Quran:

…وَ عَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ…

“And consort with your wives in kindness.”

It is also stated in the Quran as follows:

…وَ لَا تُضَارُّوهُنَّ لِتُضَيِّقُوا عَلَيْهِنَّ…

“And harass them not, so as to straighten life for them.”

Even though choosing a home is the man’s prerogative, the woman may stipulate as an annex to the marriage contract that she select a dwelling place or request that she be given dwelling rights. If the man accepts the annex, he must abide by his wife’s desires in this matter and if he violates her request, he is a sinner.