I recently got back into the job market to start “poking around” to see what other opportunities are available.  In this process I was reminded of death.  You may wonder how the two can possibly be related…

Let me prefix my explanation with the following clarification.  Jobs are created by employers driven by a need.  Allah (swt) has no needs.

When job hunting, it’s typical for people to start writing and re-writing their resume several times until it has a polished finish.  The goal: to secure a position with a big organization to apply my skills and experience and to continue to learn and grow within the organization.  Sounds pretty good and fulfilling.  So you start out by putting your name and contact information… you want to make sure all the good stuff you write about yourself is attributed to you.  Then maybe you add your “objective”.  Probably similar to the “goal” I just mentioned.  Follow this by your education.  You add 2 or 3 line items for education… seems pretty small for 15-20 years of your life.  Move on to Experience.  Now you can really start writing… describe all the good things you were responsible for, all your achievements, special projects, direct reports, budget responsibility etc.  Read it over, fix a few grammatical errors… get up, stretch, smile and feel proud of all you have achieved over the years.

Time to start applying.  So you open a browser and go to your favorite online job board and search for keywords to describe the job you are looking for… wow… look at how many people need you.  Filter by salary… hmmm… no so many people any more… the rest probably weren’t good companies anyways ;).  So you start to read the job descriptions… seems like a good fit.  Let’s read a little about the company… very interesting… lots of growth potential, they pay for further education, bonuses, good benefits package, good starting vacation period, car allowance… wow… this is really good… I want this job.  Let’s apply.  So you send your entire life history (resume) to them on 2 pages… 2 pages.  20-30 years on 2 pages.  Interesting.

The company calls you a few days later and are interested… come in for an interview.  So you show up on time, dressed up nice, suit, tie, nice cologne, a little gel in the hair… need to give a good impression.  You get seated, feeling comfortable and confident.  You know what you are doing, you have the education, the skills, the experience… they can’t turn you down.  You walk out convinced you only need to wait for them to call back and sign some papers.

They don’t call… but you do get an email… Thank you for your interest in this position however we have decided to pursue other options.  You did not disclose your criminal record or poor credit rating.  OH OH.  How did they find out ?

And so comes the reminder of death.

When we all appear before Allah (swt) our book of deeds will be open.  Good and bad.  You don’t need to put your name on your deeds as Allah (SWT) has already taken care of this for you.  You can try to hide bad history from a potential employer, but they can still find out.  And they are only human.  You had everything they needed… so what if you have bad credit rating… that shouldn’t have any effect on your job?  But rules are rules.  And so it is with the rules of life.  A few small things shouldn’t stop you from entering Jannah… or will it?

• Lying
• Stealing
• Fraud
• Backbiting
• Hate
• Swearing
• Zina
• Proudness
• Drinking
• Haram Food
• Drugs
• Violence
• Anger
• Greed
• Oppression
• Breaking Promises

And the list goes on…

When was the last time we dressed up nice for Allah (swt) by following the dress code of our beloved Prophet (pbuh)?

When was the last time we looked at our list of good deeds to present to Allah (swt) for entry into Paradise?  Try this as an exercise… write down all your good deeds.  This of course does NOT include obligatory acts such as salat, fasting, zakat, hajj.  Those you have to do regardless.  That is the equivalent of you writing on your resume “I can speak English”.  That is already a pre-requisite.  Without it, you have no chance whatsoever.  The same applies to the Fard actions, and Imaan.  Without both, your chances are negligible.  How long is your list?  You would think it should be at least as long as your resume… not there yet?  Neither am I.  I won’t ask you to put a list of bad deeds… but I will encourage you to envision how lengthy a list that would create. 

When was the last time we were “on-time” for salat?  Not leaving it for the last minute.  Seems that we can find time to get to a job interview early just fine… but what about ibaadat for Allah (swt)?

Brothers and sisters, it’s time we start polishing up our resume for the akhirat… that is the ideal job that will never end. 

Try to put life into perspective. Your whole life can be put on 2 pages. Which way will your balance scale lean ?

May Allah (SWT) guide us to clean up our “credit rating” by seeking Allah (SWT)’s forgiveness and doing tauba and may Allah (SWT) help us increase our good deeds to please Allah (SWT) and ultimately grant us entry into Paradise.

I try my best to get a spot in the first row when attending congregational prayer at the Masjid.  Al Bukhari reports that the holy prophet (pbuh) said:

If people know the reward of the first row and calling athan they would compete like arrows shooting for it.

Allah and His angels make salah on those in the front rows.
(#602, also in Sunan Ahmad in an authentic chain)

But sometimes I find when the iqama is being called someone decides to try and squeeze in between myself and the person next to me even though there is not enough space.  Unfortunately my first reaction is frustration… but then by the Grace of Allah (SWT), He allows me to recognize and remember the hadith reported in Al Bukhari

None of you can truly be said to believe until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself.

This is when I decide to make as much room as I can for this brother who squeezed in only to obtain the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and follow the teachings of the holy prophet (phub).  Sometimes when sitting reciting At-tahiyaat I find both my legs touching each other due to the lack of space, but I am consoled that Inshallah, Allah (SWT) will reward me for my intentional of wanting my brother to gain the same rewards of praying salat in the first row.

My dear brothers and sisters, if we (including myself) can start to focus more on how to help our fellow brothers and sisters achieve those rewards that we want for ourselves, and to help them achieve the best of this dunya as we want for ourselves, I am confident that it will positively affect our society as a whole.

May Allah (SWT) guide us to practice the teachings of the holy prophet (pbuh) and become more loving towards our fellow brothers and sisters.  Ameen.

For those of you that drive, hopefully you will find this post beneficial and be able to draw parallels from here to your own life.

I used to often find myself, when driving, going faster than the speed limit and it’s no secret that a high majority of other drivers on the road too are speeding.  We all know it’s illegal, and we all know the consequences; a speeding ticket.  Most people are generally aware that when going over a bridge you should drop your speed down to the speed limit when approaching the top of the bridge because it is likely there may be a police radar trap as you come down the bridge.  Generally police radar traps are located so that approaching traffic, those that are being metered, cannot see the police radar until it’s too late.  Now let’s try to put this scenario into perspective.

I’m sure most people don’t consider the bigger consequence of a collision.  Consider this:

The economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be .4 billion per year. In 2002, speeding was a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal crashes, and 13,713 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes.
source: http://www.safedrivingtest.com/morespeed.html

The good news is that you might be right; maybe you won’t get into a collision.  You are increasing the chances of being involved in a collision, but you may never actually be in one.  The bad news is that if you are in one; it’s too late.

Now let’s step away from the vehicle and get back to normal everyday life.  Our lives are governed by the rules and regulations set forth by Allah (SWT) in the holy Quran.  We all know what is allowed, and what is prohibited.  We all know the consequences of living by the rules, and we all know the consequences of breaking the rules.  Our “police officer” is Allah (SWT). 

49.1 O People who Believe! Do not advance ahead of Allah and His Noble Messenger, and fear Allah; indeed Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing.

1. Maybe versus Definite
   a)    The police radar trap *might* be there, and the fear of the ticket makes us slow down.
   b)    Allah (SWT) is watching all of us all of the time without any doubt.  This is definite.
2. Perceived Consequences
   a)    Speeding: ticket
   b)    Allah (SWT): none
3. Real Consequences
   a)    Speeding: ticket or collision
   b)    Allah (SWT): punishment in this world and/or in the hereafter.

The same way we do not anticipate a collision when speeding because its not something which we want to think about; the same way we do not anticipate the punishment of Allah (SWT).  Our minds always focuses on what is “real”.  Unfortunately the punishment Allah (SWT) has promised IS VERY REAL.  So I ask myself and invite you to ponder; what does it take for us to realize the Truth.  Why is it so hard for us to gain Taqwa – a higher level of consciousness.  We know Allah (SWT) is watching us, yet we don’t really believe it.  I consider this to be the greatest state of denial.  Everything we do should be preceded with the consideration of the action in light of the holy Quran and sunnat of our beloved prophet (pbuh).

I feel as though I can continue to write, questioning our understanding, recognition and appreciation of Allah (SWT), but I will end with this;  We need to start living life understanding its true meaning, understanding its true rules and regulations, and following those rules and regulations.  We need to stop fooling ourselves brothers and sisters.  May Allah (SWT) guide us all and allow us to practice His perfect deen in a manner that pleases Allah (SWT).  Ameen.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahman.

I thought after my last post on the topic of interest, I should share a small incident that happened to me early this week.  I got to the Masjid early and decided to recite the Holy Quran. I sat down in the front row pulled my jacket's hood over my head and started to recite from a random page I opened. Alhumdullilah even though my recitation is very poor, I try to recite out loud, in a low voice.  No real reason, but if someone is sitting close by, they can listen and join in the blessings Allah (SWT) offers the listeners as mentioned by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Quran:

7.204 . And when the Quran is recited , give ear to it and pay heed , that ye may obtain mercy .

As I am reciting, time for salat is coming closer and more and more people are starting to fill in the Masjid Alhumdullilah.  Someone came and sat to my left.  And after a short while another gentleman sat to his left.  And this is where my test began.  The 2 people on my left know each other and apparently haven't seen each other for some time.  So as most people, they start "catching up".  Unfortunately for me, they are doing this in a much louder voice than my recitation.  Of course my first reaction was frustration.  Then Alhumdullilah by the grace of Allah (SWT) I was able to be patient and continue my recitation.  Lucky for me, my recitation did not disturb them (yes this is a sarcastic remark). Their discussion of "how's family and kids" turned to jokes and loud laughter.  Alhumdullilah I was still patient.  Then their discussion turned towards what I would never imagine... "Great! So what rate did you get, 8% ?", "No no, I got an amazing deal of only 4.5% on the mortgage".  Astaghfirullah.

Most people who read the title of this post will have already misunderstood what I mean...

Definition:
1st "interest": a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something;
2nd "interest": the fee paid to borrow money

Now that I'm sure we are all understanding the topic at hand, do you take any interest regarding interest?  Almost every Muslim will tell you that interest is Haram, and rightfully so, since it is clearly stated by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Quran in Sura Al-Baqarah in the following Ayats:

2.278 . O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah , and give up what remaineth ( due to you ) from usury , if ye are ( in truth ) believers
2.279 . And if ye do not , then be warned of war ( against you ) from Allah and His messenger . And if ye repent , then ye have your principal ( without interest ) . Wrong not , and ye shall not be wronged.

The term “usury” is translated in common discussions as interest.  However, when I looked up usury on www.dictionary.com 2 things surprised me.

1. Before the definition is an ad… the first of two ads is for a bank.  How ironic ;)
2. 3 definitions are provided as below.  Note the term “Obsolete” on the third definition.
   a. the lending or practice of lending money at an exorbitant interest.
   b. an exorbitant amount or rate of interest, esp. in excess of the legal rate.
   c. Obsolete. interest paid for the use of money.

The only reason it’s likely marked obsolete is because today’s world is drowning in usury/interest.  So much so that it’s next to impossible to find a penny which hasn’t been involved with interest.  Looking at the definition of a. and b. both use the term "exorbitant".  The problem with this type of definition is that its relative.  What you consider a high interest rate may not be so high for someone else.  This is where man made laws show their faults.  Allah (SWT) has made it so easy, so simple.  He has clearly told us that the "obsolete" definition above, making money on money, is Haram.  No if, and's or but's.  It doesn't matter if you pay $200 interest, or if you pay $0.01 in interest.  You have paid, or taken interest.  That's it.  Trying to complicate matters by messing around with terminology and confusing people into believing interest is somehow acceptable is, in my opinion, worse than just dealing with interest.  You are not only making something Haram Halal, you are encouraging others to get involved. More importantly, Allah (SWT) has already told us of the baseless arguments which people will put forth in Sura Al-Baqarah Ayat 275: "... that is because they say: "Trade is like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury...".

Allah (SWT) has given us a perfect manual to live life perfectly.  He even included a demo "video".  The manual I am referring to is the Holy Quran which describes without any flaw how to live life perfectly.  Not just as an individual, not just as a locality, not just as a region, but rather as a global community.  The demo is our beloved prophet, the seal of prophets, Mohammad (pbuh).  He lived life inspired by the words of God and as a result, his life was the ideal, perfect life.  No human to date has, nor ever will, be able to even come close to the perfection of life as did our Holy prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

I recently went to an Islamic Finance seminar where the speaker asked the small audience "does everyone know what GIC's, Mutual Funds, Stocks and (something else I can't remember) are?".  Everyone acknowledged they knew.  Somewhat hesitantly I raised my hand and said "I have no idea how they work".  To which the speaker smirked and I think I may have even heard a chuckle or two from behind me.  At this point just as the speaker took a deep breath to start his explanation, I interrupted and proudly said "the reason I don't know what GIC's etc. are, is because it has always been my understanding that they involve interest, which makes them Haram.  So I have no reason to have any knowledge regarding what I don't want".  I often draw a parallel chicken and interest.  I know its been done by so many people, but I think I look at it from a different prespective.  If I were to ask you what grocery store has the cheapest chicken legs on sale this week and at what price, would you be able to answer that?  I'm not asking Halal or Haram chicken.  Hopefully you can't answer the question because you have never considered purchasing Haram chicken, so you have never bothered to look at the prices.  Everyone usually answers by telling me that the Haram chicken is cheaper. But the question is what is the price difference?  So similarily you shouldn't know what the interest rate is on a 5 year mortgage.  You shouldn't know what the interest rate is on a personal line of credit.  It's unfortunately how many Muslims today keep themselves informated of the latest interest rate announcements and sadly start calculating how it will affect their financial situation.

My dear Muslim brothers and sisters...  Allah (SWT), who speaks only Haq, the Truth, is giving us a dire warning: "then be warned of war ( against you ) from Allah and His messenger ".  I cannot find the source, but I believe there is a hadith which confirms that this is a literal war whereby the angels will give you arms (weapons) and say, go and fight with Allah (SWT) and his final messenger (pbuh).  Speaking for myself, I know I have difficulty walking by a small group of rowdy looking youth... I don't even want to try to imagine this situation.

When I went for Hajj in December 2006, when we were in Madina one of my roommates was the Imam.  Prior to his coming to the room, we (the roommates) were having a lengthy discussion on “Islamic Financing” (let’s save this topic for another day).  After a while the Imam came to the room and we tried to get his learned opinion.  He was tired and after a short discussion, he says “I don’t even know if my Hajj will be accepted by Allah (SWT), I came to Hajj on a plane made by interest money”.  We all had a good chuckle at this comment, but how sad is it that it is true.

In future posts Inshallah I will try to discuss more thoughts about interest and why we should stay away from it, and perhaps some ideas on how to keep it out of our lives.

May Allah (SWT) save us from the evil designs and whispers of Shaytan and save us all from the evil of interest and make us amongst the pious believers who are successful in this world and the next.