Shisha - Don't Be Fooled

Islamic Talk by Muhammad Abdul Jabbar in Birmingham

The talk by Brother Muhammad Abdul Jabbar (delivered on 16th December 2011 in Alum Rock, Birmingham, UK) was interesting and informative at the same time. The brother used a loud and angry tone in his voice and he argued that given the situation of the Muslims and what is happening in our society, there is reason to be emotional as he was.

He said that the young Muslims in our community have taken Tupac, Jay-Z, Beyonce, J-Lo, Ronaldo, etc. as role models in their lives. But, the only role model that we should follow is Prophet Muhammad (saw) and we should aspire to follow his example in our everyday lives and our behaviour, as well as actions.

Drug dealers have become role-models, youngsters see the Ferraris and Q7's and are attracted by that kind of lifestyle. But Allah (swt) has punished many drug dealers in the past and will continue to do so, none of them can escape his punishment. A drug dealer would not be able to tolerate it if he came down the stairs in the morning and saw his mother, his sister, his father or brother as a crack-head (drug addict). Yet a drug dealer ruins the lives of hundreds of people by supplying drugs to people and ruining entire families.

They think Allah (swt) Won't Punish them or they might escape, but they realise not that the Punishment can come at any time and Allah Will Grab them and their punishment will intensely severe. How can such people be our role-models?

People like Tupac and 50-Cent, we watch them on YouTube, Facebook, follow them on Twitter, they have become role-models for the Muslims of today. A role model is someone you look up to and aspire to be like.

The brother also went on to say that brothers across Birmingham naming most of the areas including Alum Rock and Sparkhill, think they are hard, selling and taking drugs, they walk around as if people should fear them, but do they not realise that Allah Can punish them as and when He Wishes.

He also criticised Sheesha lounges, mentioning Moon Lounge, Exhale and others, and claimed that they are corrupting the young generation and promoting a culture that contradicts the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). He stated that even Muslim brothers practising their religion commonly attend such environments, as well as sisters that wear the Hijab. The brother also gave examples of shocking events that have taken place amongst Muslim youth. Brother Abdul Jabbar also criticised Diary of a Bad Man on YouTube for making a mockery of Islam and questioned why such material has become widespread and popular when it shows utmost disrespect against Islam. He also criticised a Muslim woman that wears the Hijab and makes jokes involving Islam and claimed that she is making a mockery of our beliefs.

The video of the talk will be uploaded on YouTube once the same talk has been delivered at other cities within UK.

The video has now been uploaded:

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Islamic Talk Review by Sameer

Good Character from the Life of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (RA)

Rabee'ah Al-Aslami (ra) said:

I used to serve the Messenger of Allah (saw), so he gave me some land. Then we began arguing about a cluster of palm trees.

Abu Bakr said, "The palm trees are within the boundary of my property" and I said, "they are within my boundary". Some harsh words were exchanged between Abu Bakr and myself, and Abu Bakr said something to me that I did not like.

Afterwards Abu Bakr felt sorry for what he had said and he said to me, "O Rabee'ah, say the same back to me so that you can retaliate against me."

I said, "I will not."

Abu Bakr then said, "You either say the same to me or I will go and get the Messenger of Allah (saw) involved against you."

I replied, "I will not do it."

Therefore, Abu Bakr (ra) went to the Prophet (saw) and I went behind him.

Then a group of people came and said to me, "May Allah have mercy on Abu Bakr. Why is he going to the Messenger of Allah (saw) for when he was the one who said to you what he said?"

Rabee'ah said, "I then asked them, 'Do you all know who this is?! This is Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq and he is the second of the two [who were mentioned in the Q'uran (9:40) i.e. Prophet Muhammad (Saw) and Abu Bakr (ra)].

He is the respected elder of the Muslims. Beware of him coming and seeing you all helping me against him, or he may become angry. Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) will come and get angry because of Abu Bakr's anger. Then Allah will become angry because of the anger of both of them. Then Rabee'ah would be destroyed."

The people said, "What do you command us to do?"

Rabee'ah said, "Go back to your homes." Therefore Abu Bakr (ra) went to Messenger of Allah (saw) and I followed him by myself until he came to the Prophet (Saw).

Then he informed the Prophet (Saw) of what happened, just as it happened.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) raised his head towards me and said, "O Rabee'ah, what is the matter with you and As-Siddeeq (Abu Bakr)?"

I said, "O Messenger of Allah, such and such happened, then he (Abu Bakr) said something to me that I disliked. Then he said, 'Say back to me what I said so that it may be a retataliation (for you)."

Then, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "Yes, by all means (retaliate), but do no respond to him with the same.

Rather, you should say, 'May Allah forgive you, O Abu Bakr, may Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr.'

Therefore, I said, 'May Allah forgive you, O Abu Bakr.'

Then Abu Bakr turned away and began crying.

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When we reflect upon this story, we find the character of Abu Bakr (ra) to be good. He said a word out of anger, that Rabee'ah hated. Then what happened after that? He felt bad for what he said. Someone who has good character feels sorrow about his wrongdoing. He confessed and accepted his mistake.

People make mistakes and say things in anger, we must learn to forgive them and if we hurt others, we must learn to apologise and to resolve our issues rather than to extend them.