Is Mykhailo Mudryk a Muslim?

Umm Fadl: One of the Believing Sisters

Andrew Tate: Embrace Islam and Go to Jail

Kevin Gates (L), Andrew Tate (C), Amir Junaid (R)

For those who are au fait with happenings in the Muslim world, it is obvious that Islamophobia is systematically enforced by even governments. Former American president, Donald Trump, made that really pellucid. Through the years, western superstars have trooped towards Islam. In 2022, football legend, Clarence Seedoff announced Islam as his faith on 4^th March; Thomas Partey embraced Islam in the same month. In the twilights of 2022, another superstar joined the club. He was Andrew Tate. On October 24 2022, a Twitter account shared a 45-second long clip showing Andrew Tate offering prayers in a mosque with a friend.

Perspicacious minds were not stupefied in the slightest when it broke on 29^th December 2022 that Andrew Tate had been arrested in Romania on allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking and that he will be held till the end of January 2023.

This has happened severally in the past. Western superstars are allowed to do whatever they want however, there is one red line; never embrace Islam. 

Loon and Gates: Embrace Islam and Go to Jail

Ex-rapper, Amir Junaid Muhadith (born Chauncey Lamont Hawkins), was arrested in 2011 and handed a 14 year prison jail term after embracing Islam in 2008. He was silently released on 29^th July 2020 and many reports have advocated for and confirmed his innocence. Clearly, he was only scapegoated.

Kevin Gates embraced Islam in 2016, few months later (October 2016) he was arrested. He was released on 10^th January 2018.

May Allah free all Muslim captives.

Rumaisah bint Milhan: She Made Islam Her Mahr

Rumaysa was known for her excellent character, the power of her intellect even before Islam was introduced to Madinah. Her father was Milhan bin Khalid, her mother was Mulaika bint Malik, and she had five siblings; Umm Haram bint Milhan, Haram bin Milhan, Sulaym bin Milhan, Umm 'Abdullah bint Milhan and Zayd bin Milhan. 

She was known by various names including Rumaysa, Ramlah and Ghumaysa and Sahlah. She however came to be known popularly as Umm Sulaym. Sulaym means ‘Safe and Sound’, Umm Sulaym was a nickname as she did not have a child named Sulaym. She was the mother of the famous Anas bin Malik. 

Umm Sulaym was first married to Malik ibn an-Nadr from who she had Anas ibn Malik. Umm Sulaym was one of the first women of Madina to accept Islam. She was influenced by Musab ibn Umayr. When Umm Sulaym embraced Islam, her husband was away from Madina. When he returned, he observed some changes and enquired on what had happened and Umm Sulaym went on to announce her acceptance of Islam to him and in public to his displeasure. She brought her son, Anas, into the fold of Islam. Her husband left the housed vexed and it is reported that he was assassinated by an enemy of his. 

When it was known that Rumaisah had become a widow, one man, Zayd ibn Sahl (Abu Talhah), resolved to become engaged to her. He was sanguine that Rumaisah would not turn him down since he was powerful and affluent. Moreover, he belonged to the same tribe as Rumaisah; the Banu Najjar. Abu Talhah careened to Rumaisah’s house. He sought permission to enter and it was granted. Anas was present and Abu Talhah popped the question. 

Umm Sulaym said, "A man like you, Abu Talhah, is not easily turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are an unbeliever". Abu Talhah impugned that she was trying to put him off and that perhaps she had already preferred someone more solvent and more influential so he said to her, "What is it that really prevents you from accepting me, Umm Sulaym? Is it the yellow and the white metals?" 

Umm Sulaym asked in a flummoxed tone, "Gold and silver?" "Yes," he said imperiously. Umm Sulaym replied, "I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to Allah and His Messenger that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my mahr." 

Umm Sulaym seized the opportunity to stress the vacuity of idol worship and she went on: "Don't you know Abu Talhah that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the earth?" "That's true," he affirmed. "Don't you feel stupid while worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to bake bread or warm yourself? If you should give up these foolish beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any sadaqah apart from your acceptance of Islam." 

Abu Talhah asked, "Who shall instruct me in Islam?". "I shall," Rumaisah replied. "How?", he asked. Umm Sulaym pressed on, “Utter the declaration of truth and testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your idol and throw it away." 

Abu Talhah left weakened and reflected deeply on Rumaisah’s admonition. He came back to her beaming with happiness and said, "I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." 

Rumaisah and Abu Talhah were married, Anas was pleased, and the Muslims would say: "We have never yet heard of a mahr that was more valuable and precious than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her mahr." Abu Talhah and Umm Sulaym had an vivacious life devoted to Islam. The Prophet visited their home often and he would pray on a mat provided by Umm Sulaym. The Prophet (SAW) also had siestas in their house and, as he slept, she would wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Once when the Prophet awoke from his siesta, he asked: "Umm Sulaym, what are you doing?" And she replied, "I am taking these drops of perspiration as a blessing which comes from you". 

It was noticed that the Prophet (SAW) had a special liking for Umm Sulaym and her family and when asked about it, he replied: "Her brother was killed beside me." He (SAW) was referring to Haram bin Milhan. Umm Sulaym also had a well-known sister, Umm Haram, the wife of Ubadah bin as-Samit. 

The Seerah of Ubadah bin as-Samit

Umm Sulaym gave water to Muslim soldiers and tended the wounded and even made attempts to defend the Prophet when the tide of battle was turning against him. At the Battle of Khandaq, the Prophet saw her carrying a dagger and he asked her what she was doing with it. She said: "It is to fight those who desert." And The Prophet replied, "May Allah grant you satisfaction in that". 

Umm Sulaym had two children from Abu Talha; Umair and Abdullah. A few days after Abdullah was born, she sent Anas with the baby and a bag of dates to the Prophet (SAW). The Prophet placed the baby on his lap. He crushed the dates in his mouth and put some in the baby's mouth. The baby sucked the dates with relish. Abdullah eventually grew up and had seven children all of whom memorized the Quran. 

Umm Sulaym's husband, Abu Talhah, passed away while he was on a naval expedition during the time of Uthman bin Affan and was buried at sea.  Rumaysa bint Milhan is believed to have passed away not long afterwards in 29 A. H. She was around 60 years old. May Allah please her and grant us her virtues.

LESSONS

1. Marrying a non-Muslim: Umm Sulaym turned down Abu Talha’s proposal. Not because he was a bad man but, because he was not a Muslim. This is proof that a Muslim cannot marry a pagan. Can Muslim Women Marry non-Muslim Men?
2. Islam over wealth: Umm Sulaym was not moved by the affluence or status of Abu Talha, she was only interested in her faith in Allah. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her child for luxury however preponderant and tempting.

Is Jamal Musiala A Muslim?

Jamal Musiala playing for Bayern Munich

Jamal Musiala is an incipient but fecund German football player who plays as a midfielder and attacker. He currently plays for Bayern Munich and Die Mannschaft (German national team) and has become a name to conjure with in the sport.

Going to the point at issue, seeing or hearing the name ‘Jamal’ will engender one feeling in most people; ‘that’s a Muslim’. The name, Jamal, is an Islamic name which means ‘Beauty’. It can also take the form, Jamal Uddin, which means ‘Beauty of Religion’. 

However, neither Jamal nor his parents have ever practiced Islam; they will most likely be designated-Christians as they very openly and gladly celebrate Christmas. This would be different from the case of Leroy Sane, whose father, Sulayman Sane, is a Muslim.

Is Leroy Sane A Muslim?

Jamal’s father, Daniel Richard, is a Nigerian born Briton and his mother, Carolin Musiala, is German. Obviously, for some reason; Jamal answers to his mother’s surname and not his father’s. Jamal Musiala was born in Germany on 26th February 2003 but was raised in England from the age of seven. After representing both Germany and England at youth level, he eventually swore allegiance to Die Mannschaft in February 2021.

A number of practicing Muslims have played for Die Mannschaft. Popular mentions are Ilkay Gundogan, Antonio Rudiger, Youssoufa Moukoko, Karim Adeyemi (all still playing), Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, Sami Khedira and Emre Can.

Ballon d’Or: Who Is The First Muslim Winner?

Recent years have been awesome for Muslims in

The Dos and Don't of Laylatul Qadr

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The last ten days of Ramadan are blessed with unique virtues. 

Among such virtues is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah 

sent down the Qur’an on this Night.

Let’s shed a little light on the significance of Laylatul Qadr.

Significance of Laylatul Qadr

Abdullah Ibn Abbas said, “Allah sent down the Qur’an at one time 

from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooth (the Preserved Tablet in the Seventh 

Heaven) to Bayt Al-‘Izzah (House of Pride) in the first Heaven, then 

it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in stages according 

to events over 23 years.”

About this Night, Allah, The Most Exalted, says in Suratul Dukhan 

(44:1-6)

“Ha, Meem.

By the clear Book,

Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were 

to warn mankind.

On that night is made distinct every precise matter -

Every matter proceeding from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a 

messenger]

As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the 

Knowing”.

The statement, “On that night is made distinct every precise 

matter” has been interpreted to mean that on this night, the destiny 

of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On this night, it is 

written who will live, who will die, who will be destined for 

Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be honoured, who 

will be humiliated, where and when disasters will occur, and 

everything else that Allah wills in that year.

To further show its significance, Allah (SWT) Himself described 

Laylatul Qadr in clear terms in Suratul Qadr.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.

And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their 

Lord for every matter.

Peace it is until the emergence of dawn”.  

Suratul Qadr (97:1-5)

This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the devils cannot 

do any evil or cause any harm on this night.

Dos for Laylatul Qadr

Muslims are urged to increase worship in last ten days of Ramadhan.

Aisha reported: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” [Bukhari]

Observing Nawafil

The most traditional practice in the last ten days of Ramadhan is the 

observance of the night prayers (tahajjud or qiyammul layl) and 

rightly so.

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever stands 

(in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the 

hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever 

spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the 

hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Recitation of Qur’an

We are urged to do whatever we can to earn as much reward as 

possible. Among the most rewarding acts is the recitation of the 

Qur’an.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily the one who recites the Quran 

beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the 

noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with 

difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will 

have twice that reward.”

Making Dhikr

This is a nice time for us to dust our books of supplication, a good 

one is Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of a believer).

The Prophet (SAW) recommended a du’a for Laylatul Qadr.

Aishah narrated that she asked the Prophet (SAW), “O Messenger of 

Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come 

upon Laylatul-Qadr?” He said: “Say: ‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun 

tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love 

forgiveness, so forgive me).’

 

Don’t for Laylatul Qadr

Some Muslims tend to get overzealous in this period. This pushes 

them to do a number of irrational things in their bid to please Allah.

Reciting Over the Loud speakers

A community will likely be made up of Muslims and non-Muslims. 

Even in a community with a 100% Muslim population, people will 

choose different times to observe tahajjud (night prayer). It is wrong 

to recite over the loud speakers in the middle of the night. Not 

everyone will be willing to observe tahajjud at the exact same time 

as you and your congregation; be considerate.

Making it compulsory to complete recite the whole of the 

Qur’an in Tahajjud

There is no evidence to show that Muslims in the time of 

Muhammad (SAW) compelled themselves to recite the whole of the 

Qur’an either in tarawih or tahajjud. We should not torture ourselves 

and others for reasons that have no basis. 

Insisting on reciting the whole of the Qur’an in tarawih or tahajjud 

has led to the bastardization of Qur’an recitation.

In order to meet the target, imams recite the Qur’an with so much 

pace that make the recitation more or less useless because no one is 

able to make any sense of what is being recited.

However, for those who are more comfortable with Salah for 

Tahajjud, we could increase the number of raka'at and reduce the 

number of ayat recited in each raka'a.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "The people disputed as to 

whether it is better to stand for a long time or to do a lot of bowing 

and prostrating, or are they both equal? There are three views, the 

soundest of which is that they are both equal."

May Allah make us among those who obtain maximum benefits from

this Glorious month.