You are on page 1of 4

The Carpenter A World of Smile

Vol. 2 Issue 40 Thu. Dec 6, 2007


The Truth
-Haitham ( Abu Ali Hasan Ibn al-Haitham was one of the most eminent
Al 65-1040 C.E Alh physicists, whose contributions to optics and the scientific
n (9 .)
methods are outstanding. Known in the West as Alhazen, Ibn al-

Ib

az
en)
Haitham was born in 965 C.E. in Basrah, Iraq, and was educated
in Basrah and Baghdad. Thereafter, he went to Egypt, where he
was asked to find ways of controlling the flood of the Nile. He also
Submitted by: A Muslim Writer traveled to Spain and, during this period, he had ample time for his
A highly skilled carpenter who had About ten years ago when I was scientific pursuits, which included optics, mathematics, physics,
grown old was ready to retire. He told his an undergraduate in college, I was medicine and development of scientific methods on each of which
employer-contractor of his plans to leave working as an intern at my University’s he has left several outstanding books.
the house building business and live a more Museum of Natural History. One day He made a thorough examination of the passage of light through
leisurely life with his family. He would miss while working at the cash register various media and discovered the laws of refraction. He also
carried out the first experiments on the dispersion of light into its
Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40

the paycheck, but he needed to retire. in the gift shop, I saw an elderly
couple come in with a little girl in a constituent colors. His book Kitab-al-Manadhir was translated
into Latin in the Middle Ages, as also his book dealing with the
The employer was sorry to see his good wheelchair.
colors of sunset.
worker go and asked if he could build just As I looked closer at this girl, I saw CONT’D ON PAGE 2
one more house as a personal favor. The that she was kind of perched on her
carpenter agreed to this proposal but made chair. I then realized she had no arms
sure that this will be his last project. Being or legs, just a head, neck and torso.
in a mood to retire, the carpenter was not
paying much attention to building this
house. His heart was not in his work. He
She was wearing a little white dress
with red polka dots.
As the couple wheeled her up to me
I was looking down at the register. I
Religion as a Force of Liberation
resorted to poor workmanship and used It is a common misconception here in the west
inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way turned my head toward the girl and
that religion is a force of oppression. It seems
to end his career. gave her a wink. As I took the money
to be a common belief that religions are systems
from her grandparents, I looked back
at the girl, who was giving me the put in place to control people and assist the rulers
When the job was done, the carpenter called in oppressing the people. Marx called religion,
his employer and showed him the house. cutest, largest smile I have ever seen.
All of a sudden her handicap was “the opiate of the masses,” a drug to keep people
The employer handed over some papers and docile, so that they accept the status quo and so
gone and all I saw was this beautiful
the front door key to the carpenter and said that they could be ruled easier. Nothing, however,
girl, whose smile just melted me and
“This is your house, my gift to you.” By Cyril Anderson could be farther from the truth.
almost instantly gave me a completely
new sense of what life is all about. CONT’D ON PAGE 3
The carpenter was in a shock! What a
She took me from a poor, unhappy
shame! If he had only known that he was college student and brought me into
building his own house, he would have her world; a world of smiles, love and
made it better than any other house that he HAJJ: PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOUSE OF GOD - PART 1
warmth.
ever built! That was ten years ago. I’m a
successful business person now and By: Mulla Mujahidali Sheriff
Our situation can be compared to this whenever I get down and think about “Verily, the first house set for mankind is at Bakkah (Makkah),
carpenter. Almighty Allah (God) has the troubles of the world, I think about blessed, and a guidance to the worlds. In it are clear signs; the
sent us to this world to build our homes that little girl and the remarkable place where Ibrahim stood up (to pray); and whoever enters
in paradise by obeying His commands. lesson about life that she taught me. it is safe; and pilgrimage to the house is incumbent upon
Now, we have to decide how well we wish Prophet Muhammed (M.) said: mankind (purely) for Allah; (it is) for those who can afford
to build the homes where we will live “Even a smile can be charity.” to go there. And whoever disbelieves, then verily, Allah (the
forever. self-subsisting) is independent of the worlds”.
(Holy Quran 3: 96-97) CONT’D ON PAGE 7

8 The Truth
IF YOU WANT TO Ibn Sina (Avicenna) A Muslim is Like Soft Rain
From PAGE 1
RECEIVE YOUR WEEKLY From PAGE 1
He dealt at length with the theory twilight only ceases or begins
DIGITAL COPY of various physical phenomena when the sun is 19° below the It is clear from the above verse that performance of Ibrahim and Ismael (saying): ‘Purify My house
(PDF FORMAT) like shadows, eclipses, the horizon and attempted to measure Hajj is obligatory upon all Muslims. Any Muslim for those who circumambulate and those who
rainbow, and speculated on the height of the atmosphere on who has attained Buloogh (puberty) and is abide in it for devotion, and those who bow
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE the physical nature of light. that basis. He has also discussed Mustatee’ (capable/having means) must perform down and those who prostrate (in prayer)”.
TO THE TRUTH’S He is the first to describe
accurately the various parts
the theories of attraction between
masses, and it seems that he
Hajj and it is obligatory only once during life- (2:125)
MAILING LIST @ of the eye and give a scientific was aware of the magnitude of
time. In fact, Hajj is one of the basic principles of
Islam; its performance is one of its essentials, and
If we study the two verses (2:125 and 3:97), we
will not fail to observe that in both, Allah (G.) has
HTTP://GROUPS.GOOGLE. explanation of the process of
vision. He also attempted to
acceleration due to gravity.
His contribution to mathematics its non-performance is a major sin. Furthermore, mentioned about the place where Prophet Ibrahim
COM/GROUP/THET- explain binocular vision, and and physics was extensive. In any one who denies its obligatory nature commits (P.) stood for prayer. This by itself shows the lofty
Kufr (disbelief/blasphemy). and elevated position of this great prophet in the
RUTH110 gave a correct explanation of
the apparent increase in size of
mathematics, he developed
analytical geometry by KA’BAH: THE FIRST HOUSE sight of Allah (G.). S V Mir Ahmad Ali writes: The
the sun and the moon when near establishing linkage between Aqa Mahdi Puya has stated a very interesting thing standing place of Ibrahim has been made the
the horizon. He is known for algebra and geometry. He regarding the Holy Ka’bah. He says: permanent religious centre of all monotheists,
the earliest use of the camera studied the mechanics of motion The great antiquity of this house is undisputed. because of his faith (belief in the unity of Allah)
obscura. He contradicted of a body and was the first to It had been throughout the ages, even before was perfect, an ideal for every believer.
Ptolemy’s and Euclid’s theory maintain that a body moves
IF YOU WANT ANY of vision that objects are seen by perpetually unless an external
Abraham, the object of the greatest veneration.
It is reported on the authority of the Ahlul-Bayt
Ibrahim (P.)-an upright monotheist:
“Say (O Muhammad)! Allah has spoken the
MATERIAL TO BE

Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40


Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40

rays of light emanating from the force stops it or changes its


(P.) that the valley of Makkah was the first part truth, so follow the creed of Ibrahim, the
eyes; according to him the rays direction of motion. This would
PUBLISHED PLEASE originate in the object of vision seem equivalent to the first law of the earth which emerged above the surface upright; and he was not of the polytheists”.
of the water and cooled down when the heavens (3:95)
SEND US AN E-MAIL. and not in the eye. Through these
extensive researches on optics, he
of motion.
The list of his books runs to 200 and the earth (an integrated mass) were split by Ibrahim (P.)-his prayer for protection of faith:
has been considered as the father or so, very few of which have Allah’s command (for detail explanation of this “Our Lord! Make us both submissive to You,
refer commentary of verses 30 and 31 of Surah and of our progeny (make) a group submissive
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE of modern Optics.
The Latin translation of his
survived. Even his monumental
treatise on optics survived al-Ambiya by S V Mir Ahmad Ali) in support (only) to You, and show us the ways of our
HAVE THE RIGHT main work, Kitab-al-Manadhir, through its Latin translation. of which there are a number of geological devotion, and turn to us (mercifully); verily,
exerted a great influence upon During the Middle Ages his books
TO ACCEPT, Western science e.g. on the work on cosmology were translated
evidences. many a non-muslim scholar agrees
that this holy place, dedicated to the worship of
You and You (alone), are the oft-turning, the
merciful”. (2:128)
EDIT OR REFUSE of Roger Bacon and Kepler. It into Latin, Hebrew and other
the Lord of the lords, was not only known to the Ibrahim (P.)-guiding his children to One God:
brought about a great progress languages. He has also written on
ANY CONTENT. in experimental methods. His the subject of evolution a book
people of semitic origin but also to the ancient “And the same did Ibrahim enjoin his sons,
research in catoptrics centred on that deserves serious attention inhabitants of India according to the references and (so) did Ya’qub, saying: ‘O my sons! Verily
spherical and parabolic mirrors even today. available in pre-sanskrit literature. Allah has chosen the religion (Islam) for you,
EDITOR IN CHIEF: and spherical aberration. He made In his writing, one can see a clear “O our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring therefore you must not die save as Muslims’ “.
in a barren valley near Your sacred house, (2:132)
HASSAN TABATABAI the important observation that
the ratio between the angle of
development of the scientific
methods as developed and applied in order, O our Lord, that they may establish Ibrahim (P.)’s prayer for Makkah’s security
EDITOR: incidence and refraction does not by the Muslims and comprising prayer, therefore make the hearts of some of from filth of Kufr:
remain constant and investigated the systematic observation
AHMAD AL NAJJAR the magnifying power of a of physical phenomena and
the people yearn towards them, and provide
them with fruits, so that they may give thanks”.
“And (remember) when Ibrahim said: ‘My
Lord! Make this city (a place) of security...”
DESIGNED BY: lens. His catoptrics contain the their linking together into a (14:37) (2:126)
important problem known as scientific theory. This was a
NAGI GIRGUIS Alhazen’s problem. It comprises major breakthrough in scientific
This verse which infact is a supplication of Prophet “...And whoever enters it is safe...” (3:97)
Ibrahim (P.) which he made when he brought his S V Mir Ahmad Ali states: It is a sacred sanctuary.
drawing lines from two points methodology, as distinct from
in the plane of a circle meeting guess and gesture, and placed wife Hajar and his son Ismael (P.) to Makkah at a Whoso enters it is safe from the clutches of
PLEASE SEND US at a point on the circumference scientific pursuits on a sound time when it was only a barren valley, confirms the the disbelievers. It is a historical fact that all
antiquity of the Holy Ka’bah. invaders who attacked this holy precinct were
YOUR FEEDBACKS, and making equal angles with the
normal at that point. This leads to
foundation comprising systematic
relationship between observation, PROPHET IBRAHIM (P.) AND THE destroyed.
COMMENTS, an equation of the fourth degree. hypothesis and verification. KA’BAH: It could also mean that whoso focuses towards
AND SUGGESTIONS In his book Mizan al-Hikmah
Ibn al-Haitham has discussed
Ibn al-Haitham’s influence on
physical sciences in general,
Prophet Ibrahim (P.) was instructed to renew the
foundations of Holy Ka’bah, purify it and establish
this holy house with his mind and spirit, shall not
be influenced by the disbelievers and will always
TO THE FOLLOWING the density of the atmosphere and optics in particular, has it as a place of worship of the Almighty Allah. remain steadfast in his belief in the concept of
and developed a relation been held in high esteem and, in
E-MAIL: between it and the height. fact, it ushered in a new era in
“And (remember) when We made the house a Tawheed i.e. Oneness of God.
resort for mankind and a sanctuary (saying):
thetruth110@gmail.com He also studied atmospheric optical research, both in theory
‘Take as your place of prayer where Ibrahim To be continued in the next issue
refraction. He discovered that the and practice. Footnote:
stood (to pray)’. And We covenanted with (G) Glorious and Exalted is He / Refers to Allah, God

2 The Truth The Truth 7


RELIGION AS A FORCE OF LIBERATION
Imam Muhammed Al-Jawad (P.) and From PAGE 1
While perversions of religion can be, have after Muhammed’s death in their efforts to
Ma’moon Al-Rasheed been, and are used as a force of control, this
is not the product of any authentically rooted
try to carry on the reforms that Muhammed
(P.) brought. Muhammed (P.) brought many
religious system. Indeed, religion is, and has reforms to his society through the teachings
always been, a subversive force, questioning of Islam. These included teachings on the
established authority, challenging the status quo, importance of social and economic justice,
and pushing for liberating change. Religion and on the proper treatment of women, children,
religious faith and morality provide the engine and the weakest members of society, as well
that can sustain the drive for social and political as reforms to the laws of warfare to protect
change envisioned and carried out using reason. civilians and prisoners of war. Islam acted
Religious morality can also provide an ethical as an agent of change, bringing many reforms
check to keep the movement for reform within to what was previously a largely lawless and
control, preventing the idea that change can be uncivilized society. Many Islamic practices
pursued “by any means necessary.” Morality support this notion of evolutionary and
shows us the right way to fight for human rights revolutionary change in the structure and
and change without violating people’s rights. aims of society, bringing people together to
Liberative ideas in non-Muslim religions organize, bring positive social change, and
develop a stronger society. Friday prayer

Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40


One day Mamoon al-Rasheed left for hunting with his royal entourage. As he passed Looking at religious scriptures such as The
Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40

congregations, congregational prayers in


through a street in Baghdad, Mamoon saw some children playing. On seeing the royal Bible and The Qu’ran, one sees that many, if general, the hajj pilgrimage, and the common
party approaching, all the children fled except for one. This child was none other than not all of the greatest religious figures named fast of Ramadan serve to build a sense of
Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (P.). His age was 9 years. and described in these books are famous for morality, community, and connectedness that are
speaking truth to power, striving against the key foundations of a strong civilization.
When Mamoon saw him standing, he stopped and asked him, “O Boy! Why didn’t
status quo, against oppression, and calling
you also run away?” The Imam (P.) replied, “O Amir! The path is not narrow that Building on the sense of community built in
people towards liberation. Moses (P.) is a
it would become wider by my moving away, nor have I committed any crime that I some of the major ritual practices, Islam further
famous example, standing up to the might of
should fear you and run away. And I do not think that you are you are the sort who works to build a better civilization through the
Pharoah and leading his people to freedom.
would punish one who is innocent!” Similarly with other prophets of the Old obligations to work toward a better, more just
Mamoon was very happy with this reply and he was also wonder struck by the handsome Testament. Abraham (P.) taught against the world taught by the religion. For example, two
and illuminated face of the young boy. So he asked, “Tell me what your name is?” The mental chains of idolatry. Isaiah and Jeremiah of the key acts in the religion are the obligations
young boy replied, “Muhammad”. “Whose son are you?” asked Mamoon. “I am the taught against the corruption of their people. of a’mr bil ma’roof, or “enjoining the good,”
son of ‘Ali bin Musa al-Ridha (P.)” replied the young boy. When Mamoon heard this, Later on, Jesus (P.) stood against the corrupt and nahi a’nil munkar, or “forbidding the
he praised the 8th Imam (P.) and then proceeded with his entourage for hunting. (Sawa’iq authority of the Pharisees and the corrupt and evil.” This means that one has an obligation
al-Muhriqah) tyrannical authority of the Romans. to speak up against injustices that one sees,
and to do ones best to call people toward more
Interestingly, the incident does not end here. Safder Husayn Najafi in his book Chauda In recent times, there is the example of the just actions. Related to this, to some extent, is
Sitaare continues. He adds: liberation theology of Latin American Catholics the notion of jihad, which means that one must
from the 1960’s on following the Second Vatican struggle; internally, to make oneself a better,
After this brief encounter with our Imam (P.), Mamoon proceeded to a forest. There, he
Council. This movement in based on the idea more moral person, and externally, to make ones
released his eagle which flew away for sometime only to return with a small alive fish
that humans have a duty to work here and now surroundings and the world in general a better
in its beak. Mamoon was quite surprised by this. As he returned and passed by the same
to bring about a better world through hard work place through whatever ethical means available,
spot where he had met with our Imam (P.) earlier on, he saw him once again in the same
and self-sacrifice using the story of Jesus (P.) with the first choice always being non-violent
place. Addressing him, Mamoon asked, “O Muhammad! Tell me what do I have in
as a model. Gandhi, on a similar note based means. Economically, in Islam, the mandatory
my hand?” Imam (P.) replied, “Allah (G.) has created many vast oceans from which
his message of non-violent protest against the taxes of zakat and khums are part of the Islamic
clouds are formed. When clouds are forming, they absorb small live fishes which
British in the 1940’s on ideas in Hinduism. teachings that humans must strive to bring
are caught by the eagles of the kings, who then use them to test the Imams of their
times”. Islam as a force of reform and liberation economic justice, redistributing wealth where
Similarly, history records the Prophet appropriate through taxes on wealth in order
Hearing this, Mamoon was speechless for sometime and then said, “There is no doubt to help the disadvantaged through charitable
that you are the son of ‘Ali bin Musa (P.) for such miracles are not impossible from Muhammed’s struggles against persecution
in the way of bringing positive social change. activities.
his son!”
Many of his followers also struggled, suffering Footnote:
persecution and even death. Muhammed’s (P) Peace be upon Him / Refers to Angels, Prophets,
family and descendants also suffered greatly Imams, and Infallible Ladies.

6 The Truth The Truth 3


>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>>>>
The Sight of Kaba’ Sayings of Imam Al-Hassan AlMujtaba (P.)
Source: Excerpt from a speech of Shaikh Zulfiqar

One never tires of gazing


at the sight of the House
of Allah, the Kaa’ba. The
site upon which the mercy
and blessings of God are
constantly descending. There
is truly nothing comparable
to the House of Allah on this
Earth. People wish time would
stand still so they could keep
gazing at the Kaa’ba; their
thirst is never quenched, rather
it increases.
Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40

Thursday, December 6, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 40


• The annihilation of people lies in three things: Arrogance, Greed and
Once, while on a visit to Washington, people told me that a woman had
envy. Arrogance causes destruction of the religion and because of it
accepted Islam and had some questions for me. They told me that many non-
Satan was cursed, and Greed is the enemy of one's soul, and because
practicing Muslim women had started practicing again due to her. At prayer
of it Adam was expelled from Paradise, and envy is the guide to
time she would dress in her best clothes as if readying herself for someone
wickedness, and because of it Qabil killed Habil.
special, and would become oblivious to everything around her as soon she
started praying. • Teach others your knowledge and learn knowledge of others so you
will bring your knowledge to perfection and learn something which
After a brief question and answer session, I asked her what prompted her to you do not know.
accept Islam. She sighed and started explaining; “I was a Jew and my husband
was a Christian who was posted in Saudi Arabia for some technical work. • One is ignorant of blessing as long as they are present, but when they
Everyday I used to see Muslim men and women dressed in white on their way pass, one becomes aware (of the value) of them.
somewhere. I asked my husband where they were going and he told me that
>>>>

>>>>
they go to perform pilgrimage at the Muslim shrine of Kaa’ba. I expressed a • When the desirable and commendable services damage and harm the
desire to go but he told me that non-Muslims were not allowed. However, I obligatory services, abandon them.
was determined and so we both bought white clothes and set out. Fortunately • And know it that indeed whoever fears God (adopts piety). God paves
no one stopped us and we reached Makkah, from where we found directions
his way of salvation out of the inequities. And makes him firm in his
to the Kaa’ba. Upon seeing the Kaa’ba our eyes froze and time seemed to
matter. And provides him (the path of) guidance. And makes his proof
stand still. When we turned to look at each other after some time, we were
and arguments successful and enlightens his face and grants him
both crying. With our eyes we told each other that this was the Truth and we
what he desires. He is with those upon whom God has bestowed His
should accept Islam. No one ever told me about Islam, but there were so many
beneficences and boons from among the Prophets, the truthful, the
blessings descending on that House that they changed my life forever.”
martyrs and pious ones.
The blessings of Tawhid (Monotheism) descend in Makkah, and the • The greatest forgiveness and pardon of God comes when the sinner is
blessings of Prophethood descend in Madinah. One has seen nothing in not able to make a pretext for his wrong doing.
life if he has not seen these two holy sites. May God grant everybody the
opportunity to visit to His House. • God provides everything to one who worships God.

4
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 5
The Truth The Truth

You might also like