Treat people the way you like to be treated.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.
The best of virtues is being good-tempered.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal (The Traits), p.29.
Whoever serves Allah sincerely, Allah will make all the universe serve him/her.
Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.108.
The one who doesn't give thanks for his/her blessings is a worthless person.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 233.
Allah has made the month of Ramadan like a competition for His servants, to compete for His satisfaction with each other through obeying Him.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.236.
Treat your neighbor kindly to be worthy of being a Muslim.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.112.
I advise you to think and contemplate since they enliven an insightful person's heart and are the key to wisdom.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.
Consulting in groups leads you toward success.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.233.
A true friend is always on your side, whether in hardships or comforts.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.114.
Patience means restraining from anger and having yourself under control.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.227.
O' servants of Allah, beware that Allah had not created you in vain, nor left you on your own. Instead, He had determined the years of your lives and has distributed your sustenance among you. This way, any wise person will realize his/her worth and that he/she won't get more than what has been determined for him/her.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.234.
Strive for this life as if you will live forever, and make every effort for the life that is to come as if you will die the next day.
Muhammad Reza, Ali and Muhammad Hakimi, Al-Hayat (Life), vol.4, p.62.
This world is the dwelling of pain and hardship, and whatever rests here is doomed to mortality. Allah had informed us of this world's workings to learn our lessons from it. He has warned us beforehand so that no excuse will remain at the end for us. Therefore, be pious in dealing with what is temporal (i.e., this world) and seek what is eternal (the afterlife).
Muhammad b. 'Ali b. Shahrashub, Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib, vol.4, p.31.
Verily, the lights of guidance in this Quran leads toward prosperity. This Quran heals hearts and souls.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.11.
There is a thin line between what is right and wrong; what you see with your own eyes is the right thing, and what you hear or is told about might be wrong.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.229.
Being grateful for the blessings and being patient in hardships, are the virtues to which you can't find any negative side.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.234.
Verily, people are slaves to this world and its wealth and make their religion a means of reaching their (worldly) purposes and do whatever it takes to build an ideal life. Therefore, when faced with a trial, few will adhere to their religions.
Qadi Nur Allah Shushtari, Ihqaq al-haqq, vol.11, p.234.
Whoever knows Allah, will fall in love with Him.
Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.52.
The blessings are unappreciated as long as they are at hand, yet their worth will be appreciated as soon as they are lost.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.115.
Meanness is considering what you own as the reason for your honor, and what you give away as waste.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.225.
Poverty is the greed that is not satisfied with anything.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, pp.225&226.
I advise you to piety and constant pondering since thinking is the root of all virtues.
Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.52.
When Allah blesses someone with the ability to supplicate to Him, He surely gives his/her prayers the chance of being granted.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.113.
Expressing your opinion on the subject, which is not related to you, puts an unnecessary burden on your shoulders.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.226.
Being afraid of honesty and expressing the truth is a sign of abasement.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.226.
There are three things that bring destruction to people; pride, greed, and envy.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.111.
The best chance for a benevolent person to forgive a guilty one is when there is no way out for the latter.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.
Whoever counts the number of his/her charities, ruins his/her spirit of generosity.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.113.
The most insightful eyes are the ones that are fixed only on the goodness and virtues, and the most receptive ears are the ones who listen to advice and make use of them.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.109.
At times, silence is a better companion, even if you are a perfect speaker.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Ma'ani l-Akhbar, section no.401. Hadith no. 62.
The calamities are the keys to blessings and rewards.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.
Whoever seeks to worship [Allah] sincerely, should purify him/herself for this purpose.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.236.
No wealth is more precious than wisdom.
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.198.
Treating people good-manneredly is a crucial part of wisdom.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.111.
Teach your knowledge to others and learn what others know; this way, you will both improve your own knowledge and learn what you didn't know about.
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.197.
I wonder how you would think about the food for your body and don't contemplate on the food for your thought? You restrain from eating what is harmful to your body, but fill your mind and soul with what ruins them.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.1, p.218.
Your [real] thoughts will be revealed in your anger.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78., p.113.
I guarantee that Allah will grant the prayers of the one whose only purpose is Allah's satisfaction.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.43. , p.351.
Whoever trusts Allah's best intention, will only desire what Allah chooses for him/her.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78., p.106.
Giving alms-tax (Zakat) does not reduce your wealth.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.96., p.23.
Dancing is a natural behavior in many cultures; a way of showing happiness or sometimes sadness. In a theory raised by me! the release of energy by moving our body is dancing. But in a theory raised by a scholar "dance refers to a rhythmic movement of the body, usually for entertainment" [1]. Now, let us take both of these definitions into consideration and see what kind of dancing in Islam is forbidden (Haram).
In the view of some Islamic scholars, it is not permissible for women to dance anywhere in any ceremony irrespective of whether it is a wedding or a birthday ceremony except for a woman's dancing for her husband.
In expanding the above ruling, it has been said that “there is no problem in dancing in itself. However, if dancing entails sexual excitation or committing a forbidden (Haram) act like listening to forbidden (Haram) music, or it is in the presence of non-mahram men, it is forbidden (Haram). And it does not make a difference as to the various types of music. Generally speaking, if dancing is done in a sexually exciting manner, and lead to the commission of a forbidden act, or involves a bad effect, or if it is happening in front of a non-Mahram it is forbidden (Haram)” [3].
If a woman dances for her husband or vice-versa, and the dancing is not accompanied by a forbidden (Haram) act, there is no problem in it [4].
In mixed parties where men and women are sitting together, the dance of men or women in front of others is forbidden. Some think that it is OK if men dance in front of women. But in fact, it is forbidden (Haram) for a man to dance. Dance of women in front of men and any dancing which may entail a bad effect and arousal of sexual desires are forbidden (Haram). Playing music and listening to it is also unlawful (Haram) if it is done in a lahwi, enrapturing manner.
No matter if men or women who are dancing together or in front of others are of their unmarriageable kin (maḥrams) of the opposite sex. What is forbidden about dancing is general, i.e., regardless of whether it is done by a man, a woman, or in the presence of one’s marriageable kin (non-maḥram) or unmarriageable kin (maḥram) [5].
Dance of women for women is permitted (Halal) if it is not done in a sexually exciting manner and does not lead to the commission of a forbidden act, nor entails a bad effect. However, it is forbidden (Haram) to attend a dance party if it is considered as accepting the forbidden (Haram) act of others or leads to committing a forbidden (Haram) act. Otherwise, there is no harm in it. Dance of a woman for other women is forbidden if her husband does not allow her to do so.
Some people think that the rulings of dancing do not apply to wedding parties as it is just one happy night. But there is no difference between a wedding party and other occasions. Dancing with music is forbidden (Haram) [6].
In the case of wedding parties, the dance of women in front of women is not forbidden (Haram) under the conditions mentioned above.
As mentioned before, by obligatory caution, it is forbidden (Haram) for men to dance.
Here we discuss the point of releasing energy by moving the body. Is it forbidden (Haram)?
If the movements of the body do not meet the criteria of forbidden (Haram) dance, and if it is not accompanied by forbidden (Haram) music, there is no problem in dancing in private or in groups of women for fitness. However, we have to make sure that such dancing is not happening in front of CCTV cameras or filmed by people who may show it to non-mahrams.
Aerobics and other sports that are based on rhythmic music are permissible if the music is not forbidden (Haram). If music does not cause ecstasy, there is no objection to it. The duty-bound (mukallaf) himself should distinguish whether the music is lahwi or not [7].
Establishing centers for teaching and promoting dancing goes against the objectives of the Islamic system and it is impermissible by obligatory caution [8].
References:
- Sayyid Mujtaba Husseini, Questions and Answers by Students (Rules regarding Music), pg. 84
- Ayatullah Makarem-Shirazi, jurisprudential expressions, http://portal.anhar.ir/node/409#gsc.tab=0
- Sayyid Mas'ud Ma'sumi, Rules regarding Man-Woman Relationships, pg. 219
- Tawzih al-Masail (with annotations by Imam Khomeini), vol.2, pg. 970
- Dancing
- dance in Islam
- Dance
- Dance infront of non Mahrams
Fasting is one of the most important rituals of Islam, and Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
“O you who have faith! Prescribed for you is fasting as it was prescribed for those who were before you, so that you may be God wary” (2:183).
Now, as Ramadan is around the corner and the novel Coronavirus is continuing to spread globally, many Muslims worldwide are wondering if fasting could pose a higher risk of catching the COVID-19 virus, due to dehydration. They may raise some more questions, as is it safe to fast during this global pandemic? Doesn’t it weaken our immune system? And some wonder if they could be exempted from fasting to prevent catching this disease and remain healthy.
Let’s have a look at this question -to fast or not to fast? - from two different aspects: Science-based and religion-based.
According to the WHO and health experts’ recommendations, people are advised to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and stay healthy. Still, it will not prevent anyone from catching the new Coronavirus.
“Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-diseases expert at Vanderbilt University, said the claims are incorrect. While medical professionals typically recommend keeping up fluid intake, Schaffner said drinking more water will not keep anyone from catching the virus. “We always caution anyone healthy and people who are sick to keep up the fluid intake and keep mucus membranes moist,” he said. “It makes you feel better; there is no clear indication that it directly protects you against complications.” [1]
No, in fact, many scientific studies have shown the wide-ranging health benefits of intermittent fasting in boosting our immune system and living a longer life. The New England Journal of Medicine has recently published a review of research on the beneficial effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease:
“Evidence is accumulating that eating in a 6-hour period and fasting for 18 hours can trigger a metabolic switch from glucose-based to ketone-based energy, with increased stress resistance, increased longevity, and a decreased incidence of diseases, including cancer and obesity.” [2]
Even more interestingly, although some study claims that prolonged water fasting could have a slightly detrimental effect on the immune system, it also shows that immunity returns to a better state soon after eating and drinking again. [3]
First of all, the obligation of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an individual duty, and anyone who has the conditions to do so must fast, regardless of whether it is obligatory for others or not. According to Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani, one of the well-known Islamic jurists, if a Muslim fears that he/she will catch Coronavirus, even if he/she takes all precautionary measures, he/she will be relieved of the obligation for each day he/she remains in fear of catching the disease – if he/she were to fast. However, if he/she can reduce the probability of catching the disease so that it becomes reasonably insignificant – even by staying at home and not mixing closely with others, using a mask, medical gloves, frequent disinfection and so on – such that it does not cause unbearable difficulties for the individual, his/her obligation to fast is not waived. [4]
Another Islamic jurist follows the same line and adds that if a doctor forbids someone from fasting, due to the high risk of getting this virus, that person is not allowed to fast. But this should not lead to disrespecting others that fast and eating in public [5]. Many other Islamic jurists also confirm the fact that one should decide if fasting is risky for him/her or not. If “an individual has a reason to believe that fasting will cause illness, intensify or prolong an illness, or delay one’s recuperation,” he/she is not obliged to fast. But he/she should make up for the missed fastings later in the year [6]. However, some other Islamic jurists consider fasting an obligatory practice whose obligation is not lifted in this period, except if one thinks there is a high probability of getting the disease by fasting [7].
After all, it is essential to note that fasting in Islam is expected of those who are healthy enough to do so: “Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you” (2:185)
And sick people who fear that fasting may make them worse, risk their health or slow down their recovery are permitted not to fast:
“But should any of you be sick or on a journey, let it be a [similar] number of other days. Those who find it straining shall be liable to atonement by feeding a needy person” (2:184).
In conclusion, regarding the feedback received from the World Health Organization, fasting has nothing to do with the possibility of an increased risk of catching coronavirus. On the other hand, it is not easy to say for sure whether fasting offers some level of protection and immunity against the COVID-19 virus during this global crisis, so we’d better stick to the things we know would work: social distancing, avoiding gatherings, performing rituals separately, hand-washing, hygiene, and self-isolation.
References: