Last month while I was in Pakistan I got into a discussion with some of my husband’s relatives, who told me that as a muslim I sould grow my hair long and cut my nails short, that will make my iman grow. Well I told them, I have long hair because that’s how I like it and I cut my nails short because I can’t work with long nails. THay told me that my efforts could not be accepted by Allah swt because of the reason why I had done them. Had they been done for the sake of Allah they might be useful to me in the hereafter but the way I had done, they were useless. I’d like to know the opinion of some more people.
I personally believe that Islam just imposes a decent, non-threatful image to be adapted by its followers. What these people fail to understand is the “why” behind these enforcents, and just stick to rubbing their noses on the etched line. I really dont see a worthy argument here just “tu tu mei mei” and different aspects of the same belief.
Why were they telling you that you should “grow your hair long and cut your nails short” if they were already that way?
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/confused.gif
I mean Islam just wants you to follow it, despite what your intents are.
Wheter it be not gettin your nails broken while handling objects or whatever, or people noticing you less cause of your short hair.
o©º°¨¨°º©o LiFe Is An IllUsIoN aNd ReAliTy iS a FiGmEnT oF tHe iMaGiNaIiOn o©º°¨¨°º©o
I will like to disagree.
In Islam, the intent of any action is extremely important. Intent which is the translation of Arabic word "Niyyat" is so important that the famous hadith says:
From Sahih Bukhari
Volume 1, Book 2, Number 51:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
[quote]
*Allah's Apostle said, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended."
[/quote]
*
There is also a famous rivayat (incident) of the Prophet (PBUH) which is relevant to this case. In Medina He (PBUH) went to visit a sahabi who had just completed his new home. In the home, the Prophet (PBUH) saw big beautiful windows. He asked his host, as to why did he install such big windows. The host replied that he had installed those windows so that fresh air can come in and sunlight can brighten the rooms. The Prophet (PBUH) replied, that had you installed them so that you can hear the adhaan (Call for prayer) and the message of God, then you would have received more reward for this act.
This shows, that even for those acts which are everyday normal acts for us, if we make an endeavour to follow the islamic teachings and sunnah, and our intent is to follow the Islamic teachings as much as possible, the same actions will be more rewarding for us. Without the proper intent, even though we will still be doing them, but no reward is being earned. However, Allah Ta'alla, the all Merciful, Rehman and Raheem will, Insha Allah, bless all the followers of the Prophet (PBUH).
Whether or not other people should stick their noses in affairs that do not involve them, is a separate question. If the intent is to impart knowledge if they suspect that you do not know about it and may find it useful, then, Allah will reward them and will also reward you for listenting to them, and Insha Allah, follow, any suggestion, which you feel is part of Islamic sharia. If, however, this interference is simply to taunt the other person and to impress them with their own superiority of knowledge then it falls under "Takabbar" (Proudness) and its a sin.
...and Allah Knows Best.
Adios!
[This message has been edited by Pristine (edited October 02, 2000).]
Very interesting discussion Shirin.
I'd like to come back to this when I have a bit more time....
[quote]
Originally posted by kaka malang:
....or people noticing you less cause of your short hair.
[/quote]
I'm not here to dis agree on ur views but
the question of anybody noticing or not doesn't fit in in many contexts.....e.g
if I go a beach here ofcourse I'll be very noticeable b/c I'll be fully clothed as opposed to the bikini infested area......
hence our target should be to be modest
and not waste our energies on trivialities
but focus on more important issues such as being a good human being and ofcourse a good muslim....
Iman (faith) is the main point here she said
"that they say my Iman will grow"
now what does your hair and nails have to do with faith in Islam?
now can we disscus about the Iman part because the Intention part is clear!
What Shirin encountered is a fact of life! Islam has become a religion based on hearsay & superstitions, as follows:
"a muslim I sould grow my hair long and cut my nails short, that will make my iman grow"
Is this the kind of Islam you want? Or, Do we want Islam based on REASON?
If you follow people like Pristine, then you will always, ALWAYS get out-dated Islam based on 'hearsays' collected by Al Bukhari in his hadiths/sunnahs which is the embodiment of Islam for the most muslims.
Folks - the Bukharis belong in the book shelf of the libraries and NOT as Source of Islamic interpretations!
There are better ways that can be found in a humane & spiritual Islam that seeks, as a UMMAH, new interpretations of Quran reflecting the current time.
faceup: Did I miss something here or did you actually gave an answer to shirin?
I am still interested in knowing how you respond to the question of shirin based on “… better ways that can be found in a humane & spiritual Islam that seeks, as a UMMAH, new interpretations of Quran reflecting the current time.”
Cheer up kiddy. Adios!
Don’t Blame me…
C’est La Vie
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/smile.gif
[This message has been edited by Pristine (edited October 03, 2000).]
Pristine,
We are more quickly, rather than gradually, losing patience with your direct attacks on members and faiths alike.
If you cannot show respect to both, you can leave.