Dark Closets
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In order to evaluate the authorial enterprise behind the fitnah traditions, we need to examine the totality of the evidence including the rhetorical dynamics of these traditions along with their functions and potentialities. For instance, among the traditions that some jurists frequently cite in support of their argument for the exclusion of women is one which was reportedly transmitted by Ibn Umar. In this report, Ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Do not forbid your women from going to the mosque, but praying at home is better for them." A version of this report purportedly transmitted from the Prophet by Abd Allah b. Umar, becomes more extreme. It states: "The prayer of a woman in her room is better than her prayer house and her prayer in a dark closet is better than her prayer in her room" [Fath al-Bari]. The same message is then conveyed but this time through the involvement of a woman who reportedly goes to the Prophet to tell him that she loves to pray in the mosque with him. To this, the Prophet responds that he knows that she loves to pray with him but gives her the same advice as above. As a result, the woman went home and prayed in the most isolated and the darkest area of her house until she died [Musnad]. The least one can observe about these traditions are their remarkable vindictiveness — the more removed and inaccessible a woman is, the better, and even the love of the Prophet cannot change that fact.
Continual Sacrifices
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Some great sacrifices are such as are made once in life, like that of life. Some are very minor but must be made continuously. Their continuing nature makes them important because of many intangible aspects:
Calm Temperament
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The human mind works at its best when the surrounding environment is calm and settled. Likewise, it works at its best when the thinker's temperament is calm. When the human mind is beset with external or internal commotion, its powers become weak and it more easily falls prey to rashness and reckless passion.
It is a strategy of debate to get one's opponent angry, since once the opponent loses his or her composure his or her defeat is almost imminent, especially if one is able to keep one's cool and a smile on one's face.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) warns us that: "Anger is a burning ember in the human heart that is stoked up." [Musnad Ahmad]
Script for Film on Eid
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By Assad Bhuglah
At the dusk of 29th Ramadan, the eyes are fixed on sky on west horizon of Mauritius in search of new crescent. If the new moon is spotted, it’s end of fasting and the following day Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated. If no moon is seen, then the Ramadan fasting will continue for another day to be followed by Eid ul Fitr the following day. The Eid is a day of joy, forgiveness and reconciliation. It is not allowed to keep fast on Eid day, but rather have good food and new dresses and thank Allah for this favour.
Away from Misguidance
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Al-Rum (The Romans) Sura 30: Verse 30
"Set thy face to religion as a hanif, in the primordial nature from God upon which He originated mankind — there is no altering the creation of God; that is the upright religion, but most of mankind know not."