Truthfulness
“Speak truthfully so that Allah may
Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35
8 The Truth
Worship and Good
reform your deeds”
Holy Qur’an (Chapter 33: Verse 70)
Truthfulness is one of the
most basic things for the
establishment of mutual
social relations. Islam
has, therefore, attached
much importance to
truthfulness as a moral
value and the Holy
Qur’an has mentioned it
on various occasions.
People trust a man who
speaks rightly and truthfully. They hold
him in high esteem and accept every word
of his to be true and correct.
On the other hand, if a man tells lies
and talks foolishly and extravagantly, he
loses credit in the eyes of the people and
Almighty God is also displeased with
him.
If we always talk wisely and are truthful,
God (G) helps us in doing good and useful
things, and in leading a prosperous life. We
should always remember that truthfulness
is the basis of one’s dignity and honour.
Allah The Kind
“Allah is very kind and generous to His
creatures.”
Holy Qur’an (Chapter 2: Verse 217).
God (G), whom we worship, is Just. He is
kind to all His creatures and is not cruel to
anyone. He gives a good reward to those
who do good deeds. On the other hand,
those who do bad deeds, have to undergo
punishment.
God loves His creatures. He helps them and
guides them to the right path through His
Prophets.
God wants that all human beings should do
good deeds so that they may lead prosperous
and happy lives. He also wants that those
who do evil deeds, due to their ignorance,
should forsake their improper and incorrect
ways, repent sincerely for their sins and
begin doing good deeds.
Allah wants goodness and happiness for
everyone and is very kind to everybody.
Behaviour
“Your Lord has commanded you
not to worship anyone but Him, and
you must be kind to your parents”
Holy Qur’an (Chapter 17: Verse 23).
Allah (G) has created us and given
us countless gifts so that we may
live a happy and peaceful life. It is,
therefore, our duty to thank Him and
worship Him.
In the Holy Qur’an obedience to
parents has been mentioned at many
places along with obedience to
Allah and in some cases it has been
mentioned as the first recommendation
to the children of Adam.
Our parents have done great favours to
us. They have borne many hardships
to bring us up. It is, therefore,
necessary for us to appreciate the
good they have done to us. We should
obey their lawful orders. We should
try our best to recompense them for
their kindness, so that Almighty Allah
may also be pleased with us.
Islam has laid great stress on the good
treatment of one’s parents. Allah is
pleased with those who keep their
parents happy, and one invites His
wrath by annoying them.
Vol. 2 Issue 35 Thu. Nov 1, 2007
The Truth
a nd Psych W
an e bumps o
hat are the goose bumps? Where does
it occur? How does it occur? Why does
The ur
s
logthe skin.
in it happen? What is psychobiology? How
oo
is it related to the Quran? The Quran is an
Q
y
extremely powerful book, which is why it is
very hard to perceive all its mysteries. Yet,
scholars are not capable of actually entirely
decoding the Quranic miracles and mysteries.
Ever wondered why the Quran has only one
version and was never actually modified
like various other holy scriptures? Well, you
are about to discover one of the numerous
miracles the Quran reserves for humanity.
CONT’D ON PAGE 2
By: Mohamad Al-Khabaz
Building a Within Quebec, in a way much more pronounced,
outspoken, and virulent than any other province in
Nation Together Canada, are present extremely negative attitudes
Part 1 toward Muslims. There is a great amount of
misconception regarding Muslims spread around,
particularly in the press. Efforts are being made,
with particular fervor in Quebec, to paint Muslim
citizens as confrontational, aggressive, excessively
demanding, and inflexible, and imposing in their
By: Cyril Anderson expression of their culture.
CONT’D ON PAGE 3
IMAM
MUHAMMED AL-BAQIR (P)
Our fifth Imam is Muhammed al-Baqir (P). He was the son of Imam Ali
bin Hussein Zayn al-Abidin (P). He was born in Medina in the year 57
A.H. Imam Muhammed al-Baqir (P) was the man of many qualities of
greatness, reverence and piety.
CONT’D ON PAGE 7
 Quran and Psychology IMAM
IF YOU WANT TO
RECEIVE YOUR WEEKLY
From PAGE 1 MUHAMMED AL-BAQIR (P)
From PAGE 1
DIGITAL COPY Now let’s get back to the first question. According to
the encyclopaedia “Wikipedia”, “goose pumps” are the
(PDF FORMAT) bumps on a person’s skin at the base of body hairs which
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE involuntarily react when a person is cold or experiences
TO THE TRUTH’S strong emotions such as fear or fright. However, it
did not mention the most important reason for goose
MAILING LIST @ bumps, FAITH. Yes, faith is related to skin shivering.
HTTP://GROUPS.GOOGLE. Not every faith, only the Islamic faith. The person who
COM/GROUP/THET- seeks nearness to Allah (Glorious and Exalted is He) will
experience that effect of goose bumps. Ever wonder why
RUTH110 your skin shivers sometimes when you hear an amazing
Hadith (a Saying of Prophet Muhammed (May Allah’s
Peace and Blessings be upon him and his Progeny) or his
Ahlulbayt (Peace be upon them)), a verse from the Holy
Quran or any emotional speech related to Islam? Well
IF YOU WANT ANY now you’ve got the answer: faith.
MATERIAL TO BE

Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35

Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35

Dr. Gagnon (Ph.D) from the psychology department of

Dawson College states that these effects are due to spinal
PUBLISHED PLEASE reflexes from the brain. The Wikipedia encyclopaedia
SEND US AN E-MAIL. goes further and defines it by saying it is tiny muscles
at the base of each hair, known as arrectores pilorum,
contract and pull the hair erect. The reflex is started by He was the greatest scholar of his time. His life was the best model of good
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE the sympathetic nervous system, which is in general manners and piety. He used to work on his farm. He put in hard labour so as to
HAVE THE RIGHT responsible for many fight-or-flight responses. earn enough to support his family, and to help the poor and the needy.
TO ACCEPT, This psychobiological effect is mentioned in the Quran
in the following verse:
EDIT OR REFUSE “Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this
It was his greatest desire that people should acquire knowledge. For this
ANY CONTENT. Quran), its parts resembling each other in goodness purpose, he had set up a study circle where he taught people the Islamic Law.
and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear Imam al-Baqir (P) disclosed the secrets of knowledge and wisdom and unfolded
EDITOR IN CHIEF: their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear
it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the
the principles of spiritual and religious guidance. Later his students and disciples
HASSAN TABATABAI remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah. became great scholars themselves, and performed an important role in the
EDITOR: He Guides therewith whom He pleases and whomever propagation of knowledge and guidance of the people.
AHMAD AL NAJJAR Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.” (Holy
Quran 39:23) The collection and arrangement of Islamic Jurisprudence commenced during the
DESIGNED BY: If we examine this verse, we see that Allah mentioned
NAGI GIRGUIS that this effect is a kind of guidance to the right path; time of Imam Muhammed al-Baqir (P). He also commented upon and explained
“That is the guidance of Allah”. In fact, these spinal the contents of the Qur’an, the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet and other branches
reflexes happened often to people that are well guided, of knowledge. After him his son Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (P) and other Imams
PLEASE SEND US most specifically people that practice the religion of
continued this task.
YOUR FEEDBACKS, Islam and are a believers. Characteristics of a believer
COMMENTS, mentioned in the Quran requires several practices
It is beyond the power of a man to recount the deep impression of knowledge
and have a good conscious of his religion and well as
AND SUGGESTIONS processes faithful qualities. and guidance left by the Imam on the hearts of the faithful. His sayings about
TO THE FOLLOWING All in all, the Holy Quran shows guidance to humanity devotion and abstinence, knowledge and wisdom, and religious exercise and
E-MAIL: trough many interesting topics such as psychology and
submission to Allah are great in number.
modern science. It shows that Islam isn’t just a religion;
thetruth110@gmail.com it is a path...the right path to the world to come.
The greatest good is to impart knowledge to others.

2 The Truth The Truth 7

 Building a Nation Together
Prophethood From PAGE 1
Ironically, this is precisely the sort of We are not looking for conflict or controversy,
Who is a Prophet? impression that many Muslims get from the but simply to live our lives. Muslim citizens
A Prophet is a human being more antagonistic non-Muslim francophones in are for the most part quite willing to integrate
whom Allah chooses among His Quebec society. Indeed, it seems perhaps that productively within this society, given that
people and teaches him through
we all have a thing or two to learn about basic non-Muslims citizens are willing to make them
the Angel Gabriel (P). Each one
human relations. feel welcome as a part of this nation, and given
of these Prophets has been sent to
mankind, at a particular time, to The purpose of this brief article is to address that non-Muslims do not take integration to
guide the people to worship One some of these misconceptions, and to make mean a wholesale abandoning of our identity.
God (Allah) and teach mankind an effort, however humble, to open the Certainly, the non-Muslims have the right not
religion. door to more productive and harmonious to have us impose ourselves upon them, and it
Attributes of a Prophet: dialogue. It is my hope that this small is not our interest or intention to do so in our
When Allah (G) chooses to send a Messenger to people to instruct and teach them to article can make a small contribution to efforts to practice our religion in this country.
put trust in One God, to worship Him and do good deeds, the person selected should be the currently ongoing efforts to break down It is a duty on our part to do our best to make
the noblest in thought, speech, deeds and behaviour, so that people believe, respect and misconceptions and build bridges between sure that in expressing our identity, we do not
trust him. Therefore, Prophets altogether are characterized with good morals and virtues,
the Muslim community, and the Quebec make our fellow citizens who do not share this
foresight, intelligence, exemplary behaviour and doing good deeds in their communities.
society as a whole. religious identity unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Prophet Muhammed (M), like other prophets, had these exemplary attributes, which is

Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35

Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35

why people called him, both before and after being called to prophethood, “the truthful The first, and perhaps most problematic Similarly, we have a right not to be unreasonably
and honest one”. He was sent for all people and the Holy Qur’an was revealed through misconception held by many in Quebec prevented from practicing our religion; that
him to teach the Islamic religion, which was conveyed to mankind to guide them on the about Muslims is that Muslim citizens is, we have the right not to have the majority
right path. generally wish to be isolated from Quebec and enforce itself on us in an oppressive way.
The Need for Prophets Canadian society, and do not wish to integrate Integration does not mean assimilation; if
Allah (G) created man on this earth and provided him with all his needs. He also gave harmoniously within the society. This is an we choose to dress and behave in a way that is
him wisdom. Yet it is necessary for man to know the purpose of his existence and his unfortunate perception, as little could be farther slightly different from the way you choose to
Lord Who created and provided for him. In return, it is also necessary for him to thank his from the truth. dress or behave, this should not be any concern
Creator for the blessings He bestowed upon him, and to learn how to praise and worship
Indeed, the general wish of the vast majority of or business of yours, if you are truly sincere in
the Almighty and carry out his duties on this earth.
Muslim citizens in Quebec, and in Canada is your promotion of the value of individual rights
Man himself lives in communities which themselves need love, co-operation, cleanliness,
justice, knowing-the truth and helping the poor. Unfortunately, he also harbors things to work to build our community as integrated and freedoms. You should be free to live your
which are harmful and evil like gambling, falsehood, murder, stealing, accepting parts of a unified society. Many Muslim lives as you see fit, and we should be able to
falsehood and being oppressive. These are the crucial and essential facts that people must citizens came to Canada, and Quebec in live our lives as we see fit, as long as what we
know in order to lead them to an honourable and pious life. particular, seeking a better life from places in are doing does not excessively impinge on your
Allah (G) loves His creatures and desires for them goodness, therefore He sent them which conflict between different groups was a rights. In a free society, we should certainly
Prophets from among them to teach all these things as a guide towards goodness and big problem. Most would like nothing better be able to be civil and open enough to calmly
righteousness: than to live their lives in as peaceful and happy share with each other our particular values
1. The prophets teach people that Allah is One and there is no god besides Him. a way as possible, sharing and enjoying this and cultures and beliefs without resorting to
2. The prophets teach people how to worship Allah through following certain
land with those who came here before them. slander or defamation. Doubtless, we have
obligations placed upon them, like prayer, fasting, performing pilgrimage (hajj)...
Our religious community is situated within the both made some errors in this regard in the
etc.
3. They teach man how to live with each other on the basis of love, fraternity general community of Quebec and Canada. To past, and will do so in the future. This is par
and co-operation. build our community, we need to help build for the course in the meeting between cultures
4. They forbid them against committing harmful deeds, like killing, murder and the nation as a whole, given that we are part and civilizations.
falsehood. of it. Within our religion, it is considered There is some work to be done in perfecting
5. Allah surely sent the Prophets so that man could not pretend to have the a supreme duty, as part of our duty to our the balance between the freedoms of Muslim
excuse on Resurrection Day that he was unfamiliar with his religious duty, that Creator, to seek the best for the country in citizens to express themselves and the right of
Allah did not send any messages to him, nor any instructions. which we are living, to work in our own way non-Muslims not to feel imposed upon. The
6. Consequently, the Prophets are like leading lights for mankind, acting as to build our nation. That is our wish; to work non-Muslims have work to do in this regard,
reformers.
Footnote:
together with non-Muslim citizens to make the and so do the Muslims.
(G) Glorious and Exalted is He / Refers to Allah, God best possible nation. To be continued in the next issue

6 The Truth The Truth 3


By: Saulat Pervez
American Muslim women today are
rediscovering the pristine Islam as revealed by
God to Prophet Muhammed (M.), more than 1,400
years ago, but without any of the contradictions
of ancestral culture. Consequently they are
essentially engaging in a life-long exercise of
rediscovering their own selves – what it means
to be a human, a Muslim, and more so, a Muslim
woman. Wearing a head-covering (Hijab) is
an important part of their spiritual journey.
One of the most common questions today, asked
by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, is: “Why
do Muslim women cover their heads?” The
answer is very simple - Muslim women observe
Hijab because Allah has told them to do so:
Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35
“O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters
and the believing women to draw their outer
garments around them (when they go out
or are among men). That is better in order
that they may be known (to be Muslims)
and not annoyed...” (Holy Qur’an 33:59).
Muslims believe that their sole purpose in
life is the worship of God alone, according
to His instructions, as revealed in the Holy
Qur’an, and through the teachings of the
Prophet Muhammed (M.). As such, wearing
the Hijab is an act of obedience to God and,
hence, forms the primary basis for wearing it.
Generalizations about Islam and Muslims
are replete in today’s media. Muslim women
in headscarves are frequently unfairly
stigmatized. They are regarded on the one hand
as oppressed, and on the other, as fanatics and
fundamentalists. Both depictions are grossly
wrong and imprecise. Such portrayals not only
misrepresent these women’s strong feelings
towards Hijab, but also fail to acknowledge
their courage and the resulting identity Hijab
gives them. There are even bans on wearing
the Hijab in some countries. When asked about
this, Aminah Assilmi, a Christian convert
to Islam, said: “To ask me to go out without
my Hijab would be like asking a nun to go
topless. It amazes me, and I cannot help but
4 The Truth
Hijab - Unveiling the Mystery
wonder, if they would have ordered Mary,
the mother of Jesus (P.) to uncover her hair.”
Another misconception is the belief that
Muslim women are forced to wear Hijab. For
the vast majority of Muslim women, nothing
could be farther from the truth. Indeed, deciding
finally to wear Hijab is often difficult. Days
of meditation, fear of negative consequences
and reactions from family and/or
the wider American society, and
ultimately, the need for plenty
of courage weigh heavily
in reaching the decision.
Wearing Hijab is a very
personal and independent
decision, coming from
appreciating the wisdom
underlying Allah’s command
and a sincere wish to please Him.
While the Hijab identifies women as
followers of Islam, with it comes tremendous
responsibility. Hijab is not merely a covering
dress, but more importantly, it is behavior,
manners, speech and appearance in public.
The headscarf is an outer manifestation of
an inner commitment to worshipping Allah
– it symbolizes a commitment to piety. Self
or inner morality is what gives meaning to
the external scarf. This can be perceived from
the overall demeanor of any Muslim woman
– how she acts, dresses, speaks, and so on. In
a land where misinformation about Islam and
Muslims abounds, Muslim sisters have the
opportunity to portray Islam in its true light
Saba M. Baig, a graduate of Rutgers University,
NJ, was 17 when she seriously started wearing
Hijab. She feels that she is still in the process
of learning internal Hijab. “My biggest
realization was that Hijab was not just about
wearing a scarf on my head, but more of a
(veil) on my heart,” said Baig. “Hijab is more
than an external covering. That’s the easy part
of it all. It has a lot (more) to do with modesty
and just the way you present yourself.”
Katherine Bullock observed that “after I started
wearing Hijab, I noticed that people would
often behave more circumspectly with me,
like apologizing if they swore. I appreciated
that. I feel that wearing Hijab has given me
an insight into a decent and upright lifestyle.”
HIJAB IS AN ACT OF MODESTY
Modest clothing and Hijab are
precautions to avoid social
violations. The following
verses of the Qur’an
highlight that this is not
limited to women only.
“Say to the believing men
that they should lower their
gaze and guard their modesty;
that will make for greater purity for
them; and Allah is well acquainted with all
that they do. And say to the believing women
that they should lower their gaze and guard
their modesty; and that they should not
display their beauty and ornaments except
what must ordinarily appear thereof; that
they should draw their veils over their
bosoms and not display their beauty except
to their husbands...” (Qur’an 24:30-31)
According to Jabir ibn Abdullah, when he
asked the Prophet (P.), about a man’s gaze
falling inadvertently on a strange woman,
the Prophet replied, “Turn your eyes
away”. In another tradition, the Prophet (P.)
chided for looking again at a woman – he
said, “the second glance is from Satan.”
So, contrary to popular belief, Muslim and non-
Muslim, Hijab is not worn for men; to keep
their illicit desires in check – that is their own
responsibility, as the above verse and Prophetic
sayings show. Rather, Muslim women wear it
for God and their own selves. Islam is a religion
of moderation and of balance between extremes.
The Truth
Therefore, it does not expect women alone to
uphold society’s morality and uprightness.
Rather, Islam asks men and women mutually
to strive to create a healthy social environment
where children may grow with positive, beautiful,
constructive and practical values and concepts.
In fact, for many women Hijab is a constant
reminder that they should not have to design
their lives and bodies for men. “Before I started
covering, I thought of myself based on what
others thought of me. I see that too often in girls,
their happiness depends on how others view
them, especially men. Ever since, my opinion
of myself has changed so much; I have gained
(a lot of) self-respect. I have realized whether
Thursday, November 1, 2007. Vol. 2 Issue 35
others may think of me as beautiful is not
what matters. How beautiful I think of myself
and knowing that Allah finds me beautiful
makes me feel beautiful,” Baig recounts.
The concept of modesty and Hijab in
Islam is holistic, and encompasses both
men and women. The ultimate goal is to
maintain societal stability and to please God.
Since Muslim women are more conspicuous
because of their appearance, it is easier for
people to associate them with the warped images
they see in the print and broadcast media.
Hence, stereotypes are perpetuated and Muslim
women often seem “mysterious” to those not
acquainted with the religious meanings of Hijab.
This aura of “mystery” cannot be removed until
their lifestyles, beliefs and thought-systems
are genuinely explored. And, this cannot be
achieved until one is not afraid respectfully
to approach Muslim women – or men for that
matter. So, the next time you see a Muslim, stop
and talk to them – you’ll feel, God-Willing, as
if you’re entering a different world, the world
of Islam: full of humility, piety, and of course,
modesty!
_____________________________________________
Footnotes:
(M) May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him and
his Progeny / Refers to Prophet Muhammed
(P) Peace be upon Him / Refers to Angels, Prophets
and Imams
5