Parable : Beware of "Masjid Dhi-raara" (mosque of mischief & infidelity) ....

وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مَسۡجِدً۬ا ضِرَارً۬ا وَڪُفۡرً۬ا

وَتَفۡرِيقَۢا بَيۡنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَإِرۡصَادً۬ا لِّمَنۡ

حَارَبَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ وَلَيَحۡلِفُنَّ

إِنۡ أَرَدۡنَآ إِلَّا ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَشۡہَدُ إِنَّہُمۡ

لَكَـٰذِبُونَ لَا تَقُمۡ فِيهِ أَبَدً۬ا‌ۚ لَّمَسۡجِدٌ أُسِّسَ

عَلَى ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ مِنۡ أَوَّلِ يَوۡمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ

فِيهِ‌ۚ فِيهِ رِجَالٌ۬ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُواْ‌ۚ

وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُطَّهِّرِينَ أَفَمَنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ

عَلَىٰ تَقۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٍ خَيۡرٌ أَم مَّنۡ

أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ شَفَا جُرُفٍ هَارٍ۬

فَٱنۡہَارَ بِهِۦ فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ

ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَا يَزَالُ بُنۡيَـٰنُهُمُ ٱلَّذِى بَنَوۡاْ رِيبَةً۬ فِى

قُلُوبِهِمۡ إِلَّآ أَن تَقَطَّعَ قُلُوبُهُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

"And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and infidelity― to disunite the Believers and in preparation for one who warred against Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; but Allah doth declare that they are certainly liars. Never stand thou forth therein.

There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety (Taqwa); it is more worthy of thy standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure.

Which then is best?― he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah (Taqwa) and His Good pleasure?― or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces? And it doth crumble to pieces with him, into the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not people that do wrong. The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts until their hearts, are cut to pieces. And Allah is All-Knowing Wise."

(Qur'an: Taubah: 9: 107-110)

REFLECTION

SUB-HAA-NALLAAH! To understand this parable, which actually was based upon a real incident that happened in our Prophet Muhammad's life time s.a.w., we need to know the reasons or causes for the revelation of these verses (asbaa-b al-nuzul):

When Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. arrived (during the Hijrah) in Quba (outskirt of Madina) he stayed there and built the first mosque - which he referred to as the "Masjid of Taqwa" upon which was associated the building of strength of Islam through his frequent visits and Da'wah . Some of the hidden enemies of Islam, known as Munaafiqeen (Hypocrites) from Bani Ghanam, knew the importance of mosque as the sacred institution of Islam, also built a mosque there, pretending to be similarly advancing the cause of Islam. In reality, they were in league with one Abu 'Ameer, a notorious enemy who fought against the Prophet s.a.w. in Uhud and Hunain, and was then based in Syria. They built this mosque, as a base for him and their followers (the hypocrites), to promote their agenda and activity to undermine Islam and the Prophet's mission, s.a.w. Thus Allah s.w.t. revealed their dangerous plot and warned the Muslims of their evil scheme. This mosque, which Allah s.w.t. referred to as "Masjid Dhiraara wa Kufra" (a mosque built for mischief & infidelity) was then destroyed.

Are there present today such 'Masjid Dhiraara'?

To imagine that Islam does not have enemies today, who are mounting strategies against it and organizing activities to undermine it, is to be naive and foolish. Our Prophet's s.a.w. life is to be an example of what we may also encounter. As there are undeniably, many Muslims who are hypocrites today (especially those whom we can see as displaying hatred for Islam, although yet they claimed to be Muslims), presence of Masjid Dhiraara (or institutions akin to Masjid Dhiraara) too can never be denied nor discounted. In fact, as there are more munaafiqeen today if compared to the time of the Prophet s.a.w.,, so too will be the presence of such insidious (subtle, sinister & dangerous) institutions, that may have deceived many unwary Muslims and are being built and which seems innocouos.

Amongst many Muslims, their apathetic attitude; failure to distinguish the true from the false by using the criteria and principles in Revelation and Prophetic Wisdom (Al-Qur'an was-Sunnah); compounded by their obsession in borrowing un-Islamic standards from known enemies of Islam; their naivette lack of hadzar (holding to precautions); easy astonishment to things foreign and disliking own traditions; attraction to forms & systems which they favour more than principles and truth of Islam (such that they even dare to compromise these, just to be accepted as being 'progressive & modern'); loss of adab and inability to know the true from the bogus amongst leaders and scholars; inherent ignorance of the general masses amongst Muslims, which compounded the disunity and in-fighting amongst the various Muslim groups; some of which seemingly seen as promoting Islam but in reality preferring worldly gains and self-promotion in the world-stage (using: political, economical, social or other jargons as their concern and consideration rather than continuing the mission of the Prophet in spreading Islam to all); love of this world and fear of others rather than being sincere upon the Deen, as Allah s.w.t. clarified " مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ وَلَوۡ كَرِهَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ " to be sincere upon this Deen (to the extent) even though unbelievers do not like it" - etc. These factors, couple with other external factors - of forces inimical towards Islam with their own strategies to weaken and undermine Muslims; their lending support and assistance to these munaafiqeen, instigating intra-conflict amongst Muslims - makes the situation to be even worse. In this state of affairs of the Muslims, institutions like 'masjid dhiraara' could easily be started, planted, or even through infiltration by infusing their personnels into existing Islamic institutions.

CRITERIA: Check the Foundation

Allah s.w.t. gave us a prototype, a model of what a true mosque (or any Islamic institution), requiring three important criteria. They should possess the following:

لَّمَسۡجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ مِنۡ أَوَّلِ يَوۡمٍ

"a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety (Taqwa);"

(A) TAQWA (Piety - Consciousness of Allah with awe & reverential fear)

This should be the foundation for any Islamic institution. Every Friday sermon without fail, Muslims are enjoined towards this. Such is its importance, yet Muslims do not make this as basis and the foundation to many of their so-called "Islamic" institutions. There are even some mosques which pay only lip service to this message of Taqwa, if we seriously analyse their stated objective, their staff and managements' orientation, their goal setting and activities. Borrowing heavily from corporate culture, Taqwa is relegated to mere labels, or even completely omitted from their mission statement; and they resemble more like community centres or social clubs, with the exception perhaps that there is As-Swolah (prayers). Unfortunately in some, although As-Swolah is performed, even this may seem to be of less important activity, relegated as secondary or regarded as incidental or even ritual when compared to what they had planned as programs.

How can Taqwa become its foundation? when Islamic programs leading to inculcation of Taqwa - true Islamic education, Islah and Da'wah - is not seriously pursued. A check on the understanding of what Taqwa is amongst members of the congregation/association and those who frequent the mosque/institution, would be a simple test to determine whether Taqwa is truly upheld as its foundation or not. If it is not then, we need to correct and reorientate it to its true focus. Make Taqwa the basis for every activity - and Swolah is the pillar and program for its continuous inculcation when performed with true knowledge. If this is opposed, then it is one of the sure indication that that instituition is becoming (if not has become) a masjid dhiraara.

لَا تَقُمۡ فِيهِ أَبَدً۬ا‌ۚ
"Never stand thou forth therein"

Allah s.w.t. uses the word "abada" which stresses the injunction "never" to become "never ever." Such is a strong commandment. We must realise that, when foundation of a mosque, or so-called 'Islamic' institution, is not Taqwa, and it shows intent to cause mischief and even leading people away from Islam, obviously towards infidelity. For Muslim to be associated with it is forbidden. This "masjid dhiraara" actually aims at using unwary Muslims to support their agenda, to give credence to what they are doing, as though it is Islamic or claim to be advancing the cause of Islam. So do not be easily deceived by labels and slogans. Beware!

(B) As-SWOLAH (Devotional prayer)

لَّمَسۡجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ مِنۡ أَوَّلِ يَوۡمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ فِيهِ‌ۚ

"There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of thy standing forth
(for prayer - As-Swolah) therein."

The main activity of a mosque is for As-Swolah. Thus its name "masjid" is derived from "sajada" (meaning prostration). Our Prophet s.a.w. places Swolah as "imad-du al-Deen" (the pillar of the religion). In every Muslim's activity revolves around this important practice - these must be upheld not just by mosques but any institution claiming to be Islamic (even a Muslim home). Yet, in the above verse, choosing the appropriate mosque is conditional, and Allah s.w.t. forbade praying in "masjid dhiraara". This would include so-called 'Islamic' institutions that have similar traits. Apart from not becoming an accomplice to the un-Islamic scheme of such institution, it underlines the relationship of As-swolah with the overall developmental program of instilling Taqwa, which is its very foundation.

As our model is "Masjid Quba" or also referred to as "Masjid Taqwa", we should re-discover and implement the system and method of our Prophet s.a.w. The mosque is the nerve-centre to inject and revitalise Muslims with Taqwa. The main program being As-Swolah, which if performed with correct knowledge and realization, lead by educators who would also inculcate in them with appropriate Islamic guidance (irshaada), strengthening and deepening their conviction (iiman), moulding of their noble character (makarim al-akhlaq), and many other educative approaches following the Sunnah of our Prophet s.a.w. of ta'dib, ta'lim and tarbiyyah - these approaches that has proven to possess transformative power to produce the best of people - the 'Khayra Ummah.' People who are capable of fulfilling the Amanah (Trust) of the Prophet of Mercy s.a.w. in elevating the Kalimah of Allah as the highest, inviting to all that is good, enjoin the doing of what is right and forbidding wrong; exuding nobility of character and with their lives to become true witnesses for all other people:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا لِّتَڪُونُواْ شُہَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ شَهِيدً۬ا‌ۗ

" Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced That ye might be witnesses over the nations and the Messenger a witness over yourselves"

(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 143)

(C) AL-MU-TOH-HIREEN (Those who make themselves pure)

فِيهِ رِجَالٌ۬ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُواْ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُطَّهِّرِينَ

"In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure. "

What really makes an institution or organization, are its constituent or members. A 'masjid', or mosque, is technically a place for people to gather for prostration and worship. Structure, building or architecture does not really constitute a mosque if there are no congregational prayer or worship performed there. It requires the people, the main constituent. So if we truly want to assess quality of a mosque, it does not depend on the building proper, nor the organizational structure, but its people - those who frequent it and who actively engages in its activity there. When the foundation of a mosque is Taqwa, the appropriate people would be people of Taqwa. We ought to be reminded that Taqwa is the criteria which Allah s.w.t. Himself uses in determining who is the most honoured amongst man. Alas, in some mosques or Islamic institutions, Taqwa has not been regarded as an important criteria (or even some do not regard it as a criteria). Worldly attainments and academic excellence, it seems has precedence over Taqwa.

Some may argue, that it is not easy to assess Taqwa. Well Allah s.w.t. makes it easy by informing of this quality: the quality of those "men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure." These, obviously are pious or God-fearing people, for the meaning of pure here are "those who constantly seek forgiveness of sins through reparation and repentance, striving with their utmost in Allah's way, patiently perservering to gain nearness to Allah." And when Allah s.w.t. says that He loves such people, their presence indeed are source of Allah's blessings and bestowals upon everyone who are there with them. It is sad, such quality may now be regarded by some people as archaic, traditional and therefore obsolete! LAA-HAW-LA WA-LAA QUW-WATA IL-LA BIL-LAAH.

أَفَمَنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ تَقۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٍ خَيۡرٌ أَم مَّنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ شَفَا جُرُفٍ هَارٍ۬

"Which then is best?― he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah and His Good pleasure?― or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces?"

This question would be easy to answer. But the gravity of its message for Muslims to heed, is indeed serious and frightening. How many can vouchsafe that Taqwa is the foundation to their mosque/institution they frequent to. When the foundation is resting upon "sand-cliff ready to crumble", yet those in it are oblivious and unconcerned? ? This crumbling is not like those buildings destroyed in earthquake (although this itself is already terrible). It is :

فَٱنۡہَارَ بِهِۦ فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

لَا يَزَالُ بُنۡيَـٰنُهُمُ ٱلَّذِى بَنَوۡاْ رِيبَةً۬ فِى قُلُوبِهِمۡ إِلَّآ أَن تَقَطَّعَ قُلُوبُهُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

"And it doth crumble to pieces with him, into the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not people that do wrong. The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts until their hearts, are cut to pieces. And Allah is All-Knowing Wise"

OUR PRAYER

رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدۡخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ فَقَدۡ أَخۡزَيۡتَهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنۡ أَنصَارٍ۬ رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا سَمِعۡنَا مُنَادِيً۬ا يُنَادِى لِلۡإِيمَـٰنِ أَنۡ ءَامِنُواْ بِرَبِّكُمۡ فَـَٔامَنَّا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا فَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَڪَفِّرۡ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلۡأَبۡرَارِ رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخۡزِنَا يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ

"Our Lord! any whom thou dost admit to the Fire Truly thou coverest them with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers! "Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (us) to faith, `Believe ye in the Lord', and we have believed. Our Lord! forgive us our sins blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous. "Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thy Messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: for thou never breakest Thy promise."

O Allah! Convey Salutation and Peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad and his family, his righteous Companions and loyal followers of the Companions, and all those who follow them in truth and benevolence, and assist him with utmost striving in upholding his Deen, till the Hereafter. Aa-min.

Wa-Allaahu a'lam

Wa-billaa-hi Taufiq Wal-Hidaa-yah

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