Thursday, August 27, 2009

He was Mohammed S.A.W


Since it's Ramadan I'm sharing this nasheed (Islamic song) with you:



I think many Muslims are mistaken when they say that genealogy creates arrogance amongst people and that it creates conflict. If your intention is pure and right then I don't think there is anything wrong with learning about your ancestors and tracing where you came from. A person should ask themselves why they are researching their family history. In the Quran it says:


[Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in Allah’s sight is that one of you who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.]
(Al-Hujurat 49:13)


Genealogical research is a way of understanding our history and learning about the people that came before us, their way of living, the events in their lives and the world they lived in. This does not mean that we should glorify our ancestors or embellish stories of our ancestry to make ourselves seem important.


The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:

You are sons of Adam, and Adam came from dust. Let the people cease to boast about their ancestors.” (Abu Dawud)

These genealogies of yours are not a reason to revile anyone. You are all children of Adam. No one has any superiority over another except in religion and taqwa (godliness).” (Ahmad)

Especially now in the age when families are separated by geographical distance, and the attitudes of the younger generation, it's important to keep in touch with our families. Genealogy is a way for people to connect with relatives and share their heritage. More people need to understand this.

What's your opinion on this subject?

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