Whenever our four-month-old son cries a little more than usual or runs a mild temperature, my wife says that this is the result of an evil eye cast by some of our relatives who may have admired him during a visit. I find it difficult to believe this could be true.
It is true that an evil eye could cause problems. The Prophet, peace be upon him, is quoted as saying: "An (evil) eye can make a thick rope go through a needle hole." Some people are so envious that a desire to see other people deprived of what they have is very strong in their minds. Such people look at others, who enjoy one aspect or another of Allah's grace, with an evil eye. The great majority of people are not like that. There is no need, therefore, to be unduly worried about relatives who admire your child or speak highly of them. If you feel unduly worried about this, it could destroy your social life. [It is a good practice to praise Allah when someone is admiring your child — by saying 'Masha'Allah'.]
The Prophet, peace be upon him, has taught us what to do in order to seek Allah's protection for our children. You can pray to Him in these words: "It is by Allah's complete words that I seek protection against the evil perpetrated by His creatures." Another prayer which you may repeat for your child is: "I seek protection for you with Allah's complete words against every devil and evil and against every evil eye."
Moreover, if you read the last two surahs of the Qur'an, "Al-Falaq", or the Daybreak, and "An-Naas", or Men, you protect him from evil eyes and from harm caused by other people, you can always be certain that these prayers are answered because they undoubtedly are.
• Excellence: Building an image of
People who engage in certain competitive professions often try to give an image of excellence about themselves and their work. They feel that it is necessary for their business. What does Islam say to that?
The first thing to remember in this connection is that Islam does not approve of telling lies for any reason except in a very small number of well-known cases. On the other hand, Islam stresses the importance of honesty in all dealings. Therefore, whether a person works in trade or practices a particular profession, he must keep within these two main guidelines: Maintain honesty and refrain from lying. If one observes these two principles, then one may advertise his work or profession, if he deems it important for his success.
A practicing lawyer may, for example, offer his services to the pubic stating that he is a professor of law in a particular university. If he actually occupies such a post then there is no harm in stating the fact to the public. If, on the other hand, he states that he wins nine out of every ten cases he undertakes, he must be very careful, because if his rate of success is only eight out of ten, then he is guilty of falsehood.
Many professions have developed codes of ethics which they require every new member of the profession to abide by. Islam has a general code of ethics which it requires all Muslims to observe. Therefore, if a Muslim professional abides by the Islamic code of ethics in addition to that of his profession, he will be all right.
• Expressions: "Insha'Allah", "Masha'Allah" & "Alhamdulillah"
1. When should the phrases "Insha'Allah", "Masha'Allah" and "Alhamdulillah" be used? It seems as if some people's conversation consists of virtually these words only. Please comment.
2. Is it required or recommended to say ‘Masha’Allah’ when saying anything positive or complimenting someone?
1. Insha'Allah means "Allah willing". Therefore it is said when someone expects to do something or promises to do it or when he hopes that something will be realized. It may be used when talking of the future as some may say "When we are in November, Allah willing, I hope to ...".
Masha'Allah means "whatever Allah wills". It is chiefly used as an expression of admiration or glorifying Allah for anything with which one is pleased. It is also usable in conditional sense, meaning "whatever Allah wills, will be realized."
Alhamdulillah means simply "praise be to Allah". It can be used in all situations to praise Allah for anything or any event.
If some people use these phrases frequently, they should be commended for that. They simply relate anything in life to the will of Allah, which is perfectly acceptable.
2. This word is indeed a phrase of three Arabic words which means: "Whatever God’s will". This implies that God’s will is done whatever it is. Hence, it is good Islamic practice to say it when one recognizes something in which God’s ability is evident. However, the very question suggests that it refers to the practice of some people with whom the phrase has become a habit, a mere thoughtless rejoinder in ordinary conversation. If so, then such a practice is not encouraged or recommended.
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