Both knowledge and magic cast spells on people, but the former influences generations to come, maintains Mujeeb Jaihoon
I want to talk to you about how knowledge is like magic. There is a difference between sharing knowledge with a group of people and sharing it with just one person. When women have knowledge, it not only influences their homes but also their neighborhoods. Let me tell you a story to explain this.
Once, in a family, the mother did not wear a hijab. Soon after her son got married, however, the mother changed her stance after she saw her daughter-in-law wearing the hijab. This story shows how personal examples can be more powerful than simply talking about something.
Now, let me tell you about Shaykh Muhyiddeen Athipatta, who was a spiritual guide. He was a quiet but powerful person who brought peace to the people around him. I cherish the moments I spent with him. He showed respect not only to people but also to ants and trees. He taught us to respect all living things.
Shaykh Athipatta also did a lot for women’s education in Kerala, even though he led a deeply religious life. He believed that education is important for solving societal problems. In Islam, men and women have different roles. Men may provide for the family and be involved in wars, but giving birth is something only women can do. For a man to enter paradise, a man needs to treat his daughters well, be kind to his spouses, and make his mother happy.
In our religion, beauty is everywhere. Our prayers, the way we clean ourselves before prayers, and the way we bow and stand during worship all show the beauty of our faith. Even poetry holds importance in Islam, and there was a special place in Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Mosque dedicated solely to reciting poems about him.
So remember, knowledge is powerful, and our actions speak louder than words. Respect everyone and find beauty in everything we do.
<em>Highlights from Mujeeb Jaihoon online talk at the Khadijathul Kubra Banat Arabic College – Oct 29 2023</em>